Iron Stars - karros

Karros takes a deep breath of the coal stained air of Pelsagon Primus deep into their lungs as the transport shuttle from the UNW sets down inside the visitors airport. He completed citizenship papers on the way here and is already not going to have to worry about customs. THe only instructions were to report to the embassy on the victors compound here to meet with the local CBSS immigration officer. Several things are going to be required of you for becoming a full citizen here, among them some time of mandatory polity service and you suspect that is what will be discussed. High fences and guards surround the outside of the compound, keeping people from leaving easily.

2

The shorter than average Taros steps out of the transport, looking up at the embassy with a nervous but hopeful look. With a sigh, he approaches the gate, taking his first steps to a world entirely new to him as he struggles with the air.

The local officer you were scheduled to meet is waiting near the gate. His gray uniform and fur hat stand out even on this temperate day. "Karros Helsis! This way please, you are expected" he says formally, giving you the impression that you really do not have much of a choice

With a small startle, Karros looks towards the officer then towards the way directed. With a nod, he begins to follow the path indicated. "Thank you, officer."

You're taken into a small office right off the airport tarmac where you're invited to sit down in one of the stained white plastic chairs. A small round table is set between you both and the local officer sits down. "I trust the flight here from the UNW was comfortable enough. I've got some things to go over with you as we plan out your mandatory service for citizenship. Once complete. you'll enjoy all the rights and protections given to every member of the CBSS"

Karros takes a seat, folding his hands out in front of him as he listens to the officer. "I look forward to the future, and will be happy to earn my place."

“I see on the official forms you have some experience running or working in a factory. You might be a good person for one of our colonial operations. The world Sanjaru is a colonial planet of ours beginning to bootstrap its own industry and someone like you helping out there would massively speed things along

Karros cringes slightly, but immediately shifts to heavy interest. "That would make the most of my skill set I believe. I find the challenge of aiding the industry of a colonial world very appealing. When would I begin?"

“We would like you to depart as soon as possible. You’ll meet with the sheriff once you arrive in the village we are trying to help. He will be able to walk you through what they have , what they’re doing , and where they want to end up”

Doing some mental calculations, Karros nods. "Very well, I assume we will have contact with the CBSS in case anything occurs?" He inquires to the officer.

"Yes. You'll be delivered via shuttle, and it will facilitate comms. There is also a locker aboard with some basic gear in it to aid you. "|

16:57

(comms in SWN when sending messages between planets are not instant. We're looking at more of an age of sail type thing, with it taking a day per hex it's traveling through to send a message and get a reply, so we won;t have instant decision making powers if you ask them something) (edited)

"That sounds good. I already have everything I need so I can leave as soon as we are done here, officer."

(When able, I would like to know what the basic gear is, please)

(Thank you)

20:24

(Will I be able to head out immediately or am I expected to stay for additional briefings or documentation?)

(I'm good when you are)

20:53

You're essentially directed to turn right around to the shuttle, where it is refueling with a new flight crew-set to go to the planet of Sanjaru where you will begin your first mission.

20:54

(3 days of downtime)

(Karros is going to spend the three days near the helm, asking questions to the pilot as he tries to train the pilot skill)

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

Sanjaru

02:10

(central mine is about the area youd be setting down in upon arriving, where the main friendly CBSS settlement is)

(I do love me some minerals)

02:17

(It says heavy mineworks have run the fuel dry, do we know what their fuel source was? Coal I assume?)

(Peat and coal)

You’re permitted to land in the central mine area where a bustling hub is beginning to form. Workers and Dino riders are common sights among the scrap and thatch houses here, as the people begin to organize into something more modern. You’re offloaded at the edge of the settlement and the locker is opened for you to grab what you need before exiting

After gathering what he needs, he heads off to find the sherif, asking around if needed.

The Sheriff is easy to find, amid the front of the crowd. There are people gathering as a ship coming down is a big deal in a small settlement like this

"Hail, The sherriff I presume? I am Karros Helsis, of the CBSS. I've been sent to aid in your industrial works." Karros respectfully bows his head, greeting the man.

(While I'm at it actually, can I glance around the area and people and get a feel for how they are feeling about me? As well as getting an idea of their situation ahead of talking to the sheriff?)

The locals seem hopeful. Their last representative was able to make the beginnings of industry here and has made the area safer. They’re hoping things can continue working towards progress and uplift. The sheriff mirrors those sentiments.

"I was told you would brief me on where you currently stand. Shall we get started? I believe you've waited far long enough to get to where you deserve to be." A smile warms Karros's face as he finishes speaking.

"You seem like the person for the job then. We've got plenty to do around here. We just finished a road from this settlement to the mines nearby, so we are importing trade sized bars from that location that the craftsmen here can work. We're falling short on the tools needed to do much more than make primitive tools with them, but our understanding is to run them we need to figure out how to get power somehow. From there, we also need to begin improving urban infrastructure. Streets, clean water, and of course more exploration into what might be around us"

Karros pulls out his dataslab, making notes as he listens. "How was power managed before? I believe it was peat and coal but just to confirm."

"We had power, and made simple steam out of peat and coal and water , but we need something more efficient"

Karros thinks to himself, and begins speaking and walking into the settlement, "Could you walk me around the settlement? I'd like to investigate the area and mines myself to get a clear idea of our resources at hand. I have some ideas, but some might be better than others depending on what we have already and what we would need to get imported if able." (When I get home I'm probably gonna start compiling some notes and do more research into my options depending on the results of the tour.)

The mines are shallow and produce iron ore. It is low quality as raw ore but the smelters are now on site at the mining camp and workers operating them get more skilled by the day with primitive coal fire furnaces. Sources of fuel have been difficult to come by. The coal seam close to the settlement has been more reluctant to give up the needed materials. The settlement is home to about 2500 people, and some tamed flying dinosaurs the courier corps uses. Their raptor patrol is also present and used primarily for scouting

After finishing the inspecting, Karros slightly nods. "This is certainly surprising, but I have to wonder if the other settlements are also facing these obstacles..." Karros ponders to himself aloud.

"Sherriff, I have to wonder. Do you know if any other settlements are dealing with things like this?"

They don’t have a way to communicate with anyone else and don’t know what shortfalls the other continents might be going through. A small hub of party members seemed enough for CBSS to establish a base here, industrializing and expanding to greet the rest of the world were further bullet points on their plan to truly uplift the planet. (edited)

(Alright, So I have a few ideas on how to proceed. Am I able to request from the CBSS for the settlement? If so I'd like to request some form of power generation like solar panels and things to improve quality of life for these people like water purification and mining tools. If we can dig deeper and safer we might find more resources than we can currently do with primitive tools. ) (While the request is going through we can start on ways to ease the effort we put into some tasks. I'd like to send the raptor scouts out to look for both any sort of rivers, sources of coal if there are any, and if present signs of life like the settlement.) (While both of those are being done, we need to keep going in the case of the request being denied. If they haven't yet, we can make a primitive steel using animal bones in the forging process, making our tools stronger until we can improve or replace them. Then we either keep digging and store all excess or maintain the settlement and it's defences.)

(It'll take a few days round trip for the supplies to be requested, for them to formulate a response and to either get a message back or see some new ships in orbit, so we can do 1, while also working through exploring and whatever else. I think maybe either joining the scouts, or doing down into the mines to try to make some tools or explore a new vein might be good missions)

(We'll go scouting)

A raptor is brought out for you and the Sheriff promises to go with you while the scouts begin spreading out into the landscape. (If you didn’t want to do anything else we can push off)

(I'm good, Let's a go!)

(D10!)

(Got a 10!)

The survey scanner the sheriff has on his belt begins to chime gently. There are metals or some other kind of underground resource in the area, and through careful exploration you will close in on the source.

(Definitely want to home in on it and try to figure out what's in there)

"Got a signal" the sheriff says after a moment " We keep going east, but we're getting into a hunter pack's territory, we might need to fend off some dinos. You've got a weapon?"

"A laser pistol, but I'm not a great shot. I'll help where I can though." Karros says, making sure his weapon was ready at a moment's notice. (edited)

"good enough for now. Lets get a move on" He gives his beast a gentle kick and following his example you do yours- and begin moving through the woods steadily closer to the signal.

19:32

"Wonder what this might be. Scanners are vibrating pretty hard, must be a big deposit, whatever this is"

"Whatever it is, I think it'll do us well. If we can use it as is, we won't have enough to wait on shipment of it. If it's valuable to other parts of the CBSS we can use it for trading for resources we need. I'm curious what could be in such a big deposit though."

The scanners begin showing a different kind of return suddenly. Three biological signals, medium sized ones, 200m out and closing through the forest around you slowly. One is in front, one is slowly circling in from the west, and another is slowly circling in from the east.

"Looks like we have company. One in front and one flanking on each side of us to the East and the West. Pack hunting it seems." Karros alerts the sheriff.

"Draw your gun. Let's dismount so the raptors can help us , and we'll fight this out."

15:19

(initiative)

(4)

(2 for them) Three spitting dinos about the size of your raptors emerge from the bushes 40m from your position, , to the front, left, and right of you.

Karros aims his pistol towards the middle Dino and fires, aiming at one of the legs to impair mobility.

(there's no aimed shots or any real ability to do that, just rules wise, not sure how familiar with SWN you are. If its roleplay that's all fine but I didn't want you frustrated when you think things should be happening and they dont)

23:26

(just need the hit/damage when you can too)

(18 to hit, 3 damage. And no worries, just flavor.)

THe middle dino roars as the scorch mark from your pistol burns across its throat. The sheriff fires his revolver as the middle dino rears up to spit. The raptor he was riding locks its hands around the creature's throat as the bullet strikes an eye, and for the moment that creature is out of the fight. The raptor you were riding on without prompting sprints towards the one closing in on your left, head down and low to engage it in melee, scoring a wicked hit with its talons. Unengaged, the right side dino spits (evasion save)

(12 vs 14, failure)

(2 damage ) acidic droplets sprinkled down from the Dino’s attack , hissing and sizzling on hitting the ground

Letting out a curse, Karros aims his pistol again and goes to shoot the dino that acid spitted him. (15 to attack, 6 damage; shooting when my turn is up if it isn't now.)

(new round, you were up first)

14:40

The right side dino howls as the shot burns a neat hole in its stomach. The sheriff and his dino manage to down the center one, and wrestling continues on the left between your dino and the spitter there, with your raptor getting the better of it in the brief but violent struggle so far. With a pack member down, and wounds across the others, the unengaged dino begins backing off hissing and barking, but keeping its face toward you. (failed morale check, its going to run if you let it)

Seeing the one Dino begin backing off, Karros will aim at the left Dino and fire once more. (18 to hit, 4 damage.)

It is killed as your second shot takes it in the head, just as the sheriff and the two raptors bring down the last.

Karros accesses the area affected by the acid spit, holding his tongue about his thoughts on overly sized sewage lizards. "That went well..."

"Are you alright Helsis? " The Sheriff asks, replacing the spent rounds in his revolver, and pocketing the expended brass to refill back in town

"I was spit on, and while it stings I'll manage. I should still be careful though until we're done here."

"I don't think anything eslse will trouble us with all the blood in the air. Let's move on and try to track down this mineral signal. We've come this far and we've been attacked over it, may as well see this out"

"I agree, though keep an eye out just in case. Can never be too careful..." Karros, says, keeping his pistol within reach after stowing it and remounting his raptor.

You both continue traveling overland and the signal becomes stronger. A clearing of trees ahead seems to be the destination

Karros will inspect the device, trying to notice any signs of life as displayed right before the dinosuars appeared.

The survey scanner still points into the trees ahead. Bioscsnners are needed for live forms and the sheriff is watching his. He hasn’t said anything about the approach of any new creatures

With that, Karros will go up to the edge, still outside the clearing, and try to spot what's inside to be careful.

The mineral deposit must be buried somewhat, though likely not by much if the survey scanner was able to pick it up at such a distance. Rocky ground and thick grasses but no animals or dinos characterize the clearing- all surrounded by tall thin trees with sharp star shaped leaves

Nodding at the sherriff, Karros will walk into the clearing, surveying the area for a spot where he can start to determine what kind of desposit this might be. (edited)

Entering the center of the clearing, it looks like you'll have to dig a bit to try to get some samples. Simple tools are lashed to the Sheriff's raptor

(Let's get digging!)

(exert/con, or work, your choice)

(exert/con, 7)

Digging through the surface substrate y ou find the first chunks of oily black rock here. It's not coal, you can see that already. A quick analysis shows these rocks are indeed soaked in oil, some source of crude is under the ground here.

Karros will examine the crude substance and smile. "If this is what I think it is, it could prove useful in one way or another. Let's mark the location and head back, we'll need to start making the way between here and the settlement clear."

The sheriff takes a long data spike from a bundle on the back of his raptor and makes a few adjustments to it. Firmly the both of you plant it into the ground. The location will be easily found again in the future.

Sadisfied, Karros will look over to the Sheriff with a nod. "Come to think of it, we could either head back or try and do some more scouting. It would be nice to have more of first hand idea what the lay of the land is like. What do you think?"

He looks up at the sky and thinks for a few seconds, doing some mental math between now and sunset. “I think one more area is all we will get time for today. We aren’t equipped for camping and it’s mating seasons for the dinosaurs here, so not a good idea for us to be out after dark anyway with the males so worked up and aggressive “

Karros thinks on this then responds, "Then to be safe, how about you show me anywhere you think I should see on our way back. No need to do anything recklessly."

“I think the pond might be a good thing to see. There’s not enough water there for industry but animals gather there quite. A bit”

"I'd like to see it then, at the very least it'd be nice to see."

He mounts his dino, and begins leading you back toward the settlement

17:25

17:26

There are large herbivores bathing here in the shadow of the mountain , enjoying the last of the days light.

"This I quite the site. How do those things even get so big?"

“They’ve got lots of food. Nothing bothers them either when they’re this big. Size is jsut part of the genetics I guess “

"Truly nature is a curious force..." Karros will watch a moment longer, then looks to the sheriff. "Alright then, shall we head back?"

( @Neko ?)

(Thanks. This didn’t ping for me)

00:40

The sheriff has nothing further to add and upon returning to the settlement youll soon be able to map out the best way to exploit the oil nearby

00:40

(3xp, 5000 credits )

(Sweet!)

(nothing is going to wander too close to the settlement , and you;'ve had the tour of the immediate area now) (edited)

(That levels me up to level 2 right?)

(yes indeed)

**Level Up**
Level: 2
Focus: Specialist (Fix) for Level 2
Old HP: 6
HP Roll: 5
New HP: 7
New Skills: Attribute Boost Intelligence(16->17) for 1SP, Attribute Boost Intelligence(17->18) for 2 SP, Shoot 0 for Expert SP, (Specialist gets Fix 0 to Fix 1)
Current AB: 1

(edited)

02:51

(Was that done correctly?)

(Do you have level 1 of specialist fix, or level 2? )

(Level 1, it started at zero)

(You might be thinking of Hacking, Which I got at level 1)

(Wait, I think I just realized what you are referring to... did I accidentally set the focus' tier as level 2 on my sheet? If so I'll fix it as soon as I can)

(yeah you did, but I fixed it) (edited)

(Sorry, and thank you! Meanwhile, I'm probably going to save the credits for now. Cyberware and drones aren't cheap)

(alrighty, well we've got a few things in the area, I'm good to pick up whatever you want to tackle first)

(Besides requesting a pumpjack for the oil, I'd like to investigate the mines now. We know it's getting harder to get resources out of there if I remember correctly, though figuring out if there's more to gain from it could be a big help. If there is, we need to learn how to do it in the safest but most efficient manner.)

(sounds good)

21:22

Awakening the next morning you decide it is time to investigate the mine to see if there is anything deeper in the mine, or anything that would make the efforts of deepening it worth it. Most of the village not occupied with farming or security works here, finding a way to do it safely, and improving what can be done with the extracted pig iron will bring prosperity to all of them.

After getting ready for the day and having a quick meal, Karros will head out and begin making his way towards the mine with gear in tow.

You see 100 miners are here, working to try to get into the mine once again. Several boxes and crates have been filled with worthless rock. You see little ore here from the outside. Most of the tools are wood or made from wooden shafts with sharpened stone.

(Looking around, what kind of rock does this seem to be? What's the minimum we should be using for it?)

(Metal tools would go a long way here. The forge has been moved to on site now, but they've been having a hard time getting enough to make anything decent out of)

(Primitive forges right? Would it be possible to improve those?)

(sort of a chicken and egg situation, we need the metal for better forging but we need the forging for better tools. Either way we've got to get down there and soldier on, trying to find something we can do to get more ore)

(I'd like to get down there and investigate the mine closely with that mineral locator if it can work like that. See where the most ore is so we can improve the forges first.)

(The survey scanner is what you need. If you don’t have one the sheriff will give you his)

(Will do!)

A rough map of the mine is provided to you, with the entry shaft to the west, miners were able to clear a central chamber of its ore. Probing shafts were dug to the north and have proven dry so far. To the east, and south, more work was done to try to locate new veins. The miners removed blocks of local stone for building, creating some geometric chambers furthest east, capped off by another probe to try to extract anything possible from the bare rock

(What about that southern tunnel?) (edited)

(you;ll have to explore)

(I'll go down there first, then)

20:35

Karros will enter the southern tunnel, scanner in hand, to inspect the passage.

The survey scanner passes over the ground here, and the featureless, worthless rock is mostly what is found. You see a torch has been left at the front of the southern tunnel, and a small cage with a bird has been left there as well to watch for signs of gas leaking into the rest of the mine. It chirps happily as you get close to it.

Karros grabs the cage and holds it out in front of him as he continues forward.

(notice/wis)

(6)

The scanner does not ping, there might be too much intervening material, but you catch a dull glitter at the end of the southern tunnel as your light passes over it. You almost miss it.

Karros goes over and inspects the glimmer, shining the light closer keeping the bird cage at hand. (Is the bird still alive?)

(yep, no gas so far)

20:01

There is something behind the rock, or within it, but the scanner does not return any results.

Karros will back the way he came, and alert one of the mining supervisors about the rock. "I'd like to move it and investigate further, but not without notifying you in case gas is released."

“Move it? We would have to mine it. You’re going to be shoulder to shoulder with us if we do this won’t you?”

"I'm fine with that, I wouldn't be anywhere I wouldn't send another."

A stone pick is pressed into your hand. The cage is placed on a wall peg and trhree other miners join you with their own tools, ready to begin working through the wall and following the readings of your survey scanner.

Karros will guide them to the spot and begin.

There is a swing, and a plink, and an oily rock falls from the wall. The rock surface glitters and sparkles beneath the tar like black coating over it. To determine some properties, you'd need some kind of a lab facility, but the survey scanner cannot classify it, so it has not been seen before.

Karros will look over the mineral, perplexed but amazed. Looking over the "Jurassite" in his hands, dubbing it until proven to be called otherwise, he looks over to the miners with a grin. "This seems to be a great stroke of luck for us."

Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.

Pinned a message.

18:28

(just so ive got the name handy)

18:30

Taken outside and brought into the sunlight, you'd be able to get some idea of its physical properties. A lab and workshop and some effort can help discern the rest.

(Do we have a lab here?)

(We'd have to take it off world, which we can do)

(I'll make sure everyone can do well enough and request them to mine the south section to get more of the material in addition to the normal mining. Then I'll set off to use a lab.)

20:32

(And also return the scanner.)

(We can still try to push for some@more traditional ore too since that’s going to be of more immediate use , before we go if you want )

(Yea, that sounds reasonable. Maybe search the eastern part since the north part seems barren?)

(We;ve got that northern extending branch, and the geometric chambers the miners have carved already to look through, so we can start with either)

(Let's get north out of the way)

Moving into the northern probe , punching east the tunnel begins widening into a large chamber. You can see the end of it Is forked and mining has stopped here.

23:58

Tools are still propped up and barrels of ore have been left behind. It seems poor quality.

Karros will inspect the tunnel for signs of ore, as well as the rock itself to see if the rock in this part of the mine requires stronger tools than what was used to be more effective.

A note seems to be pinned to the barrel, as you get closer with your lantern and manage to look around a bit better. It has been folded in half and stuck to the side of the barrel with a short finishing nail.

Karros will pick up the note, the open to read it.

To my dearest Clara,

I'm sorry I didn't make it home. We have to close the tunnel behind us. We dug into some kind of chamber. It is beautiful here, so much to see, sparking rock, beautiful glowing mushrooms. A waterfall, so much natural beauty. There is something in here with us. Some kind of tunneler creature, and we can't let it get out of the mine to come to the village. I need to keep you safe. 

Laras is here with me. We're going to go into the chamber and collapse the tunnel behind us so this thing doesn't get out. To whoever finds this, please get this to my wife, and to my dearest Clara, 

I have never stopped loving you, and I will be with you and the boys always, 

Magnus

18:23

(the chamber in question being on the other side of this rock-fall , if it was not cleaR)

Karros looks at the note with a stern expression, then goes to find the sheriff. "I found something in the north section of the minds, have a look."

He draws the lantern in close to read it, sighing heavily on skimming the contents a few times. "So,. what do you think? Sounds like if we want to get into that cavern we need to dig through this rock fall"

21:00

"That thing might get out eventually on its own...but then again, it might not"

"I hate to say it, but as much as I want to go down there and deal with it, I'm not sure if we have the weapons to. It's something we need to take care of though."

(Your shuttle has an armory on it if that changes things )

(... Excellent point, Let's provide the miners with the means of destruction, and hunt this beast.)

(It would be short on heavy weapons and explosives since they’re dangerous to keep on a ship and not practical for boarding , but if we empty it out everyone here would have a weapon)

(That sounds good to me.)

The armory is emptied and everyone is given a weapon. Most of the miners look to be a bit out of their element but its hoped the strong example of the sheriff and yourself will help calm any nerves. The team enters the tunnel, yourself and about 40 other mines in a staggered line. Nerves are taunt as a crew with picks moves forward and waits for the go ahead to clear the obstructing material

Karros will have his pistol at the ready, then give the order to proceed.

(if you want to give the miners any special instructions, or your impromptu security force, now is the time )

(Explaining it once for clarity, but for the miners once there is a clear opening, they need to leave the area, don't need them in danger. They will split into two groups and take turns mining the rock until it is clear. Less people to clog the escape route while keeping a steady work flow.) (For the security force, weapons will be trained on the passage, shooting anything that isn't a person on sight. Once the way is open, all but 10 of us will proceed down the passage, checking corners and side tunnels. The 10 left behind will continue to train their weapons on the passage until we return safely.)

The mining goes on for the better part of a day. Rock material is taken out and stacked outside the cave entry one day to be broken down for road surfacing and other uses. For now, everyone is focused on the road ahead. You're called into the tunnel as dawn begins creeping over the sky again, and the miners believe b ased on how the rock is shifting, another few swings will have them through.

Karros, getting his pistol trained on the path, will take the lead of the search team. "Let's go."

(first chamber, coming in from the south)

15:12

The chamber ahead begins to glow as light begins flooding in. Gentle glows from the crystals give off a muted blue in color, and another passage leads north, and east. Shadows are jagged and angular as the lantern lights fail to wrap around the largest of the crystal dome like formations in this room. There is no sign of the creature the miners wrote about.

Karros will order the group to split into two teams, one of 20 and another of 10. The 10 will guard this chamber while Karros and the rest search the two paths, starting with the top path.

(Sneak/dex)

(How the heckle do I keep getting 12s recently? Lol)

08:39

(12 sneak/dex)

The north passage is quiet. You can feel crystalline stone crunch under your feet, but it is soft and gentle. Something large skitters in the darkness ahead, fleeting eastward into a side tunnel. You can follow it's passage by the backlighting of the crystals and glowing mushrooms

Karros will nod to the rest of the team, then continue leading the way through the path of glowing light.

You find the first body by stepping on it. A rusting revolver sits in a half skeletal hand, three shots from its six round drum have been fired with no indication of where they went. Work clothes similar to what the other miners wear are decaying from the body. It looks like something has fed on it. Another body is a few meters further down the cave from this one,

Karros will kneel down to the body, and try to investigate the remains for clues about the creature that fed on it.

The creature has been dropping some kind of acidic chemical onto the body before feasting on it. The meat was left half intact as it was pulled from the body and devoured.

(Any trail of this acid leading from the body?)

(trail goes to the second one, too dark to see beyond that for the moment)

Karros will slowly head towards the trail to the second body, having the team scan the room for signs of the creature.

You can see there is more of a trail coming from this second body. It cuts east, around a nearby formation of metal like mushrooms.

Karros will proceed, having the group follow while watching the front, sides, and back as they move.

Moving east into a large cavern you hear the sound of the rushing waterfall the miner wrote about. You also see a large chrysalis hanging 10m off the cave ceiling , suspended far above you. It is woven from a metal fiber like material and you see that your quarry has coiled itself around this sleeping form. Perhaps a mate or a pack member.

Karros will scan the room, looking for any signs of more of these creatures about.

(Initiative )

04:21

(It’s going to descend before we can get a thorough look)

(8)

(You’re first , but it’s beginning to descend )

Karros will order the others to open fire, doing so himself as he aims his pistol. (13 to hit, 5 damage)

(out of 5 other shots, 2 hit for a total of 8 damage between them, plus your own)

01:50

Several bullets and bolts from the mixed weaponry on hand streak into the ceiling and several glancing wounds impact the side of the creature. It takes a breath in and some kind of aerosol spray rains down from the high ceiling toward you (evasion save)

(20 vs 12, success)

2

You roll free from the acid along with three others. Two of the group is not so lucky , falling to their knees and howling in pain and the acid drenches them and begins its relentless work of devouring them alive. Their wounds steam and the air tastes thick with blood.

04:51

(Back to you, the two that failed are mortally wounded, everyone else is okay )

Karros orders someone to get those two out of the fray, taking a second shot at the beast. (17 to hit, 5 damage)

(they're dead, no one can do anything for them)

00:13

Your shot along with two others again strike the beast, This time it falls from its rocky perch and the impact breaks something within its chitin covered body. It squirms in its own death throes, acid vomits everywhere, sizzling down the walls and spraying through the air.

Karros lets out a curse on the deaths of the men, then slowly approaches the beast with pistol raised in case it gets up.

The creature dies after a few more seconds of hissing the last of its venomous blood to soak into the ground.

(You said there was a second it was coiled around?)

(Yes. It’s above you in a chrysalis $

(Does it look alive?)

(I don’t think there’s a way to tell unless the situation changes )

Karros walks up to the body of the fallen beast, shoots it once more for good measure, and looks up at the second chrysalis covered being. "While four of you get the bodies of the fallen out of here, I want someone to get the others. We need to deal with that before the situation changes."

A runner is dispatched, and the four men use tarps, their jackets, and whatever other cloth they can find to make something of a carried litter to get the bodies out. Everyone else nervously stares around the chamber, waiting for the ambush or confrontation that almost feels inevitable. Nothing moves out among the metal mushrooms and crystal flowers, but the chrysalis menacingly hanging above you all has everyone's attention.

Karros waits, his pistol aimed and ready in case it bursts open.

The reinforcements arrive about five minutes later. The coccon has not moved or done anything to show there is activity happening within.

(Is the sheriff there?)

(He’s outside with the others but he’s around, we wanted a strong presence with the bulk of the containment force and the Sheriff knows his way around a fight) (edited)

Karros will get the Sherriff, pointing to the cocoon. "I'm letting this be your call, how should we dispose of this? I'm worried it might wake up if we do anything to it that won't also kill it."

“I think we need to just kill it. No danger is worth this and we have no idea what that pod might turn into. “ He sighs. “What do you think? Some concentrated fire might bring it down “

"I'm willing to try, but we need to be ready if it comes out swinging." Karros pinches his nose, then looks towards all the available force. "On the count of three, I want every weapon shooting at that thing. Do not stop firing no matter what. I want at least a entire clip emptied from everyone. If it comes out, keep firing until it is melted into a puddle. Am I clear on that? I want no more bodies."

Everyone understands and begins spacing themselves out so stray fire won’t hurt a friend. They await your signal.

"One." Karros loads a fresh clip into his pistol, then aims. "Two." He inhales, ready for the worst but praying for the best. "Three!" He opens fire, following his own orders.

Rifles fire projectile and laser into the hanging object. Punctured, burning meat rains down on the ground of this cavern as the soup of the creature within falls now that the pull of gravity is working on it. The burning walls of its former cocoon fall to the ground sending choking smoke filling the room. Whatever this other creature was becoming, and whatever it was going to do, you've put a stop to it and have made this mine safe.

20:25

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(In addition from the mission and the goal I completed doing it, this 3 xp should take me from the 3 I was going to be to 4)

(sounds good, we made the mine safe and better tools imported from somewhere else will help make this productive)

(I'll get both level ups in when I get home)

**Level Up**
Level: 3
Focus: N/A
Old HP: 7
HP Roll: 11
New HP: 11
New Skills: Pilot -1 -> Pilot 0 for 1 SP (Expert), then Pilot 0 -> Pilot 1 for 2 SP. Lead -1 -> Lead 0 for 1 SP
Current AB: 1

00:45

**Level Up**
Level: 4
Focus: N/A
Old HP: 11
HP Roll: 19
New HP: 19
New Skills: Program 0 to Program 1 for 2 SP, Know 0 to Know 1 for 2 SP (1 of which is Expert SP)
Current AB: 2

1

00:45

(I think I did those right)

(looks good!)

(Sweet!)

(I’m good to jump into whatever. You’ve made the mine safe )

(Research into that mineral is on my mind.)

(That’s been added as a research project but that’s not something we can complete as an individual player )

(Sorry for the no response, been looking into potential purchases for Karros equipment/gear) (edited)

(Shoot me a message if you need help)

(Still stuck?)

(A little bit, been thinking about what to start grabbing, but I keep coming back to the thought of not wanting it to be a wasted purchase)

(alright, you ran purchases by me last night, so thats handled, we will get it into your sheet if you haven;t; already. What are we thinking in terms of a mission? )

(Already in the sheet, and how about we get a better idea of the region do some further exploration for the heck of it. Mapping out the area for anything of interest could prove useful.)

The mine seems to be secure for now and with the better tools handed out from your ship locker the miners here will eventually be able to mine and refine enough better quality metal to make their own- you gave them the necessary head start. In time the improvements will filter out to the rest of the region. The village here has been linked to the comm network thanks to Mobius, and soon they;ll have people across the sea to speak to. On this central continent there is a settlement of tree dwellers to the west, a costal people to the east, and reports come in of a tribe moving down from the north- their settlement having been previously burned during the conflict the CBSS intervened to stop. It seems they've given up trying to make their burned land yield fruit.

(Let's head over there and see what's going on.)

(Over where? I mentioned a lot of places )

(Sorry, when I read it I thought you were referring to one group in all for some reason. Let's do the people by the coast.)

1

A quick resupply and some time in space does you well, you've healed, recovered, and have had some new supplies shipped in from home. Re-equipped you land at the costal settlement on the central continent, aplace where a few thousand people live, work ,fish, and otherwise try to eke out some kind of life after the devastation of The Scream. they contributed soldiers and militiamen to help combat the invasion some months ago and overall have been willing partners to the alliance the CBSS arranged. For all that, uplift has continued in other parts of the world and has left them somewhat behind.

A delegation comes to meet you as your ship comes down, consisting of the village elder and what looks to be two of the more experienced ship captains

(Sorry I've been sick with the flu the last week, only just starting to feel better)

2

(All good! Feel better soon!)

(Feeling better now, ready to get back to it.) Karros will approach the three, paying mind to the elder. "Well met, I am Karros of the CBSS. How are you fairing today?"

"Good morning Karros of the CBSS. Better with the invaders gone, but things could always improve. You've come a long way just to say hello to some fishermen. "

"I'm surprisingly new to the planet and region, and I find it proper to get a good idea of the area in order to properly aid it. My job is to help improve after all."

"That's noble of you. We haven't heard from the CBSS since we agreed to the alliance and turned the western invaders back. We were starting to think the alliance was one of convenience. You're here now though. You say you want things to improve. What do you need from us to do it? "

"I need to know what problems you are currently working through, so I know the direction you wish to head as well as what needs done. If it's something that can be ordered in from the CBSS, then I can try to call it in while anything else we'll work together to complete."

"We're having a hard time catching enough from the sea to feed us. Going further out might be an answer, but learning how to make the bad soil here work for us in some way might be a good one too. There aren't many of us here. Anything we can do with fewer people involved means more hands for some of the big settlement projects elsewhere"

Karros thinks for a small moment before answering, "I'd like to take samples of the soil here, see what we can do in that regard. For now, going out a bit further for fishing could be a good short term solution until we figure out the soil situation. Surveying the surrounding land could prove fruitful as well."

"If you can assist with any of those things we wouldn't stand in the way. The food situation has kept our numbers small- nobody wants to bring in more mouths than what we can sustain"

"Could you show me where you've might of attempted to grow crops?"

They take you outside of town where many of the crops have failed. The ground is rocky and only a brownish green grass clings to the rocky soil here. Tufts of drying grass float skyward as the gentle wind blows across the plains, and you can see this place was lush once-but not anymore.

Karros takes a couple of empty containers and collects a handful of soil from differing areas, making sure each sample is isolated from the others. "Was it always this way, or is the condition of the land recent?"

"Its been worse lately but there was always work needed to grow much- so we turned to the sea. The sea has its own problems, but it has always fed us when we needed it until now, anyway. Maybe your people can help us with this, so we can be one with land and sea.

"How far have you needed to go out overtime? Has there been need to go out further before or is it a sudden increase of distance that is recent?"

"We're past the continental shelf now, which is not something we ever had to do before. The seas there are rough ad the first are harder and harder to find. We're just not able to bring in what we need anymore- and going even further out even with new boats is not a good option"

"Could you show me the fishing vessels you've been using?"

2

You’re taken to the docks where sturdy but aged vessels of wood and sail cloth with woven Cotton nets are hanging off the back. A few oars hang off the decking for times when the wind is not favorable, but they are what you’d expect from a world with luddites on it.

"There might be something we can do to improve the intergrety of these ships, but depending on if it's a possiblity we could end up bringing in or building ships more advanced that could make the distance faster and safer."

“We enjoy a close relationship with our ocean. We would also like to know what species of fish are close. How many you believe there might be, and so on. We need to know if we have done too much”

01:00

(They’re worried about depleting their food in general. So some kind of wildlife census and some alternate food production methods would make them a more well rounded society )

(you can shove off any part of this you're not interested in either, we at least know what they want)

(other important CBSS things have come up too if you're eager to do soemthing new)

(Sorry for not responding, been unsure how I wanted to go about the mission at first then I had decision anxiety as I kept not responding. I think trying a different thing for the CBSS would be refreshing. Again sorry for just not updating you.)

(Sounds good. Did you want to go through the L Gate and meet our friends the scrap smiths on the other side? They haven’t had a visit in some time )

(if you're looking for something more technical, we could help with the construction of the CBSS battleship and maybe knock some months off this long project (edited)

(I think if it helps break a tie, that second option- the battleship- would be the one you could help with best and would do the most for the polity)

(I think the battleship has my interest out of the two options)

(sounds good, did you need any gear or wnat anything before we get going? )

(Not at the moment, I already got things like the drones from the last time I got equipment)

It is a matter of days before an urgent order comes in, pulling you from your assignment to assisting with a vital task in the CBSS shipyard. The CBSS navy lags in the sense of large displacement warships and their flagship, a modern battleship has been under construction for some time. the Chairman Oktobreskyea is still scheduled for over a year of trials, but a high priority notice has been sent to anyone with technical skill among the polity ranks. Trials are scheduled now, and its hoped with a strong core of technciians aboard issues can be fixed on the spot- getting the battleship ready for duty now, instead of needing to wait for the end of next year.

17:47

Karros will look over any details he is allowed to while on his way to the shipyard, looking for any signs of flaws that could be improved upon. Also while on the way there, he will look over the history of the construction.

(I’ll get you the exact date but it’s been building for about a year already )

13:52

This far out you don’t see any flaws but you are sure once you board and get a proper look at things you’ll have ideas. The Polity began building it almost as soon as the United Nations of world gave the polity spike drive technology. Wanting to keep up with the Veles of Greystar and the Vox Finalis of the UNW , in typical CBSS fashion this ship is an armored spear. Bristling with guns and defensive fittings

13:52

Meant to be an armored gunship the battleship was originally envisioned to duel with many smaller vessels at once

(Comparing against what is know of other ships of it's size category, would it fair better or worst if it went up against a ship of it's size? Or would it be about even?)

(Worse )

15:23

(‘Was gonna use your mission and some narrative to bolt on a few upgrades )

(Ye i'm down, let's get on this glorious symbol of the Prolitariet)

You are met in the landing bay by a delegation from the ship. Their uniforms are white, with red trim and ornaments here and there. They look experienced and eager, but there is a certain sense of malaise or dread among the direct bridge crew you do not observe in security or the deck ratings. "Welcome to Pelasgon!" Its captain says as the fanfare of the attached marching band dies down. "I am happy to see the chairman took our request for help so seriously. Each of you are welcome here, and have full run of the ship, and have full access to me and the rest of the bridge. We need all the help we can get to truly complete this mighty vessel on schedule"

Karros would look around the landing bay, then observing the atmosphere of the crew would furrow a brow, but bow his head in return to the welcome. Thoughts run through his head at the absurdity of a marching band being needed on a ship based in a shipyard. He eventually chocked it up to the end all be all of all captain behaviors... 'ego'.

“Well, let’s welcome you and get your to come aboard. You can check the specs for yourself and interview the bridge crew. You’re walked through the ship for about ten minutes passing through corridors and hatches that seem clean and in proper order, if old. The crew is disciplined and the ship looks like it’s been turned out knowing that important visitors were coming. The bridge is not as sleek as the intelligence photos of the Vox or the Veles. Everything seems a generation behind. Bridge crew are settling into their stations.

"These systems are yet to be replaced?" Karros would ask, walking to one of the stations and inspecting the contents to confirm they are not up to date.

"No, these are the ones we were supposed to install" the chief deck hand says, patting it affectionately. "Best of the line. "

14:40

You can tell he has not seen the same intelligence you have, and truly thinks this equipment is the best available out there.

(Couple of questions. First can I gauge the mood of the crew around and see how they feel as I'm being shown around? Second, would the captain have seen the intelligence I have? Or better yet should he know it?)

The crew seems happy and generally believes that this is the best ship the party can manufacture. They're proud to be on its crew and believe this ship is cutting edge, and will one day protect the polity from many threats. The captain and his bridge officers have not seen the intelligence you have and likewise believe what the crew believes about the nature of the ship they command. (edited)

Karros would just slowly nod. "When were they installed? Also could I have someone walk me through your set up."

“They were installed two weeks ago. We just took shipment from the parts factory on Vadhat, and we got them hooked up as soon as they came in. I can give you a tour. as you can see we have two main view screens at the front of the vessel. One is generally for mapping and friend and foe detection. The other is showing space in front of the vessel. The pilot pit sits just below that. There are four stations there but only two of them are ever active at one time. Comms and sensors are in the same pit to the left here just behind and off to the side of the pilots. Both of those stations work closely together so now runners and deck officers don’t have to run around during a gunfight. On the right side of the bridge we have gunnery and engineering. Same philosophy there. Engineering is going to be responsible for shunting power to the guns and ensuring any solid ammo rises timely from the magazines. Engineering has got secondary stations through the ship so damage control can respond quickly to any major problems “

Hearing the fact that the installation happened two weeks prior, Karros slightly winces knowing the stress of doing a install then learning almost soon after of the possiblity of replacing the installed item. Deciding to shelf that minefield of a topic for later, he will go to the gunnery station and inspect the systems to get a better item for how the ship would fair against other ships of various classes.

Two mass cannons and two grav cannons make up the primary armament, capable of dueling with other ships equal to its size and easily overwhelming smaller ones. A flak battery provides secondary armament as defense from smaller ships and strike fighters. You see that although compact magazines have been fitted, once each mass cannon fires its eight rounds there are no reloads available for them. The ship is fitted with a volley capacitor for an overwhelming first strike.

(So the ship essentially blows it's load in a effort to win?)

(Fire all guns only costs one command point for the round you use volley capacitors but you can only use it once. So generally each gun is getting two shots for a turn in space combat. Usually everyone uses it first but not always ) (edited)

(I can get a little deeper into the ship combatr mechanics if it helps contextualize what you're doing)

20:37

(otherwise, Ive got some ideas for things you can do here if you're stumped)

(Please do, I was getting stuck a bit on how to proceed.)

(Well, we have the UNW as a federation member, we can go to their naval academy and see how they do things, maybe get a look at one of their ships. can roleplay going to gudrun and maybe helping out with something going on at the academy there)

22:09

(and in exchange they'll help )

(Actually, could you do that ship combat explanation? That should be something I know more of)

(I'll post it in #teach-me

(so stemming back from that, I think in terms of putting this adventure on rails, we can head to the UNW naval academy and help them out with a problem in exchange for some more modern bridge stuff, and that will let us get this battleship build sped up

One of the main engineers assigned to the task with you signals that he wants to pull you aside for a side bar conversation , away from the bridge crew.

Karros will nod, following along the engineer. "I presume you have something to discuss related to the bridge?"

He nods. "You know this is shit, right? This is not modern at all, just slapped together"

"I'm more than aware. Is everyone trying to save face or are they genuinely thinking this is the best of the best?"

“I think the crew thinks this is the best. I get it. They don’t need to know how to build a ship jsut how to fly it. I’ve been working with Charles Trivedi for a long time. He came over from the UNW. I think we need to go to the surface and talk to him. He might have some contacts we can use to outfit this much better”

"That sounds like the first bit of progress I've heard since I got here. If you set up the meeting I'll go along with you. Meanwhile, I should do a quick check to see what's worth keeping."

(we can get a know/int to abstract that if you like)

(Got an 8 for that)

(thank you sir!) The command and control systems in the cockpit are out of date A bit of extra mass needs to be found somewhere so the ship can accommodate a weapon reload for its ammo based weapons (or we can drop the mass cannons and fit something else) There is no cargo space of note aside from areas immediately set aside for food and water for the crew. The standard 30 days per head is all the ship can fit. The rest of the ship seems to be fairly in line with what could be considered modern. . (edited)

“I think if we really want to fix this we are going to need his connections. He says he can meet us in space above Gudrun. He won’t go down to the planet. There’s a polity shuttle we can take to get there “

(Archiving)