Iron Stars - hailey

Hailey walks through morning lit Greenbriar Central streets, stomach rumbling on this, the second day of not having a warm meal. The pickings used to be pretty good, but with the police force and colonial marshals suddenly getting the manpower they needed, its getting harder and harder to make a dishonest living. A friend, Dautrea, mentioned something about finding work with an organization through the Greenbriar job boards, and has been living a fairly prosperous life ever since

The promise of a prosperous life is all it takes. Hailey checks out the job boards for potential listings.

Several jobs require a bit too much hardware, but there are three that catch your notice.

The colony is looking for scouts willing to investigate some recently discovered battle sites on planet
The mountain tungsten mining camp is reporting a problem with invasive native predators

8:15 PM

A fishing vessel working out of the northern seaport has gone missing, and extra hands are being requested to aid in finding its crew

Due to her experience with fighting off wild animals, and a want to fight something, Hailey decides to find out more about the mining camp's problem.

Some photos of the beasts are attached, depicting a dog like body, with a beatle snout. the head is chitinous, and its mouth is made of snapping mandibles

She decides to travel to the camp area for the task.

Might be a good idea to find a shop either near the destination or nearby. To see what they have and hopefully find some food

The camp is a train ride north, and there is a small cantina there. You'll pass through the market in Central to get to the station, and if you're going to score some supplies, this is the better place to do it. Vendors hawk their wares, vegetables, cuts of meat, dried fish. others sell pioneering equipment, and other supplies an adventurer might need

I make my way to the market on foot. As I travel, I try to stick to shadows and remain inconspicuous, just to simplify things.

A pair of colonial police walk past, just enjoying a nice morning in the market, and don't seem to take any particular notice one way or another. The market is alive this time of day, and the stall are all doing brisk business

I go through the market putting distance between myself and the police. I’m probably fine, but just in case. I only have about 25 credits on me. Probably not enough for anything significant. As I walk through the busy market, I try to keep my eyes open for any good opportunities to steal a wallet, or anything else that looks of value

One of the bakers has some loaves perched at the edge of his stand, the shrink wrapped packages are behind him, as he looks forward out into the market, calling prices and what he has for sale today

(What are the prices he calls and what does he say he has for sale?)

(credits to dollars, credits are worth a fair amount more, if that helps you think of it. 25 is more than enough for a meal)

12:22 PM

He has bread and shepherds pies, for 2 credits each

I wait for a moment when he isn’t looking my direction and try to slip a loaf into my bad and disappear into the crowd. (should I roll for Sneak or something here?)

(sneak/dex, and its going to be opposed by his notice/int)

(And you do do d20 for both those right?)

12:35 PM

(Just making sure)

12:38 PM

(I roll 17 and 9 respectively. 9 for dex gets mod +1, so 10. Sneak is +0)

(2d6)

12:39 PM

(2d6, plus your dex modifier, and your sneak modifier)

(Oh ok)

12:44 PM

(6+1+0. 7 total)

(Also a 7, in a tie the PC wins)

1:15 PM

Hailey manages to stuff two loaves into her bag, before blending back into the ground. The job acceptance pings your compad (you'd have been issued with one in the colony if you don;t already have one), and the camp is expecting you in the morning- just enough time to get the train ride out there. Attached to the offer acceptance is a virtual voucher for a ticket

(Have one) After looking through supplies and not seeing anything else that piques me interest, I make my way to the station for the train

The train heading north is a mix of passenger and freight cars, the freight being kept toward the back. A few police officers board. News stories from a handful of months ago, about a shootout on one of the trains have made a continued presence there necessary for them. The passengers seem to be mostly miners, heading back to work after some time on vacation, or time in central to visit family. A ticket agent stands at the door to each cabin, expediently checking people in.

I show my ticket to board the train. Not gonna try any funny business because that’s probably exactly what the officers are looking out for. Regardless, when i get on I should stay away from them. (edited)

You're given a small cabin, with enough space for you to spread out a bit, and more importantly, you have it to yourself. The interior of the train is very clean, and even smells new still. After a handful more minutes waiting, the train pulls away from the station, heading north toward the mountains. (if you want to explore we can, if you just want to get into the mission, we can fast forward)

I take some time to relax and have time to myself. Later, I decide to leave my cabin and walk around the train a bit. No particular goal, just looking around and exploring.

The cabin door opens smoothly, and you decide to stretch your legs. There are three other cabins in this car, the doors closed. in one, you can see the shadow of an occupant inside. The bar cart is next , heading down the train

Many of the passengers are mine workers so maybe I can get some info

2:28 PM

I pay no attention to the occupant in the cabin. The sign reading “Bar Cart” is all I need to be convinced to head there.

There are a handful of miners sipping cheap beer at the bar. What looks to be a shift leader is sitting on one side of a large booth. he has a number of workers standing in front of him in a loose semi-circle, in the middle of what looks to be a very entertaining story.

I sit down at the bar nearby and ask the bartender for a club soda because I’m too cheap to afford anything else. I try to listen in on the story.

...So I said to Katya and Val, that if they climbed that mountain to put the transmitter up, and the fog beast didn't get them. I'd eat my boot. I actually did it too. Plucky russian even cooked it up in a vodka sauce for me. That meant something too, because back when we first landed there wasn't a drop to be found that wasn't smuggled in someones personals. Thanksfully that's changed now!" he gives a toast and they all laugh

I make a mental note to find a good vodka sauce recipe. From my seat at the bar, I chime in, “Funny story and all, but it can’t possibly be THAT threatening”, surprising some of the men

They turn around and look at the source of the interruption. "You're dressed a little light for the climate. You've never been up on the peaks before have you?"

“Nope but I hear it gets cold in mountains. Might have to wear a jacket” I laugh at my own joke. “You must be part of the Tungsten camp”

“We are. Third shift. We just got off a week holiday in town. Most of us were trying to get some family time in. Did you just get hired?”

I put down my glass and waltz over from the bar. “Name’s Psike, boys. And if all goes to plan, I’ll be the one taking care of your puppy problems”

(It’s the wolf beetle handout on roll20)

8:16 PM

“Psike, I’m Renald. I’m the camp supervisor. One of them anyway. I’ll be joining you in the field. You haven’t had much experience with the wildlife have you?”

"Yeah I'd say my knowledge on this thing is pretty limited to what it looks like."

8:30 PM

"What do you know about it?" I ask

“They attack in packs. Never less than three. They chitter when they’re close, like a cicada”

"Oh great more than one. And chittering......totally not creepy at all. When do they usually show up?"

“Dawn and dusk. One of the lab rats taught me the words for this...diamond...diagonal...no wait. Diurnal. That’s it.”

"Interesting. They can't climb, by chance, can they?" (edited)

“They can leap. And they’ve got foretalons but I’m not a geomotrist. Don’t know how high they can go”

"Hmm ok thanks. Anything else"

“Are you armed?”

"I have a pistol with about 10 shots and a blade"

“That should do. I’ll be accompanying you. As I said. Coming back from holiday myself. That said. I’ve a lot of sleep to catch up on. I’ll see you when we get there”

"See ya then" I head back to my cabin, thinking about what I've heard and how long I'll get to nap in my cabin for.

You’ll have a full nights rest, you realize upon settling in. Outside the scenery begins to change from the lush green of the grasslands to the muted brown and gray of the rocky lowlands, close to the mountains

I fall asleep and plan to wake up shortly before the train arrives.

I wake up as we're arriving.

The cabin is chilly when you wake up and the windows have begun frosting over. You hear the sounds of industry from outside as the train slowly begins pulling into the walled camp. The inside is quite large, neat rows of barracks buildings surround a central office. The mine and forges sit at the north end of the camp. Spotlights from guard towers cut lines through the dawn darkness, scanning for the ever present wildlife

Its much more impressive than I’d expected. I leave the train behind and make my way quickly to the central office. I can probably check in there and get out of the cold. (about what time of it?)

(530-6am, sun is just starting to come up, it probably actually looks pretty awesome up in the mountains)

9:45 AM

The central office is already busy, as miners about to use the train to go on their own furloughs in town wait to get passes stamped. Renald must have departed the train before you, and you see him sitting at a side table in the main hall, looking at a map and frowning

“Uh oh is the map making fun of you” I say as I approach him.

9:57 AM

The place is much busier than I’d expected. I’m surprised that the wolf beetles are such a threat with all this prep and security

"Making fun of both of us if we can;'t figure out where they're coming from"

11:00 AM

he acknowledges you without looking up. "This mountain. I don't know why, but we never seem to completely rid ourselves of threat"

“Yeah I know what it’s like. Though I was thinking about it, and it doesn’t really matter where they’re coming from if we can get them to come to us and be ready for them. Hey, should I check in somewhere...with someone...or something like that?”

"I checked you in already, and I have this for you" He holds out a small iron stamped square chit "This is good for 500 credits worth of gear from the armory"

“.....wow. Thank you!” I thank him extensively and say see ya later. I find my way to the armory

The armory is a squat building near the main troop barracks. The front of it is protected by thick armorglass, and a bored looking soldier sits behind the counter, absent minded drumming his fingers on the thick wood.

“Hey there!” I say. I show him this chip . “Can I see whatchu got?” (edited)

(Anything TL4 and below, no restrictions on what you can get as far as 'legality' here, since the chit shows you're working as a contractor for the mining camp)

“Can I get a Medium Advanced blade, 20 ammo, and a Demo Charge set?” (Uses 80+10+250=340 of the credit)

"Shouldn't be a problem. You sound like you have a busy morning ahead of you"

“Oh you know, saving people’s skins, making a profit, playing with guns and explosives, nothing special. Planning on taking on those wolves this afternoon. Any chance I can get a discount thanks to my incredible selflessness and kind service?” I laugh to make it seem like I’m holding even though I’m not really but kinda am but not.

"It's already paid through company credit. I won't be able to explain a stock shortfall to them when they audit at the end of the month. I'm sorry"

“Haha it’s fine it’s fine”, I laugh. “Thanks for your help!”

You see Renald near the front gate, talking to a corporal from the army detachment stationed here. There is a personnel carrier ready to leave. Seeing you, Renald waves you over

I walk over to them. “Hey what’s up?”

"Getting ready to move out. Do you have everything you need?"

“Wow you’ve got whole group. Doubt you’ll even need me. Just kidding of course you will”, I joke. “yeah I do so let’s go”

"We don't get the soldiers, other than the driver, and my friend the corporal here. Everyone else is staying behind, just in case we miss the pack"

3:23 PM

The ramp of the carrier lowers on hydraulic assisted hinges, before crunching down softly in the snow

“Sounds good to me!” I jump up into the carrier “I’m Psike corporal! Nice to meet ya!” i look out at the sky over the white mountains. “ it really is beautiful here”

“Hey where are we headed exactly?”

"We;re heading to a cave system that some pioneers found about 3km away. We think that might be where they're coming from"

(can I skip to when were almost there?)

(It was going to do that assuming you had no questions or anttthing)

8:29 PM

Anything)

(Nope)

The transport finally pulls into the outskirts of the area considered the wilderness, as the sun makes it to late morning. A light fog seems like it is clinging to the ground, determined to not move. Slowly, the ramp lowers, letting you out into the crisp air. The area is a small flat spot, and a trail winding through the windpeak trees, up a rock face to a nearby peak is before you.

10:34 PM

"So, we think they're in a cave system, at the top of this trail. It's the best lead we have to go on at least"

“Let’s move slowly and carefully then. Lead the way.” I begin to follow him up the path.

(sneak/dex)

(6+1+1+0=8)

(5, notice roll fails) Hailey takes to walking through the snowpack like a natural, the boots of the soldiers crunching far more loudly than her own footsteps. The forest is eerily silent. There aren't even any birds, and you make note of this as you creep through, using the fallen connifer needles to mask your approach as much as you can.

I take notice of the odd silence. It’s a winter morning and there should be all kinds of things about but there aren’t. Additionally, the other men aren’t nearly as quiet as I am (gotta have real skill to sneak through the snow quietly in heals lol). “Somethings here” I whisper. I lead the group to the open area. Well have an advantage there, with nothing for the wolves to hide in “Get ready” I whisper. *I look around for anything”

There are several sets of tracks leading away from the forest, up the mountain path, to the cave system the corpral identifed. One of the wolf beetles is outside. It has not seen you, but it seems to be sniffing the air, its mandibles clacking

I tell on man to watch out backs and the rest to watch the cave “That’s where they’ll be coming from. See that one?” I point out the one outside “I’m gonna shoot him. No point hiding anymore. Should strike first while we can.”

(You’ll get a surprise round and then we will do initiative)

(Alright just tell me when and what to roll. Not good at remembering dice stuff)

(D20+shoot modifier+dex modifier +attack bonus. If you have the weapon on your sheet you should just be able to click on it and it’ll math for you. I can look it over tomorrow if it’s not set up)

11:37 PM

(I turned my computer down a few ago)

(Thanks)

(gotta pull it up myself)

11:52 PM

Im getting a notifications saying the auto roller thingy cant find my character. The sheets there but its just not working for some reason)

(I’ll take a look)

(10+0+1+1=12)

11:55 PM

(Initiative works but none of the others)

(It’s fine don’t worry about it, don’t need it that bad)

(It’ll help). The shot connects with the wolf (1d6 damage)

(I fixed your sheet, you just have to click the pencil on the top right when youre editing/done editing. Now you can click on stuff and itll math for you)

(Yeah still doesn't work, regardless of what setting the pencil's on)

1:46 PM

(d6 rolls four)

1:48 PM

(all the characters in the in the group chat are all smart and doing research type activities, and mine just here with her -1 wisdom and barely +0 intel. like...ok)

(It was working for me when I was rolling it. I'll try to keep working on it)

2:31 PM

The wolf's chittering is interrupted as the laser bolt stings its hide

2:31 PM

with a loud chatter, its three companions exit the cave, standing on the cliff top, in full morning light. Yelping and buzzing, they begin charging down the rock face toward you (currently 90m away, so three turns)

(That’s weird idk maybe it just doesn’t like me)

The corporal, and Renald both shoulder combat rifles, and prepare to fire (initiative)

2:32 PM

(which is d8 in this)

(Do I have to roll for my character as well or no because I shot first?)

2:33 PM

(Corporal gets 3 and Reginald gets 2)

(You do too)

3:10 PM

(you had a surprise round)

(6)

(You, the wolves, then your friends)

I shoot at the wolf in the front.

(16/7. It’s a hit) The wolf tumbles as the second shot puts a neat hole in its head. It twitches on the icy rock face, unmoving. It’s bright blood is the only splash of color.

3:37 PM

The remaining three advance swiftly, closing to within 60m Your companions raise their weapons , each firing at their own targets

(Should I roll for their damage? If so how?)

(I’ll do it just waiting for roll20)

3:49 PM

Their guns each open up and strike their respective targets. The wolves are undaunted and continue charging despite their wounds.

3:50 PM

(Back to you. Two turns before melee range )

I tell the two men they shoot like girls and fire at the next of the 3 wolves left.

4:03 PM

(I roll nat20, and damage 2)

(Doubles to 4). The second one tumbles, already weakened by the previous shots.

4:16 PM

They don’t have a witty retort back as the wolves close within 30m

4:16 PM

(Shooting for friends in a sec)

(Ok)

The combat rifles bark again and two of the wolves collapse into the snow.

4:38 PM

The sole survivor turns rail and runs back toward its mountain cave yelping the entire way

(Can I roll to shoot one of its legs?)

5:06 PM

(And disable it)

(It'll be an aimed shot, so lets do a shoot/dex check)

(7)

The creature yelps as the shot takes itin the leg. It plows a furrow into the snow as its forward momentum carries it end over end, before it settles, kicking up a cloud of snow

(Wow I’m kinda surprised I hit.) I holster my gun. “Now that wasn’t so bad was it?”

6:01 PM

(I wanna leave a message for the research community about the one left so they can study it, but I don’t feel like it’s in my characters personally so maybe one of the soldiers can do it or I can make it anonymous)

(Leaving a wounded animal out here for them to collect, that probably will be dead by time anyone gets there, won’t help much but you guys could take it with you.)

(Ok then I’ll just kill I) I walk over and finish off the last one

6:25 PM

(What about the anonymous message or through an npc tho? Is that ok?)

(Yeah the Corporal would have to report your findings anyway so they’d know there were fresh bodies out here. You can certainly impress the importantness Of reporting it on him.

6:26 PM

(No reason your character can’t grow either. Helping out like this is already out of your comfort zone)

(Yeah maybe over time, just doesnt feel right right now) I walk back to the crew. “It might be smart for you guys to report to the islands research community that these things are here. Could help prevent them coming back”

The corporal doesn't answer you specifically, but he reaches into his rucksack and begins tapping away a message on his military compad

(Any point in looting the bodies?) “Let’s go check out the cave too”

(not like DnD where they're carrying credits. You get paid at the end of the mission from the colony)

6:44 PM

"We should." Renald says "I saw you bought some demo charges with the requisition chit. You know how to use those things?"

(Alright just checking) “Yeah I do hahah” I laugh “just didn’t happen to use them. I’m pretty good at both building and using explosives. Who knows, maybe I’ll just use it for the parts?” I begin leading the squad up to the cave

(Never hurts to!)

6:50 PM

The cave howls as wind blows through its open mouth. bones from lopes and other more defenseless native animals are everywhere outside the front of it. Some of the snow is still red. A human skull is prominent on one of the piles, and you're beginning to see now why these creatures were worthy of a contract

6:50 PM

There is a wet sniffing sound from inside the cave, and the sound of something sharp scraping over rock

“Wow...” I hear the sound and hold up a hand signaling the others to stop. I hold out my pistol just in case and walk slowly over to the sound.

(eVaSiOn SaVe!)

(Pfffft

)

6:57 PM

(Damn failed)

(3 damage) A hulking Alpha wolf beetle charges out of the darkness, slashing across Hailey's midsection with a sweeping blow from its claw as she approaches the cave

6:59 PM

It howls, a half canine, half insect tone, layered over one another- almost like talking with two voices

I stumble back from the hit. I fall back towards the other two and I shoot

(It’s not quite point blank so)

(And I have money now)

(I know you’re busy right now but if you get a chance plz respond sooner rather than later, I’d appreciate. I’d like to join the others at Spirits and get involved in the group some)

8:18 PM

(And if not I’m just gonna jump ahead to after this mission and then rewind to fill in the gap when you’re back)

(have a lull in the play now. I'm in person with people so its rude for me to be on my phone when w're all together) (Still a shoot roll for hitting the beast)

(19+1+0+1=21)

8:59 PM

(Also Yeah for sure no prob)

The alpha seems to press on furiously , struck by the attack but so enranged that it does not seem to notice

9:37 PM

your allies rally to your defense, not wanting to risk hurting you, they pile in with monoblades

9:39 PM

(one crit, one hit) Renald buries his blade deep into the alpha's back, the other blade from the corporal scores a hit, blinding it in one eye. He holds on for dear life as its head thrashes

9:39 PM

(Back to hailey)

I stab at it as well. Planning to back of once the blade is in

(sheet still acting funny?, I was tinkering with it)

(Lemme check it out)

9:47 PM

(OH I GOT IT. If I do it through the individual weapon, it works. Just can’t do it through weapons)

(Right)

9:50 PM

(gotta click on the name)

(Just can’t use the quick menu I guess. Oh well lol guess it was just me not knowing what I’m doing I’m sorry thanks for your help)

9:51 PM

(I get attack 14, damage 5)

The alpha slumps over, pinning you underneath, its stinking death rattle coats you like a musk

I do my best to shove it off me. “Is it dead?”

Renald pokes it with his monoblade, and it doesn't seem to react

I crawl out from under. I dust myself off and straighten up. “Well I guess my job here is officially done”

"Charges. We should handle the cave" Renald says

“Smart” We continue to inspect the cave as we had been before we were so rudely interrupted. Myself a little more slowly due to my wound

There are a few more human skeletons inside, one of them is small, a childs

“These things really were brutal”

"They were. They're animals though, acting on instinct. Can't blame them, but it doesn't mean we have to tolerate them"

“Exactly. Either of you see find anything else?”

REnald is examining the piles of bones and ragged clothing to see if he can find any kind of identification

10:46 PM

Sadly, he takes a toy doll that one skeleton was splayed out in reach of

“You know who that belonged to”

"I do. Her mother and father were shift leaders here. They moved back to central, being here was being too close to a reminder that their child had been taken, but it might bring them some comfort getting this back:

10:48 PM

"They can keep a piece of her close at least, maybe it'll be closure for them"

“I can take it with me on my way back. Unless you think it would be better coming from you”

"I don't think they'll want to see me again. There used to be even worse wildlife in the area. I wouldn't order the security detail to go out and hunt the beasts down, and they blamed me for it"

“I’m more than happy to take it then”

He gently places it in your hand. "Let's blow this thing and go home"

I pull the demo charge out of my bag and hand and pass it to him

He walks into the cave and begins setting everything up, ensuring wires are connected in the right places, that the charge is sitting correctly in the cave, and finally, walks outside and looks at the nearby peaks, ensuring that there is not an avalanche risk. Satisfied, he walks out, and begins unspooling the det cord

I help him with the cord. Once it’s all unspooled, we set it off (edited)

THere is a thump and the ground shakes for a moment as the small peak collapses, filling in the cave- preventing other packs from moving into the area later. (3xp, 5000 credits. Mission completed)

(I level up it seems)

(Yep, lvl 2)

“Well that’s that” We head out and make our way back to the camp

The camp is much more lively this time of day as one shift is working, and another is about to go on. The train heading back to central is being loaded with another several carloads full of ore- all destined for a warehouse, and then off world trade

“Seems like this is it then.” I say to Reginald. “Good luck in the future and don’t hesitate to contact me if you ever need my help again”

"I'll keep you in mind, good luck back in Central"

“Thank you” I head back to Central and make my way to the home of the parents. Reginald gave me the address

I quickly give them the doll and talk to them for a little bit before heading to the Harvest Spirits to meet with some of the island crew

12:06 AM

After the drinks at the Spirit, I head home half drunk and collapse into bed, full of new excitement for the future.

A reply from Dr. Thorn

Of course. Once I finish some errands today I'll be free to start the mission! I'm glad we had a chance to meet last night. In the meantime, feel free to take on jobs or spend money- you likely have enough credits now to visit some local  experts and get some custom gear!

(I made a mission channel for the swamp)

I head out to make some purchases either in prep for the swamp expo or just general things I’ve been meaning to buy and now can.

11:33 AM

(I’m just gonna list all the stuff here and I you could tell me if I need to go out of my way for any of these we’ll do that)

(perfect,r ead my mind)

(1. Woven body armor. 400 2. Rocket Launcher 4000 3. Heavy Machine Gun 5000 4. Medkit 100 5. Line Shunt 100 6. Black Slab 10,000 7. 2x Ammo, 20 rounds 20 8. 8x Ammo, Missile 400 9. Hovercycle 5000 10. Ghostwalker Drone 3000 10a. Holoskin Attachment 3000 10b. Observation Suite 250)

(More for my sake than yours I’m putting this here, but the total is 31270)

(And for the machine gun, just asa reminder, if you're not spending an action to set up a firing position, you can still hip fire, but its at -4)

12:11 PM

(otherwise everything looks great)

(I assume that’s not -4 to same but attack. Cool thanks sounds good)

(its -4 to hit if you dont spend an action setting up the weapon)

12:14 PM

(Thats how the man portable heavy weapons work)

(Also, if I wanna make mods down the road here, it takes a week of in game time so how will that work with all different speeds going with everyone and all that? Just resort to 1 week irl or something?)

(most people end up working on stuff while traveling, it just wont be ready for a week of game time)

(Alright)

12:17 PM

(Wait but don’t you need a workshop? So how can you do it while traveling)

(The ATV explorer and almost everyones starship has a workshop fitting)

(Oh then imma buy supplies for that now)

12:19 PM

(I’ll buy 3 packs of spare parts and mod pack for double mag size and customized. As well as a standard tool kit)

12:21 PM

(I’ll check the prices later I’m afk rn)

(No problem!)

I head for the expo all geared up.

(did you manage to get the breakdown for the parts? if you're still off and about I can get it for you)

(Oh yeah sure I’d appreciate that. Thanks)

2:01 PM

(Also I have Fix which can halve prices)

(Just wanted to make sure you had what you neeed. Let me get it)

(Ok thanks

. Chipotle’s great but it doesn’t have wifi

)

(1500 for mods, 150 for spare parts, 300 for the toolkit, 1950 total, I can deduct from sheet if you'd like)

(Sure thank. Also I don’t think I’ve deducted the 31270 so if you could subtract that as well that would be awesome)

(done!)

(Tysm)

(Hey i wanna try to add some psychic/magic aspect thing to my character. Is there a way I can ease that in over time?)

Incoming response from B. Rigers:
Hello Psike,
I do think your idea is worthwhile.  Custom weaponry is definitely an avenue you could pursue.  I considered that myself, but I've been quickly moved away from that idea.  First, I think you'd be better off creating your own weapons company and automating your specialized designs to attempt to make them permanant. I might be interested in sponsoring such a company as an investor.  I myself, have made most of my money from custom starship blueprints and discovering riches off world... aside from my Task Force perks.  Shriven has been my biggest customer so far.  If you have time to build custom weapons one by one, you can earn an honest living, but I see bigger opportunity for you out there.  I can invest some to get it started but I need you to verify that this idea is doable.  In addition, my time is very short these days.  I would need you to take this project on for the majority of the time, but I'll support and look over blueprints before we set them up for production. You'll need to purchase raw materials and to build the weaponry from scratch rather than modify weapons directly.  Otherwise, if it isn't built in, the customers will have to constantly maintain them. Lets keep this dialogue open.  I think your idea has potential, and between the two of us, we might even make something profitable.

Hey girl, get better and come find me. We made a good team out there... I hope you make a full recovery soon.

After a long week and two days on the edge of death, Hailey finally returns home. She exchanges a couple messages with Thorn and puts her stuff away. It's gonna be a while before she feels up to getting back out there. (what are my options for gaining xp right now? I wanna do some grinding)

(wanna start on my project)

(Trying to think of what would be a challenge without adventuring, kind of a bind)

(I mean, adventuring is fine, but kinda just had a climax in the story there with that swamp mission)

7:53 PM

(you know what I mean?)

7:54 PM

(so like, adventuring is fine, I was more just thinking "lie low")

(Yeah. There’s some non- fighting related endeavors up. There’s some sector unity ones too which are things other friendly planets need help with if you want some lower risk travel)

(Tell me about those)

(They’re on roll20)

8:01 PM

(The endeavors and employment folder)

8:01 PM

(Too many to list)

(ty)

8:04 PM

While browsing her options, Hailey makes her way to Harvest Spirits for some fun and down time.

(what can you tell me about "Recruit one off-world agent on a world neutral or hostile to Greenbriar (100 points)")

8:28 PM

(or "Recruit one agent loyal to the Task Force on a planet neutral or hostile to Greenbriar/Task Force Phoenix (100 points)")

8:28 PM

(Maybe I could even kill those both in one go sounds like. Do you think I'm qualified?)

8:30 PM

(its force, but I'd also be interested in this "Build or acquire two corvette or smaller vessels for trade convoy duty (200 points 1/2 obtained)")

(Basically recruit a spy for task force Phoenix. And for the trivedi technologies one, Charles has the corvette building it’s just not done yet. You’re helping a faction out with a job)

(Could I hypothetically knock both those recruit ones out with one mission?)

(Not with the same person but yeah you could find two people)

9:04 PM

(Terezinho especially has been a tough nut to crack.)

(Oh yeah? How come?)

(They still think the old civil war is going on. Think they’re still tenebrian empire citizens. It’s only been a year and a half and you’re on the rim so then not having government contact for this long isn’t cause for alarm. Yet)

(Interesting. Well it seems manageable Sounds good to me. I’ll accept the challenge then. I’ll head out in one week. I’d like to finish some weapons mods first which should take 6 days of work. [seems the in game time goes about 2x as fast so 3days irl?] In the mean time, I’ll also spend the time exploring the city and doing super minor stuff)

(you don't need to sit out for that many days, we can just do exploring. It'll be assumed at some poitn during those days you're at home working on stuff. You wouldnt spend every second of the day for days on end modding weapons even in real life)

(That doesn’t throw of the game “clock or anything” eh I guess it just gets passed as “time passes differently on different planets and in space”. Ok so how long should I hang around for then?)

(You're putting too much thought into it, haha. No, time is a bit fluid, I don't have a hard and fast schedule youre all on, but I keep it within a few days of each other)

9:44 PM

(it would be impossible with this many of you. You and Thorn have only been here a few days. Just trust the process. We've been doing this a long time)

(Okie I'll follow your lead Neko XD. How long should I hold off then?)

(no time at all, so you want to explore, something specific youre going out into Central to try to find?)

(Just general things. I was gonna check out some weapons/tech dealers just because I'm curious what's in town, find a paint shop, and anything else I think of randomly.)

Hailey looks around Harvest Spirits, just to observe the place. (aka describe it to me plz)

The harvest spirits is a rustic bar, that used to be a barn. Its owner, The Baron, has poured a cement foundation to give it a basement, at no small cost. The walls are made of a yellow-amber wood, and the thick ceiling cross beams are festooned with pictures from the early colony life. A scrap-metal shield, covered in blood dried for well over a year now, sits in a place of honor above the display of glass liquor bottles. The countertop itself is a heavily resined spore tree board, pressed flat. Facing the back wall, behind the counter, next to the bottle display, is a large griddle surface, and next to that is an ever simmering stewpot where The Baron personally cooks

10:08 PM

There are video gambling machines against the wall opposite the bar, and most of the patrons are content to play card games with decks brought from home at the tables.

"Figures" I'd thought something was missing. I walk confidently over to the bar and great The Baron. (edited)

The Baron is polishing the glass over a picture and smiles, looking at it. He touches his heart and then the photo, before placing the frame back on the wall above the griddle. “Ah hello there young lady. How can I help you?”

“Someone you know?”

She points to the picture

“Was my bodyguard when I first came to this world. And before at home. He was a good man and a dear friend. We stood with the colonial militia when the underhill came for us the first time. Scrap shields and hand weapons, like the ancients fought. It was hard won. We lost few thanks to good tactics but those we did lose hurt all the more because of it”

“I’m sorry. Sounds like it. I’ve lost a few myself so I know how it is.” (edited)

8:57 AM

“Oh sorry, I’m Hailey by the way”

"Baron, that's what I've been called since landing, no reason to change it." he looks back at the photo, and then up at the shield. "I'm trying to honor the founding days in this place. It's still recent history, but one day it won't be anymore"

9:01 AM

"I want to make sure a piece of it remains:"

“That’s beautiful”I laugh to myself a bit “Plus it looks hella cool”

9:20 AM

“Back in the town where I grew up, it’s gone now the place is destroyed, but before it was, there was a museum of all kinds of stuff people had and all that from a couple hundred years ago. When the town got leveled, bits of the museum still remained and I would sneak back in there from time to time and take whatever I wanted. I figured no one was there to check out the stuff and I loved it and I figured it should have a home hahah.”

"I'd like to make a place like that here, eventually. Assuming we pass the test of time. The Remnant has been quiet lately but I don't think it's going to stay that way for long"

“Ya know, I’d love to bring some stuff by. I’ve got some stuff like an old jukebox and speaker set that I think would be much more appreciated here than sitting all dusty. Plus it seems like I’ll be spending quite a bit of time here in the future. What do you say?”

"Music would be greatly appreciated. I have a concert cube I packed with me, but only a few songs on it. Now I regret not spending more time working on it before leaving"

“Well the box’s got almost a hundred songs on it already, plus I’ve fixed it up so you can add more if you like. I’ll bring it by.”

"Once I look it over I'll make you a fair offer"

“Ok. Don’t worry too much about that though. It’s old”

10:09 AM

I think Baron for his time after talking to him and head home.

10:11 AM

She wakes up the following morning and goes to check out the weapons dealers in town.

The only weaponwight in town is the colonial workshop, headed by a man called Pop's, as he is a father figure to the 1,000 workers under his watch. His workshop is open to anyone serving the colony's interests.

I hop on my hoverbike and go to check out Pop’s.

The workshop is busy, and a truck presumably filled with his latest production run is speeding towards the colonial trade depot, ready for sale off-world

10:17 AM

Pops is outside, doing what his workers jokingly call 'holding court' , and a small gaggle of people listens to the end of one of his many stories

I casually listen in on his story.

Kellevan came back that night, he didn't say where he got the supplies, but his gun had one less round in it than he started the night with"

(I gotta figure out what to, I just wanted to look at if they had anything interesting

)

(He makes to order for PC's the only thing he can't make right now is storm armor)

(Ok it’s not loading rn so I’ll just do it later lol)

(what isn't loading)

(The sheet)

(It’s fine ya know what I’ll just make it work)

(Alright, well im up for it)

“Excuse me, but you’re Pop’s right?”

"I am" he smiles "Who might you be? I dont think we have met, and I know almost everyone"

“Almost everyone huh? That’s impressive. Call me Psike.”

"Nice to meet you Psike, here on a social call or are you looking to do some business?"

“Well the plan was to do some business, but I’m in no hurry today. “

He shrugs. "Plenty for sale. If you are in need of custom gear I can fabricate something, I just need the details"

1:51 PM

(was this an intentional repeat or did it double send)

(Double send)

1:53 PM

“I need an easily concealable small gun. Probably a pistol of sorts.”

"Alright, something compact for the lovely miss Psike. Miss Psike were you thinking hard rounds, or energy?"

“Let’s go energy”

"Alright, energy weapon it is. Psike are there any other features you think might be important to you in a weapon?"

“I’d like it to be easy to aim quickly, and accurate, with good range.”

(any specific mods you had in mind?)

(I’m away from WiFi rn and not much of anything can load rn, so no, nothing specific. Maybe like an energy sniper rifle with a decent mag size and that is relatively easily concealable. Can he make that work?)

(ok so moving away from a pistol after all then, wlel, he can make it compact, but its still going to be a long gun)

2:23 PM

(like 2 handed for sure)

(Yeah i think that’s a better idea imma go with that)

(alright, let me put something together for you right quick)

“Let’s go with a compact energy sniper rifle with a solid range and scope”

2:24 PM

(Kk)

"Alright, so here is what I have" Sniper Rifle 400

2:29 PM

Auto targeting 4000 +1 to hit Customized 1000 +1 to hit Boosted 2000 +2 damage

1

2:29 PM

(so 7400, +2 to hit, 2d8+2 damage)

“I like it”

(you can describe how it looks. If i make it back to my PC before you, I'll add it to your sheet if you're happy with it. You're only allowed to mod a weapon up to +3 for hit and damage, so i left you a little room for if you have other ideas later)

(You already know me too well Neko

.)

2:37 PM

“How soon will it be ready?”

"Tonight. It won't take long for sometihng like this"

“Perfect”

"Come by later tonight. I'll have it ready for you, and ill even throw in a case. Pink and blue? maybe something to match your hair?"

”Sounds good to me! Thanks”

He nods, and heads back inside. You hear him yelling for some of his technicians to give him a hand, presumably with the custom order he just received

I make my way back home, chill for a while, and do some weapons work before heading back to Pop’s. (edited)

It’s early evening when you return. The factory door is left open and you can hear work being done inside, but the night shift must not have as many people on it. Two workers smoke out front, and are watching you approach

“Evening. I had something commissioned earlier, where can I pick it up?” I approach the workers

“wait here”. One of them stamps his cigarette and then heads inside. He returns a few moments later with a long case

"How'd you know which was mine?"

“Only custom order we did today”

“Big place like you guys? Surprising!” I reach out to point at it “Can I see it?”

“Of course. Payment rendered after inspection, of course”

5:45 PM

One of them takes out a compad and brings up the invoice. (You can decide how the rifle looks if that was what you wanted to do. It’s a two handed gun like we said but aside from that it’s pretty open to interpretation)

It's an elegant looking weapon. It's broken into two parts so it can be easily stowed and hidden. The majority is a dark rose-gold, with black pieces. It has a long scope on top. "I like it. Well done, and tell your boss 'nice color choice'"

6:03 PM

(adding it to my sheet)

6:05 PM

(how do I note the mods on the sheet?) (edited)

(I added the +2 to your attack bonus since thats to hit, I just directly added the damage to the entry for damage)

6:53 PM

(you can add what the actual mods are in notes, there isnt a macro for it far as i can tell)

(ok thanks)

(math looks good)

6:54 PM

(That did it)

(ok thanks!)

(ok, ab was added twice, now i got it)

(lol thanks i thought it seems a little high and I was checking myself)

6:59 PM

I pay the workers and thank them for their time.

They enter the payment into the ledger, have you sign a few permits taking responsibility for the weapon, and you're permitted to leave.

It's getting dark so I head home for the night. I add the new weapon to the rapidly growing collection. I clean up a bit. Noticing I'm running low on parts, I remind myself to go buy more tomorrow. I also have to sell my share of the building material as well. It's too late for that now, though, so I just take a shower and pass the time before going to bed.

You get a little bit more time in on your own tinkering projects before finally feeling your eyes getting heavy, and going to sleep.

7:50 PM

You awaken the next morning refreshed

I get up and make my way to my kitchen for a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, I work on selling the building materials. (edited)

The colony trade warehouse is more that interested in buying them, as the materials are needed on several other worlds for colonial interests

As I sip my coffee, I send a message to the warehouse, offering to sell for 10k per ton (edited)

the warehouse will accept the deal (you have 13 in your name right?)

(yep)

8:30 PM

I sell to the warehouse as I finish my coffee.

A truck arrives at the depot where it was placed upon your return from the south. They werent sure what to do with it as you were in critical condition, but the deal is completed, and the 130,000 credits are added to your account

Onto the next errand. I load my rocket launcher and machine gun, each in their cases, onto the back of my hovercycle and return to the paint shop Thorn briefly visited before the whole swamp fiasco.

The paint stall is set up in the marketplace along with the stand hawking hoverbikes. The merchant is doing business with a few clients but waves as he sees you examining pigments

"Hey there!"

“Hello there. I’m glad to see you up and about. News travels fast in a small town”

"Wow really? Yeah that's crazy how fast news travels. I'm feeling a lot better but trying to stay out of the heat for a little while hahah" I laugh as I turn to my bike "says the girl with a rocket launcher and machine gun on her bike"

“I’m assuming you’re not planning on robbing Me” he laughs. “So what are you in for. Second bike to add to the fleet maybe?”

I laugh "No of course I'm not robbing you . I'd do that when its not broad daylight," I kid. "I'm actually looking to get the bike painted, as well as the weapons."

“Ah I see. Well by all means. Business is slow and you paid for a bike already. The booth is yours”

"Awesome thanks!" I turn back towards the booth and rub my hands together in anticipation.

I open the machine gun's case and take it out first. I quickly commence to coat it in bright pink paint, top to bottom. Once that's dried, I add some white as well. I paint a sloppy lightning bolt and skull on it as well. On one side, I paint in almost carelessly "Pew Pew" with a contrasting orange. Next, the rocket launcher. I paint it a blueish-grayish-purple. At the head, I paint small yellow eyes. I also paint white teeth all around the mouth, trying to make it look something like a dragon. Near the back on one side, I write in dark red paint "Say Sumthin' ". Once both are dry and I've had my fun, I return them to their cases.

The paint dries cleanly and the work takes the better part of the morning.

Once finished with that, I re-approach the same man as before. I tell him I’d like to have my bike done with a dark blue and red in his shop.

He makes a few adjustments on the booth, and it expands, allowing you to park the bike inside

I grab the bike and take everything off it before moving it inside

The bike enters the paint booth, and a small panel opens up, allowing you to overlay designs and layer colors

I have at it again. Nothing quite as special this time. Just a basic coat. Once it finishes and dries, I pull it back out. “alright I’m done, thanks for letting me use this stuff”

"A pleasure, be safe out there. I don't want to hear about you needing to be airlifted again"

“Just being honest, you probably will.” I head home and work on maintenance to pass the time. I load my the jukebox balanced on the back of my bike and make my way over to HS when it hits mid afternoon.

The spirits is emptier than its been the last few times you've been there, but there are still a handful of customers enjoying a drink or gambling

I haul in the jukebox and then go back out for the speaker set.

The baron isnt quite sure what the exact plan for all this is, and remains silent, content to watch as you gather the necessaries for your sound system

I wave at the Baron, perfectly able to handle things on my own. I'm sure he's busy. I heave the stuff over to near where the gambling tables and stuff are, seeing an open spot, and hook it up. I put the speakers up near the top corner on either side of the box. (edited)

12:25 PM

I walk up to Baron and lean on the bar. "How's that?"

"it's a handsome setup, doesnt take away from the atmosphere either. I like it."he looks very pleased

"I'm glad. Adds to your collection haha." I glance around. "Might draw some more people in too when business is slow"

"I hope so. So explain to me how this works"

"I've made a few adjustments, and it's pretty simple. It's got a slot where people can drop in a coin and pick a song from the list. It'll set that to play up next. Otherwise, it just continues down the list automatically and repeats when it's up. If you want to add more, there a lock on the back where you can download up to 16 more onto it." (edited)

(hahaha i see when you said ipod you meant the shuffle

)

(Ye the old one

)

(I still have my original one with the buttons around somewhere) "Well now that really is something. I think my concert cube's songs should fit on it as well. It's a nice touch to have an authentic sound system in here. You're drinking for free this month"

(That’s awesome)

“Let’s go! Thanks Baron.”

3:06 PM

Posts a message to the group chat to tell the others about the new addition

The baron pours out a generous shot-glass for you, and the bar seems to liven up a little bit at the improvement

(Seems it actually has tho)

(sure has, talk about double duty

After hanging out at HS for a while and talking to Thorn, I say bye to Baron and leave. I start looking for a way to get off world to Terezinho.

You see a trading ship under there command of a captain @Cayne Neverwinter is actually planning on heading there within the next day or so

I send a message to the captain

That done, I prepare dinner and spend the rest of the evening alone, as I often do. All to do now is wait for a response from the captain (edited)

Yeah, I have a shuttle that isn’t being used. I was going to get a rent to own system going. Go ahead and take it for now and I will get that set up by the time you get back. Sound fair?

I'm actually going to be riding with Cayne there, as it seems we may have similar goals. However, I would still like to discuss renting. I'd be happy to discuss that either when we get back, or while off planet. Whenever basically. Thank you

1

I leave the next morning prepared to meet Cayne with his ship

(we can run the mission in his thread)

(Kk just waiting for him)

(Assuming I’ve been working on them, are my weapons’ mods done yet?)

(Yeah you’ve had two days of space travel and you got the other time done during your swamp trip and tinkering about on downtime for a few days

(Sweet)

(Added goals)

(If you wanna split off we can, now that you're home on Gudrun again)

(first things first I gotta lvl up here XD)

8:11 PM

(Holy crap Die Hard is nice when you add it at lvl 5 XD)

(heck yeah)

(just a, MWAH SPICY bit of HP lol)

(Mama Mia!)

(Hey who knows what random thing is gonna try to kill me next)

8:47 PM

(That’s how mafia works)

(You’re lvl 5 hitman now. Those lvl 1 crooks better watch out)

(Billy’s a lvl 100 mafia boss)

(Might be a day or two before the terror mission settles and we can do the shooting. Any other quick things you wanna get into?)

(Terror? Like the training camp one or what? Sorry. Also yeah totally got stuff I wanna do, just had 2 tests today I had to study for yesterday and today, which is what I was kinda gone for 24 hours)

(no worries, if its life thats one thing I just didnt want you waiting on me)

(Nope you’re good. What did you mean by “terror mission”?)

(I think Marcion and charles are going to raid a TFL terror camp once they figure out where it is)

(oh yeah yeah yeah, ok)

(Guess who's back and done with all their shit and able to do some stuff (probably idk).....YeeeAAte!)

(yeahhh boyyyiiiiieee)

(Had a psych test, AND a stats test but we all gucci now cuz it's over and and psych was easy and I dont really NEED stats that much EEyahgah!)

(A well deserved break now!)

(yeah and then I have to finish the lit review for my paper by they end of the week but pfft I can do that laaaater lol)

Hailey, freshly returned from a mission to open the world of Terezinho, and claim a friendly contact there, finally arrives back on Gudrun, in UNW central.

I need money if I wanna start work on some long term goals here. Guess I've gotta face my fears and head back to that swamp with a team to gather the rest of the goods there.

9:02 PM

I'm gonna have to hire temporary help to work with me. I look through my options. Additionally, I'll have to make sure the team is prepped for the radioactivity.

9:03 PM

I'll need a group of guards and a big hauler to carry stuff as well.

(If you’ve got ideas for pc’s we can do that. Otherwise I can make up some temps)

(Nah I was just thing generic, run of the mill stuff. Nothing crazy)

Hey I'm prepping for another go at the swamp, I think we can run it just the two of us. I have a big idea to take care of the dinos. We could leave as soon as I get back from Acastus if the ship is ready. Are you in?

SCRATCH ALL THAT IMMA WAIT

I have an idea worth waiting for. You won't be disappointed. Oh, but you will need some explosives- demo charges should do. 
Enough for, say, three radioactive dinosaurs?

(Ok new plan. If I wanna do some experimentation/research specifically in terms of weapons, how should I approach that?)

11:36 PM

(And I mean small scale weapons tech, not Death Star)

(Well, you can submit a project idea, and you can collect RP from doing various things. I need something concrete though, not just 'i want to make a better gun' better in what way? )

(Oh yeah for sure. What about logistics though? I assume I’d need fresh metals, and would I need a workshop or something more like a lab, or something else entirely)

(yeah theres an actual holding from codex of the black sun called a workshop. so that for sure)

(Ok I was gonna buy one of those anyways)

Hailey spends the morning looking for a good workshop near her place where she can conduct weapons experimentation.

There are a handful of lots available, especially near the edge of the manufacturing district where one can be placed, and you have no problems finding one that has the needed connections to city water and power. (so once the credit cost for lab is payed itll be done by end of month)

(Paying for the workshop now)

(great. So it’ll be open at the end of the month)

(alright)

4:32 PM

With that out of the way, I head to meet up with Charles' crew.

(Hailey, were you planning on getting stuck back in something? the interrogation has yielded the info it was going to, and your workshop is complete)

(Yeah I do. Just hadn’t gotten around to it yet, but now I will

) (edited)

2:01 PM

After returning from the raid, I go to check out my completed workshop. There I begin working on a trap grenade that we can use on the swamp expedition sequel. (Gonna write something up here)

Blueprint for: a grenade type that can be thrown about 30m. Upon contact, explodes launching a nanoglue sheet lasting 2 hours, trapping anything within a 5m

(if we can edit this to a failed evasion save on the target(s) to make it in line with the other grenade mechanics I'm all for it)

(Awesome!)

2:51 PM

(1 week to make)

2:51 PM

(?)

(just a few hours for the prototype I'd say, maybe a day if you want a few)

(For the prototype I’ll just take the day and make a few iterations.)

3:02 PM

(After that, how many to make a few of the final?)

(I'd say you could make 6 a day by yourself, since you're doing the whole thing on your own)

3:07 PM

(youd be working as a chemist, machinist, blacksmith, ect ect)

(Oh sweet 6 a day is better than I expected anyways! I’ll take two days after prototypes today and make 12 total)

(If that’s good, I wanna draw up a bigger one too that can be remote detonated. From let’s say 100m with a radius of 15m. Kinda like a demo charge. Don’t need as many of those)

(So lets field test what you have and a later thing can be scale)

4:42 PM

(Right now without seeing how it handles I feel like making the big question mark box bigger is something you could only guess at)

(Ok then I’ll go ahead and stick with the first iteration for now.)

After checking out the new workshop, Hailey draws up a blueprint for a trap grenade. “I gotta think of a better name than that.” She throws together and few prototypes and runs some tests. (edited)

Once done with that, I go to the market to purchase a pair of Glowbugs and stocks up on spare parts (4).

(go ahead and deduct creds) the market has what you're neding

7:22 PM

needing

(honestly dont have much to do so ig I'll do a quick job) I check listings for any jobs I can do in the next few days.

(What about getting your stuff out of the swamp?)

(actually new plan we're gonna meet at HS to discuss)

8:37 PM

I leave for Harvest Spirits to meet up with Thorn.

Before I leave to meet up with Thorn, I stop at my place to pick up gear and build some of the grenades. That done a few hours later, I head straight for offices.

(we can jump into my thread)

(Yep)

(Collecting the 3xp for returning to the swamp)

(Since it seems there’s no point in searching them, imma sell the trucks)

(you guys are not giving me time to reply to things)

(Oh she left so I assumed that was it nvm sorry)

(yeah, you guys are both fast and i appreciate it, but sometimes when its faster than I am things get confused )

(Sorry Neko

)

2

(Gonna do stuff just waiting to get home cuz I gotta edit the character sheet)

(no problem!)

1:19 PM

(if youre joining billy, we can at least RP for now in his, if you think its merited. Youre more than welcome to go. Had we done the RP of his travel prep you guys would have caught him)

(Gonna join Billy when that’s done then)

Hailey quickly heads home after the Rigers mission.

the experiences on Elkano were haunting, some of them will stick with you, but despite all that, it is good to be back on a world where life is flourushing

(Please hold I gotta prioritize and figure out what I wanna do)

(no problem!)

The following morning, after a much deserved night of rest, Hailey gets up refreshed. She looks for t buyer for the 40k tons of materials, needing to get it off her hands.

(they're worth 10k each right?)

(yeah they are)

(Yeah )

6:28 PM

(It was 40 tons)

(Yeah ik. Thanks)

I chill and watch TV before heading to meet Cyrus and Seung and their crew. I notice the lack of entertainment type shows and remember to check this out later. (aka I updated my goals) I leave and go to meet the crew.

goals updated!

Thank you!

(we can pick up here when you've got an idea of what you'd like to do next)

(things are just busy today for me so it's not gonna be much coming from me)\

(No provlem.

I return from the arctic op. In order to do some of the mods and building I want to, I’m going to need pretech parts/salvage. (are there ways to get my hands on this besides just stumbling across them on some mission?)

(not really, if there were warehouses of them sitting around most of the problems the colony has wouldnt be problems(

(Dang figured you’d say that. Guess we’ll have to keep that off)

(You can find em, but theres not like off the shelf magical mcguffins yet. Pre-tech was jealously protected even before things went bottom up)

(Ok I'm gonna reach out to some people)

(sounds good!)

 Hailey this Seung. I saw you were looking for pretech parts. The Task Force has some but, I must ask what you’re using them for before we would sell any.

You don’t expect to buy? Are you expecting it for free then?

I'd be willing to trade each part to you at 20,000 per part you need. (edited)

After making an offer to Seung for the Pretech parts, I try to find who I need to contact for a game show pitch meeting to start.

entertainment is something the colony has not delved into very much, you have carte blanche to do whjat you want, assuming its not dangerous

Alright, well I'm guessing I'll have to buy a building for management, broadcasting, and filming. Will any old regular big building do for that?

(yes, a big prefab building is 25,000)

(which doc is that in?)

(It’s not. We had some leftover prefab stuff from one of the original cargo modules that got recovered. Long time before you joined us. That’s what they went for)

(oh ok sweet. also, you said there wasn't much in the form of entertainment industry, so should i go ahead and just do a new network basically?)

8:55 PM

(or actually, better question, can you give me a rundown of what does exist?)

(Yeah ground up. The colony has radio and tv but tv has been mostly just for news. Only lately have things stabilized enough where people aren’t so focused on day to day subsistence and we can have actual art. Dank crew has a radio station and an ampletheater in central. There’s also a casino that a former pc made but it’s been kinda buried since theyre not active

(Ok. So I think I'll just go ahead and start a network thingy then. Really go for it haha. Can add more stuff later that way too.)

(For sure. Let’s do it)

I notice that the purchase for 5 units of pretech salvage form Seung has gone through, and I pick that up. Then I make the purchase on the building as well. I make my way over there on my bike to check it out. It's big, and has plenty of space for a main studio, and offices to run the background stuff. (Am I gonna have to get a crew hired to do general constuction for offices and things?) (edited)

Once I’ve met with the managers and fill them in on what needs to be done, I head back to my place and start working on an ad to drop. (once I have it, where should I drop it? Looking for party probably?)

(you can post it there, that works!)

 If you need 5 Pieces I suppose I can split with them for now. Make sure it's paid in full to the task force before heading the compound for the parts.

(Damn I feel like I’ve been going non stop for like 3 days. I had to learn how to write IEPs and then had to do like 6)

(life is more important.)

(Yep. Weekend though so yay

)

(yeah pumped t o get some stuff done on here)

(Same here. Got stuff I’ve kinda had on the back burner)

They will be able to have the studio completed by the end of the month. The station manager has a few film school friends on world and they’ll do their best to be good producers for you

I thank them and am excited to see it kick off at the start of next month. We’ll talk about money stuff then. I make my way home afterwards. I want to start some new weapons upgrades, starting with unlimited ammo for my rocket launcher.

(Was that what the pretech stuff was for?)

(In part)

10:50 PM

(Only need one for that)

10:51 PM

(But yeah it’s mostly gonna be for weapons building or mods)

It takes about a night to get the mechanism working but it seems like it’ll do fine in the battles ahead

Done a little quicker than I anticipated, I admire my work, excited to take it for a field test. (I wanted to do the “steal 50k from a hostile group” mission. Is anyone already on that, or is it open for me?)

(Nobody has said anything to me about doing it at all yet, so from my side of the table its open)

(I don’t suppose there’s a handy “relations report” or anything, and just looking through things one at a time isn’t working out well for me, so can I please get a little guidance? What something that’s not a death trap like a Acastus, but still considered a hostile group/government/planet? Maybe another tfl camp?)

(Rawhani has megacorps that are nominally against you. COST forces on Sumati are a Remnant proxy. Alcibiades is a major Remnant base. The khulk shipyard to the south is as well

2:37 PM

Shariar was recently visited by ships belonging to the Remnant but they didn’t see much else there

(Ok thanks. Let’s go with Rawhani)

2:44 PM

I decide to head for Rawhani. I send a message looking for some help, just in case someone wants to join. On the way I pick up more hard ammo.

(let me know when you want to kick off. I'd rather have you be the one deciding how much wait time is reasonable)

(I think Oman wanted to come, so I'll wait to see if he says anything)\

(sounds good!)

Right, because we worked well together, I'm going to forget you sent me that message. I work in law enforcement, stealing is not something I do, even if it is from people who do not like my home very much.

(edited)

(Can I buy deflector array armor and then upgrade it with the polymorphic blending?)

(For your bike?)

(yep)

5:12 PM

(sorry yeah that was unclear)

(Yeah if you’ve got the stuff to cover it. You’d have been able to do during your downtime- which you’d have had if RL wasn’t making you busy )

5:14 PM

(Seems a dick move to say no

(I mean its fine if not. I could always just do it once we land I guess)

5:15 PM

(already have the parts)

(You’re good my dude. Mount it on up)

(sweet ty)

(How do I get to sit on on that meeting after the broadcast?)

12:00 PM

(I don't have much to say, I just wanna see what it's like because I feel like I'd be a good way to contribute in the future.)

12:00 PM

(Oh and I also have a 6xp goal for getting the pretech salvage that I forgot about. Can I go ahead and collect that?)

(you can, and i

12:20 PM

am going to reopen the unity council thread)

(Ok thanks. I see that it’s out of time and open to anyone)

(yep! this one is not as structured as last session since we did the heavy lifting so far, so we can discuss anything)

(Ok sweet)

As soon as I arrive back home from Rawhani, I look for any updates on the studio. Additionally, with 2mil in my pocket, I need to start thinking about my weapons line. Building a factory and production center is still a ways down the road, but I will need blueprints for the weapons that will be manufactured.

The studio and the needed dressings for production are completed, they are waiting on only the actual scripts/ what you'd like them to shoot

I am pleasantly surprised, and head down there right away to meet some of the staff. (I’d like to have it as the game show I’d mentioned a little bit ago, but have some questions on operation.)

(sure, we can resolve rthose here or PM, whatever you are more comfortable with)

(Here is fine, since we’re close enough to the actual premiere. So first of all, I want people to be able to participate. Is that an option?)

(we can make a thread for it, an out of time thing like the council meetings, as long as theyve been on gudrun, and not captured/dead)

2:54 PM

(within the last month)

(Ok. So then I’ll probably cap it out at like 5-6 people)

3:02 PM

(Second question, how would it run. Obviously, you’re the DM, but I built it. So would I just give you all the info and fully back off it, or would I essentially dm it?) (edited)

3:02 PM

(Or something in between)

(I’d prefer to have some say in running it, but I know you don’t like people stepping on your DMing) (edited)

(Shoot me the info, but assuming that all looks good I’m not going to interfere unless you ask me to)

5:06 PM

(Like if something comes up)

(Perfect! Can’t wait)

5:16 PM

(Ok, one last thing. Cash prize: I’m planning to have it paid from the funds of the show. How much can I offer? I don’t wanna spend everything on this, but I’d like it to be enough to encourage people to participate and win.)

5:17 PM

(I was thinking like 500k, but I’m figuring out how much money is really worth. I mean, I get that a credit is like $100, but what you can do with it / how much you’ll have type of stuff.) (edited)

(1 credit is like 100 bucks from some obscure book passage I remember reading , a set of power armor is 10k to put it in perspective)

5:20 PM

(So smaller but more frequent prizes might be better

(Sorry mb I meant 100)

It’s a nice boost to someone without shitting a golden turd in someone’s lap, especially for someone who hasn’t interacted with us a lot yet playing)

5:21 PM

(I think the specifics of the game would go a long way toward justifying prize values though too. We might be putting the cart in front of the horse a little bit

(Ok, once I have an exact map-out/plan, I’ll get that to you. Should be just a little bit. Also just double checking, I can drop an ad in #deleted-channel)

(Yeah. Specifics might be good to present to players too so they know what they’re getting into)

(PMing you with specifics)

(great! hit me up!)

After meeting with the staff to clear up the final bits, I launch the ad for The MAZE Game , and wait for responses. In the mean time I attend the Unity Council Meeting. Participants already signing up and volunteering, I prepare to meet them.

(I want to go exploring to that unknown east area. Do I need a ship to get that far, or will something like an ATV do?)

(oh on planet, like that peninsula almost thing on the landmass?)

(Yeah the thing to the east. Isn’t that still unknown?)

(the slyth facility in the blue box has been explored, but nothing has been done as far as an actual survey)

(Awesome. Should I get an actual ship, or will something land based like an ATV do?)

(An ATV will do as far as transporting you out there. it can even be flown out to the furthest point you want to go to, and you can drive home, so like, do the route as you exploring from a point, to get to home, rather than a circuit)

(Alright cool. Gonna start this afternoon) I look for an ATV on the market to buy.

There is one in the colonial motor pool, the same one used for your expedition to the swamp, that looks like it has not been moved since your last adventure with it

Is it repaired?

it is

My exploration plans will have to be put off for now, as I will be joining the Acastus aid team.

(where are we with translating the fleshaper runes?)

5:02 PM

(also wanna run a weapon design by you)

(Thorn almost has it mastered. I think with her current travels she actually knows it knows it

(ok. so Billy and I will have it soon?)

(yeah I've been studying it every chance I get- free time, space travel. 2 more days until mastery of culture/written/spoken language so when I return to Gudrun we can talk about the runes)

(cool. ty)

I start work on an electro cannon that will hopefully be done in time to bring it to Acastus.

7:26 PM

(what's the part/price cost gonna be for this?)

(5,000 credits to build. )

I pay for the parts I need remaining, and start work right away.

(how soon can I have it finished?)

(Just a day)

The following day, I work on modding it with Boosted (+2 on damage rolls), and Extended Magazine (double Magazine size). As soon as Billy, leaves for Acastus, I will be joining him and his crew. (edited)

(you can hop into the recon thread if you havent already, thats where things are assembling)

(yep just saw billy's message)

(If i wanna build a droid with AI to help do tech stuff, and down the road help manage a weapons facility. is there something in the rulebooks for that, or what?)

(you can make an ai companion, the bodies are in the core book, you just roll for the mental stats)

3:03 PM

(so str, con, dex is part of the frame itself)

(Ok cool ty)

3:04 PM

(Gonna do that in the future)

A Message Pings From Cyrus

Hi Hailey, I hear that you are doing some great stuff with weapons development. I was wondering whether or not I may be able to commission you to create new type of grenade. Potentially using plasma technology to create a destructive and lethal force. If my offer interests you please get back to me as soon as possible so that we may arrange payment/time scale.

Reply

That's great! As for more information, essentially a high damage grenade, capable anti personnel and low level vehicle destruction.

(Basically high explosives on crack)

8:59 AM

(For the sake of stats somewhere around the 2d12 area)

(Since the Maze is out of time this is gonna be as well.) Hailey slips backstage away from the crowds and her adoring fans to talk to the various managers. “So, how’d we do? Was it well received? Any problems? Fill me in.”

"It seems like they enjoyed themselves" the production manager says

(Guess I should’ve asked this earlier, but what about profit, do I make profit? It is a business after all. Would make sense to make little or nothing from this as it’s the first and startup, but as it grows at least, I’d like it to make profit.)

(As it grows id day so. Other networks paying you to let them broadcast the show or something.

6:14 AM

(That would be some interesting to

6:14 AM

Rp

(Ok thanks)

(I’ve seen a lot of people talking about Jedi/force laser sword stuff, and I have no idea how that’s been fit in here. Can you give me a basic rundown on what type of Star Warsy stuff we’ve got going on here?)

(I'll PM you)

I've translated the runes but their meaning is still hazy. Let's meet at HS so we can get the opinion of anyone who happens to be there.

(I'm doing Charles's Miriam mission whenever it starts. If I go before we done on Acastus is that ok. We have kinda been in the same battle for four days)

(Everyone else active is on a mission too. There’s no party yet)

(Yeah I know. He said he’d probably be starting in like a few hours)

(Updated goals)

(sounds good! I'll check em out when I get back to roll20)

(I wanna build a VI repair droid. What are the steps for that besides paying for it?) (edited)

9:55 AM

(Oh and I have to roll certain stats right?)

(choose a frame, roll the mental stats, pay for it. Leveling robots is paying 5,000 x level, since they dont adventure like normal characters. so 5000 at 1, 10,000 to lvl 2, 15000 to lvl 3, ect. We are limiting everyone to one assistant per character too, so we don't have bots just doing all the things you're not good at)

(I tried to find the guide on this in the book, but couldn’t. It doesn’t explain very well)

(the frames have different physical stats, you roll for wisdom, intelligence, and charisma. The frames have different skills as well, like the jack, i think is the name, is the labor/repairs one)

(Ok thanks. I’ll look again and try to find where the stats/skills section for them is)

(I'll get one when I get back form the Miriam thing, just in case i find a cool shell for it or something.)

(added a short term goal)

(Reg wants to do a weapon that makes use of/ is powered by his telekinesis. Maybe a psionic. Can we do that?)

(If you know telekinesis it can be used. Not sure how that would go for someone who isn’t. Where is the energy coming from )

(It's for me, so I could use it. Something stronger than telekinetic armory since that doesn't scale)

7:44 AM

(Doesn't need to be super strong, even same damage with the ability to be modded would be awesome, I get that psychics are more for utility than damage and dont want to break the balance

)

(Yeah the techniques are deliberately worded to not cause direct damage

Hailey picks up the Taros rifles from Dax and Regulus and gives each Boosted, Auto-targeting, and Extended Magazine.

1

(just going forward since it hasnt been touched on, mods do require upkeep after battles, had to re-review that section of the book)

(Dont you not have to dictate that section so long as you have the time and a good tech skills?)

(dictate? like pay and stuff you mean?)

(wait hold on. maybe Im missing something. )

9:56 PM

(What do we have to do for "upkeep"?)

(are we talking about something different than "maintenance"?)

She also purchases a Combat Field Uniform, 2 more line shunts, and a data phase tap.

10:12 PM

Also a storage unit and tightbeam link. (edited)

(Maintenance I just hate trying to spell it)

1

(oh lol)

10:19 PM

(yeah I have a good maintenance score for more mods than I have)

(Last minute before we get into a battle, can I snag a last couple mods? I just wanted Customized for machine gun and field uniform)

(there would have been time to mount them over the course of the trip_

(Ok thanks. Just wanted to make sure)

(Just out of curiosity, how do the crew members or whatever that some people have work. Do they just take them with them wherever and essentially control them, or what?)

1:21 PM

(And in that case, how are they different from a bot/assistant thing?)

(Youre talking about human employees vs an Ai assistant?)

(Oh they’re employees, ok)

1:24 PM

(So the difference would be one you pay to do whatever thing, and the other is closer to a servant ) (edited)

(the Ai have some specialized routines that regular people dont have access to, and can level up, like a character can, for money, but youre limited to one, to prevent just making bots good at all the things you arent. Theyre far more expensive)

(Ok thanks. The employees don’t level up then, and cost less, but you could have multiple)

(right)

(Cool, thanks)

1:30 PM

(Wait hold on, you can only have one AI assistant, so could you have that and a VI then?)

(no its one robot)

1:32 PM

(period)

(Ok that’s what I figured, just asking lol. Thanks)

I return back from the big battle thankful to be alive, and excited to finally get to work on the Spider-Bot.

8:06 PM

Once I'm finished with the basics, I make some adjustments and perfections. (aka lvl up to lvl5)

Hailey spends most of her free time for a few days after the battle working on her new companion

(holy crap this thing is actually baller)

I step back to admire my work. The bot looks amazing. It's the same general shape and build as the other spider-bots, but now with greatly enhanced systems and a mind of its own. Instead of the black of the other bots, it has a light blue and white color scheme. It turned out much better than expected. (I love that its stats are (all really good except for its charisma, which is a 2. it actually fits perfect because its a spider so its not inherently "charming", and its not "taken seriously". Fits against the stat description perfect)

(It only knows how to chitter it’s mandibles or say ‘good. Good’ lmao)

(yeah I tried to give it a voice, but it just turned out as that creepy 'text-to-speech" thing, sounding all demonic and existential XD)

(Something about looking succulent and wanting to spin you into its web. That’ll get patched in the next update I’m sure)

(oh yeah of course. we'll set it into a folder in its subsystems so I can access it if i ever need to scare the living daylights out of someone and make them question who they are as a person)

The bot stands tall, and is ready to work. It’s onboard diagnostics show green lights across the board

"Time to take you out for a test run...PETER SPARKER"

2

10:23 PM

(im proud of that name)

10:25 PM

(but I cant take credit it was my sister's idea)

(omg yes)

7:12 AM

Peter sparker is ready for business, and clanks over to the work tables where your various design ideas are laid out

He and I leave to meet Robert and Ricardo at the Wunderlust to head to Shua.

(i think since its dividing into two missions, rather than make a thread to separate it again, we can RP here, and then split?

(Ok yea I’m good with that. Send em over)

@Robert @lictor , are sent for, as the mission to Shua is planned

1

(the wunderlust is Robert's ship right?)

(Ya)

Ricardo exits the shuttle and takes a look at the Wunderlust. "Beautiful ship, Mr. Tanzer. Hoping to fix myself one like this someday soon."

“Ricardo I assume. Nice to meet you I’m Hailey.” She walks over from where she was waiting for Robert. Pete scuttles behind her.

"Greetings, ma'am". Ricardo notices the bot crawling behind her. "And to you too, sir."

Pete greets Ricardo in response. “Guess were just waiting for Rob”

(he will be on tonight, if you dont want to be tied up all day we can at least get the space travel done with, i dont use spike rolls generally, so he isnt

10:09 AM

'required')

(I don’t think it makes much of a difference so sure)

The jump takes place over the course of three days, to Thorgerd, to Haila, and then finally, to Shua, where the several settlements of the forest and river world below all broadcast welcome messages (edited)

(so is there a mission thread?)

(Nah were just doing it here, and you two will split off to one of your threads

(youre not going to be together on the same objective long enough to warrant it )

12:55 PM

(once you and robert know what you're going to do as far as on planet, we can move into one of your channels. I think hailey was planning to check out some ruins in the north)

(That’s right)

1:00 PM

(Robert and Ricardo do you guys think you’ll be able to handle this? Remember that is you can’t make any progress diplomatically, don’t try and more...creative methods. Too risky)

(yeah, just intelligence for now, we are going to have an all-player meeting when the game month flips, like we do every month now, and if it looks like it warrants intervention, a plan will be devised. )

1

(I'm down for some good old banter with the anarchists, let's give it a go.)

5:02 PM

"Hailey, want us to drop you off by the ruins before we go talk to our dear friends and their big gun?"

(ROBERT)

5:14 PM

"Yes please Robert. Thanks for piloting by the way"

(for Robert and Ricardo, we can use Robert's channel for the talk so we dont clog up hailey and the ruins)

7:06 PM

(would a map here help, of the planet?)

(Yes please) Hailey bids the others farewell as she and Sparker hop off at the ruins.

(whats Steedhearth?)

Steelhearth is where the protein drinks place was

8:05 PM

one of the main agricultural centers

(gotcha) Hailey unloads at the Ruins of Riven and takes a look around to get a first impression. (edited)

She makes sure to set Pete to take pictures and record. (he can do that right?)

(Yes he can). The ruins look to be what’s left of a former military base. Sun bleached signs warn that artillery shells may be fired over the road, and civilian drivers must take care

We search around the perimeter and try to find a way inside.

(i think its you and just peter sparker, iirc. The others are trying to devise a way into the gun. Map coming for the base, one sec!)

(By we I mean me and petey lol)

1:16 PM

(Thank you)

youll be walking onto the property from the north)

(Ty!) Finding an entrance in from the north, I look around the room where in.

You pass outside, by the battlements to a large front gate. The metal doors are patchy and rust eaten in a few places. Previous scavengers have levered one open far enough to squeeze inside - from how it appears. An abandoned campsite sits before it in the front courtyard. The nylon tent is ripped by 3 long slashes, and the unmistakable spray of blood, but now old, dapples the fabric

1:47 PM

The fire pit is cold, and a cast iron cook pot clanks merrily in the soft wind like a makeshift windchime\

Cautiously, I look through one of the slashes in the tent.

1:59 PM

If there’s nothing there, I’ll keep moving up the the base and go through the cracked doors.

There is a body in the tent, face down. its been here long enough that the flies arent interested in it anymore

“Ok ew.” I leave the body for now and move on.

Blood has washed out of the grass, but has been splattered across the flagstones, old now, so it looks more black, than red. There is a smear across the doors which you thought was paint, it is not.

I ready my laser rifle, and slip inside, ready to shoot with Peter behind me.

The body that the blood belongs to is inside the doorway. You find his foot first, neatly severed, a few meters from the body, which looks to have crawled the rest of the way.

(nothing else in there?)

(just wanted to do it in chunks) The room is very dark, internal power has failed. From what little is getting in from the outside you can make out empty weapon racks around the room, where the defenders would have mustered for a sally out from the front gate

(gotcha)

4:26 PM

I set a few glowbugs around the room for better lighting. After looking to see if the light reveals anything new, I look at the body by the door, covering my mouth from the smell and being careful not to touch it.

Nekosmash 3/9/2019 4:54 PM

THere is a hallway heading south, with a branch that crosses west to east. You hear what sounds like running water to the south, continuing straight

I move down the south path and look down both ways of the east and west path with the low-light goggles that enhance the vision. “Pete keep on the lookout for any movement.”

A bucket tumbles from the west branch of the hallway from a ceiling trestle above as you approach the junction , though the goggles and Peter sparker both do not detect movement

I jump at the noise and Pete beeps at me. “I didn’t jump, you jumped shut up”. We move down the west path at the junction, ready to fill anything that moves with lasers and spikes. I try to notice where the water’s coming from.

2

(notice/int)

(Can I roll it from Peter?)

(yes)

(11)

The rear wall of the western room (so all the way west on the map) is especially dark and it looks like It looks like it’s bubbling. The room becomes very cold

(can I throw a glowbug or do I have to stick it to something? I yes, I toss a glowbug over to light up the area, if i have to stick it, I look for a rock or something to stick it to, then throw it over)

(You can throw it. They’re like flares basically, just reusable)

(then in that case yeah I throw it)

The bubbling on the wall is an inky black , like tar. It screeches as the light comes near, oozing around it and spreading out to the left wall of the chamber

1

(screeches as in like aaaaaa screeches????)

7:21 PM

I step back as far as I can while still keeping it in view, then shoot it with the laser rifle to see how it reacts and get ready to run.

(Think like the sound a bone saw makes)

7:32 PM

The bolt hisses and it lunges at you

7:33 PM

It leaves a smoking tar trail as it ‘bleeds’ from shot, it continues charging, like spilled liquid, boiling over the walls and floor toward you

2

(Venom is that you?)

(I don’t really know super heroes so idk haha)

(oh lol nvm)

Two lashing tar whips strike out at you, too high, splintering stone from the walls above you.

7:38 PM

(Super heroes are lame. JUDGE ME)

3

(judge judge judge judge)

7:39 PM

(hold on Im gonna due something! I'm just not sure what lol)

(no initiative btw?)

7:50 PM

Pete and I run back into the hallway all the way to the junction. I aim to shoot it again.

(Not so far. We kinda are already in it)

8:32 PM

)go ahead and fire. Moving was just your kove(

8:32 PM

Move

(33/ 19, 33 was a nat 20) "Sic em Pete!" Sparker fires the spike thrower as well. (11/16)

1

(So double the 19)

(38 it is)

The laser burst keeps the creature at bay, it’s mass swells to block up the entire hallway, it seems to be pulling shadow and darkness off the wall to form a crushing tide. The laser burned area is a large hole with still smoldering edges that is not growing back

8:54 PM

As it pulls these other sources of darkness in, the room lightens. It’s as if it knows- just enough light is all you need to see it’s suffocating power

I retreat further back into the room where we first came in. I stand by the door and fire at it again. (31/32, NO WAY, another nat20!) (its less cuz its not burst)

It retreats, heading back into the darker reaches of the keep, the tarry black tide receding. You still hear the boiling noise it makes as it seeps across the walls and floor into the rear of the keep

(So it went back down the west path?)

(yeah, licking its wounds)

I grab a glowbug off the wall in the room and throw it down the hall after the monster.

5:54 PM

After that, I grab the big entrance doors and try to pull them open further.

5:55 PM

"Pete, gimme a hand"

Going on a quick jaunt to Leda to help out the Shuans, I'll be back to pick you up soon.

Robert.

No worries Robert. I think I'm gonna be a while longer anyways. Thanks you.

- Hailey

Peter sparker grabs the other door with its large pinchers and helps haul the other half open

With more light now streaming in, we head back to the junction, and, after looking down the west path from before, start to go down the east.

heading east, you see the bubbling shadow, held in the western room, unable to pass the junction, due to the bright stream of sunlight coming in. The eastern section of the fortress is evidently where the soldiery here lived, you see bunk rooms to the north and south of you, upon getting to the end of the hall. Ahead( easternmost room) is a chapel, stained glass windows to the chief prophets of the major monotheistic religions adorn the walls- a makeshift chapel of all faiths

9:28 AM

(sorry about that, this never lit up for me, I think having this open on different devices is making it do stuff i dont want it to do)

(It’s fine no worries) (So it’s like this right?)

(Exactly!)

I search the more open area with three lines up square rooms in the center of the west wing, trying to get a layout.

On the other side, it looks like an additional mustering area for soldiers was in that space, a large metal ramp is retracted into the ceiling, meant to lower to allow armored vehicles to exit, or re-enter afterward. Whatever vehicles might have been here are gone now. (you meant the side without the labels?)

(The red area)

(thanksyou could see more into the western size with the tar thing being kept further back, so that stands) (edited)

10:11 AM

The layout is an open hallway, the doors have been removed to allow for rapid movement, only the arches show where they once were. At the very northern side of the hallway there is a pitted metal door that seals the base armory

(Oh ok so that previous message was the initial area to the west?)

10:14 AM

I look for a keypad or clue as to how to get into the armory. (edited)

10:17 AM

(Also, does the side room off to the right of the center of that area in red show any signs of existing? ie can I see the door?)

(yeah, west is correct, and yes, where the wall sort of has that smaller rectangle facing the acess hallway, thats a door, to me. just more secure, but its open right now)

(alright I'll check that out next.) I look for a way to get into the armory, maybe a keypad or something. (edited)

The keypad is an analog device, lacking even a screen to see what has been entered. It still has power

"Pete you're up." I have him try to hack the system to open the door.

11:37 AM

(program/int I assume? 16)

(yeah)

11:46 AM

Pete spends a feew moments working on it and the door opens with a click of release bolts

We look around inside.

Inside, there is just one object remaining, a propane canister in size. Polymorphic Nanites: Usually found in two-kilo cylinders with integral input-output data ports, polymorphic nanites were a late-Second Wave development that promised to revolutionize manufacturing. When fed a design schematic us ing standard pretech CAD/CAM protocols, the nanites exude into the desired object, mimicking any necessary physical properties. The nanites can be used to create any object of equivalent or lesser mass, provided a datapad or the equivalent is available to feed them the schematic. The nanites are single-use, but multiple cylinders can be linked together to create larger objects. The workmanship of the nanites is good, but not exceptional; any available schematic of tech level 4 or less can be produced.

2

"Oh this is good!" I make a note to come back and grab that on the way out. We move over to the room on the east of the hallway. The door is open so I look inside.

This room goes up into a guard tower, firing slits would allow a trio of riflemen to cover that approach to the fortress from a relatively well dug in position

I leave the guard tower, and go straight across the hall onto the path west. I looks left and right trying to see anything at the junction.

The junction is clear, the tar unable to pass due to the sunlight. The space across the hall (with those two orange triangle things) looks to be a workshop. THe two furnaces in here are long dormant, and the tools look to have been taken. The evacuation or exodus from this place was evidently planned

Pete and I search the workshop for any remaining tech that was left behind. If we can’t find anything, we’ll continue past the workshop and immediately turn south.

You pass the way you came in, off to a second workshop. This one is larger, some tools have been left behind, but the furnaces here are likewise dormant

(Wait I pass the way I came in? I thought I came in from the north?)

(let me re-draw)

(Thanks. I think I’m lost)

Arrow with the circle is how you came in, and where you are standing now i thought, the X rooms have been explored already, the armory with nanites, the guard tower, and north workshop

(Oh no ok I’m so turned around now because I thought the north entrance was like the TOP north room. Ok I need to label everything and check to make sure I have it right now just a sec)

(the outsides is towers and bunkers, still exploitable, but easy to tell what they are

(“The outsides”? Like the little gray circles in the green outside the main fort?)

(yeah exactly)

(So it’s like this?)

1:51 PM

(exactly!)

(Alright going to the yellow mark next)

The marked area is a cistern, where water for the fortress is drawn in and purified from a spring that runs up to its rear wall.

2:23 PM

Dozens of 40 gallon storage tanks sit in racks, each with a pipe fitting into their tops, and spickets on the bottom to allow draining

After, I go out and around, searching each of the bunkers. I stop to look at the chapel on the way. Then, after the northmost bunkroom, I’ll continue north from there.

The Bunkers are empty save for some rusting binoculars on a stand. The chapel pews are still there as are the stained glass windows. The candlesticks, and communion finery have been removed, almost certainly taken with the soldiers

I continue north past the bunkers.

The defensive works encircling the base are capped off the north end by three large artillery bastions. There guns sit atop each of the three towers, a set of stairs in between to access them all. The guns themselves are fixed to the structures and rusting

I go through each of the bastion towers looking for tech. Maybe some got left behind in these instead of the armory.

You are nearly done searching when you notice another small canister of the nannites by the last gun

I inspect it to make sure it's still in good quality, then bring it back to the armory to set it next to the other. (everyone needs a friend)

9:34 PM

I go back to the junction by the starting room, and try to see into the room where the tar creature is.

The tar creature is hissing and oozing on the wall of the western junction, unwilling to cross the sunbeam

Standing on the other side of the sunbeam, I steadily fire the laser rifle at a corner of the creature, trying to cut off part of its body, and curious to see is it splits into another sentient being.

the severed section bubbles away into a thin tarry vapor, carried off by the wind

“Interesting.” I leave the base and go out past the gate. Pete and I go around the whole thing clockwise checking out each of the outside posts and searching them. (just throwing them all together because there seems to be a lot and it would be repetitive to do each separately.)

There is a set of ancient looking combat field uniform in one of the outposts, but virtually everything of value has been taken by other parties- other parties not killed by the shadow creature inside

And with that I send Robert a message to lift me out.

(3xp, 5000 credits, 2 cannisters of nannites)

(Sweet)

10:30 AM

(Should I wait for Robert to rp the return trip?)

(i just moved it forward in their individual threads rather than wait to merge the three of you, just to separate again)

(Ok cool)

Placing an Order for Mechs for the Engineers

Specialist Suit (150k, Power-5, Mass-10):
-Anti-Grav Nodes (50k, P-2, M-4)
-Active Camo Surface (20k, P-1, M-2)
-Breaching Tool (20k, P-1, M-1)
-Void Thrusters (25k, P-1, M-2)
-Drop Sheathing (10k, P-0, M-1)

Specialist Suit (150k, Power-5, Mass-10):
-Drop Sheathing (10k, P-0, M-1)
-Grav Chutes (20k, P-1, M-1)
-Void Thrusters (25k, P-1, M-2)
-Morphic Silhouette Damper (25k, P-1, M-2)
-MES Shut Channels (25k, P-1, M-2)
-Augmented Enviroseals (15k, P-1, M-2)

Shock Suit (150k, Power-10, Mass-5):
-Anti-Vehicle Laser (20k, P-7, M-3)
-Ammunition Cells (10k, P-1, M-1)
-Breaching Tool (20k, P-1, M-1)

Specialist Suit (150k, Power-5, Mass-10)
-Pulse Transceiver (75k, P-2, M-5)
-Field Medical Unit (25k, P-2, M-1)
-Cargo Space (1k, P-0, M-1)
-Grav Chutes (20k, P-1, M-1)
-Drop Sheathing (10k, P-0, M-1) 

Total Cost: 876k

(Nice, welcome to the mech club XD)

2

(100k of build progress per day, 1 at a time)

(sweet. thanks.)

(can I equip Pete with drones? I'd be buying the cybernetic link thing, then installing probably 2 inside him that he can release. I can do it when he lvls up if thats better)

(You can do it now)

10:06 PM

(Assuming he’s got the open strain for it)

(yeah hes fine strain wise)

(yeah go for it then)

Seeing no volunteers for returning to Suha, I need to hire a small crew for it. I also need a way to contain it. (there's a ship I can borrow from the unw right? if not I need to hire a pilot w/ ship as well)

(The UNW has shuttles, the free merchant is off with the terezinho group, and the warships are under repair right now)

(the shuttle should do just fine)

I send a message requesting to borrow the shuttle. I need to build or buy a case that can hold the creature. It needs to have dimmed walls and be fully sealed on all sides so it can't escape. (is that doable?) (edited)

(they have cases that heremetically seal yeah, as far as trying to get this thing in there, that's another story)_

(cool. getting a big one of those.) (need to hire a crew temporarily. 2 guards and 2 scientists.)

7:45 PM

(does that just, happen. or do I go to places to find people I want)

(It can just happen if you'd like)

(ok. I dont need/want any specific personalities or anything like that. only hiring them for this one trip.)

7:47 PM

(also it's gonna be lvl-2 for each)

(50 each)

7:55 PM

(/day)

(ok)

(oh also updated goals. I know you usually do those in chunks, just wanted to let you know.)

(done! I like em!)

(oh sweet thanks!)

8:19 PM

(none of the drones really fit what I was thinking for Pete. I'm just doing void hawks since it seems like the best option stat-wise)

Hailey spends some time getting her specialized gear assembled and together, before making ready to set out

On my way to meet up with the group I'll be taking, I drop of the nanite tanks at the Engineers' lab.

The tanks are taken into secure storage, ready for your experimentation once returned

12:22 PM

(Aside from that, ready to go?)

(Yeah I am. I haven’t been waiting or anything, just super busy and haven’t got to actually starting. Fun busy, but super busy)

A shuttle is prepared to take you back to Suha with a small volunteer crew. They load your supplies and specialized gear aboard

"Hey all, my name is Hailey Clements and I'll be leading this mission." I give a quick brief on the plan. (edited)

6:04 PM

All set with gear, the ship is boarded and we leave for Suha.

At Thorgerd the Trivedi Technologies factory is in full production. At Haila, the battle appears still stalemated, and finally, you arrive over Suha

We land near the ruins, then I go over to the main building, entering the same way, to scout out.

The sun is high in the sky (knowing what you know, doubt you'd try attacking at night when it hunts)

5:22 PM

The doors have remained open, and the sunlight spear shoots down the center-line of the complex. You're not sure what side of the complex it's on

I grab a flashlight and move to the junction, looking for it to the west first. If it's no longer in that room it was in, I'll head to the east and peek into each of those bunk rooms and center rooms.

It has crossed over since last You’d been tracking it. It now is on the eastern side of the fortress, confirmed by a quick sweep of the west

(So I know it’s somewhere in this circled east side somewhere?)

(Precisely)

8:08 AM

(I didn't want to throw you right into the mix. Yeah hes in the east somewhere roll initiative now roflcopter)

1

(7)

you hear the rolling, angry boil from within the chapel as you approach the room

(I thought that said “the rolling, angry boi” lol)

2:04 PM

I go back to the crew outside, and bring both them and the trap in. We go down to the south and up through the bunks to the one below the chapel, where we set up the trap. I make sure it’s lined up with the door, and station a guard to watch it.

(I mean, he is that, too)

(Lol)

After that, I bring the scientists and other guard around to the northern bunks, and the room just above the chapel. I hand them each one of the flashlights.

3:08 PM

"This thing seems to be burned by light and afraid of it, so this is your weapon."

"A flashlight against that thing? Seriously?"

“If that doesn’t scare it in the direction we want it to go, then we’ll shoot it. Just trying to make things easy here. Why? You got a better idea?”

"I do not. no. I just...flashlights? "

I'm starting to second guess myself now. I shine the light in the room, off to the side of the tar creature trying to scare it towards the other exit and the case, to see if it'll work.

The creature moves, in its own strange and disturbing way, away from the light

I turn back to him. "See"

6:42 PM

The others and I work together using the lights to drive the creature through the door and towards the case.

(initiative)

(Again? Ok)

(5 for me. Do I need to roll for any of the others?)

(just so i can keep track of who is doing what, and hes not going willingly)

(Ok, soooooo...no?)

(They'll go with you. I

9:03 PM

l(I'll roll for the beast)

9:04 PM

(2)

The others and myself try to drive the monster out the door with the lights.

It shrieks as several of the flashlight beams chase it toward the case. Spikes made of inky darkness lash out from the beast as it desperately tries to knock out the lights and hurt those holding them. (all the NPCs are hit 24,20,20,18,22 for 9 damage per hit)

1

“You guys ok?!”

(they have 15hp, lvl 3-4 basically) There are groans as people roll onto their sides, or stand back up

“You four fall back!” Myself and Peter continue driving it.

It's a step from the case, driven back by you and the powerful spotlights. He lashes out again, at everyone, determined to do everything it can to avoid capture. it's fighting like a wounded animal, just thrashing and screeching as the light cooks pieces of it away. Two of the retreating scientists are grabbed, dashed onto the rocks and dragged across the floor, leaving smears of blood behind them, before coming to rest, permanently. The case shuts with a click, and the internal cryogenics begin working.

I take a moment of silence for the fallen two. “Cmon, let’s hurry up and get this to the ship. It’ll start getting dark soon and we wanna be out of here.” We return back to the ship with the sealed case. Suddenly remembering something, I rush back to the ruins with Pete to do a scan of the smaller west wing, including the original room of the tar man, and the ones beyond it.

The vehicle hangar where it used to reside is not changed. The vehicles are long gone, leaving only some tools and spare parts behind. The small alcove (the circle room off the west, oriented toward first area) has an additional work room- an ammunition shop was in here once, the work benches still anchored to the floor, along with crates of empty casings waiting to be filled- evidently these were deemed not valuable enough to take when the soldiers here left

“Oo another workshop Pete!” I quickly look through all the crates and the workshop to see if anything of value may have gotten left.

There is a final canister of nannites, hidden beneath the empty shell casings, almost hidden at the very bottom of the crate

I take the canister and head back out the ship. We take off back for Gudrun.

(3xp, 5000 credits, crate with monster in it)

(and a canister of nanites?)

(yes)

(Ok I’ve been afk but now it’s time to hop back on!) I keep the nanites at my personal lab for now and put them in storage. Also, as much as I’d love to start lookin at the creature, he’ll have to stay in cryo for now. I clear some scrapped prototypes off the desk and, before getting started on something new, check the progress on the mechs.

(its been 400k worth of progress since you've been gone)

(

) Time to do some stuff closer to home. I wanna expand PsikeTV to include more than just the Maze, but it’ll be slow considering I’m basically building the entertainment industry here. I have the studio team put together an ad showing the just starting industry as a feasible career choice in the near future. When interest is piqued, we’ll work on some new stuff.

5:52 PM

Now to finally get around to something that’s been put off: exploring east of the known Gudrun map. I request the ATV and prep up.

The ATV is available, made ready since the last request, before the emergency meeting for the Alcibiades raid was called

I set up Pete with his new drones, then ride over to pick up the ATV and head off. (just going right out east, while kinda staying closer to the northern side there) (edited)

(alrighty, lemme generate some hexes)

(alright, so you, pete, drones, no one else, heading northeasterly out to that weird peninsula area

1:06 PM

There is a brief area of civilization to the east of the colony, but it ends quickly. The area turns into an unbroken grassland, short grasses stretching out as far as the eye can see. This late into autumn, although the spore trees do not lose their leaves until later in the season, their trunks are turning a rutty red/brown

(would that civilization be the port?)

(That’s way north. There’s some like repair sheds and a couple small stockpiles of rail parts. Probably some signalmen posts for a little while as you have the tracks for the first couple hexes but after that your paths diverge

(oh ok)

(The first four hexes were all grassland with no predators) Night begins to fall as the ATV transverses the fields and forests.

I don't stop in the early grassland, trying to cover as much distance as possible. I camp out for the night when it starts to get dark. Peter sets a drone outside that will alert us if something happens. (lemme know when I get to the edge of the existing map)

6:18 PM

(I think I'm able to follow, but wanna make sure)

(The map is the map. It doesn’t expand)

6:24 PM

(I just roll for what’s in the hexes if no ones been there before)

(wait so that edge where it just stops is just, nothing after?)

(Right)

(oh)

(It would be coast. Connecting with the sea on the other side)

(I'd just figured that no ones been out that way yet and thats that)

6:26 PM

(oh gosh I feel so dumb

)

(But I had already stitched 16 maps together by that point so a whole other layer for just water wasn’t really something I wanted to do)

(ok lol well I guess I gotta rethink what I wanna do here. how do I know where people have/haven't been on the map yet?)

(the dots, there are resource icons on the map where people have been too if anything was there. There are really no efforts made toward the area you're going to. nobody's been too far out that way)

(Ok thanks. Back in track now. Sorry for the confusion)

(all good. Yeah i really just thought a giant ass planet like that was good as it was. Stitching maps together was really hard) (edited)

8:28 AM

(thats why all the new planets fit on one page

I make camp for the night at the edge of the grassland. Pete sets a drone to alert us if anything happens.

The drone spots a herd of lopes crossing the grassland around midnight, though none approach the camp- the alert is not raised. At 3am, a pair of military jets pass overhead, before turning north, to take photographs of the underhill island

You're probably busy, and I'm not sure, but transport should be back up by now. I was just messaging you because I think I know what I wanted to order from you and possibly help you build as an assistant.  It might take a while since the mines are just getting up to speed, but I figured having some weapons and armor that might defend me from magick wouldn't be too bad.  I'll show you what I mean once we meet, but I would like gear made of a Master level with the new Fateium ore. For the armor to be fitted for me and able to change shape like Dax's I'm sure we'll probably think of something further once we are working on it.  This might be a bit in the future. I will try to ask Mr. Whitaker about the use of the ore.  If any supernatural menaces are coming to the UNW like the still lady or her shadow I would like to be prepared to help if I can.

I get up the following morning and pack stuff back up. We continue in the same direction as before.

After driving for 3 hours, you see a massive flock of birds wheeling and complaining over a grove of trees in the distance

I pull over the ATV, and swap to my bike. I move a little closer to them to get a better look.

The corpse of a grass serpent, freshly dead, lies in the middle of the grove of trees. The birds circle, fight, and complain at one another all trying to land long enough to eat from it without the others driving them off

“Heh, dumb birds.” I turn back to the ATV to keep moving.

Passing by the grove you notice that there are a lot of nests here, full of eggs. It is about to be winter, and this may be where the birds come to roost. A settlement this direction, or even the port, would benefit from this source of forage.

(Not sure how a settlement would benefit but ok.) I take pictures and make a note of the idea. I send info on the area back to my database. I stop to look around the area further.

(lots of birds and eggs, good source of extra food)

2:49 PM

A large lakeshore is a handful of kilometers away, no data has been documented on the lakes or what might be in them, you notice as you review UNW records about Gudrun\

(Makes sense)

2:51 PM

I divert from the previous path briefly to scout around the lakes.

You see steam, great quantities of it, rising from the lake surface. The trees at its very edge are dripping with condensation at the rapidly cooling water vapor

4:23 PM

The entire large lake seems to be at a gentle sizzle

(Would it be reasonable to say the ATV lab has a tool that lets me test the temperature of the water without just straight up sticking my foot in it?)

(Absolutely )

Hello Hailey, I hope this message finds you well.  I am going to go on a little vacation to Vapormills. I’ll see the sights there and maybe in the cities around, take in the Taros culture. Probably be there for a little while. If you’re interested in visiting that club, maybe I’ll see you there.

I use a tool from the lab to test the water temperature. I’ll make notes on what I find in this area.

The water is warm but not boiling. Pleasant even. The mineral content is elevated

I go around to check the other lakes and see if they’re the same.

Driving for the day, stopping at the smaller lakes reveals that they too are of the same abnormally warm temperature.

I mark the area and make extensive notes. I’d like to set up a settlement here later. I return to the ATV and make camp for the night, once again leaving the drone out front.

At 1am, the drone marks several wofl-beetles passing by, but the pack keeps their distance and does not approach any closer for the night. The pack is large, over a dozen, led by the largest alpha you;'ve ever seen.

(Just checking, in at those two lakes in the center here one over the other, bit the Far East lakes, right?)

(Yep!)

(And the possible settlement area is kinda halfway between that and greenbrier by that bigger lake west)

4:16 PM

(Ok)

4:17 PM

Looking at the planet map, I’m going to explore the open area due northwest of the two warm lakes. After that I’ll head home.

I checked into the Taros Fight League.  They might be good for a few exhibition matches.  I had an idea, what do you think about trying to get some other sponsors for the league. I thought it might be useful to get the UNW on board, and put up the idea at the next unity meeting.  It seems like the Taros have a rich fighting history, and the Piggen like to fight too, I haven't met with them yet.  I was thinking this could even be the thing to bring us the Taros and Piggens together (cultural project), nothing like sharing Hopefully this mission to the Moon Cooperative mission goes well.  I'll try to keep you informed. Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity. Sorry I won't be able to make it to the club."

(D10 for me when you get a chance. Rare resource!

(Lucky 7)

Northwest of the lake, Hailey crests a hill, looking down at the grassland below. Hundreds of helix roots are growing, bigger and healthier than you've ever seen them before. The grassland is densely packed. The medical supplies produced from this crop alone would be worth millions.

(If I leave soon can I get back in time to meet Cal?)

(yes of coursE)

(Cool)

1:14 PM

(Ok so I’m not really familiar with this stuff. Is this something I can take now? Is it something where I should pay some group to harvest it? Not really sure how to handle it)

(theres a lot more than you can carry off with you now, but you can either hire some people to cultivate it, or right now youre the only person that knows about it, you could sell the information to an interested party

(Ok thanks)

1:20 PM

I look around and try to get an estimate of how many hundreds.

There are 350 plans, and if cultivated this field would easily support a production center. Current value of the raw materials alone (so ripping them all up and taking them as is, not concerning with replanting/keeping anything here) is worth 5 million credits.

(How would trying to sell the information work?)

(well, you're the only one who knows where this deposit is right now. I'm not going to put it on the map until you've got a chance to decide what you want to do here. As far as selling the information, if you can think of any PC factions, or heck, even your own, that might benefit from making a production center here, you can charge what you think is a fair price for the info, basically they'll buy the location from you, and they inherit your discovering person's right to develop it first. A medical supplies production center would go here)

I take a few pictures and mark the land, then head back the same way I came.

You return to Central two days later, and meet Calidorious on the orbital platform for the mission (we can move into his)

(If the mechs are done by now, do I have time to pick them up and deliver them? There’s one for myself, Robert, Ricardo and Billy)

(they are done. Everyone is off world right now, but they can begin to use them when they return from their various off planet adventures)

(Ok. I’ll bring mine with me, and drop the other off at the engineers HQ for them)

(sounds good!(

Miss Hailey, I may have found a lucrative business opportunity I believe you would be interested in. I brought some samples with me to Gudrun and there's a market here for suhan media cubes - probably on other planets as well. Let me know if you're interested.

Kind regards,

Ricardo Morris

Returned from claiming the wild planet Tsatsos for the engineers, Hailey is home for the first time in days

Alright, it's about time I turn I turn PsikeTV into an actual holding. (How we doin this Neko? I'm thinking gotta have HQs on planets like normal, and holding points can be put into stuff like studios to film a show/movie, soundstages, theaters, casinos, or stuff like that. Maybe since I won't really be using the trading stuff I could reallocate some of those capabilities into more holding points or something?)

(Well you have a studio already so you’ve got the base of influence. For the trading stuff we can find other ways to use it.)

(Ok cool. I don’t have it in front of me at the moment and I forget, what’s the difference between a base of influence and a headquarters?)

(we combined them for simplicity)

8:26 AM

(but normally an HQ is for holdings, and a base of influence is for factions. They really do pretty much the same thing, so we combined them)

(Ah ok got it thanks. Also, if I wanted to move my HQ base thing to the area with the lakes and start doing stuff there and kinda start a city, what would that entail?)

(nothing, if you want to set up by those lakes you found you can do that)

8:35 AM

(not going to penalize you for making a decision without new/better info coming to light, thats lame)

(Alright, doing that then.) I pack up shop and move the studio headquarters over to the lake district. I assume it’s just a hot springs, but I want to hire a researcher to gather information on the lakes.

9:05 AM

(Oh one last thing. How will profit coming in from this work? It’s usually trade rolls I saw, but again that doesn’t really apply here)

(PM'd!)

Once there, I look for a good spot to set up the HQ. I want somewhere near the lakes I can expand out from. Maybe down the road, when this is a bigger city, the lakes can be parks inside it.

You find a spot in between a few of the smaller lakes, that all steam and bubble pleasantly. The air is tangy with dissolved minerals, but fresh. You feel at peace in the quiet out here

Perfect. My headquarters will be set up here. I pay a researcher to study the lakes for me. Additionally, as great as Greenbriar is, I’ll want to make my home here as well. Across the lake from my HQ will be a good place for now. The lab can go near it for now.

9:47 AM

(How does making it a settlement or city or...that work? I want it to be a spot for the refugees come to Gudrun to settle)

preFAb colony bASe Ceraplast support walls, aerogel thermal insulation, an integral fusion plant, and regenerative atmosphere scrubbers make up a complete colonial base in several tightly-packed modules. These bases are fabricated to be serviceable on any planet without a corrosive or invasive atmosphere or a burning surface temperature. Provided personnel maintain the plant life necessary for the atmosphere scrubbers and perform the usual maintenance of the facility, the colony base’s atmosphere and water can be recycled for decades with no external inputs. The colony base package does not include hydroponic facilities, however, or foodstuffs beyond a few weeks of supplies for those who must erect the base. The very smallest bases can be torn down and repacked for transport, but larger colonial infrastructures can only be planted once. The “microbase” is designed for long-term and comfortable use by up to 25 inhabitants, and is derived from a late Second Wave research outpost schematic. It takes up ten tons of space in the cargo hold. The “garrison” model is a relatively primitive but serviceable combination of minor starport and military base, with armored fortifications, maintenance tools sufficient for frigate-class ships and a basic suite of system comms and scanning satellites. It can house up to 1,000 inhabitants, takes up 200 tons of cargo (edited)

10:02 AM

(the book recommends the garrison model for the base of a new settlement, and I'll waive the cost on that, we can call it your headquarters/the beginnings of your city)

(Ok I’ll go with that then thanks.) I have a garrison model built, completing the set up for now. “it’s not much but it’s a start.”

5

(only thing it doesnt have is food, but a visit to our NPC Dank crew friends can fix that)

I look to see where I can find the Dank Crew, so I can set up a deal with them to get consistent food ships

Dank Crew has moved their holdings away from Central, and now have a compound near a clay surrounded lake in the desert (dank crew compound on the planet map) A rail line, built personally by Shriven of Ad-Astra, links its distribution center to the rest of the planet

Bringing Peter with me, I head to the compound. It’ll be fun since I haven’t been to that area of Gudrun yet.

The train ride is most of the day, but comfortable. This section of rails is due to be replaced with the higher speed mag-lev next. The dank crew compound is a number of manufacturing buildings, distilleries, spineback pens, and endless crop fields in a carefully irrigated desert wado

8:10 AM

wadi

“Alright, what now Pete?” I ask as we look out over the complex. We have to find either Herb or someone else in charge who can hook us up. I try to find the main office or headquarters as we walk around.

The main office is hard to mix, part office building, part pleasure palace, Herb occupies suite 420, which takes up nearly the entire top floor of the building. It sounds like a rather relaxed party atmosphere is occurring up there, judging by some well dressed revelers conversing near the windows.

(Suite 420 god damn)

(Ikr)

two workers in dank crew finery are outside the main doors with flutes of drinks

(Oh no I’m not waiting for anything Neko. Just don’t feel like playing rn lol)

(all good, i left it kind of open, like heres all the cool shit around you, figger it oooot)

(Kk thanks)

This is Provost Desmond O'Shea we are having a Marshal Appreciation Celebration and Psionic Academy Fundraiser, with all the the donations going to the Regulus Fund- a charity that helps struggling psychics like those who fled the Remnant, Fleshshapers or those dealing with the Still Lady. We will have it at the Harvest Spirits. This is your invitation and appreciation of past service!

Seeing the message from Desmond, I decide we better hurry up. "Let's just go straight for it." I enter the building and find my way to the front desk.

The dank crew host behind the desk is in a pot leaf tuxedo, very similar to herbs, though without the slimline power armor function. "Welcome to the compound my dude" he says, teeth white, but eyes red

(this is a beautiful think that's happening here)

7:36 PM

I grimace, overwhelmed by the tackiness. Frankly, I would've just gone for a more subtle but still sharp....never mind that's not why I'm here. "Yeah, salaam. I'll keep it short because I don't want this smell to get stuck in these clothes. My name is Hailey Clements and I'm setting up a settlement way east of here. I was looking to set up a deal to get a steady supply of food sent there. Is there someone I can talk to to get that set up?"

"Yeah man, sure thing. Head on up, I'll let the head nacho know you're coming"

7:37 PM

you hear him cough a couple times as he picks up a phone

"Perfect thanks" I go over to the elevator and hit the button for the top floor. Holy crap I was probably gonna get high just looking at that guys suit.

You do feel a bit of a buzz, like someone who had too much sugar cereal for breakfast

(I'm gonna help with the fundraiser thing as if I've already rp'd all the prep, which I wanna rp after this for sure. Plan is to televise the fundraiser with a call in line at my hq where the funds sent in direct to the academy. also the event will be broadcast on PsikeTV. Just wanted to let you know)

7:44 PM

When the doors open, I step out into the penthouse.

(This is amazing)

(yee)

The party is lively. Well dressed people from all over the burgeoning UNW are here, and nearly everyone is baked beyond belief. Herb is sitting on a throne (think iron throne, but the swords on the back have been replaced with a pot leaf)

8:00 PM

he is holding a control box, and people are chanting for fog, which by smell alone is nothing but the most cottony clouds of THC vapor you can imagine

1

(Ofc)

Everyone is relaxed, and having a good time

8:01 PM

"Hey man. I dig your hair. Whats up!?" Herb says, gesturing for you to come into the party and enjoy yourself

8:01 PM

"Jai, play some smooth jazz my main metal man"

8:01 PM

The music abruptly changes to something smooth

"Oh, uh, thanks. I'm actually here on business. As much as I'd love to stay and have some fun, I'm afraid that just can't happen right now. I'd love to talk numbers with you, or..." she glances around, noticing Pete getting into a fight with one of the high guests trying to poke at him "...we could set up a call if there's a better time."

“What can green do for you?” He puffs a cross joint that two of his employees have to light for him

Is he referring to himself as 'green'? "I've got a new settlement I'm setting up far east of here. Should actually be pretty poppin in the future with casinos and studios you should check it out-- that's not the point. We're gonna need a steady supply of foods, and I was hoping you could set us up."

(he is) "Everyone should be able to munch when they want to. I can definitely supply you with the most scrum-diddly of food-stuffs. It takes money to make mother Gudrun provide though." he chuckles. Talk of business seems to have sobered him up, a little. "How many people are we talking about feeding? "

“Of course. Construction isn’t finished yet, so currently zero, but I’m hoping maybe a few hundred or so within the next month. I can keep you updated on it as we grow.”

"Well, I can provide by the tonnage. 1,000 per ton, per month? "

9:19 AM

"Jai says a person eats about 4 pounds per day, 2000 pounds in a ton, we can work it out from there"

“Sounds good to me. We’ll pay month by month with how much we predict we’ll need for the next.”

"Sounds good1" he waves an employee over with a compad, and a pen, that is both a vape pen and an actual pen

9:53 AM

"Just need a quick autograph so we have some seriousness on all this, and we can get this all you can yeet buffet rolling"

(This guy

) “Thank you haha” she signs where she needs to seal the deal.

“I’ll make sure to hit you up when the fun is up and running so you can come and enjoy yourself.”

"Sounds good my dudette. Feel free to take some party favors, or the pen"

10:20 AM

He reclines in the throne, drowning himself in a cloud of vapor

“Now that’s how you make an exit. Cmon Pete, let’s get out of here” He leaves the guests alone and and hurried over to meet me at the elevator, pen in hand. “Later Herb”

"Later dudeee" you hear, carried into the elevator as the doors close

10:37 AM

(3xp, 10,000 credits)

10:37 AM

(i owe you sometihng for listening to all that, hahaha)

(That was art)

3

2

(It was it’s own reward, but thanks

)

(Nekos good at npcs for sure)

10:59 AM

I take the train back to central, then head back home to the new settlement. (Really gotta name this place) I head to HQ and have them set up the line to broadcast the event and take donations for the academy.

It's not long to get your people into telethon mode, and they stand ready in time for the party to take donations

“Great, we want all hands on deck so this can be as successful as possible.” I leave back for central to find an outfit for the event, then head over. (Kinda just playing in between summary here) At the party, I notice the absence of Thorny. I leave her a message: Hey Doc, Noticed you weren’t at Des’s party tonight. We missed you there. I assume you just got held up in business on Rahwani, but just wanted to check in.

11:27 AM

(That’s not to metagame, is it? Just wanting to start working towards that arc)

(not at all, everyone noticed she isnt there)

11:32 AM

(and she was the life of the party a couple times already)

(Cool. Ofc, I assume no response is coming, but Hailey expects there will be, so that’s kinda interesting

‍♀️) The following day, I spend time working on project liftoff to relax and hopefully make some good progress. Speaking of liftoffs, I should start working on a ship soon.

Hailey, I'll explain everything when I can. We'll talk soon. Shame about missing a get-together

1

(I was actually waiting for a yes or no response on the jetpack thing, and not necessarily on that. I know you said it’s ok in pm, but I didn’t wanna just say “ok now I have it”)

(This was a response from Cam, Neko?)

(Yeah it was)

7:50 PM

Hailey begins laying out her plans for a jetpack similar to the one modeled on Cyrus armor but with some differences

7:50 PM

Pete is eager to help

7:51 PM

(Yeah the liftoff thing was a big woosh I’m sorry guys

(r/whoosh)

8:09 PM

(No worries Neko, it’s what I get for trying to use creative wording XD)

You believe you can assemble a prototype pretty easily, testing it will be the dangerous part

Well it’s a good thing “Danger” is my middle name. Unfortunately, my first name is “I’m in”. I spend the day assembling the MK I prototype.

Hailey, Desmond O'Shea here. Did you ever get any response from the good Doctor?

I just heard that she has been seen with Malak. If she contacts you again be careful.

The mark 1 looks fine from a visual inspection, despite a couple hiccups putting it together. Only thing left to do is test it

I find a nice elevated spot outside and strap the prototype on. I turn to Peter. "Alright, mark 1, test one. Lets do this" I turn it on and kick off the ground.

1

The pack belches black smoke from its rear nozzle, before the jet finally fires. Launching you 40m into the air, before cutting out.

2:28 PM

(lets get a luck save)

"uh oh oh no oh nonon cmon" I pop the wings out to try and avoid falling. (19v6 success)

Our contacts say she was allegedly last seen on Rawhani, fighting alongside Malak. Three of ad astras ships and their crews have been taken, heading north , the swallowtail was seen leading them out of the system into deep space. I contacted Cyrus who was following Malak at the behest of Kincaid. So I'm just passing on what I know. Hope all is well.

the wings catch you, and youre not flying, but falling with style.

(You've got a friend in me) (edited)

(None of them are actually space people confirmed, they’re all just toys)

1:14 PM

I maneuver to land back safely on the ground. Clearly I need to find what didn’t work. Once it’s off, it’s back to the lab to take it apart and see what went wrong.

(fix/int)

(12)

The fuel system failed, dumping all available power into one giant sunburst of thrust, before exhausting the supply

(Thats the 40m jump mechanic right?) “huh, I could see that actually being useful at some points. Maybe I can find a way to trigger that deliberately”

I attempt to fix the jetpack to prevent the involuntary fuel dump, while still incorporating the option for it into the design as an option.

(yeah)

2:36 PM

The modification seems to work now that you're aware of the problem.

After having made the changes, it seems to be ready for another test. I set my tools aside, and head back outside to try again. I go to the same spot, not blackened by the blast, and try to hover 10m off the ground. (edited)

It works, Hailey hovers over the ground, the pack gently thrumming against her back and spine

I try flying around a bit, to make sure its working. Then, a little more sure, its time to see what this bad boy can really do. It cranks up to fulls speed and I have some fun, shooting through trees and skidding over the lake. When its low on power, I turn back to the lab, refitting it with new power cells and stowing it with the rest of my tech. Alright, ship time. (gonna take some time to draw up what I'm thinking)

(Sounds good!)

(does this look ok. I'll have the ship built by submitting it through engineers, then do the mods myself once its done) (edited)

(Have Shriven double check since he’s got that macro but I don’t see anything out of place)

(cool)

Once my plans for the Shadow's Bounty are in, I get to bed. The following morning, I look to see if the UNW shuttle is open to be borrowed. RCOE want's to get one more new planet discovered, and I wanna get that done.

(Quick update after talking with Robert, that planet is going to be Canache and we’ll be taking the Wunderlust)

(Its a regular old team up)

(A classic buddy cop movie)

(want to do that here or do you guys want a mission thread?)

(I'm fine with here if it's easier)

(Yeah I think here’s fine)

Hailey!

I'm just loading up the Wanderlust with supplies. Meet me here when you're ready, we can go take a look at Canache. There's room for a vehicle if you want to bring one.

Robert

Before meeting with Robert, I build another one of the jet packs for Robert to use, just the same as mine. Then, I get packed and go to meet him on the Wunderlust. Bringing the bike as well.

The Wanderlust is being loaded with supplies, as advertised. A handful of crewmen are loading pallets of food and water aboard

Hailey meets Robert there. She has some equipment herself, being hauled by a struggling Peter.

Robert stifles a laugh as he sees Peter. "Hailey! Glad you could make it. We're just about ready to head off. Meet the crew, they're a reserved bunch but they're very capable. Ready to head to Canache?"

“Yep! Ready when you are.” She finishes loading and introducing herself to the crew, before getting settled in for the trip.

After making sure that all of the gear has been stowed correctly, Robert takes his seat in front of the controls. He decouples from the station, and takes the Wanderlust out into interplanetary space. Once he is far enough away from the nearest gravity well, he engages the spike drive and begins the journey.

7:36 PM

(Aslief, Galatea, Canache)

(any downtime projects in the 9 day trip?)\

(oh yes actually, now that I think about it. Can I build an exact copy of by electro gun to set into Pete, swapping out the needle gun thing)

(Yes you can)

(cool, doing that then)

8:14 PM

(good to go other than that tho)

8:15 PM

(anything you wanted to do robert? we've two engineers and 9 days here so it's a good opportunity to mod/build if you want)

(Oooh yeah hang on there were some things I needed to do)

8:23 PM

(Help me mod Bubbleseal (Fix-1) and Customised (Fix-1) into my Combat Field Uniform? Would we be able to implant the jetpack into it as well?) (edited)

(yeah that would be your third mod

(Then that's what I'm after yes)

(yeah we can do that. Since we're at it, I'll put those two mods on mine. Bubbleseal is smart since we're off to the unknown here.)

(Yeah I got pretty sketched out from not having a vacc seal on my good armour so this seems like a good compromise)

8:32 PM

(That's all I need to get done on this trip)

(Neko is there a way to add more vehicles/mechs under the vehicle tab on the sheet?)

(I couldn't find one, I just keep a Google doc of all my vehicles for reference)

(yeah I have that too. Just would be nice to have another)

(You must sacrifice a beloved npc to the roll20 gofs)

(oh you right! once I get it I can put my ship on peter's sheet)

(Yeah Peter should have a slot. there’s not a way for me to add anything to the sheets as far as new tabs)

9:03 PM

(I can’t do anything you guys can’t do)

(ok. just wasn't sure if I was missing it)

(I think actually in edit mode you guys can change your sheets more than I can)

(If thats all then we can head to Canache whenever)

The long journey ends with a translation warning being blared. The ship exits, to a solar system made up of a gas giant, and a planet with one moon.

8:42 AM

The geology on the planet below is freakish, to say the least, snow covered deserts, forests of ice spires, a savannah dotted with pine trees. It looks as though someone took the pieces of normal biomes, and scattered them like seeds thrown a divine hand, to land where they may.

8:42 AM

There is one formation of special interest, survey scanners on the ground showing it to be a 1000m tall collection of nine perfectly proportioned mountains, all the exact same height, eight of the formations surrounding a central nineth

Hailey admires the landscape out the window. “Where do you think we should set down Robert?”

Robert is silent for a moment, watching the planet slowly rotate through the viewport. "I dare say we could pick any place to land and we would find something interesting. This planet looks like it was made. If I'd built this planet and I wanted to set up some kind of base, I'd do it at the strange mountain range. I say we head there if we want some answers."

“I agree. That’s the obvious choice. its like someone couldn’t make up their mind. Put us down Captain .”

10:53 AM

Hailey watches the mountain range as they come in to land.

Robert scans the planet as he approaches, focusing on any anomalous signatures near the mountain range.

The mountains, when you approach, aren't mountains at all, but statues

11:06 AM

human statues. they are all human figures, an arm level with their head, facing out, palm raised to the distance. (think those king statues from lord of the rings)

11:07 AM

In the center, arms clasped around a sword, raised point skyward in knightly salute, is a ninth, a crown on his head.

"Want to land and check them out? There might be some information about them on the ground."

“Definitely. This looks awesome.” (Are the palms facing the middle one?) Hailey watches the statues as they pass from above, trying to take in the sheer 1000m size of these things.

(away from the middle one, off into the distance)

Robert lands the Wanderlust near the base of the nearest statue. He gives a quick command to his crew to stay with the ship, and be ready to take off if anything goes wrong or they get the word. He turns to Hailey, smiles widely, and strides off the ship.

(Gotcha)

She smiles back. Following Robert’s lead, she hops off the ship and tells Peter to follow closely. (edited)

Once off the ship, Robert pauses to allow Hailey and Peter to catch up. He takes in the view of the statues, trying to find anything that could shed more light on this mystery. He pulls out a survey scanner and takes a sample of the air and dirt to make sure the planet is safe enough to stay on.

(lets get a notice/int for statues)

12:53 PM

The air and soil are safe. The world feels wrong, because of the freak geology, but aside from being singularly unpleasant to stand on, nothing in the environment can hurt you

“As off and wacky as this place is, it has its own weird beauty. I kinda like it, not following the universe’s rules.” She looks around with Robert, checking out the statues. Peter follows behind, his eight eyes scanning everything. (10 for Hailey, 14 for Pete)

Pete scuttles over to what looks to be a small depression in the ground, very subtle, and begins digging with his powerful forearms, revealing a stone plaque.

1:57 PM

(hailey has wanderer, so she can read it, its in French) These statues honor the council of nine, the brave psionic warrior judges, guiding our society through the darkest of night. As they stand, so will this planet

(did I call it or did I call it Robert?!)

1

(world tags are freak geology, and psionics worship)

(Neko literally the reason I picked Canache was because the name sounds French so there shouldn’t be much of a fight)

2:01 PM

(And it IS French!)

2:02 PM

(Hell yeah) (edited)

1

2:04 PM

“What’d ya find Pete?” Hailey helps him brush it off, then reads the inscription. (also shoutout to Pete this little guy has never failed me yet)

(language)

(French)

(I'll pardon it)

(Oh sorry you’re right)

2:06 PM

(putain oui)

Pete chirps happily, hes helping.

“Nice job Pete! You’re never fail to exceed my expectations”

2:11 PM

She gives Robert a rundowns on what it says. “Basically, it’s saying that these nine guys are a council of ‘psionic warrior judges’ that lead whatever society lives, or lived, here, and as long as they’re standing, the planet will too. Not sure what it means by that last bit.”

(Robert has Wanderer too, we are just a couple of wanderers here)

9:11 PM

"That's incredible! Where is this society then? I didn't get any readings to suggest this place was settled on our approach. If we could find some psychics here it'd be a great gain for us, we need all the psychics on our side we can get right now."

2

"Let's head to the central statue, we might find more there."

“Good idea. Maybe we’ll find more traces of a past society at least” She leads the way towards the central statue.

Robert walks with her, eyes alert for danger. This place is as unsettling as it is beautiful, he thinks to himself.

As they walk, Robert suddenly perks up. "Hailey, I've been thinking a bit about PsikeTV. From what I've heard, it's starting to really come together. I was wondering if you wanted a partnership of sorts. I've been recording my expeditions to other worlds, and I've wanted to edit it into a kind of documentary. The people of the UNW should know more about the worlds near them and the life that lives on them. Would you want to air something like that?"

"Hah, coming together is a bold way of saying it, but the future is looking good. Anyways, yes! I think a show where you showed of worlds and creatures and life from around the galaxy would be fantastic. A documentary type show like that would really round out the roster of what I have planned for the future. I would totally be up for that partnership. If its successful, maybe we could even work together to begin setting up wildlife reserves on different planets. But that's just an idea. Yeah I love that idea a lot. What kind of stuff do you have so far?"

"The only thing I've really sat down and edited was the Lava Wurm fight on Tsatsos. It's what gave me the idea, really. Something so incredible living there that most people will never see. I can send you the footage that I've dubbed with some commentary when we get back home. I love your idea of setting up some wildlife reserves. We have to start taking care of these ecologies now, before they end up in crisis. Not many animals were still kicking around back home on Earth last time I was there."

“You were there recently? I haven’t been ever, but I’d like to go. Maybe once I have my ship. But yeah, you wouldn’t have to worry about the editing, unless you want to do it. Hope you made sure to make me looks good in that fight haha”

Robert laughs. "I'd struggle to make you look bad. You've definitely got a better sense of style than me, Hailey. Even your mech is mesmerising." Roberts face darkens slightly. "Earth was the last planet I was on before the Scream. I don't know if we could realistically get there now, the galaxy being like it is. I'd love to go back though. I want to see my parents again. If we ever find a way back there, I'll head there with you."

At the base of the central statue, there is a small onyx monument. The language on it is French, again. Warrior King Frances II the Bold

"I thought I'd seen my last Frenchman after I left Earth. Though I suppose we haven't seen anyone, not counting our giant friends here. Got any idea of where to go from here?"

8:46 AM

As he speaks, Robert looks for any sign of civilisation or recent visitation other than the existence of giant French statues.

“Haah I’m flattered but that’s not what I meant.” She responds to the compliment. “I’m sorry to hear that. I only got excited because I thought you meant recently”

10:17 AM

“No, I have no idea. I feel like there should be some kind of hidden room or something, but I’m not seeing anything.” She continues searching with him regardless.

"The future is always unknown, I haven't given up on seeing my family yet. Who knows what we will find as we explore the stars around us?"

“That’s true. The more we progress, the better your chances.”

Staring out at the horizon, he continues. "They certainly went to a lot of effort to build this installation only to go hide somewhere didn't they?"

“Unless of they didn’t just go hide somewhere of their own free will”

10:34 AM

“At this point, I dunno whether it’d be worse to find this society or not”

There are palm trees waving around this large clearing, despite the cool and snappy fresh air. (notice/wis)

(12 for Pete, 5 for Hailey)

(9 for Robert, go Peter)

She admires the palm trees as they pass, only coming to like this place more and more.

Peter and Robert both see a shadow out of place with the rest of the dark forest, high up on one of the taller trees. It is blob like, its background broken by either camouflage, or its actual shape.

Robert switches his optical implants to thermal vision, staring intently at the blob.

Peter nudges Hailey, getting her attention toward this. “Whatd you see Robert?”

whatever is hanging there, it's not warm, but you see the figure as humanoid, more distinctly

Hailey steps back a few meters, then kicks in her grav pick and hovers up 10m. Higher up now, she tries to get a better look.

There is a human body hanging from the tall free, buried near the top in the palm fronds. The rope has wrapped around the tree a few times, likely due to the wind

(Not gonna lie, was kinda hoping it’d be a reptile monkey thing)

"What's up there? Can you get it down on your own?"

(Something. Weird about the place is aside from plants it seems quite empty of life at all

(Now I'm scared)

(Give it a hug Robert)

(I can't hug a lack of animal life)

(with that attitude.....)

“It’s a dead body. Hung up with a rope. I think I can get it down.” Hailey tries to undo the rope and let the body fall to the ground near Robert. (edited)

"This place is getting more macabre the longer we spend here. I can't hear any animal sounds at all, and we just found a dead body."

10:19 AM

Robert kneels by the fallen corpse and inspects it. (Assuming the corpse falls.) (edited)

(It does.). The corpse is human and has been here for a very long time. It’s mostly bones at this point. Tatters of tan monkish robes hand in scraps from the body, with a coral blue sash

"Who hanged him up in the branches there? This world is starting to get somewhat unsettling."

“That’s creepy. Do you see any others?” She has Pete look around fir more corpses. “I still feel like I have no idea what’s going on here”

1:01 PM

“I know it’s probably a bad idea, but I’m reeeaaally wanting to see what would happen if one of those warriors cabs down” (edited)

1:08 PM

(Is there anything on the sash?)

1:08 PM

(“Prom King”?

)

There are no others that can be seen. The sash has some gold trim but nothing written on it.

Hailey grabs the sash and stows it away for now, thinking it might be useful later. “I’m not sure where to go from here Robert” (Imma wait for him to come back and we can talk about where to go from here)

(Sure thing!)

(Sorry I'm gonna be a bit slow for a few days Easter is pretty hectic for me)

8:09 PM

Robert pauses in thought for a moment, staring at the corpse. He trudges back to the ship, returning with an entrancing tool. He spends some time digging a small grave, and lays the corpse inside it, covering it with soil.

8:10 PM

"We could cruise along in the ship at low altitude and see if anything stands out? Everything seems to be as weird as everything else here."

(no prob same for me too. I'm gonna be traveling this weekend so hectic here too)

8:13 PM

"Sounds good to me. Lets go find some more weird stuff." Hailey helps him finish burring the corpse, then follows back to the ship.

"Thanks for the help. I don't like the idea of someone just being left to rot like that."

"I get it"

Robert claps Hailey on the back, and walks into the ship. He takes a seat at the pilots controls, and lifts it up into the air. Once he starts cruising along a few hundred metres above ground level he calls out.

8:17 PM

"Hailey, want to work the scanning system for me? See if you can find anything."

"On it!" After a couple seconds figuring out the controls, she starts scanning.

(program/int)

(Can you roll for me please?)

7:25 AM

(Actually nvm I got it)

7:29 AM

(6)

7:31 AM

(Wait that was punch/int lol) (8 for program/int)

7:33 AM

(Punch/int XD. “Hailey Clements destroys her enemies with facts and logic!”) (edited)

(hahahahah those are the names of your fists, clearly)

7:36 AM

Scans return. It does not appear that there have been any habitations on planet in thousands of years, if at all. There are not even ruins. The entire world is just a haphazard arrangement of freakish biomes.

7:36 AM

There is also zero life, aside from the plants rthemselves.

(Haha need knuckle tattoos with that lol)

7:38 AM

“Nothing on the scans Robert. Literally nothing. No life, no ruins, nothing.” (edited)

7:40 AM

(One leaves mental wounds and the other emotional ones)

"Where did the corpse come from? This planet is incredibly unsettling. Do you want to stay? There are other unexplored systems nearby. I just don't understand how all the life vanished here, it's surreal."

“That’s a great question. I’d love to know how this happened, but I don’t think there’s an answer here for us.” She pauses to look around. “I’m up for checking out some other nearby systems. May have to do a second trip here with one of he psychics or something, get some real investigation in”

1

"Sounds like a plan to me. Something this spooky seems right up their alley. Vahdat is just a short way to the South, let's head there."

9:53 AM

Robert begins taking the ship out of the atmosphere.

9:55 AM

(That should be the last Cunning objective for the Engineers yeah?)

(indeed it is)

3

(Big woot)

(I'll post rewards in that channel once i think of a good one)

(so we're agreed on Vadhat then?) (edited)

(Yup)

Vadhat, when you arrive, is a dead world. A barren planetoid spins below you in the light of a neutron Star

"Not having much luck on this trip, are we? Think you can scan the planet while I take us closer?

She stands at a window looking out. “Nope. Another less than lively planet. Pete gimme a hand with these scans.” (12 with the +2 from help)

The planet is indeed dead, for now. A faint atmosphere is forming, and one day this world will be among the many others that bloom with love

5

7:06 AM

Life

(And the pursuit of happiness)

(How quaint)

7:43 AM

“Well, it doesn’t look like we can really land here yet. I mean, I guess we could, but is there a point?”

"Better to let it be, I imagine. I'd hate to taint a newly forming world with our bacteria. At least we've surveyed two new worlds for the UNW. Anywhere else you'd like to visit? I'm happy to take us home, but there's a few other systems nearby, and there were some places on Akhlaqi I was meaning to visit soon. The choice is yours, my chromatic friend."

“I’m up for it. Sound fun. Take us away Captain Tanzer.”

(Some of the worlds have only scouting reports too and haven’t actually been visited, as well. If you’re looking for ideas)

(I think I’m kinda just tagging along with Robert now, so it up to him where to go)

(I'm kind of enjoying this new worlds tour.)

(That world is sort of cool though. There must be some terraforming stuff there.)

(Yeah both imo)

"Let's try our luck at Pelasgon." Robert sets the coordinates, and drills.

(Anything planned for the week of spike space?)

(Would I be able to build a new drone in that time on the ship?) (edited)

(As long as it won’t use more pretech components then you’ve all got on you, if any)

11:51 AM

(You’re in spike drill so you can’t really stop to supply somewhere)

(Robert is building a Ghostwalker with Grav Mufflers and an Observation Suite)

(I don’t have anything I wanna do. I’m afk so I can’t really do much in terms of that anyways. )

(If you think of anything later feel free to speak up. I don’t want you to lose out) The drill ends after a week, and you arrive in a heavily defended system. Over sixty system ships are at anchor over the planet, all declaring their allegiance to the people’s commissariat of pelagson

2

(Alright cool ty)

12:51 PM

(Also, we found space communists!)

1

12:54 PM

“Aww they rolled out the red carpet for us hahah. Do you wanna request to land and just go for it?”

"I'm going to send them a greeting. Don't want to get blown out of the sky by these guys."

“Sounds good. Try to sound nice”

Robert winks. "I'll do my best."

8:17 PM

He sends out a system wide transmission. "This is Robert Tanzer of the United Nations of Worlds. I have just entered your system in my ship, the Wanderlust. I am here on a diplomatic mission of peace and friendship. I would speak with your people's representatives if you would allow it. I will remain stationary until you have given me instructions as to what you would like me to do."

“Wanderlust. Remain where you are and prepare to be boarded”

"Acknowledged. We will power down our engines and await your arrival."

Two gunboats, and a specialized boarding shuttle begin making their way toward you all flying the proud red and yellow flags of the people’s political officer

"Hailey, you alright with this turn of events? We can hide you if you're uncomfortable." As he talks, Robert is laying a number of glasses out on a table, with a bottle of whiskey in the middle.

She’s taken aback by the warm welcome he’s setting out. “I’ll just take my stuff and head into my cabin. I’m not one for diplomaticacies anyways.” She grabs a glass of whiskey and heads to the back. “have fun”

There is a gentle bump on the side of the ship as the boarding shuttle comes to a halt and the airlocks hook in to one another. The air pressure hisses as it becomes equal, and there is a sharp knock at the hatch (edited)

Robert opens the hatch, then stands up straight, hands empty and visible.

A finely dressed political officer steps aboard, chest heavy with medals and ribbons, earned, or decoration, it is hard to tell. He is wiry, with sharp features, and a smile bisected near the corner of his mouth by a vicious scar. His hair is an oily jet black. Two burly commissariat office stormtroopers accompany him, each carrying a combat rifle with a large drum magazine

6:54 AM

"UNW Vessel. I am Commissar Valor. Welcome to Pelasgon

"Commissar, I'm Robert Tanzer, explorer. Welcome to my ship. I've got some whiskey waiting for us in our meeting room, if you'd care to join me. Your men are welcome, but I ask that they keep their weapons lowered. My ship is one of exploration, not war, there's nothing to fear here."

They shoulder them after he gives them a curt nod, seeing that you likewise are not strapped to the teeth. "Ah a drink. I'd be interested to try something from offworld. Mr. Tanzer, we will join you." He motions for his men to follow.

7:08 AM

The airlock on their boarding shuttle closes with a loud rattle, signaling no more will be coming aboard without you hearing it.

Robert grins at the Commissar. "I'm glad you're accepting of my hospitality. Follow me, I'm sure we have much to discuss." He leads the group to the table in the living quarters that he arranged the glasses on. He quickly takes a seat and pours a decent nip of the spirit into two of the glasses. "Your men are welcome to join us, if you're alright with it," he says, as he pushes one of the glasses to the opposite end of the table before taking a sip from his own.

He nods again, and both of them lose a bit of their serious demeanor, sitting down to enjoy the drinks with you. "We apologize for the greeting in the way we do. It is standard procedure. Space is dangerous outside of this gravity well"

"I understand. The UNW has encountered its fair share of danger out here as well. As long as you don't soar in shooting I've no issue with how your people defend their home system."

7:18 AM

Robert pours the two soldiers a drink each, handing it to them. "Do you have any questions for me, now we're here?"

"You said you represent the United Nations of Worlds. This is a group we have not heard of before. Some information about yourselves in the political sense, might be a good place to start. I of course, will return in kind"

7:19 AM

You can't help but notice the true look of relish on the soldiers faces, even the Commissar, as they enjoy the off world spirit

"The UNW is a polity roughly to the Galactic North of here, comprised of a few member worlds. We're a democratic nation, and a very new one, and while we have encountered many threats in the stars around us I believe we can count your nation as one we can trade with and learn from. There is enough distance between us to ensure we need never compete over resources and I am sure there is much we can gain from a friendly relationship. Can you tell me about Pelasgon?"

"We are a united people's republic" he says, fierce national pride in his eyes "I'm sure communism brings certain unflattering things to mind, like you can get shot for telling a joke, or there's no food, and comrade, that is simply not true. We share everything. Before the peoples republic, there was no order. It was like the stone age. Men eating each other, sell the kids as slaves, but now, we have order. We have no rich men, true, but no beggars either"

"Honestly, I've always had vaguely Marxist leanings myself. I read a bit of the classic political treatises and manifestos back when I lived on Earth, and a lot of it resonated with me. While I can't claim to know exactly how your society is organised, I would be very interested in learning." (edited)

"A man of learning and culture" he smiles, angling the glass toward you in a salute "Pelasgon is coming to grips with the end results of a violent climate change, our society changed, along with our planet, into the harsher, but stronger culture you see before you today. "

Robert raises his glass in return. "I know the effects of climate change all too well. We were still trying to fix it's effects on Earth when I left. I hope your people will be able to undo the damage of the past." "You spoke earlier of the dangers of space. Can you tell me about the threats you've found out in the void? I would be happy to return the favour."

"Our ships are but system ships. We were never able to crack the mysteries of spike travel, but there have been pirate incursions into our territory before"

"I will need to speak to my people, but if our two nations develop good relations I'm sure we could help you master spike drive construction. Regardless, I'll give you some information on known threats in this region of space. There are the Fleshshapers far to the North on the galactic plane, strange beings that use psionic bodyscuplting to shape their weapons out of bodies. The Tenebrian Remnant lies to the North East, it has attempted to claim nearby worlds but has been heavily weakened in a protracted war between us, along with fending off the Fleshshapers themselves." Robert leans back at this point, his voice getting quieter. "Lastly, and most importantly to you, is the being that caused the Scream. In my travels I learned of its existence, and how it approaches even now, seeking to destroy all of us. I understand if you don't believe my warning, I realise how it sounds, but I swear I am speaking the truth."

"I'd be remiss in my duty if i did not at least carry your warning back to the Politburo on planet. Can you go into anymore detail?" He gently nudges his glass forward, for another drink, and takes out his compad

(some samples of how they look. Cyrus found some dope art awhile ago)

1

Tanzer refills all the glasses before taking a hefty sip from his own. "In my travels I found a planet that was home to a groupmind of dead psychics left over from the Scream. Eventually it manifested into a body, and I was able to talk with them. They told me of an attempt by psionics galaxy wide to contact a being they could feel calling out across the void. They succeeded, and that beings response was the Scream. They learned that the being was encroaching, essentially hunting sentient beings galaxy wide. It will supposedly reach here in a few short years. The UNW is taking this threat seriously and we are working to stop it. If your leadership is concerned, we would appreciate your help, but I'm sure that is a matter that will require a good amount of discussion." (edited)

“You’ve the measure of it” he says. “That would be a longer conversation”

"As long as we get that conversation started I will be happy. This issue affects us all. Now, do you have any further questions for me?"

“Psychics. The UNW’s stance?”

"We accept them freely. They have proven to be invaluable allies in our struggle to rebuild civilisation. How does the Commissariat view them?"

“The same, precognitives especially. They help us determine where our glorious people’s manufacturing may have a shortfall. Hearing you have not discarded your citizens is a relief.

"That... is a marvellous use of precognition. I'm very impressed. We aim to provide a home to all citizens, regardless of their background." Robert relaxes into his seat, glad that the first contact is going well. "I believe our two nations should begin formal relations. Is there any chance I could visit your world? Even if that isn't a possibility, I would be happy to bring a diplomatic delegation back to our capital on this ship. How would your leadership like us to proceed?"

"It may be some days before permission gets far enough up the central committee to get an answer. It depends how long you wish to wait"

"Let me talk to my crew briefly. I don't want to keep them here if they wish to return soon. Would you mind waiting here? Help yourselves to the food available while you wait."

They sit and make no effort to move beyond the room as you go to leave

Robert walks down to Hailey's bunk. He knocks, and calls through the door. "Hailey, things are going well with these guys, I think we've reached a kind of understanding. The Commissar says it'll be days before we would get permission to land. Want to go home now, or do you want to wait a while on the ship and check out their world? I can always come back, I've got a few errands to run around this region of space."

She opens. “Glad to hear it. Frankly, I’d like to check out their world, explore the place, see what they’ve got to offer, yadda yadda yadda. But once we do that, I wanna get back, as fun as it’s been exploring with you. My ship should be ready soon, so I’ll probably bring some of the psychics to do another check of Canache. But, yeah, let’s wait the few days so we can land and check out the planet.”

"That all sounds like a good plan to me. Three new worlds is plenty for one trip. I'll let them know." Robert returns to the table, taking a seat. "We've agreed to wait for your government to allow us to land."

"Very good. I'll return right away and get the process started"

11:02 AM

He and his men get up, shake hands, and head off the vessel

Robert pulls out his pipe, leaning back in his seat. He glances at the clock for a moment, then pulls out some tobacco and lights it up.

11:04 AM

(Anything you want us to do in this time?)

(only if you had more downtime stuff, we can move on otherwise)

(I'm happy to move on)

Two days pass, before the boarding shuttle returns, and the commissar returns to the hatch

Hailey’s waiting there with Robert this time, not hiding in her cabin.

"Commissar Valor! Welcome back! This here is my friend and fellow Engineer Hailey Clements."

"Nice to meet you. A shame you were not attending the meeting prior, you'd have brightened the whole room with your radiance" He removes his cap when addressing her. In his other leather gloved hand, he holds out a sheaf of permits, allowing you passage onto the surface

Hailey smiles. “hahaha You flatter me Commissar. Its a pleasure, and I’d loved to have met with you alongside the Captain, but I’m afraid I’m just not much of a diplomat.” She turns to Robert. “I’m ready to go when you are.”

(I will try to get a map together tonight) THe weather on planet below is best described as tropical hellscape, as the overly warm and humid planet opens its starport approach to you. Atmofighters fall into formation around your ship as it makes its way through yellow clouds, to a harsh brown-green verdigree spread of landscape below.

2:23 PM

The land is bordered by a sea of grey-black, closer to home on the hull of a battleship than a worlds' oceans

Nekosmash 4/23/2019 2:24 PM

Hailey takes in the view of the environment and the ships and fighters as they come in to land with the escort.

"They weren't kidding about the climate problems."

8:18 PM

Robert continues to stare out the viewport in awe as they come in to land.

Upon landing, a platoon of the rough looking tan and brown fatigued soldiers come to attention, you count at least 40, 20 to each side of the ramp. In the middle, stands Commissar Valor and his two guard goons

(idk if it's important, but are the commissar and his guards getting off with us, or waiting?)

(I'm going to assume they were waiting because it makes for a better mental image hehehe)

(yeah I agree.)

(They didn’t stay on your ship. They’re on the ground waiting for you to disembark)

Robert raises his hand in greeting. "Glad we could finally make it down here. This is probably the most impressive welcome to a planet I've ever had."

"Ohwwww, you guys didn't have to." Hailey smiles and waves sarcastically as she gets off, walking behind Robert.

1

(They Gave you the Permits to land and left) “Plegason welcomes you. All of you. You’ll get used to the heat.”

9:28 PM

The city is brutalist in design, the buildings a grey and brown patina of cement and ceraplast

"My body has been modified to thrive in far more extreme temperatures than this. It won't be a problem. Save the AC for Hailey." Robert laughs. "So, where to first?"

"I say we explore the city. See what's here, enjoy it, just check it out."

9:32 PM

She leads the way into the city.

Robert happily follows.

The commissar and his men follow , only the two bodyguards, accompanying him. A staff car, open topped, is brought out for you, and an additional one for them. "There's plenty to do here, I can make some recommendations depending on what you're interested in"

“Thank you, that would be great. Back home on Gudrun, I’m leading the charge in the entertainment industry. How prevalent is that here, and if it is, is there anywhere entertainment related we could visit?”

"Well, we have government owned radio, and television, the news is very popular, as is the history network. Lots of people visit the beaches, and the amusement parks along them. We have sports, soccer, basketball, martial arts"

“Wow! You guys are way more developed in that area than most other places I’ve been. That’s awesome! Makes me happy. I’m afraid I don’t have time for an extended visit today, but sometime in the future, I’d like to return here and explore these, or possibly even work alongside your government, if you’d allow it.”

"Entertainment from off world will have to go through the department of morality, but I think you'd be able to work something out"

10:26 AM

(basically their prettied up way of saying censorship, but from what hasn't been made too cleaR)

(Yeah I figured there’s be some kind of use with the govn controlling it. I don’t wanna take forever to go to places and analyze it rn, so I’ll just come back alone later)

10:35 AM

“Perhaps we can talk business in terms of this more in the future, if, or rather when I return. Thank you commissar. Out of curiosity, what sort of things does your department look to censor?” (Robert is there anything else you’d like to see)

"Certain political ideas have endangered the office of the glorious people's commissar in the past. It would be easier to explain things as proposals or entertainment comes in"

“Ah I see, well we wouldn’t want that now would we. And that makes sense. Thank you for sharing.”

"I don't mean to give vague information, but I think it is worse to send you away with the wrong ideas"

“No worries. You’ve shared more then enough already and your hospitality has been wonderful.” She turns to Robert. “I’m ready to go when you are.”

12:01 PM

“Thank you for being so welcoming Commissar. Your kindness has been a pleasant surprise.”

"I hope to see you here again soon" he says, favoring you with getting a bit red in the face

Hailey smiles at him and winks. “I’m sure you will. Don’t worry.” She leads the way back to the Wunderlust with Robert.

The ceremonial guard leaves, only a handful of landing pan guards are left behind, as you both return to the Wunderlust

(If you want to wait for Robert, that’s fine by me, but I think the plan was just to head back home from here)

The wanderlust returns on a much shorter trip back, to winter on Gudrun once again

(3xp, 10000 credits for that too. Almost forgot. Did forgot. Now didn’t forgot)

(I don’t know what you’re talking about

)

Returned to Gudrun, Hailey begins thinking about the future, and of Psyke TV

(Between the 20+ days away and new bonus, the ship should be ready now, right?)

(It is complete)

I return back on Gudrun in high spirits. Robert drops me off at the shipyard, and I step up to examine the freshly built ship, Shadow's Bounty . Its blue, with orange accents and a slim design. I look up in awe. Its a little bigger than it was on the blueprint. I raise my eyebrows, then grin. excited to take it out for a spin. Dragging Pete with me, I find my way inside. Its barren still, obviously, without anything yet to bring it to life inside. I find my way to the controls, and prepare to take in down to the ol home base.

It hums loudly, and metal parts clank together as it roars to life for the first time. Slowly, it lifts off the ground. We shoot off down across Gudrun, down from the station and speeding out over Greenbriar. The Bounty is much faster than I'd expected, which is awesome. Pete, on the other hand, looks as scared for his life as a spider-bot can. It handles light and quick. As HQ comes into view up ahead, I take it in to land, touching down on the edge of the city.

Your settlement is beginning and the work is proceeding as planned. A few workers on downtime are already making use of the hot springs

I laugh at the sight. Glad to see people using them all the way up until - oh yep no one of them stood up did no need to see that today. Time to go hide inside for a bit. I crash and turn into the news. The part concerning Cam shows up, and though I'd already heard bits from Desmond, somehow it still hurts to see it being officially announced like this. Instead of moping around about it, I get up to go work on something, suddenly restless and wanting to distract myself. Building a ship has given me some ideas for my mech. Billy told me how they can turn extra mass on ships into additional power conducting, and vice versa. I want to look into if this would be possible for a mech. I go to the garage, and start experimenting, using the Dragonfly Mech as a test subject, and essentially tearing it apart in places in the process.

It seems like the same principles could apply on a smaller scale

9:24 PM

The vehicles are different but the power systems are nearly identical, with a few slight differences due to their different functions

Once again using the Dragonfly as my platform for experimentation, I go for it, adding additional power capacity in the empty space. (If that works out, there's something else I wanna try but I'll do it in character)

(you've got enough pre-tech parts for the mod?)

7:09 AM

(IIRC that mod needs them)

(I believe it takes two right? Tinker-2 makes it so I only need one, and I have four total right now)

(right and right, cool beans)

8:11 AM

THe modification works, you're satisfied with the results

(Also I’m going to be salvaging them back out and getting a different base anyways. Just using the Dragonfly as an rping testing type thing)

8:13 AM

(Don’t wanna be testing this kinda stuff out on not a mech because that wouldn’t make any sense at least to me)

(No I'm with you, I get it) The dragonfly's systems seem to adapt well to the change, none of the various gauges are red-lining, and the only warning that appears is that certain sensors in the old system are not working. It makes sense. Those parts are no longer there. You’re pretty confident this same idea can be applied to other vehicles that use a fusion plant to run. (edited)

“Sweet! I’ll have to share this with the others. Let’s see if we can’t get some of these other plans to work too though first.” I pulls a second sketch out of my bag, then attempt to make it a reality. If successful, it would fit into the mech and boost its movement speed in combat. (Wanna homebrew a fitting to boost speed. I imagine a good chunk of power (3 or 4) and a little mass (1 or 2) for a boost of maybe 3 or so, depending of how much it takes up, but you decide what’s balanced. Maybe it’s just a mod and not a fitting even)

9:29 PM

(If nothing that’s cool too, just wanted to play and try.)

(Speed actually does something as far as trying to hit. Mechs are already very difficult to hit let alone damage. We’ve already pushed it beyond its scope by allowing the mass/power to get shifted around)

9:31 PM

(Pretty much only direct fire heavy weapons hurt you. Can’t use guided rockets or tl4 artillery or anything like that. If they’re getting that close to you, you already have a massive advantage)

(oh wait really i didnt even know that speed calculated into hit thing! thats actually really cool. Also, I think that "only heavy" thing only applies only to light/heavy mechs)

(I’ll have to re read that but yeah as far as speed usually I just do it for you guys when I roll to hit. I take it away from their modifier)

(yeah its right under the table with the hulls. It also has a little blerb about it under Armor in the mechs section. )

9:43 PM

(so the speed stat is subtracted from their hit roll then? I never even saw that but thats awesome)

(Good to know. I’m going to stick with my answer answer though since speed already does something. And yeah. In the case if infantry whole speed value is subtracted from their to hit. If it’s a vehicle shooting at you, it’s the difference between your speed and theirs)

9:44 PM

(You guys in general haven’t had to deal with too many vehicles though)

(ok yeah that whole speed being subtracted thing definitely changes it, since before i thought it was just used as a measure of how quick it can move, and less similar to AC.)

9:46 PM

(lol yeah vehicles would be cool to see people using more)

A handful of design attempts go into trying to boost the speed, but the mech’s structural integrity comes close to failing several times for a fractional gain in efficiency. Mankind simply doesn’t have the materials or metallurgy skill to get the desired effect right now

“Bummer. Oh well.” (I’ll quit for now. I don’t wanna keep bombarded you. I’ve pushed the limits enough for today lol) I fix back up the Dragonfly, repairing the mess I’ve made of it, then board the Bounty and head for the RBoE HQ.

(The tsatsos one it the in system asteroid base? Just so I know who’s around)

(not the Tsatsos one, the first one, the asteroid one that was the first one that was set up, that one)

The asteroid base is busy and the team of piggen transfered out of Billy’s secret have likewise arrived around the time you have. Other station techs are busy getting everything up to speed

I take a moment to take it in. The place is coming along nicely. Still getting used to the piggens, I go back to the storage for us mighty high ranking officials and grab one of the nanite canisters I'd dropped off before. In its place, I leave a note that just says "thanks".

They have remained untouched, and ready for use

I stroll back out with the canister, and waving and acknowledging the piggen and techs. Back in my workshop, I need to build a new mech as the base, and the nanite canisters will be programmed in on top of that.

 -Anti-Vehicle Laser (P-7, M-3, Hardpoints-2)
-Breaching Tool (20k, P-1, M-1)
-Field Medical Unit (25k, P-2, M-1)
-Grav Chutes (20k, P-1, M-1)

1:43 PM

(One power traded for one mass)

(This is the light mech, right?)

2:53 PM

(Fine either way I just want to make sure I remembered right)

(No it’s just a shock suit. I thought I had to quest for a light mech.)

3:01 PM

(Lemme rethink now though. I think I’ll stick with suit but I wanna look at the options again now)

Hailey is at the middle of a chorus of whining servo arms, sparking welders, air tools, and swarming nanites, all forming a mech, the pieces of which slowly take form as the hours go by.

(Hey nice timing. This thing is an absolute unit XD.) I step back, wiping the sweat from my forehead and letting my hair down from its bun. The mech looms over, nearly five meters tall and a solid silver, for now. The last few nanites fly into place.

It is lethal, agile, and every bit the reflection of its owner. Dull power hums from within as the reactor cycles for the very first time

(Sending you schematics)

Fully powered up, I climb inside. Everything is working perfectly as I test out all the systems, including the AV Laser, much to the dismay of my workshops massive garage door, or now window I guess. All I need is a party to crash for a test run. (How much space do mechs take up again? 500 kilos for a suit and 2 tons for a light? I feel like that’s what I saw somewhere but I don’t remember.)

(its 50 tons no matter what size, even for suits. I know fluff wise it doesnt make a whole lot of sense, but the vehicle transport fittings work the same way)

(oh ok then. thats weird but that's fine for me. I means I have enough either way lol)

(there was a post on reddit about like, even suits take a lot of tools and logistical support to transport, ect, and in game balance terms, it means a shuttle cant be a mech carrier, which makes sense to me)

(Makes sense to me too. Just gotta imagine a massive heavy mech curled up in a little ball)

(If I leave now, can I make my way to Acastus and help the others there, crash the party?)

(We haven't even left yet)

1

(I’m fine with it. Operation there hasn’t kicked off)

(JK I don't know what I'm talking about since I'm late to the game. We are there already and I'm dumb

) (edited)

(hahah no problem)

The operation there hasn’t started. I’m okay with a fourth popping in

(sweet thanks)

In the mech, I move for the Shadow's Bounty with surprising speed. Its quickly loaded up. It sits in the back, bottom part of the ship, surrounded with my armory for weapons and tech. "Alright Pete, let's go, it's time for a field trip." (I imagine he'll just chill on the ship for the most part, but he can come anyways)

(I’ll wait to pop in as the cavalry, if that’s ok)

I really need you to be deploying with them if we are doing this since there’s so many npcs in play

(Ok that’s fine with me. Just sounded like they wanted to be stealthy so I didn’t wanna ruin that)

(Is there time at this point in the raid to swap profiles?)

(yes)

1

Hailey returns back from Acastus exhausted and still somewhat injured, but alive. She'll hang low for a few days in order to recover. Desmond, may he rest in peace, mentioned before Acastus that he'd have the Marshals look into Thorn's disappearance and moves with Malaak. Hailey leaves for their headquarters (assuming they have one), to see if there was any progress on that, and to tell them firsthand of Desmond's sacrifice.

The headquarters is nearly done. It’s livable , but broadcasts won’t be possible for professional grade Psyke TV programs there until next month

8:43 PM

)it’s being built (

(I...what, no I, I meant the Marshels HQ....sorry if that was unclear....or something lol)

(I read the headquarters not their headquarters. My bad)

8:52 PM

The headquarters is relatively empty with most of the marshals deployed off world but there is a good number of support staff here

She tries to find her way to some kind of front desk, or someone else she can talk to to get her un-lost.

There is a receptionist, busy typing up a report on an incident out west. She senses you looking at her and swivels her chair over “Good morning. Welcome to marshal headquarters. How can I help you?”

“Hi, Hailey Clements. I was a friend of Desmond O’Shea, may he rest in peace . A few weeks ago, I asked him and the marshals to look into something for me. I was wondering if there was a way I could look into Marshal reports, or something like that. I— It’s kind of important to me”

"What was the matter you were looking into?" she begins typing, accessing their records

“A woman named Camilla Thorn. Her recent moves, who she’s been seems working with, most important though is last spotted location. I heard rumors of Chloe, but I’m not sure.”

(Also can I bring a mech to cruesa?)

(it won't fit in the starship halls_

1:32 PM

(using heavy weapons of that scale, more importantly, would also open the whole place up to the void) "The thorn files, alright, well, you can use the Provost's old office to look over them. He's got the most up to date information"

(Ok gotcha. Figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask. Need to do whatever I can to keep up with those big boys in that group)

(You'll be fine, I promise)

“Thank you for your help.” Hailey nods and finds her way to the office. She try to find the files on it once inside.

(RIP Hailey)

(Hahah,

we good. Peter’s definitely coming and he’s a big help anyways. Plus I’ve got good weapons to begin with)

(And a big strong Dax to hide behind)

(My hero

)

Desmond's office is the way he left it in life, a spare hat sits on a peg, along with another trenchcoat. This one looks to be far older, the collar frayed, and two holes in the front,

1

2:20 PM

a computer sits in the middle of the desk, next to a coffee cup heavily stained with the rich Acastan brew

The trenchcoat makes her chuckle. “How’d you survive that one dude?” With little trouble making herself at home, she dives into the computer, her fingers flying across keys in search of the files.

1

(Wall of text incoming)

(Cool)

2:34 PM

(Also while it’s on my mind. I’m thinking imma kick off the Maze next Friday or after this whole cruesa shebang. Whichever comes first)

(I'd prefer if we wait unitl after Cruesa, just since its such a big undertaking, I am hoping to be wrapped up by Friday but just in case we are not. That works great, my sister graduates this weekend, so people can do that while I am busier than normal) Dr. Thorn's shares in Ad-Astra were bought out by the UNW, after the mission to Haila, and the diplomatic fallout that occurred due to the visit. Her shuttle was shot down, and the Blacksurf floatilla has laid claim to the wreckage. Upon her return, and censure in the council, she took the swallowtail, along with several stolen Ad-Astra vessels, their crews promised on with promises of credits- her personal fortune more than enough to keep things running for years, and headed north, to fleshshaper space- she did not feel the colony was doing enough to stop them. For unknown reasons, possibly just a greater chance at gaining military salvage- she allied with Malak Al-Muta for a raid on Rawhani, though appears to have taken no direct part in the capture or execution of Judge Monsoor- in fact, data recovered from his discarded compad shows she even tried to warn him, Her fleet was seen again at Maintaine, though did not stay, merely refueling, and heading off again, leaving Malak behind. She was last seen approaching shaper space from the east. .

2:40 PM

There are reports from only one source, Cyrus, stating her ship was later seen at Chloe

(Ok then I will make sure it’s after cruesa. And hey that’s cool, my sisters graduating soon too, in like a couple weeks)

Cyrus and his small team withdrew from Chloe airspace shortly after- Nothing thorns ship did not impede, nor aid, their escape.

2:49 PM

Currently, that is all that is known, though she did promise to explain things to you, if contacted

"What are you doing Cam?" The information is as frustrating as it is puzzling. The reports confirm what Hailey'd heard, about Thorn showing up on Chloe. Still, there's limited information to go off of. At least the next few steps are fairly clear. Hailey sighs and leans the chair onto its back legs, a little on edge, but exasperated as well. She pulls out her comm and, after hesitating a moment, decides to try to contact Thorn again. (incoming)

 Hey convict, me again. 
I've been hearing some rumors recently and I'm not sure how to react to them. You said you'd be up for some explaining, and I'd like to cash that offer in. 
I'd of course be happy to fill you in on some of what's been going on here, of course. A lots changed and I feel like just a kid playing with her toys sometimes. 
I hope we can talk soon, 
Hailey

Hailey sets it down after hitting send and waits on edge for a response. She wants to believe that all this is just Cam getting wrapped up in someone else's scheme and that she's alright and that she's coming back and all that happy ending, but its hard not to see a double-agent attempt sort of thing. Who knows. She clasps her hands behind her head and waits for while, hoping for something soon.

‘’’Hailey. It’s good to hear from you. I’d be happy to meet. I don’t want to get anyone beyond us dragged into anything. What do you say we meet somewhere neutral. Agaspur maybe, or suha? I’ll let you pick the place. Let’s just try to keep it quiet’’’

"Good to hear from you too. I agree, let's keep this quiet. Suha sounds good to me. There's an old military base there that's nothing but ruins now. I'll be waiting near there. When do you think you can be there by? I figure I'm closer than you are, after all."

"First of the month. I heard from a reliable source you're hitting Cruesa soon. Make it through that, then we'll have our talk"

“Sounds good. I’ll try not to die”

(If you don't mind, I'm gonna work towards some goals while we wait for Crusea round 2) Hailey sets down the comm after talking to Thorn. Don't want to jinx it, but this is looking up. She steps out of Desmond's old office and heads out, thanking the receptionist for her help. As she returns back home, she looks on once again at the city being built. It'll be ready for people before she knows it. "Still gotta name this place at some point"D One thing she wanted to look into was the establishment of an arts school in the city. It would be a massive help in developing the attempts to grow culture on Gudrun.

There was an old museum in Prime, its archivist and curator taken into space by Cyrus, with new jobs. Thorn had once hoped to open one, but that plan, as you now know, did not play out

She'll visit the one if Prime first, to tour it and talk to some of the people running it hopefully, then head to Thorn's to check that one out as well anyways. Hailey makes her way to the museum in Prime, bringing Peter along with her, as per usual.

The museum is now empty, it’s curator having backed up and left earlier in the day, but a handful of lesser clerks are there ensuring the few exhibits planned to be hosted here are being packed away in the hopes of seeing the light of day again

She approaches one of the clerks, trying to pick one who looks in charge. “Hi, Hailey Clements. I’m here from the new settlement here, and was hoping to establish an arts school there. I was wondering if you knew of anybody here at the museum that I could talk to to get potential contacts or find some interested people or...something like that. Just people I could to to here about recruitment for that in general.“ (edited)

"There are a good number of people who have been trying to push culture , and develop it where possible. Herb Rotterdam was looking into this place- but if you've got somewhere else, he might be swayed. People are a bit turned off to the project, for...well, i dont need to tell you why"

“Right. I hadn’t talked to Herb about this, so thank you. This is a big help, I’ve talked to him before and I can’t believer didn’t think of it myself. Thanks for the help”

11:46 AM

(And please hold, imma decide what order I wanna do things here)

(I’ll put Herb on hold and head for Suha.)

12:38 PM

(Gonna do a lvl up first tho)

(Sounds good)

(I’m PMing you)

(Imma go visit Herb then put Crusea then go to Suha from there)

Hailey takes the clerks advice and heads to go visit Herb once again. This should be a more fun visit.

(Also I PMed you the 1d10 reward roll but idk if you saw that, so I’m just making sure)

(I did not but i will check)

(Tyty)

Herb might be continuing the same party that was already going on a month or so ago when you were here last. The clothes are different, but the revelers, people, sights, and smells, are largely the same

Hailey marches in, heading the same way as last time. She calls out to greet Herb. “Hey! What’s up Herb? How’s it hanging?”

"Its always hanging my dude" he chortles, a cloud of blue-grey smoke slowly pouring from his nose

9:29 AM

"Finally decide to come cut loose with us?"

“Hahah I’ve gotta say I am. Could some a good time!” She loosens up, letting her guard down and deciding to enjoy the party.

(lets get 2 d100's when you get time, you;'re going to meet some people)

(Oo fun)

(15 and 61)

One woman standing near the window, enjoying a long handled cigarette detaches herself from the group of people she is entertaning and walks over. She seems to float more than walk, such is her grace

3:02 PM

On her upper arm, there is a phosphor tattoo of a running stallion

3:03 PM

"My my, aren't you a pretty new sight at one of these things. I'm Tinese." she holds out a slender han

3:03 PM

hand

Hailey turns to greet her and shakes her hand. “Nice to meet you Tinese. I’m Hailey. What brings you here? Heh, anything besides a good time?”

“The good time. I was trying to petition herb to let me redesign the outdoor performance venue in Central but he isn’t listening. So until he does I’m just here enjoying myself”

“Too bad. Could definitely use one. Good luck getting through to him.”

“I just don’t feel right if I’m not designing something” she shrugs

“I get that. Except the things I design are meant to almost exclusively go boom haha. Hey, you seem like someone who’s well aware that culture on Gudrun isn’t exactly what it could be. I’m working to change that on a large scale. Among some other stuff, I’m working towards an arts school east of Greenbriar, and would love to have someone like you on board. It’s more of an dream than anything else right now, but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day”

You can tell you’ve said exactly what she wants to hear. “Really now. An art school?”

1:47 PM

“I’d love to hear more about it”

Hailey!

When you're ready, I'm ready to take us to Pelagson for our fact finding diplomatic mission. Just let me know when you're on your way, and feel free to properly wrap up any business, I'm happy to wait.

Regards, Robert

“Awesome. Like I said, it’ll be east of Greenbrier in the new, still unnamed settlement sprouting up. Going to be starting the building process soon.”

10:25 AM

(I know I’m a little off the timeline rn, but I’ve got time for Pelsagon, right?)

(yeah we're good)

(Cool)

"Well, id be happy to give it a look. might find a place for myself there after all"

“Would love to have you.” Hailey gives Tinese her contact information so they can keep in touch.

She accepts it, and goes back to her window perch, though you see her cast a few glances your way after

Hailey finds her way back into the crowd, enjoying herself some more. (it was 2d100, so does that mean there’s gonna be another npc?)

(no those were for her characteristics)

10:06 AM

(but if you want to meet another one we can do that)

(Ah gotcha. I’ll go meet up with Robert for now. Besides, just gives me a reason to come back lol)

(there's a thread up!)

+Encrypted Message - Svenka Vilnovha+
Hailey - It was good to travel with you and learn from both you and Robert on the methods of your organization and of diplomacy. You have an easy way with people that I can respect, but cannot replicate. I hope to work with you again in the future.
- Svenka

Hailey says her goodbyes and farewells to the Pelsagon people and heads back home base on Gudrun.

the headquarters of Psyke TV is complete, and there are several technicians and workers around completing small projects here and there.

Its pretty much an instant turn around. I arrive back, pack up gear and supplies onto the Bounty, drag along Pete, and set off for Suha to meet with Thorn. (edited)

Entering Suhan space, you see the battered form of the Swallowtail in orbit, though its cargo lighter is missing- presumably on the ground below. The rest of the pirated Ad-Astra fleet is also in orbit, the shipboard engineers working on repairs. Thorn's ship itself is missing one of its two dovetail stabilizers, torn off by weapons fire nearly at the wing root.

(Oh i forgot to say this, but i think it kind goes without saying at this point, big boy mech, aka the Firefly, is coming with me) "Look at that Peter, brought the whole fleet to welcome me hahah" I put the ship down near the meeting point, and tell Peter to stay near the ship. I make the rest of the way in the Firefly.

Thorn's message comes from Iysland watch, and specifically a lakeside plaza, where she has rented three of the villas in their entirety from the government here. Two of her loyal crewmen are on patrol outside her section of the residences. (This is you seeing it from afar. She invited you here, and wanted to see you as friends)

(I know, just wanted to show up in style)

1:12 PM

I land just outside the villas. I climb down out of the mech as it ripples down into something more powered down and inconspicuous, and head in with Peter at my heals. I take in the villas and look around for Cam.

1:13 PM

“Where you at you rebel scum?! I’m tired and I want a drink!!”

You see one of the upper windows open, and Cam's face- and upper body- peering out. "Hey there you vagabond. Get in here! I'll have the guards bring you up"

Seeing her again brings a smile to my face. Hopefully this’ll go well, but I feel a creeping suspicion. This hardly seems like a “neutral location”. I meet the guards and make my way up.

4

Thorn is sitting at the top floor of her villa here on suha where it’s clear she’s being treated as an honored guest by the government. She rises from the chaise she is sitting on and walks over to hug you. “I heard you were in quite a scrap over at creusa. Glad you made it out

I chuckle to myself at the treatment. As she approaches, I happily return the hug. “Sure was, and thanks. Should’ve seen me, definitely beat beefy warmaster Cyrus in terms of kill count, between you and me. That was right after kicking the Still Lady’s fiery ass too. You could say I’ve been busy hahah” (edited)

"I've been keeping track as best I can." she says, brushing back her hair. You see down to the elbow on her right side, her arm is pale, and peach, showing rapidly growing new flesh.

7:21 AM

"I've been busy myself, to the north"

“Hah yeah. I’m sure. I’ve been keeping track as best I can as well, though probably not as well.” I point to the arm as she brushes her hair back. “That seems like a story. What happened?”

8:35 AM

I move to make myself comfortable.

"A fleshshaper mangler cannon" she says, noticing you looking at the wound "Twice. I had some help getting it regrown. Dr. Reydove was most accommodating to a fellow woman in power"

“Go figure. She seems pretty sweet, from the times I’ve worked with her. So, since I don’t know how to really say this any other way... Spill”

"I'm sure by now you heard I was working for the remnant- A falsehood, but I did sail 'with' them. They were, at the time, the only group doing anything to contain the fleshshapers.

1:09 PM

I sailed with those from Ad-Astra who felt the same, though we kept our distance from Remnant hardliners. We fought the shapers in several naval engagements, but once the Numetalum shells were exhausted in battle things seemed to turn against us. My own ship was boarded, and it took me detonating the rear two compartments with controlled explosions to vent them into space. It was during that engagement I lost, and then re-grew my arm.

“Well that is the important part of the story there, isn’t it. There are a thousand questions I could ask you about that, but I’ll put em aside for a sec and ask something else. So, what? Now you’re just here, living it up, running business as usual, and...and that’s it?” I hesitate a moment. “Are you coming back? I mean, I know there are a lot of people back home who would not so nicely like to ask you a lot of not so nice questions, and I’m already kinda sticking my neck out by being here. I guess what I’m getting at is what’s next for Cam?”

"I'm not sure myself. I don't see them holding back the shapers without the Remnant's cooperation, even if the the NMC joins too, not if things dont drastically change for the UNW. "I think I'm heading south after this once I recover a bit more. I'm running short of friendly contacts, but there may be some sympathetic ears away from the UNW sphere of influence. You know better than anyone they won't let me rest if i set down roots closeby"

“Really? Man, every time it feels like a drastic change’s come, we just need another, ya know. And yeah I do. Gotta keep moving.”

"I have a few trusted people I don't want to have harm come to traveling with me. That's just it though, I'm tired of change. I just want to settle down somewhere and see the work I am doing actually benefit a world, or worlds"

I sigh. “That’s fair. I feel it too. God, I’m in my twenties and I feel like I’ve lived an entire lifetime.” I pause, figuring out where to go from here and wanting to give her a chance to lead with something. “What was it like working, uh, alongside the remnant?”

"Fortunately something I picked up on my travels was being able to cloak my powers. I suspect our relationship would not have been as warm if they knew exactly what I was. Aside from that, most of the rank and file seemed fine. I even grew to like a few of them- but the closer you got to the top you saw how infected their ideology really was" (edited)

“Can’t say I’m not glad they’re gone to be honest. You said you went with the remnant mainly because they were the only ones fighting the fleshshapers at the time, right? How much did you guys accomplish in that?” (edited)

"They haven't rolled over the UNW's borders, or moved further south, so I'd say somewhat successful. Holding them wasn't defeating them though, the momentum had been starting to swing against us"

“Yeah, I guess that is a win, but the idea of them gaining momentum freaks me out, not gonna lie.”

"It should, It does for me too, and I cannot for the life of me understand why everyone back home was being so passive about it. I took matters into my own hands"

“Well as you said yourself, we can’t do much to hold them back right now. We aren’t ready for the fight I guess. I’m not in charge though. Which, now that I think about it, only makes it more impressive that you guys did hold them off”

"That colossal was a real asset. That thing is a fleet killer in its own right"

“I’ll bet. Gonna be at a disadvantage without it”

"The UNW is capable, its just a matter of putting its resources to purpose. If you can't drive the policy change, and soon. Well, Hailey, I'd love to have you. I have a few with me you might know"

10:51 AM

"Dr. Reydove fled and joined me, that business with Cyrus and Cole was too much for her to take. Jaxton and Sanjit are here too. Not sure if they were before you re-joined the world or not"

1

I hesitate a moment, then shake my head and sigh. “I....Cam you know I can’t do that. At least, not now. I’m running a company and building a city. I’m just not in the place where I can ‘settle down’ way away from Gudrun. I love you and all them, but I can’t, I just can’t. Now, if you guys do decide you wanna keep fighting big bads and protecting the little guys who can’t protect themselves, you know how to find me.”

"It's an open offer" she smiles. "Either way, I'm glad to see you here. I was starting to doubt you'd come"

“Haha yeah sorry about that. Something came up I kinda had to attend to. Meeting with world leaders, exploring, making notes, flirting with said world leaders haha. Ya know, the works.”

“The works” she agrees. “Well. I hope you got what you wanted out of this meeting. I’m not kicking you out by any means but if this is going to get sideways I’d rather get that out of the way”

(Sideways?)

(As in ‘fisticuffs’ sideways or just weird sideways or something else? Or a typo)

(as in fisticuffs or some kind of greasy shennaneganry . She's happy to see you but knows there's a bounty, ect)

“Sorry, I’ve enjoyed our little chat too, but that’s just the way it’s gotta be. I don’t think I have to explain. Most I could do was close my eyes and count to ten since you’ve saved my ass a couple times.”

She stands up, straightening her hair and finishing the last of her coffee. “Very well. Outside then? I don’t want to trash this villa for the others”

“Right, that would’ve a shame” I nod, then turn on my heel and lead the way out. “Well, you did promise me a mech duel. I’d like to cash that in. I made a few upgrades, I hope you don’t mind.”

"I've done the same" she smiles. "I need you to promise me something before we start this whole nonsense" she says, dialing a few codes, and her cargo carrier emerges from a hangar nearby the city's edge

I ready the Firefly and tie my hair back. “What’s that?”

"Find someone to keep the museum and the seed banks going. I'm still passionate about that, even if I've been cast out" She climbs the short ladder into her own light mech, and the canopy door closes. the two light lasers twitch with life, as they power up. (initiative)

“I’ll find someone up for it, or I’ll do it myself.” I pause and think for a moment. “Though, the museum might relocate.” I climb in, my own weapons coming online as the helmet folds on.

2:15 PM

(6)

(8 for thorn) The Thorn-mech, painted a dazzling red, and inlaid with vibrant green vine stenciling, begins charging forward across the relatively open field, light lasers firing

2:25 PM

(20/ 13 , AP10, and 18/12, AP10)

(ends up being 8 and then 7 damage once we factor in armor)

The two blasts hit my mech straight on before I’m able to take off myself. While she’s in relatively close, I fire the banshee vox. (30m cone, 12) I fire my own light laser as well. (24/27)

“You’ve gotten much better with that thing” she compliments, mech twisting nimbly in the air and coming down in something like a pirouette

5:42 AM

(I’ve got to look something up but I’ll take her turn when I get to work)

(Ok have fun)

“Not to sound cheesy, but I’m just warming up.” I square up, waiting for her to make the next move with no need for fancy tricks.

The light suit barrels toward you, closing to hand-to hand range- slamming with both light lasers as improvised bludgeons

6:54 AM

(I'll give you net damage after armor so you don't need to math- 21/3, 17/0)

(Thx u da best. Rolling improvised dmg for them then, right. Since it’s melee range)

(Yeah, 2 attacks since you've got 2 arms)

(Ignore my mess of wrong rolls lmao) I move with her hits, minimizing the damage of the first and blocking the second. Then, I throw a pair of my own punches, taking advantage of the opening. (19/15 and 18/7)

5

Her mech rocks back, blue sparks trailing as the blows land clean. "Impressive moves" she says, and you can hear the smile in her voice. The mech jets backward on its antigrav nodes, and fires the twin lasers again

11:34 AM

(25/7, 24/1)

11:34 AM

Her mech looks heavily damaged

I stop and stand up indignant, my suit taking the hits. “That’s my mod. You’re using my mod” (rolling attacks in a sec)

I blast her with the banshee vox again, and ready another laser shot but wait to fire. (cone 30m, 28/25) (rolled the laser shot too if that’s ok, in case I do end up firing, just so I won’t have to get on again from mobile) (edited)

(the vox doesn't hurt it, since its a vehicle)

1:10 PM

(its anti-personnel, which is a special rule)

1:11 PM

The Thorn suit rocks back on its heels, and there is a boom as the ejector module is jettisoned from the cockpit

(So, do anti personnel weapons not hit the pilot of whatever vehicle?)

(no, otherwise being in a vehicle would be pointless)

1:43 PM

(armored carrier or some kind of secure vehicle that is exactly the same as standing outside of it)

(I’ve been using that weapon on her all battle Neko XD)

(I know i just havent been counting the damage)

(Ok that’s only one other time but still)

1:49 PM

(Alright well, thanks)

1:49 PM

(Good to know)

The small pod is sent 1000m into the air, slowly landing on a grav cushion

(Pussy haha)

1

(Clash of the Titans!!!)

I watch for a moment, then run in the direction of the pod. As I get close, the front of the mech folds away as I step down out of it, pistol in hand.

As it lands, she likewise steps out, one of the Ad-Astra modified rifles her company is so fond of in hand

2:07 PM

She has blood running down the side of her head, matting her hair

2:08 PM

likely from her head bouncing off a control column or the pod walls when the eject was triggered

2:08 PM

"It doesn't need to end like this Hailey. Don't make me kill you"

A gash along my cheek from one of the original hits is just starting to stop bleeding. I holster the pistol back in its place by my knee, in exchange for the weapon I’m fond of, my rocket launcher. The dragon’s jaws are already glowing the fiery orange of its pretech parts. I had become more heated during the fight, but her comment sets me off. “KILL ME?! You couldn’t! I’m finally better than you! I’m ahead of you for the first time, and you can’t handle it!”

(initiative wise, since you fired last, she's up, and is going to shoot) She says nothing, the Ad-Astra rifle bark speaks for her

2:40 PM

(unsure if 16 hits, if it does, 20 dmg)

I fire the rocket launcher moments after, riding the recoil in evasion of her shot. (30/24)

She narrowly avoids a direct hit, rolling aside and attempting to make telepathic contact with you (mental save)

(Success 9)

3:14 PM

(Not sure what they should be vs anymore since that stop at lvl, Guess I’ll just have to go back and write it down or something anyways that’s not important since 9 definitely passes anyways and now I’m rambling)

(yeah 9 definitely does. Saves cap at lvl 10 values)

3:17 PM

Hailey feels some sort of mental connection form and fade, form, and fade, unable to connect with her.

3:17 PM

(back to you)

“Get out of my head! Can’t out firepower me, can’t outthink me, now what” I fire another rocket, fueled by rage and determination. (23/22)

Thorn cartwheels through the air before catching herself and landing. She is torn and bloodied , and spits out a tooth

6:32 PM

She weakly raises a rifle and the shot blows out a clod of dirt at your feet )9(

“Do you give up yet?” I ask, my relentless attack slowed by her clear signs of weakness. (pass attack) (edited)

“I’m not going to go back there. Not to be treated like an animal. I’m sorry Hailey. You know that’s not possible”

“Well, what do you want me to do Cam” I say exasperated and tired. “Either I bring you back, or someone else probably will.”

“I’d rather someone else. Then I don’t have to lose a friend”

4:50 PM

Her eyes begin to mist a bit and you can see she’s as tired as you are

“You’re right” The adrenaline starts to fade as I try to catch my breath. I crouch down in the grass pausing a minute. “Me neither. I guess I’ll just, tell em that by some fluke you beat my and I made a tactical retreat”

"Tell them I escaped. The swallowtail is a hulk, I'll leave it here, you can bring it back as evidence"

“Ok, I’ll do that, and figure out the details on my way back.” (edited)

Weakly, she begins moving toward you, one arm extended for as much of a hug as she can manage

My grimace slowly morphs into a smile as she puts her arm around me. “Careful you dork, you’ll get blood all over my stuff.”

She is content to hold on to you for a moment, breathing heavily. She seems to relax a bit, the adrenaline leaving her body cold and sore

“I’m so sorry.” I hold onto her for a minute, one hand absentmindedly combing through her hair to straighten it. Then, I carefully and slowly help her up with my arm under her shoulders. “Cmon, let’s get you some chocolate and coffee.”

"You know the way to my heart" she says between soft sobs, allowing you to haul her to her feet

(

❤ ❤ ❤ )

(High Level Role-play!!!)

1

I walk with her back to her base and give her a hand with her stuff. Shortly after, thinking it’s about time I make myself scarce, I say a brief goodbye and wish her and her group luck.

9:14 AM

Then, I gather my own things and make my way back to the ship.

The ramp closes and you lift off, safely in air and away from further interference on the ground. The damaged mech is also brought aboard for repairs. In orbit, you see the critically damaged form of the swallowtail.

(How does bringing it back work? Do I need someone else to fly it? Or do I need a special ship fitting?)

(There is a limpet mount, which can tow smaller ships. Someone else can fly it, or in this one instance, Peter can connect with its systems, and lead it on the same spike course as you. I dont want to make it a repeatable thing since there's actual rules, but since this was way out of left field I'm fine using that to handwave it)

(Ok cool, thanks. I doubt I’ll ever be working with more than one ship at a time in the near future anyways. One is more than enough for me to handle haha)

I have Peter connect with its systems to keep it on the same spike path as the Bounty on the way back.

The two ships emerge six days later, over Gudrun, the heavily damaged Swallowtail, in tow

12:38 PM

(6xp, 10,000 credits, and a re-roll token)

(Ayy!

) Both ships are put down by home, regardless of the likely detection of the Swallowtail.

Indeed, as you make landing, you have a message from Jerund of the Marshal Service, wanting to confirm her presence, and announce they are coming out to take photos and copies of the ship's data bank

I recognize the message, and tell them I’ll be awaiting their arrival. In the meantime, I board the ship myself, wanting to explore it on my own first, having only ever been on once. I have Peter look into the ship’s logs and info, while I explore the once well furnished and decorated cabins and cargo areas themselves. The ship feels almost like a relic of the past itself. Guess you can learn a lot about a person from their ride. Neither of us are really searching for anything in particular, but looking. (edited)

The trappings of home but for a few plants here and there have been removed. The inside of the ship looks like a jungle, with different flora taken from whatever worlds she must have visited. Many are destroyed, or at least their pots are, by the violence of the boarding action that crippled the ship the way it is.

(Edited) “Geez....I wonder how many of these you could smoke.” After a sarcastically worded comment from Peter, I respond, “you say that as if sounding like Herb is a bad thing.” I grab a bottle of drink to offer to Jerund and his friends when they show up.

1

Hey Hailey Clements, this is Chris Fury. I am having a show tonight at the Downtown Amphitheater . If you can send some of your tech people to record I would really appreciate it. You and any guest are invited of course!

While I wait, I receive the message from Chris Fury and send a response. I contact my camera crew and send a group down to go do a professional video of the show.

Jerud arrives with five officers, and ever dutiful, declines the drink

7:10 AM

"So what happened to Thorn herself?"

“I’m good, thanks for asking. How about you? Good? Good. Yeah, nice weather we’re having, huh. The trip was nice if you must know. Can I get you anything!? No? Ok. Oh Thorn? Well, she got away.”

"Looks violent. I see you've been injured recently"

7:22 AM

"Was that from the same incident?"

“Yes, it was. Allow to illuminate you. I met with her on Suha about two weeks ago. The goal was to bring her in, but I didn’t say that at first. We talked briefly. And they said they were planning on heading out north, northwest soon. After that, I decided it was about time I try to take her, and things got aggressive. She had more firepower than I did though, and I wasn’t able to keep up. She defeated me, by some fluke, and I was knocked out. When I came to, she and her group were gone, with only the damaged Swallowtail left behind. I assume because it’s unstable and would be make for a reliable escape.”

7:33 AM

“I can fill you in on more details if you need, but I didn’t wanna flood you with a wave of what happened”

"I appreciate that" he smiles "I can only write so fast....well, this is a good start to the investigation. I recommend you get some actual medical treatment"

“I’m alright, it’s worse than it looks. But I’ll take your advise and get looked at as soon as we’re done here.”

"You superglued that one back together I see" he points to a cut on your arm. "Not a substitute for a bandage. Thank you for looking into this and allowing access to the ship. We will keep you appraised of any developments. the Intelligence Service appreciates your cooperation"

“You think that’s something, you should see what I can do with duct tape. Thank you, I’d appreciate that. Happy to help”

They take a few more notes before boarding their atmoflyer and heading out. Their documentation of the ship was thorough but they are evidently not inclined to take possession of the wreck

I leave the Swallowtail in the yard for now, and take his advice and figure I’ll get my wounds checked out by someone who knows what they’re doing.

In Central, there is a doctor , a psionic, known as Seigfried who has been seconded from his duties as chief of surgery to handle injuries to colony notables.

I make my way there quickly, so as to not waste time. I’m not particularly worried, but I suppose safe is better. I have taken quite a few hits over the past month or so.

Dr. Siegfried has a spot for you as soon as you arrive. He is tall, broad, and immaculately dressed , despite an occupation that at times can be quite gory. His skin is deeply tanned, darker than even those coming from Rawhani, though not quite black. you get a faint image of woodsmoke.

I enter his office to meet him, and am somewhat caught off guard by his appearance. “Oh! Hi. Thank you for letting me see you–or, no–for seeing me, Mr.–Dr. Siegfried.” I clear my throat and pull myself together. “I’ve been in a good number of scuffles recently, and uh, yeah that’s why I’m here”

“Understandable. Your glue work is quite something. I’m going to lay hands on you. Just an arm if that’s all you’re comfortable with.”

5:32 AM

“I just want to make sure everything we can’t see is working the way it should”

“Haha thanks. But, I say do whatever way is best. This isn’t exactly my area of experience, so it’s your call. I’m not too worried, I feel fine, but it was suggested I be safe.”

You feel warm as your insides re-knit in the few places where there is some less obvious damage. There is a wet snap, and then a wave of relief as a very old injury slides back into place. Siegfried frowns. "Your last mission. ... did anyone touch you? physically, I mean. A hug, or a handshake?"

The grin disappears from my face. “Um yeah, maybe a little bit. Why?”

"This is going to hurt." he cautions, but by then you're already feeling an incredibly sharp pain in the small of your back, as a fleshy polyp, the size of a peach pit, is removed.

9:27 AM

"The Iron Cyst of Lord Shang.....I haven't seen one of these since the war against the Ming Technocracy on my homeworld. I wonder how the hell your quarry got ahold of one"

(Insert obligatory “shove this up your butt Morty” reference) I wince as it’s removed. “I’m sorry. ‘Iron Cast of Lloyd Shlang’? History isn’t exactly my strong suit, could you explain what exactly that is?” My face pinches, looking at the nasty dripping metallic thing. (edited)

"Another week or so, and you'd have been a mindlessly loyal husk of a person to whoever implanted this in you"

(Bit harsh)

(Oh cmon, it was funny)

(I was referencing giving someone a mind controlling hernia)

(Yeah ik, I meant the lack of response to te Rick and Morty joke) “How....how do you even....’implant’....” I put aside that whole question as the further implications dawn on me, and I take a deep breath in prevention of going absolutely shitheadedly bananas. “That scheming bitch.”

(It was funny)

12:53 PM

"Its maltech, to say the least. It's not easily detectable and I almost missed it myself"

(Thank you) “Not gonna lie, kinda hurts to hear. Well, if there’s nothing else. Thanks, would’ve been a goner if not for you.”

He brings the small object over to a wall incinerator, and deposits it inside, before pressing a button. There is a dull roar as he shuts the metal hatch. "Fiendishly difficult to detect. You'll be pleased to know you're healthier by a factor of 28.6 % from when you came in"

Why did he have to destroy it? I would’ve had a blast tearing that thing apart. The waste makes me cry inwardly. “Hahaha, I am indeed. Clearly I came to the right person, I hate to think what would’ve happened.”

“You’d have become a dutiful citizen. Suicidally loyal to whatever she put into your head. You’d have unknowingly implanted those cysts in whoever you came into contact with after , too. I had to destroy it”

2

1

"That creepy, to say the least, and it's understandable. The destroying it, that is. Thank you again." I shake his hand and start heading out of the office. It went quicker than I'd though, so I guess I'll have time to visit Chris Fury's performance tonight. It'll be a good chance to relax.

(Skipped the travel but it would put you about on time for his show)

8:19 AM

(in his thread now)

(Ok, cool!)

I return back home from the show and see Dax’s first advertisement for the racing championship. I’d completely forgotten about it until now. (this should be the third, which I think means I need an HQ upgrade. I’ll double check tough. It’s been a while so I need to look at SoG again.)

(Third what? Upgrade will be next month to get going, you have a minor production center for cultural goods building right now, so in this context, your production studio)

(Third unique product, sorry. I think the limit is two for first level)

(Ok, nvm, the lvl 1 HQ has three holdings points, so I'm good. Nevermind then)

I spend some time at home exploring the city as it is now. Probably need to start looking into some groups that would be interesting in settling here.

The city is small, just 1200 people for now, almost all managing the production center

(Tagging @Regulus/Grupp on this too since I’m gonna be heading over to Gruppverse for a while soon. Starting Sunday imma be gone for one week having to adult. Nothing bad just gotta give full attention. Once I’m back, and I will be, I’ll hop over and join this Astrians if that’s ok)

(Works for me! )

1

(Alright, lets see. I need a 3 day thing to do, I know) After lying low and handling stuff at home for a few days, I grab some drives of PsikeTV stuff, including the Maze, first samples of the bike championship, and Chris Fury music and head to Pelsagon, hoping to get an HQ started up after showing them that my stuff (hopefully) doesn’t violate their censorship.

(any downtime projects for the flight?)

(Yessir) After loosing board games to Peter repeatedly and threatening to rip his intelligence core out of his little spider body, I work on a project. I fetch the two lava worm horns from the ships storage and, over the time in spike, try to fashion them into a sister pair of medium blades. (I figure there wouldn’t be a bonus for using those horns) (edited)

(We can treat them like set pistols where you roll two damage dice if you’re using both)

The twin blades each have a faint red tint and cragged pattern. I put them away for now as we get closer to Pelsagon.

3

Upon making orbit, you're contacted at once by Commissar Valor, who is practically tripping over his words in excitement

5

4

5

1

(Fuck I love this guy)

His excitement makes my laugh. The guy’s growing on me. I go through the same procedure I’ve been through twice now, docking the ship and making my way out.

Youre greeted on the ground by Valor, who has decided to send his henchment away

12:22 PM

"Ms. Clements! It's still Miss, isn't it?"

2

“Haha, yes it is. And you can call me Hailey, Commissar Valor. It’s still Commissar, isn’t it?”

"It is, Sadly my promotion request was turned down, we do not have the bureaucratic resource. I understand you've returned with some cultural materials aboard, and I wished to view them, before I represent your chromatic self in front of the public decency and political protection committee"

“Ok, great. I’ve got a player onboard that could be used. Or if it’s better to take it somewhere else that works too. I’ve got three different ones with me.”

"I would love to see the inside of a real spike ship, if you'd have me"

2:21 PM

he is almost as red as the badge of the hammer and sickle on his cap

(Hah)

“Of course, be my guest.” I turn and lead the way inside, trying to hide a grin. I make myself comfortable and signal for him to join me. “ok so this first guy is a star musician on Gudrun named Chris Fury.* “I set up and play one of his shows” (will do the other two as a chink after this since the racing championship is just starting)

(right, you'd probably have a couple pre-qualifier races to show him, like the track and some time trials but no actual competitions for points have been had yet)

(Sounds good. I don’t think that one’ll be too much of an issue anyways. More worried about the ‘people killing each other for sport’ one)

(Which one is that, the maze?)

2:39 PM

The music is interesting to him "Well, I don't see any subversive political messages here. His voice is nice. Not a polka, but its interesting to listen to"

(Yes, definitely the Maze lol) “Cool! He became pretty popular back home pretty fast. Maybe if he gets his music here, he’ll write a polka or two haha.” Next I show the samples for Dax’s Grav Racing Championships, noting that while we don’t have much of it yet, it’s all pretty much gonna be like this. After that, I proudly show off my magnum opus, the Maze.

He is impressed greatly by the races and believes with more resources gathered here they may one day be able to have their own racers. The maze is next. The first season won’t pass the censorship here since it shows human on human violence and indeed normalized it, but the second season he can get through if the avatars are changed to be a bit more human divergent

“Dax’ll be happy to hear that, and so am I. It’ll be a fun show. As for he Maze, I can’t say I’m surprised. I think the only reason it wasn’t stopped back home was because it was the first real professional entertainment in forever. We should be able to do that though, make em more cartoony or something. Would that work as not human-human violence? Would be good to know for the future when more shows come” (edited)

"That is what I was thinking over. If it was cartoony, or they were robots, or something"

7:38 AM

(Thats actually what they do in Germany, too. Robot on robot violence, even if they look like humanoids is okay, but you cant show people killing each other)

“Fantastic! I’m sure that can be done. Thanks for your help. What happens next?” (I did not know that. Kinda cool

)

"Well, I'll need a day or two with the material to write some reports on it. I think the Chairman should see it too, he isnt a committee member there, but he often times writes in as a friend of the court, and his opinion has some weight. "

8:53 AM

"If you'd like to be on hand for questions, I certainly won't pout at you staying here, but if you've business elsewhere I promise to be your personal champion on all of this"

“Ok. I think I’ll hang around then. I don’t exactly have anywhere else I have to be in a rush, and frankly I’d rather be here anyways. Plus, if it goes through I’ll be wanting to set up a headquarters here, it’s just the best option. I could use some time away too.”

9:26 AM

“I think it makes a better long term impression too if I’m around for it all”

"Maybe just maybe you'll be a political animal after all" he grins. "Well, you're free to stay in one of the guest villas here. They're comfortable and there is enough to eat"

“Ew, me a politician? No way. It’s like you’re trying to get rid of me haha” “I’ll make my way over to them, lay low til I’m needed again”

(You’ll have to let me know when trades happen and probably help me, first time rolling that stuff and all)

(All good. I’ll make you a little tutorial , trying to fix a fucky situation at work rn. I was at goal since noon now suddenly my extra deals are gone and I’m 1 short)

(Oh no, I'm sorry. Hope you figure it out. And no rush. I think I know how it works but who knows haha)

“I’ll come by tonight and let you see a draft of the proposal. I want your blessing before it goes anywhere else”

5

“Ok, thanks. I’ll look forward to seeing you then. For the proposal thing, that is.” I wave goodbye hurriedly and head for the villas.

The villas are beautiful, and comfortable, and you're able to relax in peace. You can see that although the materials used for building them are mass produced, more care went into their arrangement here than on many other projects, and that is what makes them beautiful. (When you get time, 1d6 x 10 x2 . that is how many surplus tons of DVD's, music, ect, youve got leftover, not sold on Gudrun this month)

([4]x10x2=80, could I also get a brief explanation of that roll too? Like why x10x2.)

After taking some time to walk around and enjoy the villas, I find a spot to stay. I pass the time doing PsikeTV trade reports. I change into something more flattering than usual, for no reason at all in particular, and wait for Valor to arrive.

5

(I dunno how anything could be more flattering than the bodysuit your first character image had in it)

(We don’t talk about that one. It was the best thing I could find until I got this perfect one)

( its whatever the D6 roll is x 10 for a minor production center. a major production center raises it to x 100 since its wayyyy bigger. That number is then multiplied by your expertise, which is your talk skill + trade skill + the better of int or cha modifiers. I gave you an additional +1 to your expertise since this is the first month they've really been running and theyre probably super enthusiastic about making stuff)

(I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it should only be x1 then. Talk is 0, trade is -1, and Cha is +1)

(I know what it should be I was being nice and boosting it for your first one)

10:04 PM

(Like I said)

10:04 PM

Keep it at 2

(Ok then. So I know for future, does it min at x1 then?)

(Yeah, and it will increase as points are put into talk and trade)

(Aha ok, thank you) (edited)

There is a knock on the door that night as Valor has returned, with a few copies of some documents under his arm. He also has flowers

10

"Hello Miss Clements. I have the report I drafted, in preparation for tomorrow. I wanted you to see it before anyone else did"

I blush uncharacteristically and take a small step back in surprise. “Oh, hi, come on in. Let’s see what you’ve got” I take the flowers from him and set them in a bowl I find by the kitchen. “Thanks for these, by the way. I don’t think I said that”

"Of course. anything for you" he beams with pride. He opens the folder and it has some waxy still images from your shows, and a long desertaiton about how the cultural benefits will outweigh any risks, and he has a twenty point plan laid out for how censorship , especially the human on human violence aspect, can be overcome. The proposal is thoughtful, and you can see he fought hard to try to preserve the artistic integrity of the programs. "You're more than welcome to speak at the meeting for yourself, as well, but I did not want you to feel trapped here, or like this would be a waste of time. I believe in what you're doing. And in you. I want this to succeed"

I spend some time flossing through the elaborately laid out pages and his plan. The clear care that went into it all is both impressive and flattering. “Thanks, that’s nice to hear for a change. I’ll definitely be there for the meeting because, like I said before, I think it would make the best impression. But, I’m not gonna speak. I’m no polished diplomat, so I’ll stay out of the discussion unless I’m called into it or needed. I trust you” (edited)

His face gets redder than the numerous communist party flags lining the way to the government center on planet. "Well then. I should head out and study up, I'll see you in the morning, and we will see how this goes. I have faith in this, and in you"

“Ok, I’ll see you then. Thanks again for these.” I gesture at the flowers as I show him out. The next morning, I find my way there and take a seat near the back.

The meeting hall is similar to the previous building, where you met the heads of each economic department and their resident pre-cogs. The furniture is the same make here, likely coming from the same factory somewhere in the city. A few other matters are more advanced along in the process than yours and some small votes take place beforehand , concerning the circulation of certain books. The debate portion of it is already over, and the measures pass. Finally, Valor and his dense folders full of material are up. He has his finest dress uniform on, his black boots and the several bronze medals on his chest all shine and catch the light artfully. He sets the folders down on the long table , before the cutural department judges

8:32 AM

"I have here a proposal from Hailey Clements of the UNW, for some new programming, hosted by her growing company, Psike TV"

8:32 AM

"She is in attendance today, I will ask that any criticism be constructive, in nature"

I watch the small prior votes as they commence, taking note of how the group operates and what they pass or don’t. * *When Valor is up, I straighten up, watching intently. I smile and nod as I’m mentioned. Like I said before, I keep out of e discussion, trying to just listen and let Valor take the wheel. I keep track of main points from and remain prepared to speak up if asked. (edited)

He’s done a fine job of anticipating questions from the committee and tackles the human on human violence with the deft solution of making them robotic or animated in nature. “Miss clements we understand you’re in residence here today. Can we ask you what productions psyke tv might publish here in the future”

I make the smallest fist pump in the air as he tackles the human violence issue. I turn my attention to them as they address me. “Well, I’m also hoping to bring soccer onto PsikeTV if I can work out a deal. That said, I don’t exactly own that, so it’s a bigger if. Regardless, it’s a sport with less problems that might concern you the the grav bike races, if that has any. Secondly, I’m also hoping to kick off a show about an adventure sitcom type show. A dynamic duo and their crew traveling through the stars, encountering all types of problems, exploring, funny stuff mainly. I’d love to keep both ideas in conversation with you guys, because I want this to be accessible to as many people as possible. Both are still in early development stages at the moment, since our current studio and HQ can only handle the three things running now to begin with.”

There is some light laughter, and you get the sense something like that does not happen much in this room. "Our local offices are far too familiar with the juggling too many issues at once. What you've provided is insightful. We will grant you the broadcast rights you seek, and we look forward to reviewing new communications. Pelgason's own team in interstellar soccer would be a welcome distraction for the labors of our people"

Their laughter fills me with optimism. “Fantastic! Thank you for reviewing the case, and for permitting. I’ll try to keep in close contact. Oh, and I’m sure the soccer league would welcome a team from Pelsagon. I find these types of things can bring people together better than anything else.” I take my seat again and wait for the end of the meeting, trying to contain my excitement.

The meeting ends ten minutes later, when a show pitch for "Blocky the builder who only builds for aesthetic reasons and not for functionality at all" is rejected, its creator walking from the room in tears

3

(Seems like Neko’s having a good day lol) “Pff, loser” I scoff as he walks out. As the meeting ends and people start to pack up their stuff, I pop up and hurry over to Valor. I throw my arms around him without a second thought. “That was awesome! I knew I could count on you”

You can feel his strong grip, holding you close. "I knew from the moment I saw you, I just wanted to make you happy. Thank you for trusting me with this"

I smile. “Thanks, it’s good to have someone looking out for me, especially you. Haha, I guess what I’m trying to say is, good job, I’m happy.”

“I’m happy your happy” You feel his arms likewise tighten around you. He takes a deep breath and you can feel his spreading smile. He releases. “I guess you’re heading back to Gudrun then for a while. It sounds like you have a lot to do. Will you come back soon?”

(Hailey, Stealer of Hearts)

I pull away the slightest bit so I can talk to his face. “Yeah, I am. Gotta get back to my life and saving the galaxy and all hahaha. I’ll be visiting here a lot though now, I’m sure. And if you ever come to Gudrun, I’m sure you can figure out how to find me.”

"I'm hoping to come soon. It would be such an amazing feeling to leave Pelgason and see other worlds. some day. Don't be a stranger Miss Clements. I hope you will be back soon" The smile on his face shines brighter than all the medals on his chest, as he leaves you at the ramp of your ship, a half hour later. The first commercials teasing the impending arrival of Psyke TV play over the few civilian airbands that exist as you leave

“I’ll look forward to it. I can show you around, like you did the first time I was here.” I give him a quick hug as I board the Shadow’s Bounty, Peter waiting inside. As we lift off, I hear the ad rolling in the distance and smile, proud of what I’ve created and where I am. The Bounty shoots off into the stars, with one of its own on board.

(Good spot to set down until you're ready to pick up hailey again? )

(Just lemme get in one more message, I got a thing I wanna do)

(Sure!)

(Epilogue!) Some time after returning home from Pelsagon, I sit back on the couch back home in a simple t-shirt and pants. A coin spins along from one finger to the next. As I twirl it, bored, blue sparks fly after it, and charges fun between my fingers. Peter whirrs and beeps from another room and I hurry in, shoving the coin into my pocket. He's plugged into a computer, where lines of information are displayed on the screen, rows of general biographical info on myself. "Geez, hacking into the UNW took you long enough. I thought you were supposed to be good at this stuff." I spin the seat around and sit in front of the screen. "Alright, lets see here..." After a moment of thinking, my fingers start to fly over the keypad. Several minutes later, I get up to and strut into the kitchen, the UNW's publicly visible information profile on Hailey Clements now vastly different.

3

(Peep the new character bio)

5

(Alright, we're live!)

A small siren beeps once as shooting for the pelgason friendly version of the maze finishes. The crew and cast all clap and cheer as the final cut of the final scene of the season is rushed over to editing, for copy and some cutting. “Another brilliant artwork Miss clements” someone says from behind you, the first of many congratulatory words you’ll be getting tonight no doubt

(Sorry, busy day, would’ve gotten to it sooner.) The studio building on Pelsagon is a near perfect duplicate of the one on Gudrun, a wide, circular base, sloping up and narrowing into the tower it is, with the PsikeTV logo on top. Pelsagon has become something like a second home for me over the last month or so, having spent so much time here. My hairs grown longer with less of a need to be kept out of the way, and my weapons dusty in the Shadow’s Bounty gear room. I turn as I hear the voice. “I thought I heard an admirer sneaking up on me.”

Commissar Valor is there, with a bouquet of roses. The water needed to grow these would have been a week salary at least, probably augmented with some for his own personal use, gone to their care. They're in amazing health and quite vibrant

I smile and my face gets red. “Oh! Wow they’re amazing.” As I take them with uncharacteristic care, I take a deep breath in through the nose, loving the sweet scent. “Thanks Valor. This wouldn’t‘ve been possible without you though.” I take one and pin it to the front of his shirt haphazardly and laugh. “There, perfect”

"Perfect" he says, face as red as the rose. Even over the last few months he's never been able to get over the habit. "So now that the show is done taping for now, what happens next?"

"Acastus. Chris Fury, that musician I've talked about a few times from Gudrun, his dad wrote a book about living under the Still Lady and all the stuff that's gone on there. We're gonna try to adapt it. Chris said he that his old man'd be down with it, but I've yet to actually talk to the guy face to face. You're always welcome to come along. I know I've said that before with other trips, but it still holds. I know you're busy here." ( @Chris Fury (Desmond) )

(Homeboy's been silent for a while, few weeks now, if you want to continue we can, I don't want you stuck waiting on something that might not come )

(No that’s fine, I don’t need to wait. I know he’s been silent, but I just figured that since it was kinda his idea, I should tag him. Definitely intended to continue though)

"i've got a month of leave saved up, I would be happy to use it if it meant traveling with you. Acastus? I've heard about it. You've mentioned it without mentioning it a few times. I would be honored to see it with you"

“I mean, of course it’s up to you how you use that time, but it’d be nice to have you along. It shouldn’t take a full month, but I’ve got other places I wanted to visit afterwards, and you’re welcome to tag along for that too.”

"I'll be able to tag along for quite a bit of time, I've been saving every moment that comes my way. When do we leave?"

“I’ll probably help the team wrap up and prep everything, then head out. Maybe a day or two, if that works for you”

"Of course. I'll take the master production copy to the ministry of culture, for final review and distribution. They will get it to the Mehani within the next month"

12:48 PM

"Just think, a program from Pelgason now showing on another planet"

“Haha, it’s funny how quick your world can grow so fast. Anyhoo, glad to have you along. It’ll be fun, and nice to see Acastus againz” After finishing up the last few bits and bobs on Pelsagon a couple days later, Valor and I meet back up at the Bounty and prep take off to Acastus.

(Has anyone visited Bourgani? I don’t see any mention of it)

(No visit thus far, no)

(Don’t know anything about it so far either looks like. We’re going right by it, so we’ll check out what it is on the way by) “Hey Valor, you up for a side quest? We’ve got an unexplored system on the way to Acastus. I can’t see anything about it in the database.”

(It'll be 7 days to rutter that route, plus the normal spike distance)

(I’m just gonna say ok like I know what that means it doesn’t matter too much to me anyways)

(Youll be in spike for 13 days total, so if you have any downtime projects or are trying to learn something in terms of a language, you have that mcuh time to apply toward it)

(Thank you hahah. Nine month into this game and I still don’t know how flying a ship works lol. I believe learned the fleshshaper language a little while back but haven’t used it at all. Is the Slyth language an option?)

(they dont have a language. Learning slyth is an option)

(Sounds weird but ok, I’ll do that)

(I'll PM you with how that worked out, 13/30 for Slyth though) You emerge over the planet of Bourgani, an ocean planet, covered in stormy seas with just a few large island sized landmasses. This world seems barely removed from the primordial ooze that brought the first complex plant an animal life to its surface- thick storm clouds as black as the void itself cover most of its surface. Lighting is so powerful and intense the flashes can be seen from space

(Ok cool, great) I look out over the planet as we drift in. My eyes quickly widen in admiration at the place. “Wow, it’s beautiful. Lucky us getting to make our mark here. Peter, lets get the scans going.” I hurry over to the control panel and start firing it up.

(Afk today so I can’t make any rolls. Up for making trade rolls tomorrow tho)

(no problem, program/int when you get back)

(12 including help bonus)

There are no signs of civilization of any kind on the world below, not even smoke from cooking fires, but there are a few small island landmasses. The water is teeming with all kinds of life, though your scans dont pierce beyond the first few meters of constantly churning ocean water

(I know this isn’t necessarily a fail, but could I use expert to reroll the check? Specifically to try and pierce the water, since that’s most of the planet)

(if you want to, you can use your scene re-roll. You certainly didn't fail)

(Alright might as well. No idea what other I could possibly need that for this scene.) “Run another scan. I wanna see if we can pick up anything below the waters.” (14)

Your sensors piece down to 20m, and you realize this ocean is truly vast, and deep. More signs of life, complex, multicellular life, beam in, some of them truly gigantic in scale

“Alright neat. We’ll we don’t have a ton of time to explore here, as much as I’d love to. Maybe we can come back. Onwards to Acastus!” I hit be throttle again and continue towards Acastus.

Acastus is a different place than when you'd last been here, back when the Still Lady was brought to her knees, and back when the group of you buried Desmond in the only surviving park in Ash City. The sun is still dim, and the world is still dark- though now, a fleet sits in orbit, and a second small town lights the surface with the cobweb of spreading industry humans are known for when settling worlds. Two corvettes move away from their formation around a large starhab sized vessel, on an intercept course. "Unknown vessel, this is the Greystar Combine Home Defense Fleet," their captain says, putting special emphasis on the word 'home' . "Please identify yourself and make your intentions known"

I respond to the message quickly. “Hailey Clements. I dunno if that name holds any significance here or anything.” I gesture grandly, waving a hand and casually shrugging smugly, even though there’s no way they can see me inside the Bounty. “Just here to visit someone, and hopefully do some business if that goes well.”

(Also when you get a chance can you pull Hailey out of the roll20 “retired” section?)

(Me too me too!)

(Dax too apparently)

(Got you guys. Hailey were you here before or after Marcion?)

(After I believe)

4:07 PM

(Thanks)

(Dax and Hailey were right next to each other, weren't they? Like Hailey Dax Robert Regulus or something)

(I think so, yeah. Billy and Marcion should be the only two here longer)

(Yeah, she joined right after me)

"Your name is known here. Proceed to Ash City, we will guard your approach planetside. Welcome to Acastus"

“Thank you” I pilot the ship down into Ash City, meanwhile pulling up the information Chris Fury gave me for finding his father here a little while back.

The directions lead you to a somewhat run down apartment house on the more impoverished north side of town. The cults patrolled the area here lightly, considering the mass of wretches already too weak to offer much in the way of resistance- indeed many of her most able and willing servants came from commercia north- looking to the cult as a way out of their poor conditions. the Fury residence is the 4th floor of the building, two conjoined apartments shared between Chris and his parents, though judging by the outside, the both of theirs together are still smaller than one unit most people have on Gudrun

I frown, looking around at the town. It’s no wonder Chris sends some of the money he makes back here. It looks like they need it. Still, this is Graystar now, hopefully they’ll be able to turn it up more. I approach the residence not quite knowing what to expect from the musician’s parents. This is way different from the debate to broadcast on Pelsagon. After looking around me for a moment, I raise a fist and knock three times sharply on the door. I rock back and forth on my feet as I wait.

You hear someone shifting inside, their heavy footfalls on the floor, before the lock is fumbled with on the other side. You smell cigarette smoke, and hear a soft curse at the lock, before there is a sharp click, and the door opens. A woman, just under being considered elderly, heavyset, in a dark set of work clothes answers the door. You smell fried fish and mushrooms from inside the apartment, along with the ever present reek of dark tobacco smoke.

7:39 AM

"Yes?"

I grin to myself as I hear her curse at the lock. When she opens the door, I introduce myself in a friendly voice. “Hi, my name is Hailey Clements. I’m a friend of Chris’s. I’m here about his fathers book, I was hoping I could help it to reach more people and work with him for a...” I gesture, looking for the words. “...visual medium version.”

"Chris told me someone would be coming here to talk to him eventually. He's told us a bit about you. Wrote a song about you too. I tihnk. Have you heard it?" she ushers you inside, and the smells only get stronger. "No raincoat dear? " she tuts "always rains on Acastus, especially now"

The smell of smoke doesn’t bug me much. I’m used to its rancid odor. “I have. I’m flattered, needless to say. It’s my ringtone now, hahah. He’s making it big, that kid.” “Huh? Oh, no. No raincoat. I’ll remember next time.” (edited)

She fusses around in the closet as you make yourself comfortable. "Donovan!" she yells for her husband "You have a visitor!" something heavy hits the floor in a back bedroom, and you hear a male grumble, along with the rustle of fabirc

(I love these two so much. I want to protect them forever and give them a mansion XD) I chuckle to myself as I watch the woman. I sit and wait for her husband to come down and to meet him. I never really knew my parents at all, but always imagined them as dorky as these two. Maybe techies like me or something.

He stomps down the stairs, the long, sparse, stringy hairs standing up. No amount of mousse or hair product will ever fix this. His robe is light blue, and threadbare. He walks with a strange gait, and if you hadn't have known from Chris, you'd have guessed to do age rather than unimaginable torture. Donovan hides his pain well (edited)

I stand up quickly and hold out a hand and flash a smile. “Mr. Fury. Thank you so much for coming down to meet me without any real heads up notice. I really appreciate it, and I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Chris has a few songs about you. I think he’s got a bit of a crush. Pretend I didn’t tell you that” he laughs. You can see most of his teeth have been replaced with too-white epoxy replacements, at odds with the yellow of those few organic ones remaining to him

9:28 AM

The scars on his jaw and cheek show the replacements as a legacy of horrible torture and neglect , not poor oral hygiene

He’s a good humored guy for having been through so much. I can respect someone who hangs onto their sense of humor and positivity through hardship, knowing a little about that myself. “Haha, well, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had a fan, be we can keep it between us. Everybody’s got one, haha. Anyways, as you’ve probably guessed or been told by now, I wanted to talk to you about your book. You have some incredible, unique, crazy, fascinating, inspiring, you name it stories to tell, and that’s a feature I tend to get pulled towards.”

His face darkens for a moment even though his smile does not. “Ah. You’re talking about the cult domination and my time in the resistance movement. I understand you were one of the ones that brought the fight to it’s conclusion”

I grin and nod. “I played a small part, just some back up power for a bigger operation. But that’s besides the point. Yes, that is what I’m talking about. I was hoping that between you, Chris, and myself, we could we could transform it into a running show, hopefully spreading the stories to more people. If it’s successful, I figure I’d be able to turn to other places that have struggled as well, with what happened on Acastus forming the first chapter.”

(I’m all settled in here now, btw)

"I'll make you trade then" he says, stopping to bring a cup of brackish looking water to his mouth. "A story for a story. I was there at the beginning, you were there at the end. We both want to know the whole thing. What do you think?"

“That sounds like a deal to me. The fight between us and the Still Lady was rough, needless to say. It was me and three guys on our own, Billy Rigers, Dax Withers, and Desmond O’Shea. Not to say we couldn’t handle ourselves, but we didn’t exactly have an army. We all had our parts to play. A leader and strategist, a guy who’s more or less what you get when you mix wizardry and cocaine, a guy who’s invested and knows the place and enemy in and out, and myself, the heavy tanking and dealing damage...” I go through and tell the story of how we came to fight the god, and the back and forth of the battle. I miss a few details, and have to skip back as I remember them, but overall, I think I hit all the main points. “Eventually, Desmond, along with the power lended to him by his wife, he sacrificed himself to finish her off. It was something else, seeing her collapse and dissipate like a fire going out into ashes.”

"I was there when that fire took hold in the city. All the newscasts when dark at once. I'm used to the city bathed in yellow and blue from all the neon and television screens. Not that night. Everything was red. It looked like the whole city was covered in blood. The puddles looked like lakes of it. I tihnk some of them might have been. Two men came onto the TV to tell us the Still Lady now was in charge here, and if we stayed in our homes we would be spared. Said there was a bounty and reward for any public official brought to her enforcers , but otherwise to stay in our homes

(Is this him telling the story of Ho they first showed up now?)

(Yeah. Like the first few nights)

9:50 AM

“So you had your different sorts out there. Some had been part of the uprising since the beginning. So they weren’t shocked. They had directions to follow. Then you had collaborators that rose up. Made their commitment that night and in the ones after hunting city officials and doing enforcement work. Not the cream of the crop. But loyal “

(Alright, just checking) “And what about the Still Lady herself? What did you all know about her, either from hearing about her, or seeing the power, or actually seeing her? Sorry if I’m derailing your story, just curious.”

(This is awesome)

“I remember bits and pieces of that first week. a number of city officials were captured and brought to the town square. They were forced into their knees. One by one she did something to them and they collapsed. We found out later their major organs had failed”

“Oh, yes. I know what you’re talking about. Did it to some of us too during the fight. I survived it, but Desmond wasn’t so lucky. He was a good man, with a positive vibe that reminds me of your son.” (edited)

(Three of us

)

(Op thanks my bad. Too far back to remember lol)

(She gave me a big tummy ache)

(Walk it off)

“It was her favorite way to kill, something about the agony the person went through in the moments before death, it gave her power in some way”

“There’s some...out there science actually suggesting that it literally does just that. Or did, I guess. What I’m saying is, I’m fairly certain killing so brutally did give her power, in some weird way.”

“So it wasn’t just for show...” he nods solemnly to himself as though this answers some kind of long held question

“I’m sure there are plenty of questions unanswered on both sides here. We’ll definitely have to talk more, and maybe shit will start to make more sense.”

"You know where I live" he says, "Is there anything else that might help you get started?"

“I’m looking to set up a studio here on Acastus. Do you think that’d be possible or welcomed at all, considering that I’m from another polity?” (edited)

"New country, new management. You'd have to talk to the Grey ones, but if you do open, I'll gladly tell more of my story"

4:43 PM

"you must have enough for a first chapter by now, surely"

"Yeah, I think so. I appreciate it. I'm sure we'll talk again sooner or later. Thanks." After a bit more small talk, I thank him again for his time and head for the door. I do a quick search to see who I should talk to about getting a hub set up here. The idea of PsikeTV existing in three separate countries makes me quick to get to it.

(3xp, 5000 credits) director kensh is the acting authority, coordinating Greystar actions in totality now, his proposal of landing and settling giving him ultimate control over the polity. Currently he is running their affairs entirely

(Cool, thanks!) (So is the only option to set up a meeting with him, or send him a message?)

(send a message. I shouldnt just force things upon their group if I'm giving everyone else options too)

(Copy that.)

8:25 PM

(Alright, sent. We’ll see what he says)

8:26 PM

(Gonna be moving on to the early alert/speedy comms system after this. Naming it “Project Watchtower”)

(Alright. Sounds good. We can pick up with that )

(Doesn't seem like there's gonna be any response from Kensh soon, so I'll just put that off) (Jumping ahead back to Gudrun then, or what? I haven't figured them out in game yet, so I assume I'd need to do that) (edited)

(Yeah lets move on to that then)

Ms Clements, this is Director Kensh. I have no issue with a broadcast tower being built on Acastus, and welcome the idea of a show documenting the terrible reign of the Still Lady. You can start whenever possible for you.

4:31 PM

(So sorry about the really long wait)

(All good bud welcome back)

(No worries, you’re actually just in time.) With the response from Kensh, I relay the news to studio HQ on Gudrun so that construction can start. With work here done, I start the trip back to Gudrun and New Athens with new business to take care of. “Punch it Petey”

(alright, so lvl 1 HQ going up on Acatus this month)

6:59 PM

The ship takes 9 days to return from Acastus, back to Gudrun, after an uneventful spike drive home. Gudrun is its normal busy morass of ships from different parts of the UNW coming and going. Space traffic is slowly becoming an inconvenience rather than a novelty again

(a novelty?) After the council meeting, I head home to the lab. I begin research on a way to create a miniature version of the broadcast towers I use to quickly move shows and date between distant planets. I'll have to figure out something to attach them to, or a way to set them up best too, but this step comes first.

(There’s enough ships in orbit to make traffic again

9:05 AM

(Space travel isn’t as special anymore. Sort of like things slowly coming back to normal)

(Oh ok got it)

(okay, so do we want to RP through this research thing? I have no idea what to do either but I'll do some of my own research)

(I just imagined doing it as a couple day montage of making the first one and then however many duplicates, which I actually have to look at how many we’ll need. I assume one set per hex along the line we want them at, all relaying back. I get it if you want me to put research points into it, but frankly it’s gotta get done so either way it’ll just be commuted work until then)

(okay so basically a deep space radar array but miniaturized. I'm tihnking)

7:57 PM

(such a massive change in capabilities isnt going to be just handwaved. We're going to quest. Just have to figure out how i want to arrange this)

(Ok, no rush. That's just what I had in mind, do what you need to balance it)

8:49 PM

(Perfectly fine questing for it, kinda expected that)

Petey , knowing your intent, begins sifting through the data on deep space communication. A long ago council meeting log is beginning to play, where the discussion of the unbraked fleetmaster AI coming online was being planned for. Petey advises that had it come online the Remnant needed a way for it to send orders to the various fleets quickly. Perhaps the facility on Alcibiades has some information or tech that was overlooked or spared the atomic assault at battles end

5:05 AM

(It would be a rad zone, petey is advising suits)

1

I listen intently to the recording. "Not bad kid. It feels like it's been a while since Alcibades last came up. Guess it's time for a field trip." Over the next few days, I get my hands on a vacc suit for myself, as well as a custom one made for a spider shaped droid. The order comes wrong, and his ends up with an extra pair of legs. Guess I should've specified that he doesn't actually have eight. Regardless, I finish up the final preparations and head out for Alcibades.

(9 days in spike I believe)

7:51 PM

(pretty much on the other side of the sector) The defensive mines and the orbital platforms have been re-arranged as you make your way into local system space, now facing a more northeast orientation, where shaper vessels would be entering the system if an attack was to come. A paltry former Remnant garrison has been left here, this world not officially taken into the UNW fold. the large several mile burn zone from the nuclear blast is visible even from space, the wildlife there doomed to never return

(Can I scan to find the best spot to land in terms of likelihood of having what I need?)

(the former AI base is the only real site of interest, or did you mean what subsection of the base itself?)

(Oh, sorry. I don’t know things about places, and didn’t realize this was the only site of interest.) I put down the ship near the former AI base, now barren. Not entirely sure of what I’ll find, I get off the ship, with Peter beside me, and head over towards the place. (edited)

(your'e good, i think you were on the shipyard with thorn for the msision here)

3:41 PM

(so you didnt really get to go down to the planet

(Yeah, that’s right.)

(Lets get a program/int for the scanning, ill see if i can find the old facility map)

(18)

(Oh, and dedicating travel time to leading slyth too)

Perfect) Much of the base has been reduced to radioactive rubble but the communications wing, most hardened against attack as it was the most important to the Remantns eventual plan, is intact , relatively speaking

“Hell yeah, what a beautiful little convenience. Peter! Put on our exploring jams.” I lead the way over, trying to find a way into the wing, wondering why I haven’t visit this place before.

The rubble is reading as radioactive which is what was expected. The blast doors are open , the explosion knocking them outwards but leaving the structure itself mostly intact

I knock on one of the doors three times quickly as I walk in. "Hellooo... Anyone home?" I look around the place as I enter.

The knock is hollow, and rings out across the ruined comms wing. You hear it reverberate deep within the facility, but nothing answers or knocks back. Peter tests his lights a couple times before they finally click on

I walk alongside Peter with a simple flashlight of my own. I sweep it around the facility as I walk at a slow pace. Anything intact is what we’re looking for here, with most reduced to rubble.

The first chamber is ruined, computers torn from the walls and wires hanging from the ceiling. Some of them still spark. A few pulped bodies are lying in the center of the room where they broken bone tumbled from the concussive nuclear blast wave

(Is there a map, or is that not really relevant?)

(I’ll have to find it again. It’s on my laptop somewhere)

(Ok. No problem. If you can’t, that’s fine too. Wasn’t planning on exploring much anyways, just looking for what I need)

2:34 PM

I continue to move through the chamber, stepping over the bodies and avoiding the damaged areas.

(you're at the extreme left of the base, ignore the circled area, thats where the nuke went off directly)

(Wow, there’s a lot there. Ok to be kinda vague with where I’m going? ie “moving right and keeping towards the top”, as opposed to specifying rooms?)

(That or we can color some routes)

(Oh, ok. I’ll do that.) We start working our way through the halls and side rooms, so far kiddy following the only path there seems to be forward.

The main room is a reception vault that is now empty, the defenders here sheltered somewhat from the explosion to the far east in the base and those here simply left when it became uninhabitable. It is unknown if they suffered radiation sicknesses or made it far into the endless forests of this world. Rounding the corner in the south, the first of the research annexes is located, where signal intelligence captured by the Remnant from around the galaxy was being analyzed, to be fed into the AI once it came online

Before moving further, I pause at the Research annex. I move inside slowly, scanning the light around. Even if this probably isn’t exactly what I’m looking for, there might at least be something to help, or at least just some interesting stuff.

A single computer flickers electric blue against the overall scorched black, dim grey, and sickly brown of burned metal , rust, and evidence of past fire. The keyboard is a bit cooked, and a few of the keys don't depress as cleanly as you'd like, but the data inside looks to be intact

I whack at the keys, having to stop and press some of them multiple times to get them to work. Sparks that spring up merely tickle the back of my hands, and no longer actually shock me. (program roll?)

(Yes please with int)

(7)

A starmap pulls up showing the central sector where both the Remnant and UNW once fought for control. Several points have been marked with and icon representing a planned relay station , allowing the AI’s orders to be carried to various remnant fleets. Communication would be close to instant

(Crap I didn’t get a ping sorry) “Yes! Ok let’s save this.” I take note of the map and it’s locations on the back of a random piece of paper, making a few notes and jotting down some ideas along the way. “Alright, lets keep moving, we’ve still gotta find actual tech.” We continue along the north side of the facility.

Closer to the blast zone, the north side of the facility had taken a larger brunt of the damage but the hallways themselves remain upright and standing. This area looks to be a barracks but there is an armory at the end of the hall, after the countless bunk rooms and officer homes

“Oh hoohooo! Peter, get over here! This is the part of the road trip where we look for fun old stuff!” I clip by flashlight to my bag and hurry in, no longer a wary, and start looking through what’s inside.

The door looks to be intact, though heavily burned. It is reinforced, and inside you can see through the ditty scorched glass at least two heavy cutter rifles on wall hooks

9:13 PM

though there is evidence of more small arms inside

I reach forward and try to open it, before looking along the burned spots and checking for weak points. (I assume it’s locked?)

(either locked or jammed closed, it would be hard to tell one from the other with the abuse it has suffered)

(Gotcha)

8:05 PM

I run my hand down the edges and frame, pushing on it here and there, trying to find a spot where it’s most damaged.

It gives a bit, but not enough to open, or fall in, close to the upper right corner, opposite the top hinge

Not wanting to damage whatever’s inside, I refrain from pulling out the explosives and instead look around for something to slam into the spot like a batting ram.

(What do I need to roll for that, assuming I do have to roll something?)

There is a large fire extinguisher that surely does not work anymore strapped to one of the walls with chain. It is blackened but looks relatively intact

“Come to papa” I move over and grab the fire extinguisher. I raise it over my head, and run for the door, slamming the fire extinguisher into it. “AAAAAAAAAA!!”

2

The door gives way at your makeshift ram and you sail into the room on the momentum, cartwheeling end over end into a pile of oily rags on the floor. You feel a bit silly but are otherwise unhurt

I stick my hand up from the pile of rags and wave in Peter’s direction “I’m okay!” The door gave way easier than I’d expected. I stand up, and no my best to brush myself off, and make sure the suit is still intact. The oil stains won’t be coming out of it any time soon for sure. “Alright, lets see what we’ve got here...” I take a look at the cutter rifles, and look round, digging through some of the other stuff as well. (edited)

There are ten very clean laser rifles and a box of grenades in the room, along with a bookshelf of owners manuals for various patterns of small arms the remnant was using at the time of the war

(What do you mean by very clean? Just well working? I'm not sure because this place is radioactive)

I grab the cutter rifles leaning against the wall and throw them in a bag as I look through the other stuff.

(like super well maintained)

7:27 PM

(also non radioactive since the room was sealed)

7:29 PM

(The cutter rifles are heavy weapons, too. so they're portable, but very big, this would be sort of a make trips or pile up our loot and handle it later kind of thing, half the challenge is logistics)

(Ok gotcha. I’ll just come back later then) I turn past, leaving the weapons where they are for now. “I shall return to you later. Don’t go anywhere.” I turn south and west, winding my way through the more southern areas of the facility, not wanting to miss anything.

Radiation climbs steadily as you approach deeper into the eastern side. Your meanderings take your past burned out offices, abandoned barracks rooms that were spartan even when intact, and an officers mess where the pool table is somehow the only intact object in the room. You finally arrive at something like a secured door. It’s been blown off the hinges but there are no lights , not even emergency power beyond the threshold

I take a reaching step over the door that's fallen to the ground as I move myself into the dark room, hopeful. Turning up the flashlight's brightness with a swipe of my thumb, I wave the beam around the room dartingly towards whatever catches my eye in the darkness, trying to get some idea of what's inside. I'm careful not to touch anything until I know what all I'm looking at here. "C'mon...gimme something here..." (edited)

(added some overdue goals)

At the end of the hall there is a brief flicker of something grey and a snap of fabric, as a dark shape at the end of the hallway turns and runs to the right, out of view. (Basically around the corner out of sight)

(Anything else noteworty about the room?)

(You mean aside from a mysterious figure running away from you?)

(yeah. get it if that takes most of the attention tho)

(It’s a pretty bare bones access hallway otherwise

(Gotcha) “GAH! Fuck! No!” I drop the light as I jump backwards, tripping over Peter and falling to the floor. After a moment, I stand and brush myself off. “Dammit, this place is giving me he creeps. I’m seeing things, lets hurry up get out of here.” Cautiously, I reach down to grab the light. I move forward slowly, and stick my head around the corner. Looking around.

Peter helpfully displays some diagnostic data. What displays is a riot of conflicting vital signs, but whatever it is, whatever he scanned is most certainly alive

"Ok, cmon you got this. Cmon its nothing, nothing." I quickly reach back to put my hair up, then take it down and put it back up again. Before I get psyched out again, I move quicky around the corner and keep down the hall.

As you close to within 10m of the hallway, about to hit the corner to turn right you hear the sound of hissing and pipes falling down the hall, and what sounds like claws scraping metal , getting further away

(Can I get an idea of where I am on the map?)

(Thst long hallway running north above the green courtyard area)

It, whatever it is, seems more afraid of us than we are of it. I don’t plan on making a habit of coming into seemingly innocent things’ homes and attacking them without reason. We ain’t got a problem right now, so let’s not cause beef. For now, I’ll just continue on my way avoiding it and looking for what I need. I keep my eyes and ears open. I tell Peter to keep watch for signs of life.

Peter slows his pace a bit as some power is re routed to more powerful scanning. So far everything comes back quiet. This corridor leads to the heart of the AI control space where your prize and the remains, if any exist, of the remnants prototype unbroken AI bot once lurked. After being at the heart of a pocket nuclear explosion , this much of the facility being left is a testament to its solid construction

I pick up the pace, getting excited and beckon hurriedly as Peter slows. “I know you can walk faster than that. I saw your reaction to the roach back there.” Before entering the room, i stand in the doorway, looking around and trying to take things in as a sweep the light around, trying to spot the prize.

The control room is shattered in the most severe sense of the word. The nuclear explosion has destroyed much of the equipment aside from a few of the most heavily reinforced databanks. The broken body of hunterbot is slagged wreckage that no amount of technical skill could ever hope to repair. The temperature in this part of the facility is still warm, and the radiation levels are high

"Pete, see if you can get into those databanks while I take a look around. You know what you're looking for." As I move around the room, checking out the hunterbot and other equipment, most of which is destroyed, while Peter mover over there and plugs in, trying to harvest some data from it. As I look around, I keep alert for any signs of our mysterious friend.

(Mental save please)

(Whapish! 6v5)

You sense some kind of growing pressure you did not realize was there a moment ago dissipating, a faint whisper of unintelligible babble passing over your ears before fading away , into silence

At this point an expert of recognizing when people are messing with my head, I whirl around, double checking shadows and trying to spot the culprit. “AY! Who’s there......Keep alert Peter, someone or something’s trying to get to us.” Peter moves over to the databanks and pokes around, trying to find a spot where he can plug into the system.

Peter sifts through the ruined data and trying his plug in a few different places and coming up empty before finally slotting home in a half burned communications terminal. He then chirps. Proximity warning

"See if you can pull some information from there. I'm watching out backs!" I step back at Pete's proximity warning and guard the door. I ready my heavy machine gun, and aim down the hall, with a trigger happy finger ready to blast bullets.

Something scuttles on the ceiling, at the end of the corridor, catching the light of a shattered comms console, for just long enough for you to get a glimpse, and it continues scuttling forward upside down, 100m away

9:06 PM

"Eh...could've been worse. Hey Peter! Look! I found you a spider girlfriend!" I turn back to the thing. "If I kill you, can I keep the hat?" I loose a round of bullets from the gun, aiming for the chest, not wanting to damage my hat. (19/19, which is a nat 1 to hit)

(We don’t do crit fails so you’re good)

The shots go wide but the gun does not seem to have jammed. The spider beast scuttles forward, a long scythe blade extending from its right hand. It’s now 75m away

Trying I regain control, I fiddle with a setting on the weapon, trying to hit. I fire again, this time aiming more carefully. (21/18, another low one)

These shots strike true, the creature screeching as sticky green ichor is blown from the wounds, but it continues skittering forward, now angled to straddle the left wall of the corridor and the roof, still upside down. It's blade arm begins winding back, the barbed looking bone scythe starts to drip some kind of milky white toxin that makes the air around it haze

8:47 PM

(50m)

Yanking the HMG up, I move back in the room, taking semi-decent cover behind some of the electronics debris and rubble, and trying to put some space between myself and the creature. From there, I fire rounds off from the gun at the creature, each bullet trailing with sparks and phasing through the debris. (27/19), (I don’t think it is, but if that’s too much for one turn, drop the attack)

(Your move and not setting up the gun has you at a -4 to hit which still hits)

12:36 PM

The creature screams harshly, tearing a section of drop ceiling away and vanishing up into it. You hear pipes and cables falling as it runs, going opposite your location. It’s running

(That attack was with the minus four already, but guess it doesn't matter.)

I hurry forward and continue to fire at the ceiling, based on where it sounds to be, hoping to hit it through there and bring it down, or at least keep scaring it off. (24/20, bullets have phasing if that helps get it through the tile or whatever the ceiling is made of)

(You cleared it either way)

3:16 PM

(You did hurt it too. That’s why it’s running )

3:18 PM

You’re rewarded with a splash of the same milky viscera as you saw leaking from the scythe weapon, but the skittering continues laboriously, away from you. Peter seems preoccupied with something in the databank he is plugged into

I drop the HMG into a pile of rubble, satisfied. Cracking my fingers, I strut over to Peter. "I think I showed her who's boss. So, what's the news? Find anything?"

Peter displays a map showing a remnant plan to seed UNW territory with the comm stations , once conquered, to ensure they could quickly communicate and respond in the event of rebellion or shaper incursion

"Yes! You never let me down, you black slab you!" I slap him like a proud uncle overestimating their nephew's strength. "Alright, we've got the map, now we just need to actually build these suckers." I take a minute to take a look at the map as Peter projects it, studying the patterns and enjoying just having it.

(So the project was two parts , locations and the actual ‘how did we make the array’ , we have the locations chunk of it now)

(And that's something I can still look for here?)

(Yes)

(Can I get an update of about where we are?)

(Tonight yes. Can’t draw on here)

(Ok thanks. No rush, I’m not really gonna be on much today anyways)

(where the red line ends)

With the first half of what we came for taken care of and in high hopes, Peter and I head to the large, open central section of the facility to explore that for a bit.

The area inside this central chamber is where the AI bot once lurked. The epicenter of the small nuclear explosion was here and you see the broken remains of the spider bot, along with significant cybernetic left - behinds from who you’d guess to be Seung, based on the battle reports.

12:38 PM

It’s brain box has been broken open, a dim blue status light inside winking pathetically

"Peter, see if you can read that bot's mind. I want to see if it can spit out any clues or maps or info or whatever." As he works, I head over to the cybernetic scrap and look through it, not particularly hoping to find anything, just curious.

The robot has nothing left. It was annihilated by a pocket nuclear explosion. All peter is able to find is a small sliver of data with scraps of corrupted machine poetry. Among the rest of the burned out consoles you find one, buried under others that have fallen. It is in better shape than the rest and it’s chipslot has something still locked securely within it

I pull out my knife from one pocket and start messing with and prying at the chipslot of the piece, trying to see if I can get it unlocked and shimmy put whatever’s inside.

(Fix/int)

(11)

There is a pop, and then a crunch as you pull 3/4 of a platinum and electric blue chip from the base of the machine. It is about the size of your palm and threaded with ice blue wiring. It feels cold to the touch

(I wouldn’t have any means to analyze it at the moment, right?)

(Not in its broken state, no, but you have a pretty good inkling this is what you came for)

(Interesting. Ok)

“Thanks friend. Pete, I’m pretty sure this is it. Let’s get back and see if we can’t figure out what exactly this is,” Hailey calls to the spider, who seems to have been a fan of the robot poetry.

(Evasion save)

(Can you roll for me if you get a chance? It’s not coming up on my phone and I’m afk today)

(13, pass). You hear the whistle of the parting air and dive out of the way as the scything arm claw sweeps from the ceiling. With a hiss, the spider like creature , upside down in the ceiling cavity, unlimbers it’s remaining claws and prepares to pounce

Hailey whirls her still loaded HMG onto the creature and fires of shots at it from the hip. Peter was supposedly built to be alert and notice these kinds of things before of them got killed. "Gahdammit Pete, these are the kinds of things you're supposed to warn me about ahead of time!" (35/16)

3:29 AM

(technically Pete has alert so he can't be surprise attacked. Idk if this would fall under that, but i dont really care in this scenario since I doubt that'll make the difference long run)

(it wont make a difference in the long run, and it wasnt at pete, it was at you

10:27 PM

(its sort of like terminal reflection, its not the group, jsut you personally)

(Ok cool. Like I said, doesn't matter to me either way)

The machine gun shots rip into the ceiling, your ice blue tracers blowing out panels and making long dormant lights rain down in a sprinkle of glass. You seem to have wounded it, the sticky ichor that must be it’s blood rains from the ceiling. (Pete up)

Peter's three prongs on the front of its face, each linked to the electro canon installed, spin with electricity and blast out a bolt at the creature in a flash of light. (14/14)

The creature deftly weaves aside from it and wings it’s arm blades at each of you. You can see hundreds of tiny sore like objects in its skin and under its skin quivering with movement slightly (18/ 15 on you if that hits , missed Peter)

Hailey flinches a bit at the hit, but keeps firing regardless, confident that they're getting to the creature. She looses another round of bullets at it, each trailing with sparks. (27/15)

The body fumbles from the ceiling and bounces off the ground. It begins to stretch as the wiggling inside intensifies, but the creature itself looks to be dead

“Cmon, lets get out of here. As much as I wanna know, I don’t wanna know what’s making that thing move.” Moving around it, Hailey and Peter hurry to get out, Hailey tossing a grenade back at it at the last moment. (Assuming I need a roll, can you roll for me)

(It gets to evade you don’t need to worry about a roll. Just don’t forget to deduct the grenade from the sheet) You hear the dry cough of the grenade and the room fills with smoke as the two of you run. There’s a wet splatter and you hear dozens of shrieks back in the former AI room

4:02 PM

As the children it was carrying inside it are finally freed and begin to pursue.

2

“Let’s just go,” Hailey comments to Peter as they continue to haul ass down the corridors and and back to where they entered the facility in the first place.

The spider children follow, skittering over the ground in a swarm behind you, boiling over the walls and ceiling in their frenzy to catch up. Even making it outside they’re hot on your heels in a howling tide of mutant creatures

(How big are they, approximately?)

7:55 AM

(And how many is a tide? Like a hundred?)

(thousands, think like, when you pop a real life spiders egg sac

9:18 PM

(and they'd be about finger sized

As they keep running towards the Bounty as fast as they can, Hailey rips the pin off another grenade and tosses it behind them, catching a better glimpse at what they’re dealing with. “Is it bad that I want one?” Peter makes a sound akin to a screech at the notion.

You make it to the foot of the bounty's open ramp as the second grenade sends its explosive shrapnel storm pinging off the ground and doorframe of the facility. more of the creatures are pulped, but the sheer number of them advancing boils and rolls like a liquid

2:10 PM

the lurching black swarm froths its way out of the door like a tide,

Seeing as the grenade didn’t do much to slow the tide, Hailey keeps running towards the ship, with Peter at her heals. “Cmon cmon cmon!” As quick as possible, they start it up with the intention of staying in the planet’s orbit instead of a full lift off, hoping to save time.

The ship is jerked sideways on takeoff as the living tide smashes into it, and as your ship rises the last few clinging to the hull begin falling away, splattering against the ground below. You make planetary orbit in six minutes, safe from the danger below

5:58 AM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

Once off planet, the adrenaline starts to fade away, and Hailey leans back to catch her breath, flicking her hair out of her face. “Another easy lift-off.” They set course for Gudrun and head back as quick as possible. Attacks are now incoming, making the quick comms system more important than ever. (edited)

The Bounty sets course for Gudrun as rapidly as able, the emergency broadcast reaching you as you make your way to local space. The data aboard is valuable, but you'll need some skilled help from planet surface to get this installed and spread through UNW territory

(Ok. So my plan is to figure this chip thing out, build the glorified security cameras, get the data installed in those and spread it for others’ use, then get the security system watchtower out there. Does that line up with what you see?)

(no, its plans for an actual communications array that has to be installed in an orbital platform at each planet, thats why fortifying UNW worlds with them was an endeavors)

(Oh ok got it that makes more sense. Good with that)

8:50 PM

(So is the skilled help to get it out, or to figure out what the info on the chip is?)

(Figure our what the info is and how to implement it)

(Looks like ic Billy isn’t busy. Can I just hit him up and ask for help? No better “skilled help” than that) (edited)

(Go for it)

After struggling with the doodad for a bit, Hailey sends a quick message to Billy, asking for help.

Always a pleasure to hear from you, Miss Clements. Please elaborate. I have a moment while assets align.

Well, I've been working almost exclusively on the project recently. If you don't recall all the details of it from last time it came up, its essentially meant to be a metaphorical security camera system along the edge of the UNW, as well as a method of quickening internal communications. I figured the remnent had something like this at some point, so I went to Alcibiades to try to find a lead, and I just got back.
Long story short, I think we can make it work as a sort of communications array installable at planets' orbital platforms. I found a chip that should have the data we need on it, but its somewhat damaged, and I need tech help to get it plucked out and distributed to be installed and spread and what not.

See you in the lab! Great work!

(Not entirely sure what I’m doing with the thing so I’m gonna let Neko get something in here)

(Billy goes to Hailey ‘s thread to help her with her mcguffin)

Arriving at the lab in Central, you’re both let in by the lab AI, Mimir, a fragment of it exists here and at the lab in rebirth as well. It’s a humorless , genderless voice, designed by val with nothing but efficiency in mind. One of the labs is opened for your use, classified shutters lowering over glass windows in the others to prevent sight inside

“Is this the part where you kill me and take over? Cause, make it quick.” He chuckles.

"Hahah, yeah. Exactly. End of the line for you. But first, let me explain my evil plan. Here, this is it." She grabs the chip and holds it out to Billy. Its partially broken, only about three fourth's of what it probably once was remaining. Its blue and gray and webbed with wiring, and about the size of a playing card. (edited)

“Oh interesting, let’s see what we’ve got here. We might be able to fix this.” Billy looks closer and inspects it.

"Yeah, had to fight off some mutant human spider grim reaper fusion abomination to get my hands on it. Like, I don't care if nature and radioactivity thought that was a funny trick to play on God or something, it was annoying."

“So typical day at the office, then.” He says. “And what is this supposed to be?”

(What do I have to do to help her fix this?)

(What do I have to do to fix this

?) (edited)

“Is there data to recover in here? It seems like it should be easy enough to replace the wiring and intuit the rest of this build but, the data is what’s going to be the hard part. -Mimrir, can you analyze this chard and return any data that you have on its construction?”

(well, we can attempt a physical repair of the chip)

7:59 PM

Mimir goes to take the chip, and the broken edges are inserted into some kind of reader designed to interact with irregularly constructed materials. A blue beam fires from a small sensor on top of the computer, and your vision blacks out. You hear the sound of waves, and the smell of salt. Sea Shanty 2 begins to play

7:59 PM

WELCOME TO DABLOONSCAPE

5

“”YAR SAYED THIS BE TAKIN BUT A WEE MINUTE, LASSS!”

As soon as the sound of waves hits her, following a moment of complete confusion, Hailey realizes what's happened. "NAAAAYYY!! WHY?! It were!!"

A small sloop bobs pleasantly in shallow water off the coast, close enough for a quick swim. Aboard, a number of deck hands lounge. They play cards, throw knives and play instruments out of tune with one another. You see a mission appear in your vision overlay SUMMON THE STORM AT THUNDERSONG COVE. BRING SKY AND SEA TOGETHER

(I have all my parrots surrounding me as usual right? I never rp’d fixing my Alecto drone.)

9:32 AM

Billy fist bumps Hailey. “Looks to be time far sailin!” Cap’n Billy runs and dives in to swim to the ship.

(I don’t have drones, but does Peter get to come along?) “Aye!” Hailey shouts before she knows what she’s doing. She looks around as she swims for the ship with Billy, trying to beat him to the ship. She has a loose fitting shirt with a belt, and pants tucked into a pair of simple boots. A pair of red bladed swords are strapped to her belt, one on each side.

(Peter can come yeah. And as for the electo, just pay the credits it’s been enough game time )

11:48 AM

(You have your drones)

Peter is not too far away, hurrying after the others, just a normal spider, but big and with a pirate hat and hook.

YO HOO! ONWARD TO THE THUNDERSONG COVE!!

(Let’s finish the shaper battle first. Still time for things to go wrong

(Aye cap’n)

clears throat “AR! Maybe the ship be listening to the lass this time? Miss Clements? After ye.”

The ship rocks as the gentle waves lap at its hull and th crew begins hauling themselves from lounging to prepare for work. They begin to sing a sea shanty about how the boat is a piece of junk and the food is terrivle

"Ay then." She nods to Billy, before turning to the crew. "ARR! RAISE THE SAILS AND READY TO MAKE WAY YA SICK BILGERATS!! WE ONWARD TO THUNDERSONG COVE!!"

9:28 PM

(Gonna be slow next couple days. I'm traveling)

The sails billow as they catch the wind, and you leave behind a gathering school of sharks, hoping to catch some poor unfortunate falling overboard. Today , their digital bellies are going empty.

9:27 PM

There is a strong wind in the game right now, and the map shows this location as two islands from here, Golden Hog Hill and Serpent Mouth Jetty on the way, with rocks and sea mounts preventing a timely flanking approach from other directions. There are notes from other players on the map, showing hostiles might be patroling the area

“I’ll take the helm, you take the guns! Off to Golden Hog Hill!”

The island is a bit of a sail away, and the wind shifts to behind you. You use the strong tailwind to propel you onwards , and the lookout calls out that he sees sails behind you

“PREPARR THE GUNNS MATEY! I’m pulling her broadside.” He says with a gold toothy grin. (What sort of flags are they flying?)

(Notice/wis)

12:17 PM

(Or int actuslly since you’d be trying to recall information)

(6+2 from eyebot =8)

The flags are the Galetan Pro-Gamers, the chalice grail emblem on a field of royal blue, and accented in gold

(Didn’t we beat them up and then they joined us last time?)

(Grupp had some Galateans help him against the AI, I thought the ones you met were from Polychromia or something)

1

“AHOY YE SCALLYWAGS! D’YE KEN TO JOIN US?” He shouts.

(Yeah the polychromians helped last time)

(Give me a minute guys. Just got back after the most painful travel ever ugh)

9:54 PM

(Thanks for the patience)

“Arrr I reckon they be after the same booty we be!!! Don’t let up speed, but hold yer fire!!” Hailey orders the crew at Billy shouts to the other ship.

(Thanks for the patience again. Spent the last two days trying to get home for the break, and I had flight cancelled twice, two early mornings, and more connecting flights than I wanted, before coming into the airport in the middle of rush hour and having to drive three hours to get home)

(I know how hard it is traveling from NYC. We do through a similar fiasco every year when my brother tries to come home for a holiday too)

1

6:19 AM

Something tiny and black is fired into the sky from the other ship , and as it gets closer you can see it is a mast breaker , the chained cannonballs swinging around one another in the air. You can already tell this shot is going to land way over the ship and well in front of you.

“I think we’ll need to beat them Hailey! -ALL MEN TO GUNS!” (You’ll need to remind me what guns we have. Also, I’m assuming Hailey is taking the Gunnery department and I’m captaining.) (All power to guns 12v6 success all gunnery actions -2cp.) (Total cp=7) “Hailey, would you do the honors?”

(They’re still pursuing us right? if the weapons are on the side how will we hit them? Or do they just rotate?)

(I already pulled the ship broadside in an earlier post.)

5:50 PM

(How many cannons does the ships have to fire at those blokes?)

(Oh I see that sorry. And yeah, what am I rolling and how many? Never had ship combat before lol, let alone ship combat)

(You will use your to hit bonus. I used all men to guns so each gunnery action costs 1cp and because I’m captaining the ship has 7cp. That means you can fire all guns 7 times. I just don’t know how many cannons we have.)

1

(It’s usually just regular combat. Not ship combat)

6:44 PM

(Keeping it simple since it’s all Homebrew but it’s got six guns on each side)

(Wait so we do not use my captain abilities here then? Refresh me if I got this wrong. We are shooting this scallywag.)

(And what’s the damage roll)

(No we don’t. It’s always been like regular vehicle combat )

1

6:50 PM

(The cannons are d6 each)

(Okay I’ve been corrected in mod chat. We did use ship combat when we had more PCs so there was enough for everyone to do

7:01 PM

But with two of you im trending toward simple)

(Solid. So does one person drive and shoot and the other just take actions as normal then?)

(That's how we've done it other times yeah, Hailey can shoot rockets on the deck and stuff)

2

(Oh ok well I guess if you wanna take care of that and Captain then Billy that’s ok)

(Up to you, I have a couple big guns to shoot too if you’d rather drive this thing.)

(No you go for it. You’re the pilot here)

7:55 PM

(How far away are they? I wanna try to board if that’s possible. If not I’ll just shoot at them) (edited)

(I can try to fling you if you get on a mast XD learned that move from Svenka.)

(Lets try it lol. I can swing from the crows nest)

(I haven’t used by lava worm swords yet and this seems like a good chance)

=0

(If you want to board we can fast forward to you guys getting into range for it. They’re following you so unless you turn and present guns they’ll have to get close enough for you to jump, as well as shoot

(Ok I vote we don’t stop and turn them and let them come to us. Then you have command shots as captain and I can get boarding going. We might take more ship damage but if Billy’s for it too it sounds like more fun)

(Fun is what it’s about in my opinion)

(Svenka literally catapulted me last time. I’m game.)

(Yeah lets do that then

. Unless it’s possible to be shot out of a canon, I can take the damage)

(Yeah you can do that if you want to. It’s your show just tell me what you want to do)

(Yes that one we’re doing that then)

3:36 PM

(billyshootmeoutofacanon)

1

(Ok what do I roll!?)

(Let’s get a Pilot/dex or int for you billy, and based on that I’ll tell Hailey what to add for her to hit roll)

1

(13)

Hailey whirls around to Billy on a dime, and taps the side of her nose rapidly with a finger before pointing at the canon. “BillyBillyBilly, shoot me outta the canon! I’m gonna finish this before it starts!” She grins with a devilish sneer.

Billy excitedly spins the wheel to get the position just right, tastes the air. “YA THINK YAR THE ONLY ONE WITH A WILD SET OF BALLS KEN TAKE DOWN A MAN’S SHIP! Think agaaainnn HAHAHAHA FIRE THE CRAZY WENCH!”

(Hailey d20+5 for hitting, which If you hit will land you on their deck without injury and you can start doing your thing)

(

Nat1 so 6 lol)

3

Hailey flies from the cannon and skips across the surface of the water three times like a stone (18 damage), before coming to a halt in a giant cannonball splash. Pirates from both ships laugh at the antics but you look to be within aggressive swimming distance of the enemy ship now (edited)

Hailey shakes her head, and wipes the water out of her eyes before waving at Billy excitedly. “ARR ME BE OKAY!!!! A FUN TRICK THAT BE!!!!” (edited)

“SAME THING BE HAPPENING TA ME! SCALE THAT SCUTTLED TEAPOT AND SHOW ‘EM WHY THEIR NEW CAP’N CLEMENTS STRIKES FEAR IN THE HEARTS OF ALL MEN AND BEASTS!”

She pumps her fist in the air, “AYE!!!” As quick as she can, she starts swimming as quickly as she can towards the enemy ship.

(Billy has time for An action before the enemy ship fired

“KEEP YAR HANS OFF ME MAIN MAST! FIRE THE PORT SIDE!” To hit: 18,24,24,12,23,27 Assuming 5 hit Damage 2, 5,4,2,1 =14

(5 hits) The barrage of cannonballs skips across the water and carves a handful of neat holes as Hailey makes her way to the enemy ships hull@

(What’s the order? Am I up again or what?)

(Theyre gonna shoot I fell asleep before I could roll for the enemy ship

1

(One crit one hit for ten damage. 50/60 for your boat)

10:03 AM

Their gunnery crew fires back, the shots aimed but poorly as the two vessels draw abeam Of one another

10:03 AM

(Hailey)

Not at the ship yet, Hailey keeps swimming hard for it, determined to climb up and cause chaos.

Hailey makes her way to the ladder, and feels like she has some strength in her limbs yet to climb (you can make it up the ladder if you wish)

She pops up and tries to catch he attention of some of the gunners. “ARR I BE OVER HERE YA YELLOW SKALLYWAGS!!!”

4:22 PM

She brandishes her swords in the air.

The closest gun crews begin readying piles and other hand weapons at the distraction. Fewer guns will fire at your ship as the crews abandon your duties (Billy)

“DONT BE A FOOL, LADS! SURRENDER TO THE PIRATE QUEEN!” He turns to his own cannoneers and draws his monoblade fashioned as a saber of his own. “Another volley!” To hit: 28,22,20,25,16,24 Damage: 2,4,5,5,1,6 = 23 damage

A handful of guns on the enemy ship are unseated and the remaining crew is focused on Hailey boarding now that the ships are this close. Their ship begins to list slightly to port and shows moderate damage.

8:38 AM

(Hailey up)

(Is there an obvious captain or helmsman I can get to?)

(There are several ship officers on the aft deck you’re climbing towards

Charging for the officers of the ship, but not aiming for any specific one person, and generally just trying to cause chaos, Hailey swings her swords around her as she runs for them. (23/10 and 28/17)

3

One of them collapses into a pile of pixelated squares, his sword vanishing on the deck (Idk how you want your game swords to look Hailey , but I’m sure since they’re based on a real life thing you did , pretty cool)

The ship crew, four of them closest to Hailey respond with their long billhooks and Spears (2 hits for 8 total damage) , the swirling melee on the poopdeck now taking the attention of both vessels

9:44 PM

(Billy)

Billy steers the ship to pull up broadside. “Surrender, Sharkbait!” Cannons: 30/3, 17/3, 14/4, 15/1, 28/6, 21/2

(If you want to make a lead or talk/cha to see if they do, we can. They’re in a bad way right now between ship damage and Hailey just mulching their captain)

(Yes! Talk/cha 11)

Their captain is dead. Their ship is listing badly and a sword wielding pirate queen is decimating the deck crew. Their flag is lowered and they lay down their weapons, surrendering the ship to Hailey

“That be more like it! Welcome to the Steel Spider lads,” she says turning to the officers. “Now, CONTINUE OUR COURSE FIRST MATE RIGERS!!!”

“Ye be needin repairs, Capn!”

“Aye because ya been blowin holes in me ship!”

(Can Hailey heal her ship with fix?)

(Hadn’t thought of that but yeah is that something I can do?)

(Yes. Fix/int and multiply the result by two for healing but then it’s Haileys ship)

(14)

(I’ll do the same on the one I’m on. Which even if I rolled all 1s I think it’s repaired. (2+4)*2=+12hp )

Both ship, now in much better health and flying the same flag, continue on. A small way Stone appears in the wheel of each ship so the two of you can communicate

“Ah that be better. Now we can whisper each other secrets n the like, Capn. Onward to the isle then?”

“Aye. These be cool, over. ONWARDS!”

(Poke)

The island ahead has a disused fort atop it. No enemies or anything of note appear to be there. The flag post is empty and a small tool tip appears for both of you asking if you’d like to claim the island base for future use

“Uh, yeah I guess. Hailey, I’ve never gotten to this point in the game before but... Free fort I guess, right?”

“Aye! It looks like the fort is ours.” Without hesitating, she hits ‘yes’ as the ship makes anchor.

Yes

You both see 20,000 gold (credits) drawn from your real bank accounts. The islands flags appear as does a host of pirates to defend it and work on things for you. From now on, your spawns in dabloonscape will be here, and better quality ships will spawn with you

3

“Oh shit this is pay to win. Hell Yeah, I’m rich!”

(I’m going to make an actual handout with the map, islands and what everyone’s dabloonscape assets are just so there’s less abstraction to it. I didn’t care at first in favor of story but people seem to like it so it’s becoming worth the time)

2

“Ugh, I hate that I love this pay to win game.”

The next island is sea serpents mouth cay and it’s rumored some electric spitting beast resides there. You remember your clue about summoning the storm at the island after that

After watching the progress for a bit. “Be ye ready to continue on Capn Rigers?”

“Aye. I’m ready to sail... Ye think we can capture one o those beasts on the next island? We might need it to summon the storm.”

“We’ve handled a fire beast, what’s a thunder beast?”

(Are there any upgrades we can buy for ships here or does it just spawn better ships later?)

6:12 PM

“Set sail!

(there will be some in the future, right now you guys just made it, so it'll take some time) Right now , the shipwrights here can only fit something called a faraday cage, which the description says is useful for trapping electrical energy, and the creatures capable of producing it. One of the Galetans in the chat said something about hunting or bounties for such creatures and such modifications to hulls being useful, but he was dozens of levels ahead of you, the end-game activities well beyond the scope of your current mission.

(Not sure what to make of that. Do we need to make some sort of ship mod?)

(You have to buy the ship upgrade from your shop here )

(How much does the faraday cage cost if I hover over it?) “If we are sailing by these stormy beasts we ought to be prepared right?” ty boys

(5k credits)

Equip

The hull of your ship is threaded with long silver wire, and a lever system appears by the wheel. A cage under the ship opens and closes as the levers are turned, the rounded tomato cage looking device capable of holding a mid sized sea creature. You do notice the speed rating of your vessel goes down a bit when you equip it

3

6:39 PM

(Doesn’t matter right now but in a pursuit it might)

(Nice. I’m ready to move onward!) “Me thinks only one of us needs this contraption. It slows down the ship.”

“Aye! Let’s go catch us a thunderfish!”

The islands ahead have strong currents and you see your wheelmen struggling to maintain their heading.

11:25 AM

The waters blacken and surge with growing surf and dark shapes seem to wriggle beneath the waves, several meters down

“KEEP YOUR HEADING AND LETS PUSH THROUGH HERE! I’ll see if I can catch one on the way!” Billy is going to man the helm.

More interested in the waters, Hailey runs to the bow and looks over the edge, watching the surf and moving shape. “CLENCH YER ASSHOLES LADS, SOMETHING BIG BE APPROACHING”

4

(Let’s get initiatives

(7)

(Billy, monsters, Hailey)

8:23 PM

A large sea serpent glides just below the waves, lighting it from be low with crackling lighting. It stops short of both of the ships

8:23 PM

It is 20m long at least, black fins on its back piercing the waves

8:23 PM

It’s head is triangular like a snake, elongated lower jaw showing jagged and thrusting fangs

8:24 PM

“Hailey! I don’t know if we’ve got this one!” Billy mounts the HMG (gatling Cannon) next to the wheel of the ship and proceeds to try and move away from it.

“You mean you think we should try to find a smaller one?”

“We can fight it if you wish, Cap’n! Something tells me this is the size they come in.”

"Please. We've fought bigger, we've got this one! ENGAGE AND FIRE CANNONS!"

(Billy’s up then)

“Aye Cap’n!” “Fire the main guns!” (23/1 , 26/2 , 17/6, miss, 25/5 , 24/2) (Next turn I can shoot my HMG.)

The first wave of cannonballs throws up a torrent of foam and blood as they strike the creature, except one. It roars as the slight wounds in its side and it’s long body tunnels deep below the waves. The water under your ships begins to gently glow. It’s body is large and not fully submerged (Hailey)

(Does this ship also have six guns, and is it the same rolls?)

(Yeah. Same class of ship)

(Sorry I didn't get a notification for this for some reason) "Hit em with another wave lads! Don't let up" (29/1, 24/4, 19/3, 30/4, 19/6, 29/4)

(its been doing it to me a lot too)

9:31 PM

The second volley of cannonballs splashes into the water with solid hits, and mroe chunks of bloody foam billow out from the creature. the water becomes crimson, and you see smaller fins, sharks this time, frothing and basking in the dark waters, eager to feast on victor and vanquished alike if the situation allows.

9:31 PM

(evasion save both of you)

(Save 9v5)

10:19 PM

(Can we type in all chat to ask when we are supposed to catch the lightning beast?)

(9v4 success)

(Oh like asking for help from other players?)

(Yeah just advice. Not necessarily calling in a ship or something. Idk if that’s a thing or not and they might not respond given how all chat works in mmos.)

You get some helpful advice in the form of getting it to just before death before engaging your lightning cage. It also won’t submerge or use its electrical attacks if someone is boarding it, a well known exploit people have been using that isn’t patched yet

“Ok, get it low on health as possible before we try to catch it. Sounds kinda like that old game we’ve been playing Billy. But boarding it?! As in trying to ride it?”

(Yes)

“Ha! I does, matey! I figure I be the one ta board since I be next in ye turn ordaaarrrrr!” Billy hoists his HMG, grabs the helm and spins the wheel to start a boarding action.

“Wait no. It has to be you capn Only my ship can capture it!”

“Aye! You be right! I’ll suppose you ought to continue you’re attack then!”

“YAaarghh” he shouts. “Fire the cannons!” (28/2, 15/2, 14/2, 27/2, 15/4, 30/4)

The beast rears back, its throat perfectly exposed to a cannon pointed up on Haileys ship

11:21 AM

(Hailey)

(Can I both fire a cannon to hit it and prep boarding?)

(If so I’m going to do that)

(Yeah you getting into the gun is yours move

Hailey gets the gun prepped and ready for boarding.

(You can fire your normal guns too)

(31/2, 36/6, 30/3, 30/6, 36/3, 32/2)

9:11 PM

(The 36s are nat20)

9:12 PM

“Fire the cannons!!!”

The serpent roars and writhes in the choppy water and it’s accompanying sharks all swim and school with furious fin strokes. A bolt of blue lightning forks out from the creatures mouth, separating into two smaller bolts hurled at each of you. (22/17 on Haileys ship) Pirates dissolve into pixels, fires burn on the deck and the foremast begins to tumble forward, trunk snapped and aflame

5:54 AM

(Billy)

(Can I shoot my HMG that I set up earlier and still fire cannons or is it a one or the other thing?)

(Yes you can)

4:29 PM

(It fires when your cannons do)

“Let loose!” (Cannons: 30/3, 15/2, 21/4, 23/2, 13/2, 21/3 L-HMG: 27/17 Alecto: 28/14 Gunners: 26/16, 21/10)

(Hailey) The weapons fire at once and the beast is caught between streaking tracer rounds and geysers of water from cannonballs striking by its body. It rears back, perfectly positioned for Hailey

Hailey feels as though her boots have rockets on them and she flies through the air, swords extended toward the creature. It thrashed and roars but she lands on its spine, above the water and quickly finds strong footholds in its scales

(Hey sorry for the absence, issue at home has been taking up most of my time) “HahaHAAA!! Can’t get rid of us that easily!” Grabbing on with her legs and one hand, Hailey raises her sword over her head with the other.

(You’ve got your full move and action , the ship shooting was the crew just doing the basically held action from your last turn)

(Ah ok) She stabs the sword down into the serpent, using it to help hold on.

9:24 PM

(21/16)

The beast roars as the sword tears into its head and it lowers itself into the water, you barely skimming over the surface. The cage on Billy’s ship begins to open as the crew automatically knows what to do. Some steering hints begin appearing in front of billy. BEAST MOUNTED! appears overlaid on Haileys vision and a series of arrows begin to appear, showing how to remain in place as it struggles in the water

3

“Wooohooo! Make it a little easier why don’t you!” (Billy up to attempt a catch)

(Pilot dex my good sir with a +4 for Hailey helping)

2

(15)

The cage opens and the ship moves into an expert position, Hailey jumping from the beasts head into the deck of your ship as the creature is captured. The sloop taken from the galetan guard is listing and aflame, too far gone to save now.

10:31 PM

Barrels and crates bob in the water

“Nice catch.” Hailey dives back of the deck, and starts to move the barrels and crates in towards the ship.

“Woo! We got it!... Now how do we turn it in? Sucks we lost your ship.”

“Eh, it was expendable, just a tool we used”

“Yarrr!” Billy cheer emojis. So... where do we turn this beauty in?

A small tooltip appears , showing the next island has a cove where this beast is to be brought

7:39 PM

The beasts power is supposed to electrify some sort of Rube Goldberg like machine that should give you what you need

“Alright! Looks like it’s right on the way! - Er, I mean. YAAARR IT BE TIME TO GET OUR TREASHAAARRR! SET SAIL FOR THE NEXT LAND ON THE HORIZON, MATEYS!”

The ship with its captive sails for the next island and when it arrives there a massive galleon bedecked in fur, beaded rigging, goldenwood plank, and the skull of an enormous serpentine sea beast for a bow ornament is waiting. “Oy!” One of the players aboard the ship calls out. “You got the bounty?”

“Aye, we got it all right! And with little trouble from the lazy scoundrel!” (Traveling and settling back in today tomorrow and Wednesday so sorry if I’m slower than usual)

Their ship pulls up alongside yours and each of you see your reputation with the seamasters guild increase. You each will have some upgrades available on the island when you spawn into the game next and as the serpent vanishes into game currency your visions both black out and you’re back in the lab. It’s been two weeks since you entered dabloonscape. On the lab screen you see the data from the chip has been copied. An array has to be constructed on each world, but comm traffic will be greatly sped up between worlds with it

3:48 PM

(6xp, 10,000’credits)

“Alright. Well it looks like our work is starting to come together, Hailey. -wow I’m starving- I’m surprised by how much time passed in there. Thank you for the adventure.” He says collapsing to the floor for a minute breathing heavy. “I haven’t spent that much time on vid games in years.”

(It’s sorta like traveling through the neither in Minecraft. One second or increment is like 20 or 50 in the overworld , but it’s a novel way of doing routine and otherwise boring research)

“Yeah, sorry bout that. Did not expect it coming. Still looks like we got what we wanted.” Hailey looks through the data, excited.

1:38 PM

(Is building the array on each world a me project or something I can make a UNW project next month flip at the council meeting?)

(Funding it would be a discussion for the next meeting but they’d build it. I don’t think they’d want their military comms in the hands of a private company but you’ll get a large amount of face for this)

(Ok, that sounds about right. Cool!)

(Imma throw something else your way too during the meeting , I’m waffling between two things)

7:53 PM

(Because I am an indecisive diva)

2

“Hailey please let me know if I can be of help again, but I have a planet and faction to tend to so I must be off. And do let me know if you come across anything that would help in our endeavors. I’m proud of how much you’ve grown. We’ve been through a lot together. Thanks.” Billy smiles faintly tapping the door and goes to head out.

(That’s cool. We support that anyways) “See ya around matey,” Hailey waves in return and smiles back as Billy heads out of the garage. “I owe you one.”

7:57 AM

She spends her time up until the next meeting doing general upkeep and using the new data to put together plans for the communications arrays. (Hit lvl 16 so I’m gonna get some custom focus thoughts down and send them to you)

(Curious. I need 1xp to level, but we only ever get xp in increments of three. I must have mathed wrong somewhere.)

(You should just get 1xp for being cool. That’d fix the problem)

(you should think of a 1 xp goal lol.)

(“Make sandwiches for everyone at the council meeting”)

(Underutilize the goal system. XD)

(How soon is the battle in NMC? About)

(It sounds like right after the council meeting is when people are heading over

(Ok, I think I’ll do that then.)

(Also down to do Rawhani too if Robert finds a better pilot

. Kinda flexible and just wanna do big group stuff)

(Rawhani is a solid choice. There’s npc pilots. I think the frigate is an issue not as big as it’s being made

1

(Ok, I’ll delete that post from before and do Rawhani instead. Not sure what I’d be doing but I’m sure I’ll find a way)

(Hey, is like to spend time up until the building a drone load out, and getting a Drone Control Link. Billy said I wouldn’t be stealing his thing lol)

(There’s enough time to have a control link implanted in you before heading out)

While prepping for the council meeting, Hailey has a Drone Control Link put in. She fiddles a bit with trying it out and using it to control a couple of the drones she already has, as well as sketching up some new drones, but is too preoccupied with the communications array to get much done on it.

(Gonna head to Pelgason from here to talk to them about that galactic council thing of Roberts. Going to try to make it quick since it’s been way too long and I’ve got lots to do)

(Got it) It’s a rapid journey to Pelsagon, now the capital world of the CBSS. their battered fleet is home again, much smaller than the one that left the system to fight up north. The ground station by now is familiar with the comings and goings of your personal ship. There is less fanfare on your landing but you’re welcomed all the same.

Knowing her way around, she makes her way into the government distract, all the while admiring how much more beautiful it is here than the first time she visited and hoping to speak briefly with a council of international affairs. She refers to herself as an ambassador of the UNW.

The conclave of foreign affairs is a mixture of precognitive psychics , ministers, a large number of aides, and a few nominal representatives of the larger body of people’s. Two representatives of Vadhat, cyberpunk looking individuals bedecked in the regalia expected of communists are also attending. This is their first wider meeting as a polity member. Their meeting hasn’t yet begun.

Hailey spends time in the lobby as she waits for a turn up in the meeting. She socializes with the secretary, and figures out what she wants to say, not wanting to rant.

11:23 AM

Looking through the council members, she takes a liking to the Vadhat members’ styles, and makes a mental note to visit or at least pay them a compliment.

there is a natural break in the conversation after a long list of battle reports and casualty projections are read from the war in the north

With the pause, Hailey takes a turn to speak up. “I’ll keep this short, because I am not an expert on this topic and have not been a big part of planning the project I’m about to share. Many of the polities in our sector of space, the CBSS, the UNW, and Greystar to name a few significant ones, have worked together closely of recent. As a result, we in the UNW have begun to look into the formation of an inter-polity council, representing people of different worlds and polities for easier discussion. We hope this is a way to bring more efficient communications and cooperation. Many of the details still need to be worked out, so this is just a brief synopsis. I hope you will consider the proposition and join the effort by contacting the UNW. That’s all for now.” She takes a seat again.

“The UNW did as promised. So has Greystar. We all stood together in the north and are alive today because of it. We will send an official communication and inquiry at the end of this meeting , thank you for gracing us with your being here today Comrade Clements”

(What was the name of that planet I visited that hadn’t been checked out before that ended up having thunderstorm and jungle? Between acastus and Pelgason I think. I can’t find it)

(the one with the godwalker on it, with the plaque in french?)

(No. Though I do have to visit there again at some point. I never actually went down to it. Just scanned, didn’t scan well enough to see much, then continued on my way)

(I just opened up roll20 on my lappy, let me check for you)

(Thank you. I’m terrible at remembering all the planet names sorry)

(I think the official count is well into the 200's now for planets. I dont even know them all)

8:26 PM

(Saheera? In 1N? )

(I think it may have been Bourgani)

8:40 PM

(yeah that's it. I visited before, but never went down so I don't think it has reports up. Just some description in my thread from a while ago)

(fixed it, i didnt put a report up, but theres one now)

(nice. I'd like to visit there before heading back to Gudrun) [Status Title Unlocked: Comrade] She smiles and nods. "Thank you for your time. I look forward to working with your polity further in the future." Once the meeting ends, Hailey spends a bit more time on Pelgason, before making preps and heading back towards Gudrun. In a last minute split decision, she decides to head back to Bourgani, still curious about the planet. (edited)

4

The storm is still there when you return, all these months later. There are small breaks in the cloud cover now and again, big enough to get a ship through. Brilliant lighting continues to under light the clouds

Hailey waits for a break in the clouds, then takes the ship down through them, trying to carefully maneuver in hopes of avoiding lightning. I guess I could fly out in the mech. Would make the lightning less of a threat, but then I'm in more trouble if somethings out there. She leaves the idea for now.

The waves are turbulent , cresting to a massive 30m high on average. The atmosphere itself is very thick, and warm, and undersea vents keep the ocean to an incubator like level of warmth. What few scan results come back show nothing large living beneath the waves. There is too much interference to see more and a sample of the water would be needed to check for single cell life

She keeps low, continuing to fly in the ship for now. She’ll have to get a better look at the water’s later but for now she passes the islands, as they’d also be the only spots to land.

The islands are storm soaked rocky outcroppings. There aren’t many and most are small, only slightly bigger and wider than the ship. These will one day be the peaks of mighty mountains , but for today their bulk remains mostly below the sea

(traveling today and tomorrow so I'll respond soon as I can)

(No worries, just didnt want you waiting on me)

(Hey. Sorry. Was gone way longer than I expected. College told us all to eff off and get off campus so the last couple days have been more chaotic than expected)

Hailey takes a minute to respond to Joshua before continuing.

Sorry Hailey, the Lawrence is only atmospheric-capable right now, so I can't help you there. I've been meaning to dry dock the Lawrence for some upgrades and to switch some things out, so in the future, I should be able to help you out with that.

(Good to continue however)

(Deciding whether I need to stop on Gudrun before I head to Heras, which seems like a perfect spot for me to be rn)

I hope I'm not pushing you out of Bourgani! But I'll send you anything interesting I find. And I would appreciate that. This planet surely has some secrets hidden on it, and the ocean is a great start

(gotcha, they've been quite busy, wouldn't be a bad spot)

After receiving that final message from Joshua, Hailey preps the engines, and heads back out into space. Heras is next up on the list of destinations for her, but a stop at Gudrun is necessary first to take care of some business. (Looks like lots of ep people are on group missions rn anyways)

(Poke)

Gudrun is the same as ever upon your return. There aren’t many ships here right now. Trivedi cloud allows your ship to dock, and you arrive aboard the station as maintaining and fueling begins

She takes the shuttle back to her home in New Athens, noting that it’s now marked on the map and growing, before flying over the city in the Dragonfly back to her penthouse in Psike Tower to avoid people, docking the mech there and stepping inside. Pouring herself a drink, Hailey takes a long swig and sighs, leaning over the counter. “Ok Hailey, we’re home.” Once her head’s cleared up a bit, she showers, changes, tends to some personal business and plays with Peter for a bit. Decompressed, she heads down to her garage and lab, and starts to play with the drone control link, fiddling with the tips for a drone posey Billy gave her, and playing with ideas.

(Chris is looking at doing a concert. Can Psike TV

broadcast it?)

(They can!)

(YAY!)

@Chris Fury (Desmond)

If you don’t already have a place in mind Chris, I can set you up at the Castle City Stadium, best venue in all of New Athens, Gudrun, and the UNW, as well as get out some advertising.

This will be a benefit for the Psychic Institute on Acastus. Will that be okay? (edited)

Absolutely! You'll be a hit there, and I'd love to support the cause. Besides, it would draw people in for tourism.

Great! Do you want me to go to your venue or find one on Acastus? Also, if it is Acastus will you need to send a TV crew or do you have an affiliate on Acastus?

We are set up on Acastus, though not as big. If you'd rather perform there go for it, I just wanted to extend the offer.

(Yeah psike has a base of influence on Acastus. So Hailey has ten people or so there in her employ who can help out)

Cool! If we do it on Acastus could you introduce the show? The doctor I'm going to dedicate it to is opening the Academy and treating my father. He told me he likes the song I wrote about you so I'm sure he's a fan. You could do it remotely from Gudrun and it could increase viewership in Acastus. Besides, you are one of our heroes.

Sure, I can do that. I’m unfortunately too busy to make it to Acastus and do it in person, but I can have a hologram set up.

(Neko that last bit about the drones was mainly just to get you’re go ahead in case you want to bar anything. Was only going to make two)

(You can control your program level +1 so 2 is good )

4:58 AM

The drones and installing the link take time but you are able to complete everything relatively quickly. The skin is a bit red and sore but the link will heal in time.

(Doing some behind the scenes bot making here. I'm planning on taking the nanites off of the heavy mech and moving one to the suit mech, and passing the other back to Billy. Could I make the 'target what I target' mod a fitting for that instead? Have it connect to both for whatever you deem a fair power/mass price? And if i do that, maybe I could have them deployable from the mech, mainly as an aesthetic thing, for a mass or two?)

6:13 PM

(would have to put that second part on both profiles of the mech so that the drones don't get destroyed if i swap, btw)

(there is a mod for your actual gun, not the drone, that makes the drones you're controlling fire on what you fire.)

7:55 PM

(or did you mean the mechs? there's some kind of fire control system for that too i dont remember what its called but i can find it)

(Yeah, I know that its a mod for the gun, and I believe Billy does it by chaining one drone to another with mods on their guns. There is an FCU for mechs, as well as some other drone stuff, but they aren't really what I'm looking for.)

8:04 PM

(Basically what I'm asking if I can make the gun mod a mech fitting instead, so it links the drones to that for control)

(Oh, god no)

8:06 PM

(thats way OP)

1

8:06 PM

(Hang on, let me re-read)

8:07 PM

(So you want the gun you fire in your hands to fire the mech guns? or you want if you are in your mech, your mech weapon to get your drones to fire)

(Literally yeah. It's more a flavor thing than anything. Just for the gun in your hands to be linked to the drones through the mech)

8:08 PM

(Sort of a round about way of doing it but more fitting character-wise and limits me to using them when in the mech)

(There's a drone carrier armor mod, let me find it, i can base something off that)

1

Carrier (Fix-3): This suit of powered armour contains a docking port for a drone of encumberance 2 or lower, and the helmet is fitted with a drone control link (which can only link with the most recently docked drone). Remaining docked for a minute recharges the drone's type A battery, after which the drone can be activated as a Move Action, rising to hover above the armour. The drone control link works as normal, with the drone's sensors being projected onto the inside of the wearer's visor. Costs 30,000 credits and two units of pretech salvage.

9:52 AM

combined with

9:52 AM

Drone Synced (Fix-2): This weapon has been synced with a drone, acting both as a stabilising anchor point and a limited targeting assistant. When you shoot at a target while the drone is nearby, the drone will shoot at the same target immediately afterwards, hovering in place as it does so. Costs 8,000 credits.

9:52 AM

(first let me know if this is what you're intending, then we can discuss mass/power)

(Yeah, that looks about right. Slight changes would be needed, like I don't need the drone control link, since I have one just implanted, and I'd need it for two drones, or at least one for each drone, but that's what I'm thinking)

(Yeah this is adapted from an armor mod. We don’t need the link itself but you’d need the drone synch once for each weapon you want it on, and the carrier fitting for each drone. The pretech salvage and credits can stay where they are, I think since it’s basically just a charging cradle for it we can do 1 mass and 2 power, Mech weapons are already super strong so adding drone weapons that could also be heavy weapons to it needs to be balanced by its now coming at the cost of possibly taking other fittings)

9:12 PM

(It doesn’t take up much space but it takes up some space , I think mass 1 is representative enough. The extra targeting software and special sensors would be a bit of a stronger pull on power, so as it’s more than a background system but still small, 2 I think makes sense)

(Ok, so putting that on twice, one for each drone, costs 2 mass and 4 power, plus 4 units of salvage, and I totally think that’s fair. I expected a hefty price and don’t mind it.)

(putting a unit of cargo space on the profile without this drone loadout fitting to store the drones)

1:13 AM

(Sending info for everything asap)

[Dragonfly Mech]
Specialist Suit             
🚀 Speed-6     | 🛡️ Armor-8           
⚙️ AC-17       | ❣️ HP-10                  
Fittings-🔨                 Profile 1                    Profile 2
  Anti-Grav Nodes        2🔌4🔩      |  Drone Loadout       2🔌1🔩
  Active Camo Surface    1🔌2🔩      |  Drone Loadout       2🔌1🔩
  Augmented Enviroseals  1🔌2🔩      |  Void Thrusters      1🔌2🔩
  Cargo Space            0🔌1🔩      |  Drop Sheathing      0🔌1🔩
  Polyspectral Sensors   1🔌1🔩      |  Breaching Tool      1🔌1🔩
                                     |  Field Medical Unit  2🔌1🔩
                                     |  Mass->Power Mod    -3🔌3🔩
                   0/5🔌  0/10🔩     |               0/5🔌  0/10🔩

(edited)

Drone 1 - [Bumble]
Sleeper Drone
⚙️ AC-12  | ❣️ HP-8
Fittings-⚒️ 
  Expert System
  Loadout Link
  Weapon Fitting x2

(edited)

2:04 AM

Drone 2 - [Stinger]
Sleeper Drone
⚙️ AC-12  | ❣️ HP-8
Fittings-⚒️ 
  Expert System
  Loadout Link
  Weapon Fitting x2

(edited)

Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) pinned a message to this channel. 3/20/2020 4:24 AM

(Everything loooks good to me. )

(If I have the time to do so, last thing I’m going to do is mastercraft two rocket launchers, because what other weapon would I make to start off with for these things, with the infinite ammo mod, plus add the link to my own. I’ll give a bit of rp for this once I get the thumbs up on that. Found a new artwork too)

(I believe those take pretech salvage so if you have enough for all this I can’t really say no)

(Just like running it by you first)

Hailey pins the blueprint for the new Dragonfly up on a cork board over several old versions in her garage once she’s satisfied. Looking at it another moment, she takes a long sip of her coffee. “Alright. Let’s get to work.” Time flies and days blur together as the project progress. Almost all of the pretech parts she’s collected over the past months are put together Auntil they outnumber the posttech parts going into it. Finally, as the finishing touches are being put in, the two drones fly over to the near finished product at a wave of Hailey’s hand, and click into the back, forming its wings. A flurry of nanites fold over the whole thing, giving it color and shape, as well as causing it to ripple with energy. An unimpressed whistle from Peter and a ‘good enough’ from Hailey later, and it’s done.

(We were shooting out to Heras next, if i recall correctly, just let me know the route so if theres anything interesting along the way I can tell you)

(I could go straight there with no stops I believe, but let me check. I wouldn’t mind stopping for something interesting, since ep has got lots of people away atm)

(Heras is about 12 hexes or more from Gudrun) (edited)

(I've got eternal reactor so I don't need to refuel I believe)

(Yeah but you still only have a spike 3 engine )

11:57 PM

(So you’d have to stop every few hexes for another jump) (edited)

(Ah ok ok I see)

12:04 AM

(I'll stop at Tsatsos, because why not. and definitely avoiding Erdoza)

12:06 AM

(Do I need to be more specific?)

(That’s alright. I can plan the rest of it)

9:00 AM

Tsatsos, your adopted engineer home is busy as ever and is working hard to truly expand their mining capabilities. From space you can see dozens of crews out exploring. The diminished rcoe fleet is home, being repaired and new hulls being laid to replace battle losses

Hailey spends a little bit of time doing some admin jobs that need attending to, and checks up on projects. Once she's satisfied after spending a bit of time there, she heads back out again.

The next jump brings the ship to Chloe, where Dax Withers has recently become Governor. The space platform is capable of refueling your ship handily, and your next jump to avoid the world you designated you're staying away from is Korra-S. The planet is similar to Tsatsos, minus the horrific level of magnetic and ion energy in the air

(Has no one been here before?)

(Andra and Pearl stopped here while tracking the BOF ships that attacked their homeworld, but they didnt stop to scan, or stay)

9:26 PM

(There is a scouting report in the 1W folder, but its very general)

(Give me a moment and I'll check it out real quick)

9:31 PM

(Ok. So looks like Tsatsos but with extra goodies.) One look out the window to see the, in Hailey's mind 'cool' planet, and then she hits the spike to make the final shot to Heras.

At the edge of the system your scanners come online to show two Peerless class platforms protecting the planet. there is some small scale cargo lighter traffic centered around a city on the surface called Mytikas, but curiously these small ships travel to or from nowhere else. It stands in stark contrast to Gudrun, where the entire planet is serviced by whole flocks of these very light transport ships. Your comms station lights up as one or both of the platforms takes notice of your arrival into the system

“Huh...I would’ve expected so much better from Cyrus,” Hailey comments as seriously to Peter as possible before busting out laughing. “Who am I kidding? I expected less, and I’m sure he had help.” She’s looking out over the planet and the land around Mytikas when the comms light up. She hits the key to receive. “This is Hailey Clements on the Shadow’s Bounty.”

“Shadows bounty state the reason for your visit” So far no weapon locks have appeared

She thinks a minute, not having considered it too much previously, before responding. “Personal visitation.” Peter chirps and she nods at his idea, hastily adding “-and diplomacy. I’m here from the UNW.”

“Proceed. Dock at the civilian platform and you will be met by an official. Do not proceed to the planet directly or we will open fire” (edited)

Following the directions in order to not be the target of an open fire, the ship moves to dock at the civilian platform. Opening the hatch, Hailey waits in the ship to be met by said official.

A man in a battered looking great coat opens them hangar airlock and is escorted by two equally tired looking Mytikas city militia. They only wear sidearms and they are not drawn. “Welcome to Heras. We don’t get many visitors and the last ones we had decided to assassinated our Regent. I apologize the rough treatment on the way in. “

5:24 AM

“Not all of our stellar neighbors have been welcoming”

“I’m not surprised that it’s a rough entrance here. In fact I expected worse. I wish I could give you a more specific reason for being here but frankly I don’t have one. Heras interested me, I wanted to see it myself, so here I am. Maybe I’ll lend a hand here or there while I’m here, or do some diplomatics, but it’s not what drew me. Having visitors backstab you, I hope that isn’t too suspicious of a justification.”

“Did the same thing happen in the UNW? We get the news “ he starts and then shrugs “but if they report everything, how can we tell”

“Regardless, it’s not why I’m here, was my point before I got sidetracked.”

“I see. Well we can transfer you to the ground with a cargo lighter. Regents orders that no space traffic lands directly on the surface. You’re free to explore the city. You’re free to carry a sidearm in the city , but we ask no long guns or heavy weapons”

7:29 PM

“If you leave and go to the countryside then there are no restrictions on your loadout. Just trying to prevent a panic”

(Haven’t been getting pings today) “I understand. I’ve got a pair of blades I’ll stick too.” Hailey grabs the blades and straps them across her back. “Clearly I’m new here. Is there anything in town I should check out, or maybe avoid?”

"City is fairly safe as long as no one decides to ram a ship into anymore of our government buildings. Central market , and Eli's tavern are the only real places of interest right now if youre not trying to get in front of the Regent. City's still growing. all that. "

"Haha, well yeah. Ships crashing into government buildings don't usually do much for property values." "Tavern sounds like a good place to start. Thank you for your help." Hailey wraps up with the official and heads to the shuttle to make her way down to the city, Peter close on her heals, as usual.

(Don't think ELi named it yet, but we'll go there now) The Tavern in Mytikas is located near the river, where now barges full of alcohol are brought to town every couple weeks. The tavern itself is a flat roofed and long building, and it seems that a small bazaar is forming inside, with the bar and its equipment taking up most of the right side of the building

(So, regarding the L-Gate here. That's something they know about but haven't been able to get to, correct? An earn your way to it diplomatically thing. I feel like I've gotten mixed answers on the question.)

(Mixed answers from who?)

(looking in ooc and not figuring things out myself properly. No one's giving me bad answers or anything. Just checking. Mixed answers was a bad way to put it)

(The L gate is under the city of Chiron, which is heavily fortified. They are very protective of it. Pearl was given a tour because she went on a diplomatic mission to Chiron and was allowed to report back to Mytikas about it being there but otherwise couldn’t tell anyone else. They fear the other states attacking them to get the gate. The weeping company is the L gate faction on the other side of this one. There’s a trade post set up on their side and the people from Chiron said that once the company gave them some super high tech soil treatments in exchange for lawfully detained prisoners and that’s when the diplomatic mission opted to nope out, though the post was abandoned when she had gone through)

(Ok got it. Thanks for the explanation. Like I said, its not like I have any intention of going after it. It's mostly curiosity and wanting to make sure.) Hailey takes a seat in the tavern and orders herself a drink. Before wandering around the pseudo-bazaar of the place. The atmosphere reminds her of Harvest Spirits back home. I wonder if it was inspired...

(You’re good. I just wanted to make sure you had the right info)

8:45 PM

There are a few tinkers, rubble sculptors and general other minor practicing tradesmen here, reminding you of the early days of the marketplace in Central. A few people sneakily take drinks from@flasks here and there , the contents inside a strange glowing green

The tinkers shops draw her in, little gadgets she could use and little trinkets here and there catching her attention. Meanwhile, she eyes the green drinks and those sipping them. Looking at how they interact with the salespeople and other customers of the tavern, she tries to see whether it’s something sold here or not. There must be a reason for the apparent secrecy.

It is not sold here. The thinkers have various gadgets. You see one of the chess sets sought after by cyrus and Shriven on display, where the pieces could be configured to play any number of games. The price seems to suggest the merchant has no idea what he is actually selling

She makes a mental note to find out more about these drinks in a moment, but shopping is the priority here. Chess isn’t really my thing, but that could make a good birthday present for Shriven. Nah, I got him that nice pen already. Could use it as a bartering tool though, get something from him. She approaches the vendor and asks, just to make sure she didn’t read the sign wrong, “how much for the little chess set?”

"200 credits. It's very well made, but worth the high price! I promise!"

"I'll take it, it'll sit nice at home." She purchases the chess set, with no complaint about the price. Afterwards, she looks around at the gadgets on sale, trying to find something she can add to her collection of ones that would be useful in combat, not after anything too specific.

(Didn’t have anything specific. You can pick up some spare parts if you need them. Their stuff isn’t high tech or anything. To you most of its probably more useful as parts)

(Ok just figured I'd throw it out there in case.) Hailey picks up a little wind-up toy dragon and a couple of spare parts before moving on. As she shops, Hailey trails near some of those with the green drink, trying to spot a pattern in the people.

They’re all being a bit secretive about the drink, and you see two people give each other a “cheers” and clack their flasks together before draining them. A snippet of conversation reaches you. “We should take a stop over to the cellar. See if Herkimer has made anymore of this stuff”

Opting for stealth as to not make a scene in this nice, clearly well run establishment, Hailey tries to sink into the crowd as best she can. "Peter, keep an eye on them," she instructs. A curt nod. and a hatch lifts up on his back storage compartment, allowing a small drone to fly out and follow the two, holoskin and grav mufflers firing up. Letting her droid do the work, Hailey orders another drink.

The drone follows them out of the bazaar to a side street several blocks over. They seem to be walking toward a home with hundreds of hanging nails pounded into its facade. Some are rusted from exposure to the elements. Others are newer, and have kept their silvery sheen

"Let's pay our friends a little visit Pete. I'm am one who likes to be included after all." Hailey finishes her drink and heads out with the spider-bot by her side and makes her way to the house, picking up the drone on the way.

The drone shows them leaving a few moments before you get there. They do not openly have the flasks out , and both down the street away from you. As you collect the drone, standing outside the house, aside from all the nails, it seems ordinary in every other aspect

(Pause here to head for underhill?)

(Yeah let’s)

(Hey, just a heads up, planning on swapping over to CBSS as soon as I get the chance. May have already seen in ooc but I've got plans for my character, a geon researcher giapsychic)

3

(All good! they're about to be fully active!)

(Woot! There’s gonna be a final battle with the fleshies first, right?)

(Depends what the psychics find when they scry the planet, which is happening next)

8:56 PM

(I think there's going to be a decision made after that, the idea of confirming its their actual homeworld and shooting it with the Suha gun has also been floated)

(Got it got it. Well if I can, I’ll definitely be there for that. I’ll probably spend time on Heras til then, then head over.)

9:13 PM

(I’ll probably do a good bit of swapping between characters too as needed)

(Am I ok to continue this while also chatting with Carmen, or should I pause here a bit longer in case that leads somewhere?)

(I’d say a bit longer maybe she will even come with you

(Sounds good to me)

Carmen looks at the house confused "Why so many nails?"

(So no eli then?)

(I was just placing Carmen at the scene, was going to message eli in carmens thread)

12:25 PM

(Or, rather, his own)

"Cmon, let's just grab him," Hailey says to Carmen, before starting to lead the way into the tavern.

Carmen follows along to the tavern, sees @Rodger Landon (Corn) then runs up to him, hooks her arm around his. "Hey, ready to go bust these guys?" (edited)

"Yeah. So who's the vip you wanted me to meet anyway?"

Carmen motions to Hailey. "This is Hailey Clements, you might know who she is, she builds lots of cool things and owns a bunch of mechs and is super awesome. Oh, and she owns a TV network too."

"She's the one who discovered Chris Fury right? Then the night show with that magic pig? Is he really magic or is it just special effects?"

4

“Nice to meetcha Eli. I’ve heard a lot about you already.” She laughs at the questions. “He’s got some magic, but it’s mostly special effects. And that Dax guy, we’ve always gotta do multiple takes with him, he’s not great with the camera.”

1

"Huh really I thought that was his schtick? Well it's fun to watch all the same. So you're goin ... going to help us track down the moonshiners? You know they killed someone, it might be dangerous Miss Clements. You should know what you're getting into." (edited)

"I just got back from fighting a swarm of Underhill pests, flying over the battlefield at top speeds along side an army. I think I'll be okay." She pauses a moment before clearing her throat. "The concern is, um, appreciated though."

"You're welcome, I didn't mean to imply you couldn't handle it. Just I sort of feel like a jinx sometimes."

"Well congratulations Eli. You're looking at an anti-jinx. I make my own luck."

"Good, maybe you can make me some too, Carmen said you found them, that's better than me." Eli laughs. (edited)

"Let's get to it them. My droid already tracked them down to their hideout or whatever, so now its just a matter of paying our friends a little visit."

The droid, still watching the house, does not report any movement in or out. The street itself is lightly trafficked

"That is pretty cool, do you think you could make a bartender robot?"

"Just so long as it can also heal tusk wounds and crash burns."

"I can do that.... eventually"

(Not sure whats going on with Byron as far as his character, its been about a month now, so we're going to basically tie up some existing loose ends here and see what happens, but the street is quiet)

"So, what's the plan here? Bust the door open or try to sneak in?"

Eli looks to Hailey.

“Bust in, kick ass, take names, and take heads if need be. I don’t have a tavern reputation to uphold though. Good cop bad cop?”

"Aw okay, I guess I can be good cop."

Carmen giggles a bit. "Just thinking of you as a bad cop, makes me laugh a little, sorry."

6:36 PM

"You are too good of a person to be the bad cop I think. Anyway, lets just walk in first. If they start shooting us we can shoot back."

“Adorable.” Hailey comments. “Cmon, let’s go.” She adjusts the straps on her blades and starts making for the building.

Carmen follows her.

Eli follows them both sulking a little and mutters under his breath. "I could be a bad cop.... probably."

The door is rough and wooden, also festooned with nails aside from the latch to open it. The latch is locked

"This is you two's expertise right? Unless you want me to shoot it off, or kick it down, but I think that's still you from what you said. Anyway please, I want to see the master at work." Eli smiles laughing a little and steps back motioning to the door.

Carmen kneels in front of the door and examines the lock, trying to disable it.

(your fix skill is good enough) There is a click as your tools make relatively short work of the common residential lock. The handle swings free now.

Carmen cracks the door open just enough to have a peek inside. (edited)

The first floor of this home is not furnished and is empty. The floor has been finished in rough wood. There is a floor hatch set against the back of the home that is currently open

Carmen creeps in, looking around the corners for anyone hiding in them. (edited)

Eli walks in helping Carmen to clear the house.

There is nothing in the corners

"Can you send a drone down there Hailey?" Carmen whispers.

"Sure thing. Peter, you're up again. Give us an inside view." Peter sends the same drone as before deeper in, putting priority on keeping the thing hidden so as not to out the group.

(sending him down the hatch?)

(Yeah exactly. Sorry)

Peter ambles into the house

8:31 PM

(Lets get a notice.wis fr him)

(11)

Peter enters the hatchway to find a gradual and wide flight of stairs down, rather than a ladder or something more severe. There is a small laser, at ankle level that stretches across the hallway door at the bottom of the stairs

6:57 AM

it looks to be attached to some kind of mine

“Tripwires and explosives, I smell a trap.” Hailey beckons Peter back after he’s pointed this out to the three of them and pats him on the head.

"Well, we can go ahead and disable the mine, now that we know its there."

"Hmm you think its a booby trapped hideout or a fake one all together?"

“I figure booby trapped. Keep out anyone who doesn’t know its there.”

"Should we go in, or wait until your little friend does their thing?"

“Disarming the mine is too risky. If anything, we trick the laser. But, speaking as an expert, I think I’ve got an idea for our best plan of action.”

"Sure, just please tell me enough so I don't mess it up."

Hailey puts a hand on Eli's shoulder and meets his eyes. "We step over the laser."

3:53 PM

"Cmon." Leading the other two, Hailey starts for the hatch, taking the same path Peter did.

Eli follows making sure to step over the laser.

The trigger stays where it is, and knowing where it is none of you trip it. The room that it leads into is a large workspace where the floor is gently set to drain into a large grate in the middle of the floor. The decline is so slight you can hardly even notice it. There is brewing equipment set up here. Beakers, conduction coils, distilling equipment and samples of the ingredients for what you suspect is the famous green goo

"This'll make a nice drink lab if we can clear it out."

Carmen looks around to see if anyone is still here

No one is here

(Are there any other doors? here)

(No this is the basement and lowest level of the building)

"Well, let's see what this stuff is then." Carmen says, taking a closer look at the ingredient samples.

Hailey makes her way to the distilling equipment, generally looking around while Carmen checks out the ingredients.

Eli looks around trying to see if it looks like they were coming back any time soon.

(I don't think eli would be able to know that, but it looks like the place is decently lived in)

(I meant more if they'd grabbed everything like this was the stuff that they could afford to leave behind type thing?)

(well, its here, so I'd say yes)

1

"Alright, what's the plan folks? I say we steal the ingredients and have them tested."

"Yeah, let's do that."

"Let's take what equipment we can too, might at least slow them down." (edited)

"We could call the militia in to secure the building too depending on what this stuff is."

"That might work too, depends if we want to try and ambush them when they get back I guess?"

"I'd rather just take what we can and call the militia. Let's hurry up and get out of here."

"Alright, I'll let you call them in, they like you."

She looks at him confused. "What do you mean?"

"Don't worry too much about it, just could you call it in?"

5:31 PM

"Please?"

"Yeah, yeah." Carmen puts a call in to the militia, letting them know what they found and where it is, and about the mine.

"Thanks. I'd just as soon not deal with Sxamander and all. i thonk he's still pissed with me over the grav bike."

The militia is too far to respond quickly, but will be here in ten minutes. The door upstairs opens with a bang, and several sets of heavy boots begin stomping into the entryway of the home

"Welp looks like we might have to fight how do you think we should do this? Melee or shooting, messy or quiet?"

"I think quietly if we can. I'd like to capture some of these people if possible." Carmen says as she looks around for something to hide behind for cover.

(Can we get out of sight on either side of the doorway leading in here?)

(on either side of it yes)

Hailey slips around to one side of the door, pulling out both blades and ready to catch the stompers coming down off guard.

Eli nods and focuses his energy enhancing the three of their weapons with Magical energy, then hiding behind one the other door. (Consecrated weapons +1 to hit and +1 damage and they count as magical. light focus.)

Carmen pulls up her fists and waits behind Eli

One of them tinkers with the mine outside the door, and you hear it switch off after the right sequence of switches are engaged. "Anyone see Lyras around lately? He owes me a few credits" the brewer closest to the door asks his companions

(Does the magic affect unarmed attacks?)

(It explicitly says 'weapons' with no mention of unarmed attacks, so I would say no)

(it can buff both mine then)

(yes, youre using actual blades, so now theyre blades but with fashion)

1

Hailey slips around as they open the door, attempting to quickly swing the blades up near the brewers, threatening them. In addition to sparkling with their usual electric energy, they glow gold with Eli's magic.

6:21 PM

"Welcome home boys."

(I have the other one, but didn't want to give us all -2 to ac for +2 to hit and make everyone as reckless as eli lol.)

(Its fine. She wouldnt want to use her bow in this kind of environment, just wanted to clarify the mechanics)

1

(also I think worst case my collapsible pole would still count as a weapon I could use lol. but we'll try fist and foot first.)

Eli tries to sneak up on them while they're occupied with magic blade hailey.

(lets pause with hailey, are you actually attacking them?)

(More getting ready to depending on how Hailey stuff goes? I'm supposed to be good cop.)

(I'm asking hailey if she is attacking them,)

(oh, sorry.)

(I’m the same way pointing a gun to someone’s head would be attacking them, even if you don’t actually shoot, yes)

(alright, so we're not actually making a swing, just trying to clairfy)

8:38 PM

Taken aback, the brute takes two steps into his comrades, who unwillingly catch him as he loses his balance

Hailey raises her head, trying to get a glimpse over his shoulder at how many of the goons there are.

There are five in total, four goon looking figures with a slender merchant type in the middle of the group

"I think I'm gonna call you guys the 'Green Goons.' Speaking of green, you've all got quite a nice setup down here. I'd hate for anything to break, or get dirtied up, so lets keep this clean."

“You’re the ones who have broken into our home. You could get out now before we are forced to handle this ourselves “

(These guys killed one someone right? Can't remember if Eli said that or not)

(Bavid’s first character tried to rob them, they wouldn’t handover their product , bavid pulled a gun and started shooting and they defended themselves) (edited)

(Ah. Don't think thats common knowledge though right?)

(They left the scene before the militia showed up but enough people buy the drink that the story gets around)

Carmen walks out from behind the door, seeing that there might actually be talking going on. "Says the ones with the booby-trapped house full of nothing but a basement still. Would love to know what is in this stuff, doubt its anything good since none of us can get our hands on it."

"You know who you're talking to right, the freaking number two and Hailey Clements the mad engineer, you'll be lucky if she doesn't make you eat that sword just for an implied threat. Look we just want to ask a few questions, maybe even give you a job where you don't have to get beaten down or worry about addicts and their families coming to settle business. You know this can't last, why not join the winning side?"

“I don’t care who she is. Or who any of you are. You just barge into my home, fiddle with my things and then you pull a weapon on me ? There’s no law forbidding my work, and when the militia gets here this is going to look an awful lot like a robbery don’t you think?” The merchant smirks

"Considering that we called the militia, that your house has no furnishings in it at all, that people come and go in secret, that it has military grade explosives booby-trapping it, that your business operates in the shadows with nobody actually knowing what is in your beverage except you, and that laws here seem to be quite flexible, no, I don't think this will look like a robbery to anyone.

"Last chance, you can walk away now in peace, or this can get ugly" (If we decide to start blasting, we're going to jump into initiative, since they're likewise prepared for it)

(Carmen wouldn't be leaving, these people are obviously dangerous and need to be stopped)

9:43 AM

(7 for her initiative)

(alright, lets just see what everyone else is doing)

(Unless they both leave)

"Alright guess you all hate money good luck with that." Eli shrugs pushing past them as if to leave. (Would it still be init if it was a ruse to try and get close to sucker punch their boss?) (edited)

(yes, that is an attack)

(8)

(9 for initiative) "Shouldn't have called the militia. This is why they say never to bring up politics when you're meeting new people Carmen."

(Hailey, Eli, Brewers, Carmen)

10:58 AM

(Everyone's in relative melee range)

(Passing to let Eli go.)

(Alright, Eli is up then)

(So is it possible to get to the boss because it's either them or the biggest goon getting a punchin')

(not with how hes standing in the middle of the group)

(The biggest one then ill hop on my pc to do the roll so I don't accidentally double roll again. )

Eli runs up to the biggest green goon and tries to punch him in the face while shouting. "UFYUIN PUNCH!"

1:51 PM

(12/10)

1:52 PM

(3 Shock AC less or equal to 15)

(Evasion save everyone)

2:01 PM

Eli's punch rocks the first of the goons back. With a sly smile, Byron shouts "Scatter!" and throws the demolition charge into the room

(14vs7 pass)

(16v7 pass)

(Actually, on reading this, since we're within 40m, there's no save opportunity, so everyone takes 16 damage, but so do they, leaving all NPC's but Byron very dead)

(And the equipment very much destroyed I'm guessing)

(yep)

(Carmen up at this point?)

(Yes)

2:07 PM

(if shes still got HP)

(Yeah, shes at 14/30, rolled decently on the last level up for once)

2:09 PM

Carmen rushes at the leader, trying to subdue him with her punches (12/7)

The punches crash against the woven bodyarmor Byron wears under his trenchcoat. Although the fists come away speckled in blood, it looks to be from the explosion hurting him, not your attack

2:10 PM

(Hailey)

(13/29 hp for me)

(Hailey has two turns, hers at the bottom of the last round and top of round 2)

1

Hailey rushes back to look and see if any of the ingredients or equipment can be salvaged.

(Everyone's dead but Byron, and the equipment is kaput)

"That really fucking hurt, do I still have to be good cop?"

(Op sorry just missed that. Editing)

3:19 PM

(Just going to focus on the equipment/ingredients)

(peter is okay right?)

(Oh yeah, forgot about him in initiative. Often do, since he kinda lingers behind usually)

The equipment is mostly glass and the shockwave has blown all of it to shards that are now worthless. The papers containing the recipe and techniques are singed and most of them are now illegible. The only thing that looks to have survived with any level of intactness is the large metal mixing vat in the center of the room

Hailey drags an empty crate and uses it as a footstool to look over and peek inside of the vat, and see if anything is left in it. "This is why only I should get to use explosives," she mumbles to herself. (edited)

The splintered crate has nothing in it that has survived the blast, the straw filled interior singed and mixed with more of the broken glass (Eli)

(Sorry, made that unclear. Meant to use it as a footstool.)

(got it, no movement penalty or anything to get on top of it)

3:29 PM

The vat has a now contaminated mixture of the drink inside of it, the blackened soot particles slowly sublimating and mixing in with the eerie green vintage

Eli walks up to the leader and grabs his collar. "You just killed 5 of your own men and blew your production center to kingdom come tried to murder 2 high standing officials and one honored guest of the regent, you're going to tell us what your plans for this stuff was or we'll knock you out, drag you stupid butt to whatever's left of the enhanced interrogation rooms, or find something creative to do with all this broken glass, you understand, and if I have to do that I won't be feeling as nice as I do right now."

(6v6 for the morale check) "I'm already going to a place like that as soon as the militia rolls up, which will be any time now. We can all walk away from this- and if you're not willing to let that happen, then I'll make sure I am the only one to walk away from this"

3:37 PM

(talking is a free action, so you've still got a move)

Eli shrugs and punches him. (just a normal roll?)

(yes)

(11/8 3 shock if 15 or less/)

The woven armor deflects your punches, and he returns fire with the snub nosed handgun he favors, finger swiftly working the hair trigger (11/7, 17/8, I doubt the 11 hits but adding it for completeness) (edited)

1

3:41 PM

(Carmen is up next)

(5/29)

3:42 PM

(is that with the minus for close quarters?)

3:42 PM

(sorry if that's not a thing I thought it was.)

(One handed ranged weapons can be used with a -4. I deducted it from his normal skill modifier. As a former PC , I made him a heroic NPC, so he nets a small positive to hit, if you're going back and looking at the rolls)

(cool just sort of curious about it since I was thinking about getting into pistols maybe, carry on.)

(carmen up)

Carmen tries to land another punch. (6/3)

(Back to Hailey then) The punches make no clear change on the armored figure

( @Hailey Clements (Mylonite) )

As quick as she can, Hailey lashes out, trying to smack away the handgun before he can get another shot off.

(First it’s an attack roll to see if you hit them. If you do there’s a second part to resolve

(Can you roll for me? I’m out risking my life by going to Stater Bros. Or someone else can. )

(Byron was hit. Byron wins the opposed check 12v10 and is not disarmed) Batting the lunging attempt at his gun aside he fires two shots into Eli (18/7, second one missed)

(Carmen up)

(I think that takes Eli down, correct me if I'm wrong)

(He is)

1

Carmen roars with anger at seeing Eli taken down and goes at Byron again with her fists.

5:09 PM

(9/2, used reroll token)

The fists continue to do nothing, as they have all meeting between you so far. (Hailey)

5:13 PM

(I can roll if you need just tell me what you want to do)

(Just got back just gimme a moment)

(Take your time. Just trying to be accommodating)

(I've got a medkit, can I use one turn to prep it and the next to pass it off to Carmen and take care of Byron?)

(If it’s not readied it’s your turn to fish it out. Next turn you can hand it off and do something yes)

5:42 PM

(Handing it off would be instant I’d say since you’re all so close and you can have as many of those a turn as you like)

"Shit," Hailey quickly accesses the small medkit she keeps around and readies it. She darts back to Eli and tries to patch up the wound enough to buy them some time.

5:48 PM

(Heal/int?)

(Alright so turn is med kit from bag to ready, and moving to eli?)

5:48 PM

(Or was it already readied ?)

(Applying Gadget Rat so ready medkit, move to Eli, attempt heal)

(Perfect! It’s heal/int at dc 8 now since it’s been two rounds)

(6v8) (edited)

The medical supplies have no immediate effect (it should have been 10 since its not a Lazarus patch but same result here) Byron fires both shots at Carmen, not able to bring himself to shoot someone not acting aggressively. He is a man of standards after all (15/4, other shot missed) Outside there is the sound of a heavy engine at the end of the street, faint for now but close enough to hear

5:53 PM

(Carmen)

"Ugh, why do they make these things so hard to use. Here Carmen you take it," Hailey says handing off to Carmen.

(Carmen up)

Carmen takes the medkit, dodging the second shot, and tries to help Eli.

8:23 PM

(Can I use my expert re-roll on this?)

(was it a token last time, or your scene re-roll already)

(Token)

(yes, check vs 11

8:23 PM

(10 base Dc, its been a round)

(5, used re-reroll, got 14 with two 6s)

(Eli at 0 then, he's stable)

8:24 PM

(but down still)

8:25 PM

(Brings us to hailey)

Carmen frantically applies bandages before calming herself a bit. Once he is not dying she turns to Hailey "JUST TAKE HIM DOWN ALREADY!"

“First of all, don’t worry, wouldn’t let anyone die in my th–....watch. Second of all, gladly!” Hailey swings both blades at Byron, his pistol hand her target. (26/10,20/14) “But don’t tell me what to do!”

Byron staggers backwards, the first real damage and wounding he has taken so far. He looks down at the gun in his hand "This could have gone differently. You could have just left, but I'll make sure you remember me" He levels the gun at the downed Eli, and pulls the trigger twice (21/4, 17/5)

10:07 PM

outside, the heavy truck comes to a halt outside, and shouting voices followed by booted feet begin hitting the pavement

10:07 PM

(Carmen up)

(So, is Eli dead dead at this point?)

(Yes)

10:09 PM

(Was at 0, additional damage kills you)

(Ok)

10:12 PM

Carmen looks down at Eli, having just saved him, before turning back to the murderer in front of her, trying once again to punch him, this time aiming for more than an incapacitation. (14/2)

10:12 PM

(Did he not take the damage from the explosion?)

The punches continue to do nothing, as he is wearing armor (He did, he's a heroic NPC and you guys have been punching him while hes wearing armor, you havent even been doing shock damage to him. Hailey is the only one who did actual damage, and has almost killed him)

(Ok)

10:13 PM

(I was just double checking, im not worried, this has been a nice encounter)

Hailey clears her throat before holding out a sword to Carmen wordlessly. (Medium advanced weapon, +4 dmg, +1 hit)

(Is that her turn?)

(Yeah I’ll let Carmen finish things off)

(Carmen might just be down before she even grabs the sword tbh)

(But you're not)

(I mean if you want me to do it I will, but it just seems like it’d be more fitting if you did)

(Depends on what he does)

10:23 PM

(Was waiting to see)

(if youre waiting for him hes going to go0

(He goes before her in initiative

(Snap attack?)

(Can she do that as an expert?)

(You can but its -4 to hit)

10:29 PM

(So just let me know if you want to go for it or not, otherwise he's up)

(Playing a ranked game of Lol, give me a few minutes)

10:30 PM

(She will though)

(1/11)

He looks down at the bloody body and shakes his head. "I see we're not going to learn from this at all. Miss Clements, I don't have a quarrel with you, we can both walk out of here" Before a reply can come back, he fires at Carmen (22/10, Crit/8 , which kills Carmen as well)

(Sorry for taking a minute I’m just so torn on how to respond to this)

(No rush. It’s complicated and I want you to make the choice you’re happiest with)

"Doesn't benefit me to keep you alive. Sorry." Hailey picks up her second blade from Carmen's dead body, and swings at Byron with both blades. (23/12, 24/16)

Byron falls, and so does his head. It rolls down the hallway , coming to rest at the booted feet of a militia officer. He and his men lower their weapons and cautiously advance. “I’m going to need you to drop the swords and explain what exactly just happened in here. I see a room with seven dead bodies , and a foreign national with her blades drawn

Hailey holds each arm out and drops them. "I can explain." She starts explaining what happened, pointing out dead bodies as she goes. "That one blew up a demo charge killing that one, that one, that one, and that one, and then that one and that one tried to punch him to death but he shot him and then I killed him because he was gonna kill me. It was....chaotic."

You notice one has been recording. “The bodies do show evidence of blast damage. These were definitely shot. Ballistics should match up with the handgun there.” It takes several hours but eventually you’re released into the predawn light of the day. There is enough physical evidence there to satisfy the investigators

9:09 PM

(3xp 5000 credits)

Having had enough of Heras for a long time, Hailey heads back to the Bounty, intending to head home, before remembering her job researching mechs for the Knights of Draconis. She relaxes for a bit in the ship before she's hit by a wave of MES energy as it ripples through the galaxy. As it passes though her, she can't help but smile. She doesn't think much of it at the roses on a small table, the only plant she manages to keep properly watered, shiver. As she's about to head out, the notification explaining what's happened appears on her phone. "Those nerds really did it." She smiles to herself as she heads out to go join the Knights.

(make me an NPC)

7

(I know there’s a sheet up in cbss. When you’re done I’ll get a thread going)

(Ok sounds good. Might take a few days because it’s a busy couple of days here for me)

(Level up from the mission posting here)

 Hailey 🚀 🔫 🍭 
Level Up Tracker: 16 -> 17
HP: 121 -> 129
Skill Points: 3 +3-> 6
   3 for third attribute boost to Int -> 14
   1+2 for first and second boost into Con -> 14
Con increase raises HP
     129 -> 146

(you know what, in retrospect, I think I boosted Dex twice in the past. I haven't properly played/leveled Hailey in a year or since we started doing the brilliant idea of the level up tracker so forgive me for not remembering.)

5:31 PM

(My reason for thinking that is I think it was originally 16 or 17 back in the day) (edited)

(Know what, scratch that. It's just me being paranoid. Looked back through some old posts and she's had +2 dex for years. Ignore my worrying scatterbrain ass)

(All good. Glad we made sure )

1

@Hailey Clements (Mylonite) (I think billy is about to reach out to you)

3

(Just saw it

)

@Paxcyan Wilder (Billy)

 “Hey Billy, hey Madeline. It has been too long. I don’t set enough time aside for friends anymore.”

“It looks like a party, that sounds insane. Let me check my schedule.” 

She’s in her office and Billy sees her flipping through an imaginary calendar. “Yep, free enough for that, now that the Still Lady’s tied up for good. I’ll be there. I’ll bring this one too, hasn’t been out in a while.” She gestures behind herself at a waiting Peter having nearby.

She makes the necessary preparations to head over to Tsatsos.

(See you in my thread?)

(Good with me. Happy to show up there)

Hailey leads Loriya back to her own ship, spending the walk explaining the intricacies of geon cyberware to her companion. "And that's why you can never get scotch drunk with a Mehanian geon who's had gecko anchors installed on their -- oh look we're here! May I proudly present the Shadow's Bounty, stealthiest ship this side of the Iron Stars." Mechanically speaking, whether or not Loriya would be able to tell, the ship is kept in perfect condition, with not a single scratched pipe. That said, it's clearly had dozens of attachments added onto its body over the years, and spray-can paint jobs scrawled here and there across its hull, some more tasteful, discrete, or decent than others. "She's a beauty," Hailey comments.

"I'll say... Not even a single scratch..."

(Ready to depart, or did we want to RP?)O

(Can just depart ig)

Heading east, the black site is well concealed and you can understand why no one has found it before despite all the settling of the planet. The black site is a cave, nestled into a mountainside made of black stone. Some of it is glassed from the excessive heat of the lava ocean nearby. A vault door keeps casual passer-bys and wildlife from getting in.

circling the site a few times, it doesnt seem like there is anything else in the area such as external security. It's remoteness was its best external defense

“It looks relatively safe on the outside, unless you see something I don’t?”

“I don’t,” she responds. “Looks pretty secure too. Think you can get us in through the vault door?” (Sorry for the slowness, feel free to keep moving and drag me along. I’m moving my sister into her freshman college dorm)

(dw about it) "As long as there's a way to power it up and crack its passcode, yeah."

The ship lowers its ramp and you both disembark. There is a wireless signal present here that looks like it can be sliced into.

"On second thought, we might have something better..." (I'm gonna try to slice into it)

(program/int)

(10)

4

The wireless system here seems to be unsecured. The door controls are quickly hacked and are things you can directly manipulate from your data pad

Hailey pats Loriya on the back. “Knew you’d be good to have along,” she comments as she heads forward towards the doors.

Entering the doors you are hit first with floodlights as the base comes online- sending the room from blinding darkness to blinding light before your vision settles. The remains of what was a large building project litter the room in the forms of torn open containers, half assembled machinery, collections of building materials, tools, and power packs for tools that are long dried up and useless.

2:56 PM

Drainage from leaking pipes in the ceiling have caused rivers of slurry to collect on the ground, flowing toward the now open doors as the place of lowest elevation.

“Eugh… Gross.”

Hailey steps aside to let the slurry pass. “I bet they were using lava for the plumbing,” she jokes. Once some has passed, she starts to trudge deeper within, the bottom half mech legs protecting her from goop. “Let’s go Hack-Attack!” she calls to Loriya.

Lori's trying to avoid the goop where she can, and nearly gagging when she does touch it. "Coming!"

(We can go north, or west from here, up to you guys)

(West!)

(west it is, then)

Heading west through the slurry you pass the leaking pipes into a machine shop large enough to even sustain small vehicles. Two lifts are occupied by the bulky forms of personnel carriers in various states of repair before being abandoned here Tool benches and other tools are scattered about the room@ (edited)

"Perhaps these could be repaired...? At the very least, it looks like we have some free tools."

Hailey examines both of the carries, knocking on one with a closed fist, trying to examine if they could be repaired. It’s a bit rusty for sure. “Let’s see here, ya able to come back to life big friend? How do the tools look Lori?”

Lori takes a look at the tools, examining their condition.

They’re showing some age from being left here and improperly stored. They don’t seem much different than conventional tools in use now around the sector. It’s unclear how the machines will fare trying to pass the somewhat flooded and debris choked tunnel you just came from

"They look old, but mostly functional...?"

(Was looking to examine the carriers and get a more in depth idea of condition and how long repairs would take. Is that something I should roll for?)

(You wouldnt need a check since your fix level is high. Repairs would take a couple days with just the two of you)

(Okay gotcha) "Repairs would take a few days. It's not worth it. As much as I'd love to stay and investigate it all, we don't have that sort of time. Let's keep moving," she states to Loriya before heading back the way they came to make north.

Lori follows not too far behind. "Maybe we could come back to repair it in the future. Fun little outing or something, you know?"

Returning to the sludge room and moving north you can see the first security checkpoint. Some kind of automated turret on a tripod pans slowly back and forth from 50m away. Visitors would have to pass through what looks to be the prongs of some kind of metal detector or weapons scanner- with terminal results for trying to fool the system. A bulletproof glass shield keeps the guns droid brain safe from long range fire, though only covers from the front and part of the sides.

7:38 AM

(think like a humvee turret shield)

(does the turret, like the door, have a signal I can tap into?)

(No, it’s it’s own closed system)

“See, I would say we just destroy the shield, then destroy the gun. Thoughts?”

"It looks like we might not have another choice. Care to do the honors?"

"Gladly," Hailey responds, raising up her rocket launcher. Her mechanical feet dig into the mud to steady herself as she raises the weapon onto her shoulder. Taking aim, she fires it at the glass shield, and despite the kickback, barely recoils at all herself.

(did you need me to roll? I checked back through the chat logs a ways and didnt see anything)

(26/28, sorry. Wasn't sure if I needed to roll for a still target)

(Yeah you could still potentially miss even if it’s less likely

11:30 AM

The drone activates upon being hit with the missile. It’s protective screen is torn away by the force of the blast but the weapon still primes (Loriya, then the turret, then back to Hailey )

Lori, panicked, uses her new rifle to shoot at the turret.

(I could pass you my rocket if you wanna use it lol)

(it would be a main action since its readying an item, so the turret would just shoot now)

1:37 PM

(just need a hit/damage for that laser rifle shot when you've rolled it Loriya)

(and how would I roll for that?)

(Just click the laser pistol box on the left side of your character sheet. When it asked for modifiers keep it at 0

(14)

(I'm showing 17/1 )

8:17 AM

The laser shot is a hit, but the bot is not damaged enough to set it offline. The gattling weapon spools up and sends a torrent of shells down the corridor in your direction (evasion save for both of you)

(19/13)

(No damage for Loriya , just gotta see what hailey does)

(14v6 pass) As the turret fires shots down the corridor, Hailey fires off another shot of their own, this time at the turret itself.

2:40 AM

(34/20)

The robotic gun emplacement is engulfed by the explosion and flame wash of the warhead. The metal blackens and crumples under the intense heat and overpressure before the flames gutter out, leaving a clear corridor ahead to what is labeled as the officers strategy room. (edited)

"Hahaa!! Ya see that Lori, that's how we handle things my way wooo!" She pumps a fist in the air.

"Your way is very stress inducing!" Lori gets herself back on her feet, slowing her breathing down in the process.

The door to the officers strategy look doesn’t seem all that defended or secure now that the robotic turret and weapons detector has been handled. Opening the hatch you enter what reminds you of a starship bridge , though this one is firmly on the ground- only copying the layout. The pilots stations have been replaced with more computer databank storage and comms gear instead.

“Interesting design. I’m wondering if they reused ship parts or built it to emulate them…”

The room is two levels of computers, orders would be run or circulated from up top to the various command and comms stations on this level. Analysts would also run intelligence up if signals detected anything. Power is on standby in this room for the moment but looks to have direct access to the reactor lines.

“I’d be surprised if they had aesthetic in mind over building fast and cheap. Think you can get any info out of these?” She asks.

9:06 PM

(Sorry for being away, finally settled back in NY)

(no worries)

9:52 PM

"I can certainly give it a shot," She says, beginning to type on one of the computers.

(Can ask the computer questions, there might be a program check if the answers are classified)

"Okay, it looks like we can ask it questions. Anything on your mind?"

She thinks a moment, then searches to see if there are any psychics kept here, like there were at the other facility. “If we don’t get anything from this, we can try ‘what is love?’”

“Hehe, sure.”

A dozen psychics were kept here once. Six are listed as TERMINATED, while the other six have never had their status updated. It shows they are on base in the medical support wing.

"Yikes, terminated is one way to put it I guess. We should get to the medical wing to investigate, but it's been this long already, let's not rush."

"You think... They might be alive? Most likely not, but you think their status would've been updated... It just has me wondering."

"I mean its possible. Who knows. Still worth checking out. Every day this universe adds to my definition of 'alive'."

"Sounds like there's a few stories I should hear, haha."

"Gods living on belief and sacrifices is only the start of it. You should meet a geon."

“A what now-?”

“Rocks. They’re rock people Lori. There are rock people now. I’d kidnap one to break apart and study if that weren’t illegal.” She scrolls through the computer to try and get a location on the medical wing.

The medical wing is through this building, heading north, and then west at the next junction.

"Guess we know where we're headed, then. Lead the way...?"

The north corridor is not flooded and this section of the base seems to be in better repair. The medical wing off it is a modern space where the doors are sealed by a keypad. Breaking through is a matter of just a moments work for Loriya and Hailey having broken through several today already. The doors open revealing a packed medical ward. Six stasis coffins are plugged into power sockets on the wall, and six gaps where others had been removed are also there.

“They weren’t quite as ambitious as that other place were they.” She moves in deeper, keeping one hand at a pistol on her hip. She strides slowly but confidently towards the stasis coffins to examine their conditions. With little medical training, she probably wouldn’t be able to tell much from any health readings, but she can at least investigate the machines from her mechanical perspective.

The coffins are still working and those inside are alive. Their vitals are weak and you have no indication as to their mental state on opening them

"What should we do with them? I doubt waking them up here is a good idea."

Hailey nods. “You’re right about that. I know my strengths and abundant as they are I don’t think this would fall under any of them.” She runs a hand through her hair and scratches the back of her head. “We’ll just alert the others, and get the medical team to come out here and take care of it, how’s that sound?”

“Sounds good to me. Shall we explore the rest of the facility?”

“Yeah why not. What else is there?” She checks the map again to see if there’s anything else to still investigate. (edited)

This seems to be just a holding facility for the psychic prisoners. There is an officers and crew quarters here that remains untouched, but your journey has taken you through the major parts of the facility. With power off, most of the automated security has shut down

"I guess we've done what we can here. There's still another black site to explore, right? If my memory is serving me correctly?"

“I wanna the check the captains’ quarters, but after that I’m down to head off.” She nods in affirmation.

"You got it." Lori checks the map one more time to see where they need to go for the captain's quarters.

(Billy and Daniel found the last port of call for the colony ships but the info wasnt passed on here. If you guys still want to explore the last one we can, but we got what we came for)

(Okay well maybe it would be good to touch back with them first them. I definitely want to check out the captains quarters first though either way) (edited)

The captain's quarters is a large room. He enjoyed some luxuries during his time on base including a private bathroom with a large tub, a zero-gee ball court, and a small room where he and his trusted officers were able to play cards. Gold plated lighters and the cigars themselves are still present in the room along with the faint smell of them. Remnant flags and symbols are worked into most of the furnishings and room dressings. A pair of ceremonial swords crossed behind a kite shield with the dragon heraldry on a navy blue field is bolted to the wall above the fire place in the card room.

"I never understood the whole 'gold plated' aesthetic. It just doesn't look nice to me, there's no colors to break up the gold."

Hailey shrugs. "It's not for everyone." She stands before the fireplace to check out the swords and shield. "Wanna bet these are just plastic or something, not even any quality?"

They are not sharpened or meant for combat use, but the workmanship that has gone into them as a decoration is no less precise or well done for their function.

1:04 PM

(so, they look good, and are sturdy, but are not meant for combat)

“At least it serves its purpose. Still don’t understand it, though.”

“Not bad. It’s a nice lasting metal as far as I can tell, the type that probably doesn’t rust easy. “ She leaves the swords be and turns back to Loriya. “I’d say we’ve been here long enough by now. Let’s get back in contact with the others and finish up what we came here to do.”

(we can drop a message in their channel, we've done what we came here to do and they've got the information we split up to find)

"You got it. You wanna send the message or shall I?" (edited)

1

Incoming Message: Billy Rigers

Hey guys! We just finished up here. Looks like a fresh out of the box remnant cloning facility. Simple suggestion from Daniel had us bypass all the Turrets and security bots no problem. We just input ourselves as personnel on the server. 

We found evidence that a ship was supposed to arrive here coming from Abauntza filled with prisoners but it never arrived. 

How did ya’ll make out?

“Looks like the beat us to it.” She starts to type out a response.

"A ship, huh...? This oughta be good." (edited)

All we got is that it departed Abauntza just before the scream and it was headed here but it never showed. So somehow, we have to find it between here and there. It also means a possible black site is on that planet as well as the origination point of said prisoners. They may have had coordination with other sites. I don’t know unless I look.

The last time I did that I found the Still Lady on an asteroid ship. But I think a good non spike drift could do. It would take a hell of a lot longer but between us I think we can make the best damn ship ever for something like that. Let’s meet back up at base in New Heaphestus and decide where to go from here.

(That’s not a thing. You need a stars mass to exit spike space. Otherwise you’re just lost in metaspace forever )

“Alright, ready to start heading back.”

"Great, let's go!" (edited)

(Do all of you want to keep running this down or did we want to do other things?)

(I'm invested in this, let's keep it going)

(Same here)

(I know we didn't cover quite as much ground here, but did we get xp? Just making sure I didn't miss anything)

(3xp, and 5,000 credits)

4:03 PM

)Thanks for the reminder, i did it in billy/daniel and i can see where it wasn't clear that it was for everyone)

1

(That on top of "have three shows broadcasting from PsikeTV, aside from the maze" should nudge me over to Level 18. The three being Suit Up, Foundations of Acastusthe series based on Chris's father's book that documents Acastus's journey through the Still Lady, as well as a couple others that made use of the network like the Grav Bike Championships and Dax and Grupp After Dark. I'm I okay to take the xp for that?)

1:09 PM

(There are a couple more I want to take xp for, but feel I haven't wrapped it up nicely enough for my satisfaction)

(You can take the XP for that one you mentioned first, i think that counts already without the grav bike and after dark even)

1

 Hailey 🚀 🔫 🍭 
Level Up Tracker: 17 -> 18
HP: 146 -> 147
Skill Points: 0 +3-> 3

https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/532660302349860874/593213807896166471 (This is what I've been going off of using the swords separate. Might've been misunderstanding all along or something but yeah)

(this was before we figure out the foci and how it should be worded. Not long after this Cayne and I figured out a better way to put some mechanics to it, but if it wasn't communicated more clearly I apologize. There have been literally two years of things between them and now)

1

(Gotcha, that makes total sense. I just didn't stay caught up on that discussion so thanks for filling me in

. It's not like the swords are any less cool)

(I know you've had a busy couple weeks. Billy has since retired and Loriya is closing in on the hunt for a missing psychic girl, so we are freed' up to get into w hatever you want to do)

(Billy deserves a break hahah) (I've gotta figure out what I wanna do. I know I have some good options in my goals so I just need to start I think)

(Sure! throw one at me, ill get is going)

(I think I made a cool post about Hailey missing the meeting last time around, and there's another one coming up soon. I think she needs to avoid it by turning herself into a pickle) Hailey receives a notification on her datapad, another UNW, not ISF, meeting invite. She's grown tired of them and hasn't attended in a long time, and people were starting to notice. She just never found them that productive. She sighs and takes a swig from her flask as she sits on her couch in the Psike Tower penthouse she calls home.

2

10:31 AM

Last few times she's had the Still Lady and working with Billy to get out of it. She needs another excuse, and starts looking through her contacts to see who she could get in touch with.

(maybe we spread psike TV to a new world? )

(Or I could do that, that's a good idea haha. I think we'd be looking more to help bring in a part of the isf that's a bit on the edge of events, really welcome and wrap them in. Is there somewhere like that?)

(I was thinking like Thojhild, since Nikos is there and nobody really brought actual ISF culture to the planet despite it being a member for a long time. Or Urreturre now that the UNW is actually beginning to administrate the former ghoul capital.

(Can I do both?)

3:02 PM

(One stop, then the other)

(Yeah we can do that. What one did you want to start with

(I'll start with Thojhild and Nikos, since it sounds like they're more than due for it)

(okay, I've got 7 days of downtime)

8:10 AM

Arriving in Thodjhild you see a UNW peacekeeping ship is here, and there are reports of tribal violence on the planet below. A multi-organization uplift effort is underway on the planet below and it seems like the best place to plant Psike TV.

(Would spend the 7 days researching Thodjhild and doing general upkeep of gear. Checked out the world anvil but info I'm finding is limited) Hailey spots the peacekeeping ship in the distance as she sets the Shadow's Bounty down tucked into one of the many forests of Thodjhild, thinking its best to keep it rather hidden from the more primitive world, should there be some stipulations about exposing them to certain technologies at this point. The ships cargo holds are filled with gear for setting up, but she leaves it there for the time being. "Stay with the ship Pete, I'll be back soon," she instructs her droid as she suits up, setting the Dragonfly mech to its first profile for the enviroseals and active camo to protect against the supposed radiation and keep herself hidden for now as she flies over.

(yeah all we know is what's there for right now, that is sort of the problem we're having with the place right now)

12:23 PM

(We were in the process of building things out more with Catherine when she was here, but she ghosted mid session so the report died with her)

(Okay sounds good. Makes this feel like more of an adventure, I'm more excited now haha!) (edited)

(What would you be off on the hunt for? Primitive , ruins , something like that ?)

(Sorry, should’ve been more specific. Heading over to the unw rep peacekeeper ship)

(It’s in space , since it’s a cruiser it can’t land )

8:00 PM

(Nikos and his men are on the ground in a firefight with tribesmen and it’s going so so, if you want to intervene)

(Make a dramatic entrance and save the day? Sounds perfect. I’ll head straight there, help them out, then once that’s clean get a idea of planet status from them)

3

1

(Let’s do it!)

(Making a note here that something else id like to do is resolve her working with the KoD, since that was my in canon reason for why she was taking a break. Would be a good plot line to resolve)

(exert/str hailey)

(Sounds good. I'm definitely having fun here so I'm down to take my time and sink my teeth into the planet. Once I help get this squad and all to safety, I do still want to return to Nikos' and get the low down on what they're up to and what the world is like ic) (10)

The engine groans as you shoulder the weight of the aircraft and the twenty minutes flight north to the uplift project hub feels like twenty hours. Technicians and emergency services are standing by as they do for all airspace emergencies when you set down and you’re met with cheers and clapping by those first responders without an immediate job to do

(Had a long day, will respond to this tomorrow)

(Sure thing)

Hailey drops down nearby, winded and out of breath, but not one to let it show. She lets the suit support her in its own sturdiness. Reveling in the celebration and cheers, she takes the time to meet people and catch her breath, introducing herself. “How’s the flyer, do you have the tools to fix it on hand?”

"We can fix it, an engine is a lot easier to repair than trying to collect scraps of it from the woods and countryside. These people are alive because of you" the fire chief says as his men begin spreading out to give aid to the incoming refugees and shaken flight crew (edited)

"All in a days work chief, great responsibility and all that. Don't worry about the media, I'll make sure this makes headlines myself," she says joking, though its clear she is pretty chuffed with herself. "I have some work to do here, setting up a coms tower for PsikeTV, but I've got some time, and I'm hoping I could get some information on the planet. Is there someone I can talk to about that?" she asks.

“May as well talk to us. We are the ones on the front lines so you’d call them. What do you want to know?”

“Fantastic. What are the natives here like? I’ve heard they’re fairly primitive but not much else. What do you guys know about them?”

“They’re a difficult people to understand. They love their tribe and those in it but hate everyone else. The conditions here are forcing people to migrate north to land that isn’t irradiated and the closer contact is causing skirmishing. Catherine Frazier has also been stirring up trouble near the uplift camp. She’s calling herself the Voice of Thojhild now. Says she was anointed by the planet and makes radio transmissions often, trying to get other tribes to join her and force us off the planet “

“A fool that fancies themselves a god. I’ve heard that story before. Thankfully Mr. Chief, wannabe gods are my speciality. I’ll see what I can do. These people need cooperation and leadership, but this isn’t the way to go about that.” Hailey starts to prep some gear as she talks, an objective of taking down this ‘Cathrine Frazier’ clear in her mind.

(I think you guys might have actually met before, she's a former PC)

(I remember her being a PC, but I can’t recall Hailey having met her)

Catherine Frasier was left behind when a research ship crashed here just after the scream. Taken as a slave and forcibly tattooed to show she was property, she was shrewd and took advantage of the world falling to chaos and tribalism around her. She almost once caused a war between EP and the UNW over the soul of the planet, promising the people to the highest bidder while she herself muddled the bidding process and sowed distrust between the two sides. When the conspiracy was revealed, a short stint in UNW service saw her dishonorably discharged back to her adoptive homeworld, where it seems she found a way to unlock her gaiascopic potential, and use this to project that she is some kind of shaman or figure chosen by the planet for great workds.

"You said up north, right? How hard would it be to find Frazier and her followers? Her name sounds familiar. I'd like to go see this for myself and see if her and I can.....chat". She says 'chat' with air quotes.

"I think with all the tech you're packing you'll be able to find her pretty easily. She's traveling with a good sized group, 100 or so people, maybe more now. Something that big doesn't move quietly"

“Good to know. I’ll head back to my shop and do a scan then. I’ll find them. Is there anything you can tell me about their religion, names of gods and such?”

"Only that she seems to be the head of it. The locals are animists. Everything has a spirit, so there are tens of thousands of names and minor gods out there

"Figures. I'll see what I can do. Maybe the locals will listen to the authority of a godkiller. Thanks for your help chief. Good luck with repairs," she responds as she turns up to fly off and back to the Shadow's Bounty. After a bit of a recharge for her gear and knocking out a couple of scratches in her suit to assure it's as shiny and polished as possible, she'll start a planet scan for the group from the ship, while remaining on the ground in the treeline if possible.

9:06 AM

(Just letting you know I finished with all the Pacifier Rebuild bits. The only think I'm going to have as an option for use in my mind at the moment without some rp to fill in the other skills is "Torrent of Energy", since it sounds like I could just rp as the same as her Elemental Warrior electric attacks, just with a different mechanic behind it)

(didn't we give up elemental warrior for this? )

9:09 AM

(and lets' get a program/int for scanning)

(We did. Torrent of Energy is from Art of the Five Suns -> sunblade feat. It just has a wording that sounds very similar to Elemental Warrior's energy attacks, which is why I took it for that continuity)

9:16 AM

(and that's an 8)

(gotcha! thanks!)

9:18 AM

You detect a small comms signal deep in the north countries of the planet. It might get stronger when you get closer, there is no record of settlements out that way

"Bingo." She starts to fire up the engines and take the ship upwards. Piloting the short trip herself, she'll keep an eye on the comms signal as they approach. As she did before, she'll try to keep out of sight, her stealthy ship aiding in this, and land farther away and fly in with the Dragonfly.

from 10km away it seems like the signal is getting stronger. The jungle here is dark, and dense, and is every bit a place where few people would willingly travel. When your living 'goddess' can conjure fruit bearing plants or medicinal herbs from the ground itself, however, your survival chances in a place this harsh and remote go up considerably. It's a place to find someone that might not want to be found.

Hailey puts the ship down as gently as possible in an open patch of trees, flashing the ventral lights a couple times to scare off any local fauna. She powers it down then once again dons the Dragonfly mech after a last check of her gear and swig of something strong. Then, she opens the bay doors and blasts out at full speed for the beacon, his console displaying it visually as the mechs scanners sweep.

(Planning on going full speed right into them? I don't want to just throw you into a situation if you're trying to sneak)

(Yeah, straight in. Want to do a “I come from the spirit realm to take you for your crimes” act) (edited)

Barreling through the trees you emerge into the clearing where catherine and 100 of her followers are trying to take cover from the sudden noise. They were not sure what was coming just that it was loud, and violent. She alone emerges from cover, lowering her spear to a defensive position. You can see some artistry has been worked into the head - far more than a primitive weapon.

Hailey slows her engines and drifts down towards the group. She retracts the helmet, letting her hair flap in the wind behind her. She sneers down at them with a face of power like she'd use on a TV broadcast. "Cathrine Frasier! I am Klemtarous, goddess of light and death. I've come to take you for your crimes, claiming to be a power you are not." She projects her voice out through the speakers at the back of her mech, hovering above the ground and letting the mech's thrusters hang like wings.

4

3

3

Catherine and her followers were normal people with jobs and routines just a few years ago. The world is harsh but it has made them clever, and not stupid. “I didn’t know the goddess was a silly girl in a suit of armor!” She calls out, before gesturing and sending a cluster of grasping vines skywards “Why don’t you come down here and talk like a person!” (Evasion save ) (edited)

(9v4 success)

Nimble movements quickly evade the vines. Twisting in the air to safety, the plants wither and collapse, turning to dust as the metaphysical energy is withdrawn from them.

(Lori's now available! lemme know when you want her to drop in)

(Probably after this scene since they’re working something out)

(So the reports didn’t really give the full picture, am I getting that right?) “See, you say that, but then you try to yank me down with your magic. If the reports got anything right, it’s to not expect hospitality.” She crosses her arms and drops to the ground quickly. “You’ll find a please gets you a lot further with me, Greenie.”

(they gave you what they knew but they didn't know much)

9:31 AM

"Come down and talk, please, then. You think you can manage that with all the weaponry you're carrying? "

"Wanna test how well I can manage?" she sasses back as she taps down onto the ground, planting her feet firmly.

“Well you’ve come out here and attempted your best Colonel Kurtz impression. Who sent you and what do they want?”

"I know if I go back they're going to throw me right into prison. I'm not going there, and I'm not doing that"

(Finals week, sorry for the slowness.) “I can respect that. I’d rather be killed than end up most places and I’d grant you that luxury as well,” Hailey responds. “I sent myself. I have the specific set of experiences to recognize a fool that fancies themselves a god when I see one, and know the trouble they can become.”

“Trouble? We are out here a hundred kilometers from anyone. We aren’t trouble. You caused plenty with those theatrics though. We are going to have to move again”

"I didn't mean they're trouble, I meant you. And not for the UNW peacekeepers. If they had a problem with you they'd be here themselves, I don't care what trouble you cause them. What I don't like is people who manipulate natives into thinking they're a god."

“What they call me is something they’ve done themselves. They see me, they see the mastery I have over nature , they have done the rest themselves. If they think I can help them I will not take this away from them”

(Traveling home this weekend. Will probably get to this sort of stuff during my layover tomorrow)

(No worries. Safe travels )

“Yeah that’s because they don’t know any better. You’re taking advantage of that. I don’t like when people are used by someone with power over them.”

"It seems we're at an impasse here. What do you propose we do about this?"

(Sorry I’ve been on and off. Been sick the last week or so right as I got back from traveling.) (I have no doubt this is going to lead to a fight. How would a gaiapsion fair on Tsatsos? I assume badly, but just toying with ideas)

(There’s still animals there they could command if they can find any . South of Hephaestus rest there’s trees that Billy modified to grow there so anywhere but that spot probably would be better than here )

"I came expecting a fight. I still am. I won't have you sent to jail though. I've spent my share of time there and hated it just as much. If you surrender at any point, I'll find another way to keep you off this planet's back."

"What do you propose then? A fight would injure all these people, and we don't need to do this to one another"

“Who said they needed to be invited? Tell them to keep back. Show them just what sort of god you are and fight your own fight.”

1

(Initiative then if we are doing this )

7:10 AM

(If there’s no other way she will fight )

(I don’t see any. She seems pretty adamant on staying, and Hailey would respect her not wanting to go to jail. Unless I’m totally missing something I don’t see any other way) (3)

(You sounded like you were working on exile somewhere. She would take that deal. She doesn’t want to die)

1:28 PM

(But then there’s the issue of will she get into shenanigans wherever you put her. )

(I would much prefer reoccurring shenanigans with a character than just deleting them) Hailey thinks a moment before speaking up again. “But, if you’re looking for an alternative, it’s for me to take you far away from here. Tsatsos, where most living things burn to a crisp.”

2

(I like how you think)

2:41 PM

“Tsatsos? I’ve always wanted to see it. I’ll agree to transport if you ensure my people are taken care of. I also want to keep my clothing and staff. They’re sentimental “

3

“I’m not sure if our people on planet will want to inspect them on arrival, but I’ll guarantee you can keep them. What sort of care do you want for the people? If it’s what you’ve got in mind, I can arrange for the planet to be kept as a sanctuary where they can develop their society naturally and without interference.”

"If they won't be coming with me, and I know they won't, get them to the uplift camps. They'll be taken care of there"

(I think I might be misunderstanding what is meant in the description of this planets people as primitive. Think you could give me a quick run down of what that means for this planet in particular?)

(Tech level 1. They’re not primitives as far as being stupid. They were a normal frontier society until the scream happened but they fell hard. Tribal societies developed and the world as a whole Gave into primal instincts. This is one of those worlds where even in the pre scream times it was difficult to try to graft civilization into it. The people that were attracted to this place always had a savagery about them and the scream made it come out )

(This helps a lot, thank you.) “Consider it done. I’ll see what I can do for this planet while I’m at it. Shame to see the state it itself is in.”

1

"I thought I could help them, or at least curb the worst of it, but this is going to fall on someone else now. I suppose its time to say goodbye then, and I'll come with you"

"Sure thing. Do what you need," Hailey responds. She plans to lead the group to the uplift camp after the matter. (Do I need to escort her to Tstasos myself, or can i just breeze through it? I'm not really interested in playing out the whole side trip there and back)

(i didnt want to make you go through it, I think we're okay. I know Loriya wanted to go on an adventure with you as well)

8:18 PM

(6xp, and 50,000 credits for this though)

1

(I'm picking up antidepressants in the early morning tomorrow but other than that I'm 100% free)

(Great! Anyone have any preference on mission?)

(I don't have much of a preference per se, but I think a mission that just lets Lori and Hailey's characters bounce off each other could be really fun)

(Hailey? anything you wanna run down from your massive checklist? )

(I wanted to set up a PsikeTV tower here before heading off, and then I think the original plan was to go over to Urreturre. I also do want to keep pursueing the subplot of her hating the big meetings and finding ways to avoid them, but that’s more of an implicit than explicit thing)

(You two want to go on a mountain trek here on Thojhild to set that up? )

(Sounds great to me!)

1

(hell yeah!)

1

Loriya, now with her own ship, has met Hailey at the uplift camp here on Thojhild. Hailey is just setting down, handing Catherine over to a nullifier and other guards so she can be taken away to her new home/prison, where she won't be able to hurt anyone else. The parts for the transmission towers have been laid out on Grav rucks, one for each of you to pull. Flying there or using the mech for flight could cause an avalanche in the higher elevations, and for now it looks like a walk through the jungle and a hike up a mountain is how this Psike TV tower is going to get into place.

"Can't say I've been on a hike recently... It'll be nice to get the steps in."

(Is using the lower half of the mech suit like Hailey has been going to be an issue? Reminds me I still need to get around to a prosthetic)

(No that won’t be a problem we just can’t fly there )

“I should take you on hikes for often then. Not sure how much you get out to the uninhabited, but there are some real views.”

"That sounds nice... What's the best view you've seen?"

“There was one planet with geography and biomes and mixed up and jumbled in ways that just felt wrong but looked beautiful. I think that was my favorite.” (Neko might remember the name but it’s slipping my mind)

(Canache

1

"That sounds pretty cool! Maybe one day we could go see it."

The rucks power up, and their lead cables are suddenly not heavy at all, and they'll follow you while you walk. The jungle ahead is buzzing with all manner of creatures big and small making noise and calling to one another.

"Well there goes the plan for this to be my workout," she comments jokingly as she feels how light the rucks are. Leading the way, Hailey gets them moving, enjoying the sounds that buzz about around them. (gonna be slow these coming days. Traveling)

(no worries, be safe!)

"One woman's lost workout is another woman's saving grace," Lori jokes, knowing full well that if she had to carry this thing, she'd probably break something. (edited)

1

Heading through the jungle you walk for close to an hour before coming to a narrow waterfall. A clear reflecting pool catches what comes over the 50m tall incline and carried the excess water away back toward the uplift camp you departed from.

4:53 PM

Vines and flowers slick with water grow up the sides of the incline

(Finally back home. Thanks for the patience) Hailey whistles in admiration, gazing up and down at the wonder. She looks around at the flora growing up the side of the cliff, looking to see if she recognizes it, and looking for a way up. "Ya know as pretty as this is," she calls to Loriya over the roar of the water. "...it might be our sign to turn back and find another way up!"

“Aw, man…” Lori continues to look at the waterfall. “It’s a nice looking dead end though! Maybe we can enjoy it for a minute!”

It looks like the path winds around and over the waterfall, on a slight incline. You'll be behind it for part of the ascent, but nothing you're carrying looks to be improperly sealed against water.

(I’ll respond tomorrow, I’ve got a bad toothache and I’m in a lot of pain rn)

1

“Oh! There. Let’s keep moving, we don’t wanna get caught in the dark,” Hailey comments as she gets back into gear to keep trekking upwards. As she does so, she turns over her shoulder to chat with Lori. “So, what’s been keeping you busy?”

“Not much, really. I bought a ship, though!”

"Oh really, wow, a real spacer now. You'll have to give me a tour when we get back," she replies.

“Sure! It’s nothing to write home about, but it’s my ship nonetheless! It’s got a laboratory and everything, I really like it.”

The ascent continues with your packs behind dragged behind you. They bob and weave over the uneven terrain and as you get to the top of the waterfall path you can see a colony of colorful birds has moved into the area. They do not show up on any kind of bioscanner

"Hey, wait- Hailey- You see those birds? Because my bioscanner sure isn't."

“A lab is critical for someone like us,” she responds. “That’s…weird. This place was radioactive for a long time I think. Maybe it’s some sort of mutation.”

1

"Weird... definitely wanna get a closer look some time." (edited)

The scanner beeps once just for a second as one of them takes wing and begins to fly away. The others remain in the branches and looking through your bio scanner it is like they are not even here. The signal doesn’t clear up and photos of the creatures look grainy when you go to view them after

“Photos too…? This is getting weirder by the second.”

“Wait, what was that. When it flew….” Hailey raises a pistol, aims it for the birds, and fires in their general direction.

The birds remain sitting on the branches , quiet , watching , and unafraid of the weapon sounds that normally would have scattered other wildlife

"Wh- Huh????"

(Can I roll notice/wis or something along those lines to see if I can notice anything off?)

(sure, lets do it)

(8)

(I’ll pass, let Lori have that spotlight)

The edges of the birds seem blurred. They do not seem to be entirely solid constructs.

“Hailey, do you see that? I don’t think these birds are all that… solid.”

“Oh shit your right…Let’s get a closer look.” Without waiting for a response, she moves closer, walking around where they’re perched for a better angle.

"Do you think they could be holograms? Maybe an illusion of some kind?" Lori follows after Hailey while racking her brain over with theories.

"I think it's likely actually." Hailey responds. "Doesn't seem natural to me. If it is though, I'm taking one home with me."

Their outlines flicker as they continue watching, peering down at the two travelers in this remote region, unsure what to make of them.

1

“Hm… Hey- Do you think I could try and spot the source of it?”

(Was I able to find anything walking around the area? If not I'd like to try and find any sort of hidden projector, maybe by creating little bursts of electricity in the area)

(We don't see anything in the immediate area)

3:26 PM

(not with our basic senses at least)

(Hmm, not sure what to do here then. Any ideas Lori?)

(I could try using uhhhhh)

4:15 PM

(I forget what it’s called, it’s that electricity sense thing)

(Energy Sensitivity)

(what Venser said)

1

There is an electrical source in the area. The exact type of gadget is not anything Lori can immediately identify but it runs off the equivalent of a type A power cell. The birds aren’t real, and are a byproduct of whatever technology is at work in the area. Who it belongs to and what it’s doing out here you cannot be sure.

"Got it. I can't exactly tell what it is, but it's running off of what I'd assume to be an equivalent to a type A power cell."

“Does that spidey sense of yours tell you anything about where the gadget might be?” Hailey asks, leaning in, before she turns to go scour the area more closely.

The source of power is 15 m away from you, just within where the jungle gets thick. The location is just off the trail.

“It’s just off the trail, 15 meters away. Right about where the jungle gets thick, I’d say.”

"Lead the way."

(notice/wis, each of you)

10:53 AM

Entering the brush you can see that the plants are real, but the other trappings of the jungle around it are not. Someone has clearly decided to make this waterfall cliff home. Who they are, what they're doing here, and how they've managed to maintain this technology when the rest of the planet has catastrophically broken down are all questions to be answered. Things are silent here as the birds that are not birds look down on you, almost as if in judgement.

(11)

(10)

You each see the glint of metal on the ground ahead of you as you move into the bushes. A chrome trap door ring stands at odds with the natural greenery and dark soil around it, and some digging by hand can excavate the surround of the door, allowing you to open it.

"...Huh. I'm gonna try to dig this out." Lori begins to dig at this trapdoor, revealing more and more of it.

The trap door is 2m by 2m , which is large for a trap door but you're not sure what might have been using this underground structure. The door is made from a corrugated metal covered by earth and camo mesh with jungle plants woven into it to hide the reflection and break up some of its outline.

"That looks heavy, why's it so big?..." Reaching down, Hailey grabs onto the handles, and tries to pull it up, lifting with her legs against the massive trapdoor, grunting as she does so. She tries to get a look inside in doing so.

Your mech assisted strength allows you to pull the door aside with some light strain. A large ladder heads deep into a cavernous bunker below and as the light floods the space you see the seal of the long extinct Terran Mandate worked in bronze on the floor at the base of the long ladder

"What is all this...?" Lori takes a look around, just to see what she can find.

From the top ot the ladder you cannot get much of a view of the structure underneath. Darkness and the angle of the sun are keeping you from seeing much with unaided sight.

“After you,” Hailey gestures, nodding her head in the direction of the ladder. It takes deep willpower for her to not just give Lori a little shove in.

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 2/17/2022 3:48 PM

(We are at C1)

3:49 PM

The immediate landing is a wide room with plenty of space to stand. From here the only way up seems to be this trap door. A hallway runs west to east and darkness occupies most of the facility as you look further and further from this pool of sunlight from above.

"It's really dark down here... You wouldn't happen to have a flashlight, would you?"

(I don't mind if we keep going here too, since Hailey is not on the big mission)

(yeah! I'm down to do both)

(Hey sorry, been a bad weekend. Just getting back into things here)

(no problem)

“You don’t? What kind of old ass phone do you have where it doesn’t even have a flashlight?” Hailey asks as she turns one on to shine around the area. “Whatre you thinking here? The old reliable hug the right side wall and work our way around?”

"Sounds good to me..." Is Lori ever going to admit that she forgot about the light on her dataslab? No. Never. She will take that secret to her grave. (edited)

(C6 would be the first door we encounter going right) You begin moving across the walls into the deeper parts of the hidden underground base you've uncovered. The door you find first is wood and banded metal to keep the rough hewn planks made from jungle trees together and all facing the same direction. The latch is little more than an external hook and eye to keep the door closed, rather than keep someone out.

(we'll start with 6 and 7, then work our way around starting with 2)

10:21 AM

"Damn, this place looks like crap. This is not a high tech fortress by any means." Keeping her flashlight pointed up with one hand, she reaches out to undo the latch and push the door open.

The door opens without much trouble. It's poorly made by unskilled hands, and feels like it is on the verge of falling apart. This was a store room of one kind once and you see several crates in here stamped with the old seal of the Terran Mandate, the globe representing old Earth and the crown of ivy behind it looking regal- even if the regime died much the opposite of regal.

“Wonder what’s inside these…?” Lori takes a closer look at the crates, hoping to find some indication of what might be inside.

The crates had labels once but the humidity has made them rippled and almost impossible to read. The ink has run and the paper has yellowed. Just touching it makes it almost disintegrate in your hand

"Yeesh... Guess there's only one way to find out, then."

"Suppose so," Hailey reaches to crack one open, digging out a knife from her pocket to help pry the boarding and get it open more easily.

The knife makes a crunch into the wood and pops the lid. The first crate looks to be a stockpile of Mandate era uniforms , complete with boots , rank pins , and even a few folded flags. They’ve been kept clean and dry from their shrink wrapping despite the jungle trying to do its best to ruin them

“Do you think they have my size in there?”

(Hey sorry y’all. Had family in town this week for the first time in a while. Shouldn’t have waited up for me!) “They’ve gotta,” Hailey says as she looks through it. “I’ve gotta grab one for my office”, she adds, picking out a uniform of good ranking. She takes a quick poke around to see if the other crates also contain similar goods.

There are boots in one box, helmets in another, and capes in a last one. They're not as elegant as the Greystar Confederation's capes, more like hooded robes meant to help keep in heat and keep out unwanted water or chill. Utterly useless on a jungle world like this without turning yourself into a heat casualty.

“Too bad this is insanely insulated. I think I’d look good in a cape. … Who am I kidding, I wouldn’t.”

"Might box you out. And they're more encumbering that you'd think." Shutting the last of the boxes, and stepping back out. She goes back out into the hallway and takes a look around before poking her head into room C7.

C7 has another door just like this first room. ARMORY AND OTHER STUFF is etched into the door by a profoundly unprofessional carving artist

"Other stuff, huh? Might be worth a look."

"You're more than welcome to lead the way ya know," Hailey comments as she moves through. "Someone's gotta spring the traps," she adds with a wink before taking a look around.

"Pfft, careful, you're giving my depression ideas." Lori cracks open the door to take a quick peek.

The door opens to reveal a mechanical chime on the wall. Opening the door cuts some kind of cord and the chime begins to ring. You can see boxes and crates in the room stacked up like a traditional armory along with some other foul weather gear stacked up on the wall pegs

Hailey raises her pistol to shoot the chime with a laser blast on instinct, then looks around to asses the area. It seems like some sort of alarm. "Stay back," she quickly commands Lori, holding her other arm out.

This room is small and the threat will not come from here. Lights begin coming on through the underground vault, before dimming low and turning a bright red. Somewhere in the distance someone rings a triangle like dinner bell, and screams about how you came into the wrong house, and now, now it is feeding time.

"Feeding what now-??"

9:23 PM

(initiative time?)

(Not yet necessarily )

9:24 PM

(We can’t see what else is down here at the moment so there’s nothing to fight )

“Let’s keep moving. Whatever is after us has to do the work of getting here first. We’ll take care of it then.” She grabs a nice hat from the stash of foul weather gear, makes some comment about how it looks designer, and does a last look around for any other trinkets before heading out and over to C2.

You head toward C2 and sounds like what looks to be metal banging on metal and faint cries for help. You enter something that looks like a gore splattered surgical theater where not much attention has been paid to making it painless, or sanitary. Three cages abut the room to the west where a combination of human captive and jungle beast lies in each. Horrific experiments in vivisection have taken place here and you recognize the hallmarks of frenzied surgery and bio psionic regeneration used to keep these things alive

"Oh- Oh god-" Lori covers her mouth like she's about to barf. (edited)

The creatures go into something of a frenzy on seeing you, either trying to attack or begging for help you cannot be sure. The bars look secure. They cannot get to you, even though they seem to really want to.

Lori yelps as she jumps back, opting to stick behind Hailey on this one.

"Oh...shit!" Hailey quickly raises her pistol and aims between the bars to put a flashing blue laser blast through each of their heads in rapid succession. (13 if you want a shoot roll for that)

(If you’re just putting them down it just happens. They’re caged and can’t fight you or do anything meaningful to evade your mercy )

(Yep sounds good. That's the idea) Hailey makes sure not to step in any of the gore as she steps back towards the door. She sighs and closes her eyes a moment. Taking a deep, solemn breath....then she retches at the smell. "Cmon, lets keep moving, and close the door behind you."

The air smells of burning meat but the room is now far quieter. No doubt whatever is down here also knows where you are based on the outburst

Lori, still shaking, keeps behind Hailey and closes the door behind her, as told.

(right now we don't see anything else in the hallways but its dark and there's something else down here)

9:03 AM

(we can either leave or keep exploring and try to figure out what's down here)

Hailey moves for the hallway to C3, unnerved by whatever experiments are going on down here, but unwilling to let it get to her. She keeps her weapon down but in a tight grip.

Moving south from the holding pens, this room looks to be a place where actual guests might have stayed in better days. Furnishings have been packed away here with plastic sheets over them, and you can see a bed, a desk, an end table, and a dresser. The walls are made entirely of stone, and underground such as this is there is no natural light coming in.

“Whaddya think Lori? We got time to rustle up some trinkets? Lets see if anything got left behind here…” Hailey jokes to Lori, as she makes a point of taking her time to peek under all the sheets and open all the drawers, as if oblivious to the looming threat down here.

"Are we sure that's a good idea...? I mean- think about it. Those creatures were still alive. Someone's been feeding them, otherwise they wouldn't have been, r-right...?"

"There's probably more of them down here too, yeah. But if they're as easy to kill as those were, I'm not worried. Besides, what would you rather do, go seeking after it?"

"Fair enough... Sorry. This whole thing is kinda freaking me out..."

You hear distant roads and the smashing of metal down here in the dark. Something has been loosed and is going room to room on the other side of the facility - no doubt hunting for you

6:09 PM

It sounds large with a deep stomp that reminds you of either hooves , or some kind of metal clod tread

“So-“ Lori whispers, “You hear that, right-?”

The banging gets closer and you hear the sound of something wet sliding over the floor outside in the darkness. You close the storeroom door a bit more as the creature busies itself across the hall. Part man, part slug, you also notice the torching scars around the man's temples. A psychic once, and still, and a feral one at that. This must have happened after The Healing, as at that time any existing ferals were peacefully euthanized by the psionic energies released during that metaphysical event.

12:23 PM

More importantly, the feral has not noticed you, yet.

12:24 PM

Right! So! What the fuck! Lori once again takes her place behind Hailey and frantically pointing silently to Whatever That Thing Is.

"Come out...come out...." It hisses, with a voice like some kind of wet gel being filtered through sand. The syllables gurgle and pop, as the malformed jaws try to speak a language the feral psychic turned metamorphed monster knows. It vanishes into the storeroom across the hall and you can hear the sounds of crates and storage containers being cast aside violently or smashed as the creature hunts for the intruders in its lair. (edited)

(if we're in C3 would that be like C6 and 7 where we started? Just for my own mental map) Hailey shushes, flopping her hand to bat Lori's point away as if to say 'yeah no shit I see it'. She holds up a finger to her mouth to signal silence, then points down to stay. She does the two finger eye point to tell Lori to keep watch.

(Yes, your mental map is spot on!)

1

Turning to the storage closet in the back of this room, Hailey tries to quietly creek open the door and rustle around inside for anything she can use. Her first course of action: test the things intelligence and capabilities.

You find a stim case with two shots of Lift in it, enough to keep you going if you can put some distance between yourself and someone trying to do you harm ,but otherwise the weapons you have on you are more than suitable for taking care of this beast if you decide to attack.

9:25 AM

(I feel like a man portable battleship cannon is the only way Hailey is going to get a higher DPS

)

1

(careful, you might give her ideas SHDFSHFD)

Hailey grins and takes a swig from a flask before turning around to start speaking in a raspy whisper to Lori at the door. "Alright Lori. It's all you baby, get out there. You've gotta distract it. We gotta see how smart it is Lori," she whispers, taking a few more sips from the flask as she speaks.

(changing classes a couple times has put me at 9 foci, but with my current build I'm down to 8. Should I drop one?)

You can hear the hair on the back of Lori's neck shoot up when Hailey says that. "I- I'm sorry?????? You w-want me to huh??????"

(No, that’s okay. I’m sure I’ve probably awarded one or two over the last four years for things )

4:11 PM

(You’re a good egg. Don’t mind giving a little extra in the off chance we didn’t actually just homebrew another foci in

)

1

(Sweet

) “You heard me! You can hear cantcha? Get out there and let it just chase you around or something. See what it can do. Cmon, don’t worry, I won’t let you die or anything, it’s just so we know how to kill it.” Hailey stands behind Lori, shooing and pushing her forward a ways.

"Okay, okay- You don't need to push me!!" Lori takes a few deep breaths... ... And goes absolutely nowhere. "Just need to... Build up courage... To get chased. By a freaky monster. No biggie." ... She's still not moving.

"Oh for fuck's sake," Hailey mutters, gripping Lori by the shoulders like a ragdoll and shoving her into the corridor, whistling to get the things attention. She ducks back out of the way as quick as she can, so it only sees Lori, before making her way through the side door back into C2 to observe.

1

There is a bang within the store room as the head of the slug creature emerges and makes direct eye contact with Lori in the hallway. It roars and begins slithering it’s way out of the room.

Haha! Oh golly! Lori, now in a frenzied state of mind, books it into the hallway that leads to C13.

4

1

Hailey observes carefully, takes a moment to respond to a text from Grupp, then returns to observing carefully. She prepares to follow stealthily when the time comes.

(exert/con Hailey)

(How does rolling work nowadays, off roll20?)

(You can do either. If you are rolling here it’s just ! Instead of / before roll

3:45 PM

(But the syntax is the same. )

!roll 2d6

Hailey Clements (Mylonite) Roll: [6, 2] Result: 8

(Very convenient!)

(oh now that's neat)

You move into the hallway, keeping to the shadows by using overhangs, rafters, and otherwise following without remaining on the ground behind it where its senses may be able to detect you. It seems content to follow Loriya for the moment, as Hailey quickly follows from above, arms and core burning slightly more with every athletic and acrobatic transition to the next overhang. This creature no doubt intends to do Loriya harm, as soon as it is able to catch her. For as long as her lungs and constitution can hold out, Loriya does seem to have the advantage in speed and agility.

(Im thinking I might backtrack a bit here and try to jury rig some explosives in a room we can lure it into. Is that feasible?)

(you'd need to communicate this to Lori somehow so she knows where to run, and its contingent on it not catching her)

2:40 PM

(but assuming those conditions are managed, I think that works)

As Lori runs in absolute fear for her life, she yells out to Hailey, wherever the hell she is who knows ALL SHE KNOWS IS THE IMMINENT DEATH ACTIVELY CHASING HER, "HELP????? PLEASE?????????"

(Evasion save lori )

(1/9, fail </3)

!roll d10

Nekosmash Roll: [2] Result: 2

A lashing flail that has replaced one of the arms of the original psychic , now some kind of whip-crack frond with a hardened whip head of cartilage at the end strikes Lori on the side as she tries to evade, doubling back on herself to get the creature to turn around and chase her back toward where Hailey is working .

(how much damage do I take?)

(2 damage )

As Lori’s running for her life, Hailey takes the opportunity to jury rig some explosives in C2, connecting them to a remote detonator. (Let me know if there’s a check here) Then, she’ll step out into the hallway to the right of it and wave her hands over her head. “There ya go Lori!! Get over here!! Good hustle!” She claps her hands like a high school football coach.

(I think Hailey being a warrior and jsut the way you've built her this is probably a routine matter for her)

1

With only the biggest fear in her eyes, Lori darts for C2 with the determination of a damn stoat.

(one more exert/str)

12:09 PM

(for lori)

(8)

Sliding home like a star baseball player , Lori glides through the threshold into C2, past Hailey and to a controlled stop with the beast hot on her heels

With the beast rushing down the halls to C2, Hailey grabs Lori by the arm and runs for the side door to C3. There, she waits for the beast to be right inside C2, anticipating the perfect moment to hit the button and blow the room.

(you'd be able to hit it, you used a demo charge, correct? Just so I know what my evasion save damage should be

(I was thinking more along the lines of Gadget Rat to put some explosives together on the spot. But if just using a demo charge ooc is more straightforward we can do that)

(I guess I am trying to determine your idea of the scale of the explosion, It is a big 40m radius zone of FU, or is it a more contained like grenade size)

(I don't think it would be in character if she didn't go over the top)

(Alright, cowabunga it is, Need 4d10)

8:51 AM

!roll d20

8:51 AM

!roll d20

Nekosmash Roll: [7] Result: 7

(Failed the save, so he's taking full damage)

!roll 4d10

Hailey Clements (Mylonite) Roll: [10, 7, 6, 5] Result: 28

There is a tremendous explosion outside, and you hear the sounds of your makeshift cover being splattered with hot gore. Acrid smoke fills the air, with the tang of gunpowder, cordite, and aerosolized blood. Through the smoke, you can see that the abomination is dead, split almost down the middle from the full force of the explosion.

"...Please never ask me to do something like that ever again."

“What? It worked.” Hailey raises a finger in a mock know-it-all way. “If you’re going to be my protégé you’ll need to get used to it.” (Permission to take xp for “get a morty”?)

(Yes for sure )

3

Lori sighs, casually just. Accepting her fate.

"Now, let's go have a bit more of a look around. Maybe we can find whatever sick bastard made these things," Hailey adds, leading the way to continue their survey of the place.

Yiou continue looking through the bunker, exploring rooms and finding caches of long gear from long extinct organizations that once populated Mandate, and later Tenebrian Empire space. Nothing seems to be especially high tech, but the cache is a historical find- and some of the spare parts here might be able to boost the range of the radio tower the two of you set out to construct earlier today. it seems the giant slug creature you killed was what was responsible for making all these- and based on some notes you find scrawled on thin yellow paper, along several moth eaten books in a back office you come to realize that the former inhabitant of this bunker was a biopsion, interested in exploring the link between biopsionics, the changing of flesh, and the natural evolutionary processes of nature. The Scream robbed him of his sanity, replacing his curiosity with a burning, monodirectional desire to complete his work -the purpose of which shaped by whatever few neurons he still had firing in the back of his mind. Feral, moving towards whatever perverted purposes its mind held on to through the past years from the disaster, this creature is all that remained- no longer human, or sane.

"This is something else," Hailey muses to herself as she pages through the books. The psychic magic of it is something she only understands like a person who's read about dogs but never met one. The rest of it clicks a bit better, however. "I'm glad we got rid of that guy." Hailey grabs one of the bags with mandate wear and fills it with the spare parts. "We should report this to Galatia or something too."

"Good idea... I don't wanna be here any longer than we have to."

(I think we've seen what there is to see here largely. We have some tonnage of far trade goods to sell if we decide we want to do it, but otherwise we've got the main points here)

(And I can walk you through a far trade if you want. I didn’t intend this due to the gap in missions times but what you’ve found helps solve Kila’s problem on parnika and she just so happens to be organizing a trade mission)

(oh nice! yeah I'd be happy to help someone out)

(Alright, 6xp, and 10,000 credits from this, and while Kila is getting caught up we can move on to get the radio tower thing we wanted to make finished .

(Sorry for being absent. Was up in the mountains for a week and thought I’d have connection but didnt. Computer crapped out too)

12:41 PM

(I’m happy to let Lori do the far trade if she’d like. Heavens knows I don’t need more money)

(soinds good, we can figure that side of things out, did we want to finish the radio tower mission, or we can just say we did, if you're eager to get into something else, this was the last major encounter type thing I had planned, aside from generating another hex or two on the planet surface, which others can do later)

12:47 PM

(up to you guys )

(I'm down to finish the radio tower)

(I’m all good to do it montage style. Just say it happened)

9:35 PM

(Don’t want things to feel anticlimactic after the lab)

(a moment to wind down would be nice though)

Upon leaving the lab the jungle around you feels quieter and more at east. The location of the bunker is marked and you will arrange a trade deal with Kila upon finishing your other plans here in the jungle. Cold and weary people on Brizeno could use the clothing here and your deal might ensure more families live through the harsh winter on That devastated world. Climbing to the top of a rocky foothill thst towers over the jungle you find a rock shelf flat enough , thick enough, and dense enough to allow the construction of your transmission tower. That work is simple , the stamped parts are fairly uniform and Hailey tinkers with more advanced electronics than simple signal repeaters in her sleep. The green canopy of the jungle spreads out below you as the sun begins to set. The hand held signal testing device indicates no faults within the tower and with the press of a button the first of the Psike Tv fanfare videos begins to play. Refugee camps around the planet as well as anyone out there with a pirate broadcaster will see it.

Hailey brushes her hands off by smacking them about on her jacket in a satisfied manner, slipping a spanner back into her tool bag. “Well that’s that. They should be all set up now to get signal from across the Iron Stars. Should do a lot to draw them into our world.” She turns to Lori, holding out an a hand stained with oil, but not enough to hide the brightly colored nails. “You made good help. I don’t think I could’ve done it without you.”

Lori takes Hailey's hand, totally NOT slightly flustered by that compliment. Perish the THOUGHT. "Thank you for, um, having me!"

1

“Had to get it done one way or another. It’s nice to have company. So what’s next for you?”

"I'm off to see a girl named Kila about something, what about you?"

“Who knows, whatever sweeps me up next. I haven’t checked in with RCOE in a while so probably that.”

(They’re shuttered so won’t be offering new missions )

(Must’ve missed that, sorry. I’ll have to do something else then. I’ve got other things on my list but nothings really grabbing me with motivation right now.) “Who knows though. There’s some people I haven’t seen in a long time, so maybe I’ll just have to make my rounds.”

“Well, if you need anything, just give me a call, I’d be happy to help.”

(We've got that big group mission against CA starting up, if that helps)

(I think I’m just so out of touch here that that doesn’t mean anything to me

)

(I'll send you a message)

As Hailey and Lori part ways, she makes the way back to her ship. Leaving planetside, she makes her way up into orbit, where she lets the ship float along, doing some of the back-end activation work for the new tower. She spends some time in her quarters, working on a prosthetic leg design. After drawing something up, she sighs, before crumpling it up and throwing it into a pile or over a dozen other discarded leg designs. Her mech is the closest thing she’s built to this, and even that’s far different. She’s gotten into her head over this, and can’t help herself from being overly perfectionist, dissatisfied and scowling at her work as if it’s below her. Hailey isn’t one to criticize herself or be concerned with perfection. This is new. She settles for pulling up the news on a datascreen in the lounge area of the ship and playing a video game. Seeing about the Aliah site anomaly, she takes interest, tuning in closer.

It looks as though a team from the Academy found a site near the center of the planet where the life force was drained from the world. The energy went from Aliah, to Sumati 2, turning it into a lush garden world where the Jademane, and Zadak survivors of Brizeno's moon now live. The two societies have chosen to remain among themselves and not co-mingle, but it looks as though they cooperate with one another when needed. Aliah is now a swamp planet. Fetid water, trees decaying to mulch, and creatures left behind who could not be safely moved. Even in death, there is still forms of life of a sort. The massive transfer of energy caused the emergence of some object called "the Heart of the planet" Which takes the form of a rune engraved metal cube the size of a car. It spins with its own arcane antigravity, and instructions have been left for follow on UNW notables to open the rift, cautioning them of the extreme danger on the other side.

(Sorry, thought I responded here) Hailey instructs Peter to get the ship ready for jump. They’ll have to head home first to grab some gear, but it should make their job easier. From there it’s straight to Aliah. The anomaly is intriguing and should pose a fun challenge.

(Is it just stuff from your character sheet or are we shopping? )

(No shopping, just sheet stuff. Nothing mechanical)

(got it, no problem. Ten days of downtime back to Aliah, and I'll post you the map!)

12:51 PM

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

Aliah

12:51 PM

( looks to be up to date with things)

(Okay, I should be caught up then. Could I contact the research team and psychic site to get a synopsis of the current state? Make an informed approach that’s at. I suppose aside from that I just need a place to land. Don’t have anything I’m dying to do in downtime)

(There is a team on site but the rift is sealed. They can open it but no one has been to the other side ever so they can’t really give you any information )

(Sorry, I meant the state of Aliah. Sounds like that won’t make a huge difference thought)

(It’s decaying. The world anvil is up to date there for a change )

6:02 PM

The ship is planning to land near the heart of the world facility on a landing pad coming out of the swamps on thick metal legs to keep any landing ships out of the mud and muck. It looks as though two representatives of the small operation here are waiting.

She takes over from the autopilot to make the landing herself, trusting her own piloting more than the computers on a landing pad like this. With the ship powered down, she makes her way out the hatch with Peter at her side, moving to greet the representatives unarmed. “You two have my respect for sticking it out in a place like this,” she starts.

The smell of decay hits you almost immediately, and to punctuate your words a distant tree falls, turning into something of rotted, stinking mulch as soon as it hits the yellow brown water of the surrounding swamps. None the less, this facility has remained somewhat clean, and above the murk. Silently, the massive inscribed block between the three pillars marking the heart of the world spins, a nexus waiting for the right hands to activate it, carrying the worthy to a place where possibility is magnified to undreamed of proportions.

Hailey takes it all in, relishing the beauty in its uniqueness. It’s the punctuation of a world, a rare sight to be sure. Turning to the facility, she takes a better look at it, speaking up to the two representatives as she does. “What is it exactly that this facility here studies?”

“We don’t. We guard this place under orders of the Academy, and study of the rift on the other side has not been permitted yet. Headmaster Fate has given you permission though, you will be the first to explore the other side “ (edited)

"Huh. So you're a watchtower of sorts. I understand that the other side hasn't been visited and that I alone have been given clearance. I'll assure you that I don't take the honor lightly. I can't imagine you get much trouble all the way out here guarding this thing." She last statement is more of a question the way she says it.

“With the gateway closed we don’t have much trouble. The occasional lone madman getting in to academy files and sniffing around but that’s how it’s going to be”

(Sorry I’ve been slow. Getting used to a new job. Should pick up more)

1:41 PM

“Understood.” As another tree falls, she speaks up again. “I guess that’s my cue to get to it. Take me to the rift,” she says, hefting her gear over her shoulder and waving Peter to follow.

(not a problem, I'll make a little map for you and its something we're going to continually updating as you explore new things, but you'll get an idea of the basic landmass)

(We know nothing about what's in the hub so we'll be generating the hexes together, the map slowly filling in as we explore now that edits are pretty easy. Each hex is about 200km and when we roll the D10 it'll be for the major feature of that area. )

1

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 7/11/2022 7:41 AM

Hailey takes a deep breath and steps in through the portal, Peter clinging to her heels. As second nature she keeps a hand close to her weapon, fearing for the worst.

(Let’s get a D10 and we will see how the other side of the portal looks!)

!roll 1d10

Hailey Clements (Mylonite) Roll: [4] Result: 4

Entering the zone you find yourself in a dark area, an old forest of mushrooms similar to Acastus but with more fluorescent and glow in the dark tops. They seem to make their own gentle, ambient glow and most of the forest here looks to be offshoots of this same fungal network in some way or another. You have not seen any animals just as you step through, but you can see the plants here from the smallest glowing ferns up to the mightiest of the mushrooms you can see all have a few characteristics in common.

Hailey checks behind herself to get a look at the portal from this side, before starting to make her way through the fungal forest.

(which way are we headed? )

(I think I’d like to one at a time head to the edges directly north and south of me. South first)

Heading south away from the gate the forest remains thick for the first few kilometers. You see no animal life here, and no plants that are of an entirely different variety than the mushrooms you've been passing, but something must live here as you are following game paths through the mushroom like plants. Low bioluminescents also seem to form something of a path, leading to a fairy ring made of blue mushrooms half the height of yourself.

(Archiving for now)