010: Off to The Deeps

terrymixon
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Thumper
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#21 Post by Thumper »

“Do we want oddball weapons for our military forces?” Metz asked. “I had been thinking of iterative advances to common Imperial technology. Gravitic weapons are effective, but heavy when not activated and non standard. Laser revolvers seem… underwhelming. Why not take top of the line Imperial military gear and just make it better? It won’t stand out that way. Not much, anyway.”
”Commonality and standardization is always a good thing. What can you do with what they have now, Lucius? Can you improve their armor? Is there anything you can do to make the Rexwell Suits even more invisible to long-wave length light? I demonstrated that vulnerability at the Orbital Jump festivities.

I do think we should make Ion Rifles available for magically turning off the other force’s powered vehicles and armor. Maybe make each Merc company accountable for returning their issued Ion Rifles. They won’t leave forensic fingerprints.”
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#22 Post by Tiglath »

terrymixon wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 4:54 pm Garvin? Arkar? What are you doing over the next few weeks?
Nothing special for Garvin. Keeping out of the way of the military and hanging with Aster.
Player: Jonathan/Tiglath
Sigrun Volsung, 9B7886, Lt Commander, 3 terms, age 31
Gun Cbt 3 (Rifle 2, Pistol 1), Melee Cbt 1 (Axe), Pilot 1,
Gunnery 1, Vacc Suit 1, Zero G 1, Streetwise 1, Recon 1,
Electronics 0, Grav Vehicle 0
Enemy: Imperial Navy (Lunion) Ine Givar(?)
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#23 Post by terrymixon »

Tiglath wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 10:15 pm
terrymixon wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 4:54 pm Garvin? Arkar? What are you doing over the next few weeks?
Nothing special for Garvin. Keeping out of the way of the military and hanging with Aster.
Aster has been half available to hang and have closeted with Ciencia and Yūgure. She is closed mouthed about what she is up to.
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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terrymixon
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#24 Post by terrymixon »

Thumper wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 9:59 pm
“Do we want oddball weapons for our military forces?” Metz asked. “I had been thinking of iterative advances to common Imperial technology. Gravitic weapons are effective, but heavy when not activated and non standard. Laser revolvers seem… underwhelming. Why not take top of the line Imperial military gear and just make it better? It won’t stand out that way. Not much, anyway.”
”Commonality and standardization is always a good thing. What can you do with what they have now, Lucius? Can you improve their armor? Is there anything you can do to make the Rexwell Suits even more invisible to long-wave length light? I demonstrated that vulnerability at the Orbital Jump festivities.

I do think we should make Ion Rifles available for magically turning off the other force’s powered vehicles and armor. Maybe make each Merc company accountable for returning their issued Ion Rifles. They won’t leave forensic fingerprints.”
"I will have to examine it, but perhaps there is more that can be done," he said. "I won't know until I look. Ion rifles are on the table, and I have some improvements to them while still building them with tech that is recognizably Imperial in origin. That is the goal with all of this in my mind. There must be a rational explanation for it all. Any unexplained tech will cause issues eventually. It must be traceable to something normal. An iterative advancement. I can do that with advanced Imperial weapons: gauss weapons, laser weapons, the maser weapons are a bit of a stretch, but I can make them work, the same with the plasma rifle and solar beam rifle, and the ion rifle won't be an issue. Anything more esoteric and there will be questions, though I have already given the Imperial Guard fusion pistols and they are most decidedly not Imperial tech, though they are also notably not Ancients tech either. A rifle in the vein would be doable, though also raise questions."
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#25 Post by Tiglath »

helvorn wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 4:40 amHe will try a couple of sessions fencing with the Zhodani.
The Zhodani officers are studiously well mannered and delighted to spar with William. They set up a piste in the hangar adjacent to their ship. Security is provided by their oddly named "Special Naval Landing Force" infantry
(all by William's observation being Senior NCO grades with long service and combat experience) and numerous surveillance bots and is, put frankly, discrete but excellent.

(OOC: When it's revealed he has loaded godlike expertise with the blade they are not at all daunted and take the opportunity to improve their own skills learning from him. In fact he's quite sure he's brought one or two of them to significant improvement.

William finds their company as both gentlemen and soldiers entirely agreeable.

It's just that... while fencing with them he gets the sneaking suspicion that they're collectively "not left handed". ;) ).
Last edited by Tiglath on Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
Player: Jonathan/Tiglath
Sigrun Volsung, 9B7886, Lt Commander, 3 terms, age 31
Gun Cbt 3 (Rifle 2, Pistol 1), Melee Cbt 1 (Axe), Pilot 1,
Gunnery 1, Vacc Suit 1, Zero G 1, Streetwise 1, Recon 1,
Electronics 0, Grav Vehicle 0
Enemy: Imperial Navy (Lunion) Ine Givar(?)
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terrymixon
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#26 Post by terrymixon »

Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 2:45 am
helvorn wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 4:40 amHe will try a couple of sessions fencing with the Zhodani.
The Zhodani officers are studiously well mannered and delighted to spar with William. They set up a piste in the hangar adjacent to their ship. Security is provided by their oddly named "Naval Landing Infantry" and numerous surveillance bots and is, put frankly, discrete but excellent.

(OOC: When it's revealed he has loaded godlike expertise with the blade they are not at all daunted and take the opportunity to improve their own skills learning from him. In fact he's quite sure he's brought one or two of them to significant improvement.

William finds their company as both gentlemen and soldiers entirely agreeable.

It's just that... while fencing with them he gets the sneaking suspicion that they're collectively "not left handed". ;) ).
Life with them in a few years (or less) will certainly be interesting.
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#27 Post by Tiglath »

terrymixon wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 11:35 pm
Tiglath wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 10:15 pm
terrymixon wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 4:54 pm Garvin? Arkar? What are you doing over the next few weeks?
Nothing special for Garvin. Keeping out of the way of the military and hanging with Aster.
Aster has been half available to hang and have closeted with Ciencia and Yūgure. She is closed mouthed about what she is up to.
Garvin recognizes that Aster's working/on a caper and instinctively gives her space. He slides himself into the niche of available distraction / comfy boyfriend as and when she needs him. He'll be a "sounding board" but only if asked.

With the spare time he keeps fit and hones his knife throwing skills by playing darts (with knives).

As to the military preparations he suggests "Inventin' kit we think is going to work is great in theory - but it's surely just that? Don't we need to ask the punters what they want an' then give 'em that - in spades?"

"If this was a caper I'd look at what we're goin' to be up against an' work from that. The fight we can see coming is against Corporate mercs - so "Imperial Standard" is what our guys should have to be able to beat. The precursor to that is stop the cops... er... the other side... even gettin' there. So we should plan to intercept an' defeat... however it is that the Corporation transports their Mercs. I'll lay odds they're too tight to pay for proper warships. So, maybe now we need to look at putting off the fight entirely by interceptin' the reaction force before it even gets there!"

"Doc, if you 'ad yer eyes closed during the last barney I wouldn't blame you but the Aslan Warlord went into battle empty 'anded an' then beat folk to death with a bloke in an exoskeleton. All the gear you make for Aslan needs to be both Aslan shaped an' really robust! If you make it so robust that they can bash some poor sod over the swede with it one minute and shoot accurately the next I think you'll 'ave 'appy campers all over. There's that an' their physicality to look to in design concept - what's a support weapon for humans is a personal weapon for an Aslan".
Last edited by Tiglath on Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
Player: Jonathan/Tiglath
Sigrun Volsung, 9B7886, Lt Commander, 3 terms, age 31
Gun Cbt 3 (Rifle 2, Pistol 1), Melee Cbt 1 (Axe), Pilot 1,
Gunnery 1, Vacc Suit 1, Zero G 1, Streetwise 1, Recon 1,
Electronics 0, Grav Vehicle 0
Enemy: Imperial Navy (Lunion) Ine Givar(?)
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#28 Post by terrymixon »

Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:36 am
terrymixon wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 11:35 pm
Tiglath wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 10:15 pm

Nothing special for Garvin. Keeping out of the way of the military and hanging with Aster.
Aster has been half available to hang and have closeted with Ciencia and Yūgure. She is closed mouthed about what she is up to.
Garvin recognizes that Aster's working/on a caper and instinctively gives her space. He slides himself into the niche of available distraction / comfy boyfriend as and when she needs him. He'll be a "sounding board" but only if asked.

With the spare time he keeps fit and hones his knife throwing skills by playing "darts".

As to the military preparations he suggests "Inventin' kit we think is going to work is great in theory - but it's surely just that? Don't we need to ask the punters what they want an' then give 'em that - an' then in spades?"

"If this was a caper I'd look at what we're goin' to be up against an' work from that. The fight we can see coming is against Corporate mercs so "Imperial Standard" is what our guys have to be able to beat. The precursor to that is stop the cops... er... the other side... even gettin' there. So we plan to intercept an' defeat... however it is that the Corporation transports their Mercs. I'll lay odds they're too tight to pay for proper warships. So, maybe now we need to look at putting off the fight entirely by interceptin' the reaction force before it even gets there! Doc, if you 'ad yer eyes closed during the last barney I wouldn't blame you but the Aslan Warlord went into battle empty 'anded an' then beat folk to death with a bloke in an exoskeleton. All the gear you make for Aslan needs to be both Aslan shaped an' really robust! If you make it so robust that they can bash some poor sod over the swede with it one minute and shoot accurately the next I think you'll 'ave 'appy campers all over. There's that an' their physicality to look to in design concept - what's a support weapon for humans is a personal weapon for an Aslan".
"I was only thinking of the human forces," Metz admitted. "A mistake in hindsight, so thank you for that wake-up call. My thoughts were only for them, and I suppose we should seek the input of our mercenary friends and follow it. If they think juiced up Imperial equipment works, I can do that now. The same with gravitic weapons. If, however, they want something more esoteric, I'll have to work on it. Perhaps we should rope Colonels Skeet or Cross into this discussion before we make other decisions that don't need to be made without input. Vehicles and such, I can do Imperial ones but not Aslan. I have no plans, though I can scale up what I have and make it attractive, I believe."
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#29 Post by helvorn »

Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 2:45 am
helvorn wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 4:40 amHe will try a couple of sessions fencing with the Zhodani.
The Zhodani officers are studiously well mannered and delighted to spar with William. They set up a piste in the hangar adjacent to their ship. Security is provided by their oddly named "Special Naval Landing Force" infantry
(all by William's observation being Senior NCO grades with long service and combat experience) and numerous surveillance bots and is, put frankly, discrete but excellent.

(OOC: When it's revealed he has loaded godlike expertise with the blade they are not at all daunted and take the opportunity to improve their own skills learning from him. In fact he's quite sure he's brought one or two of them to significant improvement.

William finds their company as both gentlemen and soldiers entirely agreeable.

It's just that... while fencing with them he gets the sneaking suspicion that they're collectively "not left handed". ;) ).
OOC: William would not load the skill augments during a friendly practice; it would be unsportsmanlike. Not sure about the 'left handed' remark unless it means that they aren't faking things. SNLF: another WW deuce reference! Love it.

William greatly enjoys the fencing opportunity and invites them back to fence with some of the Imperial guard officers.
The Spinward Main
Donovan Argushiig, 899CB6, Merchant (3rd Officer), 3 terms, 30 (aka Roger Jones)
Gun Cbt-1, Melee Cbt-1 (Axe), Zero G-0, Steward-1, Pilot-1, Streetwise-1, Gunnery-2, Jack o’Trades-2, Trader-3, Carousing-1, Liaison-1, Engineering-1, Comms-1

District 268
Dzofin 6D9D8A, Corsair (Force Leader), 3 terms
Ships boat-1, Infighting-1, Leader-1, Vehicle-1, rifle-1, SMG-1, Gunnery-1, bribery-1, streetwise-1, forward observer-1, Vacc Suit-1

The Western Lands
Robin Sherwin - Halfling Thief Level 1
Str 11 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 13 Wis 8 Cha 13 Hp 6 AC 13
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#30 Post by helvorn »

terrymixon wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:46 am
Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:36 am
terrymixon wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 11:35 pm

Aster has been half available to hang and have closeted with Ciencia and Yūgure. She is closed mouthed about what she is up to.
Garvin recognizes that Aster's working/on a caper and instinctively gives her space. He slides himself into the niche of available distraction / comfy boyfriend as and when she needs him. He'll be a "sounding board" but only if asked.

With the spare time he keeps fit and hones his knife throwing skills by playing "darts".

As to the military preparations he suggests "Inventin' kit we think is going to work is great in theory - but it's surely just that? Don't we need to ask the punters what they want an' then give 'em that - an' then in spades?"

"If this was a caper I'd look at what we're goin' to be up against an' work from that. The fight we can see coming is against Corporate mercs so "Imperial Standard" is what our guys have to be able to beat. The precursor to that is stop the cops... er... the other side... even gettin' there. So we plan to intercept an' defeat... however it is that the Corporation transports their Mercs. I'll lay odds they're too tight to pay for proper warships. So, maybe now we need to look at putting off the fight entirely by interceptin' the reaction force before it even gets there! Doc, if you 'ad yer eyes closed during the last barney I wouldn't blame you but the Aslan Warlord went into battle empty 'anded an' then beat folk to death with a bloke in an exoskeleton. All the gear you make for Aslan needs to be both Aslan shaped an' really robust! If you make it so robust that they can bash some poor sod over the swede with it one minute and shoot accurately the next I think you'll 'ave 'appy campers all over. There's that an' their physicality to look to in design concept - what's a support weapon for humans is a personal weapon for an Aslan".
"I was only thinking of the human forces," Metz admitted. "A mistake in hindsight, so thank you for that wake-up call. My thoughts were only for them, and I suppose we should seek the input of our mercenary friends and follow it. If they think juiced up Imperial equipment works, I can do that now. The same with gravitic weapons. If, however, they want something more esoteric, I'll have to work on it. Perhaps we should rope Colonel Skeet or Colonel Cross, or both into this discussion before we make other decisions that don't need to be made without their thoughts. Vehicles and such, I can do Imperial ones but not Aslan. I have no plans, though I can scale up what I have and make it attractive, I believe."
William agrees with the caveat that they limit in the discussion on psionics and higher technology levels than 17.
The Spinward Main
Donovan Argushiig, 899CB6, Merchant (3rd Officer), 3 terms, 30 (aka Roger Jones)
Gun Cbt-1, Melee Cbt-1 (Axe), Zero G-0, Steward-1, Pilot-1, Streetwise-1, Gunnery-2, Jack o’Trades-2, Trader-3, Carousing-1, Liaison-1, Engineering-1, Comms-1

District 268
Dzofin 6D9D8A, Corsair (Force Leader), 3 terms
Ships boat-1, Infighting-1, Leader-1, Vehicle-1, rifle-1, SMG-1, Gunnery-1, bribery-1, streetwise-1, forward observer-1, Vacc Suit-1

The Western Lands
Robin Sherwin - Halfling Thief Level 1
Str 11 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 13 Wis 8 Cha 13 Hp 6 AC 13
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#31 Post by Tiglath »

helvorn wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 4:17 am
Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 2:45 am
helvorn wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2025 4:40 amHe will try a couple of sessions fencing with the Zhodani.
The Zhodani officers are studiously well mannered and delighted to spar with William. They set up a piste in the hangar adjacent to their ship. Security is provided by their oddly named "Special Naval Landing Force" infantry
(all by William's observation being Senior NCO grades with long service and combat experience) and numerous surveillance bots and is, put frankly, discrete but excellent.

(OOC: When it's revealed he has loaded godlike expertise with the blade they are not at all daunted and take the opportunity to improve their own skills learning from him. In fact he's quite sure he's brought one or two of them to significant improvement.

William finds their company as both gentlemen and soldiers entirely agreeable.

It's just that... while fencing with them he gets the sneaking suspicion that they're collectively "not left handed". ;) ).
OOC: William would not load the skill augments during a friendly practice; it would be unsportsmanlike. Not sure about the 'left handed' remark unless it means that they aren't faking things. SNLF: another WW deuce reference! Love it.

William greatly enjoys the fencing opportunity and invites them back to fence with some of the Imperial guard officers.
All goes well.

Colonel Skeet is revealed to be an accomplished swordsman.

(OOC: As to "handedness" that'll be me (again! :roll: ) - switching genres to shoehorn in a Princess Bride reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdEyYK1sJWU

I'm pretty sure the SNLF crops up in canon (or at least fandom) - just in case anyone doubted that the "northern" Marches (in FFW) aren't really doubling for the Pacific.

Here we go:
Screenshot 2025-01-19 142444.png
Screenshot 2025-01-19 142444.png (117.12 KiB) Viewed 1053 times
;) ).
Player: Jonathan/Tiglath
Sigrun Volsung, 9B7886, Lt Commander, 3 terms, age 31
Gun Cbt 3 (Rifle 2, Pistol 1), Melee Cbt 1 (Axe), Pilot 1,
Gunnery 1, Vacc Suit 1, Zero G 1, Streetwise 1, Recon 1,
Electronics 0, Grav Vehicle 0
Enemy: Imperial Navy (Lunion) Ine Givar(?)
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#32 Post by Tiglath »

helvorn wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 4:19 am
terrymixon wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:46 am
Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:36 am

Garvin recognizes that Aster's working/on a caper and instinctively gives her space. He slides himself into the niche of available distraction / comfy boyfriend as and when she needs him. He'll be a "sounding board" but only if asked.

With the spare time he keeps fit and hones his knife throwing skills by playing "darts".

As to the military preparations he suggests "Inventin' kit we think is going to work is great in theory - but it's surely just that? Don't we need to ask the punters what they want an' then give 'em that - an' then in spades?"

"If this was a caper I'd look at what we're goin' to be up against an' work from that. The fight we can see coming is against Corporate mercs so "Imperial Standard" is what our guys have to be able to beat. The precursor to that is stop the cops... er... the other side... even gettin' there. So we plan to intercept an' defeat... however it is that the Corporation transports their Mercs. I'll lay odds they're too tight to pay for proper warships. So, maybe now we need to look at putting off the fight entirely by interceptin' the reaction force before it even gets there! Doc, if you 'ad yer eyes closed during the last barney I wouldn't blame you but the Aslan Warlord went into battle empty 'anded an' then beat folk to death with a bloke in an exoskeleton. All the gear you make for Aslan needs to be both Aslan shaped an' really robust! If you make it so robust that they can bash some poor sod over the swede with it one minute and shoot accurately the next I think you'll 'ave 'appy campers all over. There's that an' their physicality to look to in design concept - what's a support weapon for humans is a personal weapon for an Aslan".
"I was only thinking of the human forces," Metz admitted. "A mistake in hindsight, so thank you for that wake-up call. My thoughts were only for them, and I suppose we should seek the input of our mercenary friends and follow it. If they think juiced up Imperial equipment works, I can do that now. The same with gravitic weapons. If, however, they want something more esoteric, I'll have to work on it. Perhaps we should rope Colonel Skeet or Colonel Cross, or both into this discussion before we make other decisions that don't need to be made without their thoughts. Vehicles and such, I can do Imperial ones but not Aslan. I have no plans, though I can scale up what I have and make it attractive, I believe."
William agrees with the caveat that they limit in the discussion on psionics and higher technology levels than 17.
Seconded by Garvin on the grounds that any kit in "general issue" at this scale will fall into the public domain.
Player: Jonathan/Tiglath
Sigrun Volsung, 9B7886, Lt Commander, 3 terms, age 31
Gun Cbt 3 (Rifle 2, Pistol 1), Melee Cbt 1 (Axe), Pilot 1,
Gunnery 1, Vacc Suit 1, Zero G 1, Streetwise 1, Recon 1,
Electronics 0, Grav Vehicle 0
Enemy: Imperial Navy (Lunion) Ine Givar(?)
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terrymixon
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#33 Post by terrymixon »

Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 2:40 pm
helvorn wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 4:19 am
terrymixon wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 3:46 am

"I was only thinking of the human forces," Metz admitted. "A mistake in hindsight, so thank you for that wake-up call. My thoughts were only for them, and I suppose we should seek the input of our mercenary friends and follow it. If they think juiced up Imperial equipment works, I can do that now. The same with gravitic weapons. If, however, they want something more esoteric, I'll have to work on it. Perhaps we should rope Colonel Skeet or Colonel Cross, or both into this discussion before we make other decisions that don't need to be made without their thoughts. Vehicles and such, I can do Imperial ones but not Aslan. I have no plans, though I can scale up what I have and make it attractive, I believe."
William agrees with the caveat that they limit in the discussion on psionics and higher technology levels than 17.
Seconded by Garvin on the grounds that any kit in "general issue" at this scale will fall into the public domain.
Then they will put out a call to see if one of the officers is available to advise them. Colonel Skeet is closer to hand and can be there shortly to give his advice.

Once he arrives, they'll tell him they are discussing kit, equipment, and vehicles for both the troops in training, and the mercenaries training them. And the Aslan if they might be amenable to any upgrades, and they want his opinion on going with upscaled Imperial gear for the humans, much like the TL16 battle dress, but everything from sidearms, to unpowered armor and vehicles. Merz can make up new things but isn't sure it is needed. For the Aslan, what kind of weapons might they have, can samples be procured, and how would that take being offered upgrades?

Terry looks to Tiglath for the response.
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#34 Post by terrymixon »

Metz will add: "I already have TL16 designs for Imperial versions of the Gauss pistol and rifle, laser pistols, rifles, and sniper rifles. I've designed a maser rifle that can do bad things to people in armor and have a prototype of a maser pistol that will be ready soon. I have a plasma rifle as well, and something I call a solar beam rifle that is a laser on steroids. Very destructive. To close out, I have an ion rifle that can rob armor and vehicles of power temporarily. I have a fix for the battledress to prevent that from being used on us. I can work on other things, but need to know what they are."
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#35 Post by Tiglath »

Skeet will offer "The best thing you can offer us is to upgrade the gear we have. This is the kit the troops are familiar with using, handling and maintaining in the field. For 4DC our standard longarm is a grav suspended TL14 "Gatling" Laser Rifle. This system has the range to kill enemy in contemporary tech hard armour before they can effectively reply to us - especially if they are foolish enough to rely on man portable energy weapons. Support and sniper variants simply enhance that basic role".

"I can advise that Teahleikhoi work off the gauss rifle with underslung RAM grenade launchers with Plasma guns as organic squad support. If you work your upgrade magic on those systems they will be happy. Be advised Aslan males do not like change - neither do they like technicality or finesse". He looks directly at Metz and winks "Big buttons - preferably red".

"The SEMC recruits making up the bulk of their contingent are trained on the ACR but could convert to gauss weapons readily enough".

"We all use the Auto RAM grenade launcher as an assault support weapon".

"In military terms if you can cut weight then my men become more combat efficient because they can carry more expendables in the field. Giving us better gravitics or just lighter more efficient power packs for our laser and energy weapons will be a significant upgrade. With Aslan simply up the caliber of whatever they currently shoot and they'll be delighted. If it has a bayonet or you can beat someone to death with it and have it still function to spec afterwards then you have a design winner!"

"Bear in mind that we have absolutely no desire to slug it out in an infantry firefight with similarly equipped enemy. We fight for pay - not dying for someone else's cause. Anything you can invent that hides us and spots the enemy sooner means that we win on a battlefield where if you are spotted you are dead. Once our enemy is acquired our primary killing arm will be stand off strikes with our starships, tanks and ortillery and artillery".

Skeet gives a cold smile "But if that's happening then, gentlemen, one of you has already badly screwed the strategic pooch - because the best way to kill Corporate troubleshooters is in their transports while they're on way to the trouble".
Player: Jonathan/Tiglath
Sigrun Volsung, 9B7886, Lt Commander, 3 terms, age 31
Gun Cbt 3 (Rifle 2, Pistol 1), Melee Cbt 1 (Axe), Pilot 1,
Gunnery 1, Vacc Suit 1, Zero G 1, Streetwise 1, Recon 1,
Electronics 0, Grav Vehicle 0
Enemy: Imperial Navy (Lunion) Ine Givar(?)
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helvorn
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#36 Post by helvorn »

Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 2:33 pm
helvorn wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 4:17 am
Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 2:45 am

The Zhodani officers are studiously well mannered and delighted to spar with William. They set up a piste in the hangar adjacent to their ship. Security is provided by their oddly named "Special Naval Landing Force" infantry
(all by William's observation being Senior NCO grades with long service and combat experience) and numerous surveillance bots and is, put frankly, discrete but excellent.

(OOC: When it's revealed he has loaded godlike expertise with the blade they are not at all daunted and take the opportunity to improve their own skills learning from him. In fact he's quite sure he's brought one or two of them to significant improvement.

William finds their company as both gentlemen and soldiers entirely agreeable.

It's just that... while fencing with them he gets the sneaking suspicion that they're collectively "not left handed". ;) ).
OOC: William would not load the skill augments during a friendly practice; it would be unsportsmanlike. Not sure about the 'left handed' remark unless it means that they aren't faking things. SNLF: another WW deuce reference! Love it.

William greatly enjoys the fencing opportunity and invites them back to fence with some of the Imperial guard officers.
All goes well.

Colonel Skeet is revealed to be an accomplished swordsman.

(OOC: As to "handedness" that'll be me (again! :roll: ) - switching genres to shoehorn in a Princess Bride reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdEyYK1sJWU

I'm pretty sure the SNLF crops up in canon (or at least fandom) - just in case anyone doubted that the "northern" Marches (in FFW) aren't really doubling for the Pacific.

Here we go:

Screenshot 2025-01-19 142444.png

;) ).
I figured it must be a Princess Bride reference but you never know when dealing with all of your crazy, fancy furrin talk! :D

Given that the system Efate is directly out of WWII (major US island base) we absolutely need the Zhodani SNLF since they do not have Marines.
The Spinward Main
Donovan Argushiig, 899CB6, Merchant (3rd Officer), 3 terms, 30 (aka Roger Jones)
Gun Cbt-1, Melee Cbt-1 (Axe), Zero G-0, Steward-1, Pilot-1, Streetwise-1, Gunnery-2, Jack o’Trades-2, Trader-3, Carousing-1, Liaison-1, Engineering-1, Comms-1

District 268
Dzofin 6D9D8A, Corsair (Force Leader), 3 terms
Ships boat-1, Infighting-1, Leader-1, Vehicle-1, rifle-1, SMG-1, Gunnery-1, bribery-1, streetwise-1, forward observer-1, Vacc Suit-1

The Western Lands
Robin Sherwin - Halfling Thief Level 1
Str 11 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 13 Wis 8 Cha 13 Hp 6 AC 13
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terrymixon
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#37 Post by terrymixon »

Tiglath wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2025 9:35 pm Skeet will offer "The best thing you can offer us is to upgrade the gear we have. This is the kit the troops are familiar with using, handling and maintaining in the field. For 4DC our standard longarm is a grav suspended TL14 "Gatling" Laser Rifle. This system has the range to kill enemy in contemporary tech hard armour before they can effectively reply to us - especially if they are foolish enough to rely on man portable energy weapons. Support and sniper variants simply enhance that basic role".

"I can advise that Teahleikhoi work off the gauss rifle with underslung RAM grenade launchers with Plasma guns as organic squad support. If you work your upgrade magic on those systems they will be happy. Be advised Aslan males do not like change - neither do they like technicality or finesse". He looks directly at Metz and winks "Big buttons - preferably red".

"The SEMC recruits making up the bulk of their contingent are trained on the ACR but could convert to gauss weapons readily enough".

"We all use the Auto RAM grenade launcher as an assault support weapon".

"In military terms if you can cut weight then my men become more combat efficient because they can carry more expendables in the field. Giving us better gravitics or just lighter more efficient power packs for our laser and energy weapons will be a significant upgrade. With Aslan simply up the caliber of whatever they currently shoot and they'll be delighted. If it has a bayonet or you can beat someone to death with it and have it still function to spec afterwards then you have a design winner!"

"Bear in mind that we have absolutely no desire to slug it out in an infantry firefight with similarly equipped enemy. We fight for pay - not dying for someone else's cause. Anything you can invent that hides us and spots the enemy sooner means that we win on a battlefield where if you are spotted you are dead. Once our enemy is acquired our primary killing arm will be stand off strikes with our starships, tanks and ortillery and artillery".

Skeet gives a cold smile "But if that's happening then, gentlemen, one of you has already badly screwed the strategic pooch - because the best way to kill Corporate troubleshooters is in their transports while they're on way to the trouble".
Metz nodded. "I can work with all of those constraints and weapons systems. Example hardware would be helpful, particularly from the Aslan. I feel I can do particularly well at hiding you, and at sensing hidden enemies. Lighter weapons I can also do. I'm glad you said something. That might not have occurred to me. I'll have sample weapons in a day or two for your people to work with and suggest further alterations."

Below will happen in a few days now that he has guidance.

If you have Traveller stats, I can update them, but the basic changes will be to add 20% to range and damage, and reduce the weight by a similar amount for each weapon. The sensors he provides based on samples you give him to work with are DM+1 or DM+2 better than what you have. As for concealment, he will add active camouflage to armor and vehicles. DM-6 to detect and invisible. These are straight upgrades to weapons and systems already in use, just upgraded to TL16. Ammo and weapon powerpacks reduced in weight by roughly 25%.

For the Aslan, he will do the same but also make the weapons virtually indestructible. As he felt he was unlikely to gauge their strength correctly, he made the weapons as structurally resistant to damage as he could make them, and that is saying something. A light pole will fail before the weapon used to beat it, and it will still work. He will also have a selection of huge clubs and swords. They will be physically incapable of bending or breaking them, and the razor's edge on the blades will never dull even the slightest bit. If asked, he will declare the slightly purplish metal to be enhanced iridium, specially formulated to remove the brittleness and harden it even further.

For those Aslan interested, he will upscale the caliber of the weapons by 25% for bigger holes and booms. He'll extend the range and damage of the plasma weapons as well.

That will end the weapons meeting, most likely, but I'm going to open threads for each of you be doing things while the 090 thread finishes playing out.
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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terrymixon
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#38 Post by terrymixon »

Arkar
Arkar: Work with mercs and learn psi if possible.
Getting in tight with the mercs will eat up as much time as you care to spend on it, and it's fun. As for psi, the only people you know to talk with are Tourmaline and the Zho. If there are others that could be helpful, you'll need to dig around and get some names. There is time with at least a few weeks before you could depart, and likely a few weeks after that if there are colonists to be dealt with. If you want to find some people, give me some actions.

One thing you do get is the fruits of Walt and Metz's labor: A crystal pendant with a flame trapped inside. It can either reduce the cost of performing a psionic action by 25% or increase the strength of an attack by 25%. I.E. for every four points of PSI used in an offensive action, one more is added by the focus device. In addition, you can't help but feel there is more to it, but that is all that you can grasp without some kind of further research or examination.
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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terrymixon
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#39 Post by terrymixon »

Garvin
Garvin recognizes that Aster's working/on a caper and instinctively gives her space. He slides himself into the niche of available distraction / comfy boyfriend as and when she needs him. He'll be a "sounding board" but only if asked.

With the spare time he keeps fit and hones his knife throwing skills by playing darts (with knives).
She's inordinately quiet about what she's doing, though she will tell you it involves The Twilight and setting up something that will hopefully help get the new star nation off to a good start when it comes to trade and business.

You (along with every one of the partners) will get a copy of the repaired psionic focus. It's a crystal pendant with a flame trapped inside. It can either reduce the cost of performing a psionic action by 25% or increase the strength of an attack by 25%. I.E. for every four points of PSI used in an offensive action, one more is added by the focus device. In addition, you can't help but feel there is more to it, but that is all that you can grasp without some kind of further research or examination.

There are a lot of dives to make your way through, but you're making good progress. If there is anything else on your radar, let me know.
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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terrymixon
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Re: 010: Into the Deeps

#40 Post by terrymixon »

Jaelah
Jaelah: Complete public and private faces of her support network on Collace.
That will require a lot of work with your new on planet helpers. The public face is easier, though making sure it is protected is going to be an ongoing challenge. The private face hits a snag when your parents decline to be involved. It seems that they've been asking Roscoe what your group is up to, and they are expressing an interest in immigrating to this new place. If you want to convince them otherwise, start an in character conversation and we'll play it out.

Like the others, you get a copy of the psionic focus. It's a crystal pendant with a flame trapped inside. It can either reduce the cost of performing a psionic action by 25% or increase the strength of an attack by 25%. I.E. for every four points of PSI used in an offensive action, one more is added by the focus device. In addition, you can't help but feel there is more to it, but that is all that you can grasp without some kind of further research or examination.
The Spinward Main: Jack "Flighty" O'Brien, 989BB7, Merchant (3rd Officer), 4 terms, 34
Carousing-1, Computers-1, Engineering-1, Gunnery-0, Investigation-1, Jack of all Trades-3, Medicine-1, Melee Cbt-0, Navigation-1, Pilot-3, Pistol-1, Repair-1, Science-1, Steward-1, Streetwise-1, Cargo-0, Zero G-0
Benefit: 900 Cr, Auto Pistol, Explorer's Society (or TAS) membership.
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