New Thread to continue from old one due to 1000 post limitation...

Hoping that Orvo does follow Desi to the [1] person cover so he can watch our rear and not concentrate on the current attackers?  They could always swap positions to reload or render aid?  Make sense?

Rules note for newcomers to Star Frontiers about initiative.

In the base game, initiative is determined by group (not individual). Assuming no surprise, the highest Initative Modifier (IM) of any individual in the group is added to a 1d10 roll. The highest roll of the groups determines which group goes first. So I just need to know your IM and I will do the initiative rolls.

IM is calculated by dividing your reaction speed by 10 and rounding up.

(There are some alternates to this rule, but I use this as the simplest model for PBP gaming.)

One thing I do, as you see in the latest post, is to take multiple attacks ("ROF") almost like multiple rounds.

The rate of fire (i.e., attacks per round) is in column 5 of the Weapon Stats chart that you can find here: http://wiki.rpol.net/?id=6687/WEAPON%20STATS

So laser rifle/pistol get two shots, whereas electrostunner, sonic disruptors, etc. get just 1, and automatic weapons can get 1 or 3 depending on setting.

EXAMPLE:
Dral fires 2 shots of laser pistol at 10 SEU clip setting.
V fires 1 shot from sonic disruptor
Human fires 3 single shots from an automatic pistol
Yaz swings an axe.

Assuming the players get initiative, it would go like this:

Human fires 1 shot
Dral fires 1 shot
Yaz swings
V fires 1 shot

Enemies attack

Human fires second shot
Dral fires second shot

Enemies attack with second ROF attacks

Human fires third shot

Enemies attack with any third ROF attacks
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:20, Thu 01 July 2021.

I am going to try my best to post tonight or tomorrow, Saturday, at the latest at the latest

I'll try to post when I get home this morning or, I'm ok with Heath rolling for Desi

Not sure which side Orvo is going to opt to be on so, as we did the last fire fight, whatever side he does choose, when the person in front of him needs to reload, he will step up and take their place as necessary while they reload ad provide cover fire, if he chooses to.

I didn't want to meta-game that and I would like to try and make that a protocol for the group that if someone is shooting (if not everyone), when someone reloads, another steps up to provide cover.  I hope that makes sense?

Considering playing face to face tabletop players discuss tactics etc all the time, I really don't consider this sort of thing too overtly metagaming.  Our PCs would have conversations that frankly you don't want to play out in a pbp in the minute detail.

I considering things like 'oh the GM would never throw monsters at us we couldn't beat' or 'well in these types of stories this is the common plot trope' more as metagaming.  So no worries.

I certainly don't have a problem with that type of protocol.

On a different note, I thought some of you old timers might find this interesting. It's a link that indexes the various articles in Dragon Magazine, including those related to Star Frontiers back in the 80s.

http://www.aeolia.net/dragonde...gGiZ2AYiinULxBpek0#g

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE ENTRIES SPECIFICALLY FOR STAR FRONTIERS:

STAR FRONTIERS game:
  Aging in "Old Yazirians Never Die" Peter C. Zelinski 108(86) Star Frontiers
  Agriculture "Rare Wines and Ready Cash" Tony Watson 93(82) Star Frontiers
  Aliens: Creating "Whole-Earth Ecology, The" Danny Kretzer 123(68) Star Frontiers
  Aquatic adventures "Going For a Swim?" William Tracy 110(88) Star Frontiers
  Combat vehicles "Tanks Again!" Alex Curylo 103(78) Star Frontiers
  "Tanks a Lot!" Alex Curylo 99(71) Star Frontiers
  Crimefighting "Silver Twin!" Michael Therrien 102(82) Star Frontiers
  Cults "Patriots, Terrorists, and Spies" Kim Eastland 109(80) Star Frontiers
  Damage "Shot In the Arm, A" Pamental & Packard 124(66) Star Frontiers
  Economics, interstellar "Tote That Barge!" Matt Bandy 107(80) Star Frontiers
  Equipment "For a Fistful of Credits" David Cook 112(88) Star Frontiers
  Evaluation "SF 'Universe', The" Tony Watson 74(59) Star Frontiers
  Government "From Anarchy To Empire" David Cook 94(78) Star Frontiers
  Introduction "Blastoff!" Steve Winter 65(7) Star Frontiers
  Law enforcement "Careers In Star Law" Alex Curylo 91(80) Star Frontiers
  "Star Law Returns" Matt Bandy 104(71) Star Frontiers
  Leadership "Leader of the Pack" Steven E. Williams 122(58) Star Frontiers
  Mega-Corporations "Mega-Corporations of the Frontier, The" Kim Eastland 90(78) Star Frontiers
  "Mighty Mega-Corporations, The" Kim Eastland 89(65) Star Frontiers
  Movement "Jetboots, Don't Fail Me Now!" Charles A. Vanelli 139(62) Star Frontiers
  Planets "Expanding the Frontier" William Tracy 105(82) Star Frontiers
  Police, interstellar "Freeze! Star Law!" Kim Eastland 87(71) Star Frontiers
  Powered armor "Armored and Dangerous" David Dennis 129(70) Star Frontiers
  Questions and answers "Starquestions" Petticord, Smith, Moore 85(82) Star Frontiers
  "StarQuestions" Penny Petticord 88(84) Star Frontiers
  "StarQuestions" Petticord & Greenwood 92(81) Star Frontiers
  "StarQuestions" Penny Petticord 97(76) Star Frontiers
  "StarQuestions" Penny Petticord 98(81) Star Frontiers
  Races: Converting to ALTERNITY "Alternate Frontiers" Steve Bartell An3(48) Alternity
  Ships "From Freighters To Flying Boats" Matthew M. Seabaugh 149(46) Star Frontiers
  Silver Twin "Silver Twin!" Michael Therrien 102(82) Star Frontiers
  S'sessu "Coming of the S'sessu, The" David Cook 96(84) Star Frontiers
  Star Law "Careers In Star Law" Alex Curylo 91(80) Star Frontiers
  "Star Law Returns" Matt Bandy 104(71) Star Frontiers
  Starships: "Fast and Deadly" Carl Smith 86(78) Star Frontiers
  "Frontiers of Design, The" Mike Lane 132(74) Star Frontiers
  "Yachts and Privateers Return" Douglas Niles 88(82) Star Frontiers
  "Zuraqqor Strike Back, The" Brian Valentine 95(71) Star Frontiers
    Combat "Damage Control - Report!" Richard M. Hinds 136(64) Star Frontiers
  Tanks "Tanks Again!" Alex Curylo 103(78) Star Frontiers
  "Tanks a Lot!" Alex Curylo 99(71) Star Frontiers
  Trade "Rare Wines and Ready Cash" Tony Watson 93(82) Star Frontiers
  Vehicles "Here Comes the Cavalry" Matt Bandy 120(70) Star Frontiers
  "Tanks Again!" Alex Curylo 103(78) Star Frontiers
  "Tanks a Lot!" Alex Curylo 99(71) Star Frontiers
  Volturnus: Background "Volturnus Connection, The" Stephen Bonario 98(71) Star Frontiers
  Watercraft "From Freighters To Flying Boats" Matthew M. Seabaugh 149(46) Star Frontiers
  Weapons "Interstellar Armory, An" Gus Monter 115(85) Star Frontiers
  ZEBULON'S GUIDE TO FRONTIER SPACE:
    Addenda "Second Look At Zebulon's Guide, A" Kim Eastland 125(73) Star Frontiers
  Zethra "Zethra, The" Ed Greenwood 84(76) Star Frontiers

Star Law "Careers In Star Law" Alex Curylo 91(80) Star Frontiers
  "Star Law Returns" Matt Bandy 104(71) Star Frontiers

Starships:
  Combat: STAR FRONTIERS "Damage Control - Report!" Richard M. Hinds 136(64) Star Frontiers
  CSS Nomad "CSS Nomad" Gary R. Boylan 259(101) Alternity

Awesome sauce!

It didn't copy and paste as neatly as I'd hoped, but the  number and parentheses indicate the Dragon magazine number and page it is on, as you can see if you go to the link.

Not sure if any of you might be interested, but I'm thinking of relaunching my Paranoia game. I just got digital version of many of the rules/supplements for the XP version and am excited to start it up again for a humorous alternative. Here is the game: link to another game

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 12):
Thanks for the invite.  Tried many years ago and couldn't get into it.

Hmm, tempting but my group always played it as an evening's one shot (usually hanging out in the woods for weekend drinking at the cabin;-).  Granted I was always on the other side of the wall of fear and ignorance, but not sure it would be the same without the pressure of face-to-face interactions, witty off the cuff responses, not to mention the panicked scrambling of players trying get out of a jam (and screw everyone else).

Will take a look though to see if a pbp format can work for me.

I try to keep it light and move it faster along than these other more serious romps. You may have fun reading through some of the past adventures there. But no worries. It tends to be popular when I advertise. It's just getting longer term reliable players that can always be a worry.

FYI, we had a family emergency over the weekend and I have to fly urgently back to the States. This next week might be iffy on my ability to post but just be aware that I will be back on as soon as possible.

No worries.  Family first and all the best.

No worries, we're not going anywhere

Yep, we'll be here.

All, Sorry for the delays -- all my fault. My wife was in the States, caught the Delta COVID variant, was hospitalized, and they needed someone there who could make medical and potential end of life decisions. So I had to fly back and play nursemaid for a month. Luckily, she is on the road to recovery, but it was a close call. I should be back to regular posting now that things are returning to normal and I'm back in Japan.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 20):
Great news that everything is coming back to regular health!  Good to hear Heath.

She's still on oxygen and it will probably be many months to recovery, if there ever is full recovery, but at least the fear of slipping into a worse situation is waning.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 22):
I'm glad she's doing better.

If it's any comfort, my 76 year old mother almost passed ealrier this year from Covid.  She has been fighting the after affects of the disease and is still not 100%.  However, I'm glad she's still around!

I'll try to get a post up later tonight or tomorrow, hopefully...

Did we go to the room marked '9' yet?

Thanks for the kind words.

And no, you have not yet gone to 9.

The area marked 10 are the atomic engine pods with maintenance hatches.

Sorry for my delay. I somehow thought I had already posted this. I was not sure what you were all doing with the many items found in storage, as no one commented on it.

I think the issue was what is usable by 'US' and not Sathar only equipment.  Sorry, I thought I mentioned that in a post myself Heath.

Can you tell us what gear is usable by us Core Races without issue?  We also understand that there 'nay be' gear here for Sathar allies, possibly???

I'm away from the computer right now so I'm doing this by phone. Please excuse if it's not all making sense.

We obviously have to get all the crew members that were captured from the crash or otherwise. Which one we do first we should take a vote on and see who we get first but we should rescue both groups one at a time or we don't know if they're being held together at the same camp or different camps

You would assume they were all taken to the hidden Sathar base in the north.

OK, priority #ONE then.  We need to start to collect data on where that base is ans we have a former captor from there that may be of some use in finding it.

Also, would the scout ship have any info on it about the base?

If you wait to the end of the day for Bartja to decode the data from the scout ship and leave the following morning, then you may have more information.

Sorry for delays on my part. In addition to real life being crazy busy, I knew the next post would be a long one that I would have to modify and customize from the original module. To get this moving, I think the next step is for you to get to the Sathar base while the technical crew (NPCs) work on the modifications and deciphering, unless you have a different idea.

A good question came up in PM.

The EMP weapons are my own creation. I have not seen them in Star Frontiers...probably since the game is so old...but figured they would be something that would definitely exist and fun to throw into the game.

These weapons are of Sathar creation but can be used by any of you and can be easily figured out.

I like the idea!  It's like a buff to be used in proper sequence... i.e. throw an EMP grenade to deactivate power screens then blaze away!

Bartja will be studying the construction of these devices so he can duplicate them later...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Fri 15 Oct 2021.

Gregor is also interested in understanding them. When possible I will be following along with Bartja.

Desi will take the EMP pistol and three [3] of the grenades unless someone wants them or has better skill with them?

I will try to do as soon as able.  Back out with an academy class at the range for another seven [7] days and will try to update asap.

Academy class???

I am an adjunct firearms instructor for the NJ Department of Corrections

Ah. Military and NRA rifle and pistol here.

Excellent!

Front sight post. Front sight post. Front sight post.

The three fundamentals....

I will try and get a post up tonight Tuesday, or Wednesday

For simplicity sake, would anyone consider taking command of the group for a short period of time (February 2022) until I retire and have time to play correctly without holding the group up?

In reply to Desiraye Lipost (msg # 44):

I play in a few other rpol games so would prefer someone else foster Desi if at all possible;-).

Desi isn't going anywhere, just wanted to take a back seat or a support role for a couple of months.  Unless, it's not that big of a deal to everyone?

I thought you just meant to have someone run her until you were more available in Feb.  No problem with you taking a more support role as adventuring teams (whether fantasy or scifi) are generally a LOT less formal about command & authority issues as a rule anyway.

The main thing I like is for someone to be able to state definitively what the group will do (when some sort of consensus is necessary) so that I don't progress the game when people intended their PCs to do something different. I sometimes make assumptions, and you know what they say about those kinds of people...

Desi had been that person in the past, but it doesn't matter to me who it is. Right now, I feel like there are two or different thought processes between players.

I honestly don't think the method of approach is quite as critical. The dangers will be when you get up inside the treeline or actually inside the base.

Should we just get us all there to move this forward? I can do a quick narrative to that effect.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 48):
Maybe if we can just get there, we can make the final call as to the assault?

I am game for whatever.

Yes, let's just do that. RPoL is so glacial that I try not to do anything that would make you feel like you have to take weeks of preparation.

Just want to comment, that is a pretty looking map.  Is that from a map pack or something?

No. I usually search online for maps that fit the basic idea I have. This one made the cut. It's been awhile. I've been waiting to use it for quite some time.

Map is very good!

I think Appleburg should stay back for thetime being and he can interact with us remotely.  I think he could be a liability before we enter and clear.

Are the cameras marked on the map with a symbol?

What's the status of support weapons with us?

Nice Map!  Sorry for my absence.  Took a trip to Dallas for a week and came back with...a cold?

I will try to post tomorrow, Sunday.

OK, I laid out a plan for the newer people to step up and run the rescue of the POW's.  I hope it is OK but, it isn't written in stone.

I would prefer to do support only (with Bartja) as long as that's OK with everyone due to me schedule.  If you feel the need for her to go with the entry team, so be it.

I'm exploring what the Spider-Bot we brought along can do for us.  It might determine if we need to have that force hanging back or if we should go full-force inside.  The Sathar transport looks like a good way out for them...or us.  I'd hate to have a force of them at our backs if there's anyone inside that thing.

I figured we could try and have some fun out here why the new guys get a chance to shine, if they want it.

Are you thinking of sending in a spider bot in via remote to spy and interact with the local Sathar network?

As far as holding back a reserve...I'm not a big fan.  We aren't a platoon doing a building sweep (where you can afford to hold fireteams to cover the front and back).  We aren't even really on a squad level.

The facility doesn't look large, and if we have to 'shoot our way out' frankly 2 folks outside aren't going to do much (and probably be in worse position to help since now they will have to cross presumably activated defenses).  And then there's the issue of 'action economy' when it comes to combat in rpgs.

That being said, we can send one person forward to tap into security to shut things down.  Then bring the rest of the team over to infiltrate the building.  Once in we have to take down whatever small patrols are inside (that's were we want our action economy to brought to bear as 2 or 3 PCs may not be able to take down a patrolling robot or two in 1 round where 5 probably will).

Not sure if Orvo has Enviro (stealth) and tech (to bypass)...I think he does....and so does Vadim.  We're also likely to need a computer skilled person as well but how many folks do we have with us?  6?  I don't feel we have to get too complicated regardless but I definitely do not think we should divide up the team and go in half strength (and skilled;-)

One consideration you my want to think about is that you may need to use multiple different types of skills inside. It was awkward on the scout ship when some people weren't present.

But that said, if Desi's player is absent for awhile, from a metagaming practical perspective, it would make sense. Up to you guys, but if someone is absent, I can NPC them for a bit, if needed.

I'm ok with Vadims plan

That's why I always offer up for other players suggestions.

Also, I wanted to include the newer players more and, my time sucks for playing lately.  we go as a group then???

Yeah, but just need to decide who gets to sneak through to bypass security (need stealth and either tech or computer?).

RL cutting down participation happens and I don't particularly felt left out of the decision loop as a 'newbie' to the game.  And all things considered, from my read some of us come from another crew and Desi's team is loosely structured with no formal command anyway.  We've basically had our intro 'Act' with the Sathar ship and imo are starting to fit in as a new team as those dynamics start to gel.

Anyway, I'm fine with whatever level of participation you can manage or with the GM just making a PCs rolls if we're just waiting on one person to move forward.

With the holiday's upon us, my time will be sporadic as well.  That said, it is more fun and better for the action if we all go together.

The spider-bot exploration is only if there's an opportunity to get it inside the Sathar shuttle without triggering the security systems.  If the shuttle doesn't have an open door to send in the bot, Bartja will refrain from his curiosity and will instead stick with the team on gaining entry into the complex.

Can Gregor sneak up and does he have any computer skill(s)?

Desiraye doesn't.

WE all go then, agreed!  It may be slow going but, we're all together.

Gregor has no computer skills.

Merry Christmas all

Merry Christmas!;-)

Hope you all are having great holidays.


Apologies for my absence. As it turns out, the cyst in my wife's lungs was metastasized after COVID, and I had to fly back to the US. Then,  I actually caught COVID myself. Still trying to recover. I'll jump back on this as soon as things return to normal, probably within the next couple of weeks.

Family first Heath.  Be well!

I first caught Fauci's chinavirus in December of 2019 before they'd admit it was in the US.  BAD!  I've also caught every strain since but they've all been very mild and cold-like since that first hit.  My advice is get the immunity asap so the later versions of this weapon aren't as nasty.  I'm not convinced the jab is ahead of the bug but know people who seem to be protected by it - but also people who've taken it and still come down with a nasty case and ended up hospitalized.

I think myself and a bunch of other officers I had worked at the range with in Jan/Feb 2020 contracted it before it became widespread.  I also believe that the shortness of breath I've been experiencing goes back to my near death experience in 2018 where I almost cashed it in twice in three months.

The ONLY reason I got this vaccine was to keep my job on a Federal Naval Base for my retirement.  I don't want to start any arguments and these are my feelings.  I shouldn't be forced to take something you can't tell me what it does, or can do to me, in 5-10 years.  Regardless of the president, am not a fan of mandatory vaccines in this fashion, especially when people are still getting Covid.

My rant is over, like I said, I'm not looking for a confrontation here but, my belief is that people should be able to choose the right options for themselves and their families without the government.  What's right for someones family, may not be for an others is all I'm saying.

I hope that everyone has a happy and prosperous new years!

Here here!  We were just debating in our office today if an employee should be required to take a medical procedure.  It reminded me of the debates back in the 90's if you should be required to take birth control to get welfare...

No worries.  As others have said, family first.

Happy New Year!

Hope all are doing well.  My retirement begins 2/01/2022!

Congratulations!;-)

Congrats on retirement!

Sorry again for my absence. I am back in country (Japan) after being quarantined, etc., and seeing my wife through medical stuff.

I really want to get this moving again so will try to post later tonight with the new map and keep it going.

Hopefully, I haven't lost anyone. If so, it's totally my fault. どうぞ宜しくお願い致します

Thank you sir and glad things are returning to normal.

Still here

Thanks. Not exactly "normal," but settling down to a manageable level. :)

I'm still here and congrats on the retirement!

Thanks everyone!  I recommend retirement when you're able!

Desiraye only has an effective level of 2 in Technician.  Her strong suit is weapons but, if she can lend a hand to someone she will happily oblige.

Now that, is one impressive map!

Yah, once again great map;-)

I can't take credit for the maps. I search online for good ones and then figure out where to put the necessary encounter areas.

Used to make them myself many years ago, but life's just too busy now

If we're done in this room, I'll try and make a post tomorrow.

Here's my thought(s).

- We time the sweep of the camera outside of the room we're currently in without trying to deactivate it.  It may or may not, draw attention if someone is watching monitors for them.

- We attempt to deactivate the security camera outside the door (room #1)

- After either choice, we make our way around, counter-clockwise until we clear rooms 3-6, eventually getting to the prison cells.

- Do we have any idea on what the tech tunnel access goes to from the computer?  That might be another way around but, we've got to KO the [2] Sathar techs out quickly to secure the room.

Thoughts, ideas, etc...

My impression is we can deactivate security from the terminal as well.

As far as your plan, that sounds as good as any, but I'd prefer to identify where the largest clump of Sathar is first (guards) and eliminate them.

Okay, looks like we have one decision to deactivate what we need to from here and then go forward with trying to identify any sathar that may be around.  I would also concur with that decision to deactivate anything we need to from here.

I do not feel that the sathar technicians in the next room are going to be a great threat at this moment.  However, if everyone else agrees that we should try and find any other guards or robots that may be patrolling I'm okay with that too.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Fri 04 Mar 2022.

Timing it to move past will require a DEX check. Note that you cannot move 100% from one side of the sweep to the other without detection, so this applies if you can fit in one half of the arc. (I initially meant these to be more panoramic, but I like your idea of giving another option to try to move past.)

The tech tunnel essentially follow the outside circle directly underneath the corridor. So it goes in a complete circle. You don't know if there is anything or any obstacles down there.

OOC: Do Tangler grenades make a loud noise when deployed?

OOC 2: Is S'krllk still with us?  Sorry, I just forgot.  If so, he has a Needler with Anesthetic ammo.Anyone with anything else quiet?  I don't have anything but the EMP grenades but, highly skilled with Laser Weapons so if we're trying a [1] shot stop, there's another option.

I would say about the same sound as a New Year's popper, so maybe about as loud as a door slamming.

I think he is with us, but his player may not currently be. I can NPC him until he (hopefully) joins us again.

OK, I'm thinking a combination of Doze & Tangler grenades to open the ambush, followed by the needler as a chaser.

Prefer (if possible) to stay away from any weapons leaving open wounds (bullets, edged weapons, etc.) this way it doesn't leave a trace when we try and dispose the bodies.  I would say that once we can accomplish that, they go under the floor.

I also believe that once they get KO'd or go unconscious, they die?

Under we go to the suspected security control (#11) then to the prison cells?

Good or thoughts otherwise?

Not clear what this is asking.

I will use a percentage for alerting people or sounds being alerted through the security system.

That said, the cameras also pick up sound so you may want to have a zone of silence within about 20 feet of them.

If I recall, the Sathar have a suicide/death 'thought' implanted in them so that they cannot be captured?

I would put this under the category that Desi and the group doesn't really know what will happen. I'd have to deep dive it if you try, but the basic rules themselves say that they kill themselves so they won't be captures, but not specifically about being unconscious:

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 98):
That's fine Heath, I didn't want to meta game too much but, knowing that their kind has never been captured is good enough knowledge.

Did Vadim take Desirayes vibroknife?

In reply to Desiraye Lipost (msg # 100):

No...was I supposed to?  I'm fine with a machete.

Completely your call.  There was a reason I offered the vibroknife to Vadim.  Like I said, only an offer.  Player's choice on action.

Eh, like the machete more as a practical tool as well as weapon that does more damage in melee regardless;-)

Like I said, was offering the option is all.  I'm not trying to dictate to anyone how or what their PC should do or react.

In reply to Desiraye Lipost (msg # 104):

No worries...I was thinking there was some 'stealth' issue of using a machete vs vibroknife that I wasn't seeing.

No need to walk on eggshells (with me at least) when offering suggestions or opinions given pbp format makes it a bit more awkward to do so than normal face to face tabletop gaming.

OK, No problem. My thought process on it was the vibro knife shouldn't leave much blood if any at all because it cauterizes (in theory). Machete is a slashing/Chopping weapon and could possibly leave blood and/or traces of it if we're trying to be silent and stealthy.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

Are we missing anything?  Someone have to declare actions yet?

We may have lost Gregor's player somewhere along the way

I am going to say that this is our first up close encounter with the Sathar since Volturnus?

I believe so...

That's why I went into some detail in the description. Also, many players/PCs weren't around back then.

Sorry for the delays. I had to fly back to the US for a 10 day summit and had no spare time.

But I'm back in business now.

No worries, still here

So, if I understand correctly, coming up into #19 would give us access to rooms #15 & #16?

If that's the case, I say we go for it group?  THoughts?

Yes, that is correct. You can also try to deactivate lasers or cameras if desired and with some risk.

Do we risk our little surprise and try to disable the cameras only?

Let's determine where we are first and what these two [2] rooms are
This message was last edited by the player at 13:36, Fri 22 Apr 2022.

Orvo agrees to go into the room first before trying to disable cameras

Just to mention I love the cut-out and paste of the Sathar;-)  Just made me smile;-)

At least it's not two yutes.

Bonus to Desi, I do like that movie;-).

It seemed appropriate at the time. I'm glad you enjoyed it! One of my favorite movies never gets old

I must have missed the movie and thus the inside joke...  Enlighten me!

In reply to Bartja Nemuco (msg # 120):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd1CijCUj8w

As an attorney, one of my favorite movies. Back in the 90s when I was in law school, my evidence professor used scenes from it as examples (the lady who couldn't see well, etc.)

It seems we have 3 players who are AWOL for quite some time: M'kix, S'krllk, and Gregor. All three are supposedly with your group. I may need to NPC them.

That's too bad.  I can take over a 2nd character (again) if that would be easier for you?

I just didn't have anything to say. Plus I didn't realize S'Krllk was there, the locations confused me.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:30, Tue 10 May 2022.

Yay, still here!

Yep, glad you're still here;-)

Everyone, sorry-- I thought I posted I was going on vacation. Longest one I've taken since 2018 (and most expensive). Coming back now to a pile of work but I'm bound and determined to get this back on track this weekend. Thanks for your patience.

Hope you enjoyed it  We're still here Heath!

My business has gone nuts so I've actually appreciated the break we've had here!  Hopefully these rising interest rates will cool in the influx of migration to my region.

Congratulations on your business...I think...if that means you make more money.

My work has also been nuts and still catching up from the vacation. So sorry for my delays. I know these PBP games can be glacially slow in speed, but this is much worse than I like when I'm running games

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 131):

I play in other games so no worries, I'll be here when you have time.  If anyone is looking for a game recommendation feel free to drop me a line.

I'm so sorry, guys! When I got back from vacation, things went crazy. In addition to making up the work, the main guy under me quit, so I had extra work plus recruiting, plus my wife is in another country right now so I am also a full time single dad until August...

Did I mention crazy? Anyway, I should have at least posted here. I apologize. Give me just a few more days. Our work transition should come together this weekend, so I'm hoping life will throw me a little free pass.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 133):

Like I said before, no worries;-)

Whenever you're ready

I could stand to hold off another week or so.  It's starting to slow down as the US heads into a new era.  No one wants to say Recession but the interest rates don't equate to the sudden precipitous drop-off of permit requests on private construction.

Anyway, I'm taking at least a week off of work to catch my breath and re-evaluate my position - and get back some family life.  We're heading to Arizona to buy an RV and will drive it North across the country, slowly...

I wish I had the time to do that.  That sounds awesome & I'm a little jealous.  Safe travels to you and your family!

Sounds like fun. My wife comes back to Japan next week, and then my single dad days will end...until the next trip.

Now Vadim feels like a creep... I imagine it's yelling "I need an adult or stranger danger!" ;-)

I'll wait for a further response from the young Sathar

Could I get a count of who is here? I know Desi, Vadim, Bartja and Orvo are still here, but not sure about some others. (Gregor? S'krllk?

Still here. S'Krllk just isn't the violent sort.

Awesome. Thanks!

Heath, Heath, Heath!  Very well played.  VERY WELL played sir!

That explains the PM and the differing answers I got from the other players.

I don't see any grenades on my carried equipment!  I swore we had picked up some so, if anyone knows where that post it, a grenade (or, grenades) will certainly do.

If I can't find where we picked up grenades somewhere and gave them out, Desi plans on laying a burst on the [2] Sathar at the computer.

Heh...well Vadim has 4 frag, 2 tangler, 2 doze;-)

As a side note I was really hoping when Desi didn't see Vadim moving to secure or gag his new friend she'd know something was up;-).  Granted also happy the team didn't put a lot of holes into Vadim either.

Though the point Vadim made still stands about capturing a live Sathar would be a intelligence coup.  Just have to make sure it's unconscious and then blindfolded and gagged the next time around.

As a additional side note, I remember reading some time ago that TSR had planned on making the Sathar a part of the Federation, but more like librarians and bureaucrats running conspiracies in the background rather than the warmongers they eventually went with.  Personally I thought they should have added a sixth race to be the 'outside threat' that everyone saw as the main antagonists but they were just secret pawns for the Sathar to help maintain their secret control of the Feds.  Put a darker spin on the Megacorps and you have a cyberpunk-space opera genre.

TSR definitely had insight into the future with the Megacorps concept.  What was only hinted at (and primarily in the Dark Side adventure) is that all the Megacorps own each other but are controlled by one central Corp with a monopoly.  They could have called it Vanguard or something...

Vadim and everyone else are very safe!  We're a team for a reason and Heath played that very well!  Obviously, it didn't affect Desi but, now we gotta get out of this mess.

Do what needs to be done, we can discuss IC (or OOC) later...

I have to see if she has any.  I thought they did before they entered.  Have to locate said post.

Found it!  She only has [3] EMP grenades.  She will lead with the EMP grenade at the [2] Sathar she was going to target at the computer console.

In reply to Desiraye Lipost (msg # 151):

<poke> anybody else gonna post?

Everyone:
I had to take an emergency flight to the States a few weeks ago because my father in law's heart stopped and then he went into a coma. He's somehow still alive and now out of the coma, so I am just back home finally--but a little jetlagged. Sorry for the delays on my part.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 153):

No worries.  As always RL comes first and will be here when you're ready to pick up again.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 153):
Absolutely no problem!

First off, welcome back!

I'm looking to fire a burst at the biggest concentration of Sathar grouped together.  I was thinking #1 & #2?

I appreciate you all sticking with me despite my delays.

Pretty much been here since the beginning and don't plan to unless you give the game up!  Thank you for running such a great SF game Heath!

Like I posted, no problem RL comes first;-).

Everyone: Once more, so sorry for my absence. I have been working two jobs until I can get a new hire onboarded, and my wife had more health issues and surgery too, so it's been pretty crazy.

But my New Year's resolution is to get this game back active and on track. I hope I haven't lost too many. We are actually almost done with this segment, so I think we are almost ready to move to the next chapter.

Will be here when you are ready.  Happy New Year!;-)

Absolutely still here!

Yep. Still gettin' my bug on.

Thanks again for your patience!

Damn!  It's good to be back!!!

Yep, this is one of my favorite characters with an exoskeleton.
Is it odd that there's more than one?

Made me chuckle right there. :)

"Settlers of Volturnus."  Now that made me chuckle...

Was hoping someone would.

FYI, on this adventure, lest you get too comfortable, I am accounting for the possibility of your capture as well as your possible escape, which could lead us in two different directions. (Death is also an option, as always.)

Obviously, escape will be more pleasant.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 169):

On 'Settlers of Volturnus' I was just thinking of how another character of mine could sue the Sathar for copyright infringement.

No shortage of board game players where I live.  Ovis par victoria!

So sorry, everyone. I have had some major problems personally with my wife's health and professionally doing the work of 3 people while being understaffed. I am feeling it mentally and am so exhausted. I feel guilty about it, but I need to pause this game (which you probably already figured out). I hope to return to it, but only time will tell. So sorry about this but I wanted to at least post something so you understand.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 171):

No worries.  Will be here whenever you are up to it.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 171):
Take care of family matters first.  I'm sure the die-hards will be here when you're ready!

Family is always job one, we'll be here when you return.

I know it's late but, I thought I would just pop in and wish everyone a safe and happy new year!

Happy new year to you too! I'm in the middle of starting three companies. Hoping to have time to return to the game sometime in the near future.

Good to hear all is well and best of luck!

I definitely want in Heath!

What we will do is move to part two of the "Face of the Enemy" module, mixed with a little homebrew.

Sounds good to me

Cool.

Do we have time to improve skills before we jump into the frying pan?

Yes, absolutely you can improve skills the moment you get XP. That's an ongoing rule because the online gaming format is too slow otherwise.

It looks like we have two new players joining. I am getting them ready. Not sure if they will revive one of our old characters yet or bring on totally new ones.

Awesome thanks!  Demolitions, level 3

Awesome to hear that!

What kind of timers do we have for the TD-19?

Hey guys. Sorry, I caught a bad case of COVID after my last post. Then my family got sick. THen my weakened immune system made me catch the flu. THen I caught a cold. Now I'm trying to catch up on work and everything.

It's been a long 6 weeks but I'm hoping to come up for air soon.

TD 19: You can set the timers however you want up to 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.

Sorry to hear that.  Glad things are better now.

Still have a hacking cough as I type this.

I have two new potential players, but hope I didn't scare them off by my prolonged absence.

Stay healthy and as you[ve seen, we're not going anywhere!

Yes. Get healthy and we'll still be here. Makes you wonder if we're not all AI's programmed to do nothing but keep this going as long as possible.
Ha. Ha. That would be silly.

Sorry, guys. I was in the hospital again yesterday. This is the gift that keeps on giving.

I've just recovered from my 4th go around with ol' covid19. Narrowly avoided the hospital myself.

My son and I both had it in February, I don't recommend it!  Feel better