Guild icon
Iron Stars
post archive character threads / hank
Avatar
@Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) (Welcome to the UNW) Hank Blake awakens in his small apartment on Gudrun, one of the most diverse planets in the UNW in terms of climate. Central is many hundreds of kilometers distant from the sleepy southern city of Rebirth, but here on the edge of the swamp belt, the dark forests, and the grassy plains you find yourself at the intersection of many wild gathered flavors that will only elevate your dishes far beyond the cooking of the stuffy culture developing in Central.
❤️ 2
9:27 AM
Outside a pair of birds peck at the window, eager to see what might be going on inside the place they have known to frequently have seeds and other small items to eat laying around.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/16/2022 8:11 PM
Hank was slow waking up, until he remembered what day it was. Today was the day he'd put his plan into action. His channel hadn't taken off like he wanted, there was just too much competition putting cooking vids online. Viewers wanted excitement, and he'd give it to them. Showing them the adventure of gathering ingredients, or exploring the cuisine of different planets in the sector. Checking over the equipment he'd gathered, he got dressed in the old surveyor's suit he'd gotten a deal on. Heading to the kitchen to make breakfast he knocked on his roommate's door. "Hey Zack, today's the day. You ready? Bacon and eggs in 10." "ah, wha.. Yeah, I'll be out shortly." Excited for the day Hank started cooking. (I don't have many credits, but there's a few things I'd like to pick up before heading out.) Shopping list: Telescoping pole $10 2x Rations(with water) $10 Tl0 rope $4 And it's not on the equipment list, but I want to make sure to have bags and such to keep what I find in. Any cost for that?
Avatar
(the backpack is generally how we rationionalize xarrying a lot of gear)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/16/2022 9:03 PM
(sure. I'm thinking more like ziplocks. I just want to make sure the food is kept clean in the backpack. If I shoot some animal I don't want the meat leaking all over the plants I'm gathering. I'm guessing that's just a "yes you have it" sort of thing, but I want to make sure.) (edited)
Avatar
(yeah its a yes you have it kind of situation)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/18/2022 1:56 PM
After finishing the dishes and getting their gear together, Hank and Zack start for the wilderness. "We'll start with the swamps. There's a desert I want to try that calls for Etherfruit." (edited)
Avatar
Hank and Zack have been given access to a small grav-bike built for the two of them thanks to a previous sponsor. Other than a ghost driver, a bit of cargo space, battery reserves and room for Zack, the bike is simple and offers no frills, just a means of conveyance around the largely unsettled land near rebirth. (d10)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 9/18/2022 2:14 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10] Roll: [10] Result: 10
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/18/2022 2:14 PM
(cool, I was thinking we'd have to take the bus.)
🚌 1
Avatar
Entering the swamps you find a grove where you've normally found mushrooms in the past. It looks like animals have been here, but a single bright red mushroom speckled in white dots has decided to grow here.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/19/2022 12:03 PM
(If this were earth, I as a player would know what this is. still enough ingame clues to be suspicious.) You never wanted to eat something unless you knew what it was, and with a brightly coloured mushroom that was the only one uneaten that was doubly true. While Zack got some close up shots, Hank looked for it in the booklet that came with his survival kit.
Avatar
(We actually do! I'll get the article!)
1:35 PM
(a pinch different here than as described, but a variant)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/19/2022 10:28 PM
With the mushroom identified Hank records a segment for his video as he harvest it. "This here is a Bloodsprout, a mushroom valued in Piggen cuisine. Among other uses It's bitter flavours can add a nice accent to many kinds of soups." With the area clear they resume their search, making sure to get plenty of footage as they travel. (Also I think you missed adding xp values for my goals. Unless they're all just terrible and not worth anything.) (edited)
Avatar
(might have, I'll circle back to it. )
8:21 AM
(done!)
8:22 AM
You record some light hearted antics of messing around in the forest. Stick fights, rolling on the beds of wet pine needles, chasing birds and small rodents back to their trees ,, and you find a few more growths of the sprout here in the woods as the soil conditions this time of year are perfect for it.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/20/2022 12:02 PM
Hank gathers a good supply of the mushrooms. making sure to leave some from each group to spread spores for the next generation. He uses the opportunity to get a few more takes explaining what they are. With all the mushrooms he needs, he keeps looking for any other edible plants he can find. (d10?)
Avatar
(if we're staying in this hex we can get a survive/wis, if we want to get onto the bike and get the hundred or so km from here into a new biome, we can do a d10)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/20/2022 4:23 PM
(I forgot hexes were rather large. Can I argue for survive/int as I'm needing to remember descriptions of plants? If so that'll add one to the result.)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 9/20/2022 4:26 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6-1-1+1] Roll: [6, 2] Result: 7 Reason: (-1) survive/(-1)wis +1 survival kit
Avatar
(Yeah I’d say so. So we should be making this an 8?)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/20/2022 7:20 PM
(yep)
Avatar
(Thanks. That passes. Let me dive back into world anvil)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/21/2022 10:12 AM
(Great)
Avatar
You see a disturbance ahead as several birds head skyward. The ground here has been plowed in ordered rows, almost as if someone was irrigating this clearing. You don't remember ever being here before, and an official survey show this land is unclaimed. Imported Drunkpods in neat ordered rows look to be planted here all gathering as much of the free flowing water as they can. They look to be in mediocre health, this not being their environment of choice. https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/drunkpods-article (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/21/2022 10:59 AM
(It doesn't mention anything like it on the world anvil, but are drunkpods illegal here? This has the feeling of a grow op.) (edited)
Avatar
(its not illegal right now, there are kind of frontier laws in most places. We don't know what they might be refining these into if it is indeed organized)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/21/2022 10:43 PM
(Alright, then lets go with the overly trusting option.) Hank starts looking for any sign of where the farmer might be. If he could an interview and maybe a tour of the fermenting process that could make for a really interesting episode.
Avatar
(notice/wis)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 9/22/2022 8:04 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6-2] Roll: [4, 4] Result: 6
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/22/2022 8:22 AM
(that looks like a failure, but I think I'll save my reroll for later.)
Avatar
(6 is not always, in this case it is not )
9:17 AM
The farmer is not here, It looks like this is sometihng they do not have eyes on 24-7, but it does show the halmarks of being man made. You believe you see a small treestand high in a tree at the edge of the clearing, 100m from you. It looks empty right now, but there is a small radio mast protruding from its front window.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/22/2022 6:17 PM
Hank goes to investigate the tree stand. Perhaps there'd be some clue to contact the farmer. The radio maybe?
Avatar
The wooden ladder creaks under your weight, built in better days with materials that have seen a few too many storms and winters in this harsher southern belt of the planet. Inside, you can see the radio is intact and looks to be powered, though the paint on some of the dials has been worn away from use.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/23/2022 9:27 PM
Before trying the radio Hank looks around to see if there's any sign who's place this is or what they're doing here.
Avatar
It looks like some rustic person has made a home or operation here, as you rightly predicted. They haven't left much in the way of identifying them, perhaps on purpose.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/25/2022 5:20 PM
Not finding anything in the cabin, Hank turns to the radio. "Hello, this is a strange request, but I'm trying to contact the person who owns this radio. I came across your farm while foraging, and I'd like to arrange an interview."
Avatar
There is a crackle as the radio tunes into this frequency. "An interview? Are you a cop? You legally have to tell me if you are" he says in return, a wizened frontier sounding voice says on the other end. You get the impression they might be missing a few teeth.
🤣 2
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/25/2022 7:22 PM
"I don't think that's true?. But no I'm not, I run a net channel doing cooking videos. I've begun expanding to cover where the food comes from. I figure my viewers might be interested in a tour of your farm and the fermenting prosses if you handle that."
Avatar
"A net channel? What's your name? " he asks. There is a pregnant pause as the connection tries to stabilize itself.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/25/2022 10:45 PM
"I'm Hank Blake." He sighs. "You probably haven't heard of me. That's why I'm revamping my channel." (edited)
Avatar
"I haven't. Hank Blake, you're not a cop, and you're trying to be a celerity. Wait there. I'll be along in an hour, and don't touch anything"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/26/2022 12:33 PM
"Thanks. I look forward to meeting you." Hank leaves the building to wait. Spending the time discussing camera angles and other posibilities for the video with Zack. (edited)
Avatar
You hear the vehicle approaching long before you see it given the engine backfires and other small mechanical problems. A dirt bike enters the clearing with a helmeted figure on the back to parks it and gets off, revealing a younger Taros farmer, with shaved hair and the tanned skin of someone who spends a great amount of time outside.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/26/2022 9:04 PM
Seeing the farmer arive Hank heads over to introduce himself. "Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I'm Hank, and this is my cameraman Zack."
Avatar
"Nice to meet you both, I'm Myke. I see you found my little op here, probably pretty illegal for me to be growing alien plants here on Gudrun, but you havent even seen the things you can make with this shit my man" he says, his voice sounding spacy and relaxed, like he has been enjoying a bit of his own supply on the way over.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/27/2022 4:36 PM
"The unique product is why my viewers will be interested. I hear these plants can be used to make quite the beverage. By the way, do you want us to use a pseudonym when referring to you?"
Avatar
"Myke is fine, I wasn't going to use my real name with you anyway. Something of a process here, you boys strictly into baking, or you into other methods of cooking too?"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/27/2022 11:25 PM
"That's fair. I try to demonstrate a variety of cooking techniques, baking is actually one of the less common ones. We were out here looking for some etherfruit for a desert. Haven't found any yet, but we got some nice mushrooms." (edited)
Avatar
"Those might make a nice soup, or a stew. You won't find any Etherfruit for a ways out here, need to go into the deep swamp for that. These pods though, you can brew with them, or make all numbers of desserts"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/29/2022 11:21 PM
"That's the kind of thing my viewers want to see. Would it be possible for you to show us around? How you grow the pods, what you do with them once their mature?"
Avatar
"If he videos, do you think you can blur out my face?" he asks, looking around at the woods around you.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 9/30/2022 11:20 AM
(I'm assuming video editing is at least as good as it is now.) "Sure, we could do that."
Avatar
(yeah, think of today)
2:25 PM
(can blur people out and change voices)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/2/2022 7:36 PM
(That's what I thought, but with all that was lost in the scream I figured I should make the assumption clear so it could be corrected if it was wrong.) After discussing how they'd protect his identity, Hank gets Myke to show them around and describe for his viewers the highlights and challenges of his work.
Avatar
"Alright, well, lets take the tour. You've seen the radio shack already and I don't really want to take the crew in there, if the authorities saw my radio rig they might be able to do something there to figure out how to track me down. That said. I've got afew things for you to look at. I have my trusty bread hive oven, mty growing fields, my tool shed, and of course my little camp where I hang out while nature does its magic. You're going to see some things out here that will astound you and make your audience interested, I promise. So tell me where to start, and get that camera rolling"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/2/2022 10:33 PM
"We can always adjust thing in editing if we need to. But for now, let's take things in production order. Farm to table as it were."
Avatar
"Farm, well if you follow me over here you're going to see something interesting. We call them Drunk Pods, and they're not from this world. Imported the seeds from Tereziho myself and I don't want to tell you how far up my ass I had to put these so the bioscanners wouldn't go off on departure. Planted them here in the most humid region of the planet, and they're not as good or as big as the ones on Terezinho, but I'm hoping to cross breed the biggest of them and get to something like it. Been a real challenge keeping the bugs and birds away from them too but these things don't seem to like being fenced in very much"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/3/2022 10:28 PM
"Selective breeding, nice. Do the pods have any special requirements when harvesting?"
Avatar
He beams at the question "A great thing to ask. Would you like to help ? This crop on the left side here is ready for use, and I think you;d get a kick out of how to harvest these beauties. You need a pair of work gloves?" he asks. He is beginning to relax and his showmanship almost seems to match your own (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/4/2022 11:10 AM
I'd love to." He holds up his armoured vac suit's gloves "Will these do?"
Avatar
"Those are perfect, now get the camera here, and follow me, do what I do" (work/con)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 10/4/2022 2:46 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6+0] Roll: [5, 2] Result: 7
Avatar
"Ah you;'re getting it. The first thing we do is shake heavily, like your rod after you've just had the most excellent pee of your life. You want to shake the seeds off, and you see those black oblong objects there? The seeds are actually inside those, and we're going to do something special with those later. Even so, don't want them inside our mash when we go to break this stuff down later. You ever have a thick drink, like a smoothie or a blend, and then suddenly you hit a big string of pulp? We want to avoid that"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/5/2022 6:56 PM
"Eugh, yeah a chunky drink's not good unless it's intentional. So now we've harvested the fruit, what's the next step?" (I realized this could sound like I'm just harvesting one or two pods. That's not my intent. This felt like a good transition, but I'll make sure to offer a reasonable amount of help in exchange for being shown around.) (edited)
Avatar
(no no i get it , on camera here between us its mostly the showmanship stuff)
7:59 AM
"Okay, in the tool shed there is a big yellow bucket labeled mash, I need that, and the big ol' mallet thats next to it"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/6/2022 8:04 AM
(Great, I just wanted to make sure it was clear I wasn't just doing it for the camera.) "Yellow mash bucket and mallet. Got it." Bringing Zack along to get footage of the shed, Hank goes to retrieve the tools.
Avatar
There is a squelching sound where in a process not unlike churning butter, the pods and their mash are broken down into something resembling an oatmeal like consistency. There is also a large amount of juice at the bottom of the bucket and you can smell the alcohol rich, but sweet, smell of it even as an extra set of hands on the process- not standing over the bucket. "I've been told this mash is great if you use it to bake something fruity, it takes the place of what the Terrans call raisins, cranberries, and basically anything that starts off tart but ends with a bit of sweetness"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/6/2022 9:41 PM
"It smells pretty good. I expect it could make a nice pie filling fairly easily. But if you don't bake with it then you've got some other use."
Avatar
"Pie filling...huh...never thought of that. What do you think , you want to experiment with that in my field kitchen here for the camera?" he asks, enthused by the creativity. You sense you might have a new fan.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/7/2022 11:54 AM
"That would be great. I was going to ask if I could buy some pods to try out at home, but working here is even better."
Avatar
"You're not going to want to try to smuggle these out. Whats your current living situation like? and where, I can explain why - trust me. I'm going somewhere with this"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/7/2022 5:54 PM
"I've got an apartment in Rebirth. Are the pods that big a concern? I knew they were good for brewing, but you can make alcohol from practicality anything if you try."
Avatar
"They're not native" he explains "Dangerous ? not my little patch, not like this, but I also have to take measures to keep them from spreading. Big city with bioscanning tech, not sure, might not see it my way"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/8/2022 9:34 PM
"Hmm, yeah you wouldn't want to introduce an invasive species. A few fruits for cooking shouldn't cause a problem, but I could see them raising some questions as to where they came from."
Avatar
"something they would follow back to the source- and scoop up the little people like me and you on the way"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/9/2022 3:57 PM
"You're right. Best avoid any potential trouble. Too the kitchen then."
Avatar
(did you want to make a pie, pastries, or ice cream? he has all kind of ideas )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/10/2022 7:32 PM
(The pie's already been mentioned. So let's go with that.)
Avatar
The crust is made from terran like grain which you would expect, milled into flour through something that he looks to have home made using a creek, a waterwheel, and two stones rigged to move over one another to continue crushing the plants into their grain powder. The outdoor kitchen also needs firewood, and the kitchen tools located in the shed here which you are dispatched to get both while the grain is being crushed.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/11/2022 11:47 AM
Impressed with Myke's setup, Hank has Zack get footage of the mill working while he fetches the supplies.
Avatar
(work/con)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 10/11/2022 1:55 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6+0] Roll: [6, 5] Result: 11
Avatar
You feel a rhythm with your countrylike host and begin smashing and mashing the mash into something resembling pie filling. You've made it very smooth and are reminded of a photo you've seen of Key Lime or Lemon pie where the filling is almost entirely smooth- almost like a gelatin . The scent has attracted some birds who hungrily look on from nearby branches as you begin filling the cast iron pan and its already made dough shell with the filling.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/11/2022 7:24 PM
This was going well. The pie looked good, Myke was a character, and he was getting material for a great episode. Seeing the birds Hank tried to gauge whether they were going to be a problem, or if they looked like good eating.
Avatar
They look to be simultaneously a problem, and a succulent meal if captured or trapped and prepared right. Though you are making dessert, a main course would be interesting to showcase.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/12/2022 11:35 PM
(From your description I'm assuming shooting them with a laser rifle will do too much damage?)
Avatar
(I think we could rule it on it depends on how much overkill the damage roll is)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/13/2022 8:05 AM
"Those birds look like they plan to cause some trouble. Mind if I try my hand at a bit of hunting?" If Myke doesn't have any objections Hank will unsling his rifle and take a careful shot at one of the birds.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 10/13/2022 8:06 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+2-2+1] Roll: [19] Result: 20 Reason: Dex shoot laser
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 10/13/2022 8:07 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+2] Roll: [2] Result: 4 Reason: damage
Avatar
You neatly snap the head from one of them with your laser shot, and it tumbles to the ground in a frumpy pile of feathers.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/13/2022 12:03 PM
(Not often you're glad to roll low on damage. Have the other birds been scared off?)
Avatar
The other birds take to the air as their companion dies, scattering away from your campsite and they will not be back anytime soon from what you can tell.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/13/2022 9:58 PM
With the pie in the oven and the birds taken care of, Hank brings his catch back ready to start plucking and dressing it. "Looks like we've got a main course to go with desert."
Avatar
(work/wis, figured we can season this guy up and roast it)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 10/14/2022 9:00 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [6, 5] Result: 10
Avatar
Seasoned, roasted to golden skin, and heavily seasoned though not to the point where any one flavor overwhelms the other. The scent of it , combined with the pie just out of the oven promises to be an interesting meal to eat on camera and review for your audience.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/16/2022 3:49 PM
Having already learned that the secret to cooking vids wasn't how the food tasted but how it looked, Hank took particular care plating the meal before the final tasting with Myke. "So here we have our roast wild bird and Drunk Pod pie, all we need to do now is taste it." (edited)
Avatar
He nods, giving you the honor of the first bite. You remember some basic showmanship- in terms of describing the taste to the absolute best of your ability.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/17/2022 8:12 PM
Hank savors the food he and Myke have prepared. "A nice tender meat with a stronger flavor than chicken, perfect for pairing with roast vegetables. And our pie has a pleasant mix of sweet and tartness with a good flakey crust. A great way to end a day of foraging"
Avatar
You can see your camera man is busy typing up the exact process used to make something of a recipe that the viewers can try, namely on Terezinho where this plant used for the pie is something that is legal, and something they have in abundance. By tonight he should have it published, and the hope is your viewer count will increase.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/18/2022 7:11 PM
As the camera turns off Hank relaxes. "Thanks Myke, I think this'll be my best episode yet. I'm a bit short on credits at the moment, but is there anything I can help you with as thanks?"
Avatar
"Maybe it'll get people thinking about our imported plant friends here" Myke says as he looks appraisingly at his little camp site. "I've got leftovers for you , if you want to bring some back"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/19/2022 11:47 AM
(Roughly what time of day is it?)
Avatar
(Early evening now. With our bike, we would get back to Rebirth just after dark)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/19/2022 11:06 PM
"I won't turn down the leftovers, that was some good food we made together. It's getting late so I should be headed back to the city." If Myke doesn't have anything else he wants to discuss, Hank will give him his contact info and the expected release time for the video before getting back on the bike and heading home.
Avatar
(I think he would ne eager to get home himself since he lives in the woods)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/20/2022 4:55 PM
(Yeah I didn't think there'd be anything else, but I like to give an opportunity to interrupt if I'm wrong.)
Avatar
(3xp, 5000 credits)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 10/22/2022 10:37 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6+0] Roll: [4, 4] Result: 8 Reason: HP Roll
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/22/2022 10:41 AM
**Level Up** Level: 2 Focus: Wanderer 1 Old HP: 6 HP Roll: 8 New HP: 8 New Skills: survive-1(focus), shoot-0(1sp), notice-0(1sp), pilot-0(1sp), program-0(1sp) Current AB: 1
Avatar
(Any idea what we might want to do next ?)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/22/2022 7:54 PM
(My general plan was to work my way from planet to planet looking for new ingredients and cooking techniques, as well as dealing with any complications you come up with to throw in my way. But it's been a busy weekend and I haven't gotten around to finding an interesting destination. So if there's any place you're wanting to explore?)
Avatar
(maybe Aslief for their special plants that grow in the perma-night there?)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/23/2022 1:29 PM
(Yeah that sounds good. I'll have to remember to add glowbugs and flares to my shopping list.)
Avatar
(sure! Did you want to get the shopping handled now and then we can set off? )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/24/2022 6:04 PM
Shopping list Anti-tox 1@100 100 Medpack 1@100 100 Armoured undersuit 1@600 600 Backback TL4 2@50 100 Dataslab 1@300 300 Floater Ruck 1@2000 2000 Glowbug 5@5 25 Line shunt 2@100 200 Low-light goggles 1@200 200 Metatool 1@200 200 Navcomp 1@500 500 Pressure tent 1@100 100 Rations 4@5 20 Rope tl4 1@40 40 Survival kit(Aslief) 1@60 60 Telescoping pole 2@10 20 Thermal flare 5@5 25 Small Advanced Melee 1@40 40 Total 4630
Avatar
(all available!)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/25/2022 10:02 PM
This last episode was performing even better than he'd hoped. It was clear his audience wanted the exotic, wanted adventure. And he was going to give it to them, the question was where. After a bit of research Hank decided on Aslief. The non-chlorophyll based plants would show his viewers something few of them had ever seen before. With a destination selected he started to look for passage.
Avatar
(1 day of downtime)
8:04 AM
(from there, just let me know where you want to land)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/26/2022 8:18 AM
(What's the most common non-mandate language on Gudrun? I'd like to put my day toward that. For a landing site, I expect I'm hitching a ride on something that was already headed to Aslief and so would land wherever they were headed. But if la Crosse has been rebuilt it looks like it might have a good mix of wild and civilization.)
Avatar
(I'd say Taros if its not mandate common)
8:47 AM
(La-crosse is rebuilding, but the work itself will take a long time, )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/26/2022 5:18 PM
(Alright so 1 of 30 days studying Taros, and if the ship asks where I want to be dropped off it's La-crosse.)
Avatar
(they'd ask, outside the city,or at the starport ? )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/27/2022 11:25 AM
(Starport. I'm going to want to rent some hoverbikes or something to get around, and that's probably the best place to look.)
Avatar
Landing at the starport just outside the city you can see the construction work here is nearing its terminal phases. The structures are prefab, square, and in some cases ugly, but over time ornamentation will be added and this city will look like home again to so many.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/27/2022 10:51 PM
Seeing the dark sky as he stepped out of the ship Hanks first thought was to find somewhere to stay until morning. Of course morning would never come here, that was why he was visiting. He'd read about the battle with the Remnant here, and it was good to see the city recovering. Realizing he'd need transport and maybe directions Hank started looking for a place offering vehicle rentals.
Avatar
There is a small shack near the starport where some enterprising citizen looks to be offering a transportation rental service for those coming into the planet, what few off-worlder travelers there are.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/28/2022 11:18 PM
Hank walks into the shack. "Good um.. day? I'd like to rent something for two people. I'm planning to spend some time in the wild, so I'll need offroad capability and a bit of cargo space."
Avatar
(he has grav and ground available, but I'd imagine if you want off-road, we'll want grav)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/29/2022 10:55 AM
(sounds good.)
Avatar
"Can sell you something like that. Looking at 100 credits a day for all the features you want, plus the grav. Battery lasts for ten days, can't extend the rental period longrer than that I'm afraid" the attendant at the booth says. It looks like he owns the business, and is missing most of his teeth
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 10/31/2022 12:02 PM
That was more than Hank had hoped, but he could afford three days. Coincidently the same time he had rations for. "I don't think the battery life will be an issue. As I'm sure you can tell I'm an offworlder, are there any local delicacies I should try while I'm here?"
Avatar
"Not going to find much here but one of the interesting side effects of the war is the street food here got pretty food. If you're expecting a sit down kind of meal you're going to be disappointed. If the catch of the day spiced and cooked over an open flame sounds up your alley, I think you're going to be one of the few people who enjoy the food here"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/1/2022 11:30 PM
"Food doesn't have to be fancy to be good. Thank you, I'll make sure to check it out." With transport secured, Hank loads his excess baggage onto the vehicle and heads into town. Looking forward to seeing what they have on offer.
Avatar
True enough things like restaurants are some of the last things to come back, as more vital projects around the city have been given priority for resources. You do see many stalls and open air grills however, and whatever the locals have managed to catch that day looks to be up for sale. There is a mix of spices in the air as each grill-master tries their own unique gimmick to make their food stand out from the pack.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/2/2022 11:09 PM
While an episode on Aslief's street food should probably focus on showing it's variety, Hank thought he should start by speaking with one of the grill-masters to get a feel for the scene. Looking for someone who the locals frequented, but who didn't look too busy to talk, Hank went to place an order.
Avatar
The first of the Grill masters you approach has no line and you have his full attention as you arrive. There are no actual creatures listed on the menu, instead the prices are broken down on if you want limbs, thighs, chest meat, and so on. There is even a pet food option where organs and other less desirable materials are available.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/4/2022 7:56 AM
"Hello, one order of your best cut please. I'm making a video on the food of Aslief, and I was told I had the try the street grills. Would you be willing to take some time for an interview?"
Avatar
"Of course!" he say as the meat sizzles on the stove. "Please ! go ahead and ask1"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/6/2022 11:29 PM
"To start with could you give my viewers a quick overview of what you make? What kinds of meats and spices you use, that kind of thing. Not revealing any of your secrets of course, just something to give them an idea of the taste of Aslief."
Avatar
(talk/cha, I think something unsavory might be said in either case)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 11/7/2022 8:29 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 4
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/7/2022 8:32 AM
(let's try the reroll.)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 11/7/2022 8:32 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 4
Animated_Dice_Jail 1
Avatar
The source of his meat is not shown on camera and it is not something he is going to show you it seems. His spice blend is pre-made, something you're not sure what goes in it but your nose does pick out the local equivalent to garlic, onion, and there is a more savory spice in the mix that gently stings your nostrils, though not in an altogether unpleasant manner.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/8/2022 11:17 PM
"Smells good. I take it that you use the spices as a rub?" Hank thinks for a moment. "It's always good to get some sapient interest into the story, do you mind if I ask how you got into the business?"
Avatar
"during the Remnant occupation. There was nothing to eat here, and what we did have was often rotting, or poor tasting. We had to find a way to get by, and I 'm not the only person who turned to cooking like this because of the war"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/9/2022 10:39 PM
Hank nods, "Making the best you could from what you had. What the Remnant did here was terrible. But it looks like things are improving now."
Avatar
"They
9:16 AM
are starting to. Food is still hard to come by if you want variety, so if you're going to eat the same thing every day you have to get good at making it taste different"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/11/2022 11:31 AM
"I can see that being quite the challenge. Have you developed any techniques for that that you would be willing to share?"
Avatar
"it all comes down to the binder you use to keep your seasoning in place. I think you need to be willing to look for fragrances in places you might not normally expect, either. Sometimes unusual combinations make the best culinary surprises:
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/11/2022 7:57 PM
"That's good advice. People often overlook the role of smell in how things taste. I think that's all, unless you had any interesting stories to share about your work. I'm planning to spend some time looking for ingredients in the wild. Would you like me to keep an eye out for anything for you?"
Avatar
"you find any three leaves hornflower out there, I'll pay you a premium for it. Grows in the woods, needs a darker than dark climate to bloom , petals are an electric blue, can't miss em"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/13/2022 12:39 PM
"I'll be on the lookout for it." Once the food is ready Hank films his first taste to describe it for his viewers. Then gets footage of other street venders, keeping a lookout for anything interesting and getting a few more interviews like the first.
Avatar
(I tihnk most of them would have similar stories, if not the same story more or less. They spend a lot of time trying to perfect what they have or what they can find)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/14/2022 7:58 AM
(That's what I figured. Just getting some extra footage so I'm covering the general scene rather than one vender.) With his filming in town finished Hank sets out for the woods. (edited)
Avatar
(survive/wis)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 11/14/2022 1:11 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6] Roll: [3, 1] Result: 4 Reason: survive/wis +1/-1
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/14/2022 10:55 PM
(I forgot I've also got a survival kit and a navcomp. so if either of those apply then it's an extra plus 1 each.)
Avatar
(survival kit would, so a 5, but it does come with a book that helps identify harmful and helpful things in the area)
8:36 AM
You have some difficulty gettting out into the wilds, off the roads, and are warned a few times about ghouls in the area, just before you step off the road.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/15/2022 12:28 PM
(so we're at the point where it's easiest to leave the vehicle and procced on foot?) With the rumors of ghouls Hank checks his riffle before parking his vehicle and loading his floater ruck with his tent and supplies. Once that's done he starts looking for potential ingredients, feeding samples of anything promising into the survey scanner.
Avatar
(If we're going into the woods, the trees would be thick enough and close together enough that we'd be either leaving the bikes, or walking them)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/15/2022 1:52 PM
(makes sense. Into the woods)
Avatar
(D10, lets generate the hexerooski, no one's actually been up this way beyond the city itself, ever)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 11/16/2022 8:55 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10] Roll: [6] Result: 6
Avatar
Aside from the usual warnings about varghouls in the woods, this area is seen as lush, and there is a wealth of bioluminescent plants on display here in the rich forest beyond you There are no signs of recent violence or blood in the air, meaning the ghouls have fed recently, or have moved off. The struggle between pioneers and scouts and the fast breeding, ultra hostile wildlife is a staple of this world, and was one of the reasons the Remnant failed to entirely occupy this world many years ago just as the war against Greenbriar was beginning.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/16/2022 8:29 PM
Low light goggles out and rifle at the ready Hank moves deeper into the woods, keeping his eyes open for anything edible looking.
Avatar
There is a grove of especially bright plants ahead. You see them as a blur in your low light goggles as the light level there resembles something like daylight on another world. You also notice few birds and rodents in the woods as you travels, though there are a large number of flies and other carrion eating bugs.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/17/2022 3:53 PM
Flipping up his goggles Hank walks forward to try and identify the plants.
Avatar
(do you want a mushroom , a berry, or a melon)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/18/2022 1:45 PM
(Let's go with a berry.)
Avatar
There is a large patch of green colored berries inside the dense grove of trees nearby. They are the size of grapes. Each of them is tender to the touch, with just a bit of give
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/20/2022 9:20 AM
Hank looks through the survival booklet to see if the berries are listed. If they aren't he picks one to feed into the survey scanner to check for toxins.
Avatar
The berries are listed in the book as Cape Berries, they are a pleasant looking color, and are known to be toxic in raw form, but can be stewed, and the cooking process will render the harmful substances within safe for consumption.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/20/2022 9:26 PM
Hank gathers the berries, making sure to leave some for the animals and the next generation of plants.
Avatar
Gathering them, and careful not to get the juice on your hands, you have enough to make some kind of stewed sauce.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/21/2022 8:35 PM
(So we have the cranberry sauce. Let's see if we can find some turkey or potatoes to go with it. :) ) Hank continued his search for ingredients. Things were going well so far, but he'd need more to make this trip worth it. (If this hex is exhausted I'll head back to the bikes to move on to the next.)
Avatar
(Yes, this hex's main feature is the berry plants, aand there are no encounters rolled. We can stay or push on to a new one)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/22/2022 12:44 PM
Getting back to the bikes Hank headed deeper into the woods.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 11/22/2022 12:44 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10] Roll: [3] Result: 3
Avatar
Entering a deeper section of the woods you come to learn that a dark night world can get even darker. Slowly, the bioluminescence of the plants dies away and you enter a zone of true darkness. There is evidence of some kind of predator at work here. Several of the trunks you pass have a trio of vertical slashes on them as though something with powerful forelimbs has been climbing them.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/22/2022 8:54 PM
This looked like where he'd been told hornflower could be found. Lighting a glowbug and scanning the trees for and ambush by the predator Hank begins his search.
Avatar
The searching takes you high and low through the woods over the course of an hour. You find a torn up body as you continue searching for the flower. This was a lope once but its insides have been feasted on. Almost no scrap of meat has been left here, aside from very little under the actual fur.
8:23 AM
There is also a dim glow ahead in the darkness of the woods.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/23/2022 6:06 PM
Hank considers if there's anything he can salvage from the dead lope, but the hide was all torn up and it would probably not be the best idea with predators around. Spotting the Glow Hank goes to investigate.
Avatar
The flower in question blooms in abundance in this grove. Through the glow, you get a glimpse of a crouched, elongated humanoid shape scattering into the brush on the far side of the clearing, 50m from you.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/24/2022 1:05 PM
(how sure are we that vargouls are animals not people?) A vargoul!? Flipping down his low light goggles Hank takes aim with his rifle as he tries to confirm what he saw. (edited)
Avatar
(We know they're animals. They've got a couple humanoid like qualities in the way primates would, but they're animals)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/25/2022 9:29 PM
(Do I have a clear shot or do I just know it's in the bushes somewhere?)
Avatar
(We just know its in the brush on the far side of the clearing somewhere)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/26/2022 12:25 PM
(How flammable do things look? Would I have to worry about a flare in rocket mode starting a fire when it hits?)
Avatar
(It wouldn't be dry enough for a sudden forest fire )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/27/2022 9:31 AM
It wouldn't be safe to gather plants until the vargoul had been dealt with. So hoping to drive it off or flush it out of cover Hank took out a flare and launched it toward where he'd seen the creature closing his eyes for the flash to avoid being blinded.
Avatar
(lets get a weapon attack roll, just to see how close we get)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 11/28/2022 7:07 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20-1] Roll: [15] Result: 14 Reason: dex+2,ab+1, rocket penalty -4
Avatar
(I think I'm confused about flare in rocket mode. Are you using a rocket launcher here? Or just throwing a glowbug or something )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/28/2022 11:31 AM
Thermal flare: If triggered in one mode, the flare burns with a bright white light for two hours, illuminating up to twenty meters around the holder. If the guidance fins are extended first, the flare launches up to 200 meters and explodes in a bright white flash. A launched flare does 1d6 damage to anyone it hits, though the clumsy flight gives a -4 penalty on any attempts to hit something with it (It's giving damage made me think it could be launched horizontally. I'm just trying to make a flash and maybe a bang near the vargoul, any damage if I happen to hit would just be a bonus.)
Avatar
(ah gotcha, thanks, that'll work, we do hit the creature with it actually)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 11/28/2022 3:07 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d6] Roll: [4] Result: 4 Reason: Cool, damage roll.
Avatar
There is a shriek from the woods as the sudden bright light incinerates the brush around the ghoul. It does not die, and the brush does not light, but the creature is scared off for now, its senses scrambled by the attack
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/29/2022 12:25 PM
With the threat dealt with Hank turns to identifying and if aplicable collecting the plants. He makes sure to stay alert in case the ghoul comes back.
Avatar
The plants here are what you were sent into the woods to get. The ghoul doesn not seem like it is coming back, pained shrieks have left the clearing, heading north, and if there are others around they seem to be using the pain of their comrade as a lesson not to get too close.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/29/2022 10:25 PM
Hank starts gathering the hornflowers. Taking care not to overharvest the patch but hoping to get enough for him to try it out and still have some to sell to his buyer.
Avatar
You get what you suspect is a reasonable amount, and begin making your way from the woods, back to town.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 11/30/2022 11:07 PM
Arriving back in town Hank goes to meet the chief. "I have the hornflower you asked for. I gathered some for myself as well, I look forward to trying it out."
Avatar
(he was supposed to give you some cooking tips in exchange for this iirc. Its up to you if we want to RP it or summarize it and say you work what he tells you into a video, and thats our XP and money. Let me know what you'd find more fun )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/1/2022 6:28 PM
(cool, I'd thought he was just offering money. Let's summarize this time. Hank will also ask if there's any non culinary things he should check out while he's on planet.)
Avatar
At the capital there is a museum of the lost ,where the names and holo photos of those who perished in the occupation are kept. There is also something being planned to try to establish a new settlement on this planet, as many of the people from Cove Neck who found themselves outside the good graces of the existing city government want to go somewhere new, where they will have more quality to their lives.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/3/2022 9:36 PM
After the lessons, Hank thanks the man and sets out for the capital. While learning about other worlds foods was what brought him out here, it would be a waste to ignore other aspects of culture. And who knew, he might even find something of interest to his viewers.
Avatar
(museum, or new settlement then)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/4/2022 3:10 PM
(Let's start with the museum. It might give a bit more context for visiting the settlement. Also it can be a bit tricky to track the passage of time, so if it gets to the point I should be looking for some place to sleep just let me know.)
Avatar
(I was imagining in this case after bringing back the Hornflower and getting the information we have now, and us setting off to visit the museum, a night would have passed )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/5/2022 12:07 PM
(Ok, I'll reduce my rations and anything else used up each day.)
Avatar
(just that, we're spending it in civilization so your batteries and all that will be juiced up. We still have the bike for a few days too. Lets get a D10 as we set off, no one's been off the road in that direction yet)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/5/2022 12:33 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10] Roll: [3] Result: 3
Avatar
Heading east from the settlement, you come to a crossroads. Heading south, the capital is several hundred kilometers away. At this crossroads an articulated Ghoul skeleton has been set up to serve as a holder for the signpost, and there is an electronic terminal worked into it as well. There is currently a flashing light on it, showing some kind of message or general public type alert is waiting there to be downloaded.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/5/2022 4:51 PM
Mulling over why someone would want such a grisly street sign Hank pulls over his bike to check the message.
Avatar
There is a warning here that a large ghoul pack is in the area, and travelers are advised to take extreme caution, and not stop until reaching the capital if travelling this route. There is also a substantial credit bounty placed by the governor for the head of every ghoul brought to the capital, paid in full upon delivery.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/6/2022 11:37 AM
That was concerning, But Hank had his gun and he wasn't planning to stop anyway. Keeping his eyes open he set off once again.
Avatar
You spend most of the "afternoon" heading south, coming to the capital city just before the evening cycle. The city is an island of light in the otherwise darkened surround, and you see evidence along the road of bounty collectors and travelers alike having problems with ghouls. The evidence of conflict is all around you. Guards at the gate check your ID, one of them is a fan apparently, and wants an autograph before letting you in,
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/6/2022 1:28 PM
(I believe that completes the goal "be recognized by a fan" . Which will bump me up to level 3.) Hank happily gives his autograph and spends some time chatting with his fan. "... So While I was here, I thought I should pay a visit to the museum." (edited)
Avatar
(It will!)
8:55 AM
(Want to handle leveling first and we'll move on? )
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/7/2022 8:57 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [3d6] Roll: [6, 5, 4] Result: 15
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/7/2022 8:58 AM
**Level Up** Level: 3 Focus:NA Old HP: 8 HP Roll: 15 New HP: 15 New Skills: know-0(1sp), notice-1(2sp), talk-0(1sp) Current AB: 1
Avatar
(hot, just figured it was a good idea in case any checks from within the city become important, now you've got the levels and some new stuff to help yourself with) The museum is one of the largest structures in the city from what you can tell. The shape of the building reminds you of how one of the defense platforms in orbit looked on the way in, with two pyramids mirroring one another, connected by an interlocking iron halo-ring type structure, bristling with cannons and torpedo launchers. the upside down pyramid half is missing from the museum, and the building itself is smaller, but the effect is similarly impressive. Beams of light go from here into the sky, one narrow bulb for each of the inhabitants killed in fighting during the occupation, forming a miniature, artificial starfield above.
11:48 AM
The building can also be entered, and there is a ticket desk in front of each of the building's wings, before you get inside.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/7/2022 9:47 PM
Hank paused as he saw the museum. It was one thing to hear about the occupation's death toll, but seeing those uncountable lights put things into an entirely different perspective. After a minute Hank walks in to get a ticket.
Avatar
The ticket booth person also recognizes you, and you can see their compad is open, with a thumbnail from your most recent video in their "recently watched". They look a bit star struck as you approach, waving for you to just hold out your hand for a stamp, showing you paid, dumbfounded to speak
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/8/2022 11:21 PM
It was exciting to think how many fans he must have in the area if he met two of them by chance. Hank thanks the attendant, and will if they like spend a few minutes talking and asking questions about the museum.
Avatar
(want to treat it like we'd treat a hack maybe? Three or so questions before the line has to move on? )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/9/2022 12:04 PM
(I Forgot there could be a line, Hank wouldn't want to cause a disruption. For how about if there's a recommended order to view the museum, and if there's anything he should make sure to see while he's here.)
Avatar
Following the exhibit in order from the western gallery from the east will show you the complete timeline of the planet and the history of human begins living on this world. The modernization of the exhibit has just been completed, showing the investment of the current governor and status as a UNW planet.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/9/2022 3:08 PM
Thanking the attendant again Hank begins his tour.
Avatar
(know/int)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/10/2022 4:59 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6+0+0] Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5
Avatar
(some of the deeper historical insight won't be something Hank woud know, so I 'll just start at the beginning with general info about the planet)
8:53 AM
This planet was colonized originally in 2317 ,shortly after the completion of the first major jump gates. This system never had one, nor have many in this area, but one of the first ships to leave the Sol system for far flung reaches of space found its way here after two years of travel. The first explorers set down on the coast of the bay nearby . With food reserves critically low, and this world having drinkable fresh water in liquid state on its surface, the colonists decided to settle this world, unaware, or unappreciative of the dangerous conditions in the woods.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/11/2022 10:55 PM
(That makes sense. I don't really see Hank studying more than basic general knowledge and what he was taught in school.) So the colonists settled here because they had to rather than by choice. Which shouldn't have been a surprise, who would want to live on a world with no sun and wildlife that really wanted to eat you. Thinking about this Hank continued on with the museums story.
Avatar
In 2370 most of the major settlements on the planet's surface have been founded. They are small compared to the large cities that exist today, and this space allowed for each city to become something of a City-State, claiming dominion over the roads and countrysides around it. There was a feeling of cooperation in these early days despite the distance, as each city was responsible for something different, and produced something the others did not have.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/12/2022 5:06 PM
An efficient setup, but knowing what was coming it seemed worryingly fragile. Hank spent a few minutes looking over what the displays told of each city's products before moving on. (Don't go to any trouble writing things up. I'm just establishing character knowledge if it becomes relevant later.)
Avatar
One thing you do notice from this screen is that there was a city to the west, out across the ocean, which has seemingly sunk, or otherwise vanished below the waves. It was not mentioned in the initial exhibit, and has not been mentioned in any of the later ones from what you can tell. The next exhibit is something called the "Era of Strikes" describing how this city state arrangement became hostile, and most city states began working against one another. Trade became almost impossible and the lack of organized patrols in the countryside- coupled with a steady supply of bodies from skirmishes, allowed Varghoul populations to flourish. For a time even the roads were unsafe, though few had a need to travel them.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/13/2022 4:41 PM
A sunken city, how interesting. Hank made a note of it's location. An unfortunate history. It was a shame the cities couldn't work together. Hank moved on to the next exhibit.
Avatar
The next exhibit is labeled as the Time of Mending. Most of the city states had regressed into something like the dark ages as industry lacked raw materials, and the network of trade and cooperation between regions entirely broke down. Self sufficiency faded, and starvation across the planet was endemic. A leadership summit was called where the old grudges were laid bare, and compromise was made to ensure the planet could survive into the future. This was not an easy process and there were factions who resisted this change, resorting to banditry and terrorism to try to change the outcome.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/14/2022 9:56 PM
Of course. Whenever people tried to improve things, someone always had to cause problems. (Onward.)
Avatar
There is a missing 100 years where the cities had lost records. What has survived points to reconciliation councils where the cities and their subjects did what they could to try to make amends to one another, to work harder, and better together. Many small villages of exiles also appeared during this time. Some developed into large towns, others fell to the rampages of the very hostile wildlife, culminating in the declaration of a crusade against the wilds, as each city state gathered volunteer units to try to end the ghoul problem for good.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/15/2022 12:19 PM
It was good to see people working together. Although the ghoul eradication plan obviously hadn't worked out how they planned.
Avatar
The records continue to be spotty until you come to an exhibit with a black sheet over it. From what you can gather this is eventually going to be a display about the Remnant occupation, giving some additional context to the light display outside. Currently all you can see is the scrolling list of names and faces, honoring the fallen in both civilian and military circles alike. Every city looks to be represented here. (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/15/2022 5:29 PM
Hank spends a respectful moment considering the lost before his curiosity gets the better of him and he tries to see if he can look under the sheet without anyone noticing.
Avatar
(Sneak/dex)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/16/2022 10:03 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6-1+2] Roll: [6, 6] Result: 13
Avatar
Avatar
Nekosmash
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/17/2022 9:56 AM
Nekosmash Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [2, 2] Result: 5
Avatar
The security and staff don't notice you, if any of the other attraction goers do, they pretend to not notice and do not rat you out. Under the sheet, it looks as though small models of each of the fallen are being created and painted. They'lre going to be arranged in a diorama, showing them all heroically fighting the Tenebrian Remnant occupiers. This is likely far more heroic and brave than many of the fallen actually were. there is also going to be a computer display ,and a starfield of tiny lights underneath will highlight the position of a searched name/model, showing relatives approximately where they were and what they were doing when killed in this diorama. Some of the models here belong to survivors and will not yet light up until the time of their death.
9:58 AM
Survivors accounts and sifted radio traffic look to be the chief sources of information for how this was put together.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/18/2022 7:44 AM
This was going to be an impressive exhibit, it was a shame it wouldn't be finished before he left. Putting the sheet back in place Hank continued on to see if there were any more exhibits.
Avatar
There is one final exhibit showing the world emerging as a UNW planet, proud and resourceful against the hordes of endless night around it. This display is still being workshopped and there is evidence it has been taken apart and put back together in different ways several times.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/18/2022 1:13 PM
(I don't know if Hank would think to specifically look for it, but can I get an idea of what's lead to the redesigns, and how much of this is just propaganda?) (edited)
Avatar
(I think hank would see it might have started off as a lot of propoganda, and has been resdesigned a few times to be something more toned down, but the people of Aslief were saved by Greenbriar, and feel proud at being the second ever UNW world, so the exhibit would probably reflect pride more than trying to get the people to think the UNW is good. Even Cove Neck , who wanted autonomy over local affairs , are still proud to be in the UNW for international matters, they just had problems with the wartime planetary government at the time)
11:48 AM
(UNW also dumped a ton of material and post-war support into the planet, and passing adventurers normally help with the ghoul problem, so overall, joining has been a large net positive for them)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/19/2022 10:31 PM
This had been quite the museum. So much more history than the humans on Gudrun, although he supposed the other species had been around a good while themselves. After recording a bit more footage he thought might be useful, Hank was ready to head out to the settlement where new history was being made.
Avatar
(lets get a D10 for the way out! and we'll work that out and then get there)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/20/2022 11:26 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10] Roll: [6] Result: 6
Avatar
heading east you pass over another one of the sites where hunting parties are organized to hunt ghouls. It looks as though a safari group is gathering, of about ten different people , all with different selections of gear or gimmicks they believe give them an edge over the local wildlife. A few of them politely wave as they see you driving up.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/20/2022 10:39 PM
Having read about the old extermination attempts, Hank was interested in seeing a modern hunt. Pulling to a stop he greets the hunters taking a look around the gathering.
Avatar
There are plenty of forests bordering the road a short distance away and the hunters believe they won't have trouble finding their quarry there. The governor is continuing his program of generous bounties toward anyone who brings back the head of a ghoul, and based on the look of this mix of hunters, they've all made this their almost full time employment. Some have the rigid stances of former military members ,while others are more loose, familiar with the woods in other ways, or bringing other skills to the table to aide in their hunts (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/21/2022 1:21 PM
Hank looks for someone who looks to be a leader to offer his assistance. "Could you use an extra hand for a bit? I'm not a bad shot and I've got a little experience in the woods."
Avatar
The safari leader has a necklace of ghoul teeth and the scars to back up stories of many encounters with them. He carries a long, very sharp knife, and a short doubled barreled shotgun with a third barrel underneath that seems to softly glow from within. "Never would say no to a volunteer. You from offworld? You fought these things before?" he asks. Most of these folk don't look like they spend much time on a compad aside from coordinating hunts.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/21/2022 5:04 PM
"We are. I'm Hank Blake and this is my friend and camera man Zack. We're from Gudrun. As for fighting ghouls? Kinda. I scared something off by hitting it with a flare. I think it was a ghoul, but I don't know all the wildlife around here and didn't get the best look at it." (edited)
Avatar
"If it was scared off by fire, and didn't shoot a fireball back, or make a sound like a whole orchestra full of trumpets were chasing you down, it was a ghoul. So you've had an encounter already, more than some of the folks that come out here with sporting goods store gear and not knowing the business end of a gun. "
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/22/2022 9:41 AM
Hank pales slightly. "And if it did throw a fireball what would it have been?"
10:53 AM
A short data file is passed over to you, with just a blurb of information compiled by the Iron Stars Conservation Society. Most of this animals habits and tendencies are unknown.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/22/2022 2:29 PM
"Yikes, glad I didn't run into one of them. So what's the next step? Any special preparations I should make?" Following any instructions, Hank gets his gear ready for the hunt.
Avatar
"Not a real tried and true method for this, but if you're helping, square your gear away and fall into line. There's a big pack with a breeding female we're chasing. Eliminating the brood mother is our big priority here, that's going to reduce the population over a longer period of time . Anything we kill is going to make the roads safer for travelers and traders, but the mother, that's going to keep things safer here much longer'
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/23/2022 12:40 PM
Hank sets up his floater ruck and offers the other hunters use of the excess carrying capacity. (Ready to go.)
Avatar
The hunters are excited for the ruck to be used, it will make dragging any kills half easier. If all is prepared , the group prepares to set off into the dark woods
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/23/2022 9:02 PM
With his low light goggles on and his riffle in hand Hank follows the rest of the hunters.
Avatar
(Survive/wis)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/24/2022 1:24 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6] Roll: [5, 3] Result: 8
Avatar
You find a thin trail of clawed footprints the others seems to miss close to the edge of the wood. The tension has risen as everyone moves into their hunting postures , going through their mental checklist
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/26/2022 9:26 PM
Pleased to have been useful Hank follows, eyes scanning the woods for their prey.
Avatar
There are drag marks near the edge of the wood where sometihng has been taken within. There are blood splotches and other elements letting you know someone was recently snatched from the road and brought back to the nest to be eaten. With luck, the victim is already dead. The hunters begin to gather around , and judge for themselves that the pack has about 15 ghouls in it, led by a brood mother
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/27/2022 11:55 AM
After seeing evidence of the ghouls hunting, it was disturbing to find they were outnumbered. But there was nothing to do about it. Weapons and intelligence would have to make up the difference. If the other hunters didn't turn back neither would Hank.
Avatar
The other hunters are resolved to do this, eliminating the brood mother means traffic will flow more safely here again. One by one they offer prayers or little blessings to themselves, before bravely walking into the woods. The woods are dark and thick with brush and most of the hunters have a glow bug that they adhere to an open spot on a vest or any other area that will hold it. Branches are heavily tangled and the ghoul's feast takes on a new macabre quality when it looks as though it was not just one person who was dragged into the woods, but several. The first of the bodies was devoured before being dragged back to the cave. There is not much left of it, just little bits of extremity and hair left behind. Two juvenile ghouls look to be trying to slink away from the meal, the last of their pack to eat. They have sensed your approach and are 20m from the group, hissing and backing away slowly.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/28/2022 1:08 PM
Not knowing if the hunters want to fight these ghouls now and risk scaring the others off, Hank takes aim ready to fire if the others do.
Avatar
(lets get initiative, the others are going to try to bring these two down)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/28/2022 9:51 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8+2] Roll: [5] Result: 7
Avatar
Avatar
Nekosmash
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/29/2022 9:10 AM
Nekosmash Request: [1d8] Roll: [1] Result: 1
Avatar
(we'll do your turn, and the hunters will throw a fray dice since I'm sure with a bunch of them shooting, something will land, so we can just handle them that way)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 12/29/2022 9:34 AM
When the other hunters look to be ready hank lets off a burst at one of the ghouls.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/29/2022 9:34 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+5] Roll: [19] Result: 24 Reason: attack
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/29/2022 9:35 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+4] Roll: [5] Result: 9 Reason: damage 2dex 2burst
Avatar
One of the juveniles is hit, and roars in defiance back at you despite its heavy wounds. (Roll a D8 for the fray dice of the other hunters)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/30/2022 1:06 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [8] Result: 8
Avatar
The first of the juvenile ghouls is killed outright , while the second takes a punishing shot to the back and arm. It roars, leaping toward one of the machete armed hunters
Avatar
Avatar
Nekosmash
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 12/31/2022 11:07 PM
Nekosmash Request: [1d20] Roll: [16] Result: 16
Avatar
He deftly steps aside as the clumsy creature impacts the ground where he had been standing just a moment before.
11:07 PM
(back to you )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/1/2023 9:13 AM
Hank fires a burst at the last ghoul, trying to take it out before it can hurt anyone.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/1/2023 9:14 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20] Roll: [15] Result: 15 Reason: +1 laser +1 ab +2 dex +0 shoot +2 burst.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/1/2023 9:15 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+4] Roll: [9] Result: 13 Reason: +2 dex +2 burst
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/1/2023 9:16 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [1] Result: 1 Reason: Hunters fray die
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/1/2023 9:18 AM
I forgot to actually add the modifiers, so that's a 21 to hit.
Avatar
(this never lit up for me for some reason. I'm sorry)
10:22 AM
The hunters down the second as several of them connect with either aimed shots, or quick bursts of opportunistic snap shots. For a moment the sound in the clearing is tremendous, before you're left with quiet, and two smoking ghoul corpses.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/3/2023 12:08 PM
(no problem.) That was two less ghouls to deal with, but now the others probably knew something was up. Hank took the moment of quiet to reload his riffle and get a spare cell ready in case he needed it.
Avatar
Ghouls cry out in alarm from the woods, and one of the hunters makes a comment about ringing the dinner bell. "They
4:20 PM
will come to us" the chief expedition leader says. "Everyone find a spot. We'll break this wave, and then we'll hunt down the mother. This needs to end, tonight"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/3/2023 9:05 PM
Hank and Zack look for places that will be hard for the ghouls to reach and the other hunters can provide support. Hank also makes sure he has good sightlines to take out the ghouls on their way in.
Avatar
(notice/wis, lets try to look for a route that allows us this)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/4/2023 11:38 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6+1-1] Roll: [4, 2] Result: 6
Avatar
The forest floor looks to be the domain of the ghouls, but it looks that the branches are thick here and close together. With care, shooters could easily position themselves there from an angle the ghouls would not expect. Two hunters busy themselves taking heads from the downed and putting them on sleds for the bounty.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/4/2023 5:58 PM
"Wouldn't it be safer to work on those after we've delt with the others?" Hank starts working his way up a tree.
Avatar
"Carrion eaters. Won't be anything left if the others slip around us, then no bounty at all"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/5/2023 12:03 PM
"Alright, You're the professionals." Once in the tree Hank makes himself a secure perch ready to start shooting. (edited)
Avatar
One of the hunters announces quietly over the radio that he is going to do what he calls a "pro dumb guy move" and make a lot of noise to attract the ghouls. From there, when the pack comes, the rest of you will hopefully be able to plink them off from your somewhat protected positions, and when they've been dispatched, the team can gather again to hunt down the brood mother
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/6/2023 11:27 AM
Brave. Risky but brave. Settling in Hank prepares to defend the bait.
Avatar
You hear the whooping and laughing call go out and the woods begin to chirp and chitter in reply. Two sets of eyes begin to peer at the group from the cover of thick foliage
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/8/2023 8:32 PM
Hank takes aim and when either the ghouls or hunters start attacking opens fire with a burst.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/8/2023 8:33 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20 +1+2+0+1+2] Roll: [4] Result: 10 Reason: 1AB 2dex 0shoot 1 laser 2 burst
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/8/2023 8:35 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [7] Result: 7 Reason: Fray Die?
Avatar
(Shot missing, and yes, fray dice is fine, I think if you're shooting the ghoul scouts the others will instinctually shoot where you do)
11:22 AM
The stillness of the forest is interrupted by the hunting call and by you shooting at the ghoul scouts. The other hunters shoot where you do , and before long the woods are loud once again. Neither of the scouts is hit hard enough to down them, and the distant trees continue shaking with the oncoming stomp of the pack. The ghouls surge out of the woods, a horde , tens, instead of ten, far bigger than the hunters expected
11:22 AM
(their move would have been to move out of the woodline, so you're bakc up)
11:22 AM
(none seem to be looking at the trees yet)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/9/2023 11:42 AM
The extra ghouls were worrying, but it was too late to change the plan now. Hank continues firing on the injured ghoul.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/9/2023 11:43 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20 +1+2+0+1+2] Roll: [2] Result: 8
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/9/2023 11:43 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [1] Result: 1 Reason: fray die
Avatar
The tide is slowly working against the hunters. Only a few get snap shots off, taking one of the ghoul juveniles and laying it low. The rest continue to surge on as the hunters take a step back in w hat will be the first of many. Three ghouls look up, sensing danger coming from the trees and 30m away upon seeing you, begin to climb nearby trees.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/9/2023 6:16 PM
Trying to protect himself Hank shifts his aim to the closest ghoul climbing a tree.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/9/2023 6:17 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+6] Roll: [2] Result: 8 Reason: Lets see if I hit anything this time.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/9/2023 6:18 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [5] Result: 5 Reason: fray
Avatar
One of the hunters on the ground sees your plight and sends a shot up your way, downing the first of the ghouls cllimbnig toward you. Another few from the swarm are wounded, and the hunters continue slowly taking steps back , leaving your tree more and more in front of them. The first of the ghouls surges forward, almost in melee range of the closest hunters.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/10/2023 11:46 AM
Hank fires another burst at the climbing ghouls and takes a quick look for possible escape routes he could use to keep up with the hunters.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/10/2023 11:46 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+6] Roll: [15] Result: 21 Reason: I have a plus six, I aught to be able to fit something.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/10/2023 11:47 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+4] Roll: [2] Result: 6 Reason: finally, damage
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/10/2023 11:47 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [7] Result: 7 Reason: fray
Avatar
The climbing ghouls fall to the ground shot through the head or into the back. The closest few of the ghouls approaching the hunters are also gunned down as rapid fire close range bursts bring them down. The ghouls begin to waver, the first of them beginning to back off and scatter into the woods as they meet stiffer than expected resistance.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/11/2023 5:06 PM
Encouraged by the fleeing ghouls Hank keeps firing on the ones still fighting.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/11/2023 5:07 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+6] Roll: [8] Result: 14
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/11/2023 5:07 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+4] Roll: [7] Result: 11 Reason: Damage if 14 hits
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/11/2023 5:07 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [7] Result: 7 Reason: Fray
Avatar
Three more of the ghouls are slain and the pack scatters, breaking into the woods in fear. The hunters give a cry of relief, and the most industrious of them begin removing heads from the bodies and dispatching those terminally wounded but not yet dead.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/11/2023 9:58 PM
Climbing down from the tree Hank reload his rifle and readjusts his gear before helping with the grisly work. (I was carrying my old vac suit for some reason. I'm swapping it out to the floater ruck in exchange for the data slab.)
Avatar
(sure!) Fifteen heads have been collected, a nice bounty even split this many ways. It is more than enough to upgrade a piece of equipment or crawl into a bottle for a few weeks for most of the people here. Your camera man has been recording the scrap in the event you decide to make any use from it, and as everyone catches their breath, many of the hunters gather to discuss a new plan, since drawing out the brood mother did not seem to work. None of the hunters saw her among the devouring swarm that attacked.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/12/2023 11:41 AM
Hank joins the hunters. "I don't know a lot about ghouls, but I'd guess a pack this size is going to leave traces where it hangs out. Do they have dens or something like that? Another question is do we think we can handle the ones that are left if we're facing them on their turf?"
Avatar
"Fire. We;re going to need to regroup. The dens these things like to live in are usually in dense woods. Made out of caves, or places where lots of trees have fallen down. Anything that adds another level of darkness is a place they'll like to hide. Sometimes they'll dig too. Normally you can figure it out by the rotting smell, and the bones. and the blood everywhere"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/13/2023 6:24 PM
"Sounds like rough terrain to fight in. If they're afraid of fire, I do have a few flares we could use."
Avatar
“Could be a start. Governor won’t care if a few acres get burned if it means we got the infestation. You any good with those things?”
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/14/2023 7:52 PM
"I have steady hands, but not much training or experience. The one time I used one, I got a lucky hit on the ghoul I was trying to flush out of hiding."
Avatar
“It’s your gear Hank. Not gonna part you from it by force , but we could use it. And you. Say a prayer to whatever gods you follow for luck, and let’s be off. We finish this tonight. “
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/15/2023 9:26 AM
"would it make sense to spread them around a bit? It's a team effort after all. If I kept one I'd have three others to pass out."
Avatar
He nods "We'll make sure to square up with you when this is over. You'll be made whole for helping us out" the expedition leader promises, holding his hands out for the flares you plan to distribute.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/15/2023 4:29 PM
Hank passes over three flairs. "Let's just get this nest cleared out. I'm a chef, and I'll admit when I joined up with you I was wondering what these things tasted like. But seeing the aftermath of their hunting, well I've lost my appetite." (edited)
Avatar
"Yeah, things aren't going to feel right for a while after this. Something about the smell and what you see out here, but I know we can do it. " The flares are passed out, and the group is ready to continue treking through the very dark woods. "A chef eh? what do you cook?" the hunt leader asks as he takes a position slightly in front and to the side of you.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/16/2023 8:04 AM
"I try for variety. That's why I'm on Aslief. I'm here to look for new ingredients and to see how you do things. I have a vid channel if you're interested."
Avatar
"We survive this, and I'll watch them all five times and subscribe. You're alright Hank. Lets' try to get through this. " Moving through the deeper section of the woods the trees are much closer together and the leafy bioluminescent growth at the tops of the trees reflects a soft glow into the woods. Movement is slow to avoid snapping sticks or falling over roots and rocks. The smell is sometihng you notice first as the group moves into a clearing where the bones of animals, people, and fish have been scattered around. There is a large nest of fallen trees that have been dragged and piled upon one another to make a small opening, but nothing else.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/16/2023 11:50 AM
"So this is the den. It doesn't look easy to get into, do we want to light it up?" Hank starts looking for the best places to set the nest on fire.
Avatar
"you said you knew a nifty trick with the rocket fins on this tihng. Care to try your luck again and see if you can make it work?"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/16/2023 5:20 PM
"Yeah, let's see if I can make it two in a row." Hank flips out the guide fins and takes careful aim, looking to put the flair through the opening to the nest.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/16/2023 5:22 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20-1] Roll: [19] Result: 18 Reason: 2 Dex + 1 AB +0 Shoot -4 Rocket penelty
Avatar
The rocket flies true. The second miracle in one day. The hunters cheer as the den goes up in a fireball, and the two other flares are fired in after yours to catch the entire den on fire. "Spread out!" the hunt leader calls. "Encircle them, make sure nothing escapes!"
🔥 1
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/17/2023 11:29 AM
Hank moves into position, rifle up and ready to fire on any ghouls he sees.
Avatar
Two muscular and massive burning ghouls emerge from the burrow, howling as the fire begins consuming their bodies. You are in prime position to fire at them.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/17/2023 1:27 PM
Sighting on the ghouls Hank triggers a burst.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/17/2023 1:27 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+6] Roll: [5] Result: 11
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/17/2023 1:28 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+4] Roll: [10] Result: 14 Reason: doubt that hits, but just in case.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/17/2023 1:29 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [4] Result: 4 Reason: Fray?
Avatar
(fray is good, and 11 hits, they're not armored and also are on fire, so that one is good. _ (edited)
3:45 PM
One of the two ghouls falls and dies as the fire continues consuming its body. The other thrashes and crashes into one of the hunters, sending them flying into one of the nearby trees. There is a sound of wet snapping as they rag-doll to the ground. Their body does not stir as it hits the ground and comes to rest.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/17/2023 6:59 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+6] Roll: [14] Result: 20 Reason: another burst
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/17/2023 7:00 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+4] Roll: [1] Result: 5
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/17/2023 7:00 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d8] Roll: [3] Result: 3 Reason: Fray
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/17/2023 7:05 PM
Hank shoots the remaining ghoul hoping to bring it down so he could check on the hunter. Even if it looked like it was too late. (I doubt it'll be useful in this case, but I do have a medpack)
Avatar
The second of the burning ghouls falls ,and the hunter that had been thrown against the tree is decisively dead. Someone makes it over to the body to take a pulse and shakes their head no upon feeling nothing there. As the flames begin to spread it becomes clear to everyone that the brood mother is still isnide the den.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/18/2023 11:47 AM
Hank returns his attention and aim to the nest. "Do you think it'll come out? I don't want to go in there any better now that it's on fire."
Avatar
"Can't be sure. We need to make sure that thing is dead and not just too far underground to get burned. What do you think Hank?" the hunt leader asks, "you , me , a couple flares, ten minute adventure"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/18/2023 6:32 PM
Hank grimaces then looks at the fallen hunter. "You're right. Too much has been paid to leave this half finished. Let's put an end to this pack." (By my count we have one flare left, unless someone else brought one.)
Avatar
(none of them did, lets get an exert/str as we push into the nest around the fire)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/19/2023 9:17 AM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [2d6+0] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 9
Avatar
You're able to dive into the nest with the other hunter close behind. The bone covered tunnel heads deep underground and you hear the sound of a ghoul mewling in pain at the end of this long tunnel, about 40m ahead of you down a slight decline, deeper into darkness.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/19/2023 6:19 PM
Hank continues slowly down the tunnel until he can see the ghoul, speaking quietly to the hunter. "I've got low light goggles, but would you like a bit of light? I have some glowbugs."
Avatar
"Yes, throw one down the tunnel as hard as you can. Let's make sure this is our mother and if it is. we'll send the last rocket at it"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/20/2023 11:53 AM
Hank nods and turns on a glowbug before throwing it down the passage like a frisbee.
Avatar
You illuminate the brood mother beyond who is untouched by the fire. It hisses as the light comes into contact with eyes not suited for brightness. It is 30m away, trying to crawl down the tunnel. You can see several birthing sacs around its boated abdomen and back ,each of them incubating a new ghoul pup. (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/20/2023 1:09 PM
With the object of the hunt in view Hank's rifle snaps up and he fires a burst.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/20/2023 1:09 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+6] Roll: [2] Result: 8
Avatar
The hunter with you is more patient, sighting down his own weapon to deliver a burst into the creature's side. A wash of gore comes down the flank of the beast as one of the sacs is popped, and slowly it begins crawling 10m closer to you.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/20/2023 4:47 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20+6] Roll: [4] Result: 10
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/20/2023 4:47 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+4] Roll: [3] Result: 7 Reason: Does 10 still hit?
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/20/2023 4:48 PM
Adjusting his aim Hank continues firing.
Avatar
(10 hits, its natural armor, so there's not much, theey just have a lot of health)
12:06 PM
The creature groans as it continues puilling itself forward another 10m. IT will be on you soon. More gore streaks down its sides and above you hear the sounds of the den shifting as smoke and fire begin spreading. This underground space will be filled with it soon.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/21/2023 12:10 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d20 + 6] Roll: [12] Result: 18 Reason: keep shooting and move back as far as possible without breaking sight.
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 1/21/2023 12:10 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [1d10+4] Roll: [2] Result: 6
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/21/2023 12:11 PM
Falling back Hank keeps pouring fire into the ghoul.
Avatar
The brood mother howls and burning sticks and rocks from above fall on her, burying her beneath flaming debris. You feel a tug on the back of your shirt as the lead hunter hauls you to your feet and back toward where you both slid down. A rope has been thrown down for you by the other hunters still on the surface and you can feel them beginning to pull on it as you both grab hold of the knots for your hands,.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/22/2023 2:50 PM
Coughing a bit from the smoke Hank climbs out of the nest. Now that the fight was over he could start processing the emotions. He was proud to have helped eliminate this threat, but he'd seen someone die and things could have easily gone much worse. (would power armour be immune to ghoul attacks like they are primitive weapons and unarmed strikes?) (edited)
Avatar
(from all but the alphas and brood mothers )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/23/2023 11:51 AM
"Well, That's one pack down I suppose. The governor aught to get you some power armour, and maybe a machine gun or two. You could just walk up to the nests and shoot all the ghouls."
Avatar
"Something about heavy weapons and powered armor in the hands of civilians, skilled as we are. Can't say I blame him, there are enough wackjobs and renegades on a planet to not want to throw military hardware at all the problems. So we make do with being clever, and working with what we have. Appreciate your help today though. I think we would have lost more than one volunteer without you." (3xp, comes to 19,500 credits between mission reward and your share of the ghoul bounty) (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/23/2023 7:11 PM
"I guess so, although this seems like one problem that hardware would be well suited for. I'd have thought with background checks you could form a couple squads of full time ghoul hunters. Anyway, I'm glad I could help. I didn't appreciate what those things were like before." Hank accompanies the hunters back to the vehicles, then says his farewells and continues his journey. (I assume that's the three days I rented the bikes for. If I can extend the rental I will keep heading to the new settlement, otherwise I guess it's time to head back and return them.)
Avatar
(We can keep on moving, we're still in the rental period)
12:31 PM
The new settlement is a place of rough construction where the streets are planks of wood that have been pressed into the ground so the passing rains do not turn the place into mud. Lightbulbs on strings and glowbugs stuck to walls form primitive streetlights here and in more than one area the locals are moving around through the perma- night with torches in hand. It looks like about 2000 people live here in this town called Independence.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/24/2023 8:42 PM
Walking through town Hank looks for some place where the locals go to socialize and relax, maybe some sort of cafe or bar.
Avatar
There is a large café at the edge of town where it seems like most of the population gathers. It looks more like a saloon than a café as the name on the sign above the door implies. There are thirty people here enjoying drinks, playing cards and listening to a band of musicians play a dance like song on some scrapped together instruments.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/25/2023 7:30 PM
Stepping up to the counter Hank orders a drink, asking if there's a local specialty. "That's a catchy tune. How long has the band been playing together?"
Avatar
"Not long actually we're all pretty new around here, the saloon was one of the first things that was built" the bar owner says as he slides you a glass of the vinegary smelling local beverage. "Tastes better than it smells. I promise you. If you don't like it, I'll get you something else for free" he says by way of greeting. Almost everyone here is a recent outsider and your entry into the saloon does not warrant as much attention as you would normally expect
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/26/2023 11:47 AM
"That's not necessary. I'm here to taste new things. If you want to find the wonderful surprises, then you have to risk occasionally trying something you don't enjoy. So how long has the town been here? I'm not from Aslief, so I'm not up on current events." Hank takes a sip of his drink, unsure what to expect from something with its smell. (edited)
Avatar
"About six months. Feels almost like forever though. We're people who just never could find somewhere to settle down after the occupation and then the liberation. A lot of us went home to find out home wasn't there anymore. A lot of us were soldiers once , some were civilian prisoners, and so on. One thing in common though, almost everyone here had a less than cordial relationship with the Remnant during their brief time darkening our doorsteps. " The drink reminds you of a shot of pickle juice though without some of the salt. It has the gentle burn of cheap alcohol accompanying it but it vanishes quickly leaving a marginally unpleasant aftertaste that reminds you of copper.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/26/2023 5:07 PM
"Only six months. It looks like the town is developing quickly then. What's your primary industry?" He gestures to his drink. "By the way, what is this? I haven't tasted anything like it."
Avatar
"Doesn't really have a name. Some of the men started calling it rotgut, but we make drinks out of whatever we've got around in excess. Half the fun is the batches never taste the same from one to the other"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/27/2023 12:29 PM
"Ah, one of those kind of drinks. I can see that adding some excitement. Thank you." Looking around the room Hank tries to judge if there's a card game that would welcome another player.
Avatar
There are several card games happening in the bar that don't seem limited to a set number of players. One table has money changing hands frequently that looks as though they are playing a modified game of steal the old man's pile, but using two decks of cards instead.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/27/2023 10:51 PM
Taking his drink Hank approaches the table. "Hi there. Do you have room for one more next round?"
Avatar
"Of course. You ever played hijack the old man's starship before?" one of the people at the table asks. His throat is a rebuilt voice box with a nasty scar around it from where he had been injured in the war. (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/28/2023 1:21 PM
(seeing this before the edit the game seemed much more cutthroat (literally) than I was expecting.) "Similar games, but not this variant. I'm sure I can pick it up. Any unobvious rules I should know?"
Avatar
(hahah you were fast! I got right on fixing it too!)
5:37 PM
"I think you'll pick it up fast. We're just here to play a friendly game and throw a few credits around. We'll stop ya from making any bad plays. What's your name friend?" the box squacks with just a hit of distortion on vowels.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/28/2023 7:51 PM
(I think it's more that the notification on my phone didn't update.) Hank takes a seat and offers a handshake. "Hank Blake, I'm visiting from Gudrun. How about yourselves?" (Just being polite. I know we don't usually name NPCs so don't bother making any up.)
Avatar
The table introduces themselves and everyone seems relatively friendly and cordial. They're also almost exclusively soldiers, save one individual who was an engineer before the war and has come here to feel the joy of building something again.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/29/2023 12:50 PM
Introductions complete Hank starts playing, keeping on on the conversation to try and get an idea of what's going on around town.
Avatar
The town is too new to have much of its own gossip. A few new people trickle in every day, but overall everyone is less focused on their past, and is looking forward to building something new for the future.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/30/2023 10:01 PM
As he continues playing Hank asks about their plans and what challenges they face. (This is a cool town, but I'm having trouble getting a grip on what there is for a pc to do here.)
Avatar
(they're a new town, they don't know much about what is around them, there's not a lot of business or anything, they're off the beaten path in terms of even getting here. The town is very much finding its way and I didn't have a list of specific things for a PC to do. (
10:08 AM
(They don't know if they'll be formally recognized by the planetary or unw governments, and they're worried about what happens if they're not, so there's I gues some underlying themes )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 1/31/2023 5:33 PM
(I haven't been playing Hank as having any government contacts, but he does have an audience.) "Would it help to have a bit of publicity? I have a vid channel, I could maybe make an episode on your town. It is however mostly focused on food and cooking, do you know if there's someone like a farmer or forager who would be interested in doing something like a day in the life feature?" (I'm ok with moving along if you don't have anything.)
Avatar
(I would think the governor's office here might be our best lead for that since you got some reputation in the last ghoul hunt, but overal we were playing him as a non government person, just a random citizen trying to make it big online, so they'd say yes to publicity, and you might have some pull with the government for minor favors, but I didn'tpicture your political power with as big a scope as maybe a more traditional character if that all makes sense)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/1/2023 11:22 AM
(That's exactly how I see it. Hank is UNW citizen, but he's not a UNW agent. I don't know if he'd even realize the ghoul hunt would have gotten him into the governors good books.)
Avatar
(I think he might based on what the hunters were saying, the big pay out, and the fact you killed a brood mother, and if MAx didn't realize himself I could see where he would try to leverage that in trying to secure a meeting)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/1/2023 9:10 PM
(I could see that working. Make a video about the food producers of Independence with a strong element of human interest about them and their town. Then see if he could add in an interview with the governor or some other official.)
Avatar
(I could for sure see that as being a thing)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/2/2023 11:46 AM
Hank discuses possibilities for the video. Asking about how the town gets it's food, and whether they know anyone who would be willing to show him their work.
Avatar
The town is doing what they can to plant but they do not have too many people here who know what they are doing. They were able to organize a few shipsments in the past by people going out to other towns to barter for it, but that is not a guarantee they will always be able to secure enough for the town especially as the town continues to grow. There are a few hunters and fishermen here, but the woods are as ever, dangerous places, and cannot be counted on as a steady source of food.
12:50 PM
Rationing is in effect here, as it has from almost the beginning, and only on a few of the planet's high holidays can anyone expect all three meals a day.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/2/2023 10:49 PM
Finishing the game Hank thanks the players for their time. Starting production his first step is to try and find farmers willing to be interviewed about living in Independence and the challenges of growing food on a night world.
Avatar
The subject of the next video, there is a sharecropping enclave on the northern side of this new town where farmers have tried to turn the dangerous and sometimes rocky soil into a place where the settlement can be fed. Upon arriving, this is the most disorganized farm you have ever seen where handfuls of seeds have been thrown to land and be stamped into the ground by boots wherever. Large poles with grow lights have been set up every 5 meters, providing something akin to a sun's light for a programmed daylight cycle over the fields. One section toward the center is out and it looks like two locals ar fighting with a generator there. Greasy smoke pours into the sky from another at the far end of the field from you as it is refueled. Twenty people are currently working here, using hand tools in place of vehicles.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/3/2023 9:36 PM
Hank approaches a group of the farmers who look like they're not busy as the others. "Hello, my name's Hank Blake. I'm working on a video about the food production of Independence, and I was hoping I could interview you about your work."
Avatar
"Of course! This going to be on your channel?" one of them asks "I saw your video from Gudrun. The stew and the swamps and all that. I made a bird just like that a few weeks ago. It was amazing. The skin was so crispy and flavorful. "
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/4/2023 3:23 PM
Hearing permission Hank casually signals Zack to start recording. "I'm glad you liked it. Yes, that's the plan. I'm on Aslief making some vids exploring your cuisine. When I visited your town and heard you're having some delays getting official recognition, I thought I'd give you a bit of publicity. I'd love it if you could show me around and tell me about your day to day life and the challenges you face. It looks like you're a bit limited in what tools are available."
Avatar
"That's a nice way to put it. Almost everything you've seen here is second hand , or its scraps we've pieced together from other things. This seed dibber for example , was the dip stick from a ground car that ran on a combustion engine, and we wrapped the handle with some wire and cloth and a stick to give it something more to grip onto. We made these field shoes out of snowshoes. so we can walk on the surface of the dirt and not drive our heels into it, but we put cloth on the inside of the gridding so the seeds don't get picked up when we walk. Most of what we have is old, or has been made from other things. Almost nothing is new"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/7/2023 7:51 AM
"That's very resourceful. What kinds of crops do you grow?"
Avatar
"We've been trying to make Asliefian Squash take root here, literally. It's pretty hardy and you don't have to do much to take care of it. Doesn't really need a whole lot of light- what we're giving it here with these lights is already pretty generous. Having a hard time getting enough water to them though, Been a very dry season. Once we get past the incubation they don't need a lot, but we gotta get past that to be able to relax a little"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/7/2023 11:45 PM
"I don't think I've ever tried Asliefian squash. I can see how irrigation could be difficult with improvised tools, especially if you don't have a body of water nearby. What other challenges do you face? Are animals a problem?"
Avatar
"The ghouls keep the population low. Necessary evil for a farmer, that" he says- casting a concerned eye towards the distant forest. "Don't see many coming out of there to eat our stuff. We shoot the ones who do, the meat is a nice bonus"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/8/2023 8:54 PM
"At least the ghouls are good for something. Although I'm sure you'd be happy to get rid of those monsters, even if it meant you had to put up fences."
Avatar
"A fence makes a better neighbor than a ghoul, most of the time. Governor can't seem to get rid of them with how fast they breed. So we heard"
8:33 AM
They have the materials for fencing here with the scrap they've been able to recover, though those materials would be better suited for other projects here, from what you can tell on your initial review of the town
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/9/2023 9:00 PM
"Yeah, taking out a ghoul pack isn't easy. It's got to take a lot of courage to keep going out as a hunter. So, what are your plans for the future? Do you have any projects for after the squash are established, or to help speed the process along?"
Avatar
"Once this is over with we want to try to dig more wells and store more water on sight. We don't have enough of anything to last a bad season. Thought about maybe planting an orchard. No sense trying to domesticate anything with the ghouls so close. "
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/10/2023 7:56 PM
Hank continues the interview, trying to get plenty of footage he can edit together to present them as rugged and resourceful settlers looking to build a new life. (I've run out of questions if there's anything else you wanted to show.)
Avatar
(Maybe a stop by their workshop or recycling area?)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/11/2023 11:36 AM
(Yeah, that sounds good.)
Avatar
The recycling center in this new city is part junkyard and part factory. Several machines taken from other parts of the planet work around the clock here , though there is currently not much scrap for them to work with. Ten people work here on the final stages of disassembling scrap, using hand tools to get fine parts and other more delicate components. A crusher and excavator are also on the premises but are not being used at the moment. Bins for wiring, metal scrap, reclaimed glass and other recycle worthy materials are overflowing from previous work.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/12/2023 11:06 PM
Hank introduces himself to an available worker and asks for interview. "This is the recycling center for Independence and it's surrounding farms? What are your most in demand products?"
Avatar
This is the recycling center when there are things to recycle, you come to find out. The settlement has a voracious appetite for everyone else's trash and they've found interesting ways to re-use or reclaim the materials from most of what they take in. For a time there were several trash runs happening per week before the larger cities got wind of where it was going and have stopped allowing Liberty workers to get the scrap for their own purposes. metals and plastics are the most in demand currently.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/13/2023 8:05 PM
"Why would the cities want to cut you off if you're taking care of their garbage for them? Do they care that much about your building a new settlement?" (edited)
Avatar
"In the sense we're outside their authority now, probably. Small as we are, we're proof people can choose how they live. If this fails people stop having such grand ideas, and just accept their lot.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/14/2023 8:35 PM
"It would be a shame to loose grand ideas. Is this just the city governments? or does the governor share their views?"
Avatar
"The governor has been pretty quiet about it. He prefers his hunts and is dealing with the bigger issues with the other governors - the ones facing the whole polity. We haven't really broken any exact laws out here. Maybe we're beneath his notice for now?"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/15/2023 8:05 PM
"Hmm, maybe I could get someone from his office to make a statement? If we phrase the request properly we might be able to get them to commit to a favorable position."
Avatar
No one here would seem to have a problem with it. They don't need a glowing letter of praise from the governor or other senior planetary administrator, but support of that office would likely mean their trade troubles are over with and they can go back to trying to carve a living out of the wilderness of ths planet.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/17/2023 3:32 PM
Once Hank has all the footage he needs he starts working on a message to the governors office explaining the video he's making and requesting a short interview with someone on staff. (I'm going to be going on vacation for the next couple weeks, so I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post.)
Avatar
(no worries! thanks for letting me know!) Your video is reviewed by the governor;s staff within the first couple hours of sending it, and a request is sent for you to come and speak with the Governor, to make your case in person. The troubles Liberty is having with the environment and with the other cities are of concern to his office, and this is the most information he has managed to get in some time
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/18/2023 7:00 PM
Surprised to be speaking with the governor himself, Hank cleans himself up and dresses as formally as he can before arriving at the appointment slightly early.
Avatar
(would the camera man be here for this too? Just to give me an idea of the scene)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/19/2023 12:10 PM
(I'd say so. Hank would want footage of the interview for his video.) (edited)
Avatar
The cameraman enters the room with you and the Governor welcomes you both, nodding for the cameraman to set up on a tripod he keeps in the office for televised interviews like this, such as they are. Governor Jaeger is in his late 30's and had a previous career as a UNW adventurer before being elected by the Body of Planets to represent Aslief. His ghoul scarred adventuring kit is on an armor stand in the office- the assault suit and laser rifle covered in the trophies of many hunts.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/20/2023 1:08 PM
Hank offers the governor a handshake. "Thank you for meeting with me sir. Independence is an inspiration, a city being built from the ground up by it's residents. I had hoped to get a statement from one of your staff, but I never expected to be speaking with you." (edited)
Avatar
"A new city on the surface of the world I represent and the mass movement of peoples is a concern all the way up to the highest levels of government. We've been following the situation at Liberty, from a distance, but you have better information than my office does it sounds like. What is your estimation of the people there?"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/20/2023 3:23 PM
(when i got the the town you called it Independence, but with the governor you've been calling it Liberty. Is this just one of those inconsistencies that crop up in a game this large?, Or is there a disagreement about that the town is called?)
Avatar
(He’s just not informed about what’s goin on out there )
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/20/2023 7:27 PM
"Um, I think there might have been a name change. The people I spoke to were calling the town Independence." "They seem like nice enough folks. A lot of them were displaced during the Remnant occupation and are trying to build a new life for themselves. It looks like they're doing a good job of it too considering the lack of resources they're working with." (edited)
Avatar
He makes a few notes on his data pad, "And their wants. Is this supposed to exist as part of the Aslief assembly of cities, or are they seeking to make their own independent region? Everyone working towards the will of this office is vital to keeping the planet stable, and stability is something Aslief has not had in quite some time"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/21/2023 7:05 PM
"We didn't talk too much about politics. There's some concern about whether your office and the UNW will give them official recognition, but I didn't get the impression that they would be unwilling to cooperate with the rest of the planet. In fact it seems like the problem may be the other way around. They were taking care of the other cities garbage by recycling it, but their supply has been cut off."
Avatar
"One hand does not know what the other is doing" the governor agrees. "There is some concern they'll end up trying to break away like Cove Neck did. Now that the city has been brought back into realignment, the others want to make sure their sister- city states do not do the same. Everyone marching to the beat of the same drum is a concern in this office as well, so I'm happy to hear they seem content with towing the polity line, as it were. What are they using the recycling for? Is there anything we should be concerned out there, like the scrap being turned into weapons or bombs?
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/22/2023 2:15 PM
"I saw no sign of it. I wouldn't think they'd bother making weapons while their farmers are still working with hand tools. And attacking your neighbors when you're dependent on them for food shipments is rather obviously a bad idea."
Avatar
"It is, but we can't always count on people making the most smartest moves when it comes to what they think needs to happen to survive" The governor says. He is taking some notes and you can see the weapons is something several advisors were asking about. "how about leadership. Are they organized? Did you see anyone who seems to command the loyalty of the people living there?"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/23/2023 4:18 PM
"I'm afraid I don't remember them mentioning anything like that. My channel is food related, so that's what I was paying the most attention to."
Avatar
"That is fine. Something for my office to look into them. You said food related then, did it look like anything new or unique was coming out of that settlement?"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/24/2023 12:54 PM
"They're brewing some... interesting alcohols, but I don't know that it would find market appeal. They seem to be focusing on the basics right now. The farm I visited was trying to get Asliefian squash started. I'm told it's going slowly because of the dry season."
Avatar
He takes some further notes down. "It really is jsut farmers doing farming then from the sound of it. I see no reason to deny their request for legitimacy. I'll of course be sending my own people out to verify but your own observations have been very helpful.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 2/28/2023 12:02 PM
"That's what it seemed like to me. Just folks living their lives. I'm glad I could be of assistance. Do you mind if I ask you some questions about Aslief and what you see as it's future?
Avatar
"Of course, I'd be happy to go on record with all your questions, since you're recording" the governor says, sitting back in his chair and doing his best to seem relaxed (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/1/2023 6:48 AM
"Thank you governor, Independence has made significant progress in its short existence. If the experiment continues to be successful do you think you'll encourage more new settlements?"
Avatar
"So long as they're willing to work with my office and the other settlements on the planet. Everyone has to be marching to the same overall drum. This planet has known enough occupation, repression and division, and it's my job to give the United Nations of Worlds a stable planet, working as part of a greater whole. We were one of the first worlds to be admitted to the union, its up to us to set an example, while ensuring our poeple are well cared for"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/1/2023 1:04 PM
"I was going to ask this a little later, but that's too good a segue. Could you please share some of your plans for the future of Aslief?"
Avatar
"THe ghouls are our main problem. I know the Conservation society would have my head for suggesting this but the ghouls need to be exterminated. Once that is done ,we can seriously look at intraplanetary trade by road, or rail, and that is going to make us an even better partner to the other worlds in the UNW. "
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/1/2023 5:44 PM
"Having met a few ghouls I'm inclined to agree, but it is important to consider what the effect will be on the entire ecosystem. Do you have any ideas for improved ghoul control?"
Avatar
"It's a delicate balance. Burning the forests down to expose their nests is going to destroy the ecology of this planet. We can't; do that for every nest we find. Bounties, getting people motivated, bringing in expert, its all being tried. The thing is, the ghouls learn. We had some success with baiting and corralling them for a while but then they figured out the bait piles were leading to traps so they stopped taking it. We started sending experts into the woods, they started making their nests underground instead of in caves. We adapt. They adapt. The cycle continues. We keep thinking of some out of the box ideas , hoping we will come up with something truly unconventional they won;t have a response to, but we havent found it yet"
8:53 AM
'We're going to keep trying"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/2/2023 7:55 PM
Hanks vid host persona slips slightly. "Hmm, they learn.. The major problem with is that they attack people. It's a bit macabre, but could we make humans poisonous to them? If they die every time they eat one of us that would be a pretty strong lesson."
Avatar
"We could try something with corpses maybe. No shortage of those around. It would probably be a lesson we would have to keep teaching them, some mixed signals of they continue to eat people along the roads"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/3/2023 12:19 PM
"I expect corpses would have the same effect as the bait, and train them to go after live prey. It was the travelers who I was thinking to make unsuitable. On Gudrun we have treatments to keep pets from picking up parasites by making the pet's blood toxic to them. If we could do something like that here then it might convince the ghouls they don't want to eat us. But I'm not a biologist, so I don't even know if it can be done. Sorry, I've gotten sidetracked. Is there anything in particular that Aslief needs from the rest of the UNW?"
Avatar
"Overall, aside from the issue we are discussing, things here are good. Aslief is free, and grateful. The UNW needs to continue working to strengthen all of its worlds, and Aslief will be improved as our brethren improve. It was Billy Rigers that was so fond of saying a rising tide lifts all boats, and we intend to honor that spirit"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/4/2023 8:36 PM
"Well said. Do you want to share any of Aslief's contributions to the tide with my viewers?"
Avatar
"We're still working on being the world we want the UNW to see, and for now, I think the UNW knowing we're working hard to become as much a jewel as Gudrun and Terezinho is enough. The post Scream years have been though on everyone, but its the work of organized hands that are going to keep the wheels moving, and Aslief has that here. We've had our issues in the past, cities not agreeing, wanting to march to the beat of their own drum, but we've moved past all that" (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/6/2023 10:09 PM
"Does that you will be encouraging the other cities to resume supplying Independence with recyclables?"
Avatar
"I think it is the right thing to do. Those are things your citizens have thrown away, if someone else finds value in it, why should the recycling programs stop? It also means another step in the road to being self sustaining- something every planet in this post-Scream universe should do. Our ancestors survived on just one planet, Earth, and we should all try to learn to do the same. "
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/7/2023 12:16 PM
Hank nods. "There's a lot of planets out there for people to live on, but they're still finite. We need to take care of them."
Avatar
"Exactly. Third law of the old Perimeter agency, all you need to know about how valuable planets like this one are. So ,we're going to do our best here on Aslief, and one day we'll be an example for the rest of the galaxy to follow. Might not happen while I'm still around, but I know one day it will happen"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/8/2023 10:57 PM
"Thank you Governor. I don't believe I have any more questions, although if possible I'd like to record some transitions to help with editing. For instance I don't think our discussing ghoul eradication techniques really fits with the rest of the vid." If the governor agrees Hank ensures he has what he needs for edits, then prepares to leave thanking him for his time.
Avatar
(3xp , 5000 credits)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 3/9/2023 7:51 PM
Hank Blake (Max D) Request: [4d6+0] Roll: [6, 5, 2, 1] Result: 14 Reason: HP Roll
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/9/2023 9:54 PM
(That levels me up, so let's deal with that before wrapping things up.) **Level Up** Level: 4 Focus:NA Old HP: 15 HP Roll: 14 New HP: 16 New Skills: Perform-1(2sp), Talk-1(2sp) Current AB: 2 This had been a good visit. He'd learned some new techniques, filmed several good videos, and even managed to help some folks. But it was time to head home. Hank set off for La Crosse looking to return his rental vehicles and find a ship back to Gudrun.
Avatar
(sounds good, I know you reached out to me OOC about your pending GSC fella, so we'll work that out next)
Avatar
(okay . We have a day to Gudrun, if we want to do anything there, and then six more west to Shalini)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/14/2023 10:55 PM
(I'll write up an in character post later, but I don't have time now. I'll put the downtime into learning Piggen. And is this shopping list ok?) Shopping list Medpack $100 Argus web $500 Bioscanner $300 Glowbug 1@$5 $5 Mag chain cutter $250 Rations 10@$5 $50 Survival kit (shalini) $60 Thermal flare 5@$5 $25 Total $1,290
Avatar
(yes! all available! and no problem!(
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/15/2023 9:31 PM
Returning home Hank posted his last Aslief video and looked at his channel's growth. It seemed like people really liked seeing the culture of other worlds. The question was where next? Thinking about what he knew about other planets, Hank thought he remembers someone saying they'd gotten some good herbs from Shalini, and he'd always liked Piggen food, so that seemed like a good choice. After a quick shopping trip and a visit with his parents, Hank set off on his next adventure.
Avatar
(9 days from Aslief to Shalini, passing through Gudrun, and the black hole research station on the way. If you wanted to make an offficial stop at either of those places we can)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/16/2023 12:22 PM
(that's 7 days downtime and two refueling, correct? I don't think there's anything we need to stop for.)
Avatar
(Two refueling yeah, but those places have shipyards so we're looking at six hours instead of four days)
1:49 PM
https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/shalini-location Upon entering the Shalini system the Cities of the Triple Crown alliance are the approved destination for the shuttle to set down at. The Piggen here have constructed a rudimentary airfield, and the shuttle kicks up a large cloud of dust behind it as it comes in for a landing, met on the ground by customs agents and travel guides.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/16/2023 10:25 PM
Hank and Zack step off the shuttle with the floater ruck of equipment following behind and get into the customs line. It would be interesting to see how this world was being changed the Prometheus project.
Avatar
The world is being rebuilt little by little. Traditional Piggen log construction patterns are still being applied here, but instead of canvas, animal skin, logs, and crude metal fasteners, to modern materials like synthsteel, armorglass, and a handful of arcane projects that Dr. Truffles was working on. The doctor and several of the most intelligent Piggen from this world have migrated far to the south in search of their lost homeworld., hot on the trail of what they believed was a conspiracy behind the Piggen exodus.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/19/2023 9:33 PM
(I realized I should mention, from now on unless otherwise noted Hank will be wearing the argus web to get footage from his perspective.) Clearing customs Hank walks over to one of the tour guides who seems to be looking for work. "Good morning. My friend I are looking to get to know Shalini, and record some videos. See the sights, taste the tastes, that sort of thing. What are your rates?"
Avatar
“Rates? Are you looking for a tour ?” One of them asks as they review and stamp your oaperwork
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/20/2023 8:09 PM
"I hadn't thought of it before arriving, but I think so. Seems like a good way to start getting a feel for the planet."
Avatar
"We offer several tours at the moment. Any of the cities on land can be visited through an organized excursion. We also have a boat tour that goes close to Piglantis, but currently only UNW researchers have been allowed within the city itself. Would you be interested in a tour? "
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/22/2023 9:27 PM
"Yes, I'd like a tour of this city by the spaceport please."
Avatar
The triple crown cities are arranged into districts featuring industrial, entertainment, agricultural, and administration. You are ushered over to an open topped car where a Piggen guide is woken up from their slumber. A map of "the heights" and the piggen Celebrities is tucked into the back seat, and the driver is eager to bring you wherever you wish to begin the tour.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/24/2023 10:17 PM
"Let's start with the agricultural district. I'm interested in seeing what the major crops are."
Avatar
Youn are welcomed aboard the vehicle and are given a choice of some local farms in the area. There is also a small but growing ranching community as the Piggen have brought desert Kryatt to this world in the hopes of raising them for mounts, and later for meat. There are riding lessons at a steep discount available for tourists and the heat map of the area shows it is a popular and well received establishment. There is also a cider mill on the premises and an eatery using everything that is grown on the farm.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/27/2023 10:47 PM
The mention of riding lessons caught Hank's attention, and hearing about the eatery sealed the deal. "I'd like to visit the ranch please. It seems quite interesting."
Avatar
The Piggen driver begins pulling away from the depot and heads south out of the city toward the ranch. "Ever ridden one before?" the driver asks by way of making conversation on the way there. Imported from Gudrun and saw you took a shuttle in from there, thought you'd be doing that kind of thing all the time with living right at the source and all. Wait until you see em' , most majestic thing you'll ever see. The way their fur blends into the environment around it. Beautiful " he says. as he turns right off the main interstate, down a gravel road that looks to be home to many homesteads .
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 3/28/2023 8:08 PM
"Nah, I'm a city boy. I've seen them around but I've never had a chance to ride one."
Avatar
"You're in for a treat then" The driver says as he turns into the farm. The farm is a wide area consisting of a barn, a large fenced in ranching area, and the cider house/dance barn you had been told about. There are a mix of Piggen, Human, Geons, and a few Taros walking around the farm taking tours or looking at the various exhibits. Almost everyone has a drink.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/4/2023 10:12 PM
Seeing the popularity of the drinks Hank heads for the cider house.
Avatar
(lets get a notice/wis on entering, or a know/wis if you want since it involves food knowledge)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 4/5/2023 10:50 AM
Alexander/Hank (Max D) Request: [2d6+1-1] Roll: [3, 1] Result: 4 Reason: notice/wis
Avatar
You are not certain what process goes into making the drinks and food here aside from the basics you already know about fermentation and baking. The Piggen have their own way of doing it as you enter the building you are assailed with sounds and smells. The bar is packed ,as is the window where the kitchen sets up their orders for customers to come pick up. You would estimate that about 200 beings are in here, spit between Piggen, humans , Geon, and a few Taros, and a few Merlons also in attendance.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/8/2023 1:50 PM
This was busier than he'd expected, but he supposed that was what you got with tourist destinations. Unfortunately that meant they probably wouldn't want to take the time for an interview. Still, looking forward to the cider Hank got in line to place an order.
Avatar
As you approach the bar the Piggen bartender looks at you with kind eyes. "Hey champ! Got a cider menu here for you. Think I recognize you. You Hank from Food TV? "
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/9/2023 10:31 PM
"Thanks. Yeah, that's me. I'm here to explore your lovely world and it's cuisine. I can see you're rather busy right now, but of anyone who might be willing to give me an interview when things slow down, maybe show me around your kitchen?"
Avatar
"Well it's never much slower than this. Cmon back. I'll tell the boars we got a special guest. You said you got questions? Ask away!" he says very heartily, slapping you on the back with probably more force than what was intended.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/17/2023 10:00 PM
"Well, being busy is a good problem to have. I must admit I've just arrived on world and haven't had time to do much research. In fact I haven't even had a meal yet. So I guess my first question should be asking what your staple foods are? I expect it's different than Piggen cuisine on Gudrun."
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/21/2023 11:36 AM
(I'm guessing this didn't light up.)
Avatar
(It didn’t. Thanks for the reminder )
4:36 PM
“Piggen cuisine and Gudrun hardly belong in the same sentence “ the piggen Barman says. “This world is much more like our long lost home Urate. Very temperate. We prefer all sorts of food really. Variety is more important than any particular flavor or food”
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/23/2023 9:21 AM
"I'd love to learn about your more traditional techniques. And try some of the ingredients unique to your world."
Avatar
"Then you're in for a treat. One of the things you have hav enoticed here in this temperate region is we are growing our own variation on the terran apple. Our own worlds had somethin similar to this, but not with the depths of tartness or sweetness humans had managed to breed into their own plants. Once we tasted some for the first time on a shipment of relief supplies from Gudrun ,we knew we had something special here and could do quite a bit with it"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/23/2023 12:13 PM
"Interesting. I'd assumed cider just meant pressed fruit juice, and you were using something that grew here. But real apple cider, you must have gotten the orchards established remarkably quickly."
Avatar
"Ah, this is the true beauty of it. Have you heard about what makes the trees on Gudrun so dangerous, but so special?"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/24/2023 11:13 AM
"Well, I know you have to be careful not to breathe in tree spores, but... Did someone cross apples with spore trees?!"
Avatar
"in a sense. Through genetic engineering we were able to get the fast growing trees. A fruiting crop took a year to germinate instead of the several normally needed to produce the first crops. This also allowed us some trial and error when it comes to the taste, further advancing the sweetness and tang of the apples in a short amount of time, and removing some of the characteristics less desirable for growth :
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/24/2023 4:45 PM
"I'm no geneticist, but that seems like it must be a very impressive bit of engineering. And improving the taste, that's in my area of interest. I look forward to trying them."
Avatar
The board that separates the bar from the rest of the rest of the busy dining hall is moved so you can get behind him and come to the kitchen. The sounds of cookware being thrown around inside are a clang and clamour on your ears and you know later you're going to have to edit some parts of the footage out to make it possible to even be heard on your channel.
6:27 PM
"Well, what are you in the mood to try first Mr. Hank, Sweet, Sour, or Crispy"
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/24/2023 11:53 PM
Hank looks appreciatively around the busy kitchen. "Hmm, crispy I think."
Avatar
A large and bulbous looking red apple is placed on the table in front of you and the noise of Piggen chefs and cooking surrounds you. They all seem to keep back a bit, changing their workflow around you while you're being given the tour.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/25/2023 9:07 PM
Hank picks up the apple, gives it a quick polish, and takes a bite. Enjoying the satisfying crunch he considers the taste and what it might pair well with.
Avatar
(know/int)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 4/26/2023 11:55 AM
Alexander/Hank (Max D) Request: [2d6+0] Roll: [4, 4] Result: 8 Reason: know/int
Avatar
The apple is heavy on texture but relatively bland on taste. There is a faint sweetness to it, but you have had more flavorful apples before, and you think anything with a strong taste made into a sauce, syrup , or crumble might be paired well with this dish.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 4/27/2023 7:53 AM
"Hmm. Not the best snacking apple, but I can see it working well as the base for a dish. What do you make with it?"
Avatar
"Pie base normally, sometimes we use the sauce as a replacement for oil or fat in other dishes if we're working on a healthier menu. Sometimes you can't tell it's not fatty. "
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 5/9/2023 7:51 AM
(This actually sidetracked me thinking about using the idea in real food. French fries and cheese with apple sauce instead of gravy isn't bad, but I'm not sure it's as good as the sum of it's parts. Maybe I should have heated the apple sauce.) "Hmm, that's an interesting idea. I can see how that could work." Hank notices the kitchen staff having to avoid them. "I'm in the way, we should probably wrap this up. Aside from apples, are there any specialties you want to show off before we do?"
Avatar
"Cider. That's the reason anyone comes here" A sparkling class of a light colored cider is pressed into your hand in one of the finest glasses the brewery owns. It is made from crystal but is up sized for Piggen hands, and is very blocky. The glass is clear with a faint tinge of purple.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 5/9/2023 7:35 PM
Hank thanks the bartender as he receives the cider and takes an appreciative swig.
Avatar
The drink is crisp and refreshing with a short bite of alcohol at the end. On its own it is a weak drink, but could be used to provide a crispness and faint apple flavor to any number of other foods.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 5/10/2023 8:42 PM
"Mmm, I can see why you're so popular. Well, thank you for the tour, but I should let you get back to work. Where should I go to schedule a riding lesson?"
Avatar
"We can book them for you here actually. First available session is an hour from now, you'll be good and digested by then" the Piggen chef laughs, clapping you on the back heartily.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 5/11/2023 11:52 AM
"That sounds great." Returning to the dining room Hank orders a light meal, and settles in to wait for his lesson. (You said the cider doesn't taste that alcoholic. So if you want to roll to see if he overindulges, that's fine with me.)
Avatar
(up to you, I didn't plan to make you do carousing checks like that unless you're into it. I know a lot of people aren't) (edited)
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 5/11/2023 8:05 PM
(I understand, that's why gave the option. For most characters I would prefer for them not to get tipsy without intending it, but Hank is meant to make mistakes and get into trouble. The dice knew what they were doing when they made wis his dump stat. But I'm not sure what the roll would be, so unless you want to roll it let's just move on.)
Avatar
(It would be a physical effect save!)
Avatar
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D)
used /roll
Dice Maiden BOT 5/12/2023 11:42 AM
Alexander/Hank (Max D) Request: [1d20] Roll: [6] Result: 6 Reason: Ok. trying to get 11+
Avatar
The alcohol hits alex faster than intended and the 'weak' Piggen cider seems to be anything but. The next few hours are a blur of drinking, and it is safe to say the riding lesson for the day is missed. There are flashes and images of some sort of stacking blocks of wood game, throwing heavy iron balls through hoops ,and a concentration based game of cards which everyone is terrible at given the strong drink. Alex wakes up in a guest room at the cider house, fifty credits richer, with a number of scrapes and bruises he does not remember getting.
Avatar
Alexander Munroe | Rusty (Max D) 6/12/2023 6:52 PM
(Sorry I don't think I'm cut out to run more than one character. It takes a spike of effort for me to actually get my posts typed out and posted, and whenever I don't update for a few days it just gets easier and easier to put it off.)
Avatar
(understood. I'll archive it and we'll have hank in the background if needed in the future)
Exported 583 message(s)
Timezone: UTC-6