Iron Stars - tasephus

Rodger Landon (Corn) 4/18/2020 6:26 PM

(Hssss

)

6

Dawn comes to ilara as this marks the 20 something day since Selgar departed for the UNW. Pods from the discovered derelict slyth exodus ship come in every day, a dream at a time carried by the few shuttles purchased for this small enterprise. A few have been awoken so far, but this long in cryo there are often many complications

3

Tasephus looks up at the pods passing overhead as he tills the land trying to set up some kind of farm or garden big enough to support the small amount of colonists so they can subsist naturally.

A small sampling of seeds from Gudrun came with Selgar when the colony first set their legs down on this world- the intention to try them all and see what’s grows best. Tilling for several days now, the land finally looks to be as prepared as you’re going to get it with hand tools and elbow grease

Tasephus starts planting the seeds making sure to space them out and water them.

(Check the almanac, anything found on Gudrun you'd have seeds for. Let me know what you're testing first)

1

Tasephus looks down and smiles over the small patches of dirt that will become a field of etherfruit. "You all better grow quick and strong if you're going to keep us well fed and drunk." He laughs as he lovingly places each seed. (edited)

The ground is soft and easily tilled. The rich black soil has the occasional rock but overall seems like it will be ideal for growing. For now the small village is relatively empty but that is expected to change very soon

After tending to his farm, and giving his plants the light encouragement they need, Tasephus heads back to the rest of the village to look for something else to do.

More medical pods are due to be opened today and the medical staff is usually well understaffed with everyone else having multiple duties. Those free sometimes volunteer and the camp medic is an appreciative sort

Tasephus heads to the camp medic to see what he can do to make opening the pods easier for them. (edited)

The pods are complicated, though you're a bit familiar with how they work- you remember seeing some others from your commune frozen, and think you remember how to undo the process as well

7:49 AM

"Ah, Tasephus, you're in from the fields. How was playing in the dirt today?" the medic asks

Tasephus laughs. "It went fine. Im jusst glad to do what I can to feed us enjoying a good time in the dirt iss a bonuss. Iss there anything I can do for you? Help you focus on the podss?"

(heal/int) "I suppose you can give me a hand getting this last pod open. We've got more of them coming in tomorrow, the first of a big wave. I'm just hoping we don't lose anymore"

"Are you sure? Alright, if you think I can help. What so you need me to do." (Roll incoming.)

(10 that's with the plus one added in to take it to 0)

The afternoon is a blur once you're misted with sterile spray and set to work under the medic's somewhat lacking directions. You're able to piece together the portions he does not come to help with. By the end of the day, 6 new figures are released from Cryo, for a loss of 2 who had been dormant so long their bodies could not be restarted. The medic, growing a bit too familiar with the process - reverently brings their bodies to the back of the small workshop/medical shelter, and burns them in a modified oven for such a purpose

Tasephus stays with him while the bodies are burned putting a hand on his shoulder. "We did the best we could, and should concentrate on the 6 who lived not the two who were already dead."

“Every life is precious when you’re hovering on the knife edge like we are. We could have lost someone great in one of those pods and not even know it”

"I know, but we can't think like that or else we'll be alive and still lost."

He nods at that. “You know what we need here? Somewhere to get a drink”

"Hah, funny you should mention that. I might have an economical solution. Might take a while for the first crop to come in, but that just gives me time to build the watering hole, I guess." Tasephus breaks into sibilant laughter. "You know anywhere I could get help or supplies to set something up?"

“Selgar is back soon. He might be able to help with the equipment. If you want to make something special , looking at the forest or the grasslands around here might be a good place to begin “

"Hmm, do you know where I could get an axe or something then? Or maybe I should find a mount and friend like I've been meaning too now the fields have been planted."

“There’s plenty of survival gear laying around”

"Alright, maybe I'll just find an axe and scout out some good trees, I'll try to be back by night time."

He has nothing left to say, and knowing where the stockpile of supplies is, you quickly procure the necessaries for your trip

Tasephus shoulders his supplies and looks around the settlement first trying to find a good spot to claim for the watering hole.

There is plenty of flat and prepared land inside the large wooden palisade surrounding the camp. With this much space, fights over territory or settling have not really occured

Tasephus takes note of a good central chunk near his farm then heads out.

The woods are north of the small campsite, grasslands to the east, a small river basin to the south, and a broken tangle of more arid rockland to the west

Tasephus heads to the woods in the north ready to scout out some possible logging camps for the future.

A pack of the strange, yet unnamed deer like creatures graze not far from the encampment. So far, there has not been much hunting, and the creatures are not frightened by the settlement work happening here.

9:26 AM

5

Tasephus concentrates and thinks images of food and other deer at the deer soothing images and thoughts of Tasephus tending other animals. (tongue of the beasts.)

(any ideas for a name?)

(What is it's head supposed to be?)

(No eyes. The crest thing is sensory organ)

(No eye deer? )

4

1

5:51 PM

(Lol sorry i had to I will try to think of a real name now.) (edited)

(hmm were you thinking of a more scientific name or a common name cause I have a few actual ideas for both. Sorry for delay I was looking things up and trying to get a solid one to come back from no I deer.)

(The rest of them are pretty colloquial )

(common: Snowy mountain deer(more cause their sensory crest looks sort of like a set of snowy mountains than that's where they live maybe something like mountain head/ mountain crest/ mountain eye deer?), plains deer, mole deer) (edited)

(Crested Deer?)

(Mountain-Eye Deer works, thanks bud0

(You're welcome. So did I do the beast tongue thing okay? I clicked the thing that allocates for the scene then tried to describe things as it said.) (edited)

(yeah thats fine)

1

6:58 PM

The creature is not spooked, though these types normally are not. It does not approach you, but does not flee at your approach to it

Tasephus reaches out to touch it gently, still sending images, but this time a more curious air to the messages and images of him fighting off predators to defend his animals. He then waits to see if the mountain-eye deer sends anything back.

The deer is largely blank, simple even, but you sense something of a trust beginning to form between the two of you

Tasephus sends it an image of the two of them walking through the forest, then smiles at it gently petting the deer's back. "Well good bye friend I need to go to the forest, but you're welcome to come if you want." Tasephus then continues on towards the forest.

The beast paws at the ground once, digging a small furrow with her front leg, before following after you, about 5m behind

Tasephus smiles, looking back at the doe occasionally as he walks for a few meters before going back to looking for some trees.

(If you're just logging, there are plenty of trees)

Tasephus tries to note trees specifically without any animals living in them.

There seem to be few birds here and most of the trees are free of scurrying rodents. Forest homes are impermanent by nature, anything you fell will be a home for other creatures in the future

Tasephus nods to himself and finds a tree that might work and gets to felling it.

Several powerful swings knock it out of the forest, its collapse not bringing limbs from other trees down with it. The trunk is thick and ringed with the passage of decades. It is a solid trunk, and the planks made from it will be worth a fair amount of money if processed correctly

Tasephus sets about counting the rings and speaking to the tree. "I know this sacrifice is much to ask, but I hope your powerful trunk will be strong enough to shelter me and my people for years to come." Tasephus inspects the tree trying to see how to best transport or cut it for processing and start relaying it in pieces.

(So normally the limbs are cut off and then the trunk is plained into planks. Way too big for you to drag but you can get some help)

(yeah sorry I wasn't sure where to go with this or what kind of facilities we have, I as a player know little to nothing about logging particulars.)

(I hardly do either but you’ll still need a hand from either forest friends or colony help)

Tasephus turns back to the deer, and thinks an image of a herd of deer pulling the tree back to the settlement then a blank thought just an emotion as to what the deer or herd might want.

The herd wants to be able to eat nice clean grass and not worry about predators coming for them or their young

"Show me these predators."

(You want it to take you there or show you mentally)

(show me mentally first, then depending on what it looks like take me there probably. Don't want to walk into a lava beast lol.)

(that was my follow upyes haha)

1

7:40 AM

Tasephus shrinks back a little. "Hmm, how many of these are there? that harass you and your herd?"

7:41 AM

(how big does it seem like these are from the image?)

(about the size of the deer, but a little taller)

1

Just three, but they eat many every time they feed

"This might be a bit more than I can stop on my own. Do you know of any others that they bother or stronger animals they avoid?"

They do not, their understanding of their part of the food chain is very limited

"Do they eat anything that gets close to them? Maybe it would be safer if you just showed me how to get there in my mind, I wouldn't want to put you or your herd in danger."

(youre asking very complicated questions of very simple animals, youve got all the information they're capable of giving you0

"Can you show me where they attack you?" (sorry is that simple enough?)

(yeah that is)

1

10:26 AM

The creature sends back an image of walking through the forest nearby down as well used trail, and a dark cavern at the end of it, along with dark trees

"Thank you friend. If you herd helps with the tree I can talk to my herd about helping yours. Is that okay?"

The creature bows slightly, as though you are the alpha of its herd

10:34 AM

the air begins to warble and distort slightly as the large sensor horns begin to project what passes for its own native language through the air

10:34 AM

other deer begin to emerge from hiding places in the fields and shallow forest

"Herd I will keep you safe. Help me pull this tree to my herd and you may stay with us until I stop the hungry ones."

Those strongest help push the trunk. Some rope, and effort by the others, assisted by you, helps drag it to within visual range of the settlement, where startled Slyth colonists begin coming out to both marvel at the herd, and assist with dragging the fallen tree back home

11:58 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

1

It will take some days for them to make the planks for you, in the meantime, you seem to find yourself with no immediate task

(cool I was going to level up then 1-2 hp 8 to 9 precog -1 to 1 foci red dawn style level 1 I think that's it.) After helping the deer bring in the log and getting the deer settled into the settlement. Tasephus goes to the head of their small settlement. (edited)

The town doctor has been doing double duty as town steward while Selgar is off planet , and you manage to find him on the way back to his shelter for the night

"Glad I found you doc, so how are things going?"

"Things are...developing...." he says wearily. "It has been a challenging day. We had a complete loss upon waking , but tomorrow more will come"

"Do you know if anyone has encountered those flea like creatures with arms on their back? I was talking to some of the local wild life and I think they'll be a problem sooner or later. They seem vicious and hungry if a whole herd is afraid of 3. I was hoping to better equip myself and tell you about heading out there. With any luck I'll be able to direct them away from the settlement, but I might have to kill them or at least most of them. I wanted your permission to arm myself and head out in the morning."

"There were a few that came by the settlement the first night, but didn't press their luck once we got lights on the. I can't spare anyone to help you, at least not until the boss is back. There just aren't enough of us. If you're going to take a weapon, I sincerely hope you have the mettle to actually use it"

9:19 AM

"All life is important but dying with our equipment on you is even worse"

"No I'll try to send them a message from the furthest I can. Maybe think on if it will work before hand? If not just shoot them from as far off as I can manage. Perhaps find a place they can't get into."

He thinks for a moment.

10:50 AM

"how good is your aim?"

Tasephus shrugs. "About as good as any, why?"

"Prepared firing position. You've clearly got some influence with those deer creatures. If they can draw one or more of them out, you might be able to act as a sharpshooter, and take them out before they can get close"

"I'd rather not risk them though. They trust me and I think they'd be more useful to us as beasts of burden then in some monster's belly."

"If you make your shot, no harm will come to them"

11:11 AM

"I don't think there's a way to do this without some risk"

"That seems like it won't give the chance for a peaceful or semi if peaceful resolution though. What k I'm kind of weapons do we have in the way of fire? Perhaps I can scare them I'm into temporary submission? I don't love it, but fear is better than death and it's harder t ok mess up smoking something out than sniping it. I guess? Or what about mines or grenades?"

(A peaceful resolution for dealing with pack predators? What you’re asking for is a bit mutually exclusive )

(Well peaceful more in inserting himself as alpha than hugging them and singing kumbaya lol. More redirecting their hunt than just telling them to starve. Understanding he might have to kill himself one or severely wound it at least, and also wanting to tip things in his favor.)

“We have three fragmentation grenades in the stockpile that security forces haven’t distributed”

"Would you mind if I took those and some kind of rifle?"

"There is a hunting rifle you can make use of, the grenades are yours. We can square up when you return to the colony"

8:33 AM

"if you do manage to kill any of those predators, I'll pay for the bodies"

"They're the size of a deer, do you know if there's a vehicle I could use, toting them back might just make me a target for something bigger. Also would you have want of one alive?"

"Dead is fine. Just mark the kills, when one of the shuttles comes back, we'll pick it up'

"Do you have any spare medkits?"

(can you just make me a list of what you want)

(sorry I didn't mean to ask for it one at a time. I just thought of that after I think this is the last thing maybe besides some ammo for the hunting rifle.)

(it will obviously come with ammunition, and the medkit he has)

1

"Sorry to ask for so much, I'll try to bring it back and make sure you get the bodies if there are any. Would you like me to mark the cave so you can recover mine? I know there are so few of us, if my corpse could help with defrosting others i want you to have it."

He nods, thinking of the wisdom in what you're offering. "We will be able to track you through the compad, we will monitor, but i hope it does not come to that"

"You're not the only one. We'll I'll get equipped and head out at first light, after a light meditation. For now I'll go talk to my plants. If something does happen to me, can you make sure to keep Blinky and the rest of the herd safe. I promised her that they would be safe for helping us haul in the wood."

"We will do everything we can for them

"Thank you, that's all I can ask." Tasephus nods to the doctor and goes to collect the supplies, grenades and rifle.

The items are pulled from their packaging and handed over, all you have left to do is rest until dawn, when your hunt begins

Tasephus gathers his equipment and returns to his home. (So what would the living situation be like?)

(I dont know, how would be normally keep is prefab shelter? Dont know what Tasephus likes to surround himself with)

(So individual prefab shelters? I can describe it a bit just wasn't sure with the small colony part.)

(individual shelters for right now, there's enough space)

Tasephus gets back to his shelter. It is mostly spartan space left for animals and plants. Before falling asleep he practices his shadow fighting. Four arms moving to ways they should be for the training he would need almost like as brutally efficient dance. He does this until he tires and collapses into his bed.

Dawn comes before you're ready for it too, and you begin to prepare for your hunt. You can see the medic has done what he can to make the bag easy for you to carry for that distance. A small locator has been included in the event your body needs to be recovered

Tasephus gets up with a yawn and a stretch getting dressed and grabbing his gear, and the rifle. Before heading out he goes to the fields and waters them then speaks and sings to his plants. "You need to grow, you're providing the food for us now."

It takes time to complete the field, but by mid morning, the work has been completed, and you are ready for your hunt

After finishing his work Tasephus sits in a meditative trance and peers into the future. Asking if a non lethal resolution is possible. (oracle, commiting the effort for the day to look forward, sorry, I think that's how this works, but I'm not sure if : what would happen if he tried for a non lethal resoulution might be a better from of the question?)

(how far into the future can you look with this level?)

(If he has Precog-1, its 1 day)

(thank you)

8:47 AM

(I think there are too many factors that really go into this, a non lethal resolution is possible i suppose but i dont know how you'd accomplish it)

(that's enough, thank you. I didn't want to waste time trying if it was completley impossible though. I'll try to be more specific in the future.)

9:01 AM

Somewhat satisfied with his meditation Tasephus makes his way out to the cave that Blinky showed him in his mind.

The hike is a half day overland from the camp, through a twisting game path in the woods. 200m from the cave, you begin to see the first piles of bones. Many of them come from creatures like blinky, the large headcrest bones are very distinctive among the other smaller animals that these creatures regularly catch and consume. one of the creatures basks in the sun in front of the cave, the wind favoring you, he does not have your scent for the moment

Tasephus looks at the beast focusing on images of him with his weapons and fighting off various predators and feeding them. Then an image of the monsters fighting at his side taking down and eating large beasts toghether eating more than blinky or any small animal could provide. He then watches the lazing predator to see how it reacts rifle ready just in case. (commiting effort for the scne for tongure of the beasts.)

The beast rises, and begins sniffing the air , knowing something is happening to it but it is unable to determine what is happening.

Tasephus sends it an image of itself sitting or itself attacking then violently dead.

It begins clawing at the ground, trying to get a scent in the air, or sense what is happening in some other way

Tasephus sighs and grabs a grenade in one of his lower hands lining up and shooting with his upper hands. (it would just be a regular shot right? should i just put the skill to 0 for the roll? or add in +2)

(you dont suffer the -2 penalty if youre not trained in the skill)

(right but I meant for inputting the shot how did you want me to do it?)

(leaving it 0 is going to make you take the -2, since it doesnt take your special rule into account, so you'd need to add +2 to that box when it asks)

1

(16/10)

The creature bowls as the shot takes it in the eye. It thrashes , short forelimbs and longer dorsal limbs claw at its face as it tries to comprehend the source of its pain. Two sympathetic cries from inside the cave signal it’s kin are likewise now aware something is wrong

(did you want to go into init or could I shoot again?)

(You can only see one right now and he’s blind, so you can shoot again and we will see what develops. We may hop in after that)

1

(Just let me know what your shot was)

(Let me roll it, sorry I've been a bit distracted.)

1:38 AM

(Can I not roll it, also can I tell if he's permanently blinded or only temporarily?)

1:39 AM

(I can only see one, but hear the others coming right?)

(That’s all correct)

Tasephus waits with his rifle ready to see if the other two come to help or eat their wounded packmate. (edited)

After a few moments of roaring and blood loss, the two fellow creatures come out of the cave and begin to likewise sniff the air. Sensing blood, they turn on their former pack mate and begin tearing it to pieces

Seeing this Tasephus sighs and takes a shot at another of them.

9:41 AM

(2/12)

The crackling shot misses, blowing a clod of dirt out of the ground. the two rampaging creatures are far too focused on cannibalizing their alpha to notice (edited)

Tasephus tries to set up another shot, hoping a would will make the other two creatures fight as well.

8:19 PM

(17/5)

The shot clips the closest of the two feeding creatures, and one of its rear limbs has been shorn away. It howls, and the smell of blood in the air drives victim and predator into a frenzy, as they all begin tearing one another to pieces

10:58 AM

watching for moments, only one is left alive, mortally wounded himself

Tasephus walks closer letting the beast see him in it's last moments. Sending it images of him shoting it and it's companions. "What are you afraid of, and know that I killed you." (it's technically still the same scene or I coudl re commit effort right?)

(It’s the same scene)

1

(cool then he does that and waits for it to respond with the rifle pointed at it just in case.)

The creature says and transmits nothing further, too consumed by its own pain to do much of anything

Tasephus takes a shot at it to put it out of it's misery. (Do I still need to roll for this one?)

(No. You can’t really miss point blank mercy )

1:49 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Should I wait to do the level up until things are resolved or just go for it?)

(I think we did what you set out to do)

1

(level up incoming sorry I'm doing a couple different things right now.)

(You’re fine)

1

As tasephus returns from the forest one of the shuttles lands , and the town doctor along with a pair of assistants emerges. He wordlessly signals for them to begin scouring the flea bodies for anything of value

10:57 AM

Bone saws and organ spreaders begin to power up in trained hands

(Sorry, I know I've been dragging my feet on redoing the sheet a bit.)

(You’re fine. )

(I think I finished it wasn't too much just putting it off. Focus to Psychic Academy putting Gaia Psionics From 1 to 2 New techniques Meta Flora, The whispering wind and Psionic berries. Using boost and skill points. hp from 9 to 12, missed ab going up one last level but from 0 to 1 I think that's it to put me at level 3.)

11:40 AM

Tasephus slithers up to the doctor. "Ssorry doc, I know they're a bit more chewed up than they coulda been, but I figured better to let them fight each other then I russh in there trying to kill them or waste more sshotss than I needed to."

“That’s alright. You’re alive, the pack is alive, and between the three hopefully we can harvest a complete set of organs. We will do what we can. Taking anything of value from them was always a bonus “

"I was thinking of seeing if there were any other predators we might need to tame or thin. These were too vicious to be of use, they turned on each other at the smell of blood, but others might be reasoned with in a way, like the herd. For now though I'll probably just find Blinky and tell her she and the herd are safe, at least from these."

(Grupp helped me figure out I forgot to add a lvl 1 precog technique in the shuffle so I'll tell you what I pick once I get a chance to look at them and add it to the sheet. Sorry Neko.)

(intuitive response)

“Alright. They stayed by the village. Why don’t you hop a ride back with us. The dissection and organ extraction won’t take long. You can tell blinky yourself and then finally get to spend a night indoors”

"Sure, I wouldn't mind a ride."

He holds out a hand and pulls you inside the craft. The hour of waiting passed as his assistants return, a few small organ coolers between them. The flight back is largely silent, and you’re let out back in the main settlement , as the shuttle likewise powers down for the night

Tasephus gives a smile and wave to the doctor then sets out to find Blinky.

(I can commit effort or something if she and the herd aren't where he left them for the nature whisepers.)

(They’re in the general area)

9:57 AM

Blinky and the herd are grazing and digging through the wet plains grasses for food when you make your way back to them. She seems to feel your presence and begins trotting over

Tasephus puts a hand on her scratching her head. (beast tongue) He sends her images of the dead fleas. "You and the herd are safe. I hope you'll stay. We could use your help, and there might be other predators."

The herd will remain near the encampment from what you are able to gather, but they are wary of the rest of the group, and will not enter the settlement itself (edited)

Tasephus nods satisfied with this for now. "If more trouble comes, find me." He nods to blinky then heads out to the area where he found the wood the first time eager to try something.

The stump of the fallen tree is already home to ant like creatures beginning to make a nest in the remains. The forest is otherwise quiet when you return to the area

Tasephus looks at the ant like creatures picking up one with his hand sending it an image of berries and a feeling of fullness then putting it down and focusing creating nourishing berries made of mes energy popping one into his mouth before giving the rest to the ants.

The berries are many many times larger than the insects though it only takes seconds for them to begin swarming what to them is a feast

Tasephus smiles and sends an image of himself creating them to the ants before making his way further into the forest, trying to find place more dense with trees.

It does not take long to find a thickly wooded grove of trees, the carpet of the forest full of their browning needles, and fallen cones

Tasephus finds a place to sit and concentrates on the forest and becoming one with the trees shaping them to how they would be needed, turning the living wood into the wattering hole. (the plan was to use Meta flora to shape the trees and plants into a bar.)

(I don't see why not, just describe it)

1

Trees and vines bent and moved to form a bar and walls, intertwining to make tables, chairs and stools. Tasephus looked over the spacious but simple tree room building smiling at he need of not having to kill any other plants to achieve his goal. He looked over the main room and the area for storage. The natural look seeming like something out of a story book it was homey yet alien. A place nature and the colonists could come together to take respite from the hard work ahead, The Watering Hole! Tasephus smiled finding his way to the back room pushing aside the vines that made the door letting them close after him taking a seat in the living wood chair and taking a nap a smile on his face.

(was that okay?)

(perfect)

(yay!)

The building finishes materializing though as of right now you are a decent walk from the small encampment. Birds chirp and the small forest creatures scurry through the new growth, eager to explore

Tasephus thinks on the success of his new abilities and welcomes his woodland friends looking among them for potential new friends.

There are no creatures here right now, as you've awoken, the suddenness of your rise frightening them off

Tasephus frowns but closees the bar up after himself trying to project soothing images to any animals let in range but hiding He checks on the ants at the stump before heading back to the colony and his farm.

The ants have devoured what they could, and carried the rest of the berries back to their nest, and are working steadily to carve the stump and ground underneath out into some kind of new home

Tasephus stops observing the ants for a while wondering if they have a queen before smiling and heading back to the settlment and his farm to take care of his fields.

The ground is rich and dark, the rains have come recently, and you had an easy time planting, though it is too early for sprouts. you see the Hummingbird has returned, which means Selgar is back from his galactic sojourn. Buzz in the camp brings rumors that some other non-human guests from offworld h ave also come with him

Tasephus makes his way back to the ship eager to see Selgar and his guests and what news they bring.

a largely disfigured humanoid is hurriedly rushed into a nearby shelter, before you get a good glimpse of them. There seems to be some general excitement about the shelter , before those not immediately involved in this are shooed away

Tasephus looks around for a small animal or a bug to talk to.

Two mouse like creatures scurry through the grass at the edge of the encampment near you

Tasephus sends an image of them of some rations or delicious berries if they sneak into the house where the man went and let him see what's going on.

The mice scurry inside, happily taking you up on your offer

2:18 PM

(so how does this work, you see through their eyes?)

(let me double check it I think no, it'd be more like they get my offer then they send me images of what was happening when they got back, I think for the direct connection you need to be bound to them or have a higher spell and even if I wanted a cat sized mouse I think it'd sort of defeat the purpost as they'd make poor spies lol.)

Tasephus sends the mice on their way getting out some of his rations and making some of the berries for the two mice.

4:23 PM

(I used it twice since I rolled a 1 on the first and figure they should each get at least one berry.) (edited)

(I’ll answer this shortly when I’m back to a computer. I gotta grab something from my art folder)

(sure, no rush neko.)

Inside a figure that looks like this is sitting in a chair , as much as it is capable of sitting , and is in deep conversation with Jexad and a few other Slyth

8:03 PM

Tasephus thanks the mice and gives them the ration and berries. Sends them an image of his house and the Wattering Hole in the woods with more feelings of food and safety then holds a hand out to them.

They recoil, slinking back into the grass, running away from the colony

Tasephesus watches them trying to see if they're running in the direction of the watering hole or just running.

They are going in the direction of the watering hole

Tasephus smiles. Then looks around for anyone important crafting his excuse for meeting the beautiful new secret settler.

The town doctor is making his way out of the tent, as you round the corner toward it

Tasephus stops him. "Doc I did it I built the bar, and more importantly I think I could set up some defenses, though it'd be easier around the forest or if I stared planting some things around the outside of the village, trees and creeping vines and stuff. So who's the new person, why is it so secret? Are they in hiding?"

"That's a lot of information. They're a guest, from another planet. They might want to settle here with us, if the conversation goes well. "

"Is there any way I could help? Maybe show them around or make them a place to stay?"

"That....That would help, a fair bit. I'll let them know to expect you

"Thanks doc, just tell me when I can go in."

(they'd probably recouperate for the day and evening, since they've got a lot to talk about, anything you need to do in the meantime?)

(I think take care of the plants maybe mes them into growing faster, I'm not sure if that'd be the other level 3 thing or meta flora though. Talk to some of the other snakes maybe talk up the watering hole.)

(which of those would you like to do)

(meet other snake people? Just I wasn't sure if that'd be okay since I know it'd be potentially several more npcs. If it helps I started a list Tasephus animals and npcs encountered Blinky and the herd Medic Doc Child of joy? Ants plants two mice Fivel and stew I think that's everyone so far that was mentioned more than in passing?) (edited)

(maybe create a google sheets and then post it here we can pin it for you)

(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cPqMmlQUBzk8IBL2-BSK-0jDqH-FNl2TSJliJUoWblU/edit?usp=sharing)

Tasephus friends places and goals.

Sheet1 Friends(npcs and animals),places,goals,goal xp Doc,The wattering hole,Help make a survival guide for the planet Medic,settlement,Encounter every type of flora and fauna on the planet Child of joy?,Farm,Build a bar (the watering hole) and make his own alcohol. 2mice Fiv...

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 5/14/2020 11:55 AM

(Goals you will want to be on your character sheet in R20.)

(I know I have them in both.)

(there were some mentioned just in passing. The Slyth at this colony will potentially number in the high hundreds or low thousands before year end)

12:35 PM

(naturally they dont all have names)

Tasephus tries to go back to where the others were gathered waiting to hear news about Selgar and the humming bird.

(Unless you talk to him directly I’m not going to relay information back and forth double blind between threads. I’m not going to know what he’s planning until he tells me and he wouldn’t know to include you unless you ask)

(no it was more about finding a group of snakes sorry. I didn't want to infringe on his plans.)

6:23 PM

(the main bit of selgar stuff tasephus cares about is the interesting new person.)

There are rumors that the creature brought here was human once and looks grotesque now, and comes from a special region of space

Tasephus approaches some of the others. "Hmm so how have you been liking the herd in town, any of you need help or want a pet?"

“The herd is nice to have so close. There is something of an issue though, we weren’t sure if it’s possible to eat them, or how this should work”

"EAT THEM? They're friends not food. Are people that starved for meat? Maybe I should go hunt. Anyone seen something interesting or huntable? Besides the herd!"

“We have rations , but they’re going to run out by time we get everyone else here. We have to plan for the future. It’s going to be some time before the crops grow. All we can do is give them time”

"Or will them to grow or go find something already grown. Hell they could probably help us explore this place faster. How long do you think we'd have before we need to find some local source of food?"

“We need to have something sustainable and running in 3 months if we need to do this outside of anyone else’s support. Selgar should probably know though, just in case he does have to purchase rations

"I'll talk to the herd and get them to help me scout or see what they eat."

This seems to be the only answer they really need right now, and while negotiations continue it appears to be the perfect way to kill some time

Tasephus nods and goes to tend the fields keeping an eye out for blinky and the herd, but not wanting to risk the long term food stuffs.

(so, we're not scouting? )

(Yeah, I just wanted to make sure my crop didn't die from neglect or something it's the booze and food lol.)

Blinky and the herd seem to be further out, as night falls on another day of farming and pastoral living passes on by. The forest remains quiet, as does the watering hole, deep in the woods and away from prying eyes

After a good nights sleep and resting at his small farmhouse Tasephus got ready cleaning himself and getting his gear and rifle making sure to set out early to see if the new person was ready to venture out and if they wished to meet the herd and explore with him.

The new person is still in negotiations with the Slyth

Tasephus shrugs and goes off to find Blinky and the heard and start scouting for some kind of food source to hold them over until the crop comes in.

Blinky and the herd are grazing on weeds at the edge of your field , pushing back the endless creep of vegetation

Tasephus walks close and gently pets blinky.

Blinky paws the ground with its front leg. A voice distantly calls for you to wait up

12:28 PM

4

1

Tasephus waits and turns to see the source of the voice. (edited)

A Children of Joy in clear frontier expedition clothing, or at least the appearance of clothing. This is not the one you saw in the tent, but another that came in with the initial group. "I'm to explore with you. Approval was just given. I am pleased to have caught up with you. I'm Gethed"

Tasephus holds out a hand. "Nice to meet you Gethed, I'm Tasephus. Do you know how long you'll stay here? Or what you all are looking for. Sorry for staring you and your companions are like nothing I've ever seen before, can I ask where you're from?"

"A world behind a gate, is the best answer I can give you. Not sure how long we will be staying, but probably long term from the sound of things"

"From beyond the gate. That's nice though, I'm glad to have more people here and some that aren't us. So are you looking for anything. I'm supposed to be finding some food sources for us. I figured Blinky and the herd might know since they've lived here longer."

“We are out here trying to understand what this world contains”

"Great, me too I was hoping to compile something that would help people in the colony be safer. Know what was edible, which creatures are friendly. Be careful if you notice any giant fleas they are very aggressive, the best policy is to fight them from a distance and let them attack each other. Do you have a weapon or something to defend yourself?"

She twirls what looks to be a weighted walking stick , it’s pommel cap heavy and a spike at the end. She also has a strange pattern of pistol on her hip. “I can take care of things if we get into a scrape. You mentioned something about giant fleas?”

"Ugly things, they were so aggressive when I shot one they started eating each other, so I let them fight themselves. Didn't want anything that brutal close to the settlement, now the herd owes me one, so they'll help us scout."

She says nothing but you can sense her interest in what you have done. "We are both strangers on this side of the sector" she says, stooping down for a moment to take a vial of soil from the ground.

Tasephous smiles. "It's good that you too respect the soil. Maybe once we finish our scouting I'll show you the watering hole. I think you'd like it."

"Watering hole? I was under the impression your kind was civilized and drank from glasses and such as well, like we do"

"Oh it's just the name for a bar made from living plants that I grew. A safe place for people and animals, at least that's the idea."

"I'd like to see that sometime" Blinky and the herd are over the next ridge. as Tasephus can feel their presence approaching

"Well we can see the herd for now. I'll introduce you to Blinky. Just promise me you won't hunt them, please."

"Of course not. They're not aggressive are they?"

"No, I mean they might be if threatened, but you seem nice enough."

She bows, slightly. "Very good, well I think I see them up ahead, there are so many of them out there"

"Yes, I saved the whole herd, or killed what was hunting them. I can tell them something for you if you'd like?"

“Id like to know if there’s any ruins or something you might not be able to see from the sky

)not be able to see from the sky. Birds fly. That’s why she’s asking you to ask the deer)

(ah I missed thenot.)

8:19 AM

"I'll ask blink and the herd then." Tasephus nods then sends images to blinky of various ruin type things he might have seen. "Seen things like this?"

Blinky has an idea, it is a place deep within the forest , that goes underground. It may be dangerous

"There is a place deep in the forest, underground, likely dangerous. Did you want to get anything before we go?"

“I’ve got what I need. If you’re ready we can follow them. Sounds like your friend here will take us”

"Probably, though I wouldn't use them to fight I promised them they'd be safe. We should be enough I think, just be ready."

Blinky and the back begin heading into the woods and the thick branches and vines bump into you constantly. The deer is an expert at moving through the paths of the wood and you arrive outside a deep cave after an hour of walking. Animal bones are scattered outside its mouth .

"Looks like we're here I have a rifle, you want to go in, or draw them out to us?" Tasephus looks around then to blinky "What's inside? more fleas?" He sends a message like the fleas he fought before. and a sense of unease.

Nothing like that seems to be responding. There is no reply at all

(do you mean from the cave or is blinky gone sorry?)

(From the cave)

1

"Hmm well nothing there is responding to me. Blinky go back to the herd where you'll be safe." Tasephus looks around at the bones to try and gauge how big a predator they might be dealing with.

Blinky retreats. The bones show bite marks on them (Notice wis for more info)

(lol I was about to ask survival wis, but I forgot every skill is a 0 for Tasephus.)

7:47 PM

(12)

The bones have bites on them from a single set of teeth , rather than dozens of smaller ones. You’re dealing with a single larger predator rather than a pack

8:23 PM

Something this size would also likely be the only one within a large area

"Hmm seems like a big thing, this could be what I was looking for, but we should still be ready since it didn't respond. We'll only know more once we see it."

“Maybe it’s not home?” Gethed volunteers the thought

9:16 PM

“And we set an ambush for when it is”

"Hmm I still want to talk to it first, from a distance is fine, I just need to see it. So we wait for now?"

She twirls her spear and sets the weighted butt into the ground. “Suppose so. We could go in, and see if this great place is worth the trouble , and then handle the beasts when it returns

"You think so, then we might end up caught in it's lair."

She shrugs. “Your call. We can wait”

"Ah let's go in worst case I'll distract them and you can escape. I'm curious what's in there now."

She takes a position next to you, and the two of you enter the stinking cave. It is clear almost right away that this cave is no cave at all, but a very old starship, entirely covered (aside from how you got in) in dirt, piled up over hundreds of years of natural forces at work. Vegetation and trees came later, disguising it perfectly. If it has a reactor, it is long dead. There are no traces of energy from it anymore. the metal hallway, pointed downwards at the angle of the crash, acts like a metal slide, sending you down into darkness below.

"Hmm you think we should close it after ourselves. I could with the vegetation or maybe we could see a way to close the ship door without power?"

"I'd rather not do something that might trap us down here, especially if we can't open it again. You can control plants?"

"Yeah, it's how I made the bar!"

"Do that then. I guess there's nothing left to do but slide, and close the door behind us then"

Tasephus nods focusing on the plants shaping them a bit trying to create a barrier behind them so whatever the creature is it can't get back in. He then slithers to the end of the slide getting his telescoping pole ready. "Alright I'll go first if we need to stop I'll just use this thing, sound good?"

"That's a great idea, lets be off"

Tasephus nods and coils himself up and jumps down the slide like interior or the ship. looking around.

2:21 PM

(the breach brings you to the center hallway thing, in the middle of the fuel tanks which are empty)

Tasephus shouts back up. "It looks like I'm in the middle of some empty fuel tanks seems safe so far, as much as any derelict ship is!"

You hear something above, shifting, and you're joined by your explorer friend after a moment, her inorganic boots thudding and echoing against the hollow deck. "Seems safe" she agrees "do we go down toward the engines, or forward toward everything else first?"

"Hmm maybe the engines first, see if there's anyway to get some kind of power running? "

"On no fuel?" she raps her spear against the empty fuel tank around you

"Maybe just see how damaged things are then? Whether we'd need engineers or just some fuel?"

She shrugs, your suggestion now sounding more reasonable "We can do that" turning left, she begins heading down to the engineering accessway, and lances through the keypad with a twirl of her spear, opening the door. Old smoke, and the smell of long scorched electronics and warped metal begins to waft out of the ruptured compartment

"Well seems like we'd need an engineer. You want to look over things or move on to the rest, were still trying to beat the creature back, right?" Tasephus takes a few pictures with his compad.

"I'd like to. We could probably take it, but cmon now" she says, pinching your cheek as far as she can reach "we're both members of a pretty low population race, we need to be careful with ourselves

Tasephus laughs. "Well, worst case we can stay in here. I can keep us fed for quite a while. Let's look at the rest of the ship. We can come back to assess for repairs later. For now I'd rather avoid leaving you alone or anything with smoke like that, let it clear a bit first."

"It stinks down there, you're right.. Okay, so we can assume the cabins and the rest of the interesting things are the other way"

Tasephus nods and starts heading away from the engine. "So is this better or worse than you'd hoped?"

"Better" she says, tapping her spear against the forward bulkhead door. When it sounds empty or hollow behind it, she twirls her spear again, for it to settle into the floor. Evidently she thinks its safe to open. "I was afraid I'd come to this side of the gate just to farm

"Farming can be fun. Though I do plan to turn most of my fields to booze."

(Lets get a program/int for the door)

(7)

The door clicks open as you cross some wires. The cargo bay and state rooms lie ahead

"Maybe we should check for interesting cargo first then the staterooms to see if we can find out who these people were?"

She seems to be okay with that. “Alright. Let’s check for security too. Never know what might happen “

"Right, I'd think it'd be offline, but pays to be alert."

(Let’s get a d10 for the hold)

(4)

The hold has a handful of boxes that are overturned and minerals have spilled out across the hold. Some of them are clearly precious metals

"Hmm look useful, but like something we might need trucks to transport. You think it's worth taking a sample or should we just head to the staterooms?"

“We might not get a chance to come back. Let’s try to carry off as much as we can” She takes a portabox from her back and plugs a power cell in to it

Tasephus nods and looks around for some kind of dolly or cart to make carrying the metal easier. "Alright just be careful, i'm going to try and find something to help us take this stuff back."

(Her portabox can carry the minerals , but it doesn’t float or anything on its own)

2

Tasephus helps Gethed gather up the precious metals.

Throwing them into the box, she stands after a few moments. "This is going to be heavy to carry out, lets look for some kind of sling or even a grav ruck. This thing has been down here for a long time, I bet its got something like that hanging around in here. I guess we do the cabins next then, and we can come back to this room with fresh eyes on the way out"

"Seems good." Tasephus looks around for something to help move the box.

The staterooms are a large section of this strange pod craft and they were once well appointed. Furniture has been splintered and the curtain rod extended over the viewport has fallen on one side. A display cabinet has remained anchored to the floor though it is difficult to see what is inside, years of caked on growth and dirty air have made the glass from clear to dirty and quite bad looking

Tasephus tries to wipe some dirt off of the display case so he can look inside.

Something like a mace is held in the suspension hooks inside but it’s hard to get a clear picture

Tasephus looks for a way to open the case. "You think something would go too wrong if I just smashed this? I could check, but don't want to get to dependent on my powers."

"Smash it" she shrugs "probably nothing to worry about after all this time"

Tasephus nods then smashes it with his shovel then pokes the mace with it.

The mace makes a metallic clang as the shovel strikes it, sounding normal

Tasephus grabs the mace out of the case and gives it a few experimental swings.

The mace is well made, finely balanced, and more importantly is not comically small in your hands

2:05 PM

it sings as it slices through the air

"Hmm well made big mace, nice find. You see anything to help with carrying the metal. Might be able to get the big guy upstairs to help a little, but can't count on that." (is this an advanced weapon, also one handed or two?)

(You can use it as a medium or large advanced weapon, but if you use it as a large one it takes two hands)

(do you mean one or the other or interchangeable?)

(interchangeable, just let me know how you're using it during combat if you end up keeping it)

12:58 PM

(sort of like in DnD how you could use one or two hands with a longsword)

(cool I'll add it for both. Currently probably medium so he can use his shield, but I'll check to make sure he has one before saying that and add it to the sheet.)

Tasephus looks around again for something to help carry the metal filled portabox more easily. (edited)

The case, now shifted and broken, has a pair of metal poles in it as well that telescope when you pick them up. They seem attracted to one another, and when placed nearby, an energy harness appears between them

9:30 AM

(think like a grav litter)

Tasephus takes out the grav litter. "Hmm maybe this would help? I still think we should be careful going out, we'll be a lot slower laden down like this."

“That should hold. So do we press on or do we cut our losses for now then. I don’t think this is a failure by any means”

"What do you mean? Keep exploring? We have the location, it will be easier to get back, I think the next thing is to get out, then focus on dealing with the big thing living around here one way or another. I'd like to turn it to our side, but I don't know if that'll be possible."

(That’s what she’s saying too. Might be time to go)

Tasephus grabs his side of the liter chuckling. "Right, if we agree, let's go then. Still have to show you the bar and make you your house. Keep an eye out for that thing though."

As you emerge back into the cave, it seems that evening has come, and the beast is not at home, if it is still in residence at all. "I don't want to be here if it does decide to come knocking. Let's see this bar of yours. We can recuperate there tonight, and bring this back to the settlement in the morning"

Tasephus nods. "Alright follow me. We can come back and get the rest and whatever that thing was later." Tasephus leads her to the bar. "So you said you need to sleep right? Sorry if that's a stupid question, but you intrigue me Gethed." (edited)

"We do, not for as long as a human, and not every day, but I do not think I have since we left Galatea. "

9:59 AM

"I wasn't expecting to go out exploring today, but I am glad we did"

"You sound like you need sleep more than I do, will you be alright to walk to the forest carrying this load?"

“Hah” she chuckes to herself as you exit the cave and make your way into the forest “I’ll be alright until we get back”

7:24 PM

(6xp , 10,000 credits )

(level 3>4 ab 1 to 2 Biopsionics -1 to 1 Mastered Succor, hp 12 to 15) Tasephus leads Gethed into the forest to the Bar. "Hmm well there aren't many places to sleep, but I was sort of thinking about that anyway give me a second." Tasephus sits concentrating and gets the plants around to move and make a second floor opening up to a stairwell leading to a living quarters with some rooms. Mostly spartan they have beds made of living plants with strong bases and soft leafy mattresses, and simple furniture. (Metaflora) After a while he stands and slithers up the stairs. "Come on, follow me and I'll show you to your room." He looks around the bar for the mice.

The two mice are there and it looks like they have been since you found them by the colony

Tasephus turns to Gethed curiously. "Do you drink and eat and all, I was thinking of making some berries for the mice and ants, but you're my guest, so I should feed you first."

“I don’t need to eat or drink to keep my body working, but I can eat or drink just for the desire to taste something. If you’re limited in whatever it is you’re doing you don’t need to worry about me”

"Just more psychic things. They can eat some of my rations if things go bad and I've tasted it before."

Tasephus concentrated summoning the latent MES energy to himself two berries popping into his hand he did it again summoning another two berries then seemed to be a bit tired. He handed one of the berries to Gethed then gave one to each of the mice. "You want to see something? I've been feeding a colony of ant like creatures living on a stump outside. I hope to gain their trust and talk with their queen one day, you want to watch?"

“Talking to bugs and they talk back? Yes. I want to see that.”

"Well not today, I'm a bit tapped out, but we can talk to them tomorrow? I was just going to feed them a berry."

She nods "I'll rest here then, for tonight. We can bring our findings back in the morning, and see what else we might be able to do

Tasephus smiles. "Alright you can come with me and head upstairs then. Just give me a shout if you have any problems with the bed." Tasephus heads outside and puts the final berry on the ant stump then starts to eat his rations as he watches them work over it and take it away.

The sunlight quickly fades as the ants finish their meal and you yourself are quite tired. Morning will be a long march back to the colony with the goods you found , and a longer day after that as the fields have been left unattended for some time

Tasephus goes upstairs after thinking about the long day of work ahead of him the next day. He checks on Gethed before making his way to his own bed, and passing out.

gethed is fine. Just sleeping. Morning comes as it always does and you awaken sore, but otherwise refreshed (edited)

Tasephus goes downstairs and starts to meditate trying to regather the energy he spent over the previous day and wait for Gethed to wake up.

Gethed wakes up about an hour later, coming downstairs spear loose in hand.

Tasephus turns to her. "Sleep well?"

"I did, yourself?" she asks, setting her spear down and looking around the bar you have made. It was too dark for her to appreciate the work you had done to it earlier

"Pretty well, thank you. Do you know anything about farming?"

"We dont need to do that sort of thing where I am from, so no, I know nothing about it"

"Would you want to learn? Showing you around was fun, but I should probably look in on my fields, it's where the booze and food will be coming from."

"Don't we have supplies to bring back and a report to make?"

"Yeah, probably. Sorry I'm new to the surveyor explorer stuff. I took care of plants and animals before the great freezing."

"Everyone has to evolve and adapt with the times, you will too" she says, looking out of the wooden window, into the rest of the forest "It sounds like you've got plans then. I should be able to manage the grav-ruck on my own if you're not planning on going back to the settlement yet"

"Oh, well the farm is in the settlement. I'll help you first, that shouldn't take too long. I just wasn't sure if you'd be busy with important emissary stuff or not want to help in the fields."

"I cannot answer you until we return. I don't know what Hette will ask me to do"

"Who's Hette? Can you introduce me to them? Can you all get drunk?"

"Hette is the Children leader who came over with us. We do not need to metabolize food or drink, so we cannot get drunk"

"Hmm, we'll work on it, I promise I'll get you drunk before you all leave, if you want I mean?" (edited)

"I don't think you have a way to alter our biology, but you're welcome to try to make something"

"Well more get drunk and let you feel it, but yeah I don't know how to do that either, but I'm learning psychic stuff, it's a bit trippy seeing the future and all."

She nods, and makes a final check over the ruck to make sure everything is in place "Well, we can gab when we get back"

"Oh, right the report. I'll help you so you can go check in. If you get in trouble you can blame me."

3:04 PM

Tasephus hefts his side of the grav-ruck

It takes a few hours to get back, anda s the early afternoon sun casts its shadows you arrive through the main wooden gate. the materials are dropped off at the stockpile and they seem to be well received, the metalworkers are needing it for nails, ship components, and other things the growing settlement needs. Hette and Gheist are likewise waiting for their report inside the main building, and you're ushered inside very quickly

Tasephus waves at the two of them and waits to be addressed.

"Please give us your report"

"Well we found a ship in decent shape, but no fuel and the engine would need repairs, possibly some of the other electronics. I think I could help clear the foliage if we were ready to take it. We didn't see the beast living inside of it, but there was evidence of a big predator, lots of bones and corpses. I could sense it, so we took what we could and came back."

3:18 PM

"If possible I would like to talk to the predator first? If we could get them on our side like the herd, it would be a big win I think, and one less obstacle, and we don't lose anything by trying."

"That might be dangerous. did you get any indication of what tihs creature might be. or how big?'

"No, though by it's eating habits and how scared the herd was, I would say quite large, but not insurmountable. I also found a mace, but it doesn't seem to be anything special so far though I was going to try and conduct field experimentation, by hitting things with it." Tasephus takes out and hefts the space mace.

They say nothing about it, but nod, as they think about what might be done with this beast. "Well you seem to be eager to try to use that thing, maybe use it on the beast if you cannot negotiate with it. It sounds like it needs to be removed one way or the other if we're going to recover whatever that object is"

"You mean the ship?"

"Correct, we need to look over it"

"Alright if I'm going to go and camp out until this beast shows up, I will probably need someone to tend my fields. Having our own food is important. I can set them right and do what I can with my powers, but I don't know how long I'll be gone, we were there most of a day and the beast did not return. I don't want to neglect one of my duties for another."

"Pick a few Slyth you trust, show them what to do until you get back"

"I could teach anyone, who can you spare the most?"

(i dont have specific people in mind, they're just giving you permission i guess we can say)

(the only ones I know seemed to have important jobs though so I didn't want to grab the doctor and the medic or something.) "What about Gethed, she can keep working with me right, to explore and take out the predator and on other things when I get back. She's been a great help so far."

(They wouldnt do it anyway)

10:52 AM

"Sure, Gethed can go with you if she's willing"

"Thank you. I'll look around for the rest, find some people without jobs. Working the fields should help them get over being freshly unfrozen anyway."

"I tihnk so too. Its good to get the muscles warmed up again. Alright, see who you can find"

"I'll do that, then head out again, I still have the tracker, and will try to get a message out if we run into trouble."

This seems to be also fine, and all they have to say for right now.

Tasephus nods and turns to head out beckoning Gethed to follow him as he heads towards the medical building.

(what did we need to do in medical?)

(oh I was going to go there and find out where the most recent defrosted people got put or something? I'm not sure if that'd be the right place.)

(thats fine) There are five, some of the last who are scheduled to come out for right now, getting acquainted with what is happening in the wider universe right now.

Tasephus makes his way over to them waiting for them to acknowledge him. (also sorry if I pass out Neko I'll respond when I wake up.)

The other slyth acknowledge you as you walk in, waiting to see what you need, or if youre part of the medical exam

"Are they ready to do work. I need a few who are willing to learn, to help with the fields and probably the bar until they feel up to different work."

"Everyone here is as healthy as you can be emerging from the pods. Some labor might be good to get the blood moving again"

"Well I only want to take people who'd like to come. You will be the first to try the booze when it's ready and first to eat, that I can promise."

(they're all going to go)

"Alright well let's go those fields aren't going to tend themselves and we need to be gone in time to find a beast!"

The group heads out into the fields as morning passes, and youre able to find them each something to do, while also showing them what a healthy sprout should look like. With the plants in tis early stage, there is not much that needs to be done to tend to them aside from monitoring for pests and ensuring there is enough watr

Tasephus nods and turns to Gethed. "They should be fine. You all can stay here or go to your own quarters it looks like you have a handle on it. You ready to head out again, and save my butt after I try to talk to this thing?"

"Yes. Lets get back out there, at least we know the way now"

Tasephus nodded and headed back out towards where they found the ship. "Glad we get to work together. I think we make a good team Gethed. Have you worked with a partner before?"

“Of course. We aren’t that different from you or anything else. Just a different body “

"That's what makes you interesting. If we were all the same things would be boring it's nice to see some people that aren't snakes."

"So, whats the plan for getting back to the lair here"

1:09 PM

"Are we setting a trap, or are we going to watch and wait for a while:

“Or maybe it’s moved on for good. Maybe. “

"Wait for a bit. Maybe I'll see if I can sense where it's moved on to."

Approaching the cave, you see the bones once again, but no evidence of a fresh kill or anything dragged here recently. The smell has improved a bit too as some of the rot has reached the point where it is no longer seeping into the air

Tasephus sits his rifle across his lap and taps into the area around the ship. Trying to see what may lurk around the area or where the creature or another like it could be found. (Whispering wind)

The area is calm, there disturbances of the apex predator have not troubled this area in weeks, and it may even be entirely gone now

"Well I guess it's gone now, so at least this ship should be safe. I wish we could find it though. Should we call it in. Doesn't really seem like something worth going all of the way back for does it?"

"Call it in, let them make the decision, and then we can move on to something else."

9:28 PM

"Sometihng like that, if its as big as it looks, I bet it migrates"

Tasephus nodded and took out his compad calling back to base. "Well the big thing has moved on it might try and come back, but it's been gone for at least a week so should be reasonably safe. Did you want us to follow it?"

"Can you confirm it has left the area?"

"Yes at least for now, we scouted around and it's been gone at least a week."

"Alright, we're going to send a team to come by and see if we can get it out of its current resting place. What are you and Gethed moving on to next?"

"I'd like to be there if you send a team. I want to try and speak with it before it's killed. Though I guess it's up to her." Tasephus looked to Gethed. "Did you decide on what you'd want to do next?"

(no they mean to pull the craft out, not to chase the creature. It's not here and doesnt look like it has been for a while, so they're not concerned about it right now)

3:11 PM

"You're trying to run a bar, but you've done very little with it" Gethed says, thinking for a moment. "Selgar did bring back another free merchant to use. What do you think, maybe try to get some alcohol from off-world?"

"Oh that could be interesting. Visiting new worlds, do you know of any with good alcohol? It'll be a time until the plants are ready here anyway, and I trust the new farmers."

"Terezinho, and Galatea I have heard stories about. I'd think either one of them makes a fine first destination"

"Oh do you swim? Terezhino might be fun. But I was thinking of Galatea myself. Hmm do you think we'd have to come back?"

'Have to come back here?" she asks

"Yeah they'll be fine without us if they can spare us to go on an intergalactic beer run. Plus we found them a ship so seems fair, you know how to pilot one?"

"I can pilot one for us, yes, and the Free Merchant was given over to help with exploration and commerce. this is surely commerce building activity"

"I could pilot enough to assist. So you don't have to stay awake the whole time. I might want to stop by the bar and get the mice and maybe the ants? I think the herd would be too much to take but should probably say goodbye to blinky and make sure they aren't eaten, or do you know how much cargo space the ship has?"

(Id have to check the registry but it’s pretty bare bones so there should be a lot of space . Most worlds would probably not be cool with you bringing a horde of possibly invasive off world pests with you though) (edited)

(but they're live stock if anyone asks.)

1:11 PM

(that wouldn't be too out of character for trading right?)

(You’re going to trade a singular animal on one world?)

8:52 PM

(And then not trade it?)

(I more meant if anyone asks I would say the herd was livestock to be traded as cover but not really trade them. Like cattle or something.)

8:58 PM

(to keep them safe.)

(I guess that’s fair)

(or it was just an idea since he wouldn't want the snakes to get lazy and just start slaughtering them after he said they'd be safe.)

(Not worth the discussion. Bring them if you want )

1

Tasephus heads off to the bar getting the pair of mice sending them messages of food and taking them to the new home he then goes to inspect the ant colony to see how expansive it is.

The colony is teeming. Millions of the small ants exist in a large settlement that stretched well below the rotting tree trunk

Tasephus sent out a message that he might be gone for a while and if there were any new queens wanting to make their own colonies going with him promising some rations to the colony either way.

The ants are happy in their home. Food is plentiful and their large habitat has taken them years to dig

They do not wish to abandon the work of hundreds of ant generations so easily, especially for the sake of going to a new world

Tasephus looks down at the ants frowning, thinking how easily he could destroy their life's work, but ultimately shrugs and starts walking towards the settlement.

The Germane (the free merchant) has landed, and its ramps are down as they prepare the ship for both of you to board and head out into the stars.

Tasephus looks around for Blinky and the herd.

(the mice, and blinky will be able to fit inside, the herd is dozens, almost a hundred, and wont all be able to come)

(that's fine)

Blinky agreed to go, and boards the transport without trouble

"Well let's go you said you could pilot right. I guess we should inspect the craft and see how far we can get first?"

"UNW space has fueling stations, we will have opportunities to take on fuel and other supply no matter what world we stop at"

8:25 AM

(shes got the starfarer foci as well, so shes got enough fuel for the jump between here and there, she can make 2

(So Shariar then galatea or would that be three? two hexes out or two hexes between start and finish sorry if that's a dumb question I haven't planned many space routes.)

(I can let you know, sec)

10:04 AM

(its 3, two intervening hexes and then destination)

(so that path works? Yes! I was worried I'd messed up.)

(yeah the path is great, and she doesnt need to refuel there, since shes got the star captain thing)

"Hmm so Shariar, might make an interesting stop. I know we don't have to refuel, but you think it will be worth checking out?"

"We'll only have a short amount of time on the surface before our suits get holes in them, and we don't want that. Six hours. More than enough time to explore something if you want to make a stop"

"Maybe we can check in see if the locals need any help. If it's going to be a pitstop on regular trading or alcohol runs might as well get some goodwill, right?"

"I don't think there are locals here anymore Tasephus. The Remnant are gone now too, ever since the last raid by the Brotherhood of Frenris"

"Are the habitats still up? Maybe we could find something interesting there? Sorry I don't keep up with the news so much. If it doesn't come out of a bearded pig, or his cohost's mouth it's news to me."

(yeah , the actual structures are there, but some of the domes are damaged)

2:33 PM

(the UNW garrison is here as well, but they're focusing on recovery and ships coming down near them are going to hve them riled up)

(we'd have to interact with them to refuel or resupply anyway though right?)

(no, she doesn't need to refuel here since she has starfarer)

2:38 PM

(she gets a second jump on 1 tank of fuel)

"Well what do you think? Maybe we should just skip it. No point in stopping somewhere so harsh unprepared and we'll be to Galatea before you know it. Takes out some of the risk. Maybe we could even find something to help there for the way back?"

"Sure, I'm all about moving on past the chemical graveyard planet"

5:27 PM

(6 days in spike total)

"Do you have a language? I want to learn more about you if we're going to be working together."

"I've been speaking my language since I met you. Nothing unique to just us"

(they speak common/english/mandate, whatever you want to call it. They were human once)

"Hmm oh well, maybe you could teach me some piloting then, you'll be doing it anyway right?" (it's out of 90 for that right?)

(Correct)

1

(I'll put that on the sheet then if that's okay 6/90 pilot)

(all good!)

9:21 PM

Galatea is your next stop, home to several cultures using grails to create virtually anytihng they need. The Void Wardens, Psychic Academy, Galactic museum, and galactic meeting hall have also been made here, in addition to the recent Selgar Umaer research institute, for the advancement of collective knowledge

"Do you know anything about the cultures? Seems like we should start with the people native to the place if we're looking into getting some goodwill and booze to take back."

(There’s a good writeup on the world anvil )

9:34 PM

“I know almost nothing about anything on this side of the gate. We are both relying on your information terminal now”

"Alright, should be a fun surprise then. Do you know which one has the cheapest fuel, or is it all the same?"

“It’s always 500 credits for a full”

"Arctopia, I don't know about you but snow, sun and fun sounds better than monks, commies, organized religion or working in gem mines. I guess we'll see though."

"Sure, you got an environment suit for down there?"

"We need environment suits? No I don't think I do."

"Alright" she shrugs "I just thought with the cold , and you being a snake"

"I meant I don't have one, maybe I could get one? A fancy one here or something right?"

(i just forgot we halved strain for a slyth rather than needing special gear, i thought you were dropping to your death, but you're not, so we dnt need to get hung up on this)

(it's that bad at a ski resort?)

1:12 PM

(Also is that a thing I need to do half my strain?)

(yes, its part of the slyth build)

1:13 PM

(Like i said, we dont need to get into the weeds, i caught my mistake)

1

(Isn't it more important though sorry I'm confused sorry or you mean getting one from a locker or something is okay? or we wouldn't need to rp it out as much since it's represented mechanically? Sorry to drag it out I just want to be on the same page and make sure I'm doing stuff right.) (edited)

(youre fine, you dont need to get anything, but your system strain should be half of what it would be if you were a human on your sheet)

1

(I'll have to tool with it when back on pc.)

On a landing platform in Arctopia, a five strong close standing group of blonde haired female humans, all wearing furs and tall fur hats comes out to greet you. "Welcome to the resort of Arctopia" they say in a sing song unison

7:37 AM

"We are pleased you have chosen here to visit"

"Thank you for welcoming us. So how does this work? I've never been to the resort before but am excited about the amenities!"

"Everything is at no cost to you. We ask you refrain from violence while staying here as a guest. The grail sanctuary here is likewise off limits to guests, though you may requisition any delight you wish while you are here"

"Thst all sounds delightful will you show us around I've never been skiing before." (Sorry slower than usual my internet conked out for a few days.)

“Alright. Well we can make or do anything here in the resort. What would you like to do?

"Hmm help or ski, resort stuff. Or what type of animals or alcohol do you have here? Importing alcohol is why we came or at least what we told the ones who gave us the ship so should probably at least try to bring some back?"

"We have no need for keeping animals, and no need to introduce them to the Galatean environment. We have several different brands of alcohol available for local consumption, and you are free to sample them"

8:57 AM

"Though will all grail made goods, they will revert back to their individual component atoms once you leave local space"

"Hmm what about recipes? I still think a sampling will be in order at the very least though. Any interesting plants?"

'The same, we have no need, we synthesize what we need from metaspace. You're free to sample whatever you like, as they should mirror their real world analogs"

12:43 PM

(you could sample things and probably approximate the general idea of how to make something, but nothing you pick or do h ere will leave the gravity well with you)

"How do your ships work then or do you just never leave the system?"

"We have no ships, as we have no need to trade for anything at all. Why would we leave?"

"What about for defense, you surely know about the shapers, I doubt they were the last threat to the sectors. If you don't want to trade or leave, what do you want?"

(they have a trade report, the guide would end up regurgitating that information here)

3:15 PM

"We've asked fro a handful of things from around the stars, but none of it is critical for our survival as you can see"

Tasephus looked around taking in the people and what he could see of the resort."What about immigration or tourism? If everything is so nice and people want for nothing here why don't you have more visitors and people wanting to live here?" (edited)

6:13 PM

(also sorry I was trying to find it but where are the trade reports?)

(Rules and books > resource doc > far trade sheet. There’s a table on it that says trade data and it has what planets are buying and selling )

(ah I was looking at the roll 20 thing lol.)

(Id refer to world anvil for lore and the rules doc for most other things. Roll20 is rapidly becoming just character sheets)

1

"We don't allow anyone who isnt native born to live here, though we do allow non-permanent residents if they've performed a service for one of the groups here. Grail time to make such holdings for people coming to visit is a waste of effort, and would rapidly occupy the operating hours of grails across the planet as more and more of you flock here

"What type of service could I perform to be allowed to construct a residence here? You all seem so polite and this seems like quite a paradise! I'd love to come back on my way passing through sometimes."

"There is something of a political game between the polities here. We have no reason to war with one another, but there is a bit of a struggle in quiet ways. You could retrieve something for us, quietly, of course"

"Altogether quiet or just about the retrieval?"

"Altogether quiet, if you please. It's the way of things"

"I could try. I'm not the best for covert missions being a giant four armed snake man, but what do you need retreived?"

"The city of Sarkovskia has a large rainbow crystal on display. Its able to fit in a backpack, but its heavy. Its on display in their crystal museum right now, and its something we want very much"

"Hmm so a heist. When do you need it by?"

"There is no timetable, but the price of some apartments here an an hour of grail time per month is the crystal"

"Alright maybe I'll visit there next time. I don't want to rush this if there is no time table and things should seem natural. For now lets go taste some alcohol then ski and visit some hotsprings! My pets should be alright in my ship right?"

"We have no reason to board your ship, traveler'

(so yes, they'll be okay, they wont go on board and mess with them)

"Alright well then where should we go to drink and things, and get fitted for snow stuff. I have no clue how I will ski, but I'm curious to find out." Tasephus laughs motioning down to his snaky body.

"The two of you may go to visitor bay 30, it is a room on the western side of the lodge. You will have your own bar, and when ready snowgear will be generated for you"

"What about the hotsprings?"

“Those are on the basement level and are semi private but there may be other guests down there as well”

"That's fine the more the merrier. Maybe a nice soak then some drinking after we hydrate and everything is open and finish with some drunk snow fun? What do you think Gethed?"

"I think that idea sounds fine. This is all new for me too"

"Alright can you take us to the hotsprings then. Are there robes or something?"

"We do not dictate what our guests sensibilities are, but if you require one, one can be made for you

"I think a soft robe would be nice, not that I'm worried about my modesty, that just seems like a fun part of spas. Maybe we should just go though eh Gethed? Get out of the cold do you all feel cold?" Tasephus puts his hand on her shoulder smiling. "Interesting." Tasephus turns back to the attendants. "Yes let's go, take us to the hotsprings please. Are you going to join us?" (edited)

(Are you talking to the attendant or Gethed?)

(both first Gethed then the attendant let me edit it a little sorry.)

The attendant works there and is unable to take time away from other duties right now. Gethed has already said she is interested. You’re led into the basement level where bird calls, relaxing music and steam make up most of the air. There are dozens of large tile sided pools where warm water bubbles and pops

Tasephus looks at the pools and slithers up to one taking off his leather jacket and street clothes, and sliding in. "Come on Gethed this feels amazing. You'll have to make sure we don't cook it's so nicccce." He leans back against the side of the pool letting the bubbles massage away the tight spots in his muscles from their work and sleeping in the cramped quarters of the ship.

Gethed joins after a moment, the hot water apparently something her less than normal construction is able to handle "This is wonderful. i am glad we stopped here. There's a certain cold on the ship that just doesn't go away, no matter what you do"

"Really, you feel it too. Maybe we should buy a heater even if it's just to sleep? Well either way this is nice just bask in the warm springs. So tell me a little about yourself Gethed, we've traveled across the stars and I don't know much about you besides you've beat your mortality, in an awesome new body, and you don't mind sharing a ship with me and my animals for a few weeks, at least."

"That's really all there is to say. All I think its wise to say, at least. Not everyone views me and the other people from behind the gate with as much trust as you do"

"Why not? You've been kind, and helped me on my missions a lot so far. Well I'll have to earn your trust then? Can you tell me some about your enemies maybe?"

"No one I'd really call an enemy. We've had our differences with The Weeping Company over time but nothing violent in the last 40 years or so. It became harder and harder to travel in the sector behind the gate until we couldn't at all anymore. That really put the end to any sort of meaningful fight"

"Is that why you had to come here? I'm glad you all did for whatever reason. So what kind of ships have you piloted?"

"i've said all I'm really willing to say about my life before the L-gate turned back on. It was a painful time for me and I don't like to think about it too much. Getting away from it all was one of the reasons I came through"

"Sorry, well what do you want to do now you're out here in the sectors beyond the gate. We have a ship, and we can go anywhere!"

"i thought we were going on an intergalactic beer run. We were heading to Terezino to buy a shipment of liquor after we samples some recipes here , weren't we?"

"Yeah, but we still have to head there, probably make a few stops, it's an adventure! We can still have some fun and pick up the booze too right?"

"Suppose so. We're having fun now aren't we?" there is a porcelain like squeal as she spreads out her limbs and the water bubbles around her

Tasephus looks at Gethed concerned. "Are you alright, you didn't break from the heat or something did you?"

"That's never actually happened before. I thnk I'm just relaxed" she smiles, leaning back in the hot water

Tasephus nods. "Hmm well just be careful. Tell me when you want to get out, okay?"

(Anything else you’re wanted to do for this part or should we move ahead to after?)

(I don't think so yeah, we can just move to the alcohol stuff after this.)

The hot springs are relaxing and after a few hours it’s time to get out and move on to other things. Clothing is made for you and your original clothing Is cleaned so you have something to leave with

"Alright, well we can sample anythig we want, Maybe this will give you some ideas for what to pick up once we leave here and move into new territory"

"I think we should sample everything! Maybe even get a taste for what we want from Terezinho?"

"Sure, lets do that,what should we start with?"

"Hm I don't know maybe try the terezinho stuff or something we can only drink here? Is there anything you want to try?"

(Up to you if you want to play this out or not. I don’t really know what their exact formulas would be or anything. It’s never made a difference )

(we can skip it if you want. I don't know how fleshed out you have the ski lodge or wherever would serve drinks and all.)

(Nothing aside from the general feel of the place you have already)

(so which drink is the best then or strongest? Just general details or we can sort of wipe to after should I make a physical save to see how drunk he got I don't know if Gethed would get drunk.)

(do we need a save to get drunk?)

2:26 PM

You spend the day tasting liquors approximately like the ones from Terezinho, and think now that you understand their composition, you can make your own drinks out of them, and better understand how they should be served in your own bar back home

"Hmm well that was nice. Makes me think maybe I could make something of the bar. Maybe well come back when we're ready to heist that crystal, watch think?" Tasephus tottered a bit in the way back. "Are you as drunk as I am?" (edited)

“I feel fine. One of us needs to be. Are you ready to try ?”

"The heist? No, we're under prepared, and I'd want to speak with the people at the museum first see if we can get more just by informing them of a potential heist, but we'll do that next time we pass by the game seems a long thing at any rate."

"Glad you're using your head. Alright, well I think its high time we got back to the ship. We have other errands" (3xp, 5000 credits)

Tasephus nods. "Yeah time we get things back on track we still need to get to Terezhino, maybe explore some worlds in between see if they have any plants so we can start making our own booze!"

Gethed agrees, and if all are ready to return to the ship, we do

7:31 AM

(just need to know your route from here)

(how much fuel do I have. It would be toward terezhino I just have to look at my map.) Tasephus heads back to the ship waving to any of the perfect ski resort staff that he sees along the way. "Next time I'll have something figured out to ski, or maybe a snow board?"

12:13 PM

"Oh maybe tubing or sledding, might be easier with no legs? What do you think?"

(its two jumps per tank since she has the starfarer foci thing we use, you were able to get fuel here, so you've got 2 jumps)

1

“Alright. So what’s our heading then. We have a lot of open space ahead of us”

(Sorry neko. I'll get back to you Tuesday at the latest. Just irl stuff has me not doing much rp then my dog hurt himself on a glass sliding door so I'm sitting with him and so mainly on phone. I don't want you to tjink I forgot though, sorry again.)

(no problem man, You said you had some stuff going on, so I get it)

(Thanks neko)

Tasephus looked at his maps. "First I think Aslief, maybe some exploring there, then Gundrun. The Baron is supposed to have the best drinks anyway might as well stock up, then Finally Terezinho. Sound good Gethed? It'll be nice to get back on track I think. Have you heard anything about these Neon apes, or the Giant snakes of Gundrun, I've been looking up the various animals."

2

"Not much other than what's on the official record, but we're on something like a vacation anyway- so maybe we can try to expand those entries a bit"

8:43 AM

She swings the bow of the ship smoothly toward Aslief, before a countdown timer starts ticking away toward the expected jump moment

Tasephus wraps around the copilot chair watching and trying to learn what he can from her.

(i believe thats 3 days in spike, stopping at polychrome on the way since its an intervening planet in the route, we can do stuff there if you want)

11:18 AM

(or just pass on through)

(I was just going to go around it. Would it be explorable? I don't want to land there and poke around if it would be something you'd have to make up things for on the spot, but you know I'm always up for more random interaction/exploration.)

(It’s an intervening planet so there’s at least a second jump needed from here to aslief. I’m good either way. )

10:27 PM

(I just ran an adventure there with nat and Svenka so I’m familiar)

(jumps have to be to closest planet? Just curious or would going around be making a new route and a lot harder or something? From the grid map it looks like I could go north west two hexes then up since Gethed can jump us three at a time.) (edited)

(If there is a planet between you and the place you’re going then it would stop@there. You can’t spike through it. )

7:38 AM

(Or you mean like the route curves around it)

(I had planned on around it so we wouldn't have to refuel until gundrun since I think it's a friendlier port at least. Welp just read the wiki yeah, gonna give a miss to bio weapon land if that's okay. Curves around it if possible lol.)

(You got it) Aslief is developing, slowly, but developing all the same. The UNW and Void Wardens have recently been putting more resources and credits into the build process and more people than ever are back to work. Your ship is permitted to dock at the orbital platform and is refueled

"Gethed do you know if there's anything worth looking into down there, or if we can even get planet side? Hmm might take more time than we have to secure one of those Tortanadon's and train it for space travel huh? Having an animal in our stable that could shoot flame does sound pretty interesting though. Do you know if they've been domesticated at all yet? Seems like something perhaps worthy of note for later either way."

"I only have what's available on the worldnet, just like you. I don't see anything other than patrols being set on fire. We can run planetside with one of the lifters if you want to do that"

"Alright I'll make sure Blinky, Fivel, and Stew know we'll be gone for a bit and have their food. Do you know if there's some kind of authority we should enquire with before trying to befriend one or take it off planet? I assumed we wouldn't be able to bring the animals off the ship again at least not without some lengthy customs debacle, and they seem fine here." (3 more days pilot right, sorry I know you said 3 days, should I have asked that earlier?)

(the 3 days covers Galatea to here, so yeah if you want to use it for pilot lets tack it on)

1

(9/90 pilot.)

"They should be alright, and I'll stay with the ship if you want to make sure the gang stays okay. I don't think the locals anywhere would be okay with exotic animals getting loose, disease, destruction of the environment, pests, all that stuff"

9:00 AM

"Not something I've had to think about in a while"

"Are you sure? You won't get bored. Hmm I guess we'll have to see where the last patrol was burnt at. Maybe I can help the animals and people at the same time."

"I'll be alright, maybe check in with the garrison closest to the mountains where they were seen"

"Will you still fly me down? Or do you think I'm ready for a solo flight?"

"There should be a lighter on the platform here to bring you down. They won't want the creatures on the surface where there's a chance they can get out"

"Alright, well I'll see you in a bit. If I'm not back in at most a week, carry on with the mission the bar and my credits are yours, don't forget to enjoy yourself. Hmm do you know what weapons if any I can take onto the platform?" (edited)

"No heavy weapons, but other than that you can bring anything you want"

9:29 AM

'They just dont want to risk a hull puncture"

"Alright I think I'll leave the grenades then just in case. Wish me luck." Tasephus waves to Gethed and starts to head out to the platform.

The platform security is two guards with service pistols, holstered now, and waiting patiently to direct you to where you need to go (edited)

Tasephus slithered up to them. "Yes hello, I'm looking for someone to take me down to the surface, maybe see if I can help with some of the patrols being burnt in the mountains? Take one of the fire lizards back with me. Do you know where I might get started with all that?"

"Ah looking to help? Aslief Auxiliary Corps is always looking for volunteers. They're based in Praxis, down below.

10:56 AM

"Theyre always looking, and im sure if you offer to help theyll send another group up into the mountains

"Alright, hmm Praxis. I'll see if I can escort a group, maybe see why they're being attacked. Now where could I catch a lifter down to Praxis?"

"This platform can bring you there , no cost to get down to the surface or back"

"Excellent. Well I will depart then hopefully I can help. Thank you for being so personable." Tasephus nods to the guards then looks for the way to the surface craft.

You're able to find it after a few moments since the platform is not that big , and before long you're on the surface of the night world, outside the settlement

Tasephus went towards the settlement looking for someone who might be able to direct him to the Auxiliary corps. (edited)

There is little need, as signs all over the landing field and into the city point to public services, such as power, water, and fire safety. The Aux corps is one of the listed services, and your compad also beeps as ride services are available now on the ground

Tasephus decides to check his compad and see how far the base is from the entrance of the city, and check if there is anything else interesting around.

It is a distance from the entrance of the city. The planet is undergoing rebuilding efforts in many places still, this city being one of them. Little has been built in the way of amusements, most efforts have focused on practical services and public works

Tasephus hails a ride on his compad for someone to take him to the Auxilary corps base.

The roadster is sleek, one of the trivedi models in service and the wing doors open just enough to allow you to fit your whole mass inside. The drive is quick, and the base is in a run down condition despite the reconstruction efforts going on around it. Ragged looking troopers with outdated kit watch the gate , and wave the car inside as it gently winches upwards. Two more soldiers inside stand on either side of a large desk where an officer is dealing with other civilians and other would be volunteers

Tasephus waits to speak with the officer behind the desk, listening to what kinds of things the civilians are bringing up.

The civilains are likewise wanting to join some of the patrols, and a few are concerned about the scavenger beast problem in the local area,

Tasephus goes up to the ones concerned about the beasts. "Excuse me, did you mention a problem with beasts. I'd come hoping to help with some of those in the mountains, some type of fire lizards, but I see no reason I couldn't help with the local beasts as well. Have any of you encountered these beasts directly?"

"None of the command staff generally leave anymore. Aren't many officers left between the Remnant purges when we were occupied, and the mass recruitment the Protectorate did when Cyrus was still among the living. We have junior officers venturing out, but most of them have been killed up there along with the rest of their patrols"

"Hmm, so are you able to recover anything, what kind of gear do you have to outfit the people you send?"

“Whatever they can bring from home. I’ve got some minor supplies I could sell you but nothing heavy or especially protective “

"Do you know what happened to the gear the other patrols took with them or, when was the last time a regular officer went out. I figure they would have the best gear? Maybe we can recover some of it? Perhaps I'll ask the scavengers. Who among the volunteers in your opinion has the best fire control and follows orders. I plan on trying to talk to these beasts and I don't want a rookie getting scared and shooting and getting us all killed."

"There's a few people I'd recommend. Brings you up to a solid 4 bodies out there, including yourself. Should be enough to bring a few down and scatter the pack if you're good"

"Violence will be a last resort, If it does go like that though I'll be the perfect bait and the rest can ambush them, but only if it does. Where can I meet the others and maybe get some transport, or would be be on foot, so to speak?"

"We'll have to get in touch with them, so you will need to wait a while for them to show up. We have a truck you can use to get out to the mountains, but once you get there you're going to need to climb like everyone else"

"That's fine. You mentioned gear earlier, do you haven anything you could sell me more advanced than a rifle?"

(what kind do you have now?)

(I think just basic ammo rifle like tl2?)

(what actual weapon do you have?)

(tl2 rifle. Sorry I was confused because it's just listed as rifle lol.)

3:16 AM

(also I renamed it so wanted to double check.)

(They’ll have enough ammo for 20 more shots and if you want a combat rifle they have that for sale too

(Sorry if this is a stupid question, but would those use the same ammo or no?)

(projectile ammo is projectile ammo as far as ive seen)

2

(alright how much would the combat rifle and ammo cost then?)

(300 for the rifle, and 10 credits for 20 rounds)

(okay I'll take it off of and add it to the roll 20 sheet before I forget.)

3:49 PM

(is that 20 shots so like 20 shots in the clip of 30? Ammo bundles are weird.)

(20 bullets, yes)

3:50 PM

(just buy 60 for 2 mags then)

1

the help begins to arrive during the day, or what passes for day on this night world. One of whom is a woman with a kukuri on her belt, arriving with another two individuals who look more merc or traveler in appearance. @Plagues

Elena has a calm demeanor, a sort of confident stance, and bright smile. She's a Taros, with thin tracings and seams at regular intervals and running down the insides of her arms, and the only other things she has are some very basic survival tools on the opposite side of the belt, and a sleek traveler's backpack. The bright smile is directed at anyone new who gets close or greets her.

"Are you one of the three coming with me for the mountain patrol miss? What have you been told, and what equipment did you bring?"

"I am. I've a knife, useful for as a tool for survival purposes and occasionally to fend back the night's creatures, as well as a general use survival kit." She points in turn to the two things. "I was told that you's preferred to avoid violence, and that you had intended a different method of handling the beasts."

"Do you have a rifle? I just bought an extra, do you know how to use one?"

"I'm afraid I don't, I came to Aslief to offer aid about a year and a half ago. I was somewhat of a researcher prior to that... The Wanderers taught me a bit how to handle myself with the kukri, here, as well as some other basics."

"Can you throw it?"

"I can, yes, and it will return unless seized."

"Alright, we'll wait for the other two, try and keep them alive, I'm going to try and talk with the scavengers round them up, maybe take them off world, who knows. I'll have to see. How long have you been part of the auxiliary corps?"

"I've volunteered aid in some form or another for as long as I've been here on this world. Before that, on Gudrun, I was mostly a small-time researcher, if I'm totally honest."

Tasephus rubbed his chin. "Hmm what type of research did you do, have you signed on long term here?"

"Mostly into technology and improvement thereof. And when I came here I intended to, even now I still intend to, though the reason has changed a bit." Elena shrugs. "The goal is now more about preserving and aiding, instead of just the latter. I admit, though, that after spending over a year here, I can only imagine the number of things one could learn if they had the time to visit so many more places, so many worlds." She sighs, clearly thinking about just that.

"Well I have my own ship and am hopping a few now. Trying to help where I can, maybe see some interesting things. Currently we're on a galactic beer run. Maybe a bit of bounty hunting depending where things on Gundrun take us. You don't have any problems with psychics do, you or animals and aliens?" Tasephus motioned down to his snake like body with his four arms.

She shakes her head. "If I had a problem with aliens I never would've left Gudrun or had so many redundant organs implanted before leaving. Aliens are fine, as long as they are fine with me, after all, to them I'd be the alien. Psychics same deal, as long as they're not misusing their potential to hurt others, what they do with their bodies and minds is their personal matters."

Tasephus shrugged. "I've made a living bar, stopped predators on my own planet, giant fleas from eating the herd, and my own people. Perhaps you'll meet, Gethed, blinky, Fivel and stew, who knows if we'll be able to pick up some of the fire breathing things from this planet. If you make it back without me. Our ship is docked on the platform tell Gethed Tasephus sent you and said you could hitch a ride back to the watering hole, or any stop along the way. As you are the first to arrive. I assume you'll be the most capable. So if it comes to a fight you might have to defend the others if I fall, get them back, do you think you can do that?"

"I can, and will do my best. And I hope I don't have to be the bearer of any bad news anytime soon, I'd rather meet your acquaintances with you. I'm Elena, by the way, nice to meet you."

"Tasephus Kaa. I hope the same, pleasure to meet you Elena." Tasephus gave her a smile and nod. "So how far can you throw that knife anyway? Also is it flame resistant?"

"It's durable enough, and about ten meters is the extreme, though when it does cut it bites deep enough."

"How much do you think you could carry?"

"Quite a bit more than I have on me, I travel light enough, and make what I need when it matters and I don't have it on my person already. Why do you ask?"

"Hmm I might have you carry some of my extra supplies. We'll see once we get to the truck though, for now we wait."

"Ah, that shouldn't be too much of a problem, then."

The truck and the remaining two scouts arrive a few moments after the end of your conversation. It is a battered but functional ground truck, with enough room in the cab for all four of you. A decently sized flatbed in the back allows for the transportation of cargo and personal gear too uncomfortable to be kept with you up front. A powerful light bar has been bolted to the roof to help illuminate the dark mountain roads.

Tasephus slithers into the cab. "Come on Elena, you two. So are any of you familiar with the mountains or how these creatures usually operate? Once we get there I can feel out the area, but it will take some time, and I need to be closer."

(they wouldnt have any more info than what's in the world anvil)

2

Elena climbs in, "I'm afraid on that front we'll be learning together."

(I can directly link the article if you need it)

(The Tortanadon, correct?)

1

(https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/tortanadon-article)

Iron Stars

A play by post adventure (This game has no real time or voice sessions). Almost four years have passed since The Scream, a psionic disaster responsible for killing billions across the galaxy in one swift stroke. Humanity has clung to life now forced to continue without virtual...

8:58 AM

"Well it's alright. We'll see which one of the creatures we can dredge up. Hopefully we can deal with the heard. I have funds to buy them something to eat if that's what they want, but not enough to do it indiscriminately so I wanted to talk with them first."

9:01 AM

"Once everyone's in we should be headed to the mountains."

"I can offer a modest amount to that, since you're trying to understand them."

"We'll see when we get there, they might not be amenable to being relocated anyway, so little is known about them."

(yeah, that is right Elena)

10:44 AM

(and everyone's here, the other two came with the truck, so once you two are satisfied Rp wise, we'll move off) (edited)

1

(I'm good unless Tasephus wants to ask anything else)

(I'm good too, time to recruit some fire lizards lol.)

Heading northeast from the former Praxis orbital defense base to the ruins of the old Remnant Mining camp, the roads seem clear. There are beasts that scavenge and prey on the recently dead that infest the world , but regular patrols in the area have cleaned bodies, and ensure nothing remains to entice them from the woods. Passing 200km further, you come to a place where rich fishing is known to occur just off the coast. There is a small group of people with headlamps there now, trying to catch a few extra morsels from the sea to supplement the food they get dispensed for supper.

"Do many people have to get extra food like this?"

"Aslief has yet to recover from its wounds. Some places get more help than others, and people have to make do with what they get or take matters into their own hands..."

(Yeah, Elena nailed it)

(I just read the article and guessed :p - besides, it fits most real world examples of areas hit hard seeking aid) (edited)

"Hmm, maybe we could get someone to order a food shipment here?"

"I'm sure they would be more than grateful, it was part of the reason I came here myself." She watches the fishers for a moment before returning her attention to the conversation. (edited)

(next section of road before the mountains is empty, if you guys want to keep talking we can and when you're done we'll arrive at the abandoned mine, which is the base of the mountain)

(I'm good to arrive unless Elena has something else to say.)

(Nothing that isn't small talk, admittedly)

(Lol we can save it for celebratory small talk I probably won't get clever girled by the fire lizards.)

(lol)

The truck arrives at the now long abandoned Remnant mine, which had long been the base camp for pioneer teams heading into the mountains. The camp is abandoned now, though served as a temporary lodging and staging post for mountain teams heading up to try to clear out herds of the fire breathing animals

"Alright, I guess this is our basecamp are you all equipped and ready to start climbing or do we need to check out the camp or rest first, then go at it fresh. Either way I should probably try to commune with the mountain now that we're here, see what has those lizards so enraged." Tasephus got out of the truck taking his gear with him. He turned to the driver. "When will you be back or should we radio you?"

Elena looks up towards the mountains as best she can in the dark. "I'm good to go for a hike as-is." She hops out and stretches a bit. "Climbing is something I can do well, when it comes to it."

(the only people here are the people you're taking into the mountains with you. Everyone's coming. There are 4 of you in total)

(so one of them drove the truck?)

(that would mean one of them drove the truck, yes)

1

"Alright we'll head up then. If enough patrols got up there to be destroyed we should be fine, but I still want to meditate on it first." Tasephus coiled around himself and let his consciousness drift into the surrounding nature trying to see what he could learn about it. (The Whispering Wind, how does committing effort for the scene work in this instance?)

(Well, first of all what does it do? )

7:02 AM

(Effort for the scene would essentially be the duration of the quest, unless we camp or end up spending more than a few hours here)

1

(the psychic has learned to hone a sixth sense and has become one with nature and through its metapsionic energies can feel the natural world. Commit Effort for the scene to learn about an area with a stable biosphere. A single feeling, described by a few words or a short sentence, can be deciphered from the flow of nature's energies giving the psychic a clue as to dangers, rewards or other things that lay nearby. You also learn what plants are edible and which are not as well as their uses.)

There are few plants in the area, as little is able to find enough purchase to thrive on the rough mountain peaks. The plants you do notice are inedible for Slyth and other humanoids alike. Only the mountain lopes in the area seem to be capable of eating them. The area is quiet this close to the ground. Animals stay away from the camp, likely smelling the mass graves and the blood long seeped into the ground from the liquidated prisoners here, as the Remnant pulled out.

"We should be safe here, but I can't tell anything yet, we will have to venture deeper to the mountains." Tasephus opened his eyes. "Have you all readied yourselves? I might leave some of my extra gear with the truck unless any of you need it."

(your NPC's are assumed to have enough of what they need to accomplish the general mission parameters, the only thing we would need to worry about is what you two have)

(Yeah I'm mainly messing around with weight so leaving the old rifle and two handed axe at the truck and taking the space mace, currently one handed, shield and combat rifle. I have stuff like rope and rations, but I don't know if you wanted a full list?)

(Just make sure the right things are stowed/readied on your sheet. Anything left in the truck you can set to other)

1

(I will, I won't change anything until I get back to the ship. Like I realized I should have probably brought my climbing harness lol.)

(I also have a small pool of rations, and my initial cyberware selection lets me run counter to the claim that humanoids can't eat the plants unless they're outright poisonous, though I'm sure that it still doesn't make it feel any more edible than it ordinarily should be. Also I'll be a bit slow today for celebratory reasons, and I apologize for that)

(That's fine. I know I'm not exactly fast with all the stuff I've got going on, so I don't want you to feel left behind. You've been really awesome about it.)

(

)

Elena double-checks her supplies. "I should be, unless I should grab something besides my own things?"

Tasephus put his axe and bolt action rifle into the truck bed. "Well let's head out then. Find the lair of these fire breathing dragons." Tasephus laughed and headed into the mountains.

Elena shoulders her bag and smiles. "Let's!" She follows him, the first few paces quick enough to fall into step.

(just to kick us off, lets get a survive/wis)

(Each or just one?)

(we can do each in this case)

(Just wanted to check before I goofed)

10:30 AM

(4)

(Normally it's party's best attempt but in this case i could see one person picking up a trail while the others don't and we just go off the best result)

10:31 AM

(A wide search like this is a little more apt rather than all of you trying to hack the same computer or fix the same piece of machinery all at once)

1

(10)

Tase , well versed in tracking and hunting is able to find some scorched grass and some deep tri-toed prints set deep into the mud of the path. For now the prints seem to follow the winding road upward, before vanishing into a corpse of scraggly trees clinging to life on the mountainside

Tase points the tracks and scorch marks out to the others. "I'll go on a little ahead and try to contact one as soon as I see it. Try not to get to close in case they attack on sight. If things go bad don't hesitate to do what you need to to keep yourself alive. Try not to kill one of them right off if at all possible, and keep an eye out it seems like they enjoy hiding in the trees that could turn dangerous very quick if they use their fire breath in there." He turned back to the tracks and started slithering onward and upward.

Elena nods. "Understood." Elena circles a bit, staying far enough back to stay out of immediate range, but close enough to respond to any needed urgency. She looks to the others occasionally, with most of the attention being directed towards the indicated trees.

There is a low rumble in the ground, and you can feel the air get steadily warmer as you approach toward the center of the grove. there is a smell of cinders in the air, and some of the ground shows signs of being scorched. Ahead, there is a glow of embers, something recently set aflame, though from here it is difficult to see what it is

Tasephus holds out a hand. "They're close, but I don't see any of them. This isn't ideal, I'd hoped to communicate from a safe distance find out what we could and deal with the problem accordingly. You can stay here, or come with me, If you think you can hold off and not be afraid, there is no shame in remaining." He nodded to them then started to slither toward the freshly burning area of the grove.

Three bodies lie in the middle of a small depression in the ground. They are wearing scraps of civil defense uniforms, and blackened bone sticks out from the remaining cloth. Fused rifles are within reach of skeletal fingers

(I'll wait to look around and things for a response from Elena, it's fine if they want to stay back, but I don't want to get too far ahead, no rush.)

Elena follows at a slight distance, briefly looking at the bodies and grimacing. "I'll be close." She focuses on her footing, making sure to avoid stepping on any remains or loose rocks that might make noise.

Tasephus looked down at the remains. "Well nothing usable left, I might have to look into the brush, you think we should try to bait out some of their fire with rope or something, or should we try and sneak a look of them and talk that way?" Tasephus gestured down at his large form. "I'm not always the best at sneaking, and I'm the one who has to see them."

"I have a large, colorful tarp, if you want something that may draw their attention. And I'm not the best at sneaking up on anybody, I don't suspect it will extend to the creatures you seek, unless they're naturally lax."

"Hmm alright, we might not want to risk panicking them too much though. Have it ready in case the sneaking doesn't work though." Tasephus put away his rifle and took the rope in two of his hands tying it into a bit of a lasso it was odd to see the high tech rope tied like that, but it seemed like it would work, he swung it experimentally still hefting his mace, and his shield braced in his lower hands. Once he was sure it was tied securely he slithered into the bushes as stealthily as he could to try and catch a glimpse of the dragonlike creatures.

Elena liberates the tarp, moving it to the top of her pack, easily accessible if need be. She watches Tasephus for a moment, then braced for if she were called.

The creatures aren’t here but the burned patrol is evidence of their passing. The embers are still warm and glowing, making it recent.

Tasephus looked around trying to pick up more lizard tracks, or something that would tell which way they'd gone.

Elena makes her way up after a few moments, also looking around.

The lizards have left the path, and must have ascended up a steep mountainside , their feet specially adapted to allow them to climb. You get a glimpse of one at the top of a cliff 100m up before it wanders away from the ledge, further into the mountain

"We'll have to find a way to circle around I think. That cliff looks too sheer for us, but take not of it." Tasephus pointed to the cliff face then started to climb up.

Elena walks up to the cliff, appraising it, getting ready for the climb.

7:38 AM

(Can the Ghost Tech focus produce a climbing harness or equivalent?)

(Yes it can)

(Woah, fast response - 1/1 items that can be maintained as ghost tech) Elena twists the abundant shadows of of Aslief, with a moment of concentration, producing climbing gear and following. (edited)

(Did we need to make a roll or anything or is this still easily hikeable?)

(The climbing harness makes the roll unnecessary )

(Would I still need to make one? I didn't have a harness. Or didn't have mine on the stuff I brought.)

(Once at the top a rope or grapnel could be produced to eliminate most of the difficulty, unless that's too taxing or the distance too far)

(The harness doesn’t go away until Elena wants it to so you both could use it)

8:20 AM

(I’m assuming she’s not planning to throw you off the cliff)

(Trying to help, so we'll make it up, even if it involves a bit of ic wait and communication to get there)

(ah gotcha. Sorry for being so particular, but I didn't want you to think I was fudging something neko right after saying I wouldn't with gear things.)

(I'd rather have an aside to confirm things than assume, it's fine)

After climbing up the mountain Tasephus hands the harness back to Elena. "You're more full of surprises than I thought. Is there anything else you can do that I should know about?"

"I'm afraid that was the only real secret... I said I don't hold biases against psychics. It was also because it'd be hypocritical to." She smiles nervously as she lets the artificial equipment dissolve back into nothingness. "Also because my skills regarding this matter are... fledgling, perhaps, is the best term. Not untrained, but not properly tested."

Tasephus looked her over. "Hmm have you ever gone to the academy? You said you were from Gundrun, yes?"

(I didn't get a notification, sorry) "No, and yes, in that order. Why?"

"I was thinking of looking into things there maybe. See all of the psychics and mages? Once we finish up with this group of lizards. I wonder if they would make good mounts, though it's hard to find things able to carry me sometimes."

"Hmm... That sounds like an interesting opportunity. And considering how temperamental they appear to be based on the... remains of the people we found, I'd say that they probably need a bit of training first. Otherwise I can only imagine the inherent difficulty."

(they're like modern day kimodo dragon sized. maybe 1.5x that, so not huge)

5:04 PM

At the top of the peak, there is another singed trail of burned luminescent fungus and small trees. Three of the creatures are munching on a downed trunk, either on the wood itself or the countless insects and grubs that must be making the fallen timber into a home

Tasephus concentrates on them extending his will to some of the creatures holding a hand up to Elena and the other volunteers, and a finger up to his mouth.

"What do you all want?" Tasephus sends them several images of himself and various kinds of food, and the group of them happily in the hold of the ship.

5:16 PM

(Tongue of the Beasts Psychic Technique — Gaiapsionics The psychic can commit Effort for the scene to telepathically communicate with a visible nonverbal creature. The communication is limited by the creature’s intelligence and generally consists of images and emotions rather than words. This technique alone does not make a creature any friendlier towards the psychic, nor is a creature compelled to listen to any requests made.)

They want their habitat left alone, and they want lots of fat grubs to eat

2

Tasephus sighed and looked at them.

"Is there another way through." He thought of the way they came and imagined people waking around or traveling through the mountains.  "If they brought grubs, and food would you still attack?"

They do not know another way through as they do not wander far from their territory. They want their space respected, as they can get food any place they go

"What are the limits of your space, show me."

(I don't think they'd have a way to do thaT)

(Ah I thought we could show images back and forth.)

(yeah but they dont really have a way to conceptualize it)

"Tell me then, what's the farthest you go?"

They claim the peaks of the mountains, all the way down to about 200m from the ground. They try not to come down to the base of the mountain often

Tasephus turned to the two volunteers. "You two you know the area, the peaks of the mountain to 200m from the ground, is that doable, why do you get sent to patrol these mountains? Is there something in them? For now it looks like we either promise them that distance or we're fighting them. Likely to one of our deaths, and who knows how many of them there are. I'm fine with either, but I want to know if that's doable first."

"there are incredibly rare and valuable metals in this mountain. Mining them is something the Aslief government has been interested in doing for some time now, as it makes our planet a better trading partner. A lot of the mountains have also not been surveyed extensively from the ground. There could be other important or valuable things in them" (edited)

"Are you all ready for this to get messy then, hopefully they'll at least be appretiative. try to spare some of they young or eggs if you can. Perhaps they could be retrained if they aren't already stubborn or used to living in their habitat. You have any problems with this Elena? I'm open to alternate solutions of if you'd rather leave this to the three of us." Tasephus turned to her as he sent the Lizards happy thoughts of peace and coexistence preparing to open fire.

11:17 AM

(I figured since this took a turn we should wait for Elena's response before going combat?)

1

Elena ponders this for a moment. "A few thoughts that come first to mind: survey from the air, just beyond their reach - it might agitate them, but it's slightly less dangerous; the second is less practical, but more manageable could be reflective seismology, though if there is anything it means we would still need to clear them out..." (edited)

11:46 AM

(The latter is something I nearly studied, it's interesting, if you like minerals and such, but hey...)

"Possibly, but I hadn't planned to stay here overly long, I think they know there are resources they want here, so scouting isn't their largest issue. Clear them out or try to and move on if I wasn't burnt to a crisp. I feel like they'll keep trickling volunteers into this, and that seems like it won't solve anything, and a big offensive will just be more of what I was trying to avoid. I don't mind putting myself at risk. Especially if I might get some of these creatures in my stable."

"What would it take for you to move habitats. The people won't stop coming, and you know they aren't usually as nice as us. They want the habitat, they don't care what happens to you, or your eggs.  Why not move or come with us to new lands, find a new habitat? 
New grubs."

The creatures would move if their nesting grounds are also moved deeper into the mountain range. They are specially adapted for this climate, and would not do well elsewhere

"True, and time is a factor - too long and someone else will just get sent out." Elena turns to look back the way they came from, towards the burnt husks of the people who came here before them. "Confrontation seems unreasonable, and I doubt that these creatures can tolerate being moved most places if they don't descend further than 200 meters from the base as you said..."

"Hmm they said they would move if their nesting grounds are also moved deeper into the mountains." "How many of you are there to be moved?"

the small pack of 3 here, along with their eggs along this stretch

"That's admittedly more than I expected. I wonder what goes into that process, regarding the fact that resource surveys will likely be all over this place."

(yea the creatures are barely comprehendible, theyre just going by instinct, so they probably dont understand the scope of what's planned here either)

(Yeah, I'm going off the few lines between the NPC explorers and Tesephus, and a bit of pragmatism - things rarely go "i want to search this mountain" and stay that far for long) (edited)

(Perfect, I'm trying to keep the flow going without making them these sentient wise lizards)

"Just the three of them, and eggs I thought there would be more, should we offer to protect them while they move you think? I doubt we'd be able to get an egg then though." (edited)

"It would depend on them, and how large clutches are. If there's scores or hundreds they might not be able to tell, but if there's only a dozen they might recognize... It also depends on how they're moving them. Will they let us get close, or just scoop them into their mouths and carry them as gently as they can manage. Things we won't know until we get close enough or... Whatever the process you're using makes clear for you..."

"Alright we will help you move, what do you need?"

The creatures are not really sure how you plan to do it and have no way to conceptualize vehicles or ships despite your mental link. The thoughts are simply far beyond their capabilities

"how many eggs are there?" "They have no clue how they will move them, so we might need to get a cargo lighter in here or something."

"Something that lets them see the eggs sounds a bit safer, a cargo lighter would let that happen. Brings the vessel under potential threat, though, if they panic from the unusual environment or something else unexpected that we can't account for before liftoff."

"Well we couldn't get a truck up here easily with the mountain and all. If they were in a box being lifted it should be alright anyway. I'm assuming there are too many and too heavy for us to just carry them and trek up the mountain with them."

"Maybe. There isn't much known about them, so there's a unique opportunity to document as much as we can to help others understand, and avoid injury from, them."

(its a grav truck, so the terrain wouldnt bother it)

8:07 AM

(if that helps at all, you just cant cross like, an ocean-which isnt a problem up here)

(could we drive it up the mountain though?)

(yes)

8:54 AM

(it ignores terrain)

(Just need to convince the lizard-friends that it isn't going to eat/harm them)

"We will bring a truck, a large metal thing for storing eggs.  It will be loud, but you and your eggs will be safe inside. We will get you where you want to go quickly.  You and your eggs will be safe and free to eat grubs in peace."

"We should bring the truck, we could probably transport them all in the bed and they would be able to see out. Tell us where they want to go. Can one of you get it. I should probably stay with them, then sit with them in the back, keep them calm since I can talk with them. We'll drop them some place without any worth wile deposits, or at least more out of the way for now."

"I can go, since I can descend more conveniently." Elena offers, still watching the creatures from where the group is.

"Can you drive a truck though? I wouldn't want you to run into trouble."

(Would getting it up here even be difficult enough to warrant a check?) (edited)

(you're not trained at all in driving if you have anything less than a 0, so we would need a check. Essentially you'd be hopping in a car never having driven before. 0 negates a lot of the checks you'd need to operate something under normal conditions. the two NPC's both have pilot 0, if you do not)

(Fair enough, I suppose)

10:46 AM

"Not really, though I can't part with the equipment I can produce, so I'll need need to descend either way."

"We could all descend and drive back, that's fine too, then I or the volunteer could drive. Perhaps it'd be best if we stayed together then." "We will go and bring the armored egg carrier then come to bring you to a safer nesting ground."

The creatures understand but have nothing further to add for now

Tasephus nods to Elena. "Would you mind helping me down again, the drive should be mostly uneventful I think, but I'd appreciate having the harness to use."

"Of course, it wouldn't be any issue." She begins fashioning the equipment again, small, dexterous movements that seem to describe the shape the shadow-stuff takes.

Getting down the mountain is not difficult, as you've plotting an effective course up, and Elena is capable of making any safety gear your pack list lacked. True night is falling, the dark sky somehow even darker, by time you make it to the base, and there is a great amount of fatigue in all of you from the difficult physical exertion.

"We should rest here and ascend in the morning. We did a good days work, and flying up there to pick up the eggs snd truck them all into the mountains shouldn't be too hard. Elena do you thjnk you could make a survey scanner? We might be able to use that to find a place, yiu two call into hq see if they know of anywhere, snd tell them we're alive snd got it solved, but it will take another day, so they don't send anyone else, no need to get things agitated or someone else get killed." (edited)

(3xp, 5000 credits, before we move on)

3:31 PM

(we at least know what we need to do now)

"I can, yes, though I do need to retain focus on it as long as we would be using it. What I am unsure of is whether or not I can transfer the data to another device readily or if doing so would be a manual process." She produces the device after a long moment. "Though I will say that as late as it is, it's a task for later, unless you're looking for something specific and immediate?"

"It can wait until tomorrow, you definitely did well though. We should probably sleep in the truck just in case." Tasephus slithered into the cab and coiled up on himself trying to get comfortable. (I'm going to level up just wanted you to know in case you see a bunch of numbers and stuff. I don't know if you got enough xp to do it, but usually we just post the difference hp and foci and anything that changes into our channel in brackets. I'm sure if you have any issues everyone will walk you through it.)

(I was uncertain what I should document, actually, and was going to ask at the scene's end. I'm just level 1 - unless the xp chart's different than base book's I'm pretty sure that's a level)

(Yeah for that you can hop back to your own channel, I think that's how Neko prefers them done? Then you do all the good stuff, foci hp, skills and whatever else changes like attack bonus and all depending on class and foci chosen.)

(Makes sense, I'll start it up, but won't commit it to my sheet until confirmed yea or nay)

(It’s a level Elena )

2

(hp 15 to 36 ac 13 to 14 from shield and new ability Natural Armaments Level-1 When wielding a bow or primitive melee weapon you get a bonus to damage equal to your discipline skill level. This stacks with foci that add shoot or stab damage but the weapon is still ineffective against power armor. When wielding a shield you receive a bonus to AC equal to one half of your discipline level rounded up. Meta psionics from -1 to 0 core trait level 0 acquired Core Technique- Psychic Refinement The metapsion gains improved mastery over their own powers and an innate sensitivity to the use of psionic abilities in their presence. Level-0: The adept can visually and audibly detect the use of psychic powers. If both the source and target are visible to the metapsion, they can tell who’s using the power, even if it’s normally imperceptible. They gain a +2 bonus on any saving throw versus a psionic power. 4 points saved allotted to Gai Psi from second level Psychic Training)

(I'll be out in about 6 hours for around 3ish to 4 ish hours)

(alright, I tihnk we're caught up, aside from the question about unique gift elena was asking)

2

8:18 AM

What passes for day dawns after several hours of rest. Everyone complains of sore muscles, but they are alive to feel them in a place where most others died long before this point. The truck is prepared, and the helpers have spread their bedrolls along the bed to provide some cushion

Tasephus uncoils and starts the drive back up the mountain. "Well let's hope the lizards are as happy to be moved today."

Elena is bleary but awake, slowly working on creating the scanner. She yawns, covering her mouth, as the last pieces fall into being and place. "Fingers crossed. What did you want me searching for, I'll get this tuned in while we're still in relatively safety."

"Hmm well we want to find a plwce without any useful deposits if possible, or the least amount or things not worth digging out failing that. Some place they'll be ssfe from greed at least for a while."

(I'll be out for about three or four hours, though there might be wifi where we're at, so maybe sooner)

(We got wifi)

9:42 AM

"Alright. I'll see what I can do with..." She begins feeding in parameters, quietly humming while she works.

"If I may ask, why did you come to Aslief? I'm curious, but don't want to pry if it's a personal matter or something."

"You aren't, nothing special, just an interesting stopover, and I wanted to help if I could. No grand plan, and the little dragons seemed interesting, what about you?" (edited)

"Originally it was to help. Maybe learn something. After I got here, I found a group, learned I had an aptitude for magic, and began learning from them... It's been an interesting time, to say the least, but I'm glad I came overall. My only real complaint is the one most people who like to study and learn have: that it's brought me more things to seek, more questions, than it has answers."

"As long as you're willing to learn, maybe you could find some answers with me. Psychic gifts and Mahmoud have more in common than people know, the energies of the cosmos all come from the same place, and I intend to try and find some answers, maybe have some adventures and msje some friends along the way. Learn enough I can teach others."

"I'd be willing to learn, and I am curious about all the varieties MES takes, I just wanted to explore where my own talents lie first. Take, for example, my blade. It's made and maintained with magic, albeit it very slight amounts. Could similar theories be applied to other things? That's a question that I seek to answer, among other things. But Aslief needs attention first. You saw the people fishing, surely you've heard the stories of hardship." She sighs, clearly thinking about something.

"Yes, but often such problems can't be solved so easily. Perhaps once we solve this issue we could help with that. Maybe find some plants that grow here. I'm good with plants snd animals. One problem at a time though, and every planet has problems. Or I have a ship bringing in food should not be too hard. I dont know how much it would cost to do on a helpful scale, but gundrun is the seat of your government, right. Maybe someone there or here could pay us to deliver it once they know it is needed."

"No, remedying the wounds of a world ravaged so in the way it was... It's a tall task and will take much time and effort. And yes, it is, they promised help, another small part of my reason to be here, though I hadn't entertained the idea it would lead to grand change. Understanding and to reach out, touch some lives. Those are my goals."

"Well filling a few bellies might not be a grand change, but it seems like a good one."

(am good whenever, dont want to cut anything off)

(I'm good was just talking while driving grav truck we got lizarda to drive lol.)

(Yeah, I'm also good)

The grav vehicle easily makes it back to the clearing where you had found the lizards and their nests, and they have remained- giving you time to complete your trip back. The ground is still steaming, and smoky,

(committing effort for the scene again to talk with them.) "You all might want to move to the cab, if you can drive again, and Elena gets on the scanner I'll stay with them in the back, try and keep the ride as smooth as possible between the lot of us." Tasephus nodded to his team then slithered out of the cab and went to approach the Lizards.

"Are you ready to move? This is the floating cave I mentioned.  We will take you and your eggs to a safe place.  I will stay with you until we are there, then you can see if it's good, and the people won't bother you anymore and you won't bother them?"

Elena nods towards the device. "Already ready. Just waiting to see if we can get the tortanadons aboard before I fuss with it too much. I've already dialed in the parameters you mentioned earlier, so it's more a matter of actually getting data while we move."

Without passing through the territory itself, its unclear if anything more valuable is deeper in the mountains, but the creatures do not need to be convinced to get onto the truck with their eggs. Tase is kind to them, and gently goads them on with his psychic touch. THe creatures are simple in nature, and cannot swear pacts as Tase is trying to get them to do- but they do not hunt anything larger than bugs, and have thus far only tried to keep things out of their nesting grounds

Tasephus follows them in giving a thumbs up to the others and trying to keep them calm through the ride and make sure none of their eggs break, but taking a count.

Elena quietly logs data as the truck goes. "A lot of the same, as far as I can tell so far. A more detailed pass would probably be beneficial, but for now there's nothing jumping out at me."

(shoot me a d10 when you have a second Elena)

(It's a 1)

The scanners remain empty as you move the creatures closer to the inland region of the mountains. it seems that this close to the poles, the concentration of minerals and other useful natural resources is lower, and not enough to register. There are many trees here , and many places where the creatures would nest and find refuge. This seems to be far enoguh away

"It's very sparse here regarding mineral composition. Nothing particularly interesting, besides the view itself, what limited amount I can see..." Elena ponders this a moment before continuing. "We draw close to the poles, which also makes for some measures to be a bit more finicky, especially charting exact position."

"Hmm good, we can let them live here without too much risk of them being found or people coming after them if there isn't anything here likely. At least they'll be out of the way for a while. Hopefully less volunteer and patrol deaths." "We've found a place you should be safe. Is there anything else you need us to do?"

This seems to conclude the matter as the lizards take their eggs and begins moving into the new hunting grounds here on the high peaks

(About how many eggs did they have?)

(10)

(thanks)

(sorry if I don't post for a bit I'm kind of taking a break for rp stuff to play video games for at least a few hours, but I'll be back tomorrow if not sooner.)

2

(sounds good, my brother comes home in a few hours so i might be slow too)

2:07 PM

(but the mission here is effectively done, if Elena wants to break off we can)

Tasephus smiled as the lizards walked out and started to explore their new home. "Well, that's that done. Do you know what you'll do when we get back? We should probably head back and report in about the lizards."

"Perhaps a bit of study or training before continuing to find small ways to help around this area. There's a variety of ways to help, and more than enough places to invest time and/or credits into to help even a few lives." She begins copying the survey data to her commpad as she talks, hands busy with small things to do. "And did you want a copy of the survey data before we parted ways?"

(Would've answered earlier, but my notifications didn't go off and I just got free about ten minutes ago)

"That's alright, you can pass it to command. Maybe I'll check back on the return trip. But I think my road leads to Gundrun. You ready to head back?"

"I believe so." (edited)

Tasephus crawled back into the bed of the truck and banged on it. "Alright take us back to hq I can catch a ride to the platform from there."

2

The truck leaves the mountain and lizards behind, heading back to the city, where transport to anywhere else can be found

Tasephus calls transport back to the orbital lifters then extends a hand to Elena. "It was good to meet you. Seeing people like you gives me hope for people, and makes me think they deserve to choose their own fates."

Elena smiles, taking his hang and shaking it. "I'm glad I could give you hope. I know it's a rather small chance, but perhaps we'll see each other again another time. You've taught me a lesson or two, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my hearts."

Tasephus nodded and let Elena's hand go. "Yes I hope so as well. If you're ever on Laria 3 you should look for the watering hole. I wish you luck here, but I think I must be off, still have to get to Gundrun and decide where to go from there."

"I'll keep my eyes open if I head out that way."

"Sounds good to me, I'll keep you in mind if I get the capital to start a lab." Tasephus grabbed his gear from the truck and headed to his hailed transport.

(Elena, we can move to your thread then if you want something new to do. Or you're welcome to travel with Tase. 100000% up to you)

(I think I'll split off and explore Aslief some more)

1

Tasephus got off of the transport and found himself a lifter to take him back up to the orbital station. "I wonder what Gethed, Fivel, Stew, and Blinky got up to while I was gone." He mused to himself.

It’s only been a couple days and you come to find they’ve done nothing at all but wait for you to return home

Tasephus greets them upon returning patting Blinky, Fivel and stew and summoning some psychic berries for the four of them. "Sorry I was gone so long, but hopefully we can get things back on track getting to Gundrun. I hope you weren't too bored entertaining yourselves?" He popped one of the remaining psychic berries into his mouth and bit down on it letting the energy fuel his body. (had to commit 3 effort since I rolled two ones and a 3 lol. I wasn't sure if lizard talking would carry over or not or if I'd have to spend an effort to talk to them as well? I'm fine either way.) (edited)

(It won’t matter in a line or two when you jump to the next system anyway )

(ah, right lol. Well I just wanted the animals to be happy.)

(Off to Gudrun then?)

(Yes)

(3 days of downtime north to Gudrun)

(12/90 pilot?)

)if that’s still what you’re working on)

(Yeah since it's one at a time.)

Arriving at Gudrun you see a busy local space with the Trivedi cloud platform watching over the planet. A second smaller platform of a lesser class keeps orbit around the moon handling overflow traffic and serving the small settlement on its forested surface

"So what are you going to do Gethed? Stay with the animals again? I have some leads here. I've heard of a man i should talk to about booze. The Barron. Also i might look into the psychic academies, and any interesting wild life. Was there anything I could do for you here? You've been a most loyal and capable companion."

“I suppose I’ll stay here and keep watching the animals. They shouldn’t be left by themselves and they won’t want off world life on the surface”

"You sure you don't want something, I feel bad just leaving you all here while I go explore? Well, at least I know you appreciate it. If you want some time on any of the planets for yourself just tell me alright? I swear I didn't think everyone would be so uptight about animals roaming around."

“The potential collapse of a biosphere because a non native pest species came in from offworld is a big deal, and it’s for your protection too. You don’t want to have your name affiliated with that

6:43 AM

(Habitable worlds are hard to find too, and many were ruined because of all the wars, so losing one this way is also bad)

"Possibly if we'd brought the whole herd I would agree with that, but I doubt three animals would collapse an eco system, if that's how fragile it is, seems like it was on the way out already." Tasephus held his hands up. "I won't fight you or the bureaucrats though. Especially while you're doing me a favor. I'll try to bring back something interesting for you, and if you think of anything just call me." Tasephus gave her a smile and headed out to look around and maybe find some transportation down to the surface.

(Same deal here, Triviedi cloud can do it for you)

Tasephus found transport taking him down to the old capital.

(I think proceus was trying to team up with you)

9:16 PM

(For what I don’t know)

(I think they just thought it would be fun since we were both doing stuff with the baron and possibly animals and the psychic academy, is that alright?)

(Yeah)

1

(Cool I figured I'd head to the spirit, or Baron's bar since that's both where they were and supposed to be the main reason Tasephus is on the trip lol.)

(level 5 to 6 hp 36 to 37, Gai psi 2 to 3 level 3 techniques bought predator's instinct and synthesis. I think that's it since I'm mainly pumping up gai psi. Sorry for all of the questions in help. Just I wanted to know if stuff was possible before I went too far off the deep end with it. I know there are some limitations like you need to be in a forest for synthesis and meta flora for it to be really effective.)

5:06 AM

(ah also ab from 2 to 3 for lvl 6)

(Strong work, so we've returned to civilization and can move on to anything, your new gear in hand)

(Yay. I'm thinking of checking out the academy maybe, before venturing out again and messing with new powers.)

(okay the stuff is wrapped up with Procy so I'll go back to posting here.) Lacking transportation again Tasephus looked for some kind of transport to take him to the psychic academy figuring they might be able to answer some of his questions.

The academy is able to get you transported back to Central, and the branch they have there, before you're let off and able to move about the city.

Tasephus attempts to head into the academy, looking around the buildings before making his way inside.

Crane is sitting behind the desk with a dark bird in a cage with the door opening hanging on a crook behind her work station. She looks up as you enter, your muscular and tall form filling most of the doorway , making you quite hard to miss noticing

(spending an effort to talk to the crow as well.) "Ah yes hello miss. I uh I would like to explore the academy perhaps see what you all have to offer, and maybe if I could use this place as a base of operations mounting an expedition to find my own companion." Tasephus gestured to the crow behind her. "Perhaps you understand? Also would you mind if I talked with your crow friend? Ah sorry I am Tasephus. I'm visiting here, and wanted to inquire since I've sort of been learning about my powers on my own, I miss having a sense of psychic community even it's a bit far away so wanted to touch base." Tasephus looked an odd sight worrying at his shoulder large shield and sword in hand.

"Hello there Slyth friend, well you've come to the right place if you're looking for psychic community and the like. "

"That's good, so what kinds of things do you do here?"

"We do the things a normal psychic academy would do, less refined than our before scream days of course, but youre asking an incredibly general question"

"Sorry, though that does help. Would I be able to stay here for a bit?" Tasephus looked at the crow. "Maybe you can help, do you like meta berries? Who is the most important person here." Tasephus sent the crow an image of it being fed a meta berry.

Crane wrinkles her face "Please leave Corvus alone. I'm more than capable of helping you"

"Sorry I was just trying to speak with them. It's easier for me to connect with animals than people sometimes, though I haven't had much luck with either lately, and I guess it shows." Tasephus scratched the back of his neck. "Hopefully I haven't made too much of an ass of myself. I'm just not sure what I would do here, perhaps it was a mistake to come? I coulda always just make a house in the forest or something or check with my second idea. I'm sorry if I wasted your time or disrupted your day." Tasephus started to slither towards the exit. (edited)

“You can stay, im just unsure of what you’re asking me. You came in wanting to know if you can stay, and that you’re a psychic, and we got...here”

"Well I am a psychic, and I don't know what I'd do, I've never been here before. I just wanted to use my talents to help people and make money. I thought maybe I could do something here or something with plants. I heard there was one person on Gundrun who made a whole fortune selling plants. I never really had to worry about it before."

"ah you're speaking of Dank Crew. Herb does not venture out from his compound much anymore, and hes; not affiliated with the academy, but if you're interested in working with plants he is probably a better resource than our own biopsions"

"Well I could feel my own gift expanding a bit, and when I saw you with a crow I'd hoped you were bonded with it. I've seen it and been told about it, but just never found an animal I'd want to hold over others. I like being friends to them all, same as plants. I didn't want to risk getting that close to something that would just die like my animals before the freezing again. How did you meet Corvus anyway?"

"in the wilderness near Port Neiu Rotterdam, shortly after Silvano convinced us first psychics to come out of hiding and re-join society under his protection"

8:26 AM

"We didn't understand Gaiascopics then, and Mr. Mazzio departed before we ever got a chance to firmly explore it, but I am happy that Headmaster Fate was able to complete the work and help me understand byself

"Ah, we didn't know much, just that I was good with plants and animals at first really. If you are like me, you know why I have to run down even tenuous leads on animals that could be my companion. Have you ever been to the grass seas yourself?"

"Just once, ove a year ago now, closer to two maybe, but my duties keep me here now where I am far more useful

"You don't miss it getting out into nature?"

“I do miss it but if I get killed out there Headmaster fate is going to have nobody keeping the running’s of the UNW branch of the academy in order”

"Well you don't ever go out to the woods or park or things like that. I understand somewhere that dangerous might not be ideal, or send out corvus to see it through him? Do you have a garden here?"

"We had plans to start one on the roof, but we never were able to get the materials. "

"Hmm maybe I could see about getting you somethjng from this dank herb?"

“You would be welcome to try. The time it would take for me to get out there and do whatever passes for negotiations . I just can’t justify it”

"Hmm could you get me an introduction or something. I'm happy to take it from there, just I'm sort of new here and need a way to get my foot or ah tail in the door as it were."

"Of course, I would be pleased to do so. You said you were going to be staying here, otherwise?"

"Yes I think so. I would like to see the space, get a feel for the energy so I can better pick out the plants, if that's alright?"

You’re given a data card for roof access and she has nothing else to say right now

Tasephus bows and rights himself then holds out a hand. "I hope to make a rooftop sanctuary worthy of you and corvus, do you teach any classes here?"

"I am strictly admin right now. Dr. Ahn teaches most of the classes but is spending a few days out west visiting her partner"

"Ah, well nice to meet you." Tasephus waved then looked around for some stairs or roof access.

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/nova-academy-article

Nova Academy

3:04 PM

(the cover image is the floor plan)

Tasephus slithers up the stairs and looks over the roof trying to get a gauge for how much area he'd be working with, and what is set up already.

Nothing has been set up here in this L shaped area. It was kept clear for training reasons but you can tell by the complete lack of wear on the stonework that it was never used for those purposes.

Tasephus starts to measure out areas and finds a spot in the middle to coil up and meditate on things. See if there are any animals here besides Corvus. (the whispering wind)

There are none on facility grounds as the academy has a functioning roachpopper system. Moths, vermin and other pests could harm the artifacts and paper bound books kept here

Tasephus nods and takes out his compad trying to arrange transportation to the dank crew compound.

You've been given permission to travel via train, on the academy dime from Central, out to Prime, and then north to the Dank Crew compound also accessible by rails

7:28 AM

It's expected to be a two to three day overland trip, and the train is equipped with dining and sleeper cars

Tasephus smiles to himself ready for a few days of relaxing train ride where the biggest danger is some odd looks.

(I didnt have any danger for the train ride, the incidents on the rails thing has sort of been played out,but we can apply some downtime here toward whatever you might be working on)

(Pilot? You can only one at a time right? I think it'd be pilot 12 to 14?)

(you can diversify what you're working on but most people don't because it dilutes your progress, but we can say you're playing flight sim video games on the train or something for a few days)

9:40 AM

(12 to 15)

(How long is it for languages again?)

(30 days , a skill is 90)

(Could I do 3/30 taros observing and talking to peopleon the train?)

(sure, so 12 pilot since it isnt moving, and 3/30 taros would be how the skill spread ends up )

(yup.) Tasephus watches some people on the train and gets someone who feels guilty for staring at him to teach him a few words in Taros. He tries some of the local spirits that he bought while on the train evaluates the local cuisine. The scenic area between the large cities seems interesting to him, but he can't think a plan for it yet.

The train arrives in the desert, and you see the large Dank Crew compound with its three grow towers, massive spineback pen with large lake for them to bask, and the tower Herb lives in himself, a constant party always going on here. There are ruins of a ground based manufacturing plant on the property- fallen not to violence, but the intentional mothballing and shuttering of an unprofitable component of the company.

Tasephus makes his way to the spineback pens looking over some of the animals trying to see what condition they're in and their temperment. (edited)

They are being treated well and seem calm

Tasephus nodded to himself and pressed on towards the party tower. "Well time to make an impression I guess?" He looked around the front entrance to see how hard it would be to get in.

The guards down here seem to be here to keep those who wish harm on the tower inhabitants out but you do see them admitting guests after a simple weapon scan

Tasephus looks to them then looks at his giant sword and shield and thinks of the things he has in his pack, and chuckles as he approaches the check point looking down at the security.

"Hello there sir, your name please?"

" Hello, Tasephus Kaa."

"You're on the list. Good for you. Do you have weapons on you, aside from the obvious. You'll need to check them of course"

Tasephus nods and takes out a large shovel, his combat rifle, space mace, small knife, stun prod, and a telescoping pole handing them all over with the large two handed sword and shield. "I think that should be everything."

There is a simple scan that does not reveal anything else. "We will ensure these are taken care of properly for you." You are handed a silk robe meant to go on as an over-coat, black and emblazoned with hemp leaves. You are also handed a keycard for the elevator. "Please enjoy the party tower, and your stay here Mr. Kaa. The robe is yours to keep as a memento of your time here"

Tasephus takes the robe and puts it on over his clothes nodding to the guards. "Thank you, have a good day." He slithers past looking for a place to use his key card taking note of the other guests.

You're alone in the elevator, as the other guests have been sent up to other floors.

Tasephus wonders how many floors to the party. "Hmm it's a good thing that I'm going to the top right?" He runs his hands over the robe. "I wonder if everyone gets one of these?"

The top floor is party central, and as the door opens you see that everyone is given a robe, but some have chosen not to wear it, or much of anything else as you enter the party room. Herb sits on a high backed chair, the backboard of it carved into something resembling a massive hemp leaf. He stands, shakily at first before kicking a cane into his hand like the ancient Gene Wilder and his Chocolate Factory film. With a click of his heels he descends the two stairs from the chair to the party floor, and makes his way over to you. "Ah you must be the Slyth that Crane at the Academy told me about. Pleased to meet you. Tell me, before we discuss business, do you partake?"

"Depends on in what. I've been frozen for a while, how many Slyph things have you tried?"

"Not many, not many are just floating around for me to sample man. You know" he says, taking a small single use vaporizer from a passing silver tray

Tasephus shrugs. "I mean I should sample the product if I'm going to try to work with you right?"

He laughs and claps you heartily on the arm. "THat's the attitude friend! Yes! Please, have whatever you want, it is always on the house

"Good thing you have vaporizers. I don't handle smoke so well, hmm is this more powerful or mellow high? You wouldn't like me when I get paranoid. Luckily they took my giant sword at the door though." Tasephus laughs and takes his own vaporizer off of the tray and toasts with Herb before putting it to his mouth and inhaling deeply.

"So you said you're interested in some business. I'm going to level with you, I'm not going to supply the raw material for a rival grow outfit, so if you're here about seed or clones.....you don't need to leave the party, but we're not gonna do business my snake brother"

3:25 PM

"If you came about something else, I'm all ears"

Tasephus exhaled slowly after he'd let the vapor wash over him his face was calm and he blinked slowly shrugging his arms in tandem. "Hmm well that's too bad. I came to see about getting stuff to grow a garden on the roof of the academy, I was told you were the expert on plants that kind or otherwise. I saw how well you take care of your animals. I'm not interested in stealing your plants. I just thought I could help you out, spread calming natural product to the cosmos maybe, or take some extra product off your hands while I'm making the beer run for my living bar, plus I heard you threw pretty great parties." He took another deep puff off of the vaporizer.

"Alright, so you're not looking to grow so much as distribute, well there I might be able to help you. As far as a garden, as long as you're not planning on growing any of my product, I can furnish you with some other plants that might take to the climate back near Central"

"What about the houses here do you ever need any help, what about new strains? Yeah just regular plants. Hoping to give Crane and the other gai psi's a bit of a taste of nature at home you know since people are stuck there."

"Houses? I don't follow you friend"

"I was thinking more planter boxes on a roof than green house, but I guess that or a full park type thing could work too. You know spruce up the empty roof of the academy." Tasephus made tree motions with his hands. (edited)

He thinks for a few minutes. “Alright. I can do something with that. For now enjoy the party. I’ll talk to my chief plant noodlers and we will see what we can come up with

"Alright, hmm just tell me if you want to try something really interesting. I might have to get it out of some of your plants, but it's supposed to be really nice, or do you just vape? I don't want to offend you by offering harder chems if you're not into that stuff."

“I got something you might really like. Ever heard of Trance before?”

"No, what does it do? I'll try anything at least once."

“A drink of this will bring you back to your most pleasant memories, letting you relive them just as you were there, feeling those feelings just as intently all over again. The operation to make the stuff got shut down by the marshals a couple years ago when the UNW was still just Greenbriar. The brewers were using the proceeds to finance anti human terrorism and frankly the amount of people using the stuff as an escape was turning Vapormills into the scene of a 27th century opioid epidemic. I’m offering it to you tonight because once it’s gone this is it. There is no more , and there’s no chance to be hurt by it”

"Hmm you trust me not to try and steal it make some more or something?" Tasephus looks at Herb seriously before breaking into laughter and waving him off. "Ah sounds too good to try to wait for all of that, and I'm curious if it'll effect me any different since I'm psychic."

"Only one way to find out" he says, pouring both of you a generous measure of the peach colored liquid

Tasephus nods and takes it downing the liquid in one go.

(Not sure what Tase would consider his happiest memory but we can sure RP explore what that might be , if you feel like taking us through it)

(Sure.)

Tasephus looked around himself he was no longer in Herb's party tower or wearing that robe, but another. It was part of his time among the brothers of the Serpent, before his fall to disgrace. Today was the day of the prophecy. Tasephus felt a sense like everything was right upon waking, he cleansed himself with sacred oils and scented waters then donned his ceremonial robe. Today he would be taken into the ascendant’s chamber, as one of the order’s few psychics he had been chosen for training. He could feel it, he had a unique gift and connection with the world and the gift, could see things others didn’t, this proved that it wasn’t all just words. When he arrived the doors were opened for him by two brothers wearing blindfolds. They nodded to him as he went inside, things were prepared. The elder waited for him. Their mask concealing their identity and voice still. It had been a harsh road up to this moment leaving many things behind, but in this moment it all felt worth it. Then something happened. Tasephus felt something pour through him, still the most pure channeling of mes energy he had felt, that being one with things was something he’d chased ever since. He didn’t know what he said but nothing was the same after that. He was relegated to being with the animals, the plants a life in the dirt, but he stayed hoping for a bit of the same feeling again. No one saw him the same, Not too long after that the great plague came, the fall of the order, but those weren’t the great moments. He came out of the trance a feeling of overpowering connection going through him. He looked over at Herb, not sure when he’d fell in a coil to the floor. He stretched surging up and shaking the sleep from himself. “Hmm not bad. So, what did you see?”

Herb takes a couple steps back, thinking for a long few minutes to really digest your story "Wow man, You saw all that huh? Good memory on you. I see my home, back before the scream. Big farm with my parents, hiding hemp in the middle of the cornfields, and my dad being more happy about me sharing his love of farming than anger i was growing something illegal.

9:51 AM

'Gave me the best and worst advice I'd ever been given in my whole life that ngiht while we sat having a beer in the cornfield"

"Oh, what advice was that?"

"Eh, not something I really want to think about, you understand. Makes me miss the guy too much. "

"Of course. Our best moments are often tinged with sadness." Tasephus gently patted Herb on the back. "So what's next my illustrious host?"

"Well, for now you enjoy the party. I need to talk to my plant guys and see if we can put something together for your academy friends

Tasephus nodded. "Thanks Herb, I'll make myself at home. Anyone you think I should meet?"

“All kinds of people here. Just make yourself comfy and the party will come to you man”

"Sounds good." Tasephus nodded and looked around for something interesting of a bar.

(What would you be looking for, so I can point you in the right direction)

(Hmm not sure really, let's go with anyone who looks like they don't belong, people on their own first. I have a few more ideas, but I don't want to say them all at once.)

(Connect/cha)

(8)

You see a lone man at the end of the bar. It looks like he’s composing himself to begin making his way to the elevators out

Tasephus walks up and puts a pair of arms around his shoulder. "What's wrong leaving so soon? Tasephus Kaa, nice to meet you."

“Hello Tasephus. Connor Draconis at your service. Pleased to meet you. Nothing wrong. The sorry scene for the last few days was fun but I’m tired of it now. Came to have a few drinks and celebrate the end of the civil war”

"Draconis, civil war, are you one of those knights from Rawhani? You won't believe this but I was reading about the planet not too long ago. The worms, and biome there are very interesting to me as a Gaiapsionicist."

“Kaleb is my brother. I’ve been working for CIS, but a spy with a famous brother isn’t a good spy, I haven’t had much work to do since then”

Tasephus laughs. "I imagine you don't use your real name when you're on the job though. It could be in the right circumstances.. So was it really just drinks that brought you here?"

“CANT change my face though. Not without surgery and no career is worth thst”

"So what are you going to do now? Hmm are you looking for a job? What's your combat experience like?"

"I can handle a gun just fine, and I served with distinction during the Taros unification. I can't tell you what exactly I did, but CIS wouldn't have kept me if i was a bad spy"

"Have you done any exploring? Or what kind of work were you looking for? Something around here?"

He shrugs. “I’ve got to find something. I guess maybe central can hook me up. They owe me. I should think”

"Well if you can't find anything or want a change of pace. I'm going to the grass sea to find one of those giant snakes then going on a beer run to Therezinho. Then back home to the living bar. I wouldn't mind having someone who knows something about Rawhani. I've heard some interesting things around central about the place. Big names come from there, and lots of free real estate needing a rebranding now that the war is over."

"Rawhani, well now, it is the world we're from, and where Kaleb returned. What are you paying?"

"Hmm well payment would be fair but possibly fluctuate. I intend to split money between my crew equally. You would tag along on our adventures, help Gethed or me how you felt comfortable, Or I could give you 20,000 credits now for another job. Casing and possibly heisting a diamond from the museum on Galatea, put a crew together if you need it. Then laying low, I'll meet you at Acropolis. Free ski vacation."

"I could certainly take a look around there for 20,000 and put a report together for you. I'd need about a month to do a good job"

10:38 AM

"Think we can agree on some terms?"

"What kind of terms? I've never hired a spy before. A month seems fine. Oh be careful mentioning other factions. They have a healthy distaste for each other."

(He wants the money in advance and basically just do you agree to pay him it in exchange for scouting)

"Hmm seems good, though I do hope you're being forthright. I might have some opportunities for you afterword if you meet up with me in around a month." Tasephus takes out his compad ready to transfer over the funds.

"You're free to inquire with CIS about me and my employment with them. I don't know what they'll give you" he shrugs

Tasephus shrugs back. "So you're a spy, find anything interesting about anyone around here?" He transferred over the credits.

"Now now, that wasn't part of the job"

Tasephus laughed. "Yeah that's just small talk, hey I trusted you with 20,000 credits and you're heading out I need a lead on who to talk next. You should try one of those little inhalers it'd really help you mellow out a bit."

He laughs a bit "been doing that for days. I'll see you on Galatea, in a month"

2:56 PM

(youve got 3/4 a bottle of trance still too, from Herb)

"Alright see you in a month." Tasephus chuckles waving him off and looking around the party for anyone wearing the Herb jackets.

(the silk jackets?)

(Yeah the ones like he got for free from herb )

Almost everyone up here has chosen to wear one, making your search more for the haystack than the needle in it

Tasephus changes tacks and decided to look for some interesting Taros or piggen, or maybe a shiny fur ape. He looked down at his drink, not taking another sip yet.

The apes have not left Terezinho save one, currently in Delphos meeting the Piggen formally. There is an Ashen One at the bar, drinking heavily and belching a small tongue of flame from a mouth grille (edited)

Tasephus walks over to the ashen one ordering his own drink. "One of whatever let them burp fire please. How did you do that anyway?"

“gas for blood” it winks one of its eyes click shut

Tasephus chuckles. "Is that the name of the drink or do you mean your blood is really gas?" He extends a hand. "Tasephus Kaa, nice to meet you." (edited)

Pleasure he messages back

9:36 AM

My name out loud would just sound like shrieking to you

"It is one of the few languages I haven't learned yet. So what brings you to the party tower?"

I did some contract work for Mr. Rotterdam, fixing the air and water circulation on the grow towers, but everything is in perfect working order again.

"Hmm, you want to try something? A drink that lets you experience your fondest memories. It intrigues me seeing what people think of."

"You're offering that to me? someone you just met? If you're sure. Something like that sounds very expensive

"Well it got offered to me by someone I just met, and I can't even burp fire, Bartender could you get us a fresh cup, don't know how this stuff mixes."

Two clean highball glasses are slid down the bar in your direction, still a bit warm from the dishwasher

Tasephus pours about a third of it into a cup then the rest into the other and pushes the less filled cup to the Ashen one. "So you ready for a weird experience. I hear this is the last of this stuff ever made."

"I'm ready" he laughs, the noise grating since he is using his real mouth and lungs to speak.

2:03 PM

raising it to you in a salute, he downs the liquid in a single draft, and his camera eyes click open wide as what's left of his biology does the rest

Tasephus nods and watches him curious about the moment he's reliving. He waits until he comes out of it. "So where did the drink send you?"

"Its uh...." he sighs.

I saw Alkhali, was havign dinner with my family before our ships were brought down. Just enjoying a meal, and one another, and all our limbs were still flesh. Last time I saw my mom and dad

Tasephus pats him on the back and holds up a hand to the bartender. "Two more of the fire belching drinks." He turns back to the fire belcher. "It's alright fire belcher. I was telling Herb, our best moments are often intermingled with the most sad. It's part of what makes this universe and existing in it so interesting. We have to keep on living and not linger on the sad times, but the pleasant ones ahead. So what will you do next now that your work here is done?"

"I am going to try to find passage back to Tsatsos, and collect my stimulus checks from Governor Rigers. I'm looking forward to a few months plugged into Dabloonscape as a reward for all my hard work"

"Dabloonscape? what is that, sounds interesting."

"Really involved pirate game, just trying to find a way to relax a bit"

"Hmm pirate game? What do you need to play this game?"

"Connection to AO net helps a lot, speeds up reaction times, but in general a strong signal and a good comm server to run it on"

"Hmm what is this AO net? How do you get a hook up?"

“Ashen one like me use it to communicate with one another. Most of us got fitted with it when we were suffering from the decay. Almost none of hs can talk anymore with our normal voices

"Hmm how do I tap into this to play the pirate game?" (edited)

"I just told you what you need a few moments ago friend"

"Ah sorry, I meant how do i get this AO net for myself. Inhaler is hitting me a bit I think." Tasephus blinked a bit and took in a deep breath fighting the urge to giggle.

"Ah , deep echo ware probably, but its hard to find. YOu're not going to get it here at any rate"

"Deep echo ware, what's that? Hmmm I wonder if it's something I could get on galatea?"

"wouldn't come with you out of the gravity well, but you could try Tsatsos where all the rest of the Ashen Ones are"

"Might be worth looking into, thanks. If there's a four armed snake man running around your lava planet it's probably me. Hmm so you all are sort of the experts on cyberware huh?"

"The Taros are too, not just us, but we have a few things we devised for our own use during the time we had to spend on that viral ridden planet"

"Hmm so something I've been wondering. Sorry if it's too rude. How come none of you have your bodies regrown with all of the psychic doctors and stuff you have access to now?"

"Whatever we exposed ourselves to prevents regeneration of the tissue, is what we were told"

"Ah probably some kind of mes infection, seems like it would be interesting to investigate, is it taboo to ask about?"

"Some Ashen One have a harder time talking about it than others, but I wouldn't bring it up as the first topic of conversation"

"I didn't plan to. It'd be a long way off. I'm no scientist really just a plant enthusiast really. I'll definitely look into Tsastos, Dabloonscape and the AO net. You have any plants in this place? Might be worth it or worth importing. Or hmm do you know anyone looking to hire people here? I'm sort of broke after a concert and hiring someone for a job on Galatea."

"No plants. they dont let contractors anywhere near the grow- and the'yre smart not to because I'd steal from Herb in a heartbeat"

"I meant on Tsastos. Ah his is nice, I can make some nice narcotics of my own, lot smaller shelf life though."

"A few, not much grows on a lava world but Governor Rigers is hard at work trying to change that"

"Hmm might be worth trying my hand at, and there is always hydroponics. Rigers, he's some unw big wig right? I have to read up on things."

“He is. Governor now at any rate, so important enough”

10:30 PM

“A good man. He’s done what he can to take care of us “

"Hmm, maybe worth meeting then, have to check my list of notables once I make it. Met, the Baron, Herb, the academy guy was out."

“So you’re heading out then?”

"Not yet, might do a bit more networking, see people's memories, I got two more sips. I figured I'd keep going til' I'd met everyone worth meeting or fell into a job."

“Good luck then” he says , getting up from the bar to head over to something like a darts game being played

Tasephus looks around this time trying to find someone who looks particularly well to do and to be enjoying the party. "Bartendter could I have another fresh cup please?"

He sends another one down to you, collecting the used ones from you with a smile

"Thank you." Tasephus nodded at the bartender then poured half of rhe remaining trance into the fresh glass and looked for some more people with interesting memories. Possibly someone who could use a best moment.

(I'll have to make someone else up, standby0

(Sorry neko.)

There is another figure of interest. This one is a Piggen who is juggling heavy cement blocks in the back of the room for a crowd of onlookers

Tasephus moves closer to the juggler watching them with interest. "How did you learn to do that, is your concentration good enough to hold a conversation while juggling?"

"Lots of practice with hay bales, and trying to woo the sows back home" he says with a laugh. "Easy as pie once you practice enough, and I'm really good at avoiding work for it"

Tasephus laughed. "You think I'd have it any easier with four hands? How many sows have you wooed with your juggling?"

“Too many. Jrs not a bad life here working the grow towers and tending to the animals. You get paid well and get all the partying you can handle “

"Hmm, that doesn't sound so bad, you think you could put in a word for me with Herb? I do have a way with plants and animals. Would he let me bring my own down do you think?"

“He probably would if they stay on the compound. He doesn’t care about the laws as much you know”

"Of course. Stew and Fivel couldn't get far and Blinky she's nice. I'm not sure what Gethed would want to do with the alcohol, but I'll leave that up to her, just have to make sure to call her and tell her I plan to stay a bit longer. I don't mind doing grunt work a bit mucking stables and cleaning up, but hopefully it'll be a bit more than that."

“You’ll learn more than you thought possible. I can promise you that0

"Learning is good, you going to teach me to juggle?"

“I suppose if you’re sticking around we can work on it” He laughs as you both descend on the elevator to the recruitment level. A message is sent to Gethed and she promises to complete the@mission , and will offload your animals to@spend some time here