Protected by his skien suit, Porter uses both hands to wipe away the larvae from the flying insects.
  "Anyone got any bug spray?"  he asks the other occupants of his raft?

Appleburg yells in a panic, "They will bore into your skin. Jump!" He dives out of the raft and into the water.

Bartja busies himself brushing off larvae and flutterbyes, thankful once again for the skeinsuit that is protecting him.

"Although I think I'm protected by my skeinsuit, I'm not opposed to washing them off also!" he says as he shakes free of his pack and rolls over the side of the raft for a quick swim with Appleburg.

Desi and Orvo follow Bartja and Appleburg into the water. This does the trick, and the larvae detach and float away. After a minute or two, the swarm of flutterbyes moves on upstream and leaves you alone.

While in the water dunking their heads, Bartja and Desi spot something shiny on the bottom of the river. There's nothing much you can do about it now without losing valuable time, but you wonder what shiny, metallic thing could be at the bottom of this remote planet. And it appeared very large, at least as large as both your rafts, maybe more.

Then you get back in the rafts.

11:30 a.m. (1.5 hours remaining) (6.5 hours with no rest)
Rations remaining: 11 (each survival ration is for one person for one day)
Bivouac Units: 0 (0/30 SP (structural points); 10 kg each); second one is kept as scrap (10 kg). Rafts: 1 at 8/20 structural points; 1 at 10/20 structural points.

You are at A4 (going diagonally northeast from 4). Figure out what point you want to disembark at. I'm guessing A2 but it may be directly west of the Moraes. You are down to under 2 hours remaining. It will take just under a half hour to get to A2, and then about an hour to get through the forest to the Moraes. This is cutting it close...

OOC NOTES: You can save yourselves 15 minutes by leaving non-essentials in the rafts on the shore when you land. I'm guessing you don't need the bivouac units or rafts, for example, so you could lighten your loads and save time packing up.


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:57, Mon 06 July 2020.

(OOC)
Agreed, heading to A2, drag the rafts out of the river and boogie to the LZ

(IC)
  Concerned about the clock ticking down, Porter lays down the machine gun, grabs a paddle and starts guiding his raft further down the river, looking for an appropriate place to make land fall.

  When they finally reach their destination Porter leaps out of the raft and helps drag the vessel well away from the waters edge.
  "Just grab the basics folks, we can come back for anything else later."  He turns and surveys their most likely route, looking for any distinguishable land marks before proceeding.
  "I'll take point."  Porter changes his half used ammo belt for a full belt, hefted the weapon and moved off into the jungle in the direction of their ship.

Bartja carries the gyrojet rifle and screen gear but leaves behind all the non-essentials (food and camping gear).  He instructs Shemp to bring the toolkits and medkits and carries some of the remaining gear himself (pocket tool, extra clips, etc.).

"There's a good chance we'll need tools and meds before we can take back the ship.  I'm not as proficient with this rifle as I was with the survey robot, so I'd like to keep the hand controller with us in case S'Krllk can use it to gain access to the remaining bot Terry has.  Having one of those buggers inside the ship under our control would be invaluable when we make our assault."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Wed 08 July 2020.

Hammer agrees with Porter's assessment. He only takes the basics out of the raft, but his weapon is ready with a full clip--just in case. "I have a feeling Terry will send at least one more surprise out to meet us. He will know through wireless transmission, I think, that we defeated his robot and are getting close. He has another survey robot at his disposal too."

Hammer will also comment on any other potential assets from Terry. Robots? The crew? Weapons?

Desiraye helps make to shore with the watercraft and makes sure they're secure on land before getting gear together.  She takes only what she needs, leaving all extra gear with the rafts.

She makes sure that she has a fresh jetclip (God, I hate using that term for a weapons magazine...) in her gyrojet rifle before turning to the group.  "You got it Sarge.  You heard the man, form up and let's not mess this up too badly.

Orvo, you've got rear guard with your wounds.  Should also let you see the field if one of us goes down."

The raft makes it down the rest of the river without incident. You disembark, grabbing only those things you need without being bogged down, and start hiking south-southeast toward the Moraes. Your quick unloading speed and desire to go without much encumbrance saves you some time. And there is not much time.

11:45 a.m. (1.25 hours remaining) (6.75 hours with no rest)
The following left at the rafts:
Rations remaining: 11 (each survival ration is for one person for one day)
Bivouac Units: 0 (0/30 SP (structural points); 10 kg each); second one is kept as scrap (10 kg). Rafts: 1 at 8/20 structural points; 1 at 10/20 structural points.

You can almost feel the electricity in the air. Over two days' of travel through hostile territory and multiple problems leaving you weak and weary, and now you are less than four kilometers from the ship. And you have lost your survey robot--both its gunpower and its eyes.

You travel without incident for another 45 minutes.  You begin to wonder, "What else could happen?" when that "something else" does. It happens when you are roughly two kilometers from the ship--about 30-45 minutes--which puts you right up to the wire.

12:30 a.m. (0.5 hours remaining) (7.5 hours with no rest)

You spot the problem as soon as you step into a clearing.  Straight in front of you (to the south and slightly east) you see an aircar from the Moraes. It is cruising at about 100 meters altitude and moving very fast. It is currently about 1000 meters away.  Not far behind it is the damages survey robot you hit while out at the river.

It appears to be flying straight toward you and will reach your position in two rounds.

Updated map (your last one!):


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:48, Thu 09 July 2020.

Logistical Information:

Here is a new map. I went ahead and added the Moraes since you are so close and have only about 30 minutes left.

Note following:
Your movement:
--5 turns per hex in forest running (i.e., 30 seconds to go 50 meters)
--2 turns per hex in clearing running (i.e., 12 seconds to go 50 meters)

Straight path to Moraes from current position: 35 hexes (4 clearing, 31 forest)
Time running straight to Moraes= About 19-20 minutes

Note that I also added coordinates so that you can mark your position. You are currently at D1. (Sorry it is hard to see numbers/letters. I tried to make them more clear.)

NOTES ON THIS ENCOUNTER:
You will automatically gain initiative each round. At the end of each round, I will announce probable actions of the robot/aircar for next round: "It looks like the aircar will..."

So currently, "It looks like the aircar and survey robot are flying straight toward you at 100 meters altitude and 18 hexes per turn speed."

I am going to add some possible actions not in the original module, plus any you think of along the way:

1) Attack
2) Hide in forest (1/2 RS)
3) Use bodycomp to take over robot. (Must be within 200 meters and successful skill check at -25%.)
4) Hack survey robot with controller. (1/3 controller ability + 1/3 skill check - 20% (rushed) or -10% (taking two rounds) or -0% (taking 3 rounds to concentrate)).
5) Decoy (Shemp or other large shiny object). (1/2 Logic check + 1/2 RS check)
6) Run, split up, evade, etc.
7) Anything else creative you come up with

  Porter looks for a nearby log, rock or tree he can use for cover, flicks on his albedo screen and starts firing his machine gun as soon as he identifies and enemy target, if possible he will spray both the aircar and the robot with two bursts of machine gun fire.  If the targets are too far apart to be hit with one burst, then he fires the first burst at the aircar and the second burst at the robot.
  "Open fire!"  Porter roars, almost certainly unnecessarily as the jungle around him explodes with the sound of his team mates unleashing hell on this latest wave of Terry's distractions.

(OOC)
New chances to hit included after increasing Projectile Weapons from Level 3 to Level 4

Machine gun [hit 95%, dmg 10d10, RoF 1 burst, Range --/70/200/500/1km, Ammo 100/100]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:11, Fri 10 July 2020.

Hammer goes northeast to C1, knowing his weapon is ineffective at this distance but preparing his laser pistol. "Split up and don't give them a cluster to fire at!" he says as he dives for cover to hide in the forest.

"Bartja!  With me!  Screen up," Desiraye yells out and unslings her full-auto gyro rifle running for the best available cover for them both.

"Open up on the air car first!  They're moving quick so, lead the target.  Mine fores fully automatic so do what you can do!"

Firing burst (+20%) at Air Car

PUNCHING DAMAGE: 7
CURRENT STA: 58/62

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Martial Arts: 3 [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
Melee Weapons: 2 [STR:32 + 20 = 52%]
Demolitions: 2
Gyrojet Weapons: 4  [DEX:30 + 40 = 70%]
Projectile Weapons: 3  [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
Thrown Weapons: 2  [DEX:30 + 20 = 50%]
Technician: 2

[1] Civilian Skeinsuit [26/50]
[1] Albedo Screen [90/100]

[1] Power Backpack  [50/50]
[1] Power Beltpack  [95/100]

[1] War-Tech GAR-10
- [11] 20 round GAR-10 mags  Current MAG: 20/20
- [1] Bandoleer Sling (holds x10 mags)
      Bandoleer: [1] MAG 2/20, [1] MAG 10/20
- [1] Muzzle Extender: Eliminates the Medium Range combat modifier and reduces the
   Long Range combat modifier from a -2 Column Shift to a -1 Column Shift
- [1] x3 Magnification scope w. Infrared optics
- [1] Rifle Holster
- [1] Power light  [1.5 kg]

WarTech GAR-10 Gyrojet Assault Rifle (#12 p.49)
Wgt: 5.5kg, Damage: 3d10/8d10,
Ammo: 20 rounds, Rate: 3(1), Defense: Inertia,
Range: -/5/75/150/300
This message was last edited by the player at 23:02, Thu 09 July 2020.

Bartja drops back behind Desi and flips on his Albedo Screen as he brings the gyrojet rifle around to bear on the aircar.  He fires three shots in rapid succession at the aircar per Desi's instructions, hoping the recent training will be of service to the team.

"I don't know who or what is in the aircar, but we could sure use it about now.  I do know that the survey robot is packing two heavy weapons.  I recommend taking it out as quickly as possible."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Fri 10 July 2020.

Since no one posted the hex they are moving to except Hammer, I will assume they went forward to D2 (out of the clearing and into the forest) for their cover. If not, please make correction ASAP.

And what about Orvo? I assume he is following them and taking cover?

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 20):
Or I following correct.  Bumped his Beam Weapons skill to Level 2.

Worrying about future wounded.

ROUND ONE
The aircar continues directly toward you...

You see that it seems to be piloted by one of the utility robots, which must have been reprogrammed by Terry. There are no weapons on the aircar, so who knows what it might do...except crash straight into you kamikaze style.

Everyone jumps for cover:
Hammer: C1
S'krllk: (No post) Will assume he goes to C1 and tries to take over utility robot driving aircar when in range.
Appleburg: With Hammer
Everyone Else: D2

Porter waits until the aircar is within range and then fires his machine gun (ammo=3 bursts remaining) 14:25, Today: GM Heath rolled 73 using 1d100. Target aircar. 14:28, Today: GM Heath rolled 12 using 1d100. Target SR.
To Hit: 95% - 40% long range - 10 moving vehicle +5 size=50%

OOC: I assume Porter waits until it is long range to get a better percentage to hit.

A burst can be aimed up to 5 characters spanning up to 10 meters wide. I assumed that was the case here. I can't recall if you only roll once for bursts and rules are not clear. I rolled once for each this round, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Porter's burst misses the aircar but hits the survey robot. (31 dmg.) (Jetcopter effect: acceleration -30.) The survey robot slows down to a crawl as it nears.

Hammer gets ready to fire when it comes in range of his laser pistol (next round).

Desiraye fires a burst at the aircar from her gyro rifle on full auto when it gets within long range (medium range due to scope). (10 rounds/1 burst remaining before reload; 2 bursts per reload; 14 total bursts (140 rounds) remaining.) 14:49, Today: GM Heath rolled 57 using 1d100.
To hit: 70% + 20% burst - 20% range - 10% moving vehicle + 5% size = 65%
Desi hits the aircar. (50 dmg.) (Jetcopter and aircar effect = 18/ no effect.)

Orvo follows Desi to C1.

S'krllk follows Hammer and waits for them to come in range of his hacking skills.

Bartja fires three shots from his gyrojet rifle at the survey robot. (85 rounds remain, 17 loaded)
14:56, Today: GM Heath rolled 30 using 1d100.
14:56, Today: GM Heath rolled 11 using 1d100.
14:56, Today: GM Heath rolled 22 using 1d100.
To Hit: 50% -20% range (adjusted for scope) -10% moving vehicle +5 size: 25%
Surprisingly, two of the three shots from Bartja hit the survey robot. (34 total dmg) (Jet copter effects: No effect.)

Eddie Appleburg follows Hammer and S'krllk out of harm's way and into hiding. He is pulling out his pistol.

FOR NEXT ROUND:
The aircar hits the brakes hard and swoops down at D4. It is now under 100 meters high. It is only traveling 2 hexes per turn. It will also be considered soft cover because it is partially hidden by the trees.

It appears the aircar will try to slam into your group at D2. Scattering to try to avoid being hit will remove your cover and cause any attacks you make while running to be at -20 (running and shooting behind you).

The survey robot begins slowing down as it comes lower, looking as though it will hone in on and begin firing at the largest group of individuals. (Remember that it has a burst option.)

AIRCAR: 50 dmg (special)
SURVEY ROBOT: 266/500 STA


This message was last edited by the GM at 06:46, Mon 13 July 2020.

Frantically manipulating his bodycomp, S'Krllk mumbles as he stares at the aircar hurtling towards him.

attempting to subvert the utility robot driving the aircar, if successful will suggest that the air car occupy the same point in space as the survey robot

(OOC)
I was always underthe impression it was one roll to hit for a burst and it either hits all targets in range or none but its your game so your rules :)

 Porter did state earlier that he switched out his half used ammo belt for a full belt.

(IC)
Porter is done putting up with any more of Terry's crap, this time he is standing his ground.  From his position behind a fallen tree log Porter maitains a steady stream of fire, spraying the aircar and the robot equally with his machine gun as long as both targets are inside his firing arc.

  "Get the hell out of here!" He roars at his team mates.  "I've got their attention, you finish them off."

  "Yeah!  Yeah!  Get some!" He screams in between bursts doing all he can to keep them focused on him.

Bartja directs Shemp to rush ahead to D3 in hopes of drawing some fire off Porter.  He then drops back towards D1, but not before firing another three gyrojet rounds at the Survey Robot, hoping to bring it down before that murderous auto-rifle is within solid and useful range.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Tue 14 July 2020.

In reply to Sgt. Porter Min (msg # 24):

Sorry, I missed that.
So he now has 4 bursts on one ammo belt and 9 on the other (currently loaded). (He has two total ammo belts according to inventory.)

Hammer does not really have a good long distance weapon. He makes sure his albedo screen is on and will fire his laser pistol (SEU 5) two times at the survey robot if it comes within range. But otherwise, he is hiding behind a rock or tree.

I think we're just waiting on Desi and Orvo.