Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>480662
>Ship’s name?
Silverbug

>Planet of origin?
Mars

>Current destination?
A station in the Oort Cloud

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>480662
>Name: Martin
>Age: 23
>Profession: Loser and Faggot
>Main Skill: Social

>>480738
>>480745

Gonna wait for some more replies / random length of time to pass, otherwise will take these.

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>>480738
>>480745

Of course, you’re Martin, a 23 year old loser and faggot from Mars on your way to a station in the Oort Cloud.

Being a loser and faggot, you don't have any particular professional reason for going to the Oort Cloud, but at least your overbearing mother won't be able to call you from that far away.

You double check the life support systems. They show:

Your current stats:
HP: 20/20
Primary Weapon: Standard Laser Pistol
Secondary Weapon: Combat Knife
Credits: 300

Your ship’s current stats:
Armour: 20/20
Fuel Cells: 1/30
Hyperdrive Charge: 2%
Primary Weapon: Standard Single-Shot Laser Cannon
Secondary Weapon: None
Days of Rations Remaining: 5

(Hyperdrive gains 1% charge with every non-QM post. Once it’s full you can jump to any nearby system.)

Good thing you got your ship back up and running, but it looks like you need some fuel cells pretty quick. How should you proceed?

>Have your AI scan the surrounding area with your on-board cartographer (no roll)
>Try to contact someone on an open channel (no roll)
>Fly manually towards Saturn, further in-system, or further out-system (pick one and roll a d6)
>Do something else

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>>480914
Weren't we in Saturn just a moment ago?
At what speed does our ship travel?
Are we on the Alcubierre Drive?

>Have your AI scan the surrounding area with your on-board cartographer

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>>480982
(Slight note: Don't expect 100% accurate physics here, but I'll do my best.)

You're still at Saturn. It says you're "from Mars on your way to a station in the Oort Cloud". From Mars, now at Saturn, on way to Oort Cloud.

Your ship travels around 1000km per hour on fuel cells and, sure, uses the Alcubierre Drive for hyperspace jumps. The ship consumes a fuel cell to push into a new direction. From there the ship’s AI can track a course to our destination and use gravity to help with the rest.

>Have the AI scan the area

You boot up the AI.
“Hey Zen,” you say. “Search for the nearest station.”
A calm, pleasant female voice shimmers through the cockpit.
“Certainly,” she says. “Computing now.”
Three dots appear on the space chart to your left, which has a handy scale of 1 square = 10,000km. The nearest station is orbiting Saturn, and would only take a day to reach; the next closest is in the direction of Earth, and would probably take about 3 days to get to; the furthest is in the direction of Pluto, and would take around 5 days to reach.

You recall, of course, that as one gets closer towards the Capital Planet of Earth, prices get steep pretty quickly…on the other hand, the further you get towards the edge of the system, the higher the likelihood of bumping into pirates, spacewaymen, and worse…

Which station do you want to aim for?

Roll 1d6 when stating your choice to determine success.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>481085
Station A

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>481085

Well, heads towards earth. We can always make more money by becoming a male prostitute! Rather not get raided by pirates.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>481085
Station A

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>>481149

"Head for the Saturn station, Zen," you say.
"Plotting co-ordinates now," she replies.
You settle down with your dog-eared copy of Moby Dick for some light reading. It'll be a while before you reach the station, but you've got plenty of rations left. It should be an easy flight...

________________________

Crap! You jerk awake to the sound of your enemy detection radar going haywire - there's a ship already on top of you! Before you know your ass from your ankles you're caught in the tractor beam of a looming D-Class mining ship. You can see, however, that it’s been outfitted with some new toys – front-facing ion cannons, for a start, and judging from the way it avoided your radar right up until the last second, some kind of jamming device.

You quickly check your space chart. You managed to make it about 4/5ths of the way to the Saturn station. Would it be close enough to reach them on the radio? You're not quite sure...

It won’t be long before the tractor beam shuts off your ship’s systems. You have just enough time for one action – what should you do?

>Fire your single-shot laser cannon
>Hit thrusters to full burn, using up the last of your fuel
>Hail the ship on the radio, or attempt to hail the Saturn station
>Something else

Roll a d6 with your choice. I'll take whichever has the most votes, or first come first served in a tie.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>481313
Hail the station

>>481325
2nding

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>>481325

"This is the S-Class Silverbug at 560, 87, 103 from Saturn Station," you shout down the open channel. "I'm under attack! Requesting immediate assisst-"

And that's when the radio cuts out. Did anyone hear it? You'll have to wait, and pray.

Meanwhile your ship is still being taken into the hanger of the mining ship. Once the hanger doors have closed a stream of bearded men in old soldier’s uniforms storm in, and suddenly you’re staring down the barrel of about twenty laser muskets from the not-so-safe position of your cockpit. Judging from their appearance, these are probably a cell of the Forgotten Riflemen, infantrymen who fought (and lost) in the last war for control of Saturn. Now disbanded and cast across the Sol system, these pirates are more organised and well-trained than most, but they also have a sense of duty and purpose – perhaps enough for you to use to your advantage.

>”We have you surrounded!” one of the men shouts. “Come out with your hands up!”

As you transfer Zen into your portable AI device, she whispers, “Rather clichéd, isn’t it?”

What should you do?

>Burst open the cockpit and try to shoot your way out
>Give up your weapons, but keep Zen hidden somewhere
>Give up everything, including Zen. Perhaps they’ll take it as a sign of goodwill
>Something else

Roll d6 when making choice. Highest vote or first come first served if tied.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>481475
>>Give up your weapons, but keep Zen hidden somewhere

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>481475
Offer something these scoundrels can't refuse, that something is something you probably don't have.

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>>481511

The cockpit hisses as it opens and you rise, hands raised.

>”I’m going to throw my weapons out!” you say.
>”Nice and slow does it,” the leader replies.

You chuck your laser pistol and combat knife towards the beady-eyed man, and one of his subordinates quickly gathers them up. The AI drive with Zen remains tucked away in your inner jacket pocket.

The men's muskets remain trained on you as you descend from the ship.

>”Nothing personal,” the leader says. “The Corporation won’t fight itself, and we need ships and credits to keep up the fight - so we'll be relieving you of both.”

Ah, the Marshall-Ellis Resource Corporation – a company so profitable it was able to hire a private army to protect its interests and stamp out rivals in both the business and political world. It was MERC that blasted apart the old Saturn Defence Force, the remnants of which are the very pirates now robbing you. You’ve done a few odd jobs for MERC in the past – it pays to stay on the right side of them – but you’re not particularly fond of their dystopian overtones either.

How should you proceed?

Roll d6 with choices. Highest vote or first come first served if tied.

>>481561

(Feel free to ask to do this again if that's what you want, although it would be beneficial if you had an objective in mind - if you offered them something, what would you be asking for?)

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>481605
>>481622

Tell them you know the location of their enemy. And you'll only tell them if they give you back your ship and credits.

>>481649

(Forgot to mention you had +1 bcuz Social Skill.)

The leader seems like he's really looking at you for the first time. He raises an eyebrow.

>"Well," he says, "that is a pretty ancient ship you've got. I suppose it's possible your information might be more useful than your credits. Of course, we know where to find MERC - that's just the problem, they're fucking everywhere. What we need is command posts, resource factories, communication arrays. Got anything like that for us?"

How do you reply?

No need to roll, I'll take highest vote or first come first served.

>>481702
Well, since we are social and professional losers. Let's just call up one of our loser friends who actually has a job.

>>481752

>"S-sure," you say. "The thing is, to tell you, I'm gonna have to call up one of my friends first. I'm unemployed, you see, and -"
>"Enough of this bullshit!" the commander roars. "For your insolence I've have you confined to the brig, you dog. Men, seize this -"

But the leader doesn't get to finish his order, because at that very moment the mining ship is bathed in pulsing red emergency lights.
“Attention,” an eternally calm voice says over the tannoy, “enemy ships incoming. Attention, enemy ships incoming.”

This must be help from the Saturn station! The Forgotten Riflemen are caught in a moment of shock – how should you take advantage of this distraction?

>Get back in your ship and attempt to fly away (1/4 of a fuel cell remaining, enough to leave the hanger)
>Hide in the hanger somewhere
>Attack the pirates (current weapon: fists)
>Attempt to join the pirates
>Something else

Roll d6! If your choice involves something social, +1. Most votes or first come first served.

>>481702
>>481811

Keep forgetting trip, my bad.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>481811
>Get back in your ship and attempt to fly away

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>>481907

Years of slipping by your alcoholic father's rage have imbued you with quick reflexes when crisis strikes, and now is certainly one of those times. Before the Riflemen even know what's happening you dive back into the Silverbug's cockpit and plug Zen back into the mainframe in one swift motion.

Firing up the engine, you blast the last of your fuel cell, not only rocketing out of the hanger but also burning two of the Riflemen to a crisp.

Once outside, you're relieved to see two A-class fighters circling the mining ship. These ships mean business, and could probably make short work of the pirates' outdated armour - then again, with ion cannons and a jamming device, who knows what other secrets the Riflemen might have in store?

A voice crackles over your radio.

>"You alright over there?" a prim male voice says. "Saturn Station Police. Just what are we dealing with here?"

How do you respond?

>They're pirates. Blast 'em!
>It was just a misunderstanding. Let them go.
>They're Forgotten Riflemen. We should help them out.
>Something else

No need to roll, usual rules.

>>482034
Tell the police officer that they should help out your "friends". I'm sure they'd enjoy that.

>>482034
Blast 'em

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>482077
>>482082

I'll give you some time to discuss / break the tie, otherwise I'll just roll between the two.

>>482106
Whoops, didn't mean to roll that.

>>482082
>>482034
Tell the officer over the radio that they are brutal savages and they need a whole fleet to take them down.

>>482082
>>482123

>"They're pirates officer, but worse than that - they've become brutal savages!" you lament in reply. "Eating one another's flesh for the sheer sexual pleasure of the thing...gouging out their own eyes with plastic plates...my god, man, you won't believe the things I've seen! We've got to burn it, officer, we've got to burn it all to hell!"
>"Christ!" the officer replies, clearly shaken by your harrowing story. "Jenkins, fire EMPs immediately!"

A few seconds later the lights on the mining ship begin to blink out one by one. Its two massive engines, which had been whirring into life, now lie as silent as the endless space that surrounds them.

>"They're not going anywhere," the officer says over the radio. "Come on, we'll tow you back to the station. The MAC will do the rest."

The two ships latch grappling hooks onto your own, and the three of you start towards the Saturn Station, which you can begin to see in the distance. In fact, from the station itself there is a brief flash of light, and a minute later a huge bullet, five times the size of your own ship, rips past and cuts the mining ship in two. The subsequent explosion is still close enough that you can feel the heat, and, perhaps, hear the screams of those you left to die.

>"So," the voice on the radio pops up again, "who are you, anyway? What were you doing way out here?"

How do you respond?

Roll 1d6+1, normal rules.

>>482195
I'm Martin, I've recently left Mars to find my true calling despite being called a loser and faggot my whole life!

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482294

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>>482294
>>482316

>"I'm Martin," you reply, "I've recently left Mars to find my true calling, despite being called a loser and faggot my whole life!"

You can hear the sound of sniffling through the radio.

>"Man, that's beautiful," the officer says. "You keep pulling through their, Martin. You know what, seen as you went through such a darn time with those pirates, I'll put you through the fuel station on police prices. It'll be a little cheaper on your wallet."
>"Thanks!" you say.

The officers unhook you as the Saturn Station comes closer into view. You cruise into the tractor beam of the fuel station, where a robot with a smiley face informs you of the fuel price - 4 credits per cell. (Current credits: 300)

How many fuel cells do you want to pick up?

>>482369
Dammit, *there.

Also, quick update on ship stats:

Armour: 20/20
Fuel Cells: 0/30
Hyperdrive Charge: 18%
Primary Weapon: Standard Single-Shot Laser Cannon
Secondary Weapon: None
Days of Rations Remaining: 4

>>482369
Before we purchase anything, can we do a scan ro see what planets are nearby?

>>482382

As you ponder how many fuel cells you should buy, you flick open your space chart and double check the time it would take to fly to Jupiter or Uranus, the nearest planets.

Considering your ship moves at around 1000km per hour - and good thing it doesn't go much faster, or your brain would be mush - Zen tells you that it would take 74 years to get to Jupiter and 423 years to get to Uranus. You curse, once again, the limitations of physics.

Still, you could always get your hyperdrive fully charged at the ship shop on the Station, and then you could go anywhere you like. Or you could look for a passing cargo ship that would put you in cryosleep.

What do you decide to do?

>>482458
Might as well get some fuel and get our hyperdrive fully charged. 10 fuel cells

>>482458
How much does it cost to fully charge our hyper drive?

>>482473

You purchase 10 fuel cells, spending 40 credits.

>>482487

You recall that ship shops usually charge by the percentage, and it's understandably more expensive than fuel cells, what with all the Physics Stuff the engineers need to do. The last place you went to charged a credit per percent, and you've no reason to believe this station will be much different.

Fuel cells: 10/30
Hyperdrive: 21%

>>482495

Well, now that you've refuelled, you think about that hyperdrive recharge you might want. Should you head over to the ship shop now, or do something else first?

>Visit the local bar
>Visit the ship shop
>Visit the personnel shop
>Leave
>Something else

Credits: 260

>>482498
Is there a job board somewhere?
Lets try to find a small cargo job to the Oort station

>>482500
This

>>482500
This
Just read the thread QM looks good so far. It's different and I like it.

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>>482500
>>482504

You head to the Trader's Union, leaving your ship secured in a garage. For some reason, the chap behind the counter seems more...substantial...than the people you've seen before. You shake the bizarre thought from your mind.

>"Anything going towards the Oort Cloud?" you say.

The attendant checks his files.

>"Hmm, afraid not," he says. "Nothing official, anyway - but I did hear a group of traders talking about the Oort Cloud earlier, so perhaps they'll need an extra hand on something. They went to the local bar, the Searing Salmon."

What'll it be?

>Question the attendant further (pose a specific question and roll 1d6+1)
>Find the traders at the Searing Salmon
>Visit the ship shop
>Visit the personnel shop
>Leave the station
>Something else

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482535
Any other unofficial jobs here? I could do.
After that go to
>Visit the ship ship see if we can't upgrade our ship, since it's old.

>>482547

The attendant glances around briefly. It's a quiet afternoon - almost too quiet, now that you notice it - but that appears to be working in your favour at the moment.

>"Actually," he says, "I myself have a little problem you might be able to help with. Won't get you any closer to the Oort Cloud, but it will land you 50 credits if you do it. See, this weird cult appeared at the station a few months ago - real wackos, dress in robes and worship Saturn's rings, or something - and I wouldn't mind except they've started to turn customers away, and the Union can't have that. What with the whole 'freedom of religion' thing, though, my hands are tied. They operate out of the old fuel cell warehouse down by the docks - get them to settle down or move out of the station, and the 50 credits will be yours."

Before you head to the ship shop, what do you say to the attendant?

>>482561
Tell the attendant you'll handle it then ask the attendant their name, might as well make a new friend!

>>482561
Thanks for the tip, anything I Should know about them if I deal with them?
Get any useful tips to buy at the ship shop?
After he answers the questions go to the shop.

>>482569
Also this

>>482566
Also this

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>>482566

>"Don't worry," you say, "it's as good as done. I'm Martin, by the way."
>"Oh, my apologies!" the attendant laughs. "How rude of me. I'm Jannis. Let me know if you need anything else."
>"Well, anything else I should know about this...cult?"
>"Not really. Their leader is a guy called Runce. Like I say, came out of nowhere really. They seem harmless enough, but you know what they say - profits before people!"
>"Ha, yeah...also, I'm heading over to the ship shop pretty soon. Any tips?"
>"Well, they've got your usual - hyperdrive charging, armour, weapons, and so on...but, between you and me, Symbly, the owner of the place, has a radar jammer tucked away there. Dead cheap, too, but he's worried about the cops finding out about it. Who knows? You might be able to convince him to sell it to you."

Thereupon you said farewell to your new friend Jannis and made your way to the ship shop.

A station's ship shop is never hard to find - all you need to do is follow the steady stream of gearheads, fighter pilots, traders and engineers to the great melting pot of grease, sparks and the occasional explosion. There's a taste in the air that you're well familiar with, and in many ways it's the taste of home.

You easily find the main counter, behind which a middle-aged man with brown curls plastered across his skull is fiddling with some circuitry. This must by Symbly.

>"Afternoon," he says as you approach. "Looking to buy?"

Roll 1d6+1 for any conversation other than buying stuff.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>482588
"Jannis told me you have a little something your looking to get off your hands. I would like this item"

Also how much for armor and weapons on my ship?

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482588
Ask about the cultists.

>>482598

Symbly's eyes flick to you suspiciously for a moment, but only for a moment - he soon regains his friendly composure.

>"Afraid I don't know what you're talking about, friend!" he laughs. "All I want to get off my hands are these fine quality ship upgrades! Take a look."

You can see the prices listed behind him:

Hyperdrive Charge: 1 credit per 1% charge
Multi-Shot Laser Cannon (does not require a reload action during combat, unlike your current single-shot): 140 credits
Single-Shot Ion Cannon (+1 to attack rolls): 200 credits
Armour Plating (+10 Armour, stackable): 80 credits

>>482600

>"By the way," you say as you ponder the many items on display, "you wouldn't happen to know anything about a cult that's started up nearby, would you?"

Symbly shakes his head.

>"Heard of 'em, sure," he says, "but don't know anything about 'em. Don't pay attention to such things."

What do you wish to do?

>>482608
We can always come back here. I suggest dealing with the cultist first and obtaining our reward so we have more credits to spend with

>>482608
I want to get at least one set of armor. Before we go to the cult. Maybe it'll be a good idea to buy a better weapon if we have to fight the cult.

>>482618
>>482611

Note that the ship shop only sells stuff for your ship (i.e. you yourself cannot wear ship armour plating). As you'll be walking to the cultists' place, if you want armour / weapons for yourself, you can get them at the personnel shop.

Sorry if this wasn't clear.

>>482620
Go to the personnel shop first.

>>482620
Well that what I meant one set of armor for the ship. Sorry if i wasn't clear. After buying one armor for the ship.

We go to the personnal shop, see what they have.

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>>482633

You decide those cultists can wait a damn while longer. With a purpose in your life and people depending on you, you almost feel a little less of a loser and faget. With a spring in your step you make your way to the nearby personnel shop.

It's rather busy inside, and the shop is looking a little sparse - trading is apparently going very well or very badly.

>"Come in, come in," the shopkeeper says. "Plenty of decent gear around."

You can buy:
Laser Rifle (1d6 damage die): 90 credits
Laser Musket (1d4 damage die): 60 credits
Armoured Flight Suit (+20 HP): 130 credits
1 day of rations: 10 credits

>>482634
Ah, my apologies.

You buy one set of ship armour plating, spending 80 credits.

Credits: 180

>>482643
Hmmm. . . Purchase a Laser Musket, just in case the cultists are persuaded by your faggotry and loserness.

>>482676

>"I'll take that Laser Musket," you say.
>"A fine choice, sir!" the shopkeeper replies, taking it off the wall. "A real classic. 60 credits please."

You happily pay the man.

New Primary Weapon: Laser Musket
Credits: 120

>"Anything else, sir?"

>>482681
Don't mind the post I placed just buy at least 2 days of rations. Since we have 2 days of rations left.

Buy up to 4 rations if the other anon agrees.

>>482687

You actually have 3 days of rations left so I'll assume you'd like to buy another 3.

Days of rations remaining: 6
Credits: 90

What next?

>>482689
Now, time to find those damn cultists and make them think we're their god!

>>482689
Well if we're going to take down a cult it's best to have back up.
Let's go
>Find the traders at the Searing Salmon

>>482643
>>482648
Considering the standard pistol probably does 1d2 at best, we need a better weapon to confront a possible group.

I say we buy a laser rifle. It's a weapon we are going to want eventually and helps make sure we get that 50 credit reward.

After that let's go to the bar and try to find out some information on these cultists.

>>482696
>>482697

Tie break or i'll die roll for it in 5 mins or so

>>482697
>>482696
Why not do both? If things get sour, we'll attack the cultist. And wouldn't be cool to have our own band of followers?

>>482700

You also lost your pistol on the Forgotten Riflemen's ship!

Happy for you to go back and trade if other anons concur. I'll give you some time to deliberate

>>482705
Do both find the traders and go back to the cult with our backup

>>482689
>>482697
(Forgot to refresh before posting atleast we got a gun)

Supporting. Let's also try to ask around the bar regulars and gather information on this cult before we confront them.

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>>482708
>>482707

With your new Laser Musket strapped to your back, you're starting to feel like a real spacefaring adventurer. Who among the citizens of the Saturn Station would watch your confident stride towards the Searing Salmon and say, 'There, my son, goes a loser?' Surely none! And so you reason to yourself as you cross the threshold into the bar.

Neon lights and cheap vodka are an attraction for humans in any corner of the Sol system, and this station is no different. A whole range of spacefaring people are here – ex-pirates, corrupt cops, traders, bounty hunters, even a few MERC guns-for-hire are hunched around a table at the far end of the room. There's a whole mess of people, and none of them seem the least bit interested in you - although, seeing the size of their guns, that's not altogether a bad thing.

What would you like to do?

>Talk to the barman
>Talk to the traders
>Talk to the bounty hunters
>Talk to the ex-pirates
>Talk to the MERC soldiers
>Something else

Please roll 1d6+1 for conversations!

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482721
Talk to the bounty hunters. Surely they of all people would have a cultist on their radars because of their strange and illicit rituals! Convince them to come with you as backup if things get messy.

>>482721
Do this
>>482729
After we talk with the bounty hunters and see there prices we could then talk with the traders

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482721
Let's talk to the barman first, while buying a drink and tipping generously (10 credits max). He lives on the station and would be the best option to have information.

The bounty hunters/soldiers have not been hired to deal with the cult yet, so they probably don't know much about them. Not to mention we don't want possible competition knowing we are now taking jobs on station.

>>482736
>>482732
>>482729

(Love the conflicting opinions but talking to the bounty hunters wins on votes.)

You make your way to where a man and a women, clearly bounty hunters from their expensive armour and weapons, are smoking electronic cigarettes by the wall on the left.

>"Are you for hire?" you say by way of introduction.
>"Depends on the work," the woman says.
>"Got a cult nearby I've been asked to clear out. Was hoping you could come along as backup. What do you charge?"
>"Huh, haven't heard of them before...whatever. It's 40% of whatever you're getting paid, or 60% if we end up saving your ass. Take it or leave it."

How should you proceed?

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482748
Charm the woman. We never got laid on Mars but if we play our cards right, she can help us for free, maybe!

>>482748
>Take it

it this works out we'll get 30 credits and if they save our ass we get 20 credits.

Also Charm the woman, stop being a loser , faggot

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482748
Anyone want these dice? Guaranteed 1s)

>>482750
Supporting. No way they will help us for free, but we could definitely talk them down for a discount. We lose money but we will start a reputation in the community for getting a job done. That's worth the 30 credits.

Let's not

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>>482750
>>482751

You take a deep breath. You may have been called a loser all your life but you did always have a knack for being social. It was just poor circumstance that you ended up being a faggot. That said, being smooth with the ladies wasn't exactly one of your strong suits...

>"How about we call it 20%," you say, "and I buy you a drink instead?"

The woman looks you up and down, assessing you against some scale only she can see.

>"We'll call it 40," she smiles, "but you can buy me that drink anyway." She gives you a little wink.

Party first, cultists later...?

>>482750
>Cultists First
If we prove ourselves to her maybe we'll get more than drinks.

>>482766
Definitely party first. We need to build a network in our plan to conquer the universe and getting cozy with our backup before a fight means less chance of them shooting us in the back.

Let's buy a drink for her partner also. We don't want to ignore him.

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482774
This. Also try to talk to the bartender into giving you some discounted beverages since you're taking on the cultist.

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482774
Just go with this, and talk with the bartender.

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>>482774
>>482777
>>482779

>"I'm Martin, by the way," you smile back.
>"Call me Gen," she says. "That's Mitchell."
>"Get you both a drink, then?" you say.

Mitchell perks up at this. He's a well-built man, probably in his thirties, with thick black hair and one of those cool eye-camera things you always imagined bounty hunters would wear. Gen is smaller in stature, with dark red hair that seems to suck you in. A smirk is constantly hiding in the corner of her mouth.

>"Gin & tonic for me," Mitchell grunts.
>"And a vodka, straight, for me," Gen says.

You make your way to the bar.

>"Afternoon," you nod to the barman. "Gin & tonic, a shot of vodka, and a whiskey, please. Say," you quickly continue as he reaches for the glasses, "any discount for charity workers? I'm about to go clear out those cultists."
>"Oh, really?" the barman says. "They've sure been a nuisance, so I'm glad for that. Sure, I've give you a bit of a discount. Call it 10 credits for the lot."

You pay the man and bring the drinks back to your new friends.

Credits: 80

>"Thanks," Gen says. "Nothing like a stiff drink before a fight. What's your story, anyhow?"

How should you proceed?

1d6 + 1 if you want to persuade or deceive her.

Rolled 6 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482794
Tell them the truth, you want to prove you're not a loser and a faggot, despite being both.

>>482800
Noice roll

>>482801
;3

>>482800
100% agree with this if you needed to know QM

>>482800
(Supporting that dank roll.)

We are heading for the top from now on, no matter what it takes. Our name will become synonymous with the opposite of loser.

>>482802
;3

>>482800
nat 6 and dubs? ridiculous

>"To be perfectly honest," you say, letting out a little laugh, "I'm just trying to prove I'm not a loser and a faggot - despite being both."

There is a moment of stunned silence as both the bounty hunters gawp at you. Then Mitchell bursts into the heartiest laugh you've ever heard in your life.

>"I like this guy!" he roars. "I like. This. Guy!"

A couple of the MERC guys are shooting you glances, but Mitchell doesn't seem to care. Gen has picked up the laughter herself, and the three of you chuckle along together.

>"That's pretty sweet," Gen grins. "It's hard to find an honest guy in these parts. I guess we owe you a little honesty in return, then, right Mitchell?"

Mitchell is still wiping tears from his eyes.

>"Sure, sure," he says.
>Gen says, "We ain't just hanging out in the arse-end of the system for nothing. People have been going missing on this station for a few weeks now, and the cops won't talk about it. Apparently it's something called the 'Red Terror', and word is they're gonna put a 300 credit bounty on the thing tomorrow."
>"But," Mitchell chimes in, "if we can catch it first..."

Gen rubs her fingers together pointedly.

>"So, after we deal with your little cultist problem," she says, "how about you stick around with us? You seem like a fun guy, so as long as you can shoot straight I wouldn't mind an extra gun around."

How do you proceed?

>>482812
Maybe the Red terror is the cult. But either way let's go deal with this cult problem.
Unless some anons have other ideas?

>>482813
>>482812
Well, after dealing with the cult we should probably join up with Gen and Mitchell, they seem pretty cool and they think good of us.

And should we ask the cult about the "Red Terror"?

>>482815
Well the way I wrote it is that we have Gen and Mitchell come with us and solve the cult problem.After that's done we go with them to take care of the Red Terror.

Also I agree about asking the Cult about the "Red Terror"

>>482812
(Woo, networking! That's what I'm talking about.)

Heartily agree to their offer, we can always back out later if they are crazies.

Find out their basic background and where they are from since they are talking about this being the arse-end of the system. A loser like us would never have seen much beyond Mars. The more we know the more we can manipulate them later.

>>482813
After that, agree let's go deal with these cultists.

>>482826
Yeah, we should learn more about them, it wouldn't hurt, right?

File: space 12.png (117 KB, 1821x986)

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>>482826
>>482828

>"Sure, thanks for the offer," you say, pleasantly surprised at their generosity. "So what's your story? I'm sure you must have lots of interesting tales from your work."
>"We've seen our share," Gen says. "We were both born here on Saturn, and worked for MERC during the last war. That's how we got our skills, and enough cash to start a bounty operation."
>"That whole war was a shit show, though," Mitchell says, lighting another cigarette. "Hence the reason we don't think too highly of this place." As he says this he glances back at the MERC soldiers, who have returned to their clandestine conversations.
>"Well, better get moving," Gen says. "Lead the way, cap'n."

And so the three of you collect your gear and, with a pleasant wave to the barman, head on your way.

As you exit the Searing Salmon you take a moment to breath in your surroundings. The roof of the station looms hundreds of metres above you, so far you could take it for a second sky, and all the while innumerable lights flicker across its surface like multi-coloured stars. As you make your way towards the docks you notice the buildings becoming increasingly dilapidated, the residents few and far between and, when you do happen upon them, dirty and dishevelled.

It’s not long before you come to the artificial lake that many stations use for recreation or to sustain fish life. Along the promenade, however, the signs of old industry have fallen out of use, and are now covered in graffiti and dirt. One symbol in particular catches your eye – a crimson outline of Saturn painted on a few walls and buildings. Ahead is the fuel cell warehouse Jannis told you about. The front doors have long since fallen away, but it’s too dark inside to see what’s ahead. An alley to the right leads into darkness, whilst a path on the left takes you along the lake.

What do you wish to do?

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482832
Walk inside and say "Your prophet is here!" as a way to lure them out. Hopefully you're convincing enough.

(( This is a social action, right? ))

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482832
We don't know if this cult is physically violent, and everyone thinks they are harmless (they never are) so let's just walk through the front door and see if we can talk this out. Find out what their plans are and why they are bothering the locals.

We've got two veterans with us, so we can be a little risky.

>>482839
Yeah, I'll accept social. Could you clarify what you want Gen and Mitchell to do meanwhile?

Also waiting on other anon's opinions. As always, will take highest vote, or first come first served in tie.

>>482844
Do this

>>482844
Yes please, do this

>>482846
Have them follow us and watch our back as we talk so we don't get mobbed. Tell them not to hesitate if they see the situation about to erupt, they are more experienced than us right now.

File: space13.png (102 KB, 1679x935)

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>>482847
>>482850
>>482853

You turn to your newfound companions.

>"You're the pros here," you say. "If shit's about to kick off, don't wait for me to say anything."
>"Smart decision," Mitchell nods.

The three of you enter the building slowly, your weapons holstered but your fingers twitching to grab them. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, but when they do you see something bizarre: a man in burgundy robes sitting on a makeshift throne of concrete, surrounded by six men with laser rifles.

>"A lost lamb seeking knowledge? Or a wolf in sheep's clothing? What art thou to come to the Church of the Ring?" the robed man intones.

How should you proceed?

1d6 + 1 for persuasion, deception, or intimidation.

>>482863
Ok, let's think this out:
If we persuade them, maybe they'll leave?
Deceive them, they might leave?
Intimidate them, they might leave?
Or should we just shoot one and have them all attack?

Or is it possible we could impress them with out faggotry? We could tell them a story of out godly feats that never happened and they'll believe us?

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482863
How about this "Dear Friends, you have to go, for there are forces aiming to kill you. It's best to leave and take the truth and spread it to others."

That why they'll leave it could work.

>>482867
Yeah, this might work

>>482871
Worth a try, we could go guns blazing if this doesn't work.

Gonna head to bed now, the quest was fun!
I'll be back tomorrow to catch up on all the cool space shit.

Night guys
>>482867
>>482863
>>482853

>>482863
They are religious fanatics, intimidation when they outnumber us probably won't go over well.

>>482863
(I read 6 laser rifles and pooped in my pants a little. Now might be a good time to check if we know what kind of "expensive weapons" our partners are using our are they unfamiliar.)

Let's do deception. We learn about them, leave, and come back and attack their larger force with a better plan than start shooting while out in the open.

Introduce ourselves, just martin from mars, etc. Don't mention bounties obviously.

n, we can learn about them and

Introduce ourselves, just martin from mars, etc. Don't mention bounties obviously.

"I'm traveling the verse looking for a purpose in life, a path to follow. I heard about your group and was hoping you would be willing to indulge my curiosity."

>>482867

>"Dear friends," you say, "you must leave quickly. There are forces at work here who wish you dead. If you value the truth of your words, live to spread them elsewhere."

The man laughs.

>"Your kindness is touching in a cruel world," he says, "but fear not - the Ring sees all, and has told me of these threats. You surely see we have become prepared!" He gestures to the men surrounding him.

How should you proceed?

>Convince him the threat is greater than he thinks
>Intimidate him into leaving
>Attack
>Leave
>Something else

Rolled 6 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482877
Forgot roll. Sorry, I'm new to quest and on a bloody mobile trying to type.

>>482877
Do this

>>482876
Goodnight. Thanks for playing! I'll be updating regularly because, like Martin, I am a loser and a faggot.

>>482877

Yeah, should have mentioned stats.

Mitchell

HP: 30/30
Primary Weapon: Laser Rifle (1d6 damage)
Secondary Weapon: Combat Knife

Gen

HP: 20/20
Primary Weapon: Attuned Laser Rifle (1d8 damage)
Secondary Weapon: None

>>482877
>>482879
Writing for this now, sorry for slowness.

>>482881
Thanks QM, loving this so far!

>>482877
>>482878

>"I can see you're well prepared," you say. "It's heartening. I myself am simply a traveller, looking for a purpose in life, a path to follow. I heard about your group and indeed the rumours were true, you do clearly know about the universe. Could you teach me your ways?"
>The man looks at you kindly. He has been completely taken in by your eloquent speech. "Of course, my child. It all came to me in a dream, you see - the wasted war for Saturn's rings, the many lost lives, the screams of the dying...and I was resolved to protect the Great Ring from any further horror. But it was only after my monumental discovery in the Oort Cloud that I could truly wield the power to enact such protection. Soon, my child, the Red Redemption will bring peace to this place."

How should you proceed?

>>482880
Well he pretty much just told us they are behind the disappearances. What do you think, keep pumping for info or something else?

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482899
I think it's best to leave and say your'll bring friends to follow the light. This way we can get out and not get blasted and maybe go for help.

>>482903
I agree with this. Let's ask the hunters their opinion on an attack plan once we get at from the warehouse and any listeners.

>>482906
>>482903

You thank the cultist profusely for his help, and guarantee you'll bring more followers to his church.

>"Just a moment, young man!" he says. "There's something about you...something I like! I am sure I can entrust you with an important crusade for the cause, something to prove yourself." Before you even have chance to respond he's off again. "In the station prison," he continues, "there is an old miner. He's quite insane, as anyone will say, but he's causing us a bit of a problem - he believes he saw something he's taken to calling 'the Red Terror'. Now, we wouldn't want any unsavoury connections to be made to us, so if you would be willing to...take care of this gentlemen...well, I have a spare 500 credits for you and your friends there, if that outcome were to occur." He glints a final smile at you. "No need to reply! I know you'll do the Great Ring proud."

With that he ushers you out of the building, and judging from the stern looks of the bodyguards, he's not asking.

Once outside, you turn to the bounty hunters.

>"Thoughts?" you say.
>"He's clearly bonkers," Gen says. "That said, I've worked for bonkers for less than 500."
>"Problem is, he's the clever side of bonkers," Mitchell says. "We should be careful, whether we're with him or against him. Your call, Martin."

How should you proceed?

>>482913
Well we should make our way to the station prison and talk with the guards. Find out why the miner was put in jail, and see who is the true Red Terror.

Just know the leader of the cult could just be lying, so it's best to know both sides of the story.

>>482917
Agreed. I doubt the red terror and the red redemption are not the same, but it is possible. Plus if the miner is a rapist or something we can silence him, get the 500, and still take down the cult.

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>>482917
>>482920

>"Let's check out this guy in the prison."

The three of you make your way across town to the police station. It's getting on to evening now, and the artificial daylight simulator is beginning to fade the lights. Before long you'll have to find somewhere to stay the night, but you should have enough time to investigate this new lead.

At the reception of the station, you ask to see the old miner.

>"Are you a relative?" the receptionist asks.
>"Well, no, not exactly..."
>"It's relatives-only visiting hour at this time. Please come back tomorr-"
>"Is that Martin?!" a sudden voice cuts in. It's none other than the policeman who towed you to the station! "Aw, man, I'm glad you're doing better, man," he says. "Look at you, with your new friends, and everything. What're you doing round here, anyway? Need some help?"
>"Actually, I was just trying to see the old miner..."
>"Say no more, man, say no more! Sally," he turns to the receptionist, "I'll take it from here."

The receptionist is clearly not impressed, but she allows it to slide. You follow the officer down a series of hallways, shrugging in response to the confused looks from Gen and Mitchell.

>"Here we are," the officer says eventually.

The old man looks exactly as you might expect. You can almost feel the crazy seeping right off him. Still, talking to him might be worth a shot.

How should you proceed?

>>482930
Well first of all thank the police man. Also ask what did the miner do to be put in jail?

Then Introduce ourselves, just martin from mars. to the Miner
Ask him what does he know about the "Red Terror" that we want to find out more of it.

After he's done explaining we could tell him what the cult told us.

>>482940
This. Plus:

Thank the hell out of that policeman for saving our ass, butter him up and get his name. Offer to help him if he ever needs anything. Keeping a cop on our good side is invaluable.

>>482947
Also this

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482947
>>482949
Social roll for charming the cop.

>>482957
Well I'm glad we picked Social as our skill,
I'm starting to like Martin, he sure is showing character development.

>>482940
>>482947

>"Hey, you never told me your name," you say to the cop.
>"Oh, it's Jeremiah," he smiles.
>"Listen, thanks so much for sorting me out," you say. "You really saved my ass back there. If you ever need anything, give me a shout."
>Jeremiah seems somewhat taken aback by your response. "Just doin' my job," he says cheerily. "You keep your chin up, Marty."
>You gesture to the cell. "So, what's he in for, anyway?"
>Jeremiah shrugs. "Few days ago he was wailing around the streets, screaming about some 'Red Terror'. Guy musta gone mad from mining fumes or something. I'd like to let him out, but he doesn't stop going on about it."

You finally turn your attention to the old miner.

>"Sorry to disturb you," you say, crouching down to his level. "I'm Martin, a traveller from Mars. I was hoping you could tell me about...the Red Terror."
>The miner's eyes flick up at you. "Mouths..." mutters. "Mouths...all down in the sewer, yes, mouths, mouths...and red, oh so pretty red, yes! down by the sewer, 'twas...oooo but those mouuuutthhhssss...."

It seems clear you won't get much more than this out of him. How should you proceed?

>Check out the sewers
>Grill the old man or Jeremiah with more questions (roll 1d6+1)
>Something else

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482964
>>Grill the old man or Jeremiah with more questions (roll 1d6+1)
Well let's try to clam him down, and if can explain more we could help him and the station and get rid of this terror.

>>482962
Hell yes. Social is turning out to be fantastic and he is really starting to become a character.

>>482969
This. Ask about the disappearances too. The cops might be silent about them but Jeremiah likes us and might tell us if we tell him we are trying to stop them.

>>482969
(Gonna keep replies quick if I can.)

>"Hey, calm down now," you say. "We're here to help. We're gonna get rid of this thing, but we could really do with some more information."

The old man's breathing seems to slow, and his pupils dilate a little.

>"Never seen...anything...like...mouths, the m-mouths...."
>"Why does he keep saying mouths?" Mitchell mutters behind you. You can tell he's getting frustrated.
>"An, an..." the miner continues. "A-a-a....alien......"

With that he falls silent. You turn to meet the incredulous gaze of the bounty hunters.

>"Well, that settles it," Gen whispers. "He's crazy. Coulda raped somebody for all we know. The chance of alien life was confirmed 0.0001% just two years ago."
>Mitchell appears to be eyeing the old man like a prize lobster. "500....." he murmurs.

How should you proceed?

>>482976

>"And the people that are disappearing," you say to the miner. "That's because of this...alien?
>The old man nods furiously and begins to groan a little.

>>482976
Well tell Mitchell he can't harm the old man the cop is here. Also if we check out the sewers and clear out this mouth monster he could be the Red Terror. So that's 300 credits that don't land us in jail.

Also maybe the miner will stop being mad after we kill the sewer monster. By what the cult says it's finishes the job and could get us that 500 credits without killing him.

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>482984

>>482995
This and we can't hurt the guy so:

Get down and whisper so only martin and the old man can hear. Thank the old man for his help.

"Thank you for your bravery and warning us about this. Everyone in a communities needs to look out for each other and you have saved lives doing this. But listen, the people behind this terror will want to hurt you. You've done your part already, let me take it from here and stop this thing. The cops are just doing their job, but I can convince them to let you go if you promise to not talk about this again. We can handle it from here."

>>483000
(Oh no, a 3. Well atleast nobody will believe the ravings of a madman.)

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>483000
>>483003
I don't think we have to roll for evey time we talk. Since were not trying to get more info out of the guy

>>482995
>>483000

>"Look," you say to Mitchell, "there's no way we're getting away with killing him now. Let's deal with the Red Terror - whatever it is - and come back for him."

Mitchell nods sadly. Gen sighs.

>"I know there's gonna be nothing in this sewer," she says, "but damn if my curiosity isn't up."

Before you leave, you turn back to the old miner a final time.

> "Thank you for your bravery and warning us about this. Everyone in a community needs to look out for each other and you have saved lives doing this. But listen, the people behind this terror will want to hurt you. You've done your part already, let me take it from here and stop this thing. The cops are just doing their job, but I can convince them to let you go if you promise to not talk about this again. We can handle it from here."

The old man’s eyes look up at you blankly – the eyes of a frightened dog, an animal. And yet – perhaps there is some recognition behind the horror that those eyes have perceived. Perhaps your words have struck some chord…you will have to wait for the reverberations to return, like an echo, before the outcome is seen.

Should you

>Rest for the night and search the sewer in the morning
>Search the sewer now
>Do something else

>>483005
In general, you only need to roll for social if you are trying to get someone to do something they wouldn't normally do, or are disinclined to due given the circumstances.

>>483005
Your right. QM, should we just make the initial social roll when trying to persuade people and just assume that stands until you ask for another roll?

>>483008
>>Rest for the night and search the sewer in the morning
Well let's rest for the night since it's scary at night.

>>483014
This. You never go hunting monsters at night, that's 101 adventuring.

We don't have a place yet, ask the hunters if they already have a good place and offer to buy them dinner on us.

(Just this one to keep cementing that relationship. )

>>483012
Yep. Basically, if you feel like you're saying something cheeky / difficult to pull off, can't hurt to chuck a Social roll on.

>>483014
>>483020

>"It's getting late," you say to the others. "Whatever's down there, it's clearly good at hunting during the night. We should wait til morning."
>"I agree," Mitchell grunts.
>"Back to the shack, then!" Gen grins. "I'm guessing you don't have a place to stay, huh?"
>"Oh, no...but, if you wouldn't mind me staying the night, I'd be happy to buy us dinner on the way back."
>Mitchell slaps your back and looks Gen dead in the eye. "I'm telling you," he says in a flat tone. "I Love. This. Guy."

----------------------------------------------

You treated your team to Saturn's delicacy, steak cooked on a block of minerals harvested from the rings. You couldn't remember the last time you had such a succulent meal, and the taste lingered on your tongue for hours afterwards.

Gen and Mitchell, it turned out, had rented a small apartment on the lower Westside of town. The only defining feature of this area was its abundance (and therefore low price) of housing, but it was more than adequate for you, and certainly beat sleeping in the Silverbug's cockpit.

You had drifted dreamlessly to sleep, but for some reason you jolt awake at 2:04am. You listen for the noise that woke you, but nothing is stirring. In all likelihood it was nothing.

Do you

>Go back to sleep
>Investigate
>Something else

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>483029
>>Investigate
Bring our weapon with us maybe it's the cult trying to get us.

>>483032
Agreed. Martin wouldn't want to bother his new friends over possibly nothing, so just investigate alone.

>>483008
Consider a way to allow jerry to release the miner into our custody. "we'll keep him out of trouble and he could be a useful guide about this whole red terror mess"
(try for more info at sewers and then turn over for bounty)

File: i am so ashamed.png (52 KB, 1679x935)

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>>483032
>>483033

You rise silently, grabbing your laser musket from under the bed. In fact, now that you're up, you can hear some rustling, some tinkering coming from the kitchen area. You creep down the hallway, your palms sweaty against the trigger, and you turn into the kitchen to find.....

Oh.

>"Can I help you?" Gen says pointedly.

It's too late - she's seen you staring. What should you do now?

>Apologise and go back to bed
>Make the moves
>Aim for a deep conversation
>Something else

Roll 1d6+1 no matter what plz.

>>483041
Faggotry kicks in as you try for deep conversation

Rolled 6 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>483041
>Make the moves
:^)

>>483043
This. She's already shown interest and only a loser and faggot would not take this chance.

>>483044
And I rolled a 6 so it's best to take this chance, the dice are with us.

>>483046
The dice gods are with you, may their blessings continue to flow.

(I just realized we introduced ourselves to everyone as 'martin from mars'. It's going to stick because rhyming and the whole galaxy will call us that)

>>483043

Great, now I have to write smut. I am NOT doing drawfaggotry for this shit. Bloody 6s all over the place, I love this game.

>"Actually," you say, dropping the musket and wandering over to her, "you can."

In a matter of moments the sheer sexual tension from those words can no longer be contained, and the camera switches to a view from inside the fridge as you and Gen lock lips in the wildest of fashions. With a spare hand you close the door, consigning to darkness the knowledge of what really happened in that kitchen that night.

---------------------------------------------

When you wake the next morning, it's not in the bed you went to sleep in. Gen is dozing by your side. Things could get awkward if handled badly. What should you do?

>Pretend like it never happened
>Profess your undying love
>Say it was a one-time thing
>Focus on the job
>Something else

>>483039
>>483042
Also, welcome to the quest!

>>483052
Ask about Mitchell. Focus on the job. Say you had a great time.(ty4welcome good read so far)

>>483050
Well that a better nickname, than being known as that loser faggot from mars.

>>483052
Well you shouldn't profess your love when you first meet, and you can't pretend.

>Something else
Make some breakfast for everyone. Say you had a great time, and talk about the job at Breakfast.

>>483052

>>483059
(Hivemind. Just finished writing this then saw your post)

Tell get she was amazing, but don't go either way with "this won't happen again/I love you!", just go off whatever her reaction is.

Get up to make breakfast for everyone and offer her the shower first. (mmm, rations)

(Now we need to find Mitchell a badass gun later down the line to stop any kind of possible tension.

>>483055
(Welcome mate!)

>>483059
(Ugh. Introducing Lord Emperor of the Sol Empire. Martin from Mars.)

Things could go either way here, and you know it, so you take a brief moment to cement this memory in your mind forever. The gentle scent of lavender in Gen’s hair, the distant roar of departing ships, the strange contentness in your bones…all this is the life of someone you never expected, never dared to be. A few short days ago you were just another piece of junk drifting in space – now, you’re part of a veteran band of bounty hunters, a laser musket in one arm and a gorgeous woman in the other.

It's reality for a moment, and a moment is enough...

You gently rock Gen awake.

>"Hey," you say, smiling.
>"Hey yourself," she replies.
>"I had a great time last night."
>"God, me too. Who knew you could move so fast in a crisis?"
>"Ha, yeah...listen, I've just gotta ask...is this going to make things awkward with Mitchell? What's your...relationship?"
>Gen lights a cigarette. "Purely professional, honey," she says, "just like ours." She pecks you on the cheek and disappears into the bathroom.

Ouch. It could have gone worse, you suppose. You decide to make a big breakfast, what your mother used to call 'a full English' (although what an 'English' was, you still have no idea). The two bounty hunters, drawn as easily to food as to money, are quickly seated at the table.

>"We should head to the sewers as soon as possible," you say.
>"Yeah," Mitchell says between bites of his bacon. "It's important to keep focused on the job."

Cue a slight glance between you and Mitchell. Is that real animosity in his eyes, or are you imagining things?

>"I'm ready whenever," Gen says. "What's the plan?"

Should you

>Swing by the police station and try to take the old miner with you
>Head straight into the sewer - if you waste time, the Red Terror might strike again
>Spend some more time investigating
>Something else

>>483067
Might want that gun after all.
I want the old timer then to the sewers.

>>483067
(Hoping we didn't just create a bad situation with Mitchell, but we didn't really have a choice.)

Let's go check on the old man. We promised the old man we would get him out.

Also ask the hunters about their advice on tunnel fighting.

>>483069
Plus he could die in the sewer and that's silence enough to go collect 500c.

>>483071
This

>>483069
>>483071

You agree the old miner might still be of some use to you, so you head back over to the police station and ask to speak to Jeremiah.

What do you say to convince Jeremiah to let you take the old miner with you?

Roll 1d6 + 1.

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>483075

File: Martin.png (158 KB, 1679x935)

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CURRENT STATS - PERSONNEL

Martin

HP: 20/20
Primary Weapon: Laser Musket (1d4 damage)
Secondary Weapon: None
Credits: 80 – 15 for dinner = 65

Mitchell

HP: 30/30
Primary Weapon: Laser Rifle (1d6 damage)
Secondary Weapon: Combat Knife

Gen

HP: 20/20
Primary Weapon: Attuned Laser Rifle (1d8 damage)
Secondary Weapon: None

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CURRENT STATS - SHIP

Armour: 30/30
Fuel Cells: 10/30
Hyperdrive Charge: 100%
Primary Weapon: Standard Single-Shot Laser Cannon
Secondary Weapon: None
Days of Rations Remaining: 5

>>483075
dice+1d6
"hey Jerry good morning. Thanks again for saving my ass. How about releasing that old timer to us? You said yourself you've been keen on getting him out of here."

>>483078

Aw, man.

>"Hey, Jeremiah," you say, "I really need to take that old miner down to the sewers with me."
>Jeremiah bursts into laughter. "That's a good one, Marty," he says. "Keep it up, ey?"
>"I'm serious."
>"Sorry man, no can do. Can't just go giving prisoners out to anybody."

Damn. Looks like you'll have to do without him.

Should you

>Go to the sewers
>Continue investigating
>Something else

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>483075
"Jeremiah, I want to help you out after you saving my ass. I really got a connection with the old man yesterday and I think I can help calm him down. Can you release him into my custody? I'll keep you updated before he starts another public disturbance. You won't have to worry about him and be won't get any better sitting in a cell"

>>483082
Do this

>>483082
You need to put the 'dice' bit in the options box to roll it my friend.

>>483085

Kek double 1s, come on. Refer to >>483084

>>483082
dice+1d6

>>483086
Two 1's. I think we just have to bite the bullet on this one.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>483088
I'm new.

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>>483088

>>483084
Alright just go to the sewers

>>483093
thanks for the tip i think i got it. we can move on from failed dice rolls, dont want to make dm back track

>>483094
Agreed, sewers. (Why have the dice gods cursed us)

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>>483097
Haha don't worry about it.

>>483099

You rolled two 6s with Gen tho. Gotta take the highs with the lows.

>>483094

Let's do this.

You load up your gear and quickly make your way over to the entrance to the old sewers, guided by Mitchell.

It seems that nobody's been down here in quite some time. The walls are thick with slime and algae, and the electronics must have fried long back because there isn't even any artificial birdsong playing. Worst of all, there's an overbearing stench of sulphur and something else, something you can't quite put your finger on.

As you move further through the sewer entrance you come to a large, circular, sloping room. A number of darkened holes - seven, to be exact - must be tunnels that lead to other parts of the sewage system. This isn't what catches your eye, though; what catches your eye, instantly and with instant horror, is the smeared red liquid that coats the floor there, and there, and then again there...

>"What the hell happened here?" Mitchell mutters, drawing his laser rifle.

What should you do?

>Send Mitchell or Gen to check out the big red smear in the middle
>Check it out yourself, faget
>See if you can climb higher and avoid the middle section
>Something else

>>483103
Something else>
Ask the mercs their thoughts. Offer to explore the tunnels as a group. Mention you dont like the looks of things. Standard perception check on red goop

>>483103

The hunters have better weapons, order them to cover us while we investigate the smears.

>>483105
This before we do anything else.

>>483105

>"Thoughts?"
>Gen says, "Not all of the tunnels have smears near them. Whatever's down here must have a route, which means we should be able to follow it...or avoid it."
>Mitchell says, "There's way too much blood here for this to be two or even three people - this is a killing spot, and the alie-, the beast that's doing this is probably gonna come back. We should set a trap."

Inspecting the red smear from afar, you can make out not just blood but chunks of limbs, maybe even organs....you can't bear to look any longer.

Do you

>>483107 check out the smears while the mercs cover you
>search for the creature
>try to avoid the creature
>set a trap
>something else

>>483111
How do we set a trap? Being a loserfag who just got laid Martin feels very courageous. To impress Gen we offer to be live bait. Trap it the old fashion way.

Set up a trap and hide in one of those holes.
(Love your quest btw!)

>>483116
This. Martin just failed to charm someone for the first time since he arrived on Saturn, in front of his team no less. He d definitely should be wanting to prove himself to the hunters again.

That's just the insecurities of being a life long loser.

>>483116
Do this but have the gun ready to fire as the beast come close..

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>>483116

>"Okay Mitchell," you say, "let's set a trap - and the best bait is always live. I'm going in."
>"Don't be stupid, it's too dangerous!" Gen snaps.
>"If the guy wants to do it, let him do it, Gen," Mitchell says.

Mitchell gives you a nod, although you're still not 100% sure if it's a 'good lad' nod or a 'if the Red Terror doesn't kill ya I'll do it myself' nod. Either way, Gen has interpreted it as the former, and stands down.

>"We've got you covered," Mitchell says.

Gripping your laser musket, you step out into the middle of the room. From here you can faintly see into all of the tunnels, and you desperately watch for motion.

A lifetime inside a minute passes, and still nothing...your eye scans the darkness, seeking the shadows further within...

cont. below

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>>483123

>"Holy shit!" Mitchell screams suddenly. "Up! Up!"

Too late! The sound of rubbing flesh and guttural moans descends from above you as a huge mess of red falls from the ceiling, knocking you to the ground.

Martin's HP: 16/20

>"Oh, god - !"

Now you know why the old miner went insane. Looking at this thing, this monstrosity, is an experience you know will scar you for the rest of your life.

These thoughts flash by in a second. It lunges for you - what do you do?

Pick one (highest vote, first come if tied):

>Shoot it! Shoot it! Shoot it!
>Attempt to flee back to allies
>Run to its side, attempting to get behind it
>Something else (write in)

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>483125
>Attempt to flee to our allies but be sure to give them a clear shot to shoot the monster.

>>483125
Man that thing is ugly. Shoot it. Shoot it.

>>483125

Others would panic under such an intense crisis, and you've always runned from fights. But this time is different somehow, your angry that this thing scares you. Losers scream and run, but your no loser.

Shoot it while screaming in half-pain and half-rage.

>>483125
(How big is this mass, bear, car size?

I know I just typed 'runned', please someone shoot me now and end the shame. )

>>483132
>>483129
>>483128

Two votes for shoot it so we'll go with that.

Let’s do some combat. Here's how it works:

Do separate posts per character. You have 2d6 to roll on your turn, and three options on how to use them:

>2 attack rolls and you pick the highest. Makes your Defence 1. Can only do this if you have the Fearless trait (only Mitchell currently has this trait).

>1 attack roll and 1 defence roll. Your attack roll must equal or exceed my defence roll to hit, and vice versa.

>2 defence rolls and you pick the highest.

In the post, state what you want to do e.g.

>Rolled 4, 5 (2d6)
>Mitchell shoots twice at the creature.

>Rolled 2, 4 (2d6)
Gen shoots once, then protects herself.

>Rolled 3, 3 (2d6)
Martin really ties to protect himself.

If there’s multiple posts for one character in a turn, I’ll take the first one that came up. Then I'll roll for the creature and we'll do damage.

So, without further ado, can I have 2d6 roll for Martin, Mitchell and Gen please!

>>483139
I'll leave this to someone with better "dice+2ds" skills

Rolled 6, 4 = 10 (2d6)

>>483139
Mitchell unloads at the creature trying to protect martin, aiming for one of the gnashing mouths.

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>>483140
kek, i'm sure you'd be fine

>>483137
about 50% larger than you, pic related

Rolled 2, 1 = 3 (2d6)

>>483139
Martin gets his one shot off and tries to protect himself.

>>483143
Nice, Mitchell hits it dead in the mouth - a critical hit!

(Just noticed in above post I said 2 attacks you pick the highest, actually you attack twice...duh).

Mitchell hits the creature with another follow up shot.

Roll 2d6 for the damage Mitchell does.

>>483148

(Ouch, someone else take the last roll)

>>483139
Gen is last as she fires off a shot and tried to protect Martin

Rolled 4, 5 = 9 (2d6)

>>483149
Mitchell damage rolls.

Rolled 1, 3 = 4 (2d6)

>>483152

>>483148
Martin's shot connects, but it leaves him vulnerable considering how close he is.

Roll 1d4 for the damage Martin does.

Rolled 1 (1d4)

>>483157
Martin damage roll. (Pls don't die marty)

>>483152
>>483156

Crap, her shot misses - but she slides towards Martin and attempts to shield him. This might just save him, considering how open he was a second ago.

Rolling for the creature (I'm only gonna roll attack to keep creature's defence consistent as it basically has no dexterity.)

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>483161
kek forgot roll

>>483155
Mitchell made a massive hit on the creature, causing it to roar in pain.

The creatures lunges for Martin, but Gen slides to cover him just in time, taking the brunt of the attack on her armoured flight suit - however, the creature's teeth sink through the suit and damage her (damage roll on this comment).

If you want a character to attack or be defensive, go ahead and roll. If you want them to do an action, like running away (!), no need to roll unless its particularly dexterous / difficult.

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>483168
god damn, I keep forgetting to put 'dice+' in front of it.

>>483171

Shit, the creature left a huge gash in Gen's shoulder.

Gen's HP: 11/20
Gen suffers -1 to attack rolls in the next round.

>>483171
I think its bail time.

Rolled 3, 3 = 6 (2d6)

>>483152
(good thinking!)

>>483171
(1d10, sweet mother of God)

Mitchell fires twice at the same mouth, trying to kill it as fast as possible.

>>483177
Yeah, let's gtfo.

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>>483179
Mitchell's nothing if not a sharp shot - both bullets hit their mark.

Roll 2d6 for damage. What're Martin and Gen gonna do?

>>483181
er, I mean lasers.

.......................

>>483168
Is not very dexterous so should be hard to run from it.

Martin yells for gen to fall back and attempts to run in mitchells direction.

>>483181
Marty throws his arm around Gen and tries to help her get out of this mess. "This might be a little too much for us, chief?"

Rolled 5, 3 = 8 (2d6)

>>483181
Mitchell damage rolls.

>>483185
Do this.

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>483185
>>483183

Cute touch.

You grab Gen and haul yourself to your feet, the blood pounding in your ears like a drum in your skull. Mitchell shoots at the thing again as you flee, hitting it once, twice in the mouth. It roars again and, pulling back its 'head', spits a yellow substance through the air. It flies, flies, and......

>>483189

Misses - thank God. The spot of floor it lands on begins to bubble and dissolve, but by now you've managed, somehow, to pull yourself and Gen back to the entrance.

New round. You can continue fighting or flee. God knows the creature's coming for you.

>>483190
(Ill take acid spit for 6d6, Mr trebek.)

Book it, everyone. Run for our lives.

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>>483191

With Mitchell covering your retreat, you flee from the sewers, and you don't stop running until you're sure you're not being followed. Finally, the adrenaline starts to wear off, and all three of you collapse to the ground.

>"What the fuck, man," Mitchell says. "What the fuck was that thing?"

You stay silent; you're too busy trying to bandage Gen's shoulder. The wound's still bleeding, and it looks like it could become infected if not treated quickly.

What should you do?

>Take Gen to a hospital
>Get Mitchell to take Gen to the hospital; you need to call the cops, or someone at least
>You, or Mitchell, go back to finish off the creature
>You, or Mitchell, go back to track the creature
>Something else (write-in)

I've been awake for 20 hours. Guess I should sleep for a bit. I'll pick this up in a couple hours.

>>483207
Good night mate, it's been fun.

>>483207

>Get Mitchell to take Gen to the hospital; you need to call the cops, or someone at least

>>483606

Having some net trouble so won't be able to update this tonight I'm afraid. Space Exploration Quest will continue tomorrow, probably around 2pm GMT. I hope to see you there!

>>483795
See you

>>483207
Hospital party. Marty is hurt too. Only Mitchell made it out unscathed like a total badass guns blazing. Phone up Jerry and tell him to meet us at the hospital, so we can file a report. Present him with the evidence(shoulder).

>>483606
>>484027
Do we want the cops to get involved? At this point all we have for proof is a bite, easily faked, and a crime scene with only our dna there. Add on the fact that nobody in the universe believes in aliens and I think we've got a free ticket to a jail cell.

>>484167
I think between old miner bud and the fat that there are 3 of us. We already have a group with a motive(cultists).
My other idea was a tinged meat strategy. Obviously thing thing is carnivorous. I doubt it just eats humans and it doesn't seem like it would be willing to communicate. Maybe we could sneak in with some toxic meat and leave it there and hope it eats it. What kind of poisons/neurotoxins do they sell on saturn?

>>485005
man edit required. botched that one

>>484167
We have one cop that we're on good terms with. Unless the other cops are cultists, I don't think they can arrest us for getting hurt. (or maybe they can for trespassing idk.) We could definitely use more firepower though.

>>485089
I wanted to go to the cops for more fire power. im thinking 5 men. Pure speculation based on the beasts reactions to our shots. I dont the the dm would put us in an unwinnable situation, but 2 more guys is an unbelievable advantage. I doubt the cultists would help us. Maybe we could get another hired gun?

>>485005
I like the toxic meat idea. We will definitely want a variety of poisons as it will probably only eat mystery meat once if it doesn't die the first time. Maybe get an live animal and implant bags of toxin inside?

>>485089
They wouldn't convict us, I hope, but don't forget these are the cops who fired on a ship purely on our word and did not require any statement from us afterwords. They might not be the most scrupulous police. More backup might be good, but that's even more money split.

Whatever we do to take this thing down, we need a way to keep it out of melee (Dat 1d10). Maybe have Martin playing pure defence distraction while the hunters lay 2d6/1d8 per round into it.

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>>484027
>>484167
>>485005
>>485007
>>485089
>>485479
>>485505

I'm back, bitches.

It's mid-morning. Those churning mouths, the sound of its liquid body oozing across the ground, the unshakeable stench of death - all these senses are still fresh in your memory. Mitchell is still staring at the ground, visibly shaken; you never thought you would see a man so stalwart look so sickly. Gen groans again, clutching her shoulder. Somehow, without speaking, the responsibility of formulating a plan has fallen to you.

It's clear that you need to get Gen to a hospital soon, but should you go as well? Do you really have that time to spend? And what about afterwards - what should you do?

Decide if you want to

>All go to the hospital
>Take Gen to the hospital and then you and Mitchell go off by yourselves
>Send Mitchell off by himself while you and Gen stay in the hospital (player control can switch to Mitchell for this)

Then decide if you want to

>Convince Jeremiah to go back with you to defeat the creature (Social checks required)
>Hire more bounty hunters to help you defeat the creature (credits required)
>Go back by yourselves to defeat the creature (balls required)
>Search the marketplace for some poisons
>Investigate further
>Something else (write in)

>>485641
I'm here
>Send Mitchell off by himself while you and Gen stay in the hospital (player control can switch to Mitchell for this)
Have Mitchell buy some poisons and see if he can get some info
>Search the marketplace for some poisons