rolled 3, 5, 2 = 10

You are coming around to the end of the seventh month, halfway through the year and four months ahead of deadline. With the full might of all four Fleet Bases backing you, you are feeling ever more confident in your military power and your ability to defeat the demon in control of Kharok, one of the only true threats to your supremacy. The high nobles, convinced for the time being of your restraint, if not your devotion to their authority, have been scaling back their more overt attempts to usurp control of your resources, though you are obviously still aware of their motives. In time, you will deal with them in a fitting manner, but you are not quite ready to pull the trigger.

K16's surface has been secured by government forces. You last heard that, in the absence of a Frost Giant to release its security locks, the men there forced their way through one of the main doors and found the facility to be online, if damaged. The high nobles have been asking you to fill your three days there for some time.

The Order 66 command code is being emplaced in all computerized Frost Giant military units that you control, giving you the option to grant the Fleet Command intelligences full authority to engage enemies, human or otherwise.

rolled 6, 6, 3 = 15

>>11756384
A joint research base is under construction on the outskirts of the ruins of Kharok Main, with equipment and personnel ferried mostly by Dreamwood Zeppelins (properly compensated, of course). It appears that the high nobles do not intend to share their Kharok-related discoveries with any other nation, as Matmer and Cyreth seem to be completely unaware of the true purpose of this base or any of your operations in the unclaimed lands. Since, to their knowledge, there is nothing of worth out here, that's not really surprising.

K9's security systems are in the process of being upgraded (under the guise of repair work) to provide precise stun and lockdown capability virtually anywhere in the facility. The high nobles' subordinates are mostly ignoring your Project Phoenix, for the time being, aside from ordering extra guard details and precautions. The first shipment of prototype anti-magic 'burst' generators will be transferred to a waiting Zeppelin by shuttle from FB4 in a short while.

A group of mages, engineers, and common workmen has been assembled in Dreamwood to journey to your holdings in Simplessis and begin preparing to extract oil. The authorities in that nation are wary of air travel, much more so than those in Matmer, so extended military 'drills' at bases along the flight route are expected. A branch of Dreamwood's education system is being opened in the coastal territory, with a focus on naval and aquatics research.

rolled 3, 4, 5 = 12

>>11756403
You have acquired the rights to a small patch of sea above and surrounding the point where K10 should be. They were quite cheap, as the office in Simplessis responsible for it noted that 'bad water' in that area makes it nearly worthless, and devoid of life.

The Lord and the Prince are both waiting for further word on your efforts to secure the Fleet Bases. Consensus is required on what, if anything, to tell them.

The 'prototype' rifles you sent to the Forusian occupation force have been well-received, though not without complaints. It is noted that the alchemists there have been hard-pressed to come up with a cleaner propellant, since what they were using before tended to foul the repeating mechanism. However, it is accepted that prototype weapons are not without their problems. Further shipments of those specific weapons or updated versions are requested, as well as a fair number of replacement bayonets. Additional air support units, if available, would also be appreciated.

>>11756424
>The 'prototype' rifles you sent to the Forusian occupation force have been well-received, though not without complaints.
Are they using the ammunition (smokeless powder) ammunition we provided, or trying to use their own stocks of powder?
If they're not using ours, then send them large shipments of our better ammunition, under the guise of 'improved prototype ammunition under requested specifications'. Also include more bayonets.
Make sure that our firearm design teams are given the frontline reports to refine our own designs.
Also, Forusian Aggressor Squadron: See if we can hire Forusian combat veterans and mages to act as Aggressor Squadrons and OPFOR at our War Academy.

>>11756384
Im coming around to the fact that the slaying of the demon may very well be the final act of fg quest

and Im glad that this might get a proper end

but there is one last thing, we need to do before we are ready

lets kill the nobles

they are a poison to us and their country, this is already apparant in their misstrust of us and their stagnance of power

I believe that the way to start on the road to healing this world is to kill serfdom in one last act of violence before we face down with the demon, before I outline how I would suggest doing so I want to know who else wants to get the nobles out of the way

>>11756424

The Lord and Prince have been bros in this. If we want the revolution (because that's what our confrontation with the nobles will ultimately be, in one guise or another) to be bloodless, we need them on our side. Let's go visit them and get them up to speed on our new capabilities and on Project Pheonix.

>>11756487
I also want the High Nobles out of the way, but I must disagree strongly with what you are proposing. Many of our political allies are landed gentry themselves, and you would make enemies of them?
This requires much more preparation and forethought.

>>11756487

Defeating the demon will be an undeniable display of strength. If we do it right and position ourselves correctly politically (i.e. not alienate the King and Prince) we'll be able to neuter the nobles without a bloodbath.

rolled 1, 6, 2 = 9

>>11756424
Database reconstruction has yielded the designations of all presently-located Kharok installations and the purposes of most of those. The sites of two Ground Bases (primarily above-ground, unlike the subterranean K-installations) and that of an unknown have also been recovered.

Specific data to follow. Newly-discovered or retrieved installations are marked by (N). Given the vast amount of information required to track all of your operations (something that increases constantly), updates may get longer unless a minimum standard is used.

Headlines: “Oil, the Next Big Thing,” “Still Hungry? Dreamwood Agricultural Could Feed Region,” “Unidentified Craft Spotted, R&D Says No Comment,” “Fear is the Mind-Killer: Dune Pt.1 in Theaters Friday,” “Grand but Modest: Architecture For a New Century.”

rolled 1, 3, 1 = 5

>>11756529
K11 (N) Astronomy, planetary study, biosciences.

K12 (N) Particle acceleration, advanced chemistry, physics.

K13 (N) Engineered lifeforms, hybrid beings, immaterial (with K5).

K14 (Destroyed): Autonomous systems, the binding of spirits to machines, using computers to access the realm of the gods.

K15 (N) Unknown.

K16 Unknown.

K17 (N) Subterranean expeditions, magnetic fields, shielding (with K8).

K18 (N) Unknown.

K19 R&D AI systems

K20 (N) Navigation, sensors (with K6), advanced power systems.

K21 (N) Some stasis research, primarily a test bunker meant to survive multiple nuclear strikes. Includes stasis pods.

K22 (N) Unknown.

K23 (N) Non-AI computing (with K14), golems (with K2), memory storage.

K24 (N) Unknown.

K25 (N) Advanced fabricators (with K2, K14, K6), environmental sciences.

K26 (N) Heavy weapons, cloaking (with K5), force fields.

K27 (N) Companion installation to K21, primarily a test bunker with stasis pods. Underwater.

K28 (N) Advanced construction materials, nanoscale engineering, cybernetics (with K2), artificial muscles (with K9).
K31 (N) Unknown.

U-1 (N) Not a Kharok installation. Is emitting a powerful signal with unknown properties, as well as a distress strobe in Frost Giant computer code. Exact location unknown, wireless drone control not reliable due to field effects.
GB2 (N) Frost Giant ground base. Details unknown, primarily aboveground, ruins detected from the air.

GB7 (N) Frost Giant ground base. Details unknown, primarily aboveground, ruins detected from the air.

>>11756538
Here is a set of operational tasks to be undertaken before we next secure a facility. We must not repeat the mistakes of

K14!
1. Heavy Security Golems. K5 and K8 are to produce a heavier variant of the security golem, with weaponry specially tuned

for anti-drone combat and heavier armor. Also a hardened computer to prevent being suborned by a hostile AI, like one that

might be in K19. Design them so that if they lose communication with a Fleet Intelligence, that they will automatically

shut down their onboard communication systems and will only respond to registered voice-commands.
2. Communication Relay Golem. A security golem equipped with a high-power communication and ECCM suite. Designed to allow

the Fleet Commands to control the golems in spite of ECM interference.
3. For every Kerberos squad of 5, there will be 5 Heavy Security Golems and 1 Communication Relay Golem.
4. If the High Nobles want to send their own troops in as well, for every 3 of them, there will be 1 Heavy Security Golem.
5. Bring along a transport zeppelin with extra ammunition, medical supplies, and explosives.
6. Ask the FC's if it's possible to do a manual override of a facility self-destruct. Such as activating an override in Geothermal, or splicing a command override module into a power plant. Something to prevent a self-destruct from being successful. And if such a thing is possible, make sure that we have it in place BEFORE activating the Kharok Facility AI.

Let's get to K16. It was one of the last things we agreed on at the end of the last session. We needed something to do while the Shaman was getting healed anyways.

Also, can we ask the Fleet bases about the possibility of shield drones?

> 'bad water' in that area makes it nearly worthless, and devoid of life
An ill omen if there ever was one. Radiation perhaps?

> It is noted that the alchemists there have been hard-pressed to come up with a cleaner propellant, since what they were using before tended to foul the repeating mechanism
Well we're selling/providing smokeless power to the army for these weapons right? Make sure they know that it's manufacture is for the moment a company/national secret and that we have no plans of selling it to other nations for some time.

>>11756583
>'bad water' in that area makes it nearly worthless, and devoid of life
It may not be radiation, though if there were any naval ships stationed there, and their reactor cores were breached, then it could happen.
Likely it's industrial chemicals and other toxic organic and inorganic compounds.

Could you please add
Directive 99 - Disable every offensive and mobile capability immediatly (unless the mobile disabilitation puts the user in danger, like a flying airplane)

I believe that we should go ahead and tell the Lord and Prince that we have recovered the remaining two Fleet Bases, and that we require personnel to man them. There is more to be gained by letting them know, than to hide this from them.

rolled 2, 2, 3 = 7

>>11756476
They are currently using their own ammunition, which has been refined (but not to the standards of Dreamwood). Transport orders confirmed, unless there are objections.

R&D is receiving all frontline reports and acting accordingly.

Nearly all Forusians of combat worth are prisoners or slaves at this point. Standing orders are still to eliminate hostile mages by any means necessary, as well as any that Perin's military prison infrastructure cannot reasonably expect to handle. To get any of these persons transferred to your care would require a fair amount of political maneuvering. As you know, acquiring Forusian veterans for any purpose will draw the attention of the high nobles, who may block your efforts and become more suspicious as a result of the attempt.

let's go to kharok 16 quickly
with all of our retinue so if the same as before happens we won't lose the facility

>>11756648
>acquiring Forusian veterans for any purpose will draw the attention of the high nobles, who may block your efforts and become more suspicious as a result of the attempt.
Then perhaps we should do so through intermediaries. Such as the Prince. I'm sure that with his connections in the military and Intelligence, that he could have Forusian veterans transferred to his control. They could then be transferred to our War Academy. Perhaps even have false identities created for them, if the Prince's power reaches far enough.
In exchange, I would consider allowing men loyal to the Prince and to the High Noble to enroll in the Academy. It wouldn't benefit them in terms of fundamentals or discipline, but it would give them knowledge about new tactics and new doctrines that they could employ.

>>11756699
what the hell do we need ENEMY veterans who probably HATE us
I think its just asking for trouble

>>11756648
What's the timetable for going to K16?
Can we say that we will take a week to prepare everything, getting extra soldiers, hardened golems, and transports with ammunition, then timeskip?

Also, I noticed that the High Nobles are starting to build their research base at Kharok Main's ruins. How is the progress on our own research base, or are the two combined?

rolled 6, 5, 1 = 12

>>11756564
Confirmed. For maximum efficiency, the Fleet Command units should be involved in the design of these golems. Please specify if you wish design to be handled by K5 and K8 only.

Uplink drones are already being built by FB1, and could be used for this purpose. Please specify if you wish to construct a specific class dedicated to drone control.

Golem escort orders confirmed. Applying this condition to the high nobles' troops will alert them to the fact that you have much more control of the installations than they think you do. So far, you have used a fair degree of stealth and subterfuge to prevent this occurrence. Please confirm.

Adding a Tender Zeppelin will reduce your speed considerably if flying by shuttle.

Manual override of self-destruct procedures can be accomplished by disabling the physical relays leading to the self-destruct systems (before self-destruct countdown is initiated), taking the power plants offline, or inserting a command program into the system to allow remote override by another intelligence. The last method is not guaranteed to work, as it depends on the integrity of the system. In most cases, you should be able to terminate self-destruct with a verbal command, as long as your status as Administrator One is recognized.

What are we doing right now?
What are our immediate plans?

>>11756712
>what the hell do we need ENEMY veterans
For training our own soldiers against an opposing force of combat veterans.
They provide a force that uses very different tactics and a different mindset.

>>11756793
you forget that this is still the medieval era
until not so much ago, strategy consisted of "frontal charge"

>>11756766
>Fleet Command units should be involved in the design of these golems
Yes, have the Fleet Commands help in the design of the heavy security golems.
>Uplink drones are already being built by FB1, and could be used for this purpose. Please specify if you wish to construct a specific class dedicated to drone control.
Yes, I wish to have a specific class of golems used for communication relay. The drones are good, but we can't be sure that they will be enough when we're underground.
>Applying this condition to the high nobles' troops will alert them to the fact that you have much more control of the installations than they think you do.
Very well. The High Nobles' troops will not have golem details attached to them.
We can say that these are a type of repair golem that we have found the designs for; able to operate at installations not registered to them, but subsequently less efficient, to explain why they don't have the repair capabilities of a regular repair golem.
>Adding a Tender Zeppelin will reduce your speed considerably if flying by shuttle.
Since we were going to be securing each facility with a much greater number of people, I had already assumed that we would use zeppelins only.
>Manual override of self-destruct procedures can be accomplished by disabling the physical relays
Have all of our troops briefed on details on how they can accomplish this.
We should also hook in our personal comms before reactivating an AI to insert the command override utility whenever possible.

>>11756837
>until not so much ago, strategy consisted of "frontal charge"
Then you have not read much of medieval military history.

>>11756790
Prepare ourselves to go to K16, and to make sure that we don't have another K14 Incident.

rolled 6, 2, 5 = 13

>>11756583
Confirmed, unless there are objections.

Please tell me exactly what you mean by 'shield drones'.

The occupation force will be informed of the 'secret' status of smokeless powder ammunition.

>>11756633
Added.

>>11756642
This will be done unless there are objections.

>>11756699
The Prince is not about to sign off on anything like your proposal unless there is a very, very good reason. He has seen far too much to be impartial. In fact, Forus represents one of his weak spots; he might have called for its complete sterilization, if he was slightly less bound by his own moral code.

>>11756723
It will take days to get there by Zeppelin, and traveling by shuttle would almost certainly make the high nobles aware that you have a transport faster than anything even Dreamwood can build. If troops and golems are transferred from one of the Fleet Bases, you will be able to leave much sooner than if you brought troops and ammunition by Zeppelin from elsewhere.

That is a joint base, under the control of both you and the high nobles.

>>11756891
>traveling by shuttle would almost certainly make the high nobles aware that you have a transport faster than anything even Dreamwood can build.
Then no, take the time we need to do everything via zeppelins. We can't let on that we're using more of the Iralan technology than they know about.

the prince was interested in democracy, yes ?
tell him about constitutional monarchy

rolled 1, 5, 1 = 7

>>11756861
Confirmed. The intelligences have now completed the heavy security design. K5's and K8's fabricators are ready to produce them. Unless you wish to notify the high nobles, production and transfer will be kept secret.

Class designed. Production confirmed at Fleet Bases.

The high nobles accept this explanation warily, after having their personnel examine the designs. Obviously, the schematics you allowed to be seen were not 'quite' correct, omitting certain ominous details. The Heavy Security Golems must be (and are) equipped with retractable/disguised weapons, since standard security golems and their armaments are very recognizable.

Zeppelins only, then.

Information on how to defeat a self-destruct procedure is now part of standard briefings. The intelligences will attempt to splice in an override program through the portable comm when you enter a new facility.

>>11756891
Support drones whose only purpose is to carry a shield emitter. Acting in groups they can help larger ships ward off heavier damage that might have otherwise killed them.

Agaisnt getting Forosians into our accademy at this time. Still, as part of a long term goal of pacifying Forus it might be possible for Perin to try and create military units recruited of the locals. Especially locals that dont know magic and were the lowest class before and might now be able to hold power.

>>11756712
>>11756992
So people are against having our own 8492nd, Grabacr, and Ofnir Squadrons?

rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11

>>11756946
Acknowledged. Stand by for timeskip.

>>11756972
He already knows a great deal about that system of government, since that's what Perin uses. A brief bit on some of the history you remember (primarily about Britain) enlightens him further as to how things worked in your world's past. He seems to prefer a very limited government, as there are very few people who can wield absolute power without becoming corrupt.

>>11756992
Ah. Designs are available. The higher the shield output, the more limited the power supply of the drone, and the larger it tends to get. Without certain exotic materials that cannot be fabricated, the drones will be somewhat less efficient than they could be otherwise. Concentrated fire will be much more effective against a shield drone than a proper vessel, which I'm sure you already know.

rolled 5, 6, 3 = 14

It takes several days to assemble the troops and supplies you requested, and, fortunately, enough Heavy Security Golems could be produced in K8 to fill your quota in time. A bit of work had to be done after their arrival, due to the rush job, but with the parts from FB4, they were brought up to spec in no time. With your new Relay Drones (passed off as the units that make extended operation possible), the intelligences should be able to maintain direct control of the security golems even through heavy interference. You've been warned that, the heavier the ECM output, the closer the golems will have to stay to the Relays. Past a certain point, signals will be blocked completely, even from the portable comm.

You start missing the shuttles a few hours after departure. Your personal transport is a luxury craft compared to those glorified troop ships, but it is also incredibly slow. Much of your time is spent messaging the intelligences through the portable comm and retrieving updates on progress elsewhere. Tac-Com has been engaged in simulations pitting your ragtag 'fleet' against enemy forces, with rather disappointing results. Canderous awaits the opportunity to put your magical skills to the test, gleefully telling you that his latest machines will make you proud.

From the air, K16 looked much like any other installation, topped with ruins and surrounded by the tents and shanties of the research and military crews. Inside, it's a mess. About half the lights are out, a good number of the consoles near the entrance have been pulled apart, and there are piles of bones in the administrative quarters. The on-site commander tells you that the computer systems are up and running, but the only interpreter they've got had a horrible time making any sense out of anything. Command and Guardian are only speaking gibberish, and none of the displays show anything recognizable.

On the plus side, one of the testing bays has a stack of stasis pods in it, all occupied.

>>11757193
hoooo boy
analyze one to see whos inside

>>11757193
First things first: have a security detail of our troops and Heavy Security Golems sent down to Geothermal and the powerplants to be ready to manually disarm the self-destruct if we have to.
Then make our way to Central Command, and we'll need to have FC take a look around the network, see if Command and Guardian are working right, and slip in the self-destruct override utility.

OH WOW. Survivors? We can only hope.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S5KZesBJA8#t=2m20s

rolled 6, 5, 3 = 14

>>11757221
All of the internal sensors are unusable due to the aforementioned gibberish on the consoles and the computers' inability to interpret commands. Fortunately, the portable comm is able to interface with one of the stasis pods while the intelligences try to sort out the network.

There are fifteen pods in the testing bay. The first is occupied by a member of an unknown race. Of the fifteen, only one supports a Frost Giant. The others are filled either by unknowns or animals.

>>11757237
Sent. Geothermal has been closed off by shielded doors and cannot be accessed. If the heat is any indication, opening those doors would be a bad idea.

Central Command is a picture-perfect copy of the others, aside from the skeletons slumped over the auxiliary consoles. The holographic projections show a never-ending stream of unrecognizable characters, and the interface chair's consoles are not active. Command (and, for that matter, Guardian) are speaking somewhat frantically in a language you don't recognize, and respond to commands and queries in the same language.

Override program inserted. FC's analyzing the network.

"Well, at least it's not as sinister as the one in K14. It's like someone ran all the speech code through a couple of translators backwards. I think I can pull backup files from elsewhere and do a little switching. I guess you'd want to look like you're doing something so no-one gets real suspicious. Go ahead?"

>one of the testing bays has a stack of stasis pods in it, all occupied.
You know, this could be very problematic.
If these really are Frost Giants from the time when Iralan civilization was at its height, and we thaw them now, they're likely going to do the exact same thing we're trying to do with Project Pheonix and our other projects. Except that they'll want to restore the old order of the Frost Giants at the top, and humans and other Little Ones down at the bottom.

>>11757321
>I think I can pull backup files from elsewhere and do a little switching. I guess you'd want to look like you're doing something so no-one gets real suspicious. Go ahead?
Yes, go ahead. Might as well show us on the personal comms' screen instructions on how to do it manually while we go through the motions. Never know when it might come in handy, and we need to keep up appearances.

>>11757321
is the FG still alive ?

I have a question. During our first forays into the K facilities, we had to purge the systems, thus loosing the stored personal data. And at our last visit, the place self destructed. Do any of the Guardians or AIs or FCs know whether K Main would have copies of the records? If it does, then loosing that facility might not be so much of a blow.

rolled 4, 3, 2 = 9

>>11757365
You inform the nearby personnel that you're going to attempt to return the system to normal, then take up a position at one of the consoles not already hosting a long-dead user. Following FC's instructions through the messages on the portable comm, and looking very much like you're doing something very, very important, you scroll through screens of unreadable error codes, press several buttons, and stare intently at the resulting readouts as the comm traffic begins to clear up. The procedure is complete in five minutes, letting you hear what Command and Guardian are saying.

“Failures detected in Upper Level Command Unit AAKT-223, rerouting. Acknowledge command from console 558-90 in Block Two. Power restored to Block Nine. Power lost in Block Six. Lines 332,010 through 338,456 in primary have been deleted. Restoring.”

“Intruders detected in medical station, Block Twenty. Intruders detected in testing bay, Block Twenty-Three. Security golems in all sections offline. Control of Block Three autonomous fire suppression system passed to console 108-13.”

It seems that they're announcing literally everything they're doing from moment to moment.

>>11757381
Yes. The medical indicators are good. After over eighteen centuries in stasis, the patient might be a little slow to awaken if stasis is terminated. Cellular damage should be minimal.

I say we awake him

rolled 3, 1, 3 = 7

>>11757453
Both Main and K1 should have kept backups on most of the data stored in the installations. Main, with its neverending wall, could have boasted unlimited storage capacity, if the information Hretmar provided is correct. Of course, there is no guarantee that any information can be retrieved, given the fact that many other databases have been erased or corrupted.

>>11757458
>Intruders detected in medical station, Block Twenty. Intruders detected in testing bay, Block Twenty-Three. Security golems in all sections offline. Control of Block Three autonomous fire suppression system passed to console 108-13.
"Command, per emergency protocols recognize my authorization as Administrator One.
"Report status of computer systems. All humans are to be applied Visitor status."
See if FC can do anything to fix some of the errors that Command and Guardian appear to be experiencing, short of a system purge.

ask the FBs if we should awake the iralian

>>11757481
I say no. Not without the proper procedures and protocols in place.
And taking into consideration the likelihood that he would attempt to restore Iralan civilization to its "rightful place", I don't think we should chance it so lightly.

>>11757458
>It seems that they're announcing literally everything they're doing from moment to moment.
Could have been set to do that by the last operators. Is there any danger of the fire supression systems going off and smothering/freezing our guys?

>ring-ting-tinging inizzing
... fuck you captcha.

Do the FBs know what the fuck was going on when the civilization fell ?
Also, what was the iralian government system ?

>>11757502
He also probably knows what the fuck was going on
and more info about the capital

rolled 3, 6, 5 = 14

>>11757488
The portable comm beeps as FC fiddles with the network.

"Authority recognized. Your attention is required immediately. Please authorize repair of self-defense, communication, and geothermal power systems. Locks in place. Removal impossible without command authority."

"Status: fragmented. Network protocols for 95% of all systems no longer exist. Operating on case-to-case basis. Restoration no longer possible. Databases down. Visitor status confirmed. Completion of status update pending."

FC sighs. "Someone did a real number on this thing. The databases are intact but inaccessible, the network's been stripped of anything resembling proper communications codes, oh it's a mess. It's going to be real unpleasant to work through all of these lines. It'll take me at least half an hour."

>>11757497
The intelligences think you should move the pod to another testing area and take proper precautions if you're going to open it. There's no telling who the person is, after all. It'd be best to wait for the network to sort out, about 30 minutes.

>>11757575
"Authorization for self-repair of geothermal power-systems granted."

Then type out a message to FC so we won't be overheard:
"Work with the Command here to get Communications and Power back into working shape. That should help repairs along. Also send them the standard security and informational docket to bring them up to speed."

rolled 3, 6, 3 = 12

>>11757505
Not with FC in the system.

>>11757516
They don't know very many specifics. In the words of Canderous, "Everything went to shit at once." Because contact was lost with Main in the early stages, not much can be said about Kharok itself.

According to the somewhat fragmented information available, the Frost Giants were governed by a technocracy, headed by a council composed of the brightest and most competent in various fields.

>>11757575

Alright. Send word to have the singular FG in stasis moved to an empty testing area to be opened once we've got the system sorted out. Have a small detail of hazard-suited militia members and scientists on hand for the thaw.

Of course, have our own hazard suit ready as well. The last guy we opened had a magical disease that turned his flesh to steam, afterall.

rolled 4, 5, 6 = 15

>>11757609
"Beginning repairs. Please stand clear of shield doors. Magma floes detected. Geothermal is open to the mantle. Re-activating shielded repair golems. Rotation time: Eight minutes."

"You got it. I'll start right away."

The high nobles' representative is livid. "How in the hell did you do that so quickly?" is his first question. Your own personnel see it as par for the course. Most of the government workers are at least jealous, if not outright angry.

>>11757615
Are you sure this is wise, without a psychologist, combat mages, and anti-magic field generators on hand?
We know nothing about this person, or what state of mind they were in when they went into stasis.
I believe this course of action to be premature, ill-prepared, and unwise.

>>11757643

I'm willing to bet he put HIMSELF in stasis, along with all the other animals to try and ride out whatever the fuck was happening at the time.

>>11757641
"We got some experience in reclaiming. Afterall, we reclaimed dozens of installations like this."

>>11757641
>How in the hell did you do that so quickly?
"I know the language natively, the computer operating systems of the Iralans are built along similar design philosophies as the ones that I am familiar with, and I've done this before and know what to expect and what to say."

>>11757663
Even if he put himself into stasis, that's not necessarily the indicator of a stable mind. I point you towards Researcher Omuz as an example.
Besides, why didn't he put a timer on the stasis pod, then?
>>11757673
>How in the hell did you do that so quickly?
We've only reclaimed 4 facilities; this one makes 5.

>>11757641

Reply: "We had computers back on earth. They weren't magical, but they have amazingly similar commands. About the only real differences is ours were smaller and had less power consumption needs, but couldn't handle a real artificial intelligence like these things do.

I pretty much spent my whole adult life staring at a screen exactly like this. well... smaller, actually, but you get the point."

>>11757641
These two:
>>11757710
>>11757680

rolled 2, 3, 2 = 7

>>11757615
Done. Hazard suits will be required for those in the testing chamber.

>>11757673
"Dozens? Ha! If you've taken dozens, you must be hiding quite a lot of them." He has a good laugh about this. "Where'd you get that piece of hardware, anyway?" He gestures to the portable comm. "You know you're not supposed to take anything without authorization."

>>11757680
"Yes, yes, yes, you're a Frost Giant, that's obvious." He rolls his eyes. "We have experience too, you know. Personally, I think you're holding out on us."

Your militia escorts have tensed rather noticeably. Your heavy weapons man is toying with the igniter on his flamethrower. FC sends a message to the comm.

"Hahaha. He's funny. You want me to stun him accidentally?"

>>11757641
>How in the hell did you do that so quickly?
Experience.

Seriously though we have go to come up with something to use as a cover story for how we're resterting the computers so fast.

Oh! How about we've been reading up on some dead languages to pass the time of our long flights and the computer happened to be using one of them. Coupled with it's unwillingness to recognise human users from the get-go should be convincing enough.

(Ask FC when we get a chance about records of dead languages from the recovered databases.)

Oh yeah, tell everybody to keep the hell away from Geothermal.

>>11757744
"This? *show communicator* I didn't find it in the Kharok installations, but in the ruins aboveworld. It's basically an Iralian radio, more powerful than our counterparts. It allows me faster communication with base without having to carry around an antenna mast."

>>11757744
>"Where'd you get that piece of hardware, anyway?" He gestures to the portable comm.
I think we should try to pass it off as a portable help file unit, containing a rudimentary list of common commands and such. Make sure to have FC put the designs for such a device into the K9 or K5 databases for when they go searching later.
>You want me to stun him accidentally?
I'd really like to, but I don't think we should antagonize them any more than we need to.

>>11757773
FUCK NO! DON'T TELL THEM THAT!

>>11757744
>Dozens? Ha! If you've taken dozens, you must be hiding quite a lot of them.
Exageration. It certainly feels like we've been doing this job for a couple of years now.

>Where'd you get that piece of hardware, anyway?" He gestures to the portable comm. "You know you're not supposed to take anything without authorization."

Shit. This is especially what I was worried about somebody noticing. Anybody got any ideas?

>deceive] figual

rolled 3, 3, 6 = 12

>>11757710
He sneers. "Oh yes, of course. You got all your experience in a magical land no-one's ever seen before." The urge to let your head fall into your hands is getting stronger.

>>11757752
Numerous dead languages are known, some of them incomplete. The Frost Giants did engage in archeology, exhuming records of cultures that predated theirs. However, since none of the databases found so far are dedicated to historical archives of that type, information is limited.

Geothermal has been declared off-limits. As soon as the last of your personnel cleared the area, a triple set of blast doors closed off the accessway they used.

>>11757773
Are you dense? Haven't you been reading along?
We've told the High Nobles that we're intentionally keeping the K-Facilities' communication arrays down. If we tell them that we have a personal comms device, they'll want to know who we're talking with.
And do you really think that they'll care if we found the device aboveground or below? It's still a piece of Iralan technology!

>>11757815
"Yes indeed. For example, we have far more knowledge about political and economic systems than this epoch might ever need. Tell me, do you know about capitalism? And communism?"
start talking about our economic systems until he gets bored

>>11757815
>You got all your experience in a magical land no-one's ever seen before.
Actually, I think this is facepalm worthy.
"Didn't your superiors tell you *anything* about me?
"You know what, I don't care. When the Pantheon start returning calls, you can go to them for confirmation."

>>11757840
seconding this, change subject to our otherworldy knowledge quickly

1. Get navy airborne

2. Kill demon

3. Fly over to nobles' places

4. STRIKE FROM THE SKIES!

rolled 5, 4, 2 = 11

>>11757794
"Oh, so that's all it is?" he says, obviously skeptical. "And tell me, did you have clearance to remove it from its installation?"

The designs for a portable help file unit with a case identical to that of the portable comm have been inserted into the network.

>>11757846
"I think they told me just about everything I need to know about you," he says grumpily. "I certainly hope you don't expect me to trust your own personal gods to vouch for you."

>>11757840
You launch into an impromptu speech about economic systems, not letting him get a word in edgewise. Your escorts can barely contain their laughter as he tries unsuccessfully to match your volume, finally shouting, red in the face, "ENOUGH! I care nothing for this! Do what you came here to do and get out of my sight!" Almost as an afterthought, he adds, "And I'll be sure to discuss that... thing you have with my superiors."

You can barely stop yourself from grinning.

Wow, you people are fucking weak. You wouldn't survive a millisecond in an interrogation room. Lets give away all of our secrets while we are at it, shall we? Lets tell about Fleet Bases, our complete hold over all of the installations, our plans to usurp the High Nobles.

Just because they ask something does not mean we have to answer, if you don't have anything smart to say, just shut up.

About the comm tell this:
Tell him that this small piece of tech has been made by you and your scientists. You have made it to make the activating procedure much easier. Argument that it does most of the boring manual tasks for you. It is being upgraded constantly and is unique and we are not parting with it.
If they ask why it looks like Iralan tech, tell them it was made by using available schematics or something.

>>11757900
As we exit:
"Oh, and if you want a help file unit of your own, check with the databases in K5. Honestly, I don't know why you don't have one already."

Fuck sake. Now we've got to come up with a damn good explanation instead of just a passable one.

>>11757900
Let's go then

"I'll be seeing you though, I still haven't told you about the advantages of a Leninist socialism over a Marxist one. Or the fascinating implications of the economy under an anarcho-nationalist empire!"

>>11757924
We should produce "help units" for them.

That cause brain cancer.

>>11757923
You have a point about masking the comms as being Dreamwood manufacture; but I doubt that they would allow it to be so easily brushed off. I think that the help file excuse is a little bit better, because then we only have to deal with the High Nobles puffing at us in annoyance, rather than dealing with their spies rummaging around in our R&D labs trying to find working schematics for this device.

>>11757933
Did you expect anything else?
We could post-date the authorization request forms, forging them, or we could say that we simply didn't see it as that big of an issue, especially considering how much it helps us to secure a Kharok Facility.

I think that when we're giving out information, we should have a consensus of at least 3 posts. Because we've lost a lot of ground due to a few people with their brains in backwards.

>>11757953
We don't have spies in our R&D and archives.... at least I think so.

We should try to implement Iralan anti-espionage methods...

rolled 6, 1, 2 = 9

>>11757924
As you depart Central, you can barely hear the supervisor mutter under his breath, “Self-righteous bitch.”

The flamethrower clicks over and ignites, emitting a quick blast of flame that scorches the wall beside you. Everyone jumps back, and the high nobles' troops ready their sidearms. The flamethrower dies just as quickly as it started up. Your heavy weapons man grins sheepishly.

“Oops.”

The door closes, leaving you and your escorts in the hallway outside the core chamber. If this job gets any more interesting you feel like you're going to have an actual firefight on your hands.

>>11758001
tell our troops to calm down, we got this covered

>>11757923
>>11757924
>>11757953

Okay damage control time. Our agreement said that we couldnt take anything -physically- from the K sites without permission. If we produced the reader ourselves and uploaded the programming (and help file) from one of the K site databases that should technically get around it...

Then is still comes back to the problem of being based off Iralan tech all of which was supposed to be returned to the sites. God dammit.

Ah, if we're really pressed about this, we could always just fall back on the anon's calling card of "I did it for the lulz" and claim we were just antagonizing the jerk for laughs.

Also, turn to our men and say: "And THAT, boys and girls, is how we troll"

rolled 5, 6, 4 = 15

>>11757992
DCE protects your R&D department with everything it can spare from other operations. There have been low-level leaks over the months, nothing quite substantial enough to worry over, of course. The prevailing philosophy is that allowing a few of these leaks releases tension by making DCE appear fallible and keeping the enemy complacent. If you tried to make your security absolutely impenetrable, the government's superior resources and personnel would up the stakes to the point where you couldn't respond in kind.

>>11758011
'I wouldn't really have done anything, ma'am," says the man with the flamer, "The guy just needs to show some proper respect, is all. I know better than to start a war over this."

"Do you now?" your sergeant says, glaring at the other man. "I think you should check your weapon, solider. Thoroughly. I want it shining so hard it would blind a god from two miles out."

>>11758034
Whatever you're going to say, it would be a good idea to contact the high nobles before the supervisor does. In the grand scheme of things, this is actually a rather small transgression. Perhaps they'd be willing to overlook it, given that you've just (apparently) fixed an entire installation's computer system.

Sigh.
Next time just keep silent, they can puff and huff all they want but unless you have given pledge to answer and tell the truth before a court they have no right to demand answers from you. Especially some insignificant governmental worker.

Now, lets activate those pods with Frost Giants in them. Don't do them at once, just activate one to see what happens.

>>11758100
Yeah, alright, lets just report that the station has been activated.
If need be, tell them you had to use some tech from other facility to help you with the activation, be deliberately vague on how you got it and where...

>>11758100
only one has got a FG in it, the others have got animals and an unknown species

>>11758100
>Whatever you're going to say, it would be a good idea to contact the high nobles before the supervisor does. In the grand scheme of things, this is actually a rather small transgression. Perhaps they'd be willing to overlook it, given that you've just (apparently) fixed an entire installation's computer system.

Hmm... going with that we could say we brought it with us along with the other new gear to help prevent incidents like the imploding base from happening again.

rolled 1, 1, 5 = 7

>>11758103
Acknowledged. Moving to pod release.

>>11758129
The high nobles appreciate your cooperation and are very happy that you were able to repair K16's systems. The request for a three-day stay here is repeated, though you feel that antagonizing the people here for another couple of days would be a bad idea.

>>11758129
>>11758152
The high nobles reprimand you for removing technological items from an installation without permission, but, after confirming that the fabricators can produce (what appear to be) duplicates of the portable, only tell you to keep better track of yourself. They can't have you deliberately withholding anything.

Holy shit.
This is still going on? I left for like, two and a half months.

>>11758207
stay there 3 days
bring the equipment to wake up the FG

rolled 4, 5, 3 = 12

>>11758207
FC's efforts restore the intelligences in control of K16 to something approaching normalcy, and the feeds from the internal sensors confirm that the supervisor is nothing close to happy. His second-in-command is trying to calm him down. All Dreamwood personnel have left the area for the time being.

After all the usual precautions are placed, with anti-magic field generators and remote stun grenades (just monitoring equipment from the storage areas, of course) at the ready, you prepare to pop the hatch, sending the 'defrost' command to the solitary stasis pod. A few moments later, the primary armored doors swing open, exposing the transparent shield and the occupant within. She looks much like an older version of yourself, with close-cropped hair, wearing a bland gray jumpsuit with no markings.

Half a minute after the case opens, she stumbles out, rubbing her eyes and leaning heavily on the pod, favoring her right leg. The gray material covering the back of her right calf is thick with dried blood.

“...did it work?” she says aimlessly, glancing around the room and blinking to clear her eyes. “Wait,” she points at you, nearly losing her balance, “Who the hell are you? Why are there humans here? What's going on?”

>>11758226
Yes. We are making sci-fi fleets now capable of utterly destroying all of the world (if all the world has the same level of tech like Perin and Forus that is) if we wanted to.

Cool, eh?

>>11758290
"A few millennia passed, miss. Many things have changed."

>>11758290

Real calmly reply "I hate to break it to you, but, it's been pretty close to 1819 years since you went into stasis. A lot has changed. A LOT.

Someone get her a chair. She's gonna need to sit down to hear all this..."

>>11758290
" I am sorry, but -I- am the one who will be asking questions and depending on you behaviour I'll amuse you by answering yours.
Now... what were you referring to? Did WHAT work?

Oh, and the humans are with me, they are my bodyguards... though I don't really need them"

>>11758341
"Come and I'll show you."
Try to look as good and gentle as possible

>>11758290
Woops. meant to say: "btw, make sure there arn't any humans present when we wake them up."

>>11758341
>>11758342

Goddammit, people, why are you always so friendly? You were the same with Korus.
Imagine yourself in that situation, you must clearly set yourself in superior position and only after that gradually become friendlier. Have you never seen questionings in a movie?

>>11758382
We're lawful good, that's why

I hope we are wearing our bitching Hugo-style commissar suit. That ought to always give great first impression

>>11758392
Doesn't mean we have to be happy-go-lucky elf-like grinning idiot ALL the time.

I am not saying to start torture her. Just let her know her position and that she has absolutely no right of demanding anything yet. We must hold position of authority, people!

>>11758342

Seconding this response.

rolled 6, 3, 6 = 15

>>11758341
>>11758342
“...what? Eighteen HUNDRED YEARS?” she nearly collapses, staggering against the pod. One of your researchers rushes to help, as if he could support a being her size, but she bats him away, wiping her eyes again. “That can't be! I was just in... in the bay, waiting for them to start. Minutes ago. And what the hell's wrong with my leg, dammit?”

One of the golems drags a chair over, which she gladly takes, sitting down with some discomfort. There's a small spot of blood on the pod case where she was leaning.

>>11758355
"I... what the... who? Who are you, for god's sake?" she nearly shouts at you, shifting in the chair, "I'm not telling you a damn thing until I know who you are! Command! Answer me! Who is this?"

The system answers without hesitation. "This is Administrator One of Kharok Sixteen."

The woman's eyes grow wide. "No. No. It can't- You can't be." Her hand moves over her mouth. "You can't-" she coughs into her fist, holding her stomach with her other hand.

rolled 5, 3, 2 = 10

>>11758409
You are. However, it is covered by your hazard suit, which is Kerberos-styled.

>>11758436
"My name is Maya.. You're injured, your questions can wait for now. Let's bring you to a medical center - I'll tell you more when you get better."

>>11758436
Heal her! Damn she's our only iralian up do date and we're leaving her to die!
Quickly, bring her to the medbay or something!

>>11758436
Ok she's going to need medical assistance immediately. Something with the stasis system may have gone wrong or her injuries might not be able to close because of it.

"We're taking you to medical. Explanations can wait until we're sure you wont bleed to death."

>>11758454
Oh, that is awesome too.
Pretty intimidating I suppose.

Seems like she's sick or wounded. GET HER TO MEDICAL, ASAP!!!

try to get as much as possible info out of her on the way to there. The last events that she remembers. Why she was in stasis. What were they going to start, etc... I am fairly sure she's going to die or something right now.

Oh shit. Maybe we should pack her back in the stasis pod?

Also get a medgolem here immediately.

Oh man, we missed golden opportunity here,

When she woke up should have done this:
-Grin like a maniac and say in a bemused tone "Welcome to the future, Baby!"

Oh well, we can do that to one of the other 13 stasis pods

>>11758530
Tell her that whatever was going on before is now OVER and she has not to worry about it

!!!!!!!!!!

Wait! Now that we are waking up ancient people we should consider that they know how to operate and how all of this shit works.

Lets make sure there are NONE manual overrides of any kind in any facilities. Would suck greatly if one of Iralians took all of the command from us.

Ask our AI if there are overrides and if it says there are, then remove them all.
Either we get everything or no one get anything!

rolled 4, 3, 2 = 9

>>11758463
>>11758488
>>11758492
>>11758495
“But-” she coughs again, mumbling, “Eighteen centuries... Oh god.” She doesn't fight the two golems that move to support her, lifting her off the chair, now stained with blood. She says nothing else on the way to the medical center, only mumbling something you can't quite hear, not responding to your questions.

A triage scan confirms that she's suffering from shock, and has limited cellular damage as a result of stasis. The small puncture wound in her leg isn't helping things much, either. It takes less than a minute for one of the medical golems to clean and heal the wound. Another attaches a small tube to her shoulder after lying her back on one of the beds, while the first sterilizes the floor. She soon comes back around.

“I should... have known,” she says, eyes fluttering open, “Nothing good ever happens in stasis.” A golem gives her a sip of water, then detaches the tube, leaving a ring of tiny blue marks on the patient's shoulder. “I don't suppose you know Stial, do you? (You do not) Well, he was administrator before... before you. God, two millennia, right? I guess it's a stupid question. He's probably long gone by now.”

>>11758571
"Yep. Do I have to be blunt and honest or do you prefer a lot of pretty words to comfort you?"

>>11758571
"Actually I know nothing. Nothing at all. The surviving Frodt Giants are of no help either, them being roving murderous mindless barbarians and all...
So why don't you start from the beginning? I want to hear all of what you have to say."

Also, ask her about other occupants in the stasis pods especially the creature who's race we do not know of.

>>11758583
Don't be a jackass, jackass.

Give her a brief rundown on what we know, and that we've been bringing systems online and purging them of what appears to be a virus.

Ask her if she knows anything about semi-solid organisms causing havoc, and a frost demon that ran off with a city. Also ask about the mutations affecting our people.

rolled 2, 2, 2 = 6

>>11758541
"Well, of course it is," she laughs half-heartedly. "Otherwise I'd've woken up a long, long time ago." She pauses. "Y'know, you're the first... well, the first giant I've seen. Administrator and all that. Why exactly do you have human guards, and where are all the others? The others like us, I mean."

>>11758583
>or do you prefer a lot of pretty words to comfort you?
Because goodness knows the rest of our people wont be quick to offer them these days.

We might want to send other stasises to K9. Who knows, maybe they will be so sick or injured that these medical stations will not help them.


Oh, ask the girls her name and what kind of work she did here.

>>11758605
"Oh, they are taking a long overdue break from being civilized beings. I am working on fixing that, so don't worry" Tell her about the current state that FG are in and the healing process you put them through.

>>11758605
Hoo boy.

Let's go easy on this revelation.

"There's a problem with our people. For some reason, there seems to have been either a genetic mutation or a magical curse set on them. Upon reaching adulthood, much of their brain tissue degrades and they suffer from many somatic disorders. As a result, they've fallen to a tribal state, and live in small groups led by powerful shamans. I've only recently awoken due to direct intervention by powers unknown. (unless it was Hretmar and friends who did it.)

I've had some success curing the mutation, but it only is effective in young people I'm afraid. You're the best source of information I have about what happened to our people.

As for the humans, well, for a long time I was the only sane Frost Giant. I organized a group of humans and turned them into a halfway respectable civilization. We've been working on recovering the lost Frost Giant civilization."

We might want to wake all the others and tell them everything together so that we don't have to go through this 13 times.

Tell her that to not mind the humans.

>>11758698
I do not want to wake the others just yet. We should get info from this lady about them, especially the unknown. Jumping into situations has the habit of turning bad for us.

Order other pods to be ready for thawing in the mean time

rolled 4, 4, 2 = 10

>>11758566
There are none that she could conceivably access successfully by herself. Since you already hold the position of Administrator One, she can't take control of the installation in the normal manner. Besides that, FC and the others would know if she tried.

>>11758583
>>11758604
"Huh. I should've known time wouldn't be kind to it all. Especially if someone intentionally broke something. Standard procedures are to leave nothing for the enemy when you abandon a base, but..." she shrugs.

"Incorporeal's not my department, so you won't get anything out of me there. I'm not about to believe anything about a demon taking over the city, or whatever other stories you come up with. Not yet. Not like I'd trust you right off the bat."

>>11758600
"Not much to tell." she settles back, rubbing her leg. "It was just a test. Fifteen pods, one with me in it. Animals and some others. One of em' was human, so if you're getting an unknown reading... well."

>>11758757
Ask what the situation with fire giants was. And how the pantheon behaved. Ask if she knows anything about the Bleeding Sun.

>>11758757
>Besides that, FC and the others would know if she tried.

I wasn't referring just to her. When/if we thaw them all they might pull in their collective skills and knowledge to do something... but if it's something hard and easy noticeable then okay....

>>11758757
>One of em' was human, so if you're getting an unknown reading... well.

Let's put some 'do not break glass' and biohazard stickers on that stasis pod how about?

>>11758778
This too.

rolled 4, 1, 3 = 8

>>11758631
"Ivala. Researcher. Test subject. Self-volunteered, you know." She laughs. "You don't actually know what this installation does, do you? Command. State purpose of sixteen."

The system says, "Purpose not found."

Ivala's smile fades. "Ah, dammit. I hope you aren't responsible for this. Alright, my group was responsible for projection. Put a bunch of stuff in stasis, fire up the machine, shadow goes through the realm and out the other side. Unknown effects. Would've been fun."

>>11758661
"God. You- I hope you're not serious. Really? Shit. Shit. This is- Shit. Fine time to wake me up. Maybe you should let me go stale for another thousand or so."

>>11758861
".....Machine? What machine?"


Oh, I am guessing that the annihilation of Iralan people came from the place MORTALS SHOULD NOT MEDDLE WITH.

>>11758861
You want to just abandon your people and go to sleep until it all gets better? This is your chance to bring them out of barbarism and set them on the path to bringing back their lost glory. I can count the number of sane Frost Giants on my hands. It's up to us to fix this mess, and you're included in that "us."

rolled 1, 6, 4 = 11

>>11758675
"Organized humans, huh? Sounds like a bad joke. If you're telling me the truth, I mean, the real, honest truth... I'm gonna have to see it with my own eyes. Won't get much out of me until then. Maybe."

>>11758698
"Yeah, whatever. As long as they keep their distance and don't point those fucking things at me."

>>11758732
"Okay, so there's a human, an Aquen, a Vael, a High One, and a Vicrus. Then you got your animals, which I'm not going through because it's been a long-ass time and I don't remember how many we stuffed in there."

>>11758919
Ask for her recommendation on reviving any of them. I suggest not doing it, personally.

But sure, let's give her the grand tour. Pack her in the shuttle with us and do a flyby over Dreamwood. And the giant fucking hole where the city used to be. That should freak her out a bit.

>"Organized humans, huh?...
"1800+ years is a LONG time... they are doing quite well, have decent civilizations and such though not very technologically advanced .... that is, not advanced before I came along"

>Vael, a High One, and a Vicrus
"Okay... so who are those then? Never heard of them..."

rolled 6, 2, 2 = 10

>>11758741
Do you want each of them in its own room?

>>11758778
"Uh... we were at war? God, you don't even know that after all this time. All the gods were just peachy, fighting their gods all the time. And-" she stops. "Wait. Bleeding Sun? Is that what you said?" she bites her lip. "It's a bedtime story. That's all it ever was."

>>11758849
Pods with unknown occupants marked.

>>11758900
"The test machine. It extends through all the chambers. You'd know that if the database was intact, but if it can't even state its own purpose, shit out of luck, I guess. Prototype, just like everything else. Unpredictable, like I said. Does some weird, weird stuff. Cail thought it cycled through the planes, getting a different result each time. We were trying to lock it down, get a specific target." She looks over herself, pinching her skin and wincing. "So you're getting unknown readings, huh? But I'm fine. That's odd."

>>11758919
Were humans really that mindless and savage back then? Because really it's almost as if someone tried to do a swap between the mental state of humans then and Iralan.


High One?

>>11758987
"Right now the Bleeding Sun is fucking up our whole pantheon. Helping out is on our long list of things to do, but right now there's a frost demon in command of a flying city full of your people's best technology, and the gods gave me a deadline before that city is powered up and ready to ruin our shit. So we need to get working, and I do need your help."

rolled 1, 5, 6 = 12

>>11758902
"Oh, please. I don't know one damned thing about lifting a whole culture out of fucking barbarism. If I did, well, I would have been queen of the humans a long time ago, alright? Now listen. You pulled me out of that thing. I'd thank you, but, god, look at this! Look at what's happened! I've spent something like eight lifetimes in there, and here I wake up and you tell me everything's gone to shit. I've lost everything. Everyone I've ever known is gone, there's nothing left of my world. Assuming everything you say is true, I'd just as soon double my time in deep freeze. You can launch me into space for all I care. Maybe things'll be better when I wake up." She's tearing up. The med-panel beside her bed registers an elevated heart rate. One of the golems gives her a sip of water, and she calms down a bit.

>>11758944
"Do whatever you want. Personally, I'd like to be somewhere else when you open those things. No telling what'll come out. Check the vid-logs when you clean out the databases. Try to keep the vomit off the screens, 'kay?"

>>11759051
Goddamn what a bitch.

"Look, I won't make you fight or anything. But can you please just give me some information? I'm working with 4(?) base AIs who's bases are seriously fucked, and I'm trying to build an armada with 2 and a half ships. If you can give me anything at all to help, then I'll let you go back to sleep for however long you want. Maybe whatever race comes after humanity will find you."

>>11759051
" Heh, I lost everything too. But I'm peachy. Gets you worked up nicely when you know your are doing something significant and important, and when you are doing for everyone's benefit not just your own...."

rolled 1, 5, 3 = 9

>>11758967
"What's the average lifespan of a human? Fifty, maybe sixty years? Thirty-six generations. I would've thought they'd killed themselves off by now."

"Oh? Well, let me enlighten you. Vael are aquatic, like the Aquen. Look like eels, nasty as hell when they dry out. High Ones are about, oh, 90% our height, but thin like twigs. Naturally telekinetic, only thing that keeps them upright. A Vicrus... It's... I dunno, like mold. Fungus. Communal being. Philosophical and stuff. You ever wonder what it'd be like to talk to bacteria? Well, that's as close as we got. I think."

>>11758999
"Humans are bright, brutal animals. Were. Okay, maybe still are, I don't know. They're just... it's pointless to talk to them, reason with them. Was. God, I don't know. No offense," she offers, glancing at your escorts, "Two millennia. Changes."

>>11759124
Lost absolutely everything. At least she has you own body .... and gender unlike us.
.... Though I am nit sure we should reveal her that we are not a Frost Giant


Ask her what she knows about Bleeding Sun

>>11759091

DO FUCKING NOT MENTION THE ARMADA HERE

>>11759141
"Humans have created a proper civilization and are now the dominant species of this world. I've been helping them create a better society for themselves, as well as healing whatever frost giants I could. Would you like to meet one of them?"

>>11759182
Why? We're alone, surrounded by our own escorts, in a base the nobles don't know about, talking with a remnant of the old Frost Giant civilization. If anything, our "armada" barely qualifies as a fishing fleet to her.

rolled 1, 1, 6 = 8

>>11759030
She sighs. "Geez. If you're so hard up-" she sits up, "You know, whatever. I got nothing else going on. I guess you could've lit be on fire by now if you didn't need me for something."

>>11759091
"I said I'd help. I don't know how much use you'll get out of me. I'm kind of out of date. Can't say I won't break down when I really start to think about things. In your place, I'd worry more about me slitting my own throat than being a little grouchy after finding out the whole world's upside down and burning. What do you want to know?" she cracks her neck. "I'm not an administrator, I'm not a historian, and I'm sure as hell not a computer, so take it as you will."

>>11759124
"Pff. Funny thing about that greater good stuff. Who decides? You? Well, my people thought they were hot shit, and look what happened."

>>11759141
>What's the average lifespan of a human? Fifty, maybe sixty years?
100-120 with Iralan level tech.

High One + Vicrus = Mountain Giant? No dont ask me how that'd work there's so much crazy stuff that's happened on this planet it's nuts.

>>11759206
"You said you worked on projection. You mean like astral projection? Would a person's shadow be able to interact with the real world in any way?"

"Do you think you would be able to force projection on someone from a distance, perhaps weaponize it and force your target to leave its body?"

Commissar time.

Give a fancy speech about how we're strangers in a strange land as well, about how we've lost everyone we loved and held dear but we're doing our best to not only survive but enlighten the world around us. Tell her that we could put her back in hibernation but there would be no knowing what future awaited her- this may be strange times but at least there are civilized people trying to make the world a better place.

Express how Humans aren't bad at all. They've changed much in the time shes spent asleep- and even if you find that you still can't stand them in a few short years there will be communities of cured Frost Giants you could join if you like.

Ask her if when she's ready she could help us fill in some gaps in our knowledge of both the ancient Frost Giant what happened to cause their collapse.

rolled 5, 2, 3 = 10

>>11759171
"It's... It's a story. You know, scare the kids to sleep, ha ha, let's have a drink? Big bad god eats a whole bunch of other gods, goes nuts, starts a war, loses, starts toying with mortals a whole lot more than necessary. No one up top gives a shit as long as he's not chomping on their own asses. You ever need to turn someone into a cynic, that'll do it."

>>11759187
"Yeah, sure. Why not? I'd love to see what your dominant species can do with those puny little arms." she glances at your escorts' guns. "Kidding. Kidding."

>>11759195
This installation has been occupied by joint forces from Dreamwood and the government. Fortunately, none of the high nobles' agents are in the medical station, and you have control of the internal sensors.

>>11759206
If you think that Iralan people weren't hot shit then you greatly underestimating you own nation....

>money grabiday
What are trying to tell me Captcha?

rolled 2, 4, 2 = 8

>>11759249
"Yeah, it's kind of like that. You take something in the 'real world', force its shadow through one of the other realms, and see what happens. Most of the time the effect bleeds through and does stuff to the object itself. The shadow gets the brunt of it, though. Anything can happen. When the machine's running, the shadow, or whatever it's become, is as real as anything else. Otherwise it's stuck with its... host, I guess you'd say."

"Doesn't sound like the best weapon you could use. See, if you're not in stasis, you'll probably die, and there are better ways to kill people. Besides, the machine's only got a range of... what? Maybe a couple dozen meters. Not worth it."

>>11759258
"Okay, okay, you don't have to convince me anymore. I'm on your side, alright? It's a lot to take in. I've just gotten up from the longest sleep ever, remember?"

"If there was a collapse, I didn't know a damn thing about it until you told me. I guess I slept through it, huh?" she doesn't say anything else for a moment.

>>11759357
We could totally make a weapon out of the projector and shoot the demon, sending it's shadow elsewhere while we beat the fuck out of its unconscious body.

This sounds like a plan to me.

rolled 1, 4, 6 = 11

>>11759265
"Ha! What'd it get them? Where's the world peace, the end to crime, the system colonies? Face it. They rolled the dice and lost it all. God, I can't- I can't even believe it, but it's true, isn't it? They're gone. Gone."

>>11759372
Do you wish to make this a project?

>>11759357
If we make sure the door is locked first we could probably show her that video with last few minutes recorded above ground leading up to the event. If she wants to see it that is.

>>11759397
I think it's definitely worth looking into. We'd be able to drop a projector and effectively incapacitate or kill any enemy that was too tough for weapons alone, like the frost demon.

My only worry is that the shadow will remain unaccounted for, and could pull all kinds of dickery while we cut its body to tiny little pieces.

>>11759357

"Look, I know this is a lot to lay on a person. I wasn't all that thrilled with my own situation at first, either. We'll get you set up with your own quarters.. uh.. again, I guess, and then just sorta figure out what to do.

>>11759397
I seriously doubt that Ivala wants to stay here, surrounded by a bunch of humans and a broken database to keep her company.
Ask her if she'd prefer to get relocated to a Fleet Base. They're in much better condition, and the Fleet Intelligences make for better company.

>>11759427

"And also some booze, if you feel like it."

>>11759397
>>11759372
>Do you wish to make this a project?
Sure!

Too bad we couldnt make a spell version. We could call it the Ra Tilt.

btw, should we tell the other team that's here about our new acquaintance? And if so when/how?

>>11759509

there's no way we'd be able to hide here, really.

Oh shit when we have her alone, we should ask her if she knows anything about nuclear bombs. If she does then our own project should proceed much faster and with better results.

rolled 4, 2, 6 = 12

>>11759400
"Sure. Why not?"

You seal the door, transferring the video record through the portable comm into the nearest console. Ivala watches right up to the moment the camera is destroyed.

"...shit. And I slept through this. Useless."

>>11759412
Very well. You will attempt to weaponize the astral projector.

>>11759427
"Eh. Stranger in a strange land. I'll come around, I guess." She takes another sip of water. "Just... I'd like to see the ones you healed. Talk to em'. That's okay, right?"

>>11759442
"This place is in bad shape, isn't it? Not really fit for much. Pretty empty, too." She swings her legs over the bed, stretching. "I'd appreciate it if you'd clean out my quarters, let me take my stuff. Block 5. Under my name, of course. I hope it's still there."

>>11759451
"Now you're a strange one. Just got me back on my feet and you want me wobbling right off em' again. I'll take whatever you got."

>>11759397
I honestly don't think that we have the time or the resources currently to initiate a project attempting to complete an Iralan prototype device, whose size currently is unknown but likely to be the size of several Giant-sized rooms.

As for Ivala herself, we're going to have to figure out what to do with her. Leaving her here doesn't sound like a good idea, especially since she's been told about the Frost Demon controlling Kharok Main. FB1 with Charla sounds like it might be the best place to send her.
I'm leery about sending her to K9; she does not sound like the kind of person that wants to have to deal with half-civilized barbarians.

rolled 5, 1, 2 = 8

>>11759531
She's not in that type of research. The Fleet Bases are capable of making fission weapons, by the way. I don't recall if I'd told you that.

>>11759557
I don't think you did, considering we have our own project going on. If that's the case we can cease our own and just have the FCs build us some.

>>11759536

"I'll take you over to K9 in a couple days then. I'm contractually obligated to some human nobility (and, you can laugh if you feel like it here) to help out in the recovery efforts for a three day period. Take a nap for a bit or whatever you want to do to get yourself centered and we'll get your stuff."

>>11759536
>I'd like to see the ones you healed. Talk to em'. That's okay, right?
We could try to find a way to get her to K9. I don't know how the meeting would go between her and the other adult Frost Giants.

As for telling the government team about her, I don't know if that would be wise.
She is a Frost Giant from before the Collapse, and so would represent a wealth of technical information.

>>11759576

I'm sorry but their guys know she was here and that we woke her up.

Is that too hard to understand?

This woman is our newest secret. Remember what they did with Erivrus? They chained him to a floor and poked at him until they could make more. Imagine what they'll do with a squishy frost giant?

>>11759557
You did, but that the AI's had special programming preventing them from messing around with that sort of stuff much. Or playing 'War Games' with them.

>>11759538
>I'm leery about sending her to K9; she does not sound like the kind of person that wants to have to deal with half-civilized barbarians.
Perhaps just a short visit?

>>11759576
>>11759586
As always there could be ways around that but you're right it'd be lots of trouble for us to pull off. Should we call the head of the other team down to medical now so there's more of a controlled setting?

>>11759586
We have control of the internal sensors.
Also,
>none of the high nobles' agents are in the medical station, and you have control of the internal sensors.
They don't know about her being thawed yet.

>>11759627
>Imagine what they'll do with a squishy frost giant
They'll poke and prod her mind, likely with a lot of magic. After all, she's just a spare, loyalties unknown, and she's just a Frost Giant.
Likely they'll attempt either a mindrip, or attempt to use her to suborn control away from us.
If they could use some kind of enslavement spell, they'll likely do so, and secure the other Kharok Facilities themselves, leaving us out of the administrative command structure.

>>11759639
I'm fine with sending Ivala for a short visit. I expect an attempt by Kyva to enlist her help in creating a strong, independent Frost Giant nation.

rolled 1, 2, 1 = 4

If you wish to extract Ivala from the installation without anyone else discovering her presence, you can signal the nearest shuttle with the portable comm, then move up through a perimeter accessway and out, preferably at night. With your control of the internal sensors and all security mechanisms, it would be trivial to avoid the government troops. If you also wish to spend your three days here, you could escort her out and have one of the Fleet Command units or Korus watch her for you.

Subproc, did our deal with the High Nobles cover any ancient Frost Giants who might have survived? All magitechnological devices are to be shared and not removed from their respective facility without prior approval, but was any mention in the deal made about someone who might have survived due to advanced technology?
We might need to contact our team of lawyers for this one.

>>11759802
I'd go with the latter. She could help educate the regenerated frost giants or just keep them company. We could keep the nobles' attention at the facility.

I want to kill them all sooooooo bad.

>>11759802
Yeah but dont researchers know there was a Frost Giant in on of the stasis pods? We'd need a replacement body to put in there for the deception to be complete. Also the head guy here seems to be on his game. What if he's got someone doing scrying... oh god would we be able to detect someone scrying us? What if he's been watching our progress in here?
OhmygodImfreakingoutagain.jpg

rolled 3, 3, 4 = 10

>>11759828
Not specifically, no. However, I believe you already know what the high nobles think of technicalities.

>>11759830
If that's the consensus, what do you want to spend your three days on? You still have fourteen unopened pods, a fragmented database, the astral projector, and whatever other marvels this place may contain.

>>11759802
I think it would be best if we got Ivala moving at night, give her a chance to get her personal effects from her room, and then get to a waiting shuttle. Use the facility's internal sensors to avoid the government troops and researchers.

If we do have her go to K9 directly, I think the cover story should be that she's another modern Frost Giant that we captured. Then, when she leaves, we could say that she's been released to attempt communication with the local tribes.

The above plan has several holes, but I hope that other posters will be able to see and plug them.

rolled 5, 4, 4 = 13

>>11759868
He couldn't know what was in the pods without scanning them. There's no way to know if that was done before you entered the facility, but it is unlikely, given the state of the installation's systems before FC straightened them out.

>>11759875
>I believe you already know what the high nobles think of technicalities
Yes. But that's why we have the Prince and the High Lord on our side on this.
>>11759875
Let's spend the time learning Iralan computer systems. We need to be able to back up our claims of being able to manipulate Iralan computers deftly and better than anyone else, without always depending on the FC's. We can work on the database recovery so we can get some useful work done.

>>11759868
>>11759925
You know, we really need to keep an anti-scry charm on us for just these sorts of things.

Let's go with not telling the High Nobles or their lackeys about Ivala and sneak her out.
If they did catch on via divination or scrying, then we have the High Lord mediate again.
There was nothing in the original agreement about anyone alive that might be rescued from a Kharok Facility, and we took her to K9 because it has the best medlabs in all of the KF's.

For the next facility we find, we should set it to kill all humans, then tell the nobles that after a cursory examination we believe it holds powerful weaponry from the height of the FG empire.

It will be glorious.

rolled 1, 6, 4 = 11

>>11759760
>>11759830
>>11759900
>>11759950
>>11759982
Consensus, then. Stand by for timeskip. Please tell me what you wish to do following the three days. The shaman, with the rest of her batch, should be healed or close to it by the time you return to K9, if you depart immediately after you discharge your obligations.

>>11760003
They're going to be suspicious if none of our people enter.
Besides, the High Nobles themselves wouldn't enter; why should they? That's why they hired their personnel.

>>11760037
Work on the computers so that we can actually back up all of our claims of advanced system administration knowledge, and have the Heavy Security Golems make a token effort at doing repairs around the facility. We need them to do that to keep up our cover story concerning them.

>>11760047
Say that we found record of it in a report from one of the other facilities, and that we don't have the time or the personnel to go check it out. They won't go, but hopefully they'll send that overseer who's been on our ass.

>>11760090
Again, unlikely. Why would they do that, when their administrator here is already getting started. Why would they do a personnel shift like that? We don't even know how high up he is in the Nobles' organization, or how good of an administrator he is perceived to be.
Too much risk for too little reward.

>>11760037
After we're done going through a crash-course in Iralan network protocols, let's go back to K9. Ivala would likely have already arrived ahead of us, so just have K9-Command record her interactions with the other Frost Giants and we'll review the footage on our way there.

rolled 6, 5, 6 = 17

For three rather annoying days, you manipulate K16's computer systems, brushing up on your rustier skills and trying not to rely on the FCs too much. Fortunately, the government supervisor seems just as content to keep to himself as you are, and your paths do not cross for more than a moment the whole time. By the end of it, you've retrieved a fair amount of information from the databases, most of it on the astral projector, and sealed the stasis pods thoroughly enough to prevent anyone from tampering. Obviously, FC will warn you if anyone attempts to open one of them. You'd just as soon leave the unknowns to sleep a little longer, rather than letting on of the high nobles' flunkies discover just how horrifying the contents of those pods are.

During transit back to K9 you continue broadening your knowledge of the computers through the portable comm, becoming well-versed in the protocols used by those ancient machines. It's not very much fun, but it's something you might need to know.

You are pleased to discover that K9 is still intact when you arrive, and the rather large amount of Frost Giants out of stasis hasn't managed to trigger a war yet. Ivala has been speaking with Korus and the intelligences for much of her time, and confides in you that she finds Kyva as... difficult as her own mother. Most of those marked by Kyva as valuable allies have been 'defrosted' and restored to normality, along with the shaman, who is locked in a stasis pod, surrounded by stun grenades, anti-magic field generators, and armed guards. At your command, she will be awakened. If necessary, she can be kept partially sedated and brought out of it gradually, to reduce the chance of her using her powers impulsively.

>>11760220
>and confides in you that she finds Kyva as... difficult as her own mother.
Ha! Mothers are the same, even after two millennia.

>she can be kept partially sedated and brought out of it gradually, to reduce the chance of her using her powers impulsively.
This might be best.
Do we want to deal with her now, though? Or keep her in stasis and slow down the thawing of Frost Giants until after the crisis with the Frost Demon has passed?

>>11760220
>If necessary, she can be kept partially sedated and brought out of it gradually, to reduce the chance of her using her powers impulsively.
That sounds good. I'm all for that.


Been meaning to ask does FC know how Magma Steel compares to Titanium in terms of ability to take hits and heat resistance?
Also, are there any weapons equivilant to grenade launchers in the FG arsenal? Something with a ceramic barrel to launch thermite or white phosphorus might be handy later.

rolled 4, 5, 5 = 14

>>11760317
Magma Steel is quite a bit more durable than Titanium, and more heat-resistant.

There are grenade launchers, yes, but like most projectile weapons, they are generally reserved for use on vehicles or in stationary mounts. It would be fairly easy to adapt the design for use as a carried weapon, however.

>>11760317
The usage of conventional heat to harm the Frost Demon might not be too effective. We fought it down in the mantle, and it didn't seem phased by the heat at all.

rolled 6, 2, 6 = 14

>>11760317
Shall the shaman be awakened, then?

So let's spend a day or so talking with Kyva, to get a better handle on the personality of the Shaman, and to get her name.

We bring her around slowly, so that she if she instinctively lashes out with a magical attack, it'll be weak. We should have Guardian on stand-by and monitoring the situation.
Also, as we're talking to her, could we get updates on how much sedative is still in her system, and how far from fully focused she is?

Also, has our staff of psychologists arrived to assist in modifying Frost Giant behavior?

>>11760378
Something simple like the M-32.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M32_MGL
Heck, we could even produce something like it in Dreamwood given a little bit of time.
>>11760421
Right... fuck. Still I'm sure we'll find a use for them.

>Do we want to deal with her now, though?
Yes, because if we can get her on our side now she could be a valuable ally in the upcoming battle.
>>11760437
I'm for it.

>>11760437
Let's use a day to prepare everything and get some more background and personality information from Kyva concerning the shaman, including her name.
Make sure that all of the anti-magic generators, stun grenades, and other precautions are ready. Humans should not be present unless they are in power armor to hide their small stature. Make sure that some security golems are on hand, but beyond the range of the anti-magic fields if possible.

>>11760475
>Still I'm sure we'll find a use for them.
It's white phosphorous. If we can't find a use for them, we're mucking about.

rolled 6, 1, 6 = 13

>>11760456
The shaman's name is Avres. At about fifty years old, she is very powerful, but has also resigned herself to her fate, accepting that there's really nothing she can do to heal herself or her tribe. She hates being helpless, watching herself and others waste away with no hope. As Kyva said, she could take what you've done in several ways. She might be thankful for doing what she could not, or she might hate you for the same reason. At least, you should expect her to question your motives.

Yes. The level of sedatives in her system will be reported.

Your psychologists have arrived, but you should remember that they are not true professionals, much like most of your people. The field of psychology is a very new one.

>>11760475
A simple multi-shot grenade launcher wouldn't be difficult for the Fleet Bases to manufacture. Resizing it to human proportions would be a slightly more difficult than designing it.

>>11760492
Precautions noted and in place. What, specifically, would you like to know about the shaman?

Oh, SubDM!
Maybe not enough time has passed yet, but what's the progress on creating an embassy in Lokar and contacting the Mountain Giant population there, and of our attempts to find Bira and Ull scholars via the New Aarmour College?

>>11760582
>What, specifically, would you like to know about the shaman?
Well, for one, any painful or traumatic events or questions we should avoid. We got a look at her power, and we had Canderous run a tactical analysis, so I think we have a good idea of what she's capable of.
I'm most worried about emotional and psychological pitfalls, because those aren't things we can point a phaser or a plasma lance at to make go away.

rolled 5, 1, 3 = 9

>>11760589
You do not yet have an embassy, but your diplomatic team has noted the locations of several Mountain Giant clans. As peaceful philosophers who keep to themselves, the Mountain Giants are generally regarded as something to protect, and the local authorities are rather averse to outsiders and their intrusion. As for the embassy, there are some interesting snags resulting from the fact that Dreamwood is not a proper nation. Lokar already has plenty of contact with Perin's government, after all. In any case, there aren't any problems that require your attention just yet.

You have found numerous Ull and Hagrek scholars, some of whom have accepted invitations to Dreamwood, but few have yet chosen to stay. You are seeing a slight but noticeable trickle of Hagrek immigration, probably because of your immense industrial machine. Bira have come and gone, but none have elected to stay for any length of time. They regard your continual clearing of the forest as a bad sign.

rolled 6, 3, 6 = 15

>>11760620
If at all possible, you should avoid making any overt reference to the therapies. The disease is an extremely sore spot with her, and it would be best if you brought her around gradually, rather than telling her straight out that you are the salvation of the Frost Giants, or something like that. Since Avres is a shaman, everyone, even the chief, tends to step lightly around her, because there is really no way to prevent her from killing damn near everyone in the village if she gets upset. Thus, she's been insulated for a long time, shielded from the uglier realities of life. Aside from this, there is not very much you need to remember. Just don't antagonize her. If she starts to get angry, back off. If you're forced to stun her, that will probably ruin whatever chance you had of bringing her over for some time.

>>11760677
> Mountain Giants are generally regarded as something to protect, and the local authorities are rather averse to outsiders and their intrusion.
Make it clear that we are interested solely in a philosophical and knowledge exchange, nothing more.
>Bira have come and gone, but none have elected to stay for any length of time. They regard your continual clearing of the forest as a bad sign.
That is not encouraging. Make sure that we set up tree farms if lumber is an issue. Otherwise, we should work to conserve forests where we can. It'll be better for relations with druids (can we get a general feel for how druids and such feel about our rapid industrialization? I'm hoping that any ill-will is tempered by the fact that we try to use ecological engineering and environmentally-friendly practices where we can), any local nature spirits that might get ticked off at us, and doesn't alienate the Bira.

>>11760677
>They regard your continual clearing of the forest as a bad sign.
Wont really be able to call it Dreamwood if there's no woods. We should take some time with city planning and map out a way to make the best use of existing clear space yet not end up paving over good farm land. Bit of a dilemma.

>>11760778
>avoid making any overt reference to the therapies.
>best if you brought her around gradually, rather than telling her straight out that you are the salvation of the Frost Giants
Anyone who plans on posting on what to actually say, please keep these points in mind.

I think we should start off with the standard:
"Avres, can you hear me? How are you feeling? My name is Maya, and you've been asleep for a while."

>>11760809
We could set up County Forests and Nature Reserves. Also, once our heavy rail lines into the North are completed, we could move our heavy industry up here.

rolled 5, 6, 3 = 14

>>11760784
Noted.

Tree farms will be started up where possible.

The druids aren't quite enamored with you, but they don't hate you, either. It isn't like you treat the environment with callous disregard, after all. Though you don't try to live in harmony with nature, you do your best to minimize the impact of industrialization. A good number of the local druids and ecological mages are beginning to see industrial progress as a pandora's box deal. The best they can do now is try to keep everything from getting too out of hand; they can't stuff technology back in the box, at least not unless they're prepared to destroy. So far, environmental science lags behind, but what you have produced so far, like the plant that feeds on soot, has far-reaching implications. In the future, regardless of what you do, you will probably be targeted by the less pacifist druids and those who see the natural environment as truly sacred. But you have dealt with terrorism before.

rolled 5, 5, 4 = 14

In the large, open chamber where the shaman's pod sits, you wait patiently for everyone to get into position. Hopefully, the shaman won't be able to defend against what she can't see, so one of the stunners will get through if things get dicey. Once preparations are complete, you authorize the release of the stasis pod, and a medical golem quickly attaches a dispenser unit to the shaman's shoulder as the transparent cover opens. Your portable comm reports that the shaman is unconscious and sedated. You begin to bring her out of it.

At about half-level, her eyes slowly open, and her arms twitch. You speak.

"Avres, can you hear me? How are you feeling? My name is Maya, and you've been asleep for a while."

Her heart rate jumps a bit as she opens her mouth.

“I... hear. I... feel... tired.”

Kyva is standing by in a sealed room at the other end of the installation, sitting at a console hooked into the internal sensors. She sends a message to the comm, asking you to decrease the sedative.

>>11760867
Goddamn eco-terrorists.

In the even of treehugging, order the men to continue chopping as though there was nobody there.

The best solution in the long run might be to use Dreamwood mainly for R&D, schooling and as a headquarters. As heavy industry and architecture advances it might be easier to buy land in some of the larger cities where nature might have already been built over. All we do then is increase the efficient use of that space.

Expand existing cities upwards and downwards instead of outwards.

>>11760867
We were going to have to deal with eco-terrorists eventually. At least the druids can look on the bright side: at least we're trying to be ecologically and environmentally responsible. Imagine what things could have been like without our control over industry to keep the worst aspects tamped down, or if one of the High Nobles had decided he wanted to usher in the Industrial Revolution.

>>11760968
This sounds good. That way we can keep the gigantic smokestacks out of our happy place.

>>11760967
>In the even of treehugging, order the men to continue chopping as though there was nobody there.
While hilarious, remember that we are now in a world with magic, and those tree-hugging hippies can zap you with lightning and fire, and call down the local nature god on your ass.

>>11760960
Motion for the medical golem to slowly decrease the level of sedation.
"You should start to feel better.
"What is the last thing that you remember?"

I thought this fetish thread got banned?

>>11760993
We should begin searching for gods of industry and mechanisms.

PRAISE THE OMNISSIAH!

>>11761053
We already did. Illian's our bro, and we're on good terms with the other gods and goddesses in his network of friends.

Once the Pantheon is back, should we try to introduce an astral version of Facebook?

rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11

>>11761017
Sedatives at 45%.

“I... feel better.”

40%.

Her eyes move slowly from side to side. “I remember... battle. I... was captured?”

35%.

“Where... where am I?” she tugs gently against her bonds. “Where have... you taken me, Maya?”

30%. The dispenser halts at a predetermined limit.

“I am... awake, now. I feel no pain. I am your... prisoner.” she smiles. “I am a prisoner of war. Have you healed me? Why? Why am I here?”

>>11761095
You are here because you were sick, and I wanted to cure you. Like I have cured others. Our people.

"You should start to feel better in a little bit. A lot has happened. I thought it would be a good idea to bring you about slowly."

>>11761109
NO! Weren't listening when we were told NOT TO BRING THAT UP?!
>>11761095
"You are not a prisoner of war, per se. Though, I suppose that given the circumstances, both your tribe and the other one could be considered my vanquished foes.
"You are here because leaving you out there would have been more uncomfortable for you."

>>11761109
Do you think this shaman, who has incredible magical prowess and is capable of leading a tribe despite the pain of the curse, is not going to realize that she no longer suffers? That the frost giants around us no longer suffer? I think that we will offend her more by playing her as a child rather than respecting her as a leader.

>>11761095
"You are not a prisoner. If you wish to leave this place all you have to do is ask. You are very powerful and I would live to see the end of this day."

>>11761095
>Have you healed me? Why? Why am I here?
"I have had you healed because I felt it to be the right thing to do. You are here, because the others of your tribe are here."

Answers without answers, let's see how she responds to cryptic responses.

rolled 3, 1, 2 = 6

>>11761116
"I... understand. Much has happened. I am chained. You have taken me, and you have taken my people."

>>11761145
"If I am no prisoner, why do you keep me here, against my will? You did not fight us. You did not meet us on the battlefield. You... simply... felled us. Effortlessly. I could do nothing to defend myself."

"Yes. It would have been. Better to be chained than free."

>>11761171
"I wish to leave. Release me." her heart rate begins increasing.

rolled 2, 5, 1 = 8

>>11761184
"You could not have healed us without bringing us to our knees? Without taking us, when we did not wish to be taken? Release me."

Kyva says she isn't quite coherent. You won't accomplish much while she's in this state.

>>11761207
Sedate her. Let's go on a field trip. We take her back to the battlefield and then resume this process there. Have stunner drones standing by in the area if she becomes difficult.

>>11761207
>I wish to leave. Release me.
"If that is your wish, then I will release your bonds. I only ask for your word, that you will not discharge your magics within this compound, or harm my men."

I don't want to fight her, and fighting could destroy any chance at diplomacy.

>>11761207
She is a powerful mage and a leader. We should be respectful but wary. Do we have any anti-magic items we can use if she attempts to attack us?

If so, keep them ready. Have some food and water placed out and free her. If she still wants to leave, don't stop her and order everyone to let her through. Eventually, her curiosity at her healed state should bring her back to us.

rolled 4, 4, 6 = 14

>>11761246
>>11761249
Consensus requested. You do have the precautions in place should she attempt to escape, or worse.

>>11761207

"If I release you, I would show you this place on your way out.

Kyva has told me much about you. Our people. They are broken, and you know this. We are not as we once were. As we were meant to be. We had an enemy that haunts this world still, and the three eyes brought us low.

This place is the legacy of your ancestors. So, if you wish free of this place, you will have to first see it for yourself."

Signal to have a long, winding path through K9 cleared of humans torwards the exit. Give her a tour.

>>11761246
Sedating her initially sounds good, but what about the ramifications of doing so? Wouldn't it just make her less willing to cooperate?
If you can come up with a good argument, I'll consider changing my vote.

>>11761264
Release the bonds but keep her in the room for now.

>>11761266
No.
This is exactly the kind of mutton-headed condescending messiah complex that Kyva warned us about!

>>11761249
>>11761249
>>11761264
I'm against unshackling her here while she's confused but... well we do have the anti-magic and stun devices in place right? I'm worried she may just be testing to see how gullible we are.

rolled 6, 2, 4 = 12

>>11761252
You have the anti-magic field generators placed around the stasis pod and near the exits. They could be carried if you need to take them with you, but if you are within their area of effect you will obviously be unable to use magic. Certain items, such as the portable comm or golems, will also cease to function.

>>11761306
Yep, anti-magic field generators, stun grenades with remote detonation controlled by Guardian, security golems and power armor-suited security personnel all with stunners, the stunners that we built into the facility itself, and we have multiple lines of fire.
We made sure to take these precautions.
If she's testing us, then she'll find out that we were a step ahead of her all the time.

>>11761266
You sound like a moron. The three eyes brought us low? Your attempt at mystic-speak fails horribly.

Please disregard him, DM

Perhaps we could unbind her, but try to convince her to stay?

So, is anyone else going to actually say anything?

>>11761306

Well we're not going to go anywhere if we don't give some slack, she'll just panic. If she tries anything we have contingencies. But we at least have to give the appearance of cooperation.

>>11761266
Also, no, these types of speeches will just inflame people who already don't like us. Going head to head in this case will be counter productive.

>>11761299
>>11761332
I'm kind of agreeing with angron here. >>11761266
We should avoid saying this.

>>11761275
There are downsides to it you're right. perhaps if we do sedate her tell her "When you wake up again you will be back on the tundra and we can resume this conversation."

rolled 4, 6, 4 = 14

You order the nearest golem to release the shaman, watching carefully as the lumbering machine removes her bonds and steps back, heedless of any danger. Avres takes a look at the dispenser attached to her shoulder and pulls it off, sending it clattering to the floor. She immediately takes a deep breath, as if clearing her mind, and steps out of the pod, glancing around the room and noting the same devices that rendered most of her people unconscious. She brushes her arms, turns about, and shakes her head, then stands motionless in front of you.

“Much better,” she chuckles, “I'm sure you're quite prepared to defend yourself and your people, so I won't force your hand. I'd like to see the outside of this room now, please.”

>>11761367

That idea isn't half bad. We can take her to surroundings where she would be more comfortable, and we also take her away from places where she could do damage. I like it.

>>11761390
"Of course, let's talk."
Let's not have her meet the people yet. Can't have her going out before she acknowledges that it would be in their best interest to cooperate with us.

>>11761367
>sedate her tell her "When you wake up again you will be back on the tundra and we can resume this conversation."
Maybe combine this with the idea of releasing her?
"Very well, I will release. I must have you go back to sleep, however. Once you awaken, you will be at the site of the battle, and we can continue our conversation there. Is this acceptable to you?"

If she doesn't accept, then we can go with just releasing her.

>>11761390
"Of course. You must be curious about where you are. This is a research hospital, a place dedicated to finding new treatments and cures."

Make sure that the hallways are cleared of human personnel for now, and that the security detail stays with us.

>>11761390
>I'm sure you're quite prepared to defend yourself and your people, so I won't force your hand.
"I would still like your word. There are people from the tribe yours opposed here as well. I do not wish harm on them or your own. We are all one people, and every life may be needed in the days ahead."

rolled 2, 4, 1 = 7

>>11761414
“Will you let me leave this room or not? I only wish to know if you keep your word. You told me I was not a prisoner, so I wish to have my freedom. I can promise anything I like, but you cannot know if I will keep my word either.” She smiles. “So let's talk.”

>>11761466
"A place of medicine. I suppose you've used this place to cure me, and others. I am not the first to be awakened here, am I?"

The hallways are being cleared. Your security detail will accompany you wherever you happen to go.

I'd very much like to avoid ending this in the middle of something, but it is quite late.

>>11761482
>We are all one people, and every life may be needed in the days ahead."
I'm not sure about this part.
Could we change it to "They are under my roof, and under my protection, and so I must assure their safety."
It's less pseudo-cryptic, and it couches it under a cultural protection.

>>11761511
>I am not the first to be awakened here, am I?
"Perceptive. Yes, I have already awakened Kyva and [names of several of the others]."

rolled 6, 4, 5 = 15

>>11761482
>>11761514
"I have no reason to fight you just yet. I hope that doesn't change. If it does, I won't hesitate. You are the same way, I think. As for those of the other tribe, we are at war. However, if you have made this place... neutral, shall we say, then we can dispense with that for now."

>>11761511

I'm assuming this place has meeting rooms. Can we speak with her face to face and walk together in a bigger room? Have Kyva follow out of sight. If the shaman insists on seeing someone of her tribe, Kyva should be the first face. But even this should be avoided if possible.

>>11761545
>>11761511
Additionally: Ask if she would like to meet any of them. Slowly walk the tour towards the main exit. That's where we can give Avres the choice of staying here, or of leaving.

>>11761572
Let's not proactively ask if she wants to see someone just yet. A bit more talking is wise, I believe.

"No doubt you have many questions. I will answer them as best as I can, and then I will ask questions of you after."

>>11761561
>But even this should be avoided if possible.
Afraid of a possible 'civilian in a crossfire' situation?
I guess possible, but with Guardian manning all of our internal defenses and keeping sensors locked on Avres for the slightest hint of thaumaturgical energy buildup indicating a magical attack, I think the chances are low.

>>11761588
Okay, I can agree with you on that.
Only have her meet someone from her tribe if she asks.

rolled 2, 4, 2 = 8

>>11761545
>>11761572
"I see. I would like to speak with them, if I may."

You depart the chamber with the shaman, followed by your escorts and the golems. Avres seems relatively calm, for the time being, but Kyva is warning you to be very, very careful.

>>11761561
It does, and you can certainly head for one, if there are no objections.

>>11761588
"I do have questions, but... I am not ready to hear the answers," says the shaman. "That much I can admit. I would prefer to speak with one from my own tribe, first. It does not matter who. You have put me in a very strange position, Maya. I suppose you could say I'm lost."

>>11761598
I think her political influence should be feared more than her actual power. If she can't be convinced to join us, she will instead be a liability and must be removed or destroyed.

Given the dire situation, I think she can be made to at least not actively work against us. Once she is made to realize what we're dealing with here.

>>11761652
Make sure that the meeting room we take her to is one of the ones renovated with the internal defense stunners.
I suppose that since she's asked, we can ask Kyva if she would be available to join us, if she is not involved in something right now.

>>11761652
Well, Kyva it is. Let's give them some privacy (not really we'll be using listening devices).

>>11761514
I wasn't really sure of that part myself but couldnt come up with anything that'd fit better. Still trying to get my head around the mindset.

>>11761554
This makes coming up with a response kinda tricky. I think we need a Klingon Lawyer to wrangle us though this conversation, lol.
But yes this place should be neutral. Anyone who wishes to contine their war should do it far away from here. Finding a means of resolving that war isnt going to be done in the few minutes we have left today.

>>11761687
True. If Kyva's plan for a free and independent Iralan Nation is to be realized, she will need potent magical support. A 50-year old Frost Giant shamaness without the crippling affliction of constant pain to affect her ability to focus would be a very welcome ally for her.

We must begin planning for the eventual conflict that we will face with the Iralan Nation. It is inevitable.

>>11761696
>>11761708

WAIT WAIT. Let's have her talk to Sala first. Kiva's mentioned she dosen't really want to be near the shaman for now.

>>11761754
Hmm, makes sense, seeing the young ones happy and well will probably be a much bigger emotional impact. Let's do it.

>>11761718
Fortunately, only one side of the conflict has been thawed out thus far.
I agree that we should act as a neutral party in this conflict. I think it will serve us well in the future, especially as an intermediary between the Iralan Nation and the human kingdoms to the south. Kyva has indicated that the Frost Giants will likely not accept our leadership (at least without great displays of power and significant brainwashing of the children), and being a leader of the Frost Giants while also being a Countess of Perin may invite charges of Conflicts of Interest.

>>11761754
A good point...except that Sala going missing was the whole casus belli of their entire tribal war.
I think Korus might be a better choice.

>>11761793
Maybe if she mentions anything we'll show her our Yagami Light face.

>justasplanned.jpg

>>11761793

Except that Korus wasn't FROM her tribe. Remember how he said he couldn't even figure out if the guy was a shaman or not?

>>11761813
Then we could try one of the 30 others on the list.

And by the guy, I mean that second test subject of ours.

Either way, have her meet some of the kids we've woken up.

>A good point...except that Sala going missing was the whole casus belli of their entire tribal war.
Kyva it is! We'll do what we can to protect her though if Avres goes agro.

rolled 4, 1, 1 = 6

Kyva reluctantly agrees to come out of her hiding place, and you escort the shaman to one of the meeting areas equipped with all those precautionary measures, on a path lined with the same. Avres seems to be happy enough, but you can't tell if it's a facade. You ask her if there is anything she needs, but she doesn't require anything at the moment. Once Kyva arrives, eyeing you rather pleadingly, you step away, allowing the two to enter the meeting room unescorted.

The portable comm links to the room's internal sensors. Both women remain guarded, speaking as if both is holding a knife behind their back. They quickly discuss the events leading up to and following their capture, as well as yourself, your motives, and whether you can be trusted. Avres seems satisfied with the other's answers, to a point, and exits the room after no more than fifteen minutes.

“You should be pleased,” says the shaman, leaning against the wall. “I have decided to accept your authority, for the time being. I would like to speak to the others you have awakened, but first I must say this: Do not wake the chief. The only possible outcome is violence. The wisest course would be to eliminate him now, but you... do not seem like the sort of person who would do such a thing.”

Maybe now that the "conflict" is resolved, you can end it for tonight? Don't want you getting tired in the middle of something exciting.

rolled 2, 2, 3 = 7

>>11761886
I'll end it if there's nothing else to take care of. However, since the next session will be Sunday, not Saturday, I really don't want to leave any loose ends.

>>11761861
It appears that there is some tension between the two; perhaps political rivalry from when they were under the old order?

Anyway, I would say allow Avres to meet with the other thawed Frost Giants.
Make sure that K9's internal defenses are complete; no blind spots or anything like that.
Have Guardian monitor everyones conversations and have Two (FB2 AI) go through them for anything suspicious. I know that he wasn't originally meant as an espionage and counter-intelligence AI, but we might as well give him something to do.

>>11761902

I think that's it for right now. The war council with the Shaman would require its own session I think.

>>11761902
In that case, we thank her for her time and say that we will follow her advice.

"You said you had questions. Whenever and whatever you want to know, I will answer them as best I can. In the meantime, you are free to wander the base and speak with the others that have awakened. I will also have a room prepared for you if you wish.

I only ask that you do not head to the surface before learning about the state of the world. There are many people who would seek to use you, whereas I am content to see our people restored."

>>11761957
Omit that last part and we're in business. No need to warn her of threats, she probably already knows about it, and she knows now that the best place for her people right now is with us.

>>11761902
Ah, has she been informed about the status of the humans in our base?
If not, then it should be made clear that they are my subordinates, and are to be deferred to in matters concerning this compound.

>>11761957
I agree with >>11761990
Keep out the last 2 sentences, and it should be good.

rolled 4, 5, 3 = 12

>>11761927
The two are natural antagonists, as far as you can tell. There are many possible reasons for this, but you have a feeling the chief has a lot to do with it.

K9's internal sensors have complete coverage, but there are not stunners in every conceivable place. Creative use of the lockdown system can ferry personnel away from those areas. The anti-magic field generators are currently in much shorter supply than the stunners, so they will need to be moved to where they are most needed.

Guardian will monitor communications within the installation and pass the records on to Two, as ordered.

>>11761957
Avres nods. "Thank you for your help. I will do my best to be worthy of your trust and your hospitality. You have my gratitude, Maya." she grins. "I do not think I would be so kind in your place."

>>11761902
We've started a great many projects, such as our development work on cameras and films, or our naval research institute, that will require time to bear fruit.

1 matter that'll need consensus: shall we send the Red Wings to Forus to assist the Occupation, or send the White Stars when they are done?
This would be a good opportunity for the Red Wings to get combat experience, but it would also mean that our main "public" air force will be gone until the White Stars are operational.
As for their effectiveness against the Frost Demon, I think that our Iralan air fleet is much better suited for the task.

Besides, if we really needed them back, the High Lord could order the military to pull the Red Wings back and assist us, right?

>>11762044
The name "Red Wings" has always made me giggle. It's the term used when a man fucks a girl on her period. (I've earned my red wings!)

I just get the image of an announcer going: And now presenting, Maya's Red Wings! and the crowd losing it while we look embarrassed.

rolled 1, 6, 3 = 10

>>11761995
Yes, Kyva did mention the presence of humans and their role in things. Avres seemed a little surprised, but you've come to expect that. The shaman accepts that the humans speak with your authority.

>>11762044
The Red Wings have already been 'loaned' to the military for combat trials. They are being put through their paces in drills near the border, where the chance of resistance is lowest. So far their performance has been satisfactory.

>>11762057
It's actually taken from Final Fantasy IV, from the Kingdom of Baron's elite airship squadron.
The White Stars are from Babylon 5.

>>11762071
Oh, I almost forgot. Has Ivala moved on from K9 to FB1? Or has she said that she will prefer to stay here?

>>11762033
>>11761861
Gah, I cant word this right even with three attempts. Do we want Avres to help lead the people?

"I do not know our people well enough to lead them all I can do is teach them and hope they make the best choices. You are someone they respect, fear even, but not in the same way as the Chief. Given time I could rebuild the cities and nation that once belonged to the Iralan but without the people it would be for nothing.

>>11762071
>The shaman accepts that the humans speak with your authority.
Well... some of them do, anyway.

>>11762033
>"I do not think I would be so kind in your place."
"There is nothing quite like unexpected access to power to make one surprise oneself. You might have turned out differently than you would expect, given some time to think. If you need anything, I will be nearby for some time."

rolled 6, 2, 4 = 12

>>11762111
She's still here. She doesn't see much reason to move on just yet, since she can talk to the intelligences from nearly anywhere, and there are no other Frost Giants in FB1. At the moment, she appears to have mellowed out a bit, though she was disappointed that most of her things had decayed into nothing over the years. Fortunately, the fabricators were able to construct replacement clothing and such to her specifications.

>>11762168
"You think too much of me. I have led only by fear. Only my powers have brought me respect."

>>11762177
"Of course. A single moment can change a person forever, after all. I will call on you if I need you."

>>11762168
I don't think that there is much that we could do to stop her, short of putting her back in stasis or killing her.
At this time, I think we should keep our long-term plans hidden. The Frost Giants, once cured, will try to rebuild their civilization; the only thing that we can do is make the transition easier for them, and to make sure that they don't try to conquer the world like they did last time.

>>11762240
I think we should give Ivala a modified version of the security docket that we send to a facility AI when we secure it. Basically detailing the way that the human teams are divided between teams loyal to us, and those loyal to the High Nobles. A listing of topics that she should not talk with the humans about, such as the Frost Demon, the Fleet Bases, or the fact that the communication arrays are back up. Edit out things like Order 66, Directive 99, and other classified information.

>>11762283
What was directive 99?

And are the FC's confused at our apparently arbitrary numbering system?

>>11762240
>>11762283
About K9, how many of the Noble's people are still stationed here? I ask because Ivala is going to stick out. If not by her clothing then by the way she acts.

>>11762324
Directive 99 is another highly classified security protocol. It simply shuts down all Iralan technology, preventing it's use. It's a less drastic alternative to Order 66.
With Directive 99, if some of the Frost Giants stole some of the power loader suits or vehicles, they could be remotely shut down. Same if the High Nobles attempted to use an Iralan VTOL against us.
I personally don't see much need for it, since anything complex enough to accept Directive 99 is complex enough for a Fleet Command to simply commandeer it.

rolled 4, 6, 3 = 13

>>11762324

>>11756633
>Directive 99 - Disable every offensive and mobile capability immediatly (unless the mobile disabilitation puts the user in danger, like a flying airplane)

No, they are not confused. They've assumed that you call things what you do so they're easy to remember.

>>11762356
Over two hundred on average; the number fluctuates. Even the guards do not seem to pay much attention to the Frost Giants here, and you have made sure that the areas you use are separate from those used by the government's troops. If Ivala sticks out, the first assumption probably won't be that you busted her out of a stasis pod in another installation after 1800 years.

>>11762382
I suppose it's useful if the someone was somehow able to control the FCs.

>>11762405
Okay, I think all of my immediate concerns have been taken care of.
Thanks for the session SubDM, see you Sunday.

rolled 2, 2, 4 = 8

>>11762514
Thanks for being here. See you.

>>11762532
Hey, Subproc, can we order an anti-scrying charm for ourselves? It might make communications from Hretmar and the other gods harder to receive, but I don't like always being afraid of the High Nobles spying on us via divination and scrying.

>>11762532
Good game. You're still managing to get us headed into pritty crazy situations of our own making.

rolled 3, 6, 4 = 13

>>11762571
Yes. When within the range of an anti-scrying charm, you won't be able to send or receive communications via the Conclave links.

rolled 4, 5, 4 = 13

>>11762583
Thank you. I'm always interested to see what you're going to do next.

>>11762593
We'll not use it all the time, but we should have it available for when we're about to do something we don't want the High Nobles knowing about.