Iron Stars - maru

Maru, one of the technical minded scholar frames once in service of the Imago Dei awakens from their dormant state on Gudrun, the heart of the United Nations of Worlds. They have made their way here some months ago looking to understand more of the humans and other organic sentient races that make up the Iron Sectors, and visiting the heart of one of the first post-Scream polities to make it back to space has been an informative experience. Cataloguing and learning has its place, but you are now looking toward doing something more- going to the frontier where the stories, and where the people who need help are. There is a message interlaid over your left eye lens when you awaken from this state from UNW command. 1 new message- priority flashes over a holographic depiction of an envelope. It shakes gently, as if trying to entice you to read it. @Xanthus Noir (just so you know where your channel is, no need to reply to me when you do your post, it will light up for me without)

<<I will open the message wile initiating self diagnosis protocols>> (edited)

The message is short. It is a dispatch from UNW command requesting your service for an urgent mission on Draemia, a world that has had no shortage of its own problems lately. Organic life is something of a scarce commodity there and a report with known information about the system is attached to the request for help. A colony on the surface of the world had survived despite the danger and the lack of resources. The locals are hardy and have expressed interest at joining the UNW as a colony. To do that they need to find other survivors , develop industrial capacity from the ruins of the old world, and sustain themselves.

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

Draemia

<<I assess the time it would take me to trade in the surplus repair kits and purchase the 4 Lazarus patches, 2 doses of Lift, Medkit, Compad, and Bioscanner using as much of my 200 credits as needed to get as close to a full "Medic Standard Issue" set of gear. then state the following with the XXXX as the appropriate times/flights based on assuming he would be able to access this information while reading it and replying as soon as that date has been processed based on his knowledge of where to go and get that stuff.>> This unit will be ready for transport XXXX departing at XXXX as soon as biological repair supplies and implementation has been acquired. <<Assuming all is workable for this I will sell that which I have the extras of and buy as much of the medical stuff as I can, then proceed to whereever I need to to depart for this assignment.>> (edited)

(the lazarus patches and lift aren't in Iron Stars, we use the frontier medicine from our rulebook in #rules-and-books )

2:43 PM

(the compad and bio scanner, as well as medkit are fine)

<<I'll juggle numbers as per the books and be lined up as soon as I am supplied where I am assigned to depart from.>>

4:03 PM

<<I am having troubles finding the needed items and what list they are from and prices for such>>

(Can you elaborate? I'm not sure what you're asking)

<<I resolved what I needed with your help tyty I will make myself ready as soon as I am done with supplies at the place I was told to be to depart for the mission. I have made all the purches on my sheet at this time selling what I needed to and buying what I needed. I will simply standby stationary and wait.>> (edited)

Draemia is allowing new visitors, as long as they check in at the orbital station first. Here in Central, the capital city of the planet Gudrun where the United Nations of Worlds was first created, a shuttle will be on standby for you tonight at the local air/space port. Acquiring the healing supplies in question ends up taking most of the day as it is difficult to locate most of the medications you're looking for, and you are ultimately forced to make do with the frontier medicine available here. It will work for your destination, and may still save lives. Making your way to the spaceport, as promised, you see a shuttle waiting for you there with its ramp down. You can see the four crewmen making pre-flight checks and inspections, certifying it is safe to fly from here to the destination. They don't seem to have noticed you yet, but no doubt will soon. Food and other stores are also being loaded through the cargo hatch by a crew of cargo teamsters.

<<make my way to the loading ramp without getting in the way of any of their work, present my papers or documents given to assign me to this task/flight>> (edited)

Your identity is confirmed, and you are welcomed aboard and shown your cabin. "It's an eight day flight to Draemia from here, we'll stop for fuel once along the way. Settle in, find something to do, and we'll be there before you know it" the co-pilot says as he shows you what will be your bunk from the flight. Aside from the crew, you look to be the only passenger headed to this world. "Hold is packed with food and medical supplies for the station, some goodwill offerings for the locals there, they've been without fresh stocks for some time now. When we get to the destination system we'll call you up to the bridge to man the comms station. As the agent going aboard and the face of the mission you'll probably want to be the one delivering the message"

<<Pleasing polite voice>> "Affirmative, please review qualifications in case of emergency <<hand abreviated skill certifications for repair, medical, programming, and pilot>>. Use of any data access to become more familiar with the situation on Draemia and anything flagged as worthy of note would be useful to the mission." <<give/transmit/display whatever instant messaging stuff that can quickly get my attention and set system to "wake me" upon receiving such>> <<Visual confirmation of receiving such as a nod and I back away to get to my work without pause.>> <<if I am then left to be on my own>> <<I will then locate the charging port, ready it, then get to whatever dataport or my own datadpad and begin reviewing any particular information on the type of vessel this is as well as any anatomical information from any non-humans I have seen on board thus far. I will also review the crew manifest simply to identify the races to do that as well as to familiarize myself with who is who as to be able to best respond to orders in any emergency situation that may happen. (This will be standard operating procedure in such cases) Once this is done I will begin reviewing data pertinent to Draemia and be looking for any requested flagged data.>>

(I sent the system report over to you earlier, this is the sum total of everything known about the world, and if it is on world anvil, we can assume your character either knows it or would be able to look it up easily. )

<<Read that so that was to assume there is plenty more nonessential data that MARU would look through, nothing has to come of it, just the type of thing that he would do, including basic familiarity with the crew in case something happens and he knows who has the command seniority and expertise as to know best who to listen to. Again, likely nothing will come of it, but I have read the page for that planet and I am ready, Maru just running the program. Look at all available data. Duty, duty, duty, is his total focus right now. I would even be looking up the contacts for where I am going to familiarize myself with whatever data I can to prepare for the mission. It is my duty to serve and protect them yes? Look through all available data so when I get there I know who is who and can get to work as quickly and efficiently as possible.>>

(please dont delete and re post.)

7:19 PM

(I've seen you do this twice now, I have a life too. You get attention when I have time to give you attention. You will not be asked again) (edited)

(My appologies, I thought it needed an edit. I will format in a text and edit or edit on discord. The intent was to to make it reping you)

(use the edit function)

(Understood)

(We have five days of downtime from here to the destination. This is not 5 irl days, just game days passing, so we just can determine what you're spending your time on, if anything ) (edited)

(What is the second most common language?)

9:04 AM

(Assuming basic/english/what I already speak is #1. I will begin to learn this language. ) (edited)

(Mandate Common is basically the language that everyone speaks. There's not really a second most common that I'd be able to quantify for you)

(Sylth then based on one known on current mission. I will be sure to learn how to say "Thank you" immediately but I understand that is like me saying "Gracias" and not knowing any additional Spanish.)

(5 out of 30 days learning Slyth then)

11:11 AM

As the five days pass you're slowly working on figuring out the basic mechanics of the Slyth language, and as you really get in to common verbs the cabin light begins to chime in your small room, signaling you've made your way to the destination system, and the bridge crew would like you to attend the comms station as promised. No doubt the platform keeping watch over the planet has detected you, and is hailing.

<<Gather my gear and convey myself to the bridge or wherever the logical place is for the communication I was requested to make would be done immediately.>> (Assuming that happens without issue the hail will be as follows.) "This is Mobile Autonomous Repair Unit K034Y45H1, sent by UNW command, requesting permission for <<insert by the book vessel identification read from the vessel markings etc.>> to deliver this unit to see Dr. Talos and/or Iumi. Please issue landing or docking instructions." (edited)

The station responds that neither of them are on the planet anymore- and have been directed to other missions by UNW command. The human colony of plague survivors they were working with is on the surface, and since you are mechanical and are the only one heading to the surface you do not need to stop at the platform to get vaccinated. The colony has work for you, and upon landing there are two trackers named Ghost and Milo that are waiting for you to fill you in about the landscape, and some of the things they need help with.

<<Listen to their reports, trying to prioritize anything in the plans if they had not already done so and then follow whatever directions given with no unneeded conversation.>> (edited)

(is this what you're doing in character or what is this exactly? Your formatting is giving me some trouble)

<< I aproach them immediately and state, "Mobile Autonomous Repair Unit K034Y45H1 reporting as requested." and await their reply.>>

(is this all OOC or IC, the brackets are extremely confusing and I don't know what you're actually doing)

( I aproach them immediately ) "Mobile Autonomous Repair Unit K034Y45H1 reporting as requested."

"Mechanical eh? UNW is thinking ahead sending you here. Nice to meet you Repair Unit. Not gonna say the rest we'll be here all day. You think you're ready to get right to work with us? We've got something we could use someone immune to getting infected on, but it's going to be dangerous, and we don't want you think you're here to be thrown into the lions den"

"There was no mention of Li...." Head moves while I process data "..yes, Daniel 6, while an angel may not deliver us, God willing, this unit will be successful in rendering whatever aid you require. This unit is at your service. Biologicals have prefered to use the name 'Maru', please feel free to do the same." Gesture to the acronym stencil imprinted on my frame and nodding my head . "Yes, this unit is ready to, as you say, 'get right to work with you.'" Gesture with changing tools in hands, rotating through a few of them to indicate readiness. (edited)

"Very good. Out here in the countryside things aren't so bad. Not too many of the dead, and trackers like myself patrol the woods. We quietly take the dead out when they wander close to the colony here. THe cities though, and the outlying towns, those are another matter. Cleansing them all is the work of others, what we're interested in is getting in, and carrying out anything left behind that might still suit our needs. Medicine, machinery, other vehicles, anything we think that might give us a leg up when it comes to surviving. Everything is in short supply right now, even food. "

"Do the infected react to mechanicals?"

"We don't know, but there's a strong chance you're not going to get infected if one bites you. Nothing in you to turn"

"Verywell, do you know of a location where that can be tested first? If under cover of your fire we can see if they view mechanicals as targets for their aggression." I will also produce/ready my laser pistol and stow my medical tooling to indicate I am ready to test this. (edited)

"THere's a quarry nearby we'd like to lift a couple of the trucks from, you think you can lend us a hand and maybe we all learn something about how these things see you?"

"Excellent ideas sirs. Please lead the way."

(notice/wis. I can explain skill checks if needed )

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [5, 1] Result: 5

You don't see many of the hidden traps on the way, or signs of the passage of the dead from here. The scouts like Ghost and Milo have done well in keeping the region secure. The quarry is ahead after you walk for close to an hour and it is then you hear the first moans of the living dead through the distant trees. Observing from the treeline you see the dead look to be mostly concentrated behind a large rockpile, where the mine must also be. The vehicles in question are also on the other side.

How many are likely there? I understand I cannot see them, but are we talking a few, ten, or dozens?

(Are you asking the trackers or are you asking me ooc? I understand formatting sounds petty but it saves me from having to spend your playtime doing this instead)

(OOC mostly, sorry, I mean from what can be observed where we are but if they openly said anything like "Sounds like only a few there" or "Wow there are a ton of them". Just looking to know at what level of caution I ought to approach. Were I asking directly to them I would have used quotes and I was advised that OOC or actions was fine with just being typed. I can keep all non spoken stuff in () if you wish, no worries.) (edited)

(it sounds like there are between ten and twenty here based on just what you can hear)

"Gentlemen, do you think we can dispatch this many without danger to you both?"

"Isolated, and quietly maybe. The situation is probably not going to change much, they don't tend to wander far unless it is hunting down a meal"

"Then we will take a cautious approach. Please remain out of sight, it is time to test the waters. Approachng from another direction ought not to needlessly risk them seeing you." (I will proceed to a side to get to a point where noticing me would not direct the eyes of the infected to the scouts behind me and I will attempt to approach the first of the vehicles they want to recover exceedingly slowly, looking to perhapse not be noticed. I will focus my attention to those that react and try to determine if they see me or not, and if, resulting from that if they see me as a thing that needs to be dealt with or just something they might not bother with. I am assuming the skill 'Pilot' covers these type vehicles. Is this correct? I will also try to look for a direction that I could flee in and not draw them to the scouts, and if possible create a situation where the scouts may be able to fire on them from concealment.)

(sneak/dex)

3:24 PM

(pilot covers all vehicles, ground or air, we can drive even if we don't have 0 in it, but you will take skill checks for routine matters of driving or flying if you do not have at least a 0)

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [5, 1] Result: 5

rounding the corner there are loose rock, and its kicked by your descending mechanical tread. The undead turn to face you, seeing you, but not seeing you any differently than one might see some kind of other machine, or object that doesn't represent the source of a meal.

(Excellent, are there any of the vehicles more accessible that I can make my way to? I will proceed to what may be the closest or easiest vehicle to get to and retrieve. If unchallenged I will begin to get the first one started and see what happens. If no resistance happens I will begin driving off in a direction not in line with the scouts location incase they follow.) (edited)

There are three vehicles here, all looking to be roughly equivalent to pick up trucks. Two of them look to be in worse shape than the third- having been on the site for a bit longer. As you go to turn over the engine of the newer looking one, the engine chokes like it is not getting enough power. A small light on the dashboard indicates the power cell is running low. The noise has many of the dead coming over to the vehicle to investigate the sound.

I will slowly move it away from the direction of the scouts. The goal is to move it away from the place it was and either draw them away as to clear them from the others, but I hope they will grow bored of it lumbering slowly away with something not food inside and return to where they were. If it dies, let it die away from there and be easier to recover later, or have the infected stay with it making the other 2 easier to recover. If some stay at both places at least the numbers are lower so elimination can be possibly handled easier. (Was this treatment/injection a cure for this or an inoculation against it? Can an infected be injected and returned to human? Send text communication to appropriate channels reporting their reaction to a mechanical, not as a mission complete, but an informational update.) (edited)

(It is not mobile at all, so it cannot be moved. The power cell needs to be replaced. As for the vaccine, it is inoculation against it and the dead cannot be returned to life) (edited)

(Sorry for the deleted reply before. I had a BIG edit needed but I was being called away IRL so I deleted and now I am back to redo things as intended) I will get out and walk to the other vehicles to check the status of their batteries and see if there is a way to exchange batteries or hook up one to charge another or something applicable in this game. (As I am just familiar with real world stuff I assume you can fill me in on the possibilities that my character would know of, be they removing the batteries from the others to put into the best one or some sort of "jumping" or charging in case they are internal combustion engines.)

(lets get a fix/int. They're using power cells, There is a biofuel fitting for vehicles so they can run on combustion as well, but these trucks aren't fitted with that)

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [2d6+2] Roll: [3, 2] Result: 7

(The goal is easiest way to be mobile, no preference as to by what means.)

You're able with a series of wires to transfer what little charge is in all batteries to one, and the truck looks to have enough in it to run for an hour or so now thanks to your quick work. The dead do not seem to notice. THey're attracted to the sounds of you tinkering, even bumping into you a few times, but none seem to register you as something worth attacking

I proceed to slowly drive out a distance from the infected out of sight and in a direction not in line with the scouts so the infected would not be lead to them by me if they follow. (edited)

The infected follow the sound for a few moments. The wind is favorable and they do not scent the scouts though upon meeting them a short distance from the quarry with the vehicle it seems as though they ran into some trouble of their own. Blood stains their clothing in several places. You’re not sure if any of it is their own.

(Based on medical training does it look like time to get out and render aid or have them get in and make an escape? This is not at this time medical examination. But visual inspection from the vehicle to see if I need to get out and commence medical examination and treatment, or if one can drive while I do first responder level care for the other while we race back, or just to pop them in and get back to base.) "Sirs, have either of you been bitten by an infected?" (Based on all research that I have been exposed to, at what time is the infection irreversible? ) (edited)

(there isn't time for an examination right now)

5:31 PM

(and we don't know how long between bite and turn. The locals didn't really keep official records)

5:31 PM

"No, neither of us. Couple snuck up on us and we had to use knives. Most of this isn;t ours"

(Is there a good guarded perimeter to the camp/base we came from?)

(We didn't actually see it yet since we got right down to business, but they have a tall scrap fence with vehicle wrecks leaned up behind it )

7:22 PM

(it could be better but its what they were able to do for now)

(Can I get a call or text message type thing through to them while en route? If so I will send message or call informing them I am coming in in this vehicle with their 2 people state that they may need immediate medical attention and their infection condition is unknown. I will be stopping short of entering the compound if able to do so safely. If this is not possible let me know the situation and I will revise the plan. I am trying to avoid driving in one or 2 folks that may turn and endanger the camp, while not compromising them in the process if possible.) (edited)

(both Ghost and Milo would know how to get in touch with them, so we could dictate a message for one of them to send)

"Please inform them of the description of this vehicle, the estimated time of our arrival, any medical attention you both require and inquire of the status of their location. If there are infected in the area it would be helpful to know before arrival. That information is required soon as there is a reply to this inquiry." ( I will pay close attention to their interactions as well during that as well as stress indicators that may clue me in to if they are hiding wounds from the infected from me or each other.. I am going to continue to try and see if I find clues as to the nature of their injuries as I do so without risk to the driving. I intend to stop prior to entering if possible so at this time I am not going to look away enough to need a drive roll. That will be saved for the emergency case that there are a number of infected circling the base when we arrive or at the gate or whatever.) (edited)

(they've both been inoculated, so if they were bit aside from secondary infection of something less deadly, they won't turn. We don't need a drive roll if we're not doing anything fancy and you have pilot at 0 or better)

(With that being the case I will make best speed to the basecamp. If I had to pay too much attention to them the roll thing might have been needed if I read the rules right.) (edited)

(I guess I'm just going benefit of the doubt here . I don't really know how to rule if you're paying too much attention to them or not when you say you're not doing the thing that you're not doing. It's all very twisty. I'm choosing to avoid all that and we just won't ask for a roll)

8:45 PM

The colony has moved the large schoolbus blocking its gate aside and your vehicle is allowed through under the watchful eyes of the sentries. You can see four of them on the ground, and another two in the tower overlooking the area. All are armed with looted weapons, though two look to be homemade- and all show a level of comfort in using them.

(I did not consider inoculations and was thinking I'd have to be alert if one was infected, but you had explained that not an issue, thus no need to have been worried about it. I assume had I needed to drive while trying to pay that attention that might require a roll. I was simply stating that to affirm/confirm I had it correct.) (I will park where directed and then get out and look for whoever is seeming to be in authority in the immediate area.) (edited)

There is a small group emerging from one of the nearby buldings close to the gate, and one of them is someone Ghost identifies as one of the colony's leadership body. Getting out of the vehicle, the group approaches, first praising everyone on getting home safely before getting to the heart of the matter, thanking you for the vehicle, and inquiring as to who you are and why the UNW has sent you here.

"Your urgent request for assistance had been relayed to the UNW, and they have, as your men (arms indicating the scouts) have stated, 'been thinking ahead' (in aproximation of the voice of the one that had said those words) in sending this mechanical unit to answer your request for aid, and to the other question, Mobile Autonomous Repair Unit K034Y45H1, reporting for duty, fully certifired in the repair of both biological and mechanical units. To satisfy a matter of curiosity upon arrival we have tested and found that the infected seem to not view mechanical forms as worthy of notice as threat or nourishment, in fact while rechargeing of this vehicle they completely disregarded direct phisical contact. The vehicle is both a bonus find and a possible means by which to increase the productivity of any scavenging that you need done. If you wish to, please use the name MARU (as gesture to the writing of such on my frame) as it is certainly more efficient than my full designation. This unit is at your disposal, though charging onboard powercells may be advised before any excursions out of the compound." (Polite small bow.) (edited)

"Welcome Maru. That's quite a skill set you've brought to us. I take it you're here for the long haul then, and that's something we could use. I appreciate the truck, and we've got solar stations up here so you can charge yourself where needed. Everyone should take the day and rest, but tomorrow we have something important I'd like you to help us with- not alone of course- but we're working on making some expansions here, so we can welcome more survivors. "

"Verrywell, charging will commence immediately unless there are pressing repairs you indicate. This unit is equipped with low light vision (lowering lowlight goggles into and out of position) and can be of use at such time that biologicals prefer to be resting. If you have need of such do not hesitate to ask." (With that I will wait a moment to see if any repairs need immediate attention, then I will go to the charging station, do a cursory examination of the system for any indication of issues, if none are found I will plug in for a recharge cycle and shift into standby (sleep) mode set to awaken when complete and by any schedule indicated by them. I will convey a report on the mission through the correct channel thus far, highlighting the immunity to notice from the infected and the advantage of additional Novices as well as non sentient mechanical units would give this perspective UNW member in securing their planet and putting an end to the infection before entering sleep mode.) (edited)

(You didn't take any damage so we don't need repairs. We have power here so you have no issues recharging, and they said you could rest so they're not going to immediately double back and send you on something right this second)

(I'm sorry. The repairs mentioned was directed at them if they needed me to repair anything. I'll be recharging and at whatever time I am fully charged I will look to see if there is any use for me while I await that mission they indicated, and I will volunteer to assist with any night watches that I can to be of general assistance. )

(I was just going to have their mission the next day be what we roll into next )

4:33 PM

(3xp, and 5000 credits for this first mission. This should have you at level 2, just make sure you use our level up template to tell us what you changed )

(I will look over that and see what I need to do. Thank you.)

Level Up Level: 2 Focus: Alert Level 1 (Notice 0) Old HP: 7 HP Roll: 8 New HP: 8 New Skills: Connect 0 for 1 SP, Exert 0 for 1 SP, Sneak 0 for 1 SP, Notice 0 from Focus Alert (edited)

(if notice was at -1 prior, it would be at 1 now due to alert giving you notice as a bonus skill. After character creation a foci giving you a bonus skill gives you 3 skill points toward it) (edited)

(I put the skill points elsewhere, those were connect, exert, and notice. I only got the one for the foci.)

(After character creation if a foci pick gives you a bonus skill, you get 3 skill points toward advancing that skill. If your notice was at -1 prior to taking Alert, it would be at +1 now, since you get 3 skill points toward it for picking Alert and getting notice as a bonus skill)

(Pages 56 and 57 in the Core Rule Book have all the information regarding Character Advancement)

1

(Ok I had it open to those pages and obviously read it wrong. So all is fine there save that my notice at 1?) (edited)

Level Up Level: 2 Focus: Alert Level 1 (Notice 1) Old HP: 7 HP Roll: 8 New HP: 8 New Skills: Connect 0 for 1 SP, Exert 0 for 1 SP, Sneak 0 for 1 SP, Notice 1 from Focus Alert

(Yep that was the only hiccup. Just didn’t want to short you points. )

(Thank you)

10:33 AM

(Oh, I now see Base Attack should be listed, but with 1 to 2 remaining 1 it is no big deal I wager.)

(On coms to my UNW superiors I am assuming that like modern text messages, even without signal such can be made and "sent" so that when communications is available they will just send at that time. I have been to some remote areas and by default switched to text over calls because of this IRL. It is my hope that the message is now up the line that mechanicals, even RC types and non AI worker bots would do a great job in assisting this world currently. )

(It takes a day per hex to reach a planet if it’s not this one. Then that long for a response. They can’t communicate with you in real time )

10:52 AM

(I’ll get our next mission going when I’ve got time to update again. Should be later today )

1

10:52 AM

(You’re just gonna have to trust me that I’m not trying for gotcha moments or anything)

1

(No worries, the communications are in the pipe. That is all that is needed at this time.)

Nekosmash

(You’re just gonna have to trust me that I’m not trying for gotcha moments or anything)

(Zombie paranoia from a big Umbrella corp / RE fan! It's hard to shake! That is how DarQ and I know each other so I'm sure he is getting a good chuckle and can relate to me on that one.) (edited)

The next morning you are called to what passes as the town hall here where the local council is assembling. There are five members of it, and they look to come from all walks of life that are important to the society here. You see someone who looks to be a farm worker, a carpenter, someone representing the security forces, Someone who looks to have been an administrator all their life, and finally someone who looks like a fronterman- who you recognize after a moment is Ghost himself. His knowledge about the wilds has him a seat on this council. "Good morning Maru, I see you're up and at it this morning. We have an assignment for you that would go a long way at advancing one of our big projects here"

"Good morning sirs, this unit is at your disposal."

"Maru, we will get to your mission in just a moment but I understand you came in yesterday, and came in very hot- getting right into the action" the farmer says. "Is there anything you'd like to ask us, as a newcomer to this world? Otherwise, we'll give you the rest of the details about what we'd like you to help us with today" (edited)

(Slightly confused gesture as if trying to make sense of the request.) "Our mission directives outlined that your world had wished to join the UNW as a colony. Reports specified that you required help in finding more survivors and assistance in developing your capacity to provide for yourselves. This unit was dispatched due to certifications in repair of both biological and mechanical systems, and the thought that a mechanical would find less threat from your current biological (pause to choose words) perdicament. This unit needs no further information than you have needs and this unit was built to serve his children. (Gesturing upwards to imply God.) It is appreciated that your charity would see you ask more of yourself on our behalf, but rest assured, service is our purpose and it's own reward. You have provided shelter and sustenance, that is appreciated, now direction as to how to service your needs would be appreciated. " (Tone of the speech will remain gracious and pleasant. Assuming a no skill roll needed easy connect use among folks wanting to connect will have them understand the simple wanting to do my mission is highest in my priorities. I'm rolling with that as a primary motivation till such time as RP guides me elsewhere. The same is true of my speech. I'm working on a fresh off the shelf interface that will change as the RP of "this unit" will guide him to think himself beyond his original operating software. I'll not go on further about it, but in case folks do some reading and pick up on it and influence the direction I go with it. ) (edited)

(I don't think anyone else really would have a preference on what you do with your character so long as you're not being an irl jerk about things, which you are not)

1

7:49 AM

"Alright, well, small talk is not something we'll be doing then. We'd like you to return to the quarry you went to yesterday and help us do two things. The first is clear out the dead currently at the site. They're gathering there and a horde that close to the colony is something we could do without. Secondly, there are other vehicles and mining equipment there, not to mention stocks of raw ore itself that we need processed and brought back. The noise is going to be tremendous and will likely attract more dead, but with those materials we could shore up our defenses, improve some of our housing, and might even have a surplus to send back to the space platform watching over us"

(Are there any vehicles here that look tough enough to be driven over the infected without issue?)

(The colony isn't providing vehicles for this. They can't afford to lose any, and getting more is one of the points of sending this mission out)

(So the vehicle they wish fixed, can I fix this type thing alone? Is IT then big enough to plow the infected drawn to starting it?)

(We didnt really get a great look at whats at the quarry, we know those other two pick up like vehicles are there, but didn't get a deeper look at the site, A lot of what yo're asking is PAFO)

"Lead the way sirs. Additionally if mildly drawn to noise such as they are from this unit, who they do not see as a threat, one may deduce the possibility to lure them into the line of fire of multiple shooters, thus greatly enhancing the speed of their elimination while minimizing risk to you brave souls (Gesturing to the assembled team.) While the infected are beyond saving, this unit is not as qualified in shooting as repairing, thus not the best choice for that task. There will be no hesitation in attempting to terminate them when the need arises, though you may find this unit not as skilled at that task as you may desire." (As I as a player do not know what Maru saw first hand some of those questions simply relate to "of what I saw" that can answer it, not me wanting to know that which I would not know.) (edited)

"We're not sending a team. We're sending you. We have other issues that we need our scouts for, and if the dead are not attracted to you , clearing them out may not be an issue for you. "

"Well then, to paraphrase Job 24:5 (Change voice tone to sound more reverent to the words being spoken) 'Behold, as a wild ass in the desert, go we forth to our work may the wilderness yieldeth food for his children.'" (I will head out in the direction of my mission without hesitation.) (edited)

(sneak/dex)

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [2d6] Roll: [4, 2] Result: 6

You move through the woods quietly over the course of half a day, and it is noon by time you arrive back near the quarry. It sounds like some of the dead have thinned out, scattered by your previous disturbance here. You can see ten of the dead are here now, with two of the pickup trucks remaining. There is also a large storage building here made of metal sides and roofing, where the bigger equipment is kept. The side human sized service door hangs open,.

(Slowly approach the building to see what is inside and if it can be used as shelter as I kill the infected as well as what resources may be inside. I will be looking for items that can be used to make a spear that i can rig through that door to be able to take out the infected without a waste of ammunition and more quietly. Do I need to find a plug to plug in when I been to recharge or is a dormant cycle sufficient when the time comes?) (edited)

You hear more of the dead inside the building, close to five from the distinct sounds they make as they grumble to or at one another.

(Drop lowlight goggles into position and enter the building.)

(Weekend )

2:30 PM

(See #rules-and-books

Entering the building you see there are six of the dead in here and one of them sits in the cab of a large front loader. You’re not sure how it climbed the ladder up there but it is occupying the driver compartment now. The others mill about shuffling aimlessly.

(Secure the door, then climb to the loader where it seems unlikely the others will not as easily climb, if relatively unharassed I will try to position myself where I can use my knife to stab the driver in the head. Assuming the brain will likely end any biological that is the target, and I'm looking to be in a position where if the others get excited I can use the loader structure and cab to my advantage.) (edited)

(Okay we need to take This step by step. This is assuming a lot, we would need an attack and damage result against the driver if you’re trying to take the cab and from there we can see what happens )

(Using as much time that is required for the initial "incision" to be able to be done with my medical/heal of 0, but failing that it is a -1 so I will roll with no mods and let you tell me what I managed. I can wait as long as required as they do not view me as a threat.)

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [2d6] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 5

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [1d6] Roll: [3] Result: 3

3 damage if I hit.

(its an attack roll, not a skill check. Attack rolls are not rolled with 2d6, and cannot be made with heal)

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [1d20-1] Roll: [19] Result: 18

(If the used combat skill is at -1, attack rolls need to be done with - 2 as the Mod, just so you know for next time.)

(I'm seriously thinking of using my pilot skill with a vehicle to remove the infected lol.)

(17 hits, just would need you to roll the damage for the weapon you used)

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [1d6] Roll: [6] Result: 6

The creature does register that it is being attacked, and gives something of a cry, in whatever strange communication method it has with the others. They begin to turn, slowly shambling closer to the vehicle. The spray of gore from dispatching the foe covers your arms as you pull yourself into the cab. The body is dumped out, and the door looks to still be capable of closing firmly behind you.

(Close the door behind me, sit in the seat and sit completely still to observe how long the others take to respond or reset. I will have my pistol out and ready additionally.) (edited)

They are interested in the vehicle and seem to smell the organic material on you. They do not seem to have the motor skills remaining in them to climb, but are trying to get onto the ladder to get into the cab

(How long have they gone without resetting to blindly wandering? I'm willing to give them 15 minutes and reevaluate then.) (edited)

(is this out of character or something you're saying to yourself? Again, I understand formatting may feel petty but it helps me understand the scene at a glance and we can avoid slowing down for exchanges like this)

Edited

as the 15 minutes goes by they must be able to smell the residue on you and do not seem to lose interest in what they think might be a potential meal.

(I will seek to take my time killing them from the height of the cab as advantage. If I must I will do it unarmed with a foot.)

1

2

1

(Did they try to eat the one I had to toss out to get in the cab?)

1

1

(no , they did not. They can't reach the cab since they cannot climb the ladder, but they're trying to get up there since you smell like blood now)

(I will seek to take my time killing them from the height of the cab as advantage. If I must I will do it unarmed with a foot.)

(You do have weapons. Are you using one or are you resolved to use your foot. This is going to be a series of combats if that is the case then, so we'll need initiative, and they'll get chances to swing back)

(Did I not find something long to use as a spear like I mentioned prior?)

(I do not see any mention of this looking back as far as when you entered the building) (edited)

https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/1025503490195329024/1030538512757424178

(we went inside the building where you were hoping to find the supplies to do this and immediately started dealing with the dead inside, so you were not able to spend the time to make a spear) (edited)

(Then using the height of the cab I am in to keep me safe I will shoot them with the pistol taking whatever extra time the system allows for aiming. This will keep me from being attacked.)

(There’s no mechanism in this system for an aimed shot. Let’s get initiative )

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [1d8] Roll: [7] Result: 7

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d8] Roll: [4] Result: 4

(You would be first)

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [1d20-1] Roll: [17] Result: 16

I would ask if the +2 for prepared position bonus would ba applicable as I am there in as prepared as a position I can with an enemy not trying to get out of the way in any manner. In any case I suspect that roll is a hit. (edited)

Xanthus Noir

used /roll

MARU K034Y45H1 Request: [1d6] Roll: [2] Result: 2

If I have to plink away at this not real combat scene my will to roll may run out of ammo before my gun. With the focus of SWN was rolE playing over rolL playing I'd be happy to sacrifice X shots to remedy sitting here till next week plinking away at them. We're they able to hit me I totally get it, but if they cannot please find a fair manner to resolve this without 10 rounds and 2 days of rolling. They can't hit me. Pew, pew, pew, till they are gone or something that prevents me from continuing at whatever point that is. Were they able to hit me it would be something totally different.

(Just because you are not able to see or know what other consequences may come from shooting a loud gun on a planet infested with zombies that react to noise, does not mean there are no such other dangers or complications. Also just because a system is focused on role playing does not mean that we just whisk through combat for no discernible reason. If you were not interested in having this "not real combat scene" then perhaps your first action in said scene should not have been initiating combat.)

Can you not see in my message there was an accounting for that? "...till they are gone or something that prevents me from continuing...*?

(I'm not addressing the "prepared firing position" as that is something that Neko would confirm if the circumstances warrant such a bonus. Just because you state your are doing something doesn't automatically mean you get an attack bonus.)