Iron Stars - styx

Styx covers his ears as the ready klaxon wails inside the guts of the CBSS mech carrier. He was already awake, how can one sleep the night before a combat drop onto an entire city held by rebel forces. Vari has always been a difficult planet for the CBSS. Conquered, not welcomes in with open arms, and the populace has taken a great deal of administrative and military attention to bring into the fold. The Crimson Claws are a rebel group that managed to isolate an entire city on the planets northwestern hemisphere and has used their protected position to menace fishing, mining, trade, and travel across one of the CBSS's most developed planets. They cannot stand. They cannot remain. As a result, the CBSS has deployed the carrier, with a small escort fleet, and a hold full of 90 powerful suit mechs, prepared to drop on the city below. Lighted paths in the corridors outside lead to briefing rooms , where CBSS officers and strategy department officials are preparing to meet with everyone descending to the surface

Styx rubs his eyes, yawns and follows the flow of traffic into the most important looking briefing room.

@Karre Mondragon(Timothy) (I know you’re on this too. Let’s hop in this one and hopefully we get to launch this time)

6:23 PM

A member of the Psionic Conclave is waiting in the briefing room with a commissar , and a dozen mech pilots who all look to be somewhat green. A map of the claws settlement is being displayed on the back wall in flat 2D projection. Several important sites of interest are circled and you expect this meeting is to hear more about them, and decide what this group will try to take.

"I'm happy to help in any way that I can."

(Alek not sure if you wanted to@make an introduction or not)

(Sorry! Been at work and the last few hours have been a bit hectic.) Alek stands to the side. His gaze is fixed on the map plot as he tries to parse the details. This won’t be his first drop, and he’s a little surprised at how routine these operations have become. When Styx enters he nods in their direction, “Good morning, comrade.”

"Good morning!? How does anyone get any blasted sleep aboard one of these things?! Uhhh, sir. Sorry, I haven't seen any coffee around and I'm new, so I don't know who to ask."

8:25 PM

(Are there ranks in the CBSS?)

(in what sense do you mean?)

(Like in the army and navy, is there a hierarchy?)

(Yes. It would be similar to militaries of today but for the purposes of player interaction with one another no one is higher than anyone else)

(Keeps players from bossing each other around haha) Alek gestures at the coffee pot in the back corner of the room. “The commissar was outlining what we know about the Crimson Claws. We will make a plan based on that.”

The lights dim and the briefing begins. “We have several sites of interest in the city below. This was the first pilot team that assembled so we get our choice of drop zone. First we have the regional airport. They haven’t had traffic from the mainland in some time, but leadership could flee through here, and securing it is a good beachhead for heavier Cbss presence later . Next, a tank depot. Id expect this to be more difficult as the crews for those vehicles live here. No doubt some will come online when the fighting begins if they’re not already waiting

6:46 AM

“After that, we have a factory block. Tight spaces , lots of chances for ambush, we need to keep as much intact there as we can. And finally, the blue water dockyard. Same idea as the airport. Cutting off escape and we could use this once victory is established to begin sending relief over from@the mainland”

“It seems like the airport would be a priority target. It and the tank depot would be the first places I would want to hit. Do we have any air support to keep blue water ships from getting too far from the area?”

"In all honesty, sir, I know I'm new here, but fighting tanks with mechanical suits sounds awesome as hell."

"The mainland navy is in a position to intercept , along with the planetary defense force's air force- which will likely make contact faster. Anyone who escapes will find themselves without support- and the goal is to not destroy everything in sight. These are CBSS citizens living in this occupied city, and the party has scarce resources- we can't afford to rebuild a major industrial project because some greenhorn mech pilots got too trigger hungry"

Styx brings his coffee to his lips and shifts his eyes around the room trying to spot the greenhorns. (edited)

You're one of them, nearly everyone else in this room seems to be as well

Styx knows that.

"Operative Komarov, you've spent time on Vari before, anything you think these cadets should know?"

Styx looks over at the battle hardened Komarov. He looks like he has a lot of wisdom to offer that might save Styx's life one day. He listens intently.

“The Vari people are headstrong. They do not adapt to change well, and are suspicious of the Party and the methods we employ. To them, we are destroying their way of life and forcing them into the Revolution. I believe it will be more of the same with these extremists and would not be surprised if they are even more resistant to change. A significant benefit is that the mainland Vari people seem to respect honesty and results, so eliminating the Crimson Claws will probably be viewed favorably by the rest of the planet.”

"Are we forcing them into revolution? If that isn't true we could change the public opinion on that as well as bringing an end to an existential threat to our people. Two birds with one stone as it were. Let us be the stones that bring these carrion birds to the ground once and for all."

“The People’s Revolution, comrade. Freedom from the shackles of communism and empowerment of the proletariat. I have already worked on the mainland to improve the general perception of the Brotherhood. The Crimson Claws are not as amenable to indirect measures; hence the forces gathered to remove them from the equation.”

7:04 PM

“Taking out the tank depot is a good first move. It will keep the Claws from projecting their force on our other landing teams.”

“The tank depot it is. The elevator in the room behind me will bring you down to your section of the deployment hangar. Good luck”

7:32 PM

The locks disengage and the hatch at the back of the room behind the tactician opens to a crew elevator

Styx walks into the elevator and turns off the sensory connection to his goat, Boots, who is waiting for him in the cargo bay. 'You don't need to see what's coming up next, buddy.' (edited)

Alek follows behind, interested in what the deployment hangar will hold for them.

(I can make you either a shock or specialist mech. Let me know what you guys prefer )

(Shock for me, please. Especially if we’re going up against armor)

10:34 PM

(Spells prepared for the day: Random Organic Failure, Evert the Inwardness, Obnulition of the Will, Howl of Light, Resounding Temporal Echo, Wind of the Final Repose, Phobic Storm, The Long Amber Moment)

(Damn that is so many spells. Shock for me too please.)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 5/13/2021 7:39 AM

THe hangar is alive with the noise of maintainers doing what they can to get this squadron of mechs ready for drop. Ten of you are going to be deploying to the tank depot, to destroy what needs to be, and hopefully to preserve the rest as war spoils for the party. Two of the shock mechs are on their knees, chest canopy open with nests of cables being disconnected and wound back to where they belong in the various deck housings.

Styx looks at Komarov "Since one of these is probably worth more money than I've seen in my whole life, I'm probably going to stick close by you on this one." (edited)

He puts his hand against one of the mechs, “That is perfectly fine with me. It is good to know we will watch each other’s backs down there.”

Styx beams with pride for the first time since he put his father in the ground. He won't let this man down. He can't.

Two mechs closeby both are open, and it doesnt seem like anyone is going to be getting in them.

Alek clambers into the first one. He gives a quick nod to Styx before closing the mech up and beginning the ignition sequence.

Styx, apprehensive but excited, climbs into his mech suit and fires it up. It was time to prove what he could do for the army that treated his family so well for so long.

The techs begin getting you inside , checking to see if you flight helmets are in place and ready. The canopies seal and the gantries begin pulling back as you prepare for the floor to open, stopping you into the atmosphere

"Oh shit stains! I thought we were landing first!" He screams, glad his communicator isn't active or at least telling himself that it isn't.

(The mechs have grav chutes)

1

The lights turn amber and he begins counting down from ten. Systems come online and you can see a holographic view of the hangar. The party anthem begins blaring inside the hangar bay and you hear the comm net flood as it opens, pilots sharing jeers, well wishes, and the other sentiments of fighting men before going into danger. The captain of the mech carrier cuts in. “Hunt well, and hunt ferociously, my comrades. We will send a hot meal down once the city is ours”

6:31 AM

One by one, the floor beneath each mech opens, releasing the ponderous suits into the open sky

Alek doesn’t pray as he’s not religious. He does offer a small curse to whatever cosmic entity that has deemed it amusing to send him to another planet via combat drop, however. Again. It would be nice to ride a shuttle in. And not get shot at. At least once. He grins at his own joke before being pushed against the control harness as the mech is accelerated into the open air. His eyes remain glued to the altimeter rapidly approaching the chute deployment value, and he tries not to scream.

It takes more muscles than Styx thought it would to keep himself from throwing up as he feels the g forces working on his body something fierce. He clenched his teeth and butt cheeks and holds on for what is most definitely the ride of his life so far. He closes his eyes and waits for the chute to open, passing the time in meditation.

(Pilot/dex check for both of you)

(7)

(12)

Each of you weave aside as the first of the anti aircraft fire streaks skyward to greet you. This high up only their missile interceptors have a hope of striking you. Below this, you’ll be dealing with flak and more directed rapid fire anti aircraft guns.

(Do we make another check?)

(No I had to go back outside before I could write more )

7:10 AM

As you descend into the second layer of defense, the highlighted landing zone appears on the HUD, and the altimeter slowly counts down as you tumble. Your grav chutes will open in a moment and you’ll be the most vulnerable.

7:11 AM

Two helicopters lift off from the roof to the city , and everyone begins observing their movements as they rise, trying to cut down as many of the landing force as possible. Your weapons are barely in range

Styx breathes and readies a shot at the helicopter closest to him when his grav shoot opens. He practices the breathing that his psychic tutor tought him to use and attempts to see what the future holds for him. (precognition check) (edited)

11:14 AM

(10 and one effort committed for the day)

(Are you using oracle?)

11:48 AM

(There’s generally not checks involved with using powers )

(Oh. Right on yes oracle) (edited)

(what specific question are you trying to answer? Its not just a general everything thats about to happen)

(I'm sorry. I would like to know where the helicopter will be when I fire at it after my grav shoot opens.)

It is going to engage you and Alek first once your chutes open

(Then what i need to do to dodge their attack.)

(We'd need to roll initiative and do like, actual combat,i was just leaving room for alek to do something he might want to do before we get that far, as the last several posts have all been you) (edited)

(Been resting all day) Alek grimaces against the g-forces as the mech’s chutes activate. He begins bringing the weapons to bear on the approaching choppers.

9:13 PM

(2 initiative)

(7 for the helicopter. When we get Styx I can get an order together)

(Lol 1 initiative.) (edited)

(High rollers over here)

(I actually have dex+1 so it shouldn't have read that.) (edited)

10:04 PM

(No I don't.)

The helicopter moves to combat altitude and the hydra array rockets mounted on its wings fire The contrails corkscrew and twist through the air, missing the both of you but striking a mech nearby. It twists and spins in its grav chute, tangling up and falling toward the ground at a rapid pace. (Alek)

(Is it pilot or shoot for mech weapons?)

(Shoot)

Alek attempts to wrestle his weapon systems in the direction of the approaching helicopters. His mech is still attempting to stabilize it's descent which leads to a difficult shot.

12:25 AM

(firing both weapons at one helicopter)

12:26 AM

(9/15 Laser; 11/10 HMG) (edited)

(styx these aren't skill checks, its a weapon attack, so D20+attack bonus+dex mod+level in shoot)

(oh Jesus Christ. That makes sense.) (edited)

(when you have a minute, just re-roll those for me, ill let you know if anything hits and we'll figure out damage if something does)

(14 and 11 respectively.)

9:24 AM

(I was rolling laser then hmg like my mentor over there)

(laser hits, 3d8 for damage)

(Then that'll be 3 damage. Wow. How unlucky.)

9:35 AM

Styx his the chopper with the mechs laser but it lacks the luster he was hoping for.

The laser strikes the side of the chopper, not enough to shoot it down, but enough to cause the pilots to back out of engagement range, especially with more of you coming down. Its pilots bank sharply, veering away from the descending mechs. Greasy black smoke trails from its side, and pieces of metal continue flaking off of it as it descends closer to the ground- out of weapons range. The ground is rising up fast to meet you, and you'll be landing amid the tank depot in a moment. Soldiers on the ground are running for their machines, but most will not get them started in time.

(Are the soldiers in range of the HMG?)

(yes, we're in weapons range for the ground, we'll be landing in a minute and ill paint a better scene)

(Would I be able to fire suppression with the HMG at the fleeing troops? Just blanket the area.)

(It would empty the entire belt, but yes)

Not wanting the soldiers to reach the tanks, Alek squeezes the firing stud. The mech vibrates as the machine guns spray towards the running people below. He fires until the guns lock in the open position, ammunition belts empty. (edited)

2:56 PM

(13 on damage roll)

Some of them are cut down, others have reached the defensive armor of their tanks and are trying to start them up. You'll be among them in a moment. (styx)

Styx takes aim with both guns at the biggest tank in range of him in an attempt to disable it before it can do any damage.

3:09 PM

(3 for the laser 18 for the hmg)

(HMG hits, 3d6 for damage there)

(6 damage)

You’re able to knock some antenna and loose aerials off it’s back, as you both crunch to the ground with your squad mates among the tank depot. One of them fires, sending a second of your mechanized brethren toppling over, the entire head and chest section of the mech aflame and blown apart. (19/18 alek, missed styx) there is a second tank that rolls free of a nearby hangar , the main gun booms and sends a shell directly into Alek’s mech

1

(With armor 15, does that reduce to 3 damage?)

(This is totally badass by the way.)

(I don't think mechs get their armor value against heavy weapons, I think they follow regular vehicle rules on that, but let me check) (edited)

8:19 AM

(Light mechs do get to use their armor against heavy weapons, so reduced to 3)\

(37/40 HP) Alek’s mech takes the shot on its shoulder, warning lights illuminate the damaged area and back up servos begin spooling up to assist in limb movement. He levels the AV laser at the offending tank. The cockpit’s audible warnings reminding him he’s exhausted the HMG belts.

11:11 AM

(21/21)

(the ammo unit lets you reload as often as you need to, we just roll at the end of the encounter to see if its got anything left in it)

(Did that destroy the tank he just hit)

(I was waiting for him to decide if hes firing his HMG too)

(How does reloading in mechs work? Do I have to spend a turn reloading the HMG?)

(If i haven't moved the scene or given you that information, just wait for me)

2:02 PM

(No you dont)

Ah let’s spray the tank, too then

(You just roll after to see if you're out)

(12/10)

The Laser strikes the turret ring. You see the tank rock, but it seems like whatever is happening inside, enough crew still live and enough systems are still online to keep it working for the moment. THe heavy machine gun sends sparks and superficial damage across the outside of it, not enough to wound, or kill.

2:03 PM

(styx)

Styx points his mech towards Alek and begins to head in his direction. When he gets nearer to him he takes aim at the same tank Alek started on, hoping to finish the job. He let's loose with his laser cannon. (edited)

(When firing mech weapons, you're allowed to split targets, but have to decide ahead of time if you're firing all your weapons or not)

3:45 PM

(Mechs are very powerful, and very hard to destroy, so the chance to waste shots on overkill of a target is the only real advantage an enemy has)

(17 to hit and 19 to damage for the laser.)

(Are you firing the HMG?)

(I'll pass on the hmg then.)

The laser scores a direct hit, punching through the side armor of the vehicle. It does not explode, but you can see it has been disabled, and is no longer a threat. Any crew bailing out would not have weapons capable of harming you.

3:49 PM

Around you, other members of your squad are landing, and it seems as though pushing toward the large underground garage where the heavy tanks are being kept might be the best thing to secure. If crew manage to get any of them running, or out into the streets, there might be more significant casualties among the mech forces

"Let's follow them, Alek! I got your back!"

“Agreed. In we go.” Alek accelerates the mech into the garage, laser coils sweeping across the expanse.

(seen, looking for a map i like.

8:02 AM

(assume the Millenum Falcon is just a very big tank)

8:02 AM

8:04 AM

Coming in from the west, where the hangar doors have been forced open, you can see a wide open hangar, with machine shops running along its southern and easter walls. The doors there are too big for mechs to fit through. The "Tyrant" is a super heavy tank in service to the Crimson Claws, one of the prides of their defensive force. Worse yet, its crew has had time to get it running.

8:04 AM

(Alek)

Alek curses under his breath at the sight of the super heavy. He calls over the squad’s comm, “We found their prize. Bring it down.” He levels the AV laser at the tank, and sweeps the running soldiers with the HMG.

12:10 PM

(17/12 AV laser 19/7 HMG)

The HMG seems to do what the laser cannot this time, and several pieces of ablative armor are peeled off as the belt empties itself

1:06 PM

(Styx)

Styx pilots his mech into the hanger behind Alek and shivers at the sight of the massive tank. He calms his nerves and holds on a deep breath, around and fires both of his weapons at it. (edited)

1:21 PM

(13 and 9 is 13 a hit? Probably not.)

(13 is not quite there, but close)

The mighty tank is loading its main cannon, and cannot fire it at the moment, that will change within seconds. Its coaxial and belly railguns, however, have no such limitation, and fire on the both of you. (18/21 Alek, after armor, and although I hit Styx, the damage wasnt high enough to break armor)

(Oh hell. 16/40 HP) Warning klaxons blare in the mech as the feminine artificial voice repeats, “Caution, caution” on a loop until Alek flips the master caution switch over. He manages to stabilize the mech before firing another salvo at the tank. (All weapons at the tank)

3:24 PM

(AV Laser 8/27 HMG 15/12)

The tank is once again struck by the HMG, and you manage to blow the radio equipment off the back. The RTO inside is probably deaf now from the feedback.

3:25 PM

(styx)

Seeing Alek's mech take a heavy blow, Styx steps out on front of him to try and shield him from any more direct blows. He takes aim at the heavy tank again and fires his full arsenal.

4:15 PM

(18 and 12 dmg for the hmg. Miss on the laser.)

One of the railgun mounts is damaged, you can see the power system for it quickly shunted out the side, as the chemical reactor chambers contents begin spilling across the hangar floor, all aflame. its main cannon booms, and its top railgun mount still maintains its hissing bursts of ultra-dense slugs against your suits. (17/8 , and 17/4 on Styx, both after armor)

7:15 PM

It begins to slew its cannon toward Alek, hoping to execute the wounded mech

7:15 PM

(alek)

(I'm down. Haha probably should have let him take it.)

(you're not, its against your mech HP

7:29 PM

(I did not do 40 damage to you)

(Oh nice. 28/40 hp. I like being in a mech.)

7:40 PM

(I did wonder how he had so much hp at level 10. Lol.)

Alek steps beside Styx, shooting the tank a withering glare as much as with his mech’s weapons.

8:56 PM

(AV Laser: 22/14 HMG: 10/8)

Stepping forward the laser sends a pair of yellow orange holes into the side of the tank. You can hear someone screaming inside and it seems a fire has started, but the gunner seems intent on taking one of you down with them

6:54 AM

(Styx)

Styx steps back in front of alek and blasts the tank with both of his guns.

9:47 AM

(Nat 20/18 dmg with the laser, 14/14 with the hmg.)

The vehicle comes to a halt. You can see it stop vibrating as its engine dies. Hatches begin to pop across the surface of the vehicle as the large crew begins to bail out, trying to put some distance between themselves and their mortally wounded heavy tank

Alek breathes heavily. He considers firing on the retreating crew but instead turns his mech to look for any further threats.

The machine shop will need to be cleared. Collecting the squad , now down two mechs, the group comes to realize that the assault lagged far too much, and a good number of the vehicles here had been deployed. Capturing the hangar and machine shops here on foot is an option, so is redeploying elsewhere

(The vehicles deployed are no longer near the hanger though?)

8:11 PM

(Might as well clear and secure the hanger, agreed Alek?)

(Agreed. Let’s attempt to minimize damage to the structure in case we need it later.)

(Let's do this.)

(Are we still in combat?)

(Yeah the drop was too late so most of the tanks are gone. There’s nothing left to shoot at the moment so out of combat until we run into something)

Alek opens his mech's hatch. He activates the security lock before jumping down to the ground. "Keep watch over the mechs while the rest of us clear the machine shops," he says to one of the squad's remaining mechs.

Styx hops out with him and checks his gear for a moment. With everything in order he readies his weapon and keeps an eye out for anything out of place or potentially valuable to the CBSS. He waits, watchful, as the rest of the troops file out of their mechs.

12:40 AM

(I'm going to do a quick notice check.)

12:44 AM

(But my internet is so bad I can't check it right now. Haha)

(I'll let you know when checks are needed)

6:47 AM

The hangar itself is largely empty aside from the burning super heavy tank and the machines they would have used to keep it maintained. Doors leading into the tool shop are south of you, and the eight survivors exit, grabbing rifles and locking their machines behind them to come sweep with you

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 5/21/2021 6:47 AM

Alek checks the charge level of his Tempest and nods in satisfaction. To the squad, he says, “Guns up. You know what to look for, comrades. Neutralize resistance, but minimize damage to the shops if possible.” He leads the way to the first set of doors, stacking up as the Conclave taught him to do when working with mundane soldiers.

(which ones we want first, far left?)

(Works for me, start far left and sweep right.)

(Let's do it.)

The door is closed and you can hear movement on the other side. Something heavy is being dragged across the floor

Styx motions at Alek to cover him as he turns the handle to the door and opens it quietly to peek inside.

Two laser bolts hit the back of the door as soon as the people inside see it even begin to open. You get a second long glimpse of them moving benches behind the door to barricade it

(Do I have enough time to cast a spell? It’d take a main action.)

(Not before the shots force Styx off the door)

(What if I use my art for Swift Casting to cast as an on turn)

9:50 PM

(Not trying to game it, just checking)

(I don’t think I can argue with that)

Alek steps where he can see into the room, taking the risk of being shot at. He channels the arcane energy surrounding him into a soporific wave that is focused just behind the door where the Claws are barricading. (Wind of the Final Repose. All creatures with 4 or less HD fall unconscious within a 20ft radius. Committing effort for Swift Casting. Committing effort for Ward Allies to keep them from falling to the effects. I’m level 7 so I don’t think I’ll be affected. Honestly have little idea how HD works with levels.)

9:56 PM

(Also can only ward six allies so if everyone is within range, I think 3 of our NPCs are falling asleep.)

(Everyone is in range)

6:33 AM

Three members of the team are likewise knocked out. You’ll be sure to give them credit for participating in the fight. Inside the room, the defenders seem to also have been knocked out

6:33 AM

(Level 1 = 1 HD, level 2 = 2HD, Ect)

(

‍♂️ of course it’s just a one to one thing lol)

"Well that's pretty effective," Styx says as he enters the room and takes a good look around. (edited)

Alek follows behind Styx, “It is one of my more versatile spells. Less destructive than some in my repertoire.” He directs one of the squad NPCs to shake awake their asleep comrades. Then he begins working to secure the unconscious enemies. “Do not disturb them too much otherwise they will wake up. Restrain their limbs and we will move on.”

There is rope and chain I. This room. It was a machine shop once. It still is in a sense but the fortifications have made it difficult to be used

Alek supervises the restraining of the enemy. He doesn’t want anyone waking up and coming up behind them as they clear the rest of the machine shops.

Everyone is restrained and the noiseless ness of the assault has not alerted the deeper parts of the base

Styx moves on to the next door motioning for the soldiers to cover him.

An upper door and lower door push into the next series of rooms. Whatever one the ground does not breach, will be blocked off from this side to prevent easy escape

(Onward and upward)

(does that mean upper door?)

(Yes .)

The door opens, revealing a bunkhouse that is now empty. The machinists and the soldiers here have scrambled into active duty and are no longer here, mustering to the defense of other parts of the city. None of the bunks have been made, some are still warm. This was a recent spring into action

Styx looks around for anything of value before continuing on to the next room. (edited)

(notice/wis Styx)

(1)

You're not able to see anything of value here on a quick sweep of the large bunk space.

He presses on checking his corners and blind spots with his gun until he reaches the next door. He waits for Alek to catch up with him before proceeding.

Alek joins him at the door, “Ready, comrade.”

"I've never felt so alive. Feels good to be fighting for what you believe in rather than growing crops and tending to livestock. A valuable duty, but this feels more effective somehow." Styx readies himself and signals for his comrades to be ready as he cracks open the next door.

Opening the door, you can see a defensive position has been set up behind overturned tool benches. Not all of them were taken, and there is a bit of cover in the room you can move to. At least five enemy technicians have grabbed rifles, and are 30m from your position

(Are we still in initiative order?)

(yes)

(Was it enemy, me, Styx?)

(Yeah, tbey didn’t notice you though so it’s you and Styx first)

(Is there anyone obviously guiding the defense efforts on their side?)

(Not within this room)

Alek picks an enemy at random to cast a spell at. His senses reach out, grab the defender’s innards, and attempt to rip them from their body. (Evert the Inwardness. If it has less than 7HD it needs to make a physical save or die instantly. If it passes that save, it’ll need to roll another physical save for damage. 34 on failure, 17 on success.) (edited)

2:08 PM

(2/4 spells remaining)

He horrifically explodes, sending a spray of hot blood and organs to his comrades around him, and you can hear their demoralized cry

2:24 PM

(styx)

Styx pushes into the room and takes cover, he aims his mag pistol and takes a shot at the closest tactician that he can see. (edited)

3:10 PM

(16&6)

(Did they give us better guns than I had to use in the fight? Probably not.)

(No you’ve only got whatever you had at character creation in your case. The mech weapons wouldn’t be portable)

(Gotcha. Lol. I should probably let the mage that's exploding bodies lead the charge.)

Your shot takes another one in the chest. He falls behind the barricade, as the rest of your team sweeps into the room, laying down a thicket of covering fire

7:39 AM

Losing two members quickly has the remaining three surrendering quickly, and your team summarily executes them as traitors to the cause without consulting you

"Mercy isn't weakness, you should probably know, but whatever." Styx says as he goes over and inspects the dead for an upgrade to his weapon situation.

Alek moves past the bodies towards the next door to wait for Styx. “What other polities may call ‘war crimes’, the Stellar Brotherhood understands to be prudence.”

The technicians had laser rifles. They don’t have need of them now

7:05 PM

For their part the soldiers seem to shrug off the admonishment. They’re doing what the CBSS elite have been trained to do. No enemies of the state can be allowed to linger and these people chose to take up arms

"War is only useful if it ends eventually," *Styx says as he scoops up a laser rifle and a few battery packs. He heads over to Alek and prepares to enter the next area. "I know war is hell, but humanity must prevail together or die together. I, for one, hope life finds a way."

(There is three type A cells taken from the other guns. That’s all they have as this was an ad hoc defense )

(Next door?)

(When you’re ready , Didn’t want to cut off potential rp)

Alek frowns, "I do not think the war will ever end. We will always be looking for the next planet to liberate. To give the people back their power. The Scream left too many vulnerable to the influence of the few; and the Tenebrians were even worse. There can be no unified front if dissent is allowed to fester."

"That's a sad thought, but maybe you're right. Maybe I'm too young. Too optimistic. Everyone needs a voice and if we have to fight, I will fight for that. I will make room for mercy when I can though. Now, let's go kill some more people in the next room." (edited)

9:28 PM

"After you, with your body exploding hoodoo voodoo space magic. I'll follow up with this rifle." (edited)

“You and I are children of the Revolution, comrade. Figuratively and literally. Our parents fought for a united Pelasgon, and we will fight to give our children a united Iron Sectors.” Alek rolls his shoulder and settles his weapon into it, “I have a finite amount of...voodoo space magic. But I will do what I can.”

9:51 PM

(I’m assuming Styx is from Pelasgon but just realized I don’t actually know if that’s the case. This is good RP though.)

(It is. I am. )

(Alek is a bit of a fanatic when it comes to the Party and empowering people. So it’s a little strange haha) (edited)

(If there's anything to be a fanatic over, I'd say that is a good one.)

"I'm right behind you, wizard."

(Pushing the door, evasion save each)

(2v7 failure)

(10v14 failure)

A gout of flame billows through the door, crackling around the outside of the doorframe and scorching both of you before you’re able to pull yourselves back far enough (4 damage) Two technicians with a modified plasma torch are letting the fuel tank run dry as they send sprays of super heated gas toward the door, doing their best to keep you from advancing further into the hangar

Styx recoils in pain, the smell of burnt hair from his hands and arms rises in the air. "Got any grenades, Alek? Or grenade... spells?"

Alek pats at his smoldering jacket, “As a matter of face I do, though the trick will be to not get burned by the plasma doing it.” (Is it a constant stream or are they firing in bursts to conserve fuel?)

(Felt like the former)

"These assholes deserve plasma. I can jog. Though it seems like they're waiting for reinforcements. Maybe we wait for them to run out of fire and see who else shows up? My hands feel like they're still on fire. I don't know about you." (edited)

(Long bursts, but i dont tihnk there would be a way to time it so you don't get fried if you decided to rush them. Hopefully that makes sense) (edited)

(I only need to see them long enough for one main action at least)

(you'd be able to accomplish that between bursts)

Alek closes his eyes as he listens to the screaming jets of superheated gas. As it simmers down, his eyes snap open and he moves into the doorway. (Howl of Light, focused in the center of the gun crew. If the room is smaller than 40ft across we’ll have to roll for the fire leaving the room. Evasion save for half damage.)

3:11 PM

(Committing effort for Retain Sorcery. 3/4 effort used, 2/4 spell slots remain)

3:11 PM

(33 damage)

(that ends up being like 12ish meters, so i think we're okay)

3:51 PM

There is a tremendous explosion from inside the room, and you can see daylight above as a hole has been blasted in the underground hangar's roof. The flame team is dead, along with their makeshift weapon. Pieces of the cement work are beginning to fall in.

(Radical. Literally.)

The mage allows some surprise to show on his face, “I should have anticipated that. Let us move through this area quickly, it is apparent they are waiting for us now.”

7:01 PM

(I guess we’ll need to sweep that south room first and continue moving east)

You can hear the sounds of running liquid behind it and the muffled sounds of industrial pumps running. The door has a triangle warning sign nailed to it, warning to put out cigarettes and other sources of flame before entering.

Alek glances at the smoldering ruins around them, “We need to check this room before moving on. Hopefully no defenders have barricaded themselves inside with explosive material.”

"Right behind you."

The door opens, revealing a pump room. Fueling machinery for the tanks and some tools are in this room, but nothing that represents a hazard or anything particularly interesting. There are no defenders here.

“I would guess they found the plasma torch in here. Anything interest you or should we move on?”

"Let's keep moving. Clearing the base is our first concern."

Alek nods before moving to the east door. He listens at it for a moment in an attempt to hear if there are defenders on the other side.

The sounds of silverware and tables being flipped are not quiet,and are easily observed when your small team stops to listen. Any remaining defenders are certainly now aware of your presence

Alek looks to Styx, no verbally asking Thoughts?

(think of it like torpedo drill on a ship. They're barricading doors, ect. Trying to keep the flood out, in this case the flood being you guys)

(Damn straight. About to empower the proletariat right over these guys.)

Styx nods and motions that he's got Alek's back.

(Question about action economy here. Will opening the door count as a main action?)

(Yes, especially in this case since it’s going to be a check, and those are generally main actions)

(I can open it if you want to prepare one last spell.)

6:08 PM

(Is that how it works? I think you'd have to wait until Alek's turn in initiative or take a penalty is that right?)

( if your main action is going to be making a weapon attack, you can make a snap attack at -4 if it’s not your turn, and you just won’t get your main action on your turn, but you can’t do anything else out of order)

(Ah. Well there you go. )

(alek can hold his turn though, )

(I PM'd you a rules clarification question to avoid spamming here)

"I will open the door, you and our comrades spray whatever is on the other side."

7:48 PM

"If any have grenades, the time to use them is now. I fear we may be past keeping the structure intact."

"What if we open the door and see if they open fire again waiting for the lull in gunfire to take them out. They seem a mite jumpy to me."

“That is certainly worth a try.”

"If they don't shoot, hell, maybe we can just talk em down and let our cronies here summarily execute them." Styx giggles hoping he's joking.

(caught up, we haven't actually done anything in the scene yet so i dont want to move it up)

(Your call, Styx. I solved the past couple rooms.)

"Everyone get out of the way of the doorway. Throw it open, Alek, then take cover yourself."

Alek grabs the door and attempts to throw it open.

(exert/str)

(6)

The barricade is sturdy and the door openly opens a fist worth of space. Gunfire begins peppering the barricade from the other side of the door

"When they stop shooting, I'll help you pull it open a bit more from the other side."

The situation remains the same. They continue firing and likely will until something changes

Styx waits a while and is actually impressed at how much ammunition they seem to be wasting. "Well, let me try something else here." Styx moves closer to the door and tries to get them to listen to him. "Hey, guys, we've got grenades out here but we'd rather not use them. Care to talk about this?"

A snap of laser shot that punches out part of the barricade is your reply.

Alek’s response is cut off by the tinny sound of a Pelasgon war choir coming from his pack. A muffled voice calls out, “Stand together, comrades! The Revolution continues!” A small action figure of Chairman Oktobreyskia jumps from the pack. It lands in a suitably heroic fashion before charging the door. With plastic muscles straining, the door is thrown open. (Using the CBSS Christmas gift to secure a success with the Exert/Str test.)

The chairman action figure sets its feet , smashing through the obstacle with inner power of its own. The mechanical arm belches steam as it charges and smashes, before destroying the obstacle

8:43 PM

It re appears in your pack a moment later

8:44 PM

With the door now open, accurate fire scorches the doorframe and floors of the room you’re covering in

Alek stands to the side of the now open door and gives the laser fire a look, “Door is open. What now?”

"Now, I guess we shoot them unless someone can cover my bluff on those grenades."

They don’t have grenades as explosives inside the cockpit of a mech are banned. Anything that might accidentally go off is forbidden to be taken aboard and CBSS commissars are paying extra attention to the newly formed mech forces right now

(Is it my turn now if I want to shoot? )

(Yes, it’s your turn if you want to do anything )

(Can I see anythinginside that may be flammable if lasered?)

(I don’t think you could get a peel long enough to not get shot. It’s a mess hall so there wouldn’t be much like that Anywya)

"They are really unloading on us in there. I'm afraid if I try to shoot them I may just get knocked out of this mission. I'm going to hold my fire until they either have to reload or run out of ammo." (Styx holds his action to fire at them if they ever stop shooting.) (edited)

They have combat loads, this is a military base, and your rampage through the hangar thus far has not been silent. They will have enough ammunition for several hours of combat

(we've also held them up for a while, so we don't have to purge the whole facility if you feel like you're hitting a wall)

"Maybe we just let them have this room."

“There does not appear to be another way out of the facility here. At least, not back into the main hangar. If we stop here, we will need to post guards in case the Claws inside attempt to break out.”

(I don’t think it’s unreasonable to stop here. Everything past this point is giving off massive DANGER vibes. Our goal was to secure the tank depot and I don’t think these techs are going to be much threat to the macro invasion if we isolate them in here.)

(I think we have accomplished the base level of success)

(Sounds good. We can execute those guys tomorrow. Haha)

Alek waves the group away from the doorway. "Withdraw to the main hangar. Nothing we know suggests anything farther in is worth our lives. We will establish positions outside the known exits of this portion of the facility and wait for those within to come out of their own accord. If they need to be convinced by other means, we will allow more conventional forces to handle that."

(3xp, 5000 credits)

1

The depot is secured as you return to your mechs and essentially blockade these soldiers inside. A special breaching team with suit mechs arrives twenty minutes later and are more than capable of handling the dug in enemy inside. Your mission is complete. Across the front, CBSS mech forces have attained a momentum towards victory. Anyone free from their current objectives are asked to begin moving to city center where a final cordon of rebels are trying to buy time for their leadership to escape. A CBSS agent is inside the cordon working to eliminate them. The battle will both eliminate the remaining rebels, and provide cover for them to finish their mission

"Well, that could have gone worse. Thanks for having my back out there today, Alek. It was good fighting side by side with you." Styx caresses his arms and begins to look around for a medic.

One of the team has a small first aid kit with a medpak in it. He can apply it to you if you need assistance.

8:10 PM

Any mech damage is going to need dedicated facilities to repair right now, and you'll have to finish the mission with what's been done already. For now, the ammunition stocks of each suit seem to be holding.

Alek clambers into his mech while Styx is tended to by the medic. It’s pockmarked with damage and some internal structures are visible. “Ever onward to the next fight, comrades.”

8:39 PM

Current Mech HP: 16/40

The mech forces from around the city are beginning to converge at different parts of the defensive line. The battle is beginning with the first opening skirmishes in the outermost city blocks around the capital building. Explosions and gunfire are once again fixtures of urban living and this time it seems the buildings are being targeted if they're in the way. Soldiers from both sides are fighting unrestrained and without the order the mission called for

Styx heads back to his mech embarrassed that he thought his mission was over and rubbing the ointment into his arms. He opens it and climbs in, closes the suit and powers it up. "Round two, eh?"

A tightbeam transmission from agent Boris' handlers show he is inside the resistance headquarters and is closing in for the fatal strike. Anything you can to to enhance the chaos of your surroundings makes his survival chances better.

(Coming off work today, will be out of pocket for a few hours after this) Alek silences the audible warnings before responding, "Exactly. Time to wreak chaos. Do you believe we should redouble efforts around the headquarters or attempt to pull defense forces to another part of the city?"

"I'm probably in better shape to kite the opposition away so let's pull them." (edited)

A ten minute walk through empty city streets has you reaching the edge of the combat zone. An enemy personnel carrier and a squad of eight soldiers dismounted patrol the streets. They pan to windows and are prepared for a fight. One of them has a powerful looking rocket tube

"That's a lot of resistance. Think we can outrun them if we engage?" (edited)

(You’re a lot faster than them)

“We hit the anti-armor then the carrier. Those are our biggest threats, then we move to the next area. Speed will make our force seem larger than it is and will pull more enemy forces in our direction with luck.”

"You hit the anti armor and if he dies I'll hit the carrier."

The enemy column is 150m away, as you observe them through some gaps in the buildings. They're aware enemy forces are in the area, but are not sure where

(Are weapons with mechs similar to spaceships where I can split my fire if I declare it at the beginning of my turn?)

(Yes but you have to declare all shots and their targets at the beginning. If you over shoot you can’t ripple fire the weapons onto new targets)

Alek tries to move his mech slowly to a position where he can fire between the buildings. (AV laser at APC. HMG at rocketman)

5:08 PM

(AV: 7/17; HMG: 21/13)

The HMG scythes the rocket trooper down, his tube sliding across the pavement. The carrier is narrowly missed and begins to reverse

6:58 PM

(Styx)

Styx fires both of the mech's weapons at the carrier and then takes cover behind the nearest building to him. (two 9's for the hits. If they do hit, I can't remember the damage rolls.)

(The vehicle is hit. It’s 3d6 for the machine gun and I believe 3d10 for the laser)

(8 and 17)

The carrier is damaged and begins to reverse. Smoke launchers fire from its sides as the soldiers begin collapsing back to it. one of them is brave and picks up the fallen launcher (his main action) , and begins to zero in on Alek

(Sorry, busy shift. Going to shoot HMG at the soldier and AV laser at the carrier. If you want to roll for me that’s fine. +2 total for AB and +1 for damage bonus.)

(HMG: 6/10 AV Laser: 14/12)

(laser hits)

(Pew pew)

(I don’t have anything else I want to do this turn)

The shot strikes the APC and the sound of an engine blowing out is picked up by your suit senses. Black smoke begins pouring from the wreck and the remaining soldiers begin to scatter as they no longer have a way to harm you. Reports of the ambush and a missing patrol will surely draw more away from the defensive line

Alek scans the immediate area for additional threats. “Your call for our next action, comrade.”

A message is relayed to both of you that Boris has engaged, and is closing in on the VIPs. His work is nearly complete

Styx takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. His heart rate begins to slow and his mind clears. "I think we position our squad to ambush the reinforcements when they arrive. Perhaps get a couple of us to higher ground and retrieve that anti armor RPG and use that against them. What do you think?"

“A good plan. Using the rocket may be redundant with our anti-vehicle lasers, but it remains a good backup plan. Let us find positions suitable for the ensuing ambush.”

"Good point. Truth be told... I've always wanted one."

(You’d have time to get out and grab it. It’s person scaled so the mech wouldn’t be able to fire it)

Styx runs over to the fallen RPG launcher. He opens his suit and hastily grabs the launcher and turns to head back to his mech. He climbs in and closes it behind him. "Yay, souvenir." He says, as he looks around for a good place to lie in wait for the reinforcements.

Displacing from your current position, there is a cluster of factories further ahead that would make a better ambush point than where you are now. Several of the factories are large with smokestacks twice as big as your suits. Friendly forces have recently swept the area and dislodged the enemy hiding here before moving off for other objectives themselves. No one claims the area now. Your approach should be unobserved

Styx relays that information to the squad and begins to move in that direction.

Alek confirms the information and follows Styx’s lead. He assists in spreading the mech platoon out amongst the smoke stacks in anticipation for the ambush.

(oh lets get a 2d6 from each of you as well to see if our ammo units still have rounds in them)

(9v6)

(7 unmodified)

(Unless we’re doing something than book rules, the 2d6 is modified by your WIS modifier)

(well then unfortunately it is still unmodified, hah)

1

The HMG in Styx's mech is out of rounds for the machine gun, but the laser still has enough charge for the coming fight. Alek has enough ammunition for his solid round weapons to continue fighting at full strength. As you rest in positions of ambush around the factory complex, taking shelter behind smokestacks or tucked into hard to reach industrial runoff areas or material stockpiles, you can see on long range scans what looks like the approach of an enemy force. Two helicopters are first trying to sight you for the enemy as well as dropping smoke.

12:19 PM

Your weapon locks both click as they come into weapon range

“We may give the element of surprise away by killing the helicopters, but the enemy will not know our exact position; only a general area from where our fire originated. Which may work in our favor in drawing the enemy to us.” Alek targets one helicopter with both his weapons.

12:32 PM

(AV: 18/13 HMG: 17/6)

The lead chopper is hit. Fire blooms from its side as its pilots struggle to try to regain control. It loses altitude rapidly before slamming into one of the smoke stacks above- sending bricks, fragments of metal and fire raining down onto the main road

"Nice shot, Alek!" Styx raises his laser cannon, takes aim and fires at the second heli.

3:04 PM

(natural 1)

The second helicopter zeroes in on Styx and its chain gun fires sending a line of high caliber tracers into the warehouse row (crit/20 after armor on Styx's mech) The gunners have the range and drop a series of flares marking the position for advancing friendly forces.

(I think you're at 8/40 Mech HP)

9:22 PM

(Unless you're choosing to take all the damage on your PC)

(Correct)

9:25 PM

)you can’t choose to take it on your person in a light or heavy mech )

(Ah good to know. Playing mechs is like learning a whole new game in the system lol)

(alek up, and styx is not dead, mech isjust heavily damaged)

Alek swivels his weapons to lock onto the second helicopter. He winced involuntarily as Styx is peppered with rounds.

11:09 AM

(AV:16/17 HMG:7/10 )

The second helicopter only has a few seconds to celebrate its victory before it comes crashing to the ground likewise in flames. Its rotors chomp the earth as if flips end over end, skidding down the road and exploding into a small mushroom cloud 50m down the street from you. With the loss of their scouts, the enemy column begins scattering and pulling back. Boris reports he is nearly done with his work. Other mech forces are closing in, and with your heavy levels of damage, pulling back is advised

(oh, i thought he meant after armor like it was already calculated in)

Styx surveys the damage to his mech, thankful that he had one. "It looks like our jobs are nearly done here, comrades. Let's fall back to the rendezvous and regroup, shall we?"

“A good plan. We have accomplished our goals today. Time to let others finish the mission.”

3:02 PM

Alek follows Styx back towards CBSS lines.

(3xp, 5000 credits. Boris is tidying up his end but we've done enough to consider the city secured enough for CBSS regulars to handle it and this mission accomplished)

3:26 PM

The damaged mechs are brought back to behind reserve defense lines, and you're finally brought water, a hot meal, and medical attention. An engineering lighter brings both mechs back up to the orbiting mech carrier for repairs, and it seems your remit on using them has ended now that the city is mostly compliant. Each of you will likely be commended for this at some point in the future once the official reports are compiled and read. For now, the party will permit you to follow the things you want to do

"Alek, it was a pleasure meeting and fighting with you. I am certain our paths will cross again."

(If you don’t know what you want to do next I can come up with some missions for you styx)

Alek extends a hand to Styx, "You as well, comrade. I am glad we made it through the other side largely unscathed. If you ever need my assistance, please do not hesitate to call on me." The mage gives a small smile before departing to other sections of the large mech carrier.

10:58 PM

(Thanks for having me along! It was a lot of fun. Good luck on your next missions!)

(I'm good for whatever comes next. The 3xp from this should level you to level 3 and i can help wit that if you need it)

I need a little time my internet is out

(No problem. I can give you a hand when it’s back

(archiving until you return)

(hey man, i am so sorry for the long delay, but I would like to try this again.) (edited)

1

(Welcome ba k!)

(If you want a tldr of what we have been up to I can do that

(Yes please.) (edited)

(Want to be the first to explore a new world on CBSS borders? )

(Oh yea.) (edited)

(Okay. We have two choices , unexplored abandoned space station or unexplored planet

(Gotta be the space station. Thank you.)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/kochalakos-location

Kochalakos

9:58 PM

(Let’s get that level 3 level up completed and then we can jump in. Can help if you forgot what to do)

(Okay I'll do that here in a bit and we'll get started. Thank you again.)

(sounds good. Let me know if you need help)

(Okay. Leveled up. HP went from 8 to 17! spent my three points leveling precognition to 1 and taking the terminal reflection technique and raising my program from -1 to 0. no focus this level.)

(Not sure i did it right actually. Does my level 2 in psychic training get me a free skill point towards leveling up precognition at a later level? Is that what that means? If so where do I store that free skill point?)

(Whatever discipline you picked up for the level 1 of the foci , you get an extra skill point toward leveling it or getting a technique from that discipline when you level up. You can save it if you want. You’ll have to make a note at the bottom of your sheet in notes that you have it

(Okay. Pretty sure I used that already then on gaiapsionics then and won't get any bonuses again.) (edited)

(right, we'd have to take the foci again for another discipline to get the bonus for something other than gaiascopics, so the soonest we could do that is level 5)

(Oh. Gotcha.)

Returning from a long semi-retirement after the highly kinetic operations to exterminate the Crimson Claws from Vari, Styx Larson enters CBSS service once again given a mission to explore the former Malouf Shipping Company trade hub on Kochalakos, a planet on the edge of CBSS space. A free merchant has been provided along with its crew for transportation to the system and hauling away of anything of value found there. The space station above Pelasgon, your departure point, is busy as polity ships enter and exit the region, perform combat practice, and other duties. The capital is busy as ever. Arriving here from the surface by transport cargo lighter, Styx is thrust into a busy spaceport terminal with directions to the hangar the Free Merchant is departing from.

Styx finishes reading his mission briefing for the third time as he arrives on Pelasgon and briefly wonders if he might be able to procure some blueprints or log recordings from before the abandoned Malouf station met its untimely end. He heads to the nearest public terminal and begins poking around in the net hoping to find someone there who knows where to look for the information he's after.

After poking around a bit it seems this is pre-scream information you're looking for, so there's nothing available, as those networks are long gone.

"Well, that figures," Styx says to himself and let's out a frustrated sigh. Instead he decides to head to nearest munitions depot to pick up some explosives in the off chance he finds himself staring at the locked door of a long forgotten vault.

(Make me a list of what items you want before your mission, I'll let you know if something isn't available)

8:07 PM

(book prices for whatever it is you end up wanting to buy)

(4 demo charges. Will those do the trick? 1000 credits.) (edited)

(Yeah those are fine. They’re considered heavy weapons so if you’re using them on the space station things might go poorly. The 40m blast radius is also very big )

7:32 AM

(Not sure what you remember or Don’t from last time you were here )

(I have a terrible memory. That is much larger than I was thinking. Is there like a laser cutter that might be more practical?)

(A post tech tool kit could get you through a starship bulkhead , given some time )

(Done. I'll get one of those and a Combat field uniform for a total of 1300 credits.)

7:59 AM

(An impulse buy for sure, but a useful one.)

(Looks good to me.) Records don’t seem to find anyone from@the shipping company that made it through the scream, or any plans of the facility. It’s a relatively new entry to the star charts and no one is sure what might be there- one of the key reasons for your mission. A free merchant and it’s crew have been assigned to the task , hoping to carry away knowledge and any useful materials aboard.

(I'll update my character sheet shortly. Thanks for your help.)

12:42 PM

Styx steps into the nearest restroom and changes into his shiny new armor then appraises himself in the mirror. "I'll make you proud, dad," he says, noticing his resemblance. He runs his hand through his hair frowning for a moment then composes himself and exits the bathroom. He marches purposefully to the hanger where the free merchant awaits his arrival.

The crew is completing the last of the checks before they are ready to fly. They wave hello over the loud machine noise of the chamber

Styx salutes the crew and stays alert, keeping an eye out for anyone or any thing suspicious as he makes his way to the bridge

Everyone seems committed to the mission, they do not get paid and their families do not get the other resources they need if they do not contribute somehow. Ruining your mission benefits nobody. The captain's seat has been left open for you, and you see the two pilots sitting in the side by side control consoles, sharing notes and plotting what they think are the best courses for the coming spike jumps. Four days at the target system to refuel are inevitable, but you'll be within reach of a shipyard for the majority of the trip it seems. One by one, the others board and take their stations, ready to depart.

Styx eases into the captains chair hoping he, at only 19 years of age, can lead this crew to a successful mission. Keeping his composure he signals to the helmsman. "Let's stay alive and make some money, shall we? Take us out."

(5 days of downtime as we head from Pelasgon, through Vadhat and finally to our destination system)

Styx spends his downtime working on his leadership. Getting to know the crew and helping and learning from them in their duties. (5/90 days to train Lead from -1 to 0.) (edited)

(We have the system report already. If we want to check to make sure we are alone on getting into the system we can get a program /int)

(Hey glad I upgraded program. 12)

You’re alone in the system. The station is broadcasting an automated distress call but there doesn’t seem to be life aboard

"There she is. Pray to whatever higher power you believe in that this ends up as an uneventful salvage mission. Begin docking procedures," Styx says calmly as he tussles Boots behind his ears. "I can't take you with me this time, boy, but you need to be my eyes and ears on the ship and let me know immediately if there's any trouble." Boots pushes his horned head against him and Styx can feel the tension in his muscles. "It's going to be okay, boy." (edited)

2:27 PM

(that giant bay in the middle of the bottom part of the map there is where we can park the free merchant

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 12/15/2021 2:27 PM

(Can I take the engineer from the crew with me in case we find a repairable power source or anything we could fix along the way? Also are we needing space suits in here?) (edited)

(We would need them. The ship has an armory so you can get an armored vac suit )

4:19 PM

(And yes you can take the engineer or rather he would come out once he knows the way is safe )

(Okay, cool.) Styx finishes putting on his vac suit and begins to exit the free merchant. "Guard the ship and watch the coms. I'll call when I need you." He cautiously peeks his head out of the ship to make sure there's nothing dangerous right there in the cargo hold. (If he doesn't see anything to worry about he heads to the passage on his right heading towards the detention cell and barracks.)

The reality of all things in the void is that occasionally crewmen will need to be restrained for their own safety, the safety of the ship, and the safety of the people that live and work around them. The sad reality is that a brig is a necessary component of all stations and vessels that cross the black ocean of space. The iris doors rumble open- emergency power sending enough to this section of the station for them to work. The barracks and brig look to be empty. Beds have been left unmade, and the place shows signs that it was inhabited until possibly the station's very last minutes. There is a bit of a spring in your step as you close in on the brig, where gravity weakens close to the edges of the station.

Styx glances around the barracks somewhat perplexed. "Eerie." He continues to the detention cell itself and readies his laser rifle just in case. Something really bothering him about how the room appeared. (edited)

(What about it is bothering you so I have an idea of what to describe better)

(It appears to him as if they had to abandon the station rather hastily. Like something horrible happened.)

11:26 AM

(Or something horrible moved in that they couldn't deal with; be it a virus of some kind or a creature, he does not know.)

(gotcha) Approaching the brig you do not see anyone here but you do see scattered papers floating through the prison space. They have tough handwriting on them, the mark of someone not used to doing it, or used to typing rather than writing.

Styx tries to make sense of some of the writing.

The entries were written by an imprisoned merchant ship deck hand who got too drunk on the stations bar and was imprisoned here for disorderly conduct. Alcohol was forbidden by his culture and the merchants left without him since he was a “disgrace”. The station security wasn’t sure what to do with him and a long legal battle over his custody began between Malouf and sector authorities. The last entry talks about the scream and how they are abandoning ship as many of the stations systems are failing (edited)

Styx allows himself to relax a bit. "Well that eliminates some possibilities." He drops the paper, turns and heads further up the corridor.

(Barracks on the bottom right looks to be next) Entering the barracks you can see unmade beds, quickly discarded or scattered personal items, and a combat rifle left behind by one of the ship marines, still propped up against the wall though it is missing its magazine.

(Oh I thought that was the first room I entered. Just realized there was another door.) Styx stashes the rifle and and takes a moment to peruse the personal affects left by the stations former crew. "I wonder what their life was like here," he mumbles to himself.

You see several copies of the Koran have been left to float about the space, each of them well thumbed and well loved. Necklaces, a few data pads, and a few tools are scattered around , all having been left behind in the chaos of trying to escape the station.

Styx carries on, hoping they've found peace in some way. Probably not the way they hoped, but noone finds peace the way they hope they do. (Okay now we're headed up that hallway that I thought we were already headed to. Haha.)

(I'm going to number the map and repost it because im confused about first hallway and where you're trying to get)

2:27 PM

(I'll have an edit up soon)

(Haha sounds good. Thank you.)

(Okay, headed up through 4 towards 3, but I'm thinking maybe that thing in the hallway there in 4 looks like a power generation source? What is that thing?)

(4 is empty.) Room 3 looks to be the ship mess hall and the spacer bar that was the source of trouble for the poor man in the brig. You can see the stack led bottles have been left neatly behind as has piles of a few credits each in the bar meant for tips

Styx collects the tips and looks behind the bar for anything of value.

Other than the bottles themselves it does not seem like anything of extraordinary value was left behind. The bar had been in the middle of the cycle’s service when the evacuation order was issued and things were simply left how they were

Styx heads further into the station (room 6) as he instantly connects with the eyes and ears of Boots to make sure the crew is okay.

The crew thinks they might have seen something on the left and more unpowered side of the station but have not left the ship to investigate just yet.

7:20 AM

And they may not, as one of them dying could render the ship inoperable

Styx turns and heads through the middle of the ship towards that side trying to stay quiet so as not to alert anyone of his presence.

8:52 PM

(Through room 7)

(sneak/dex)

(5)

You’re not sure how quietly you’re moving with the station and environment and lack of scout training all being things working against you. Moving from 3 toward 7 you can see two rooms, a store room to the south behind a keypad door and the room you’re walking through to get to 7 which looks to be some kind of arming chamber or ready room for station security.

Styx looks around the room he's in to see if there's anything he can use in the event of a fight.

(Youve got a mag pistol and a laser rifle already, was there something else you were wanting? )

4:25 PM

(A few shots here and there won't hurt the station, as its much larger than a ship)

(eh not really I'll just press on.)

12:03 AM

Styx heads into room 7, laser rifle at the ready. He switches on his compad, "I will engage. When I do I want a team to flank," he tells the crew and continues carefully pressing onward.

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 12/23/2021 7:19 AM

Quietly moving into 7 you can see a pair of the battered station security bots there. There is some kind of blurted code going back and forth between them as they check in with one another. They are 10m away from you, beeping and working on transmitting their required reports to one another. Each looks to be armed with an integrated void carbine.

Styx goes over to the security bots to see if there's something he can do to use then to his advantage. "Ummm, you guys okay?" He asks and kind of chuckles to himself about it.

(Initiative )

6:32 PM

They come alert at the unauthorized person in their presence. Weapons prime as they wheel to face you.

(Would my precog skill have triggered? Terminal reflection?)

(I would say no since approaching security bots is a known danger and you were sneaking up until you said hello to them, so you were aware of the possible danger )

(Haha that's fair. I will roll in just a moment when I can get to my computer. I should have known better. Lol.)

11:25 PM

(3)

(2 for them. You’re up first !)

(Don't suppose I could try a program check to turn one of them against the other?)

4:31 PM

Styx quickly wonders if he could reprogram one of them, but thinks better of it. He turns tail and heads straight towards the room where he suspects to find another threat on the station hoping that he can draw the security bots fury towards someone other than himself.

(Youd need to directly touch it and apply a line shunt to attempt a program check. That’s a lot of turns of them attacking you without you being able to do anything

(Yea, I doubted the success of that immediately. Haha)

Fleeing has bought you 20m of space and has broken line of sight. You can hear the security bots clanking after you, but it seems you’re faster than them. They no doubt have ranged weaponry for such occasions

7:36 AM

(We have broken initiative for now but they’re actively looking for you)

(Am I in the next room?)

(You’d be In 3 since you said you ran back

(Oh, I meant towards room 10. Should have specified sorry.)

Room 10 looks to be a machine bay of some kind. You can see machinery in here responsible for maintaining the security robots and some larger floor mobile pieces that could be dragged into the hangar if needed. Two bot cradles out of the four in the room have dormant bots in them right now.

Knowing he can circle back later when he's out of danger, Styx presses on to the hallway that leads to rooms 5 and 11. Preparing to shoot anything that moves with his laser rifle. "Two security bots on my tail. Headed back around to you." He communicates to his crew.

(5 is the hangar where you came in, did you want to just meet the marines by the ship ?)

(Otherwise they can try to flank or catch up from behind. I think that’s riskier for you personally )

(Yes, he wants to get back to them for sure. Sorry. Forgot about the game for a few days there. Side note, red dead redemption 2 is just a phenomenal game.)

Entering the hangar you see the marines have deployed and are ready. Void carbines have replaced their combat rifles-but the guns should still be enough to stop the security bots. Sliding behind them as you hear the mechanical stomps coming closer, six rifles put the mechanical guardians down before they have a chance to return fire. Oil and sparks bleed from both as the marines keep their weapons up and approach slowly, putting a few more rounds into each bot to make sure no one is killed by any kind of nasty surprise.

"Huzzah! Thank you for the assistance, marines! Boots, I've changed my mind. You're coming with me. No offense, but I need you draw some fire from me occasionally," Styx explains as his goat rolls his eyes, beats disapprovingly and plods forward to assist his friend. "What did you lot notice from the direction I just came from?" Styx asks as he heads back towards the door he just entered from.

They've been staying with the ship to ensure the way out is safe. Everyone was just present for the security bots being killed, and they listened to your open comms channel as you discovered the other two bots waiting in their cradles for some kind of activation. Otherwise they haven't gone exploring on their own. If the shuttle gets damaged or counter boarded by anything unseen still at large in the space station your voyage will become very dangerous indeed- and nobody wants to be stuck here. (You'd be heading toward 10/11 then) 10 is a workshop. Its heavy doors have been key-locked shut and there is evidence of debris being pulled past them likely during some kind of temporary decompression before emergency shutters lowered in some other part of the station.

(Didn't I come through 10 via 7 already? This place feels like a maze haha.) Styx turns toward room 11 as he checks his unused laser rifle hoping he won't need it soon. "Come on, boy. It'll be alright," he says unsure but brave.

(You ran directly down to the hangar instead since the bots were chasing you)

4:59 PM

(That encounter interrupted your walk there)

(Got it)

(so my last post before the OOC stuff is what we see/whats going on)

Styx and boots head on into room 11 just as alert as they could be.

A mess hall is a room you pass by on your way to 11 where it seems the power controls for the reactor are being kept. The bridge is also located here and you can see it’s been left in a state of disarray due to the sudden evacuation.

8:11 PM

There aren’t any bodies left behind but many of the chairs and computer systems are overturned

Styx tries to get as much information as he can get from the scattered technology and searches for anything of value as he investigates the room. Boots, visibly nervous by something unseen he scurries back and forth, almost pacing. "Boots, cut it out. Stand guard at the door and make sure we don't get ambushed."

(depending on how you want to investigate, or what you want to investigate there will probably be a skill check involved)

8:02 AM

( just need to know how you want to approach that so I can let you know what skill)

(I think I'd first try to see if the equipment works and if I can discover anything that can help me maybe shut down any defense systems that would be optimal, but also just using his eyes and hands to check under things and see if anything lost in the debris of the by former inhabitants that would be cool too.

3:24 PM

)

(Okay let’s get a fix/int)

(10)

You'[re able to download some technical plans and other specs. A lab and proper computing deck is going to be needed to go through them, but you should be able to get an idea of Maloof trade routes, and some handy tricks to help reduce issues at port. The brotherhood would pay dearly for such information.

"Nice." He gets up and heads out of the room, tussles Boots on his way out the door. "Courage, boy. Follow me." He heads straight up into the part of the station he hasn't seen yet. Laser rifle at the ready. (He heads out through the hanger and up towards rooms 8 and 9 through room 7. Will start with room 8 if we can get in there.) (edited)

(7, 8 and then 9, and then we;'ve seen everything)

11:24 AM

7 looks to be a transitway and a smaller engineering bay where small launch craft like cargo lighters, cargo lifters and the occasional wraith shuttle could be hauled in and serviced in something like a dry dock setting. Sensitive cargo would also be loaded from this hangar, and you can see a lift in the ceiling meant for lifting these small craft or for moving cargo containers around- but at the moment the shipyard is empty- possibly having transfered or jettisoned its cargo at the time of the disastr

"Just a little bit longer. Too bad this space is empty. I bet it once held several fortunes. Oh well. Let's finish this up," he says as he presses on into the station.

Room 8 has a closed door marked CAPTAIN when you approach. The lock has been broken and the door is slightly ajar. The room beyond is dark and there is a gentle ticking sound from within

Styx begins to head into the room, but pauses to take a glance into his near future. His eyes roll back in his head and his thoughts are captivated by his prophetic visions.

(What’s the specific question you’re using oracle to answer ?)

(What threats are left to encounter in this station? )

10:47 AM

(Also do I need to make another goal?)

(you can make more goals anytime you want) The captain's desk has a trap in it that you may encounter in the next moment. Your precognition does not extend any further in time.

"Do not mess with the captains desk. Got it." He proceeds into the captains quarters. And begins to look around.

The captain's quarters features his desk, the day bed he slept in when not on duty, the afore envisioned desk, a book case, and something that looks like a weapons locker that is metal and locked with a sturdy looking lock.

"Damn, that thing really makes me want to look in the desk." Styx says looking at the secured weapons locker. "Maybe he kept the key in or on the bookcase." He rushed over and checks the top, and then begins grabbing books and shaking them in search of the key.

The books, each one valuable knowledge that might not exist in electronic database anymore, are shaken repeatedly. The key doesn't emerge from any of them.

(Could I destroy the lock with a shot from the laser rifle?) (edited)

(That’s one way to do it if we don’t want to pick it or break it some other way)

Styx raises his rifle and walks over to the side of the weapons locker so as to attempt not to damage the locker itself and takes the shot to destroy the lock.

(shoot/dex, we're going to do a skill check rather than an attack since the shot is more a test of skill than you trying to damage the locker)

(12!)

1

The single shot is clean. The lock is blown to scattered pieces on the floor with a single metallic ring. The room goes quiet again and the cabinet is now open.

7:22 AM

Inside you can see the captain's ceremonial sword, an ornate looking laser pistol, and his ceremonial dress uniform, complete with brocaded hat and marching baton.

Styx blows the end of the smokeless barrel of his laser rifle and makes a woo sound. Then he looks around seeking compliments and Boots just shakes his head and continues to keep watch. "This is some great stuff!" He exclaims as he shovels it all into his backpack. He will examine it closer when it's safe to do so. He turns and heads into room 9.

9, the final room of the station, is the flybridge, and auxiliary space to run the ship in the event the main bridge was destroyed or otherwise rendered disabled due to its proximity to the loading hangar. The machinery here is quiet, but intact.

Styx quickly rummaged around the area for valuables and decides to check the tech in here for anything the brotherhood might find useful.

The bridges of CBSS stations look similarly but they’d pay handsomely for the trade route data you already have in your possession.

6:56 PM

(The tldr there is if you give or sell it to the polity , they’ll encounter fewer troubles when parsnips does the monthly far trades , saving tens of millions of credits )

3

(So nice. I'll just give it to whoever needs it, parsnips I assume. I'm here to help. Haha.)

(yeah snips is the one to mention it to)

(Otherwise we have seen everything on the station there is to see, 3xp and 5000 credits )

(Sweet. I think that levels me up. Thank you.)

(We will get that handled and we can figure out what we want to do next )

(Prefect. I'm going to make my family some breakfast and then I'll sit down and fiddle with it.) (edited)

(Alright, I think I am done here. Rolled 22 for my new hit points. dumped all my skill points into precognition raising it to 2 and taking the alternate outcome skill. Improved Attack bonus to 2.)

(sounds good to me. We've seen what can be seen in this system, so its up to you what you want to do next)

( I think I'd like to see what Mehani is all about. The western continent. Did anyone go down that path from our objectives?)

(Yes. Kolbekite and Mobius were there on the western continent. They’ve agreed to a crease fire )

8:31 PM

(Mobius is on the eastern one right now and karros is also there going region by region to handle some local problems)

(How about the Forbidden still lady relics?) (edited)

(sure thing, so we've got 5 days of downtime back to Pelasgon)

(I'll put them into lead again.)

The Precognitive Conclave is the Psychic Institution of note within the CBSS, and aside from precognitives, psychics of all types are welcomed to shelter and study here. They of course have made no mention to the main academy of the restricted vault and research space below the pyramid shaped conclave building. Upon returning to Pelasgon, Styx makes his way back to the academy that has served as something of a home for him when he is not adventuring, and quickly falls into step with a Utan named Vitrol, who found the relics and is looking for some assistance in covertly playing with them to see what insight might be gained.

Styx picks up his stride to keep up with the excited Vitrol. "Clearly you feel these relics possess some form of psychic energy, correct? If so, what gives you that impression?" He asks, trying to keep up.

"I'm a metapsion, I can feel it in them but its overpowering. Trying to sense what is happening leaves me too busy to actually experiment or track what I am doing. I need someone to be my hands, while I provide the psychic senses"

"I assume that our work here needs to be secretive or could we consult with a professor at the academy perhaps first?"

"Whatever we do, we're the only ones authorized to be looking into this. THe chairman has given his approval, but it's eyes only. That means me, and you. "

"Alright. Here to help. What do you need me to do?"

"We're going to head down to the lab, I'll give you a tour of what I took from her labs, and we'll go through some experiments" he says, nodding to you as you come to a large elevator. The doors open and he gestures for you to step inside. He will be right behind you. Entering, he presses a data key to a slot in the control panel, and a button that usually does not light up becomes active. "We have a few minutes to make it down there. The lab is deep underground, just in case."

Styx doesn't mind being underground so he lands against the back wall and tries to leave him mind open and ready to interact with any metadimensional energies he may feel in the coming moment. "If anything starts to go wrong, I will sense it before it happens and try to change our fate."

“I knew bringing you along might be useful. Any questions before we begin?”

"I'll follow your lead, just tell me what to do and we'll figure this out."

The doors open and you enter a lab space where a tarp has been placed over the table, covering what is underneath.

2:57 PM

A simple spread of lab equipment has been left here for you to use and lights begin coming on.

2:57 PM

"Take that tarp and throw it to the side. I need a momnent to prepare, and I' ll let you know where I found these, and what I think they are. What do you know about The Still Lady?"

Styx takes the tarp and tosses it to the side. "I know very little, but she has a creepy name."

“She was defeated but metaspace has things in it. Intelligences. Presences. However you want to think of them. Its more than us out there. Shadows can grow powerful of they obtain mortal followers and she had legions of them, offering them power and riches in exchange for service. She had complete control of a few planets and had her hooks in far more. When we passed through the L-Gate and took the fight to her on Rana I was one of the team sent to destroy her lab and spell creation facilities. I saw the potential in some of the items there and well, I smuggled them out “

"Huh. Welp, nothing to worry about here then obviously. How soon do I get to hold one?" Styx says, rubbing his hands together as if he was about to enjoy a fine meal.

(That last line, was that being said to Vitrol or what is that? Not sure if I'm supposed to have him reacting to it or not ) (edited)

(That was the wrong window. My bad.)

"We're about to start" On the table you see a wrapped up sculpture, a large book that looks almost like a spell tome from some gritty fantasy novel bought to life, a pendant that is an iron diamond with a blood red stone set into the middle, and a battered looking rifle etched with runes that make your eyes hurt to look at for too long.

7:10 AM

"I'm fine to start anywhere. If you see something on the table that speaks to you, pick it and we'll begin"

Styx walks up to the table, calms his mind and closes his eyes. He begins to feel his hand being pulled. He sets his hand on top of an item and opens his eyes. Lifting his hand he sees the iron and red stone pendant. He looks toward Virtol. "Should I put it on? "

“Let’s try that. I’ll be here to stop anything harmful that might get to interfere with your mind. Be careful. Count to three and put it on. I’ll be here in case anything happens. Once you do, let me know how your perception of the world changes and we can compare notes ” (edited)

Styx closes his eyes, breathes in deeply, and counts to three as he puts the pendant on. He opens slowly opens his eyes and looks around.

1

The colors in the room seems sharper. You don't feel like you've been transported anywhere else, but have your perceptions widened while still being anchored in the material world. You can see a faint calming white aura around Vitriol, and the lab machinery looks to be inert. A small fly in the corner of the room on the wall has a small candle flame aura around it as well, a small flicker in the darkness. Everything seems sharper and more alive, like you are seeing the world in high definition or with another filter laid on top of your existing senses. This is clearly meant to help Still Lady devotees sense or see something- but what, you are not sure with this simple test. "Well?" Vitriol asks "You didn't get eaten up by the amulet or anything did you?"

"I see... clearer some how. Maybe auras of some kind? There's a fly on that wall that has a really bright flaming aura and then you have..." Styx stops for a moment and wonders whether or not Vitrol will be offended that a fly has a more impressive aura than he does and looks away from him towards the small statues they're meant to investigate. "You're too bright. You must really be impressive, Vitrol." (Do the statues give off any aura at all?)

1

Looking at the statues on the table you can see there is a violent , starry and somewhat dark kind of aura around them almost like an internal malevolence of a sort.

Styx points to them and says, "Those look dark and evil, but I guess we already knew that... what do we do now?" He asks finding it difficult to look away from the statues.

"I have a theory that the necklace you are wearing helps the wearer see Shadows, but we don't know if this also means some kind of control is expressed over them or not. It seems shadows are bound to the statues here, perhaps for many reasons. "

"Hmm. Alright. Are we trying to destroy the shadows or free them of what exactly?"

“It depends on what they are. This could get very ugly if there is a war shadow in there. If it’s something like an arcane muse or a summoned servant we still should be careful but we will be able to banish it. They want us to need them. There might be something to learn here but we are heading down a dangerous road. Shadows are not to be trusted “

"Then careful we shall be. I'm ready when you are," Styx says as he relaxes his senses waiting for the future to present itself to him without asking anything of it presently.

(Were you using oracle here then? )

1:37 PM

(or is this a set up for some other power? )

(Set up for the potential use of the other talents. I am pretty sure that if I use oracle then it prevents my other skills from auto activating is that right?)

(terminal reflection triggers when its dangers you're unaware of, we know we are tampering with shadows in this case so it wouldn't fire anyway unless they did something like try to make part of the room fall on you without your notice, but that;'s what Vitriol is here for) (edited)

(Okay. I still think I'm not going to use it just yet. When I have a question I will revisit that option.

2:48 PM

)

(mental save at +4)

(I rolled a 10. Plus 4 would be 14.)

)okay so that’s a pass. 14 v 11). Upon touching the statue you feel something try to work its way into your thoughts but you’re prepared for it and shrug it off. Denied its ability to get into your head, the animated grimore speaks to you out loud instead. “Who interacts with the tools of the divine mistress , the Lady who Watches”

"Uhhh, it is I?" He asks.

“What is your name?” The voice ask. It sounds irritated this time and you see Vitrol shaking his head “no” while looking at the book. He is also scrolling through preliminary notes taken from his initial exploration of the Still Lady academy to try to figure out what might be happening here

"Styx Larson," he says confidently. He at least knows his name.

"Styx Larson, do you desire power? Do you desire wealth?" the voice asks. Soemthing else tugs at your mind. It feels like Vitrol , and his shouts of "Don't do it!" sound very far away.

"I desire for you to be at peace!" He clears his mind, and lets go of all of his worldly desires. He fills his mind with compassion and resolve then turns to look back at Vitrol. "I'm fine. I'm with you," he assures him.

2

You feel the connection between you and the creature thinning, and are left with some sort of innate knowledge that you have banished the shadow living in the first of the statues taken from The Still Lady's academy. The aura arround it fades out entirely, leaving nothing behind.

"Well, that seems to have worked. The shadow is gone from this one." Styx puts aside the empty statue and looks at Vitrol. What would have happened if I had succumbed to the shadow's temptation?"

"Would have bonded to you, probably entangled you in some kind of pact so it could serve its function. What do you know about shadows? If you're going to help me with this, there are some skills you're going to need to learn"

"Very little, but I'm always eager to learn."

“You’re going to get a bit of a crash course. I know very little. Just trial and error. There are others out there you can learn more from and I think the polity could use more people like you”

"I'm eager to help and get my hands dirty. I don't fear failure though. I think it makes us better if we can be humble enough to learn from them," Styx thinks back to his father as he stares at nothing in particular. He puts his palm to his eye and breathes on through his nose and shakes off the pain.

“I think we need to look beyond these walls for help understanding what we are dealing with. I’ve heard of an order of Sunblades on Terezinho , in UNW territory that might be able to help us”

"I have a ship that we can take. Would they welcome us or do we need to fabricate some pretense for our needing to speak with them?" He asks.

"They'd welcome us. We are all a part of the same Federation, and travel is open, but we should keep the reason for our trip quiet until we get to the temple itself. When they hear what we are doing there, the temple will help us, but not a moment before"

"Okay then. I'll follow your lead when t get there. We taking my ship or do you have a better way of getting there?" Styx asks as he reaches to pack up the statues and stops thinking that maybe he shouldn't touch them and giggles a bit.

"I can requisition a shuttle, but your ship would probably be more comfortable for everyone"

"I'll set it up. How should we pack these up?" Styx says as he opens up his compad and requisitions a crew for his ship, Space Ship One. He was never very good at naming things and winced when he said it in his head. "That is going to need a new name soon," he says quietly to himself.

"I can handle transporting the relics. I'll meet you on your ship tonight and we'll set off"

1

8:07 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits, We've got a chance to do some shopping if we want to)

(5 sleep grenades for 500 credits. 3 type a power cells for 30 credits, 3 ammo, 20 rounds each for 30 credits for a total of 560 credits.)

1

"Sounds good. I'll see you there." Styx restocks his ammo and heads off to meet his crew and make sure the ship is ready to depart and fully loaded.

(Okay seen. We got the ship sorted yesterday. I’ll total up downtime when I’m back at a map)

(Sounds good.)

(11 days of downtime as we head to Terezinho)

(21/60 towards the lead skill.) (edited)

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

Terezinho

10:53 AM

The journey across the UNW is long and you eventually make it to the Tropical World of Terezinho. You're welcomed to the orbital dock above the world where your ship will be kept until your trip here is complete. Orbital descent via cargo lighter can bring you to any destination you wish. People move here and there in the somewhat coral themed platform, a mix of humans, merlons, taros, geon, and all others. Even a few Utan have found their way up here and are conducting business.

Styx walks down the cargo ramp with Vitrol. He turns to him and says, "Well, here we are. I know you're probably sick of me by now, but perhaps we should make it a priority to cleanse these statues before we do anything else. Where do we take them?"

“We need to go to the Temple of the Five Suns to talk to the sunblades there. They’ll know what to do. They’ve got something of a reputation for this kind of work. After that if you want to stay I think we can delay our official return home by a few days “

"I haven't been fishing since I was a kid." Styx points at an advertisement flashing in front of him for guided fishing tours. "Could be fun, but work does come first. Let's go."

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/temple-of-the-five-suns-article?preview=true

Temple of the Five Suns

7:40 AM

Transport down to the temple is a matter of getting a quick orbital transport capable of bringing you into a small clearing just 500m from the temple grounds. As you come in you can see sunblade recruits training in the shallows, and others on long runs around the island to build their conditioning.

"These people look incredibly disciplined. I have never encountered a Merlon before, but I am excited for the opportunity."

The lighter sets down on the crude landing pad and you can see two sunblades in the heavy armor of their Order approaching.

Styx raises both his hands, smiles and says, "Greetings, my deepest apologies for intruding, we're here to request your assistance in cleansing some statues of some particularly nasty shadows. Can you help us in our task?"

“Shadows? Of course. Please. Bring the relics inside and we will have the grandmaster attend to you. What can you tell us about what’s coming in?”

"The Still Lady. Seems dangerous and powerful. We've cleansed one already, but thought we might consult the experts for the remaining two. Thank you for your willingness to assist us," Styx says as he turns to Vitrol, "Let's get the statues inside and prepare for the worst."

Several crates are unloaded from the starship and are brought over to the temple entryway. More of the order in full battle dress is roused to escort you in and both of you feel your psionic senses being diminished, dampened and otherwise thinned out. There is some kind of nullifying presence nearby. The grandmaster of the order is waiting inside in his ceremonial armor, the white and coral plates interlock perfectly with one another and he does not wear the helmet. It is instead clipped to his belt. He holds a trident with its pommel resting against the floor, looking on as the relics are brought inside.

Styx walks towards the man and bows deeply, "Hello, sir. I have heard you might be able to expel some shadows with us. I do hope I have not heard incorrectly."

"You've come to the right place, and these are shadows of The Still Lady, I've heard. We can do better than banish them, we can show you how to do it for yourselves so the CBSS will be protected from metaspace problems such as this. You will be another link in the chain keeping all of us safe. Training is difficult, and there is much to learn, but you'll emerge from this equipped to handle shadows and those who would deal with them "

"I am honored. I will do whatever you ask of me," Styx says and takes another deep bow.

“We will work with these relics. Training comes in three different segments , the path of the body , the path of the mind, and the path of the tools. All are important to learning the sacred arts of the metaspace pacifier. Our way is not that of the god hunter, but a way of study and ritual , using mundane practice to fight back the rise of unreality “

"I will do all things mundane and otherwise if it will help in the fight against the shadows."

(Which did yuou want to start with? )

(The mind, then the body, then the tools i guess.)

"The path of the mind is one where you will learn about types of common shadows, how they operate, and how to identify those who entreat with them. Please follow me to our library and assay facilities, and we will show you everything you need to know. Identifying what might be lurking within the relics is the first step in learning how to purify or learn from them"

Styx looks at Vitrol and claps hours hands together. "Let's do some learning!" He exclaims as follows their leader down the hall.

Very well, please follow me to the library." He begins leading you through the main hall to a set of winding stone stairs in the corner of the room before continuing. "The path of the mind is more than just the construction and maintaining of mental defenses. You will learn about shadows, recognize their works, and what they leave behind on the physical world. You will also learn about how to identify those who have made compacts with shadows. Destroying these shadows and those who would pact with them is one of your most vital functions, but to ensure we only censure those who are actually guilty, you will learn how to identify them, and in doing so, you will learn how to keep your own mind safe from their works" Entering the library you can see carved designs in the walls are more than designs. They begin to glow upon your entry to the room, and you feel a bit hazy for a moment before the effect clears up. They remind you of wards or similar protective charms seen in primitive cultures that the CBSS and other groups have studied as the advance of scientific knowledge continues ever onward. "There are many different types, of which we have only a few main categories, but each function in a different way, and promise different things to their worshipers before ultimately turning the tables on their devotees "

"I have seen that first hand unfortunately," Styx says as he recovers from the glyphs unnerving feeling. "How do we begin?"

“I’ll begin by showing you some examples of shadows normally in use by pacters and metaspace entities so you can identify them yourself whe we begin study of the relics. The first shadow is the smallest, and is called a manipulary manifestation" the instructor says, He begins gesturing and a wisp of force floats just a few meters from you. It takes on the shape of a floating hand after just a few seconds. "These types of shadows are harmless on their own, but are shadows none the less. They are about as intelligent as a trained animal, but they can be used to trigger traps or drop explosives. More than one of our number has met their end due to writing them off, or not noticing them. They will cheerfully do things or touch things that result in their destruction if the summoner commands it. If you ever investigate a cult lair, be wary of this form, and of any remote traps in the area they could be used to set off"

Styx looks on in wonder. "Are you in control of this... manipulatory manifestation now?" He asks as he raises his hand up to the shadow wondering if he could feel such a thing were he to touch it.

"I am, understand that outside of instructional situations such as this, the pacting and binding of shadows is the worst of taboo, but here in this classroom it is vital for you to understand who and what you fight against"

"I understand. Please continue."

“The shadows all walk a line between the real world and the metaphysical one , they can be touched but they cannot be harmed without specially made weapons, which you will learn how to make later in your training” (edited)

"Are there benevolent shadows or are they all inherently evil?"

"Shadows have principles, and will behave according to those principles. Some are neutral, and are twisted to shape the principles imposed on them, other shadows like the one I am about to show you know only destruction and defilement. "

7:16 AM

The manifestation is banished, and after a moment of concentration the wards around the library begin to heat. In the center of the circle a hulking war like brute made of angular plates , swollen muscle, and arms that are constantly evolving between different types of weapons roars. It fires its cannon arms but the wards steal any lethality from the shot. "This is a myrmidon, a war shadow that knows only destruction and murder. It will do anything to sate itself on blood and the act of taking life"

Styx steps back but steadies himself. "Seeing that only solidifies my resolve to learn how to banish these shadows. What terrifying creatures those are."

“I have a couple more to show you. There are others aside from what I will be showing you here, but they take supreme levels of power to command and even the Still Lady might not have had many of them under her command”

"I am ready when you are," he says and prepares for the worst.

“The next form is a common worker shadow you’ll see in the service of pacters and those who would ally with shadows. Lesser Servitors are humanoid in appearance generally and are about as sensatory as a normal humanoid as well. They have an innate drive to obey someone and will do whatever their summoner has asked of them. It’s not capable of using a weapon but they can use tools and they can talk- only to report on their duties. This sort of answers your question about if shadows can be neutral or evil. ” It reminds you of a human but with forgettable features and entirely stripped of personality

"It's sort of sad to me. Seeing them do whatever anyone bids of them. Do they have any form of existence before someone summons them?" (edited)

(you're asking if they exist somewhere before they're summoned? )

(Yes)

“Of that we do not know. We think that perhaps the act of pacting binds intention into form, and perhaps those forms are somewhat standard. It’s a curious but heretical field of study. “

"Interesting. Well, I don't want to be a heretic, so let's continue."

"I am going to present you with a tome. You will see several pages in it are blank, but the first few are filled it. it represents everything we know about common types of shadows. The rest of this space is blank , left for your own discoveries"

7:29 AM

(you also get this ability Liminal Feedback: The Pacifier studied in the Path of the Mind may select three shadow types upon selection of this skill. The character will know upon entering a location if that type of shadow is or has been present here, how many, and will get a general one sentence impression of the commands those shadows have been given. Another shadow type may be learned every third character level gained. This bonus applies retroactively if the art is taken at a higher character level.)

(Sweet. Thank you for teaching me the ways of the shadow.)

8:18 AM

"I will fill it with knowledge for the rest of my life and vow to report back periodically with all that I have discovered." Styx quickly studies the filled in pages, then tucks the book into his pack. He trusts more fully in his abilities to recognize and face the three shadows he has just seen. He looks up from his pack and turns back to his teacher. "What do we learn next?"

He sits back in a chair and you can see a few hours have passed during your lessons between his summoning , your note taking, and then moving on to the next one. "Well, the path of tools and the body is next, those are...more involved"

"Let us prepare my body then. I am ready."

(So there are two parts to this, a dive, and a fight, what did we want to do first? )

(The dive!)

You are brought out to the beach as the golden rays of sunlight begin announcing sunset is soon. You will have time for this before needing to end for the night, it seems. A floatation device is affixed to your arms and back, and the instructor holds on to the control that will vent the air and will later start a chemical reaction to refill it rapidly when he is satisfied you have been under long enough. “Mister Larson , you will go to a place that previously only Merlons have been before. You will become a true explorer of the deep. If you manage to survive the ordeal, you’ll have grabbed the ring twice in one day. “ the instructor says, doing his best to comfort you as he swims out to the deepest part of the bay with you. “Float here on your back and look at the sky. Try to reflect on what you’ve been taught over the last few hours. And remember. The gods exist in all realms”

Styx lifts his feet out from under him and gazes into the sky. He's never felt the need to believe in a god, and if they did exist he felt that they were cold, uncaring and cruel. He decided then and there that if the universe was infinite there very well may be decent and caring gods out there that he just hasn't witnessed yet. He accepted that gods may very well be everywhere. He hoped that was true and so for a moment it was. He was at peace and felt a calm wash over him and he smiled.

“Are you ready?” The instructor asks. You can see he is working on getting some kind of remote ready to quickly vent the gas from your floats

"I have never been more ready."

There is a beep and the air vents from the floats. You see the moon and stars get further away

7:18 AM

As the waves surround you and darkness begins to fill your vision. There are kept and fish above you as you continue to descend and the light from above get further and further away. There is however some kind of light coming from below and as you turn to try to see what it is your lungs begin to burn upon reaching the almost end of your air.

Styx shields his eyes and squints through a crack in his fingers trying to see what the light is. He also tries to calm himself down so as to use as little air as possible.

(Exert/con)

(7)

With all your endurance you're able to grasp the object. It looks like an egg of some kind, about as big as your chest. It is ridged and angular. It has the color and texture of coral, and upon touching it your lungs seem to fill with air on their own, allowing you to really take in the beauty of the reef and small fish around you.

"Well, that is neat," Styx thinks to himself as he begins to look around. He turns to a fish nearby and commits his effort to talk to one of them. "I've been sent down here by the Merlons on the surface. Have you seen anything down here that might be of interest to a human like me? Or a Myrlon, perhaps? Something that maybe doesn't belong down here?"

The fish here have not really seen many humans before. The artifact you're touching is not part of the surroundings, but they've only ever seen people descend to these depths to think for a while and try to resist the cold before letting go and surfacing.

"Well, have a good day and try not to get eaten, little buddy," he says to the fish, and decides that maybe he should just remain and think and resist the cold himself until an alternative arises.

(physical save)

(1 hah)

You begin now to feel the cold setting in and despite being able to breathe your muscles feel like lead. You see the casual interplay of the moonlight into the water, light and darkness mixed into one, and only by having both does one get shadow. Air begins filling the floats and you find yourself on the surface of the water after a short minute, trying to register what has happened.

"I guess i shouldn't have talked to that fish," he says, spitting up cold water.

3

He finally stops coughing and he looks up at his trainer. "Did I fail?" he asks pathetically. (edited)

"Not at all. You've held on longer that most, certainly longer than other humans. What did you see down there?"

"A brilliant egg like object that filled my lungs with air. Just awesome, that thing. What is that thing? Oh!... and a fish showed me others like you down there, fighting the cold and contemplating something. What is it that you go down there to think about exactly?" (edited)

8:25 AM

Styx immediately realizes the absurdity of hurling questions while treading water, but the Merlons look as if they are standing on solid ground. "Sorry, you can tell me on the shore if you'd like." (edited)

It seems like it is going to be a bit of a swim back and as you both kick along floating on the surface he replies. "The water is cold. It focuses the mind. There is also no distraction down there. It is quiet, it is a change of scenery, and to reach the object, and have it empower you to breathe while touching it, it means you are conductive to metaspace. I saw the scars on your temples from your psychic training, it is something Merlons experience too, I knew you were, but many who take this dive are untested adolescents , and this is commonly our first sign that one might have psychic gifts"

"I see, yes, I trained for what felt like a very long time at the Academy. My father was also a talented psychic, but he always told me I was more gifted than he was. I don't I believe that's true though, he was always very impressive," he explains through heavy breathing as it had been some time since he had to do any strenuous swimming. (edited)

"So you understand what I mean. We know you're psychic now, something you've known since your academy days, but it means that you'll take to the other portions of the training"

"I'm glad for that and I'm ready too. What do we do next?" (edited)

"In the morning you'll be dueling with some other initiates , learning how to use some of the weapons of our order. Get your rest tonight, you'll need it"

"Ooh, I do love new weapons. I will retire immediately. Thank you for your assistance in my training today," Styx says and walks to his room (which I assume someone showed him to) and passes straight out.

(Someone would show you. I think we went right to the library upon getting here to get the artifacts sequestered)

7:23 AM

Upon morning you hear a small knock at the door, and two initiates enter with a spread of fish, fruit, and a large flagon of clean water. There is a small note written and taped to the tray. You're going to need your strength

"Oh boy. Is it weird that they serve fish here? Am I eating the fish I talked to yesterday? Oh, thank you!.... Why am I talking to myself?" Styx says as he looks around the room. When he's sure no one else is there, he shrugs. He devours his whole meal in minutes, like an army kid does, gets up and dressed and heads out the door. (edited)

Outside it seems that the initiates are already gathering in the tiled arena like landing in the shadow of the broad ballroom like stairs out in front of the building. Six of them are present along with an instructor, and another more grizzled looking Sunblade standing next to him. They are armed in scaled armor, with trident, weighted net, and shield.

"Well, I am sure this will be a breeze," he says sarcastically as he walks up to the landing. "I've never even held any of those!"

"That is why this is called training" the instructor says as he sizes you up and selects a trident from the weapon rack that fits your height and arm length. "By the end of this you'll be a natural, just like us"

Styx grabs it and twists it in his hand studying it's weight and feel. He looks back to the instructor and says, "Alright I trust you, but can I have some of that armor they're wearing over there so I don't get skewered by one of these before the end of this?" He laughs.

"We have a vivictation field worked into this arena. If anyone is fatally wounded you will be healed after just a moment."

"May I stab you to see how that works?"

He decides instead to stab you, and after a few seconds of intense pain you can see the wounds beginning to heal- a spreading warmth from the bioscopic field floods the inside of your body as the repair work is underway.

"Aahhahhauughhhhh... oh. That feels much better now, Do they make portable versions of this? Because I do actually have a slight fear of death."

(There is a psimech fitting of this but I don't think he'd know that, and we'd have to actually discover/research it) (edited)

2:50 PM

(so he's going to tell you he doesn't think so, but it is an item in the books)

(Well that is pretty awesome, but I imagine it's costs an arm and a leg defeating the whole purpose.)

2:59 PM

(I definitely want a psimech now, goddammit.)

“I don’t think there’s anything portable but we are lucky to have this and this lets us train the sunblades that graduate from here to be the best at fighting they can be. Pain doesn’t seem to bother them anymore since they know what it feels like. Training here confers a number of benefits “

"I am grateful that you have allowed me to participate with you. To help with the fight against this darkness. I am eager and ready to learn all I can from you," Styx replies with a reverent bow.

(initiative, and I'll set the scene)

(7)

(6) An initiate steps into the circle, 5m from you. He spins his trident and looks to also have a buckler like shield on his arm. A quick pair of clangs of trident on shield signal he is ready for you

Styx walks up to him and taps his shield with his own trident, and then lunges at the man with all his speed and dexterity! (How am I doing these attack do I add a trident to my attacks) (edited)

8:42 AM

(Large Primitive weapon?)

(its a medium advanced weapon, large needs 2 hands so we wouldn't also be able to use a shield)

(8 damage, it says something about shock damage against ac13 or less, but i cant see the left side of the message haha)

9:24 AM

(I actually think i was supposed to put a +1 in the modifier for my strength so maybe 9?)

(3 shock damage! nice)

(when you roll an attack and it asks for modifier, that is for if you get something special from the scene, like if i give you a +2 for being prepared or something else, it will otherwise automatically pull in all the modifiers from your sheets)

10:05 AM

*(that goes for skill checks too)

(oh, okay I never know what to put in there so I always just hit zero, bur I only put it in there if you tell me to got it)

(It'll still allow you to hit enter with no values put into that box, or zero. Either one works)

(oh wait does a 7 even hit?)

The blow is turned aside by the shield, and the initiate swings back, trying to sweep your legs. He misses, succeeding only in a surface level cut that burns. (no wound, just flavor)

Styx wipes the blood away from the cut on his thigh and stares his opponent down as he licks the blood off his hand and smiles. He lets out a rage filled, blood curdling scream and charges recklessly in again. (12 to hit, 9 damage.) (edited)

The blow is turned aside once again, and the return cut is likewise superficial. You can see this is on purpose and something like a sigil has been cut into your skin , on your leg. It begins to burn slightly, before settling.

"Hold up, hold up. It's this permanant?" He asks and points at the sigil, but as the initiate leans in to look he takes another stab and yells, "Hah! Never fall for misdirection!" (edited)

(does it matter if it hits or not? haha)

(I mean, its a fight, winning certainly looks better for you)

(You dog! I'm in. One moment please.)

(8 to hit.)

9:41 AM

(Mobile is just ass on roll 20. They need a damn app.) (edited)

9:46 AM

(Oh, they actually have one now and it really isn't terrible.) (edited)

The blow is wide, and his shield once again absorbs the shock of the attack. "more power! more speed!" the instructor says, as the initiate prepares to throw his weighted net (Evasion save)

(Success!) Styx dodges the net and flanks around to the initiates side, his trident glimmers in the light of the suns as he charges. (20 to hit!)

(need the damage, but good!)

(6)

The initiate looks surprised as the trident blade punches a hole in his chest. He falls off the tines of the weapon. You feel the ward be cut into you burn slightly. The other initiates rise , not expecting a victory from you.

Styx drops the trident on the ground, breathing heavily and sweating quite a lot. He runs his hand over the ward and grimaces. He looks up at his trainer. "Like I said..." he pauses to take in more air and he ends up coughing most of it back out. He recovers, looks back up and finishes what he was saying. "That was easy." He lets out a stifled laugh and points to the where the ward howls in pain on his leg. "Does this go away?" (edited)

“The marks will eventually leave your skin but the wards will spread beneath it.”

6:48 PM

(There’s an ability you get , I’ll post it when I’m back to my computer later )

(Oh sweet. These guys are just the best.)

Warded Flesh: The Pacifier undergoes a ritual known as the Path of the Body where wards are cut into the skin by order instructors during ritual combat. Every blow has a purpose, even those that do not cause harm leave a mark behind and lines of inscribed wardic runes cover the Pacifier's body by ritual end. These wounds do not heal, but do not cause pain after 24 hours. When shadows or those who worship them attempt to invoke a bodily effect (anything requiring a physical save) against the Pacifier, they will automatically pass unless the effect is caused with an ability using Surge or some other especially forceful mechanic.

(Well, that seems pretty handy in what we're about to face in the statues.)

(I think we just have tools left)

(that is correct)

You're brought into the basement of the temple after a brief lunch and the hearty congrats of the initiates, who did not expect an untrained human teenager to win the fight. The basement of temple is a place where several furnaces, industrial work benches, and armor cradles have been set up. A few armorers are here working on gear for new sunblades, or maintaining damaged things that have been brought into them. A large garage door has been closed and you see it can be opened to allow direct access to the sea outside if needed. Exotic metals, strange tools, and lots of warding round out the space and this looks as much a temple as a workshop.

"What brings us here?" he asks in awe of the wonders he is seeing. (edited)

"Are you carrying any of your own weapons on you? " the instructor asks. "if not, get one or two you use the most and bring them to me"

"Sure, just a minute," Styx reaches out to Boots with his mind to ask him to bring him his pack, and he lets Styx know that he has felt quite like he was locked away in a room for what felt like days to him and also a few other fairly mean things about Styx that he is self conscious about, but a few moments later he comes trotting in with the pack held in his mouth. "Good boy, Boots. Sorry about... all that other stuff," he says, but Boots just huffs and turns to leave. "I promise to be a better companion to you in the very near future!" Styx shouts to his annoyed friend as he looks to see the curious expression on his instructors face. "Animal companions, huh?" He pulls his laser rifle and his mag pistol out and hands them to the instructor. "Here you go." (edited)

"Mundane weapons have a very difficult time hurting shadows , though they'll have no trouble against the mortal who summon and pact with them. Your weapons can be enhanced to handle shadows and it is something we will show you how to do here through careful instruction. You will be able to do this on other weapons you own or come to own"

"That's amazing. I had no idea that was even possible. How does it work?" He asks unable to contain his excitement.

(know/int)

(5)

"The path of the tools is something you have to learn as you begin moving through your life and the path of the metaspace pacifier. Cutting a precise arrangement of sigils on the weapon allows it to function in both this reality against living targets, and will also act as a round in metaspace as well, striking down both shadow and their living pact-bonded humans with equal efficiency. "

"I am ready to learn how to do this. I am eager to fight these shadows."

Hours pass. Most of what is said during this time goes way over your head, spoken by someone who has been part of the order for a very long time and has never known another way of life. At the end of the session, your weapons are inscribed with the wards needed to hurt both man and shadow alike. Blessed Armaments: Training in the Path of the Righteous Tools has given you the talent needed to modify your weapons for use against shadows and those who worship them. Consecration of a weapon takes 24 hours and the Pacifier may bless one weapon every three character levels. A blessed weapon counts as a magical weapon and inflicts a bonus +1 to hit and damage against shadows and shadow cult members.

Styx sits down exhausted from the ritual glad that he set up his compad to record it. He'll have to review that a few more times before he attempts it again. He let's out a relieved sigh and takes each of his weapons into his hand, observing the markings he just put on them. He feels proud of himself for coming this far but knows there's hard work ahead in the fight against just the two remaining shadows in the idols he brought to the temple much less any other shadows he encounters beyond those two. He sees his instructor heading this way feeling like a fool that he's come this far without even asking the merlon for his name. Too late for pleasantries now. "Are we ready to face the two shadows in the idols that I brought or is there more training still to be done?" He asks.

"You know everything we can teach you unless you want to spend the next decade of your life here. Lets bring them outside and finish this"

"Don't tempt me with a good time. But, no, I probably can't stay here that long. I will use the things you've taught me for the rest of my natural life though, so thank you for sharing these things with me. I'll bring the statues outside and meet you there," Styx says. He goes to his room and collects the statues, pats boots on the head and heads outside to face his shadows. (edited)

The relics are brought outside and you see Vitriol finally emerge from the library. His personal belongings are being taken from the ship and into the temple. He gives you a brief nod, all that needs to be passed to signal his intentions. He has seen the homeworld of The Still Lady. He knows what’s out there, and he is too weak to be a warrior in this fight. He will put his strongest muscle - his brain- to the task

Styx nods back knowing he's made the decision that Styx could not. He'll be back to see Vitriol again before too long. Styx shouts to him, "Hey, you know you're still going to have to help with these statues!" (edited)

He looks to be preparing something from the window himself under the instructions of the library staff. It seems he has his own role to play within all this, even though it’s not with you

"Eh. I can probably handle it without him now. Best of luck to you Vitriol," he says as he turns to face the statues. "I am ready if you are," he says to the instructor.

(Initiative )

(1)

2

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [8] Result: 8

One of the statues begins quivering as a hulking myrmidon war shadow emerges from it. The statue is one showing The Still Lady as a warrior goddess, similar to a twisted version of the Greek goddess Athena. It towers over you, forming a long blade in one hand. It swings wildly as it advances, its ground eating tread beyond the speed it should easily be able to move at.

7:16 AM

!roll d20+3

Nekosmash Roll: [9] Result: 12

The swing is clumsy and the blade whistles past you as you twist out of the way

"You shadowy rat bastard!" Styx exclaims as he rolls out of the way of the massive blade and takes aim with his mag pistol. (13 to hit 7 damage)

The shot misses, as the Myrmidon shadow bears down again.

7:52 AM

!roll d20+3

Nekosmash Roll: [20] Result: 23

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [6, 1] Result: 7

(crit/7) The blade cuts downward with a jagged, diagonal cut.

Styx grunts in pain and retreats back to some cover not far away. "Don't you want to ask me if I'll join you or something before you try to murder me?" he yells as he reaches for his laser rifle on his shoulder. He takes aim and fires at the hulking shadow before him. (14 to hit 4 to damage) (edited)

(cant use two handed ranged weapons in melee)

(even if i run some distance away like a coward?)

Styx curses loudly, wishing he had kept one of those tridents he trained with yesterday so he could put a fork in this fight. He raises his pistol and fires desperately. (expending effort for the day to reroll but failed both hits.)

(Fighting Withdrawl is the action to escape melee without triggering your enemy getting an attack of opportunity, but since it uses your main action you would also not be able to attack. You'd have to risk the opportunity attack if you planned to disengage while still wanting to shoot, or we could take your last post as is. LEt me know)

(I'll let it stand. Thank you for the information though.)

The Myrmidon strides through both of its hits , your weapons not punching through its warded unflesh.

11:45 AM

!roll d20+33

Nekosmash Roll: [20] Result: 23

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [6, 2] Result: 8

The blade descends again, this time turned aside by the instructor with you, who takes the blow down his own chest, drawing blood. (Crit/8 on him)

(if you crit again I shall call your mother a hamster.)

12:50 PM

(Oh, it was on him. Thank you, oh nameless instructor.)

(This time I will do a fighting withdrawal.) Styx retreats behind some cover nearby as he calls out to his instructor, "Holy shit, thank you!"

He nods, trident and shield doing what he can to screen you from the enemy. He roars , diving into the enemy with spear and shield clashing with the myrmidon to cover your escape.

7:44 AM

!roll d20+2

Nekosmash Roll: [4] Result: 6

!roll d20+5

Nekosmash Roll: [10] Result: 15

The two of them are locked in brutal close quarters conflict, and with some distance your rifle has enough room to get a shot off.

Styx pulls the laser rifle off of his back and takes aim. "Go back to wherever you came from, demon," he whispers and pulls the trigger. Bursts of light and fire burn into the Myrmidon as Styx prepares to take another shot. (20 to hit, 7 damage.)

The myrmidon looks wounded, as much as a shadow creature can. It is having trouble holding its form together and a trident punches through its mid-section. Rammed home by the instructor, the creature slumps before slowly dissolving into something like a purple ash that the wind begins to scatter.

"Well, it looked hairy for a moment, but I'm proud of what we accomplished here so far," Styx says as he brushes off his combat uniform. "Maybe I should go get one of those nets. Do they restrain a shadow?" He asks.

“They can be made to. Consider devising something like that a possible chance for further study on the Path of Tools. “. The shadow has been banished and the object is now safe for Vitriol to study in a more controlled and safer manner

"I will attempt to make one then upon returning to Pelasgon then. I am also allowed to teach my comrades what I have learned here, yes? This is not the first time we have encountered the Pale Lady, but, if we should meet another like her in the future I hope to be better prepared this time," Styx asks as he glares at the final statue not 50 feet in front of him.

“The Still Lady is gone for good. May we never see another like her but if we do, there will be those in the iron stars who are ready for it@

"Oh yea, I know, and it may have been a little selfish to assume the CBSS needed to be at the center of it. Hahahahmmmm... You know how people can get kind of self important some times? Yea..." He fades off and stares off into the distance for a while, then snaps back to reality. "Welp, want to face this last shadow?"

"I sense the last one is very powerful indeed. I think it might be best for you to continue your training and your path out in the places beyond this temple and when you return, you will face the Devourer within"

"Well I don't want to die, sure, but maybe we could gather all the initiates and give it a..." He stops when he sees the instructor has made his decision and Styx remembers that he knows what he's talking about. He has probably seen one. "What do you know about these Devourers then?" He asks, looking as serious as he has looked in a while.

"One of the most powerful types of shadow there is. The initiates would just be fodder against something like that, even some of our best warriors would struggle. Our lives are not to be thrown away, each represents years of training, study, and discipline and we are miserly when it comes to spending them. "

"Of course. I would never want to put our lives in danger. Have you had any requests for pacifiers out among the stars? I would be happy to lighten your work load."

"There is one within the Greystar Confederation by the name of Obsidia Sharpshot, who has recently also been given a similar crash course as yourself. They are on the hunt for a mutual ancient enemy, and you should reach out to them if you want to know more. "

Styx opens his compad and stores the name of the Greystar Combine operative and then puts it away. "I will do that. We must all put aside our differences in the fight against hatred and shadow alike. Thank you for all you have taught me here. I will hone my skills and be back when I am ready to face the Devourer. Do you have any advice on furthering my training before I depart?" (edited)

"I think staying cautious but curious, and trying to learn from fighting shadows and those who worship them will see you well in the future"

"I will do my best to make this temple proud. Thank you again. By the way, I never got your name and it felt too awkward to ask before," Styx says with a sort of bow hoping his instructor doesn't mind too much.

"Goshima. We will meet again, I am sure of it, and when you return you will be more than just an initiate"

Styx gives another, deeper bow and says, "Thank you again for your time and hospitality. I will not soon forget it. See you again soon, Goshima. It has been a revelatory experience."

1:30 PM

(How long have we been here would you say? )

(two days)

(So we haven’t been away from other events for too long )

(Okay, how do I do that thing parsnips does where he sends the telegraph looking border around your text?)

(Three of these in a row at either end of your message `)

(Thank you)

Having received the go ahead from HQ, Styx begins to pack up his gear and loading it onto his ship preparing for departure. He opens his com pad and sends a quick message to @Obsidia Sharpshot.

Greetings, Obsidia. I am currently at the Temple of the Five Suns, and I was led to believe you may be hunting shadows out there among the stars. I was just indoctrinated in the ways of the Pacifier myself and was hoping to get a bit more experience with them. If you find it acceptable to work together I will, of course, defer to your leadership. It will be your mission. You can consider me an assistant if you want to. I wish that this message finds you well, and I hope to hear from you soon. 

Styx Larson, CBSS.

6:40 PM

He closes his compad and stashes it in his pocket. He looks up and sees Vitrol staring at him in the distance. He nods and smiles at the man and then turns and heads into his ship, Boots following not far behind. He's glad to be back together with his friend. The cargo bay door closes behind them and the ships engines begin to kick on. One of the suns slowly setting on the horizon casts a red orange glow that battles with the brilliance of a sun itself not far off from falling behind the planets surface.

Vitriol, the Utan will be staying here and you expect messages will come now and again as he learns new things. Your message to agent sharpshot is successful but will take weeks to travel both ways, as they’re engaged in a special mission far north of Greystar territory. For now, it seems you have some time of your own

Styx sets off for Pelasgon to check in on his family and friends.

(11 days of downtime back to Pelasgon, and we would be at 32 of 90 toward lead then)

(Noted. Do I level up?!)

(3xp, and 5000 credits were given out. If that 3 has you meeting or exceeding the xp you need then it would)

4:19 PM

(Youd have to look at your sheet and see where that 3xp puts you)

(Oh, I missed that. Thank you. It does level me up.)

(Okay. Let’s get that worked out and we will move on)

(Level 5, 23 hp from 22, 3sp into precog with my extra from psychic training also going in there to raise that to level 3, taking the forced outcome technique)

(oh, still need a focus, huh? just a moment for that.)

(Level Up Level: 5 Focus: 4 Old HP: 22 HP Roll: 23 New HP: 23 New Skills: Gaiapsionics lvl 2, Metaflora technique from that, purchased Intuitive Response with my Psychic training point in precognition, Close Combatant focus taking shoot as a bonus skill Current AB: 2) (edited)

6:11 PM

(I'm not getting stuck in melee again without putting up a fight, hah)

(you also can't have a skill at level 3 until you reach character level 6, so that will need to be redone)

(oh, damn, I will change it right meow.) (edited)

(Okay, updated. Eventually I will learn all the damn rules, but thank you for reminding me until I do.)

(okayu, looks right to me as far as I can tell, anything strike you as something you want to do, or do you need me to write something ? )

(I was hoping to check in with Styx' mom and sister abs see what they've been up to. Maybe check around to see if anyone knows anything about Eoin's, Styx' dad's killer, whereabouts. Maybe not chase him just now or anything. Just sort of passing the time until obsidia can join up.)

Returning to Pelasgon your ship is brought in to dock at the orbital platform, and you take a cargo lighter modified to carry passengers down to the capital city. It feels like after being gone this long it might be time to make amends with the family and see how the farm is doing.

Styx changes out of his combat uniform and stores it away for later, donning common clothes. He doesn't want to remind his mother that working for the CBSS is probably what got her husband killed. He wipes a tear from his face and heads out into the city to find an autocab to take him out to his family's land. It doesn't take him long and he finds one. Not long enough in Styx' opinion. He sits in silence and stares at the floor for what feels like an eternity. He breathes in the familiar smells of livestock and allows himself a moment of awareness. Coughing briefly, he looks out the window, seeing the familiar landmarks, vehicles and animals of people he had known for most of his life. The cab turns onto his mile long driveway and comes to a stop at the side of the mailbox. He'd have to walk from here, so he grabs his pack and hoofs it. When he gets close he hears the dog begin to bark and knows the time to face his family again has come. (Duh duh duh!) (edited)

Walking up the trail through the woods you eventually make it to the top of the small hill the house is perched on and the door opens as you come into view. Your sister has opened the door and looks on in surprise. She seems to freeze, not calling out to your mother within the home nor moving toward you either

"Hello, sis," he says. "Long time."

She seems frozen within the emotion of the moment, and says nothing as she stands at the front door, eyes tracking you as you pass the fence, and continue coming up the laneway.

Styx reaches the door and smiles as he embraces his sister. "Missed you, kiddo," he says as he steps back to look at the young lady who appears to have grown all too fast as of late. (edited)

"You too..." she says, barring you from getting any further into the house "But why are you back?"

Styx steps back. Having somewhat expected to be yelled at already he felt this wasn't too bad so far. "I came back to check on you and mom. To tell you about what I've been doing for the last few months and to find out the same about you!" He said but realized that he was raising his voice and stopped talking. He turned around and leaned against the porch rail. "I'm sorry," he continued, "I know that I've been gone for a while now, and I know I'm not the greatest about writing or expressing my thoughts or feelings. But, I know that you miss dad just as much as I do and I chose to leave. To prepare myself for the revenge of dad's murder!" He clenches his fists and pounds them into the wood of the railing.

"And do you feel you've done that? We didn't just lose dad. We lost you, too, and I don't know how Mom is going to react when she sees you. You should prepare yourself. It might not be the homecoming you were expecting"

"Oh, it probably will be the homecoming I was expecting actually," he says and pauses a moment. "I'm sorry that I haven't been here, Jin, but I am doing what I believe is the right thing for me to do. The thing dad has wanted me to do my whole life. You know he wanted this life for me, Jin. It's the life I want for me too. I know that you're mad at me, but can you at least understand that?"

“I can understand it” she says with a huff “but that doesn’t mean I have to like it”. She takes another long look at you before she moves away from blocking the threshold of the door. “I warned you. My job is done. Anyway , I’ve got to go check on the animals. “

"I can't believe you don't want to watch what she's about to do to me," he says with a hearty laugh as he turns to walk into his old home. "Mom?" He asks with great fear.

She really has grown. The joke falls flat, there is no more scrapping or sibling rivalry here, just two grown women trying their best to deal with the pain life has given them though they're doing it in different ways. There isn't a reply when you enter the house and call out to her. The kitchen shows signs both are still living here. The TV is on low, showing the news from the capital. There is an ash tray on the table with a few warm cherries in it still along with some scattered paper ads from businesses in town trying to sell the next best whatever it is they are selling. No one is sitting at the long table and the eight chairs around it have all been pushed in. (edited)

Styx presses on into the living room. glancing into rooms as he goes down the hallway. (Sorry forgot it was my turn.)

The bathroom is clean. The pantry looks a bit bare but given their evident still apparent grief it’s likely they don’t eat much. The living room doors are closed.

Goes up the door and knocks lightly before he pushed the door open. "Mom?" He calls out lightly.

There is a rustling in the back of the room as a blanket covered shape on the couch stirs. The light snoring is interrupted as she turns around. She looks like she has aged twenty years in the last five. Her hair is a silvery white now and you see a tired resignation in her eyes. You saw this look before at the small service held for your father.

Styx quietly walks over to where she is sitting and sits beside her. He remains quiet for a moment and after a while, caressing her hand with his, he says, "I love you, mom. I'm sorry I've been gone for so long this time."

8:50 AM

He rests his head on her shoulder and awaits her response.

A hand rubs through Styx’s hair, lingering on the temple scars that are the hallmarks of psionic training. “Styx. You’re home. Why did you come back?” She asks, so far not moving from her position.

"I just wanted to see you both. I hope that is better for you guys than how it looks," Styx says as he looks around at the disheveled room they're sitting in. Styx pulls his mother upright to get a good look at her face to make sure she's healthy at least.

She looks weak, and drawn. Prolonged food shortages and grief have both taken their toll on the woman and though she is here, she is feeling the effects.

"Hmmm, I'm going to make you some soup. What do we have to cook here?" Styx asks without waiting to hear a response. He heads to the kitchen to see what can be thrown together.

8:13 AM

Styx puts a pot of water on to boil and begins looking around for ingredients, seeing nothing and shaking his head. "How can there be no food on a farm?!" he exclaims throwing his hands into the air. He doesn't give up, however, and heads outside to forage. It is dark and hard to see, but he reaches out with his mind to find some healing herbs and tasty ones too. (He uses The Whispering Wind to do this)

After two hours the soup seems done enough where you think it might be good to serve. Your sister has not returned from town yet but she seemed determined to avoid being home for a little while.

Styx pours some into a cup and takes it to his mother. Helping her sit up, he pours a little bit into her mouth and speaks to her soothingly. "You're alright. It's going to be alright," he says as he slowly rocks her back and forth as she finishes her soup.

"You're leaving again, aren't you?" she says, once she eats her meal and a few long minutes of uncomfortable silence goes by.

"Yes," he says and treats his hand on his mother's arm. "For the first time in my life I feel like I'm making a difference in the universe. I can't stop after I've felt this way. I just can't. I'm so sorry, mom."

She looks at you coldly, recoiling back from your touch once you say the words. "Don't bother coming back" she says coldly. "Why did you even come back if you were just going to walk out on us again"

2:20 PM

"Come to see us poor folk off living in the woods without anything to eat? "

"Mother, please. You are not well. I am working now. I can support this family the way dad always did. That is what I want to do."

"You've been working all this time and never thought of us before. What changed? Why now, after all this time?"

"You know how it is, mom. New job, the want to impress them and make yourself useful. It was my first time ever leaving the planet! What did you expect would happen when I left?"

"You didn't tell us you were leaving. You just left. "

"Well..." He hangs his head. "You knew what I was running from."

"It doesn't excuse what you did" she says, the motherly instinct to scold warring with her mind reminding her that you are now also an adult. "You left your sister and I here with not a word, and we've struggled to get by ever since. "

"Yea, I shouldn't have done that. I was blinded with rage when I left, but I am still your son. Still Jin's brother. I am here now. I want to make it right. Please forgive me."

(talk/cha)

!roll 2d6+1

Styx Larson Roll: [5, 3] Result: 9

"For Jin. I will be gone one day, and you two will be all you have. " She says with resignation.

"Well, you're not that old. You do need some food, what do you want to eat? I can have it sent here weekly or monthly what ever you need. I want to fill dad's shoes in that regard at least," he says and flips open his compad to order some food, "Also, this is a farm last I checked. A farm should never go hungry. I will hire a farm hand to get this place back in order," looking around he adds, "Maybe a maid too, occasionally."

"Farms need money for animals, feed,...Styx, you grew up here, you know how much work it took to run a farm. Your sister and I bring in a bit of money here and there, but its not enough to take care of all that"

"I know, I will send money every month. What are our monthly expenditures, again?" He asks.

"About 500 credits a month to maintain what we have. 700 if we want to grow it"

"No problem, mom!" Styx transfers the 700 credits to her. "I'll keep sending you the same thing every month. Don't worry, we can do this," he says and he pulls her in for a long warm hug. (What do I owe for the food at both the CBSS meeting and for the family?)

(just do the 700 and we'll call it square)

(done.)

(That’s all I’ve got for this unless you had something else. I know we are in the group mission )

(Nah that was all I wanted to accomplish really, hah.)

(Alrighty. Not sure if this was a personal goal or not, just double check that for any possible xp)

(damn I wish it was.)

(We can continue something here if we want to)

(Only the polities can do far trading, unless you're prepared for an adventure in either getting the goods or needing to clear a problem up where you're going to sell them)

(Oh okay, let me think a bit then.)

(did you want to help the new folks with their group mission? )

(Sure, sorry, working so much right now.)

(No pressure if you're real busy, I just didnt want you waiting on me to figure something out)

(Oh they have their own group mission, sure) (edited)

(Archiving for now)