Iron Stars - salazan

"Alright Salazan." Dr. Baratta says after a long few moments of silence. "I guess the cat is out of the bag now, as it were. We can't keep your existence a secret anymore. " Baratta looks at a large map of the local area, projected on to the wall. The bright yellow the NMC favors once dominated the entire grid, now, reduced to just three worlds. "So much out there we lost, and so much more we don't understand. It's not fair to keep you here. So I've got an offer for you, the parliament members who need to know have approved"

Salazan stretches, rolling his shoulders. "How is it, Doctor, you know exactly what I've been waiting to hear? I've been dying to get out of this one complex, despite the enjoyable plethora of reading material you have given me."

8:07 AM

"At least, I assume this offer isn't to sit on a board discussing the theoretical best approaches to scouting and survey techniques. Not that I'd say no, but..."

8:11 AM

"My expertise is more in ancient cultures, weapon usage and it's links to the development of societies, that sort of thing." (edited)

8:11 AM

"Not modern survey methods." (edited)

"I'm aware. We've spent some time together. Everything that has happened over the last few years has been because of the past. Pre-Human, Pre-Slyth even. I can't think of a better role for someone with your qualifications than to lead your own expedition team"

Salazan straightens up, his head titling slightly. "Expedition? I haven't even done my dissertation... " He falls silent, then makes several short hissing sounds. "What am I talking about, dissertation? Apologies, Doctor, I forget I'm not still on my degree from time to time. Being in a research lab, surrounded by doctors, talking shop, makes it easy to fall into old rhythms. Where would I be surveying? Anisah? Tavgularis? Or something outside those borders?" He darts the tip of his tail towards the map. "Groa? Viggis? Where's the priority? Eager to get going!"

8:45 AM

"Don't tell me I've free reign? Do I get to choose?!" Salazan's tail is actively twitching, and his eyes are darting between the board and Dr Baratta, his head moving slightly as his eyes move.

"We lost contact with Groa. The robotic protectors left there to help fend off a possible flesh shaper incursion turned on us, and we were not able to evacuate anyone in time. Aside from Groa, you have free reign"

8:52 AM

(Maxwell is about to start an expedition, we can race you over to work with him, if you like)

(think that would be good, having someone else to bounce off.)

"I'll arrange for our fastest ship to get you to Anisah, so you can catch up with him"

8:56 AM

"You should be just in time

"Wonderful. Anisah has breathable air right? So I won't need a vaccsuit?"

"It's a forested world, you should be fine"

Salazan is strapping on his various sheaths and quivers, and nods.

"Temperate enough for you to get by with no trouble from the environment. I thnk a good first destination for you

"Wonderful. Thank you for everything Doctor. If I find anything interesting in particular, I'll make sure you're clocked in on it."

(I had this second fast ship with you on it splashing down in maxwell's thread. he should be on soon)

(Yup, figured that. I'll let him respond, then get things rolling.)

(What is the procedure for requesting stuff?)

(usually book price, make me a list and if sometihng is not available i will let you know

(Stalker Drone w/Heavy Lift, Stationkeeping, Obs Suite (1000+2000+1000+250), Conversion Bow (500), Pressure Tent (100), 10 A cells (100)) (edited)

9:14 PM

(Leaving 50 credits)

(all that is available)

(Cool)

9:20 PM

(HP increases by 2)

Salazan and the two riflemen assigned to him prepare to head north, following tracks through the woods to hopefully, either survivors, or at least the equipment needed to override the safety protocols in the fort. "Kind of weird how all the adults just left like that..." one says "Did the Slyth do things like this? " (edited)

"What, abandon the young and bunker down? No, we were powerful enough that the Shaper threat was very much an external threat. Something on the outside, pushing in, not something laying siege to our homeworlds. After all, we were our own downfall, not the Shapers, so this slightly mad rush for safety and security from an invader never really hit us as a species. Obviously, when the virus was released, there was panic, but it was species wide. It wasn't something you could "hide" from, or build a fortress against."

1:55 PM

"No, the Slyth response to things like this was to think of a way out of it, or a new way to fight back. The Cryo-pods were very much that. A way to buy time for the healthy scientists to figure a way out of the problem. Obviously, it didn't work out, but it does show. The Slyth were always inventive in how we approached problems. Inbred royal family ruling with an iron fist? Poorly tailor a virus to their gene-sequence. Shapers invading? Fight them with drones you loose the command keys for. Sorry about that by the way, Dr Barrata told me about the problems on Groa, and I understand similar programs the Slyth put in place went a similar way. Anyway, the Slyth, despite being exceptionally powerful at their height, mainly suffered from.... overthinking and being too clever by half. Finding a solution without checking for problems with said solution." (edited)

"Or not having time to check for a solution. It's not all your fault. Who could have known?" the rifleman shurgs

2:03 PM

"Alright, so lets think then, We can figure out the why later on"

Salazan draws himself up slightly, and his voice becomes a little tense. "We should have known. And I'll thank you not to comment on my species failure. Now, these adults. Lets see if we can't track them."

2:05 PM

(Survive/Int or wis to track the path?)

(you can choose between what attribute you want to use)

2:05 PM

(i think you can make a case for either)

(Makes no difference to the roll, so hey!)

2:06 PM

(Survive/Int 10)

The tracks are followed through an especially dense patch of woods to what appears to be some sort of cave cut into a rocky hillside. You find the first of the bones outside. They are clearly human, but scattered, and look to be made from several incomplete bodies, rather than just especially spread out remains of one

Salazan draws his bow, and points to the edge of the trees. "Take position, and get ready to open fire. I'm going to investigate."

8:11 AM

Salazan carefully moves along the edge of the trees, looking to inspect one of the furthest out sets of body parts

There are signs that it was crushed and the marrow sucked out, rather than the bone actually being cut with enough force to separate

Sighing, Salazan directs the drone down to his level, so it can look into the cave

It looks like some kind of large beast, similar to the one you encountered back at the other abandoned settlement had once, a long time ago, lived here, and there are signs of a battle. Rusted NMC laser locks are discarded inside, their power cells dead, and dozens more bodies are within. It must have been a truly massive beast do kill this many, and still have the strength to go elsewhere. A small green light catches your drone's sensor, buried inside the cave under a mound of bones

Keeping an eye on the drone's output, watching for the creature, Salazan moves swiftly to the entrance, and then hurries inside, aiming for the green light.

A smashed compad with half of the files showing as corrupted is found amid the bones. Nothing seems to be living in the cave now, aside from the occasional insect or rodent scavenger

*Salazan exits the cave, and begins heading back down the path, with the two riflemen, seeing what he can get out of the compad."

It looks like half of the facility access code is on this pad, from what can be recovered. There are some scattered journal entries as well. From what you can gather, the adults realized there was not nearly enough food, water, or spare power stored in the garrison to sustain all of them, and their children. They had left to try to forage, and set up a community elsewhere until this was over, with the eventual hope of returning to reclaim their kin, but they were beset upon by beasts, and one another almost right away

2:37 PM

and the groups scattered, their eventual fates unknown to the information here

Salazan will call in to the colony, and let them know that there are a lot of children without parents in the holdfast, then head back towards the split off of the trails.

5:23 PM

"Maxwell, we're back. Do you need help, or should we investigate the second path? I've got some of the access code for the holdfast."

What happened to the group you were tracking? (edited)

"Dead. Attempted to pick a fight with an apex predator, and ended up loosing. Looks like all of them are dead, but whatever did it long moved on. A whole bunch of broken weapons and skeletons out here."

Alright, go ahead and check the other path, we will meet you back at the meeting spot after we finish here. Stay safe.

"Confirmed."

12:10 PM

Salazan will begin to follow the other path. (edited)

We have the other half of the code. If you still want to search the other path we are on our way to you.

"Understood. Who knows, we might find one of the parties has survived. Make it a lot easier to handle the children if some of their parents are around. Also make it less of a burden on the colony."

(We can merge here again for the trek north. You guys ok with that?)

(Np on my end)

(Np for me)

The two groups and their now complete defensive override command codes meet back up for the northern path. The land ahead is hilly and thick with trees and scrub brush. Animals of all sizes seem to transverse this path normally though the activity here has scared them off for now

"See anything that looks like human tracks?"

Salazan will have a look around, to see if he can identify the human tracks among them all.

you had seen human tracks going north, coming here, the path is lost among the dense brush. Regular eyes are simply not up to the task

(Survive/int roll to attempt to track them further, have the drone begin looking for traces with UV (pick up traces, UV reflective/non-reflective fibres etc.))

(If the drone is using all that stuff we don’t need the roll)

11:16 AM

The drone is able to find the strongest tracks passing through a ravine where an ancient river once ran. It is dry now and appears to be more of a thickly forested canyon. No bodies show on the drones filters yet but the tracks here look fresher than normal, and some even look meandering , as though this area is still trafficked

"Looks like whoever was up here has been for a while. Some fresh tracks even."

11:36 AM

Salazan will press on, making sure to keep his weapons away from him, and looking out for signs of movement.

Max follows doing the same.

"Hopefully we will find some of the parents, we already have enough orphans."

Approaching the front of the ravine, its clear someone has felled some of the lower branches of the pines here for thatch. The cones have been meticulously picked up from the forest floor, and several of the other nearby trees show signs of being worked at but not cut down by axe blows. Several sharpened stakes are lying on the ground but have not been set up. There is clear movement further into the cavern, judging by the swaying of skinny adolescents trees

Salazan glances at Maxwell

3:22 PM

"I'm a 20ft snake. Maybe a face that isn't biologically programmed to provoke fear in them should meet them first?"

Maxwell takes the lead, calling out into the cavern. "Hello, is anyone there? My name is Maxwell, I'm with the NMC Navy." (edited)

There is an agitated movement in the bushes, as the first of several bedraggled survivors begin pulling themselves out of the woods. A half dozen are before you, malnourished and filthy. Their former somewhat elegant clothing hangs off them like they're sheeted in dirty rags.

Maxwell walks up and begins to help them out of the woods into the open.

When you approach they tense. Several raise makeshift spears, and the mood here is one of great confusion. None of them have yet tried to speak (edited)

Max puts his hands up. "Relax, we came out here to find you all. Your children are all still in the holdfast but cannot turn the defenses off. We are here to help you go home."

One of them, an elderly woman missing most of her teeth makes her way forward. She has a walking stick that’s been made recently. She comes to the front of the pack and holds up a hand. “You come from the Core? Is the war over? The cooperative left this planet..rapidly”

"Yes, the war is over. Are you all able to make it back to the city?"

"I suppose. What does the city look like?"

"It is very overgrown and covered in bird refuse, but otherwise more or less fine."

(3xp, 5000 credits to you both, we dont need to play out getting them back. If you wanted to deactivate the fort yourselves we can pick up there, otherwise, we can move on. both settlements have been reconnoitered and restored as much as they can be for right now. This planet is no longer considered a colony, and is back to a reduced, but developed status)

(Would Max get his goal for exploring a colony?)

(i have to re-read how its written, just getting my notes carried over for Anisah right now)

(It says complete a scouting mission of a nearby world, dunno if that means another empty planet or this one, fine with either)

(you get it)

(Unless Salazan has something he wants us to do together im gonna head back to my thread, got a laser pistol to return) (edited)

(Nope, Salazan is good) (edited)

(Leveled up to 3, hp up to 25, Stab->1, Talk->0, Pilot->0)

Salazan will look to return to Jagrati, eager to return his samples to Dr Barrata, and to see about doing something more.

(1 day of downtime)

Salazan will use his time to acquire a list of gear he thinks he'll need.

12:22 PM

(Shopping list: Com Server, Vacc Suit, Type B cell, Solar Recharger, 20 Glowbugs, Navcomp, TL4 Binoculars, Pressure Tent, Vacc Fresher, Dataslab, 2 Portaboxes, Survey Scanner (4,550 credits))

(all that is available)

(Salazan is transporting most of this stuff with his drone, since it can take 20 kilos of stuff) (edited)

Dr. Barrata is pleased to take the samples upon your return from Anisah, and immediately begins getting them set into storage for later work. "Anisah was a challenge, from the sound of things" he says, fussing about with the exact arrangement of how the objects are to be stored

"Hostile fauna mostly. Some sort of apex predator, with some sort of tranquilising venom, I think. It's the first sample. Also, it had armour plating that seemed to resist the laser weaponry the arms men on the expedition had." Salazan removes the piece of removed armour, and shows it. "No idea what the composition could be, but laser resistant armour has to be interesting to look into. If it occurs in nature, can't be too difficult to replicate in a lab."

"I had the same thought. I'll see what we can do. Parliament is going to have its own meeting next month, I think its high time we petition them to join that combined research agreement"

"Combined research agreement? First I've heard of this, Doctor. Care to fill me in?" Salazan is packing a series of survival equipment onto the cargo space of his drone, making sure everything is collapsed down and compressed

"The UNW, Greystar Confederacy, and Elysium Protectorate have all agreed to establish a joint lab on the planet Galeta. Galeta is headquarters for all the international organizations already, so no fear of any one polity dominating things there. All those polities are donating all samples or data that comes in to the common good, and breakthroughs are shared. They've offered their existing knowledge if we do elect to join, but its not something you and I can just decide ourselves here"

"I can see the benefits. I can also see why some would oppose it. It feels like asking to benefit from the losses the NMC have suffered by enduring the Shapers. Getting in would show that the NMC are a functional state again. How could I help? I'm not exactly a political shaker and mover."

"Perhaps not, but you should be. You're in a very unique position as a species and as a member of the Cooperative. You might consider yourself young, but to us, you are a venerable and ancient species who has seen a time in the universe that none of my species ever has. You have a wealth of advice within you, even if you might not feel it yourself, and we need to get the right people to listen. Perhaps taking some jobs for some of the noble houses, or working towards some of the goals the polity itself is trying to complete. Once you've got the reputation, the rest will fall into place"

Salazan pauses, and his tongue flicks in and out a few times. Then he shrugs, and nods

4:27 AM

"If you think I'll contribute to such an endeavour, I'd be delighted to help. Only thing is, I'll need you to point me out a good tailor. And preferably one that doesn't mind doing custom jobs rather than adjusting off the rack."

"There are more than a few in town who would relish the challenge. I prefer the Dolormon sisters over on Bay Street. They made a waistcoat for me that is thirty years old, and still looks as good as new. They've let it out once or twice over the years, but youd never know"

Salazan grins, and taps his dataslate, checking for the address. "I'll get my measurements taken, and then look into getting my name known a little more. Maybe scouting outside the borders? If the meeting is next month, I should have time to do some decent scouting of Viggis, say. I can't find anything on it on the net, so should be novel!" He then nods in thanks to the doctor, and heads off to get suited. (edited)

"Ah yes , the home of the Geon we found. There's a group that just left for Viggis, but no sense that you can't catch up to them! I'll arrange for your passage while you get your errands done. I'll see you back here before you leave"

"Geon? Sorry, I've been out of the loop for a bit. What's a Geon?"

"Some sort of sentient rock creature native to the planet, and possibly more. THey've been living under our feet all this time, and we neve rknew"

"Sentient... rock? Fascinating. Naturally occurring non-carbon lifeforms, not dependant on a machine sentience. Are they technically non-organic as well? Do they need to breathe? So many things I'd like to find out. Well, I'm going to get my measurements taken, then I'll be on my way."

The doctor nods, laughing at your curiosity, as it matches his own. He goes back to busying himself with sorting the samples you've returned.

Salazan will head off to the tailors, putting the measurements he remembers down.

(Any ideas as to the kind of stuff you want?)

(Salazan wants a mix of Slyth and NMC. And I'm pretty certain I didn't see fashion handout in R20)

10:31 AM

(Salazan doesn't want to drop his roots as a Slyth, but is aware that he needs to look like a team player and not a foreign diplomat.)

(there isnt a fashion handout.)

10:36 AM

(That's enough of a description though, thats what i needed)

(I was being a little sarcastic, my bad.)

(Yeah. I mean, the alternative is I decide for people, and then they bitch about railroading or im doing xyz thing to target you. Kind of a zero sum from my side of the table my man. I dont know how to help in that instance)

(Not a problem, I get it. And Slyth formal wear is something I really didn't put any thought into.)

(Alright, you're one of the first, the reason for my asking was I wanted to give you a chance to world build if you wanted to, because I want to incorporate your things as opposed to mine . Wasn't trying to make a problem for you, but your answer is enough to help me continue) The tailor is able to get some clothing fitted for you, and for your unique measurements, and they will bill Dr. Baratta, seemingly on his own instructions. He has always been something of a doting figure, and you can tell although you are a different species, he treats those who fall under his direct office as members of his own family.

(I'll give it some thought, throw some ideas around. Just need some time to think it through)

When Salazan finds out about the doctor's instructions, he tips the tailor generously, 200 credits, before heading back to the lab, to get organised for his trip.

The clothing will be completed by the time you return. "A second expedition to Viggis then. The Geon ambassador an some chosen companions have already left to complete some personal business there, but I believe they'll be happy to see some reinforcements. They depart tonight, for the short trip. I will keep you appraised of things here, and secure you the proper appointments so we can begin getting in front of the right people"

"Not a problem. I'll get going then."

(It’s two days of downtime on the way out there if you’re working on something g )

(Salazan wil spend his time pestering the flight crew about how NMC ships work, and observing them pilot the ship. Training Pilot)

(2 days out of the 90 needed)

Arriving on Viggis there is another NMC ship in orbit , with its landing craft currently away on the planet surface. It broadcasts a hail and gives a brief report of local weather. It’s exploration team and the Geon ambassador attached to them are planning to hunt at a lake marked on planet surface and the location is marked for you too , if the desire to link up is there

Salazan would prefer establishing a proper scouting report, checking the former NMC holdings on the planet, before the Shapers, and checking for anything that could be salvaged. While he isn't privy to what is being negotiated with the new sentient species, more information about what is being talkd about is always useful.

The NMC holdings have been abandoned and the cities still on planet surface, per the scouts on world already, are home to either invading wildlife or human scavengers that have become violent with the passage of time. The scouts are camping near a lake in the middle of the planet with the Geon ambassador and are preparing to take him on a hunt

7:35 PM

Your crew is of course welcome to attend

(So just checking, this planet has been scouted already as per the NMC faction goal?)

(Not really , marble has a group on the planet now because he’s helping them make inroads with his people but if you guys want to get together we can do that. If I can get some other sites of interest up for you to look at on your own

(Salazan isn't the sort of person to go on a hunt, so something he investigates to help the faction goal is his aim here.)

Salazan will state his intention to go to the ruins of the Abbey. It's far from an entire city, and hopefully isn't as overrun as the cities would be.

The Abbey is located at the edge of the desert zone, where cream colored menhirs of stone rise from the desert ground. The ruins of the holy site are covered in brown vine, that looks like dehydrated leather from the air A flock of birds rushes skyward, out of a large hole in the central dome of its once beautiful cathedral. The landing ship circles three times, before finally setting down 100m before the closed wooden front doors of the complex

Salazan unloads his drone, and removes the Solar Recharger from it, before preparing it to begin charging. He then sends the Drone up, and sets it to scan the surrounding area, feeding the information back to his dataslate.

The drone makes another few passes of the abbey, turning up more birds. It approaches the darkness of the cracked open dome, and lingers at the dome enclosure, waiting for the command to head inside

Salazan orders the drone to set up at the entrance of the dome, scanning the inside and to go onto Sentinel mode, alerting him if it sense movement larger than a dog. Salazan then approaches the chapel, carefully picking his way over towards the entrance.

The machine does not detect any creatures of that size within its field of vision. The two doors were once brightly painted, with scenes of St.Cuthbert's life. His mace and the relic like finger bones have the remains of flaking yellow paint around them, once depicted here as holy. The doors are closed, and look to have taken the abrading winds of the desert without sealant on their features for at least a few years now.

Salazan moves inside, shaking his head slightly at how easily the inhabitants of the planet abandoned their faith. He would have chosen the chapel to remain in, ensured there was something for the people of the world to believe in again.

The wooden doors open easily and you enter a stone hallway. The flagstones are dust covered and alcoves line the walls where the Christian stations of the cross are depicted in stone carvings. Each of them had a place in front , now a rotten cushion where prayers could be offered. Ahead, a metal gate leads into the main cathedral space where the broken dome floods the room with sunlight

3:42 PM

The shadow of your drone casts a bobbing shadow on the floor many times larger than its actual size

Salazan notes down a few observations, and takes a few pictures, before heading towards the metal gate.

The gate is closed, but not locked. You can see through the bars somewhat, enough to see the light, the shadow of your drone, and the rows of hundreds of pews all arranged in a hexagon shape around a marble altar in the center of the room

12:40 PM

there are some items on it, but its hard to tell what exactly they might be from this far away

Salazan pushes the gate open, slowly, and carefully moves into the main area, before calling the drone down inside so as to stop blocking the natural light, and get a better scanning profile of the nave.

The drone descends like a mechanical dragonfly, the light reflecting strangely through its mechanical wings. The altar has moth eaten vestments left on it, in a deep red and gold. There is a seam along the table part of the stone, where it can be opened like a casket or a vault. It does not appear that there is some kind of lock

Salazan very carefully takes more pictures, before moving closer to inspect the seam, taking great care to avoid disturbing the altar cloth.

It clearly separates the altar and appears as though the altar is hollow. What is inside cannot be seen, as the two pieces are flush with one another

Salazan carefully moves the cloth off of the Altar, folding it and placing it to one side. He then attempts to slide the altar apart.

(lets get an exert/str here)

(Exert/str: 12)

The lid slides off easily and you're able to set it down without damaging it. Inside are dozens of prayerbooks, along with a long bundle wrapped in burlap and some kind of oil cloth on top to keep out moisture

Salazan thinks about what he knows of NMC religion, and what they might think of books being hidden being recovered. More importantly, if they regard these books as relics, and as such need to remain in place, or if rescuing them carefully from this place would be appreciated.

It seems that the recovery of information is paramount in this case. This building was abandoned and left to rot, surely no longer containing the protection or holiness of the respective God it was dedicated to.

Salazan calls the drone down, and removes one of the portaboxes, attaching a cell to it, and carefully moving the books from the altar into the box.

8:34 AM

He then orders the drone to do another in-depth sweep of the chapel, making sure there is nothing he might have missed.

As the drone enters the northern hallway to get into this large cathedral room, it finds a hallway that ends in a common room. Along this hallway are six doors, all closed, three on the left and right. It looks as though these might be personal quarters for the former clergy of the place, judging by the names on the doors

Salazan makes sure the portabox is carefully stowed in his backpack, before heading down towards the rooms. Checking each one in turn, he looks to see if any are unlocked.

The doors are all unlocked, a quick test of each door level finds them springy, and able to be opened. The common room at the end of the hallway has no door, and appears to be in a state of disarray. From your position at the opposite end of the hall, you can see a wool blanket scattered across the floor, and a tipped over reading chair.

Salazan begins searching the rooms, looking for individual possessions, valuable items, and texts.

(Which one are you starting with, there’s a couple things going on so I can’t give you a summary

Salazan starts with the first on the left.

The door on the left belonged to a church Deacon here , a lay minister who could perform a few smaller rites, mostly to assist the ordained clergy. The room has a mix of scholarly books though there are some sort of graphic novels mixed in and the man looked to be an avid hobbyist. Dozens of scale models of famous new moon cooperative sailing ships rest in their bottles and stands. The bottles have become dirty with their rapid abandonment and neglect. A large wooden box sits on the desk. Clearly a package he never got to open.

Salazan shakes his head slightly, and separates the contents into "personal" and "religious", moving the religious items into the first porta box, and the personal items into a second one he recovers from the Drone. Once he has done this, he inspects the wooden box, seeing if there is any information as to what it is written on it.

There is a small sealed piece of paper attached to the top of the crate. There is a red wax seal keeping it closed with a crest you have never seen before on it

Salazan decides it is "religious", sorts it appropriately, and moves on to the next room along.

The next room on the left is a chapel that looks like a private place where the clergy here would pray on their own. A gold cross and a golden cup that had been polished so well it still gleams sits on the small altar in there, along with a clay jar of salt and one of crunched grain meal

All of it goes into the religious box, and Salazan moves on to the last door on the left. (edited)

The door here opens smoothly into something like a micro library. The furniture was removed, and bookshelves line the entire walls of the room. Only a small handful of volumes are left behind of varying thickness. Most of them look to have been penned here over the years, though with the age of some of the books not all by the current residents. Titles such as On Devotion , The Way of True Faith and Dark Mysteries of the Heart are recent additions to the collection and their authors match names on some of the doors

Salazan carefully removes the books, and places them into the religious box. He makes a note to read them at a later date, or over the spike jump back. He then moves along to the doors on the right, going in reverse order.

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 6/1/2020 3:17 PM

The rooms on the right look to be the actual dormitories where the ordained clergy of the establishment here maintained themselves and kept their belongings. Of personal belongings left there are few, though each has a gold cross in their room. When pulled from the stand on their desk, the bottom has been cut into something resembling key teeth

3:18 PM

Each is cut slightly different from the others, similar, yet unique

Salazan collects the crosses, and then orders his drone to conduct begin scanning the area for concealed containers, using it's UV to detect micro cracks

The drone finds a few gaps, below the altar on the underside of the base. They would have been hard to see or spot during your preliminary look over

Salazan returns and investigates the gaps

There are a trio of perfectly square, but small, holes set into the base of the altar, they're about the size of the items you recovered from each of the priests rooms

Salazan tries the three crosses into each of the three holes

Each one of them clicks, and there is a dense, weighty feel of machinery sliding into place as each of them is activated. When the third is slid into position, the altar begins to winch backwards, revealing a dark stairwell heading down into the catacombs of the cathedral

Sending his drone in front of him, using it to look into the darkness, Salazan descends.

11:34 AM

The drone returns a small area map. As you emerge into the catacombs, a pair of torches and a circle of ever burning candles do so with a blue flame

Salazan moves into the catacombs, moving to inspect the first side room on the left. He also sets the drone to scan the flames, to work out where they are being fed gas from.

The drone cannot find a source of gas for the flames. The left room is clearly a burial chamber but the coffin lid is open. A hunched black shadow lurks over it, and seems to be muttering or lowly cackling to itself

Salazan draws his bow, and raises it, aiming at the figure. He then uses his dataslate to order the drone to scan the figure.

(Initiative)

(6)

(You and then the creature)

(Salazan holds his action till he sees what the creature does)

As the drone comes in to scan, the creature (10m from you and within 5m of the drone) lunges forward at the robotic contraption

Salazan shoots the creature

7:43 PM

(Oof, 7/9)

The arrow goes wide as the creature lunges for your drone, trying to drag it down. (24/1). The drone bobs and weaves as the creatures hands drag light claw marks into it

Salazan surges forward, both swords drawn and slashes at the creature.

4:18 AM

(16/5/3 shock) (Shocking Assault means I count his AC as 10 for the purpose of shock)

(Yes, you did hit him with a 16 though so thats good) The creature's black blood bubbles like sludge as it slashes down the wall. It takes a step back, before lunging forward to continue its assault on the drone

7:44 AM

(24/4)

(Drone's down)

7:47 AM

Salazan hisses loudly, before continuing his assault

7:47 AM

(20/6)

The creature recoils backwards as your strike plunges true, and it begins to dissolve into an ashen mush, bubbling and hissing away on the floor of the room, its tattered clothing seeming to be partially dissolved in the strange remains

Avoiding the remains, Salazan recovers his equipment from the wrecked drone, packing it into his backpack and storage areas. He then moves towards the coffin, carefully peering inside, listening for any movement.

The body inside has been reduced to nothing but greying bones, trapped here in this eternal twilight. They're in a relaxed posture, and the body was buried with a prayer-book, a small wooden cross placed on the chest, and a small pillow made from lace under the skull. The remains of vestments cover some parts of the body.

Salazan leaves the body, and moves onto the coffin opposite.

The lid on this coffin is closed, and unlike the other room has not been wedged off the coffin or moved aside. The room seems to settle, as though air was blowing through it recently

Salazan slowly moves towards the ring of candles, carefully avoiding touching any of the flames

A symbol has been etched into the floor, and though you can identify the circular outline, and the many limbed creature within, the actual carving itself is done with rough tools, and was not done by actual craftsmen. Dried blood and shards of bone, and shards of broken cutlery, tools, and other improvised crafting equipment litters the area outside the ring of candles

Salazan takes images of the entire circle, then checks the left hand coffin.

Some of the ceiling has fallen inside in this room. There is no body in the coffin but the lid is off, and you can see dozens if not low hundreds amounts of scratch marks on the lid, as though something was trying to claw its way out.

Salazan will take an image of the coffin, then cross carefully to the last coffin.

The lid rattles, gently, and inside you can hear the soft scrape of what must be finger bones against dull rock.

Salazan will carefully position himself behind the coffin, making sure his bow is out of the way, and then prepares to push the lid off, with both swords ready to attack the thing inside.

The lid slides aside, and a skeleton lies within. It seems almost like the bones have been bathed in smoky shadow, and its eyes glow a brilliant purple/pink flame. It lunges forward, seeing the lid removed, though you are not there

Salazan swipes directly at it's head, looking to kill this thing quickly

8:27 AM

(14/10/3 shock)

It reacts violently as it is attacked from behind, twisting to try to bring its claws into a position to swipe at you. (15/5, 2 shock if it doesnt go through) (edited)

(Misses)

8:48 AM

Salazan strikes again, looking to keep it in the coffin where it belongs.

8:49 AM

(23/8/3 shock)

The swing neatly beheads the creature, and its severed skull rattles away, out into the hall. The balefire in its eyes and mouth begins vanishing, wafting away like smoke

Salazan mutters a few choice words in Slyth, as he takes footage of the skeleton's body and head, describing carefully what it appeared like, before collecting the head. He then does another sweep of the area, taking as many images as he can with the Survey Scanner, including checking the two remains of the creatures he killed.

The remains of the first have now been re-dead for several minutes, and even the bones have dissolved into something like a black sludge. There is no smell to it, just a gently bubbling ooze of once organic mass, and clearly whatever other force is at work here in these catacombs

Once Salazan is certain he has recorded and imaged as much as he can, he heads up and out of the crypt, sealing it behind himself

The temple rumbles, violently, as you seal the crypt back up. It feels like an underground bomb has exploded and you're nearly thrown from the ground-but are able to keep your balance. As plaster and sand gently trickle in from the ceiling, the temple now goes quiet

Continuing to mutter in Slyth, Salazan exits the temple, looking to send the two portaboxes up to the ship. He sets up the comm server so he can contact the ship, informing them he has samples to store, and then he will move on to investigate the ruined city.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

9:54 AM

The samples are brought to the ship, through a few flights of cargo lighters. The area shakes violently once again as the last lighter makes it skyward, burdened down with the last of the religious books and other religious goods

(So is it Far Lancaster that hasn't been scouted?)

9:56 AM

(As in properly)

(neither city has had actual eyes on it )

9:57 AM

(Marble and his group were near the Geon caves)

Salazan collects his equipment, sends some of his A Cells up to the ship, before heading off for Chockester

(Eish pointed out I should post it here, I have AC 18, do I still take the shock due to something freaky?) (edited)

(no, i just posted the complete turn there)

1:14 PM

(since i wasnt sure what you had)

The edge of Chockester where the lighter comes down is looking and sounding like a warzone when you make your way off the craft. Small arms fire, the barking of dogs, shouts and the steel on steel of clashing blades echoed through the streets and broken homes.

Salazan looks for a decent vantage point, before removing his binoculars, and looking towards the town, seeing if he can see what is going on. (edited)

6:31 PM

(they are TL4, so Low light and 25x150)

What you see sounds just like what you heard, as informal militias, gangs, and civilian survivors fight small skirmishes with one another near the town center. A large pile of airdropped supplies stacked up almost as high as the town center building sit in the square, still in their cargo net. Dozens of bodies drape the base and lower reaches of the artificial hill

7:37 AM

most of the fighting seems to be centered around it

Salazan tilts his head slightly, his tongue flicking in and out for a minute or two.

7:38 AM

He then begins to slowly move towards the town, bow ready, regularly checking to make sure he isn't moving into an ambush.

You pass through the shadow of the outer buildings and the sound of gunfire and shouting bends strangely around the irregular structures that still at least partly stand. Burned out trees on each side of the wide street show that a fire had once swept through this area at least partly. Two bodies likewise lie in the middle of the road, and one is hung from a tree 40m from you on the right side of the road. The noose was inexpertly made with a garden hose, and one of the body's legs is missing.

8:55 AM

There is a sign around its neck made of a faded cardboard but you're too far away to read it

Salazan quickly checks through his binoculars to read the sign

THIEF is written on his chest sign (edited)

Salazan continues moving, carefully moving forward, swords and bow out and ready. He's looking for someone who he can get to tell him what's going on.

You notice a flash of movement on a second story window, in a building at the end of the street. It looked to be an older looking man, who was very much a civilian.

9:43 AM

If there was a door to get into the ground floor, it was either removed or kicked apart

Salazan moves to the entrance, checks around, then peers his head inside, taking advantage of his bone structure to avoid revealing himself too much to any ambush. Assuming all is good, he moves backwards into the building, bow raised and pointed back onto the street.

There is no danger or altercation on the way into the building. There are likewise no traps as you get near the doorframe, but a barricade of furniture thrown down from the apartments above makes scaling the stairs difficult for something with legs.

Salazan thinks it's a good thing he hasn't got legs, and attempts to pass over the barricade.

Passing over it is easy, though a bit uncomfortable. Your belly scales are up to the task, and you find yourself outside of a closed apartment door. You can hear the shifting of at least one person inside

Salazan taps on the door with the tip of his blade.

12:21 PM

"NMC representative. Open up."

There is a startled cry behind the door, and after a long pause that tries your patience a bit, there is the sound of some kind of heavy beam or bar being removed from the back

Salazan sheathes his swords, and relaxes his draw on the bow, waiting for the door to open. (edited)

The door opens and the elderly man you had seen waits there and allows you entry. His family huddles in the corner under blankets. A few pictures of what must be a family on the walls shows this group isn’t the original occupants but have been here for some time judging by how lived in the rest of the space looks

"I understand I'm not what you are probably expecting to see. However, I am here to investigate the planet and collect information for it's re-integration back into the NMC."

7:02 AM

Salazan carefully moves into the room, and closes the door behind him.

7:03 AM

"I need to know what has been happening here. Why are the relief supplies piled in the centre of town? Why is there total anarchy, instead of some remnant of society?"

“The cooperative dropped supplies off months again in a giant net like that and it just became chaos. Everyone’s in it for themselves. City admin was trying to crack down and maintain order but the people kept throwing themselves at civic defense force lines and they were powerless to stop attempts at looting. Now they’re just one of many groups trying to get their hands on this stuff”

Salazan flicks his tongue a few times.

7:50 AM

"So the civic defense force have gone rogue? Or are they still pretending to be legitimate?"

“They’re acting like everyone else. Just shooting whoever comes near them or the supplies”

Salazan lets out a long, hissing, sigh.

7:53 AM

"And what sort of weaponry are people using? Civilian mainly I assume? Nothing heavier than that?"

“Whatever they could get their hands on. Laser locks mostly. Nothing heavy that we have seen”

"Well then. Looks like I need to speak to some people."

Salazan thinks about what was on the ship, and what could be brought down to help in the shuttles

8:34 AM

Salazan is looking to use the shuttles to intimidate the gangs and control the supply cache, to buy time and calm for things to get settled down.

(Cargo lighters are essentially flying grav trucks. They wouldn’t stand up to enemy fire , but they can drop off or pick up cargo

(And the ship isn't atmos capable...)

2:49 PM

(I'm guessing, since we are using lighters)

(Right. The fitting savings let it mount another gun)

"Can you tell me where the defence force are bunkered down? Out of everyone, they are most likely to snap back into order if they hear the New Moon are back. Unless you can think of anyone else who is more reasonable."

“They’re confined to their base on the eastern side of the square. It’s quiet during the day but once the sun goes down there is usually fighting around it. People keep trying to get close and hit them with fire bombs or grenades and usually get a laser bolt through the chest for the trouble”

8:59 PM

“During the day it’s a bit safer since they can see you”

Salazan nods, and then opens up his Dataslab, quickly sending a report up to the ship in orbit.

5:36 AM

 Chockester in a state of anarchy. Looking to make contact with former Civil Defense Forces, to restore order. If no report received in 24 hours, consider them hostile to the NMC, and completely rogue. Location is on Eastern side of the square.

5:37 AM

Salazan then collapses his dataslab again, and looks at the man.

5:38 AM

"Thank you. You've been very helpful. Do you have any paper? One or two pieces will do, anything that can be written on."

He thinks for a moment before returning with a few pieces of newspaper. They’re yellowed and the ink had faded to near illegibility aside from a few especially dark stains where pictures once were

Salazan nods in thanks.

7:48 AM

"And what is your name? Need to know who to thank in my report."

“Edvar. Edvar Gaimes. These people here are my family. Some by blood. Some not. We just want the violence to end”

Salazan nods, then begins to unbar the door again.

8:11 AM

"Hopefully, things will be looking up soon. The NMC are on the rise again. Anisah is stable again, and we've got expeditions on Groa and Tavgularis. Things may look bleak, but a New Moon is rising." (edited)

8:11 AM

With that, Salazan exits, making his way towards the central square, again with his weapons ready and drawn.

The NMC civic defense fort is a small keep raised from local stone and reinforced with wooden teeth along its upper floor. Sentries keep watch on the roof, and one takes a shot at a target on the side of the building opposite you. He either missed by a wide margin or took down his target in a single shot. It's hard to tell which. The keep does not have street level guards but there is surely at least one sentry behind its reinforced blast doors

Salazan takes out the paper he got from Edvar, and writes down a message on it.

This is NMC Representative Salazan. I am going to come to your fort. There is a ship in orbit who knows where I am. The NMC is here to reclaim this world, and end the anarchy on it. You will allow me access, and listen to what I have to say.

6:48 PM

He then wraps the message around one of his arrows, and aims at a point where the roof sentries will be able to access the arrow if it hits.

(Do you need me to roll to hit?)

(no youre shooting a building so I don't think there's really a chance of anything happening you're not intending for)

7:07 PM

There is a whip-snap of the bowstring being released and a satisfying plink as the monometal head of the arrow bites into the stone. There is a cry of alarm, before one of them notices the note tied around the arrow haft. The sentries do not fire back, which is positive. After a few moments the gate rattles, as heavy chains behind the reinforced doors are untangled and moved aside. It grinds open after a moment, as two heaving and puffing soldiers work a crank that normally would be machine operated with electrical power

Salazan emerges, swords and bow still in his hands, bow sweeping from side to side as he crosses the distance to the gate, moving quickly, keeping checks all around him.

No one is stupid enough to try to rush the fort when their full attention is on the front gate, and if there is anyone watching they keep to themselves, and keep to the shadows. Inside, three NMC guards see you with your weapons drawn and begin to lower their bayonetted muskets in front of them, unsure of your intentions

Salazan moves inside the gate, and then stares at them.

7:43 PM

"Well close the gate. Hardly want this to be open season on you all."

Without waiting to see if they respond, Salazan moves further inside, sheathing his bow and one of his blades.

9:05 PM

"Who is in command? Who makes the calls around here?"

"The Castellan is upstairs, in a meeting with the squad leaders. We sent someone to advise him of your note"

Salazan rolls his eyes, then begins moving past them.

9:26 PM

"If you want to send someone else to announce me, go ahead. As it is, as you were. Keep that gate closed, keep an eye out."

They close ranks as you try to surge your way up the stairs , bayonets now squarely pointed at you. Behind you the gate shuts. “That’s close enough. We said he will attend you when he’s ready” There is some shouting from upstairs and the throw a heavy door. More angry voices, and finally the dense thuds or booted feet descending the stairs. A man in a highly decorated NMC merchant marine uniform makes his way around the mid stair landing , to stand at the back of the three man security detail

8:32 AM

“Quite a way to leave someone a message”

"Quite a way to control distribution of supplies."

8:33 AM

Salazan rests the tip of his sword on the ground, and opens up his dataslab.

8:33 AM

"I'll need your name. For the report."

"Castellan of Chockester should be plenty. There's only one of me. I just finished reading what you had sent over the wall. The Cooperative is still out there?"

"Very much so, and back in business. Anisah and Talvugaris survived under government, of those two, Anisah is restored to proper function. A Marine Commander is leading an expedition on Talvugaris to achieve the same thing there as we speak. In short, yes, Castellan, we are still here."

12:28 PM

"I won't pretend that we've not been knocked down. Almost ruined, in fact, but the Shapers didn't kill us. In fact, the Shapers as a threat are pretty much gone. A few straggling forms hiding in dark, forgotten places. However, I am here representing Cooperative and King. And I'm very much interested in getting both here and Far Lancaster back to proper stability and governance. I'm hoping you feel the same." (edited)

"i do. I thought for the longest time we were the last holdout of the government. The navy thought they were helping us by dropping these supplies on their way out of the system to join the Benavides fight, but it ended up making things even worse"

"I can see that. Now, first things first is to get this place back to normal order. Only way to do that is to have the biggest stick. While I can say I have a ship in orbit, that may be a little too big for using. How easy would it be to arrange a meeting? Between the various powerbrokers here?" (edited)

“Maybe by tonight. I can send out runners. I can’t guarantee they all make it. The streets are vicious”

"Well, thats the plan of action. We see who is willing to play ball, and calm down, and who isn't. That gives us our list of targets."

(He can send out the invitations, if you want anytihng special included on them or terms, he can include that too, just let me know what you think they should be)

(Leaders or representative, +1 bodyguard. they can keep personal weapons, but no longarms (Pistols and blades only)

The day passes, and there are a few skirmishes around the walls that the guards trade ineffective shots with. As evening dawns, there are four others arriving. They've elected to travel without bodyguards, but all are armed, and wearing military grade armor. It's divided evenly between men and women, and each identifies themselves as the leader of some group that has importance to the Castellan. There are two others out there that have no attended, either driven back by violence or simply not wanting the risk. It's impossible to know.

7:38 AM

The meeting room on the second level is cleared for your use, and every guard available is on the walls and firing ports

Salazan is coiled up at the head of the table, his dataslab open on the table, and he has put several glowbugs around the room for light.

The assembled powerful movers and shakers enter, and are relieved this is not the scene where they're going to be trapped and executed.

11:47 AM

One by one, they take their seats. The letters they were sent were scant on details, mostly describing how they were to arrive

"So. You are the people who decided it was time to go open season on relief supplies. The NMC is very curious as to how you intend to re-integrate yourselves."

Two of the people here stand, and make for the door without saying a word

"So I'm taking that to mean the rest of you are interested in gaining the benefits of proper medicine, stable electricity, and a lack of civil war?" (edited)

The heavy door opens, as the two figures leave, and they're considerate enough to not let it slam on their way out. The remaining two figures a man and woman each, both sit silent for a moment before the woman speaks first. "Re-integrate ourselves for trying to live and trying to provide for ourselves when the government and army failed? I suspect those two left because you've already decided we're a group of criminals, and are expecting some kind of begging for forgiveness?"

"I don't think you are criminals. I think you are currently living in a state you'd rather not be in, and would very much like to get out of. I'm simply making you aware of how the more ambitious politicians, looking to make a name by" Salazan holds up two hands and does quotations "Reconquering former territory will frame it to the Parliament when proposing military action. The King, and the more rational heads would prefer things not go that way."

12:02 PM

"Everyone in the NMC lost to the Shapers. From the King's family, to your safety, loved ones, and way of life. I know the devastation the Shapers can bring. And I want to see it spat on, and overcome. That is why I'm looking to help Chokester stop the spiral it find itself in."

12:05 PM

"But while people in Chokester still see that way of life as viable in the long term, that can't happen. And I can't persuade you of that. Because I'm not the one who gave you cause to start heading down this path you are on."

"So what needs to be done to reverse it? You've come here clearly with some kind of government backing. Is there a plan? does the DeVeers family still rule?"

"Well, for the questions. The DeVeers family still rule, although calling it a family is a stretch. The entire male line is dead, the King has no children, and there are other families circling. As for a plan, most of it is being handled on a planet by planet basis. Some need serious intervention, such as Groa, where the robots on the planet have gone rogue. Anisah just needed to have the bunkers opened."

5:34 PM

"The Government is backing specialists, like me, to investigate worlds and assess what is needed for them to return to being functional. I've already investigates the Chapel of St Cuthbert, and I intend to move on to Far Lancaster. The priorities now are preventing death of NMC citizens, preservation of key infrastructure and stabilising key points. There are competing plans for re-integration, but the King very much favours a peaceful process, aid and restoration of the NMC to a stable state." (edited)

5:35 PM

"On the more local level, here, people need to stop fighting over the relief supplies. Anyone without a weapon is terrified, anyone with a weapon is behaving like a raider. If we can agree to stop fighting, the supplies can be distributed evenly, and some level of rebuilding can begin. If that is in place, and Chokester is stable and safe for more supplies and aid to arrive, that can be arranged, depending on what is needed."

5:36 PM

"I hope you agree that getting the supplies distributed properly will bring benefit to the town, and allow the citizens to start rebuilding. Also, it will create a stable place for the NMC to move supplies through."

5:37 PM

"There are other concerns with Viggis, but none that should affect the rebuilding."

"If it is possible to get both Chokester and Far Lancaster back to a semblance of normalcy, it will make it far easier for the NMC to help, then welcome Viggis back with open arms."

5:54 PM

Salazan brings up images of the funerals of the Kings family, and some of the footage he took on Anisah in order to back up what he is saying, projecting it onto the screen of his Dataslab.

It takes a long moment for things to sink in. “We can agree to have our forces stand down and even stand with the garrison here to work together and secure the supplies. We can then distribute them fairly. as for the two who left we can’t be certain they’ll follow suit or even agree to stand their followers down”

Salazan stares across the table, fixing them with a cold glare.

4:01 AM

"They won't have a choice. They can't win against a united front, even if they work together. And once they don't have the supplies to fight over, due to the majority of them being controlled by us, their only options beside getting on side at that point will be to attack us, and loose, or attack each other. Either way, the problem is solved." (edited)

Without putting it to the test, everyone here is in agreement so far about the way forward. All that remains is choosing a time to make the combined move

"We should move as soon as we can. Secure the bulk of the supplies. I know this will be unpopular, but the keep is the strongest place to operate out of, and it is near the supplies. Maybe one of you two can reach out to the other two, see if they are willing avoid fighting."

10:11 AM

Salazan pauses, then smiles.

10:11 AM

"By the way. I'm Salazan. I hope you won't think me rude."

"Business needed to be done first. We can introduce ourselves formerly if there;s anything left after this big move of ours"

"Then lets get this over with. Shouldn't be any reason for there to be too much fighting, untied front and overwhealming force and all that."

As the night drags on, the other forces begin arriving in twos and threes to hide the buildup. The keep is crawling with a mix of soldiers and gangers, and by dawn, the 200 strong mixed group is ready to move out to the town square, with orders to secure the supplies and for now, keep everyone else away from the site until the administration side of things can begin

Salazan packs up his conference room, and leads the group out, bow and swords out and ready.

(I should have asked you what you'd like done once you get there, aside from making a big square around it. Are we digging in, and if civilians get curious/start showing up in droves whats the standing orders)

(Plan is to secure it, and work out what is left. Then move it to the keep, and begin to distribute what is needed. Theoretically, the two who left should have come to a decision as to what they are going to do by then, which is the only real loose end that needs to be snipped. Once that is underway/sorted, Salazan is going to report back to the ship, and work out what is needed here beyond the relief supplies.)

As dawn comes, the 200 strong unit begins moving out into the square, not marching, but loose ranks of combined forces moving at a jog from the holdfast. A skeleton force has been left behind to help keep an eye on the surrounding streets, along with the Castellan himself, whos older age would not allow him to keep up with the advance. Civilians scatter as your group begins moving in, and its clear there was more fighting around the large pile during the night, though no one has made it close.

2:17 PM

Shutters close, and streets clear as the offensive begins

Salazan leads from the front, scanning his head side to side looking for anyone willing to stop them.

Anyone coming at this large column of armed might would be inviting a quick death for themselves and no one tries. Arriving in the park, soldiers begin spreading out to secure the site and ensure things are intact

Salazan will find the two other leaders.

4:28 AM

"Have either of the others reached out to you? Or given any suggestion as to what they intend to do?"

"We've been with you all night. We don't have any new information, but we'll hear something soon if they're making plans. Probably when we start moving the supplies back"

"We'll convoy it then. Small amounts, heavily escorted. Take it to the keep, and avoid contact if possible. Once we've done that, we can announce the distribution."

7:49 AM

"Also, we need to take inventory of the supplies." (edited)

"That might be something better done inside the keep, where we can take our time and properly account for things. I'm sure some of these boxes are going to be damaged"

Salazan hisses slightly, and turns to look out of the square.

8:09 AM

"I'm sure you know your people better than I do. Make teams of 20 to carry boxes, 40 more to guard them. The rest bunker down here. 20 remain at the keep, the rest move back. 60 people should be enough."

(lets get a notice/wis as the work begins)

(11)

You notice across the street from the junk pile, two shadows quickly ducking down from the roof of the apartment building overlooking the park

11:27 AM

they are 15m off the ground

Salazan pretends not to notice, but moves towards the leaders of the groups.

11:28 AM

"Potenitally have incoming, that apartment building had what I assume was scouts. I'm going to check around, see if I can't spot them massing."

11:29 AM

Salazan will then begin looking around the main points of advance into the square with his binoculars, using the low-light function to help.

There is a gunshot from the roof, and as you're about to speak to the male leadership figure that arrived the night before, his head vanishes in a red mist. Soldiers and gangers in the square scatter, as there is now a sniper lurking nearby and no one wants to be next

Salazan moves to cover, and sheaths his swords, looking to spot the sniper with his low-light vision binoculars.

Seeing where the shadows ducked down a few moments ago, and the shot coming from the same direction, you can be fairly confident the incidents are one in the same

Salazan coils himself up, then bursts into movement, straight towards the apartment block, calling out as he does so.

12:21 PM

"Apartment roof, spotter and sniper! Keep their heads down, but watch for the main assault!"

(Youd be able to get inside the building in one move if you're trying to, i know the distance wasn't entirely clear)

(Yeah, Salazan is assaulting the position, so he's looking to move as quick as possible)

The Slyth powerfully strikes, through the door and into the lobby. A winding staircase, 15m tall winds up to the floor where the shooters are perched, just a few levels up from here. There is another loud boom, as the snipers continue. If they're shooting, its likely they haven't heard you

Swords drawn, Salazan begins advancing up

You make it to the top of the landing in a quick move, and the door to the apartment has been closed. THe rifle barks a third time, dust falls from the ceiling as the heavy recoil shakes the wooden supports. you hear the two of them calling out ranges, and corrections to one another. You're not sure if the last two shots hit anything

Salazan rushes the door (edited)

The directional mine set behind the door explodes as you rush it, sending burning shrapnel and lead ball bearings through the air (6 damage)

2:08 PM

Only the two working the rifle are in this room, though they're now aware of your presence , the mine serving its purpose as lookout (initiative)

(7)

(8)

2:10 PM

They are 3m away from the terrifying slyth warrior entering the room, and the rifle is now useless. Revolvers are drawn from readied hip holsters and leveled at the menacing shape in the door. (1 and 17, neither ties or breaks 18 for hitting) The blast has them a bit disoriented too, and although a round gets close, it does not hurt you

Salazan rushes into melee with both of them, and slashes at the one who seemed a better shot

2:11 PM

(24 Crit/11+12 damage)

He might have been a better shot than his companion, but all that happens is he ensures that his head tumbles from his shoulders faster, bouncing across the floor three times before being wedged against the bottom of a dresser. His companion still has the revolver drawn, trying to fire at this close range (i applied the -4, they had a +5 so I just abbreviated it to +1, with a 4 as the to hit result) but the shots impact the floor and body of his friend

Salazan rears up, and lunges forward again, hissing furiously.

2:14 PM

(6/7/3 shock)

The man backpedals a few steps, trying to avoid the blows and emptying another shot from his gun into the floor in his panicked retreat (2)

Salazan closes and slashes again

2:16 PM

(13/8/3)

The sword pins him to the wall, lodged deep in the protective clothing the man wore. Blood sheets the front, dripping down the blade edge, and down his legs, before his body goes limp

Salazan frisks the men, then the rifle.

The rifle is a solid shot sniper rifle, commonly in service with almost every military currently in this region of space. There are NMC armoring marks on it from Jagrati foundries. The men have nothing on them aside from their civilian wallets. It has names, but nothing tying them to any kind of professional organization, leading you to conclude they were gang members

Salazan checks the rest of the room, and then moves back down to the square, looking for any friendlies.

There is nothing else in the room (unless you want the head for some reason) friendly forces have begun trying to get order back into the cordon around the supplies. The sniper has stopped firing, and you emerging from the building is the signal they needed that the threat has passed for now.

3:18 PM

Two are dead, one of whom is the leader of one of the significant ganger factions you managed to swing with your talks of the future

Salazan sighs.

5:02 PM

"I need a team to recover the rifle from the building, the rest, lets get some fireteams into the surrounding buildings. Should be able to get some early warning."

box duty slows to a crawl as most of the manpower shifts to covering buildings and sweeping them, and the morning drags on as the supplies trickle in to the keep. Of the two missing gangs, no one has seen anything so far

Salazan inspects the perimeter that has been established, and checks if it is possible to expand it safely to the point where supplies can be moved along a corridor without threat of attack on the actual boxes being moved. He then goes to the keep to find the Castellan.

You do not have enough men to do more than what you've done so far while still moving the goods and leaving the cordon capable of watching everything around you. There are already enough demands on the workforce that there are no reserves available. While the work continues, you find yousefl at the keep gates, where the Castellan is supervising the goods coming in, and showing the soldiers where to stack them as the keep rooms start filling up

"Let's get some of this catalogued. I'll stay out, and co-ordinate the movement. I can't imagine the two who left would simply send 1 sniper, and then do nothing." (edited)

"Have you still got your commlinks? I assume the planetary net is down, but I do have a Comm Server set up. If we all link up, and I lock out other frequencies, it'll give us a huge advantage."

"If you set it up, we should be able to patch in. The main data-lines are down"

Salazan unpacks the comm-server from his backpack, and sets it up in the conference room, slotting the B-cell inside. He then returns to the commander.

2:03 PM

"Frequency 29547. If the message Cycle Routine is sent by me, all frequencies are to shift down by 46. I'll spread this around the other groups."

2:04 PM

Salazan then heads off to do just this. Strangely, despite his injuries from the blast, he seems to have a sort of bounce as he walks, seemingly energised and enthused.

(So youre going to spread the word on what comm channel to use?)

(Yup, in person)

It does not take long for word to spread, and nothing is on the frequency you're trying to use. The streets around this are are beginning to fill with civilians as the sun keepscoming up, and people start realizing what it is you are doing. To the north, an especially large concentration of civilians is gathering a few streets over from your northern observation post

Salazan calls for the nearest group to keep an eye on the area, while he moves over towards the area. Once there, he looks for somewhere where he can be seen by the crowd, while at the same time, keeping checking for snipers and other threats.

As he does so, Salazan is gently singing in Slyth.

6:48 PM

"Going to get shot, going to get shot, cause I am a threat to these people, I'm going to get shot!" (edited)

You're able to find a balcony on a third floor of a building facing the assembling group. some of them are pelting the NMC and combined gangers with paving stones, bottles and sticks. THere are chants about going home and how their supplies are being stolen

Salazan regrets not bringing some form of voice amplification, but makes note of it for next time.

7:47 PM

"EXCUSE ME!"

7:47 PM

"CITIZENS OF CHOKESTER!"

7:47 PM

"I BELIEVE YOU ARE OWED SOME EXPLANATIONS!"

7:48 PM

Salazan checks to see if people are paying attention to him.

7:49 PM

He also drops a few glowbugs on the floor, so he is nice and visible.

For now your voice seems to be carrying fine, and the noise dims, though doesnt stop. Fewer bottles and rocks are thrown

"Ahem. Over here. I am Salazan. I'm a representative of the NMC."

8:08 PM

"I was tasked with ensuring that Viggis, and by extension, Chokester, return to normal functioning. As a result of this, I have persuaded a sizeable portion of the gangs and the Civil Defence Force to work together, in order to ensure the supplies that were meant to be distributed evenly amongst the population of the town are actually distributed, and not fought over."

8:10 PM

"Currently, they are being moved into the CDF keep, so we can count them, catalogue them, and distribute them from a safe location where what happened when they were dropped cannot happen again. I estimate that by midday we should be able to start distribution. Till then, I ask your patience, and that you please stop throwing bottles at us. At least, ones that aren't full of drinkable beverages, lugging crates is thirsty work."

8:10 PM

Salazan pauses to see if his joke landed.

The thrown objects have stopped now and there are a few smiles in the crowd. The group begins separating , slowly breaking up as it seems the authorities have asserted themselves

Seeing his words have had their desired effect, Salazan decides to capitalise on them.

7:45 PM

"If anyone wants to help transport boxes, it'll speed up the whole process. Also mean you're closer to the front of the line when we actually start distribution!"

Not wanting to get into the middle of further violence (theyd all have heard the brief firefight ) but they do keep back from the barricades and begin going home. A message comes in this time from the south end of the cordon, where light gunfire has been randomly pot shotting their position. No one has been hurt but it’s becoming more accurate

Salazan scoops up the glowbugs, and hurries over to where the gunfire was happening. Moving into the building which reported the shots, Salazan hunkers down, and tries to locate the shooters, using his binoculars.

Three NMC pioneers are inside, keeping low and trying to use holes in the walls to see outside without exposing themselves. Anyone keeping their head or shoulders above the windowpanes has shots coming in at them, though they;re not accurate. As you enter the doorway of the room the scouts are using, one gestures for you to get as low as you can before coming in

Salazan literally begins moving along the floor, taking advantage of his biology to render himself less than a few centimetres off the floor. He then lies down, and then tries to get an angle on the building the shots are coming from with his binoculars.

There is a building across the street that is lower than this one. It looks like it used to be some kind of bank or finance house though the sign on the front has been faded and blasted several times, so the name can no longer be read. Three windows on the front of the building have been knocked away, and there is a flash from the one on the right as a laser bolt hits the facade a few meters away from the hole you're using.

Salazan rolls over and looks at the pioneers.

9:17 AM

"So it would appear they are terrible shots. I'll draw fire, you sight on them and keep their heads down, I'll flush them out. Look after this."

9:17 AM

Salazan removes his pack, making sure he is as limber as possible, before moving back towards the entrance, remaining low.

9:17 AM

(How far to get to the bank, and is there any cover between the two buildings?)

(Its 20m from door to door, and no, its across the street which is wide open. No debris or anything in the road)

Salazan will message the pioneers, telling them to get ready, and when he hears a positive response, he'll move to sprint across the street, looking to move up to the entrance.

(lets get an exert/con or dex, just for springing across the street super fast before they can get a bead on you)

(5. Eh)

A series of shots blister out from the front windows of the finance house, missing you and skipping along the dirt road, vitrifying the sand and rock (still didn't break 18 ac with the rolls i got) Salazan thuds into the door, though it does not give way. He is at least safe inside the gaps in their arcs of fire

Salazan is going to move towards one of the broken out windows, and wait for a shot to fire. When one does, he's going to attempt to smash through the window to engage the shooter.

(the glass is gone since they've been shooting pretty frequently, you could reach in, not trying to micromanage but idk if that changes things)

(Salazan wants to move in, not just fight through the window.)

11:53 AM

(So waiting for a shot to fire, then busting through)

One of the pioneers leans her long gun out from the second floor window and fires, and sure enough one of the shooters enters the window here in the bank, to return fire. you see the long bayonetted barrel slowly extending out and tracking upward

Salazan knocks the barrel up with one sword, and moves through the window at the same time

(I'd say you have surprise as we enter this next little encounter) Inside, three shooters with the standard NMC laser-lock are startled at the warrior in their midst, none of them look to have been able to cycle their power cells yet, and are goig to have to lay into this with bayonet rather than bolt

1:47 PM

(they'd all be within trivial distance of one another)

Salazan grins, and hisses

(as far as melee range)

(Initiative?)

(you've got surprise for this round, so you'll get a round no matter what, and then we will go into initiative)

(Going to attack, dual wielding one of them)

2:50 PM

(23/11)

2:51 PM

(Initiative 9)

(6 for me) The ganger takes a step backward as the shortsword swings down, cleaving his rifle in half and knocking him onto his back. There is a large gash down his chest, though it will take him some moments to die from blood loss.

Salazan will continue to move forward, closing with another of the gangers, and slashing at them

2:54 PM

(10/9/3 shock)

They're able to parry the blade with the bayonet on the end of their gun, before both of them lower weapons like spears, and surge toward you (24/6, and the other one misses. This damage from earlier is also still counting, since we havent rested, but I know you're a bit of a ways from being in trouble right now)

Salazan whirls, and lashes at the one who hit him.

3:05 PM

(21/11)

He is knocked against the wall, top half falling a different direction than his legs, as your sword cuts through his clothing

3:06 PM

the third and final ganger tries to get in under your guard, but your size makes it hard for him to do that, and the bayonet thrust is clumsy (12)

Salazan hisses angrily.

3:07 PM

"Surrender or die!"

There is a loud ping, as the rifle falls out of his slack hands

Salazan settles down into a more casual pose, then looks at the man.

3:09 PM

"Walk to the building opposite, hands up." Salazan then messages the pioneers. "One prisoner coming across."

3:09 PM

Salazan will then frisk the two bodies, and grab the three guns, before heading back to the cordon building. (edited)

(one of them is cut in half, if you still want it thats fine but only 2 of them work)

(Leave the broken one.)

3:17 PM

Upon returning, Salazan will toss the ammo, and the guns to the pioneers, before grabbing the prisoner and dragging him outside further into the cordon.

3:18 PM

"You will tell me what your leaders are planning. If you do not, you will be treated as a criminal, and not a prisoner of war. Prisoners of war have rights. Criminals get a trial, and a sentence."

"We were paid to keep watch on the building and stop you from getting further into the city, I don't know anytihng else

"Further into the city? Why would they think we would go further in? Once we have the supplies, we just wait you out."

7:41 PM

"I think you aren't telling me the full truth. Think carefully. What are your bosses protecting?"

"I told you everything I know already. You think if we knew their plans they'd send us to do dirty work?"

Salazan sighs, and flicks his tongue.

7:44 PM

"Fair enough."

7:44 PM

"Who were you meant to report to? And where?"

7:45 PM

"They weren't just going to leave you to plink away. You'd run out of ammo."

"We were told we would be relieved when it was time to pull out of the area"

"Hmm. Fair enough."

2:56 AM

Salazan will ask one of the pioneers to escort the prisoner back to the keep, and message the Castellan explaining what is happening. He also explains he is going to scout into enemy territory a bit.

2:57 AM

Salazan then crosses the street back into the now empty bank, and looks for a vantage point. He'll then spend a decent amount of time looking into the city proper, seeing if he is able to identify any other positions for the gangers, or any large groups of them. (edited)

The streets seem empty now that two firefights have occurred, and as afternoon drags on, the supplies have all been relocated to the keep. Soldiers in the park are beginning to move back toward the fastness and the buildings around it, as there is no longer room inside for everyone

(Salazan is going to be moving into the uncontrolled area. Sorry for not making that clear, he wants to do exactly what the 3 stooges were stopping him from doing.)

2:17 PM

(Looking for the hostile gangs, not his friendlies)

Salazan moves alone through the uncontrolled territory and it seems like the civilians here have either gone to ground, or joined one of the warring factions. There is some loud shouting in front of an office building a few streets over, and though you cant see who is shouting, or clearly hear what is being said, you see people running toward the sound, crossing your path as the roads come to a junction

Keeping to cover, and inside buildings if possible, Salazan tries to get a look at what is going on.

The two gang leaders that left the meeting over your perceived calling them criminals are standing on the front steps of what was once a courthouse . there is a horde of armed men and women in loose packs before them Theyre in nothing like organized ranks, and the weapons range from crude pipe rifles to a few more modern combat rifles in patterns the NMC does not typically use. "Those people, those soldier dogs! they have your food! they stole your water! We've provided you the means to take back your livelihood and we ask nothing in return!"

Salazan will carefully raise his survey scanner and begin recording the meeting.

There is cheering from the crowd, and a truck backs up, handing out more weapons to the other unarmed members of the crowd. "Anyone who perishes in this attempt to take back our home, your families will be cared for! Everyone will regard you as a hero of the revolution against the hated Crown!"

"Hmm, I'm thinking there was a little more in their immediate departure than they let on...." Salazan whispers to himself.

10:01 AM

Salazan tries to get a better shot of the non-NMC weapons that some of the group is holding.

They are old pattern rimworld semi automatic rifles or modified versions of them. They were shipped by the millions all across rimworld regions, and clearly these now NMC planets were no different

10:22 AM

(they're slightly better hunting rifles, from SoG)

10:22 AM

(basically just extra sturdy)

(Salazan had brief fantasies of hostile powers supplying rogue states in former NMC territories, the reality is far more boring.)

(Everyones about as hurt as you are, just in other ways)

10:24 AM

(which makes this period pretty interesting)

Salazan sends his recording back to the Castellan, and then looks for a layout of the city, trying to work out the most likely avenue of approach the group will take.

A mob this big will likely split along several side streets, but there are only two main avenues wide enough for them to approach the keep while retaining cohesion

Salazan will send these as main priority to the Castellan, as well as requesting a sharp shooter to cover one alley with the captured sniper rifle. Salazan will then move to cover the other alley.

9:13 PM

"Cut off the head and the body will fall. We take out the two leaders during the attack, and we'll be able to speak to the crowd without them being whipped up."

(any other preparation before we move on?0

(Salazan will be setting up an Execution attack on the leaders with his bow, idea is the sniper team do the same)

The mob surges forward through the street, most of them in caps, or wearing whatever improvised armor they can , their homemade or recovered rifles held high. It is a few moments of running before they'll reach the keep, and for now it seems like their leadership is content to let the mob smash itself against the keep walls without direct supervision

Salazan moves to a point where he cannot be seen, and prepares to yell very loudly.

8:03 AM

"DISTRIBUTION WILL BEGIN ONCE A FULL INVENTORY HAS BEEN TAKEN. PLEASE FORM AN ORDERLY QUEUE TILL THEN!"

(lets get a talk/cha, not that its going to solve the entire issue but we might be able to peel off the less convicted members of all this)

(He's more going for mass confusion

8:04 AM

(But sure)

8:05 AM

(6)

There are a handful of people who stop, trying to figure out what is happening, though three quarters of the mob continue moving forward, either carrying out orders or too caught up in the momentum of what is happening to change things

Salazan keeps looking for the leaders, while messaging the castellan

(they're not part of the mob from what you can see)

Big armed crowd, somewhat confused, all riled up. Cordon and begin distribution, gang leaders claiming we are hording and stealing it.

(edited)

8:44 AM

(Yeah, but if he can find them, he can arrest them. They are the real problem. Also, he doesn't want to kill all the civvies)

(right, im just letting you know they're not where youre looking)

(Salazan is going to keep looking, in the sense of searching)

The leaders are not part of the mob, and don't seem to be outside any longer. You had not seem them leave the front of the captured courthouse before you changed positions

Salazan makes sure to keep updated on the situation at the keep, while making his way back towards the courthouse.

A smaller mob, about ten figures, these ones with NMC military grade equipment, and the two leaders are conferencing out front. There is a crunch of gravel at the end of the street as an armored staff car begins making its approach, some 300m away from the group. Judging by the way they're waiting in front of the building, they're expecting this to be their ride elsewhere

Salazan begins setting up an Execution attack using his bow on the gang boss who gave the speech

As you spent the full minute to set up the execution attack, the car is nearly at the platform where the gang bosses are standing. Their security pans the buildings through dark visors, weapons low. From behind, several streets over, it sounds like skirmishing has begun around the garrison

(Just tell me when to shoot)

(you'll get a chance for a shot now, but we dont have another whole minute to set up an execution on the other)

(I get it, it's more to distract them, and hopefully kill one)

12:41 PM

(Welp, I miss)

12:41 PM

(Rolled a 5)

The arrow goes wide, cracking one of the flagstones at their feet. Its whistle is not heard until its almost upon them, and though security did not see where exactly the arrow came from, they begin firing into the surrounding buildings

12:42 PM

puffs of plaster and splinters of wood are blown out from walls and windowframes around you

Salazan retreats back from his position, and messages what has happened back to the Castellan, before shooting blindly at the car again, giving the team more chance to pin point his location.

the arrow lodges into the rear passenger door as both gang members climb aboard. Security remains behind, and while seven of them fire into a more narrow set of buildings, this one among them, three of them cross the street behind the departing vehicle, to begin entering and clearing

2:33 PM

one is at the front door of this one

Salazan looks for a place where he can drop down through the roof, and ambush them.

By moving up to the next floor as quietly as he can

This building has a central stairwell, that winds as it goes up and down floors. The open lobby is below where a doorman would have sat in times of peace. The soldier enters, and looks up, trying to see if light is coming in from an open door, or for signs of someone being in here

Salazan remains still, trying to remain hidden till the man moves into charging range.

He remains at the bottom of the stairs, sweeping with the barrel of his gun, and listening (he hasnt detected you twice now, but also shows no signs of wanting to get into a room clearing brawl on his own)

Salazan considers jumping down behind him, landing in the lobby and rushing him.

8:18 AM

(what would that involve?)

(i think we'd need an exert/dex for the landing, but assuming that goes well, you'd get a surprise round before we do any combat initiative)

(6)

The snake body is adept at springing, and this is what Salazan does now, leaping downward toward the soldier, blades drawn (fuck it, lets say the surprise is a swing as youre landing, lets go for cool)

(8/8/3 shock)

9:00 AM

(Erghh why can't my dice fulfil my dream of snek predator) (edited)

9:01 AM

(7 intitiative)

The downward swing narrowly misses the soldier, the blade making the air whine at its passage

9:03 AM

(you end up going first)

Salazan slashes again, hissing furiously

9:03 AM

(13/7/3 shock)

The blade ripples through the air, turned aside by the bayonet at the end of his weapon. (21/8) He sweeps back, planting his feet, and trusting forward with the demeanor of a trained soldier

(Just a note, my shock always applies, just a reminder)

9:54 AM

Salazan pushes forward, looking to finish the fight (edited)

(yes, but he has more than 6 health)

(9/9/3 shock)

battered from the ambush and forced into a defensive stance, the bleeding guard goes for a lunge, using the gun like a spear, but the blow is sloppy and poorly aimed (7)

Rearing up, Salazan bares his fangs, and lunges forward

9:56 AM

(7/6/ 3 Shock)

The sudden assault and poor stance is something the soldier never has a chance to recover from, and his body tumbles forward, blade wound deep into his side and back

Breathing heavily, Salazan searches the body, pulling out his dataslab (edited)

9:58 AM

Proper fighters incoming, armoured Car. If crowd is handled, shouldn't be a problem car isn't armed

9:58 AM

7 in car+gang leaders

The soldier doesnt have anything on him you could site as actual intelligence, but he doest have a small snifter box with a dose of healing powder in it

Salazan applies it, and then moves in pursuit of the other two.

( A primitive analgesic paste made with plants, roots and bark. After it is applied 1d6 hit points are restored, but Dexterity suffers by -2 for 1 day. Repeat doses increases the duration of the penalty by 1 extra day. (non-addictive) )

10:01 AM

(how much did you recover?)

(heh, 1)

(6 is the first half of my favorite number, so we're on to something positive!) There is a guard in the building to the left of this one, and one in the building to the right. They were unable to pinpoint the exact location of where the arrows had come from, and had split up to look for you. dispatching their comrade must have been quiet enough to not alert them thus far (edited)

Salazan moves back up the stairs, looking to find a balconey or similar to cross over with.

there is a balcony on the 3rd floor. This close together, its a span you can easily slink your body across without trouble

Salazan stops after crossing, and listens out for noises

In the floor below this apartment (so this room, one floor down) there is a bump and a screech of protesting mattress springs as a bed has just been turned over in the hunt for you

Salazan moves towards the stairs down, and listens to see what the man below is doing.

He is still breaking furnature

Salazan carefully moves down the stairs, swords ready, looking to hide himself by the door the man is in, so as to ambush him as he emerges

(He hasn’t noticed you and I don’t want to spam checks until he does since that’s not fair. You’ll get a chance at execution as he leaves the room

(cool)

2:06 PM

(Is this execution, or a surprise round? Cause I thought this would be more of a surprise round thing)

(Either one makes sense)

2:08 PM

(You got close to him and he didn’t see or sense you)

(Well then, Execution it is)

2:10 PM

(9 Damage, since I don't think I can Execute with two weapons, 11 otherwise)

(It’s a Stab/dex check against dc6)

(Not for melee?)

2:11 PM

("A melee attack always hits, but the assassin must be adjacent to the target, and cannot move to close on the same round. They must be adjacent and unsuspected at the start of the round.")

(Ok cool)

If the man is alive, Salazan will rear up and hiss in a low tone "Surrender and live, fight and face the fate of your fellows."

)he’s not)

2:43 PM

The man topples over dead, cut through with the sword. His death is noiseless and does not alert the sentry in the other building

Salazan feels bad about wasting that line, then checks the mans body.

Nothing out of the ordinary is on the body, consisting of the normal gear you would expect to find on a soldier. As you do not favor guns, the overwhelming majority of his gear is worthless to you

Salazan sighs, and then moves towards the building on the left, again, listening carefully for the sound of movement, trying to identify where the ganger is searching

A dresser is thrown from a front facing second floor window to shatter in the street. A head ducks back into the window after he confirms there was nothing hiding inside

Salazan moves into the building, and towards the stairs, heading to the first floor before listening again.

There is more noise from the same apartment upstairs. There is a sound like someone pleading, and a shot from a las-lock, before a heavy thud sounds on the floor above you

Frowning, Salazan moves up the stairs, and aims to move outside the room.

there is more crashing of furniture from within. A trail of blood has begun leaking its way out the smashed open door, pooling in the wide landing of the building

9:49 PM

There is muffled swearing from within, as something ceramic is now also broken

Salazan makes a decision, and rushes into the apartment, swords drawn and hissing loudly.

4:29 AM

"Drop the gun or die!"

(initiative, he passed his morale check)

(2)

(7) Lowering his laser-lock at the large warrior now filling the doorframe, the shot is from the hip, and misses

Salazan rushes the man, slashing and slicing.

8:16 AM

(21/9/3 shock)

the return bayonet thrust is deflected by the short sword, the point sticking into the ground for a second before he can free it

8:17 AM

(14 was a miss)

Salazan hisses, and opens his jaws fully, spitting furiously "AGAIN!. SURRENDER OR DIE! YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE LEFT!"

8:20 AM

(Given he's just been spitted by a sword, Salazan is willing to try again.)

(8 v 8 , hes going to keep fighting)

Salazan hisses with irritation, and lunges again "I hope you have medical gear on you."

8:27 AM

(23/11/3 shock)

the split body topples to the floor, the rifle tumbling away from slack fingers. the messages you have been sending to the castellan have been received, though he has not responded to them. There is some inter-squad traffic also being sent, and there has been no sign of the staff car with the leaders in it. They may have fled the city rather than supporting the uprising here. There is heavy fighting reported around the garrison, casualties are mounting though so far the keep is standing

Salazan reports he is looking to locate the cache the gangs who did not co-operate had had. He advises to use whatever crowd addressing system they have to inform the crowd that the individuals who advocated for this have fled, leaving them to attack the people trying to help them.

9:12 AM

Salazan then searches the final body, before crossing the street to the courthouse

The courthouse is empty, the three guards here searching for you were the only security detail, and with them being dead there is nothing to impede your search. The main courtroom dominates most of the ground floor and the benches and pews have been removed, pulled from the floor and pushed up against the sides of the room. Dozens of empty crates stamped with the East Eclipse Corporation logo of the rings of Saturn have been pried open, with the contents removed.

9:20 AM

East Eclipse is no longer in business, but were one of the founding interests of the NMC, and these weapons were likely ancient surplus from the early cooperative founding days, squirreled away and found by the rebels at some point over the shaper incursion

Salazan takes images of everything, before looking for any working systems.

9:21 AM

Specifically public address systems

There is not anything that leads to the outside, but there is an address system for important announcements that need to be passed from within the building. Back at the garrison, it does not sound like the mob has been swayed by the news that their leadership is elsewhere

Hissing with annoyance, Salazan heads back outside, looking to move back towards the keep, and to find a place where he can post up without being immediately shot at

the pop and discharge of small arms becomes less and less frequent as you approach the keep, before stopping entirely as you approach to within a few streets. Scattered packs of rag-tag rebels retreat, most are injured and are not concerned with stopping to do anything hostile. There are bodies littering the street, at least a hundred, scattered rifles and other small arms within reach of now dead hands. The entire façade of the keep has been scorched and pockmarked by small arms. Part of the roof has collapsed into the room below, and the gate is shattered, though the garrison seemed to defend the breach admirably.

Salazan sighs, and moves towards the keep proper.

9:27 AM

As he approaches, he makes sure to identify himself clearly

9:31 AM

"Recall the cordon patrols, start setting up a trauma station. Begin distribution of whatever supplies we have, distributing based upon critical situations first for medical. Food to be limited to 1 ration per person, if they have families who cannot travel to the point, they can tell us their address, and once things are more under control we can do direct distribution. Bring in all the casualties, convert one of the buildings behind the keep into a triage station."

The castellan has issued his own orders in conjunction, and a small squad begins picking through those out on the street that have fallen, executing the wounded with quick bayonet thrusts. The supplies cant be spared. (the immediate problem here has been solved. not sure how far into the admin weeds we want to get, but the supplies have been recovered and for now the troublemaking parties have expended their immediate strength)

Salazan immediately moves out to the small squad, and orders them to stop

They do not, as disobeying an order from a superior officer would be punishable with flogging or execution (edited)

Salazan begins recording them, with his dataslab, as he moves to find the Castellan (edited)

(6xp, 10,000 credits. We were here for a while)

11:46 AM

The Castellan is inside, getting reports about the status of the keep , their own wounded, and available manpower for some of the distribution duties. It seems you are both of one mind on the way forward, at least

"Castellan, care to explain why you are executing wounded? Without even making an examination of their degree of injury?"

 Level 4. HP 25->26. 2->3 to attack bonus (Level 4/2=2, +1 from Partial Warrior lvl 1), Kenjutsu (Sword) Level -1->0 (1), 0-> 1 (2). Administer -1->0 (1))

(edited)

"They're insurrectionists, and we can't spare the supplies. I'm going to use what we recovered to take care of the civilians in the local area, as well as getting medical treatment to my own wounded. Any mouth not eating 3 meals a day, and any wounded not using life saving medicine means someone else we can provide for instead"

1:04 PM

"Do you think the care we would have received would be any different had they breached the keep? I, along with me men, would all be hung from the nearest lightpoles"

Salazan sighs "What would have happened is irrelevant. You did an admirable job holding the keep, a fact that will be reflected in my report. I also understand the pressure upon you, both in terms of supplies and pressure of maintaining morale. However, we are looking to prove the NMC is seeking to reconnect. Not conquer. I hope you understand why I am a little exasperated."

1:24 PM

Salazan coils himself down onto his coils, closes his eyes and breathes deeply for a few seconds.

1:25 PM

He then begins poking the various holes covering his body, checking them for severity.

You were fortunate to survive several combats today, but slyth history is as ridden as humans with soldiers pushing themselves too far after reaching some early success. The claymore, and assorted hits taken when fighting in the street is wearing on you, and for the moment, leads into the deeper game at play here are in the wind. There is little reason not to rest for a while (edited)

Salazan will ask the castellan to at least stop executing the wounded, and allow any volunteer medics to provide basic first aid.

(how long would you be resting otherwise? full health?)

(Salazan is going to rest for a night, at most.)

2:39 PM

(He's a workaholic. He will ask for some medical attention though, and pay for it.)

2:40 PM

(Salazan also doesn't want the gang leaders to get to Far Lancaster before him.)

2:43 PM

(Basically, enough to recover from the powder, and try to buy a medpak)

(d8+1 for the medic services, this one actually has some lift so there's no additional ill effects, and you wont take the dex penalty any further since you're resting)

Once Salazan has rested, and supply distribution has begun, he will report back to the ship that some supplies will be needed in Chokester, law and order is beginning to return and is a little bit more stable. He will also send images of the two gang leaders back, listing them as rebels and insurrectionists. With that all handled, he will head to Far Lancaster.

(nice heal roll too!)

(I can breath a little easier now)

The lighter ride to Far Lancaster takes an hour, but the city seems to be in much better condition than the one you left. The buildings are laid out on a more modern grid, and it seems like some sporting event is taking place in a large arena within the city. The buildings you would normally equate with being centers of government are no longer flying flags of any kind, NMC or otherwise

Salazan groans internally. "Set me down outside. I have a horrible suspicion if my reading of post-apocalyptic film is anything to go by...."

(how close did you want to get)

(Close enough that Salazan can easily walk in, but not landing down in the street.)

(is Salazan flying?)

(He can, but I assumed they had a pilot)

10:19 AM

(Given he isn't technically trained)

The towers around the central district of the city find range, and as soon as the lighter is detected by city defenses the quad guns meant to help keep the city safe open fire. The pilot is too slow between the alarm coming on, and maneuvering properly, and hard rounds tear into the cockpit, sending it corkscrewing end over end. the landing approach had the lighter set low, and the burning wreck scrapes a muddy furrow in a tree copse a few kilometers outside the city (4 damage)

10:22 AM

The pilot is dead, shredded by several high velocity rounds, the tracers among them cooking away the flesh near the holes in his chest where they struck

Salazan releases his straps, and begins carefully extracting himself from the wreck. He then begins carefully erasing his tracks, and moves towards a tree near to the edge of the copse, looking to climb and hide in it.

(Survive check?)

(no, i think the levels you have cover it, i just hadnt made it back to your thread)

10:54 AM

There is a slightly blocked view of the city gates from up here, and they seem to be winching open, and a trio of small black vehicle emerge, a cross between sometihng like a jeep and open bedded ground truck. It's hard to see if they contain more than crew

Salazan will have a peek with his binoculars

the binoculars do not do anything to see through the intervening trees. Climbing higher is an option, but makes you more visible

Salazan will try to hang down from the tree instead, below the thickest branches.

The lead and rear vehicle have 3 soldiers, a driver, passenger and gunner standing behind a slender cannon

11:12 AM

the middle one is the same design, but the gun has been removed for benches, and six soldiers sit facing one another along the side benches (edited)

11:12 AM

(6 soldiers in total, 3 to a side)

Salazan does the maths, and is fairly certain he can't win this fight.

11:13 AM

Salazan quickly moves down the tree, and sits on top of the shuttle wreck.

11:14 AM

He unfurls his dataslab, and reports the crash to the ship, and asks them to wait off on a recovery effort till he can negotiate.

The three vehicles form a line as they move to the edge of the woods, and the soldiers dismount, heading into the trees toward the crash site. There is a moment or two before they're due to arrive

12:37 PM

The trees seem too thick for the vehicles themselves to get in, but remain crewed

Salazan makes sure his weapons are sheathed, and folds away his slate.

as the six soldiers enter the clearing, they see you perched on top of the wreck and open fire. "No loose ends!" the squad sergeant calls out "Keep this professional, and shoot to kill!" (crit 11 and 22/8, the other four missed)

Well I'm dead

1:00 PM

Sorry, I feel a bit bad about this.

1:00 PM

Salazan was expecting them to come in armed, it's not like he was surprised by them coming in hostile

they shot your aircraft down on sight

1:01 PM

and there were signs on the approach that they had rebellious intentions. I don't know why they'd negotiate

It's not that, its that they got a surprise round off on me, when I knew they were coming in

along with known anti-NMC folk from your last job heading out here, presumably toward something they consider sanctuary

1:04 PM

you sat and did nothing , and then confirmed doing nothing in the second post.

1:05 PM

I don't know what would have happened in this circumstance where there'd have been some further cue for initiative or something

The moment Salazan sees them pointing guns at him

1:06 PM

Lethal intent vs investigation

choosing to stay in the area, i think we can consider a pre-murky fact. We go into initiative, can you survive 6 on 1 with also suppression from heavy weapons?

I think he can survive. At least force a change in tactics from the soldiers.

Got shot down
Hid and watched
Car started coming
Got out and stood in plain sight
Cars arrived
Did nothing
Soldiers dismounted
Did nothing
Died

1:11 PM

thats kind of the sequence of events how it reads

1:11 PM

initiative was abdicated

There's a step where -Soldiers came in with intent to kill, instead of investigate

I'm not going to reverse anything here

Fair enough

1:11 PM

it's your call

I appreciate what youre saying and your feelings are valid, but I feel like there was a lot of warning given, and just RNG alone, I don't see how we're walking away from this one

1:12 PM

I'm not out to get anyone, and this is part of why i take things step by step rather than big descriptive and sweeping posts (edited)

It's just I felt there was a step between Soldiers are about to enter and they open fire

there was, and you confirmed your weapons were on your back

Since when has that stopped salazan from going full combat in a second? (edited)

1:14 PM

They were readied, just not in his hands

1:15 PM

As I said, it's your call, just explaining why I was surprised

I understand. I think some assumptions were made about intent, and it ended up going badly, but this brings us back to even with initiative, at half health and its 6 on 1 with also two suppression saves from heavy weapons, I think just probability alone is against us here

Not if I win initiative

1:19 PM

Cause thats a bow shot followed by moving into cover

1:19 PM

Where suppression doesn't matter

you still take damage if you fail

Not if I'm behind hard cover

1:19 PM

Which the shuttle counts as

okay, so now its 5 on 1

1:20 PM

assuming you one shot one of them with the bow

Also, the suppression would hit their own guys

1:21 PM

That was honestly why I wasn't concerned about the vehicles, because they couldn't directly target me

1:21 PM

I didn't think they'd shoot

1:23 PM

This is all irrelevant anyway. No rollbacks, and it's your game. not trying to make this a big thing

I understand. I'm a pleaser. I don't like saying no to people without good reason

Word of God and all that

eh i dont tihnk of myself that way

I don't have to like it, but I can accept it

1:24 PM

It's important in a game like this

GM makes the world take believable actions and is a fan of the heroes, its not DM vs

Yeah, but if you feel I made a stupid move which led to character death, thats what happened.

1:25 PM

I understand how you saw it.

Vehicle wise, even in modern times, its entirely common for like a humvee or halo warthog ect to be raised, so it can fire forward without annihilating their dismounts

1:26 PM

but continuing this whole debate accomplishes nothing.