>>875861
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

Reminder: Suptg link in OP has been changed. Old link will allow people to vote on /tg/ threads but not /qst/ threads. New link is the other way around.

With you away from Rioja your advisors and key commanders are looking after your holdings.

Knight Captain Katherine Drake is your fleet's Wing Commander and is the acting commander of Rioja's fleet.

Knight Captain Kim Yu Chung is seeing to defense and recovery efforts across the rest of the Relay.

Uyi Rna is the General of your Army and is growing increasingly popular among the troops thanks to your support. Consequently this has strengthened your relations with the General and his Knights. The troops know you're looking out for them.

Wiremu Tama is the Admiral of your Fleet. He's been busy helping to restore the Fleet's starfighter losses and those of the PDF. He is also monitoring a few escort carriers out conducting solo raiding.

Fadila Saqqaf is your leading diplomatic adviser. She has wisely sent a small diplomatic team to support you which were picked up after your previous stop in the capital.

C.F. Vanderwal is a former House Erid noble now serving with your intelligence division as part of his parole. He's probably up to something sneaky and/or sinister that will help you out.

Chide Dlam'ard, the Governor of Rioja has kept the local economy afloat and is now working on continued expansion of the cities.

Knight Commander Myrish Avun, while not really one of your advisors, is currently in the capital conducting talks with Count Jerik. You hope to hear more when you return to the House Homeworlds with your recently salvaged goods.

Here we go

hype

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Remembering to link the thread edition!

You're currently headed for the House Homeworlds carrying back equipment looted from the latest Aries site. They're production equipment for vehicle mounted drop chutes. With them a shuttle doesn't need to land or rope down troops, it can just slow down long enough for everyone to bail out at low altitude and the special tractor beams cushion their descent and landing.

There are limits to how high people can safely jump from, in addition to the threats from AA fire. What it is ideal for is covert insertion of commando and recon teams from stealth or camo equipped shuttles. Shuttles don't need to come in dangerously close to drop off their cargo and get out. It would have come in handy during your mission on Alaior sneaking into the Baron's estate.

This does bring up who will be getting the production equipment itself. Sending it back to Rioja will mean a delay before it can equip your unit but would ensure you have control over the tech within your House.
Giving it to Count Jerik and the House would continue to strengthen your position with the overall leadership.
Gifting it to Alex might be the most secure. You'd trust him with it and give him some more political leverage in the process. It's more or less the same with Baron Saputo.

Baron Archivald as commander of the home fleets and de facto second in command of the House military is another to consider. He's stern but generally fair.

House intel could make good use of such equipment themselves. It would strengthen your considerable ties with them, though they may not have the direct political strength to make the best use of it.

[ ] Send to Rioja
[ ] Give to the House
[ ] Give to Alex
[ ] Baron Saputo
[ ] Baron Archivald
[ ] House intel

>>875977
>[ ] Send to Rioja
Because let's be honest our best bet is to just become so ingrained in the success of the house that no one can afford to attack us.

>>875977
>[x] Send to Rioja
BET ALL ON RIOJA

>>875977
>[x] Give to the House
It think the home territories could use a boost.

>Other
What about the guy from Erid who helped us fight their baron? He got a planet as well, doesn't he?

>>875977
[ ] Send to Rioja
Just keep strengthening our position until we are unassailable.

>>876001
>What about the guy from Erid who helped us fight their baron? He got a planet as well, doesn't he?

Desh Xisoth, Baron of Edanis. Didn't think of him. It's a good idea.

>>876025
I'll support him instead of >>875997
Wild card.

>>875977
House intel

>>875977
>>876025
On second thought, I'd prefer how things went for Avun before deciding what to do with that production line.

>>876057
Yeah that's pretty wise actually.

>>875977
[X] Rioja
We need control over it to ensure we can get them to BH, since we gave the RH the other

>>875977
>Xisoth

Looks like it's still mostly for Rioja.
There's still time before it reaches the nav station for the long jump so should be fine.

On your arrival you find out that Avun is currently on Torun seeing Baron Fredric Saputo. That makes sense, the planet Avun wants in the Run was originally to end up under the control of the Saputo if not for the actions of the previous Baron of Torun.

You're near the capital a day before you're able to get hold of Avun. Apparently the Count has established a basic agreement which will still need some work. Actually becoming Baron of Kaptlyn is entirely dependent upon agreement with Saputo. Apparently before his promotion the old Knight had gone about acquiring a substantial amount of land on the planet through back channels, contacts, family connections and companies owned by friends.

He doesn't own as much of the planet as you do Rioja, but it's a lot more than most Barons would.

"Do you need any help? I've worked with Saputo before." you offer.

"Thank you but not right away. He's given his tentative approval, that's enough. He says that if I can prove myself by managing the planet and looking after some of his land there he'll consider selling a percentage of it to me. I may need to ask for a loan then or possibly sooner if the planet's economy can't support a military."

"So that's it? You're going to become a Baron now?"
"In another month or so maybe. Do you have any idea how much paperwork your House glossed over for you and Baron Saputo? For you guys they needed more Barons fast so they just said skip it. Or that's what I'm hearing from people."

Huh... Alex didn't really mention that much extra work for his promotion but he probably wouldn't. Especially if it was spread out across a months long campaign as a Knight Commander.

Any changes to where you're sending equipment? Currently for Rioja.

>>876286
No change in my vote.

But we should probably talk to London and get a funding reserve started for that potential loan to Avun. If it isn't needed, we can then reallocate it. Better to be prepared for that, though.

>>876286
No change and supporting >>876321 on the potential loan fund.

>>876321
>>876338
The production line will be sent to Rioja. It will be 3 weeks until any of the Drop Chutes are available to be equipped to your shuttles or LST's.

With you in the capital it's currently the perfect time to create a unit dedicated to investigating the Aries sites the GE contact is sending you. This would allow you to move on to raiding.

The people who posted lat thread seemed in favour of creating the unit but still looking into one or two more sites ourselves while it's being organised.

Would this be okay?

>>876393
Sure let's do one more then move on.

>>876393
I would prefer to head straight to raiding rather than hitting more Aries targets. More action to be found there.

>>876393
>Would this be okay?
Sure. These raids have been fun so far.

One more site then on to raiding!

Vanderwal contacts you with an update as you head back out.

"I've been looking over your reports and those from our allies. I think House Chelen has lost more than most Houses may know. If these reports are right they're also looking for hidden bases that may still be in territory they control. They need any edge they can get if they're going to stay in the running to be considered a Major House.
I don't know what the ex-Aries mercenaries the others have encountered are after but we're getting reports that House Aries has sent a unit to try and beat them to it. Fortunately with so many of the sites featuring black box research protocols I'm not certain they even know where to look."

You're a little skepical of this news. "How could they not know where to look?"

"Compartmentalization. Also a few of the Aries higher-ups bought it when all of the major Houses started attacking them. The survivors are those that were based near House Xygen. They're the ones that made the deal with House Nasidum to form a new House."

Good thing you're forming a team to look into this.

"Did our contact send any new site data?" you ask.

"There are actually two sites. One of our allies had to recall their scout force because of fighting back home. The first one is reportedly on a low density super terrestrial world that isn't supposed to be inhabited according to guild records. Hard to reach due to tightly packed star clusters. There isn't much data, just that there were reportedly "items of interest" present.

The other one has all of the usual hallmarks of another R&D site. Based on the available local resources I'm thinking weapons or mining tech. The planet it's on was supposed to have been abandoned last century due to radioactive contamination. It was slated to be the target of an environmental cleanup once it reaches safe levels in another ten or twenty years."

"Can Pozzi and I split up and cover both?"

"I wouldn't recommend it if those mercenaries or other competitors are present."

Do you have a particular preference for a site to visit?

>>876675
The low density world

>>876675
>Do you have a particular preference for a site to visit?
Who controls the territory these bases are in?

>>876675
Send one of our older stealth ships to drop stealthed recon probes and maybe tail whoever goes after the place? We might end up with three places looted this way.

>>876675
>just that there were reportedly "items of interest" present.

I'll take "Mysterbox" for 500

>>876675
>>876723
oh right and I vote for the super terrestial.

>>876706
>Who controls the territory these bases are in?
The first falls within territory recently conquered by the Ruling House, the latter by Ber'helum, though neither have forces occupying the target systems.

>>876771
Taking care of the super terrestial seems like a good idea in that case. Ber'helum can probably afford to send their own ships.

>>876675
Mystery box, I can't say no to you.

Mystery box it is. I mean it could be anything! Even weapons!

Before entering the area you and Cristina go over the available nav data. There are no FTL lanes through the area in question. The trip in will consist of dozens of micro jumps and course changes.

"We're not just dealing with the gravity of the stars but their combined gravitational pull on the whole region. It's as bad as flying into the core of a galaxy. Our navigators need to be ready." Pozzi warns.

It is relatively near this galaxy's core region which explains why they're so tightly packed. Towards the center of this cluster is a system tagged as having two terraforming candidates. The system Thule's Prism is home to a super terrestrial with a surface gravity of about 2G and a mostly nitrogen atmosphere. Very little oxygen though. It's not exactly a tempting target for Dro'all colonists who prefer lower gravity.

Towards the outer edge of the habitable zone is a gas giant with a large moon that technically falls within the terraforming candidate threshold. It lacks it's own magnetic field which means that it's bathed in radiation from its parent planet.
Two other large gas giants in the outer system will make navigation a bit more difficult but not overly so.

Should be interesting.

Roll 2d100 for navigating the stellar labyrinth.

Rolled 2, 4 = 6 (2d100)

>>877102
Rolls away

>>877107
Uu. That's not great.

Rolled 78, 27 = 105 (2d100)

>>877102
It could even be a space boat!

Oh Linda, where art thou?

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>877102
rolling
>>877107
jesus christ what did you do to the RNGesus?

Rolled 44, 67 = 111 (2d100)

>>877102
>Roll 2d100 for navigating the stellar labyrinth.
Rolling!

>>877120
I admit it, I played in Black Company quest. Clearly the curse is contagious.

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>877120
and second roll

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>>877107
So that's not so good.

>78, 35

I probably don't need this.

On your initial approach you make good time, both squadrons sticking together and taking every precaution to get through the maze of FTL jumps necessary to pass through the tightly packed cluster. This is the kind of work that your navigators don't miss from the combat tour of the Maelstrom galaxy.

Long range sensors detect another group of ships trying to reach the same system as you. They're not having as much luck but it isn't long before they notice your progress and start to trace the same route. You're still in the lead for now.

You try to get some rest since it will be the better part of a day there, occasionally offering to switch out with Knight Kelarium every few hours so that your ship's main pilot is ready to go.

Most of the way there you experience what feels like an impact while at FTL. From past experience you have a fairly good idea of what that means.

"We just missed a black hole. It was far enough away that we weren't pulled back to real space but it altered our course. It's going to take a few micro jumps to correct."

"Fix it as quickly as you can, but don't rush it and make it worse." you tell them.

You enter Thule's Prism four hours ahead of the other fleet. You can't detect their IFF but their drive flares seemed to match that of newer Aries attack cruisers. They may have a few larger ships mixed in too. If they were a friendly unit most of those ships would match either Chevalier or Dragoon class.

[ ] Get us into orbit ASAP
[ ] Double back, get ready to ambush them
[ ] Other

>>877450
Give them a very torpedo christmas. One of our ships, preferrably a stealth one, should recon the Aries base to check if they are capable of helping our opponent.

>>877450
>[ ] Get us into orbit ASAP
I am not feeling it going up against larger ships if it can be avoided. Get down to the enemy facility and clear it out then gtfo

>>877450
>[x] Get us into orbit ASAP
With some luck we can be gone by the time they arrive.

>>877450
[x] Get us into orbit ASAP
[x] Other: have sensor bouys/probes/modified torps positioned around the system, so our force can jump out and use this system as an ambush point if need be.

>>877551
also, I guess we should consider what forces are with us, vs what enemy estimates are, and the local system might provide us.

Any chance those gas giants might have rings that could conceal cold-launched torps or even elements of our fleet?

What ships are in our little group at the moment anyways?

"Get us into orbit ASAP. If we're lucky we'll be able to find what we're looking for and be out of here in a few hours."

Both squadrons jump into orbit and begin scanning the surface. What you find is not what you expected.

"Signs of limited terraforming. Atmospheric oxygen has increased but not enough for Dro'all or humans to remain conscious. I'm detecting what looks to be Rovinar and Humans on the surface in addition to t-these look to be settlements?"

You and Kelarium looks at the scans.
"This is a pre-industrial civilization." the Knight concludes.

"There are no cities on the planet exceeding a population of one million. Minimal if any technology present. No ships, no space ports."

This can't be right.
"Perform a high intensity scan for buried technology or facilities."

It takes a moment but sensors are able to locate what look to be planetary shield generators partially buried in locations that would be hard to reach from the ground. They look to be set for automatic standby mode. They'll activate if detecting a planet killer asteroid.

"Any other signs of technology?"

"Nothing substantial sir. Anything we're picking up are less than a meter in size. Uh, except for what look to be medical treatment facilities in a few of the larger cities. They seem to have some military grade medical suites but no other tech signatures."

>>877652
>What ships are in our little group at the moment anyways?
Squadron 1
EC-K Attack Cruisers with afterburners. Some have ECM systems, others like your command ships are carrying LST's in place of the electronic warfare suites. You have 1 stealth LST with holographic camo systems.
2 Recon teams.
1 Medium Jump Jet team
Marines with Power Cell armor and heavy weapons

Squadron 2
Attack cruiser squadron consisting of EC-K and modified U-Haul's rigged for better FTL performance. Pozzi's command ship is a U-Haul rigged as a variant of escort carrier with afterburners.
Some marines
4 starfighter squadrons.

Your orders?

>>877756
The mystery box was a trap.

I just realized something pretty funny.
This would be the perfect time to have an escort carrier or two with us.

>>877756
>Your orders?
Wut? Are there nanites in the atmosphere or something else? Can we look if there's an observation post or something similar nearby?

There has to be an Aries facility somewhere in the system if it's not on the planet.

>>877756
We need to have a talk with our pursuers. Set up a trap and hail them as soon as they jump in.

>>877801
or just talk to the locals.
>me

>>877756
Well, looks like we need to get a recon team into some of those medical facilities. Someone installed those and the shield generators for a reason, and somehow I doubt Ares just installed them out of their bleeding hearts.

Genetic collection for clone army or infiltrators?

>>877756
Wait... A pre-industrial Rovinar civilization? Call me confused.

In any case since Humans can't live on this planet due to it's nature and lack of technology then we can assume that they are outsiders.

If they are outsiders they must have a base of some sort where they can remove their closed suits to do stuff other than walk around looking cool in fully closed suits.

Find that location and we find their base. Also I don't suppose it would hurt to hail the planet and see if anyone responds.

>>877847
... krath?

oh, fuck.

Rolled 83 (1d100)

Sorry that took so long.

>>877774
Luckily Pozzi likes the flexibility of having one on hand.

>>877788
>Are there nanites in the atmosphere or something else? Can we look if there's an observation post or something similar nearby?
>There has to be an Aries facility somewhere in the system if it's not on the planet.
"Searching. Recommend that the squadrons spread out enough to give us full sensor coverage of the planet or launch probes sir."

The squadrons split off and perform a quick orbit to get full coverage. They'll link back up long before there's any threat of combat.

"No signs of nanites in the atmosphere. Scans of the system are detecting what may be early warning satellites in orbit of the star and Lagrange points. They may be there to look for CME's and flare activity. We can't get a good reading on the moons around the Jovian planets from here. Still waiting for more surface data."

>>877801
>>877825
Possibly heading back out to deal with the incoming fleet or visiting the surface. We'll see which.

>>877816
>or just talk to the locals.
>>877847
>Also I don't suppose it would hurt to hail the planet and see if anyone responds.

"Hailing sir."

It's a few minutes before you get any response. A distorted voice asks you to "please stand by" and after a moment the audio quality improves.

"This is Thule's Prism landing coordinator uh Mister Walker speaking. Please hold on, um... we're not scheduled for any arrivals for some time. If you're not aware this planet is under Factions Teaty quarantine TL02. If landing is absolutely necessary please do so away from populated areas. Otherwise we would request that you... well, please leave."

The sensors officer gives you a thumbs up and calls up a location recently captured by the scans. There is a dirst airstrip in a remote valley in the northern hemisphere where the signal seems to be coming from.

>>878109
What's a TL02 quarantine?

You call up a copy of the Factions Treaty and search for the relevant entry. TL quarantine is an agreed upon protective measure of worlds found to harbour life forms with pre-spaceflight capability. First contact is to be avoided until such time as they're able to develop means of flight off their planet. This was added to the treaty partly to prevent the uplifting of civilizations and partly to keep the factions from wiping out inconvenient species on planets they wanted to colonize.

TL02 means that there is a deffinite civilization present but it is still pre-industrial in nature. Huh, good to know.

>>878109
>Rolled 83
"I think I found what brought us here, or part of it."
A new image pops up on the display. It's the mangled wreckage of what was probably an Aries stealth LST sitting at the end of a ditch it seems to have dug on impact. The drive section of the ship is missing. Based on the scan data it looks like something ripped it right off the back of the ship.
"Damn stealth coating. If it wasn't for the the visual it might have taken us a day or two to find it."

>>878197
Ok so obviously call them out on the locals having Milspec medical facilities. Before that though it's time to land our own stealth LST and take over that wreck so that we can airlift the fucker out of here.

>>878197
Excellent. Grab it and let's bail. Also the quarantine has obviously already been broken seeing as there are outside races on the planet.

>>878197
Interesting. Is it something that we could recover on a time limit?

Also, 'ripped it right off'? Akin to say a critical FTL failure?

>>878197
Investigate the lst. If we're lucky, their nav data will lead us to the aries base of operations in the system.

>>878229
>so obviously call them out on the locals having Milspec medical facilities.
>>878233
>Also the quarantine has obviously already been broken seeing as there are outside races on the planet.

"Patch me in." you motion to the coms officer to your communicator.
"Mister Walker, there are Rovinar and Humans on the planet, neither of which are native. Your quarantine is broke, and that's not even counting your medical facilities."

Walker responds after a few seconds sounding like he's reading from a training manual.
"Accusations of local life or civilizations violating quarantine when no technologically advanced civilization of TL03 or TL04 are present are to be referred to the Navigators Guild for neutral third party arbitration."

You start to object then think better of it and close the channel.
"Tell the diplomats to start looking through the fine print of this damn treaty."

>>878243
>Also, 'ripped it right off'? Akin to say a critical FTL failure?
Knight Kelarium shakes his head.
"Probably not but we won't know for sure until we have technicians take a look first. If we sent down two LST's they should have enough tractor beam power between them to haul it back into orbit."

>Do so? Y/N?

>>878362
Send a recon drone down first. I would hate to lose one of our ships to whatever damaged that lst.

>>878362

Does Mister Walker work for the terrorist organization Ares?

>>878362
seconding >>878382

>>878362
We should probably send one LST to pick it up and another to survey the area so we don't leave anything. Just scope it up and bail with everything. We're on a time table after all.

>>878423
It kind of sounded like 2 would be the minimum needed to recover it.

If we want to scout the area, probably want to send 3 or 4.

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>>878382
In most situations scans from orbit or a shuttle are enough to investigate. (Then Aries had to come up with new stealth materials.) You don't have drones intended for both atmospheric entry and moving around looking at things once down there.
The engineers think they could stuff that modified drone they used at the AM facility into an oversized torpedo casing so that it could survive re-entry. One of the captured Aries support Drones could work too. That'll take an hour or two though, time you may not have.

Pozzi offers to send a starfighter down. The pilot can dismount to have a look around, or they could carry the support drones in the missile hardpoints.

"Do you have any Drone starfighters?"
"No. You were requisitioning most of the drones the House built last year and the alternative was Aries hardware. I don't trust Aries shit anymore."

[ ] Send the LSTs, Shields to maximum
[ ] Send the Stealth LST
[ ] Send down a starfighter (Support drones optional)
[ ] Wait for a re-entry probe to be ready
[ ] other

>>878463
>[ ] Send the LSTs, Shields to maximum
Send a few of our best starfighters as escort. Also ready any and all ballistic point defense to destroy any AA installations on planet that may be hidden by the stealth coating.

>>878463
Starfighter with the two drones in its hardpoints. Make sure the pilot has the necessary equipment to survive if he has to abandon the fighter mid flight.

Anyone else?

>>878611
Maybe this is a good moment to stop for today?

>>878463
[x] Send the LSTs, Shields to maximum

sorry was late for me but throwing my vote in, For House and Dominion!

>>878611
I've been lurking but
>[ ] Send down a starfighter (Support drones optional)
They go down to the atmosphere somewhere in the range the drones can travel and drop them. The drones move to the wreck over land. Nobody's in danger then.

>>878389
>Does Mister Walker work for the terrorist organization Ares?
"No? I work for the Thule's Prism landing and trade authority. We're the only legally authorized trade spaceport on the planet. We're supposed to get advance notice of arrival to ensure minimum technological contamination. Only new tech we allow on planet is medical and that's only after approval of a majority of the elders."

>>878623
Might as well.

>>878630
Calling this as a tie breaker.

The LST's keep their shields up while performing a steady controlled descent. Your ships in orbit have every mass driver primed and ready to fire at anything that shows the slightest signs of posing a threat.

On final approach the lead LST sends out a pair of Support drones to check the interior of the wreck for any signs of traps, explosives or sabotage. Aside from extensive damage rendering the craft nearly unsalvageable it looks fine.

"We're leaving one of the drones on board to download Logs while we tow it into orbit."
"Copy that."
"Our local ground scans are detecting what may be Aries equipment looted from the crash site in a nearby town about 20 clicks to the north. Do you want us to investigate? We could leave one support drone on the surface. It's nearing nightfall, the locals shouldn't be able to see it."

[ ] "Sounds good."
[ ] "Just get back up here."

Also see you in the morning.

>>878742
>[ ] "Just get back up here."
We can send a recon team to recover the Aries tech from the town. Should probably use the stealth LST to make sure there are no witnesses to point at us breaking a quarantine no matter how bullshit it seems.

>>878742
[x] "Sounds good"

[x] Contact Mister Walker
Quick breakdown of Ares being terrorists, Ares ships on their way here, Ares equipment in local hands, and we'll evac it for free to spare the locals a possible Ares invasion, or help them destroy it. Time may be lives.

>>878742
>[X] "Just get back up here."
>[X] Leave

>>878776
>>878742

Supporting. Also maybe offer a bribe or something for the inconvenience.

There's nothing special about the crashed LST right?

>>878776

I guess we should also be concerned that there may be valuable Ares personnel hiding in that nearby location, too.

It might be beneficial to plan an ambush when Ares folks move into orbit?

On the way up the LST crew retransmit the LST's crew log. Apparently they were tracking down records from a House Aried had taken over. A long time ago some of the richer and more eccentric nobles had gathered up the spoils from their various campaigns and left to settle on a colony rumored to be devoid of technology.
Apparently even farther back their House had aided a band of Humans and Rovinar that wanted to set up a low tech civilization that fell within protected status of the Factions Treaty.

The nobles took a great deal of wealth and many exotic weapons with plans to use them to form an order of Knights on the planet. The crew of the Stealth LST were to see if they could locate this fortune and if it were possible to recover it. A transport and a larger expedition would be sent later if there was more salvage then and LST could handle.

Things did not go as planned. They came in a bit too fast on approach and the shield generators on the planet mistook them for a meteor. Thanks to their stealth coating it probably didn't have an accurate reading. When the shield activated the front half was already inside while the back half was torn off the ship.

Barely surviving the landing the crew decided that their mission was scrubbed and activated their emergency beacon. A Frigate came to pick them up a few months later but left in a hurry as the civil war had just started and the surrounding regions were being invaded.

The crew may have traded valuables in the nearby town for additional supplies to last until their recovery arrived. While on planet they did detect some of the items they were looking for. They were chased off by a crazed Knight with a nigh-impenetrable shield before they could make any progress on that front.

"So let me get this straight, a bunch of luddites settled this planet then a few Knights decided "hey that sounds like fun" and went off to join them?"

"More or less sir."

Sighing you request an update of the approaching fleet.

"One hour fifty minutes sir."

>>879599
>They were chased off by a crazed Knight with a nigh-impenetrable shield
1. That's hilarious.
2. I want that shield.

>>879599
Do they actually qualify for the low tech civ protection if they're just citizens who basically decided to live in the woods?

>>879599

Well fuck. This order of knights needs to be warned and mobilized.

Then we need to determine if we are going to aid them or leave them to their fate at Ares forces hands.

Personally, I'm voting that we deploy some equipment that will let us determine if we can jump them while they're in or moving toward orbit.

>>879645
There are a few worlds in the Dominion that have intentionally kept the tech level on the surface low because they want to maintain and research old skills and techniques. They tend to be very well known and are treated as cultural and historic tourist destinations.
There have been attempts to set up similar colonies with minimal outside contact before but they're usually too tempting a target. They probably chose this one because Dro'all wouldn't be interested in it and it's too hard to reach.
As for actually qualifying it's a close enough case that it would have to be taken up with the Navigators Guild. They'd in turn have to ask representatives of each Faction if quarantine should be lifted since it sounds like the planet is already registered as being under tech quarantine.

Whoever settled the place went out of their way to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed by outsiders. At least not often.

>>878776
You quickly explain what Aries has been up to and about the incoming fleet possibly looking for lost or missing gear. Or maybe the equipment used by those Knights.

Walker curses. "My great grandfather warned those Knights that they would only cause trouble by being here. Their descendants are always causing us trouble."
"Then why put up with them?" you ask.
"Well... um, they do protect people against the more dangerous wildlife when settlers move into new areas?"

>>879656
>This order of knights needs to be warned and mobilized.
Walker isn't sure that can be done quickly but will try to do so.

>we need to determine if we are going to aid them or leave them to their fate at Ares forces hands.

[ ] Try to intercept the Aries force
[ ] Pull back. Ambush them after they've recovered valuables
[ ] Leave them to their fate
[ ] Other

>>879696

Some reason I get the feel these guys are sort of like the Imperial Knights from 40k,

[x] Try to intercept the Aries force

>>879696
>[x] Try to intercept the Aries force
Have there been any recent encounters with these Aries mercs? Maybe they're resonable enough for talks?

>>879724
>Have there been any recent encounters with these Aries mercs?
Yes. There are several bands and they're not all working together. Some are more reasonable than others.
>A few of the sites your allies were informed about were being looked at by mercenary ships. In other cases they had to fight them to secure what resources were still present.

>>879599
>nigh-impenetrable shield
Good thing we made SP plasma rounds for our pistol.

>>879735
Interesting. Any information on that particular group/fleet?

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>>879748
That is not the kind of shield they're meant for, though being a plasma pistol I'm sure it would still do damage.

>>879764
Just that there are attack cruisers and some larger ships mixed in. You won't know more until they drop to sublight.

>>879775
>Just that there are attack cruisers and some larger ships mixed in.
Thanks. I would guess these are
>A transport and a larger expedition would be sent later if there was more salvage then and LST could handle.

Let's see if we can keep this from escalating without letting Aries on the planet.

>>879765
Oh these guys are Dark Souls players. Great. I don't know what strategy they could use that would be worse for us, DS1 poise backstabs, DS2 Hexes or DS3 roll spam.

>>879707
>>879724
>>879792
Trying to intercept/ keep them off the planet.

Do you want to head back out to a point at the edge of the system where they should jump in? Or would you rather wait to micro in on them once they drop out of FTL above the planet?
Or another plan?

>>879825
A plan that would let us take advantage of our starfighters would probably be a good idea.

>>879825

Let them enter the system, then micro jump in for an attack run. Deal as much damage as possible, then jump out.

Have our fighters deployed to ambush anything that follows us? Say in a gas giant's rings?

>>879848

Addition: Have Pozi use a few relay buoys/probes to hail them if they're flying merc IFFs?

This gives us a solid set of options, should they turn out to be a non-Ares merc group or possess forces we can't tackle in a straight up fight.

These guys likely don't want to get crippled or stranded in this place, especially if they are still Ares forces, so a solid strike may drive them off.

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>>879848
Attack and try to lure them out to the rings of the gas giant for an ambush by starfighters.

>Have Pozi use a few relay buoys/probes to hail them if they're flying merc IFFs?
Try to ID them/ establish contact before trying to wreck their shit. Got it.

Pozzi thinks it can work.
"Should we try to make our first strike with almost all of our ships in the hopes the damage might draw them off? Or use a smaller force to make it more likely they'll chase us into the rings for the ambush?"

>>879886
>chase us into the rings for the ambush
How does the maneuverability of aries attack cruisers compare to ours?

>>879886

Hit them with everything (except Pozi's carrier).

Our first strike should give us the initial fire superiority as their ships will have to turn to focus their forward fire.

The starfighters are there to help us crush anyone foolish enough to give chase and in general there to preserve our forces.

Give them a bloody nose, then threaten their continued operations.

>>879897
They're lighter built so they're a bit easier to turn than your EC-K's. The U-Hauls are outmatched in terms of maneuverability but are tougher structurally.

>>879905
1 vote for larger force

>>879924
Do we have any SP torps loaded?

>>879924
Let's try the ambush.

>>879962
Not by default. Your squadron has a total of 40 SP's most of which are yours.
Pozzi and her people have 8 from their personal stockpiles.

>>879970
1 vote for smaller force.

>>879986
I'll change my vote to ambush. We'll compensate for any SP torps used, and SP torps are to be used if anyone feels they're called for. No hesitation.

"Kelarium, we'll make a fast strike against them before they're too deep inside the gravity well. Our ships are more maneuverable and have afterburners if we need to run for it. Pozzi, you wait in the rings for us with your starfighters.

I'll try to compensate everyone for SP Torpedoes used if anyone feels they're called for."

Everyone copies your order and spreads out. Probes are deployed in orbit to act as a com relay.

"Contacts dropping out of FTL. Sixteen attack cruisers, two Atlas transport and two Athena Battleships. One Athena is armed with spinal mount cannon modules, the other with light torpedo batteries. Eight more contacts. Hades assault corvettes just detached from the transports. Looks like they were hitching a ride."

"Any signs of LSTs?"

"No sir. Looks like it's mostly a space combat group."

Kelarium calls up specs on the larger ships. "In that case they may only have unshielded shuttles and any starfighters they have aboard. Not a big issue if they're not being shot at bit if they are..."

"They'll be reluctant to deploy them." you finish.

Do you want to tray to talk them down? If so, what say?
Otherwise would you prefer Pozzi talks to them?

>>880043
>Do you want to tray to talk them down?
Working for Aries is a crime. The sentence - Death.

>>880043
>Otherwise would you prefer Pozzi talks to them?
I think it's better if Pozzi talks to them, given Sonia's extremely poor relations with Aries.

>>880043
>Sixteen attack cruisers
>two Athena Battleships
>Eight more contacts. Hades assault corvettes

An attack cruiser squadron is 4 ships, right?

>>880043

"Crazy Has'Anne here with a special Thule's Prism offer! Turn around now and your little treasure hunt does not cost you your lives! Crazy Has'Anne even let crews request asylum and escape Neeran puppet Houses!"

I'd say target the attack cruisers on our first pass? They can't leave the transports undefended and risk our attack force drawing the defenders away.

>>880117
Flight 3-4 ships
Squadron = 12
Wing = 36-72

You have 24 Attack cruisers give or take Pozzi's modified one.

>>880137
Thanks. I still think it would best to have Pozzi and the diplomats deal with this situation but at least with 24 cruisers we stand a decent chance.

No that it matters at it seems everybody else wants to go the "Sonia smash!!!11" route,

>>880146
I'm all for trying to talk them down, but I've really got nothing other than "will make your stay miserable"

Attack
>>880060

>>880064
Talk first (Pozzi)

>>880121
Let Sonia talk first

Tell you what, I'm going to make a quick grocery run then we'll see where we are when I get back. 1 hour tops.

>>880043
voting for Sonya Smash.

>>880188
In my opinion Pozzi is the better choice to lead the talks because Sonia has -90 relations with Aries. Which is really, really bad. If we show up in their onboard database, any kind of negotiation will be incredibly difficult if Sonia is leading the talks.

>but I've really got nothing other than "will make your stay miserable"
Other than that, we could add "the guild will make you miserable"

>>880191
Honestly I don't mind either option.

Threatening to leverage the Guild against them might work in Pozzi's favour. I'll vote for that.

>>880296
Sounds like a plan, and we can always initiate 'sonia smash' if it fails.

And now we're back to a draw.

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And I'm back.

Oh.

>>880121
>>880319

changing vote to 'pozzi first', so I think that breaks the tie?

>>880146
>>880296
>>880319
for 3?

>>880351
yup that'll do it.

>>880351
With all the vote changes we're 3 to 1 in favour of having Pozzi talk to them. I think.

You contact Pozzi and point out that the Navigators probably have a lot of sway over the mercenary company review and rating system used by the PCCG Merc Guild.

"That sounds legit. I'll try that if they're reluctant to go away."

"Good luck." you tell her before signing off.
You note she doesn't bother asking why she's taking to them instead of you. Maybe she thinks you think she has a better chance due to her stint with those mercenaries nine years ago?
No that's not likely.

Cristina hails them via the satellites left in orbit as planned which causes the group to change formation. You won't be able to make a clear run at the transports but the Battleships are wide open. Athena class ships are damn tough though. Even with SP Torpedoes they might not die in one pass if their anti-missile systems are fully loaded.

"Should we focus on taking down the battleships sir? They'll be able to bring a lot of firepower to bear."

You shake your head. "No, we need to get as many of those attack cruisers as we can on the first pass. Rob their fleet of it's more mobile assets."

"What about the Assault Corvettes?"

"Worry about them later. They have the best chance of simply doding our attack run so it's not worth it right now."

Pozzi seems to be making headway with the Mercs though it's slow going. You get a text message from her stating that they're taking the threat of guild interference seriously.

"They came out here to get paid. It sounded like easy money since there are no serious defenses. They know the other bands are looking for old gear and clues to other sites but don't know what is present any better than we do. Less than we do in a lot of cases. They're just hoping to strike it rich so they have more options for their group."

"They weren't one of the groups that were shooting at our allies?"

The other woman shrugs. "Well they won't exactly admit to everything they've been doing, so probably."

Sounds to you like they should be taken out.

"They're a bit on the unscrupulous side sir but not going out of their way to target us or our friendly units. I think if we offered them a cut of what we find they'd be fine with it and leave. A bribe would work too."

But no telling if they'd use any of those assets against you in the future. Then again that's the same with any mercenary company. Unless you hire them.

[ ] Offer them a cut
[ ] Offer them a bribe
[ ] Tell them to get out and you'll forget seeing them
[ ] Reply with weapons fire
[ ] Offer to hire them
[ ] Other

>>880516
>[ ] Tell them to get out and you'll forget seeing them
I prefer fights that aren't this fair.

>>880516
>[x] Offer to hire them
If they'll go back to shooting our allies later , why no take them out of the equation? Simply hire them to do work outside Dominion territory. The Terrans probably still could use some help protecting their territory from Neeran raiders, right?

>>880516
[x] Offer to hire them

They're mercs, and Pozzi happens to know a certain House and Viscount that can provide references from previous hires and potentially multiple options for work.

How would they like to join up with the Warlord of the Maelstrom, and potentially a growing security company if both parties prove themselves?

>>880570
Considering they took the threat of merc guild lowering their rating seriously they're almost certainly bound by their contract.

>>880585
>Considering they took the threat of merc guild lowering their rating seriously they're almost certainly bound by their contract.
I think they're not on any contract atm.

>>880594
If they're not under contract then I'm all for hiring them. What's a few million between friends when we can go on a treasure hunt! What do we do with them though?

>>880657
We first have to send them to get vetted somewhere, so probably a few weeks of funds in escrow? Sooner they get to J-D space to start the process, the sooner they can get the initial payment and start their contract.

It would be in their interest to head out ASAP, I'd imagine.

>>880657
>What do we do with them though?
Hire them to help you, your allies, other companies, organisations and assets that you're in contact with? There's a bit of a list what there being a war on.

"If they're not on contract already I'll offer to hire them. Send me their merc guild data and I'll toss a few million in funds into escrow."

That changes things. They tighten up their formation and make sure to move outside the gravity well but they don't seem to be making any move towards the planet.

"They seem up for it provided we give them some cash up front for a few miscellaneous expenses."
"What do they need?"
"Supplies and fuel mostly. I don't think any of their ships have ramscoops, or not enough of them do."

Well that takes care of this group of mercenaries for now. Hopefully they'll be a bit happier with regular work. Something that might have been difficult to find what with the extreme hate on for anything or anyone Aries related in the region.

What are your plans for trying to get hold of some of the weapons or shields used by the Knights on the planet? Or would you rather write off this particular adventure?

>>880800
Firstly we're going to get all the loot Aries traded to the locals back just in case its actually useful.
Then we're going to meet with the local nobles to actually figure out what they have.

>>880800
>Hopefully they'll be a bit happier with regular work. Something that might have been difficult to find what with the extreme hate on for anything or anyone Aries related in the region.
This is worrying. The last thing we want to do is force these guys to continue working for Aries only because there's nothing else available for them.

>What are your plans for trying to get hold of some of the weapons or shields used by the Knights on the planet?
If these people are still aware of their past, the Domion, and there are is still semi regular contact with somebody, would it be okay to discretely go to the surface and talk to their knights and the flight coordinator we spoke to?

>>880800
>be mercs
>hear about a "point of interest" of some weird terran company that claims to be a house or some shit
>figure it could have some valuables or intel that could be sold
>someone else is also after the place
>finally arrive behind the other group
>turns out the other group is some rich noble
>hires us by just throwing a few million into escrow
Pretty sure they did not see that coming.

>>880800
Super busy so I can only skim through the updates but.

Try to get a hold of everything that Aries where trying to ship out and get a hold of the Shields. Either buying or steal works for me even if the former is more preferable.

>>880863
>If these people are still aware of their past, the Domion, and there are is still semi regular contact with somebody, would it be okay to discretely go to the surface and talk to their knights and the flight coordinator we spoke to?
>>880828
>Then we're going to meet with the local nobles to actually figure out what they have.

Mister Walker would like to avoid any additional contact between outsiders and the local population as much as possible, but admits it might be for the best if the technology the Aries team left behind was removed.

"The problem is I'm just not sure how best to go about it. I-I mean if it was given in trade we just can't take it back. I'm not sure what else could be traded for that wouldn't make things worse. As for the Knights, well they uh... they don't take orders from anyone. That doesn't mean some won't be interested in passage off world? Less for us to worry about. I'll try to find out where some of them are and get back to you.

For getting those Aries gadgets back they're quite far from our spaceport. Maybe land at night so less people will see? Oh and the atmosphere will kill you."

"What?!" you exclaim.

"Eventually! Not right away. Rovinar can handle the atmosphere but human outsiders can't without an air scrubbers. All of our ancestors had changes made so we can live here with the lower oxygen content. I don't know what you call it."

"Gene therapy?" asks Kelarium.
"Maybe, I guess? Just make sure you have an air scrubber. And please try not to kill anyone."

Ideas for trade? I'm drawing a blank here.

>>881084
I thought about it but they're probably just ship grade tritium or that denser stuff that power armor is made from.
>>881089
What trade? We've got invisibility, good intel and stun guns.

>>881089
>Mister Walker would like to avoid any additional contact between outsiders and the local population as much as possible
If he gives us a good description of what people tend to wear on the surface, we can manage to come up with something for our camo systems.

>Ideas for trade?
It really depends on the tech level of the world and what people lack. Even something like a decent quantity of high quality steel could be incredibly valuable to them.

Updates for the medical suites could be another thing they might be interested in.

Maybe updated high quality maps of the surface, if they don't have any satellites in orbit any more.

>>881089
I mean, surely they could use raw materials or something?

Or, in a nice twist, we could point out that we're the ones keeping them from getting attacked by the Aries corporation much like how the Knights keep the citizens protected from wild animals and such.

> What trade? We've got invisibility, good intel and stun guns.

Yup.

>>881126
Well, they said they were busy clearing new land, right? What if we did a one-time clearing of a large swath for them or something, made to look like a natural event?

>>881089
> As for the Knights, well they uh... they don't take orders from anyone.
Most of these knights will be human, and going by what they've been described to act like, we could probably pay them in various kinds of alcohol. Beer, wine, vodka, mead, champagne etc and provide instructions how to produce each.

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Okay I did something really stupid 3 hours ago, ate something I forgot gives me bad headaches.

>>881143
>>881101
>What trade? We've got invisibility, good intel and stun guns.
True that.

>>881126
>It really depends on the tech level of the world and what people lack.
Their agricultural technology is towards the lower end of what you might find with the Amish and Mennonites.
>Even something like a decent quantity of high quality steel could be incredibly valuable to them.
Thank you. The planet has rather low heavy metal content or its gravity would be much higher. As it is the magnetic field is really not that strong.

Simple materials like Steel, Iron or copper would probably be valuable. Starship grade Tritanium which you have in abundance would be too difficult for the locals to work.

For going after the Aries tech will you be sneaking and stealing? Or will you be trading?
Pangbourne suggests giving people the impression that the items are cursed.

[ ] Steal it
[ ] Trade for it
[ ] Convince locals it's cursed

>>881308
>[ ] Steal it
Convincing that the stuff is cursed would not only probably break the quarantine (moreso than it already has been) but it seems like it could backfire incredibly funnily.

>>881308
>[x] Trade for it
I don't see any reason not to.

>Starship grade Tritanium which you have in abundance would be too difficult for the locals to work
We could have a look of what people work with and produce one or two sets of crafts tools out of highly durable material. If we limit it to one or two sets of relatively primitive tools, it shouldn't screw with the local economy too much.

>>881308
> [ ] Steal it

> [ ] Donate some material to Walker to use to stabilize the situation caused by stealing

>>881308
>Trade

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>>881335
>We could have a look of what people work with and produce one or two sets of crafts tools out of highly durable material.
Like cooking knives?

>>881308
[x] Steal it

No need to steal everything, just major examples. The Ares brand mess kit probably won't destroy the world.


The knights sound like we'll be in for some fun, though.

>>881358
>Like cooking knives?
I really need to sit down and read that.

>>881358
I AM THE GOD VULCAN, CHILD.
I HAVE COME TO GRANT YOU THIS COOKING KNIFE IN ACCORDANCE TO THE PACT YOUR GREAT GRANDFATHER MADE.
TREASURE IT FOR THERE IS NO KNIFE IN THIS LAND AS STURDY, SHARP AND BEAUTIFUL AS THE ONES I HAVE MADE.

>>881308
>[x] Trade for it
Timekeeping devices would be worth a bit I imagine.

Stealing it but donating some materials to Walker. Hopefully he can sort out this whole mess.

Your Recon teams loads up and you take special care not to deploy with your Stealth LST. No need to complicate matters.

"Find the tech and get it out of here. Special emphasis on anything that isn't medical related. Keep it quiet and no casualties."

Roll 7d100

Rolled 100, 48, 38, 22, 93, 27, 60 = 388 (7d100)

>>881509
I really hope there was something good in there.

>>881533
YES

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>>881533
>a crit and 93
>still barely above the median
the dice gods are being tsun

Rolled 3, 64, 29, 58, 15, 59, 92 = 320 (7d100)

>>881509
>Roll 7d100
It could be anything! Even the map to a facility hidden beneath an arcology with a forgotten house nearby, or maybe the location of a reclusive low tech planet!

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>881509
THE SECRET TO SP WEAPONS

>>881565
Sonia already stole that though.

Rolled 50, 29, 37, 38, 79, 2 = 235 (6d100)

>>881565
How about a set of six ancient dice that were missing as well.

>100, 64, 38, 58, 93, 79, 92
Could be worse.

Sonia has finally scored Veckron Beam technology.

>>881616
When they realized they had to get gene therapy done, some of the knights went all out and now their offspring are basically space marines. Finally the factions have soldiers who can bully Neerans in hand to hand combat.

>>881627
They all think Sonia's their Spiritual Liege. They won't answer to anything but her authority.
They also refuse to call her anything other than God Empress.

Not even ridiculous because everyone would be more distrustful of Sonia then. Since she would now have an army of super soldiers 100% loyal to her and only her.

>>881638
>Since she would now have an army of super soldiers
A squad of them would probably be more realistic with the planet's pre-industrial agriculture.

As usually happens with these things the 100 was for the LST flight landing without notice.

The LST manages to land your team without any of the locals noticing, staying high enough up that any hum from its repulsors are covered up by the wind. Dropping down to a hover just a few meters above ground level you jump down and the six of you spread out, moving as quickly as you can towards the locations marked on your HUD.

Repulsor Bikes might have made this easier but it also would have increased the likelyhood of detection. You're glad for the power armor because you're feeling that extra gravity. You've done training for high grav ops but it's been a long time. Most people you know don't really consider them ideal places to live.

The landing site seems to have been a good one. You're much closer than you were worried might be the case. Within a few minutes you're approaching a small hovel that your sensors show the object you're after is inside.

The sound dampening systems of your suit come in handy getting the door open quietly. Inside most the family living here have gone to sleep with one older fellow reading a few papers by candle light. They seem a bit shorter than average but not by a tremendous amount. Their ancestors must have had more high gravity adapatation than just fixing up their lungs.

Carefully maneuvering around the family you reach towards a high shelf with a small box sitting on it. Inside is an actually very nice looking communicator. Way better than the old thing you carry around. Your suit database tags it as a newer Aries model with enough range to broadcast halfway across a system. Underneath it is an object you recognise as a flashlight laser powerful enough to act as a sidearm.
Neither are things you want left on this planet.

A few other trinkets and valuables are inside the box. While tempted these people are probably losing enough tonight. No need to go full grinch and take everything.

Getting back outside with your practiced tallents of quietly opening doors, you leg it for the extraction point. Half way there you catch Rufaro cursing over the channel.

"Report."

"Tech acquired sir, but I woke up several people at an inn. They're going to know something was stolen."
Everyone else seems to have done okay and you all get back to the LST without incident. Most of the gear brought back are small handheld items easily pawned off on the locals. A few you can't readily identify but they have Aries markings so they've been brought in.

Before long you're back up and headed into orbit.

"Was that everything?"

"Everything save for a couple of portable medical devices." Valeri confirms. "And what may be one of those Knights a few dozen kilometers north of here."

Talking to Walker again you assure him that all of the more dangerous items have been removed, which he's quite relieved by.

"Thank you. I've been able to contact a few of the retired Knights who happen to keep communications open in case of an emergency. They've sent out runners to contact the younger members of their order."

For some reason you're imagining an old retired soldier sitting next to weapons mounted on the wall listening to a police scanner.

"They're not really interested in talking to outsiders but if you could impress them they might be willing to listen. This is the spot. The uh numbers... latitude, longitude, for one of the castles they built. Some of them should be there. I don't know what weapons they have. They were only supposed to be allowed to bring medical technology, some of which they traded. And the weapons they brought."

The location seems to be a safe distance from any settlements. A large estate with sturdy fortifications surrounded by farm land. You could land in daylight with few if any locals from the nearest towns spotting you if the LST came in from the north east. A daylight arrival would certainly make an impression on these Knights.

A night time landing shortly before daybreak would conceal your approach and let you appear as if from nowhere at their front gate.

[ ] Daylight, make a flashy entrance
[ ] Dawn, demons of air and darkness

>>881875
>[x] Dawn, demons of air and darkness

>>881875
>[ ] Dawn, demons of air and darkness

"Look to my coming, at first light, on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East." -Gandalf

>>881875
>[x] Dawn, demons of air and darkness
So, do any of the crew have experience with stage acting? Seems like a useful skill in this situation.

>>881915
[X] Dawn, demons of air and darkness

We should probably bring the energy converter. I suddenly have a suspicion about where these Knights may have gotten some of their treasures.

Thank you gandalf anon for this hope

>>881935
Wizard bros?

>>881941
We couldn't have been the first he trusted with such things, and he did mention being stupidly old, didn't he?

>>881935

If the source of their shields does turn out to be space wizard. Then I shall be surprised. I just wanted to quote notspacewizard.

>>881958
I wonder if we'll have to travel through time to get him back.

>>881875
>[X] Dawn, demons of air and darkness

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Coming in under cover of darkness you once more drop a safe distance away from your target, this time on rougher terrain. The LST crew are nervous about what may be a sensor array on top of one of the towers so you're outside the range of particle beams. Their ECM should be sufficient to avoid detection at that range. A Repulsor bike rigged with salvaged stealth panels and extra hand holds bring you in closer so you'll arrive on time.

You couldn't resist leaving the message to "Look to my coming, at first light. At dawn, look to the East."
Most of the others don't get the reference and you admit it's not perfect but it should have the right impact when you appear out of nowhere on their doorstep.

You can see soldiers rushing about in the pre-dawn glow, taking up positions at the top of the wall with arbalests. They probably don't pose any threat to you but if the bolts they fire have been upgraded with say a monomolecular edge then they might be able to cause some damage.

Waiting until the morning sunlight hits the castle gate the six of you deactivate your camo. Your companions have their reservations about doing this but it certainly seems to scare the hell out of the locals.

Someone shouts for the gate to be opened and the sturdy doors are pulled back for you to enter. A trio of Knights are waiting for you inside the courtyard, the one farthest back with a helmet held under their arm. From experience with Dominion equipment they look to be outfitted with similar styles of power armor crafted to look like armor fairy tail knights might wear.
All appear to be men, but looking off to the side you see stone statues of similarly armored figures, the occasional one being women.

While their armor is nearly the same their weapons are not. A mix of HF-blades, monomolecular edged weapons and launchers. The older grey haired man at the back has an attachment on his right forearm similar to another.
Pangbourne tags them with an alert on your squad's HUD.
"I think those are retractable shields. Those and the weapons are all high density materials like in power armor."

You come to a stop and the older knight eventually speaks.
"Welcome visitors from the outer worlds. We must apologise for lack of a suitable audience for your arrival but there was little time to prepare. What brings you to our modest little world?"

See you in the morning! Will be running until 3:30 PM EST. Don't know if I'll be resuming the thread later in the week.

>>882170
>What brings you to our modest little world?"
An early midlife crisis.
The quest for treasure, glory, and unknown wonders.

>>882170
> Clean-up. The joys of Nobility, fixing the mistakes of others.

>>882170
I've come to keep you safe from the big bad House Aries.

"A quest for treasure, glory, and unknown wonders was what originally brought us here." you explain.
"But it quickly became necessary to protect this planet from House Aries. Cleaning up their actions in this part of the galaxy has been a full time job."

"Then we owe you our thanks." The older Knight bows slightly.
"I am Maksimilian Nevsky, senior Knight of the northern order. I must applaud your entrance by the way. Our lesser soldiers appear quite shaken by your display. The Knights however are made of sterner stuff."

You certainly got that impression. The two younger ones look like it wouldn't take much for them to spring to the attack despite the odds not being in their favour.

"We heard from that spineless sop of the Walker family that you were to keep a fleet of ships from descending on our world. For that we are grateful, tell me did you engage them in a glorious battle? I admit to having seen no such lights in the skies, but if it were fought on the far side of the planet we wouldn't have."

>What say?
>Lie? Admit you paid them off?

>>882825
They were outnumbered and chose the better part of valor.

>>882825

"They were not true warriors. Just mercenaries out for coin. As much as I enjoy the thrill of battle, fighting such men is not as honorable. Not when there are greater battles out there to which I may put these men to use in."

Unsure if it would be wise to tell them if there is a war out in the greater cosmos, but what about recruiting one or two of these guys? Have a real knight with us! Might be a like for knights like them.

>>882825
"No, I choose the path less bloody. Me and my own have seen more than enough blood these past few years than what any should see for an entire lifetime. Suffice to say they now do as I say and will not be bothering your world."

>>882825
"No, we did not. They were simple brutes who turned and fled."

>>882825
"House Aries once again proved a cowardly foe by not sending one of their fleets. Instead of the ships we expected to fend off, they sent mercenaries here who were told to collect their pay on this planet. The soldiers had come here expecting an abandoned base or hidden supply depot filled with valuables, instead of a world they are not allowed to walk on, guarded by our fleet.

They were exhausted, lacking in supplies, and had fulfilled their duty as the rules and traditions of the great mercenary guild demand. In addition to that, their ships were not well equipped for battle as they were planning to fill their holds with the rewards promised by their former employer, House Aries. When we informed them that they were fooled, all will to fight for what they formerly considered their just reward left them, and instead they asked for supplies to leave this place.

By betraying loyal allies who fulfilled their oath of service, Aries has earned another foe this day, and the warriors we encountered above your world have already shown interest to fight against those who betrayed them. The great guild says their valor in combat has never been questioned, so it seemed like an unworthy end to for them to be cut down exhausted and without supplies. It would only reward Aries for their treachery if we were to exhaust out armies against one another. Instead we plan to allow them revenge."

>>882916
>>882825

This sounds like a better answer I feel.

>>882916
Spicy.

>>882916
I'll try to use some of this but I've already written well past the what say section.

>>882925
Pity that the best came last.

>>882925
No worries. It took me pretty long to write it down.

"They were not true warriors. Just mercenaries out for coin and chose the better part of valor. They now do as I say and will not be bothering your world.
As much as I enjoy the thrill of battle, me and my own have seen more than enough blood these past few years to last a lifetime."

Nevsky seems disappointed. "Ah well, life can't always be excitement I suppose. Too much of a good thing is how the old expression goes? Forgive me, I did not give you the chance to formally introduce yourself, Knight?"

You were hoping not to give your actual rank to avoid being seen as a braggart. Despite the risk you momentarily take off your helmet to reply that you're Sonia Reynard, Viscount of Rioja.

"I've not heard of that world, but then I didn't expect to. There must be millions of planets I will never see. Tell me, is this Rioja a pleasant place to live?"

You grin. "It's a blasted hellscape. Even the people here might not be able to breathe the air there."

"Ha! Come, let us sit and discuss these treasures that bring you to our world."
He gestures towards the keep and for you and your people to follow. The knights fall into step to either side of your group. You put your helmet back on before the lower oxygen levels can begin to get to you. Temperature and air pressure seem nice enough.

"The Walker family went to great lengths to make this planet as dull and uninteresting as possible to keep people away. Our forefathers saw this and thought what better place for Knights to settle than a planet where other people had gone to become peasants! The founders might not have appreciated being described that way, wanting to become more in tune with nature."

You're led into a hall featuring very sturdily built chairs and tables. Strong enough to withstand people wearing power armor and the extra gravity.

"From what was said earlier you and your Knights have seen many battles?"

"Ten years of war, though the Dominion was weathering it better than most until the civil war."

You tell stories of fighting pirate and Neeran giants. The trio of local Knights in turn tell you of the various beasts and local life that live on the planet. Enough to threaten civilials and let the Knights play hero. Everyone in your team make a point of not mentioning Warrels. These fools might try to have them introduced so they'd have a real fight.

>Cont

Telling of the Civil War you make sure to paint Aries in as bad a light as possible.
"They sent mercenaries here who were told to collect their pay on this planet. The soldiers had come here expecting an abandoned base or hidden supply depot filled with valuables, instead of a world they are not allowed to walk on, guarded by our fleet.

They were exhausted, lacking in supplies, and had fulfilled their duty as the rules and traditions of the great mercenary guild demand. In addition to that, their ships were not well equipped for battle as they were planning to fill their holds with the rewards promised by their former employer, House Aries. When we informed them that they were fooled, all will to fight for what they formerly considered their just reward left them, and instead they asked for supplies to leave this place."

You may be overplaying this a tad. You really don't know the whole situation the mercs were in but it's not like they're here to object.

"By betraying loyal allies who fulfilled their oath of service, Aries has earned another foe this day, and the warriors we encountered above your world have already shown interest to fight against those who betrayed them. The great guild says their valor in combat has never been questioned, so it seemed like an unworthy end to for them to be cut down exhausted and without supplies. It would only reward Aries for their treachery if we were to exhaust our armies against one another. Instead we plan to allow them revenge."

This earns some applause from Nevsky.

"From your stories I take it you hope to recruit some of our Knights or find the source of our fantastic weapons yes?"

[ ] The former
[ ] The latter
[ ] A bit of both

>>883004

[x] A bit of both

They may know shit about actually fighting but I can't pass up an opportunity to have a knight in our ranks. It shouldn't be THAT hard to get them trained up to proper Space Knight status, right? Plus awesome tech to go with it? Bonus!

>>883004
>[x] A bit of both
"It hadn't occurred to me to recruit Knights, but it is a very tempting suggestion. Perhaps those that wish to see beyond the planet, or have a taste for adventure and glory could join me on a tour of duty off in the stars, then return with fantastic tales to tell the populace."

"As such, I suppose it would also be my responsibility to ensure they're kept well supplied."

>>883004
>I take it you hope to recruit some of our Knights or find the source of our fantastic weapons yes?
Yes.

I wonder if they'd be interested in a friendly duel. Swords? Pistols? A horse race?

>>883004
[ ] A bit of both
"The weapons, and shields, are what initially caught my interest when it comes to you. Many Houses seeks to tear the Dominion apart these days and leave the other Factions to deal with the Neeran Empire alone so we need every edge we can get. However your Knight order has me intrigued and I would not deny any who wish to come with me to seek glory in the stars, should any wish to come that is."

>>883057
Sounds risky in power armour but I am all for it.

>>883028
>>883023
>>883019
A bit of both you have to admit.

"The weapons, and shields, are what initially caught my interest when it comes to you. Apparently one of your order terrified a team of Aries scouts when they visited the planet a few months ago.

Many Houses seeks to tear the Dominion apart these days and leave the other Factions to deal with the Neeran Empire alone so we need every edge we can get. However your Knight order has me intrigued.
Perhaps those that wish to see beyond the planet, or have a taste for adventure and glory could join me on a tour of duty off in the stars, then return with fantastic tales to tell the populace."

Nevsky nods. "I'll have to put the question to the others. It may be months before we can get them word even with our communications.
As for our weapons and shields our ancestors collected many relics from across the known universe before settling here. We brought with us the ability to make copies of some, though they're often of lower quality. Even these are highly prized and are handed down simply because it's difficult to make more. There is a small stockpile of materials used in our armor which our equipment is built of."

You thought so, the same high density materials used in construction of power armor is used in their shields and weapons so they don't have to worry about them wearing out. Though if these are lower quality you wonder what the originals are like.

"Even letting go one of our masterfully crafted copies would require serious consideration. The originals are out of the question."

You quietly text the others while listening. "If they have a stockpile of high density armor how did we not detect it from orbit?"
"Smuggling compartment." is Valeri's answer.

If they hid a small enough scan shielded compartment below this castle it would be hard to detect.

"If you want one of our masterworks for yourself you will have to duel one of our Knights. Though we would expect you to offer up a similar prize."

[ ] Duel. Bet your new Plasma pistol for one of their masterworks
[ ] Duel. Bet the Neeran energy converter for one of their artifacts
[ ] Trade high density armor for one of their masterworks
[ ] Other

>>883108
>[ ] Trade high density armor for one of their masterworks
>Other
What if we park a science ship in the system? We pay them in high density armor for the chance to do some scans and research on their originals and copies.

Also, I bet Baron Dante would love the chance to spend a vacation on this planet.

>>883117
>Also, I bet Baron Dante would love the chance to spend a vacation on this planet.
"Nice enough place, but where are the giant robots?" -Dante

>>883108
>[x] Trade high density armor for one of their masterworks
By their own admission, the copies are of a lower quality. If we were to scan the originals with their permission, and produce higher grade replicas, would that suit them? Furthermore, we could also add that only those we deem 'knightly' enough would receive the copies offworld, to keep their creators honor intact and whatnot.

>>883108
Also, there are knights but no horses. What if we offered high performance repulsor bikes made to look suitably fantastical and sturdy enough for use?

>>883108

[ ] Trade high density armor for one of their masterworks

I think we should still try a duel, even if we go for the trade. Just set a lower prize. A man's weight in high quality steel?

>>883108
[ ] Trade high density armor for one of their masterworks

[ ] Duel for the hell of it.

>>883108

Duel just to duel, we have a history of hit or miss on dueling, so why not see if we can match blades with them?

>>883166
I'm trying to think of something that's worth dueling over to be honest. I love all our plasma pistols too much to let them go, and who knows what the converter might be needed for eventually.

File: Retractable Shield.gif (570 KB, 375x250)

570 KB GIF

You offer to trade high density armor for one of their masterworks. It's not like you don't know where to get more.

"A trade is probably for the best, as much as I'd like to duel. I've actually been getting much better a dueling over the years."

Nevsky laughs. "I'm willing to bet you haven't dueled on a high gravity world before."
No you concede you haven't.

"I'm told it's a bit different. Perhaps on another visit you might try? Or perhaps a simple sparring match?"
More experience is always good.

"Very well, I'll have the sparring ring readied with suitable training weapons. Until then let me show you our Keep's artifact to sate your curiosity."

You follow the Knight down into the basement levels where he retrieves from an ornamented display stand a shield similar to the one already locked to his forearm. Switching them out he presses a lever and a series of metal plates spiral out forming into a round shield.

You've seen one of these before on Yineput used by the Royal Guard Captain. It barely registers on your suit sensors.

"I don't know where our ancestors found this but it is rumored to be indestructible. I've not seen a weapon that can leave a mark on it."

He extends his arm out to the side, a safe distance from his body.
"By all means try you best."

[ ] Refuse
[ ] Repulsor rifle (Small cal)
[ ] Repulsor rifle (Non AOE 20mm)
[ ] Plasma pistol

And because we're running out of time roll 3d20 for sparring match.

Rolled 15, 14, 15 = 44 (3d20)

>>883251
[ ] Plasma pistol
He did say try your best and I am all to happy to oblige. Also retractable shields just went up the ranking from kind of cool to pretty cool with that gif.

ROLLING FOR THUNDER!

Rolled 8, 12, 2 = 22 (3d20)

>>883251
>[x] Repulsor rifle (Non AOE 20mm)
This seems like a sensible choice but be sure his arm is not held in a way where the kinetic energy from the impact alone can do harm.

>Until then let me show you our Keep's artifact to sate your curiosity
"Is every keep built to protect an artifact?"

>3d20 for sparring match
Bonk!

>>883136
>"Nice enough place, but where are the giant robots?" -Dante
Bless his one track mind.

Rolled 19, 4, 3 = 26 (3d20)

>>883251
[ ] Plasma pistol

Lets have some fun

Rolled 15, 10, 3 = 28 (3d20)

>>883251
>[x] Plasma pistol
Damage the priceless artifact, Sonia, do it, cmon.

Are we put to the death if we render it inoperable?

We should probably warn him if we use the Plasma Pistol actually.

Seems like we're going with the plasma pistol. We should probably test it outside, it has a rather large AOE and I'd hate to ruin the interior of the casle.

You hold up your sidearm.
"This is a brand new Plasma Pistol. It fires a stream of superheated Iron at a speed that I don't know off the top of my head. It can penetrate the armor of some tanks."

You take aim then adjust it a bit, not wanting to hit the central axle in case that causes it to seize up. Your bodyguards look between you and your target then take a step back to give you both more room.

The plasma impact drives the shield back but it looks like the shot still landed on target. A shower of molten Iron scatters in every direction causing everyone to back away and shield their helmets.

Nevsky curses in a mix of Rovinar and old Russian then starts to laugh. Holding up the shield you can clearly see the point of impact glowing orange, the heat spreading out. On the opposite side there's a small patch glowing orange and a bit red but otherwise it doesn't seem to have been damaged in anyway.

"No wonder that Guard Captain was able to hold his own for so long against soldiers with power cell armor and mass drivers."

"It takes practice to protect all vital and not so vital areas once an enemy realises they cant break your shield." the old Knight admits.
"Being immobilised is a serious problem if you're shot in the foot. And much harder to jump around on one leg in two times gravity!"

This draws laughs from the other local knights.

"Still, it's best not to test how sturdy it is too often. There is probably a limit. Now, I believe you wanted to spar with one of the younger Knights."


And I'll have to post the rest when I get back from work! See you!

>>883335
We HAVE to get a hold of a production module of one of these or at lest specs for it.

>>883335
>>883340

I am in agreement with anon, we should get a hold of a production copy of that shield. o,o That is really impressive if it can withstand a shot of the plasma pistol. Maybe we can use the production copy and improve upon it and make it stronger?

>>883335
Neat!

I do wonder what other artifacts they have, since he mentioned there were others. What a delightful planet.

I don't know that just seems like a collapsible slab of high density armor.

>>883557
I don't think it's just a regular plate of armor or else they'd be in use everywhere. Seems to have better heat dispersal systems and something that makes in invulnerable.

>>883731
It's because it's made of the extremely expensive material that power armor is made from. We even had a side mission dedicated to convincing someone to stop being wasteful with it.

>>883771
I'm fairly certain that we've seen plasma and fusion weapons cut through that, though.

Like when we got our arm melted off.

>>883771
I know, but we've shot people in power armor before with no problemo. There's got to be more to the thing or else we'd have seen it in action way more often. If it really IS as simple as a retractable shield, then I hope they have some other neato artifacts we can scan.

>>883340
>>883557
"The original is made of a material our ancestors had never encountered before and regrettably they refused to pass on where or how they acquired it. My grandfather told me only that it was found far away out in the great beyond."

He replaces the artifact once it has cooled enough to be put back on its display. Picking up the shield he had been wearing he reattaches it and with a flourish triggers it to iris open much like the artifact. The colour of the two materials are quite different visually.
Retracting it once more he gestures for you all to head back upstairs.
"Our masterworks are wonderful approximations made of the same material our armor and I would guess yours is made out of. They are still only a shadow of the original. While I've never seen them seriously damaged I suspect your amazing pistol might be able to penetrate them."

"Would it be possible to take scans of it?" you ask. "I could send for a team to research it. Maybe they could determine where it's from?"

Nevsky gives you an odd look.
"But that would take away it's mystique! The unknown or unknowable air of mystery surrounding it. Especially for people here who would never venture out to the stars. But I will give you retroactive permission for the scans your people already took during the demonstration."

Getting to the sparring ring you and one of the other knights are given a protective cloak to put over your armor.
"This cloak is self hardening. It will resist blunt force impacts and protect your no doubt expensive and difficult to maintain armor. The better to spar with and not break anything too valuable."

You're handed a somewhat battered but sturdy looking longsword.
Oh shit, this is like the kind of sword that Winifred has. She can get away with it when entering close combat because she uses tons of smoke launchers. You're used to using short swords or large combat knives in a fight, or lighter HF-blades for duels.

>Cont. (Typing)

>>884593
Just ask for a blade more suited to our style of fighting. It's hardly sporting to force your opponent to use a weapon they're unfamiliar with.

>>884593
>But that would take away it's mystique! The unknown or unknowable air of mystery surrounding it.
Well, is there a quest available to retrace the steps of whoever found the shield? It could be fun to pair one or two of his knights with an equal number of ours, give them a flight of ships and have them set out to discover the origin of th artificat. It should be apropriately knightly, especially with the current state of the dominion.

>The better to spar with and not break anything too valuable.
Spare parts and maintenance work for power armor could be another item to bargain with.

>>884606
>>884593
This.

>>884606
>>884667
It's just a sparring match. Learning new weapons and fighting styles is one of the reasons to do that.

>>884593

I'd bet an assault corvette that if we compared sensor info, we would find that Svidur's stolen staff gave off similar readings when we shot it with the X-ray laser.

We should at least ask if there was any mention of a wizard, sage or Svidur by any of their grandparents.

Contemplating the sword you look to the weapon master. "Do you have any short swords?"

"Oh. Well yes, there are some among the children's training swords." The old man returns in a moment with a few examples and you take one similar enough to your usual weapon type that there shouldn't be a problem.

The Knight waiting to spar with you doesn't seem to take your choice of weapons seriously.
"You're really going to use that?"

"I am."

"Your loss."

The old knight shouts for you to begin. Immediately you switch the small blade to your left hand in a reverse grip which catches him off guard. Driving forward you catch his first swing, deflecting it off to the side and giving you an opening on his flank. Your short sword connects with his upper chest.

"Hit!" Shouts Nevsky.

"The 'ell was 'at?!" asks the bewildered Knight.

Nevsky applauds lightly then turns to the younger Knight.
"That young man was a fast all out attack executed by a more experienced fighter. Look at her armor, it is built for speed not overall resilience like yours. I imagine it's still quite tough. Weapon and technique, the short reach of a smaller blade is less effective with our fighting styles. The reverse grip allows certain motions and attacks unsuited to a larger sword, it has advantages but also drawbacks. Find those and you'll find a way to exploit them.
Now, again!"

This time the Knight is far more cautious, trying to keep from getting hit long enough to learn how you fight. As a result he's overly conservative but does a better job keeping you from hitting vital areas.
It's another win but you don't do nearly as good as the first time.

The third match he's showing definite improvement and manages to hit you with his sword pommel. You still do a bit better than the second match, though it's a harder fight with your opponent getting better.

"Just as well you were not dueling for the fate of your shield! Our Knights are good but they lack experience with the fighting styles of far flung worlds. Thank you."

[ ] They need to get better
[ ] You're happy to help
[ ] Their rate of improvement is admirable
[ ] other (What say?)

>>884850
>[ ] Their rate of improvement is admirable
It's really impressive how quickly the junior knight managed to adapt. Do they have Rovinar knights as well?

>>884850
>[ ] Their rate of improvement is admirable
Few are able to adapt to an enemy using an unknown fighting style in just two fights.

>>884850
>[ ] Their rate of improvement is admirable
Sounds like they have some well trained and conditioned fighters.

>>883273
It's a good thing I didn't write the sparring match before I went to work because I had missed this roll somehow and only saw the 3 below.

>Their rate of improvement is admirable
"Ilya only looks stupid, he really learns quite fast. We take our time in recruiting."

>Do they have Rovinar knights as well?
He sighs at this. "No. But do not think us speciesist! They have little interest in learning to fight in peace time. They are among the first volunteers to form local militias if there is an emergency though. I do have respect for them though we disagree over many things. They're peaceful so there is little to worry about with them.
There are plagues or madness brought on by shifts in cycles of the native life that can turn Humans or Rovinar to attack others. Those are the only real times where I have needed to kill any."

>>883145
>What if we offered high performance repulsor bikes made to look suitably fantastical and sturdy enough for use?
"Thank you but we would never hear the end of it from Walker and his clan. They technically own the planet except for the land around our Keeps. They have so much money off world my Grandfather could hardly believe they would choose to live here with no technology. Not without swords and armor that is."

>>885001
Do people here have the choice to return to galactic society?

>Thank you but we would never hear the end of it from Walker and his clan.
What about horses modified for the atmosphere and the weight of power armor?

>>885030
well we do have an entire race of hyper intelligent centipedes that specialize in genetics and bio sciences.

>>885030
>Do people here have the choice to return to galactic society?
"I think many do not even know about it, but some do and often they have no interest in it. Our knights make no effort to hide it. We tell any who asks how to reach the space port, but it is a long journey. The communities work hard to provide food for everyone."

>What about horses modified for the atmosphere and the weight of power armor?
There are modified oxen used for pulling carts, wagons and farm equipment.
Didn't give a lot of thought to long distance travel to be honest.

>>884850
>[x] Their rate of improvement is admirable
Perhaps the Knights would be interested in a few recreations of the various melee weapons we've encountered across the galaxy?

Whenever you deploy with Power Armor the techs always have the backup materials reserves needed to repair them. While it means you'll have to pick up more, it's expedient to trade most of these reserves now to get a couple of shields and a few different weapons you'll have to inspect later.

The Knight you sparred with, Ilya, has asked to join your forces as has another from one of the other locations on planet able to make contact. They intend to join for four years after which they would have the option to return home. Others may join you later as word reaches them.

While the Knights are able to keep their weapons they'll have to leave their power armor behind as it belongs to the order. It's asked that their weapons be returned if at all possible if they should fall in battle.

"Wait, no power armor? You're not giving them any protection?" You could easily pay for more suits but really the less hits your finances take these days the better.

They are given some suits similar in many respects to the more heavily protected version of Marine armor your people occasionally deploy with. Being accustomed to higher gravity they can take the extra weight better than your Marines can. It's a start at least.

>>885153
>Perhaps the Knights would be interested in a few recreations of the various melee weapons we've encountered across the galaxy?
You give them the data.
"There may be a few things in there you haven't seen before."


I still don't have my new work schedule so I'll be wrapping things up here. I'll update on the twitter if I think I can resume using this thread. If there are any questions I'll try to answer them when I have time tomorrow night.

>>885237
Haven't we encountered a 'heavy' variant of power cell armor?

It would probably be a good start to get them power cell armor and some weapons/tactical training so they're not completely helpless before we can get them into proper power armor. Those shields won't help much against a good crossfire, and getting them some anti-Neeran training would probably be something they'd thrive on.


thanks for running TSTG

>>885237
>I'll be wrapping things up here.
Thanks for running, TSTG!

Good luck with work!

>>885286

We have, last time we were recovering our proto-type stealth ship. That dude was damn near invincible. There have also been several other occasions in which we've come across people in 'heavy' power armor. Well, he only seemed invincible since we were using small arms weapons and our pistol was elsewhere at the time.

But yeah it would be a good idea to get them accustomed to using the new gear and training for other fields of combat. Using a shield and sword, while cool and all is gonna get them killed if they don't learn to use a rifle and other important things.

>>885237
Do these guys have any plans for if Aries comes back? People clearly know of this place and I can't think they'd stop at a half hearted effort to obtain a literally invulnerable artifact.

>>885931
I'd say inform the Nag Guild and have them deal with it. No one wants to piss them off if they can help it. Even Aries. So I think they will stay away if the Guild deployed a small satellite or the like over the planet to monitor it. That should limit it to infiltration work by stealthed ship. Infiltrators who will have to get inside of Castles with plenty of power armoured and battle horny knights.

>>885237
>I still don't have my new work schedule so I'll be wrapping things up here.
Thanks for the thread TSTG, I hope think will work out for you at work.

>f there are any questions I'll try to answer them when I have time tomorrow night.
Would the owners of the planet be interested in dogs or horses modified to survive on their planet?

>Forces in South Reach continue to face off in skirmishes and other low intensity regional conflicts
How's Veritas doing? Is Sonia's starfighter factory safe?

>>885286
>It would probably be a good start to get them power cell armor and some weapons/tactical training so they're not completely helpless

I agree. We should let them test various weapons and different armours so they can see what works best for them. Maybe one of them will want jet or heavy PA. I'm not opposed to invest a bit of money.

>>885237
We should see if we can go on a hunt with them.

Maybe mention the sport hunting of Warrels or whatever that bio-form the Neeran made was.

>>887732
>mention the sport hunting of Warrels
This sounds like a terrible idea.

Almost as bad as 'Teleport a crate of Warrels aboard the Neeran command ship'

>>888058
But we did do that and it was awesome.

>>888469
We did the Antimatter crate unless I missed a whole section.

Got in very late last night so didn't have access to a PC sooner.
Next game is monday.

>>885286
>Haven't we encountered a 'heavy' variant of power cell armor?
This >>885645
except that was full on power armor. They look a little bit like an XCOM Andromedon, except instead of a clear section it's covered over in layers of reactive armor that can be jettisoned.

Your people will get them trained on a few different types of armor and some exercises.

>>885931
>Do these guys have any plans for if Aries comes back?
Get walker to raise the planetary shields, but that's only a temporary solution.

>>886386
>the Nag Guild
That was funnier than it should have been.

>So I think they will stay away if the Guild deployed a small satellite or the like over the planet to monitor it.
That's a good idea. You could leave a probe in high orbit and give the guild the control codes for it.

>>887343
>Would the owners of the planet be interested in dogs or horses modified to survive on their planet?
They'll have to think about it. Everything they brought in was balanced to an extent to not be too disruptive.

>How's Veritas doing?
Ber'helum has made contact with them and is in negotiations to acquire and refit the Super they crippled.

>Is Sonia's starfighter factory safe?
The House it belongs to has been attacked but is holding their territory for now. They have halted exports of starfighters but your company is still getting paid for the ones they 're building. If you were to personally visit the Baron you could acquire a batch of starfighters directly but you're not in South Reach.
Fortunately it produced enough that J-D stockpiled some spares.

>>888469
>>888489
You did the antimatter.