SIDE: Bowing to a Lich's Whims

[wrathgon]

What is left of the infected lead by their new leader that had brought them to this victory moves to enter the city. Immediately the ghost guns appear and open fire on the force. The commander is able to deflect most attacks long enough to get to the gates and with a spell breaks the gates, that so many others have crossed. The defenders of the cities come out of the walls and buildings and engage the infected trying to wipe them from the planet. This is the first time an infected force has enter the city, those that are part of it may have been here before but not as what they are now.

 

The birthplace of magic is said to be in that city, but no one has ever found the spot where magic came into the world, maybe other marvels but not that one.

 

Armies do not hold the city long, a few days while they fight off the attackers they can sometime find something useful but in the end they all retreat.

[Sohala]

Prax was breathing heavy, the burden of two wounded men supported by her suit as she sped their transportation to the temporary medical station. Her face was grim and sweat streaked. It was her third trip back and it was getting harder to find living stragglers. Elves, humans, or dwarves, she had given none of them preference over the others in her efforts to get the wounded to safety. With all the other trained healers on hand, she didn't immediately offer her skills to the task, instead turning out of the tent after leaving the soldiers to them. She checked in with the elven officer running the scouts to get an update on other possible stragglers before heading back out...

It was hours later and she had come back empty-handed twice. Running through her head during her time out there was analyzation of the fight, the losses. Overhearing the levels of their supplies and troop status, while knowing her own, it seemed they had done what they could. They had fought up to the line of their capabilities, even considering the surprise tactics they had faced. She had been informed of the attack on the ruins with only a silent nod of acceptance. They were out of the fight, but they would survive. Not everyone could say the same though...

Lost in the dark memories of finishing off wounded soldiers she had found midway through their transformation, she missed when she was initially addressed by one of the clerics. When she realized she was being talked to, she turned and acknowledged them, "I'm sorry, what were you saying?" The young man smiled for some reason she couldn't understand, "I said, I was sent to check on your injuries." Feeling like she just wanted to be left to drown in her own thoughts, she tried to get rid of him, "I'll survive, tended to the other wounded. There are those that need your blessings more than me." The smile didn't falter, "Everyone that was at risk is stable now. It is your turn now." She looked away again, softly asking a partial question, "Did any of them...?" The smile waned, "A few didn't make it and a couple had to be dealt with. The others are under close observation for the early signs." The young man pointedly emphasized those last words, making her come to the conclusion he wasn't only there to patch her up. Even if the caution was warranted, it still galled her. She gave a resigned, "Fine," as she moved to disengage and seals and suit locks. Prax stepped down, her uniform showing sweat-soaked stains and a few bloody spots, "They are just scratches." The smile came back a bit, "They always are. Off with the coat." She begrudgingly complied, getting it unfastened with ease, but then winced in pain when she moved to take it off. Something in her side was catching. The cleric gave her a look. "Okay, that one hurts." He didn't say anything as he started to work...

OOC

Not sure of the proper timetable for reinforcements, next attacks, conversions/transformations, or 'talks'.

 

 

[wrathgon]

The elves where first on scene with reinforcements. Seeing only half their elite troops come back had their perfect faces in grim determination as they listen to the battle report from the commander and elven officer. Their leader fell unsure if turned or not. There had been talk about various way to stop the infected from claiming troops all inhuman and cruel but with these new loses, never seen before, Prax is sure these tropics will come up again.

When the human and dwarf reinforcements arrive the command tent was full and shouting. When Prax and other officers were brought in for their reports the dwarf commander was red faced.

 

"They have engaged the guardian looks like they will take it giving them 24 hours to search. With so many new infected they will know where all of us have searched before giving them a edge." The human commander finish says as Prax comes in.

[Sohala]

Coming into the tent, Prax could see tensions were high among the gathered brass. An unprecedented defeat of this level had undoubtedly bruised many egos. She knew hers was smarting a bit.

Hearing they had slain the guardian wasn't as surprising as it would have been hours ago. Teleporting an entire army past their defenses without triggering an alarm was no small feat. Even when compared to the radical change in tactics they had seen from the infected.

Her commander's assessment seemed a bit overblown to her... but she kept that to herself. He would have a better grasp on previous assignments than she would... It was hard to know who had previously served as part of the relic hunter corps, but she doubted if random chance had given them the degree of advantage he feared. Not to mention, they would also have to remember their action in detail...

An argument was breaking out between one of the dwarven engineering officers and a human mage, "What do you mean "they tried their best," eh?" The mage tried to defend the limits of their trade in response, pointing out the unknown origins of the enemy commander. They go back and forth until a now familiar unearthly sound comes from Prax's suit. A matching holographic image of the same mentioned commander was suspended in the air, "Do we know anything about it yet?"

OOC

I am aware Prax is wrong on the method, that is intentional due to the lowered visibility.

I am taking your silence on the appearance of the enemy commander for a heavy level of unknown. Took some creative liberties to fit the question in and turn the conversation.

 

 

[wrathgon]

A few of the brass looks over at the question "No, there was an aura of transmutation so we don't think that was in true form. Something to throw around 4 or more 9th-level circle spells is something to be worried about. We have sent messages to check on those of power back in the homeland in case someone we did not know has fallen."

The brass goes back to speaking about various ways to take out their own wounded off the field as they plan another attack to break the lines of the infected. They already had reports of 2 more forces moving up through the newly claimed lands towards the city. While the winning forces moved into the city and we fled another unit full of fliers moved in to hold it.

Your charge Jake has been quiet these past hours and you think after this you may need to check on him.

[darlis moonbeam]

Jake Roberts

Statblock

[b][url=/sheets/?id=2809477]Jake Roberts[/url][/b] [i]Human Operative 12 NG[/i] [b]HP[/b] 108 / 108 [b]RES[/b] 12 / 12 [b]STAM[/b] 108 / 108 [b]Speed[/b] 40ft [b]Init[/b] 6 [b]KAC[/b] 20 [b]EAC[/b] 21 [b]Fort[/b] 7 [b]Ref[/b] 14 [b]Will[/b] 11 [b]CMB[/b] 28 [b]BAB[/b] 9 [b]Laser Pistol[/b] +9 (2d81, 20) [b]Laser Sniper Rifle[/b] +9 (3d8, 20) [b]High Frequency Sword[/b] +6 (2d6+2, 19-20) [b]Stun Baton[/b] +6 (1d6+2, 20) [b]Str[/b] 14 (2) [b]Dex[/b] 22 (6) [b]Con[/b] 16 (3) [b]Wis[/b] 16 (3) [b]Int[/b] 23 (6) [b]Cha[/b] 16 (3) [b]Soc[/b] 10 (0) [b]Edu[/b] 28 (9)

Jake Roberts Human Operative 12 NG HP 108 / 108 RES 12 / 12 STAM 108 / 108 Speed 40ft Init 6 KAC 20 EAC 21 Fort 7 Ref 14 Will 11 CMB 28 BAB 9 Laser Pistol +9 (2d81, 20)
Laser Sniper Rifle +9 (3d8, 20)
High Frequency Sword +6 (2d6+2, 19-20)
Stun Baton +6 (1d6+2, 20) Str 14 (2) Dex 22 (6) Con 16 (3) Wis 16 (3) Int 23 (6) Cha 16 (3) Soc 10 (0) Edu 28 (9)

 

Skills

Skill Name	Modifier
Acrobatics	+25
Athletics	+19
Bluff	+20
Computers	+23
Culture	+18
Diplomacy	+9
Disguise	+15
Engineering	+28
Intimidate	+20
Life Science	+8
Medicine	+8
Mysticism	+5
Perception	+20
Physical Science	+8
Piloting	+34
Profession	+16
Sense Motive	+20
Slight of Hand	+18
Stealth	+23
Survival	+20
Jack of all Trades	+2
Repair 10	+10
Local Computer Use	+11

Feats and Abilities 

Feats:

Skill Focus: Piloting

Skill Synergy: Engineering and Piloting

Far Shot

Sky Jockey

Hide Sabotage

Tactician

Weapons Specialization: Basic Melee

Small Arms and Sniper

Skill Focus: Computers & Engineering

 

Class Abilities:

Operatives Edge +4

Specialization: Hacker

Trick Attack +6d8

Evasion

Debilitating Trick

Uncanny Agility

Specialization Skill Mastery

 

Operative Exploits:

Nightvision

Uncanny Pilot

Enhanced Senses

Elusive Hacker

Soft Movement

Cloaking Field

Control Hack

Glimpse the Truth

 

Languages: English, French, German, Mandarin, Trade Language, Vaulter, Elven, Dwarven, Troll, Ork

Equipment 

Equipment:

Laser Pistol (6500 Cr)

Laser Sniper Rifle (15000 Cr)

Stun Baton (500 Cr)

High Frequency Sword (650 Cr)

Ceremonial Navy Sword (Mustering out Navy weapon)

Personal nanoshield (50000 Cr)

Personal shield (5000 Cr)

D Suit I (63600 Cr)

Display contacts (over eyes) (650 Cr)

Card Computer (3500 Cr)

Intelipick (350 Cr)

Combat Vac Suit (100 Cr)

Data Port Implant (head slot)

MRK II Augmentation to all 6 Stats (390000 Cr)

Fighter Ship(See post below) (3MCr)

Vehicle Recon Enercopter (Mustering out)

TAS Membership (Mustering out)

3 Ship shares worth (10 MCr)

Broadsword Class Merc Cruiser

 

 

 

Jake takes in all of the reports on numbers and outcomes for the fight. To include the casualty reports for both sides. Even if the infected ultimately won the day and took the city they were looking for, it was brutal for both sides. Even if he was only in an advisory role he was deeply saddened by what had happened. Even more so if his suspicions were correct and the Captain had something to do with this. It defied coincidence that this new commander of the infected that unprecedentedly brought them victory just showed up after they got to the island, and decided to target a reservoir of unimaginable magical power was anything other than the Captain. He just hoped that Rona did not come to the same conclusion or she would be destroyed, she was still holding firm that others might have the same morals as she had, with his experience of the captain he knew better and just tried his best to play a small part in balancing that evil. He walks over to the other military leaders in the room. "This is a tragic loss, you have my condolences. What are your plans? Will you attempt to take the city back? While I would advise against it as the numbers needed do not seem to be in your favor, and while I know nothing about magic, I do understand technology, and if this ruined city had been filled with unknown advanced technology, I would say tread carefully because you have no idea what they coukd trigger if they became desperate if you did begin to succeed. This commander for them has obviously proven that they do not care about how many have to die innorder for them to reach their objectives, as most would have withdrawn when their casualties got as high as theirs were." he did not think he was going to be of much more use here though he was not sure when Rona would be back here and he had no idea how else he would get back to his wife and crew. "I was happy to advise you, if for no other reason for the healing you gave me and to help Rona, but I do have my own responsibilities back home to my former troops and to my wife and people. Do you know if she will be back soon and if not do you have a way for me to contact my people to let them know I am ok and to figure out a way home."

 

OOC

 

 

[Sohala]

Listening to the commanders callously enumerate the various ways they could kill off their own soldiers turned Prax's stomach. She could accept that these might be dire and uncertain times, but turning your own troops into once-use weapons was crossing a line she wasn't overly comfortable with. 'Even if they volunteered...' she stopped herself. She wouldn't lessen an individual's choice on this, for she had little grounds to stand on... Such thoughts reminded her of Jake, and then the rest of the recent events she had been able to ignore... In her suit, she shook her head to push aside the distractions.

A suicide vest was what the description she heard when she refocused on the conversation boiled down to. "We order each man into one. Then if they fall, they take them with them," the older [[please insert the best race]] officer proudly declared. There were mixed sounds from the others, but with recent events, a sentiment of agreement appeared to be winning out. Incredulity was alive and well in her dissenting opinion, "You want to put us at risk of cascading deaths and sabotage? So you can potentially weaponize our losses?" Some part of her heard her commander say her name, but all she was consciously aware of was the reply, "Better us than them." At that, she pressed on, "Have we lost so much confidence in our strength of arms and skill that we must resort to such tactics? I say we-" The commanding voice of her superior boomed through the tent cutting her off, "[[Proper ranking]] Praxerina, that is enough!" As if sensing she was going to start speaking again he continued, "Wait outside, now. That is an order." There was a moment of hesitation in follow through, but she didn't argue further, following the order...

Prax stewed in her own thoughts for over an hour as she followed the orders given to her. Her commander hadn't passed along a signal as expected, so there was little else to do. She had thought his actions merely symbolic, removing her as a possible distraction due to her status, but other possible realities were starting to weigh on her. With that in mind, when her commander finally exited, she held her tongue until given leave to speak; a status that came only after a minute of silent staring, "You may speak, if you can contain yourself." His words traveled solely through their comms, so no others could hear. Her self-righteous thoughts were dampened by that, not enough to keep her from speaking though, "You know I am right, sir." Apparently expecting this, his response was swift, "You have also grown willful in your absence, Prax." He didn't give her the chance to respond to his cutting words, "[[Insert name]] has lobbied for those methods often of late. You would have known that if you had been here." He paused, but she sensed a trap and kept quiet. "He will no doubt try to spin this loss as all the more reason to do so. And now you have called his honor into question and wounded his pride." His tone carried with it disappointment, "You may have years of experience from your time in there, but you still haven't learned the battlefield of politics. He will push all the harder now and we can't afford to alienate or be alienated from this alliance. For it to fracture now, would surely mean our defeat." She couldn't help herself, as the words came out, "Even if that means-" He cut her off, "Yes. This new threat doesn't allow for the luxury of your morals. We must defeat it or be defeated ourselves." Seeing this side of her commander was troubling to her. Had she really lost her grasp on the severity of the situation? She had trouble finding the right words. For all her time in the SIM, she had minimal experience fighting the infected. They had been... realization dawned on her as a mental image of a far-flung battlefield, viewed from an isometric perspective, played quickly...

There was a long moment of hesitation as she put her thoughts in order. The fire of defiance had left her speech, replaced with thoughtful consideration, "What if there was another way?" When he didn't immediately shut her down, she continued, "You recall in my report when I said there were details I hadn't been able to verify yet? One of them is this..." She pushed a still from the battle recording, with split view active. "The one on the right." Her commander's words came slowly, with a hit of suspicion, "What of it?" Honestly, she wasn't sure if it could be done at all, but at the same time was willing to admit it wasn't a quick solution even if they could, "Could we make ones that would work here? They would be free from the risk of infection."

OOC

I think there are two command tents? One way back with Jake, the other at the front lines?

I think that gets us where we wanted to go wrathgon.

 

 

Edited April 24 by Sohala (see edit history)

[wrathgon]

Commander shurgs "This sort of project would be brought to the capital and the big wigs there. There in some insider info i had that might help. We found an damaged AI robot in the city, so maybe in some way they work here. I would bring this up to the Council of Races who are the types that could pull this off."

He releases the air from his lungs then says "If you dont go now, know you may not get out, and your charge may wear a path to other side of planet with all his pacing." commander smirks.

Off a few yards ahead suddenly 20 men in black suits appear out of thin air. You see a blue circle cut into the floor. Their sign on their back tells you who they are, Mindshatters.

Deadly psions that can teleport around dealing death to the other side. They do not show up when things are going well....

[Sohala]

Prax wasn't sure if her commander was jesting or not, "A robot, here?" She had tried to blend her magic with the one in her head, with only limited success so far. Perhaps it would represent a missing piece to the puzzle, "Where was it taken?"

Unwilling to leave him empty-handed, she brought forth the physical manifestation of a file transfer for what little she had on the constructs. "I don't want this to get lost in the layers of red tape that comes with that bureaucracy. Take this copy, then whatever else happens, it can get to the right hands." Her words were firm, showing no signs of accepting any arguments on the subject. When he reluctantly accepted it, she added, "I will see if I can find more to send you."

The thing about standing around with nothing but your thoughts to occupy you, you work through a fair amount shit... So, when the conversation evolved in a foreseeable way, Prax physically sagged inside her suit. All the fire and surety were gone, leaving behind a resigned tone, "I know... I think I knew back in your office. But the disappointment I saw in your eyes... I couldn't bring myself to leave you then, not again." A faint levity occupied her voice with the next words, "A lot good we did... A retired strategist, who doesn't know our tactics and likely hadn't seen magic before a few hours ago, and my snot-nosed self with a few new tricks." The cynicism was layered on thick now, "Two Pillars of the Vault, going to save the world from the infected together..." There was a long pause as she gathered herself, assuming a more professional posture, "Sir, I regret to inform you that I will be unable to remain at this posting. I am duty-bound elsewhere. I have officially received my orders, as issued by yourself. I ask to be permitted to report this change of station to my men and to requisition required supplies for my new role." The last part of her request didn't match her orders, as he was well aware. It then begged the question of why she was asking, was he being asked to authorize a spree of thefts?

OOC

For flavor, I am saying she has failed to get her Exocortex to work here so far, even if we haven't confirmed that in the downtime area or not.

 

 

[wrathgon]

The commander looks confused " What sort of supplies?"

 

 

[Sohala]

Seeing no reason to be cagey about it, Prax played it straight, laying out the initial idea.

OOC

Writing it OOC for clarity.
I think it is safe to say the Vault's magical infrastructure is lacking. They do have a number of spellcasters though. She is looking to stabilize bubbles, along with wanting to open an avenue to supply the war effort (or trade).

So, her list is roughly:
Rechargeable tools to stabilize bubbles
The means to make an anchor point, along with limited teleportation, to a pre-designated location
A magic energy storage device - so that she can replicate it

Oh, and the robot's remains, if that is on the menu.

 

 

[wrathgon]

The commander looks over the request "Unless something has changed they have not agreed to join us. If they do we can speak about supplying the people that join us with training and equipment. If they don't then we don't owe them anything and it will all be trade like for like. Why does it matter they are not in a magic area anyway? No the robot is in R&D in Captail."

[darlis moonbeam]

Jake Roberts

Statblock

[b][url=/sheets/?id=2809477]Jake Roberts[/url][/b] [i]Human Operative 12 NG[/i] [b]HP[/b] 108 / 108 [b]RES[/b] 12 / 12 [b]STAM[/b] 108 / 108 [b]Speed[/b] 40ft [b]Init[/b] 6 [b]KAC[/b] 20 [b]EAC[/b] 21 [b]Fort[/b] 7 [b]Ref[/b] 14 [b]Will[/b] 11 [b]CMB[/b] 28 [b]BAB[/b] 9 [b]Laser Pistol[/b] +9 (2d81, 20) [b]Laser Sniper Rifle[/b] +9 (3d8, 20) [b]High Frequency Sword[/b] +6 (2d6+2, 19-20) [b]Stun Baton[/b] +6 (1d6+2, 20) [b]Str[/b] 14 (2) [b]Dex[/b] 22 (6) [b]Con[/b] 16 (3) [b]Wis[/b] 16 (3) [b]Int[/b] 23 (6) [b]Cha[/b] 16 (3) [b]Soc[/b] 10 (0) [b]Edu[/b] 28 (9)

Jake Roberts Human Operative 12 NG HP 108 / 108 RES 12 / 12 STAM 108 / 108 Speed 40ft Init 6 KAC 20 EAC 21 Fort 7 Ref 14 Will 11 CMB 28 BAB 9 Laser Pistol +9 (2d81, 20)
Laser Sniper Rifle +9 (3d8, 20)
High Frequency Sword +6 (2d6+2, 19-20)
Stun Baton +6 (1d6+2, 20) Str 14 (2) Dex 22 (6) Con 16 (3) Wis 16 (3) Int 23 (6) Cha 16 (3) Soc 10 (0) Edu 28 (9)

 

Skills

Skill Name	Modifier
Acrobatics	+25
Athletics	+19
Bluff	+20
Computers	+23
Culture	+18
Diplomacy	+9
Disguise	+15
Engineering	+28
Intimidate	+20
Life Science	+8
Medicine	+8
Mysticism	+5
Perception	+20
Physical Science	+8
Piloting	+34
Profession	+16
Sense Motive	+20
Slight of Hand	+18
Stealth	+23
Survival	+20
Jack of all Trades	+2
Repair 10	+10
Local Computer Use	+11

Feats and Abilities 

Feats:

Skill Focus: Piloting

Skill Synergy: Engineering and Piloting

Far Shot

Sky Jockey

Hide Sabotage

Tactician

Weapons Specialization: Basic Melee

Small Arms and Sniper

Skill Focus: Computers & Engineering

 

Class Abilities:

Operatives Edge +4

Specialization: Hacker

Trick Attack +6d8

Evasion

Debilitating Trick

Uncanny Agility

Specialization Skill Mastery

 

Operative Exploits:

Nightvision

Uncanny Pilot

Enhanced Senses

Elusive Hacker

Soft Movement

Cloaking Field

Control Hack

Glimpse the Truth

 

Languages: English, French, German, Mandarin, Trade Language, Vaulter, Elven, Dwarven, Troll, Ork

Equipment 

Equipment:

Laser Pistol (6500 Cr)

Laser Sniper Rifle (15000 Cr)

Stun Baton (500 Cr)

High Frequency Sword (650 Cr)

Ceremonial Navy Sword (Mustering out Navy weapon)

Personal nanoshield (50000 Cr)

Personal shield (5000 Cr)

D Suit I (63600 Cr)

Display contacts (over eyes) (650 Cr)

Card Computer (3500 Cr)

Intelipick (350 Cr)

Combat Vac Suit (100 Cr)

Data Port Implant (head slot)

MRK II Augmentation to all 6 Stats (390000 Cr)

Fighter Ship(See post below) (3MCr)

Vehicle Recon Enercopter (Mustering out)

TAS Membership (Mustering out)

3 Ship shares worth (10 MCr)

Broadsword Class Merc Cruiser

 

 

 

 

OOC

 

 

[Sohala]

Getting reminded of the Vault's undecided status, when she was quite familiar with it, caused Prax to grind her teeth. "It is not for them... It is for me." As much as she wanted to be annoyed at him, she came off as disheartened, "I can't be here and there at the same time, nor can I fly between them on a regular basis; but I still want to help... Even if all I am doing is providing fuel." She huffed softly, "Maybe one day the vaulters will help too; even if it is only out of a desire for a profit." She paused, then came back with a resolved tone, "If I must, I will stockpile the filled cores and fly them over en mass myself."

OOC

Well, it meant FOR them... but I can see how it would be seen as that.

If asked, she would rather this be established prior to the council, in hopes of skirting their hierarchy.

 

 

[wrathgon]

19 hours ago, Sohala said:

Seeing no reason to be cagey about it, Prax played it straight, laying out the initial idea.

OOC

Writing it OOC for clarity.
I think it is safe to say the Vault's magical infrastructure is lacking. They do have a number of spellcasters though. She is looking to stabilize bubbles, along with wanting to open an avenue to supply the war effort (or trade).

So, her list is roughly:
Rechargeable tools to stabilize bubbles
The means to make an anchor point, along with limited teleportation, to a pre-designated location
A magic energy storage device - so that she can replicate it

Oh, and the robot's remains, if that is on the menu.

 

 

Can you send me links as i am not finding any of these from my search