Iron Stars - terminal-roundup

@Panic Hippo @Dr. Jasper Artemis | Suko @Obsidia Sharpshot (We will use this thread for our operation. The TLDR here is Jasper has an idea to round up some more terminals, with our two soularium frames also helping so we can see how they handle themselves in difficult situations/stress levels)

1:06 PM

(basically doing some early testing to make sure this is a good idea before we make a lot more)

3

(Sounds good to me)

(can't wait)

(I’ll get the scene started here in a bit, rough day at work.)

(No worries)

Jasper and Oron sit around a table in one of the rooms in Artemis Institute’s facility, The two Reclaimed sitting next to jasper flanking him. A decanter of Whiskey sits on the center of the table with three glasses around it. Jasper grabs one of the cups and pours himself a glass before gesturing Oron to do the same if he wishes. “We have a visiter coming, someone responded to the ad. They should be here any minute. Planning a small group, just the three of us and the reclaimed heading out to capture some more terminals. Wanted to meet the person first here, give us a chance to get to know them a bit before we head out. I’ll go over the full plan after they arrive “ Jasper says to Oron.

A tall, fit man walks in the door, looking to be in his late twenties or early thirties, with short-cropped brown hair, blue eyes, and a little bit of dark stubble on his face walks in and sets his gear down near the door, a basic soldier's pack, except instead of the woven armor most grunts prefer he's wearing a reinforced military uniform. He almost snaps off a salute, but stops himself quickly, grabbing his canteen and sipping some water from it, "Adrian Smith, special operations. This is my first mission out of the rank-and-file, so forgive me if I still have some old habits." Adrian settles into the seat and continues his introduction, "Cards on the table, I'm a good shot but I'm primarily a war mage. Currently I can summon my weapon from anywhere in-system, and can consecrate every weapon used by up to six people, making them more accurate, hit harder, and damage stuff mundane weapons bounce off of."

Oron pours himself a few fingers of whiskey before kicking back in his seat. He takes a long sip and cradles the glass in his hand nodding to Jasper. He watches And listens quietly while Adrian introduces himself. “Nice ta meet ya. Names Oron and this here is the Doctor. Sounds like ya got yerself a bunch o’ fancy tool in yer belt. Kinda like the doc. Don’t worry. If it needs a bullet in it, I can handle it. Ya ever tangled with some Termies before?”

(I'm going to assume I have given my military background, but please correct me if that's wrong and I'll edit) "Good to meet you too Oron, Doctor. Yeah, I've fought them. once or twice."

(I think it’s fair enough to assume you’ve tangled with them) “You can just call me Jasper, if you like but i don’t mind Doctor. “ Jasper smiles “I’m glad to meet you Adrian, please have a drink if you’re interested. “ The two Reclaimed sit silently staring at Adrian. Their height being just under three meters and are skeletal in appearance, their frames midnight black and are nearly biomechanical. A Magenta inheritor Alliance rune glows on their chest and pulse slightly as if to resemble breathing. Their head tilted to raise their one larger eye. “I’m not sure I have met a war mage in person, so I’m excited to work with you in the felid. This operation will be a little different, we will need to use flop rifles and stun baton’s, if possible. As it stands we need to capture the Termies alive to be transported back here for processing. On a basic level I’m looking to capture about a dozen Terminals to be Reclaimed. Of course with the nature of the situation we have some lenience, we will take what we can get. We will also be exploring the wilds to the east of here, so besides terminals we will be going into all new territory, so we won’t know the situation until we get there. How is all this sounding so far?” (edited)

Adrian politely declines a drink, "Sounds pretty straightforward to me Doc, see whats out there, capture a dozen Termies with our flop rifles and stun batons. Nice and simple." He sips from his canteen again, "As far as war mages, we're really really good at supporting fire teams of up to six, and stronger ones can pull some real nifty tricks, but most of our basic spells are pretty utilitarian. I will say that I can maintain the consecrated arms for a long time, even while asleep if I can prep before bed, so its probably best to cast it on us and whoever else is coming with before we leave so I'm not trying to cast it in combat. The real nifty bit is it blesses every weapon we're carrying too." (edited)

Jasper nods “Good, to know. it will just be the three of us, oh, I mean the five of us, we will also be stress testing these two for the first time. Though, I’m not entirely sure if they are combat capable, we will have to see. “ Jasper swirls his drink and takes a sip from the glass “Going into the wilds we will be in the breach zone, where latent Metaspace runs Raw so we will need to all keep our Orion belts active so we can stave off heavy mutations, or worse. “ Jasper reaches under the table and pulls up a suitcase, opening it to reveal a belt with switches, mechanical compartments, and glowing magenta cylinders “Here this one is for you, Adrian.” ( https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/orion-pattern-personal-resonator-belt-technology) Jasper looks to Adrian and Oron “Any more questions or comments before we start getting ready to head out?”

Iron Stars

A play by post Stars Without Number living world adventure: Six 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 virtually any of its psychic citizens or psi-tech industries that developed around their special...

Oron throws back the rest of his drink and stands. He. He straightens out his duster and grabs his hat. “No questions here Doc. Point me at some termies and let me loose. After my close call with that wolf bastard I reckon some termies will be a piece o’ cake.”

(Oron we will assume a week or so has passed so you're at gull health again)

(Oh good.

)

A grav cutter has been set aside for your use with its troop bay configured for prisoner transport and guards. Your other flyer will be a tandem formation member , meant to transport just you.

Oron takes long strides towards the ship. he makes one final check of his equipment before waving towards the others to follow him. He takes a seat, hopefully next to a window and focuses on centering himself. Oron has grown in the last few weeks. No longer just taking orders on patrol but feeling like his actions matter. With that his showboating cockiness has faded some, replaced with a cool realized confidence he didn't have before. Oron nods to the others when the enter and secures himself in his seat, ready for flight.

Adrian, pack slung on his back, combat rifle strapped to his pack in favor of the flop rifle he held with a loose, easy confidence, sat down near Oron and put in one earbud of a music player and selected a song, tapping his feet and fingers to the beat.

Jasper and The Reclaimed are the last to enter, checking things off on his Dataslab. “Everything looks good to go” He says taking the seat across from them, the reclaimed sitting next to him. “I always enjoy heading into the wilds, always something new to see. A part of what makes our world so beautiful, you never know what you’re going to get.”

“Good or bad, it’s always a surprise, or so I’ve heard. I’ve seen more of this planet in the couple a weeks I’ve worked with ya than the rest of my life on this planet Doc”

Jasper smiles “Well, you’ll see plenty more, both of you will. there is still so much left to be explored, so much that has been changed by the Breaches…” Jasper looks out the window “We are heading the way of some lost settlements, it’s possible we might find some survivors. If we do we will have to be careful, who knows what they have been through. We have to work for a better tomorrow, I’m hopping if de find people we can help them get back on their feet.” He looks back to Adrian and Oron “We can handle whatever comes our way, us inheritors have always been resilient.“

“Hell yeah, we got this”

"You got that right!"

(we were going north of Northfields, correct? We have likewise not been further west or east from there)

(I'm deferring to Doc and Oron on that)

(Throwing the map in ) (I think we should head towards Dremlas east and then head north and start to chart that area)

(sounds good to me)

(me too)

(yeah the yellow is all unexplored)

10:22 AM

(and the floating city is Drang's town, so we can resupply there if we eventually push west if you guys want to see his cool town)

10:22 AM

(D10 from anyone)

(5)

Nekosmash

(and the floating city is Drang's town, so we can resupply there if we eventually push west if you guys want to see his cool town)

(I love it)

(3)

The forest in this region is very dense, and the first clearing you find looks to be the now abandoned community of Eversky trailer park. The people here have been gone for at least a month judging by the growing weeds now fighting for real estate around the foundations of trailers.

Adrian casts Consecrated Arms as they descend and begins focusing on the spell, "There, that should hold for a while, if I happen to get knocked out though it'll drop."

Oron thanks Obsidia “Gonna get get used ta yer fancy magic at this rate.” Oron glances out the window and speaks to everyone. “That looks like a good hiding spot for some termies. Probably chased folks from there homes and holder up there.”

Jasper nods and also thanks Adrian “We’ll try our best to keep you conscious, though I know I talk a lot” He says jovially “Oron’s right, this would be the perfect place for them to set up, especially if whoever was here last left things behind. “ Jasper beckons the Reclaimed and looks back to Adrian and Oron “Alright, Let’s go, we can start by looking through the trailers. “

“You got it Doc.” Oron readies his flop rifle. And keeps his mag pistol holstered on his him. He grabs his hat and puts it on, ready to leave the vehicle

The frames stand in unison, though you are not sure if they mean to or not. (have we decided if we are arming them or not?)

(If we get a vote Oron would vote no.)

(Adrian doesn't have a preference)

(How about they have stun batons on them, just in case. But haven’t been directed to attack.)

(works for me)

(I can get down with that)

(would the batons be readied? )

(Yeah, I’d think so.)

The group begins to dismount from their flyers, and into the center of the park. It is quiet here,and you can see the fresh graves compared to the rest of the settlement where the most recent victims of Goblin's rampage were buried. The details of his sins, along with his death in trying to earn forgiveness was communicated by the Hauvan people. Here, you have some evidence to back their claims.

Adrian dismount fluidly, flop rifle raised and scanning the immediate area for threats, relaxing only marginally after he does. Gone is his easygoing atmosphere and earbud playing music, replaced by a connsumately professional soldier "Looks all clear."

Oron crouches at a nearby grave. “Damn shame. Bunch a lives lost for…. Well… a whole lotta nothing”

(Sorry for my total absence yesterday. Life hit me hard, should be back on track today) Jasper follows the group out and looks over the graves “Oh, Hemon… I never knew the depth of the situation… such violence in search of unity. Sigh… this is a reflection of our nature on this world, our people seeking to kill or create. Even in the hopes of unity, we were blind to those affected by the breaches, but we’re not terminal. we had no business to kill them, yet we still did. They know of Hemon’s, er, Goblins trial, know he attempted to repent for his actions here, hopefully if we meet the survivors we can prove to them we want to help.”

Dr. Jasper Artemis | Suko

(Sorry for my total absence yesterday. Life hit me hard, should be back on track today) Jasper follows the group out and looks over the graves “Oh, Hemon… I never knew the depth of the situation… such violence in search of unity. Sigh… this is a reflection of our nature on this world, our people seeking to kill or create. Even in the hopes of unity, we were blind to those affected by the breaches, but we’re not terminal. we had no business to kill them, yet we still did. They know of Hemon’s, er, Goblins trial, know he attempted to repent for his actions here, hopefully if we meet the survivors we can prove to them we want to help.”

(No worries! Hope all is well for ya)

“Maybe. I’ll be happy to find a survivor whether they like us or not”

"Absolutely. Long as they don't shoot at us..."

(THey've beat tracks out of the area since they've been attacked a couple times now and home stopped feeling safe, it was made to sound like it was heralding an Alliance attack, so we might discover them out there again someday, but not today)

“So I’m open to suggestions fer finding some termies. Maybe we make a racket and see what comes up?”

“Let’s look through the homes first, see if we can find anything that might hint at where they could have gone to. We can check for signs of terminals too, piles of food, nest like spaces, et cetera. If we find nothing and nothing comes to us we can head into the forest on foot. How does that sound?”

"Sound plan Doc. Should we keep together or each pick a house?"

“Good a plan as any”

“Let’s stay within earshot but each take one, I wouldn’t want to risk anything this early on”

"I'll take this house on our left then if that's all good."

“It’s all yours.” Oron casually makes his way to the closest house to him and kicks in the door, hoping to startle anything within”

Adrian checks the door of his house and, if locked, breaks in as well

Jasper nods to the group then turns to the reclaimed “Stick together for now, please search that house” He points to one of the buildings “I’ll be next door, please come tell me if you found anything. “ With that Jasper will head to one of the houses as well, kicking it in if necessary.

(If we're all searching different ones, lets get a d100 from each of you)

Obsidia Sharpshot

used /roll

Obsidia Sharpshot | Adrian Smith Request: [1d100] Roll: [27] Result: 27

(22)

(87) (Do you want me to roll once for the reclaimed too?)

(if they're looking in another home than you are, or if we're splitting them to cover two others, we can)

(They will going together in another house and help each other look) (25)

Adrian Smith- Finds a syringe labeled Rucus inside one of the abandoned trailers bathrooms, in the cabinet behind the mirror. It is packaged on its own. Oron- A homemade item the locals have called a 'splintermask' . When you try to take a picture of it in your compad, the image is fuzzy and cannot be resolved. Dr. Artemis- A rolled up map of the surface of Saliv. A region north of coastkeep before the northern sea is circled and is labeled "Caliban's Heart" The returned each find a hunting shotgun inside this last house turned armory. The inhabitants do not look to have had the shells for them, and they were left behind to save weight.

Oron studies the item before putting in his bag. "Could be useful, but not what were here for." He exits the building and shouts to the others. "No termies here!"

"Any of you know what Rucus is? Not sure I've heard of it before."

"nah, nothing ive messed with before. Could be meds or drugs. wouldnt be surprised at either."

(Didn’t want to cut anyone off. That’s what we found. The trailer park remains quiet around us)

(No worries!)

Jasper rolls the map up and meets with the Reclaimed “Good job, those are a good find. Could you bring those back to the flyer? We won’t need them right now” he says tapping his staff on the ground. Walking over to the Adrian and Oron, jasper pulls out and unrolls the map “Look, I found a map, they marked something called “Caliban’s Heart” just north of here, I’ve never heard of it before.”

"Might be worth checking out" Adrian says with a shrug

(anything we want to do before going up there?)

2:24 PM

The Returned thus far seem to be acting normally. They follow orders diligently, though don't seem to be willing or able to speak in more than the broken sentences they've managed thus far.

(I’m good to go. Sorry for the quiet. Getting an infusion of meds today)

(totally get that. I had my booster last night and feel like shit today)

(Ooph, that’s rough, guys. Hope you feel better) “Yeah, let’s head that way. Not much left here but to loot, so I’ll take any leads. Best if we head by foot though. “

(I got mine last week. Did the flu and Covid booster on the same day and it kicked my ass)

Dr. Jasper Artemis | Suko

(Ooph, that’s rough, guys. Hope you feel better) “Yeah, let’s head that way. Not much left here but to loot, so I’ll take any leads. Best if we head by foot though. “

(Thanks. It’s nothing out of the ordinary for me. Regular routine maintenance to keep me feeling like a normal person)

(I'm good to move on too)

(d10 for a hex on the way)

(I'll let one of you two roll)

(7)

Moving north toward this new destination, you leave the trailer park and come to fly over a serene lake. The returned seem to show some kind of special interest in the site, and you can see the remains of a fishing village on its banks .

Observing the reclaimed’s reaction Oron would call for the ship to land “Might be something to check out doc. Maybe the my recognize this place”

"Yeah, plus it's not like we're on a timeline here."

“Sounds good to me, I’m never opposed to see something new either. “ Jasper says signaling the pilot

Setting down, the returned begin to move toward the ramp. They seem especially keep to get off this craft and explore the village, though have remained silent thus far.

“Lead the way” Jasper calls to them

Oron follows slowly with his weapon at the ready looking for any danger, letting Jasper and the Reclaimed take the lead

Adrian follows right behind Oron, flop rifle readied and shouldered

One of the Returned looks to Oron, jesturing if he can move aside to speak in private for a moment.

“Sure pal” Oron addresses the reclaimed as he would any other person even if he isn’t sure they can understand him the same way. He follows the reclaimed as requested

"This place..." it says in its dust bone dry voice. "I remember...used to...have life here..I think" it says. It pans its metal frame to examine the surroundings, pointing to a home at the top of the village on a small hill.

1:47 PM

"My home. Once"

2

“Well what are we waitin’ for then. Let’s get on up there and let ya take a look around. Come on!” Oron urges the Reclaimed to go to the house on the hill and will follow

Jasper will look to the other reclaimed. “Do you wanna look around too? Or do you want to follow them, it’s up to you right now.” He says calmly and inquisitively.

"I would like...to see the water..." it says, as it begins trudging down to the coast.

“Adrian, up to you who you follow, but please keep your guard up. I don’t know what could be out here. “ Jasper looks to the reclaimed “Let’s get you to the water” and follows suit.

"I'll tag along with Oron" he says and follows along, looking around the area cautiously (edited)

Up at the house the first of the Returned stands outside the front door looking at the building. It remains unclear how much emotion they feel. The machine's impassive, expressionless frame just stands, looking on at the somewhat still standing structure. A cautious hand reaches out to the door, before withdrawing back.

"Its OK. Takie all the time ya need. Do ya want me to open the door for ya?"

It gestures once, saying yes. It does not seem to be able to do this itself.

Oron steps forward, opens the door and takes a step back to let the Reclaimed enter first

'This was....my house....once" It says, as it begins looking over the ruins. "Family...and I lived here..."

"Family...I'm sorry. You must miss them. Look I'll talk to the doc. Once its safe you can live here again. If you want."

"I think...I might like...to rebuild this place..." it says. Its speech looks to be improving, the more it is forced to do so. The halts are fewer, and more words come out in between.

“Done. No questions asked. I’m gonna talk to the doc and make sure this place is secure before we cut ya loose. You got my word. I’ll fight for this if I gotta. Stay right here and keep goin’ through yer stuff. I’ll be right back.” Oron will make sure the house is safe then sprint back towards Jasper.

(He will do that and can imagine he will be here for a couple hours if nothing comes up or you don't call them back sooner)

Oron catches up to Jasper, stopping to catch his breath. “Hey…Doc… we got a situation. The Reclaimed. They….they used ta live here. Or at least the one with me did. Found their home and everything. Seemed ta talk a bit better too. Like the connection to their old life brought something back for em.”

Adrian is by the Reclaimed near the house, standing guard and keeping an eye out for trouble

“Fascinating.. I didn’t know if this was possible. Quite tragic, really. You said they spoke more, how did it respond to the situation?”

“It wants ta stay and rebuild. Make this their home again”

“I see… I think that could be arranged, in time. I’m sure it’s rough for them right now… Even more of a reason to make more of them, so they also have the chance to live again, so they can help each other rebuild what’s lost.” Jasper takes some quick notes on his Dataslab. “I didn’t anticipate this level of recollection, even more of a reason to give them a better life. For now though, it isn’t safe. We will have to move on and come back later, hopefully with more reclaimed. We can give them a bit more time though, to soak everything in. I’d like to see how the other one is reacting to the water, as well.”

“How much time we talkin’ doc? They got pulled from their lives, turned into a termie, died only to be pulled back into life again. Then they find their home and we wanna pull them out again? Safety? Sure. Let’s make sure the coast is clear but if they wanna stay I don’t think we should stop them. Remember there’s a person’s soul in there. This isn’t just a machine”

“I know, Oron. I know… I feel for them, I really do. Their bodies are week, their forms young. “ Jasper frowns and looks to the house Oron came from. “I want it to be safe for them, i worry they will be hurt without supervision. I only want to make more of them, then we can come back, so at least they have each other to rely on. In my mind this would be the best outcome, for them to find something that means something to them and do that. I just worry Two of them is too little. “

Oron straightens and speaks in a serious tone. “Have ya thought ta ask them if that’s what they want? Maybe this reclaimed doesn’t want ta live with a bunch a strangers. Maybe they would like to live out a peaceful quiet life where they can reflect on their family and carry out their memory. Their not pets Doc, we can’t pretend we know what’s best for them when they can speak fer themselves just fine”

Jasper looks upset for a moment taking this in, before a small sad smile grows on his face. “No, I hadn’t really thought about it like that… which is unfortunate to say. They are filled with more life then I expected, I’m happy about that, it’s just surprising…“ “No, they are not pets, nor are they slaves. I don’t want it to seem that way. I’m really thankful for you to be here, to call these things out. “ Jasper sighs and opens his pack of cigarettes, he looks longingly into the box for a moment before closing it and tucking it away. “Their opinions should matter the most, you’re right. We should see what they want. I just want what’s best for them.”

“Well let’s go talk to em. Let them decide”

Jasper will nod and let Oron lead him to the house the terminal is in and that Adrian guards

Oron’s tone softens and he nods at Jasper before turning to the house and leading the way. At the door Oron will knock before entering and look for the Reclaimed.

The Reclaimed sounds like it is in one of the rear rooms on the main floor of the house. It is not violently smashing things, but it does sound like it is struggling to move something heavy in another room.

Oron rushes to the back room to see whats going on

Adrian follows suit, slinging his flop rifle behind himself to free his hands to help

Jasper quickly follows the group.

He is trying to move a heavy table off of something that looks like a trapdoor

Adrian walks over quickly and tries to help move the table

Oron helps too

With all of you helping, everyone is able to easily move the table aside revealing a trap door underneath, leading to what looks to be a root cellar.

Adrian goes down first, sweeping the area with flop rifle raised to check its all clear

Oron gesture to the reclaimed. “Go on. It’s your house. Take a look down there if ya want”

It opens the door and the smell of dry rot hits you at once.

11:39 AM

It seems hesitant to go down the wooden ladder.

Jasper nods in agreement with Oron “Please, it is your right. Go ahead. Or would you prefer one of us to go first?” (edited)

(Adrian went down already)

(Yes he did but I’m saying what the returned is doing ) (edited)

11:40 AM

(Adrian jumped ahead of me in the scene )

(Right I was referring to the comment that Jasper made about wanting one of us to go first. Not stepping on toes I promise

)

(Yeah we will assume Adrian has not done this)

(My b

)

(All good!)

(Because every relevant scene detail came after )

(Works for me!!)

(Sorry, about that, I'm good with retconning that)

Adrian looks to hold for a second. At the bottom of the ladder through the thin wisps of daylight you can see a pair of bodies down there. Neither of them have the hallmarks of being a terminal.

1

Oron holds out a hand to the Reclaimed, holding it back. "Maybe you want one of us to go down first... Its your choice.."

It nods once in the grinding way that it can do such fine movements, indicating one of you should be the person to go down first.

"it could be dangerous down there. How about you let me take the lead Adrian and you watch my back. Keep yer flop rifle up in case its termies and ill have my spike launcher in case its....something else"

"Sounds like a plan to me" (edited)

Oron raises his spike launcher and leads the way down the stairs

Jasper will put a hand on the reclaimed’s shoulder, offering what comfort he can.

The remains of the family look to be down here. There was once plentiful food and water and of that, only a trace amount of it remains down here. You can see ammunition boxes for what was once probably the family hunting rifle, though it is gone now. It is evident someone used to live here other than the adult and child skeleton you see here now. (edited)

"Maybe they were hoping to find some food or supplies and got trapped when the table fell?" Adrian whispers to Oron

“Maybe….” Oron crouches down to see if there is any indication as to how they died. Shattered bones, blood spray etc.

They look to have simply starved down here. This was not the work of violence. It looks as though they ran out of food, and when the hunter left to get more, they never returned.

Oron puts the pieces together. Clearly this reclaimed had left their family to help and never was able to return… Oron’s hands ball into tight fists at the though. “Damn termies” he thinks to himself as he imagines this family’s plight. He sighs and stands again, heading back to the stairs. “It’s gonna be tough to see down there but you have a right to see it.” Oron says gravely to the Reclaimed. “I’ll be happy ta clean this all up fer ya if ya don’t want to though. It’s your choice”

(I’m not crying right now, you are!!) Jasper frowns assuming the worst. “Oron is right, it is your choice. Might be a chance to… Say goodbye. We’re here for you no matter what you choose.“

The Reclaimed looks at the ladder and begins to make its way down the ladder. The planks groan with weight they were not designed to take before you hear its thudding tread as it hits the bottom. Something like an anguished roar and the sound when a mechanical gearbox slips comes out of what constitutes the mechanical being's throat.

Jasper is clearly upset by this. He tightly clenches his teeth and braces himself against his staff. He brings his hand to his face and bites his knuckle attempting to hold back the flood. This is to no avail as Jasper begins to quietly cry. “…Damn…”

Adrian takes a knee and mutters a quick prayer for their spirits, before standing up and being ready for when the Reclaimed comes back up the stairs "That's not right man, no one should have to go through that."

“This is the world we’re bringing them back into. We’re just as much at fault for them seeing this as the termies are for getting ‘em killed to begin with. This is the risk we take when we go playin’ god and bringing ‘em back from the dead like this. I just hope their minds can handle it in the tin cans we gave ‘em”

"Personally? I'd rather be alive to deal with it than have no hope, but that's just me. It's too bad we can't somehow ask them before bringing 'em back if they're cool with it..."

“Well…we kinda did. It’s a long story. What we feel now is just part of the price we pay.”

"Ah, well, I'm sure you all did the best you could, sounds like it was a hard choice all around." Adrian leans against a nearby wall, rifle in easy reach

AFter a few moments you hear the rattle at the ladder again before the head and shoulder section of the Reclaimed makes its appearance. "Need...need tools... need to bury..my family..."

"yeah. Of course. We probably got all that in the ship right? Come on... I'll help." Oron will go find shovels and whatever tools they have on the ship and help the reclaimed dig to bury their family

(a post tech tool kit would probably have at least one, and there would be a couple on the ship)

Oron will track those down and get to digging.

Adrian pitches in as well with the digging

The digging takes an hour and the Reclaimed busies themselves making an elaborate headstone for the both of them. It’s frame has shown a remarkable degree of dexterity in this task despite its rough construction.

Oron makes his way to the reclaimed and observes their work. "Nice job there. If you like i can move the remains to the grave we dug. unless you would like to that is."

"too hard....to seee......Will bury them, if you can move...should be tarps in...cellar" The reclaimed says. The other one has been busying itself fishing down by the water, and looks to have caught a few already. Though it has no reason to eat, it looks to be enjoying the challenge of catching those wild creatures- and for those of you who do need to eat, this will mean a night that you do not have to rely on rations.

Oron nods and goes to the cellar. He uses the tarps to wrap the remains. Before he leaves to take them to the grave he looks around for any sort of momento or personal belongings that may have been left there. (Oron is looking for some sort of trinket that he can give to the reclaimed to remember them by)

There is a small golden disk on a chain , representing the sun , hanging from one of the shelving units in the storage.

Oron grabs it and carries the wrapped remains to the grave. He will place the remains in gently. Oron will grab a spare shovel and help the Reclaimed bury them.

(Are you giving it the trinket, or was that going to be buried as well?)

(Oron was planning on giving it to him afterwards to keep)

10:13 AM

(like when the burial is done)

(perfect, we don't have to bump the scene up to that just yet then)

1

(Hey guys, sorry I’ve been wholly absent these last few days, I’ve been trying to get a grip on my life. Hopefully things are evening out and one of my coworkers is back from vacation so that should help. ) Jasper helps throughout the process where he can. Helping dig with his tool kit and comforting the Reclaimed. When the one reclaimed comes back with the fish Jasper congratulates it and gives praise to the effort, before explaining the situation to it. As Oron places the bodies down in the grave Jasper offers a small prayer. “To our lost one’s, may you rest eternally. What we do now we do for you, we are inheritors to your beliefs, your goals, your souls. May your spirit help guide our paths towards a better future. For even though you may not be here with us, we will always move with you in mind.”

Dr. Jasper Artemis | Suko

(Hey guys, sorry I’ve been wholly absent these last few days, I’ve been trying to get a grip on my life. Hopefully things are evening out and one of my coworkers is back from vacation so that should help. ) Jasper helps throughout the process where he can. Helping dig with his tool kit and comforting the Reclaimed. When the one reclaimed comes back with the fish Jasper congratulates it and gives praise to the effort, before explaining the situation to it. As Oron places the bodies down in the grave Jasper offers a small prayer. “To our lost one’s, may you rest eternally. What we do now we do for you, we are inheritors to your beliefs, your goals, your souls. May your spirit help guide our paths towards a better future. For even though you may not be here with us, we will always move with you in mind.”

[Don’t even worry about it dude. Real life always comes first]

4:35 PM

When the burial is done and the prayer is said Oron will approach the grieving Reclaimed. “I know it’s not much, but I found this down in the basement. I thought you may wanna keep it.” Oron places the moon shaped necklace in the Reclaimed’s hand

Adrian also offers a silent, small prayer as the bodies are laid to rest and stands respectfully by as Oron and Jasper talk to the Reclaimed.

The reclaimed closes it’s large hand around the object , nodding once in the limited way it’s able to do so, in thanks.

Oron nudges Jasper and and Adrian to pull away out of earshot of the reclaimed. “There’s no way we can make ‘em go back after this. Doesn’t matter how dangerous it is out here. This is where their family is. I got an idea. Something that might make everyone feel warm and fuzzy bout leaving ‘em out here. Let me set up a protection squad here. We move our operation in with the Reclaimed and help integrate them. Establish a colony for ‘em. Run patrols run patrols and keep it secure as an outpost for the Alliance.”

“I like that idea. It gives a chance for the reclaimed to get used to their new lives in an environment that they can be comfortable in. Plus it is always good to set up more settlements. Then from there they can choose what they wish to do. “

Oron nods and straightens his posture "Good. I wont let the Alliance down. Once we finish this job I'll get started right away."

"Works for me. Not sure what I'll be doing after this but if ya like I can help with setting up protection, an outpost, and running patrols for it. Shouldn't too different from my days as a grunt." Adrian offers with a noncommittal shrug

"chances are we are going to need all the help we can get. it will be hard. we wont be working with much to start but if youre willing I'll take you. Unless the doc has other plans that is."

“There is always work for me to do, but I have nothing specifically for Adrian so he is free to choose. I would also love to help with the project, though I will most likely be focusing more on the reclaimed themselves. From there I’m sure something else will pop up, always something. Still, before that we need more Terminals to Reclaim. I think we should stay for the night, let him mourn, then early tomorrow we can head out, Oh, and we can still give the reclaimed the choice on if they want to stay as well, of course.

“Agreed. Let’s set up a watch for the night and get some rest. I’ll take first shift so long as no one objects”

"I'll take second shift"

(jasper for third sounds good, we can push on from there. Let me see if anything happens during the night)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d10] Rolls: [5] Result: 5 [4] Result: 4 [2] Result: 2

The night is quiet out here though you hear the sounds of terminals deep in the woods. No doubt they are watching the settlement at least in part, but not with the intent to attack at the moment.

Oron wakes up with a stretch and finds Jasper and Adrian. "sounded like we wont have to go far to root out some termies today. They were all around last night. If we can clear out a nest of them it will make this settlement project even easier."\

Jasper yawns “Yeah, I’m pretty sure I heard them last night too, if we can get them that’s two birds. First though, we gotta find them, and since they already know we’re here, we’re gonna have to play it carefully. “

"Well, that's what the flop rifles are for. We'll keep them at range if we can get the drop on them, nice and easy."

"are we going to be able to round up enough of them with just flop rifles? they wont stay stunned forever and if there are a lot of them we cant move in quickly enough to bind them before getting attacked. If we can find a way to contain the mass of them then we can extract them as needed. Otherwise we need to commit to the fact that we will have to kill the majority to extract what we are able to safely."

11:56 AM

"and this close to the settlement....those could be the Reclaimed friends and family out there"

(I'm caught up, just wanted to see how this finishes)

1

"Yeah, or we can find a way to lure a few into an ambush, keep the numbers manageable that way and pick them off bit by bit" (edited)

"we need to scout the area out. See what's around us and if there is anything we can use to our advantage and maybe find out where the termies are holding up at. then we can put together a plan."

“Hmm, that’s a good idea, maybe we can try out going in a clockwise radius around our area here? Perhaps that might be the best route to getting to know our little spot. That or we can pick one of the cardinal directions and head that way, unless either of you have any better ideas. “

"I think circling is probably best."

"No arguments here"

(we can estimate most of the termies are more northern facing, so we can start there, or atleast with that knowledge choose a direction to start)

(Sounds good to me)

1

Oron will begin organizing any of their supplies and take the lead when everyone is ready to go

(just need a direction to start from and we can go)

(Let’s go ahead and go north)

(D10 for me)

(5)

Heading into the woods you see terminals have no doubt been watching the town. The land here is made of thick trees and tall rocks covered in moss.

Oron looks for any indication of where they moved to. Looking for their nest or a place they gather during the day.

The tracks head east, toward a region some have described as having a ' hell tree' in the region.

(Would Oron have heard the term Hell tree and know what it is?)

“Hell tree…. Where have I… Oh! That’s the tree Dalibor and.. Goblin had visited before. It was something, like a breach beast I believe, they never really got into the details with me, but I remember Goblin had asked if I could design something with him to take care of it.. guess it kinda slipped away from us… I believe he brought it up in congress as well.. I believe he thought it was controlling local Terminals, I guess we will have to find out what this was all about.”

“I think so. Let’s head there and see what we can find.”

12:05 AM

(Sorry for the quiet today. Had some Halloween activities planned with the family)

The tree is thought to be about ten kilometers from this place, nestled deep into a dark part of the woods. Terminals in the area are known to patrol and in essence act civilized in a sense. Previous adventuring groups have managed to get close to the tree, but a series of mistakes brought swarms of terminals down on their head, and it was better to withdraw than to continue to risk their lives. (edited)

"If the termies are somewhat civilized there, then maybe we can reason with them. Tell them what we have planned and they may go willingly. If we clear the termies then the new outpost will be safe. We can even dedicate resources at the outpost to studying the Hell Tree. If we can harness the Hell Tree's ability then we can use that to further collect termies for the reclaimed project safely"

“That would be ideal.. but I wouldn’t get my hopes up, the Terminals in the Terminal city, now Northfields acted with a semblance of civility, hundreds of them confined within the city walls keeping the bare basics running. We tried to communicate with them using every means we could think of, but we lived in two different worlds, nothing got through… Hopefully these ones are different. Using the tree like that would be invaluable, and I never really like fighting them if I don’t have to”

"Two different worlds...." Oron muses outloud. "What about the Reclaimed? Do you think they could communicate with them?"

“I don’t… I don’t know I’ve never considered it, though it’s not completely out of the question… We’d have to make sure to protect them, of course. They are still so fragile, but it’s worth a try I suppose. “

"Lets ask. They may want to do this to help protect their home." Inspired, Oron will quickly make his way to the Reclaimed to speak to them

(Adrian is following along, just didn't have anything to add that wasn't being said already)

The Reclaimed are not sure if the Terminals can still understand them, or if the way they communicate now is something the terminals will understand as language. To that end, there is no common terminal language, rather each pact having its own 'slight dialect' to communicate with one another. Occasionally, packs will merge, or will form some kind of understanding with one another, but the Reclaimed do not remember much of their time as terminals, it being more like a half remembered bad dream.

While disappointed that it wound work, Oron won’t push the subject. Once everyone else is ready to go he will follow to the Hell Tree

(Sneak/dex , lets get one for the PCs, if we're ready to set off. Are we settled on bringing the reclaimed?)

(one for each of us or one for the whole group?)

Nekosmash

(Sneak/dex , lets get one for the PCs, if we're ready to set off. Are we settled on bringing the reclaimed?)

(i personally vote to leave the reclaimed. or at least the one who found their dead family)

9:58 AM

(Sneak/Dex=12)\

(Each)

Obsidia Sharpshot

used /roll

Obsidia Sharpshot | Adrian Smith Request: [2d6+1-1] Roll: [4, 3] Result: 7 Reason: Sneak/Dex

(3)

3

The party moves out through the woods, keeping low and doing their best to stay hidden as they advance the several miles toward the location of the Hell Tree. The woods are dark, twisting, and no longer a place where animals have dominion. Anything in the area looks to have been hunted to death and you each pass several grisly trophies the terminals have made from the mixed bones of human and animal victims in these woods. The haft of Jasper's spear clatters into one of them, knocking the stone and bone carin over Somewhere from within the woods, something cries out as though in pain, or in warning.

“Someone knows we’re here.” Oron readies his weapon just in case. “I say we keep pressing on but be ready. No clue what we’ll see”

Adrian readies his flop rifle as well, sweeping the area in front of him professionally, "Agreed"

You see evidence of a hunting pack of six terminals moving through the woods ahead of you. They are hulking examples of terminals, each of them taller and broader than the most muscular of you. They are 60m away and though the loose concealment look to be hunting for whatever knocked down one of the Carins

“If they’re huntin’ for something, maybe we can try and communicate and offer to help. I mean if I’m gonna be setting up shop here I might as well go meet the neighbors”. Oron says this with a nervous smile. “You guys hang tight and watch my back. I’m gonna go introduce myself. Man I hope this works….” Oron mutters as he takes his hands from his weapon, raises them over his head and shouts. “Hey! Over here! I’m not here ta hurt ya. I just wanna talk!” Oron shouts at the termies.

There is a roar as the pack turns, and the six begin to run toward you.

6:47 AM

(initiative)

(welp that didnt go like i thought it would. )

9:35 AM

(is it clear that the roar came from the termies?)

(Top of the initiative for Jasper)

(5)

Obsidia Sharpshot

used /roll

Obsidia Sharpshot | Adrian Smith Request: [1d8] Roll: [1] Result: 1

In a panic Jasper whips up his Flop rifle into aim “please let this work” He mutters to himself preparing to shoot the one coming closest to Oron (12/8)

(the termies or something related to them, not a wild animal)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d8] Roll: [6] Result: 6

(Jasper since he has alert 2, termies , oron, Adrian Smith)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 11/4/2022 1:53 PM

The hasty shot is fired and takes one of the unarmored but hulking terminals in the chest. The wound is not enough to bring it down, but it is harmed

1:54 PM

The terminals surge forward at a ground eating pace, crashing through the brush to end 40m from you

1:54 PM

(Oron)

“Damn it!!” Oron shouts. He cursed himself that he didn’t ready his flop rifle and fires a burst shot with his spike thrower at one of the uninjured hulks (21/26) (edited)

2:03 PM

He runs diagonally away from Jasper and Adrian in hopes that they are following him and not the others

2:03 PM

(EoT)

(don't forget we all have +1 to hit and damage from Adrian's buff, it's still in effect) Adrian levels his flop rifle at the hulk Jasper already hit and fires before backing up a few meters and quickly looking around for any possible cover (9/6) (edited)

One of the terminals collapses, shot through by the spike thrower. The heavy rounds leave little of the brute left.

4:58 PM

(so we've got one wounded, one dead, and four uninjured and closing)

Jasper continues his flop shots towards the wounded one (14/6) Jasper then notices Oron trying to separate from the group and hesitates, he will ready himself to close the distance but will stay still for now.

The wounded one falls to the ground, its body freezing mid stride and it collapses, plowing a small furrow with the bulk of its body before coming to rest. The remainder of the pack (four now) close to 20m from the main body of the group. ( so 20m from Jasper and Adrian, 30 from Oron since he ran laterally)

6:49 AM

(oron is up)

Seeing that the Termies are not following him as he planned Oron swears again and fires his spike launcher at the closest hulk (20/24)

11:15 AM

He keeps moving backwards to preserve the distance between him and the enemies (EOT)

Another of the terminals falls, shot to pieces by the massive overkill of the spike thrower.

11:51 AM

(Adrian)

11:51 AM

(three left, one enemy stunned, two are dead)

Adrian fires at the closest terminal to him with the flop rifle and retreats 10m back to keep as much distance as he can. (15 to hit, 14 damage) (edited)

There are just two terminals remaining, slamming into combat with Jasper as their ground eating pace brings them into melee.

Jasper feeling more comfortable with close combat sashes his Flop rifle and pulls his stun baton from his belt “Come on!!” (9/3) (3 shock vs AC15)

(Shock does through )

9:19 PM

the two remaining terminals try to smash the doctor down with their large fists.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d20+3] Rolls: [18] Result: 21 [19] Result: 22

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [2d8] Roll: [8, 2] Result: 10

(21/8 and 22/2 on Jasper. Oron is up)

Oron swears and fires again at a termie attacking Jasper (23/23)

Only one terminal remains as the spike thrower destroys another victim

5:47 AM

(Adrian)

Adrian fires the flop rifle again at the remaining terminal (21 to hit, 5 damage) (edited)

The remaining terminal is wounded. You see its muscles beginning to act on their own a bit, but not enough to make it lose control of all of its functions yet.

9:26 AM

(jasper )

“Come on! We’re trying to help!” Jasper says returning another stun baton hit on the remaining Terminal (13/9) (3vAC15) (edited)

(knocked out)

12:38 PM

Two terminals remain out of the initial pack, both of them stunned for now, but it may not remain this way for long.

12:38 PM

(We are out of combat for the moment)

Oron rushes to the stunned termies to help restrain them

2:15 PM

“Sorry I had ta kill so many of em. Better safe than sorry though.”

(I think we have rope, 20m is quite a bit so I think that's enough for the two we have, but it's not going to hold if we greed and try to collect more right now)

“Yeah, it’s always better safe. I wouldn’t want to loose either of you. We probably should bring these guys to the ship or the village, or just maybe try to tie them to a tree or something… probably should have brought more restraints. I can conjure a couple of handcuffs but that will only get us so far. We definitely should move forward, scout more of this out.. I don’t know though, what do you guys think, should we go back or keep pushing?”

“We need to get these termies taken care of, but I don’t think we can let this go without further investigation. Especially with the Hell Tree. If it has power we can harness we can’t just leave it. Can we call for an extraction? Send the termies on the ship and press on.”

(We could do that if we want to but the noise would probably draw a lot more in)

(Sorry for the quiet. I’m spending some time up north in Portland this weekend. Oron is down for whatever suggestion the party has)

(no worries, slow is smooth)

1

(Welcome to Portland, buddy. Picked a good weekend to be up here, shouldn’t be to much rain.) “Might alert the rest of them, maybe we should tie them up to a tree, gag them so they can’t call for help” Jasper pauses for a moment “Seems quite barbaric really.. but not much else I can think of to keep our relative stealth intact. “

(I think this would probably be a good way forward, we can probably move the scene along unless we want to do something else first)

(yeah I am fine with restraining them this way and seeing how that resolves off screen)

Dr. Jasper Artemis | Suko

(Welcome to Portland, buddy. Picked a good weekend to be up here, shouldn’t be to much rain.) “Might alert the rest of them, maybe we should tie them up to a tree, gag them so they can’t call for help” Jasper pauses for a moment “Seems quite barbaric really.. but not much else I can think of to keep our relative stealth intact. “

(Thanks! We had a good time. We take a trip up that way around this time every year to get our Christmas shopping done. Took the kiddo to the zoo too)

11:54 PM

(Came back with a nasty cold though, but at least it’s not Covid)

11:54 PM

Oron is good with this option

Terminals hav eno doubt heard the brief gunfight, but there will be a chance to escape if the team moves now. There is a small ravine to the east, and a foothill to the north that is more visible, but gives a commanding view of the local area.

“I say we head north. That puts us at an advantage with the high ground and is closer to the Hell Tree too” (edited)

(Sorry really thought I replied to this.) “I agree completely, if they wanna find us they’re gonna start looking, might as well get the advantage and maybe spot something in the process too.”

The hell tree is a monolithic presence on the horizon, taller, broader, and stouter than the surrounding trees several times over. Black bark, reflective like obsidian and veined in red like lava under the skin. The heads of terminals hang in the thick branches like fruit, all of them look to be alert, looking around the countryside like a legion of tireless all seeing sentries .

"Well that's disturbing... Any ideas how we can approach?" Adrian asks the others quietly

“Don’t think there’s much of a way to get near without being seen. Maybe we can make it to the tree cover and get closer but with that many eyes it’s bound to spot us eventually”

“It’s even more horrific then I imagined, “ Jasper nods to Oron “Yeah, I don’t imagine we’re going to be able to sneak up on it, we’ve definitely going to have to come up with a good plan. Perhaps we sneak up like you said, then maybe we could make some sort of distraction to draw it’s attention away for enough time for Oron to get a good first shot with his spike thrower. I’d love to try and chat with this thing, but I have a feeling it’s not going to want to talk or be friendly What do you guys think?” (edited)

“Shootin’s what I do best. I’m on board”

"A solid plan. I'm ready."

(what did we want to do for a distraction? I think that is probably one of the more important steps of the plan. )

3:30 PM

(the who, where, what, and distance from the hell tree are good things to establish now, so I don't have to guess on it later and maybe end up doing something you were not envisioning as the scene)

(Sounds good, I have a bit of a plan to run by everyone, gonna type it up on my break)

2

(great! I hope I'm not coming off as pedantic, this is just a high risk sort of thing we're about to do ,and the more details we establish now means I need to be less of a fairness judge later if something goes wrong)

10:33 AM

(and that is to everyone's benefit, including my own)

(No worries boss! It sounds like this hell tree is a pretty important landmark so I get it!)

(Nope not at all, perfectly reasonable to want to know what we are trying to attempt instead of us just improving and then getting caught up on things. I just was vague in my initial post just to gauge interest. Definitely planning on going into more detail.) “Okay, here’s what I’m thinking. We sneak up as close as possible while staying in the shrubbery. Say something like 10 meters, split up and attempt to flank the tree forming a triangle. The Reclaimed should stay behind for this, it is probability too dangerous. Once in position I think I’ll make a distraction, i believe my armor is the strongest. perhaps I’ll jump into the open, once I do that, both of you give the tree everything you got, maybe we should focus first on the branches. Hopefully we can overpower it from there and kill it before it falls for reinforcements. Do you guys have anything to add, does this sound good?”

"Its better than anything i got. Sign me up Doc."

3:59 PM

"but what about terminals when we get close? will you be able to manage the numbers on your own?"

"Works for me, I don't have any suggestions to improve it... Except that if either of you have grenades or something heavier than our small arms might be a good idea to break them out now." Adrian says with a shrug

“No, no grenades. If I get overwhelmed I’ll try to use my suits integrated jump ability to try to gain some space, worse case scenario the armor should help me stabilize.”

"It sounds like we have a plan then. I'm ready when yall are."

(New encounter, so lets get a new round of sneak/dex from everyone as we sneak up on the tree)

(10)

(7)

( just need adrian)

2

(6 wrong roll, correct roll is 9) (edited)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [2d6] Roll: [4, 3] Result: 7

(ties go to player, you'll be able to spring your plan without the tree noticing until you start harming it)

(I’ll get the scene going on my lunch)

1

(sounds good!)

As the group quietly approaches the tree Jasper thanks whatever higher power that they have so far not been noticed. Jasper nods to the group and split off into position, when everyone is in place Jasper will make sure everyone is ready for the attack before Jumping out of the bush line into the open “Great tree! Join us, or fall! We will reclaim our souls and unite our world, you are with us or against us!” Jasper shouts holding his spear in the air (Sorry, got it mostly typed up then the rest of the day got to me)

(Everyone here gets a surprise round as this kicks off, then we'll get initiative. Let's note distance from the tree, and direction as well, so I know who is in range of what)

(If we decided that 10 meters from the tree was where we were hiding before i jumped out I would say I’m probably 7-5 meters from the tree. let’s just say for simplicity that I am to the south facing the tree in the north, If that makes sense.) Jasper will stand definitely as he speaks trying to draw attention, preparing for the worst he will study the tree’s reaction (Can I make a Notice or Metapsionic/Int check to see if it is understanding what I am saying, basically trying to judge it’s intelligence?)

(I think you'd need to use metapsionics to determine if it can understand you somehow, given its nature- and yes, we can get up to 10m , I was not sure if some of our more shooty guys were planning on being further back than that) (edited)

(I’ll let them decide if they want to be further back) (12, Meta/Int)

1

(I'm sticking 30m back since I'm relatively squishy and my gun and flop rifle have plenty of range for that, same orientation as Jasper)

The tree can understand but its spirit is tormented. It understands only torture, torment, pain, and predation, and killing you will be a momentary distraction from the immense amount of pain the consciousness inside is undergoing.

(That’s all for me, on to y’all)

(The order isn't super important for this surprise round , but we'll grab initiative after Adiran and Oron both act)

(Sticking close to Jasper.)

2:21 PM

"whats yer take on these heads. If i take one out you think it will affect it?"

“Hard to say, worth a shot”

"oron raises his spike launcher and takes a shot at the nearest head" (22)

(hits, just need damage)

(29 damage)

1

Two of the heads explode, and the tree bellows in anger. hunting horns from the woods around you signal terminals will be here to protect this site before long- and it sounds like many packs have been alerted.

7:09 AM

(Adrian still has a move and main in this surprise round, then we'll get initiative)

“What’s that tree sayin now doc?”

(We're in combat now, so we don't have time for a long conversation, just a line or two)

1

Adrian sights the tree and fires his combat rifle in a burst at it

11:54 AM

(15 to hit/7 damage)

One of the heads detonates as shots strike it, and there is another scream of pain from both the tree, and the other heads. (lets get initiative )

(Alert 2, top of the initiative) (edited)

(6)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d8] Roll: [8] Result: 8

(3)

(Jasper, Hell Tree, Oron, Adrian. The first of the responding terminal packs will arrive on Round 3)

(Can we tell how many heads are hanging on the tree?) (edited)

(dozens, its like a horrific, overloaded apple tree)

1

Jasper continues to berate the tree hoping to draw its attention. “WE ARE THE INHERITORS! WE WILL BRING HARMONY TO OUR WORLD,YOU ARE THE CANCER WE MUST UNFORTUNATELY STAMP OUT! YOUR MINIONS AND YOU ARE OUR SOULS TO RECLAIM. YOU MUST ADAPT TO CHANGE OR PARISH, THIS IS THE SALIVIAN WAY, OURS IS THE WAY OF CHANGE!” Jasper will prepare for the worst expecting to take whatever this tree has to throw at him (Total Defense, AC is now 21) (edited)

(Evasion save for Jasper, its weapon attack on you is functionally a banshee vox attack )

5:13 PM

(if you pass you avoid being hit)

(17v6+)

The heads in unison turn and face Jasper, all shouting their defiance in one psionic shockwave. The good doctor throws himself clear at the last second as the pressure wave passes overhead.

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 12/2/2022 5:17 PM

(Oron)

Oron moves to the left of Jasper and takes aim at the heads again. Firing another burst into the branches. (14)

5:23 PM

(27 in the off chance that hits)

5:25 PM

(5 more rounds or one more burst shot in my spike thrower. Keeping myself honest and posting it so I don’t forget

)

(it hits!)

1

(Hell yeah!!)

The tree groans, several of the heads are pulped by the heavy bore rounds of the spike thrower

5:29 PM

(Adrian)

Adrian lines up and fires another burst (15/16)

The shot breaks another of the heads, as the tree continues its thrashing and crying out in psionic pain

8:57 AM

(back to Jasper)

(Sorry guys low spoon weekend. ) As it screams Jasper seems upset “Great tree! Deep down, beyond your pain and torment I know you can understand me. We are here to save your people, your souls! Even now there is hope for your soul, but you must perish, in the end you’ll see there was no other way! Jasper continues to shout at the tree preparing for another assault. (Going to take total defense again, better safe then sorry. AC 21) (edited)

Three large branches begin growing from the depths of the tree, spiraling outward like whips. From Adrian's position, he is not in range of any of them, but two smash down, one near Oron and Jasper

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d20+6] Rolls: [8] Result: 14 [2] Result: 8

Each of you throw yourselves out of the way. Hunting horns in the woods signal the closest pack of responding terminals will be upon you soon. (oron)

True to Oron’s style he’s gonna take another burst shot at the heads in the tree (27 hit, 25 damage) (Next turn will be reloading. Figured I’d let ya know so I don’t hold anyone up

)

1:47 PM

Oron shouts “I’m empty, reloading”

(Sounds good! You'd still have your move action available when its your turn, so I'll confer with you again anyway just to make sure )

1

2:10 PM

One of the heads is blown off its branch and carpets several of those around it in gore, blinding them. They howl in their rage and pain, though not as loud as they once did. The tree is beginning to thrash less violently.

2:11 PM

(Adrian. For note-taking, the Terminal pack is arriving at the end of next round)

(can we tell which direction they're coming from, specifically are they coming from behind me?)

(They're coming from the woods, which are behind the group, and you're even further behind the group, so you're likely going to be encountered first)

Adrian moves closer to the tree (10m) and fires another burst

Obsidia Sharpshot

used /roll

Obsidia Sharpshot | Adrian Smith Request: [1d20+2] Roll: [11] Result: 13

Obsidia Sharpshot

used /roll

Obsidia Sharpshot | Adrian Smith Request: [1d12+2+2] Roll: [9] Result: 13

The shots hit bark, missing the heads on them. The terminal pack of five of the burly Terminal Primes you had seen some days ago emerge from the woods, 10m behind Adrian (and 50m from Jasper and Oron then, since Adrian was 40m away at the start of this. With the weapons we're using everyone's in short range so it doesn't make a ton of difference anyway. Bback to jasper)

“Ah, our guests of honor, come at me!” Jasper says pulling out his stun baton and heading towards the terminals (going to assume I’m not making it to them in this round so I’m gonna go for another Total Defense as I prepare for contact)

(They're 50m from you, a move and main to dash gets you to within 30m at the moment, if you've got the base storm armor you can use the leap to go 30m, getting us to within 20, so even if they double move to charge you, they can't swing in the same round)

(Let’s do the Storm Armor leap then, sorry this didn’t light up for me for some reason)

(sounds good, closing to 20m, Oron up!)

Oron moves back away from the incoming termies and reloads his spike launcher (EOT, sorry for the delay. Ive been sick. my number came up and i caught covid. Made it almost 3 years through a pandemic before i finally got hit.)

(Ahh, RIP buddy. That’s rough, hope the symptoms are light for you, no worries here.)

1

(thanks. so far its just awful sinus pressure and headaches. I'm fully vaxed but also have a compromised immune system so its gonna be a toss up)

The Hell Tree lashes out with its held branches, thorn whips scouring the ground around Oron

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d20+3] Rolls: [16] Result: 19 [18] Result: 21

Nekosmash

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Nekosmash Request: [2d6] Roll: [5, 2] Result: 7

(19/5 and 21/2 on Oron) The ground seems to shake as the massive branches thrash and sweep the ground,. Oron is hit twice before managing to throw himself clear, new magazine slotted neatly into place in his weapon despite being thrown around.

12:00 PM

(Adrian)

Adrian sprints forward 20m, trying to stay ahead of the approaching Terminals

(Jasper )

Jasper will quickly close the 20m gap between him and the Terminals “Hello old friends, soon this will all be a distant memory” He says going in for the swing of his stun baton on the closest of the five (9/5 3v15) (if shock applies to them)

(yep! Ac is 14 so shock will hit)

1:32 PM

One of the hunting pack groans as the baton crackles into their side, but it is not enough of a blow to knock them out. (Oron)

1:33 PM

(then tree/terminals)

(I’m finally coming out of my Covid coma. Sorry for making you all wait) Oron will keep burst firing at the heads on the tree (20 to hit, 24 damage)

The tree is weakening, and it is not down yet. It shrieks, sending a sonic wave toward Oron

4:07 PM

(evasion save Oron, plsase)

4:08 PM

The terminals surge forward into hand to hand with Dr. Artemis, smashing bodily into him.

4:08 PM

(double move to get into melee so cannot swing, Adrian is up, once we get Oron's evasion) (edited)

(14 evasion)

4:18 PM

(Evasion score is 11 btw)

4:18 PM

(Rolled a 14).

Adrian fires another burst at the tree, leveling his rifle at the heads hanging from it and pulling the trigger

4:35 PM

(11+2 from burst that I forgot to add in the roll is 13 to hit, 7 damage)

Oron throws himself clear as the wave of stunning energy passes overhead, missing him. A tree nearby splinters into bark and cinders as it takes the blow meant for the spike throwing warrior. The shots from Adrian strike the tree, popping anothe rone of the heads that dangle like sick fruits.

9:44 AM

(Jasper is up, in melee with the first of the terminal packs. The next can arrive as early as two more rounds, depending on what the dice gods decide)

Oron shouts to Adrian “we need ta get these heads popped before the termies over run the doc. Make ‘em count!”

"Roger that!"

“For now, put on your red shoes and let’s dance!” He shouts at the Termies continuing to hit the one he was aiming for (26/9 3v15) (edited)

There is a comical sounding CONK as the stun baton claps the terminal over the head, knocking it out. The other four terminals pile in, burying the doctor in a sea of heavy blows and sharp claws.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d20+3] Rolls: [18] Result: 21 [9] Result: 12 [10] Result: 13 [2] Result: 5

(If the 21 hits, its 3 damage, otherwise nothing, and we're on to Oron)

8:18 AM

(Then the tree )

(Hits 25/38hp)

(Oron is going to keep doing what Oron does best and shoot more heads on the tree 16/25)

The tree looks to be weakening. Its attention is solely focused on Oron now due to the high volume of damaged he has inflicted on the mighty tree. Three mighty roots riddleed with spikes and vines crash down around Oron

Nekosmash

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Nekosmash Request: [1d20+4] Rolls: [11] Result: 15 [18] Result: 22 [11] Result: 15

Nekosmash

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Nekosmash Request: [1d10] Roll: [10] Result: 10

(22/10, I think the 15's are going to miss )

(Ouch! Yeah the 15s miss. Gonna use my class ability to negate that hit)

(Adrian is up!)

Adrian sights the tree again and fires another burst at the heads in it

10:24 AM

(6 to hit. 15 damage if that somehow lands)

(Doesn't, unarmored is still about 10 when it comes to AC, so 6 is a clear miss unfortunately)

1

12:00 PM

The shot goes wide as Adrian tries to run and fire at the tree, trying to put some distance between himself and the oncoming terminal pack.

12:00 PM

(Jasper is up)

“Too tired to dance? Then sleep well, this may be one of the last slumbers you have, twisted as you are. Who’s next?” Jasper will attempt to strike the next closest of the remaining terminals (19/9 3v15)

There is another sound of breaking coconuts, and the terminal falls,with a confused look on its face. The remaining three terminals in this pack bellow and swing, while another 5 emerge from the trees at the base of the tree. These are armed with bows.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [1d20+3] Rolls: [13] Result: 16 [13] Result: 16 [7] Result: 10

(all missin you doc, Oron up, then the tree)

Oron fires another burst at the heads, not letting up till his magazine clicks empty. (15/21. Next round is going to be a reload)

The tree groans as the last of its strength gives out. The branches begin to crash into the ground and what looks like a horde of maggots rises from the ground to begin consuming the tree where it stands. The terminals begin to run, and the hunting horns now sound a retreat instead of a coordinated assault on your position. Eons of time begin passing as the maggots feast, and over the next moment there is something like a tension lifting from the surrounding area. Of the tree, there is nothing left but a fist sized lump of knotted oak, reminding you of a heart. It is black, veined in green, and the veins seem to make the knot of wood slightly pump as though alive.

5

“Phew, great work guys.” Jasper says between heavy breaths. He looks over the two unconscious Terminals before heading over to the Oak Knot and picking it up “What do you guys think this is?”

“I’m thinkin’ it might just have something to do with whatever was driven’ the termies nuts. Should probably take it in for some research.”

2:58 PM

“How far back you think those termies are retreating? Will the outpost be safe or should we press the offensive?” Oron ejects his spent magazine and loads another in

“Yeah, definitely needs to be researched.” He says before putting it into his bag “I think they are just scattering, but we should head back to the outpost and bring these two with us. It’s better safe then sorry to make sure the outpost is secure. “

“Makes sense to me. Let’s get ‘em back and regroup”

"Yeah, I agree. Lead the way and I'll help keep an eye out."

(3xp, 5000 credits all, well done)

12:01 PM

(I'll add the heart as a project)

4

(The terminals are scattering, so they're not going to attack the outpost, its up to everyone what they'd like to jump into)

(Well Oron committed to taking charge of reclaimed outpost. So I suppose that would be his next step)

(Id agree with Oron, back to the outpost. We can bring these terminals back for Reclamation. Jasper will figure out what he’ll do from there.)

(was the reclaimed outpost the Solarium, or that village where the two of them had some memories? )

(The village. Plan was to turn it into a place for the reclaimed to live/an outpost to study if im not mistaken)

(The village, I just meant to bring the captured terminals to the flyer that’s there for reclamation, not that the soularium was there. )

(Adrian will join them going back to the outpost and we'll see from there)