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Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled.

Posted by DJShirowFor group 0
Zelpuz
player, 844 posts
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 13:47
  • msg #156

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

In the meantime, Zelpuz finished his mission, had some food and relaxed in a nice park, wondering when his friends will be back. He tries out the walkie talkie to see if they are in reach: "Hello, anyone there?"
Vanyra
Player, 502 posts
Freyan
Natural
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 03:44
  • msg #157

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Vanyra responds over the radio, "We are here.  We are heading to the East Campus to talk about more science."
Zelpuz
player, 845 posts
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 04:41
  • msg #158

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

"Are you nearly done or should I come out? Over."
Vanyra
Player, 503 posts
Freyan
Natural
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 22:26
  • msg #159

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

"We are just on our way, you can meet us there if you want."  Vanya provides the necessary information, checking in with Yuu a bit to make sure its accurate.
Zelpuz
player, 847 posts
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 01:56
  • msg #160

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

"Sounds good, I'll see you there soon."
Yuu Jin
player, 621 posts
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 17:24
  • msg #161

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Yuu nods in agreement with Vanyra, "We need to talk to the other scientist real quick beforehand. Then we can meet at the public lab."
DJShirow
GM, 1170 posts
Tue 10 Mar 2020
at 17:44
  • msg #162

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Vanyra and Yuu head up to introduce themselves to Dr. Vaanhaak, professor of archeo-technology. He appears to be a fair bit older than Dr. Ulaar, with shoulder-length dark hair streaked with grey, though he seems in quite good shape based on his enthusiastic greeting. He is at once more excited and cautious about their upcoming expedition than his counterpart, quickly regaling the pair with a host of possible technologies they could find, and then just as quickly running down a list of factors that work against finding a working sample of such. "Oh well, even if it doesn't work that's the Engineering Faculty's problem... still much to be gained." he finalizes, and then bids them farewell until the briefing in a few days time.

From their Yuu and Vanyra make their way over to the East Campus, and make their way over to administration building, after consulting with a security officer, to find Zelpuz waiting for them. The admin building houses the University Testing Services agency, a fairly large and well staffed office, much larger than your average Freelancer lobby. Upon speaking with a clerk about the nature of the item, the type of examination they wish done, they type of report they wish and the time frame involved they are present with a number of dates and costs.
Yuu Jin
player, 622 posts
Thu 12 Mar 2020
at 07:59
  • msg #163

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

"Ten days, full analysis." Yuu requests.
DJShirow
GM, 1173 posts
Thu 12 Mar 2020
at 19:33
  • msg #164

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

For full analysis with such a short turn-around time the clerk informs them it will require a special expedited order, which will be quite pricey; 125 Marks. If they can afford to wait 30~40 days though the regular price for a full analysis would apply, which would be 20 Marks.
Zelpuz
player, 853 posts
Mon 16 Mar 2020
at 18:34
  • msg #165

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

"Since we'll be busy for a while anyways, let's go with the 30-40 day time."
Yuu Jin
player, 624 posts
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 15:58
  • msg #166

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Yuu considers, "Ya, okay. 30 to 40 days service is fine."
DJShirow
GM, 1177 posts
Fri 20 Mar 2020
at 03:18
  • msg #167

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Yuu fills out a required forms and asked to bring the item for analysis tomorrow; they will have a container ready for the analysis then. A deposit of 25% will be required tomorrow when they drop of the sample, with the remainder to be paid at the time of pickup. Alternatively you can also just pay up front.
Zelpuz
player, 855 posts
Fri 20 Mar 2020
at 04:44
  • msg #168

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

"Sounds good. We have the sample here now, but can come back tomorrow, 25% now and the remainder when we get back sounds good. Thank you."
Yuu Jin
player, 625 posts
Sat 21 Mar 2020
at 13:04
  • msg #169

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

The young mage nods, "We have the sample here, and can pay the deposit now."
DJShirow
GM, 1179 posts
Sat 21 Mar 2020
at 19:53
  • msg #170

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

The clerk mentions it will take a couple of hours to process the paperwork and get a lab technician to prepare the necessary vessels, so if they don't mind waiting they can deposit the sample today.
Zelpuz
player, 856 posts
Sat 21 Mar 2020
at 22:01
  • msg #171

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

"Sounds good, we'll look around the university and come back here in 2-3 hours. Is there any place you recommend to go to? Maybe a nice library with public access?"
DJShirow
GM, 1181 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2020
at 01:14
  • msg #172

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Zelpuz is informed he would have to register with the library authority to access the library first. Otherwise perhaps a nearby cafe or restaurant as the clerk has no idea what people like you are into (and you are obviously not from here), though he does not say it as bluntly.

The trio kill a few hours, deliver the sample and then set about securing accommodations for the new several days while they are in Daedalum. In the intervening days before the briefing they make themselves familiar with the city layout, public transit system and identify a few shops that are likely candidates for outfitting.

Finally, the day of the briefing arrives. It starts early in the morning in a smaller-sized auditorium room that holds about 50 people, though only about 2/3rds are occupied once the briefing starts. Dr. Vaanhaak and Dr. Ulaar introduce themselves to the assembled crowd, along with six research assistants. They next go through the audience and identify the various groups and specialists assembled; there's a group of six undergrad assistants, a pair of mechanical technicians, a pair of electrical technicians, an architect, 3 logistical administrators, and then the Freelancers (PC's). Beyond the group here there will be a pair of guides meeting at the landing point and also a pair of engineering archivists from the Spacer station Kallian joining in orbit.

The group will depart from the harbor via shuttle in six days time. They will take the shuttle to the Kallian station to pick up the engineering archivists and some specialized equipment, at this point Dr. Vaanhaak explains the Spacers are partially funding and supporting the expedition, then proceeding to the landing point off the southwestern coast of Zhen Falas continent. During the explanation a vid screen displays the travel route from an orbital perspective, with the destination far to the south and just above the antarctic islands.

The landing zone is near a town named San Haelm [the screen zooms in to a orbital photo of the town]. The town primarily depends on fishing and resource extraction, and their two guides are actually prospectors. The hope is their detailed knowledge of the geology and terrain of the area will assist in locating, even though it should be some ways up river from the town. The map zooms back out slightly and highlights the river running northeast from the landing zone; the Kuilan River. You can see the river begins in the mountains, but a red circle appears in the foothills region, Dr. Vaanhaak explains that with the assistance of orbital scans from the Spacers and the records we have the red dot represents where they hope to find the ruin.

As for the target itself the presenters explain they do not know too much, save for its suggested existence through ancillary records, backed-up by some interesting results from the orbital scans. An analysis of the geology in the region suggests there is a good chance the facility is intact due to its stability. Due to the lack of public records of the facility, Dr. Ulaar explains they is a chance this facility was a military or secret research facility of some sort prior to the Golem Wars. Thus, she warns, the utmost caution should be exercised until a positive identification can be made since there may be volatile or dangerous items about.

This initial expedition is expected to last 35 days, with the first five days travelling to the site, the following 20 days spend locating the site and performing initial exploration, and then five days back. A five day contingency has been built in. Furthermore, depending on what is found a contingent may be asked to remain to secure the site. In that event Daedalum and Kallian station will be notified promptly so relief teams can be dispatched as soon as possible.

At that point they open the floor to questions.
Zelpuz
player, 858 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2020
at 06:05
  • msg #173

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

After waiting for the questions of the other groups, Zelpuz asks about potential inhabitants of the area, general fauna and flora and potential dangers of either, as well as myths of unusual events in that area. At last, he'll ask about potential competitors including tomb raiders.
Yuu Jin
player, 627 posts
Sun 22 Mar 2020
at 11:12
  • msg #174

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Yuu listens carefully, watching the presentation and flow of questions at the end. He's quite excited about this adventure, wearing this enthusiasm clear across his face and excitable body language.
DJShirow
GM, 1182 posts
Tue 24 Mar 2020
at 20:14
  • msg #175

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

There are no assumed competitors for this ruin as far as they are aware, but the usual threats of pirates or bandits looking to make off with some expensive equipment is to be expected. They are not aware of any myths in the area since they've never been there themselves to speak with the locals.

The local inhabitants are primarily in resource extraction business, miners and loggers. While they are in the area they are not in the search field for the expedition, likely due to the lack of valuable minerals and terrain. Due to the low level of habitation in the general area the trees are of considerable size, and thus of value to the loggers.

The area is subtropical at the coast but quickly transitions to temperate as you move inland, and then sub-polar in the higher mountainous areas. The search area rests between those temperate and sub-polar areas.Thus the typical Kah'luyn flora and fauna are to be expected for those climes of the Zhen Falas continent (i.e you can research that yourselves).
DJShirow
GM, 1187 posts
Thu 2 Apr 2020
at 21:35
  • msg #176

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

The next several days are spent trying to find some literature about the region of the Zhen Falas continent they are going to, but due to an lack of familiarity with the library system in Daedalum and their lack of citizenship they find very little of value. Some basic climate, flora and fauna information is available in a general public encyclopedia, and that's about it. From that basic premise they are able to take an educated guess on the type of supplies and equipment that would be most effective and needed in such climes, but are unable to deduce or find references to specific pieces of utility gear.

Having spent some time scouring the city for outfitter stores the last few days before departure are spent gathering the few items the group feels would be useful that they do not already possess, such as some warmer outer wear, some basic climbing gear, water purifier, and various electronic components Yuu and Zelpuz think will be useful in setting up perimeter alarms.
DJShirow
GM, 1189 posts
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 01:13
  • msg #177

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

When the day of departure arrives Vanyra, Yuu and Zelpuz wake early and head to the designated meeting place before dawn, as instructed. The city tram takes them most of the way, leaving only a ten minute walk. Judging by the others arriving at the same time, many of whom they recognize from the briefing, they are in the correct place. The meeting point is a large, warehouse-like building on the far side of the harbor, far away from the usual port area they arrived at, with signage designated it as the Orbital Transit Station.

Dr. Ulaar and Dr. Vaanhak greet each person as they arrive, checking them off on a clipboard, and instructing them to go instead to the pre-departure lobby. All equipment and luggage are checked in at counter immediately through the doors, and adjacent to the lobby itself. After about 30 minutes everyone has arrived and has taken a seat in the lobby area, then a very tall, by Daedalum standards, uniformed female addresses the assembled crowd. She introduces herself as Lieutenant Faska, first officer of the Amaterasu, the shuttle they'll be using for transport. She instructs them to watch a video instructing them on the basics of transorbital flight, after which everyone will proceed to the change rooms to don their flight suits. The video plays out much like an instructional advertisement, somewhat informative but definitely reassuring that they are very safe if they follow the directions provided.

The flight suits provided are form-fitting one-piece outfits of a material none of the trio has encountered before; it is quite playable and comfortable. Each of them area also provided a helmet which they are to don only after entering the shuttle. Another staff member then conducts a check of everyone's suit and helmet, after which they are cleared to proceed to the shuttle, which is moored out back on a pier that extends much further out than you would consider appropriate for a ship of that size.

The shuttle is like something Yuu has seen only from some books and archives in the Academy library, like on odd cross between a ship and a bird, and made of metals. It is quite large given the small contingent of people, though Yuu figures they have more than the usual amount of luggage, and he has no idea what would power such a ship. For Zelpuz and Vanyra it is the oddest looking ship they've seen.

Once inside the ship itself they are presented with pairs of plush, high-backed chairs on the left and right sides of a central aisle. Each passenger finds a seat, and recalling the video from early, fumbles about securing the 5-point safety harness. Once everyone is seated and locked in an announcement from the captain states they are preparing the final checks and they'll be departing within 10 minutes.
DJShirow
GM, 1190 posts
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 01:29
  • msg #178

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

From their seats they can feel the low vibration travel though the ship before they hear a similarly low monotone gradually picking up pitch. The shuttle can then be felt maneuvering away from the pier for several minutes, until there is a sudden shift in both sound and vibration throughout the vessel which quickly builds to a crescendo that seems to drag down upon everyone's limbs. Glancing out the window each character realizes they are not being dragged down, but up instead as the the craft begins to climb through air. The feeling is at once exhilarating and frightening, for unlike the gradual and calm climb of the airship there is a feeling of raw power behind this. After half of minute of climbing a great roar is heard and everyone is thrown into the back of their seats as the ship rockets forward and up.

From the windows they can see clouds fly by, and then a clear blue that fades into a purple and then finally an luminescent black before the roar cuts out. With the thrusters cut an eerie sense of weightlessness is suddenly apparent and as the passengers look about they can see the glowing arc of Kah'Luyn's atmosphere below them... a sight that leaves them speechless. After a couple minutes of awe Lieutenant Faska's voice comes over a speaker system stating that they have breached the planetary atmosphere and are in orbit to dock with the station, a journey which should take approximately 80 minutes, and until then they can sit back and enjoy the view.
Yuu Jin
player, 631 posts
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 11:26
  • msg #179

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Yuu has been utterly mesmerised from the moment he first laid eyes on the ship, his eyes wide as saucers and grin split ear to ear. His window seat view has offered a unique perspective on his home planet, and the continents that rest upon it. With the announcement, he begins to relax... slightly. He ponders his magic, wondering if it would still work up here. He reachers into himself, not to cast a spell, but just to know he could if needed.
DJShirow
GM, 1193 posts
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 20:18
  • msg #180

Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled

Yuu feels the connection to the Nether quite clearly up here, but while similar to planet-side the quality of the energy has a more vast and nebulous nature. On Kah'Luyn there is a dynamic chaos to it, one of the first lessons at the Academy teaches as such, it pushes and pulls constantly so as to make it difficult to get a firm grasp of it, and therein lies the danger. Far above the world Yuu feels a slow shifting immensity to it, like a calm sea that extends to infinity. How and if this impacts casting he is not sure, and given the dangers of vacuum exposure presented in the earlier video he's thinking it would be a question best posed to the Spacers once he's back on solid ground again.
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