GM Tarondor's Secrets of the Ancients - Traveller

Game Master Tarondor

The quick post that wasn't so quick-Chronomancy, right after his locates the data.

Pointing to his pad for everyone to see, Nic tells everyone, "Yep, I have the specs on this. First there is a release lever inside to let trapped people out if needed. The easiest solution to locking is to tell the lock to lock itself, should use comms/computer choked to very short range to do it. Might be tricky without very good skills. Also, though, it would leave evidence of tampering behind, we could try a mechanical push with bored hole ..." Nic trails off in slow thought.

GM, may I present an counter-point to the idea that hole to trigger the manual lock would be irreparable from the inside. I doubt the hole would need to be large(1-2 square cm) so easy to fill with gaskets or dowels or other things the engineering, mechanical, or electronic kits would have and our vacc suits lacking self seal capability would, for safety, include vacuum seal patches that would make for a very tight seal. And they certainly would have high-tech duct tape for may uses including this. See Kapton tape for more than you would want to know about what we have now. Of course you have the final word as always.

Zirelle: Way to think outside the box! A good example of the flexibility of the Traveller skill system. That works very well. You're all ready to go into orbit.

Nicholas: I agree completely. Now you are beginning to see how I interact with the Traveller system. I will give you alternatives (if I can see any) but am open to alternate plans, especially those which detail how you're going to solve a particular problem. In short, you are never (okay, rarely) going to be straitjacketed into -my- solution if you have a better one.

Zirelle manages to call upon a life-time of "living on the float" to create a work-around in the container's software. After the door is closed, she incrementally increases the seal until it is as strong as the door's design will allow.

You now have a breathable (if cold) atmosphere in the container.

Hours later, you hear the rumble of the cargo ship's engines as it settles down over the container field and one by one engages its combination of magnetic grapples and anti-grav pallets to load the containers into its hold. Some twenty minutes later, your container is seized and you are rattled a bit as the container is drawn up into the ship's hold and shunted to a station where it is locked down magnetically, then mechanically. The loading goes on with other containers for another half hour.

Then without warning the ship tilts and heads for space. On any decent ship you wouldn't feel the tilting a the anti-grav would completely compensate, but on this old tub there is quite a bit of lag and the resulting shuddering gives all of you a bit of space sickness.

Everyone, please give me END+Vacc Suit rolls, 6+. If you do not have the Vacc Suit skill, you have a -3 to your roll.

vaccsuit+Endu: 2d6 - 3 ⇒ (2, 2) - 3 = 1
That dicebot is out to get me...

Vacc Suit+END: 2d6 + 3 + 0 ⇒ (6, 3) + 3 + 0 = 12

Endurance+Vacc Suit: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Zirelle, embarrassingly, is space-sick because of the crappy anti-grav. This never would have happened to her when she was younger.

In the hours before the container begins its fateful journey, Nic tries to get to know all the members of this hastily thrown together group. "Well, we have some time now to talk, it's going to be a while before things get going. For those that I haven't met before I'm Nicholas Kaya, maintaince technician and engineer, and a spacer crewman for a while. Zirelle and I go way back under unusual circumstances. Mal and Linc are friends I made over the years, I don't remember meeting you two before so what's your story?" Nic directs his greeting to Ben and Erryll.

Later, as the container sways way to much Nic says, "Ohh, not good"

Vacc Suit 0, END 0: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8 Resist motion sickness.

Having bounced around in many gravity fields in the past few years Nic takes the shaking in stride.

vacc1+end: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 6) + 1 = 10

Malaxius already has a bad feeling in his stomach, before the ship launches: he can't shake the thought that he is not up to the job he signed on to. His continued uselessness seems to confirm this. He starts to be very afraid of the gunfight, that might await them, when they reach their target.

When the ship suddenly starts to shake, the sinking feeling in his stomach turns into a full nausea: he grabs the crate next to him for support and desperately tries to avoid puking into his breather.

Leaning against a bulkhead, Linc methodically stripped his laser carbine and put it back together. When the grav tipped, he just put a foot out to brace himself against a crate and muttered "That pilot is some kinda dumbass..." and kept on checking his equipment.

I am assuming that in all the downtime, Erryll returned the rental cars ;)

Despite her sickness, Zirelle remains as silent as possible, worried about being overheard by someone in the cargo hold.

I swear I posted my roll. Try this again.

End+Vac: 2d6 - 1 + 0 ⇒ (3, 6) - 1 + 0 = 8

Ben closes his eyes and relaxes trying to imagine himself on a nice pleasure cruise.

I am assuming that in all the downtime, Erryll returned the rental cars ;)

So -that's- the crime that worries you! :-)

That's right. You don't want to be on Space-Hertz's bad side.

Malaxius and Zirelle: Until further notice or when you leave the station, your space-sickness gives you a -1 to all rolls.

You feel it when the ship disgorges your cargo container and you feel the hard bump when the station's grappling arm seizes it and pulls it in. Even after the magnetic grapples in the station lock the container into place, you continue to feel motion. Then you feel a distant rumbling and suddenly gravity switches on and you all press against the cold deck plates of the container. It feels as though it's about 0.5g.

You're aboard Ven Yasha's secret station, the place where the villainous Harlan is supposed to be. You're locked into a cargo container and don't know what the conditions are like outside that container.

Now what?

"Well, let's see what we got on the outside." Said Linc.
He'll use his Mechanic's kit to find or open a small hole in the doorway and check for vacuum conditions on the other side.
Mechanics: 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 2 + 2 = 16
Survival: 2d6 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 0 + 2 = 13

Have we heard the ship that brought us leave yet?

As Linc talks and then moves to punch a hole, Nick says, "Let me check the specs first, maybe this container has a vacuum sensor built in." Nic already has the specs up what do they say about that? And any other monitoring capabilites that it has.

Either way Nic follows with saying, "Any plan for getting out of this area? Any plan for getting off the station, even? Or do we just depend on Fate and Fortune? In which case we just jump out and hope for the best, I guess, what else could we do?"

From how it was described I don't think the delivery ship docked at all, just shoved the container onto the station's cargo grapple and it pulled us in to the cargo bay and went on its merry way.

Ben draws his body pistol and rests it against his chest as he sits and continues to keep his eyes closed until it is time to go find Harlan.

Malaxius slowly let's go of his handhold and carefully takes a wobbly step. "I...I think I have a portable sensor for checking our environment. One moment..." he starts to search his toolkits
there is nothing in the description about what those toolkits actually contain. So I suppose I can make assumptions and then it depends on the DM?

there is nothing in the description about what those toolkits actually contain. So I suppose I can make assumptions and then it depends on the DM?

Toolkits contain tools appropriate to their specialty (Electronics, Engineering, Forensics, Mechanical, Scientific or Engineering)(p. 113). They don't contain sensors.

From how it was described I don't think the delivery ship docked at all, just shoved the container onto the station's cargo grapple and it pulled us in to the cargo bay and went on its merry way.

That is correct.

Between them, Linc and Nic establish that there is air and gravity in the cargo hold. It's cold but survivable. You don't hear anything at all.

Zirelle attempts to unseal the container without damaging it, reversing the process that she used to seal it.

Int + Engineer (Life Support): 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 1 + 1 = 7

Malaxius shruggs and stops searching when he hears that Nic and Linc have already solved the problem. "must have forgotten the damn thing." he mumbles under his breath. He takes his laserpistol out of the bag instead, checks it rather clumsily (obviously not doing this very often) and fastens it at his side.

The door opens with a mild squeal and a slight outrush of air. Your ears pop as the two atmospheres equalize.

You are in a room about twice the width, length and height of the cargo container. Most of the rest of the space is taken up by the winch machinery that has brought the container in through the large cargo doors. It is apparent that the "room" is itself a larger cargo container, the type used by megacorporations on long-distance runs between sectors, retrofitted with doors, airlocks and artificial gravity.

The space is devoid of people. There are two ways out. Large cargo doors almost certainly lead out to the void of space while a single smaller doorway leads...somewhere else.

Linc makes sure his laser carbine is hot before stepping outside the cargo container. He stealthily made his way towards the smaller door, alert to any kind of threats.
Stealth+Dx: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6, 1) + 1 + 1 = 9
Recon+Int: 2d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 1 + 2 = 8

Zirelle exits the smaller container quickly, resealing it once everyone is clear.

She looks around for cameras in the area, wondering if they have already been detected. If she sees none she asks quietly

Hide or hunt?

If she does see cameras, then she doesn't ask. She just moves to the smaller door and examines it, knowing they don't have a choice.

Malaxius follows Linc and Zirelle. Trying to be stealthy as well:
Dex+untrained stealth-sickness penalty: 2d6 + 1 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 1 - 2 - 1 = 8
... actually starting to get the hang of it, by more or less copying what Linc is doing.
To Zirelle's question he answers
"your call...I'm ready"
And just hopes that his nervousness is not showing in his voice.

As he steps out of the container, allowing space for anyone to pass him, he looks around for any signs of alarms or sensors that would give away their presence.

Electronics(Sensors) 1, INT -1: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3 Look at the likely spots for sensors to be located.

Regardless, he follows Zirelle, not seeing other options in this poorly planned venture.

Ben follows along behind the others humming softly to himself inside his space suit. The small pistol felt awkward with the gloves on, but he kept it out incase they ran into people soon.

Zirelle and Nicholas, even at TL 11, cameras are only visible if the owners want them to be. You see none, but that doesn't really mean anything at all. If you had the right sensors with you, you could probably detect them easily. If they exist.

You all move to the door. It seems like any door you might find in a starship or other high-tech facility. It is sturdy and grimy but otherwise unremarkable. It will open when you press a button on a panel to the right.

As you consider this, the door starts to open, sliding into the wall from right to left. You have only an instant to act before you see what's on the other side. What do you do?!

Linc quickly ducks out of sight behind the winch machinery.
Stealth+Dx: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2) + 1 + 1 = 9

Malaxius' heart skips a beat. Then he tries to follow Lincs example:
Dex+untrained stealth-sickness: 2d6 + 1 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (5, 1) + 1 - 2 - 1 = 4
but because he is unable to remove his eyes from the opening door and doesn't watch his feet, he stumbles into some part of the machinery. He catches himself before falling - but when the door is open he still stands there in plain sight.

Ben tries to hide as well! But sadly can't find anything good to hide behind.

Dex- Non-Existent Stealth: 2d6 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 - 4 = 2

Zirelle presses up against the wall to the side of the door, hoping whoever enters will be focused on the cargo containers and she can either slip through the door behind the person, or slip in behind the person to flank/stab if a fight breaks out.

Stealth+Dex-Space Sickness: 2d6 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6, 3) + 1 + 1 - 1 = 10

Nicholas hears that some of his friends are not doing well in hiding when Zirelle slickly flows up to the side of the door without the slightest sound. Knowing that he isn't so capable he simply goes to the other side, drawing any look of anyone entering to him first. He is prepared to grab and pull the person in if needed.

Melee(Unarmed 2), DEX +1: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 6) + 3 = 10 Grab move person to open lines of fire outward and/or increase Zirelle's likelihood of success because of her position.

Initiative:DEX +1: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 1 = 7 If needed for combat situation.

Not the brightest of moves but he is not that smart.

seems like a quite clever move to me, that could save our clumsy asses...and possiby the last chance we have to avoid detection.

Opposed Grappling check: 2d6 + 0 + 0 ⇒ (6, 3) + 0 + 0 = 9

As the door opens, Linc and Zirelle melt away into the cargo spaces, their long years of shipboard experience serving them well. But there just isn't enough room for everyone, so Malaxius, Erryll and Ben lose this game of musical chairs and end up only half-hidden behind some crates.

The door opens to reveal an elevator car. Inside are two people, a human male and a vargr female (you think.) Both are dressed in vacc suits but their helmets are carried casually in their hands and they are casually chatting. Both carry laser pistols in holsters at their hips and the vargr carries a rakish cutlass strapped to her other hip. Their conversation stops and a look of mild surprise crosses their faces.

Reacting before anyone else, Nic reaches in and yanks the man out of the elevator by his vacc suit front.

INITIATIVE
Ben: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 2) + 2 = 9
Erryll: 2d6 + 0 ⇒ (5, 2) + 0 = 7
Linc: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 = 12
Malaxius: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 1 = 4
Nicholas: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 1 = 12
Zirrelle: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5) + 1 = 12
Ardastes & Gurrana: 2d6 + 0 ⇒ (3, 5) + 0 = 8

STATUS
Nicholas
Linc - Cover
Zirrelle - Cover
Ben -
Ardastes -
Gurrana -
Erryll -
Malaxius -

Nic, Linc, Zirrelle, Ben, go!

Ben takes a wild shot at the vargr.

Dex-No skill: 2d6 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 - 4 = 8

Body Pistol: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

I have a laser pistol, but do I think it would it blow through the walls?

Linc pops up and takes a snap shot at the Vargr woman with his Laser Carbine. The bright yellow laser pulse lanced out...
Gun combat (Energy)+Dx: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 + 1 = 8 for a possible 4d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 5) + 3 = 15 laser energy damage.

Zirelle isn't sure what else is in there that the others are shooting at, but she takes the sure target and fires her stunner at the unarmored head of the human male that Nic pulled out of the elevator.

Gun Combat (Energy) + Dex - Space Sickness: 2d6 + 0 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 0 + 1 - 1 = 6
Stunner Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 6) = 17 (Stun trait)

As a series of shots go off including at least one in his direction, Nic concentrates on locking down the person he is dealing with.

Melee(Unarmed 2), DEX +1: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 = 12 Disarm, to keep the man off balance with his grip with one hand his other slides up to immoblize his enemies gun arm, strongly interferring with any attempt to reach a gun or otherwise effectively fight Nic. Result will determine level of effect from minor hampering to completely rendering the man immobile and unable to act, offensively or defensively.

Traveller is fairly freeform on this type of fight so interpret creatively as you see fit, GM.

Wow. That got savage fast. Yes, firearms are very dangerous in space as they put holes in things you really don't want holes in. That's what stunners, snub pistols, cutlasses and boarding pikes are all about.

Ben and Linc open fire on the surprised vargr woman. Ben's pistol fire ricochets off her vacc suit, but Linc's laser carbine punches through it and through her, too. She screams and drops to her knees, badly injured.

Zaeta's stunner goes off near Nic's ear as he spins the male around and slams him up against the wall, jacking the man's arm up behind painfully, immobilizing him.

"F+$$! Oh f&$*! Gurrana!" he yells, ignoring the pain. "Why the f~&* did you shoot her? Gurrana, talk to me!"

Everyone, go!

Zirelle tries shooting the man again. It wasn't that she didn't have any compassion for his situation, only that she needed him to shut the hell up.

Gun Combat (Energy) + Dex - Space Sickness: 2d6 + 0 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3, 5) + 0 + 1 - 1 = 8
Stunner Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6) = 12 (Stun trait)

Nic is upset at the furious attack but keeps his attention on his target. Keep focus, peaceful arboretum, even in a fight, stay with the moment. Nic maintains his calm and focus while moving one arm up to place a choke hold around the man's neck. At the same time he quietly apologizes, "Sorry, didn't mean for that to happen but you must be quiet. Don't struggle and have a short nap."

Melee(Unarmed 2), DEX +1: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 5) + 3 = 14 Inflict Damage: My intent is to inflict non-lethal damage by cutting off air supply and render him unconcious and more important make it very hard for him to shout or talk. Damage 2+level of effect is the base rule but situation is complex so let me know what happens.

"What the hell IS it with humans just shooting first whenever they see an alien!?!?!? We seriously couldn't have just raised our weapons and said "sshhh" in a few languages!?"

Erryll whirls around with his MedKit and advances toward the Vargr.
"Ma'am? Gurrana? May I please help you? I'm a doctor ..."

"I don't think we are going to be making many friends here, but I will hold my fire for now then." Ben says as he stays behind cover.

Zirelle pauses long enough to consider whether stunning the man will also harm Nic, who is holding onto him, but then Nic chokes the guy out and lets him slip gently to the floor unconscious.

Erryll, Gurrana is suffering some pretty solid trauma and going into shock. She may not need surgery, but she sure as hell needs some First Aid before she passes out and gets into real trouble.