GM Tarondor's Secrets of the Ancients - Traveller

Game Master Tarondor

I totally forget what to roll, I apologize.
I will open the core book again and look at the medkit write up. I do not believe stims are generally in the kits, but she should be able to be stabilized.

When Mal manages to pull out his laserpistol and fumble for the trigger he realizes, the fight is already over.
He keeps his pistol pointed and sidles nearer, looking at the injured Vargr on the floor.
Do you need help with that, Erryll?

Nic lets the man down as consciousness fades. Using some strong tape he ties up the man and blindfold him and puts tape over his mouth to prevent calling out.

Nic checks the man to see that he is not in danger from his choke out.

Medic 0, EDU +1: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 1 = 11 Check breathing to see if no distress according to standard near suffocation protocols.

Streetwise +1, INT -1: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 Tie him up, guessing as to skill, really not sure about this one.

Nic looks around, sees others taking care of the vargr and then asks, "What's next?"

Zirelle reaches down and takes the laser pistol and holster from the man's unconscious form.

She says in a soft voice, pitched loud enough to hear, but not to carry:

Remove their weapons and search them. See if they have access cards or a comms unit that might have a map of the station.

She sees Erryll still upset and adds

See if you can stabilize her. I agree that we're not here to butcher everyone, but it is a secret base and we're going in blind. It is safe to assume that everyone here will know that we do not belong. We can't afford to take chances. I don't think anyone was trying to be speciesist... we're just trying to stay alive in a bad situation with limited information.

So, can you give us a little bit more information about the size of this station? When we first learned about it we were told that it was three large cargo containers lashed together... wasn't expecting an elevator of any kind. How large are the cargo containers that it is made from? We won't know the layout of course, but we should know the approximate size of the station we are invading if we have seen the size of the large cargo containers.

Linc spat in disgust.
"What the hell are you all on about? Zirelle there said this was a bunch of killers run by a boss that is pure evil! Suddenly you're using stunners and looking at me with disgust for using serious weapons?
So which is it?" Said Linc, irritated.

Nic is shocked at Linc tirade. "Linc, it was never my take-away from what little was said that everyone that was a killer here, some appear to be staff, armed yes, but guards. I don't know who is and isn't bad. And even if they are you know I don't like anyone dying. Why do you think I trained for so long in unarmed fighting? That I trained to use stunners? I never bought this sword, it was given to be for repelling boarders. I'm here to protect those I care about, including you. I'm not happy, ever, about seeing death;I saw more than enough that day we met. There is only one person that needs to die and I'm less than clear on exactly why, but I have... obligations. So he will die and I bear some responsibility for that, but I don't expect to be able to pull the trigger on that. It's just not who I am."

I totally forget what to roll, I apologize.

I will open the core book again and look at the medkit write up. I do not believe stims are generally in the kits, but she should be able to be stabilized.

Erryll has Medic-3 and EDU (Education) 10 (which is a +1 bonus). So Erryll can roll a Medic+EDU roll of 2d6+3+1.

No stims, but you can definitely apply First Aid (8+, takes 1 minute and helps the patient regain lost characteristic points equal to the Effect.

"I think its fine not to kill everyone, as long as those we leave behind can't get free. But I doubt they will be so kind. Keep that in mind." Ben says as he stows his small pistol and pulls out his laser pistol. Watching the pistol ricochet off of his target made him sweat.

So, can you give us a little bit more information about the size of this station? When we first learned about it we were told that it was three large cargo containers lashed together... wasn't expecting an elevator of any kind. How large are the cargo containers that it is made from? We won't know the layout of course, but we should know the approximate size of the station we are invading if we have seen the size of the large cargo containers.

Sure. So there are smaller containers for ground-based and ship to ship travel which are roughly the size of the cargo containers common on today's Earth. That's what you rode up in. Then there are massive containers used by interstellar and even inter-sector transport companies that often stop at Regina. The station is made of three of these. Each is a different size and shape, ranging from ten meters across to more than twenty meters.

The shells of these large containers are made of the same materials (titanium alloys) as the smaller terrestrial ones, only maybe a bit thicker for rigidity.

I haven't included the maps because I find them confusing. But there is image of the station in the "Maps and Images" link above, even though you never saw it from the outside. There are elevators (in my my mind's eye) because the containers are stacked vertically with two at each end and one above. I suppose that symbol on the map might just be a ladder to a hatch, now that I think of it, but hell, this is my version! :-)

If we get into a real firefight, I'll lay out a map.

Erryll gives the vargr First Aid: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 = 13 She regains 5 END, which is enough to stabilize her and bring her out of shock.

As Zirelle takes the firearms, the vargr woman says "Not...staff. Just customers."

Seeing that you're not going to immediately murder her and her partner, and clearly having heard everything you said, she says "We're... visitors. We came on the shuttle. Just heading to check on cargo. Got no problem with you. Please. Leave us out of whatever you're here to do. We don't hurt anyone."

Zirelle nods at her.

"Please fill us in on what you know of this station and, as long as you don't interfere, we will leave you out of it, and even work to preserve your lives. How many people are here? Where does the elevator go? Where can we find the man in charge? Are there other visitors here?"

Still hurt and stiff, Gurrana looks over at her partner. "Adrastes... Is he...?"

Once you establish that he is alive and relatively unhurt, Gurrana nods. Vargr are fierce in combat but have an easier time accepting the truth of being powerless than do some humans.

"There's one more human who's not staff. Says he's a free trader from Jewell, but in this business that's probably the one place he's not from. There's three staff that I've seen. Just muscle so far as I can see. They're all armed with snub pistols and stunners. There's a shotgun on a rack, but none of them carry it."

"There's a boss somewhere but I've never seen him. You go up the lift and there's this small space where you do business. A desk, terminals, one door. Don't know what's in the rest of the upper section or the starboard container."

"The door opens automatically when they approach it but not when we do. Either they've got a proximity key on them or there's someone watching that lets them in and out."

"If you're after the man in charge, you'll have to get through that door and I think he'll lock it down if you mix it up with his goons. Maybe you have a way to take them down quickly? Or to force the door?"

The prospect of having almost shot an innocent civilian, makes Mals already unhealthy complexion go a step paler.
I...just hope we didn't do anything that can't be healed. If you need help, Eryll, I have some first aid training.
Is there a way to aid someone with a skillcheck? I couldn't find it in the rules. Maybe as a "boon"?

In this particular situation I'd say it's unnecessary. But if a second character were to also make a successful Medic check for First Aid, I'd say it was probably worth a +1 DM to the first player. If you failed, however, It'd be a -1 DM. Note that a medikit can also provide a +1 or more, based on its Tech Level.

What did you come down here for? Are they expecting you to come back?

In this particular situation I'd say it's unnecessary. But if a second character were to also make a successful Medic check for First Aid, I'd say it was probably worth a +1 DM to the first player. If you failed, however, It'd be a -1 DM. Note that a medikit can also provide a +1 or more, based on its Tech Level.

Erryll purchased on that is a higher level than normal, I would need to go look. I will let us know.

Nic leaves the questions and planning to Zirelle so he goes over to the elevator, first to help the injured lady out of it so that an untimely recall of it doesn't cause more trouble. Second, to examine the controls and see if he can find specs on the them.

Electronic(Computer) 0, EDU +1: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 = 3 Familiar with his database and maintenance procedures Nic searches for specs. Redux.

Edit, Well I knew that I would have to pay for my good rolls earlier :)

Ben paces nervously as he waits to head up. Inside he hopes that the shotguns stay on the racks.

Traveller Referee Tarondor wrote:

In this particular situation I'd say it's unnecessary. But if a second character were to also make a successful Medic check for First Aid, I'd say it was probably worth a +1 DM to the first player. If you failed, however, It'd be a -1 DM. Note that a medikit can also provide a +1 or more, based on its Tech Level.

Erryll purchased on that is a higher level than normal, I would need to go look. I will let us know.

Got it. Remember to add that bonus when you do mediciney things. For now, don't bother.

What did you come down here for? Are they expecting you to come back?

Gurrana eases back against the wall, snarling at the sudden jolt of pain as she does so.

"I was bored. Just thought I'd check on the goods. I hadn't cut my deal yet."

"Yeah, they'll wonder where we are eventually, if they didn't hear that pistol."

Nic leaves the questions and planning to Zirelle so he goes over to the elevator, first to help the injured lady out of it so that an untimely recall of it doesn't cause more trouble. Second, to examine the controls and see if he can find specs on the them.

[dice=Electronic(Computer) 0, EDU +1]2d6+1 Familiar with his database and maintenance procedures Nic searches for specs. Redux.

Edit, Well I knew that I would have to pay for my good rolls earlier :)

It's a wacky system. Probably not at all a standard job but instead something built specifically for this container by someone who knew nothing of its eventual use. Nic could shut it off right now, no problem. The problem is that he doesn't know what sort of alarms that might set off and can't seem to find out. He might blow your only chance for surprise.

Which goods were you checking on?

Zirelle figures they have a little time since "checking on the goods" seems like something that would take a little while, and so she looks around to see if there is a medkit in the room that Malaxius could use to help Gurrana.

Erryll says he has one, but there aren't any possessions on his character sheet so I'll take his word for it. Please make sure your possessions are on your sheet.

Erryll and Malaxius have made Gurrana as comfortable as she's going to get without a trip to the ER.

Gurrana uses her snout to point at a small stack of crates. "X-9 and C/A-147. Food in one and, um, documents in the other."

Nic scratches his beard as he fails to find anything on what seems to be an improvised control system. He says, "I haven't found specs on this, I think the controls are improvised." Nic looks up at the lift, and follows with, "I suspect this whole thing is slapped together, cargo containers don't have elevators usually, just ladders, if that."

Zirelle opens up the crates mentioned.

Zirelle, the crates are easy enough to open. In one you find flash-frozen pre-packaged meals of the sort common on space stations. In the other you find a small handful of data cubes and holocrystals. Some are labelled "SuSAG".

Schunamann und Sohn AG (SuSAG) is an imperial megacorporation which concentrates on chemical, pharmaceutical, biological, and geneering industries. The company has expanded beyond healthcare to industrial processes and even military contracts, often to the detriment of its public image. Gurrana appears to have "accessed" their data.

If you take the time to investigate any more, you folks are going to lose the element of surprise.

Zirelle looks around at the group and asks "Ready?"

Then they all crowd into the elevator and head up to surprise Harlen and Ven Yasha ... murderers who had killed their friend and many others, and who were some of the worst people around.

When Zirelle comes over the elevator asking if everyone was ready and indicating that all should come on board, Nic ask her with mild curiosity, "Load up and charge in? Maybe someone could try a computer hack, that has more skill than I do;I'm not a hacker." With time short, Nic goes along in any case, packing pulling his stunner out, crossing his arms in such a way, as to put the hand with the stunner under his other arm so it is not obvious he is ready for a fight.

Try a computer hack on what, Nic?

Nic looks at Zirelle saying, "Well, jack into these controls that should-" Nic stops then continues, "Oh I see, your thinking that these controls aren't networked to the rest of the system. That may be true but worth checking anyway. Most techs network by reflex, even secure systems are rarely isolated. At least a monitor line is left. But hard to say with a bespoke rig like this. Could try or not, just a suggestion. Would depend on someone with real hack skills anyway."

Not sure what you are getting at... hacking into the elevator controls is unlikely to allow us to take over the whole station, although that would be cool. And shutting down the elevator might get someone to come looking, or it might just let them know we are here and let them escape. We don't know if this is the only way out or not. Guessing not. ... I don't really like the plan either, but we have little choice. Elevator looks like the only way.

Nic shakes his head, "Not looking at the taking over anything but maybe the elevator controls if they try a shutdown while in it. And maybe control a camera that goes to minor alert status when the elevator is in use. The few security stations I've seen, the elevator camera doesn't display to anyone unless it's in use. Only you can prevent information overload." Nic jokes then shrugs, "Again just an idea and we should not waste time debating it. Someone do it or not and lets get going."

Zirelle gets in the elevator to go up and hopefully still have the element of surprise.

Nic follows.

I thought the Vargr was secured but if not someone should take care of it.

Ben joins them in the elevator and does a little four step dance to handle the nervous energy coursing through him.

Dex+Athletics to dance: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 + 1 = 9

Erryll will make sure the Vargr is secure - she is still in the elevator, correct?

Erryll will make sure the Vargr is secure - she is still in the elevator, correct?

She is if you say she is. Gonna get very crowded in there with all of you plus the two of them, though.

What'll it be?

She's badly wounded and shouldn't be moved much ...

With the aid you gave her, you can afford to move her now.

"think about it this way, Erryll: if we stumble into the next shooting, when the doors open again at the top, he won't have much reason to be thankfull, we left him in the elevator."

Linc, still looking steamed, took his place in the elevator.

So we pile them next to the door before we leave ... fair enough.

When you are ready, the door closes and the elevator moves and the door opens again, revealing a large space sectioned off into smaller workspaces. A large raised platform stands to your left with cargo crates on it. Near the crates is the only person you see, a man in an unhelmeted vacc suit, checking a cargo manifest.

He glances your way, and a puzzled look comes over his face, followed an instant later by one of alarm.

Go!

Initiatives
Ben: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 = 12
Erryll: 2d6 + 0 ⇒ (3, 1) + 0 = 4
Linc: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 4) + 2 = 12
Malaxius: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 = 8
Nicholas: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4) + 1 = 10
Zirrelle: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 1 = 4
Red: 2d6 + 0 ⇒ (1, 2) + 0 = 3

All of you may act. I don't care in which order. You don't see anyone else, but you know they must be here, somewhere.

There's a map!

After the last encounter Malaxius has prepared his stunner. He steps up to the man and fires it.

Dex + Gun Combat - space sickness: 2d6 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6, 3) + 1 + 1 - 1 = 10
possible dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

At the sight of only one unprepared person, Nic is somewhat pleased that things aren't worse. He brings his stunner that he holds, slightly concealed, from under his arm, and quickly fires on the man hoping to take him down before someone fries him.

Gun Combat(Energy) 1, DEX +1: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 + 1 = 4 Nic shoots the target.

If hit: Stunner(TL 10) Damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 6) + 3 = 10

Zirelle walks closer and says in a low voice

Down on the floor quick, no noise, unless you want to die today.

If the guy starts to comply, she'll tie and gag him until they clear the room. If not, she plans to shoot him as well.

The Effective range of a stunner is 5 meters. Nic and Malaxius began the combat roughly 10 meters away. I've moved their tokens to account for this.

The dives for cover (p. 73), imposing a -2 on your rolls, which means that Malaxius barely hits him, but damn, does he hit hard.

As Malaxius's stunner round hits him, the man falls heavily to the ground, jerking and drooling. It is an exaggeration to call him 'alert' but he is at least still breathing. You know he'll be incapacitate for at least a few seconds.

Zirelle charges up to him. But had to move twice to get there so she can try to zip-tie him next round if she wants.

Ben, Erryl, Linc, go!

Erryll moves to cover Zirelle

I take it that means he moves near her and watches for trouble. And shoots that trouble.

Linc moved to the doorway to the station east and popped in to look for trouble. And maybe shoot it.

Ben moves forward in a defensive manner and watches for others.

I figure they have him. I move to get some cover and actively watch for others while Dodging any incoming attacks.