Chapter 1, Part 1: Krenshawz
Before we jump into the fray, a big thanks to Dave (playing the XO, Zernov) at HSG and Hugo (playing the diplomat, Count Hertwig) at DeathDieClub for joining this experiment with me. This is a heck of an experiment really...referee-less, play-by-post, group adventuring--and most of us have experience only with the latter. This may turn out to be ugh, though I don't think so based on the first week's start. Regardless, glad to have Dave and Hugo along for the ride.
Rules for this referee-less, play by post game.
Lero says, “XO give me a quick scan to see if anyone is here to greet us.” Lero turns to the communications officer, Ensign Noelle Boyd, and says, “Ensign Boyd, reach out to the starport to let them know we’re here. Use the agreed upon message for a new system.” Lero had specified a communication that announced the Deimos as an Imperial ship on a goodwill tour mission and asking to meet with representatives of the local government. The message is terse, to the point, and not overly diplomatic. He will let the diplomat, an Imperial Aslan Count by the name of Hertwig, handle all that.
Lero taps a few keys on his captain’s chair’s armrest, which displays an ultramarine display in the air a foot or so in front of him. Data on the system spits out from the computers synthesized from the public data transmitted by the starport authorities, throwing up the basic system information and a map of the core world. The system has a class-B starport. The primary planet has a diameter of 15,301.7km. The atmosphere is standard but tainted--a higher percentage of carbon dioxide in this case. Any visitors to the planet require a filter. The planet is covered by 52.1% water and has a population of 6,313,402 in its last census a year ago. The planet itself is governed by a civil bureaucracy centered around a parliament and weak executive. Lero frowns. He was hoping that their first mission would not be overly trying with these local governments.
“XO, what’s the scan say?”
1D6 for encounters. If = 6, then a random encounter will be rolled.
/r 1d6
1d6 = (2) = 2
Lt. Zernov taps through initial scanning reports from the eggheads down in the Exploration pod. Other than some debris, the Deimos and its immediate vicinity are clear of anything of interest. Quiet is good, if someone were here this early I'd call the whole thing a blown OP. "Commander, the board is clear. Just the Deimos and Void till the nearest well." Zernov more closely inspects the reports from coms, sensors, and intel. "LT. Perez, I'm missing your report. I hope for your sake the delay is because it's so interesting." Scatterbrain Perez, of all jumps to be lazy on...
“Very good XO,” replies Lero. Quick response. No nonsense. So far so good. He turns to the senior bridge officer, Lieutenant Murray Herrera. Lero considers the ragtag crew of officers the Imperial Navy assigned to this mission. Too old or too young. They dumped a bunch of officers whose career stalled or are too young and raw to realize they’ll spend a good bulk of their prime career days touring a sector and making nice to a bunch of backwater systems. But then someone like Herrera. He had checked his career. He didn’t volunteer for this job. Did he piss someone off? ”Herrera, have all departments check in with a sitrep.”
Herrera says, "Aye, sir."
Simpson. Fellow scout in his early years. hopefully it went better for him than me. Odds are he'll make quick work of these reports for mom and dad here. I'll need to get an understanding of the laws around blades here. If I'm going to the station or hell, the surface, I'm going to want 'wind's arrival.'
/r 2d6+2
2d6+2 = (3+4)+2 = 9
Sensors for intel request - edit: +2 based on #occ total DC of 11 (+1 effect?)(edited)
/r 2d6+0
2d6+0 = (4+3)+0 = 7
^ Initial cultural report for Hertwig
Ships like this, they can be slow, but they really lean hard on a thing... Hopefully these two pods full of egg heads can keep us out of any trouble. We can fight a long time, but this is a long mission without resupply. The fewer assets used the longer we're in the game. Zernov lightly taps the spare can of air he keeps on him at all times, in case his vacc suite were to run out. Conserve for the long game, eyes open Zernov.
Lt. Perez completes her research and sorting the information into usable data-points. "Sir. Looks like local atmo is tainted. If there's a trip to the surface filtration is needed. Class B starport in good working order. Local laws prohibit civilian use of armor, stunners and blades. This is an agricultural, non-industrial world. Selling food stuffs and raw materials in exchange for finished goods. It is unlikely that Krenshawz is self-sustaining."
Zernov listens as Perez delivers an oral report and reviews details forwarded to his data pad. Tapping through to how this backwoods system organizes things. The Starport is managed by the local government, instead of a governor or baron or even a knight. So local law extends to the starport... Hopefully foreign military and ambassadors have some kind of diplomatic immunity upon arrival.
2 rolls for exports
/r d66
2d6 = (6+4)
2d6 = (4+6) = 10
results are luxuries of the addictive or debauched kind, ignored because industrial, pharmaceuticals
Lero reviews the reports coming in from Perez and Zernov's comments thereon. Krenshawz produces a host of pharmaceutical exports to maintain its technological level, given they're incapable of producing anything like jump-capable ships or reliable system ships. But they make up for that by harvesting native flora and producing a host of antibiotics, painkillers, and other medicines used in probably a number of the medical kits throughout the Deimos. Combat drugs. And--they export stims, which are illegal in any number of Imperial systems. Additionally, the leader of the parliament, Premier Rosa Norman, gave a speech recently that the President Myrle Morissy responded favorably too. The entertainment and news and other information does not equal standard Imperial levels of quality.
Lero looks up from the data. "XO, Count, Perez, and Herrera meet me in the briefing room. Lieutenant Carter, you have the bridge. Ensign, send the communication from that station manager or the government to the briefing room."
Lt. Zernov messages the Exploration and Intel pod leaders separately: "Your team has 4 minutes to update your reports with more information."
Rules for this referee-less, play by post game.
Chapter 1
Part 1
Krenshawz
The INS Deimos slips out of jump space into real space. Commander Callum Lero feels that it should be a more noticeable transition for such a startling capability that enables beings to reach out beyond their home systems. But it's mundane. Normal. And that too is a good thing. The Deimos has entered the Krenshawz system and emerges at the edge of the gravity well that would affect the ability to jump. They left the Raweh system--the last Imperial system they expected to see for a long time--a week ago. The Deimos and its crew are now outside of their home territory. If not enemy territory, it certainly does not feel as safe.
Lero says, “XO give me a quick scan to see if anyone is here to greet us.” Lero turns to the communications officer, Ensign Noelle Boyd, and says, “Ensign Boyd, reach out to the starport to let them know we’re here. Use the agreed upon message for a new system.” Lero had specified a communication that announced the Deimos as an Imperial ship on a goodwill tour mission and asking to meet with representatives of the local government. The message is terse, to the point, and not overly diplomatic. He will let the diplomat, an Imperial Aslan Count by the name of Hertwig, handle all that.
Lero taps a few keys on his captain’s chair’s armrest, which displays an ultramarine display in the air a foot or so in front of him. Data on the system spits out from the computers synthesized from the public data transmitted by the starport authorities, throwing up the basic system information and a map of the core world. The system has a class-B starport. The primary planet has a diameter of 15,301.7km. The atmosphere is standard but tainted--a higher percentage of carbon dioxide in this case. Any visitors to the planet require a filter. The planet is covered by 52.1% water and has a population of 6,313,402 in its last census a year ago. The planet itself is governed by a civil bureaucracy centered around a parliament and weak executive. Lero frowns. He was hoping that their first mission would not be overly trying with these local governments.
“XO, what’s the scan say?”
/r 1d6
1d6 = (2) = 2
Lt. Zernov taps through initial scanning reports from the eggheads down in the Exploration pod. Other than some debris, the Deimos and its immediate vicinity are clear of anything of interest. Quiet is good, if someone were here this early I'd call the whole thing a blown OP. "Commander, the board is clear. Just the Deimos and Void till the nearest well." Zernov more closely inspects the reports from coms, sensors, and intel. "LT. Perez, I'm missing your report. I hope for your sake the delay is because it's so interesting." Scatterbrain Perez, of all jumps to be lazy on...
“Very good XO,” replies Lero. Quick response. No nonsense. So far so good. He turns to the senior bridge officer, Lieutenant Murray Herrera. Lero considers the ragtag crew of officers the Imperial Navy assigned to this mission. Too old or too young. They dumped a bunch of officers whose career stalled or are too young and raw to realize they’ll spend a good bulk of their prime career days touring a sector and making nice to a bunch of backwater systems. But then someone like Herrera. He had checked his career. He didn’t volunteer for this job. Did he piss someone off? ”Herrera, have all departments check in with a sitrep.”
Herrera says, "Aye, sir."
Ensign Boyd says, “Sir, I have a representative from the starport command online. Senior Manager Jack Horgan. Says he represents Krillina Incorporated that runs the starport and can connect us to whoever we need.”
Lero nods. “Thanks Ensign.” Lero stands up from the captain’s chair and turns to the Aslan behind him. Count Hertwig. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary--that is, diplomat for this mission. How was this all going to pan out? ”Count Hertwig, I believe this is your realm to initiate communications and negotiations with the systems. I’ll leave you to this task.”
The Count takes a step forward facing Lero. Having worked as an undercover agent for so long, Hertwig feels uneasy being the center of attention of such a large group of people. I just hope I can live up to everyone's expectations. "Thank you captain."
Hertwig looks around the bridge and starts addressing the crew. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very important day for our Imperial Majesty and for the rest of all of us. We are on a diplomatic mission, so we are here as peaceful emissaries of the Empire. Having said that, we are in uncharted territory, so keep your eyes open and ready to spring into action in case of any danger. Long live our Imperial Majesty."
Hertwig turns around to the Ensign, trying to hide his feelings of fear and excitement from the rest of the crew.
"Ensign open up the channel." Hertwig clears his throat, trying to make his voice sound deeper than usual.
"This is Count Hertwig aboard the INS Deimos, ambassador for our Imperial Majesty Strephon Aella Alkhalikoi. We are on a diplomatic mission and we come in peace. We would like to contact a representative of the local government. Over." The Count signals the Ensign to cut the transmission and wait for a response.
Lero says at the Ensign. "XO, can you connect with IntelOps and start getting us some refreshed data on the Krenshawz system? Specifically, I'd like to get a bead on the local leadership and whatnot."
Ensign Boyd says, "Sir, I've got the station manager on the comm."
The Count takes a step forward facing Lero. Having worked as an undercover agent for so long, Hertwig feels uneasy being the center of attention of such a large group of people. I just hope I can live up to everyone's expectations. "Thank you captain."
Hertwig looks around the bridge and starts addressing the crew. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very important day for our Imperial Majesty and for the rest of all of us. We are on a diplomatic mission, so we are here as peaceful emissaries of the Empire. Having said that, we are in uncharted territory, so keep your eyes open and ready to spring into action in case of any danger. Long live our Imperial Majesty."
Hertwig turns around to the Ensign, trying to hide his feelings of fear and excitement from the rest of the crew.
"Ensign open up the channel." Hertwig clears his throat, trying to make his voice sound deeper than usual.
"This is Count Hertwig aboard the INS Deimos, ambassador for our Imperial Majesty Strephon Aella Alkhalikoi. We are on a diplomatic mission and we come in peace. We would like to contact a representative of the local government. Over." The Count signals the Ensign to cut the transmission and wait for a response.
Ensign Boyd says, "Sir, I've got the station manager on the comm."
Lero raises his hand and gestures forward. "Put him on."
"Aye, sir," says Boyd. "This is Ensign Boyd. You have the commanding officers and diplomat listening in."
"Aye, sir," says Boyd. "This is Ensign Boyd. You have the commanding officers and diplomat listening in."
The voice that comes across sounds nervous. "Uh. Oh. Um. I see. So well, yes, I can connect you with the leadership. That'll take a bit of time."
rolled on the Diplomacy table. Result 41. The local governing authority requests to use the Traveller’s ship in the system’s fleet to battle another system’s navy or another planet’s or planetoid’s navy in system. Complying with this action results in a +2 to all Diplomat checks. Refusing to do so, results in a -2 to all Diplomat checks. This will come into play later.
Count Hertwig says, "Thank you for your help. In the meantime, are we authorized to dock at your starport, or would you rather have us wait in orbit while you get a hold of a representative of the government?"
The station manager says, "Uh, yes. I don't see. Of course, you can dock."
Rolled for number of hours in the queue for docking space
/r 1d6
1d6 = (6) = 6
"Seems like we've got a bit of a backlog today. Big merchant ship convoy. Looks like, oh geez, like about 6 hours before we can get you a berthing. But you know, let me see if I can bump you up in line."
Count Hertwig says, "Thank you for your help. In the meantime, are we authorized to dock at your starport, or would you rather have us wait in orbit while you get a hold of a representative of the government?"
The station manager says, "Uh, yes. I don't see. Of course, you can dock."
Rolled for number of hours in the queue for docking space
/r 1d6
1d6 = (6) = 6
"Seems like we've got a bit of a backlog today. Big merchant ship convoy. Looks like, oh geez, like about 6 hours before we can get you a berthing. But you know, let me see if I can bump you up in line."
Lero says, "Belay that. We'll wait in line and dock when it's our turn. In the meantime, we'll go into orbit and wait--just give us the course."
"Oh, okay Deimos. Course info coming your way."
Lero looks at the data coming in. He glances over at the Chief Pilot Sublieutenant Elmer Jackson. Jackson is another mystery to him. The pilot stayed in the bridge of his former ship when it was holed by a smuggler ship. The power somehow kept going. Jackson had strapped himself in and continued to pilot the ship so that the spinal mounted particle gun could swing around and blast the smugglers. If the holes had not been patched, Jackson would have died in his pilot's chair in hard vacuum. And now he's on this ship and mission. "Lieutenant Jackson, do you have the course?"
"Aye, sir."
"Take us into orbit."
"Aye, sir."
roll 2d6 piloting Easy (4+)
/r 2d6 + 1 -1
2d6 + 1 -1 = (3+6) + 1 -1 = 9
Jackson enters in the course details, engages the controls, and brings the Deimos into orbit. Lero, himself a pilot, is impressed with Jackson's skill. "Count Hertwig, I'm assuming me and the XO will accompany you down to the planet as part of the diplomacy? Show both the peaceful nature of the Imperium but its military prowess as well?"
"Certainly Commander. I would not have it any other way." Hertwig approaches the XO slowly while signaling his aide to come closer. "XO, while you are looking for the data, can you get a quick summary of the major imports/exports of this system, as well as any info on any major geopolitical issues. When you have the data, please provide a copy to Sub lieutenant Lera. I will be in my quarters preparing for the visit" Hertwig turns around and prepares to exit the bridge So far so good, now let do some little research before we land. I hate being in the spotlight and I don't want any major blunders in my first mission as Ambassador for our Majesty.
Zernov says, "Aye, Good thinking Ambassador. I'll be sure to include a copy of the report." Nodding to the Ambassador and then glancing at the aide before turning to Lieutenant Simpson.
/r 2d6 + 1 -1
2d6 + 1 -1 = (3+6) + 1 -1 = 9
"Certainly Commander. I would not have it any other way." Hertwig approaches the XO slowly while signaling his aide to come closer. "XO, while you are looking for the data, can you get a quick summary of the major imports/exports of this system, as well as any info on any major geopolitical issues. When you have the data, please provide a copy to Sub lieutenant Lera. I will be in my quarters preparing for the visit" Hertwig turns around and prepares to exit the bridge So far so good, now let do some little research before we land. I hate being in the spotlight and I don't want any major blunders in my first mission as Ambassador for our Majesty.
Simpson. Fellow scout in his early years. hopefully it went better for him than me. Odds are he'll make quick work of these reports for mom and dad here. I'll need to get an understanding of the laws around blades here. If I'm going to the station or hell, the surface, I'm going to want 'wind's arrival.'
"Lt. Simpson, I trust you've heard the Commander and Ambassador's requests, what do you have for us?"
Roll Electronics (sensors) (2+0) for intel
"Lt. Perez, that cultural report? customs and things so we don't offend anyone?"
Roll Investigation (0+0) for culture
"Both of you, send word down to the eg- Scientists in the exploration pod, I want them listening for changes in comms traffic. If it spikes, especially between military installations and ships we should know about it. Caught off guard on the first day, well that's not us. so do it. Get intel combing through local media and open broadcasts. What's the sentiment? What's the public discourse? Let's see if we can't set our Ambassador up with a clear understanding of our hosts' situation before he meets them."
/r 2d6+2
2d6+2 = (3+4)+2 = 9
Sensors for intel request - edit: +2 based on #occ total DC of 11 (+1 effect?)(edited)
/r 2d6+0
2d6+0 = (4+3)+0 = 7
^ Initial cultural report for Hertwig
Ships like this, they can be slow, but they really lean hard on a thing... Hopefully these two pods full of egg heads can keep us out of any trouble. We can fight a long time, but this is a long mission without resupply. The fewer assets used the longer we're in the game. Zernov lightly taps the spare can of air he keeps on him at all times, in case his vacc suite were to run out. Conserve for the long game, eyes open Zernov.
Lt. Perez completes her research and sorting the information into usable data-points. "Sir. Looks like local atmo is tainted. If there's a trip to the surface filtration is needed. Class B starport in good working order. Local laws prohibit civilian use of armor, stunners and blades. This is an agricultural, non-industrial world. Selling food stuffs and raw materials in exchange for finished goods. It is unlikely that Krenshawz is self-sustaining."
Zernov listens as Perez delivers an oral report and reviews details forwarded to his data pad. Tapping through to how this backwoods system organizes things. The Starport is managed by the local government, instead of a governor or baron or even a knight. So local law extends to the starport... Hopefully foreign military and ambassadors have some kind of diplomatic immunity upon arrival.
2 rolls for exports
/r d66
2d6 = (6+4)
2d6 = (4+6) = 10
results are luxuries of the addictive or debauched kind, ignored because industrial, pharmaceuticals
Lero reviews the reports coming in from Perez and Zernov's comments thereon. Krenshawz produces a host of pharmaceutical exports to maintain its technological level, given they're incapable of producing anything like jump-capable ships or reliable system ships. But they make up for that by harvesting native flora and producing a host of antibiotics, painkillers, and other medicines used in probably a number of the medical kits throughout the Deimos. Combat drugs. And--they export stims, which are illegal in any number of Imperial systems. Additionally, the leader of the parliament, Premier Rosa Norman, gave a speech recently that the President Myrle Morissy responded favorably too. The entertainment and news and other information does not equal standard Imperial levels of quality.
Lero looks up from the data. "XO, Count, Perez, and Herrera meet me in the briefing room. Lieutenant Carter, you have the bridge. Ensign, send the communication from that station manager or the government to the briefing room."
Lt. Zernov messages the Exploration and Intel pod leaders separately: "Your team has 4 minutes to update your reports with more information."
He then responded to Lero: "Aye Commander."
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