The Time and The Place

[The Bindoner]

Tiv provides verbal instructions to “his” cloned janitor robot to ensure it gets into the “darker” areas of the Aslan docking wards…the areas without camera and Comm coverage.

That's really a Remington thing. Remote Ops. (The janitor's is not a sophisticated brain, it is designed to work from maps and routines downloaded from the station, and to interpret (short, clear) orders within those parameters.)

[The Bindoner]

The young warriors arrive in the Mead-hall for breakfast. They are a little subdued at first, but, being young, they rebound quickly – food and a mug of 2% beer restoring their vigour.

Hróarr is with the rest of the warriors, looking no worse. (The Doctor gave me some vitamins and an energy drink.)


The three Clan Ásgeirr ship's arrival is announced on the Blackrock datanet, and confirmed by direct messages from The Myrgjǫl Skyldr-Byrding, Gyða Harðhugaðr Varð-Veizla and Þórví Járnsíða.

They are landing at one of the surface pads, and will, as instructed, coordinate their trading with Tiv, and Kar of the Serpent.



Someone should go to pick up the prescription from the Blacksand Asclepieion Trading Company.

[Tiglath]

Raven studies the surveillance tapes and states "My young wolves do not need to know these creatures' names - refer to them as þrír, fjórir, fimm and so on! The priority targets are the armoured warrior and then the one with the energy pistol. Her Words Calm Prey has the new codename: dróttning".

After some rather amateur computer work and two finger typing she draws up a roster of the Aslan crew with corresponding numbers which she titles "Kill List". She designates the Aslan in combat armour as "Trǫll einn" and annotes the target "To be dealt with by onboard Tech Commander".

She taps the image of this individual and says to Tiv "Tech Commander I have a new mission for you. A re-tasking of your assets in this raid: when action initiates engage this target until destroyed. Perhaps use HEAP rounds for the grenade launcher? If that proves difficult or will compromise your robot's greater mission of securing access then you must create a smaller flight capable creature that dwells inside the belly of your beast and is capable of darting out whilst carrying an anti tank warhead or a shaped explosive charge. There are tangler foam rounds aboard that might facilitate a contact detonation. On command your creature must emerge and without fail will detonate on this target".

She reports "Ingunn and I have some gunsmithing to do but if any have skills in matters mechanical now is the time to bring them forth".

She then states "It seems that we must collect our poison from Medusa in person. It seems that for a professionalal criminal and expert drug smuggler she has deliberately made the conditions of the pick up as basic and difficult as possible and thereby those performing this errand will be liable to ambush. This clearly being a trap I suggest we walk into it - but on our own terms. The warband will divide and parallel our approach, providing flank protection. I will make the direct approach accompanied by a few volunteers".

Raven searches her mental "Raider Lore" for the crews and "Names" on the clan craft The Myrgjǫl Skyldr-Byrding, Gyða Harðhugaðr Varð-Veizla and Þórví Járnsíða.

[Ecthelion]

The three Clan Ásgeirr ship's arrival is announced on the Blackrock datanet, and confirmed by direct messages from The Myrgjǫl Skyldr-Byrding, Gyða Harðhugaðr Varð-Veizla and Þórví Járnsíða.

Oh, I know some of them. The Myrgjǫl Skyldr-Byrding’s small crew consists of her commander, Vetrliði Tófi. Gunner and computer techn. He has learned the language of the Sinners. The ship’s Pilot is Sólveig Alfhildr he also performs the role of Sensor Operator. The two Engineers, Nurul and Khamphet, are both Sinners. Steingrímr is a Raider.

[Tiglath]

Oh, I know some of them. The Myrgjǫl Skyldr-Byrding’s small crew consists of her commander, Vetrliði Tófi. Gunner and computer techn. He has learned the language of the Sinners. The ship’s Pilot is Sólveig Alfhildr he also performs the role of Sensor Operator. The two Engineers, Nurul and Khamphet, are both Sinners. Steingrímr is a Raider.

Raven replies "Vetrliði Tófi is a name I have heard. He is clever - a good attribute for a Skippare. Who are these Sinners? Both you and the heretic" she glances good naturedly at Tiv "have mentioned them".

[Thumper]

She taps the image of this individual and says to Tiv "Tech Commander I have a new mission for you. A re-tasking of your assets in this raid: when action initiates engage this target until destroyed. Perhaps use HEAP rounds for the grenade launcher? If that proves difficult or will compromise your robot's greater mission of securing access then you must create a smaller flight capable creature that dwells inside the belly of your beast and is capable of darting out whilst carrying an anti tank warhead or a shaped explosive charge. There are tangler foam rounds aboard that might facilitate a contact detonation. On command your creature must emerge and without fail will detonate on this target".

Tiv nods, stroking his Fu Manchu in contemplation.
You want him removed from the fight immediately? Killing may take some time. But, mitigate his initial combat potential until he can be eliminated…pethaps…

Let me run this by you. A shot of tangle foam striking the torso would spread to obscure his helmet vision and and sensors…buying time to deal with him. No?

First round out of the security disk could be tangle foam…the remaining 5 rounds loaded with HEAP. I can instruct Rover, the security disk, for that action.

Perhaps we can purchase one of these small package delivery drones and a radio controller from the station. Equip it with a shaped charge package and have Remington kamikaze it into the warrior. If memory serves, Arnwulf has a talent with explosives.

If the Combat suit survives the initial detonations, Remington can then control Arnwulf’s metal cat to tangle it up in melee until we can all bring it down.

Does that meet you intent, Raid leader?

[Tiglath]

Tiv nods, stroking his Fu Manchu in contemplation.
You want him removed from the fight immediately? Killing may take some time. But, mitigate his initial combat potential until he can be eliminated…pethaps… Does that meet you intent, Raid leader?

Raven replies "He is heavily armoured and armed as I would be on the battlefield. If he has anywhere near the same skill at arms we would lose several fighters everytime he raises his hand. If we were to lose critical crewmen then our mission fails. I will direct the raid and have no time to duel with him so he must be removed immediately and before we can advance on the ship. Do not assume obscuring his face or armour would block his sight for he may "see" through the optics of his weapon. Do assume that due to their size and strength Aslan will require twice the amount of incapacitants that we use on humans. By all means shoot at him as a distraction but use your delivery insect to kill him - don't stint on the explosives. Tell Arnwulf he must indeed shape it for a contact detonation - he will know what to do but might need help constructing a light metal "former" to build the charge".

Demonstrating a degree of focus as yet unseen Raven nods absently and continues as if lost in thought "Keep the Iron Cat in reserve and under Remington's hand. If the "Insect" fails use that and HEAP grenades. In this we can not fail - this warrior must die".

She absently vocalises another detail "The Engineer is female, non combatant and may therefore be intimidated by violence and aggression. She speaks Imperial and I may be able to shock her into surrender. She might be one "key" to the doors that we can seize but we must seek another to be sure of our success. We have seen them in operation so must work out how we can make them function at our will. Tech Commander, that again lies within your remit. I will amend my plan to allow taking the Engineer and the human slave alive".

[Thumper]

All lethal load out then. All HEAP…snub and grenades. As you wish.

Perhaps besides the engineer, more of the females may be taken. Small Birds Singing…the interpreter. Having multiple options of ensuring door and ship access is good. They would make fine gifts to the Tyrians when we are through with them.

I have the perfect weapon for the job…a Sonic Stun Carbine. Drops a target unconscious within pistol range, as long as they are receptive to sonic energy. I picked it up on one of Lady Vigdis’ trips.

Tiv grins as he places a purchase order for a flying delivery drone from the station…chargeable to Kar.

He asks for Arnwulf to discuss the shapes charge and asks Remington to practice up on fighting via remote control of the drone and Panther.

[Ecthelion]

COUGH COUGH. Can someone, ahem, fill me in about all these secrets drones?

[Tiglath]

COUGH COUGH. Can someone, ahem, fill me in about all these secrets drones?

Raven replies "The Security disc robot and the Iron Cat robot are from beneath Marduk's seas. They were recovered from the timelost depths and landed at a dealer in Skeaping on Marduk where they became our loot. These two have been restored to function by the crew. Tiv does things with other drones and robots that operate within Black Rock itself. We have used them as spies within the Aslan camp but Tiv can better explain how he does this".

[Ecthelion]

COUGH COUGH. Can someone, ahem, fill me in about all these secrets drones?

Raven replies "The Security disc robot and the Iron Cat robot are from beneath Marduk's seas. They were recovered from the timelost depths and landed at a dealer in Skeaping on Marduk where they became our loot. These two have been restored to function by the crew. Tiv does things with other drones and robots that operate within Black Rock itself. We have used them as spies within the Aslan camp but Tiv can better explain how he does this".

Spy? Why?

[The Bindoner]

The things known about the Ásgeirr ships that have just arrived (from PC knowledge and their report):


Þórví Járnsíða:
Trophy Shield: Hull plates from Outlander ships have been incorporated into the hull.
Iron-Thewed: Armoured bulkheads around Engineering, 3dT from Cargo
Thor’s Hammer: One forward stateroom and dorsal turret replaced with Rail Gun Barbette.


Captain: Ingólfr Sigsteinn

A senior Corsair Tech, skilled as both Astrogator and Pilot. He has a reputation as a good ship-fighting commander.

Raid Leader: Arnórr Herleifr

A sociable Oghman, and a successful raider, he has advanced quickly. He is renowned as a great swordsman, and a pilot of both Grav vehicles and fighters.


Cargo:

16dt Hydraulics – water pumps etc from fishing ship (Basic Machine Parts)
6dT Art – sculpture (Luxury Goods)
20dT Biodiesel

12 slaves in Low Berths


Gyða Harðhugaðr Varð-Veizla:
Dungeons : 2x Brig (holding 6-12), each replacing 4dT of cargo.
Strong-backed: +1 Structure
Tears of the Vanquished: Famous slaver, negative reputation among non-Oghmen (positive among slavers).

Captain: Ásdís Saldís:

Clever, from a good family, a career Corsair Crewwoman. A good leader, a decent swordswoman and healer. Having become a specialist in slaving, she is the right Skeppare for the Gyða, and made a success of it for the last four years.


Raid Leader: Óttarr Friðþjófr:

A powerfully-built Oghman, ambitious and successful. He is famous for his feats of strength, and prowess in unarmed combat. He has been assigned to the Gyða after recovering from injury.

Cargo:

10dT: Wheeled Cargo Hauler
10dT: Clothing (part loaded on vehicle)

12 slaves in Low Berths
36 slaves in “Brig”


Myrgjǫl Skyldr-Byrding
Smart Ship
Mother of Eagles
Gremlin-Ridden

Captain: Vetrliði Tófi

An experienced Corsair Crewman with a warriors' reputation , known as a decent gunner, a capable swordsman, and a good commander. He lost an arm some time ago, fighting for the clan on Oghma, and was given command of the Myrgjǫl on recovery. Having spent a long time on Oghma he now takes the ship on long cruises away from home.

Cargo:
20dT Copper Ore
25dT Copper ingots
20dT low-Tech manufactured goods (copper kitchenware)
1dT Mushroom Wine (mildly narcotic alcohol),
2dT Woollen clothes
2dT Silver ingots

20 slaves in Low Berths
5 slaves in cabins


……………………

Arnwulf calls Handson to help and sets to work producing the required ordinance. Between them, they competently manufacture a shaped charge suitable for delivery by drone after an hour’s work, and can produce more easily (and faster).



Arnwulf – Explosives:[_2d6]=(4+4)=8

Handson – Mechanic: [_2d6]=(5+5)=10

[Gorethirster]

[Tiv] asks Remington to practice up on fighting via remote control of the drone and Panther.

Tiv's request forestalls Remington's response, which was going to be a request for time to learn to "drive" the cat. He figured the security bot would be straightforward enough to control with two joysticks and some buttons, but figuring out the controls for a cat that was supposed to work competently in a brawl was going to take some more doing. Unless anyone has any really pressing tasks, he takes the cat, a remote controller, and a couple of volunteer raiders to the hold to start figuring out control mapping.

OOC Yes, Remington is trying to figure out how to use an Xbox controller to drive the cat.

[Thumper]

[quite]Spy? Why?[/quite]

Because of the anticipated sneak attack on the Aslan’s we’re planning…today (in game time).

I have illicitly purchased electronic ID codes for station robots that have been loaded into the repair robot and a janitor robot (Thing 1). Using these codes, I have made the presence of “Rover” the security disk, “Max” the repair robot, and “Thing 1 and Thing 2” the janitor robots common place…anticipating the Aslans will associate their presence as functions of the station instead of the truth l…which is that they are our agent's. Our secret mechanical/electronic agents…hiding in plain sight.

We used these robots to set up a surveillance operation on the Aslan hangar. They will play a role in the fight. [/quite]


—————
Tiv will defer to Raven about how many swords and ACRs vs attack/kamikazi drones she wants. He’ll hold the order from the station until that priority and drone type is made known.

[Tiglath]

Spy? Why?

Raven meets Sigbjørn's gaze and states levelly "Because, despite the standing truce covering this port established by the Lords of Theev, I intend to lead a cutting out raid into the hangar of the Glorious Empire here on Blackrock and to seize both their ship and all aboard". By way of explanation for this apparently incredibly reckless act she simply states "We are the heirs of the Dragon. We need Imperial and Aslan ships in order to reclaim our birthright".

She continues to organise her warband dividing them into an assault group led by herself and a support group led by Sigmundr but apparently also commanded by Áshildr. After some brief work with vice and saw (which Raven carries out herself) the last four in the assault group now carry sawn off double barrelled shotguns (taken from the armoury). [OOC: Trade: Gunsmithing, Shotguns 0, extant example (her own) to use as a pattern].

The Assault Team led by Raven (all wear sidearms and stun wpns) [bracketed] wpns in Bin on Janitor Robot) :
Ragnheiðr [ACR, Stunstick, Bola], Rúna [Sword], Steinn [Battle Axe, ACC, Grenades]*, Erlingr [Battle Axe, Stunstick, Bola, ACC, Grenades]*, Yngvildr [Sword, Stunstick, Bola, ACC]*, Hróarr [Shock Whip, Stunstick, Bola, ACR, Grenades]*

* sawn off shotguns as sidearms.

The Support Team led by Áshildr:
Sigmundr Boarding Axe, Stunstick, Bola, ACC, Þórir Auto Grenade Launcher, Dagný Sword, Shock Baton (as Armourer she carries Raven's PGMP), Gulbrandr Boarding Axe, Stunstick, Bola, ACR, Grenades, Bjartr Boarding Axe, Stunstick, Bola, ACC, Grenades, Stáli War Pick, Stunstick, Bola, ACC, Grenades. All except Dagný carry a mag for the AGL.

Raven also does some more work aided by a spot of welding from Handson as she creates Remmington's (new improved) "Industrial" Totem staff. It has cogs and dangly chains being quite the "standard".

When all is prepared she cheerfully declares "Time for a walk about Blackrock and into Medusa's trap. Which of the ships' officers will join me?".

Edited: addition (see also organisation post in OOC thread) - actions and dialogue.

[Legion Lee]

When the action starts Leon could remain on the ship with Kar? As second in command if anything happens he will take command of the Serpent also having a +2 in ships tactics and +3 as gunner makes it more sensible to remain on board (although he is rather envious of Raven and her wolves).

He would be stationed at his gunner's station, decked out in modified cloth armour, and have his pistol to hand. He would have carried out coms checks with all the raiding party.

He will offer Roberta to Raven but it may be useful to have her on board as backup or to take care of any prisoners (Raven can advise on this).

Or

Leon could go with the raiding crew he is not unfamiliar with a scrap / he would take Roberta with him but act as a rear guard?

[Tiglath]

When the action starts Leon could remain on the ship with Kar?

Or

Leon could go with the raiding crew he is not unfamiliar with a scrap / he would take Roberta with him but act as a rear guard?

OOC: Notionally we should keep all the critical ship's officers safe onboard but that's no fun if the players want their PCs to get some melee action! Likewise I don't want to push other PCs "offscreen" or take on all the fighting with the warband (which leaves the GM pitting "his" NPCs against "ours"). So if I appeared vague as to which PCs should come along it was deliberately so to allow players to take up that option!

Raven has nothing against Roberta but would suggest she act as a combat reserve / security aboard the Serpent if Leon remains aboard.

The above option applies to all PCs. So, if you fancy walking into what might be a trap/dodgy set up when collecting our drugs from Medusa then please pile in!

[Gorethirster]

During a lull in cat practice while Handson is fiddling with some actuators, Remington responds to a private comm from Tiv to meet in Remington's room. Once there he awkwardly accepts the pistol that Tiv offers. Tiv ignores his objection that he has no clue how to use the thing, and Remington feels an inexplicable sense of power with the gun in his hand. Of course, he is hoping autofire can make up for his lack of any skill with the thing. Once they get the shoulder holster seated out of the way beneath his vac suit, Remington returns to the hold.

Once back, Remington's finessing of the controls for the cat involves a fair bit of fiddling while his erstwhile assistants stand around, an he notices them start to drift away as Raven organizes them into shirts and skins, or whatever it is she's doing. Her distraction of his helpers, while probably a military necessity, interferes with Remington's military necessity of getting the cat ready to fight another cat, so he catches Raven's attention when she's not in the middle of raid leading.

"You know, if my cat is supposed to be the backup option to tangle with their big cat, I do need at least one of the raiding crew around to spar with me. More is better, because as you might have noticed, I know almost nothing about how felis magnus do their fighting, and I know nothing at all about how homo sapiens manage it with sharp sticks. So, odd as it may sound, having the extras is helping me make the cat better in a brawl."

"Which leads me to my next point: if you're expecting me to sit around operating these things in the hangar while you're in the process of storming a ship, I'm gonna need someone to keep me from getting shot, impaled, mauled, or otherwise messily rearranged. I don't have a clue who it ought to be, that's really your department, but I thought I'd put it on your radar. Unless you want to find someone else to keep you all out of the Jump Lord's clutches."

Sorry if I'm making you do anything out of character Tiv, I just wanted to accept the pistol "on the record"

[The Bindoner]

Remington discovers that the robot cat is actually hindered by his attempts to direct it in combat - for which its sparring partners are grateful.

The Full Command Parallel Processor brain is running Athletics 1 and Melee 1, and merely needs to be assigned a target. Remington quickly learns that it understands the commands "Stop!" and "non-lethal" too. In non-lethal mode the cat retracts its claws and sets a limit on its bite.

[Thumper]

Sorry if I'm making you do anything out of character Tiv, I just wanted to accept the pistol "on the record"

That was beautiful, man! Brought a tear to my eye!!

Tiv gears up to go with Raven.

Now that you’ve mastered the fighting commands to the Thundercat, how about you learn to ride it, Remington, and accompany us? That will make a grand show!