Savage Rifts and the Tomorrow Legion

Game Master Shadow Bloodmoon

Atlas gets back up, surveying the battlefield. Seeing that Janis is attending to Jazz's wounds, he nods as she speaks. "Acknowledged, I will eradicate the Xeno threat."

Inside Atlas comes a sound that resembles a whirrrrrr*click*. "Correction. I will police the remains. One resource of the enemy's is as a hudredweight of your own. Sun Tzu."

The mech tromps over to the corpses of the dead-boys and surveys the damage, analyzing the remains for salvageable materiel.

Notice!: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
WIIILD Notice!: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Not sure what's gonna be salvageable after that Boomgun blast :P

Gavryn nods at the blue skinned folk, hanging his rifle over his shoulder. He approaches them slowly with Auriel "You're safe, don't worry we won't harm you. " He removes his helmet and holds it under an arm.

Burgurk rushes over to Jazz, grabs her arms with his hands, and concentrates :

Psionics & Wild: 1d10 ⇒ 21d6 ⇒ 2

Cursing quietly to himself, he takes a moment to calm himself and tries again :

Psionics & Wild: 1d10 ⇒ 21d6 ⇒ 6
Wild ACE!: 1d6 ⇒ 2 = 8-2 = 6 is a Success

And Jazz can feel her bones knitting together, cuts on her skin closing up, her internal organs returning to normal, etc.

Jazz, that's 1 Wound healed.

Burgurk looks up and says loudly so everyone can hear "I am close to mental exhaustion - can anyone else help to heal Jazz?"

PP = 10

"Also, I would like to suggest a strategy for future battles - that we let Jonis fire first, since her attack is so devastating."

As soon as she sees Jazz recovering, she kisses Burgurk in the cheek.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
She tries to make Jazz comfortable.
"Lie down! Don't move!"

"Oooh, that feels much better," Jazz says, gingerly touching the wound as it starts to close over. "Thanks, Just Burgurk." She tries to slowly sit up before being pushed back down by Jonis. "I'll be fine miss, he helped a lot," she says, trying to wave her off, then acquiescing after a second and letting Jonis make her comfortable.

"If nobody else wants to take a look, I think I can patch myself up," she says, after taking a couple of deep breaths. She reaches for her pack from where she dropped it at the beginning of the firefight, and pulls out a small, military-grade first-aid kit.

Hey GM? I bought a Trauma Kit at character creation. They ignore up to 2 points of penalties for healing checks. I'm going to assume that if I use a Trauma kit to heal myself, I keep my own wound penalties, but the trauma kit mitigates the second round of wound penalties for actually treating. Feel free to correct me otherwise. :)

Healing (-Wound Penalty/+Trauma Kit Bonus): 1d4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 + 1 = 1
Wild (-Wound Penalty/+Trauma Kit Bonus): 1d6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 + 1 = 2
Benny!
Healing (-Wound Penalty/+Trauma Kit Bonus): 1d4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 + 1 = 4
Healing (Ace): 1d4 ⇒ 3 = 7
Wild (-Wound Penalty/+Trauma Kit Bonus): 1d6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 + 1 = 5

For the next ten minutes, likely over Jonis' objections, Jazz injects herself with a local anesthetic, applies a salve, stitches any loose edges and applies a field bandage (loose, slightly wet) over the burn. As she goes, she explains every step of the process to Jonis, reeling them off in a perfect list, but you can tell from the unsteady movement of her fingers that she's never actually done any of it before. She chases the medical work with some field grade ibuprofen.

The family of DBees (Dimensional Beings) huddle together. Though the are of an unfamiliar race, they facial features look similar. It is possible they are related to each other. The older looking male slowly starts to turn towards Auriel and Gavryn, his hand open in a peaceful gesture. He doesn't say anything however, you are unsure if he can understand you...

Jazz... that is correct, it only alleviates the penalties when you are healing yourself. Basically any Healing check really..

As everyone else sees to Jazz's nasty laser burn, Attie checks out the remains of the Coalition Soldier's gear. Jonis' Boom Gun, all 200 tungsten carbide rods of each shell, is very effective at removing obstacles. Not only did they remove a large section of trees, but each of the soldiers' armor has been shredded and ripped apart. Whatever was left of the occupants would have to use DNA markers to identify. Their weapons were similarly destroyed....

Jonis keeps taking care of Jazz.

Atlas runs his scanners over the fine pink mist that once were men, ensuring the complete termination of all foes. Then he mechanically turns and marches back to the group.

"All targets have been eliminated. There is zero point zero percentage of salvageable equipment remaining. Shall we continue our mission?" he asks, eager to be away from here.

He swaps out a fresh clip in his heavy rail gun.

Jonis, teared eyed, looks at Attie.
"We need to make sure Jazz is ok to move. Attie, can you carry her if she can't walk?"

"Acknowledged. I am able to carry her whether she is ambulatory or not."

The heavy steel battlefist is again lowered, servos whining quietly as the battlemech kneels down. The hand again contorts into the improbable, but serviceable, position Jazz had ridden in during the first leg of the journey.

Jonis smiles at Attie, extends her small soft hand to grab Attie's big hard one, and thank him.
"I am glad you are here to help us."

Auriel will try to speak to them in each language he knows: American, Dragonese, and Faerie Speak.

As Auriel tries to work out a language these folk can speak Gavryn copies the gesture that the older male made and then opens his pack slowly, offering them a little food and water.
"Should we try to tell them of Castle Refuge? Try and draw a map on the ground?"

Altho he is not telepathic himself, Burgurk points to his head, points to the DBee's head, and beckons him forwards, as if inviting the DBee into his mind.

And waits...

The man turns his hand to his family and they warily come to accept the food and water that Gavryn offers. As they do, he turns to Burgurk and frowns. He taps his head and frowns. He makes an encircling motion, to encompass himself and his family, then makes another one to encircle those of you around him. Finally, he slowly pinches his fingers together and points at Burgurk. Letting go of what appears to be a sigh, he stoops to the ground and starts drawing with his fingers.

He draws a large circle, then points to it and himself and his family. Then he shrugs as he holds up some of the dirt in his hand. Then, he draws several stick figures and what appears to be a box with wheels on it. That's when he points towards the wreckage of the Skelebot squad...

He looks at all of you expectantly, his eyes hoping you understand...

"I think he's trying to say that he doesn't know where he is, but the Skelebots brought them in a vehicle. Or, that's the best I can make out."

So how close (roughly) are we to the location we are supposed to be scouting?

Jazz seems to enjoy being cared for, but after a few minutes on the ground, she starts tapping her legs and going stir-crazy. "Thanks Attie," she says up to him, as he puts his hand up, and then looks away and lets Jonis have a moment with him. By the time they look back, Jazz is sitting up, watching the D-Bees intently, frowning, and tinkering with her headset again. "I was always terrible at charades," she says. "Even as a kid." Glancing back to Jonis, she says "Thank you for taking care of me. I should be alright now though, I think." She smiles, tightening a circuit on the mic, adding a few choice gizmos from her bag, and then breathing over the exposed wiring before she closes it back up.

Techno-Wizardry (-Cybernetics): 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Wild (-Cybernetics): 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Nodding with satisfaction, she grabs her original headset out of her bag, cracks open part of the plastic casing, and jacks up the volume to use it as a speaker. Walking slowly to not spook them, she gives the D-Bees a wave and then holds out the headset, gesturing for the one in front to put it on. "If they can talk at all, this'll translate to American," She says, by way of explanation, "If they can't, the eyepiece should let them write American. If they're illiterate, I uh... I'm out of ideas."

Assuming one of them puts it on, Jazz goes on tiptoes to reach it and turn it on.

Techno-Wizardry (-Cybernetics): 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Wild (-Cybernetics): 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Benny!
Techno-Wizardry (-Cybernetics): 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Wild (-Cybernetics): 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Speak Language and how it interacts with a race that doesn't speak is really up to GM interpretation, so no worries if it doesn't work. :)

"I *think* he's saying that he and his family are telepathic amongst themselves, but that they can't mentally talk to us, for some reason. Um, maybe?"

The adult male looks over the device that Jazz hands him and slowly attaches it to his head, backwards. Jazz, ever helpful, turns it around and turns it on. After a loud squelch that even Attie's audial dampers have a hard time dealing with, the man attempts to speak. At first, it is clear gibberish, but then... "Na sutar, mek non...box take us. Saudukar attack. Our people, big sky boom, lost here. Metal men take others to big box, we run, find help. No one to help. We know where box is. Rest of my family is there."

Auriel will pull out his map of the area, point to their current location, and say "Here is where we are. Touch the map to show me where the big box is."

Jonis smiles at Attie, extends her small soft hand to grab Attie's big hard one, and thank him.

"I am glad you are here to help us."

"I...would you...perhaps.... Gratitude, Glitter Girl Pilot Jonis Witta.

As Auriel begins pursuing details the blue-skins' plight, Atlas' armored head swivels in his direction.
"Negative. There are a critical number of mission-priority objections.
Primary: Our mission parameters do not factor in fraternization with local non-coms. Diversions of this matter may interfere with completion of the primary mission.

Secondary: The political situation between our HQ and the Coalition is currently unstable. Interfering with their internal policing procedures may be construed as a hostile act, leading to Unintended Consequences.

Tertiary: We have no way to verify their story. They may collaborators and leading us to a trap.

Therefore, they should immediately be terminat--" click*wrrrrrrrrr* "--they can be directed to Castle Refuge. After completion of our current mission we may consult Major Gundar Grimjack about the feasibility of further action.

Agreed?"

Turning to Atlas, Auriel will say "If my hunch is right, the area we're headed to is going to be close to the same location where this 'big box' is located. Furthermore" Auriel will nod after seeing where the leader of the d-bees pointed on his map and marking it "It is the duty of the legion to help those in need. These people are clearly in need, or they wouldn't be running from the coalition. Finally" as Auriel as he moves to stand directly in front of Atlas "it's the right thing to do. If they are leading us to an ambush, so be it. If they are fool enough to ambush us, they will get what they deserve."

Jonis takes Attie's hand, trying to get his attention, and shakes his head to him.
"Let them deal with the refugees."

"I should let you know, I am almost out of psychic energy - it will take a whole day to recover to my full strength. The 'big box' is likely to be a fortified...um...fortress. I fear I will not be of much assistance should we decide to help these people right away."

Auriel will allow his armor to shimmer out of existence, with the corresponding tattoo on his shoulder becoming vibrant again.

The blue man points at a spot on the map that appears to be another clearing. It would take about half an hour to get there from here. "We no wish to trouble. You have brought harm to those who would take us. We are friends. Owe you much."

Is it in the same area as where we are going, or someplace else?

"I agree with Auriel. We have to at least check this out. Scout out the area and then decide what to do next. What if the Coalition are planing to move them soon... For all we know the big metal box could be a vehicle. "

"If it doesn't seem time sensitive them we can take a few hours to rest but I won't leave these people in the hands of the Coalition... "

Jazz nods along happily as the D-Bees are able to bridge the gap and talk. Not much of a strategist she mostly listens and occasionally adjusts the makeshift speaker for the one wearing the headset. "It probably won't hurt to scout it... Oh! I have my wingboard. I'm not good at flying, but I could probably check and come back a bit faster?"

"I have no desire to send an injured comrade off on her own. We should stick together, or I can make the run there quickly and quietly and then come back."

Turning to Atlas, Auriel will say "If my hunch is right, the area we're headed to is going to be close to the same location where this 'big box' is located. Furthermore" Auriel will nod after seeing where the leader of the d-bees pointed on his map and marking it "It is the duty of the legion to help those in need. These people are clearly in need, or they wouldn't be running from the coalition. Finally" as Auriel as he moves to stand directly in front of Atlas "it's the right thing to do. If they are leading us to an ambush, so be it. If they are fool enough to ambush us, they will get what they deserve."

"Your hubris will mean little when your swiftly-cooling corpse amounts to nothing but a war with the Coalition that Castle Refuge can ill afford to--"

Jonis takes Attie's hand, trying to get his attention, and shakes hisher head to him.

"Let them deal with the refugees."

*click*wrrrrrrr

"--for data-retrieval missions, one person has the greatest chance of success. We will remain a safe distance away. After you have conducted your goal, Auriel, return and we will complete our original mission."

"But I feel fine now, honest!" Jazz protests, then crosses her arms childishly, and winces at the sudden pressure on her ribs. "...Okay, tender ribs notwithstanding. If you're not going to let me go off on my own, you shouldn't go either. It's only a half hour out of our way. We can look as a group and then decide what's the biggest priority from there."

She glances back up at the D-Bees. "And we can point these poor guys in the direction of Castle Refuge, and explain how to look real unthreatening, maybe."

It is in the relative area that you were meant to explore, yes. So... is Auriel going off on his own? What are the rest of you doing in the meantime?

Jonis thinks is better for all to go together, for the time being, maybe with Jazz flying overhead and Auriel some distance in front (but in sight).

"Our other option for dealing with these people would be to have them hide here and pick them up on the way back."

Auriel will be find with sticking with the group or scouting.

Gavryn adds to the map in the dirt, describing the way to Castle Refuge to the leader of the D-bees. "I can't guarantee your safety if you strike out to find the castle on your own, but if you hide here I can't guarantee your safety either... Ultimately the decision is yours. Head for the castle now or wait here to be reunited with your kin and trek back with us." After drawing the map and showing the leader, he makes sure to scrub it out again with his foot.

I vote for the whole group to go...

As the group heads off in the direction of the 'Metal box' Gavryn strides ahead to catch up with Auriel. "Mind if I scout ahead with you?"

Stealth: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Wild Die: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Gavryn, that was an Ace on your wild die. You can roll again.

"you're welcome to. I think it will be nice to stretch the legs and take in some scenery."

Stealth | Wild Die: 1d10 ⇒ 71d6 ⇒ 4

Auriel moves with the quiet confidence of one used to moving quickly and quietly through terrain.

Whoops, still learning the system...

Wild Die ace...: 1d6 ⇒ 5 So that would be a total of 11 which is a raise?

Technically it is a Raise (8-11), but a Raise on a Stealth roll is either nothing special if the opponents are "inactive" (not on alert), *or* your roll becomes the TN (Target Number) in an opposed roll against an "active" opponent's Notice, so higher is better, but being a Raise in and of itself is again nothing special.

"I'm in favor of us *all* sticking together, with a scout or two out front or in the air. Once we've resolved the situation at the 'big box', we can better advice these people of their options."

The man nods. "We wait here. Please be careful. Your kindness is well accepted."

Gavryn and Auriel move ahead of the group, carefully making their way through the trees and making sure they leave no trace of their passing. The rest of you following behind a ways have more difficulty hiding your tracks.

Eventually, Gavryn and Auriel come upon the 'metal box' in a another clearing. It is a long black vehicle with 8 giant wheels and a twin turret on top. In various locations around the vehicle, they can see several small groups of soldiers and Skelebots milling about or on patrol. In total, probably at least twenty. The groups are spaced a fair distance apart...

Common Knowledge Roll: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Wild Die: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Wild Die Ace: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Wild Die Double Ace: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Total= 17, he knows the guy that drives it!!! :D
Jonis sweet voice is heard in the radio.
"A Coalition Mark V Armored Personal Carrier. Better to stay clear of it."

Common Knowledge | Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 21d6 ⇒ 5

Once Auriel and Gavryn reach the site, Auriel will pull him off to the side and say "We should probably circle around and make sure they don't have a camp with reinforcements."

"Are we going to set up and destroy the APC from range?" the battlemech asks innocently.

"I would prefer avoiding it."

Burgurk asks the leader of the D-Bees "Is this the 'big box' that took the rest of your people?"

You guys left the DBees behind..., but by the description they gave you, this is it.

Despite his uncertainty of the practicality of this mission...the APC presented an interesting tactical quandary. The A-TAC in his head started spinning, and, despite himself, he started chewing on the problem.

But these humans didn't even seem to know what they wanted. He would need them to commit to a purpose.

"So are we to avoid the Armored Personnel Carrier and continue with our original mission. Or.... If you wanted to shell the infantry, and Auriel was able to get close enough, I may be able to snipe the drivers, allowing him to drive off with the vehicle. This could all follow Gavryn and Burgurk feinting an attack, forcing them to disgorge their infantry, if any are still in the vehicle.

Or we could just leave. Your call."

"Perhaps a diversion would be better? Something to draw off the majority of the soldiers and robots and allow a small group to slip in and secure the refugees?"