You go over to the remaining Eorna, who point out over the battlefield for you to see what the Sathar are doing next.  Only two Eorna survived the assault here, and they are both wounded.

The tactic of knocking out supply trucks has turned the Sathar attack into little more than a holding action. A glance down the battle line shows that the Volturnus forces are now holding their own quite well against sporadic fire and attacks by the main body of the Sathar army. The Sathar appear to be surprised and disoriented by this turn in the battle; or they are cunningly awaiting
resupply from their shuttles.

It is quite possible that an offensive move by the Volturnus forces now might just turn the entire battle around and put the worms on the run. The Ul-Mor  lopermounted cavalry is the only option for such an offense. If the Ul-Mor could survive the laser fire they would endure while closing on the Sathar, their heavy lopers charging through the Sathar masses would surely cause heavy damage, probably enough to force the Sathar to retreat.

The grim Ul-Mor leadership agrees that this is the last chance to save the day.
As they prepare to attack, the advance troops of the Sathar are observed setting up strange new devices in front of them. They appear to be generating some kind of force field or shield. As the devices are out into place, the Ul-Mor leaders press for permission to charge. However, everyone realizes that the Sathar devices will have to be investigated and knocked out before the attack can begin.


There are three devices.  You are at the place marked "X."  The devices are being set up at the places marked 1, 2, and 3.  You may freely move to any place marked with a "4" before beginning your move, or may split up.  (Splitting up may be good or bad depending on the resistance you encounter.)

The forcefield seems to run in a straight line from device to device but not in the area of the actual device.



The three devices are each about 100 meters apart.

There are 18 Sathar, as marked with the squares.  The northernmost Sathar are retreating back to get behind the forcefield.


You have:
NO REINFORCEMENTS.
16 Ul-mor ready to attack.
16 Lopers from which they ride.

The Ul-mor are stationed as follows: 3 on each of the long boxes marking their location. 1 at the small box.  The Ul-mor will charge and attack when they receive the signal from you.


SATHAR FORCES
· The 18 Sathar have the following statistics:

STR/STA DEX/RS INT/LOG PER/LDR PS IM RW M
40/40   40/40  45/45   45/65    2  4 20 20

These Sathar are all armed with laser rifles with one
full clip apiece. They all have second level beam
weapons skill.


VOLTURNUS FORCES
· 16 Ul-Mor with second level melee weapons skill, all
mounted on lopers. These are their statistics:

STR/STA DEX/RS INT/LOG PER/LDR PS IM RW M
40/40   50/50  60/60   40/60   2   5 25 25

· 16 lopers (MV Fast; IM/RS 5/41; STA 300; ATT 40; DM
4-40; SA None; SD Immune to needle weapons)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:03, Mon 11 May 2009.

S'Krllk will borrow whatever can pass for field glasses, and observe the devices generating the field. He is attempting to discern the best way to eliminate them. "I'm not good with tactics, I'll try to figure out what we can do about that wall of force."

It appears to be some sort of security device.  A person with a technician skill may be able to deactivate it, but you can't tell what level it is or how long it'll take.

Desiraye takes out her omnoculars and views the strange devices that were put up by the Sathar and then passes them to anyone else who doesn't have them and or, wants to look at what's going on.  As the others view/dont' view, Desi makes the following statement to the whole group, "My first thought is that we hit the middle device, whatever it is, and try to deactivate that one and hopefully that shuts down the shield enough to let our Loper charge through.  If we don't want to try and dismantle it, I could rig a charge to blow the device in place.  I'm sure we could do that to anyone of them if we wanted.  I was just thinking the middle one since I'm guessing that with that one down, the other two wont' work.  Am I making sense here?"

"I have a little bit of technician abilities," Becka says, "but one of you might have greater abilities."

"Taking out the center device may weaken the field without reducing its length. If we could take out either end, it would at least reduce the front to half its current length and allow the forces to concentrate on the unshielded half. This would cause the Sathar to move to the unshielded half and allow the other end device to be attacked, thus bringing down the whole thing. Perhaps if we could hold the charge until after both ends are eliminated we would have the best shot. I'm little more than a technician, in any case, and would likely have much more success taking on one of the devices than I would taking on one of the Sathar."

S'Krllk turns his head to one side, and wonders quietly "where did that come from?"

 Pondering the situation. Professor Kri'lik listens to the rest then makes his own suggestions. "Having no thorough knowledge of field technology I assume that the barrier will prevent us from going through it as well. If that assumption is correct our best bet is to flank around its sides, thus rendering the wall almost useless. This plan of course would probably work if the field barriers are stationary and can not rotate."

 Having spoke his mind he then leaves the tactics to the experts and rechecks his equipment.

As you are planning, one of the Sathar shoots from behind the barrier.  You note that the laser goes through the force field, although it goes wide and doesn't hurt anyone.

"Perhaps, laser bolts can pass through the shield and it would prevent the Lopers & Ul-Mor from passing through?"

Becka says, "My guess is that it only prevents living things from passing through.  Or maybe it hurts them, very badly."

"It could be phased so that anything can pass through in one direction, and nothing in the other. Which won't matter if we can flank the screen and take out the projectors on either end."

I suggest we all start at the "4" bottom right and attack from that area.

Becka says, "Okay with me.  Everyone agree?"  She starts walking to that area to begin the assault before the sathar are all set up.

 "OK.  We attack at #4 and try to end this once and for all!  I'm shot up pretty bad so I'm not much of use in a stand up fight."

"Then don't get to far away Desi." Replies the professor as he pats his medical kit with his off hand. Checking his laser rifle one last time to make sure everything is good to go, Kri'lik then follows the rest of the group as they begin their assault.

Desiraye nods to Kri'lik with a slight smile of pain and fatigue.  "I'll do that Doc!  Listen if we can't dismantle the forceshields with tech kits, I've got a couple of kay-gee's of TD-19 that should do the trick.  I've got a bag full of grenades so if nobody has any, grab a couple of mine for the assault.  I think we should try to engage them as we move with covering fire to get close enough to use the grenades.

It looks to me as if the Sathar are finally retreating or are covering for a retreat.  If we can stop them here, maybe we can end this once and for all!  We've left a lot of good people on the field here and we need to tend to them once we're done but, we need to finish what we started!"

2 Kg's of TD-19
6 tangler grenades
5 frag grenade
6 doze grenade

As S'Krllk begins to move with the others, he mumbles, "Walk into the firefight, watch everyone get shot up, run screaming in fear, change my name to avoid the ignominity of defeat... no, not again!"

You move into position.  The Sathar are gearing up and ready as positioned in the map.  They fire through the field a couple times at you as you cross to the south, but none are close enough to hit.

The only ones that will be a real danger to you are the ones closest to the generator you're approaching; that is, until the others close in.

It will take you 3 rounds to close in on the generator at a jogging pace.

You don't know how long it will take to deactivate the device.

REMINDER:


You have:
NO REINFORCEMENTS.
16 Ul-mor ready to attack.
16 Lopers from which they ride.

The Ul-mor are stationed as follows: 3 on each of the long boxes marking their location. 1 at the small box.  The Ul-mor will charge and attack when they receive the signal from you.


SATHAR FORCES
· The 18 Sathar have the following statistics:

STR/STA DEX/RS INT/LOG PER/LDR PS IM RW M
40/40   40/40  45/45   45/65    2  4 20 20

These Sathar are all armed with laser rifles with one
full clip apiece. They all have second level beam
weapons skill.

<green>
VOLTURNUS FORCES
· 16 Ul-Mor with second level melee weapons skill, all
mounted on lopers. These are their statistics:

STR/STA DEX/RS INT/LOG PER/LDR PS IM RW M
40/40   50/50  60/60   40/60   2   5 25 25

· 16 lopers (MV Fast; IM/RS 5/41; STA 300; ATT 40; DM
4-40; SA None; SD Immune to needle weapons)
</green>

Becka yells, "Charge!" as she runs forward, gun blazing at the closest Sathar.

Desiraye finds the best position of cover for herself, goes prone, and begins to take aimed shots at the Sathar when she hears Becka call for a 'charge' against the worm creatures to the generator devices.

STR/STA: 65/60
DEX/RS: 60/60
INT/LOG: 40/40
PER/LDR: 40/40
IM: 6
CURRENT STAMINA: 37/60

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons:4
70% +15% for aimed shot
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Fri 22 May 2009.

Becka is referring to a charge up to the generator though, not all the way to the sathar.  She tries to stay slightly ahead of Kri'lik so he can safely get tot he generator to dismantle it.

OOC: Understood!

You charge toward the generator.  It will take you 3 turns to get there.

In the meantime, the Sathar are noticing your charge...

ROUND 1

In the first round, Desiraye and Kri'lik hit the nearest Sathar, taking it down.  Becka is hit by return fire (16 dmg).  Becka is hurt badly now.

There are 5 Sathar (4 now) guarding this generator in the south.  6 Sathar from the middle generator begin heading to the south to help the other Sathar.  They will be within firing range in 2 rounds.

ROUND 2

In this round, Desiraye and Becka hit the nearest Sathar, hurting but not killing it.

Lasers fly in your direction...  Desiray is hit (15 dmg) and S'Krllk is hit (24 dmg).

The Sathar will have their 6 backup next round.  You will also reach the generator at the end of the next round.  You will be able to lob a grenade or thrown weapon at the nearest Sathar at the beginning of round 4.

In reply to GM Heath (msg #23):

Desiraye winces with pain again as she is hit by one of the Sathar lasers.  She knows she's in deep trouble again and then continues to utilize the best cover & fire position available to her.  Watching the advance she yells out to the others and the Vrusk medic, "I'M HIT AGAIN!  GET READY TO THROW GRENADES!"

STR/STA: 65/60
DEX/RS: 60/60
INT/LOG: 40/40
PER/LDR: 40/40
IM: 6
CURRENT STAMINA: 22/60

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons:4
70% +15% for aimed shot

Intended action Round #3: Aimed shot at Sathar.  Try to take out a wounded one.

Intended action Round #4: Throwing Fragmentation Grenade at biggest concentration of Sathar
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Tue 26 May 2009.

Changing a power setting requires 1 round.

Disregard.  I want to keep up the fire.  thanks for the warning & I'll edit my post...

Becka continues forward, firing at the closest uninjured Sathar, hopefully to throw him off.

Sergi is charging in with the most northly group of three, trying to get behind the screen before hitting the projector.

ROUND 3

Desiraye hits and knocks out the injured Sathar.  Becka and Kri'lik hit the next nearest Sathar, killing it.

That leaves 3 Sathar who fire at you this round.  Kri'lik is hit for 15 damage.

The 6 backup Sathar arrive and are ready to fire next round.

You reach the generator, and S'Krllk begins examining it.  You are also within grenade range of the 3 closest Sathar now.


S'Krllk finds:

The electric field is a Level 4 security device, and may be deactivated in 5 turns by any character with Technician skill. These 5 turns must be consecutive, and the character may do nothing else while deactivating the field.
</i>

S'Krllk believes that deactivating this southern generator will likely turn off the entire force field, thus allowing the Ul-mor to charge and take care of the Sathar.

 Firing his laser rifle as he advances with the rest of the group, the aged Vrusk cries out in pain as he is hit from a Sathar's blast. "Aghhh! Darn that hurts!" Not wanting to let the rest down he continues with the assault firing his laser rifle at the best targets of opportunity.

beam weapons 35% + aim.

Currently at 20 Health.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Sat 30 May 2009.

S'Krllk ignores any pain he is feeling, shuts out anything around him, and focuses on shutting down the field. "Perhaps if I fail to notice when I die, my reflexes will continue to shut this thing down" he murmurs.

Round 4

Security Device:  Round 1 of 5 uninterrupted rounds

All but two of the Sathar are distracted when a Vrusk suddenly appears in their mist.  They turn and fire at the hologram.

S'Krllk begins deactivating the device.

The two Sathar fire at you.  Both shots hit...and they both hit S'Krllk.  (OOC: This was purely random bad luck.  I had them choose targets randomly!)  S'Krllk is hit for 31 damage.

S'Krllk turns back to the security device.  (Next round will also be round 1 of 5 for deactivation.)

The remaining 4 of you fire at the Sathar.  Desiraye and Sergi hit, taking down one of the Sathar.  Desiraye has thrown a fragmentation grenade.  3 additional Sathar are injured.

Kri'lik has a critical failure, and his gun backfires.  (3 dmg, and weapon is inoperable.)

 The explosion of his laser rifle is quite a fright for the medical doctor. Nothing like that has ever happened to him before. "Ahhh!" He screams as the energy backfires into his face. Finding that his body seems to still be working he quickly collects his thoughts abandons the runined rifle, draws his laser pistol and quickly attaches it to his power pack. Once done he sets the weapon to max and fires at the closest sathar. While doing such he moves to give aid the S'krllk if he needs it.

Beam weapons 35% +aim
17 STA remaining.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Fri 12 June 2009.

Becka will stand between S'Krllk and the Sathar as a human shield to protect him as she fires at the closest of the Sathar who have seen through the hologram.

Desiraye will yell out to the others around her, "THROW SMOKE GRENADES TO COVER S'KRLLK FOR COVER.  IF NOT, THROW WHATEVER YOU HAVE!"

Round #5: Desiraye will throw another Frag grenade at the closest Sathar

Round #6: Fires shots at remaining Sathar to give S'Krllk time to deactivate device & try not to let Becka become a sacrafice

Round #7: Fires shots at remaining Sathar to give S'Krllk time to deactivate device & try not to let Becka become a sacrafice


STR/STA: 65/60
DEX/RS: 60/60
INT/LOG: 40/40
PER/LDR: 40/40
IM: 6
CURRENT STAMINA: 22/60

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons:4
70% +15% for aimed shot

OOC: Desiraye has some spare Doze, Tangler, & Frags left if anyone is close enough to her.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Sat 13 June 2009.

Becka takes a doze grenade from Desi and throws it.

S'Krllk pays no attention to the bipedal forms milling around, he is so completely focused on de-activating the screens that he will allow nothing to stop him...
Hopefully he'll finish before either the Sathar or his allies are completely decimated, as it would be embarassing to complete the task after the battle is over. As he works, he mumbles, "Don't mind me... nameless tech doing his job... plognard sonic screwdriver! ... just another pebble on the universal beach... lots of serious therapy... blue and red striped wire... relentless waves...  "

Round 5

Security Device:  Round 1 of 5 uninterrupted rounds

Desi throws a frag and Becka throws a doze grenade.  Kri'lik is changing weapons and reloading.  Sergi misses.

The nearest Sathar, already wounded, is decimated by the frag grenade.  Only one of the Sathar appears to collapse asleep from the doze grenade.

Four Sathar now seem to be disregarding the hologram.  They fire...

...Becka is hit.  (16 dmg)  Sergi is also hit.  (15 dmg).

S'Krllk is unhit and actively disabling the screens.  (1 of 5 complete)

From the rear, you see 8 more Sathar charging forward toward you.  They will not be in range for about 30 seconds (5 rounds).

Sergi keeps shooting, and yells "Medic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Now we're getting somewhere...
S'Krllk abdomen vibrates in the Vrusk equivalent of a wince as he continues with his task.

Becka continues to fire as well, seeking out the most wounded Sathar first.

There has been a question about the Sathar:

Currently there are:

Within Firing Range
4 Sathar unwounded
2 Sathar wounded
1 Sathar asleep from doze grenade

Of these, 4 were distracted by the hologram last round, meaning 4 or less will be distracted next round (i.e., at least 2 shooting at you).

Approaching and not in firing range
8 Sathar

OOC: Thanks for clarifying...

BIC: Desiraye continues to throw grenades at the Sathar to try and cut down on the amount of fire coming from them.

STR/STA: 65/60
DEX/RS: 60/60
INT/LOG: 40/40
PER/LDR: 40/40
IM: 6
CURRENT STAMINA: 22/60

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons:4
70% +15% for aimed shot

OOC: Desiraye STILL has some spare Doze, Tangler, & Frags left if anyone is close enough to her.

Round 8: Throws Tangler Grenade at Sathar
Round 9: Throws Frag Grenade at Sathar
Round #10: Throws another Tangler Grenade at Sathar
Round #11: Throws another Frag Grenade at Sathar
Round #12: Fires at remaining Sathar with Laser Rifle
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Wed 24 June 2009.

 Heeding the call for aid, Kri'lik rushes to Sergi's side, removes his med kit and does what he can for the injured fighter.

Medical Level 2
  Administering Drugs      - 100% (100%)
  Diagnosis                - 80%  (60% + Sk Lvl)
  First Aid                - 100% (100%)
  Minor Surgery            - 60%  (40% + Sk Lvl)
  Major Surgery            - 40%  (20% + Sk Lvl)
  Controlling Infection    - 70%  (50% + Sk Lvl)
  Curing Disease           - 60%  (40% + Sk Lvl)
  Neutralizing Toxins      - 50%  (30% + Sk Lvl)
  Activating Freeze Fields - 50%  (30% + Sk Lvl)

Round 6

Round 2 of 5 uninterrupted rounds

Only one of the Sathar now is fooled by the hologram.  The other 5 are firing on you...

Desiraye is hit once (9 dmg), and Becka is hit twice. (23 dmg)

Desiraye gets off a tangler grenade...but it misses its mark, impotently detonating over some bushes.

Kri'lik begins trying to heal Sergi.  (It will take a round to feel any improvement.)

Sergi makes a direct hit on the head of the wounded Sathar, which flops over dead.

Becka barely misses.

S'Krllk is trying to get the device dismantled.

Becka says, "Oh, that hurts!  I'm getting pounded over here."  But she looks down to make sure S'Krllk is still disabling the device and fires back at the most wounded Sathar.

Round 7

Round 3 of 5 uninterrupted rounds

You begin firing...

Desiraye's frag grenade injures two Sathar.  Becka fires off a shot that takes out one of those two.  Sergi hits a Sathar in the arm and disables it for one round.  Kri'lik is healing Sergi.  (+20 STA)

S'Krllk is not interrupted this round in disabling the device.

All Sathar are now disregarding the hologram.  They keep firing.  Kri'lik is hit as he is healing Sergi (15 dmg).  Becka is hit again as she is blocking S'Krllk from fire.  (21 dmg)

Becka falls over from the burns, collapsing to the ground.

"AAAhhh! I've been hit. Not sure if I can take another. Perhaps its time to call in the reserves!!!" The doctor's insectoid eyes fall upon Becka wondering if his aid would be of any use to her. Still not sure, the professor lowers his body into a prone position to try and minimize himself as a target thinking if he can live for a few more minutes he might be able to help another in need. The chaos of battle has him confussed as to who needs his help the most. "Call out if you need aid!"

Current STA: 2
 If asked for healing he will try and aid the closest to death while still maintaining a prone position. If none seek his aid he will apply first aid to himself.

Medical Level 2
  Administering Drugs      - 100% (100%)
  Diagnosis                - 80%  (60% + Sk Lvl)
  First Aid                - 100% (100%)
  Minor Surgery            - 60%  (40% + Sk Lvl)
  Major Surgery            - 40%  (20% + Sk Lvl)
  Controlling Infection    - 70%  (50% + Sk Lvl)
  Curing Disease           - 60%  (40% + Sk Lvl)
  Neutralizing Toxins      - 50%  (30% + Sk Lvl)
  Activating Freeze Fields - 50%  (30% + Sk Lvl)

Before/After Desiraye throws her grenade, she makes the signal or calls out for someone to call in the cavalry and hopes she survives another round (or two)!  Best cover possible and praying...

STR/STA: 65/60
DEX/RS: 60/60
INT/LOG: 40/40
PER/LDR: 40/40
IM: 6
CURRENT STAMINA: 11/60

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons:4
70% +15% for aimed shot
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Fri 03 July 2009.

S'Krllk world begins and ends in the one meter circles where the device resides. Perhaps the Sathar are afraid they will damage their own force field if they fire on him, perhaps they don't believe he is competent enough to bypass their failsafes, or maybe S'Krllk just hasn't noticed how many have aimed at him and missed. Whatever the case, he does not pause and will either dismantle the device or perish while attempting to do so... literally.

"Kri'lik, see to Becka"  Sergi continues to fire at any targets he can see.

Heeding Sergi's advice, Kri'lik crawls to Becka's side, hoping she still lives.

If there are signs of life he will do what he can, otherwise he applies first aid to himself.

OOC: If Desi must choose, she calls in the cavalry...

Round 8

Round 4 of 5 uninterrupted rounds

Desiraye calls for reinforcements, but they will not begin their charge until the forcefield is down.

Kri'lik checks, but Becka appears beyond recovery, another casualty of this war.

Desiraye throws a tangler...ensnaring two more Sathar.  No one else hits.

The remaining Sathar fire at you...and Desiraye is hit. (8 dmg)  No one else is hit that round.

The 8 back up Sathar are quickly approaching range and will be within firing range in 2 rounds.

S'Krllk only has to make it one more round to disable the force field, assuming he is not interrupted or hit, which will reset the clock.

One of the nearest Sathar, you see, is pulling out some sort of grenade to throw at you next round...

In reply to GM Heath (msg #54):

With Desi being hit again and she feels the life slipping away from her very quickly, she yells out to Kri'Lik, "KRI'LIK!  I NEED YOU!" as she throws her next grenade at the Sathar.

STR/STA: 65/60
DEX/RS: 60/60
INT/LOG: 40/40
PER/LDR: 40/40
IM: 6
CURRENT STAMINA: 2/60

OOC: Good Luck if she doesn't make it!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Thu 09 July 2009.

Near deaths door himself, Kri'lik almost pauses as he considers administering first aid to himself or Desiraye. Decision made, professor Kri'lik moves as fast as his lowered body can make it to Desiraye's side. Once there a quick glance is all the doctor needs to see that she hasn't much strength left.

 I hope this does the trick! Please let me live to see another day.

"I'm here Desi. I'll do what I can. Just you hold on, we still need you!"

Current STA: 2
Medical Level 2
  Administering Drugs   - 100% (100%)
  Diagnosis             - 80%  (60% + Sk Lvl)
  First Aid             - 100% (100%)
  Minor Surgery         - 60%  (40% + Sk Lvl)
  Major Surgery         - 40%  (20% + Sk Lvl)
  Controlling Infection - 70%  (50% + Sk Lvl)
  Curing Disease        - 60%  (40% + Sk Lvl)
  Neutralizing Toxins   - 50%  (30% + Sk Lvl)
  Activating Freeze Fields - 50%  (30% + Sk Lvl)

OOC: My mistake, I meant for Kri'lik to administer to himself last round after finding Becka dead.  He healed himself for 20 STA.

"Promise me, one of you will call in the cavalry!"

OOC: Thanks for the health boss

Current STA 22

Biocort used this battle: 1 - Sergi, 1 - Kri'lik, 1 - Desiraye (this action)
Biocort remaining: 22

OOC: Sorry, just looked at the rules again.  I thought biocort was +20 STA, but it is only +10, and can only be used once a day per character.  So Kri'lik actually just has 12 STA.  For more than that, he needs to do minor or major surgery, or use some other drug.

Continuing to work, S'Krllk is mumbling to himself something to the effect of "Stay on target", and then, somewhat louder, "Almost there".

The remaining Sathar miss!  Desiraye and Sergi hit one more, wounding it severely.  They have scant numbers remaining, but the 8 replacements are almost in place to fire at you.

And then S'Krllk finished disabling the device.  The force field comes down, and the Ul-Mors descend, mounted on their Lopers.  The sight of the proverbial cavalry coming down the hill gives the Sathar pause, and you see something you never thought you'd see:  they are retreating!  Their communications officers seem to be calling in for a general retreat of all the armies.

The Ul-Mor dispatch the remaining ones in range of you, but the general fleet of Sathar is in a retreat, having lost four major battles and seeing the combined efforts of the races on Volturnus.

You return triumphant to the Eorna to see how they have been doing at getting the planetary defense system on-line.


A day passes...

The day after the battle the Mechanon monitoring system reports that scattered Sathar troops are regrouping and reporting to shuttles for transport back to the orbiting battle fleet. Additional shuttles are being destroyed by the now functioning Eorna planetary defense system.

After thise epic battle, you have retired  to the Eorna stronghold to celebrate the victory, tend the wounded, and wait for the Sathar's next move. You expected them to send more troops and attack again, and worried that, this time, there wouldn't be enough left to stop them.

But the next Sathar move never comes. The Eorna equipment showed the Sathar shuttles taking their wounded and stragglers back to the fleet, and after three days that fleet headed for deep space and the stars beyond. For now, at least, Volturnus is safe from the Sathar menace. Through your actions, you have saved an entire world!

A week passes...and the alliance is breaking up. The Edestekai are eager to return to their religious rituals. The Kurabanda are longing for their forest home, (which is perhaps just as well, for their antics are trying everyone's patience), and the Ul-Mor state simply that it is time for them to return to the
desert.

As they are bidding you farewell, a long awaited welcome sight appears in the distance above the desert: a shuttle from a Truane's Star warship!

The Eorna confirm your happy news. The friendly battle fleet has finally arrived with orders to transport your party back to Truane's Star!

There is, however, one more piece of news; the battle fleet found an ancient orbiter still revolving in a very wide orbit around Volturnus, which, upon investigation, appeared to be some type of alien craft. A boarding party found no crew, but rather some 50,000 eggs of some type, still fully preserved in
cryogenic storage!

The Eorna are ecstatic! They deduce that these eggs, which are indeed fertile Eorna eggs, were launched in desperation during that black day long ago, the day of the first Sathar devastation of their world. All records of the orbiter were lost in the destruction that followed. But now, there will be thousands of Eorna to repopulate their world, oversee the development of the more primitive races, and carry on the Eorna devotion to Beauty and Life!


THIS ENDS THE VOLTURNUS SERIES!

You may each add 6 experience points to distribute.

Feel free to post your post-victory discussions and actions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:55, Wed 15 July 2009.

Seeing the Sathar dispatched by the charging Ul-Mors, Professor Kri'lik lets himself collapse in a heap upon the ground. Fatigue and injuries have taken their toll upon him. Its hard for the doctor to believe that they are victorious but watching the fleeing Sathar leave no doubt.

In case I didn't mention it, you are all fully healed as you travel away from Volturnus.

Recap:

Your ship was hijacked by pirates.
You escaped in pods and landed on Volturnus.
You met the various races as you struggled to find rescue and survive.
You defeated the pirate outpost.
You found out the Eorna could not procreate and instead became protectors of the planet.
You discovered the impending Sathar attack.
You unified the races to help repel the attack.
You repelled the Sathar attack...

...AND YOU HAVE NOW BEEN RESCUED!

(And many of your party died along the way.)

When Desiraye sees that the shield is down and hears the charge of the Ul-Mor cavalry, she feels herself getting light headed as the rushing Lopers quickly move by to take out the immediate threats.  She can finaly smile and relax some when there is no more incoming fire on their position.  Before she passes out from her wounds and exhaustion, Desiraye flips the Sathar her middle finger and closes her eyes with satisdaction on her battle worn face and body.

As the time passes and the Sathar retreat, Desiraye takes advantage of resting and recovering from her wounds for a few days to make up for the time she's been on the run since her escape shuttle hit the ground on Volturnus.  When news of the Truane's Star fleet arriving and the different races going back to their own parts of the planet, Desiraye will bid her farewells and thank the leaders for their help.

When someone finally meets the party from Truane's Star, Desi will just smile at them and tell them, "Wait until you guys get our bill for this one!"

OOC: What about the stuff we got from the planet?  DO we get to keep it?

You can keep anything you had with you at the time of allying with the Eorna or later.

When S'Krllk looked up from disabling the force field, and viewed the carnage around him, he vowed never to do that again, without full pay and benefits.
When the Sathar are truly defeated, and the planet is saved, he will celebrate. But he continues to look ahead, as he has no prospects ahead, and no place to go back to.

This is just something that was in my notes which I thought was a good summary for looking back, copied from somewhere in the module itself.

I think this was the transition between the second and third adventure.  Here it is, just for fun:


Only the future can tell what they will find, but the story of Volturnus is a strange one. Once the home of a gentle race of intelligent dinosaurs, it is now a barren, harsh world. The history of its downfall is outlined below for your reference.

The story of the fall of Volturnus begins when the Eorna, a race of intelligent dinosaurs, developed star travel. As soon as the Eorna launched their first colonization starships, they were attacked by a Sathar space armada. Like most Sathar attacks, this one came with no warning; the Eorna were not even aware of the presence of the Sathar until the mysterious worms invaded their system.

The Sathar space armada quickly overwhelmed the Eorna, wreaking destruction across the planet. Within a matter of days, the worms had nearly driven the gentle Eorna to extinction. Still, the Eorna fought valiantly, and were able to resist complete annihilation because the Sathar had overextended their supply lines.

The Sathar retreated, hoping they had destroyed enough of the Eorna civilization to prevent the gentle creatures from ever attempting interstellar travel again. In case they had failed, however, the Sathar left a mysterious artifact behind to alert them of any interstellar travel in the Zebulon system that might occur in the future.

Less than 150 Eorna survived the Day of Death. They soon realized they were doomed as a race, for they knew that their numbers were not large enough to provide a viable gene pool. The survivors chose to dedicate what remained of their lives to the evolution of other intelligent races on Volturnus. The Eorna hoped to prepare these races to meet and defeat the Sathar.

The Eorna are using a subtle process of hypnotic indoctrination and DNA manipulation to accelerate the development of three races toward intelligence. Most of the Eorna survivors have undergone cryogenic sleep, waiting to be awakened until they are needed to continue the project. Despite the fact that most of their young are born physically or mentally deficient because of the limited gene pool, the Eorna continue to breed, relying upon the few normal children to help continue the project.

The development of the star route by Truane's Star has completely upset Eorna plans. Though three races are intelligent, they have advanced only to a primitive state of technology.

More importantly, the presence of Truane's Star starships has triggered the Sathar's artifact, and, unknown to any, the Sathar are already travelling to Voiturnus as the adventure begins. This time, the worms are determined to annilihate all life on Volturnus.

 Once aboard the Truane's Star Professor Kri'lik attempts to make contact with Trade House Delee'ok to let them know that he is indeed alive. He will inform them of the basics of what has happened on Volturnus but will with hold much of the details for now.
 Having had some time (at least the last few days) to rest and reflect on what has happened to him, Kri'lik will begin updating his computer log with the events that passed, taking careful thought to note important facts such as geography, culture, races, individuals, etc. Anything that would provide details for a publication or video broadcast. (A professor has to make money some how). Dr. Kri'lik will also inquire into lost wages while on Volturnus.

Desiraye will follow suit after Kri'Lik is done using the subspace radio and call the PGC and let them know of her whereabouts and that she's OK and found out that the Pirates were the cause for the shippig loss.  There's also a Pirate log to turn in for observation.

S'Krllk will attempt to find gainful employment of some sort while attempting to hide his envy as others contact their parent organizations.

You are currently on board the starship headed home, relaxing and healing from your ordeal on Volturnus.  Given the immediate Sathar threat, no one has yet contacted you about your experience.  You are just in private bunks where they would keep any private citizen rescued.

Gathering all of her gear, Desiraye finds a place to bunk down, shower, eat, & sleep until she's disturbed, and hopefully, it's by a crew member waking her for a meal or a message from the PGC thaat she wants to send (if she hasn't already).

 Looking to the others as everyone relaxes aboard the starship Dr. Kri'lik says, "I must say I am quite pleased to have met you all. I'm fairly certain if I had not I would have died back at the Sathar artifact and that would have been most unpleasant. Thank you all."
"If I may be so bold, I must also comment on the fact that though some of us did not survive to the end, we do seem to make a rather good team. And though I am tied to Trade House Delee'ok, I am also a freelance doctor whom has had more excitement in the last few days with you all then in my entire career. Truthfully I do not look forward to a return of the same which I am accustomed to."

Desiraye shifts in her chair as Kri'Lik speaks about being on Volturnus.  She takes a sip from her cup and finishes it, placing back on the mess hall table as she addresses the other surviving members, "We all lost a lot of friends back on Volturnus but, we've also met new ones.  I think we all pulled together when we all needed to and we came out ahead by sticking together.  It would've certainly been a huge bummer if more, or all of us bought the farm back on that rock.  We saved a planet and it's different races from certain anhilation by the Sathar.

I would agree with Dr. Kri'Lik that we have the makings to be a very good team.  We seem to have different levels of speciality that could cover a wide range of jobs we could cover.  Some of us would have to work on other areas so we have back ups for each other in case someone gets hurt.  There might be a good chance for us to make some good money with each other and, if the others are interested."

As you are traveling on the ship, you are each given a new complete kit related to your specialty.

So, for example, a doctor receives a brand new medkit with the following:


Medkit. A medkit has specialized equipment the medic needs to perform his or her job. It weighs 10 kg and can be carried as a backpack. The medkit contains:

Local Anesthetic--10 hypo doses to relieve pain
Plastiflesh--5 cans of spray which closes up wounds and heals burns
Omnimycin--10 hypo doses to control infections
Acid neutralizer--1 bottle of liquid to neutralize acids
Antiseptic--5 cans of spray to clean and disinfect a skin area
Microforceps--adjustable, used to remove shrapnel and bullet fragments from wounds
Medscanner--an electrical instrument used to diagnose ailments
Spray hypo--syringe used to give shots without a needle
Biocort--20 hypo doses to stimulate very fast healing
Telol--10 hypo doses of truth serum
Stimdose--10 hypo doses to revive unconscious individuals
Staydose--10 hypo doses to sustain a dying character for 20 hours
Sonic scalpel--same as in robcomkit
Laser scalpel--used to make deep incisions
Electrosurgeon--a small machine that keeps wounds open and controls bleeding during surgery.
Autosurgeon--a special device that allows a medic to operate on himself
Antibody plus--10 hypo doses that increase the body's ability to recover from diseases
Antitox--10 hypo doses to neutralize poisons


A technician gets a techkit, robotics expert gets robokit, etc.

Toolkits are found here:  http://www.f4fbbs.com/StarFron...DXTOC/sfadx-21.htm#t

Let me know if you have any questions.  This gives you back your original doses and makes sure you have all needed equipment for your specialties.

You are, of course, expected to help out using your specialty and kit while traveling as guests on the spacecraft.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:53, Wed 22 July 2009.

An electronic assessment on your credit situation with the bank shows you have an increase of 4000 credits since crash landing.  Compound interest and your accumulated pay over the time of being stranded has helped.

Here's a list of costs of equipment:  http://www.f4fbbs.com/StarFron.../ADXTOC/sfadx-19.htm

Most of this is available on the ship.  Just let me know what's purchased so I can double check if it's reasonably available.

If you want to sell any equipment and split the money, that's fine too.  In particular, they will buy the recoilless rifle off you and you can add an extra 500 credits each...or keep it.

 After looking over the wares availiable on the ship Dr. Kri'lik places the following order, hopeing everything will be availiable.

Credits 4000

Buy
Albedo Screen 2000 Cr
Inertia Screen 2000 Cr
Everflame 5 Cr
Medic-CAS 800
Duo-Atmospheric/Geological-CAS ((200 +200) +20%) = 480
Duo-Fauna/Flora-CAS ((200 +200) +20%) = 480
Total cost 5765

Sell
I'm all for selling the Recoilless rifle.
Nightstick (Personal) +75 Cr
Sonic Disrupter (Personal) +700 Cr
Power Backpack x2 Group equipment (500 x2) = +1000

5765 -4000 -775 -1000 = 10 Cr in my wallet.

In reply to GM Heath (msg #76):

Desi has a Military PSA, secondary in Technical.  How will that work?

Since there is no military toolkit, she gets a fully stocked techkit.

If each of you tell me the toolkit you receive (or PSA), I will throw something extra in special.

Desi has the Techkit & the Military PSA

S'Krllk attempts to re-build his inventory to include the following:
Chronograph/Communicator.
Coveralls.
ID Card.
Pocket Tool.
vibroknife
all-weather blanket
Needler Pistol
3 Pistol Needleclips (anesthetic)
Techkit
Robcomkit

Although I am unsure what he had to start with, I believe this will incur the following costs:
200 for Needler Pistol, 30 for clips, 500 for either the Techkit or Robcomkit (as one would have been given him for his specialty)
Which will leave 3270cr.

Having no agreements with larger conglomerates, he must save for the inevitable rainy day.

[1] Bandoleer Sling (Laser Rifle)
[1] Spring Holster (Maser)
[1] Shoulder Holster (Maser)
[1] Muzzle Extender (Laser Rifle)
[1] Scope [IR/Magnification] (LAser Rifle
[1] Albedo Screen
[1] Military and/or Civilian Skeinsuit
[1] Everflame
[1] Gas Mask
[1] Standard Equipment Pack
[2] Solvaway
[10] Variable Timers
[1] Pr. Exploerer's Boots
[1] Explorer's Vest
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Fri 24 July 2009.

In reply to Desiraye Lipost (msg #75):

S'Krllk simply says, "It would be good to have friends."

Desiraye nods to S'Krllk, "Friends are always good to have in both high & low places!"

Desiraye looks to the others who is left and asks them all, "I think that we should form some kind of business partnership to benefit us all.  We were all displaced by Volturnus, the Pirates, and the Sathar.  It sounds like we've all got a new view on things that we made it through the battles and the death.  It may take us a little time to get to making real money but, with some training, patience, and some good old fashioned luck I like our chances.  I'm in!  Who's with me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:25, Fri 24 July 2009.

 The middle aged Vrusk considers Desiraye's offer for a moment and then nods his head a few times, "I agree, there is much potential amongst us."

Desiraye nods with a smile, "Good to have you aboard Doc.  How about you S'Krllk, Sergi?"

His mandibles clicking in an approximation of a grin, S'Krllk replies "As you did release me from Sathar captivity, there are cultures that would claim a life debt. Personally, I'm just trying to stay with those that can actually hit what they aim at... because I can't."

"I'll help you with your aim, as well as the Doc's if you like.  We've got to work together and learn to make up in areas where we fall short.  I'll need help with the Techie stuff and probably wouldn't be a bad idea if I learned some first aid as well.  What's your speciality S'Krllk?"

"I don't actually specialize, I just do whatever I can to get by. When I started, I was repairing industrial robots, so I guess that's what I know most about."

Desiraye nods her head, "Well, if we can get our hands on a couple of robots, they could supplement our lack of numbers right now."

"So it's just the four of us then?  I can't think of a better bunch of friends to start a business venture than those you've fought with and spilled blood with.  We need to cross train each other so that we have some back-up for each other.  I'll try and handle most of the shooting but, you guys will have to help out some just like I'll try to back you two up with whatever I can do."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Thu 30 July 2009.

OOC: I think Sergi will also be rejoining the group, making 4 total, plus 3 new characters.

Somewhat thoughtfully, S'Krllk will ask "Perhaps if someone would instruct me, I could learn to fire a laser pistol. Recent events have suggested it would add to my longevity, and I think I could spare the credits to purchase one."

SOunds good.  S'Krllk begins his training...

Desi will help train S'Krllk if he wants help

 The doctor will listen in on Desi's instructions, perhaps picking up a tip or two along the way.

Desi will also help Kri'Lik with weapons training and in her spare time will be working on the holoscreen in some of her spare time.

Sergi looks round "I've nowhere particular to go now.  If you'll have me, I'd be happy to stay"

"Definitely good to have you aboard with us Sergi!"

"Yes Sergi, it is good that you will stay with us. Your skills surely will be of need I fear, for I do not think once we find employment that it will all be lab work."

"I suppose we should elect a leader for our team. Someone to be the face of the team when needed and to give directions when others are not capable. If I may be so bold, I select Desiraye." Says the Vrusk as he looks toward the woman.

"I've had a lot of practice in being a follower. Just let me know who's in charge."