Iron Stars - thanksgiving-funtime

(Will do some exposition here tomorrow, just wanted to set this up)

8

7

4

2

3

You each awaken in a forest clearing. The beautiful fall sun is high in the sky and the leaves are turning bright yellow, fiery orange , and royal red. The earthy browns of the remaining leaves and the ground all mix together to paint a beautiful scene. An empty woven cornucopia sits 20m from you and it’s about the side of a grav tank. It’s wicker tail ends in an upward curl and the wind whistled as it blows through gaps in the object. A note has been pinned to the side of it with an arrow.

“Weird night, huh?”

Jasper sits up at he sound of a voice and rubs his eyes with his left semi-transparent hand. “Ughh I don’t think I’m on Saliv anymore. Do you know where we are? I swear I only had one shot last night.”

In a blur of purple Venser zips from a lying to standing position. "Accidental teleportation. Happens to the best of us! Where'd we end up this time?" He looks around quizzically for others present.

Dr. Truffles sits up and scratches his head, reaching over to poke Knock who's snoring loudly. "I don't reckon I know. Last thing I remember, you was bringing the shipment from CBSS through capital station and things get a might foggy from there on out." He turns and smiles broadly at Parsnips. "Thanks for that by the way!"

"U-uh... Hiya, everyone..." Noel states, adjusting herself out of a shrubbery.

Venser wags a finger at Dr. Truffles knowingly. "Yep. Okay. Now things are starting to make more sense." He waves at those who are making themselves known.

Thulee raises his head, takes in the warmth of the sun and looks around. He hears a grunt behind him and realises he’s been using Mushk as a pillow. Getting up... “Well, this is a pleasant surprise… Hi everyone"

She brushes herself off, removing a branch from her coat, and walks over to the Empty cornucopia thing. "Maybe the note has something? I'm Noel Hallewell, of the Lamplighters, by the way."

Jasper stands up too and begins to his way towards Noel and the Cornucopia “I’m Dr. Jasper Artemis, and I’m the Headmaster of Artemis Institute, if we are giving our titles. “ jasper says with a chuckle “ it’s beautiful here, soft sunlight too, at least compared to my home. I don’t know, I don’t think this was a accidental teleportation. “

Thulee walks over, breathing in the air. "Yes, it is beautiful here. Hi Noel, Hi Jasper... I'm Thulee... umm... of the Blue. Heh, kidding. Its just Thulee.

"Venny I thought I warned you about drunk teleporting... Ugh my head! Where are we?" Reza stands up and looks around to see the cornucopia. He reaches into his holdout pocket and feels the synth leather tome in it's place. He sighs in relief, "Oh that's a lot of people I've never met! Howdy y'all, names Reza. Reza Collins! What you think is going on here?"

"It's not my fault! I get... 'glitchy' - when I drink..." As he finishes saying that he burps and a purple visage of him spasms rapidly towards the site of the note in the cornucopia. "See!"

Scratching his head and getting to his feet and walks to the others, Iracus looks around quite confused, "What.. What happened here? And I'm Iracus."

A young, neon blue Utan creeps over hesitantly. He wears an Asian style robe with a monosword strapped to his back. “Where are we? Does this happen with MES a lot? I am Paxcyan of the Terezinho Utan and I think I am incredibly lost. The stars are wrong.”

"Well, there's no incorporeal manifestations of hate, No grey planet eating goo, and no AI around at the moment, so let's get our bearings and start piecing this together. No rush though, hehe. It is really pleasant here."

Dr. Truffles gets to his feet as well. "Name's Dr. Truffles, reckon I had the pleasure of meeting most of y'all though. Knock! Knock buddy don't eat from that till we figure what it is!"

She waves at Dr. Truffles, then turns to Iracus, smiles, nods, and says, "heya chief." (edited)

"Uhhhhhh, this is not where I was going..." Obsidia mutters as she picks herself off the ground and dusts off her CFU.

Grim sees many of his old friends and smiles. “Not sure how we got here but at least there’s many familiar faces. For those I don’t already know the name is Grim. If we are doing the fancy title thing I’m the Lightbringer of the Lamplighter foundation. But many of us have fought enough together to not need formalities. Also, Obsidia don’t worry, this sort of thing happens more than you would think. I’m sure we will be fine.” (edited)

Parsnips waves sheepishly while rubbing his temples. “Hi everyone, I’m Parsnips, from CBSS.” Turning to Doctor Truffles and Venser, Parnsips gives a thumbs up. “Glad you guys liked the shipment. Thanks again for your help there.”

Pax climbs up into the cornucopia to pluck the note and read it. “Hey, there’s a note here!”

Daira wakes up and looks around, seeing many unknown people make her grab for her swords, just in case anything weird happens. "By Ognyena, what is this? Who are you people why are we here? I guess you don't know either. You can call me Dai." (edited)

"Wait a metaspace second... How many worshippers of a Taros fire goddess named Dai are there? What are the chances, Eh Venny?"

The voice, the words, the reach for weapons. Venser instinctively steadies a hand on Force of Will as he whips around to face the latest to wake. There's a moment where they are both seriously on the edge of drawing, before Venser has a chance to get ahold of himself, Reza's words helping to cut through the tension. "Huh- yeh..." He chuckles weakly and relaxes from a readied stance. "...Must be a common name..." He attempts to rationalise, secretly hoping either Hailey or Eisheru somehow also wound up here - so he doesn't feel like he's going completely insane.

"Hey, uhm, Dai, We're among allies here. I don't think our weapons are necessary against each other. Words before Weapons, and all that. Also, This place is peaceful so far... Let's keep it calm and Civil please... P-please." Noel stresses the second please as she gives a confused look to Venser, and follows it with a pleading look to everyone else.

“Noel is right, at least for now, we should save our energy till we see what brought us here. “

Iracus waves to Noel as he apprehensively watches Paxcyan climbing up the 'totally not a trap' center piece and steps back a few feet in case things go sideways. "Yes the beauty of this place is a nice accent to our whole being kidnapped thing. What's that note say?" He asks Pax while watching Dai and her swords out the corner of his eye. (edited)

Daira blushes and puts her sword away. "I am sorry. This was just, you know, I was there and now I am here and all that and then all you strange looking people, not that you are actually looking strange, more like, the whole situation was strange. I am sorry, drawing my sword was not what I should have done, it was not in the image of my goddess or following the teachings of the prophet." " Venny? Is that Venser Reach? The one who fought alongside the Prophet?" She thinks to herself.

"What's that note say?" Obsidia asks Paxcyan after walking over to him.

"It's alright, honestly. It's a strange situation, but whatever brought us here can't be too inherently hostile, it left our weapons on us, and put us all in the same spot. If it wanted a fight it would disarm and then separate us before we have a chance to fight back." She states, looking around. She takes a deep breath and exhales, kind of awkwardly. After a brief moment she smiles warmly and says, "It's a pleasure to meet you, though!"

Teucer looks uncomfortable as he stares at the change of scenery, his hand gripping slightly too tight to his holstered pistol. It takes a second for him to shake himself to regular functionality. Glancing around at faces both familiar and new, Teucer focuses on Daira and quickly closes the distance. "Ilkhan Daira, it worries me to see you here, I'll try my best to protect you but please try not to seek out the danger" Stepping back, Teucer takes a place at a discrete distance to the woman.

Daira stares at Teucer for a moment, before bowing slightly. "Greetings, General Teucer. And thank you, it is much appreciated. If we get back save, well , I guess it will net you another medal. But it is nice to know that you know the titles of the Khanates." She smiles and feels a bit saver now.

@sunnydrains (this mission is out of time, for all my patrons, if you'd lke to participate. Seems like everyone else for the most part is here as well)

1:05 PM

The note is short, consisting of just a few lines. No matter the reason, no matter the season, there is always time to give thanks for the things we have. This is a time where all nations and people come together as friends to share a meal, talk, and enjoy the company of one another. Scattered around the woods are things needed to celebrate this momentous day. Complete my tasks, and a thanksgiving bounty will be yours
T. Urkey

1:06 PM

The tasks are as follows, written in post-script below the signature.

Traveling the woods to find foods to fill the cornucopia of giving, and raw ingredients for the shared meal.

Recovery of the missing tables and chairs for the feast

-Setting up the feasting square

Preparation of the holiday meal

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 11/21/2021 1:09 PM

“Weird! The note wants us to go out to the woods and gather food, recover the tables and chairs, set up a feasting square and actually cook a feast… I… I mean I could commune with the forest to see what’s edible and where but have any of you heard of this, T. Urkey?” Pax scratches his head in confusion.

"No, but I can help recover the tables and chairs. I can carry quite a bit so that should help move them easily." Obsidia says

"Whoever this Urkey fellow is, they must have significant and a previously unknown classification of MES abilities to have been able to bring us all here from across the stars. Maybe this is some kind of shared metadimensional hallucination?" Iracus ponders this thought as he picks up a leaf to inspect it while looking over the cornucopia

“I can help you with that, Obsidia, good to see you again by the way”

"Anyone here particularly good at cooking? I can help with setting up the Feasting Square probably." She shrugs, frowning and pondering over the situation.

(I figured when we have some loose teams together we can thread it up so things are organized )

(I can help find food!)

"I can do recovery of the missing furniture or help set up, I'd imagine the ability to fly could come in pretty handy on either of those."

“I’ve found my way around a kitchen or too. Nothing to write home about, but I can manage.”

"Hmm. We need Kitchen Staff, Hunter-Gatherers, and Set up team mostly at the moment. Hey, chief, which would you prefer?" She turns, asking Iracus.

"Preparation of spaces suitable for arcane rituals is my specialty. How hard could it be to set up q feasting square?"

Dr. Truffles starts extracting way more cooking equipment than should be able to fit in his backpack and hands it to Knock to set to the side. "It's been a long bit since I done got a chance to cook for this many folks, and for such an important Terran holiday too! Knock and I'll help out in the kitchen, once Reza's got it all set up. Venser! I got a few things I'm gonna need you to add to the list!"

“If we are breaking in to teams I would like to look for the table and chairs”

“Is anyone coming into the woods to find food with me or…” Pax asks as he walks backwards, thumbs over shoulders.

Responding to Noel, "I think I will help Paxcyan and search for food, be good chance to explore this strange area more." Iracus waves over to Paxcyan before jogging over to him, "I'll join you, although I can't say I have much expertise in foraging so we will see how much help I am. Name's Iracus by the way."

“Pax!” He says, bearing a huge ape-like smile. “You can call me Pax. But if it’s just you then would you mind if I extend my symbiosis to you? I’m not super talented yet, but if we get in a pinch, I could help you get a little extra done.” He shakes your hand enthusiastically.

Noel continues smiling and nods an affirmative. "So that's two for Food getting, Three for furniture recovery, two for Set up, and two for cooking so far."

"I'm happy to help out wherever there is a need. That said I do like to cook... maybe I can help there?"

Daira looks over her shoulder at General Teucer. She is from Artema, there are no better hunters than them. Yet she lost both her arms on a hunt. While it wasn't a regular hunt back then, the General still might not like what she is about to say. "I am quite a good hunter, I guess. At least not bad at it. I am from Artema after all, which might not tell you anything. Yeah." She shakes her head, before turning to Teucer. "General. Will you accompany us, or are you more into cooking or preparing parties?" She grins knowing that she somewhat forces him into joining them on the hunt.

(Is it to late to participate ?)

(not at all!)

(Yes please participate!)

(no time limit! Just keeping things gently moving

Ana appears from behind a tree and aimlessly move to the group before she snap back at reality. She look confused at the group and then behind her. "That's not the bathroom of the Galatea Games..." (edited)

2

"Yeah, peanut guy isn't here either. I don't think."

(I’ll thread this up shortly , but I’m happy everyone is here!)

3

"How long are you all blocked here ? I recognise some people here. Oh, hey Jasper ! There is also Icarus that I fought previously in the Hack a ton..." Ana put a hand on her head and continue. "I'm probably dreaming after passing out. So what do I need to do Dream buddies ? "

"Well, if you go past the tree that's got the face of your second grade teacher, through the passageway where you are suddenly and inexplicably naked and expected to give a presentation on a topic you know nothing about to a gathering of all of your former bosses and lovers, and then make a right at the talking warthog that both is and is not your mother, you'll find a list of tasks we need to accomplish together." Parsnips chuckles a little too hardily at his own joke. "Hey, I'm Parsnips. I don't think we've met before."

3

"I do remember you ! You wanted to do compete with my robot dancer. Nice to meet you Parsnips, I'm Ana." Ana say extending her hand. "So dream buddy, when do we start looking for my second grade teacher ? I just hope that I will keep part of my equipment when we arrive at the passageway." (edited)

"OF COURSE! How could I possibly have forgotten! A dance battle for the ages!"

"It's Three in each task list except set-up, though I imagine one of those will jump to four, soon. And a couple of folks waiting to see what shakes down before they make a decision."

Teucer's jaw clenches slightly at the Ilkhan's words before he responds. "I am also quite skilled at tracking. If I can lend a hand in the hunt, I will. I can't say I can do any more than 'cook' the food, I am no chef"

Jasper turns away from his conversation with Obsidia “Ana? Is that you? What are the odds someone else from Saliv is here. Definitely makes me more curious… well there is a note with tasks for us to complete,” He points towards the cornucopia “Obsidia, Venser, and I are planning on going into the woods to look for tables and chairs, apparently there should be some littered nearby, I believe others are grouping up to complete the other tasks as well”

Ivan, one of the last ones awake, stumbles out of some bushes. "Oh, man. That alien cheese puff thing can put a grown man to sleep- ...did someone say food? I'm starving!"

"You gotta help us with the tasks before there's any eating... Would you perhaps help Mr. Collins and I with set up?"

5:33 PM

Noel asks, fixing Ivan with a warm smile, and slightly hopeful eyes.

Dr. Truffles grins at Ivan. "If I'm remembering proper I owe you a whole mess of vittles. We'll get you fixed up in no time!"

"General Wyke is here too, huh? This is a strange place indeed." Daira says while smiling and shaking her head.

Nekosmash started a thread. 11/24/2021 7:13 AM [Open Thread]

(Let me know if you guys can see the thread )

6

Nekosmash started a thread. 11/24/2021 9:58 AM [Open Thread]

Nekosmash started a thread. 11/24/2021 9:59 AM [Open Thread]

(Is there one for set up, or is that one for after the everything is procured?)

(Yeah gotta have the stuff to set it up)

(Alrighty~)

"Well, Mr. Collins, Mr. Wyke, Do we chase down the Other three groups and Join them? Or do we Let them all have a break when they get back, and Hang out and discuss things in the meantime?" She beams a smile at the other two.

"I'm all for hanging out here... And please, just Reza. I feel like I'm in trouble when someone calls me that... Hmmm may have earned that one!" Reza makes a gesture to the general situation, "So what you think got us all here? Unexpected Teleportation Event? Shared precognitive vision?"

"I'm inclined towards a form of Teletransposition or physical projection, as I don't have the Ancient Flop-Pistol bracelet on me, and I kinda... I dunno, feel weird without it, so I imagine any form of purely psychological projection would include the bracelet..." She rubs her left wrist, and stares at it for a moment.

"Arcane projection seems to be less likely. Otherwise I wouldn't have my Grimmie..." Reza pulls out the white leather with gold filigree tome from a pocket within his chest cavity "Teleportation seems more likely... But without our knowledge? ... Wait Flop Pistol? Bracelet? Please explain!" (edited)

"It's a wrist mounted Pistol, that functions like a flop rifle. I was given it by an NMC agent and have been trying to find the homeworld of the Slug Aliens who produced it basically since then." Noel shrugs.

"You found the people who can produce them? That's some fascinating technology! New tech and metadimensional energy is a bit of a hobby o mine. You as well?"

"Ah~! A bit, though technically I'm more fascinated by Xeno-archeology. I figure if we can learn what came before we can use it to plot the course ahead, so to speak. What sort of stuff are you working on?" Her tone shifts, and her speech gets slightly faster, and the smile becomes more natural.

"That makes a lot of sense! I mostly study Piggen culture and technological history. I'm an arcanotech specialist by training" Reza places a hand on a brooch at his neck in the shape of a shield. There is a brief flash of light from the brooch before armor plates begin unfolding from an impossibly small space. After a couple seconds a full set of an Icarus Harness surrounds Reza

"That's really Cool! Oh~! Do you happen to know anything about ancient Piggen Pirates? Specifically in the Era the Slyth were active? They were what beset the Slug species ships around the Teucer Ringworld, and finding their origin point might help figure out more trade paths and all of that." Noel leans in more, hoping she has more leads. "If you find any ancient Piggen Sites... oh... Let me know, I'll do the same..."

"Hmm pirates? Hmm... Can't say they I have... But a friend of mine is looking for the Piggen homeworld. If we find any information I'll be sure to let you know..." "So these slugs... Precursors to the Slyth? Or?"

"They traded with the Slyth and a Rival faction to them, during the time that the Slyth released a genetic plague that began to mutate and consume All three of the factions. They went to Teucer to get away from the plague, I believe. They had been profiteering from the War between the Slyth and the tertiary faction. Whether they're associated with any Precursor Civilizations to the Slyth or not is not something I know offhand."

"Hmm... The Piggen and the Slyth were contemporaries of each other. And I believe they did not make it much further north than Gudrun. At their height they had a vast sphere of influence."

"Hmm... Ugh... I'd give anything to have an ancient map of some kind... Do you happen to know where the Slyth Cluster was located, by any chance? Using that as a location point I could probably find the Slug Aliens using the data I gathered from The wreckage of their ships."She thinks for a moment.

"Slyth Cluster? I... don't think anyone really knows for certain... I-... Wait... Song... No... Seung! Governor Seung! Of Terezinho I believe. UNW hero. Or so the records say. Well- He went looking for it I believe! Go find him and he might have a lead on that Slyth cluster!" Reza is matching Noel's general excitement and energy

"D-do you know where he was seen last? What direction he was heading? Ah! This is exciting. Are you a member of the Lamplighter's foundation Yet? You Should join up! We could compare notes..." Noel practically bounces with energy.

"Uhh... hold a moment!" A tertiary claw carved with geometric patterns and metadimensional equations grabs his grimoire Reza makes a few gestures as if typing on a computer screen that is not present. After a brief moment he looks back up to you, "He went north... looks like last January he went that way... News... doesnt... say... much else. Would start looking that way... Maybe East of the NFSS to start your search?"

She grins, almost smugly. "Aha! good, I'm in the right area, then. I'm... or I was... Looking into Plaus' Immediate Neighborhood, the systems all connected by Juroli. Figured I'd start there and go to Autune and Shira Rilalin after checking out Nur and Popolos... I also want to check on Plaus and see how they're doing with the Cleanup of the Murder-Maze they built to contain the AI they were fighting."

"I'll trust your enthusiasm! If you can find Metadimensional Leyline points of interest, you are likely to find where the Slyth were gathered. Its what the Piggen did and others I am sure have done the same through the eons."

"Well, if you ever feel like joining me, let me know~! There's a lot to explore out there and even without sleeping I don't think I'm going to get to most of it... So having help would be nice."

"I will certainly keep that in mind. Currently on a research sabbatical for the Academy. But if I hear anything I will certainly forward you any new research I come across!"

"Awesome, and if you need any assistance from... Uh..." She thinks for a moment. "Well... an expert on using Arcane Runes to alter and expand firearm's capabilities, let me know. I also happen to have a high amount of resistance to bullets, and don't Eat, sleep, drink or breathe... speaking of which, could you... uhm. Help me with that? I think it'd be weird if I was here, helped with everything, and then just... didn't participate in the meal."

"Oh are you a... Gun Mage? I have always been impressed by the expertise with guns! So is it the bullets? The gun? Neither?" "Oh... Um... I have heard of people exhibiting strange presentations of MES. Fewer documented cases, but people can present with a variety of 'symptoms' of MES. Some can raise things with their brain; Others can read from a book and cause things to happen. Perhaps this is just an expression of MES for you?" "If someone can through intense training gain the ability to nourish themselves through their connection to Metaspace, I don't see why it would be unreasonable for someone to have the ability spontaneously?"

"That's fair, It's actually a bit of everything? Here..." She carefully unholsters her Thermal Pistol, It has a lot of ornate designs both carved into it and added to it, and rests in her hand as if the grip was built for hers. "You have to add a lot of fortification and stabilization runes onto it, and then a few other things... namely to allow the Runes..." She pulls out one of them, showing it "...To add their abilities to the gun without causing the gun to explode. So it's really all three parts need to be operating on the same sort of wavelength." "As for the not eating, sleeping or any of that, I did that to myself... it wasn't spontaneous, it's just that I never really thought about ever shutting it off and didn't research or apply a method to do that... I was having trouble sleeping due to circumstances."

Reza pulls out his arcanotech energy cell and uses it to compare the markings used in their respective disciplines, "Ah! Quite fascinating." he then looks at the rune shot and makes some more nods. "And this device is stable? Remarkable! All of my devices are purpose built. This much flexibility and explosive energy out of one implement? Amazing!"

"Eh, Semi-stable. They're all single use. This one banishes Shadows back to Meta-space. The one I use most often just overloads whatever serves as the controlling element of whatever it's shot into and causes them to fritz up briefly. It buys time to react in a lot of combat situations. They can do a lot of things! I think the biggest limitation so far is that when my teacher wanted to enhance himself he had to shoot the bullet into himself to get the Magic to be delivered, though you can modify the runes to lessen the impact somewhat." Noel laughs and sighs... "Someday I'm going to be able to cast spells like that, and I'm kind of excited."

"That's a nifty trick! Shooting a spell? Huh! Never thought to imbue a spell directly into a bullet... But shooting yourself? I think that is just a step too far! Well... Assuming you aren't immune to bullets!" "I always enjoy seeing how people express their MES! So much personal flare! Even to things that are regimented to a certain extent. You inscribe bullets and I wave my hands and speak some Piggen! Just so crazy cool to me!"

"It is pretty cool! I've been actually hoping to teach more people how to be Gun-Mages, and open a school for them... But I don't exactly have a place in mind anymore, so I suppose that's on backburner." She fidgets for a bit, staring at her hands.

"Schools need not be only in one place. Especially when they are just starting out. Or who knows maybe you will find a place soon! Sometimes putting a goal on the backburner can lead to unsuspecting opportunities."

"That's kinda what I'm hoping for... Hmm... How do you feel about this whole federalization thing?"

"Will be good for the UNW... We are a bit too full of ourselves. Can't say I'm surprised about ol' greycloaks going back to the shadows. What's the general thought in the Cooperative?"

"...It was a close vote... and the one that led to me focusing solely on my career with the Lamplighters... I voted against the federalization as I have unaddressed concerns about the whole situation." Noel says, with a frown. She looks about for a second or two and her face screws up very slightly as if she's displeased at the lack of something. "...I... Hmm..."

"Oh I'm under no illusion that this is a perfect union. UNW has its own issues to fix and probably should have done so a long time ago... But hindsight and all that." Reza responds. "But this will lead to improvements overall, methinks. But then again they are already talking about rolling out the red carpet for another group when shit is still sideways around the local area... Plenty of worlds right next door need our attention."

Her facial expression shifts to pensive, and she visibly shudders. "I don't know, Reza... I'm worried that you guys will slip into tyranny. I've already seen two different member-polities of the ISF show a red Flag towards that Each... And I can't... I can't be a part of that."

Reza crosses his arms, "Oh like the tyranny of ensuring member polities don't perform black site research without the full knowledge and approval of your allies? Or is there some other kind of tyranny that you are referring to?"

5

3

"Comparing allied polities' leaders to the Still Lady to justify copying rituals that our mission was to destroy, The Liberal use of Fist First Diplomacy against Polities outside the ISF... Using a Moral panic to seize assets and to deny said research without ever actually checking to see what safety features were in place, thus signifying that it wasn't actually about how safe it was, but rather that everyone else wanted the tech for themselves." Noel states, quite heatedly. "The fact that One of the Polities most upset about the Black-Site Research being conducted is the same as the one whose agents who decided that Deeveers was the same as the Still Lady speaks volumes about their Ethics." (edited)

(Deeveers was infected with the iron cyst by nobles that escaped the sweep as a last “fuck you” before fleeing , no polity was involved in that- it was an internal issue . Just a point of order )

(I'm aware, They said that any ruler with any degree of Absolute power was the same as the Still Lady, and when Noel contested that, they said, 'Didn't he just wipe out all opposition to the throne that was present within the NMC'? Referring to the Noble sweep. Granted it's possible that Noel [And I] Interpreted it wrong, it was a rough day for her xP) (edited)

"I will agree with you on the Protectorate's stance regarding the CA. No offense Ivan. And I wasn't on Rana. I can't really speak to what people were doing there. But if you saw something why haven't you said anything about it? Being witness to crimes and then doing nothing afterwards makes you party to them." "A 'moral panic'? Oh you mean being upset that an ally stripped the agency of polities to ensure that safety measures were in place? All the Cooperative gave was a 'Don't worry about it. We have it under control' only after Buchanan made the risk assessment for everyone else. Why is it acceptable for the Cooperative to make that choice for everyone else?" "From my point of view, there are two polities that are teetering on Tyranny. And their colors aren't blue or red...."

3

She sighs "I had thought I included it in the report, besides that, I don't remember if they actually Did record the Rituals, only that they talked about it. I was a tad preoccupied having basically the worst day of my life..." She tries really hard not to let her voice crack but it still does. "It wasn't acceptable, I admit that much... But we took as many precautions as we could, and in the end, We didn't end up with another Stupid Gun, or Military hard-ware to use to Murder People who disagree with us. We have the First step in Recovering the Planets the Shapers Annihilated, but now it's sitting behind some amount of Red-Tape as a back-burner project to Fruit." She begins shaking as she talks, clearly not taking any of this well. "And if you have accusations about the NMC, Who just recently deposed the Nobility and instilled a Parliament without restoring any of The Monarchy's Power; Who have abided by every decision the ISF has placed upon them after the Black Site Research, Then Lay them out. I am not NMC anymore, I left because I disagreed with them..."

"No other comments at present. Not looking to blast anyone in particular. I calls em how I sees em. I've made my opinions known about internal dealings I find questionable." Reza shrugs as his tertiary arm places his grimoire back into his hands. "Definitely not a Thanksgiving Meal without family talking about politics, isn't it?"

"...I hope this is the only one that happens here, then..." Noel's frown doesn't alleviate any. Her posture slowly shifts back neutral, but appears to have a slight bit more weight to it. "Do you... Think... We should do any...uhm... Tidying up around here?"

Reza shrugs as he lets go of the subject and moves on to looking around at their surroundings, "Yeah we could probably do a few things to make it look a little more home-like... Hmm..." Reza once again hands his grimoire to his tertiary arm as he flips to a page somewhere in the first half of the book. He reads for a few moments before he begins a sing-song like chant in Piggen. Noel can't make out the meaning but soon sees a verdant wall spring forth from the ground around them. He begins gesturing and the vines seem to grow in the direction that he points. Pretty soon they have a green structure with three walls and a high roof. Flower petals bloom from within the wall of vines and other plant life. (Casting The Verdant Vallation. Retain Sorcery 4/5 effort remain. Made a 10m^2 room with a vine roof and open on one side facing the cornucopia. Should have enough with 60 linear meters of wall I can craft) (edited)

8:37 AM

"Oh wow... I... Can't do anything like this yet." She looks about, thinking.

(I’ll have something for you guys to do in a few here)

(you guys wanna tackle one of the ingredients ? )

(Sure! I am up for whatever

)

(absolutely!)

(either one of these)

1:06 PM

There are herbs that grow by the creek that will season the meat with rich flavor. There is a patch of something like cabbage , onions and potatoes in the heart of the woods where wild beasts that feast on them also live.

1:06 PM

(ill throw the one you don't pick to cook squad

"How good are you at determining the difference between just plants, and spices? Cause I am not great at it, and I think Cabbages, Onions, and potatoes might be an easier time as far as the skills I have... But I'm willing to help with either."

"Let's go for that then! If you ever get a chance, you have to have Truffles make you his stuffed cabbage, it's to die for!"

(Survive/wis, anyone )

(Is that anyone or just those not broken out into threads?)

(anyone not broken into a thread)

(Sorry this never lit up. 9 for Reza on the Survive/Ws)

You think you're able to pick up on some kind of trail, following the sweet smell of wind blown onion in the air. The ground underfoot becomes slightly marshy and you see tracks of turkey, lopes, and other forest dwelling creatures pressed into the soft mud. You hear the sounds of water ahead, a gently flowing stream or forest brook perhaps

Reza raises his nose to the air and gets a strong whiff of fresh wild onions, "Onions! Hmm..." He turns about a few times trying to triangulate the direction of the smell "That way! C'mon lets go!" Reza begins trudging through the marshy in the direction of the smell of onions, trying to pick the least muddy way through but ultimately knowing he will get at least a little bit dirty

Noel follows along, happy that Reza knows where they're going. She pauses briefly to frown her displeasure at the Mud, as if it was an old enemy come to haunt her. With a shudder, she enters into a trot to catch back up.

The edge of the river is a muddy pit, and you can see the sprouts poking above the ground here. They've gorged themselves on water, and look both very healthy, and very large. This is more than enough to feed everyone.

Pax rolls up his pant legs and gets his toes right in the mud to help pull the onions. “Ooooo this is good mucky dirt. Feels funny slipping in my fur!”

The group manages to grab the produce and everyone meets back at the main campsite. A team bearing the #deleted-channel returns with them, and a large chest. The #deleted-channel has set up the apparatus for getting the meal cooked and prepared, and the #deleted-channel team has since returned with a large sled full of fruits and alcoholic plants for use. The mood is jovial and now everyone comes together to enjoy a meal among friends.

9:11 AM

(We'll all be in here now)

"Hey everyone! Looks like all our tasks went well?" Venser says, smiling as a flurry of plates and utensils shoots out of the large chest and into neat placements on the tables that are being put together. He sniffs the air. "Ooooooo... Something smells good!"

“I am glad to see everyone was successful, I am looking forward to this meal.” Grim then begins to assemble the pieces of furniture they recovered. “It’s a shame there were no directions on how to put these pieces together”

"Maybe I can help! It can't be too hard, hehe." She beams a smile at the group as she jogs over to Grim to assist.

Iracus goes around to help ensure everyone has a pre-meal drink of some kind to keep them properly hydrated while they work to prepare the meal. Serving out nectar, water, or whatever beverages they might have available.

"Wow. It really looks like we have a great feast ahead of us!" Daira grabs a drink and raises it. "You know it's a bit early, cause we aren't all sitting at the table. But we Artemans have some sayings. One of it we say when we are about to reach home from a successful hunt. Or once we reach home." She coughs Now gather yourselves, brothers and sisters, lay down your weapons, as the dark night is approaching; the day's work is done! Before the first glimpse of dawn We took Spear and bow to find a fawn Artema was well-disposed With game so plenty, we almost overdosed Now bring it home to our loved ones They hold our homes cozy and prepare the meal for us. Praise Artema. Praise the Khan. For they always look out for us." "Yeah that is it. I mean, there was no fawn to be found, but that is how the saying goes. And Etherfruit doesn't rhyme with dawn. But I really think one could get an overdose from this fruit and end up wasted."

“That was beautiful Daria, you know it’s funny, my last name is Artemis. Does your poem speak of the ancient Terran greek goddess Artemis? My mother always used to tell me stories she learned in the academy and told us we inherited that last name for a reason.

Dr. Truffles throws an arm around Venser and Reza. "How'd y'all fair with your parts? It sure was fun getting to cook for this many folks, haven't had a dinner table this big since all our ships was flying together."

"Oh you know! Discussed politics. Scavenged for onions. Conjured a house of metadimensional vines... You know... Just normal family gathering stuff!"

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "Y'all did a great job on the house, you're gonna have to show me that one. Reckon I get enough politics in the council chamber though."

"I realize in hindsight, that I agree with that sentiment, Dr. Truffles..." She sighs, frowns, sighs again, and then smiles and nods.

Reza shrugs, "You asked..." He saunters over to the tables and chairs as well as the large chest and begins setting up the table and the various place settings so everyone can have a spot at the table

Parsnips grabs the bottle in which he mixed the nectar with CBSS vodka, and several glasses. “Who can I interest in a cocktail?” Without waiting for a response, he starts filling the glasses (edited)

“Sure, whatcha making?”

“Noel and I are just about finished with the furniture and I would love a drink. Thank you Parsnips.” Grim then begins brings the benches and chairs to the table.

The large table and the chairs for it are drawn up. Places are set and the food is being prepared. The entire meadow fills with pleasant smells and the sounds of laughter as new friendships are formed. As the pleasantness continues you can see the cornucopia begins to fill with food.

Some sort of psychic event here begins to lose cohesion as the meal is completed, drinks are drunk, and stories are passed among one another. Connections are formed where they other wise would not have been and be this pleasant daydream, a psychic disturbance that transported you elsewhere, or a bit of holiday magic , you awaken in your own beds, home, both warm and comfortable. The full feeling in your stomach is just a coincidence, surely. (Everyone gets a turkey leg that can be consumed as an on turn action. It will either heal 3d10 worth of health, or will take the place of 30 days of rations. Your character will not be hungry or thirsty for the entire duration of that time)

11

12

(Oh. I missed this thread. It was open to everyone?)

Daerevrurr

(Oh. I missed this thread. It was open to everyone?)

Was a patreon thread

Paxcyan Wilder (Billy)

Was a patreon thread

Oh, that's why. Thanks.