Iron Stars - sylin

Buey is a rapidly receeding ball of tiger striped blue, green, and orange as the Free Merchant plows through local space, its jump drives already beginning to charge up for interstellar flight. Growing up on Buey during the time of the Viceroy would challenge anyone, and Sylin was no exception, but with nothing to go back to, he needed something to move forward to. Making it into the stars with a small crew was the first step in moving into a proper line of work, and everyone gathers as the ships drive begins the six hour process of charging to have a meeting. "Alright Sylin, you got us this far, we have a ship, enough of us to run it (free merchants require 5, but there's usually a few extra people as redundancies just in case , space tends to be dangerous) . Now we just need to know what we're doing with it"

Sylin presses his back up against the inner hull of the ship, rubbing his thumb across the muzzle of his laser pistol. "The first thing we'll need to do; find work. I'm pretty sure all of you know what that entails, when I'm around." he says, shifting his left hand around to latch and unlatch the safety of the sniper rifle slung across his back. Safe? No. Dangerous? Always.

"Well, there's a bounty for a pair a crime bosses in New Moon Cooperative territory. They gave the royal army the slip,a nd the city they went into is declaring independence. They're going to be on the lookout for anyone in an army uniform, but we dont look that part"

7:23 AM

"So what do you tihnk?"

Sylin shoves off from the wall, rolling his shoulders back. "If it pays good, I suppose. However, we'll need a reason for going into that independent city. We'll have to look the part of some rebellious insurgents. And to find a couple of crime bosses, we'll need to get deep into the underground. Luckily, I have experience with that."

"Sounds like we're equipped then. If they're independent of the Cooperative, They probably won't say no to some extra hired guns around looking for work. Could be our way in , at any rate" the ships purser offers, thinking about other independent city states and how they've historically done business

"Well then, let's plot a course. How long do I have to get ready?"

"We're looking at 9 days, with a few stops long the way since we're going to need to fuel. Might find something else we can pick up along the way. What do you think? worth the time?"

Sylin shrugs, fingering the blade of his knife. "I don't see why not. Let's plot a course."

(3 days of downtime to Espinoza , the first planet along the route )

9:00 PM

Espinoza is a tropical world recently purchased by the Greystar confederation from the new moon cooperative. A small research base exists on the surface but most of the planet has not been developed from@pristine tropical jungle and warm sands

Sylin frowns, glancing through the viewport at the planet. "Do we need to restock? Will the base even have the necessary facilities?" he scratches his head. "Otherwise, I don't see much reason to stop."

(Planets stop spike travel. You can’t end in deep space or go right to where you’re going if there are intervening planets, so I’ll just describe where you stop and if anything catches your eye we can stop)

9:13 PM

“There’s fuel here which we need but it won’t take more than six hours to onboard. We don’t need to get out “

Sylin rifles through his pack, shrugging. "I wanna see what Greystar's got set up. Anyway, I'd rather not be cooped up in the ship all day."

The ship passes into atmosphere, before landing outside the jungle outpost recently claimed by Greystar. The sea slams against rocks and the general surround, and a handful of Greystar marines emerge from the shelter, along with someone in more dignitary looking finery. Colorful birds take flight from the treetops, many beginning to circle the ocean waves looking for shallow swimming fish

Sylin pauses over a few licenses and other equipment. "Anyone reckon they'll want paperwork or something?" Hitching a thumb toward his sniper, he continues, "And do you think they'd mind my extra... armaments?"

"Frontier world like this probably not. There's hardly anyone here. We're just stopping for fuel. Six hours to kill though, maybe we see if they need help with anything on the way?"

"Eh, why not? Mind you, I'm not doing any manual labor, but if they need help with anything else... sure."

The dignitary emerging from the base looks a bit worried, and makes his way over to you. "Welcome to Espinoza sirs and madams. It is good to see a ship here. Reminds us there's an outside world. How can my people assist you today?"

Sylin frowns slightly as he looks over the dignitary, but otherwise maintains an aloof expression. "We need some fuel, and, if you have any work for the duration of our stay, we'll be glad to take it."

"How do you fancy a bit of a hunt? Some kind of tiger creature out there. Hasn't killed anyone, hadn't even injured anyone until yesterday- but it had been stalking our security patrols in the jungle for a while. I think this base is in its territory. and well, we aren't leaving"

12:25 PM

"We were content to leave it alone, but it's hurt someone now, and we cant take a risk someone will not be killed by it lateR"

Sylin drums his thumbs on the back of his rifle. "Interesting. And what, exactly, would I get out of it? And... well... what's the catch?"

“There’s a significant financial reward in it for you. I think I’ve been pretty open with you that the beast isn’t scared of people and is strong enough to injure someone. I’m afraid if you’re looking for some kind of hidden strings you won’t find any here. It’s a simple enough job. If you’re not up to it that’s fine. I’ll offer it to anyone stopping by next”

Sylin chuckles. It's a small, humorless thing. "Does it really look like I'm not up to it to you? I'll take it. Where is this beast?"

“Northern side of the building here in the jungle. I’m sure With a bit of tracking beyond that you’ll find each other pretty quickly “

5:16 PM

“If you bring the pelt back intact I’ll even thrown in a bonus if you don’t want it for yourself”

Sylin nods. "Alright then, let's get to it."

(Who's all going into the woods out of your crew?)

(Who's in my crew? I don't know their names or stats or anything.)

11:33 AM

(Do I roll up a bunch of NPCs, or what?)

(A free merchant holds 6 people in total. 3 others plus you would be needed to even travel with it, between 2 pilots and someone to run sensors, plus anyhing else needing done. If you want to name them, you're fine to. NPC's have stats depending on what lvl of the henchkeeper focus you have, more info in the iron stars booklet in the rules and books channel)

(I don't have the henchkeeper focus...)

(They're peaceful human stats then)

(Tristan and Jake will come, then. They'll be bait to draw out the beast, while Sylin sets up with his sniper.)

3:49 PM

(I suppose they'd probably be unarmed?)

3:50 PM

(If so, I'll ask the dignitary if he'll lend a couple of basic revolvers for them or something.)

(Theres an armory on the ship you’re using that they could get a weapon from)

(Oh, nice, what's in the armory?)

(You can requisition any tl4 weapon and ammunition for it. Taking mass quantities of weapons or ammo, for example handing them out to a village or large Number of people would force you to pay for the ship fitting again since essentially you have to re stock it

(I'm guessing you mean any non-heavy tl4 weapon, otherwise I'd be grabbing hydra arrays left and right, lol.

9:28 AM

(I'll give them each a spike thrower, as plan on the beast getting close to them anyway. If that's too powerful, a combat shotgun'll do.)

(You need a vehicle mount to fire those. But yes)

(Alright cool, let's head out then, as soon as they grab their spike throwers or combat shotguns, whichever you think the armory'd have.)

(Spike throwers are fine. Let’s get a survive /wis too)

(I rolled it up on roll20 for my character. Lousy 3. Cool how ya can just click the skill, eh?)

(Yeah i like it a lot)

1:59 PM

Heading into the woods there is not much evidence that such an animal like this was ever here, but none the less the locals seem spooked about it.

2:00 PM

Local logs say that the most recent attack was to the north, near some low lying tidal pools along the coast, where it must go to water

Sylin motions for the others to stay close, weapons ready, while he glances up and attempts to scurry up the treetops.

2:10 PM

(Exert check, I'm guessing? P.S I know it's not realistic for him to jump from tree to tree, and he's not gonna do that, he only went up to get an eagle's eye view.)

(nope, climbing a tree isnt really that hard)

3:36 PM

From the treetops, you get a better view of the jungle, along with a game trail nearby carved bby the passage of the many beasts native to this place. It seems to head out toward the mentioned tidal pool area though there is no sign of any animals there right now

Sylin slides down the tree, and motions for the others to head toward the tidal pool. He'll follow, but off to the right a ways, in the cover of some dense shrubs. Tristan and Jake will purposefully make a lot of noise, while Sylin attempts to go silently.

It nears evening when their voices finally give out, their attempts to call the beast not amounting to anything, when suddenly a low rumble from the jungle echoes out over the ridepools

(Er, I was going to have Sylin set up with his sniper once he reached the pools, for an execution and surprise attack.)

3:47 PM

(If we're assuming he's done that, then I'll have him take aim with his sniper toward the source of the noise)

(you'd have time to set up a prepared firing position during the time intervening)

(OK, cool) (edited)

8:17 PM

Sylin lifts the sight of his rifle up to his eye, closing the other as he zeroes in toward the source of the sound...

9:33 AM

The creature crawls from the jungle , hunting low and moving slowly toward your friends who are making noise. It is 50m from them, moving at a casual and silent pace

Sylin takes a deep breath in, sight resting on the creatures head, and pulls the trigger.

11:41 AM

So, +2 from a prepared firing position, 8 difficulty for normal range execution attack. There is basically no way I can miss this, but I'll roll it up anyway...

11:44 AM

I got a sixteen. Double what I needed.

11:45 AM

Pretty sure its dead, but here's my damage roll...

11:46 AM

Oh wait, no, its an execution attack so it just makes a Physical saving throw

11:47 AM

With -1 penalty bc I have a +1 Shoot skill.

(anything you are not doing in character, please put in parentheses, you also do not roll a weapon attack, it is a shoot/dex skill check against a DC of 8(

2:00 PM

(so that will need to be what's actually rolled)

(Ah, ok, sorry, I forgot the parenthesis, will roll again.)

5:31 PM

(Got a 9)

The shot is clean, (failed the save) and the tiger topples onto its side, sliding several meters as it is mid leap, before stopping at the edge of a pool. It's blood begins to trickle into the water, gradually staining the clear water a translucent red

Sylin smirks, slipping out of his place in the bushes after reloading his sniper. Slinging it over his back, his nods to his two accomplices and says, "Well, looks like ya didn't need those fancy spike throwers after all, eh?"

"Wouldn't have had the chance to bring it around" Jake says, looking down at the beast. "Good thing you didin't miss"

Grunting, Sylin kneels down, whipping out his monoblade and beginning to saw at the pelt. Glancing back, he raises a brow. "Ya gunna help?"

(Survive/wis. They’re not trained in it so can’t give a bonus)

(4. I really gotta upgrade that skill.)

The hide is a mess and is cut to ribbons without being able to save much of it, but you’re able to extract enough to at least prove to the Greystar clerk here that the job is done.

10:32 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Alright, I'll level him up on roll20...)

(Cool, done.)

3:22 PM

Sylin strides up the ship's gangway, making a beeline to the lounge and slumping into a large, leather chair.

3:23 PM

Noticing Tristan beside him, he grunts, "When'll we be able to get a move on?"

(just post what you leveled up in the thread, so we can track it )

(Ya mean this thread?) (edited)

3:27 PM

(I just grabbed the Sniper foci and bumped up Survival and Sneak.) (edited)

(you also cant have a skill at lvl 2 until you hit lvl 3, per pg

3:27 PM

56 of core rule book)

(Yeah, Sniper bumped it up to lvl2.)

3:27 PM

(During character creation, this bonus skill pick is treated like any other skill pick. If the focus is taken as part of advancement, however, it instead counts as three skill points spent toward increasing the skill. This is enough to raise a nonexistent skill to level-1, or boost a level-1 skill to level-2. They may do this even if they aren’t high-enough level to normally qualify for a skill level that high.)

(yeah it came from sniper so thats fine, i was asking what you did to make sure it wasnt skill points)

(Cool, np.)

3:29 PM

(Ah, its nice talking back and forth instead of doing random posts over hours. Glad we're both on.)

"Fueling is done, Dura-In is our next port of call. Its a neutral port and they're having some disagreements with Greystar, so maybe we should keep the fact we're from Buey to ourselves"

Sylin nods, fingering his beat-up sniper thoughtfully, and glancing at his bulging credit pouch. "Ya reckon they'll have some facilities so I can get some new gear?"

"Maybe. They're all alone out there, not relying on anyone else. It depends what we're looking for. I don't picture a group like that having much in the way of material wealth"

Sylin shrugs, sitting back. "Alright then. Lets power up the drive, shall we?"

(2 days in spike from here for downtime purposes )

(Not really much to do. I guess I could, like, spar with a couple crew members?)

(There’s a list on roll20)

7:38 PM

(Of downtime activities )

(Oh cool, lemme look for it)

8:07 AM

(Found it. Ima look a bit closer into weapons mods at the rulebook, but I'm not a savvy engineer so..)

8:07 AM

(*Sylin's not a savvy engineer)

8:12 AM

(Actually, let's start training Punch. 88 days to go...) (edited)

8:14 AM

Sylin ends up spending his time running sparring sessions between him and members of the crew. (edited)

As you are within an hour from Dura-In space, the ship comes together to meet. The Freeguilders are territorial people, and it is unclear how they will react to another ship in the system. Flying a neutral flag, they may be more friendly than most, but the ship coming from Buey has a few of the crewmembers concerned

Sylin glances to the pilot's seat, housing Nelson. Sylin slides into the co-pilot seat, pursing his lips at the ship in front of him. "Let's keep calm. Gunners, stay at your positions, but keep the weapons docked. We want to appear friendly." He looks to Ashlyn, the ship's navigator. "Ashlyn, get ready to jump us out if, for some reason, things turn south. That shouldn't happen, though. As far as they know, we're freelance traders just looking for a place to settle down. And do try not to mention we're from Buey." (edited)

(any last minute things we need before we jump in? just dont wanna cheat anyone time)

(I don't think so. Just make sure the crew's outfitted, armed, armored, at stations, blah blah. Wait, can the ship armory give Sylin armor? If so, I want some light armor.) (edited)

(It can)

(Then if Dura-In doesn't have regulations against it, I want a Combat Field Uniform. If it does have regulations, I'll just take an Armored Undersuit. Similarly, if they have no regulations I will keep my Sniper Rifle, as well as exchanging my Laser Pistol for two Mag Pistols, and bringing a Monoblade Shortsword(Advanced Medium Weapon) in addition to my Monoblade Knife. If they do have regulations, I will not bring my Sniper Rifle, but will still bring the Mag Pistols, concealed with my Assassin thingy, and will not bring a Monoblade Shortsword.)

(Also, I was wondering; in the core rulebook, there are no throwing knives. I've looked online, but can't find any. I don't suppose you could provide some stats for some modern, advanced throwing knives Sylin could have? I just love that Assassin with a Throwing Knife idea.)

(It’s just a small advanced weapon with a range of 20m

(Alright, cool. So have Sylin carry with him like, a dozen concealed throwing knives at all times.)

(You’d need to account for them as far as encumberance and readied/stowed reasons. If you have enough space and enough slots for readied weapons then you can do it)

10:23 PM

(I highly doubt you’re going to be able to carry 12 readied at all times)

(Wouldn't they be in a pack, like real world throwing knives, and be very light?)

10:40 PM

(And does Dura-In have regulations, or no?)

10:45 PM

Also, the Assassin Foci says: You can conceal an object no larger than a knife or pistol from anything less invasive than a strip search, including normal TL4 weapon detection devices. You can draw or produce this object as an On Turn action, and your point-blank ranged attacks made from surprise with it cannot miss the target. That means I can keep my Mag Pistols stowed, but still produce them as an On Turn action, right?

(No. They’re weapons. They count. It means you can conceal one. It doesn’t mean they don’t count for encumberance or what you can carry. )

11:14 PM

(On turn and the other mentions there of when you can pull them relate to the combat turn and again, has nothing to do with weight or what’s readied. It means you can have one stowed )

(OK, cool. And what about regulations?]

(We didn’t get there yet. You wouldn’t know)

(Alright then. What's the crew think? Do they think they would have regulations or no?)

The alert sounds as you enter Dura-In space, and the system report pulls up on your screen (world anvil) Almost at once the sensor panel lights up as someone begins hailing the vessel

(Wait, so is it Dura-In 2 or 3?)

11:32 PM

(Or 4?)

(You’re at the edge of the system. So the highest numbered planet )

11:33 PM

(That’s where you’d enter)

(And what planet would we be landing on?)

11:33 PM

(If we were to land?)

11:33 PM

(Like, which one has civilization?)

11:36 PM

(Wait... Freeguilders... another ship... ohhhh, so we'd be landing in the hangar of these Freeguilder's ship?)

(Lets just play the scene out. You’re asking for information your character doesn’t have)

Sylin immediately flips a switch on the panel, allowing the hail to go through.

(yeah, its very common to not roll into a scene with all the information, i would think a lack of information would be an expectation, especially in neutral and uncharted space like this) Unidentified craft, this is Dura-In patrol, We have detected you entering Blue Rain Freeguild territory. Please state your name, and intention

"This is Sylin Sylphwood of the Free Merchant 'The Shadow'. We're looking for a place to set down, maybe find some fuel, equipment, work if you have any."

10:17 AM

(I guess you're right, I wasn't sure if Dura-In was well known or whatever. But yeah, it adds suspense to go into it with little info.)

"Any cargo or contraband aboard Shadow? The Freeguild does not condone trade in illicit substances, sapients, or unauthorized weapons. If you declare these cargoes now , we will impound them and you will be free to continue on"

Sylin flicks the switch off, groaning. Glancing to his unofficial 'first-mate', Nelson, he asks, "Do ya think our armory stashed chock full of TL4 weaponry counts as unauthorized weapons? How the hell am I supposed to handle this?" Turning to Ashlyn, he grunts. "Still got the spike drive warmed up?"

"I think he means we're not to come aboard their station with weapons that can punch through the hull. "

4:21 PM

"So, no guns"

Sylin nods thoughtfully, a gleam in his eye, as he flips the switch back to on. "My ship has an armory, however I most certainly won't be bringing it onto your ship. I trust so long as I bring no guns aboard your station it'll be fine, yes? As for illicit substances and sapients, no."

"No guns, blades are permitted but if you use it in anything but self defense security will shoot, citizen or not. Proceed in system, and follow directions of any subsequent patrol craft if you encounter them"

Sylin motions for Nelson to follow the instructions of the Dura-In Patrol, as he flicks the switch off once again and heads off to suit up... with a rigorously concealed mag pistol hiding behind his armor.

The station itself is a large Arx-Class platform, a veritable fortress hanging in the void of space. A small floatilla of vessels protect it, the largest of which is an up armored cruiser more resembling a pocket battleship than anything else. A very large capital ship is under either construction or serious refit in an external drydock, though most of it is shielded by the pedaled flanks of the platform. A docking ring begins flashing on the sunward side of the station, indicating it is your parking area.

Sylin flips a few dials on the control panel, motioning to Nelson to set them down.

There is a shake and a gentle rock as the docking tube extends to your airlock. It seals with puffs of air, before the light turns from red, to amber, to green, announcing a strong seal (edited)

Sylin double checks his gear, before striding forward and opening the airlock.

The airlock opens and three Freeguild marines, along with an officer, are waiting to see who disembarks from the vessel.

Sylin nods to the marines, Ashlyn and Tristan beside him, both armed only with blades.

"How many coming aboard? and business aboard the Freeguild station?"

"Just me and these two crewmates. We're looking for a spot to refuel, grab some equipment, and possibly find some work."

"Alright, fuel will cost you 500 credits, equipment you can work out with the quartermaster, same with work, he tends to handle the contracting. I'll ensure the dock crew starts getting fuel aboard as soon as the credits hit the account

Sylin flips a credstick out of his pocket, making sure the marines see him transfer the amount over. Once finished, he'll grunt and say, "Well, we'll be on to the quartermaster then. Thank you." (I'll update the credits withdrawn on my character sheet after I buy equipment)

(sure thing)

10:52 AM

The quartermaster occupies a sweaty part of the engineering space with grease and sweat mixing together to drip down his face.

10:52 AM

several consoles light up as he constantly fiddles with a display , adjusting reports and ensuring stock levels are accurate

Sylin taps the wall to get his attention. "Er, hello? I'm was told I could find equipment and work here?"

"Which of the two did we want to discuss first? "

10:54 AM

"I sell most goods at market rates (book prices) though I don't dabble in heavy weapons, since we're sitting in the middle of a metal box in space"

10:54 AM

"We also don't keep many explosives on hand for the same reason"

"Equipment, please. It's always better to go off on a mission prepared. And I understand the no heavy weapons thing." Sylin begins browsing through the catalog...

(just make a list when you know what you want, ill let you know if something cant be found or cant be found in the amounts you want)

(Cool, thanks. Since I already have weapons and armor in the armory, all I'd be wanting is equipment.)

(right, just depends on what, and the amounts, get your thoughts together and let me know)

(1 Low Light Goggles{I'm assuming I'll have power cells for it in the armory}, 1 Grapnel Launcher, Survey Scanner, 3 Lazarus Patches, TL4 Binoculars)

(only 1 lazarus patch available, as TL4 medical equipment and supplies are running out of stock everywhere. Everything else is fine as is)

Sylin finishes up his purchases, before asking to move on to the topic of work.

There is a sensitive topic an outsider may have better luck undertaking. An enemy agent has eluded pursuit in the not often traveled lower reaches of the station. Capturing or killing her would give you a rich reward and some lofty standing with the Freeguild

Sylin cocks his head to the side, thoroughly interested. "Interesting... it will be a bit of a challenge to kill her using only my blades, but I will do it nonetheless. Give me some more information on her whereabouts, if you have any, and I will track her down."

"somewhere on the bottom three levels of the station, we were able to contain everything above that. She's also on the space station, and has been eluding our patrols rather than trying to fight them"

12:36 PM

"She's going to have to come face to face with you if she decides to do anything but hide"

Sylin nods briskly. "I'll get to it, then. Tristan, Ashlyn, let's move out."

The three of you move to an elevator that has been temporarily re-powered to allow you down there. More Freeguild marines with void carbines are nearby, ensuring no one unauthorized goes up, or back down into the depths

Sylin pushes a couple of buttons to open the elevator doors, motioning for Tristan and Ashlyn to follow as he steps in. (edited)

The doors grind open, revealing an unadorned capsule like elevator that heads down into the lower reaches of the station. There is a strange chill in the air, and you feel somehow as though your mind is damp, lke things are moving a bit slower than they should

Sylin will frown, attempting to shake the feeling off, and press another few buttons to make the elevator go down. As soon as the door closes, he'll draw his two blades.

The dampening sensation grows as you get further down into the sub levels, and the psychic powers you have been able to somewhat cultivate begin to fray, not gone, but blocked, as though something is nullifying your ability to use them. A figure along with another Freeguild marine is waiting for you at the bottom of the elevator, both of them dressed for prolonged frontiering

Sylin bobs his head to both figures, stepping out of the elevator. "I suppose you know what I'm here for?"

"I do. I've been sent to assist. Our target has the abilities of a Yama Queen, and she was skilled at blending in with our own officials. It was difficult to catch her. She could be anyone, without my nullifying powers, and at least now, she cannot change her identity, we know who to hunt"

Sylin extends his hand to shake the figure's. "I'm Sylin. Good to know there's someone backing me up." (edited)

(Also, does Sylin know what a Yama Queen is? If so, can ya fill me in?)

(He would not probably on his own based on what you’ve said his background is, but your partner Gave you enough of a functional description)

(OK, cool. I'll just ask my partner's name, and then set off.)

He prefers to keep it to himself as most nullifiers do, but he promises he is here to help. (Let’s get a survive /wis to get some sort of start to the tracking and we can riff from there)

(I got an 8)

You're able to get something of a trail together once you compare information with the nullifier working with you. He was able to keep her contained on this deck, and she is unable to blend in to take on someone else's appearance or mannerisms and escape, it is just a matter of the compartment by compartment search, and the violence that will likely occur as part of her apprehension. Ahead, the service hallway branches into an engineering space on the left, and a galley on the right. You notice some oil from sweaty handprints somewhat fresh on the metal door entryplate

Sylin points out the handprints to his partner, before his draws his blades, motioning for Tristan to follow him left and Ashlyn to go with the nullifier right.

The group splits up, and moving into the kitchen, there is a shout and a clang of metal as a knife is embedded in the door, passing so close to Ashlyn's face that it has drawn a thin seam of blood.

Sylin immediately turns on his heel, sprinting back to where he heard Ashlyn cry out, making sure Tristan follow close behind.

The double doors leading to the kitchen area of the galley sway, as someone has just passed through them. Out in the dining room, where you entered, Ashlyn is recovering her wits, coming to grips with almost having a knife for a new face

Sylin runs up, looking around for the attacker.

(runs up where? This is what you see when you enter the right side rooms, and nobody went back into the kitchen yet. You're in the dining room area and food serving area, like your normal school cafeteria kind of setup)

(I guess to the kitchen, then.)

(evasion save)

(Fail, 8 outta 13)

(1 damage) The thrown knife, the second in whatever Agent Mara must have on her, flies from the darkness in the corner of the room, slicing you before embedding into the door. There is a vent cover that falls from a shaft 2m off the ground, and you get the brief image of pale white legs dipping inside, and out of sight

(She’s inside of the vent, do you have the technique that lets you teleport to a place you can’t see?) (edited)

(Ah, no, I don't. Forgot about that.)

9:16 AM

Sylin leaps into the vent, blades in front of him.

(yeah, has to be unaided sight to the place you're teleporting without certain foci or techniques)

9:16 AM

(otherwise TP gets super broken)

9:16 AM

You can see Mara in front of you, 10m or so, winding around a turn in the vent, though she is facing away and unable to throw a knife, or do anything else to ward you away

(Yeah, just checked it. For some reason I thought proficient apportation let me go to a place I can't see.)

9:17 AM

(Alright, a turn in the vent, so I guess I can't teleport in front of her since I can't see around the corner?)

(right)

9:17 AM

(but she's within a move of you)

(Ok, cool.)

9:18 AM

(Is she wearing armor?)

(if she is its nothing heavy or super overt)

Sylin sprints forward, slashing at her with his Monoblade Shortsword. (edited)

9:22 AM

(How come I only have +2 instead of +4 on my Medium Advanced Weapon, but I have +4 on my Monoblade Knife and everything else?)

(I can take a look)

(Oh wait, I see now, it is a mistake in my character sheet. My monoblade knife says it uses the Shoot skill, not stab. My bad. Lemme change that.)

(i was just about to say, we must be looking at it at th same time, because i saw that and then i didnt anymore)

(Yeah, lol. So, how's attacking with dual weapons work, again? -2 to attack, +2 to damage or something like that?) (edited)

(You need at least a rank 1 in stab to be able to do it, so right now you cant even attempt to two weapon fight)

(Oh, alright. I guess I'll just attack with my Monoblade Shortsword(Medium Advanced Weapon)

9:27 AM

(Attack 19, DMG 5, 3 Shock Damage against AC 13.)

There is a splash of blue-black blood in the darkness, as Mara cries out in pain. you feel the vent grow cold but the sensation fades away, as the nullifer is able to stop her from using her powers to charm or bend your mind There is a muffled bang, as her body arsenal array fires its monolaser at you, (22/4) , the beam burning a thin burning trail in the vent as it crosses your path, along with a scorch across your clothing

Sylin spins around with the momentum, slicing at her again with his blade.

9:35 AM

(Oof, attack 5, damage 6, but I still have 3 Shock.)

9:36 AM

(Oh wait, no, it did, I have AC 17.)

9:37 AM

(So another 4 damage, that brings me down to 9 hitpoints I believe.)

9:39 AM

(Where are Tristan, Ashlyn, and the nullifier in all this?)

(they cant really get into the vent behind you to help, and they're not going to randomly shoot into it because they're probably going to hit you)

9:40 AM

(the nullifier is close enough to keep suppressing her, and that's really as close as he needs to be)

(Not to mention they don't have guns to shoot at her with, so.)

9:41 AM

(Anyway, does Shock hit against her AC or is her AC higher than 13?)

(The shock hits)

(Cool, so previous 5 damage, plus this 3. She mortally wounded?)

There is a hum, as the arsenals array battery charges again, the red tip of the laser weapon glowing, though this time the beam goes wide, now into the top of the vent, and there is a groan as the entire section begins to wobble, cut free of its mounting. It tumbles, throwing both of you violently into one another, and there is a bang as you smash through some kind of bulkhead before both of you are ejected and tumbling across the floor, ending up 20m from each other amid the ruins of an unused hydroponics room. (both of you are prone, as we're back at your turn)

9:50 AM

(I'll let you know when important things are happening)

(Alright, now I can use Teleport to get in front of her and then attack?)

(You are prone, you would be able to stand up, and teleport, but not attack)

(As my Move action, since I have Proficient Apportation)

(You'd still have to stand up, so we're either using your move or main action to do it)

(Ah, ok. Can I use my move action to stand, and then throw my knife?)

(yes)

(Alright. And would I use the Shoot skill or the Stab skill for that?)

(it would still be stab)

(Alright. I got 18/4, Shock damage 2 against AC15.)

9:55 AM

(Wait, she is prone, so I have -2 to attack or something, right?)

(correct, so 16/4)

Sylin rolls to his feet, flinging his knife at Mara.

The knife strikes the back of her armored undersuit, and there is a groan of pain, as she pulls it out and rises to her feet. She throws it back (12/2), weakly, as her strength is beginning to fail.

10:11 AM

"You don't need to kill me!" she shouts

Sylin teleports directly in front of her, holding his shortsword at her neck. "And why is that?" (Exchanging main action for another Move, I'll Hold an Action.)

"I could be of service to you. The Freeguild just wants me gone, at the end of the day. They didn't have a way to get rid of me until you came along. "

Sylin snorts. "Of service to me? Yes, you are right, your head could be of service to me when I bring it back to the Freeguild for my reward."

She spits blood up toward your face (and that's all she can really do right now, since its still your turn)

(Alright, I'll use my Held Action to decapitate her. Pretty sure I don't really need an attack roll, what with my sword at her neck?)

(shes not mortally wounded, but she is prone)

10:26 AM

(we still need an attack)

(OK. I can make two, since I have my Held Action and the Main Action for my turn, right?)

(she goes before you, you get the one you held, you dont get to just skip her turn)

(Ah, alright. Makes sense. Got 22/8, Shock Damage 3.)

She fall,s heavily wounded, but not before plunging her monoblade shortsword (26/3) into your guts, before losing her grip of it, and falling to the floor amid the ruined hydroponic machinery

(I've still got 6 hitpoints left.)

(congrats)

Sylin grunts, ripping out the sword and tossing it to the ground. He then proceeds to behead her.

10:30 AM

(Blegh. Not the cleanest of characters.)

Her head comes off because there is no reason it should not. It rolls a short way from the body

10:39 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

Sylin searches the body, pocketing anything he finds before returning with the others to the Freeguilders.

She did not have anything on her aside from her weapon.

11:07 AM

The nullifier and the freeguild marine accompanying him take the head from you, and the body, and a funds transfer for the 5,000 credits initiates

11:07 AM

"Well, thank you for your service. Your ship has been fueled, and you're cleared for departure."

Sylin inclines his head, motioning for Tristan and Ashlyn to follow him onto the ship.

(So you're at Dura-In right now, and can make a jump to any planet within 3 hexes)

(Can you send me a link to the map?)

(its on the world anvil and roll20 , there isnt really a direct link)

(OK, cool, I'll check it. Also, from my level up... Hitpoints is now 18, Teleportation increased to 2, gained Burdened Apportation technique.)

(#old-rules-and-books has a map as well)

@Eisheru, et al. (Cool, thanks!)

1

(i actually didnt know that, thanks!)

(Hrm, I don't see info for Pretel or Suprlya on World Anvil...)

(that means there is none)

11:22 AM

(unexplored)

(I guess my only choice is to go to Espinoza, as un-inhabited and uncharted worlds will have no fuel.)

(you saw the news, i hope)

(Huh?)

(Galnet all sector news)

11:32 AM

(you might want to read it before deciding where to go)

(Oh come on. What the hell.)

11:34 AM

(Can we stock up on extra fuel at Dura-In, and then go to Hrefna?)

(The ship only has enough for one jump normally, since you need fuel bunkers or the star captain foci from the IS book to get additional jumps out of a ship. Those arent homebrew either, thats direct from the book. Cant really store more than the fuel tank can hold, doesnt work on cars, doesnt work on ships, but you can certainly go to Hrefna and see what might be there)

(Alrighty then. Let's go.)

11:37 AM

Sylin calls out for his crew to start the jump to Hrefna.

Hrefna is a dead world, cleansed by shapers and abandoned after all the biomass had been expended. Endless fields of the red trees are now blackening and withering beneath a azure blue sun. The skeletons of large ocean beasts and larger land based creatures bleach underneath its uncaring rays. There is evidence a micro moon existed here once, based on where the ship scanners find the flood plains, but it is now missing, likely turned into one of the shaper battle moons before they were defeated

(Also, I wanna Assault Suit, and have a Mag Rifle connected to it. Check my character sheet for the equipment swapping I did.)

11:47 AM

(Also, does the ship armory have any type B power cells?)

(you dont have heavy military gear in the armory, since assault suits require face, and you don't have enough for one) (edited)

11:48 AM

(but the locker would have a couple B cells

(Ah, ok, so no assault suit. Dangit.)

(We've only done a couple missions, don't have much face to your name right now)

(Ok, I re-edited my sheet.)

11:52 AM

Sylin stands up, striding to the exit of the ship, motioning for Tristan and Jake to follow him. They are armed similarly to Sylin.

11:53 AM

(They've got mag rifles and a sword, as well as Combat Field Uniform armor.)

(Also, how do I know people aren't gonna cheat by looking at my thread and then going straight to Hrefna to kill me? Kinda worrying, lol.)

(Metagaming is strictly avoided here. Neko and mods keep a close eye on it.)

1

(Metagaming is a fantastic way to get kicked from the server)

(Alright, cool, good to know. I'm new to play by post, so wasn't sure if there were regulations against it.)

12:32 PM

Sylin strides forward to the ship's exit, Tristan and Jake beside him and armed similarly.

(I don't mind if people read other threads, but acting on any knowledge your character wouldnt have is generally pretty serious)

@Nekosmash (Alright, good.)

“Should have tried to get a scan or looked at a map before we just set down” Tristain says, looking out across the desert. “Doesn’t look like there’s anything around for kilometers. You could have at least tried to find some settlement ruins or something.” He sighs. “Well, already done now I suppose. But we have a long walk to much of anywhere now. Ships empty”

Sylin grunts, pulling out a survey scanner. "This won't do much, but coupled with my... erm... unusual powers, we should be able to get quite far. Everyone, huddle up." He'll then teleport them as far as the eye can see(Max 10 kilometers), using his scanner at the end. (So, that's 1 committed effort for the day, and 1 for the scene, though unless there is any combat or special discoveries the scene is mostly over.)

(We do scenes a little differently than the book. Generally 1 scene per mission/day. If you are ever unsure, just ask and he will let you know if its a new scene)

There is evidence of a grove of the dying red trees to the north, and in the other directions the rolling sand dunes do not reveal anything in the immediate area, at least for as far as you can see before you teleport (pick a direction then i suppose)

(North then.)

1:30 PM

(We do scenes a little differently than the book. Generally 1 scene per mission/day. If you are ever unsure, just ask and he will let you know if its a new scene)

@Eisheru, et al. (Ah, ok. So I've only got 1 Effort left in me. Good to know, thanks.) (edited)

1:32 PM

(Wait, no, 2 Effort. Forgot I bumped up TP.)

Approaching the grove of the Red Trees, you can see that a pillar of living flesh, bones and skin and muscle tissue reworked into a dreaded “Red Tree”. Branches spread like elongated fingers festooned with clumps of hair and the translucent leaves of oversized nails. The “trunk” is studded with boles of cancerous flesh and swollen tumors with fanged maws and long prehensile tongues that work in conjunction with the hideously lively branches. The trunk is red and raw, but the original faces of the hosts that were consumed in its creation are always visible somewhere on the tree.

Sylin shudders, holding his mag rifle out in front of him as he approaches the tree to take a closer look, along with running his scanner along it to see if it finds anything.

(how close are you getting to it)

(As far as the scanner would be able to detect anything. 7 meters or so, I dunno.)

The flesh is a mixture of black nanoparticles, and the human flesh of a least four people. There may be more genetic material contained within, but exposure, rot, and the strange powers of the now dead Fleshshapers make more detailed information hard to obtain. Strange black fruit lie on withered branches, dropping close to the ground. Readings are strange, the scanner showing it as somehow poison, but also enough nutrition to last a person for an entire day. It cannot make up its mind about what reading is correct.

Sylin curls his lip, motioning to Jake. "Can you make anything outta this? It can't even make up its darned mine." He then proceeds to carefully, without touching it, cut open a fruit with his knife and peer at the inside.

The fruit is easy to cut, similar to a pomegranate on the inside, though the flesh is coppery, held together by pumpkin like ichor, easily parted by your knife. "Scanners fine" Jake says, looking at the display. "Scanner pulls from a database, database doesn't have great information about what these things are"

1:43 PM

He shrugs "Someone's gotta find it first I guess" , referring to the knowledge the scanner pulls from (edited)

Sylin perks his head up. "Wait a minute, it has a small amount of knowledge about it, still. Which means someone has been here, and scanned this fruit. That could be evidence of civilization!". He then runs the scanner on the inside of the fruit, doubting he'll find anything different, but figuring he should try anyway.

The fruit has the same confused mix of readings, though looks to provide the food and water requirements for an entire day if eaten. There are trace amounts of nanomaterial inside.

Sylin frowns. "Nanomaterial... what could have made these things?" (There's no nanomaterial on the outside, correct? If so...) Sylin grabs a few whole, uncut fruits, handing a couple to Jake and Tristan, and shoving another two into his pack carefully, making sure it isn't smashed.

(nothing on the outside, and not in enough concentration for you to like see a plate or something in there. Think of it as like, it is some of the particles making this thing up)

"Don't eat them," He warns his companions.

1:49 PM

(Ok, cool, thought so. Just didn't want weird nanobots going into Sylin or something... he has no clue what this stuff is.)

1:50 PM

"And don't cut them open. Handle em' with care. There's nanomaterial inside, and I'm not sure what it could do if it gets in contact with your skin."

(its deliberately a situation where you're not going in with all the knowledge, but you don't have better information than anyone else does)

(Yeah, I'm aware. Just having my character be cautious, as I don't want him to be killed early on from a friggin' fruit.)

1:53 PM

Sylin walks carefully forward toward the tree, frowning at it. He cuts at it with his knife, checking if there is any sap, and if there is scanning it with his scanner.

(initiative)

1:53 PM

As the knife strikes the tree there is an agonized voice, four voices, for that matter, from within, as the dying hair like fronds, ending in nail growths, begin to flail

(Oof, 7. Thought something like that would happen.)

(7 for the tree, no dex modifier there, so you're first)

(Wow, nice. Alrighty...)

1:55 PM

Sylin moves back as far as he can go(10 meters), shouting to Tristan and Jake "Get ready! I think I made this thing angry!". He'll then shoot at the tree with his mag rifle.

1:56 PM

(21/11) (edited)

1:59 PM

(And it is at point-blank range; I forget what that does, just checked the rulebook but can't find anything.)

(if you're 10m away you're also not at point blank range)

2:01 PM

(point blank is sometimes useful for assassination rolls, since it lowers the DC)

2:01 PM

(but we're beyond setting that up here)

(Ah, ok. Now I get it, the mag rifle range is 1m-300m, not 300m. Gotcha.)

2:04 PM

(Wait a sec, since I struck the tree with the knife, do you want me to roll damage for that too or would it be too small a cut to matter...?)

(too small to matter since its a knife vs a tree, but its a hostile enough action to trigger combat)

2:07 PM

(Pricking your finger or getting stung by a bee wont kill you but its gonna piss you off, kind of what hapepned here)

(Cool, thought so, but just checking.)

The mag shot strikes the trunk, blowing out fleshy bark and coppery sinew the same color as the inside of the fruit. There is a whistle through the air as the whip crack of the tree's fronds in all directions lashes at you and your comrades

2:08 PM

(not crit 20 /8 for Slyin and Jake, missing the others, Jake is mortally wounded)

(And 8 damage for me, so Sylin's got 10hp now.)

2:10 PM

(Tossing a Lazarus patch to Tristan would be a Move, right?)

(throwing it would be a main action since you're doing more than dropping it)

(Hrm... aha, I know what I'll do...) Sylin teleports to Tristan(10 meters or less away, so no effort needs to be committed since I have proficient apportation), dropping his lazarus patch and shouting for Tristan to use it on Jake, before he blasts the tree again.

2:15 PM

(Or handing the lazarus patch to Tristan, if that is a free action, if not the he just drops it at Tristan's feet.) (edited)

(we didnt establish where exactly everyone was aside from within 10m of the tree, and just magically having him there feels gamey, so lets stick with the first thing)

Sylin frowns. "Nanomaterial... what could have made these things?" (There's no nanomaterial on the outside, correct? If so...) Sylin grabs a few whole, uncut fruits, handing a couple to Jake and Tristan, and shoving another two into his pack carefully, making sure it isn't smashed.

(In order for Sylin to have handed a couple they had to have been close to him. If Sylin ran 10m away from where he was previously standing, his companions would now be 10m away from Sylin.) (edited)

(okay, so youd have to dropi it and wait for one of the others to get there, which is what i was saying too)

(Cool, so TP 10m to Tristan, drop the patch, blast the tree. Right?)

(yes)

2:25 PM

(that all fits)

(22/14)

2:25 PM

(I'm rollin' gold today.)

2:26 PM

(Nat 8 on the damage. Whistles.)

The tree shrieks again as the second mag round punches through its trunk. Tristain begins working on applying the patch but it doesnt seem like he was able to get this one to work, fumbling with the attachment of it to the chest (5 v 7 for the heal)

7:55 AM

The tree lashes outward again, its fronds scourging the landscape and everything around it, though its wounds are growing, and its unable to impact anything

Sylin screams in rage, blasting the tree once again with his rifle. (22/18. Just realized the last one was only a half nat 8; this one is the better half.)

The tree blows apart with a scream as the bodies making it up come apart, the bonds between them all now severed in death. Tristan is still unable to stabilize your wounded comrade despite his best attempts. (4 v 8)

Sylin inhales sharply, grabbing ahold of Tristan and Jake and teleporting straight back to the ship. (2 effort now commited for scene, 2 for day. No effort left.)

(7 v 9) tristain tries one more time to stabilize the mortally wounded Jake , but is unable to do so, and the lifesign readout on his wrist goes flat

(Wait what? It has only been 3 rounds, shouldn't he die after 6?)

(6v10, 7v 11 9 v 12) “Sorry boss. I tried my best. Things just got away from us there”

(Erm, no, once teleporting to the ship I woulda had the ship's medic use a Lazarus Patch on Jake, not have Tristan keep using the Lazarus patch.) (edited)

(He's dead.)

(Another npc wouldn’t be able to do it any better and even with the Lazarus patch bonus the rolls were too low to pass)

Sylin sighs, shaking his head as he slumps against the wall. He places a hand on Jake's body, rare tears threatening to sting his eyes. "He was a great friend. I hate we have to bury him in this wasteland." Looking around at the assembled crewmembers, he continues. "We should probably get to that, and then spend the night on the ship. I don't have anything left in me to teleport."

Ashlyn and Tristian grab a pair of collapsible shovels from the ship locker, and descend the ramp, looking for a place in the sand where they can get far enough into the soil to ensure the body remains undisturbed

Sylin wraps his hands around Jake's feet, motioning to Nelson to grab his arms as they move the body beside Ashlyn and Tristan. Once getting there, Sylin carefully lowers the body, grabbing a shovel and joining the digging.

(okay, so remaining crew are Nelson, Tristain, and Ashlyn by my count, aside from you)

(A free merchant holds 6 people in total. 3 others plus you would be needed to even travel with it, between 2 pilots and someone to run sensors, plus anyhing else needing done.

@Nekosmash (And one other I haven't named yet. Let's just say Gerald. He can help dig.)

(Alright, Gerald, Nelson, Tristain, Ashlyn, and you)

(Yup.)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 8/17/2020 3:05 PM

The digging is swift with so many of you working at making the hole deep and wide enough for the wrapped body. The shovels bite deep into the sandy soil, and Jake is carefully lowered in

(Ashlyn is the Navigator, Nelson the Co-Captain/Pilot, Tristan the Co-Pilot when Sylin's not doing it, Sylin the Captain, and then what would Gerald be? Mechanic? Medic?)

(You can decide but it needs to stay with what we pick)

(Yeah, totally. I guess Mechanic, and we can say Jake used to be the Medic.)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 8/17/2020 3:10 PM

Sylin sighs, motioning for the others to join them once the hole is covered up as he marches back to the ship. Once there, he'll close the ship up and get to his bunk, waiting for the next day.

3:11 PM

(He's tired, no more effort left after all the teleporting, so he'll just get some rest to recover the Day effort spent. Pretty sure the Scene effort is still put in, though, as technically the scene is still going, right?)

3:11 PM

(And recover some HP.)

As night falls, the desert remains quiet. There are not even animals left on this world anymore to disturb your rest. People are likely the same story from what you have seen so far. (You recover your lvl of HP, and your effort pool would be re-filled, we can say the following day is a new scene)

(Alright, great.)

Nothing is seen on the horizon, and there are no lights this far out into the middle of nowhere, not that there is power

Sylin blinks his eyes open as daylight comes, stretching as he pushes himself out of his bunk. Waking up all the others, he instructs them to outfit themselves with the heaviest armor and weapons they've got; this world's pretty nasty. (Do we have grenades in the Armory?)

(a few, we've pulled a lot of weapons and whatnot from it so far, so its getting low on stock)

(Alright, I'll grab two and have em' readied (Updated my character sheet for the equipment too), and then we'll get a move on. I'll again teleport everyone to the grove, and then we'll march a bit.)

The red tree you had killed with the mag rifle is sagging, and dead now. No flies or any pests have infested the area right now, and you can see a dune beyond the grove that would get you through the dangerous area

Sylin gestures to get a move on, with him running 10m and then teleporting another 10m(No effort bc of my technique) another 10m ahead of the group as a sorta scout. He'll use his binocs every now and then.

As you're not randomly stabbing at the trees today, they do not react physically to your passage, though you occasionally hear something like pained cries on the wind as you pass by, begging for release from torment

Sylin shudders, shaking his head. "If I tried to release you the only way I know how, you'd kill another of my crew."

At a dune at the end of the grove, you're able to glimpse some village ruins 5k to the west, where a fallen church is surrounded by dozens of homes, and something like a service station for ground vehicles

Sylin motions to the group to gather around as he gets ready to teleport them the 5k.

You arrive at the village outskirts, near the service station and nothing but the wind sounds through the crumbling streets.

Sylin stalks forward, keeping an eye out for any movement as he sweeps his rifle around.

The station and village itself seem as deserted as the rest of the planet, and there is no indication of any more of the red trees in the area. The gas station has a small market attached to it. The glass is ochre from the constant glazing of the newly created desert sands, but the inside seems to be intact as Ashlyn clears away some of the sand to look inside

"Let's spread out. Our main priority is looking for any life, and fuel for our ship. Nelson, you're with me. We'll look in the gas station and market first. Ashlyn, you go with Gerald and Tristan. Search the village. Meet back here in thirty minutes."

The group says their goodbye's for now, and begins moving into their assigned areas. the pathetic sounding bell above as you enter the room, and it gently jingles. The food has remained in bags on the shelves, and the counter itself has no power, but the registers have been cleaned out

"Hmmm. It seems someone has been here, the registers being cleaned out. Take some rations, if they're still good. Search everything thoroughly. Then we can move on to the station."

(Notice/wis)

(4, dangit. Hopefully Nelson rolls higher.)

8:26 PM

(Would Nelson, being a pilot, get a circumstance bonus, seeing as he'd know what he'd looking for? If he's looking for fuel, I mean.)

(No, the roll you make is the groups best attempt at doing it, it’s not a spam until you get the number kind of thing) “Not sure if the pumps will work without power. I don’t see a way to do it from here but we can pile up the supplies while we wait for the others maybe”

(Yeah I know, I meant like I roll Notice to look for stuff, then Nelson rolls to look for stuff. We're separate ppl.)

8:50 PM

"Yeah, OK let's do that. Once we're done we can move on to looking through the gas station."

(Correct. Im saying the skill checks I ask for are the groups best attempt at doing the thing, no matter how many people there are)

9:37 PM

“That’s where we are now. We can’t get the pumps outside working from here without power. If we can power them up we can probably find a way to refine it into something the starship can use. It’ll be a dirty jump and it’ll be risky but it’s that or we are stuck here”

(Ah, I thought we were in the market.)

9:54 PM

"How would we power them up? If were had a telekinetic generator I might be able to use some of my teleportation energy once I get some rest, but alas, we do not. Maybe we can somehow open the pumps up to get into the fuel?"

(think like the convenience store attached to the gas station)

5:50 AM

"Could try. We might be able to lever the valve open somehow, but we'd need to get into the basement to look. There's gotta be a mechanical failsafe or something'

Sylin nods. "Well, how'd we get into the basement? Pretty sure it's locked tight. If I get a bit of rest I could teleport in there, but it'd be a risk. Maybe we could blow it open with a grenade?"

"You want to use a grenade around possibly full fuel storage tanks?"

"Hrm... good point."

"Why does it need to be so aggressive. Maybe we can just pick the lock, or try to break down the door"

"I mean, I could try to use one of my blades to break open the lock."

(it would be a fix/int, or an exert/str if you're trying to break it as opposed to picking it)

(9 on Exert/str.)

The lock keeping the double basement doors closed and together rattles and clangs as it is bisected by one of your blades. The chain unwinds itself like a metal snake lowering itself to feed, and coils between the double doors.

12:01 PM

It is now open

Sylin pushes through the doors, pulling his low light goggles on for a moment as he looks for a light switch.

With the power down, it does no good as you press it repeatedly before donning your low light goggles. A wide set of wooden stairs, twenty in total, leads to the deep basement where the mechanical outside pump controls are located

Sylin glances around, searching for a container to hold the fuel in.

12:07 PM

(Do u wanna nother notice/wis?)

(not needed) A large fuel drum sits in the corner, lid propped off. The barrel is empty, the last dregs of whatever was it in have long since evaporated away, though its clear the people here were still using fossil fuels when the planet was harvested by the shapers

Sylin grabs the drum, passing it over to Nelson as he turns on one of the pumps and relays which one it is to the pilot

The mechanical lever meant to siphon gasoline from the holding tank through the line , out the pump, and into the barrel needs someone down here to pull it up and down about every five seconds, meaning the two of you will be split up for some moments as you begin painstakingly getting the necessary fuels to temporarily power your reactor.

Sylin shouts out to Nelson, "I really hope this works!"

There is a wrenching squeal as the lever makes its first pump, but you hear liquid sluicing through the pipes to the pump outside. It sounds like things are working for the moment

"Tell me when its full!" Sylin shouts, before giving the lever another pump.

The work goes on for two hours. Your arms burn and feel like they're made of a thick paste rather than muscle and bone, but now, the drum is full, and you're able to attempt a dangerous jump out of this system

(So, we're cutting to the ship or...?)

(I’ll let you know when I decide then )

(If you can teleport everyone back with your remaining effort, yes, otherwise it sounds like we are spending the night in town)

(Yup, I have 0 Effort left, so we'll need to spend the night.)

8:09 PM

(The market seems good a place as any.)

8:09 PM

(Unless the other group found some good houses in tha village)

(Nothing more secure than where you are then. There is always the option of torching to get back quickly and avoid any potential night encounters)

(Naw, I'd have to torch twice, and I don't wanna lose that much of my brain rn. Let's just get through the night. We'll post a watch.)

(When is sylin standing watch)

(He'll take last watch. He wants to get as much sleep as possible to recover, and he's sure the others will understand.) (edited)

(notice/wis, for when Slyin is awake0

(4)

The streets are quiet, almost too quiet , as you remain awake on watch while everyone sleeps. The horizon is moving from a black to a more subtle grey, and navy blue as the sun begins coming up. It is at this moment that the entire inside of the marketplace is flooded with light, as two large vehicles outside focus their headlights and externally mounted extra light bars on you. A PA system crackles "Alright in there, this is a robbery. We want your coin, not your lives, but if you resist we will put every one of you into the ground. Come outside with your hands up"

"Shit.". Sylin makes sure his rifle is in one hand, grenade in the other as he runs out, tossing the grenade and shouting, "GO GO GO! WAKE UP AND RUN!"

1:25 PM

(Do I have my 2 Scene Effort back?)

1:25 PM

(Or my 2 Day Effort?)

1:25 PM

(Being last shift, it'd be almost daytime now.)

(You do, but there is going to be an initiative roll before we just nope out, especially since you already just did a bunch of stuff out of combat)

1:28 PM

(the required roll for the grenade is also needed )

(Yeah, of course, IK. Just getting it ready.)

1:40 PM

(9 for initiative.)

(Marauders got a 6)

(9/10. Just barely a miss.)

(lands 6m west of the group before exploding, so it misses them) The grenade lands to the west of the group before harmlessly exploding, sending stinging sand and shrapnel everywhere. One of them fires a rifle into the building, trying to hit the source of the grenade (18/2)

Sylin shouts, "Whoever is closest to the drum, grab it! Then get next to me, now!". When everyone is gathered around, he'll teleport back to the grove.

You arrive, distant from the gunfight, into the grove of red trees. Their fronds wave gently in the sunrise, their pale reflections of their former voices rising and falling as they sense you getting close. They should hold their fronds, as long as they're not stabbed.

"Alright, now let us head back to the ship." He will then teleport back to the ship when everyone is ready.

You arrive back. THe ramp is still sealed and there is no evidence anyone stumbled upon the ship while you were gone. The pilot takes a look at the barrel, and at the ship. "So, before we get in there and start getting things warmed up I just want to lay everything out, so we're aware of what we are doing, and what might happen. We're using these fossil fuels to jump start the chain reaction the reactor needs for power. These reactors are robust, there is a number of different fuels they can take, but there is some risk when you're not using the specifically refined stuff like we would get at a spaceport or somewhere meant for this kind of business. Getting the system engines online is easy. We'll make it back to space and off this world with no problem. The challenge is going to be the spike jump itself. the chance for a mishap is low, but none the less it remains a possible outcome. Mishap could mean too many things for me to detail them all now, and they're honestly not worth thinking about"

"Well, I am glad Ashlyn is here. She is an experienced navigator, and I am sure she'll be able to get it to work. Now let's get off this rock!"

(Pilot/dex, nelson can do it at 2d6+2 between his level and int as an NPC, if you decide not to roll it, but only one of you can)

(Yeah, let's have Nelson do it. U roll for him, right?)

(I’d rather you do it since it’s dangerous. )

(OK... hang on a sec...)

8:12 PM

(10).

(Alright. You can make your next jump. Where to

(Hmm, what's the closest planet with known civilization not in Graystar? If u know off the top of ur head, i mean.)

(You’d have to see what’s around where you’re at now on the map. World anvil will have info if someone’s been there before )

8:26 PM

(If nothing is coming up you’ll have to gamble )

(Maryam/Mariam looks like it is inhabited. Let's do that.)

(Maryam and Mariam are two different worlds. Mariam is in UNW territory and is inhabited. Maryam has no data)

(Ohhhh)

8:57 PM

(Dang, nothing looks inhabited. This sucks. I guess Supriya. That is closest to known civilization.)

Supriya was once a heavily urbanized world, and the remains of vast cities rest on its surface. There are small pockets of settlement on the surface where some small frontier villages have been spared by whatever violence has swept through in the wake of the New Moon Cooperative withdrawal. There is a small gas giant also in the system with a refinery nearby, formerly a ship service depot. There are a few lights on, blinking on comm aerials and other long antenna.

"Shall we check the refinery to see if any fuel is left?"

"We could use it, another jump on fumes and dirties like that might blow the core. It's going to take me time to muck it out as it is"

"Okay, I'm going to guess we have no left over fuel. Shall we take our chances at a settlement to see if they have the right, refined fuel, or check the refinery and use it, first? I mean, we won't have to spike jump to either, so we can check both."

"Lets hit the refinery first. Looks like there are some lights on, and if things go south there are less people there than on a planet. We don't know if they're going to be aware of the bounty or not, or how quickly news is traveling around us"

"Agreed, let's land. And keep on your gear. We may need it."

The ring locks seal and the airlock goes from amber to green after ten seconds of equalizing pressure. There is no bang on the hatch from the other side, it sounds at least initially you’ll be going aboard uncontested

"Alright, Nelson, Gerald, come with me. The rest of you, guard the ship. The atmosphere readings on this refinery; it's sealed, no need for masks or anything, correct?"

"I'd keep them on , just in case. The crew left for a reason, just can't figure out what that is"

Sylin nods, sealing a rebreather mask to his face, and grabbing a couple refill canisters. (I'm sure a ship would have those, and yes I have room in the inventory and readied.). "Alright, let's go.". He unseals the airlock...

(I have to ask, sheet management has been an issue for a lot of people lately) The airlock opens to the reception chamber aboard the station, a wide room with chevrons on the deck where boarding and disembarking workers would stand, waiting to get on the ships brnging them to or taking them from work. Four large vid-screen panels on the wall flash red, with an angry banner declaring INCIDENT DETECTED with the New Moon Cooperative symbol behind it, over and over

(The mask is 1encumberance I believe, readied, and then I can have 1 canister in my inv.)

8:20 PM

"Welp, that is foreboding. My favorite."

8:20 PM

Sylin motions to continue.

There is only one access tunnel into the station , and it has been left open. The station is simple, the core way tunnel leads to the control room, splitting off into workers dormitories on a hallway splitting off to the left and right. The control room doors ahead are closed and a wired keypad has been partially pulled from the wall

Sylin walks forward, checking if the keypad is still serviceable

It is attached to the wall still, despite being ripped out. Someone did a bad job trying to ensure the door sealed behind them for good

"Alright, let's check for a keycard in the dormitories. We'll start with the right. Move out!"

the first door is closed and has been locked, but the second and third in this hallway show green open lights, blinking softly in the otherwise pitch darkness. Both of them are labeled with room numbers- rather than sometihng denoting a control space or some sort of supply closet

Sylin frowns at the numbers "Let's try the second one." (edited)

The room has four bunk beds in it that look empty, and thereis nothing lumped in them signifying corpses. Each has a small trunk at the foot of the bed where goods could be kept

"Search the trunks." Sylin opens one himself.

Uniforms, some unidentified or worthless personal effects, and finally, a keypad card are found in the one Sylin searches. It is serialized, and the number would indicate that there are other copies of it here, but all the cards open te same door

Sylin grabs the keycard, a triumphant grin on his face. "I found one. Let's see what's through that locked door, shall we? Everyone, have weapons at the ready." He steps toward the locked door, swiping the keycard toward the lock...

There is a short beep, and the heavy doors open to the fuel station control room. There are no bodies or living beings in the circular central control room, and most of the panels are off as well. Three screens are still working, one of them featuring the pump controls, the other two are fuel storage levels, and life support status panels. (edited)

2:46 PM

The lower levels are no longer getting air, water, or recycled materials sent to them- indicating they are abandoned

"Search this room, then let's check the first storage level." (edited)

“Looks like it’s just showing how much is left in the fuel tanks, doesnt look like there’s actually anything to explore down there”

"Ah okay, that makes sense. Check the fuel levels, if there's enough we can transfer it to our ship."

"got enough to fill us up, going to take six hours until we've got enough to go somewhere else. I can try to speed things up but theres a chance the overpressure could damage the station, or our ship"

Sylin shakes his head. "Better to play it safe, nobody should know we're here, we are quite far out of Dura-In now."

“Alright. Six hours it is then. I’ll start the fuel transfer and we’ll have to bunker down and bite our nails for a few hours”

"Indeed. Should we spend it on the ship, or...?"

“Someone’s going to need to stay here to shut the pumps off when the fuel level is full on the ship. Other than that I don’t care. But someone’s gotta stay in here at least “

"Well, volunteers to stay here with me, raise ya hands?"

(Nelson is the engineer right Whatever npc that is needs to be here with you)

(Nelson is Co-captain and the Pilot. Gerald is engineer. So, I guess let's do Gerald.)

(Sounds good )

Sylin nods to Gerald beside him.

The two of you begin getting comfortable as everyone else returns to the ship and the air locks seal once again. Gerald doesn’t take his eyes off the fuel gauges, ensuring a steady stream is entering the hold of your vessel. “So by now we are starting to hit civilized space. We are going to have to be a lot more careful”

Sylin nods. "I can't believe the Freeguilders tricked me into killing a Greystar member... how could I have been so stupid?"

“She did try to bargain with you. Hard to keep a conversation going with no head”

"I was hired for a job. It's what I do. Where would the cameras have even been hidden? Either she had them on her... or someone from the inside has betrayed me."

“Not exactly writing the next great thriller suspense novel to think the former spy agency operative had cameras on her” he sighs, watching the fuel levels slowly rise

Sylin grunts in agreement.

"I need to check something on the ship for a second, just want to make sure the connection is clean. Looks like the pressure is rising a bit" he says, before getting up. "Keep an eye on the terminal, I'll be back in a minute"

Sylin nods, keeping one eye (And his rifle) pointed at the door, the other on the terminal.

There is no pressure spike when you look at the terminal and you notice the ship disconnection procedures have begun running. There is a crackle over the intercom. “We’re sorry about this Sylin, but we’re all in danger traveling with a wanted man. We won’t tell them where you are, but none of us want to get taken out by bounty hunters trying to find you” The airlock cycles twice

Sylin presses the button for the comms. "You thought I wouldn't take precautions against this? You complete those disconnection procedures, and the ship and all of you go boom. You cancel the procedures, we can work something out."

5:09 PM

(Obviously I didn't rp this previously or anything, so this is all a lie.)

“Fuck you Sylin. We’ll take the risk. I was sitting with you in the control room the whole time and you didn’t do shit. Pound away at the airlock all you want. We are leaving”

"You think I did it in the control room? Yeah, right. I'd like to hear what the other crewmembers have to say about being blown to little space bits."

6:31 PM

Sylin looks around the control panel, checking if there is any way he can open the airlock from this side.

The cycle takes a complete minute to finish as air pressure on both sides needs to be stabilized

Sylin runs for the airlock even as he speaks, once he gets there opening it.

The airlock is locked, as the ship begins pulling away, drifting to 10m from the sealed door. Abigail is in the viewport next to it, middle fingers on display. The comms antenna on the ship begins to rise as they make the call that will send bounty hunters here

(I think u mean Ashlyn?)

(Yes)

Sylin clenches his fists, furious. "Bounty hunters... a fuel refinery... perhaps I can lay a trap."

An idea dawns on him and he facepalms. "Yeah, right. Because I can't, like, teleport or anything." He then teleports to the ship.

(I’ll throw a ship interior map up once I get time later and we can play this out)

8:47 AM

(you'd be at the airlock on the first floor. Your pilot and engineer are on the bridge, Ashlyn and the others are in the main area outside the airlock, cutting you off from getting to the bridge. The bridge door is also closed)

(How far am I from Ashlyn and Tristan? Can I see them already?)

(10m from them, and coming out of the airlock yes)

9:47 AM

(if we're doing something violent we will need initiative. They're aware a tense situation is happening, even with you teleporting, so they woujldnt be caught out of hand for a surprise round)

(Init 2. WTH are these rolls)

(5, they're going to hold their actions for if you make a hostile move, but they're going to talk which is an on turn and can be used anytime) "Sylin, you don't need to do this. We don't even want the money, we just dont want to get caught in the crossfire for your bad decisions"

"Oh, I don't need to do this?" He looks to Ashlyn. "You were just a little girl, with nowhere to go, nothing to call home. I took you under my wing. Gave you a purpose. And now, you strand me at a fuel refinery, only a single extra canister for my rebreather, and send bounty hunters after me?" Turning to Tristan, he curls his lip. "I knew Nelson, your brother, since we were children. He introduced you to me, and since you both always stick together, when I offered him a position on the ship, you were dragged along. Now, both of you betray me? How could you?"

"You might have done some good deeds in the past, but once we got off Buey its been nothing but risk. It was only a week ago we dug a hole for one of our friends because you just had to stab that tree we knew nothing about, and that's already after we were on the run because you couldn't listen to someone talk to you for five seconds. Past good doesn't absolve you of current bad. We tried to just do this peacefully. You might have even been able to strike a deal with someone. All we want is to be rid of you, and out of the way. We're going home"

"I let my guard down for you. All of you. I never, ever do that. Now? You... you make me sick." Sylin raises his rifle, finger flying toward the trigger...

(they held, so they're going to act, then we can go)

12:26 PM

Their shots both spark the floor and wall behind you, unable to make a decent kill box with the tense argument and confined space

12:27 PM

(didnt even break a 10 with their mods)

(Oof)

(You're up)

Sylin squeezes the trigger, sending a shot flying toward Tristan.

12:28 PM

(10/15)

The shot hits his woven armor but he remains standing, a smoking black hole on the weaveplate where the shot connected. He looks down with shock in his eyes that its come to this. (the 16 misses, but Ashlyn scores a hit with 22/3) They both resolve themselves to see this out, since their captain has chosen the violent path

Sylin's face is cold, a blank slate as he fires another shot at Tristan.

12:32 PM

(17/10)

Tristain falls, robbing your ship not just of a co-pilot, but also sylin of a friend. (19/4) "Fuck you! Fuck you!" Ashlyn yells, seeing tristain fall, and doubling down on her own rate of fire. The pistol jumps in her hands as another sizzling beam hits you. "Just drop your fucking gun and we'll leave you on the planet! "

"This hurts me to my damned core! And it is all your fault! If only you'd cooperated, if only you had stuck with me. I'm sorry Ashlyn, I really am." Sylin blasts her.

12:37 PM

(16/11)

she doesn't have enough time to realize she's dead, as the mag spike utterly destroys it, and her mostly headless corpse topples to the deck. A small pool of red begins spreading under her. Your navigator is now navigating metaspace,w here all souls go to rest so it is believed.

12:39 PM

(Gerald, and Nelson haven't left the bridge, which is still closed off by its small blast door)

Sylin checks if the blast door is locked, rare tears stinging his eyes.

12:40 PM

'What have I done? What is wrong with me?' He thinks

If it wasn't locked before, it is now, as they've heard you murdering the rest of the crew, and the heated argument about how this did not need to happen

(Can I force open the lock?)

12:47 PM

Sylin shouts through the door "I didn't want this to happen. Please, stand down, I'll let you use a pod to get to the planet below. I don't want to have to kill any more of my friends. I thought you were all my family, even. You knew how I'd turn out to be, Nelson, deep down. Perhaps once I had good in me. But now? There isn't a shred left. I can't go back from the things I've done."

(sneak/dex to pick it, fix/str to smash it)

12:48 PM

(i saw you have pilot 0, just a fine point with spike space, you cant make a jump with 1 pilot unless you have a way of remaining awake and alert at the controls the entire time)

(Oof okay good to know. 13 on the sneak/dex btw)

12:49 PM

Sylin starts working on the lock.

There is a gentle bump, as you manage to pry the handle out of its locked position from this side, though you can hear heavy breathing on the other side, someone waiting and ready

"Please Nelson. I need you. Please..."

12:54 PM

Sylin opens the door, making sure he stands off to the side of any incoming shots.

Two bolts come sailing out, singing burn holes into the hull. One of them seems to have penetrated, and a small beep signals an air leak

12:55 PM

"Stay back Sylin!" Gerald calls out, pistol humming as it draws more energy from the attached cell

Sylin steps back around the corner, letting out a shot

12:58 PM

(16/18)

12:59 PM

(Do I have half cover?)

(not really to also be able to shoot inside accurately )

(OK cool just checking)

Gerald is blown into the cockpit area, ragdolling across the control panels in the co pilot chair and smashing into the viewport. It spiderwebs slightly from the impact, though not enough to cause a leak or break entirely. (evasion save)

(Success, 18vs12)

1:08 PM

(Is it weird I kinda hate my own character right now lol) (edited)

You manage to grab hold of a cargo net as Nelson takes the ship into a barrel roll to try to force you to lose your footing. You avoid being thrown against a bulkhead or floor and hurting yourself but the mag rifle goes tumbling from your hands

Sylin growls, ripping out a concealed Mag Pistol and pointing it at Nelson. "This is your last chance. Surrender." (Holding an action, Assassin allows me to draw or produce my concealed pistol as an on-turn.)

1:12 PM

(If Nelson makes an aggressive move I shoot.)

"If i take my hands off the controls we're going to keep spinning. You're going to shoot me anyway you honorless fuck. Fuck you"

"I wasn't going to shoot you, I would have let you go down to the planet below. But now? Damn, why has it come to this? What the fuck is wrong with me? What the fuck is wrong with all of you? WHAT THE FUCK is wrong with this whole damned world?" Sylin shoots Nelson

1:16 PM

(17/10)

The entire ship explodes as the windscreen now is blown out. Your bodies tumble into space, and you have enough time to see the dark needle of it lancing toward the planet below on a collision course. you begin to freeze, fingers turning purple, and then black. Your lungs no longer work, and your eyes likewise freeze over, leaving you and your rifle as a frozen memorial to the dangers of thinking only as far as your gun.

(What? I didn't miss?)

(You're dead)

1:21 PM

(I can break this one down if you want me to but you're not going to like it)

(How did the windscreen go out when I didn't miss tho)

(how many more warnings did you need to stop firing non-void carbine weapons inside your ship)_

(I get that, but I didn't shoot the windscreen so it doesn't rlly make sense...)

(Your journey is effectively over as is. You've murdered your entire crew for no reason when they offered several times to just let you go. You killed everything else you saw as well, essentially ensuring you were never able to follow up any other quest threads, and now you don't have a way to leave the system since you're descending to a planet where you're wanted man to even have a hope of recruiting another crew, which is not likely)

(Hokey dokey. U didn't like how I played my character so u made him die.)

(what wider strategy were you employing besides murder hobo?)

(I thought the whole making me wanted kinda already ended my character. I lost hope for Sylin after that.)

1:25 PM

(Especially so early on.)

(The branch was offered more than enough times where we could have salvaged something. Sounds like you wanted to end the character anyway and kept doubling down on bad decisions, so , I don't feel like this one's on me)

1:28 PM

(I'm more than willing to let you re-roll as long as we do it under a polity this time)

1:34 PM

(My plan here was had you stayed in the station, CBSS bounty hunters were going to find you and apprentice you since Sylin coulda done a lot there, and they need the money)

1:35 PM

(i had plans to keep you going until you murdered your whole crew and make your ship unusable)