Iron Stars - rolin

Rolin , assigned to yet another day of rock crushing duties, groans as the job listings for the day are posted. Every day the same thing. The same work. Little by little the ruins of Mytikas are less rubble choked but the work is exhausting and done with hand tools, modern convenience almost completely forgotten

Agitated by the hard work, swearing to himself Rolin thinks of his plans and keeps them close in his mind focusing on the future, sure he can get there with a small stroke of good luck, just a little break is all he needs.

Maybe with enough persuasion he could get another to do his work for him. A little push and a big, strong, dumb man is all it would take.

(We can do a connect/wis if you’re trying to find someone)

(sure, whats the role?)

(Connect/wis)

(-1/0)

9:03 PM

(wait 1 sec i have henchmens does that help?)

(Click the pencil on top right of your sheet. Turn off edit mode. Then click connect. It’ll ask you what modifier. Say wisdom)

9:03 PM

(Then tell me that number)

(4)

9:06 PM

(can i not use henchkeeper in this situation?)

(It will make them easier to convince but you have to find someone to convince. Elysium protectorate is 3 groups of every different people together on a planet they don’t know and have been there for less than a month. Yourself included. Any connections you had before are meaningless)

(I figured that, but it states within 24 hours of arriving i could so im just unsure how it works)

9:10 PM

(Level 1: Gain Lead as a bonus skill. You can acquire henchmen within 24 hours of arriving in a community, assuming anyone is suitable hench material. These henchmen will not fight except to save their own lives, but will escort you on adventures and risk great danger to help you. Most henchmen will be treated as Peaceful Humans from the Xenobestiary section of the book. You can have one henchmen at a time for every three character levels you have, rounded up. You can release henchmen with no hard feelings at any plausible time and pick them back up later should you be without a current henchman.)

9:11 PM

(not questioning if it will work just unclear how it will)

9:12 PM

(sorry if i'm being a nuisance )

(I’ve made my ruling)

9:20 PM

No one you’ve worked with before seems to be nearby but that seems to be hardly uncommon with the ever changing work duties. Last you saw of the friend you’d made the week prior was him being handed a pickaxe and sent to the iron mine north of the city

9:20 PM

A handful of workers sit idle near one of the small trucks carting water for everyone, already sweating even though the day is far from at its warmest part

Rolin looks around for the biggest, troglodyte of a man. (edited)

You seem to have several options. They’re each sipping water and talking quietly. One misses his mouth with his canteen

A twinkle fills Rolin's eyes. That is the one, That is the man I will seduce. How though? Sex, no not my type at all. Drugs? That would take too long. Money? Yes money, thats the one. "Hey!" Rolin walks over to the man. "Hey, you Jimmy, was it? Johnny?" Rolin stares waiting for a name.

“Thud” he says, looking down at you with confusion in his one good eye

"Thud, that was it. We need to talk." Rolin looks around and then back at Thud. "Maybe over by the wall, this is kind of private." Ronin gestures as he walks to a secluded rubble half wall.

Rolin notices how tall the man is and smirks, waving him over again. (edited)

He ponderously moves over to a quieter area, away from the ears of his kinsmen "Err, what you want?" he asks

"Look?" Rolin looks at Thud earnestly "They are getting upset. Your preformance is slipping. Though, if you want security, I can guaruntee you, not only secure income. I can make you rich and happy." Rolin looks smiling at Thud. "I can't give you immediate promises but stick with me and you will be living the high life soon enough. You interested in living in wealth, or are you happy starving and hoping you make it through?"

"I want it to be easy" he says, with the amount of confidence only an idiot can project into the world

"Then work for me. I know it will be hard at first, but soon it will get so much easier. What do you say?"

8:39 AM

Rolin Smirks at the man.

"Work for you? What would I do? You move rocks with everyone" He opens his hands to encompass the general area, where there are indeed dozens if not hundreds of people doing the exact same job

"Today, you would move rocks still. Trust me, and give me time, we will be living in paradise shortly. Our own rules and in comfort. Though we will need extra rocks. I also need time to recruit more people. All I need from you is trust and a little hard work."

He shrugs. "I will move rocks until you have a job, then"

Annoyed that he has to go back to work, noting maybe the man is a little too dense for his own good. Rolin goes back to work. (edited)

He heads back to work, and starts lifting your pile of rocks, in addition to his. It is not long before a small car pulls up, and two officers emerge, rushing over to speak with the foreman, careful to keep their voices low. You can see on the foreman's expression whatever is happening right now is not routine

Rolin smiles, noticing that the rock headed man understood what was being asked of him. Noticing the foreman and the officers Rolin tries to over hear what's going on while half-ass working.

The officer snaps to attention. “Everyone grab your tools. There’s been a collapse at the iron mine. We need everyone here able bodied to get ready to leave. We are going to be flown there”

9:07 PM

In the skies, the cargo lighters from the platforms, usually kept in the void due to the lack of easy refuel, are descending, their contrails forming a faux meteor shower

Rolin grabs his equipment ready to go. This was his chance. He waved Thud over, making sure his new "friend" was near and ready. Rolin would make sure he looked like a "hero" and make some connections higher up.

the lighters are packed, 20 of you in each, for a total of 5 ships. The cargo hold is cramped with so many people inside it, and there was not enough time to refit them for passenger transport. You are jostled around the cabin as the pilot takes off. Even gently, the cabin rattles and shakes. There are a few viewports on the sides, and you see Mytikas shrinking below you

Rolin tries to open a telepathic link with Thud. Hoping the man doesn't panic and will accept the "invasion" into his mind.

(If its the 0 technique i dont think he gets a save, i jsut need you to tell me what you are using)

(Transmit thought, lvl 1 telepathy skill, instant against a willing target)

(he's not willing, but save was failed)

(his save failed, your whatever you're doing works)

9:19 AM

(i just dont know what youre intending to do once in his head)

Rolin uses the telepathic Link to speak with Thud. "Don't panic, it's me thud i'm a telepath. all you have to do is think it and I will hear it. This is our chance. We need to be the hero's of this story, this is my ticket to a better life Thud, and i'm bringing you with me!" (edited)

(Are you level 0 or 1 in telepathy) (edited)

(1)

10:06 AM

(strictly telepathy build)

Bringing me with you? where are we going? he answers with child like simplicity. You can feel the implicit trust in his words

To the skies my friend, straight to the top. We will dig our way up and rule our own organization, and you will be right there with me

Organization? What are you getting me into? I don't want to get in trouble he replies

In trouble? Only trouble if you get caught, but nothing illegal from you, you just get to be muscle I promise

The formation of landers flies across the sparse grassland, heading north toward some enormous peaks . A number of thin smoke trails from a developing mining and refining camp curl skyward, and you see a handful of the Protectorate's precious vehicles on station helping to clear the heaviest of the rubble.

7:41 PM

With a gentle dive, the landers descend on the camp, gently touching down, ramps opening before the engines can even finish powering down

Rolin readies himself for the landing, pushing to the front. of the crowd. Rolin waves thud to follow, making sure they are the first off the ship. Ready to go Rolin rushes off the ramp ready to go.

You see a foreman with a pick, directing a team of diggers to begin moving some rockfall from the tunnel mouth, as you approach, at the head of a group of 100 or so more workers. He makes eye contact with you. "Just get in? If you guys are fresh grab some tools, we're running out of time to get those men out"

Rolin nods "Aye!" He rushes in ready to work harder than he has ever worked. Rolin gestures for thud to follow and they head into the tunnel.

You approach the tunnel and there is another foreman handing out atmofilters to help keep out some of the dust in the air. You see a stretcher pass, as a blood soaked miner , somehow still alive despite his legs being flattened, passes by with four stretcher carriers. They are running him towards the cargo lighters which have remained on the ground.

Rolin grabs a mask for himself and tosses one back to Thud. "Let's go Thud. Time to be hero's. Remember, if you need to tell me something in here just think it, and i'll hear it. OK?" (edited)

"OKAY BOSS, I CAN DO THAT" he says in your head, in something far eclipsing even an outside voice . The rocks ahead are slick with blood from those crushed in the initial cavein

I can hear you just fine, don't force it Thud. Ra'na runs as fast as he safely can into the tunnels, ready to save as many as he's able and look good.

(its blocked by rocks, you have to get through them first)

3:26 PM

(but we can get an exert/str, or con for that, with a +2 from thud's help)

(oh ok, i'll roll) (edited)

3:28 PM

(21)

3:28 PM

(22)

3:28 PM

(forgot my own modifier)

(Exert/str is going to be 2d6 + Exert skill + Str modifier + 2 from Thud)

3:44 PM

(You can click on the Exert skill on your character sheet and it adds the right stuff for you. It'll ask for what Attribute to use and any other modifiers to the roll. In your case, Str or Con and the modifier is 2 from Thud)

(ah ok) (edited)

3:57 PM

(11)

1

You and thud easily do the work of six men, clearing away rock and crushing large pieces into ones more easily moved by those on clearing duty. Each stone removed is precious inches closer to those trapped inside and after three hours of work that feels more like ten fevered minutes, you have a breach. A spear of sunlight shoots inside, illuminating the dirty and bleeding faces of over forty trapped miners , huddling by the rockfall

6:41 PM

(It’s just a hole. They can’t walk out. You also can’t take stones out haphazard anymore because it could shift)

"Alright, let's get them some water" Rolin looks at the hole trying to decide how to proceed. (is there a top of the shaft that can be dug down from?) (edited)

(you can certainly try to make one from the top)

Rolin gestures for Thud to follow and climbs up on top of the shaft and starts digging down approximately 15 foot from the entrance in an attempt to keep the cave in stable.

the smaller rocks are thrown aside easily, but you begin coming to some that are far too large to be moved by hand, and too solid to be easily broken by your hand tools

(how common are psychic powers here?)

(They're not forbidden or frowned upon, but you'd have no idea, theres not a formal academy or even anything close)

Rolin curses as he hits the rock he cant dig through.

Rolin walks back down to the cave in and checks on the emotional situation of the group inside the cave in. Meanwhile also looking at the rocks to see if he can come up with a safe way to remove the boulders without a collapse.

There does not seem to be a way to remove them, but the hole you've made in the roof is wide enough for someone to squeeze out of, if they shed their gear. THere are numerous ropes around the area, most coming in with the handful of emergency vehicles here

Rolin grabs a rope tethering it to the hole in the the roof and climbs through to help push people through. "you must remove your gear, otherwise you can't fit."

seeing what you are proposing , other workers begin running lines and cables up to you, one scales a rock wall above the mine, and attaches a block and tackle, so you have a way to pulley them off. The sun is setting in the sky when the first miner is pulled free, hooked up with ropes, and pulled by dozens of men on the ground.

Rolin see's the light fading, as a precaution Rolin uses the survey scanner to check if the air is flammable or explosive. (I'll roll) (edited)

1:14 PM

(INT.modifier i rolled 5) (edited)

(Int with what, please just wait for me to tell you what to roll, because id ont know what this means)

1:42 PM

The air is not explosive, they have not been using blasting charges here. The cause of the cavein is still unknown, but it seems to be an actual accident, and not sabotage

(ok my apologies, the survey scanner said it required a know roll and i just wanted to make your life easier. I won't roll again unless you say. Again my apologies) Rolin takes out the glow bug for light and continues to help people through the hole.

(All good, i dont have r20 in fronty of me most of the time, so if i dont say what it is, i dont know what the results mean) It is close to midnight when the last of the survivors is pulled through the wreckage, and peering down into the cavern, you see that one of the supports had collapsed, showering the tunnel insides with debris and causing the landslide. The cracked column looks to have happened naturally, not helped along with tools or by someone trying to hack it away

Rolin calls up to thud "Thud help me out of the hole." and collects his glow bug.

Thud throws a rope down to you, with the harness loop tied into the bottom for your foot. Ther eis a sharp jerk as youre pulled out, back into the roof

Rolin grunts at the hard tug, but tries to keep it inaudible. Rolin decides to play the humanitarian act and check on the miners. "Are you all ok?"

Everyone who can talk right now, as they're not yet seen by medics, affirms they are. Those most seriously injured are getting medical attention,or are being carried, or dragged, towards the cargo lighters that brought you here

8:24 PM

"Fine work with the block and tackle, and the ropes" the foreman says . "What's your name son? I'll ensure the Regent is notified of your quick thinking"

"Rolin. but I couldn't have done any of it without Thud." Gestures at Thud.

(3xp, 5000 creditS)

(ty, ty)

Thud waves over enthusiastically back, whapping himself in the face on the last part of the wave, before going back to smashing rocks against one another, this time for fun

8:30 PM

"Well, I'll make sure you and your friend are both mentioned . I'd expect those fliers wont be back until close to morning. You're welcome to bunk down in one of the empty worker barracks for a while and get some rest. You've earned it"

"I think i'll take you up on that. Thank you very much."

8:32 PM

Ronin heads to the barraacks gesturing over to Thud to follow to go to bed.

(I fixed your health, you get max health the first level, so for lvl 2, it just goes up by 1 +con, since you'd still jsut be rolling 1 hit dice as a taros for right now)

8:47 PM

(otherwise, spend your 3 sp accordingly)

(ok thank you, was just readin up on what to do XD)

(I took henchkeeper 2 for my lvl2 foci.)

You're woken, pre-dawn, as the landers have returned, now empty of their patients and medical cargo, and ready to bring the work team back to Mytikas for new work. "We've let the regent know about the good work both of you have done. I hope it leads to some better opportunities for both of you"

"Much appreciated Sir. Glad I could help." (edited)

He hands you a data pad with a summary of what went on today on it, and nods, as the ramp shuts behind you and thud. THe flight home is less fevered and done on calmer skies. You can see not all of the blood was hosed out of the cargo bay after its last flight, but that might be for any number of reasons. It finally sets down, outside the southern gate of Mytikas, and you can hear the sounds of the workday beginning inside.

Relieved to be home but not about work Rolin sighs and heads back to the rubble

(if you dont have anything of your own you want to get into i can give you another mission)

(I need to shop and prep for the infiltration mission i agreed to but I have time before that comes up. Though meeting some people would be good for me so maybe i'll just explore the town some, make some hench people if that's ok.)

Rolin finishes up with work and runs into town with Thud looking for a hoverbike.

The shortages of everything, and the lack of even power right now means new vehicles are not being made. Attempts at finding a hoverbike prove fruitless for the time spent looking for one. The only group with vehicles consistently running is the military, and to that end a squadron of six bikes zooms by, heading to and out the eastern city gate

Rolin looks to contract with the military with Thud, they have the best equipment, and Rolin will need that. (edited)

The military you come to find, barely has enough to keep themselves going. At this time they’re not accepting new recruits. (You would have had the unity meeting by this point. Maybe moving in on that green liquid being passed out or muscling in on their underground alcohol scene?)

Rolin spends the rest of the day watching the military, waiting for someone to slip up and show him some alcohol, or better, maybe, the green liquid. gaining control over these would be a massive step forward in living the high life.

The Myrmidons themselves keep to their duties and do not slip up over the course of the day watching them, but at evening drill, where they train the city militia, you see two of them huddled near the back, having a quiet word and quickly exchanging a flask

Rolin tracks the militia man that handed off the flask till Rolin can find him alone.

The exercises continue for another hour, with both of the men quickly rejoining their unit. The drills continue until everyone is exhausted and sweating heavily. They begin heading back through the dark streets of the city toward the clutches of ruins they consider their homes for the time being, most living among the outer circle, undoubtedly the last to be developed, and the place where people are exposed to the most risk- you can see why so many from there would want to join the militia. He, and his partner, cast wary glances around the area on their slow walk home, the friend leaving at one of the many town squares, until finally the flaskman is walking alone (sneak/dex)

(6)

He turns, drawing his revolver and pointing it at you. (he got an 8 for notice) "That's close enough. You've been following me for a little bit now. What do you want?"

Hey man, I'm just scouting for new recruits. I need some good men to make good money and you seem like just the man. you follow me and you'll have anything you want in time. But first I need to know. What is it you do want? I can get you anything in time and all it will take is your loyalty.

"New recruits? I'm already in the militia. I've been recruited. I think you've made a mistake" the gun begins to lower a bit, but he has not holstered it

"No, sir I've not. You're not being taken from the militia. We are what you'd call a secret service group. Like human resources of sorts. to make sure our soldiers are happy. I have authority to get you almost anything your heart desires. All it takes is some loyalty. work for me, and the military and the day your career in the military ends you will have everything you ever needed or wanted."

6:46 PM

(Use telepathy to check his emotional standing)

(Oh we're def gonna need a talk/cha for this boldfaced lie too) You sense an overwhelming amount of fear

(lol ok)

7:12 PM

(9)

(8) "Why...why me. I'm not even an officer, hell, I'm not even a corporal. And why did you follow me? you could have just asked me this in camp

"Calm down kid, if we only took people from officer positions it would be a corrupt system of lies and cover ups, don't you think?" Rolin looks at him earnestly trying not to smirk at how gullible this man is. " So? What do you say?"

"Lies and cover- ups? What are you suggesting? I'm not involved in anything like that" His fear is stoked almost to the boiling point, and he still has not holstered his gun

"Calm down, i'm just stating that I can't be thorough without the help of the lower ranks ok?" (edited)

"That...that makes a bit of sense" he agrees, beginning to calm down. "So what exactly do you want from me?"

"To be loyal, as i've stated. you want to see the Elysium thrive? Then trust me and just follow my orders. Understood?" (Can I use my leadership skill to pull this off better?)

(Are you referring to your foci?)

(Oh i want him to be a henchmen yes but I want to try using leadership to convince him i'm here to help and calm him.)

(you already passed the talk check, this is as good as you can do right now)

(ok.) "So where can i get some alcohol around here?"

"I am still a militiaman. I'll do what I can to help out, but I'm not going to get hauled in front of a firing squad for dereliction of duty because of you" He looks like he had more to say, but then hears your question "ah, you've got a need for it too eh? Hard part of our new planet, especially if you're used to depending on something like that. Thought maybe I'd get clean finally, but it was too hard.

8:42 PM

"I have been speaking to these two guys who usually lurk near the market. Location changes every couple of days, but they're never far"

"Great, and no worries, i'd never ask you to defect or commit treason, you've been a great help private, thank you." Rolin wanders off towards the market looking for some shady men.

Waiting to follow the private home took the better part of the evening and the market is effectively closed for the night by time you are there. A few of the merchants unsatisfied with the day's business, despite their very little to sell, are still there, but most of the shoppers and stalls have packed it in for the night.

"Well, damned." Rolin calls it a night. Better look for a chemist tomorrow instead.

8:48 PM

Rolin heads to his bed in the rubble.

Thud stomps off to wherever he makes his bedding at night, and you yourself sleep fitfully, before rising to a grey morning, stormclouds distant on the horizon

Rolin stretches, waking up to the morning. After a grunt Rolin crawls out of bed and heads to the market, looking for the two men.

The market is busy this time of morning, shift workers trying to get what they need for the day before heading out, or for later in the evening, It isnt long before you spot them

Rolin walks up to the duo and leans in close. "A friend of mine told me you could score some alcohol?" (edited)

'Depends on who the friend is. We're jsut out here peddling water. " one says, clearly expecting some kind of appropriate answer in return

Rolin looks at the man directly. "A private friend of mine, and that's good because i'm pretty thirsty."

"Thirsty eh? Where'd you meet this private?"

"Just a friend with similair histories. we used to enjoy the same 'Pleasures' as one another before coming here."

They both begin packing up the still, and their dispensing cups. "If you can't be up front about who your contact is we can only assume you're here with bad intentions. You wouldn't be the first"

"Fair enough. I have no ill-intentions, just a good chunk of credits to burn through. Though if you don't feel comfortable oh well." Rolin starts to walks away.

They continue packing up their still, casting furtive glances at you. They do not appear to be armed

Rolin scans the area for any authority figures. (edited)

A quick glance at the market has a handful of militia scattered in loose two man patrols, but nobody close to the outskirts on this side of the market

Rolin pulls out his gun under his shirt and puts it to the mans back. "Lets go somewhere private, and before you think to be smart, I'm not afraid of death. Are you?"

(initiative)

9:26 AM

(You'll get a surprise round)

(8)

(They'll have a 5, so you get two moves with your surprise and then 8, and then they'll go)

(do you roll to hit in this system or just damage?) (edited)

(its hit and damage, if you dont have edit mode on and click the weapon, it will do it all for you)

ok

(no extra modifiers, it adds your attack bonus and shoot or stab, whatever is relevant, all together for you already)

(8,7/4/11)

(Same target? different targets? whats going on?)

Rolin aims at the second man, with his mesh on the first ready to jolt the man if he moves.

The men jump as your rifle cracks twice, and you hear screams of alarm out in the market at the sound of weapons fire inside the city. The two men draw snub nosed pistols of their own. "Guards! Guards! We're being robbed!" They return fire (14/4, 12/6) , the pistols barking harshly at the poor quality ammunition, likely homemade

(i'm dead)

They tower over your mortally wounded body, and you see the pistol fire once more, as they grab their still, and flee