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Sorry, my computer time has been very limited. Unfortunately I'm having to prioritize the games I'm in, and since this one is in a holding pattern in hopes that our original GM might come back, i've been having to update it last. I'm enjoying how you're running things though Leila. Sorry I'm holding things back.
"We will maintain guard. Our energy reserves should be sufficient to last the duration of this atmospheric event."
Amalgus once again deploys his canine-chassis drones.
Amalgus scans the rocks, notes the optimal path and grips the rope. A strange gripping pulley forms from the modular machinery of it's hands and forearms. A whirring noise could be heard as Amalgus' form adapted to help with the climb. The dog-shaped drones stood calmly keeping watch. When the group had reached the top the drones disappeared piece by piece in a series of bluish pulses as Amalgus' internal Spacial Fold Generator called the drones back to the rejoin the main chassis.
Please bot me (heh) as needed for the next few days. I'm not going to be able to post reliably.
Amalgus moves closer and raises a hand, firing a thin metal lance from a launcher on his forearm towards the creature attacking Henrick.
Amalgus' pace never falters, moving at the same measured speed, but his internal matter relocation system kicked on and transported a number of his drones from his body in a pulse of bluish light.
Amalgus moves forward at a measured pace letting Leila scout ahead, trying to keep her within sensor range.
This game is such silly fun.
"The local flora at this oasis does not bear the signs of having been eaten by local fauna. This could indicate potential toxicity in the foliage, or the waters that feed them. Caution is recommended until a sample can be procured and analyzed."
checking in
good to hear from you. we were getting worried. :)
"Yes, but the word is contextual, depending on the speaker. It is extra planetary to you." In that regard it is similar to the word "foreign."
"The correct term is "extraplanetary"" Amalgus said in his oddly muffled voice. He always sounded like he was talking from behind a metal helmet. "Terrestrial would be describing the elemental plane of earth, where Terran is the native tongue." "Though, in point of fact, the book, in being native to the Prime Material, is in fact Extra-Terrestrial, as are all of us. So, in that regard, you are correct."
As for dialogue - since conversation with NPCs is probably going to be quite a large part of every PBP, I personally feel that it would make for an exceptionally boring game if only the one with Diplomacy gets to do it : ) Actual negotiations or perhaps establishing some trust is probably the realm of a diplomat, but I'm sure random questions or comments can come from everyone : ) Don't worry about it. The only thing that makes diplomacy with NPCs difficult is if the Diplomat has a poor posting rate. You're doing fine in that regard, so take as many posts as you need. GM, good luck. Hope things get sorted out soon.
We are present. This dialogue seems to be mostly your deal though, being the charisma goon that you are. GM, one of the hard parts about Sandbox games is getting started because of a lack of clear direction. Maybe you could help us set some goals, either in or out of character.
Amalgus stands quietly, his servos whirring and his mind running analysis and calculations as the others spoke.
"The vessel is fully equipped for long periods of interstellar travel. It has a particle collector which filters for small bits of usable matter which can be used as the base particles for the formation of new materials, some of which include organic compounds that can be rearranged into food and water. It also has a food and water replicator which uses supernatural energies to produce sustaining fuel for organisms. I understand that the replicated food and water are much more palatable than the processed material from the collectors." "The vessel can produce roughly sixty liters of water a minute. In the event of a crash landing where the replication systems are offline, the vessel stores approximately five thousand liters of water in the secure hold, and one hundred liters in each preservation pod." "Trade as much water as you like."
As the game progresses I'm gong to be spending a lot of Amalgus' gold on thematic "upgrades" to his systems, like permanent Tongues. Droids should all have a universal translation system.
Amalgus doesn't think you're silly. He finds you fascinating. He's considering experimenting with personalities, giving his various drones mannerisms based off the crew. :) I will be initiating things, unfortunately I don't speak the language (that I'm aware of).
Amalgus has been pretty quiet since hitting the ground planetside. He seems to be falling into a support role now that the mission is underway.
As the others eat, Amalgus keeps watch nearby. His scout remains with the group to answer questions.
Amalgus follows, a large piece of himself detaching from his chest and scuttling quickly away like a strange metallic spider.
Amalgus is quiet, letting the crew adjust to the new environment and decide on a course of action.
"Superior architecture indicates advanced mathematics, which in turn is indicative of a superior overall knowledge base. I calculate our odds of learning more about what we seek are highest here." Amalgus says indicating the city with the spires. "Helmsman, please find an appropriate place to set us down near the city."
"Records indicate that there are five areas likely to have what we seek." "Two cities of moderate size. One city at the base of this large canyon. A settlement at the base of this mountain, and this city here, which appears to have significantly more developed architectural technology than the surrounding areas." "Without any further information, one choice is as valid as any other. Do any of you have a preference?"
"Make it so." Amalgus says to the helmsman.
The four legged utility drones change form quickly in a series of purring servos and clicking gears, vanishing one after another in a flash of bluish light, appearing again on Amalgus and reconfiguring to fill out a humanoid form. When split into multiple units, the main unit looked vaguely skeletal. A thin and hollow chassis. Now, with all the pieces assembled in one, Amalgus again looked like the tall armored figure they had first seen. Amalgus' main body was actually interfaced directly with the ship. As the robo-dogs reattached themselves it got harder and harder to tell where the robot ended and the helm began. It suddenly became clear that the ship's construction and Amalgus' matched and were designed to work together as one unit. "This ship is functional, but by no means complete. Our first priority is finding the necessary materials to repair the external sensors and communications arrays. Unfortunately, with no external sensors to help with the search, our search will be difficult. We have pulled up information in the ship's memory banks regarding places most likely to have what we are looking for. Crewman Henrick's station has already been programmed with potential destinations." "Each of you has my thanks. This mission could not be undertaken without you."
Take it away GM. I think I've done about as much exposition and stuff as I'm able. The rest is going to be you describing the ship and the launch of our maiden voyage.
"We have the capacity to produce compounds toxic to most organisms, but there is no danger of accidental exposure." "A visual demonstration may be a clearer way of explaining our nature. The timing is apt, as each of your quarters is in a different location." As Amalgus walks a piece of his armor disengages, rolls on the ground for a moment, and reconfigures into a vaguely canine quadruped form. Then a second one disengages. Then a third. In short order each crew member was being led by a separate mechanical creature. In one voice, they spoke. "Please follow us to your quarters. Once you stow your possessions we will reconvene to familiarize you with the bridge."
"We prefer Amalgus."
"We are a composite form multi-utility modular engineering prototype."
"Those descriptors are also not applicable." Amalgus says leading the crew closer to the ship.
"You are crewmen. We are not, nor are we actually knight. Few titles are appropriate for us, given our nature. We are simply Amalgus. If it helps, you may consider us an extension of the ship." "If you will follow us, we will give you a tour of the vessel."
"Candidates," The strange knight said turning to face the group. "From this point forward, you are Crewmen. This is our vessel. There are many preparations to make before we go underway. Please follow."
"Please follow."
Those candidates that had made it this far all seemed suitable. The two young cat folk were designated as Systems Analyst and Neural Network Technician (whatever those were). The massive ogre was designated as an Operations Technician, tasked with managing external sensors. A number of others were suitable, but the metal knight told them that due to limited space onboard the ship, they would not be chosen at this time. He thanked them, and the crowd, and turned to those selected. "We will be leaving, and likely not returning for some time. Do any of you need additional time to put your affairs in order before we depart?"
A few more blinking lights later and the metal man gestures for Kana to stand and hands him a medal with a chalice on it. "Congratulations Candidate Kana. Our scans indicate that you will be well suited to the task of Shipboard Systems Officer. It will be your duty to monitor and employ the life support and internal sensory systems onboard our vessel."
Shipboard assignments are not necessarily set in stone. The GM layer out a loose description of what the various tasks would be based on. There's a lot of overlap based on people's stats, so I decided to assign positions based on the kinds of things each character might not get to do while on foot. We can always change things around later if we want to.
The knight again fiddles with the knobs on the big chair, and colors flash back and forth between the knight and the throne. It takes a little longer than it did with Leila, but eventually it stops and Bazzle is instructed to stand. Amalgus hands him a similar medal with a small sword on it. "Congratulations Candidate Bazzle. Our scans indicate that you will be well suited to the task of weapons technician. It will be your duty to employ shipboard armaments against assailants."
"Next, please."
The small glowing bits on the head and chest of the odd knight's armor cycle through a number of color frequencies. He motions for Henrick to stand next to him and hands him something that appears to be some kind of pin or medal. It bears a small compass inside a disk set with very small gems that look something like stars. "Congratulations Candidate Henrick. Our scans indicate that you will be well suited to the task of Helmsman. It will be your duty to navigate and pilot our craft." He turns his attention to the diminutive Leila and adjust some strange nobs and buttons on the odd chair. A few moments later he motions for her to stand next to Henrick and hands her a medal, similar to Henricks, but with a stylized horn, rather than a compass. "Congratulations Candidate Leila. Our scans indicate that you will be well suited to the task of Communications Officer. It will be your duty to make first contact and pursue diplomacy with the various natives or vessels we will meet in our travels." The knight turned to the rest of the line and waited.
"Calibrating. Please remain seated."
The strangely armored knight gestures to the chair and speaks in a strangely resonant and slightly stilted voice. "Greetings, Candidate Henrick. Please sit."
Beep Boop beep.
Treating companions as a sort of shared character is a good way for a GM to give out some kinds of information. That's usually how I handle things in my games. Something like an 80% player control, 20% NPC split.
This is a prologue. Some things are going to happen for the sake of the dramatic action, and to get the group together easier and faster. In PbP games, excessive rolling kills momentum. Let's try to avoid that.
That works for me.
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