Zenvisk's page

Red Mining Drone

The Mining Laser is a short range weapon, meaning that it has a range increment of 5 hexes. The Light Torpedo Launcher is a long range weapon, with a range increment of 20 hexes. For each increment past these, they take a -2 penalty, just like normal ranged weapons.

Also, some other differences between the two include that the Torpedo Launcher targets the ships Target Lock (TL), which is 13, whereas the Mining Laser targets AC, which is 17. The mining laser also splits its damage in half between armor and shields.

If you want to read more about Starship combat, you can read through THIS page, which details it pretty well. Or you ask us, and we can try to explain better.

EDIT: Also, as a note, you can only take the Snap Shot minor crew action if you do not take any other Gunner actions. If you wish to fire twice, you will need to take the Fire at Will action, which lets you shoot two weapons (each at a -4 attack penalty, akin to a full-attack).

My thanks! Gives small bow

Argintum

Going to be doing Science Officer Actions this turn.

Red Mining Drone

Can some of the ships be angled better to show their initial facings? Specifically the two enemy ships and the red mining shuttle? They are all facing their hex's corners instead of their hex's sides.

Checking on the various systems across the ship from the science officer station, Zen will respond to Amaryst without turning to look in her direction. {Yup, all set and ready to go. All systems are lighting up green from here, and I have readied Engineering for if I need to repair anything.}

As a note Amaryst, I was planning on starting off combat in the Science Officer roll, before heading down to be the Engineer. So Zen is likely just behind you, if that changes your post. I will post in a couple minutes, just thought I would point this out.

I would not mind running one of the mining vessels, but I would defer to someone on the assault team if they want to do so as well. Don't want to let anyone feel left out during the combat, after all!

I am ready.

Thanks, just making sure.

In-character, Zenvisk would prefer to remain aboard The Argintum, as far away from the actual combat as is possible. If Korvan wishes to go along with the assault party, Zen is fine with their choice. They would offer to send SAM along to help, but there is the pesky issue of the range limit on their custom rig. Also, they have an idea that may help with the limited number of crew that would leave the ship (see spoiler below).

Out-of-character, we should likely be fine with just three people. Out of the five roles, Captain is the least necessary (yes, it helps, but is not needed), so we can do without it. Pilot and Gunner are both required (for obvious reasons), and we have people capable of filling both of them. As for Engineer and Science Officer, they are less necessary. Yes, each of them are semi-required in certain part of a starship combat, but less so at other times. In my experience, the Science Officer role is mostly used on the first 1-2 rounds, mainly for scanning the opponents ship. After that, they mostly just target systems or balance shields.

Meanwhile, the Engineer role doesn't particularly have much to do on the first round or two of combat, as almost all of their actions are reactive. All they can really do on the first round of combat is either buff the guns or make the ship faster. With a speed of 10, the Argintum is already fairly quick, and the gun is not particularly formidable (with only being able to fire at opponents within five hexes of our ship).

Sorry about not posting sooner. This last couple of days have been a bit on the long side, with little consistent internet access. Before that, I didn't particularly see a way/reason for Zen to get involved in the conversation. It seemed like there was already enough people crowded into the bridge as it is.

I am assuming that their are some generic (for a spaceship) parts and extra lengths of cabling in the engineering room. Nothing super flashy, just basic things that would make sense for allowing fixes to be done on the ship. Is this fine?

Zen will wave at Amaryst when she comes down to the engineering room. They will also send a telepathic message, much easier and faster than speaking normally.

Once Amaryst heads back up to the flight deck, Zen returns to neatly organizing a small series of various lengths of cabling and spare parts that they had found down here. They then to an extra walk-through of the engineering room, making sure that everything is in prime operating condition. Occasionally they will have SAM move around and look at something that would be much harder for Zen themselves to look at.

Zen would not disagree with helping out the family, especially seeing as how we could potentially take on both jobs. Zen is at heart a kind person, after all. There are two main issues that they would bring up, however:

1 (less important): There are only four rooms on the spaceship. Currently, that is divided between eight people (with Cross not taking a room), with two people to a room. Add four more to that, and we would be either putting three people to a room, squishing the entire family into a single room, or splitting the party between two room of four people each. This could quickly cause problems, as too many people staying in the same room for extended periods isn't good for any of them.

2 (more important): Cross would likely not appreciate having an extra four people around him in an already small ship. As the dominant pilot, he could likely just refuse to fly for us if he disagrees to heavily. If he could be convinced to not leave the cockpit except when absolutely necessary (which, to be fair, is what is more-or-less doing now), this could be less of an issue than the previous point.

Yeah, it seems like a good purchase.

Zen would agree to carrying the cargo of illicit items. While it brings the largest potential danger to everyone on board, it also brings the most potential reward to the crew as a whole. As it is within their capabilities to take on this job, they should take it. And Zen will be thinking even less about what these weapons are for. Or at least trying not to.

Nodding their head, Zen says "I would also agree that stopping at the biotech facility would be a good idea. Not only could we see if there are any other augmented humans, but there is also likely to be chances to get some good salvage." Angling their antennae at the speaker Cross has been speaking through for the conversation so far, they then respond to Cross' more recent question. "I guess that that would depend on what it is that they need a hand with. Care to elaborate?"

Zenvisk will eat the soup in a particularly Shirren manner, sipping the fluid up through a straw while picking through the more solid chunks with a fork. Pausing for a moment, they clear their throat slightly before speaking aloud. "I agree that Cyrune may be the safest place for them, besides this ship itself. In fact, those two locations are likely to be the only safe places for them in this general region of the galaxy." They then pause for a moment as they glance in the direction of Jin, Amaryst, and Rollo.

Then looking back to the rest of the table, they continue speaking. "As for what we do to get to wherever it is we end up going, we will eventually need credits. This system presents a variety of opportunities, and I agree with Cross in that we should take advantage of them while we have the chance. Hauling cargo would certainly work towards that goal, but we shouldn't necessarily limit ourselves to that."

I used Lao for Shirren.

Twirling their antenna slightly, Zenvisk replies mentally to Emily as they head out to the main room to examine the new clothes that Cross acquired.

Listening to Jin and Maldor talk about going onto the station, Zenvisks antennae perks up slightly at the thought of getting off the ship for just a couple hours. While the station was likely to be no less cramped than any other, it would still provide a place to stretch their legs. And, after all, there was always a chance to find new components to upgrade SAM's chassis with. Pausing and quicksaving the progress of the game, they too will set down their controller before turning off the console. As they do so, they speak up to the other two "If you don't mind, I would like to accompany you."

Seeing Emily enter the room as they say this, they turn to her and wave one of their three-clawed hands. Extending a telepathic link between them, they say to her

.

When Cross's message comes through, Zenvisk will send a quick reply.

Zen is essentially neutral about where to go from here. As far as they are aware, Shirren do not have their own home system, instead settling wherever they are allowed and/or choose to.

As for short-term goals, they would be fine with going to the bio-lab, especially seeing as how there would likely be interesting technological equipment just laying around. They would also be somewhat interested in learning what is up with the sinkhole situation on Khal. However, they know that investigating that could be risky due to the systems close relations with the Terran government.

As for the purchasing of items, they are not particularly in need of anything just yet. They will likely point out that getting extra food supplies while we have the opportunity might be a good idea.

At the party

Zenvisk will have politely declined partaking in the champagne. If pressed for why, they explain that they had previously had bad previous experience with Earth-based alcoholic beverages.

Once the issue surrounding Emily, and especially her ability to read the emotions of others, has come up, Zenvisk will silently sit at their seat at the table. As each person around them reacts in one way or another, they remain almost perfectly still, as if they were attempting to impersonate a statue. The only indication of movement is their antennae and mandibles, which are all twitching as Zen thinks over this revelation. Once people start leaving the room however, they too leave, heading down to the bottom level of the ship. Once Jin extends an invitation to come up and play vidgames, Zen will come back up.

Profession (Vidgamer): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

All Zen is doing is attempting to do with this roll is to not show the other two up too much, while still trying to win ~1/3 to 1/2 of the games.

Zenvisk will spend the majority of the trip in the bottom level, familiarizing themselves with all the various ship components and their functions. Occasionally they will come up to the mid-level for a quick snack, before disappearing back into the engine room. They will attend the dinner each evening, but will decline the opportunity to dance the first night. That evening they will actually work well into the shipboard 'night', working their way back up to the upper deck at around 1 am.

When the question about what to name the ship comes up at dinner, they will finish munching on their food before replying. They speak aloud, mainly due to Cross' opinion on telepathy. "Personally, I like that second suggestion."

Zenvisk has no real opinions on where to go, or where to drop off Ayda and crew. They simply wish to leave Earth and its surroundings.

Walking up beside Emily, Zenvisk will look out the window out as well. "Yes, it is quite a beautiful sight." They fall silent for a moment, before shaking their head and continuing. "The last time I had seen this was about a week after my second birthday. I had almost forgotten."

Turning to look more directly at Emily, they angle their antennae her way. "I have asked the others, so it would only be polite to ask you as well. What is your opinion on telepathic communication? I wish to ask before speaking to anyone in this way, as it can alarm members of other races."

Having left his backpack on the upper level, Zenvisk will wander down the stairs and towards the front of the ship. Unsure of quite what they should be doing aboard the ship, they will poke their head into the bridge.

"Amaryst, do you wish for me to work downstairs? Also, where should the new transponder code be uploaded? Up here or down there?"

Gesturing at SAM, Zenvisk speaks "If you wanted, I could send SAM with you. She is also capable of operating in a vacuum, and I can give her directions from just under half a mile away. However, I cannot see through her eyes, so I am limited in what I could tell her to do. If nothing else, I could have her scout around the outside of the ship for more information."

Antenna wiggling in faint amusement at the discussion around the champagne bottle, Zenvisk finishes off his white chocolate mocha. Picking at his spiced dry oatmeal, he almost comments telepathically to the group before remembering Cross's opinion. Resigning himself to speaking aloud, he pipes up "So, what is the group of guards like as far as you know, Amaryst? Do you think that we could sneak one or two people aboard the ship? Also, earlier someone mentioned that there were biometric locks on the ship. Do those only let you board?"

"I would also prefer to not kill anyone. However, if it is necessary, then so be it." Zenvisk will then noticeably twitch their antennae. "What is everyone's attitude towards telepathic communication?"

Turning to Amaryst, Zenvisk nods in reply to her initial question. "Yes, it is. I know that my full name can be difficult to pronounce. As for what I can do, you are correct in that I am not much of a combatant. Most of my skills involve fixing and repairing machines, whether they be com units or cars. However, I am a decent shot with my pulsecaster, but SAM here is the better shot. She is also particularly good at staying unseen, especially when she stays still."

Well, I don't think there is that much Zenvisk can really purchase.

Shifting in the seat slightly, Zenvisk replies to Jin aloud. "I wish to leave this planet more than anything. SAM and I shall accompany you and Amaryst to go and retrieve her ship."

{Humans with psychic powers? What can they do, wiggle stuff in the air with their minds?} Zenvisk sends a sense of amusement and disbelief across the telepathy with that last statement, but then his antenna stiffen slightly. {Wait... that ball of light that the boy put out... and that... is that what they can do?} The that is sent with a mental image of blood pouring out of the thug's faces.

Nodding in Amaryst's direction, Zenvisk turns back to Jin and begins speaking quickly. "I won't say no to getting off planet. It's just... What do you mean, things aren't safe for you anymore? Does this have to do with that raid? How are you planning on getting off planet?"

Zenvisk will also spend a resolve to regain stamina if there is time.

Turning to look back at the two humans who have been introduced, they continue, "Greetings Emily and Maldor. This wonderful individual, by the way, is SAMANTHA." This is said while Zenvisk gently pokes SAM in the side. "You could at least say hello."

Shifting on their seat, Zenvisk turns their multi-faceted eyes to quickly glance at the other occupants of the hotwired car before replying to Jin's question. "Well, obviously I am looking out for one of my few friends on this miserable husk of a planet."

Turning to look at the two humans in the car, they quickly raise their hands in what they hope is a reassuring gesture. "No offense to either of you, but I have not particularly enjoyed these last 10 years.

As for why I came out to find you," they turn to look back at Jin, "It is all because you missed a game that we had scheduled for two days ago, the day after that raid downtown. You never responded to any of the messages I sent to your home, so I decided to go and check it out myself. So yesterday, I took one of the city buses over towards your place, but once I got there I saw what appeared to be several government looking officials moving about inside. That was when I got really worried about you."

Pulling out a small datapad, they wave it slightly as they continue "Early this morning, I came across a couple of threads talking about a race that was going to occur later that night. Knowing that you often went to them with your other friend, Amaryst, and so I decided to see if I could find either of you there." Glancing in her direction, they query Amaryst "I presume that you are Amaryst? Jin has mentioned you a couple times while we were chatting online. As for the rest of you, I don't think I have caught any of your names."

Zenvisk will attempt to break into a car in order to escape. Putting their arm against the driver's seat door lock, they extend a thin tool from their wrist into the lock. Clicking the door open, they reach inside and extend a different tool into the ignition.

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 4 = 18

Popping their head out from the inside of the car, they speak aloud to the group. "Anyone here know how to drive?"

Knowing that they won't be able to do much from over here, but also not wishing to make themselves a target, Zenvisk will take a pot shot at the thug from their current position.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 - 4 = 8

Mouthparts clacking in frustration at thier miss, they then quickly change SAM's orders, telling them to target the thug's SUV, specifically the tires or engine.

Carefully aiming at the last remaining thug in the alleyway, Zenvisk fires with his pulsecaster pistol at their central torso..

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Zenvisk will then send a quick order to SAM, telling them to shoot at the remaining thug before moving to see if they can help out the person outside the alley who the last thug is targetting.

Extremely confused by the glowing light that was produced by one of Jin's companions, Zenvisk nonetheless continues to target the yellow thug.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

They will then send a quick command to SAM to switch targets to one of the rear thugs.

Maybe have it to where the damage cannot be healed by spells, but instead can only heal over time. Perhaps healing could go at something along the lines of one point of damage (total, not both scores) per week, but if the individual 'Torches' during that week, all time resets.

This makes it not quite as bad as permanent ability score damage, but still have a permanent effect at all levels.

As this would likely not directly affect my character, I feel that my opinion should count for less than those who it directly does. However, I agree with Hazrond, as permanent seems a little bit harsh to me.

Clenching their mandibles tightly together to keep themselves from freaking out due to the sounds of the gunshot and explosion, trying to keep from thinking about that night. However, they do a double take upon seeing what happened to the green thug. Quickly glancing at Jin, they send him a quick mental message.

Returning to the fight around them, they focus their pulsecaster on the nearest opponent (yellow thug), and fire.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Seeing that the thugs are out of the optimal range of their pulsecaster pistol, and not wishing to move any closer to the enemy, Zenvisk will ready an action to shoot the first thug that moves within 30 feet of their position.

They will send a quick message for SAM to ready an action to shoot the same target as they do.

Noticing Jin standing behind Amaryst, and noticing that he is within range of telepathic communication, opens up a telepathic link between the two.

Snapping their head around to look down the alleyway, Zenvisk presumably sees the five men at the entrance. Seeing their drawn weaponry, they back down the alley sightly, moving to the side opposite Amaryst and the others. Trying to speak low enough that the goons don't hear, they say "No, I don't know them. And they are definitely not my friends." Zenvisk then attempts to take cover behind any available cover.

Turning in their direction, he says one more thing to the group across the alley "As for my friend, I am looking for an individual named Jin Larson." At this point, Zenvisk retrieves their Pulsecaster pistol, ready to defend themselves if necessary.

When the flashlight is brought up to shine in their face, Zenvisk throws their arms up to block the light.

"Ack! Please don't shoot! I am unarmed! See?" At this, they wiggle their fingers, clearly showing that they have no drawn weaponry. [b]"I was just trying to catch up with one of my friends!"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Seeing at least one of the figures up ahead turn down the alley, Zenvisk quickens their pace slightly. Turning down the alley, they pause slightly before turning to look down at the small, spider-like robot by their side. Speaking in a whisper, they tell the drone "ຈົ່ງຢູ່ທີ່ນີ້, ແຕ່ປະຕິບັດຕາມເມື່ອຂ້າພະເຈົ້າເຖິງປາຍທາງຊອຍ."

Looking back down the hallway, Zenvisk will begin walking down the alleyway at a standard pace, trusting SAM to protect them from any threats from the rear. They are planing on going to the end of the alley, but will stop once they notice anything out of the ordinary Such as, you know, a flashlight to the face. I don't wish to take any actions on your part, Amaryst.

For Shirren, I used the Lao language.