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12:06, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit.

Posted by GMFor group 0
Aurelius Vorn
player, 28 posts
Fri 7 Jan 2022
at 20:46
  • msg #49

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Letting the other members of the Lady-Captain's retinue report the ship's status, Aurelius felt his eyes drawn to the vastness that was Gallicinae - the ruined remnant left of the system, at least, "You are right, Mistress. If we able to slip in unnoticed, from this far out, it is a boon. Where Master Morton has acted for the benefit of the crew, I feel the Emperor's Hand behind this - an opportunity to ascertain what has happened here, from old light and a subtle approach"
Jak Tesla
player, 18 posts
Explorator
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 09:25
  • msg #50

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit


 "As always, the matter is one of trade, in this instance time. At normal thrust our plasma drive is clearly discernible across stellar distances - to the point where, depending upon stellar configuration it can be visible to the unaugmented eye while we are still weeks from landfall. Were we to reduce the power of the drive and attempt to enter the inner system by stealth, it would necessitate adding a minimum of multiple months to our journey time to have the least chance of success. I do not recommend the attempt at this time." Jak answers with joyless, but also accurate resonance in his tones "Conversely our sensors will be no less effective. Beyond noting that it would be difficult to discern a vessel laying powered-down behind an inert stellar body, we should be able to detect even a modest increase above background temperature for any given target on approach."

 ---

 Sadly, to the best of my knowledge There is No Stealth in Space, absent a few pieces of stupid rare archeotech like reflex shields. Basically, we're a five kilometre long, twenty-five million tonne lump of warm metal that can accelerate at up to 4g. Our engine flare alone is a pretty impressive WMD.

 We could try the nonsense of running silent, but as long as we're warm enough that no-one onboard dies, that'll only hold until someone looks in our direction and it'll take literal years to get in-system. Space is big, yo. ^_^
GM
GM, 92 posts
Tue 11 Jan 2022
at 18:40
  • msg #51

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

As the Necessary Expenditure drew closer to the ember-star and--just visible now, given how dim the star was--the blue orb that orbited it, tracking the ring it was leaving of its own atmosphere, more details became visible.

One was a muffled, scratchy communication that seemed to originate from the planet, and the other was of two sensor traces, each suggestive of a small starship, at first moving at a right angle to the cruiser's path...but then changing to move closer.
Aurelius Vorn
player, 30 posts
Wed 12 Jan 2022
at 23:48
  • msg #52

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

"Are we able to coax the machine spirits to provide a clearer trace, Magos", asked Aurelius of their tech-priest, though his voice was pithed that the bridge master responsible for both augurs and vox might overhear, knowing their art and their incantations sufficiently to bend themselves to the task. His tone was optimistic, hopeful that the Emporer's Light might now be shone here, but, in his heart, he knew the movements of the two vessels was, at best, aggressive
Jak Tesla
player, 20 posts
Explorator
Wed 19 Jan 2022
at 07:56
  • msg #53

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit


 "Over time, certainly. The emission of their drives and their observed change in velocity will give us a prediction of their mass, as well as their expected arrival time for a zero-zero interception. This in turn, will permit us to select whether we shall intercept the vessels in isolation or permit them to approach us together." the Explorator answers, bending over the bridge console as one of his mechandrites curls around and sockets into the base of the great hololithic plinth, permitting him to start refining data.

 ---

 Even at long range we should be able to get a sense of how big they are and whether they're moving to intercept us together or not. We also should be able to get a few days warning as to whether they're going to zero/zero with us (so we can interact) or blow right past us at speed (I kind of assume the former, the latter would be boring).
GM
GM, 94 posts
Wed 19 Jan 2022
at 17:40
  • msg #54

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Two raider-class vessels, both moving to intercept. About 20" out at present in tabletop terms.

OOC: 4 on scanning roll.
Odette Faye
player, 30 posts
Wed 19 Jan 2022
at 17:49
  • msg #55

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Odette pursed her lips. Either they'd been unlucky or the ships approaching had remarkably good sensors. Either way their concealment was lost. "Thoughts? By your account Magos, we're facing some time until we can identify them. What concerns me is how quickly they were able to spot us. If we open communications they'll have our identify but will retain the option to conceal their own if they choose.

Is there any indication they're powering weapon systems?"

Morton Crow
player, 17 posts
Navigator
Wed 19 Jan 2022
at 19:48
  • msg #56

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

" it feels like they might have been waiting for us or at the very least knew we were inbound" suggested Morton.

With that he moved back to his station " might as well start working up emergency manoeuvres in case we need to get out of here quickly"
Aurelius Vorn
player, 32 posts
Wed 19 Jan 2022
at 20:31
  • msg #57

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Whilst the others focused on the scanners, Aurelius stood over the Master of the Vox, encouraging him to try and clear up the previous message

20:29, Today: Aurelius Vorn rolled 4 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Clearing Up the Vox
GM
GM, 97 posts
Wed 19 Jan 2022
at 22:23
  • msg #58

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

There is no clear signal over the vox. Some of that is radiation interfering, but there's something else, that sounds like an unsettling murmur, something that sounds like a male and female voice whispering together.

The raiders are closing rapidly, and with little subtlety. It seems they are ready for combat, by all indications. They appeared to be Havoc-class raiders, not uncommon among pirates, but they should have been no match for the system defence vessels if they had come anywhere near the colonies.
Odette Faye
player, 32 posts
Thu 20 Jan 2022
at 07:33
  • msg #59

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

With battle close, Odette reached a conclusion. Albeit one she had no choice but to make.

"Bring us out of silent running and charge void shields and the batteries."
She stood, eyes fixed and hard. "Transmit the following message, Vox Master." She took a pause to allow him time to open the channel before she spoke."

"This is Lady-Captain Odette Faye of the Rogue Trader vessel Forlorn Hope. You will power down your weapons and offer surrender or you will be destroyed.

This is your one and only warning."

GM
GM, 99 posts
Thu 20 Jan 2022
at 21:46
  • msg #60

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

The only reply is a brief vox-broadcast. Rather than the demands for surrender or mockings taunts one might expect from pirates, the reply was almost an ecstatic sigh.

"Listen....name you want....and it will be yours....."


GM
GM, 100 posts
Thu 20 Jan 2022
at 21:50
  • msg #61

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Forlorn Hope:
Speed: 5
Handling: -1 Pilot
Sensors: +0 Electronics
Shields: 2
Toughness: 9
Wounds: 5/5
Lance: Range Range 4/6/9, lances inflict 1 Wound on a hit and also cause a critical hit if the attack roll was a raise
Lance Battery: Range 4/6/9, lance batteries inflict 1 Wound on a hit, or 2 Wounds and a critical hit on a Raise
Squads Launched: 0/4


Havoc 1:
Speed 10
Handling d6+2
Sensors: d6+2
Shields: 1
Toughness: 7
Wounds: 3/3
2x Macrocannon Battery: Range 4/6/10, Damage 2d6+1

Havoc 2:
Speed 10
Handling d6+2
Sensors: d6+2
Shields: 1
Toughness: 7
Wounds: 3/3
2x Macrocannon Battery: Range 4/6/10, Damage 2d6+1

Jak Tesla
player, 21 posts
Explorator
Sat 22 Jan 2022
at 10:29
  • msg #62

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

 Over the time - the considerable time - it takes for the battlespace to develop, Explorator Tesla primarily acts to ensure that the ship is ready for battle, spending a great deal of time interfaced with the ships sensor arrays, gathering and refining data as they draw closer to provide the clearest possible targeting information for the lance arrays - although as the reply from the enemy vessel comes in, "I would counsel maintaining the range and aiming to disable one of the enemy vessels with massed bomber strikes. I do not believe that boarding actions would be wise."

 ---

15:59, Today: Jak Tesla rolled 16,5 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+6)16,5.  Locking on.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:06, Thu 27 Jan 2022.
Aurelius Vorn
player, 33 posts
Sun 23 Jan 2022
at 19:57
  • msg #63

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Exhorting the men of their bomber squadrons and ensuring his preachers went among them to administer blessings upon both pilots and their craft, Aurelius oversaw their strikes on the closer raider as soon as the Lady-Captain had given the word

20:54, Today: Aurelius Vorn rolled 11 using 2d6, rerolling max ((3,(6+2)8)).
Odette Faye
player, 34 posts
Mon 24 Jan 2022
at 08:16
  • msg #64

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Odette grimaced at the eerie response from the approaching vessels and nodded at Jak. "I'm minded to agree. Very well, keep us at maximum range as long as you can and try to bring the batteries to bear. We'll learn what we can of this enemy after the ships are cold and drifting."

Turning to Aurelius she gave a single nod to authorise the launch of the fighters before tapping on her control console to find a firing vector with the targetting Jak had carried out.

08:15, Today: Odette Faye rolled 6,6 using 1d8+2,1d6+2, rerolling max.  Shooting with Lock On.
Aurelius Vorn
player, 36 posts
Wed 26 Jan 2022
at 22:21
  • msg #65

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

With the bombers launched, Aurelius was swift with instructions for the pilot, focusing on keeping optimal range with Havoc 1 whilst the bombers caused problems for Havoc 2

Launch bombers at Havoc 2. Move 8" away from the Havoc 1 (raider on the right). Open fire at maximum range with the Lances on Havoc 1

22:17, Today: Aurelius Vorn rolled 7 using 2d6, rerolling max.  Motivate Pilot

GM
GM, 109 posts
Mon 31 Jan 2022
at 00:49
  • msg #66

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

The lances burn out across the void. It takes skill and nerves to hold them on target at that range, but the beams score a glancing hit, trapping the raider in a web of light, and leaving a glowing burn mark across its hull.

The other one is confronted by bombers. Though small, the raider is still a big enough target for the pilots, who release their heavy plasma bombs, engulfing the hull of the ship in a corona of fire that leaves the hull buckled and breached.

However, they keep coming, using their superior speed to power forward with fanatical fervour. One ship moved behind and pelted the shields with macrocannon fire at close range, dropping the shields. The other one struck from straight ahead, firing furiously. The light cruiser shuddered as the hits landed directly upon the armour. One impact blew out a section close to Engineering, and Jak would see the lights flicker and great arcs of lightning fly around uncontrollably, disintegrating servitors and crew alike as the shield relays burned out. Servo-skulls flying up notified him of what he already knew--his ship was exposed and vulnerable!



Ship moves 5" straight ahead.
Jak succeeds at Lock On.
Odette lands two hits on Raider 1. First hit knocks down shields, second causes 1 Wound.
Aurelius launches 2 bomber squadons and moves them. 1 hit per bomber token, causing 2 Wounds. Both bombers are depleted.

Havocs move.

Havoc 1 attacks twice, missing and hitting with an 11, for 2 hits.
Shields are down!

Havoc 2 attacks twice, missing and hitting.
Damage roll of 11--1 Wound, 1 Crew and Morale lost, and a critical hit!
Critical hit is Shields Overload. The Shields rating of the ship becomes 0 until the damage is repaired.



Forlorn Hope:
Speed: 5
Handling: -1 Pilot
Sensors: +0 Electronics
Shields: 2
Toughness: 9
Wounds: 4/5
Crew 9/10
Morale 9/10
Critical Damage: Shields Overload. The Shields rating of the ship becomes 0 until the damage is repaired.
Lance: Range Range 4/6/9, lances inflict 1 Wound on a hit and also cause a critical hit if the attack roll was a raise
Lance Battery: Range 4/6/9, lance batteries inflict 1 Wound on a hit, or 2 Wounds and a critical hit on a Raise
Squads Launched: 2/4

Bomber Wings: Speed 6


Havoc 1:
Speed 10
Handling d6+2
Sensors: d6+2
Shields: 1
Toughness: 7
Wounds: 2/3
2x Macrocannon Battery: Range 4/6/10, Damage 2d6+1

Havoc 2:
Speed 10
Handling d6+2
Sensors: d6+2
Shields: 1
Toughness: 7
Wounds: 1/3
2x Macrocannon Battery: Range 4/6/10, Damage 2d6+1
GAS CLOUD: All Electronics rolls made against a ship in a gas cloud take -2.

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:59, Mon 31 Jan 2022.
GM
GM, 110 posts
Mon 31 Jan 2022
at 00:59
  • msg #67

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

(green sensor icons are the bomber wings)


Jak Tesla
player, 23 posts
Explorator
Mon 31 Jan 2022
at 04:08
  • msg #68

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit


 Switching stations from sensor operations to damage control, Explorator Tesla is a brief, blurring swirl of Mechandrites as he detaches from one set of terminals to link himself to the second with barely a pause to anoint the first and kindle the auto-censor on the second. From there he sends out the commands that see teams of two dozen straining tech-serfs hauling on the massive, insulated lines that re-set enormous breakers and re-route wildly arcing power, that despatch acolytes with unguents and offerings to sooth the wounded machine and restore the violated integrity of their shield.

 ---

00:07, Today: Jak Tesla rolled 11,4 using 1d10+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2.  Repair.
Aurelius Vorn
player, 37 posts
Mon 31 Jan 2022
at 10:53
  • msg #69

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Upon the bridge, Aurelius continued to quote Drusus and Aceline as he instructed the helmsman and the squadron commanders


Intruct bomber squadrons to split, one per Havoc. Instruct helmsman to turn 45 degrees and swing past Havoc 2

11:47, Today: Aurelius Vorn rolled 6 using 2d6, rerolling max.  Motivate Pilot.
11:47, Today: Aurelius Vorn rolled 6 using 2d6, rerolling max.  Motivate Squadron.

Odette Faye
player, 39 posts
Wed 2 Feb 2022
at 06:39
  • msg #70

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

Odette grinned with a great deal of satisfaction as one of the two attackers found themselves squarely in the reach of the main batteries. Keying in commands she dipped her head in reverence of the saints Aurelius was referring before the Forlorn Hope rocked with the backlash of macrocannons.

06:33, Today: Odette Faye rolled 13,2 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max.  Shooting.
GM
GM, 115 posts
Wed 9 Feb 2022
at 00:43
  • msg #71

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

More bomber wings launch from both sides of the light cruiser, even as the last two squadrons race back through the gas cloud to get back into the hangars. The further of the two raiders is engulfed by flames, the plasma bombs finding the gash in the armour cut by the lance hits earlier, and causing a chain reaction that causes the raider to disintegrate in a flash of light. The other one is beaten at close range by the lance beams, the hull crumpling and the ship suddenly going dark and drifting off into space, burning fuel and air spilling into the void, as its plasma drive is pierced.

As they die, there is one last vox-message, this one disturbingly clear in that strange and calm double-voice.

"We were promised....so much...."

In the quiet that follows, damage and casualty reports begin to come in. The shields are back online, though the hull damage will require dedicated facilities to repair.


Jak succeeds at restoring shields.
Morton launches attack craft.
Aurelius directs attack craft to attack. Damage 11 and 8! Raider 1 is destroyed.
Odette shoots at Raider 2. Lance takes down shields. Lance Battery deals 1 Wound, and the ship is destroyed!

Forlorn Hope:
Speed: 5
Handling: -1 Pilot
Sensors: +0 Electronics
Shields: 2
Toughness: 9
Wounds: 4/5
Crew 9/10
Morale 9/10
Lance: Range Range 4/6/9, lances inflict 1 Wound on a hit and also cause a critical hit if the attack roll was a raise
Lance Battery: Range 4/6/9, lance batteries inflict 1 Wound on a hit, or 2 Wounds and a critical hit on a Raise
Squads Launched: 2/4

Aurelius Vorn
player, 40 posts
Wed 9 Feb 2022
at 18:10
  • msg #72

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit

“Are we seeing anything further on auspex, Master of Etherics?”

“Anything from further insystem?”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Wed 09 Feb 2022.
Jak Tesla
player, 30 posts
Explorator
Wed 16 Feb 2022
at 05:43
  • msg #73

Chapter 1: Whispers of Profit


 After an hour or so of work, Jak disengages from the damage control station and moves back over to sensor control, where he links with the enormous bank of machinery once again before engaging in ten or fifteen minutes in which time he filters through gathered information and reports from the various devices scattered about the hull of their great vessel before announcing "Commencing sensor sweep."

 ---

01:43, Today: Jak Tesla rolled 9,2 using 1d10,1d6.  Electronics (Sensors).
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