Part I: Atuity's Fall

[Kyper007]

Phelar Morilla

"Thanks Niirbetvye! This should help me get into the file at least." She said with a smile. "I'm looking for any information regarding any installations outside the colony. I was hoping for a working terminal to hack because I could have used it to get into other systems to find one if it existed." She said to Niirbetvye as she worked on hacking the last file, which seemed weird because while she did zero typing at all information was flying across the datapads screen at the speed of her thought. "However with the state of your facility there, finding a working terminal was obviously impossible. Frankly, unless we have a case of extreme luck, from what I have been hearing around the camp about outside the colony going out there blind is akin to suicide. I was trying to... Holy shit, I wonder what the range of this datapad is." While she's hacking other information starts coming up as well.

"Who's Ascendant Paragon, Arcidux Xibia Ulklasstin?" She asked as she looked at the last manifest.

 

OOC:

Resolve: 3/4

Stamina: 10/10

Hit Points: 14/14

Diadem of Desna uses: 1/1

Minor Psychic Power Uses: 3/3

1st Level Spell Uses: 3/3

Tactical Semi-Auto Pistol Rounds: 8/9 Loaded  60/60 in pack

 

Edited June 17, 2023 by Kyper007 (see edit history)

[rmorgens]

Shawkra

"Sounds like there may be another heavy duty ship in system, if it is attached to an Azlanti arcidux. And why is someone that high ranking in the empire caring about this little backwater? That is going to shift the balance of power heavily towards the Azlanti...."

 

[Mister Doctor]

"It's a problem for tomorrow," Nils observed. "It might just mean we target Azlanti assets when looking to secure weapons and armor. That shipping log had some tempting gear we should look into seizing when we can."

He took a breath and considered the options. He was trying to keep a calm face for the others but Shawkra was right, another Azlanti ship in system would alter the balance of power toward one side and the sooner the Azlanti stamped out the Vesk presence the sooner they would start their policing actions and tighten their grip on the civilian population. What this burgeoning little rebellion needed was fighters but Nils was loathe to try and press a bunch of untrained civilians into a militia. it could do more harm than good.

"Get the coordinates from Sarca's device plugged in. Worst case scenario. We circle back and take cover in the outskirts of town."

OOC

SP: 13/22  |  HP: 17/21  |  RP 3/3

Aeon Guard Assault Rifle: 12/12

-50

Semi-Auto: 9/9

-45

Handcannon: 1/1

-11

[Peff]

A few question of Azlanti culture outstanding, you can think it over while everyone gets boarded and loaded. A few of the civilians question if they should leave the city post the announcements but end up following the crowd.

 

Culture DC 16  - Recall Knowledge(Azlanti nobility)

Arcidux are hereditary nobility. They typically to have ancestral lands on New Thespera and each star system within the Empire tends to be ruled by either an Arcidux or an Exarch.

Culture or Appropriate Profession (anything starship related), Ace Pilot Theme DC 19 - Recall Knowledge(Azlanti Starships)

You are already aware that the Sovereign Vindicator (dreadnought by frame) class, Lacrimosa is in orbit over the planet. The Ascendant Paragon is a Vanguard Sanctum class (heavy freighter by frame) vessel.

 

The Sanctum model provides mobile residences for wealthy Azlanti who require opulence during interplanetary transit. You are otherwise uncertain of this particular ship's loadout or tier.

With your last options seemingly spent, the convoy forms up and heads out. Which gate? You knew Gate Alph was clear-ish last you were there but Sector C also isn't far (back near Sarca's workshop) either. That said, you've never actually been in that sector and currently do not know what's there.

 

(Also, last chance to turn yourselves in! You could blame the vesk or any other clever thing you can think of. There is very likely no turning back after this!)

--==MAP==--

 

PC Statistics

Nils: Combat Expertise Envoy 3

Eri: Exocortex Mechanic 3

Jikjak: Fragmented Past Precog 3

Shawkra: Bombard Soldier 3

Phelar: Phrenic Adept Technomancer 3

Current APL: 3

APC: Good.

Vehicle Stats

APC                                                              Level 3
Huge Land Vehicle (10 ft. wide, 20 ft. long, 7 ft. high)
Speed 20 ft., full 200 ft., 24 mph (land)
EAC 16; KAC 18; Cover Total
HP 33 (16); Hardness 6
Attack (Collision) 7d4 B (DC 11)
Attack Merc NIL Grenade Launcher (-)
Attack Tactical Rail Cannon (1d10 P; critical Bleed 1d4)
Modifiers -3 Piloting, -3 attack (-5 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating, Weapon Mount, Short-range Comm Unit; Passengers 6
Status: Good

Transport Truck                                         Level 1
Huge Land Vehicle (8 ft. wide, 20 ft. long, 10 ft. high)
Speed 25 ft., full 500 ft., 60 mph (land)
EAC 12; KAC 14; Cover Normal
HP 14 (7); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 9)
Modifiers -3 Piloting, -4 attack (-6 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating; Passengers 18
Status: Good

Scout Walker                                             Level 2
Large Land Vehicle (5 ft. wide, 6 ft. long, 10 ft. high)
Speed 25 ft., full 250 ft., 25 mph (land)
EAC 13; KAC 15; Cover Improved
HP 20 (10); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 11)
Modifiers +1 Piloting, -2 attack (-6 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating; Passengers 3
Status: Good

Custom Enercycle                                  Level   2
Price 1,782
Large Land Vehicle (5 ft. wide, 10 ft. long, 3 ft. high)
Speed 30 ft., full 600 ft., 60 mph (land)
EAC 10; KAC 12; Cover Partial
HP 15 (7); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 11)
Modifiers +2 Piloting, -1 attack (-3 at full speed)
Systems Personnel Enclosure; Passengers 1
Status: 12/15 HP 

 

Edited June 26, 2023 by Peff (see edit history)

[Peff]

You can still attempt the checks from the previous post, if so desired.

 

Aside from a few nervous civilians, the load goes smoothly and the convoy gets moving. Klerkackht seems to know their craft and gets what gear and supplies you do have well loaded and locked down. With Lavinia Tavo riding shotgun in the transport truck, you can arrange yourselves as you wish throughout your remaining vehicles.

The coordinates indicate a position 30-40 miles outside of Autity proper. You'll likely need to stay at pace with your slowest vehicle, the APC, meaning you have between 1h 15m and 1h 30m or so, assuming no obstacles and a clear roads. Those of you familiar with Kehtaria know the latter is unlikely (what roads?) and it will probably be a much longer trek. We'll be looking at some survival check to orienteer as we get out of the city...

Please determine a marching order for the vehicles. Regardless of the order, you decide Gate Alph is your best best and return to the scene of Sarca's death and the battle with the Ashen Razorbacks.

As you come into the gate area (think of it as a border crossing, if you've ever crossed from the US to Canada or vice versa) you see people moving about, dressed in Azlanti colors. You don't see any obvious sign of reinforcement, neither Aeon Guard nor Cohort, other than what look like a pair of brakim techs working on the turret that overlooks the gatehouse. Two other teams of workers (two per group) are working on other areas of the gate.

The group "leadership" comm channel comes on as you approach, its Klerkackht.

"We've got some nervous people back here...I hope you know what you're doing."

Lavinia chimes in "We'll be fine. We're either doing this the easy way or the fast way, so we'll be out soon. Just tell them to hold on and keep their heads down." She gives a raised eyebrow to whoever is in the truck cab with her but otherwise stay silent.

How would you like to proceed: You can stop at the gate and try to talk your way through or simply just blow through it at full speed.

 

--==MAP==--

 

PC Statistics

Nils: Combat Expertise Envoy 3

Eri: Exocortex Mechanic 3

Jikjak: Fragmented Past Precog 3

Shawkra: Bombard Soldier 3

Phelar: Phrenic Adept Technomancer 3

Current APL: 3

APC: Good.

Vehicle Stats

APC                                                              Level 3
Huge Land Vehicle (10 ft. wide, 20 ft. long, 7 ft. high)
Speed 20 ft., full 200 ft., 24 mph (land)
EAC 16; KAC 18; Cover Total
HP 33 (16); Hardness 6
Attack (Collision) 7d4 B (DC 11)
Attack Merc NIL Grenade Launcher (-)
Attack Tactical Rail Cannon (1d10 P; critical Bleed 1d4)
Modifiers -3 Piloting, -3 attack (-5 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating, Weapon Mount, Short-range Comm Unit; Passengers 6
Status: Good

Transport Truck                                         Level 1
Huge Land Vehicle (8 ft. wide, 20 ft. long, 10 ft. high)
Speed 25 ft., full 500 ft., 60 mph (land)
EAC 12; KAC 14; Cover Normal
HP 14 (7); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 9)
Modifiers -3 Piloting, -4 attack (-6 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating; Passengers 18
Status: Good

Scout Walker                                             Level 2
Large Land Vehicle (5 ft. wide, 6 ft. long, 10 ft. high)
Speed 25 ft., full 250 ft., 25 mph (land)
EAC 13; KAC 15; Cover Improved
HP 20 (10); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 11)
Modifiers +1 Piloting, -2 attack (-6 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating; Passengers 3
Status: Good

Custom Enercycle                                  Level   2
Price 1,782
Large Land Vehicle (5 ft. wide, 10 ft. long, 3 ft. high)
Speed 30 ft., full 600 ft., 60 mph (land)
EAC 10; KAC 12; Cover Partial
HP 15 (7); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 11)
Modifiers +2 Piloting, -1 attack (-3 at full speed)
Systems Personnel Enclosure; Passengers 1
Status: 12/15 HP 

[Kyper007]

Phelar Morilla

Before they leave Phelar would strap all her gear down onto the passenger seat of the bike then mount up. Ready to go she'll take her designated place in the line of vehicles.

When they arrive at the gate she frowned a bit, and decided to place her helmet on. "I doubt talking will go very well. Aren't you AWOL Nils? Running the gate might be the best option, unless you know of a way to bribe them."

 

OOC:

Resolve: 3/4

Stamina: 10/10

Hit Points: 14/14

Diadem of Desna uses: 1/1

Minor Psychic Power Uses: 3/3

1st Level Spell Uses: 3/3

Tactical Semi-Auto Pistol Rounds: 8/9 Loaded  60/60 in pack

 

[Mister Doctor]

"Jikjak, take us through that gate with all haste. Everyone who can, prepare to disincentive the Azlanti from voicing their objections," Nils said working the action on his liberated rifle.

"All civilians are to keep their heads down. Get the walker and the enercycle prepared to engage any pursuers. Once we're through, I want the APC in position to take fire for the truck."

OOC

SP: 13/22  |  HP: 17/21  |  RP 3/3

Let's go APC in front, followed by truck and then the two lighter vehicles.

Aeon Guard Assault Rifle: 12/12

-50

Semi-Auto: 9/9

-45

Handcannon: 1/1

-11

Edited June 30, 2023 by Mister Doctor (see edit history)

[Kyper007]

Phelar Morilla

Phelar nodded as Nils issued his directions. "Nils, I can summon an elemental for a distraction if you want." She offered.

Then she considered for a moment. "Also, when we get to where we going, I'd like to talk to you alone for a moment."

 

OOC:

Resolve: 3/4

Stamina: 10/10

Hit Points: 14/14

Diadem of Desna uses: 1/1

Minor Psychic Power Uses: 3/3

1st Level Spell Uses: 3/3

Tactical Semi-Auto Pistol Rounds: 8/9 Loaded  60/60 in pack

 

[Lex Samreeth]

Jikjak Whiptail

"Got it. Weydan watch over us, and whoever else in the Outer Planes who might feel like throwing us a bone."

He fishes the appropriate holy symbol out of his collection and kisses it. It's in much better condition than most of his other ones.

"Say, uh, Phelar? Is there any mention on that manifest of a particular ship? One named Red On Black? I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't, but...it might be surprisingly useful information."

Please gods, don't let it be on the manifest...

 

Show tabletop...

Three guesses who would be on the Red On Black, and the first two don't count...

 

 

[Kyper007]

Phelar Morilla

Phelar considered Jikjak's question for a moment. "There were three different manifests and none of them had a ship of that name." Then she further offered. "That said however, the first came from Locus-1 with a destination of here, the second came from Koshoria with a destination of Dr. Alin Nystrom in the Spire District, and the third came from New Thespera with a destination of Ascendant Paragon, Arcidux Xibia Ulklasstin. I hope that helps."

 

OOC:

Resolve: 3/4

Stamina: 10/10

Hit Points: 14/14

Diadem of Desna uses: 1/1

Minor Psychic Power Uses: 3/3

1st Level Spell Uses: 3/3

Tactical Semi-Auto Pistol Rounds: 8/9 Loaded  60/60 in pack

 

[Mister Doctor]

"We'll talk then," Nils agreed. He sat up in the passenger seat of the walker, sighting down his rifle. They just needed to get through and he had no intention of letting this turn into a prolonged firefight. "But first we need to clear the gate."

Squinting at the enemy position, Nils added. "Put it as close to the gate's controls as you can manage. We want them to have as little time as possible to react."

OOC

SP: 22/22  |  HP: 17/21  |  RP 2/3

Let's go APC in front, followed by truck and then the two lighter vehicles.

Aeon Guard Assault Rifle: 12/12

-50

Semi-Auto: 9/9

-45

Handcannon: 1/1

-11

Edited July 6, 2023 by Mister Doctor (see edit history)

[Kyper007]

Phelar Morilla

Phelar nodded at Nils target suggestion. "Very well. Done." Then she looked for where the gate controls were, and summoned an Air Elemental as close to them as she can. "Go now! It won't have their attention for long!"

 

OOC:

ACTION: She is summoning a Tiny Air Elemental as close to the Gate Controls as she can with the intentions to have it cause as much chaos as possible.

 

Resolve: 3/4

Stamina: 10/10

Hit Points: 14/14

Diadem of Desna uses: 1/1

Minor Psychic Power Uses: 3/3

1st Level Spell Uses: 3/3

Tactical Semi-Auto Pistol Rounds: 8/9 Loaded  60/60 in pack

 

Edited July 7, 2023 by Kyper007 (see edit history)

[Peff]

Lavinia yells over the comms "Hold on!" and you gun your respective vehicles.

 

The tech group by the gate is surprised by Phelar's elemental's sudden appearance. It starts throwing tiny whirlwinds around, causing the techs to flee.

 

You see another tech get on comms though you can't hear what they're saying, their partner just stares as you go cruising by. Yet another is tossed aside by the turret as it suddenly springs to life. They manage to catch themselves on the edge of the gatehouse's roof, their partner rushing over to pull them up. The turret fires wildly in the air.

 

The APC reaches the front and smashes through the barrier, sending shards of plastic-enforced timber everywhere with the remaining vehicles follow closely behind. The gate and walls of Atuity fall into the distances as pavement runs out about a quarter of a mile out. The road turns to dirt and splits into a T following the perimeter of the walls. After that, only a barely visible path out and into the wilds stand in front of you.

 

About 1 mile out, proximity alarms in the APC and Walker go off. You see the shadow first, a fast moving aircraft of some kind swoops low, sprinting out in front before spinning back around to face you. The craft is grey, with accents of white and black on it, clearly armed. Its cockpit appears as a pair of almost eye-like windows, looking past a pair of armored protrusions on the front of the vessel. It keeps pace with you, flying backward when "Found you!" comes over a general comm channel. It drops, barrel rolling in place as it does and hits the ground, finishing its transformation.

 

Standing in your path is a massive, mechanical boar-like creature. "Think you could embarrass the Razorbacks like that and get away with it? The boss sends her regards."

 

Keep running? Try and engage? Back to Atuity for a pint and wait for this whole thing to blow over?

 

--==MAP==--

 

PC Statistics

Nils: Combat Expertise Envoy 3

Eri: Exocortex Mechanic 3

Jikjak: Fragmented Past Precog 3

Shawkra: Bombard Soldier 3

Phelar: Phrenic Adept Technomancer 3

Current APL: 3

APC: Good.

Vehicle Stats

APC                                                              Level 3
Huge Land Vehicle (10 ft. wide, 20 ft. long, 7 ft. high)
Speed 20 ft., full 200 ft., 24 mph (land)
EAC 16; KAC 18; Cover Total
HP 33 (16); Hardness 6
Attack (Collision) 7d4 B (DC 11)
Attack Merc NIL Grenade Launcher (-)
Attack Tactical Rail Cannon (1d10 P; critical Bleed 1d4)
Modifiers -3 Piloting, -3 attack (-5 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating, Weapon Mount, Short-range Comm Unit; Passengers 6
Status: Good

Transport Truck                                         Level 1
Huge Land Vehicle (8 ft. wide, 20 ft. long, 10 ft. high)
Speed 25 ft., full 500 ft., 60 mph (land)
EAC 12; KAC 14; Cover Normal
HP 14 (7); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 9)
Modifiers -3 Piloting, -4 attack (-6 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating; Passengers 18
Status: Good

Scout Walker                                             Level 2
Large Land Vehicle (5 ft. wide, 6 ft. long, 10 ft. high)
Speed 25 ft., full 250 ft., 25 mph (land)
EAC 13; KAC 15; Cover Improved
HP 20 (10); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 11)
Modifiers +1 Piloting, -2 attack (-6 at full speed)
Systems Additional Seating; Passengers 3
Status: Good

Custom Enercycle                                  Level   2
Price 1,782
Large Land Vehicle (5 ft. wide, 10 ft. long, 3 ft. high)
Speed 30 ft., full 600 ft., 60 mph (land)
EAC 10; KAC 12; Cover Partial
HP 15 (7); Hardness 5
Attack (Collision) 5d4 B (DC 11)
Modifiers +2 Piloting, -1 attack (-3 at full speed)
Systems Personnel Enclosure; Passengers 1
Status: 12/15 HP 

[Lex Samreeth]

Jikjak Whiptail

"Oh great. These guys again."

Jikjak pokes his head out. Where yesterday he would have been jittering and cowering, now he just looks tired and utterly fed up.

"Look. Plus ten points for you somehow managing to match the beastie that's cursed my family for at least a millenium, but seriously. SCREW YOU, SCREW YOUR "HONOR", AND SCREW THE DOSHKO YOU'VE GOT UP YOUR VENT! I've survived THREE attempts to kill me, and those were when I was alone, unarmed, and unarmored. And right now, I've got an APC, a truck with an anti-material cannon, and several new friends that are equally done with your guano! Oh, and by the way. Does the name "Bloody Bessel" mean anything to you?"

Gods above and below, help me pull this off.

"If she finds out somebody other than her killed me, she's going to kill you and everyone she even thinks you care about. Slowly. I heard the last one she got to play with lasted nineteen Absalom Standard days before he finally died. And she livestreamed the whole thing. So, three ways this can end. First, we can blow your arse into bloody mist and salvage that fancy toy of yours so I can take the lady ysoki on the craziest joyrides ever. Might even add you to the family tapestry. Second, you manage to kill us, and you wake up one day on an Akitonese freighter with a hangover from the depths of the Abyss and a very angry, VERY insane ysoki giving you a guided tour of all of your internal organs, one at a time, after she's done making you listen to all of your fellow Razorbacks beg for the sweet release of death. Third, and this is the one I think you'd greatly prefer, is you tell whatever warmongering lizard sent you creds to die on this overgrown hellhole that we managed to outmaneuver you and escape into the wilds, and that you decided it wasn't worth the fuel or ammo to pursue us into what's undoubtedly already our doom."

"So, what's it going to be? Are you going to let us take our chances in the jungle? Or are you going to see what happens when you piss off an Akitonese in a military grade vehicle?"

He switches the comms to private, and looks up at Shawkra.

"Well. At least if he blows us up, I went out giving one hell of a speech."

Show tabletop...

OOC details and explanations of rolls

 

 

[Mister Doctor]

"All vehicles, maintain course, press the hostile," Nils said, not fully grasping the context but trusting Jikjak. Small arms fire might not do much against a target as armored as that but there was only one way to find out. Fancy transforming geegaws tended to have a fair share of exposed components anyway.

"Present weapons but do not fire just yet. If we can get out of this without an engagement we need to." As if to lead by example, Nils sat up in his passenger position on the walker and leveled his rifle on the machine, intending to see just how durable those view ports were.

OOC

SP: 22/22  |  HP: 17/21  |  RP 2/3

 

Aeon Guard Assault Rifle: 12/12

-50

Semi-Auto: 9/9

-45

Handcannon: 1/1

-11

Edited July 8, 2023 by Mister Doctor (see edit history)