Iron Stars - shakey-jake

Shakey Jake is sitting in the Myrmidon Camp, in the center of Mytikas as the order printer in the corner of the shelter begins printing something. The machine has sat dormant for over two weeks now, but it seems like things are finally beginning to get interesting out west. Report to the east fields airstrip as soon as possible. Bring any equipment youd want to have in the event you're shot down. Emergency scramble

Shakey grabs his laser pistol and backpack of gear and runs out to the airstrip

The squadron leader is out by the airstrip, as the only four atmofighters that the Protectorate has are being swarmed by ground crew. The other pilots of the squadron are waiting there, equally out of breath and half in their flight suits, getting ready on the run. "Alright everyone, we've got some disturbing news coming out of the west and I need you guys to check it out. If we're right about what just happened, we are going to be entering a dangerous new phase of foreign relations. Half an hour ago, we started getting unconfirmed reports of some kind of assassination attempt on the Khan of Artema. We're not sure if it was successful or not, we can verify that later. What we do know is we have a partisan band fleeing east, toward our city, being followed by Arteman forces. We're not here to indiscriminately bomb , but we do need to widen the pursuit distance however we can, and make sure these guys can get back to Mytikas safely, and more importantly, without it being seen where they're running"

12:13 PM

“Copy” Shakey boards his atmofighter and preps for take off.

12:19 PM

Taking off as soon as cleared by ground crew and squadron lead

(i was a big dumb, let me pin you some plane stats too)

(Ok, thank you. I literally know nothing about this planet or these cities)

(on roll20 there is a history section, EP only has a few handouts, there isnt a ton known right now, since EP is...I'd say relatively new)

Ah ok

(yeah, theres 5 history handouts, and most of them are just a few paragraphs. Essentially, each city is ruled by a Khan, and they view the protectorate as outsiders who essentially have invaded their world after being swept there in an MES storm. Hephesta and Chiron are friendly now, after some skilled diplomacy and some shared struggles, but the other cities are cold, if not hostile. Artema especially, since a few villages that border both of you have changed flags to join the Protectorate)

12:28 PM

(The Protectorate did not authorize this assassination attempt, but they're being pragmatic about its aftermath)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 5/15/2020 12:35 PM

(So do I need to do anything else at this point, other than take off?)

(I'll make another post in a minute, but no. youre faster than me haha)

Taking off even from the bumpy and unimproved runway is easy, and you are airborne before you know it, soaring high into the emerald green sky of this planet. The sun is at your back, as the rest of the aircraft join the formation, circling the city of Mytikas once, as everyone finishes flight checks, and comm checks. The centerline rocket launcher shows status as green, and the underslung wing-pod machine gun has a full belt. Everything is as ready as you can make it.

12:59 PM

"I kind of miss fighting before the scream" Archangel 2 says wistfully, into the squadron comms. "Jets back then, was like flying a cloud"

“I hear ya. There is something to be said for flying in a new environment though. The extra danger provides quite the adrenaline rush.” Shakey checks his maps and readings to try to identify any terrain choke points such as bridges and valleys

1:35 PM

Between the partisans and their Artemia forces

Shakey radios the squadron lead “I recommend we target the terrain between the partisans and Aretmians. We may be able to slow them down and make the road difficult to cross.

The first pinpricks of light appear on the horizon , the bobbing headlights of armored vehicles , but the humans on foot they are chasing are too small to be seen from this high and this far away

12:48 PM

“Looks like we have two motorbikes....armored personnel carrier....and some kind of armored car. “ number 3 says “More will probably come “

“Requesting permission to go weapons hot and engage”

“Alright everyone. Let’s call targets now so we don’t accidentally pop the same ones”

“Targeting the APC with my rocket, locked on”

(you can actually fire the machine gun as well, but sure, lets kick things off!) "Alright, everyone mark your targets, and go!" The planes around you begin vectoring in on their targets

(not sure what to do now. Do I roll something on roll20?)

(Normally we would go into initiative but they don’t really have a way to hurt you right now. I can add the plane weapons to your sheet, but otherwise yes we would need the attack rolls and damage ) (edited)

(Ok not at my computer this second, I will try to roll it in the morning)

(All good they’re both on there. If you click the weapon name it automatically adds your modifiers for you , so you don’t have to do any math at all)

(9 hit and 16dmg)

Coming in low, at 40m the alert begins to sound I. The cockpit that you have good tone. (You can shoot the HMG too. this vehicle can fire all its weapons when you make a weapon attack as your main action)

(ok fired HMG too. 9 hit 13dmg)

(thankfully, you cant miss at closer than 40m) The heavy machine gun chatters, a rain of hot casings, accompanied by the clank of the rocket being released and the woosh of its motor coming online breaks the frantic evening air down below. Partisans duck as you zoom overhead, and the APC that was running them down vanishes in a fireball of yellow-hot heat. Wickering hunks of shrapnel carve the Arteman irregular infantry around the APC to pieces, the hunters now very much becoming the hunted.

2:03 PM

Your two squadron mates assigned to handle the bikes have both missed their targets, but the armored car selected by your squadron leader is a second blazing hulk, to join your also good kill.

Shakey radios the squadron leader “requesting permission for a second pass to get the motorbikes”

There is a pause. You here the buzz coming through the comm line as your flight lead drops chaff, to try to foul anyone on the ground with a shoulder launcher. "Sure, everyone's fired their rocket, but your cannon looks good still, lets see what we can do. Take your target, I'll swing in and get the one you don't take ,and then we'll have to bug out. "

Shakey come around for a second pass (17hit 14 damage)

One of the motorbikes simply dissolves as the high energy shells take it to pieces, along with its rider. The burning carcass of man and machine tumbles off the path, and into a nearby ditch, along with his companion. The area now seems clear of ground forces chasing down friendlies

Shakey awaits further instructions from squadron lead, assumes we will be returning to base

The return signal is given , as the foes have been handled. (3xp, 5000 credits) Setting down on the Tarmac a half hour later, there is a flurry of activity at the base, as they begin towing the planes into hangars, and getting what needs to be serviced completed. There will be no more sorties tonight, as the city waits to see how Artema responds

(So due to being new not sure how I proceed. I will level up char. Then do I just wait for next mission? Is there downtime stuff I can do? Really just getting my bearings for this west March style of SWN)

(oh i know! let me PM you!)

(once we level up we have 2 days of downtime, and then we'll get into the mission)

I would like to purchase a combat field uniform 1k. Customize it 1k. Laser rifle 300. Atmofilter 100. Low light goggles 200. Nav computer 500. Survey scanner 250. 90 days rations 450. 100 meters tl4 rope 200. And a pressure tent 100. 4,200 Creds total

3:11 PM

(Other than that I am leveled up and set)

3:14 PM

(3,700 the tinker focus dropped my mod to 500)

(All that is available.)

6:21 PM

As you finish two days of recuperation time, another assignment comes through. Vital materials have been located on a nearby planet of Erdoza. A tyrannical despot has recently been subdued, some would say reformed , and a hole in the vast asteroid field and orbital defense network has been found around the planet. Conspirators on the ground have agreed to mark a location on the surface to meet. Recovery of the vital industrial materials would greatly aid in finishing construction of the Heavy Frigate the protectorate is currently working on

I put on my CFU and pack my backpack. Backpack contains 1 encumbrance of rations, navcomp, survey scanner, meta tool, postech toolkit. Knife is strapped to arm. (8 enc.) I then grab my laser rifle and board the shuttle to the surface. (I am guessing I am getting dropped off.)

7:45 PM

Oh I also grab my 4 type A powecells

(You'd be taken to one of the defense platforms where the naval courier is docked) Aboard, crew, and soldiers intermingle. A few are the power armored Myrmidon elite, once the bodyguard of the first Regent. Their fortunes have changed recently, and the group has been split up, the power armored soldiers finding new homes as heavy infantry in normal squads. The naval courier, named Trojan Horse is in a small frigate bay set into one of the platforms. Crew scurry across the deck, getting cables and fuel lines removed, and getting the ship switched over to its own reactor power

8:42 AM

Two figures stand at the ramp. One is a Taros, the other human, both are armored in combat field uniforms

“Greetings friends” Shakey tries to be as friendly as possible although he is not much good at conversation.

"ah this must be our pilot. Welcome to the platform. I'm Yanos, and this is Rex, we're going to be helping out as crew and as escorts when we hit the destination. "

“Nice to meet you Yanos and Rex. Anything I should know before we head out?”

"Not much more than what is on the scouting report. The original person who found the system didn't get close enough to get a clear view of the surface, that defense web kept them back. If we go in slow, and silent, we should be able to slip in"

2:34 PM

"And this courier is well suited to do just that"

“Let’s head to the surface then.” I really hope the intel on this gap in the defenses is right.

(its a 3 day journey through spike space, if you were working on anything in your downtime)

(The customized mod for the armor. So with the 2 days plus this 3, I think I still need 2 more to finish. But not sure I have access to T4 workshop)

(The courier has one on it)

Shakey spends most his free time during the journey tinkering with his armor. When not tinkering he attempts (poorly) to make small talk with Rex and Yanos. “So what are you’re backgrounds? How long have you guys been working with/for elysium? What have you guys heard about this place?”

The both of them once served under Cyrus Adonis, the first Regent and founder of the Elysium Protectorate, but were off on the defense platform when Cyrus led his ill fated assault against the ghouls in the Garden of Bones. The orbital bombardment that followed was something of a moment of sorrow, and relief, in a strange way for them. Cyrus was a good man, but a poor leader, and the Protectorate was shackled, unable to go forward while he still lived. Almost nothing is known about your destination, aside from the world governor is a tyrannical and paranoid despot. He was at one point abducting psychics for some type of experiment, but Regulus Fate, headmaster of the New Psychic Authority, visited the world and it seems there was some sort of change of heart

7:48 AM

The world itself has not been visited again, and will likely still react poorly to visitors, but your weapons and equipment should outclass anything excepting serious resistance

Shakey listens intently to their stories about Cyrus. I heard the stories, but never from someone who served under him. This is fascinating. Shakey continues about his tinkering and reading reports on the planets. Psychics and Tyrants what have I gotten myself in to.

You complete as much of your modification work as you're able, in between micro corrections of the spike course, before emerging at the edge of Erdoza system space. The same scouting report is automatically pulled back up. THe world sits amid a web of space defenses, and asteroids, though no launches from the surface or any kind of actual ships are detected on a passive scan.

Shakey checks the scans to see if he can identify the marked location. I really hope these guys are right about this hole in the defenses

(Program/int check, please)

(9)

You are able to find the gap through the defenses, where a large and tumbling asteroid has had its defense cannon scraped away in collision with another asteroid. This has also created a gap through the orbital minefield there, and the courier is small enough to slip through to the inner sphere of the defensive ring. Closer to the planet, more orbital defenses are being built. Dozens of rockets all launch at once from the ground, heading toward key sites in orbit.

I attempt to land at the rendezvous point avoiding any rockets that are a threat. I wonder what’s going on down there?

(making a map now, i just realized i never made one for Erdoza)

9:25 AM

The resistance has identified their encampment to you, and from there, they will provide more information. Your ship should be capable of slipping through the atmosphere undetected

I pilot the ship down to the encampment and meet up with the resistance. (Just for my situational awareness, I thought the dictator was reformed? Is he still up to No good?)

(It’s unclear. He stopped the harvesting of psychic citizens but the political reforms haven’t happened yet)

11:37 AM

(Either way, he wouldn’t be chill with pretech salvage being taken from his planet so they know how to get around unseen)

When I land I grab my gear and disembark

Four rebels are waiting there, as you set down at the edge of your encampment. Several light trucks also race out, stretching a very large camo tarp over the large form of your vessel, keeping it from easy observation from the air. "Welcome" their squad leader says, approaching the ramp. His combat gear is functional, and clean, but his skin and hair are caked in grime. "I was told the Protectorate was coming, and we were to lead you to something you needed off this planet. I trust we will discuss payment after that?" your friends seem to have this covered

“I am looking for some Pre-tech components. Any, help would be greatly appreciated.” I look over the resistance and their encampment. I wonder if I can do anything to assist them while here. If we help them would they be willing to join the protectorate “I am pretty good at fixing things if there is anything you want me too look at while I am here”

"might takey you up on that. Alright, so everyone's armed? Armored? We're not expecting trouble but it never hurts to be prepared. I'd like to see all of you get out of here on your own two feet if we can help it"

I check my armor throw on my backpack and grab my rifle. “All good here”

“Alright. So I think we have identified what you’re looking for. There’s a town near by. Too small to get onto a map really. The dictators forces, a local militia really, are holding some rocketry components in the town square there now for a further trek north. The trucks been there for a few weeks now, i think waiting for clearance to keep moving. We are going to co-opt those supplies for you “

“Copy. I am ready when you are.”

“I was curious though, on the way in we saw a lot of rockets being launched into orbit. Do you know anything about this?”

"The Governor is still working on the orbital defense grid, even though we heard he had been told to stop. People here are starving because he's sending everything we have into space. Stopping the psychic harvests is fine, its a good step, but he's done nothing else to push the reforms he promised he would make"

“That bastard starving the people he is supposed to care for.” What a tyrant there are women and children down here. “The protectorate would never do something like this to people they have sworn to protect”

"We believe it, and that is why we're helping. We'll stop him one day, we just have to live until then. So, we're going to pass through a forest, between here and the town. We can overlook it from there, and come up with a plan of attack"

“Sounds good. You lead the way”

The forest would be a confusing fen of marshlands, twisting trees, and weeds so thick you could be lost in them for days. Your local guide keep you in line, and help you make short work of the terrain. The Regent was wise to make an arrangement with them. You emerge, looking down at the village from a wooded hilltop, a rock face below you. Several small buildings that are homes, a church, general store, and some sort of local stockade are all prominent in the backwater village below- even a small fountain where the people living in subsistence conditions here are forced to get their water.

3:21 PM

A large truck, flanked by security on the road and a few choice rooftops, is mired down in the muddy village roads

(What is my current range to the security?)

3:26 PM

“I guess we need a plan, I am open to any suggestions. I don’t think we will easily be able to sneak but if we get the element of surprise we may overwhelm them”

3:27 PM

(Can I tell how many there are and what they looked armed with?)

(2km from up here)

3:36 PM

(There are 10 in plain sight, and they're armed with a mix of small arms, nothing heavy)

“Ok they are too far to take from here. Do you think you can get us into the village without getting spotted? Maybe we can get to the rooftop of one of those buildings?”

“We can get close. There’s some tall grass and reeds we can stay low and slow In. They look to have the town locked down pretty tightly”

“Ok it’s worth a shot” I try my best to stealthily approach the town

(sneak/dex)

(10)

You're able to make it to within 400m of the closest building, on the south side of the city before the guides bring everyone to a halt. A man on the roof of this building looks out over the countryside, and does not seem to have seen you. There is no one on foot nearby right now, but they are guarding the truck, on the street behind this row of buildings

(I would like to shoot him with my laser rifle. Using burst mode. Roll initiative?)

(Right now it’s surprise since they didn’t see you. You can also attempt an execution attack if you’d like)

(Ok execution it is)

(This is a regular shoot/dex check)

(8)

There is a single crack, like lighting striking the ground, and the beam from your rifle is perfectly placed. The man falls, shot center mass, and he tumbles off the roof on your side of the street

8:00 AM

There are a couple shouts as the noise was heard but it doesn’t seem like anyone has noticed the body no longer being on the roof

If possible I want to continue sneaking forward

“Got him. We need to hurry before they find his body, but we also need to be quite so we don’t cause any more suspicion. Hope we are all feeling lucky.”

The line of buildings have back doors on them and the general store is the biggest, and all of you could easily fit inside. The back door looks unlocked

“Let’s move as quietly as we can to the back door of that general store, I think we can all fit inside” I try and move quickly and quitely as possible I the door

(Sneak/dex?)

(Your original result was good enough we don’t need to re test)

1:09 PM

The back door opens quietly and you and your small team enter the blacked out general store. Three civilians cower behind the counter and attempt to scatter when they see your armed band force themselves in, theyre about 30m from the front door

"We do not mean you any harm. Please wait. These villains have plagued your village for too long. Just wait here and you will be safe."

The villagers stay put, for the moment. Outside, two of the occupying dictator soldiers stroll by the shop. With the lights off and all of you keeping low it does not appear you’ve been seen

7:50 PM

You can see the faint outline of another sniper on the roof across the street

I survey my surroundings looking for a staircase to the roof or second floor

There is a metal ladder that leads up to the roof, through a hatch. The general store sign is large and goes beyond the roof, and from your recollection should at least screen your climb up

“I am going to climb up to the roof to get a good shot at their other sniper. When I take my shot I am trusting you guys to make you best judgment but I recommend ambushing those two soldiers who passed from behind.” I tell my plan to my allies. “Once they start dropping our surprise May be blown”

“It’s going to turn into a heavy firefight once we make our move. we gotta have a plan for that truck. Maybe we call the courier in directly once we secure the town?”

“That sounds like a good idea. Hopefully we can disable it, I don’t want to rush any cargo on it.”

(Small arms and even heavy weapons generally can’t hurt a starship either. At least from the outside)

8:41 PM

(But dedicated anti air to a ship in atmosphere is generally deadly$

(Copy, I am hoping I can take everyone out before it comes to that)

The roof hatch is closed but not locked, and bright sunlight fills the square space under it like a beam from heaven. You climb the firmly anchored ladder and emerge onto the roof behind the general store sign

I position myself to take an execution shot on the other sniper

A full minute goes by as you prepare your firing position, get a feel for the perch you’re on and ensure your rifle is perfectly set. Your target is slowly panning back and forth himself, keeping an eye on the wood line you emerged from moments earlier

11:43 AM

(It’s a shoot/dex check against a difficulty of 8)

(7 miss)

(Still hits for max damage, he just isn’t instantly killed )

1:15 PM

The sniper staggers backward at the same time, your companions storm out the front of the shop, gunning down the two members of the patrol that passed by (Initiative)

(3)

(3, defaults to you first)

(did the other sniper die?)

(No. Heavily wounded but not dead. That’s why we are jumping into initiative which I should have said before , my bad)

I fire my rifle at him in burst mode

2:58 PM

(8 hit, 9 dmg)

The sniper ducks, as two shots strike the rooftop in front of him, hastily aimed from your weapon. Kneeling, he returns fire. (17/8)

(17 hits and 8 is more HP than I have

Your vision swims as your chest armor is shattered by the high caliber round. There is panicked shouting and gunfire in the streets, as your patrol and the local partisans move in and begin going toe to toe with the dictators security forces. A shadow blocks out the sun, and for a moment as you bleed out you think it might be the naval courier. At least this way you can die knowing the mission is done. Maybe that new ship will even bear your name. That stops mattering after a moment, when the shadow resolves itself to be the shopkeep from the store below. He works hard, compressing your chest, and you feel a pinch in your side as some sort of stimulant is injected into you. (roll a d6)

9:25 PM

(got a 9 to stabilize you, just need to see how much health you recover)

2

(4)

There is a commotion on the other roof, as a detachment of your patrol literally hurls the sniper off it, down into the street below. Villagers are also rising up across the settlement, aiding your security group with their own tools, and a few firearms left in private homes. Someone from down below has taken over the job of calling the courier, as you were downed, and you see its black speck against the sun growing larger and larger

7:38 AM

"Chief! get down here! We're going to blow this rig as soon as the cargo is aboard!"

“Copy, on my way” I head down to meet up with the group

There are four captives from the dictators force who have been taken, rounded up by a combination of your own soldiers, and the townsfolk. "What should we do with them?"

"I would like to question them" I head over to the captives and ask them questions. "Why are you working for such a brutal dictator? Do you see how the people are willing to rise up when given a chance? What do you think we should do with you? If we let you live how would we be able to trust you won't go back to fighting against us?"

12:37 PM

(i would let them answer in between each questions. I just didn't want you to wait for each question one by one)

(I'll just list the answers) Military service is something most of them are press ganged into. The alternative to not serving is death, and the military has ways of ensuring loyalty. They see people rising up. This is new for them, and it is why they surrendered They are going to discard their gear and go AWOL if you are not willing to take them with you

"It is your choice then, you can either leave your gear and go or you can stay and join us. We are going to free this planet from this monster." Shakey realizes to himself how much seeing the people rise up has inspired him. He realizes that this is where he belongs and is determined to help fight with these people

"We may be able to help you, if you get us out of here for now. We will come back with more supplies, and we can begin freeing this place"

"We will let you go then." Either way we win, they either come back with the supplies or run and back to the dictator. If they run back the truth will spread, tales of how this village rose up will spread throughout the dictators ranks, seeds of doubt will begin to sow

The courier lands at the outskirts of the village, and heavy lifting gear begins getting the piece of salvage aboard

1:05 PM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

1:06 PM

The prisoners run, leaving their weapons and armor behind. The villagers begin the process of gathering what they need, equally needing to hide from the reprisal attack that will surely be coming over the following days. By then, everyone will be in the wind, and in hiding

I turn to Yanos and Rex. "If you two are leaving on the courier please let the protectorate know I am choosing to stay here for a while. These people need help and I can do some good here. I am going assist the resistance if they will have me."

"Someone needs to make it back, we'll go. We should be able to get through the defenses with the expert system and one of us, though youre the best pilot we have. When we return, we'll bring weapons and as many vehicles as we can pack into the hold. Anything we need to do for you back on Heras? "

"Anything you can do to drum up support. I know we have our own battle there with the Khan's so I understand if we are on our own here for a while"

(2 days downtime again?)

(not if youre staying here and not leaving with the crew)

(I would prefer to stay here)

(We're going to get into evacuating the village and getting to safety then, since a reprisal is surely coming from the dictator, we might get some downtime in, but we're not ready to launch into that right away)

ok

The courier lifts off with its salvage aboard, and the civilians begin packing rapidly. It could days takes, it could only take hours, in order for this information to get back to the dictator. Once it does, the town is going to be leveled, or occupied, and no one wants to be around for that. The four guides who helped you sneak here are likewise sticking around, and are trying to get the people calm, and packed, so they can begin sneaking them out into the woods for the trip back to their encampment

I assist the guides and with the towns people. "We need to hurry, nobody want's to be here when the retaliation comes. Take what you need but be quick."

The evacuation is choppy and you are one of the last people out of town. As you make it to the wooded treeline, several planes come in low over the mountaintop nearby , skimming the treetops by just a few meters. Dozens of small iron gravity bombs are released from their wing pylons before they pull away into the evening sky. The town vanishes in a wall of smoke and dust , but the smell of burning frame timbers is unmistakeable

we are going to need some solid air defenses if we are going to have any chance. “Do you guys have an intel on how many air craft the enemy has and where they fly out of?”

"There's a couple bases we suspect. It would take some doing to get close to them, but we estimate about 40 fighter craft, and maybe half that in attack helicopters"

“What sort of military do we have”

there is nothing but laughter, which they seem to think is an answer to your question all on its own. The night passes as you flee through the woods, arriving back at the encampment, hidden deep within a forest thick with trees and brush. Vehicles would have a difficult time making its way back here.

I take a look at the encampment trying to get a good survey of the situation. Its not much but it’s a start

There are close to 500 people here, from what you can estimate. The security of the place is done with earthworks, and partisans with guns. Most of the buildings are made of wood fallen from other areas of the forest, made into shacks and warehouses. (think of this like the Bielski encampment during ww2 Belarus. Not sure if you've ever seen Defiance, but that's the vibe)

“We had a long day and struck a strong blow against the dictator. It is a shame about these people loosing their village. In the morning I can see what I can do about helping out around here and fixing what I can. After seeing the adversaries air power we are going to need a way to defend against that. This is your guys planet and I want to help but ultimately it is your guys fight to lead. Any suggestions on how we procede next?”

“I’ve got a few ideas. First , we need to ensure we are well supplied. There’s a grainary in another town close by. We can rob it, and leave the place open so the villagers can take the rest of what we leave behind. We could do something more kinetic against the dictator and hit one of the regional offices , or We could move into something a bit more direct and hit as many soft targets as we can in the surrounding areas”

“I think we should go for the grainary we have a lot of people to feed now.”

"Alright, granary it is. We got lucky last time, bumbling in like that and taking them off guard. We need to do a proper recon this time, get an idea of what we might be dealing with, and then we strike. Does this sound like a plan?"

“Sounds good. Hopefully we can also get supplies to start improving our defenses”

“Whatever we can take. Alright. You, me and four men that should be enough to scout “

5:35 PM

(If you’re wanting any gear we can grab it now before we go)

(I am good with the gear I have.)

3:43 AM

“Copy, I am ready when you are.”

A night of rest passes, as all of the town survivors get settled and you take a some time to rest for yourself. (recovering your lvl of HP for resting during the night, if you're not at full, we can assume you got some medical attention as well so you're not starting off wounded) The journey to the nearby granary town is several hours on foot, and it is midday by time you get there. The town has a half constructed palisade wall around it, made of wood. Several trees from the opposite side of town have been felled for the construction, stumps of once grand trees now standing raw and accusing, glistening with sap. The large barn like building is in the center of town, and once again you can see something of a makeshift sun-shade on the roof, with a marksman underneath (edited)

I take some time to sneak around and scout. “I see one sniper so far, I am going to see if I can scout around.”

(Notice/wis)

(4)

The sniper has been seen already. You find a minefield to the East stretched across the access road and loosely going into the trees. The west seems clear of patrols. You are unable to make your way north due to the rough terrain

“It looks like a minefield to our East. It looks like the west is clear if we want to try and sneak over there.”

“What do you think? West looks the easiest. we could try the north side too even if it’s dangerous. They might not expect an attack from there”

"Ok I am going to sneak over to the west. One of you should get set up targeting the sniper. That way if I get made you can quickly try and take him out."

Two of your detail break off, a shooter and a spotter, and do what they can to prepare their firing position, and give themselves the best chance to help you if things go badly once you're inside. As you head west, the woods thicken, leading you to the edge of the road leading into the west side of town. At the end of the road, 500m away, there is a tree fallen across the road to stop vehicles from entering, but there are no guards around it, and it looks otherwise unmanned

“Help me move this tree. If we take a vehicle and need to get out quickly this could be a problem.”

The group begins approaching the fallen tree, visually looking it over to see how to best approach the job (evasion save)

(2)

There is a moment where the log seems to beep, for a split second before a mine at the front of the tree detonates (3 damage). You’re thrown clear along with your two companions and geyser of dirt flies into the air. More important the explosion is loud and echoes through the woods

"Are you guys ok? We need to get to cover, they are going to know we are here."

There are some light injuries in the group. It went off prematurely. there is a muffled bang from the treeline , where your shooters were positioned.

I check on my team and then help them to get back to the treeline

The two you'd left in the trees have managed to handle the sniper. There is some commotion in the town, and two scout vehicles are circling the town square, about to head in your direction. If you move back to your original position now, you should be able to outrun them.

We move back to the original position and attempt to get cover. I then wait to see the reaction

the two scout vehicles are patrolling the road, and the marksmans body remains on the roof, blood gently running into the buildings gutter system. If there are more soldiers in the village, theyve gone to ground and are out of sight, the sniper fire telling them that staying in the open is a good way to get a ticket to the afterlife.

10:31 AM

(local area)

(You’d be in the woods at the bottom center, safely concealed for now)

I am going to try and hijack the scout vehicles

4:44 PM

I move towards them trying to get in range while remaining concealed

The two vehicles return as you approach the edge of the wood and the four men get out , they talk in a small circle for a moment before they all disappear into the grey roof building at the west of the swiare

6:14 PM

Square

As stealthily as possible I am going to follow them into the building

(We will need a sneak dex for this against their notice )

(Opposing a 6 in this case)

(8)

None of the guards hear the wooden door of the home they’re occupying open quietly as you make your way inside

I observe what they are doing and try to get a good grasp of the situation

The four guards are in the back room of the home when you enter. You cannot see them but you hear them speaking to one another. They seem to think that the mine going off was an accident. Possibly some kind of animal that got vaporized. They didn’t find any prints and you know that none of you were critically injured by it. The keys to the scout vehicles are in a wicker basket on an end table next to the door, where you’re standing.

7:44 PM

It’s clear this was once a large home that these men are now occupying. The original inhabitants are dead or at the very least dispossessed of their home

I swipe the vehicle keys. I then attempt to sneak back out of the house.

(Your result earlier was good enough to beat their notice and you didn’t do anything wild here so we don’t need a new check) Both sets of keys fit nicely in your pocket and the door gently shuts, not alerting the guards inside that anything is amiss

I radio the rest of the team. “There are 4 guards in the house. We can get set up and ambush them when they leave.”

"how do you tihnk we should get them to come out, They're probably going to when you fire up one of those vehicles"

“I assumed they would leave the building to go back to guarding now that they have had their meeting. If the don’t come out soon we can start the vehicle to get their attention”

(where's jake going to be in all of this, some time is going to pass either way)

(I am going to find something I can hide behind to get cover)

(And last question just so I have an idea of the ranges we are talking about, how close did you want to be to the house)

(300 meters)

At the long range of your weapon and likewise 250m away from their vehicles you wait for the guards to come out. It’s evening and they emerge for their nightly patrol

I whisper over the comms “I will take the first one to exit.” I then start the ambush by firing on my target. (Utilizing burst mode)

(hit/damage result when you've time to roll it)

(10 hit 6 damage

The shot strikes the dirt road, kicking up a small plume of dust. Your three squad mates open fire, killing one of the guards and forcing the other three back inside the home. The wooden door shuts behind them and they begin kicking out the windows with the butts of their guns for firing ports

6:39 AM

(That’s all they can do)

(So its back to you. The house is a normal house, shots would go through it, but they are going to get a small cover bonus to AC)

I attempt to shoot at one of the windows being kicked out

(Alright. Attack roll when you can)

(9 attack 8 damage)

The shots pepper the front of the house, blowing out some of the window but not hurting anything within. “Get the buggy!” One of the rebels accompanying you yells. “Get on the gun! We’ll keep their heads down!”

I make a run for the gun on the buggy

(It's a heavy machine gun, which is 3d6 for damage if you hit, and you can also fire in suppression mode, where instead they make evasion saves rather than you roll to hit them) The suppressive fire from your squad covers thefront of the house in bullet holes and burns, and the enemy troopers inside keep to cover rather than risk popping up in a window and being shot for their efforts

8:51 PM

Jake makes it to the buggy, the small three step ladder into the ring HMG turret is painted a bright yellow on the steps to be easily seen

(and then just let me know if you're going for regular shots or suppression so i know what has to be rolled)

(Regular shots against the windows they are firing out of)

(alright, we can use the attack roll from your regular gun, but roll a 3d6 for damage separately )

3:07 PM

(just since the gun applies your modifiers already)

(18 attack 8 damage)

The heavy machine gun pummels the building and the front window, front door, and some of the exterior brickwork is blown out. Inside, you hear shouts of alarm as someone is hit fatally. The resistance fighters with you renew their attack now that return fire is not coming back at them, one of them takes a knee, and an underslung grenade launcher thumps, sending an incendiary shell directly into the opposite window.

I hold to see if there is any more firing from the house or if the grenade got them

The grenade and your heavy machine gun seem to have done the trick. The only sound now is the house slowly burning

"quickly everyone in the vehicle. We need to get what we came here for."

There are enough soldiers here to crew both vehicles, and a long bodied cargo truck you find inside the main granary. You dont need to worry about stealing from civilians evidently, as you see none in town as the home continues to burn.

We load up the cargo truck and head back taking all of the vehicles. "I wonder what happened to all the civilians? Things are starting to get strange. Anyway, we need to get the grain and get out of here as quickly as possible."

It takes several minutes to grab as much as possible, throwing it into the cargo truck, before the buggies, truck between them, head out into the forest. Behind you, the fire begins to spread, leaving behind little physical evidence of what happened there. (3xp, 5000 credits)

2:37 PM

You arrive back in the resistance camp around nightfall, where the grain is taken into their own storage building under guard. By morning, the first of the ration handouts should begin

(any downtime before the next mission?)

(Depends what you want to do next. I'd say at least a few days would pass)

(mainly I just wanted to finish the mod to my armor that still needed 2 days.)

(we can say that much time passes, in that time if any missions go out you probably wouldnt be expected to since you just went)

Two days pass by as you complete your armor work, before youre approached by the resistance leadership again. "We've got another job for you. Well, two of them, your pick. One's a bit more dangerous, ones a bit more boring, but safer"

“Great, what are the options. I am ready to strike another blow against the dictator.”

"Boring option first, A government supply helicopter went down in the woods about 30 kilometers from here. The crew didn't make it, but the supplies inside are still there. We need to secure them, but its a race against government sappers. They've likely scrambled a team to get out to the crash site to blow up the wreck, to keep us from scavenging it. Even if it ends up just being weapons, it's going to mean we can improve our own arms and armor. The other is more dangerous, and involves hijacking a gunship from a helicopter carrier off the coast, and sinking it

Shakey’s eyes light up at the mention of gunship. “I have been itching to get back in the cockpit. If we get that gunship it will be a game changer in this fight. That’s the mission for me.”

"Alright, get any gear you need, and meet me in the commander's hut when you're done, we'll get you a proper briefing and we'll go over a couple contingency plans just in case you run into trouble. Even if things go well, you're going to be looking at about a week, split between land and sea"

I grab my gear (same load out as I have been using) and head to the commanders hut

The commander is relaxing in the hut, along with two of his officers. A map is on the board, with pins in it showing the landmass, and flags representing rebel operations, suspected camps they have not made contact with yet, government forces, and government bases. "Please, have a seat. I understand you'r'e something of a pilot"

(Sorry I have been away real life got hectic.)

11:23 AM

“I have some combat flight experience. I prefer the engineering side of flight, but I can hold my own in the cockpit.”

“Do you think behind the control stick you’d be alright ? The mission we are proposing is dangerous , and there’s a strong chance you’ll face opposition leaving the mission area”

“I am confident I will be. Danger is nothing new to me.”

“The trek overland should be easy. Just a few days walking. There’s an area patrolled by drones that you’ll need to be wary of, but aside from that the route should be safe. We have a contact on the coast who’s willing to bring you out to that helicopter carrier. Get aboard, steal one, preferably one that’s armed, and sink that damn boat and everything in it. Sinking it will mean the dictator can’t deploy gunships this close to our camp for quite some time , and we should be able to move around in the woods a bit more freely”

“Got it, I am ready to head out whenever.”

"We have a pair of scouts who will show you to the coast, and you'll meet your contact, and our frogmen there. Good luck. If we do this, we'll be able to strike more aggressive blows. Retaliation will become much harder for them'

“Thank you. I am looking forward to harming his ability to lash out at this worlds people

"The scouts are waiting at the camp edge. If we do this, you;ll be a hero, and we just might be able to strike a decisive blow"

I head to the edge of the camp and meet up with the scouts

The scouts number three people aside from you (making 4) and have a small battery powered motorbike for everyone. They’re traveling light with just hand weapons and a small kit for the few days of traveling time and one has been laid out for you too. Your bike looks to be more nicely made and the tires more suited for the conditions. A small sub machine gun sits in a holster near the handle bars

“Hey, Im Jake. Nice to meet you guys. This mission isn’t going to be easy but if we succeed we are going to make real progress in the war. I appreciate all of you volunteering.” I then mount the bike and get ready to head out.

The near silent engines turn over with a quick pull of the foot on the gas pedal, and the humming bikes set off into the woods. (we get a day of downtime for the first night since you're in friendly territory, before we get into where they said drones have been patrolling a lot)

(I am ready whenever you are. Not sure what else to have my character do at the moment)

The next morning camp breaks, and the scouts are visibly more nervous as you begin moving into the area where drones are known to patrol. The drones are small quadcopters, but they are numerous and are equipped with somewhat advanced sensor packages. One of the scouts pulls you aside "I don't know how risk-taking youre feeling, but if we bring down the control tower for these things, we could make a large patch of the planet safe for a while. We're almost certainly going to get noticed either on the way, or during our attempted demolition, and I know for you there's more danger after this with your plan to get the gunship. What do you think, should we go for it? "

"I say we go for it. There is no way to avoid being seen by the drones so we might as well deal with them."

"Alright, we're going to have to knock their transmission tower down, it should scramble the drone signal, and we dont need to worry about shooting every single drone. I'd expect at least a couple guards or technicians there keeping an eye on things"

"With a small force guarding it and the need to take it down quickly before the drones react I think we need a blitzkrieg type approach. We go in fast on our motorcycles and strike as fast as possible before they react."

There is a wicked smile among the group, as they do enjoy the plan. "Alright , lets mount up. It's a few kilos yet before we get into the drone area, we'll hit fast, overwhelm the techs, and blow the place"

12:43 PM

(and since we're going to be driving through the woods at high speed, pilot/dex)

(11)

You’re able to speed through the forest without Anyone falling off their bike. The building is a three level complex that ends in a very large transmission antenna. Flocks of quad copters that wheel and swarm like birds take to the skies, keeping an eye on the surrounding area

“We need to get in that building and damage the equipment beyond repair. Be prepared for anything.” I park my bike and enter the building and then look around to see what I can find.

If the station is manned, none of them have come outside. There is a metal flight of stairs heading into the bottom access level door

I take the stairs to the bottom access level

The sliding door hangs for a second, not maintained in some time, but opens to a clean machine space. Upstairs you hear three technicians calling out system information to one another. There is a lot of machine noise upstairs and it does not sound like they've heard the door open

I head upstairs to the room with the technicians and point my rifle at them. “Hands in the air and nobody needs to get hurt”

The three technicians back away from their consoles, though you can see one of them has a pistol on his hip. He hasn't tried to draw it

I keep extra focus on the one with the pistol. I tell my teammates. “Disarm him and secure the technicans.”

The technician goes for his gun, trying to either misguidedly save his own life or engage in misplaced battlefield heroics (initiative)

(4)

(3)

2:29 PM

(You'd see him going for his gun but you're acting firsT)

I point the gun right at him. “Don’t do it” any movement towards the gun and I pull the trigger

(Talking is a free action, you get the rest of your turn before he goes and he's going to keep trying, since there's been a gun pointed at him already)

I shoot him

(Alright. Attack and damage when you get a chance to roll it)

(8 attack 10 damage)

The shot goes wide, and he returns fire, (16/5) The revolver barks once, the small bore slug striking the battle armor Jake is wearing

(which actually since your CFU is modded, doesnt hurt you, as your AC is 17)

1

I fire back. (Will roll when I get home)

(Alright. I’ll be ready)

(11 attack 5 damage)

He staggers, the shot punching through his chest, and knocking him on to his back. It's clear he's been mortally wounded, and the gun tumbles from his hand

“I didn’t want to have to do that”

11:10 AM

“Everyone stay calm and let us finish” I procede to sabotage the equipment as long as nobody else interferes

(Fix/int)

2:25 PM

(i think you've got a demolition charge too, if you wanted to use it here instead, it wont level the building but it will flatten the machinery)

(7) I attempt to critically sabotage the equipment

You’re aided by your companions and the machinery inside is smashed. The tower is standing but the drones revert to standby behavior and land where ever they are, as long as it’s over land.

8:27 PM

“What do we do with the two techs left over?”

“We aren’t ruthless thugs like their dictator. We tie them up and leave them here. We will be gone before anyone comes to see what happened.”

11:08 PM

I finish tying them up. Then leave so I can continue mission

(3xp, 5000 credits)

The technicians are left behind as the bikes begin their sprint out to the coast. Reinforcements are likley on the way, seeing that the drone signature has been scrambled and is otherwise non-responsive. It is a half days ride through the woods,a nd without the drone network the responding government forces aren't able to locate you. Sea birds wheel overhead, as you approach the site where the boatmen is going to ferry you out to the enemy ship moored offshore

I head to the boat and greet the boatmen. “Hello, gentlemen. I hear you are quite skilled.” I attempt to casually be prepared to draw my rifle. I don’t want to arise any suspicion but I also want to be cautious because the seabirds make me paranoid. (Basically I am concerned the real boatmen were killed and thrown in the ocean.

"Ah hello there operative. Yes, we're going to get you as close to the helo carrier as we can. It's going to be dark by time we get out there, and they havent learned to run with their lights hooded at night yet. We should be able to sneak right up. "

6:26 PM

The boat looks fine, there is no evidence of blood, battle damage, or any kind of foul play

Relaxing once I see everything is above board I get on the boat.

The small engine turns over, as the boat moves from shallow water into the open ocean. "Sleep while you can soldier, you've got a long night ahead of you" one of the sailors says, throwing you a blanket

“Thank you” I get some rest while I wait

You're shaken awake close to the mission site, with the sun on the last section of its rotation for the day. Darkness is falling rapidly, and against the horizon you see the blocky shape of the helicopter carrier. It appears flight operations have been suspended, due to the strong winds that were not blowing when you fell asleep.

8:08 AM

"We're going to be there in a few moments"

I wake up, check my gear, eat a ration. “ Thanks for the ride out here, you are true patriots.”

“Don’t thank us yet. Rough seas ahead and we still gotta sneak you on board.”

6:55 PM

“Thankfully no choppers up in this. You’re gonna have a devil of a time taking off, but the boss says you’re good “

“I have full confidence in you. You guys have gotten us this far undetected”

(Exert/dex)

4

10:53 PM

(I am the worlds unluckiest dice roller)

A large wave smashes into the boat 100m from the ship, plunging you into the dark waters of the bay. The small boat has gone under and there is no sign of your companions

I struggle in the water against the waves and try my hardest to recover and get onto the ship

Searchlights from the ship click on, panning the surf, and illuminating one of your companions, before several bursts of gunfire streak into the water, swiftly ending him and holing the overturned boat. They have not seen you

I take a deep breathe and dive under trying to swim away from overturned boat while staying as close to the ship as I can.

A chain dangles from the anchor housing to just above the water and is in easy range for you to grab on to. Searchlights continue panning over the water but they’re unable to get directly down to see the hull. You should be safe for now

I attempt to swim to the chain and climb up

You make your way up the chain, buffeted by the surf to a certain point, before making your way into the anchor housing. You're below deck, with only the flight deck above you, tucked into one of the access crawlways engineers would use to ensure the anchor is working properly

They are on extremely high alert. I need to hide out until things calm down. If possible I stay in the crawl ways and wait for things to die down.

(sneak/dex, as it could be some time, and there will be an eventual notice check by the engineering team if you're staying put that long)

(6)

(9) It is over an hour of searching through compartments, and a few patrols getting close, when the alarm finally lifts. As it becomes safe to move, a bright light shines into the anchor housing, and you come face to face with one of the ship engineers, 5m from you at the end of the anchor module

(Am I able to shoot at him or am I too confined in the crawl space? Am I able to quickly get out of the crawl space?)

(not able to quickly get out, but you can def shoot)

I shoot at the engineer

(when you have a minute to roll the attack/damage let me know what you got)

3:20 PM

(def a surprise round, if he's still alive or you miss we'll go into initiative after that)

(16 attack 6 damage)

9:48 AM

(3 initiative)

The shot is clean, and the tech falls over backwards, a clean hole in his forehead. There is a bang as his wrench hits the decking. The ship is a loud environment on its own, it does not seem that the singular shot was noticed

I crawl out of the crawl space and assess my environment. If everything is all clear I am going to try and quietly make my way towards the where the helecopters are kept

The helicopters are kept a deck above on the flight deck itself. An access ladder leads up to it but it’s unclear if it leads directly up or if there are intervening rooms between

I take the ladder up and see where it brings me.

The ladder brings you into an engineering room next to the flight deck. It looks like the catapult controls for the few short takeoff fighters are also located in here, and two technicians are watching the deck through closed windows, for the last of the fighters to come in. The weather outside is getting worse. With all the noise , they have not noticed you

I attempt to line up a shot on the first engineer. (Preparing shot on the first one and hopefully he will die and I can target the next one after initiation begins)

(So you’re preparing an execution attack and waiting the full minute?)

(Yes)

You’re lining up the shot when one of the controllers steps back, stretching for a minute as the wire catches one of the incoming aircraft. He notices the floor hatch open and you sitting there, preparing to fire

6:04 PM

(Initiative )

(6)

(4)

I attempt to roll behind cover (if any) and then fire at the first engineer

(You’re at the top of a ladder, there isn’t any)

7:09 PM

(And as always, attack/damage roll when you’re ready)

(21 attack 5 damage)

One of the techs falls, mortally wounded by the sudden shot, the other fires back (18/3) trying to force you back down the hatch into the engineering space below

The shot hits doing minor damage. I then shoot back.

2:46 AM

(16 attack 12 damage)

The technician is killed outright, his partner still on the floor bleeding out, gasping as the front of his tunic becomes stained with red. Outside, the storm begins sending the first waves of rain onto the deck, and maintainers are disconnecting fuel andpower lines from the helicopters on the flight line. They'll be dragged under the deck soon on the aircraft elevator to shelter them. Several are transport models, but there is a large heavy gunship also parked on the deck, with a soldier standing near it

I shoot at the soldier and then begin running towards the gunship

(again, attack roll and damage, but we'll resolve once we know what it is)

(20 attack 7 damage)

(16/7) The soldier is hit, but kneels and opens fire as you cross the deck, approaching the gunship- as youll reach it in seconds. The burst is harsh against the storm's gale, and several rounds head your way

(Miss) I fire again as I continue to keep moving towards the gunship

8:39 PM

(10 attack 12 damage)

You're able to vault up the ladder, and get the canopy closed as he fires again into the side of the vehicle, but he is unable to damage it

I jump in the cockpit and try to start up the gunship

(normally we wouldn't need a roll here , but since you're taking off into a heavy storm we'll need a pilot/dex)

(9)

9:08 PM

(If it’s a fail I will use expert class ability to reroll)

(it's not) The heavy blades chop the air, and the gunship rises, instruments coming online. The targeting board lights up, showing a pair of rocket launchers and a heavy machine gun can all be fired from the pilot seat, and fired at the same time if desired

I take off and then line up for a shot against the helo carrier. I fire everything I have all at once into the side of the hull

The HMG stitches across the deck, sending crew scurrying for cover. the rocket pair slides into the water line, exploding as their twin warheads punch a pair of neat holes into it

I circle around to make sure the ship is sinking. If it is I fly away

The ship is remaining firmly above the water for now, and on the deck other helicopters , two at least right now, are beginning to spin up, crews trying to get them into the air to stop you

(Do I have any more rockets?)

(yes)

10:28 AM

(everything has enough ammo for the fight)

I fire the rockets and machine gun at one of the helicopters spinning up.

(2d20+5 on each, and the damage is 3d10)

(So do I roll 2d20+5 3 times? And roll 3d10 3times?)

(The machine gun is 3d6, the rocket launchers are 3d10, but yes as with any declaration of you making an attack of some kind I need a hit roll and damage

(First rocket 41 attack 24damage)

7:52 PM

(Second rocket 24 attack 17 damage)

7:52 PM

(Machine gun 17 attack 7 damage)

The rockets strike the helicopter, setting it ablaze as it cartwheels through the air, to come crashing back down on the flight deck. The wreck is stitched with machine gun fire, sending it sliding into a row of parked ammunition carts. A powerful explosion blows out the side of the vessel and it begins to lean dangerously to port, more parked aircraft sliding off into the water, the splashes quickly swallowed up by the rough waves and gathering storm,

11:20 AM

Pitch and yaw warnings begin sounding yourself as the strong winds make it hard for the rotors to steadily bite air

I come around and try to get the last helicopter before it can take off

From the deck you see sailors and airmen jumping overboard. Several lifeboats are lowering, half filled with people. Others are trying to swim for those boats, or making do on overturned wreckage in the waves

I fire on the last helicopter preparing to take off but I leave the sailors and airmen alone. its a shame so many had to die I turn on the helicopters speakers. “The dictator is a tyrant my fight is with him and that’s it. Tell you fellow airmen and sailors that I spared you, tell them we are coming for the dictator and that if they want to leave they should abandon him. Any are welcome to join the rebels, but if they stay with the dictator I can’t guarantee their safety.”

If they plan to act seriously on this message, now is not the time, as they now have to survive the storm without the protection of their very large seagoing vessel. The sailors are doing what they can to assist those in the water, but your voice is loud and carries over the crashing waves and thunder

hopefully the message does some good and causes some to defect later.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Am I clear to fly back then?)

The helicopter lands in the middle of the rebel camp , the storm blowing hard out at sea but not toubling things here. They begin taking it into a grove of trees, and working to get it concealed with as much leaf material and netting as possible while something to be done with it is figured out. The protectorate has also dropped supplies while you were gone, and many rebels are wandering around the camp with better weapons, and more importantly, there are now some heavy weapons in the camp. Machine gun and mortar pits have already begun being dug around the camp borders

I brief the leader of the rebels. “We lost some good men, but we took out the dictators drone control towers and sunk his helo carrier. Hopefully we are safe from the air for a while. I’m going to get some rest then spend a few days trying to improve the camp while we work out our next operation.”

(With the weapons that were sent am I able to purchase a shear rifle?)

(Yes)

(Ok buying a shear rifle and I’m going to start working on customizing it)

Three days go by from the time your last mission has ended before you’re called again. With this area safe the resistance has a clear transit corridor to the city of cekonis in the south. And tetroch a bit further east, situated in the center of the landmass. Going west to circle around to Forgia is too dangerous right now as the city is responsible for most of the industry and is powering the dictators space and military efforts. The hope is to convince the first two mentioned cities that this is the time to rise up, and if they do that the protectorate will be there to support them

“This sounds like a great plan, I really hope both cities agree to rise up. Hopefully this is the beginning or erdoza finding liberty” (am I taking the helo?)

(You can to get close to the city but you’d have to hide it and sneak into them directly. The cities are not Under rebel control)

(I will just go by land then)

2:14 PM

I pack up my gear and head to the command center. “What do we know about these cities, their people, and their leadership?”

“Almost nothing now , that’s in part why you’re going. We need actual intelligence”

“Ok it’s off I go. I figure it’s best to travel light if I am going to be stealthy. Mind if I take one of the motorcycles?”

"They're yours to use as a resistance member. Try to limit how far you travel during the day. We have a bit of a gap now due to the air cover you've handled but always assume someone is watching, and there are still satellites in orbit"

9:19 PM

"They'll be keeping a close eye on the roads, especially during the day"

“Thank you. I will start traveling tonight then.”

(They don't have anything else for you, right now)

As soon as the sun sets I throw on my armor, strap my rifle across the back of my shoulder, and store my backpack on the motorcycle. I take off heading to cekonis. (If the bike is off-road capable I avoid the highway. If not I take the highway.) This is it no pressure. If I can get these cities on our side we can really make some progress in the war

(they've got grav bikes, so we can use those, and they'll be off-road)

9:50 AM

(won't be slowed by the terrain)

I ride until daylight approaches and the try to find somewhere concealed to hide out until nightfall. I continue working on modding my riffle while I wait

(You'd need 8 uninterrupted hours to work on it, which means you wouldn't be sleeping. If that's what you want to do, we can)

(I will sleep. I figured 8 riding at night 8 working on mod, 8 sleeping. But if it’s sleep or mod I choose sleeping)

(ah true, alright fair enough)

10:09 AM

(you can do all 3)

(Unless any required skill checks) As dusk approaches I continue my journey.

(nothing for modding, but we're going to need a pilot/dex for this next stretch of land)

(10)

The grav bike effortlessly passes over the bumpy terrain until you come to a truly dense part of the woods where it seems even the animals have abandoned living here. The trees are tall and dark, veined in black roots, and sway gently despite there not being wind

This part of the woods is disturbing . I need to get out of here quickly (edited)

8:15 AM

I continue on. Not stopping even for daylight until I can get out of these woods

Close to evening, there is a large commotion on the road ahead, and you can see powerful lights shining through the trees, on the road, 400m away from your bike

I turn off my bike and try to conceal it and then I try to quietly and without getting caught go around avoiding the lights but getting as close as I can to inspect what’s going on

OOUt on the road, you see a large column of trucks and armored vehicles bringing soldiers, and what looks like prisoners from the city, out to a spot in the countryside past where you had traveled. Most of the prisoners look lightly injured, or at least underfed, and the soldiers guarding them are dour, wearing combat armor, and fully sealing helmets

7:34 PM

the sides of the trucks are mesh cage material, and you can see the resigned looks on many of the prisoners faces

I try and get a good count on the number of soldiers I can see as well as estimating how far they are from me.

7:58 PM

Also can I tell if they are the dictators soldiers or the cities

The city army and the dictators army are the same thing, since he still rules this planet. There are too many soldiers and too much activitty for you to accurately count. They are on the road, 50m from your position

something sinister is going on. I wonder if this has anything to do with those creepy woods back there? I wish there was something I can do but there is way too many soldiers. I make my way back to the hover bike as quietly as I can.

The soldiers on the road are too busy with their prisoners and duties, and amid the sound of the large vehicle engines, no one hears your bike start up

I start heading towards the city again. I really wish I could help those poor people. But whatever is going on maybe I can find a way to prevent it from happening to anyone else.

(d10 for the next hex)

(3) (edited)

(I added two new goals. Free Erdoza and the get cekonis and tetroch to join the rebels. Are the ok goals to put? Still trying to figure out goals.)

(yea those are fine, since they might take a mission or two of work)

7:12 AM

The forest gives way to a long stretch of open grassland, which due to the lack of tree cover is now the most dangerous part of your journey. Birds scatter overhead, and trees fall in the forest ahead of you, one, two, three, and then a long silence

something is coming this way and judging by those falling trees it looks big. I dismount my hover cycle and ready my shear rifle. I then wait to see what’s coming

8:08 AM

A mech, large and quadrapedal breaks through the trees, though it does not seem to have seen you. Its gun pans right, to keep watch over the road, clanking and rattling. Black smoke belches from a pair of smokestacks on its back

(Do I know if my weapons Be effective against the mech?)

(it is armored, a shear rifle is not a heavy weapon, so its armor is going to soak a certain amount of the damage)

im not going to be able to do much against that I jumó on my hover cycle and decide to make a run for it. hopefully I can get out of here before he sees me

(pilot/dex)

(12)

The high speed and small profile of the bike allow you to dash to the treeline the mech has departed from before anyone inside of it has the chance to notice. You almost flip end over end a couple times at the sudden appearance of low rocks or other hazards, but you're able to keep on top of it, and get to safety

That was close I check my compad to see how close I am to the city, and the continue on my journey

You have another half day of driving ahead of you, though it seems the most dangerous part of your journey is over

If it’s daytime and I am in a fairly safe area I make camp and get some rest. I then continue on once night falls.

(Would I be recognized by the city guard as resistance? Or is this something I wouldn’t know?)

(The only people who have seen your face so far and lived would have been the two techs from the drone station you spared, and you let them live, so I don't think they'd have said much to authorities. The rebels have given you fakes of any papers you need to get into the city that will stand up to a basic inspection, but nothing thorough )

As I approach the city I provide the guards the paperwork. I really hope these papers hold up or this is going to be a short trip “Good evening gentlemen. How has your shift been?”

They look over your papers and make a few stamps. There is a click as the documents are scanned and they seem to hold up against this check. “Alright. Move ahead into the city. Clear the gate”

I head into the city and look around to observe what I can see. I am glad those papers held up. It is nice to finally be off the road. I stop my hover cycle by the first passerby I see. “Excuse me good Sir, is there an inn or tavern near by where I may be able to procure lodging for the night?” (edited)

Several hotels are given off to you, ranging from more upscale where government employees are known to stay, to poor neighborhood boarding houses where families rent out rooms of their homes to travelers

I write down the addresses given to me.

(It depends what style you want to live on. He gave you a bunch of places )

The upscale hotels will be useful later, right now though I need to get my bearings and get the ground truth about this city

2:00 PM

I head to the poor neighborhood first and to one of the homes that rents out rooms

The boarding house is run down, originally a very nice single family home that was likely far larger than what they needed. 14 people live here now, divided among the many rooms in the home, some only with a privacy screen on the floor or suspended from the ceiling running between them. The land lady is the property owner, an elderly woman who has seen her family grow up and move off, some by force, some by choice, and is now doing what she can to ensure credits come in to hold on to her home

 Message For: Resistance Command
From: Shakey

We have a potential opportunity I want to run by the resistance. There is a large group of bandits from Heras that may be willing to join the resistance in exchange for a pardon and chance to turn their lives around. It is your resistance and these are men who were bandits so the choice is yours. There is also no guarantee the will accept the deal if offered. Please let me know if you would be willing to allow them to fight for the resistance in exchange for their freedom?

(edited)

2:33 PM

"Hello Ma'am. I was told you run a fine boarding house establishment in this city. How much would a room be for the night?"

(These are the changes I made during level ups. I did not know I was supposed to be posting these but this should make me current.)

2:48 PM

(16 points total due to expert 3 points to bring fix from +1 to +2 3 points to bring pilot from +1 to +2 1 point to increas charisma from 7 to 8 3 points to bring shoot to +2 2 points to bring shoot to +1 1 point to bring work to 0 1 point to bring survive to 0 1 point to bring connect to 0 1 point to bring notice to 0 Last HP roll brought me to 27 hp total Level 2 Foci - brought tinker up to level 2 Level 5 Foci Specialist - Pilot level 1)

"2 credits a night, but if you're here for a week I'll cut you a deal and only charge you 10"

"I am going to be honest with you. I am new to this city and I am looking for information as well as lodging. I will make it 100 for the week if you can help me and keep any conversations just between us. Can I trust you and is this deal acceptable?"

“You want to drive my boarders out for the week too? Don’t need their credits if you’re paying me this much”

“I don’t want to put anyone on the street. I am mainly just trying to figure things out. Who is in charge of the city? Are there any major criminal organizations? Are there any notable merchants? Kind of a who is who when it comes to major players in this city. What is the general feeling of the residents of the city. Are people happy here? Are the people here struggling or doing ok? Basically anything else you think a newcomer here should know.”

"Whoa, whoa, that is way too many questions, and that is way too many questions in a place where someone might hear you. Clear out the renters, and we'll have a safe place to talk. Theyll find other places to go"

7:35 AM

"I'm not saying anything that could get me arrested "

“Ok, fair enough clear out the renters and then let’s talk. No need to answer anything you are uncomfortable with. I am just new hear and I am trying to get the lay of the land.”

"Ignorance can be as dangerous as open treachery when you're asking about conditions or the government. I don't think you're secret police or anything, but I don't want to be sent to the gulag for helping a stranger, either"

“I understand. I will let you clear out the renters and then you can tell me whatever you are comfortable with. Even if it’s just letting me know who is in charge and who is important too. I just want to make sure I don’t cross anybody important.”

9:50 AM

I slide her another 100 credits

(Any word on if the resistance is ok with letting the bandits join?)

( a message from here to Heras and back is several days coming and going so you won’t hear back for a little while)

(Copy)

"Come back in an hour. I don't want anyone to put two and two together. I

8:24 AM

will see you soon"

“I will see you soon” I leave and come back in an hour

By the time you return the last of the borders has left, carrying a large suitcase behind him. The landlady stands at the door, looking out over the street to ensure there are no government vehicles nearby

“I would appreciate anything you can tell me about this city. The uncomfortableness with talking in front of the boarders has already told me a lot. The mention of secret police told me even more. I am going to take a risk and tell you I am the opposite. I am a rebel. I am here to free this planet and I want this city to join me. So you have several choices, you can give me the information I need so I know who to talk to in order to make that happen, you can ask me to leave and I will go without causing you any problems, or you can turn me in. If you choose to help me however know that I want to make this planet so people like you don’t need to struggle to get by and aren’t oppressed for one mans greed.”

2:46 PM

(Sorry for wall of text. Got carried away.)

"I want to help, and I suspected coming hre asking questions like that meant you were a rebel. Come inside, and give me the questions you need answered one by one. I'll help fill in whatever I can"

I enter and sit down across from her. “Who is in charge of the city?”

"The dictator has appointed one of his generals to keep watch over the city. There is a curfew at night and martial law has been declared. People who break the law are usually just shot, or dragged before a military court, and then shot"

“Is there any other powerful groups like a merchants guild or a local resistance?”

“Anyone who’s not in the generals pocket has been crushed already. Autocrats don’t tolerate sub factions within their regime. “

“I had hoped to handle this more diplomatically. Where could I find this general?”

“He has a home in the city but he frequently travels north to the rocketry base. He’s on the road often usually in a small motorcade. They clear the streets every time he’s ready to go

“Do you know if he Is he currently home or away? When he is away who is left in charge?”

"He is away at the Rocketry base now, though he is expected to return within the next few days. He has deputies in the city and they carry out his orders while he is away. We have modern communications, he's more than capable of running things here from there if needed "

“Thank you for all of this information. If there is anything else you can think of I should know please let me know. If not I am going to get some rest for the night?”

"Thats all I can think of for now, you're more than welcome to rest in any of the rooms upstairs, but try to stay away from the windows. We don't need someonen in the street seeing you"

I go upstairs and pick a room with a door but no windows. I also move any furniture I can to block the door and then I get some rest

Night passes and at first light the city begins to stir again. You hear the landlady downstairs beginning to make breakfast and prepare for the day, though with you as the only renter she has much less to do

I wake up (shower if it’s available) get dressed and head downstairs for breakfast.

The food is on the table, meager as it is. The landlady is scrubbing the inside of a cast iron pot with a thick brush as you come down the stairs

“Good morning. Thank you for making breakfast” (edited)

.(what’s your actual plan now that you’re in the city. Do you have any ideas forming?) (edited)

(My two ideas are either go to the more upscale hotel and try to talk to a merchant, or start preparing to ambush general. My big issue is I don’t want a power vacuum. I could try to get his second in command on my side but that’s risky.)

10:15 PM

(I was originally hoping there was a civilian power base I could lure with trade off world. I may try to see if there is a local resistance or criminal element)

(And just because she doesnt know anything doesnt mean nobody does)

After breakfast I head to an upscale tailor shop. (If I don’t know where I ask for directions.) As I enter the shop “Good morning. I am new in the city and I am looking to get a nice suit made.”

'New to the city?" the man behind the counter asks, intrigued "Most of the roads are closed, with the blockades in everything, almsot no one new comes to town anymore. Where did you come in from?'

“Im from a small farming village. North west of here. The rebels attacked it and in response the military leveled it. Without the village my farm couldn’t survive. So I packed up what I could carry and came here hoping to start over”

"The military leveled a village the rebels attacked? why would they do something like that?" he wonders allowed, looking down at the desk to find some of the items he will need to assist you

“I was at my farm when it happened. Rumor is most of the town joined the rebels. Apparently some handsome and charming off worlder was very convincing. The propaganda the rebels are putting out claims some protectorate from off world is supporting them and that the dictator doesn’t have much time left.” (edited)

(talk/cha)

11:44 AM

"so the rebels attack the very town that supported their own cause, and then the government bombed it...even though the rebels were attacking themselves? your story doesn't add up friend"

(3)

11:47 AM

“Like I said I wasn’t there. I just have a mix of rebel propaganda and rumors. All I know is I need to start new” (edited)

"Stay right there. I'll be right back" He stands up, and heads to the back of the store where his personal office is, looking out at the showroom one last time, and you, he shuts the door gently

I head over to the door and attempt to evesdrop

The electronic shop doors behind you lock as you make your way over to his office quietly, the exaggerated care of your movements slowing you down, and all youre able to catch is him thanking someone, telling them to come quick, and then hanging the hardline back up

He either called the military or called some local resistance. How screwed am I. I walk away from the office door and wait to see if he comes out.

There is another lock, as his internal work room door also seals, and outside a few streets over you hear the sound of sirens approaching.

I try and pry open any panels near the exit door in order to force the door to stay locked

2:31 PM

Using my technical know how

(fix/int)

(11)

You're able to yank the correct wire loose after spending a moment looking at the lock controls on the wall, and the doors shudder as they open rapidly. the sirens are close but you do not see any vehicles on the street yet. They are still en route to the store.

not what I was trying for, but I will make it work. I run outside and jump on my hover cycle an attempt a getaway

(and we will need a pilot/dex to oppose their score)

(8)

(11) The Erdoza Defense Force Civic Security car pulls around the corner behind you at high speed, closing to 50m of your bike.

3:39 PM

Twin undercab heavy machine guns rack, though there is too much traffic on this main road for them to risk firing as a first resort

I pull over and wait for the officers to respond

The vehicle halts behind your bike, sirens still on, and the doors open as four officers with weapons drawn begin moving toward you, 10m away and spreading out in a line.

3:51 PM

"Hands up! Step away from the bike! Now!"

I follow his instructions. “Officers thank goodness. That tailor is crazy. He locked me in his store.”

Two of them lower their weapons to approach you while the other two continue covering you. "Identification papers? " one asks. "You can tell me what happened while my partner here runs everything for us"

I give him the papers the resistance forged for me Hopefully these hold up

4:08 PM

“ I went into his shop to purchase a new suit and he started asking slits if questions and then ran away and locked me in his store. I desperately started pulling wires hoping to escape. Miraculously it worked and I tried to get away from him when luckily you arrived

"I see, and purely to make sure the story lines up, what kinds of questions was he asking you for him to react to what you were saying like that. Something you said must have upset him"

“He was mainly asking were I was from and kept saying my story didn’t make any sense. First my village gets destroyed and then I meet this crazy tailor. I’ve been having a terrible month. I heard there may even be murder hornets in the woods.”

There is a muffled call over the radio as the officer puts a finger to his ear bead and listens. "Turn around and face the bike, put your hands on the seat, now"

5:13 PM

(5 vs 3 for the security vs infiltration score, rolled using reasonable agency like elements in play between rebels and the dictator) \

I follow his instructions. “Is something wrong?”

"Those papers are fraudulent, rebel scum." The second and third officer begin making their way over, and will be adding to the conflict here before the next few eye blinks (You've got enough time to attempt anything, if you're feeling scrappy)

(Do I have my rifle? I never really said when I left. But it may be weird if I was running around with it?)

(Probably packed in the bike somewhere yes, if its readied on your sheet right now, we can say its close enough for you to draw it)

5:43 PM

(Right now, everything says 'other' so we need to fix that, and the rifle is not in a place where you can get to it)

“Not a rebel but close. I’m from off world and this planet belongs to me. You just don’t know it yet.The way I see things right now you guys have 3 options. You can walk away and no problem all is forgotten, you can join me and get paid handsomely as well as being rewarded once this city is under control, and option 3 well that winds up with you guys dead.” they are going to pick option 3. They always pick option 3

(initiative. Talking is a free action so it wont count against what you can do)

7:08 AM

(there is one in melee with you since he was about to cuff you, so there is going to be a -4 for shooting until that's resolved)

(So just to make sure, I am cuffed?)

(You are not, he was about to before this scene happened, but he's still standing right next to you, so its going to make any sort of shooting difficult. The character sheet never had any of the gear stowed or readied correctly, so its going to be a main action to get a gun ready)

(Also will be a while before I can get to computer to roll initiative)

(you're fine, just laying out the scene)

I quickly try and jump to the other side of the hover cycle to get some cover and attempt to get my rifle out of the storage on the side of the bike.

(crit/4) As you move away , the officer's billy club strikes your back hard, but you're able to vault the bike and retrieve your rifle from storage. The other three officers draw weapons and fire them, though the shots go wide and miss

8:28 AM

(back to you)

(2 rolled a natural 1)

8:33 AM

( what does crit/4 mean?)

(they got a critical hit, so i doubled the 2 damage to 4)

8:41 AM

(3 for security officers. I rolled their turn a second ago in the thread and they all missed) You moved away from him without taking the fighting retreat main action, so he got an opportunity attack, but had you take it, you wouldnt have been able to draw your rifle until next turn, so you did the right thing for the situation you're in) (edited)

(Copy. So I took 4 damage Got it)

(Correct)

(Is it my turn or theirs? Just don’t know if I’m supposed to type or wait?)

(Your turn)

I fire my rifle at the closest officer

(okay, hit/damage when you get back to a computer)

(23 hit 13 damage finally a good roll)

The lead security officer falls onto his back, chest blown open by the shear shot and it is clear he will not be getting back up. The other three spread out, 10m from you, and fire their handguns (20/5, the other two are definite misses)

I fire at the next closest

(21 attack 14 damage)

The second of four officers falls. One of the remaining two begins moving back toward the patrol car, hopping inside and starting it up, so he can bring its heavy weapons to bear in a few seconds. The final one is calling for backup into his radio

10:28 AM

(youre up)

(Do I have a clear shot at the officer who jumped in the car? Or would I be attacking the vehicle?)

(You'd be attacking the vehicle now since he is inside of it)

I fire at the officer on the radio and then move to cover if any

There isnt anything nearby aside from other parked cars along the side of the street

11:20 AM

though you could crouch behind one if needed

For now then I will just fire then. (Will roll soon. Got stuck at the office)

(22 attack 14 damage)

The third officer in the street is hit, joining his other two deceased comrades in the road The twin heavy machine guns of the patrol car open up, and more sirens sound on the streets nearby. (22/13, the other HMG misses)

(13 drops me)

1

(it was a heavy weapon , so revival or anything like that isn't possible, sadly)

(No problem. Poor Shakey

)

2:48 PM

(Can I start a new character?)

(absolutely)

2:49 PM

(shoot me some ideas, we can def work something out)

(ok will do.)