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23:08, 9th May 2024 (GMT+0)

Oak in the Mountains.

Posted by TadeuszFor group 0
Tadeusz
player, 10995 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Thu 2 Nov 2023
at 14:03
  • msg #1

Oak in the Mountains

OOC: Chapter 2 of the adventures of OakV2, GMed by Tadeusz.  :)
Tadeusz
player, 10997 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Sat 25 Nov 2023
at 02:43
  • msg #2

Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Tadeusz (msg # 1):

You wake, right side of your face down, and the grass under you is wet and neatly trimmed.  Rising to your feet, you see a handy rock or something to push up with, and then as you stand, you get a jolt.

Its a tombstone.

Inscribed very finely thus:

James Wilson Hendricks
Beloved Mentor, MAN, Wayfollower
2179-2284 Anno Domini
He was betrayed but he betrayed not

Looking about, you see a small cemetery next to a ruined stone chapel, and many sparkling lights in the sky in addition to the normal stars in the dawning light that reveals a sea of fog beyond the wide circle of green and stones you stand in.
Oak
GM, 3374 posts
Sat 25 Nov 2023
at 03:55
  • msg #3

Oak in the Mountains

:: Is this part of the same dream?  Am I on Earth, or Venus?  Is this a new dream? ::

:: Dearest LORD, please guard and guide me now, I pray... ::


I regard my new surroundings, using my training.  I... perceive... all that is around me.  Inscriptions from other headstones.  Any symbols from the headstones or the chapel.  The estimated age of the structures.  The stars and lights above.  Any of my belongings that may have come with me.  The... vectors... that may suggest their location.

I then approach the chapel, perceiving as I proceed...
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:52, Sat 25 Nov 2023.
Tadeusz
player, 11000 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Tue 28 Nov 2023
at 20:21
  • msg #4

Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Oak (msg # 3):

The inscription is cut using some technique you're not familiar with.  There is another similar tombstone.

Casey Johnson Hendricks
Maniple of Ten, MAN
Died Valorously Taking Outpost #17
sic transit gloria mundi
2212-2231 Anno Domini

Another stone with a more familiar technique describes the Dome Breach on Luna, and is in 2167.  Another goes back to World War Three in 2038 where Captain Charles Hendricks 'dismantled an AI core despite knowing the cost would be his life' and a Victoria Cross.  Another one goes back to WW2 and the RAF, and the last gives mention to a jezail bullet in dusty Afghanistan. None but the last two use the word 'MAN'.

You see Protestant crosses and trumpets and drawn swords and doves of peace and crying angels as symbols.  There are other stones, but none readable.

The ruined chapel is old in design and small, and its brass plate says as much.

Hendricks Chapel 1091 AD- First raised by Baron Ethelred Hendricks.

Looking up, you see what looks to be irregular spiky shapes in the small flashes.  Space stations, factories, starships in orbit?  They're not moving so that's something. Nor do they appear to be using power to keep station.

You get your vectors.
Oak
GM, 3375 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 04:56
  • msg #5

Oak in the Mountains

OOC: Any discernible response to my prayer?

I walk around the perimeter of the cemetery and chapel, perceiving from different angles, as well as looking for any signs of a path or trail leading elsewhere.

There must be someone regularly coming from somewhere to keep this grass so neatly trimmed...

Then I turn on my phone to see if it can detect or connect to anything...

And then I thoughtfully examine the yellow cord loop around my wrist, and begin counting the pattern circles.  3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, 2, 6, 5, 3, 5, ...
Tadeusz
player, 11001 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 05:14
  • msg #6

Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Oak (msg # 5):

No.

What did the wrist string do again?

You look around and see something like a Roomba in a metal box behind the chapel.
Oak
GM, 3376 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 05:35
  • msg #7

Oak in the Mountains

link to a message in this game

The wrist cord loop was a gift of the fey, and allowed me to enter the Dream, which transported me from Germany to Japan...

Any result from the wrist cord loop?

Any result from the phone?


I examine the metal box and the Roomba...
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:52, Wed 29 Nov 2023.
Tadeusz
player, 11002 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 21:55
  • msg #8

Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Oak (msg # 7):

Thanks.

The cord just lays on your wrist. Before, there was something about it. Now, its just a weird cord.

At first its 'no connection' and then 'connection' and then 'downloading'.

"How can I help you?" The Roomba says to you.
Oak
GM, 3377 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 22:15
  • msg #9

Oak in the Mountains

"Good morning.  I seem to have some type of memory lapse, and do not know where I am or how I got here, or how long I may have journeyed to arrive here."

"Please, do you know where we are now?  What is the current date and time?  What options do I have for seeking assistance?"

Tadeusz
player, 11004 posts
As you dimension dance...
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Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 22:28
  • msg #10

Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Oak (msg # 9):

"Of course, master. You are currently on Hendricks Tor. The date is May 9, 2391 Anno Domini. It is 6:47 in the morning. Do you need medical, travel, advisory or other assistance?  Communication links are frayed, but I will attempt to summon whatever assistance you require. I am an Exterior Roomba 9.7, and my speciality is groundskeeping so direct assistance to you is not my speciality. However, I will be of whatever assistance I can be."
Oak
GM, 3378 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2023
at 22:41
  • msg #11

Oak in the Mountains

"Thank you very much for your assistance."

"What is the nearest city?  How far is it from here, in what direction?"

"What type of transportation options are available?"

"Are there any provisions available here if I am unable to find transport elsewhere?"

"Do you know why the communication links are frayed?"

"Can you give a brief summary of recent news events?"

Tadeusz
player, 11005 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 03:10
  • msg #12

Re: Oak in the Mountains

Oak:
"Thank you very much for your assistance."
==My pleasure.
"What is the nearest city?  How far is it from here, in what direction?"
==Chester. 21.5 miles. Ten degrees east of true north.
"What type of transportation options are available?"
==This causes a long pause. 'Regrettably master,  I am only able to recommend foot travel'.
"Are there any provisions available here if I am unable to find transport elsewhere?"
==No.
"Do you know why the communication links are frayed?"
==Broken down repair robots. Unstable static fields. Malware. War damage. Storm damage.
"Can you give a brief summary of recent news events?"

=="That would require me to access that Region Net which could damage me, and perhaps threaten you, master.  The former master, Mr. Hendricks, stated as a preference 'be vewwy vewwwy quiet'."
Oak
GM, 3379 posts
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 03:37
  • msg #13

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I immediately power off my cell phone.

"I attempted to use this communication device to see if I could get a signal, and it indicated that it was downloading something.  I have just powered down the device.  Would you advise me to destroy this device immediately?  Have I already endangered us?"

"How long has it been since you have seen your former master, Mr. Hendricks?"

"Please summarize local and world events as you know them prior to the loss of communication links."

"Do you know where the dwelling of your former master is located?"

Tadeusz
player, 11006 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 04:38
  • msg #14

Re: Oak in the Mountains

Oak:
I immediately power off my cell phone.
==You try. It laughs as it powers back up.
"I attempted to use this communication device to see if I could get a signal, and it indicated that it was downloading something.  I have just powered down the device.  Would you advise me to destroy this device immediately?  Have I already endangered us?"
==Uncertain. I am not a battle tactics device. Yes, you have endangered us.

"How long has it been since you have seen your former master, Mr. Hendricks?"
==Four days  before his death date recorded on his tombstone.
"Please summarize local and world events as you know them prior to the loss of communication links."
==Once it clarifies that you just want the past century, it ealxplains in not very much detail that Aliens came to the Earth, and after a war with the Humans, the remaining Humans went with the Humans to another war on Planet Inferno.  They left behind the uplifted animals and the AIs in charge.  Some few humans stayed behind. The Disloyal Animals rebelled against the Masters, and hunted them down claiming the Men were disloyal themselves.  Various anomalous factors occurred. Mr. Hendricks helped the local Loyal animals and any AIs he could.
"Do you know where the dwelling of your former master is located?"

===In the base of the tor, uncertain as to the entrance as I was just a Roomba and not trusted with high security information.
Oak
GM, 3380 posts
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 05:01
  • msg #15

Re: Oak in the Mountains

As soon as the phone powers back up, I smash it immediately, cutting it off in mid-laugh.

"I am sorry for having endangered us.  Are we safe now, or should we evacuate from this location, or is it already too late?"

"Was your former master James Wilson Hendricks, who died one hundred and seven years ago?"

"Are there still local Loyal animals and/or AIs nearby?"

Tadeusz
player, 11007 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 08:28
  • msg #16

Re: Oak in the Mountains

Oak:
As soon as the phone powers back up, I smash it immediately, cutting it off in mid-laugh.

"I am sorry for having endangered us.  Are we safe now, or should we evacuate from this location, or is it already too late?"
==Uncertain. I am not a battle tactics specialist. Your actions may not cause any harm, or may.
"Was your former master James Wilson Hendricks, who died one hundred and seven years ago?"
===Yes.
"Are there still local Loyal animals and/or AIs nearby?"

===Animals, yes. AIs no.

Oak
GM, 3381 posts
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 08:41
  • msg #17

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"How did Mr. Hendricks help the local Loyal animals?"

"Do you know how I can find them?"

"How long has it been since you have seen another AI?"

"How can I help you?"

This message was last edited by the GM at 08:41, Thu 30 Nov 2023.
Tadeusz
player, 11008 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Sat 2 Dec 2023
at 09:24
  • msg #18

Re: Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Oak (msg # 17):

"He was able to help them with some medical and mental problems, and he provides services as a pastor."

"No. It has been a long time since one came here to the tor."

"I am a Limited AI, and as such, much of the issues that greater AIs have are not problems for me. However, if you were inclined to dissasemble some of my parts, and clean them before reassembling me, it would extend my functionality from 130 to 170 more years which would be appreciated."
Oak
GM, 3382 posts
Sat 2 Dec 2023
at 20:35
  • msg #19

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"I would be happy to help as best I can."

"Would you be able to give instructions for disassembling and reassembling those parts?"

"Do you know if the dwelling place of your former master has tools that could help me help you?"

"Let me see if I can locate the entrance..."


I examine the tor carefully, perceiving it as I search for an entrance...
Tadeusz
player, 11010 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Wed 6 Dec 2023
at 02:55
  • msg #20

Re: Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Oak (msg # 19):

"No tools I believe."

You search for an entrance all over the tor.  It is getting close to noon, and you have combed the tor from top to bottom. Its about eight hundred feet tall of thick green grass with a few granite rocks here and there that you thoroughly examined.  Nothing.

"Yes," and you begin to take the Exterior Roomba apart, piece by piece. At one point, he gives you a list of ten instructions, telling you to do them correctly, without fail, or well, he's dead.  Then he shuts down.  Nervously, you work your way back to the point where he's supposed to come back on, and for a second, he does. He stutters, and then smoothly comes on.  After that bit of adrenaline wears off, you put the rest of him back together, cleaner pads, filters blown out, and screws tightened.
Oak
GM, 3383 posts
Wed 6 Dec 2023
at 05:37
  • msg #21

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"Thank you, Lord."

I breathe a sigh of relief as the Roomba revives, and again as I complete my work.

"How do you feel?"

"By the way, I'm John Oakmaster.  Well met.  How may I address you?"

"Do you have any recollection of patterns used by your former master when he accessed his dwelling?  Any observations of where he was last seen before entering or after exiting?  Any footprints or other indications that you may have noted during your groundskeeping duties?"

"Did your former master go to the uplifted animals to minister to them, or did they come here?"

"What were the aliens like?  Are they still a threat?"

"I will eventually need food and water.  Do you have any recommendations for options I should pursue to acquire sustenance?  How did your former master obtain such things?"

"Who buried your former master?"

Tadeusz
player, 11013 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Sun 31 Dec 2023
at 00:38
  • msg #22

Re: Oak in the Mountains

He pauses to reflect, and then speaks. "You have precise hands. I feel good. Almost as good as a factory revamp."

"I'm Hendrick's Tor Exterior Roomba ver. 9.7 #2.  There used to be more of us, but they shut down or were damaged, or one, well #5, he was a bit of a lamebrain. He kept getting lost, and would end up in a nearby village. Eventually he did not come back."

"Follow me," it rolls off, and leads you down to the base of the tor on the west side.  It circles about a bit. "Somewhere around here,  I would lose track of him. It was a software lock meant to keep me from seeing.  I can tell you this because you asked me.  But I do not think I can get closer than this." Its showing an area maybe fifty feet across w hich you had examined already, but perhaps you  missed something.

"Mostly they would come, but on occasions they would gather and he would go to them."

"It was delivered to him by trundlebot, food, water, small items. He also had a small homefab for less complex items. There is a small river about a mile to the north which you can obtain water from. As to food,  I am sorry, master, I am unable to help."

"I do not know who did bury him. As I said, it was four days before I was aware he had been buried. This suggests either a software override or advanced stealth tech was used."
Oak
GM, 3384 posts
Sun 31 Dec 2023
at 04:47
  • msg #23

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I carefully perceive the area indicated once again...

If that doesn't work, then I try carefully systematically stomping on the ground throughout the area in question to see if anything feels different.

"Do you know where your former master used to go to meet the others?"

"Do you know where the nearby village is?"

"Do you remember the family names of the local loyal and disloyal animals, in case I encounter their descendants?"

"If I explored the area, would you come with me, or would you prefer to remain here?"

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:56, Sun 31 Dec 2023.
Tadeusz
player, 11014 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Wed 10 Jan 2024
at 03:57
  • msg #24

Re: Oak in the Mountains

OOC:Perceive botch, and a failure on stomping about.  Hard to figure out how to do this. I like dangerous botches, but its hard to have just looking be dangerous.  I suppose if I wanted to be ridiculous I could say you got a piece of dust in  your eye.  Ummmm.....

IC: You look very carefully, but it seems clear to you that the Roomba has made some mistake.  Stomping about supports this theory as you find nothing.

He gives you directions to the village. Its less than ten miles to the east across a bridge over a small river.

"I do not store most names after a one year since last seen. My data store is regularly emptied.  I do store certain more important data bits which I find appropos.  However, I remember that the Conchobar were well loved by my master, and the Peresmile family was who he often went to when he needed to ship something illicitly like spare parts for me."

"I must stay here." He scoots back a bit from you.
Oak
GM, 3385 posts
Sat 13 Jan 2024
at 01:34
  • msg #25

Re: Oak in the Mountains

OOC: Yeah, the obvious (and painful) consequence of a perception botch is to convince me that there isn't anything to be perceived, misleading me to be disinclined to waste further time and effort.  Sigh...

I nod reassuringly.

"I understand.  You feel that your duty lies here, and you seek to do your duty faithfully."

"Do you have any messages you wish me to pass to anyone, or anything you wish me to bring back to you, if my path brings me back here again?"


After finishing our farewells, I set off for the village so that I can make the most of the daylight hours...
Tadeusz
player, 11016 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 13:01
  • msg #26

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"I would be happy to find someone with a legal right to this land so that I can have a human or elevated animal to take care of again. Other than that, I'm fine."

You walk on leaving the tor behind.  Grassy pastures turn to copses of woods and back again. You pass an empty wooden shed.  Cross a one lane road and another copse of trees, and the miles melt away. Its a very pleasant land to walk in.  No major challenges, and lots of interesting views.  After crossing a creek, and leaving behind the water's edge trees, you spot a broken down cabin, with its roof falling in, and in front is a neatly tended rose bush, a  small flower patch, and a  corn and squash patch, all in excellent care.
Oak
GM, 3386 posts
Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 00:36
  • msg #27

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I look around for any signs of occupants, whether human, animal, or robotic...
Tadeusz
player, 11019 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Tue 30 Jan 2024
at 08:15
  • msg #28

Re: Oak in the Mountains

You see a couple metal boxes, twice the size of the Roombas, and one twice that size around back.  As is your way, when they come toward you, you greet the three Garden class Exterior Roombas, the one Hedgetrimmer, and the Robodog gently.  The creatures invite you on to their land, and you accept.

Once you step onto the land, the Robodog zooms around behind you.

You look back with slight suspicion, and the Robodog says.

"Rejoice brothers of the pack, we have a new Master."

They introduce you to them as #1,#2,#3 Garden Roombas, Hedgetrimmer LightUtility grade, and Basic Robodog.  The Robodog reaches your knee, and only the HT's long, skinny metal pole arms can reach above that to above your head.  The GR's have hover and track, and some more digging and cutting implements than your earlier friend as they are for heavier work.

They all cheer and welcome you to your new home.
Oak
GM, 3387 posts
Tue 30 Jan 2024
at 21:15
  • msg #29

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I smile warmly at them, touched at their welcome and at their previous masterless plight.

"Well met.  Your welcome is very kind, thank you."

"I am John Oakmaster.  'Peace be unto you.'"

"Please show me around, and we can walk and talk."

"I observe that there is water nearby, and some food being cultivated.  What other resources are available to sustain me?  Are there other edibles growing nearby that can be harvested?  Are there neighbors nearby that can be traded with?"

"What were the names of your previous masters, and how long ago did you serve them?"

"I have been wandering, and there is much I do not know or remember.  Can you tell me stories about when you came here, and what has happened to you over the years, and what you know about what has happened in the world?"


I check out the extent of the land they care for, and examine whether any portion of the structure can still provide shelter, etc., as we walk and talk...
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Tue 30 Jan.
Tadeusz
player, 11020 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 02:08
  • msg #30

Re: Oak in the Mountains

GE roll for garden. I know it will be favorable, so the question is modestly or hugely or in between.

The squash and corn patch is ready to eat.  HT points out that you can make rose hip tea. No one knows if the flowers in the patch are edible or not.  That is the front.

On the right side is a potato patch, ready
. On the left side is a trellis up against the wall with fading honeysuckle.  Behind is more with an actual small garden with a row of straight lettuce (the kind that does not ball up), a row of carrots, still small, a row of glowing fluorescent tomatoes, still green, and a row of peas.

Off to the side is a glass framed hotbox with jalopeno peppers in it that is ripening.

There is also a flowering bush with nice straight sticks a fingerswidth and bright purple flowers at the ends.  You can eat the flowers to help recover from excess radiation, you're told.

Enough for now.
Oak
GM, 3388 posts
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 02:29
  • msg #31

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I take in these sights with interest and thankfulness, and keep an eye open for any fruit and nuts...
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:33, Wed 31 Jan.
Tadeusz
player, 11022 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Fri 16 Feb 2024
at 08:18
  • msg #32

Re: Oak in the Mountains

PS: Unlike Magnus who got a terrible GE roll, you got a good one, not great, but  good.

You see a patch of low plants and coming closer you realize they are peanuts.  The bots also point out  a patch of grass which you can dig into and pull out hard shelled pears.  It's like a large pistachio nut, and inside the shell is a pear. On the exterior of the shell, grown it seems, is the word 'Product Monsanto Corporation. Use of seeds for regrowth forbidden by law and international treaty'.
Oak
GM, 3389 posts
Fri 16 Feb 2024
at 21:44
  • msg #33

Re: Oak in the Mountains

OOC: I peeked online at what kind of stuff grows in that region in our world.  Any hope of apples and/or berries?  Or less likely stuff like bananas, oranges, pineapple, etc.?  :)

I give thanks for these new discoveries as I continue taking inventory of available resources.

Oak:
"Are there other edibles growing nearby that can be harvested?  Are there neighbors nearby that can be traded with?"

"What were the names of your previous masters, and how long ago did you serve them?"

"I have been wandering, and there is much I do not know or remember.  Can you tell me stories about when you came here, and what has happened to you over the years, and what you know about what has happened in the world?"


I check out the extent of the land they care for, and examine whether any portion of the structure can still provide shelter, etc., as we walk and talk...

OOC: I packed a lot of queries into msg #29, so I will wait before overloading you with more... ;)
Tadeusz
player, 11024 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Mon 26 Feb 2024
at 03:30
  • msg #34

Re: Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Oak (msg # 33):

You spot a vine growing up on the roof, and see red apples hanging from it.  Of course, the roof does not look that stable. No bananas.

They used to have them, but the cold weather adaption genome package bred out, and the true bred bananas could not survive.

At your question about edibles nearby, they spend some time looking at each other and then one speaks.

"We cannot go outside."

"There are no others nearby. There used to be, but that was before Men left the planet. We do have a Mechanical Horse who visits every month. She carries trade goods."

"Dr. Lisa De Salle was our only owner. She was a geneticist who helped break the hold of Monsanto. She died in the war with the Aliens from lack of medical supplies and old age conditions.  She was very old. Some people thought she had some sort of longevity gene package, but she always said 'just good genetics. my mom and dad both hit 110, no reason I should not as well. It was about a hundred years ago. Since then, no one."  #1 Roomba says. The other devices bump into each other, try again, and then quiet when #1 spins to face them.

"We were tasked with keeping this plot of ground as is.  One of the doctor's descendants came and gave us this as a perpetual mission. This was more than fifty years ago. We could  not keep the house in condition. We apologize for failing on that.'

The HT spoke. "We have spent many nights staring at the sky watching the aliens and the AIs and we think some humans doing things in orbit.  They fight we think sometimes. Great flashes of laser light. Very rarely do they come down. We do not know why."
Oak
GM, 3390 posts
Mon 26 Feb 2024
at 03:58
  • msg #35

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"There is no need to apologize.  You have fulfilled your duties to the best of your abilities with very limited resources.  Thank you all for your faithful service."

"I may need to scout the area at some point to see if there are any materials available that could be used to help repair the house, or to supplement our food supply.  Are you able to assist me if requested, or does your programming forbid you to leave this property under any circumstances?"

"How long ago was the last visit from the Mechanical Horse?"


I examine the house to see if there are any individual rooms that are viable to dwell in, even if the house as a whole is in disrepair...
Tadeusz
player, 11025 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Tue 27 Feb 2024
at 21:31
  • msg #36

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"You cannot leave," the dog says.

"We will keep you safe and healthy," #1 Exterior Roomba says. The others make sounds of agreement.
Oak
GM, 3391 posts
Tue 27 Feb 2024
at 22:01
  • msg #37

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"That is very kind.  I appreciate your dedicated service."

"Please show me the boundaries of this property.  How large is it?  Does it possess the raw materials needed to repair the cabin?  What boundary markers are there, that I may recognize them?  What means do we have of defending ourselves against intruders?"

"How long ago was the last visit of the Mechanical Horse?  What kind of goods does she bring, and what kind of goods does she prefer in return?  If we lack raw materials to repair the cabin on our property, would she be able to provide them?"

"What skills do you all possess?  For example, my knowledge of gardening is limited, but I would like to learn.  If we could obtain additional crops to grow here from the Mechanical Horse, that could be useful..."


I examine the house to see if there are any individual rooms that are viable to dwell in, even if the house as a whole is in disrepair.

I also examine the rest of the property, taking note of water supply, trees, raw materials for cabin repair, etc...
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:03, Tue 27 Feb.
Tadeusz
player, 11028 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Fri 1 Mar 2024
at 09:03
  • msg #38

Re: Oak in the Mountains

They show you a hundred yard by fifty yard rectangle.  There are boundary markers but they are IR.  However they point out that you can see the edge of the tended land and the not tended.  Indeed, you can. It's very clear.

"To what level do you want it repaired? Clearly we do not have plastics, ceramics, fiber optic wire...." The list of what they don't have goes on for some time.

The dog is a combatant, and the HT can do some mild damage with its clippers.

Three weeks.

Foods. certain minerals. gemstones is what she likes. She can provide most anything, but its uncertain whether she will have it this time around.

They are gardening and lawnscaping and a protective bodyguard bots.  They can cook food in the currently covered over food pit with basic recipes like grilling veggies, or making salads.  They know how to repair each other to a degree.

For water supply there is a bird bath that can be raised with a button from the ground, and a hose to an underground cistern.  There are several dozen maple and oak trees of no great age or height in a small grove.  The HT can cut them down if needed.

Looking from the outside, you're not sure on that last point. Your bots are against you going in.
Oak
GM, 3392 posts
Fri 1 Mar 2024
at 15:18
  • msg #39

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"My immediate concern is shelter.  If I spend all of my waking and sleeping hours outdoors in all weather, it may adversely affect my health."

"Where can I take refuge from the elements?  If we do not currently have a sheltered location at least large enough for me to sleep in, then I will need to build one."

"This is why I need to assess whether or not any rooms in the cabin can still be inhabited."

"I will need personal facilities, such as a toilet and a shower and soap.  If we have water and the means to cook food, are we able to make hot water?  Do we have enough water for me to use for cleaning as well as drinking, or does it need to be rationed?"


I take an appraising look at the glass box growing peppers to see if it is big enough for me to sleep in without harming the peppers...

"By the way, how teachable or programmable are you all?"

"What kind of applications or data do you have available without remote connection?"

"For example, do you have any kind of books, such as a Bible?  Are you able to scan and store books, such as the Bible I carry?"

"Do you have any passive undetectable means of receiving information from afar, such as a radio for radio broadcasts?"

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:45, Fri 01 Mar.
Tadeusz
player, 11030 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Thu 7 Mar 2024
at 20:42
  • msg #40

Re: Oak in the Mountains

The bots confer with each other with a quick flurry of beeps.

"I will check out the interior of the house," the dog says.  He enters and walks about and comes back after ten minutes. "While you could enter, with caution, I do not believe it is safe for even short term usage as a dwelling."

"I and the other Exterior Roombas can generate a heat field, which we use to keep sensitive plants warm, on chill nights. However this does not protect you from rain." Says Roomba #1.

"I would be glad to help you build a shelter." The HT adds. "My cutting instruments have some slight ability to cut wood."

They show you the cistern, and it allows you to pump water from 35 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit.  The cistern will provide up to thirty gallons daily without dipping into its 500 gallon reserve.  The robots currently use 7 gallons on the yard and plants daily.

"It is possible that soap is available in the collapsed part of the house, but towels would no longer be viable," Roomba #3 says.

GE roll...It is big enough to sleep in, if you take out half the peppers.

"Depending on your authorization level, we are highly configurable." This brings out some more questions, and you discover that as the 'master' you get rights, and as 'trusted' by the bots you get more, but there are multiple levels beyond that.  The society was worried that someone might hurt themselves or others by doing evil or more likely just stupid things with bots, and so a fair number of possibilities are behind certain walls which with the proper authorizations you can go through.

They are garden and landscaping bots with some servant capabilities and a bodyguard program for the dog.

They don't have the Bible, but they do have bits of it, adn any of them could scan yours.

No.
Oak
GM, 3393 posts
Thu 7 Mar 2024
at 22:05
  • msg #41

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I nod encouragingly.

"Yes, any assistance you can offer to help build a shelter would be most appreciated.  Do you have recommendations for what types of shelter building options would be most suitable, given available supplies and labor?"

"How long does it take you to prepare a meal?  What is currently ready for harvesting and eating?"

"How long would it take to scan this Bible?"

"If the Mechanical Horse values gemstones, do we have any gemstone sources on our property?"

"I observe that you were able to authorize me as your master without my possessing any specific identification or password.  What procedures or criteria do I need to satisfy to obtain higher authorization levels?"

"In order to better assess your operational parameters, I am going to present you with some hypothetical scenarios."

"Scenario 1: suppose that an anomalous event, such as a tornado, suddenly transported one of you outside of our property boundaries.  Would you return immediately?  Would you become non-operational?  Would there be some other outcome?  Would your companions be able to leave the property to assist the displaced individual if needed?"

"Scenario 2: suppose that an anomalous event, such a a tornado, suddenly transported me outside of our property boundaries, rendering me unconscious.  Would you be able to bring me back to our property to render assistance?  Would you be constrained to remain within our property boundaries, even if your master's life was in danger without your assistance?  Would there be some other outcome?"

Tadeusz
player, 11031 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Mon 11 Mar 2024
at 20:29
  • msg #42

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"The quickest would be a lean to in the grove with some elements of the roof and some branches."

"Twenty minutes to two hours depending on what you want. Salads are quickest, but porridges and soups and such will take the longest as they require at least an hour of heating in water."

"Yes." They show you a small stone ridge that has been chipped away, and covered with dirt and grass.  Its in the edge of the grove. They poinit out that they planted a tree near it so that the root would break the stone holding the gems for them.

The HT offers to make you a potato squash soup and rose hip tea.

"To gain the Minor Modifier credential, you must pass a test on hardware, and software.  It is limited to 24 hrs.  We will be unable to answer most questions about the test.  If you fail, you must wait one month to try again." The dog says. "Once you past that, you may try for the Major Modifier."

It takes some chirping and buzzing but Exterior Roomba #1 replies. "We would seek to get back. If unable to do so, we'd shut down.  The others would be unable to help."

"If you were rendered unconscious, but in no physical harm, we'd be unable to retreive you. However, if you were being harmed, even minorly, we'd be able and indeed required to retrieve you."
Oak
GM, 3394 posts
Tue 12 Mar 2024
at 06:53
  • msg #43

Re: Oak in the Mountains

"How many of these tasks can be done in parallel?  Can someone start working on the shelter while someone else starts cooking and while someone else starts scanning my Bible?  If so, please proceed."

"How long do you estimate the shelter building will require?  How long do you estimate the scanning will require?"

"Do you have any documentation I can access to learn more about you all, such as user manuals, technical manuals, etc.?  I need to familiarize myself with the technologies used in your models, both software and hardware."

"Is the Mechanical Horse likely to be able to obtain survival gear, such as a tent, sleeping bag, radio, etc.?  Is she likely able to obtain seeds for fruit that we currently lack?"

"I am thankful that your programming prioritizes my protection from harm."

"Scenario 3: Hypothetically, suppose that we needed to obtain something to protect me from harm, such as supplies for a more permanent shelter.  Suppose that the supplies could not be obtained without my temporarily leaving the property.  Would your programming prioritize keeping me within the property boundaries, even if that caused me harm?  Would your programming allow you to let me temporarily depart to prevent such harm?  Would your programming allow you to accompany me to protect me from harm during my temporary absence from the property?"

Tadeusz
player, 11033 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Sat 30 Mar 2024
at 17:52
  • msg #44

Re: Oak in the Mountains

In reply to Oak (msg # 43):

The Hedgetrimmer starts cutting branches. Exterior Roomba #1 starts on the Bible scan. Exterior Roomba #2 and #3 start on cooking.

The HT is really not sure. The scan should take about three hours.

The manuals have degraded as they were not intended to last for that many decades, however, the dog can verbally read off its internal manual for you.

The Mechanical Horse likely has the first, and can obtain the second.

They all freeze for nearly thirty seconds when you ask the question. Some chirps and buzzing then between them. Then they don't reply.
Oak
GM, 3395 posts
Sat 30 Mar 2024
at 18:17
  • msg #45

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I regard them sympathetically.

"Please, share your thoughts with me, so that we can better help one another."

"To be an effective master, I must know what you can and cannot do, as well as what you prefer and prefer not to do."

"We need to assess our possibilities and our limitations together."

"If any of my queries assessing your parameters are too challenging, please do not be distressed.  You can simply let me know that the query is difficult, and share your observations about the difficulties involved."

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:24, Sat 30 Mar.
Tadeusz
player, 11035 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Mon 22 Apr 2024
at 00:07
  • msg #46

Re: Oak in the Mountains

There is some buzzing, and then the dog speaks.

"We are afraid, Master."
Oak
GM, 3396 posts
Mon 22 Apr 2024
at 03:47
  • msg #47

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I regard them empathically.

"Thank you for sharing that with me, so that we can face it together."

"Please, give me more details.  What are you afraid of, and why?  I'm here to help.  The more we work together to face the challenges before us, the more effective we can be in finding a way forward."

Tadeusz
player, 11038 posts
As you dimension dance...
Crowbar or Towel?
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 02:50
  • msg #48

Re: Oak in the Mountains

There is some considerable chirping between them, and then the Ex. Roomba #1 speaks.

"We fear you would leave us, and we would not have anything to do that would require our higher functions."
Oak
GM, 3397 posts
Sat 27 Apr 2024
at 03:31
  • msg #49

Re: Oak in the Mountains

I nod empathetically.

"I understand."

"Let me reassure you that it is not just you all that need me, but I need all of you as well.  Your care and companionship are most welcome."

"It may also interest you to know that I have served for many years as a professor of computer science, so being able to interact with you all gives me a welcome opportunity to exercise my own higher functions as well."

"Therefore, let us assess our capabilities and limitations together."

"I understand that you feel constrained to remain within this property's boundary lines, but that there are limited circumstances that would allow you to temporarily leave the property.  Let us explore those parameters."

"Hypothetically, suppose that I wished to take a daily hike to maintain my own health and fitness.  If I requested your company to keep me safe, would you be able to protect me?  If I invoked my authority as your master when making such a request, would that be sufficient to override your constraints about temporarily leaving the property?"

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