While Orvo gets the wounded bedded down for their stay, Desiraye will sit next to Captain Marlboro.  "Captain, a few moments of your time sir?  Is there anything you can tell us about Bill Terry and why he may have done this?  Anything at all about him at all could help us that we can try to reason or understand why he's doing this?  Would an others of the crew could have haloed him?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:59, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

Hammer helps with the salavaging. He says, "I do not have technical skills for making adaptations, but I do have environmental skills. While the others continue, he begins environmental analysis:

Analyze Samples: 70%.
--He will analyze the air content
--He will analyze some of the nearby flora for toxicity or edibility
--He will analyze rock samples to see what minerals are present

Analyze Ecosystems: 50%
--He will begin studying this, but it takes time
--As he discovers new information during the trip, he will share it with the party.

Survival: 60%
--He will use this throughout the journey to help find water and food
--He will use this to save time in setting up camp and shelter
--If needed, he will make traps around camp at night during his watch

Tracking: 50%
--Where needed, he will cover the tracks of the party
--He will look for signs of creatures and life, especially dangerous or edible ones

Stealth: 40%
--He will take up the post for scouting and will be stealthy if anything is encountered

Concealment: 30%
--He will conceal the camp when they rest with natural cover to avoid predators finding them and allow for rest.

He says, "As a xenobiologist by trade, I am curious about any life we should discover. I think my skills will come in handy as we travel. Please let me investigate first by scouting during the trip, and let's not kill the wildlife unnecessarily. Given my tracking and survival skills, I will take the post up front scouting. Since Desi is team leader, she can join me if she wants to help decide which way we go, or we can stay within hearing distance to make the decisions together."

In looking at the map, Hammer tries to examine the benefits of going southwest until the stream bed. He will try to calculate the approximate time to get there (whether encumbered or not), as well as any dangers or benefits of taking that direct route.

That would be 5 hexes southeast to the stream.

Movement: This is found on page 19 of the Expanded Rules.

The movement over land is as follows:

Dralasite: 3 km (but note that, due to high stamina, they can keep up at 4 km if necessary)
Human: 5 km
Vrusk: 6 km
Yazirian: 4 km

Mechanon: 4 km (from Zebulon's guide)

Orvo is a dralasite, so this brings your party's movement to 4 km/hr max before modifiers (assuming you don't split up).

EACH HEX IS 2 KILOMETERS. (Sorry, accidentally cut that out of the picture.)


GM NOTE: My reading of this adventure is that they have simplified movement rules to the chart I posted. So the "hexes per hour" are the number you can travel unencumbered. In other words, it takes 2 hours to travel through one hex of forest unencumbered, and 4 hours if encumbered. The stream valley would be 1 hex per hour unencumbered and .5 if unencumbered.

If you take all that equipment, you will be encumbered...so you need to figure it out.

Due to Hammer's environment skills, you do not have any chance of delays from the chart except for crossing bodies of water.

ENCUMBRANCE:
How much you can carry is limited to your Strength score in kilograms. Carrying between half your Strength score and your full strength score means you are encumbered.

Example: If your strength score is 50, you can carry up to 50 kg (110 lbs), but carrying between 25-50 kg means you are encumbered and have half movement speed.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:10, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

In reply to Hammer (msg # 26):
"Thank you Hammer.  You're our expert so I'll defer to you and give you my opinion if you want it.  I'll be about 10 meters behind you.  We have our comms so let's utilize them instead of yelling if it can be helped.  We don't know what the hell is out there and we can't afford to be sloppy.  Is everyone good with that?

Take only what you need!  Bare essentials, weapons, ammo, food, water, basic tool kits.  We'll leave all of our excess gear secured here with the captain and the engineer.  Can we rig any of the bots to carry equipment?"

Bartja looks over the pile of gear he would like to take and realizes that he's just not strong enough to carry it all on the journey ahead.  He leaves the collection while he ponders his dileman, spending his time fabricating two helium balloons to help carry some of the more critical gear.  After spending a half-hour building the balloons from the fabric and spare helium tanks, he returns to the gear to weed out the surplus.

Taking one of his improvised balloons, Bartja ties a pack to it and begins stuffing it with the gear he just cannot live without.  From the personal survival kits they were issued, he throws aside the machete, laser pistol, and a few other miscellaneous tools.  More importantly, he chooses to take the everflame, allweather blanket, first aid pack, survival ration packages, life jacket, flashlight, rope, toxyrad gauge, water, and the polyvox.

The remaining gear he straps to his belt on the environmental suit:  tangler grenade, doze grenade, pocket tool, compass, gyrojet clips, albedo screen, power beltpack, and of course his brass knuckles.

Heaving the pack onto his back, he's obvously encumbered by it.  Once the helium balloon is attached, however, he feels lighter than if he hadn't been carrying anything (50 kg lift from the balloon).

"Anyone else need a lift?" he asks, offering the second makeshift balloon to the party.

In reply to Bartja Nemuco (msg # 30):
"I like the ingenuity of the balloon Bartja.  Concept is we pull it along with us?

Different thought only!  Could we rig a cart to pull the gear with one of our robots?  I ask only in case the balloon gets away from us and our gear with it.  I know our time is limited, so we should use what we can get ready quickly."

Bartja grins at Desi as he again tests the weight of his pack once the balloon is securely attached.

"I've got more weight here than the balloon or I can carry alone.  The idea is that it helps me carry this much weight, but the pack is still too heavy for the balloon to float away if I drop the pack for any reason.

I've got another lift assist ready here if anyone wants it!"

Orvo is tending to the wounded. Captain Marlboro responds to Desi's questions with, "I had no idea he would do this. I blame myself. I have not been closely following his movements. Everything seemed well on the outside, and he has a spotless military record. I simply trusted him. I should have questioned him more. I shall live to regret my lack of diligence. I remember only one thing. It must have been a year ago, maybe more, back when he was a new member of the crew. He went off for a time and then came back with what I thought was a head injury. He said he had an operation to help with a biomechanical install to help his migraines. The other crew members...I don't see how they could be involved, but I can't trust my own judgment on this now, not after Terry betrayed us like this."

Bartja first tries to analyze the survey robot's communication issues and remove any security locks (alter functions, list functions, remove security locks) (30 minutes). He determines that the survey robot still sends communications back to the Moraes, but there is no indication if Terry is receiving the communications or sending any back. You assume that at least he must not be sending any back because he has not issued any new commands to the robot. Upon further inspection (roll success) (15 minutes), Bartja determines that the back and forth of normal data transfer indicates that the data sent to the Moraes has not been detected or read at the far end based on lack of permutations of the data codes. This means that, although the data is being sent to the Moraes, no one on the Moraes has viewed it.

Upon trying to remove locks, Bartja at first thinks he fails miserably, but then a green light comes on, the data flows, and it looks like he has been able to discontinue the data transfer to the Moraes from the survey robot.

12:00 p.m.

Bartja next sets to making the floating balloons. The floating balloons take 30 minutes each to set up, but one of them is not working properly (failed roll). The remaining balloon holds 50 kg are working

While Bartja is setting up the encumbrance issues with the balloon, Desi and Hammer are examining the land and paths, as well as the foliage, and taking measurements regarding toxicity and edibility. So far, it looks like Hammer's chosen path will be the one to take, and you will be able to live off the land as needed. In other situations, it really would seem like a Garden of Eden.

It is now 3 hours post-crash. (I'm taking off 30 minutes for the balloons by assuming everyone was helping with the salvage operations.) Anything the other characters want to do during that time period likely can be done during the time Bartja was doing the adaptations.

1:00 p.m.


NOTES:
(1) Hammer suggested a path that has not been commented on yet. I will assume you take that path if no one objects.
(2) I am waiting for final gear to see if the party is encumbered. If I don't receive it, I will assume you are encumbered until I hear otherwise. (You can always ditch some of your gear later.)
(3) Bartja's maintenance robot Shemp can hold up to 75 kg.
(4) The helium balloon works, but one thing you notice is that it is a bit fragile for going through the forest and rough terrain. You will need to keep it protected. (This will only affect you if you are unencumbered, not if you are already encumbered.
(5) You can take another 30 minutes to try to set up the second helium balloon again if you want. (It is simply a 30 minute delay per trial, but you can keep trying.) Each helium balloon holds 50 kg of equipment.
(6) Assuming no further comments/updates, I will begin the party moving southeast tomorrow...

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:34, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

NOTE: I was looking through both the rules and the module, and they are horrendously bad at indicating encumbrance. As such, I went through and matched up the ones in the equipment list with the ones in the rules. The ones that were not listed, I used a common sense approach to weight.

That said, if you look at the post in the equipment and rules reference thread, I included the various weights for the items that were in the main equipment.

If you have personal equipment, I did not include it. Let me know if I missed anything or if you have any questions.


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:05, Wed 26 Feb 2020.

Hammer updated his equipment. He is not encumbered but needs some items to be carried by the balloons or robots, including drinking water, his advanced envirokit (7 kg), his albedo screen (2 kg).

Additional points:

The rafts carry 3 passengers with gear, so we will need 2 for all of us and the robot, if my count is right.

We will need the bivouac unit, at least one for 4 people.

We may want freeze field generators, just in case. Maybe just one?

If we can lug the laser rifles, they may help for longer range. Hammer just uses a pistol.

We might need a machete. Hammer uses his vibroknife for now.

OOC:  I too updated my encumbrance in the Equipment thread.  With ST this low, it's hard to not be encumbered!

Bartja ponders only for a few moments after his determination that the Survey Robot is not being monitored.  "Let's take this robot with us.  It can carry some of our gear and we can use it to scout and keep guard while we rest.  Once we reach the ship, having this as a scout might be invaluable."

Bartja further inspects the survey robot.

You also take a close look at the controls for the survey robot.

NOTE: I am putting the survey robot details and the robot control details on the easy reference rules page for future use.

For encumbrance purposes, the survey robot adds 50 kg of weight you can haul, but it must be strapped to the robot. (Strapping/unstrapping equipment causes delays, typically 15 minutes, but I will assume any strapping was done while Bartja was taking care of the other time-consuming duties so that it does not cost additional time here.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:06, Thu 27 Feb 2020.

Hammer makes the following suggestion for the survey robot to carry:

SURVEY ROBOT

2 Bivouac units (20 kg)
3 rafts (in case one breaks) (15 kg)
1 freeze field (4 kg)
2 laser rifles (6 kg)
1 SEU Backpack (10 kg)

That's 50 kg. Any additional extra items can be stored on the balloons or Shemp.

SHEMP

Shemp can hold 75 kg. Bartja has him holding 41 kg. Suggestions for the rest:

1 SEU Backpack (10 kg)
2 machetes (4 kg)
1 extra survival kit (10 kg)
1 extra laser pistol with SEU (1 kg)
2 extra freeze field generators (8 kg)
1 cold light lanterns (1 kg)

That totals 75.

BALLOON
It looks like Bartja is attaching the balloon to his body. Not sure that's practical in a forest, but if he detaches, we can add 50 kg of supplies to it.

7 cold light lanterns (7 kg)
16 liters water (4 each) (16 kg)

That leaves 27 kg for the balloon still.

If you want 50 kg more, then by all means, we should spend the extra 30 minutes to try again for the second balloon.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:54, Thu 27 Feb 2020.

OOC:  We should strap at least 50 kg to the balloon or tether it to someone. If we keep it just under 50 kg, we could tether it to the Survey Robot which flies.  This will keep our gear above the forest floor and out of most harms way.  The risk is that the robot and/or tethers get separated from us.

I've unloaded Bartja so he's not encumbered and doesn't need the balloon strapped to him to help carry any weight.  The extra gear should go on the balloons and robots.

It looks like you have generally resolved the encumbrance issue. If something else pops up or was forgotten, we will address it. But let's push this forward. I am moving the party forward as unencumbered right now.

Geared up and ready, you start to push southeast at 1:00 p.m. Desi and Hammer act as scouts, while the rest of the party follows behind and the survey robot (buoyed by the balloon) hovers and follows behind you.

Bartja has the hand controller, although the survey robot can function on basic commands without it.

If Bartja wants to practice using the hand controller (benefits listed below) while the group travels, rather than putting the survey robot on autopilot, please let me know so his practice can count toward future encounter rolls. If practicing with the hand controller, please indicate the altitude of the survey robot.

I note that the robot is strangely tied to the balloons. Not sure how that will affect things exactly. Obviously, having it at higher altitudes will be more visible and attract more attention.

If someone else wants to use the robot instead, that's fine too. I used Bartja as the robotics expert.

Bartja's study of the hand controller revealed the following:

HAND CONTROLLER
FURTHER DETAILS

Direct control of the robot confers advantages in combat and maneuver. However, hand controller operation requires practice or there is a chance of wrecking the robot.

When guiding the robot with the hand controller, the operator must make a successful  reaction speed check every hour or lose control of the robot.

In combat, the operator must make a reaction check every turn.

If control is lost, the robot immediately loses 1d100 meters of altitude. In each following
round, the robot loses another 1d100 meters of altitude unless the operator makes a successful reaction speed check or returns the robot to automatic control. Two hours of work are needed to repair the damage from a crash.

For each hour of practice with the hand controller, the operator receives a +10% modifier to his chance to avoid a loss of control (up to a maximum of 95% - a roll of 96-00 always results in a loss of control).

Practicing with the hand controller at low altitudes is likely to result in crashing the
robot. When on joystick control, the robot receives a positive modifier of half the operator's reaction speed to its chance to hit per turn. When the operator is dodging instead of firing, subtract 20% from the basic chance to hit of hostile ranged weapons


You travel one hex every two hours in the forest area. During the first two hours, nothing significant happens.

3:00 p.m. (43 hours remaining)

You continue forward for another hour (4:00 p.m. (3 hours travel with no rest)), and then Bartja (in the rear) hears creatures following from behind. You can't tell how many there are. They are hidden in the deep undergrowth.

They are not attacking but stay a distance away. As you continue to move forward and listen carefully, you catch occasional occasional glimpses of hairless, wolf-sized animals. They are not acting hostile yet but are starting to spread to the left and right as well as behind you.

Here is a map tracking your progress. The red line indicates your path of travel and latest location.

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:43, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

S'Krllk tasks his master-comp with determining the probable dangers of the area they're traveling through. Then checks his needler, insuring he has loaded 'sleep needles'.
"Well, the universe isn't actually shooting, right now, but it looks like it may be snapping at us sometime soon," says the Vrusk.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 40):
Desi shoulders her gear that she has to carry and leaves the rest secured here.  "Captain, if something happens, blast it!  We're operating on channel (xxxxx) if you need to contact us.  We'll try and keep you updated on our progress every 12 hours or so.  We'll talk to you soon.  Good luck to you both here.  We'll be back one way or another.  Try to rest up and get some strength back!"

Desiraye will then gather with the rest of the team after she makes sure the shelter is secured. "OK, not to harp but, so everyone's got it.  Less than 48 hours to to the Moraes, take it over before it takes off and leaves us all here and then, try to still get LeGrange.

Time and sped is of the essence!  Hammer is going to set the pace and I'll cover his Six.  No more than a 5-Meter spread between us.  Single file march.  Sound off over comms if you see something or if you get separated.  Let's not try and draw attention but, let's not get killed.  If something attacks us, put it down anyway you have to.  Tranq darts, lees-than-lethal or, deadly force is authorized.  We all do our best to make sure each of us walk away from this situation.  I told the Captain we would try to make contact every 12 hours or so for SITREPS on both ends.
In case I lose track of time, can someone set a timer on their chronograph for that reminder please.  Let's try to keep as much of our gear on silent or vibrate.
Questions or concerns?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Sat 29 Feb 2020.

Hammer agrees with Shae as they move forward. When the wolf things are spotted he pulls a little more tightly to the group so that they are all within view of each other at all times. HIs gun is drawn and ready. "Packs of wolf like creatures. They may be surrounding us to find the weakest of the group and pick us off or try to separate us. We need to stay in a closely knit group, even if that means we don't do scouting for awhile."

He will pull the group tighter and scout as much as safe, but if he can't, he will simply lead them forward in the same direction until the wolf threat is over.

You continue hiking through the forest. The wolf-like creatures are keeping their distance. You can't tell how many there are, but it has been over a half hour and they seem to come in close to take a look and then scurry away into the foliage.

Then, without warning, they lunge from both the left and the right through the forest, having surrounded you. They land right in the middle of the group without warning.



There are 10 of the beasts lunging at you, 5 from each side.

Note: For reference, let's refer to them as W1 through W10. W1-W5 are on the left, and W6-W10 are on the right.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:00, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

Hammer fires his laser pistol (SEU 5) at a wolf creature. (W1)

S'Krllk attempts to shoot a wolf with his needler (anesthetic needle).

Bartja accepts the responsibility for the Survey Robot and practices the hand-controller as they move.  He keeps the robot at 100 meters altitude as they move.  This keeps it visible overhead but above the trees where he could get into some real trouble with it.

Bartja begins to reach for his Gyrojet rifle, but then remembers the remote control in his hand and the Survey Robot hovering overhead.  Instead of swinging his own rifle around, he focus' on the hand controller and turns the Survey Robot turrets, aiming them at the wolflings most threatening to him.  Like a video game console control, he grins as he realizes that the robot aiming program (coupled with his input) makes it very unlikely that he'll miss these shots.  He focuses the Heavy Laser on his nearest opponent and the Automatic Rifle on a group further out from the party.  Not knowing how tough these buggers are going to be, he sets the Heavy Laser to 5 SEU and the Auto Rifle to a 10-round burst.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:17, Wed 04 Mar 2020.

I think we are waiting on Desi and Orvo.

Desiraye will fire her gyrojet rifle at W2, trying to hit it with (2) rounds.