Ludeon Forums

Table of Contents
(Are links, click to go to post)

PROLOGUE (https://ludeon.com/forums/index.php?topic=19585.msg214634#msg214634)
CHAPTER ONE:  PLANETFALL (https://ludeon.com/forums/index.php?topic=19585.msg214726#msg214726)
CHAPTER TWO:  DIGGING IN (https://ludeon.com/forums/index.php?topic=19585.msg216902#msg216902)
CHAPTER THREE:  HELL'S KITCHEN (https://ludeon.com/forums/index.php?topic=19585.msg217493#msg217493)
CHAPTER FOUR:  FIRST BLOOD (https://ludeon.com/forums/index.php?topic=19585.msg218047#msg218047)
CHAPTER FIVE:  TALL TAILS (https://ludeon.com/forums/index.php?topic=19585.msg219625#msg219625)
CHAPTER SIX: HOW NOT TO WIN FRIENDS (https://ludeon.com/forums/index.php?topic=19585.msg220701#msg220701)

I have been having a good bit of fun on my one journal playthrough when I got the inspiration for something a bit fun.  I am thinking of doing something more general.  What I am going to do is let you guys message me ideas on what to do and what the colonists are thinking.  Do we want farms and walls, dig into the mountains?  If need be, cannibalism or no? 

Essentially I will post and make a milestone posing the question and you folks can instant message me with what you think the colonists will do, then I will roleplay that according to what has happened in past and according to the map. 

To start, I am going to want you guys to give me backstory on the three starting colonists.  Are they familiar with eachother or strangers?  Why are they on the ship?  Could be they are travellers from glitterworld looking for luxuries or are they from a slave ship?  Your call!!! 

Since backstory exists before they land on the planet, that is all you get.  Once I choose a backstory, I will open with the user's name that inspired me and random land on the planet.  Your backstory affects their initial actions!

Here are the three victims!

Rajel 'Raj' Valjurai

Raj Grew up with a laundry list of phobias and neuroses.  She feared, among other things, doctors and foodborn pathogens.  As a result, she learned to cook and care for herself but many of her fears dog her in adulthood.

Raj was an internal spymaster in an Imperial army battalion.  She made sure that the men were loyal, and did not fall back unless ordered.  This made her unpopular but she gained great skill at detecting the slightest dishonesty.

(http://i.imgur.com/EIP9BWL.jpg)

Valentin Graves

Graves was born into a powerful cult which shunned advanced technology and believed that all illness could be cured by cleansing the sould through sacred art.  After his first glimpse of the outside world, he decided to run away.

Graves was the only survivor of a ship crash on an unhabited animal world.  For many years until his rescue he scrounged and existence out of whatever he could find.  His survival skills became razor-sharp, but spending so long alone severely dampened his conversatial abilities.

(http://i.imgur.com/9GZ6JLc.jpg)

Kelly Valdez

Kelly's mother was often ill, and it fell to her to run the store which was their only source of income.  She learned a little about the exotic artifacts which she sold, and a lot about the art of the deal.

Kelly owned and operated a successful ranch where she raised animals for meat and woo.  She refused to do any dumb labour she could pay someone else to do.

(http://i.imgur.com/2j2TEiZ.jpg)

So there we have them.  The backstories will be worked into how they react around your choice.  Once we have a story how they are all connected, then will have planetfall and get started there!  The goal is to keep it simple. 

This first one, what would be looking for is getting the idea of who is in charge so to speak or will they each be doing their own thing.  Lay the framework for me to really roleplay what they do ^.^

Remember, lets try the message system to see how that works for now, keep up some surprises!  I will try to get to one milestone per day, so the updates will be small with my other colony in stories being my main.

Kelly has the most social, so she should lead building efforts.

((As the only reply, will start here and see if others get in on it with some examples on how this will work.))

Question:  What is origin of the party?
Decision:

Quote from: Daman453 on April 28, 2016, 09:03:01 PM
Kelly has the most social, so she should lead building efforts.

PROLOGUE

Valentin Graves was tired...  His entire life has been spent in this little ribbon of land.  It was a valley of pure black soil as long as the eye can see nestled between two massive mountain ranges that pierce the sky.  It was a harsh environment, but the soil was good and the trees were strong.  The vegetables have been coming along nicely.  The corn growing in the rich soil was looking especially bountiful.  Enough to easily last the year for him and his livestock.

And it was all going to die.

It started seventeen years ago.  Fire streaked over the sky.  Not like the meteors that fall on occasion.  Those are beautiful and inspiring.  Makes him glad to be all alone on this clean planet.  No, this fire was slowing down.  That can only mean a ship.

Turns out not just any ship, but a mega conglomerate colonial ship.  It was a ship of massive proportions whose sole purpose was to harvest the life on this planet.  A machine of destruction.  He had talked with scouts when they came upon his small hut and learned that this garden planet had been purchased a decade ago.  The rich hard woods, and unique delicacies worth a fortune in the urbworld elite circles.

Every year, the horizon grew brighter, and the stars grew dimmer.  This year, he now can see the machines of death on the horizon.  By next year, the soil will be stripped and shipped offworld to be used in developments closer to the core.  The animals converted to meat or locked into farms.  The beautiful and living wood becoming objects of decadence for the rich and ignorant.

'Oh great, here they come to threaten or remove me' he thought as the sound of a steam truck could be heard approaching.  The trail of smoke and steam billowing into the air.  Of all the things that angered him, these steam machines were the worst.  They did not just take the biggest and strongest trees, but they took the unique and different to become nothing more than soot belching fuel.  From what he gathered, it was 'cheaper' to use locally supplied fuel sources than it was to ship fuel for more advanced and clean power systems here.

As expected, the heavy tracked vehicle rolled right up to his fence.  Graves sighed looking at the compacted ground.  Another track of ground where nothing will grow....  Then something puzzling.  New faces.  One was familiar.  The soft hands of a decadence who has never seen hard labour.  The other was more interesting though.  A person of solid stature and clearly seen what life is actually like.

The latter approached him.

"Are you Valentin Graves?"

"Yes I am, and anything needing to be said will be said.  There is no point in my leaving.  I can feel it in my chest.  I will be dead by the time your machines reach here.  I am tied to this planet.  Your killing it is like you are killing me.  If I am not dead, then I will make sure I take you before you take this sacred earth"

The stern one looks back at the other lady.  Who then comes forward to meet him.

"Good day Mr.  Graves.  I am Kelly Valdez and this is Rajel Valjurai, my bodyguard.  I first want to let you know that we are not part of the company who is processing the planet.  I actually am part of a family who seeks to preserve lands like this.  My parents tried to gain ownership of this valley, but were unable to succeed.  For that, we are sorry."

"The obvious question, what does that have to do with me?"

"Eight years ago, the first shipments and reports from here arrived.  With it was a report about you.  The core worlds are all developed and these planets on the border of the rim are no longer isolated.  Ships are faster and safer.  Some businesses like these seek to exploit and bring nature to the masses.  My family has a different mission.  For hundreds of years, starting on our own planet, we sought to preserve areas of nature.  Now we do so in the stars.  We bring people to nature where nature is supposed to be."

Rajel then takes over "...and we want to hire you.  I have read the reports on you.  You are strong, and resourceful.  There is a new planet on the border to the rim that the family has acquired the rights for.  A planet of greenery that has never before been found.  The miss spent her entire fortune to gain the rights to it and will personally be overseeing it.  We want you to work with us.  To help us establish this preserve.  Your experiences here make you uniquely suited..."

Rajel pauses and stares directly into Grave's eyes.

"... or you can stay here and wait for them to reach your walls.  Make no mistake.  There is no actual law here.  They can shoot you and say you pulled that little knife you have strapped to your belt out.  None will argue or even investigate.  The only reason you are not dead now is that it is more hassle then to wait until the operation is here."

The trowel Graves was holding slips from his hand and drops to the ground.  Without a word, he walks away towards a small building.

A look of disappointment comes across Kelly's face.  Vajel though speaks first, "Don't worry, he is going to come.  Just wait.

Graves reaches the small building opens the door then steps inside.  Moments later, strange birds fly out.  From there he walks over to his house and comes out carrying just a single bag a few minutes later.  He proceeds to walk towards them.  Walking past he heads towards the steam truck.

No words are spoken during the ride to the shuttle.  For near a hundred planetary cycles he has lived on this planet.  But this would be his first true trial.  Returning to space....

((I am not much of a redditor or other forums, but if you enjoy this, feel free to share the link elsewhere.  The more ideas we get, the more interesting it can run I feel))

CHAPTER 1:  PLANETFALL

The three travelers awake in there cryptosleep sarcophagi to the sound of sirens and ripping metal.

Kelly emerges and tries to take stock of what is happening.  The sudden emergency eject from the sarcophagi causes a wave of nausea and she vomits all over the floor.  Quickly she realizes that Rajel is already out of her casket and at a console.

"Raj, status report!"

"We are in the process of re-entry of an unknown planet.  It looks like we have overshot our destination by twelve years.  Nothing is functioning.  The ship is receiving control instructions, but they are not executing."

"I should have stayed home!" Graves stuttered spitting out more vomit "I could have died fighting for what I lived for!"

"Shut up Graves, we aren't dead yet."  Raj walks over to one of the windows and tries to see where they are crashing.  The thick polymer shield is so clouded nothing can be seen. 

"Micrometeors, we must have gone right through a cloud of em.  Probably jammed up every control and eroded away every sensor.  Damn, that is why we never woke up when the system failed.  It never knew it failed.  It was stuck in a loop of constant course correction for years!"

Kelly takes control of the situation, "Then there is no choice.  If this ship cannot fly in space, it certainly cannot land here on the ground.  Lets get to the escape pods.  Graves, we are going to be down there with minimal supplies and no support.  Show us you were worth us saving you."

Suddenly gravity starts exerting itself more.  The three lurch and are thrown as the ship suddenly bucks sideways and starts decelerating.  A groan reverberated through the hull and their bones.

Raj grabs Graves and pulls him to his feet.  "Die in a ship or die with your feet on the ground, your call.  This thing is starting to tumble, we have to get out now!"

They barely get to the escape pods before the ship is torn apart.  Guided down by the pods auto-navigation system they find themselves on this unknown rimworld.

The trio finds themselves on a desert coastline.  Judging by the position of the sun, it is quickly determined that it is probably spring.  The temperature feels a cool 10 degrees celsius.

(http://i.imgur.com/LuqLr3q.jpg)

Raj with her military background quickly takes stock of the situation.  "This planet is definitely uninhabited.  While navigational controls were non-functional, cartography was still operating since it's hardware was on the other side of the ship.  This system was known as the Altair system.  A large star with many orbiting planets.  Looks like we got caught in it's gravity and ended up crashing into the thirteenth planet.  Nobody will find us here and we definitely cannot expect a search party.  After this many years, we are dead."

"Then it is settled," Kelly speaks while looking at the artificial limestone walls, "Raj, you go look for signs of inhabitants and are in charge of security.  Graves, we have limited food.  we need you to do your thing.  Raj and I don't have the skills to make it long term out here... What is that thing?"

Grave walks over to the small, white feline. "Oh?  This is is my good buddy, Gaiety.  I knew you wouldn't let me take her, so I snuck her along in my backpack.  These cute things lived wild on the planet but this gal seemed to enjoy my company.  And I, hers!"  Graves then turned and began walking towards some hills.

Kelly shrugs, "It is your responsibility to look after her then.  But for now, lets split up and see if we can find a good place to set up camp.  I think we lucked out and it is still morning so that gives us time to set up some shelter.  Look around for an hour then we can meet up here again and decide what we are going to do."

An hour later, the trio met up and begin to discuss where to set up camp.

Raj starts the discussion.  "I went out to the coast to see if there was any more signs of life or anything to eat along there.  The coast was sandy and barren though.  But I could see more structures.  Ruined walls and large buildings line the coast both north and south.  If there is any survivors, we can only assume they will be hostile.  No civilization that falls like this would be able to maintain it's moral code."

"That said, I think defenses and security should be our primary goal.  There is what remains of a small steel building with plenty of materials nearby.  I think it would be an excellent spot to set up.  The coast and peninsula makes it easy to defend and having a solid roof over our head to start will allow us to focus on other things.  For food, we can always hunt those tall animals that are walking all over."

(http://i.imgur.com/Kx4KMjb.jpg)

Kelly counters, "It might be secure, but we will have to work harder to get what we need.  I really don't want to walk that far just to plant our potato seeds.  No, I think the area over the hill just south of here is a better location.  You can dig a shelter in the side of the cave while I see if we can make use of that steam geyser nearby.  Perhaps in the future we can make our lives that much more comfortable with it."

(http://i.imgur.com/1JsKPoz.jpg)

"Really?  Was everything you told me just a lie?  You said you are about being part of the nature and protecting it.  But when it gets a little tough you just want to build all sorts of machinery right away?  Chew up the ground and disturbing what lives there?  All for some paranoia that there might be somebody here that is hostile?"

"I looked at the ground around these hills.  It is either crumbling slate or heavy marble.  That ground is barely good for gravel.  Things won't grow on what little ground there is.  I would never build in a place like that.  No, up to the north is a much better area.  In the midst of a sand is a lower spot.  Moisture from the ocean is creeping through the ground.  The geology leeching the salt from the water.  The result is a nice and big patch of fertile ground which will easily feed us all without worry."

(http://i.imgur.com/SdWZLei.jpg)

The three began to argue which spot to build at.  Kelly exerting that she was in charge still.  Graves saying that staying alive was all that mattered and command had no place.  Raj arguing that good ground was pointless if raiders surrounded them in the night leading the bleeding and dying.

Graves begins to cough with a bit of a wheeze, "Sorry... is a breathing issue I have had since I was a kid.  This dry sand seems to have agrivated it...."


((Please keep in mind that there is more than gameplay at stake with a call.  Sometimes a decision I might have roleplay negatives in how they go about the choice.  Sometimes there are hints in dialogue...  Since this isn't a minmax play, story is key.  So debate your points of what you think they will choose.  If it is more open ended, bring up a different choice or logic.  The open ended ones, have no limitations.  If it is a good idea, bring it up!))

Decision 1.  Where do they set up their shelter?
a) coast
b) hillside
c) field

Decision 2.  Medicine is limited.  How do they approach limited medical supplies and health issues?

Decision 3.  A side discussion came up on what they would even call this place.  What will they name their new home?

I will give this first chapter a few days depending on response and interest in the community.  Else is something I would think would be fun to daily.

Decision 1: I'd say that the hillside mainly because in any survival situation, cover is the first priority.

Decision 2: Unless the person is bleeding more than 50% a day or has some life threatening disease, don't bother with the meds until xerigium is grown.

Decision 3: I leave that up to other people for i'm downright horrible with names.

1) hillside
2) Use medicine as needed.  If people are sick and weak it will prevent easy progress
3) Gaiety Glen

Update for peeps.  I have to head out of town tomorrow, so Tuesday is when I will do next chapter else will be daily/feedback dependent.

1) Coast because it's pretty.
2) Set medicinal needs to heal without medicine, and hold the medicine reserves for plague or other diseases.
3) Altair Militia

Nice to see something like this, wish I could write properly myself.

1) I say hill side, sure the coast is a nice defensive position but they going to have to build outside so whats the points?
2) Considering they are only 3 and they probably need each other, I would say any bleeding wound should be treated with the best available.  Bruises and the flue can be let to bed rest.
3) I am also terrible with names, so I will leave it to others.

Looking forward to reading more

Quote from: Mr.Cross on April 29, 2016, 07:19:44 PM
Decision 1: I'd say that the hillside mainly because in any survival situation, cover is the first priority.

Decision 2: Unless the person is bleeding more than 50% a day or has some life threatening disease, don't bother with the meds until xerigium is grown.

Quote from: ModernGib on May 03, 2016, 07:22:16 PM
2) Set medicinal needs to heal without medicine, and hold the medicine reserves for plague or other diseases.

Quote from: anthraxus on May 01, 2016, 11:06:03 PM
3) Gaiety Glen

CHAPTER 2:  DIGGING IN

"All right!  Everybody be quiet and listen!" Kelly's sudden and loud outburst gathers the attention of the other two.  Until this time she has remained calm and collected, "Raj, I understand your decision for security, but survival does come first.  The hillside offers reasonable shelter and there is some ruined walls we can use for cover if needed.  Once we dig in, it will be as good, if not better than the coast."

"Graves, the ground around the hill may not be perfect, but neither is this planet.  If we want to live, we need to change how we live.  The desert is not a hospitable place.  We have the blueprints and componentry to make the necessary equipment to survive.  Any other place, logs and dirt would be enough, but not here.  We are going to the hillside, and we will be digging in."

"Fine then, but it is going to be more work to get the food we need there.  You two can set about digging holes and building machines.  I am going to focus on seeing what we got and getting the crops going.  Once that is done, and the place is neat and organized, I will help you with the luxuries you wish for."

Raj speaks up next, "Before any of that, we need to make sure we don't use up what we have right now.  Medicine most importantly.  We cannot use it for minor cuts and bruises then be out if somebody falls ill or gets a more serious injury.  Until Graves gets some Xerigum built, the medpacks are off limits unless told otherwise.  Graves, we cannot have any health problems getting worse, let me take a look at you."

Raj opens the emergency medical kit.  Contained within are basic diagnostic tools.  For the next few minutes, she gives graves a basic checkup measuring blood pressure and checking the respiration.  "Sounds like you have some asthma, and your blood pressure is a bit high.  Is minor, but should be able to be kept under control without any medicines for now."

Kelly closes the meeting, "With that settled, we have our priorities.  Raj and I will focus on getting shelter and equipment constructed and Graves, you are going to start up some agriculture.  Once all that is done, we can then focus on building security to protect us from potential wildlife and if there hostile inhabitants of this planet."

The three colonists then break off to the south.  Raj and Kelly begin making use of the survival tools to excavate some shelter while Graves plants a crop of potatoes in the gravelly ground.  East of the hill, he finds a small patch of soil which he uses to plant some Xerigum healroot.  With that completed, he decides to make use of the small strip of soil near the steam vent to plant some corn.

Later in the evening, Kelly and Raj put up some temporary steel doors for the rooms they were digging out and build some beds out of some of the usable steel they find out in the desert.

Late in the evening, they meet back up to discuss the day.  Kelly addresses the group, "Well, not bad for one day, is good the days are long so we can get a good night's sleep.  Is fortunate that the raw metals around here are malleable.  With some development, we probably can make some more advanced components using the portable forge.  Graves, I have extra space in my room, would you like us to build you a bed for the night as well?"

"No, I would rather sleep outside under the stars than under the ground.  Tomorrow I can build myself a hut.  The cactus plants here seem very sturdy and should do quite well for building a roof."

The trip end the night with more casual discussions before finally heading off to sleep.

(http://i.imgur.com/Uuev5Gv.jpg)

Refreshed from a good rest, they awaken to get a good start.  It is looking to shape up to be another good day and spirits are high.  The mood is short lived however.

The short wave communicators begin to crackle.  The three meet back up and Raj explains the situation, "It seems to be a low frequency radio broadcast.  A machine collector named Mayumi Tanner is calling from nearby.  She says she is being chased by pirates from a group called Cruelparty.  She is begging for safety here and is willing to join us and can pull her weight, is in her thirties."

Kelly replies, "We have a knife, a hunting rifle and a pistol.  If we had more defenses set up, I would say we could help.  As it stands, we do not have the protection to fight off some unknown pirates of unknown numbers."

"I agree," Graves nods, "She is an unknown.  We do not know if she has what it takes.  Our growable land is limited as is the space.  We cannot risk the additional burden on our supplies.  On top of that fighting pirates means any one of us could get hurt or killed.  Is that worth one life?"

"I am glad we are in agreement then.  I would have made that call at this time regardless.  If we were more secure, I would never leave a person in distress but to give our position away now and antagonize local pirates would probably kill us all."  Tanner's voice screams through the radio as Raj turns off the transmission.

The group works in silence through the day until Raj spots what appears to be pods coming down from the sky.  "Graves, those look to have come down close to where you are working, you want to check it out?"

"Can do."

Half an hour later, an excited voice shouts over the radio!  "You won't believe what it is!  Looks to be some cargo pods crashed down!  Full of Xerigum!  Talk about good fortunes!  I will haul it back for the stockpile!"

(http://i.imgur.com/MbRuxuF.jpg)

"There we go guys, talk about some stress off the mind.  We have medical supplies and things are looking good.  I even found a nice patch of soil east of here.  Got some cotton planted so if we need new apparel we are set and been setting up a windbreak around it so we can get lumber in time as well... Is that an escape pod coming down to the south?"

"If it is, somebody could be needing medical help.  I will go check it out."

(http://i.imgur.com/xk31NxH.jpg)

Fifteen minutes later, as the sun is setting, the Raj comes over the radio, "We have a survivor here.  Looks to be an elderly lady.  Name is Sonja 'Shonja' Baker.  Probably in her seventies.  ID has her as a veterinarian.  Is cut and bruised up pretty bad and bleeding.  With the healroot we got, those would be no problems to treat though."

Kelly asks, "How does she look otherwise? even if we treat her wounds, an old lady out here even able to survive?  Might it not be better to just let her die?  It is cold, but starvation is a terrible way to go"

"Overall isn't too bad.  Some scarring on her neck, and appears to have some cataracts forming in her eyes.  What should I do?"


Reason the request wasn't a milestone simply comes down to cannot save with that holding the screen waiting for a decision.  As such, That call was made based on the other decisions and their reasons.  Hillside was develop first then security and medicines to keep on an emergency usage only.  With the coast however, they would have had some security and defense early so would have offered shelter. 

In the future, similar situations might come up where there is a potential milestone, but if it would make the chapter short or is related to decisions in the past, then it will be roleplay written into part of the chapter.

In regards to people and introducing them for decisions, the metagame info won't be there.  So in this case, is a person unable to really give a personality since is in shock.  As such, profession and health are the only available info to base a decision on.  The traits, well nobody knows...

Also remember, these are not set in stone decisions.  If you got a better idea, and sometimes I leave those out purposefully, then be sure to give an option not listed.  That is the fun!

Decision 1.  What should they do with Shonja?

a)  Leave her
b)  Have Raj end her suffering
c)  Treat her and let her go
d)  Treat her and try to bring her into the colony


Decision 2.  It is confirmed that there are hostile factions on this planet.  What is going to be the policy in regards to them?

a)Defensive.  Protecting themselves above all else
b)Steadfast.  Don't give ground, but don't go out looking for a fight
c)Offensive.  This is their colony, and nobody will be allowed to take it from them

1) I want a humanitarian Colony, so I say save her.
2) Plan should be to survive, until able to get out of this planet so no need to start any conflict. Be defensive.

Hows the temperature of the planet, because it seems they should be getting a kitchen going and refrigerator as first use of components/metals.

1) Intrigue is of top priority, considering the fact that they just crashed on an unknown planet. Treat her, and interrogate her finding out about her past, her present, what lead to the crash, and if she has useful skills then attempt to recruit her.

2) Offensive, there needs to be strict militarian rules and security in order to survive. We cannot sit there an ignore the oncoming pirates/tribals, if they come upon our colony armed it is no doubt they have malicious intent. Kill all who do not state their arrival beforehand.

1) save her since you have the xerigium and recruit her, even if her skills are horrible you could still have a dedicated hauler/cleaner maybe even a money maker

2) I'd say steadfeast. This is deffiantely their colony, they shouldnt give it up even if there is a way off that rock.

Quote from: ModernGib on May 04, 2016, 06:13:38 PM
1) Intrigue is of top priority, considering the fact that they just crashed on an unknown planet. Treat her, and interrogate her finding out about her past, her present, what lead to the crash, and if she has useful skills then attempt to recruit her.

Quote from: Mr.Cross on May 04, 2016, 06:16:16 PM
2) I'd say steadfeast. This is deffiantely their colony, they shouldnt give it up even if there is a way off that rock.

Quote from: Realjuan on May 04, 2016, 06:07:04 PM

Hows the temperature of the planet, because it seems they should be getting a kitchen going and refrigerator as first use of components/metals.

CHAPTER 3:  HELL'S KITCHEN

"Bring her in.  We are not monsters.  Yes, it pained me to refuse to assist when we had that distress call, but we had no choice.  We have more than enough medicinal herbs for the short while and Graves already has more growing.  There is no harm in bringing her in.  Best case we get more help, worst case we get some information and she is on her way.  Her choice."

"Where will we treat her?"

"Graves and I will set up your room to house her.  We will move your bed into where I am.  My walls aren't completely sealed in case you are wondering why.  It is getting late.  Lets patch her up and then can talk in the morning about how she got here as well."

The next morning Raj heads out to finish treating and interrogate her.

(http://i.imgur.com/I2V7a1v.jpg)

"So... What can you tell us?"

"Well, I crashed into this sandbox and now am stuck in a cave?" Shonja slumps back into the shoddy bed, "Sorry.  Thanks for saving me.  Nerves are a bit frayed and am short on temper at the moment.  What are you asking?"

"Who are you?  How did you get here as well.  This dustball is so far off the beaten track that I doubted we would ever see anybody else, let alone a day after we crashed."

"Aaah... you got hit by it too then...."

"Hit by what?"

"The mass cloud.  Didn't you get the emergency notification?"

"No we came out of cyro as our ship crashed into the planet."

"Aaah, then you were one of the first folks to get here.  All I know is what I read from the initial emergency wake transmission.  The report warned for all ships to do emergency course correction due to an undetected mass stream that had intersected the Kuiper route, right at the point where it makes the turn to navigate around the super black hole."

"A mass stream?  Never heard of it."

"Never existed before.  That is what they called it.  From somewhere out in deep space, a stream of fine dust came in at what previously was considered impossible velocity.  would just erode through external components.  By the time I got the notification, it was already too late and I was being hit by it.  Transmitter and navigational controls knocked out, I was adrift.  Solo in my ship, I had nothing I could do except go back to sleep and wait until notification of a habitable planet."

"Sounds like what happened to us as well.  We had some navigation info so we know where we are.  This place is out in the rim, but is a straight line from the point you say this event was to here if you extend out the path before the bend.  That is a pretty heavily traveled route  both for tourism to see the black hole and traders to avoid it.  I expect we are not the only ones who will be ending up here if others got caught."

"So now a choice.  You can stay and help us out, or if you want you can leave.  We can let you stay here to heal up if you want but will be confined to this room until you choose.  Supplies are far too limited and we cannot just trust anybody.  If you wish to stay, any skills you can offer?  This is an inhospitable place so we all have to pull our weight."

"I am a skilled animal tender.  Been that way my whole life.  Though growing up  I only had animals.  Didn't even want to talk to other people.  But if that is no good, I am fairly adept at making things when needed.  As for staying here..." Shonja looks around the decrepit room and scoffs, "I will need to think about it." before lying back in bed.

Raj's theory proved more than correct.  Later that day, and the following day, two more escape pods crash down. 

The first is carrying a man by the name of Night Winterbourne.  A Commisar in the military who was coming back from an outer training camp on a shuttle.  Good with a gun and with some survival skills, the colonists hope to convince him to stay to help keep their new home secure.  He asks to be called Capn'.

(http://i.imgur.com/QFWeR7v.jpg)

The second is Nelson Shelton.  A  construction engineer returning from a new development project on one of the more recent colonization projects and is a skilled first responder as well.  He is insisting he can make it on his own but agreed to wait a few days to hear them out.

(http://i.imgur.com/jJobgP3.jpg)

"Raj, Graves, I don't know if I can keep up.  Three of us and three boarders.  We need their skills, and they seem like they want to join us, but holding reservations.  We cannot keep looking after them forever, but they are getting irritable locked in that room.  I don't know how they can keep their sanity... Graves, what happened to you, you are all beaten up?"

"Oh took down one of those dromedary things.  We were out of meals and still going to be a couple days until the potatoes are done at the least."

"And patching you up afterwards uses up medical supplies." Raj scolds,"  Just hunt those reptiles that are running around.  It all gets processed into paste so what does it matter."

"Sounds like you two are just as irritable as me.  Going by the sun, looks like we are going to be hitting summer so we have to get this work done.  We are spending too much time on them, but we also will need their help long term.  Lets get some sleep and thing about it in the morning."

During the night, the sounds of combat wake the group up.  Graves and Raj meet up first.

"Raj, it sounds like there those guys are fighting!  We gotta break em up before they wreck something"

After a serious scuffle, the two colonists are beaten and the three survivors are on the floor bloody and bruised.  Capn's nose is a bloody mess after taking a hard strike on the limestone walls.  Kelly comes in as the fight is ending.

(http://i.imgur.com/uo1uS2V.jpg)

"We cannot keep em in here.  Raj, we will move them into the new rooms.  You and I can sleep in the dispenser room.  Graves, first thing in the morning, you focus on getting this mess cleaned up.  We cannot have another fight, and living in all this rubble is just stressing everybody out."

For the next two days, the trio works hard to get everything in order.  Eating disgusting nutrient paste on the floor, dealing with helping the survivors recover.  Even with spending more time relaxing, tensions are running high.  Their luck does turns however.

"Morning Raj!"

"Morning Kelly, fine day!"

"It is.  I don't know what it is, but I am just feeling so relaxed today.  Is like somebody reached into my skull and giving my brain a nice relaxing massage..."

The two start to giggle.... "Women..." Graves mumbles...

"Well Graves, if it cheers you up, Nelson decided to join us.  That will help take some stress off and allow us to start work on securing this place again.  Oh here he comes now; Nelson, come and join us for some green breakfast!"

"Good morning ladies!!!... Graves...." Nelson looks at him with distain, "Kelly, you said somebody came through yesterday with some travelers from another settlement that knew me?"

"Yes.  You were still stressed out so we were hoping you would be willing to come out an talk with us.  We respect others so we wanted to make sure you knew what we knew, but in a clearer state of mind.  Turns out you were not the only one from your ship to survive and land down here.  Your wife survived.  She was saved by a nearby outlander town called "Smalltown at the Forest.  Reason we didn't tell you why they were here is they don't trust us yet and their supplies are extremely limited.  They rescued her, but said they wouldn't have supplies if you came as well."

"And everybody, looks like we wound up in one of heck of a hotzone.  Raj, you were right.  There are hostiles here.  The township told us why they are so tight with supplies.  There is a local tribe called 'Ambras Busto' that is quite territorial though over time potentially reasoned with.  But it gets worse."  Kelly goes silent for a minute...

"They informed me that there are three separate pirate groups that still fight for control of what is left of this planet.  We already know of 'Cruelparty', but 'The Loyal Crushers' and 'Murderfaction' are just as ruthless.  We will be needing Capn's shooting skill more than ever.  Security is our main concern but we cannot just turtle up and hope they leave us alone.  Once they notice us, they will come for us.  We need to ally those who are able to be allied, but take the fight to those that bring it to us."

The next few days is spent recovering from the days of hard labour expanding to sustain the new members of the group.  The task made worse by the onset of a heat wave and dry thunderstorms.  The weather is hot, but tolerable most of the time however.  If it does rain here, there is no signs of it yet.  Eventually, Capn' joins the colony.  With double the people and the land harsher than originally expected, they decide have a meeting the next morning and re-evaluate their plans.


Three new faces came while the colonists were still just trying to survive for themselves.  But the three all had usable skills which could change everything.


Decision 1.  With skilled crafters and builders, more energy can be devoted to construction.  The potential threats they face are unknown but real.  At the same time, life is rough and stresses the colonists out.  Do they:

a) focus on making the location more comfortable so they can focus on work more
b) focus on getting heavy defenses instead of basic walls in case of attack
c) focus on expansion and productivity objectives and then building constructions


Decision 2.  Food at this time should be sustainable with hunting and crops, but potentially not reliable.  There is a range of needs, but limited arable land.  What should agriculture be focused on?

a)  Increasing food production
b)  Increasing material production
c)  Attempt to train raise local animals
d)  They need to do more than just one

This chapter was a bit of a toughie.  I was having a trouble getting to what I felt was a good milestone point, and that was recruiting the persons.  With three falling, it made a fair bit more to get there. You will also see that there is some hay.  That was an oops on my part.  When I started this chapter, I was just going to do animals as that is (as a vet and stated) one of shonja's skillsets.  I then decided to cancel that and keep it to planting the windbreak so animals could be one of the milestone choices.


[attachment deleted by admin - too old]

1)  So far, we've found no reasonable answer as to if we are ever gonna leave any time soon, so i'd say we focus on making the location more comfortable for a morale boosts. Colonists aren't having a blast constantly bruising their feet on rubble and staining their clothes with the vomit and blood of others, this place is a bacteria lovefest. Focus on cleaning the area up, moving out chunks of rubble, maybe place down some wooden floorboards or two, and THEN we can get down to business.

2)  We should clearly set down a stockpile, and count our materials. If we're ever going to progress we need to increase material production.


(this feels like im a civilization V advisor)

Quote from: ModernGib on May 05, 2016, 07:04:09 PM
-Stuff I entirely agree with-

As quoted, I agree with everything he said. However you should/could make a bottle neck here and here (Marked in red) to get more cover/defense. Black being walls, and Blue being cover. Almost making this sort of like a compound/ later on making it a position to fall back to.

[attachment deleted by admin - too old]

I am always going for efficiency, so I think.
1) c) focus on expansion and productivity objectives and then building constructions
2) I would say increase the amount of food produce, and start saving hay to later get some animals.

Quote from: ModernGib on May 05, 2016, 07:04:09 PM
1)  I'd say we focus on making the location more comfortable for a morale boosts... Focus on cleaning the area up, moving out chunks of rubble, maybe place down some wooden floorboards or two, and THEN we can get down to business.

2)  We should clearly set down a stockpile, and count our materials. If we're ever going to progress we need to increase material production.

Quote from: Mr.Cross on May 05, 2016, 07:59:30 PM
You should/could make a bottle neck here and here (Marked in red) to get more cover/defense. Black being walls, and Blue being cover. Almost making this sort of like a compound/ later on making it a position to fall back to.

Quote from: Realjuan on May 06, 2016, 02:34:13 AM
1) c) focus on expansion and productivity objectives and then building constructions
2) I would say increase the amount of food produce, and start saving hay to later get some animals.

CHAPTER 4:  FIRST BLOOD

(http://i.imgur.com/3AF94Zz.jpg)

The sun rose on the morning of what the colonists estimated was the 7th day of Summer; the colonists were gathered around the table outside to have their first true talk as a community.  Kelly opened discussions.

"Welcome everybody to what we have lovingly dubbed Gaiety Glen.  First off, I would like to address Capn' that we three do not have any hard feelings or ill will from last week."

"And I am sorry that I smashed your nose..." Shonja added, "Was in defense, but I do not hold it against you.  We can still work together."

"No, it is perfectly understandable.  I was locked in a room like a prisoner.  Just some filthy cave.  I had to get out.  It wasn't your fault either.  It doesn't matter whether you are an armed guard or an old lady.  I do what I must.  Glad to see that you do the same."

"We are sorry that we had you all crammed into that tight room.  But we hadn't known what we know now and just couldn't risk losing even one medpack.  At the time, we had only just crashed here ourselves.  We had no other secure rooms.  Once we had some more space excavated, we were able to give you proper accommodations.  But to business."

"When we landed, there was just us three and the basic supplies we were able to drop down in the emergency supplies.  At the time we had the basic necessities to set up survival for three people.  Now there are six of us.  If we want to survive, we will need to work smart and efficient.  As such, I will divide us into teams and allocate tasks accordingly."

Capn' raises his hand and begins to speak before being acknowledged, "Before you say any more, I want you to tell me why you are in charge already.  It isn't just you three anymore, there is the six of us so I want to know the best person to lead us in in charge.  Shouldn't we deal with that first?"

"I am glad you brought that up.  Why am I in charge?  Because we are all specialists.  Capn', you are experienced in warfare; a master of weaponry.  Nelson, you are an engineer, and from talking with you, skilled well beyond the rest of us.  Shonja is a trained medical expert and animal handler."

"Out of us three, Raj is also a trained military commissar, but has acted as my bodyguard and assistant.  Graves here is an expert on survival having lived by himself for many years on his own in the wilds."

"I however do not have any special skills to apply in the field."  Kelly says raising her hands in the air, "And that is why I am fit to lead.  Your skills make you biased in that direction.  Capn', you and Raj hold security above all else, that is your nature.  Control of your situations.  Nelson, you and Graves are experts are builders.  You take nothing to make something, but need stability first to do what you need to do.  Shonja.  You like order.  Things in their place.  Clean and sanitary."

"Right now we need all your skills equally, and that is why I will lead.  My skill lies in allocating resources and analyzing situations with a calm mind regardless of the situation.  This makes sure that we can maximize what little resources we have.  However the situation might change.  At any time if the community has a consensus that we need somebody more specialized to lead then absolutely, you follow who you feel you need to survive.  Is that good with everybody?"

Capn' stands tall and walks over to Kelly.  Standing tall over her, face still a bruised mess from his destroyed nose.

"Spoken like a true leader, I will gladly work with you."  He holds out his hand to shake hers.  The others standing in turn, each approaching and giving their consent for the first elected leader of Gaiety Glen.

"Now down to business.  We have the three S'es to deal with.  Supplies, Shelter and Security.  As such, we will split into teams of two.  First off is supply management which will led by Nelson and Graves.  Most immediate is food and medical.  What is the situation there Graves?"

"As it stands, we still have the entire stockpile of medpacks we landed on the planet with plus a good portion of those Xerigum pods that crashed down.  I made use of a good patch of soil east of here to plant more the day we landed.  It has been growing well and I would estimate be ready to harvest in a few days.  Now if absolutely necessary.  Food is coming along well.  The corn is growing well in the fine soil around the hills.  The potatoes seem to be growing well in the more rocky soil."

"Nelson, what does it look like for building materials?"

"From what I have seen during my inventory yesterday, it could be difficult if we are careless with supplies.  There is limited usable metal I found in the area.  What is here is probably mostly long buried under the sand where we cannot get at it.  There is a fair bit of large rock debris around which we can continue to make into building materials but that supply is finite.  I recommend focusing on keeping to the minimums until the fast grow trees Graves planted are ready for harvest.  If we can hold out until that first harvest, we should be okay."

"Excellent.  Next is myself with Shonja.  We will be working mostly around here.  The rush to be able to support six people has more than taxed what our little shelter can maintain.  I would like to continue to excavate this hill so we have the space to breathe and produce vital goods such as clothing.  Shonja, anything to add?"

"I agree with what you said.  In addition, we need to make sure we have a room and beds set aside for medical emergencies.  Nelson's infection got pretty bad for a bit there while he healed up.  I saw earlier that we had a planting of cotton to make clothing.  While an earnest effort, it would be better if we hunted the local animals for more durable and versatile materials.  I am not sure that we would get enough for proper clothing though."

"We are meeting food demands now, but we do not have a surplus stockpiled.  We should increase food productions and I recommend some more food in that soil to the west of here or we need to use some land that is currently lumber production.  But with what Nelson said, that is not an option.  It would be nice to build better walls and maybe put in some nice stone flooring.  If we keep living in this dank environment, we will all get sick."

"Very well, lets plan how to make this place livable after the meeting, but of course this leaves how to secure this place.  With three warring gangs of pirates, we must not overlook protecting ourselves.  Raj and Capn' you were discussing this last evening, correct?"

Raj stands to speak, "Yes and Capn' has had some excellent ideas to maximize security with minimum materials.  What we have is a precursory plan using the existing structures are part of a defensive wall.  We would have liked to done more, but with what Nelson says, this is what we believe is minimum."  Raj puts a sketch onto the table.

"By making use of the terrain and ruins, we can get this wall and some cover done in very little time and materials.  We will need stone cut in a hurry however.  We don't want to use the steel wastefully.  The idea is we can extend the existing ruins to join them up and then build walls out from the mountain.  We can place accesses on the east and west side with cover locations along the wall.  If we get attacked, it will force any raiders into a bottleneck."

"I like it!  Alright everybody, time to work!"

Over the next few days, the group was able to accomplish much.  It was the topic of evening dinner on the tenth day of summer.  Conversations during mealtime had become a ritual they all were beginning to enjoy. 

(http://i.imgur.com/hwFDHkK.jpg)

Tonight's topic was the completion of the wall.  Nelson opened the conversation.

"Cheers to Capn for an efficient design and to Raj whose hard work ensured we had enough materials to build the wall.  I would like to toast them both, if you would raise your plate of tasteless green paste with me!"

They all raise their trays have a hearty laugh.  Shonja speaks next, "Do not exclude yourself.  I think it is a great idea using some of that rubble from the excavation for cover.  Is nice that we not only get it out of the way, but also have a use for it.  Place is much better now that we have it cleaned out."

Kelly picks up the conversation again, "Yes, most definitely cheers to everybody.  It is a good thing we expanded the crops.  We are using more than I originally thought we would go through with food.  But leaving that machine in while we expanded elsewhere has really increased it's efficiency.  Though if not for Capn's hunting skills, we would probably be running out of all food now."

Graves takes this moment as a queue to speak up, "Soon that will not be of any worry.  Everything is growing strong and hearty with the potatoes able to be harvested soon.  We already had one harvest of both cotton and Xerigum root as well.  To the north, I think I spotted a boomalope herd.  While usually I would refrain from recommending hunting it, the lack of forestation in the area would make for good hunting and secure a large supply of food and leather for us."

Shonja speaks back up again. "On topic of animals, I do have a suggestion.  We should look at getting a silo built so we can stockpile some feedgrass.   The dromedaries and these reptiles seem easily trainable.  We can probably get eggs to bring variety to our food, or train the larger animals as pack animals."

"We will have to see how our supplies are doing.  I do not want to waste our stone, if we have enough of a surplus, we can look at building a silo and planting haygrass in place of the cotton.  Lets get some spare clothing made.  You and Nelson are already going around topless cause your shirts were falling apart."

"And that is something none of us need to see.  Shonja, hurry up and make Nelson a new shirt." Raj jokes with a smirk.

"Oh, and can we do some more to brighten this place up, I really dislike my room being so ugly.  I really would like some nicer ammendities.  I mean after all-"  Shonja is cut off by the deafening sonic boom as a jet of fire streaks across the sky

Capn grabs his rifle and jumps to his feet, "That looked like a pod, but came in way to hot for cargo or an escape pod.  I will check it out.

Just mainutes later, Capn returns.  His the light hearted expression of the meal faded back to the cold ruthlessness of when they first met him.  "Looks like it is a drop pod.  Pretty violent looking guy.  My guess is some sort of scout planning to sneak in on us during the night.  Seems to be alone and wielding some sort of knife."

(http://i.imgur.com/nPxA5hb.jpg)

"I wonder how they found us?  This is a combat situation, you two are in charge here."

"Overall, this shouldn't be too difficult to deal with.  In fact, I doubt she even knows we are here.  She landed right where the debris from Nelson's pod is.  My guess is that is what they detected and why they are here.  We don't want to go out looking for a fight, but at same time if they come looking for one.  We will not hold our punches.  Raj, you and Nelson come with me to guard the compound.  Graves, you take Kelly and Shonja and hold up in the dispensery."

"Nobody leave the designated home area until we know her intentions.  If this is one of those pirates, we will show her what happens if she brings a knife to a gunfight."

"Just as I figured she would.  Followed our tracks in the sand.  Come to shank us in middle of the night.  Is what I would do,"  Capn mumbles to himself as he watches the raider start a fire in the cornfield.

A shot rings out of the survival rifle and strikes the ground beside the raider.  The raider looks up and sees Capn standing in the desert and charges at him with knife held out.  Capn fires another shot, winging the raider in the shoulder before he retreats back to the walls.  The raider foolishly charges after the lone gunman right into fire from Raj's bow and Nelson's pistol.  Capn' dives behind the rubble fire and proceeds to fire on the raider as well. 

In just seconds, she is down on the ground.

"Nelson, she lit the new cornfield on fire, can you extinquish it?  I will make sure she is dead."

Raj runs up to the fallen raider who is lying wounded on the ground. Capn' walks up and aims his gun at her head.

"Stop, don't kill her!" Raj orders.

"Why not?  She is a liability?"

The three in the dispensery came out after hearing the gunfire end and approach.  Kelly answers, "Same reason we did not leave you all to die in the sands.  We draw a line in the sand.  We approach the line, but do not cross.  Raj, take her to my room and patch this one up.  We will interrogate her and figure out what to do with her in the morning.  Tonight, I will just sleep on your floor."

"Very well.  It doesn't matter to me whether she lives or dies.  You guys are the ones who will be looking after her.  But next time there will be more.  We are going to need weapons.  You two ladies better be ready to fight as well next time.  No more hiding.  You said you drew a line, then you better hold it!" 

(http://i.imgur.com/YNUGK8O.jpg)


Longer chapter, less milestone info but I enjoyed it.  Because I wrote this one later than usual, I will wait a bit longer for the next one to ensure those interested can give feedback.  One reason I quite liked this is that we had a few similar, but different opinions.  It actually gave me inspiration on how to develop the story by combining them into a unique alternative.


Decision 1:
The colonists will not just watch as somebody dies bleeding out on the ground.  What level of treatment do they provide? 
a)  No medicine
b)  Herbal medicine
c)  Medpack medicine

Remember that all they know is that the person is bleeding on the ground.  They know nothing about their skills or personalities at that time!


Decision 2.  The colonists like to make informed decisions so will wait until survivors of raids are able to be interrogated before deciding to keep a prisoner.  What are the guiding criteria to try and recruit prisoners or not?  (Open ended question)

Edit:  Note that the traits of a person are something that really can only be figured out through long term interactions with a person.  As such, they cannot factor into this decision.  After all,  how can you tell if somebody is lazy vs hardworking if they just are sitting in a cell all day ;-)


Decision 3.  What do they do with prisoners that do not fit the criteria?
a)  Execution
b)  Keep them locked up in a cell
c)  Sell them to slavers
d)  Release them


Decision 4.  How should these folks arm themselves? 

Nelson Raj and Capn' are skilled in range, but Graves is a brawler.  The other two are of limited skill in both.  What kind of weapons should they be looking into requisitioning first for them?  Currently Capn' is the best shooter.  Careful and accurate with the rifle.  Nelson's a better shot by a bit so has the pistol, and Raj has a shoddy bow.  Graves has a plasteel knife.  They looted a poor quality and half worn out steel shiv from the raider.

@Vaporisor: You, sir. Have this storytelling thing DOWN!  Nice work!

Choice 1: If the injuries don't look to bad, No meds. If they look serious enough go herbal. No med packs, keep them for surgeries later on.

Choice 2: If they have a interest/decent skill level in a particular field and you are in need of them take them. No abrasives. If they are good for nothing other than hauling / cleaning / or shooting/melee take them. They should pay for themselves as what you take them for or as meat shields.
Choice 3: If there is a trader at the ready, sell them. if not and they can walk, let them walk. if you can't have either of those, I'm sure there is a Psycopath that would like a human leather chair/clothes.

Choice 4: I'd say the decent shot gets long range capabilities the next up gets the pistol an so on.

Decision 1:
a)  No medicine

Decision 2:
No idea how to describe it :D

Decision 3
c)  Sell them to slavers

Decision 4
I have not played enough to answer this.

My bad, Decision 4 from last chapter I really didn't state correctly.  I will rephrase this milestone and fortunately it didn't come into a factor this time.

Quote from: Mr.Cross on May 07, 2016, 10:14:13 PM
Choice 1: If the injuries don't look to bad, No meds. If they look serious enough go herbal. No med packs

Choice 2: If they have a interest/decent skill level in a particular field and you are in need of them take them.

No abrasives

-->This one is a trait, so unfortunately cannot factor it in.  I mean locked up in a cave?  Anybody can be abrasive...

QuoteIf they are good for nothing other than hauling / cleaning / or shooting/melee take them.

Choice 3: If there is a trader at the ready, sell them. if not and they can walk, let them walk.  I'm sure there is a Psycopath that would like a human leather chair/clothes.

--> Kelly, the current leader of the colony would never allow that as it violate polices we already set down.  Now if a new leader gets elected..... >.>

Quote from: Realjuan on May 08, 2016, 12:20:58 PM

Decision 1:
a)  No medicine

Decision 3
c)  Sell them to slavers

CHAPTER 5:  TALL TAILS

"Kelly, I know we agreed we should be careful with supplies, but those wounds were bad.  She is a tough one and took more than a couple of arrows and pistol rounds.  If I didn't use some, it would have taken all night and no guarantee she would have bled out."

"I trust your judgement.  What do you think about her?"

"Tough to say without asking her.  We got her treatment well enough so she should be up by tomorrow afternoon sometime.  Should we bring anybody else in to interview her or just us?"

"Just us.  Shonja and Capn' aren't exactly the most social type.  Graves and Nelson aren't too bad to chat with, but I think lack the finer points of socializing to help."

It is early next morning when Kelly and Raj are awakened by the sounds of shouting and banging coming through the walls.

"Looks like we might be able to have that interview a little early," Kelly says turning to Raj "I think our guest recovered before we did.  Damn, sleeping on this rock isn't exactly comfortable.  Why didn't I take your bed?"

"Because you volunteered yours.  Lets grab some breakfast than go bring her some."

They head out into the hall and find the others also awake.  The sounds of muffled shouts and banging on the door, echoing through the chamber.

"Glad we eat out in the sun, much quieter here.  If I was half as old, I would head in there and quiet her up, just a bit."

"Morning Shonja, wake up on the wrong side of the bed?  Could be worse.  I am glad we didn't kill her... Where is Graves?"

"Guy's probably still asleep Nelson.  He has that comfy cottage over in the corner there.  Bet is nice and quiet...  She isn't alive yet.  Still a chance of infection.  Though, that is what a pirate deserves.  Much better than a quick death."

"Now now Capn'.  I doubt that will happen.  Raj got those wounds cleaned up and even though is carved in stone, we got this place cleaned up fairly quick.  I don't think she will die.  On that note, what do we do with her?"

Capn' is quick to reply, "If she has skills and is willing to work for us, then let her join, else sell to slavers.  From what you guys described before we landed, that sounds like something that goes on here."

"We can't do that!"  Nelson stammers in refute, "I mean that is barbaric.  I thought we were above barbarism!  Isn't that what you said last night Kelly?"

"You are right.  We are not barbarians.  But we also need to look at the facts.  She came in to kill us.  That there is no question.  Burning our food supply?  That alone can be equal to mass murder.  We cannot just let her go.  But we are in a desert.  Our only water is too salt laden to drink or even desalinate.  How many prisoners until we all die of starvation and thirst?  No.  We may not have executed in cold blood, but we still cannot become babysitters.  I want that clear."

Kelly turns to Raj, "On that note, shall we welcome our new guest?"

Kelly knocks on the door, "You wish to speak with us?  Do you understand us?"

"Of course I understand you.  You are speaking the common tongue.  Everybody speaks it!"

"Very well.  We are coming in then.  Any resistance, and we will protect ourselves to our full might."

Kelly opens the door and walks in.  Behind her follows Raj with short bow in hand and arrow nocked.  In the corner of the room stands the would be assassin.  She is standing proud and surprisingly beautiful despite the wounds from the night before.

"Thanks for the new outfit,"  The prisoner says while looking away from the two that entered, "Stitched rags look so much better.  I feel like I am really part of this cave dweller existence."

"Glad you liked it.  I did have to strip your clothes to treat you, but am glad you approve of the change of wardrobe we left.  I am Raj, in charge of security here, and this is Kelly.  She is leading this place and would like a word with you."

"I am going to put it bluntly, "Kelly starts speaking and walks over to the bed to sit down, "You tried to kill us.  Honestly, we have no reason not to kill you."

Kelly pauses, puts the nutrient paste down on the bed beside her and continues, "But that would be a waste, and I believe in justice.  I want to know the truth.  This is a harsh place and if you give us a reason to let you stay, we will.  If not?  Well... We are not murderers, but we are not a prison either.  So if you are able to convince us to let you stay and can pull your weight, we will let you.  If not, the first person willing to pay us to take you off our hands, can."

"I'll think about it..."

"Don't think too long.  Never know when or who might stop by.  Worst case we will render you not a threat and you can hike out of the desert."

Kelly stands and leaves.  Raj follows and locks the door back up.  "Kelly, what was that last bit?"

"Oh nothing really.  A worst case scenario.  If we have to ship her out, we will, but a little fear never hurts.  If she has the potential to be a real threat, I would rather she join us instead."

The rest of the day and following go by rather uneventfully.  Kelly is able to quickly befriend the new prisoner and shared her information during evening dinner.

"Well, it was an interesting day.  Turns out we have a celebrity in our midst.  "Turns out 'Kit' as she asked to be called, is actually Holly Kettu.

Shonja stammers with paste still in her mouth, "You don't mean Holly Kettu of the Tixxin system do you?"

"One in the same.  The mad scientist and young prodigy researcher of the Tixxin Transcendence Laboratories.  During her escape from authorities trying to investigate her questionable ethics, some slight mistakes in her piloting were made.  Good researcher, bad navigator.  Got lost on a ship without any cryo.  Kept alive by her own hydroponics lab til it eventually ended up here.  Struck a deal with the pirates and her trying to take us out was an attempt at promotion."

"So is she going to join us then?"

"Not yet.  She still thinks that being here is no different than being a slave.  In fact she thinks being sold off as a slave is a good thing.  Anybody who can pay for her apparently must be in a better position."  Given time, I think I can convince her otherwise.  Her scientific prowess would definitely improve life here as well."

"Hrmph, what's next.  TVs and antimatter?"

"No Graves, but simple things like hydroponics and harnessing that geothermal.  Help us make this colony self sustainable more."

The chatter and banter continues for the next hour.  Capn' decides to head out for a walk.  As midnight approaches, Capn' comes over the radio.

"Hey, if anybody is awake.  I think I see some light travelling east of us in a north to south direction.  I am going to check it out."

After several minutes, the radio comes back on and they hear Capn' whispering over the comms, "Well gees.  Looks like we have another ship survivor.  I recognize Gen anywhere."

"Who's Gen?" Kelly asks?

"A bit of a fling of mine back in the camps..." Capn goes silent then continues, "She's a pretty good cook and liked her garden, though too paranoid for my tastes.  Dang, those clothes are looking a bit tattered and she seems she is being escorted by two guards wearing body armor-  WHAT THE?"

A strange howling sound starts being heard on the radio.  Raj cuts in, "Capn' report!  Do you need assistance?"

"What?  No.  There are cats just came over the hill.  Like a dozen cats.  Came up to me all friendly.  They must have picked up the smell of the butcher table or something cause they are all making a straight line right towards the camp!  But more to the point.  I think Gen is captive, I can probably grab her and get back to camp if you guys can give me cover if I need it."

(http://i.imgur.com/EkEqpWu.png)


Fewer events this time.  Going to open with my misphrased decision 4 from last time.

Decision 1.  What is the combat formation if they get attacked again?
a)  Everybody armed and ready
b)  Just combat specialized personnel
c)  Some alternative tactic/formation

Also feel free to add recommended tactics.  This will combine with how I have their defensive stature from previous milestone planned.

Decision 2.  Wow, that is a lot of cats...
a)  One cat is enough >.>
b)  Perhaps there is a market for cuddly fuzzies?
c)  Wants cats!  All the cats!

Decision 3.  What to do about Gen?
a)  She needs rescue
b)  She will have to make do on her own

It would have been nice to have more dramatic, but the cats and Gen at same time means milestone.

Decision 1.  What is the combat formation if they get attacked again?
b)  Just combat specialized personnel

Decision 2.  Wow, that is a lot of cats...
Why not both? Keep the cats that get bonded, and sell the others. Do keep at least one female and one male.

Decision 3.  What to do about Gen?
a)  She needs rescue

Decision 2.  Wow, that is a lot of cats... : Answer : B,I want them all.

Quote from: Realjuan on May 12, 2016, 01:32:40 AM
Decision 1.  b)  Just combat specialized personnel

Decision 2. Why not both? Keep the cats that get bonded, and sell the others. Do keep at least one female and one male.

Decision 3.  a)  She needs rescue

Quote from: Bastobasto on May 12, 2016, 09:08:12 PM
Decision 2.  Answer : b) I want them all.

CHAPTER 6:  HOW NOT TO WIN FRIENDS

"Cats?  Wait, never mind them.  If you know her and can vouch for her, see if you can get her.  We won't leave people to slavers if we can help it."  Slightly muffled over the radio, Kelly can be heard addressing others in the room, "Raj and Nelson, you guys head for the tree line for cover if he needs it.  Shonja, can you go wake up Graves?"

Capn' carefully sneaks up on the trio as they walk down the pass.  Fortunately, they are not watching their captor who trails behind as the two men chat.  Slowly and silently, he catches up on the ragged woman.  Suddenly and firmly, he covers her mouth, grabs her by the waist and lifts her in the air to start running.

"Wha-mmmphh!!!"

"Did you say some- Oh crap!  Somebody's grabbed Gen!  Flash, see if you can stop them!  I will keep a lookout for reinforcements."

"On it,"  The man with the shotgun is heard replying and takes off in chase, "He is running for some trees... That doesn't look right... too many and too dense... should I pursue?"

"No, come back.  We are exposed and is dark.  Leave her.  Isn't worth it."  The man with the pistol waits for his ally to return and they both leave to the east.

(http://i.imgur.com/sG13Zdf.jpg)

Raj, watching all this relays the information, "Looks like they are not pursuing.  Where are you going to take her?"

"Will put her in my room.  She is panicking something fierce so might as well set her someplace comfortable so can explain whats up."

Capn' is able to bring Gen to his room almost immediately-

"What?  Capn'?  What the hell are you doing here!  And more importantly, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?"

"Welcome to Gaiety Glen, am here livin'.  Though to be honest, I was kinda expecting a different reaction.  You know, leaping into my arms or perhaps one of your good kissins?"

"Wait.... you rescued me?  From what?  I had a nice room back in the town, and now I get a cozy cave in some shanty it looked like?"

"Uh... what?  Weren't those guys them slavers or something?"

"NO!  Those two guys took me in when they found me half dead in the desert.  They shared with me their food and rations in exchange for helping them hunt and scavenge!"

"Well... uh, dang.  Sorry about that.  Umm... so what now.  You gonna stay here or want to head back in the morning?"

"Head back?  Head back where?  I get abducted in the middle of the night, then suddenly show back up in the morning?  They will think I am compromised.  A saboteur or a spy.  It was hard enough to convince them I wasn't a threat the first time."

"Well, let us go and talk to em.  Am sure they will understand."

"Like hell they will.  They were suspicious of you guys as it is.  So strange people who built a fort out in the desert start abducting people in the night.  They will be coming to kill you before they speak with you."

"Uh.... damn..."

"Listen, just get out of here you ass!  Those were good people, and you dragged me to this hellhole."

Capn' closes and locks the door behind him.  He heads down the hall to another room and knocks on the door, "Uh... hey Nelson.  Mind if I bunk with you tonight... and probably for the next few nights?  I think I went and messed up a bit..."

The next morning

"You guys!  You're all alive!" Shonja cheers with delight, waking rest of the colonists up.

"Whats going on?  Shonja, you know these cats?"  Kelly asks with a yawn.

"Yes!  I know all of em!  We have Loyal, Ginseng, Gray, Frosty, Nairobi, Nietzshe, Dakota, Challenger, Gorda, and Ricky!  These were the cats I was tasked with to transport from some vacation planets back to the core worlds for their owners!  Transporting animals in space is a unique experience.  Most do not take well to zero gravity so my business is animal ferrying.  Who'se the cute kitties...."

"Sigh.... so what do we do with them...."

"Well, they look healthy, we probably can get some meat from em," Capn' says as he comes out into the morning sun.

"By the stars, no!  They are all friendly cats and well trained.  They are almost like kids to me after months in space with them.  I will look after them, don't you worry.  They do not eat much so it will be fine!  At least let me find homes for them!"

Nelson walks up to one of the felines and scratches it's head as two more walk up and nuzzle him, "Well, you said it yourself Kelly, we are not monsters.  How can we cut up these guys.  Probably be good for morale to keep them around.  They seem well trained and staying to the walls.  I am willing to bet locals wouldn't mind them for pets either if we find the right people."

"Uh... yeah... about that..." Capn' and scratches the back of his head, "I think we made a mistake last night.  Don't think anybody is going to be coming by for coffee any time soon." He proceeds to tell the others what happened."

"Well, we gave the go ahead, and given the situation, we probably would do it again.  Nobody got hurt, so if they don't wish to be diplomatic, then nothing we can do about it other than keep holding to our morals.  It is unfortunate that they will want to kill without dialogue, but if that is the case, we need to be prepared."

Kelly straightens her back and a stern look crosses her face, "Raj, see to it our defenses are improved.  We got a good stockpile of bricks so use your judgement.  If we get attacked, Shonja you and I will hold up back in the cave.  If we are attacked, we need to be ready for injuries.  You and I will be responsible for rescue.  Graves, you stop anybody who gets in.  We must hold them at the wall, don't let anybody in.  We won't go looking for a fight, but sure as hell we will fight back."

The next few days are ones of high spirits.  A light rainstorm brings down the dust and helps clean the grounds, though the muck does annoy people.  Shonja goes into a panic when she realized that the two male cats have been getting frisky and promptly relocates them to the storeroom to prevent, what she calls, a catsplosion.

The joy is short lived.  For a week later, the concerns sprang true.  On the second of fall, folks from the township came to clear what they deemed to be more pirate scum.

Capn' shouts to Kelly and Shonja, "They are coming up the east side of the hill!  You two, take cover in the dispensery.  If anybody goes down, you gotta get out there and rescue them!  Graves, you and I will take cover in your hut.  Raj, guard the ladies!  Nelson, use the cooler as cover to pot shots.  If anybody comes after you, or you're in trouble, take cover.  Shoot to Kill because they are going to do the same!"

On queue, the colonists all move in position and wait.  Capn's scouting proves true as people from the township rush into the compound.  They immediately spot Nelson and Raj.  Knife wielding townsfolk rush the two.  Once in the open, Capn' jumps out the doorway and opens fire.

Nelson panics as one rushes at him, "They aren't going down, this guy's got a shield," he shouts and ducks into the cooler.

As Raj keeps firing arrows, the shield wearer continues on and charges at Raj.  Meanwhile one of the knife wielders rush towards Capn' and the other heads to support the shield wearer.  In defense, Graves rushes out and engages in melee with Capn' offering support.  The first knife wielder goes down and the two move to take out a rifle wielder but are incapacitated by gunfire.

"Graves and Capn' are down!"  Nelson shouts, "Kelly, try to getthem out of there, we will cover you!  Raj, focus on the guy with the shield!  We don't have the weapons to engage hand to hand."  The shield user reaches the doorway to the dispensery where shanja and Raj move to engage hand to hand.

(http://i.imgur.com/z2Zogtt.jpg)

"Wait, It looks like they are falling back, I think we wounded them enough." Raj replies, tension clear on her voice, "Nelson!  Move up, looks like they are trying to flee with Graves, stop them!"

Nelson and Raj run up and cover the east gate as one of the township attackers tries to run with Graves.  The carrier is killed as she is about to round the corner of the wall.  In the meantime, Kelly is able to get Capn' and nelson is able to rescue Graves.  The rest of the attackers flee, leaving just one wounded behind.

(http://i.imgur.com/Pe4YVnj.jpg)

Kelly once again takes charge as she carries Capn' to Nelson's bed, "Nelson, get Shanja patched up so she can help you with the others, Raj, Graves looked pretty bad, go tend to him.  I will come back and grab their survivor."

It is early into the next morning when everybody is finally bandaged up and relaxed.  The wounded are still in bed, but Kelly talks to the uninjured members during a very tired morning meal.

Nelson starts the conversation, "Man, am I glad you decided to set up that stove.  I don't know if I could make it through the day if I had to have nutrient paste.  Hash browns is definitely the way to go."

Kelly speaks next, "Well, we need to have the place comfortable.  This could be our home for the rest of our lives, so might as well be relaxed.  But isn't good if we lose it all.  That fight yesterday was pretty close and by all rights, we could have lost everything if they didn't turn to leave.  In the end, we came out the victors somehow.  One of theirs died, and we will heal up okay.  I am thinking we might need to review our strategy.  What we have could work, but I want your opinion Raj if we can do more."


Well, that was fun, the first real raid.  Alas, it was from the one ally they had on this world.  They are lucky, it could have gotten much worse!

So this time, the milestone is something a bit different.  Raj laid out a basic plan for more fortifications.  Some walls and a bit of doors.  Is there a better plan?  Perhaps some more can be added.  How about automated turrets and traps?  This is now a top priority so all other constructions are on hold until defenses are done.  As such, the more the security, the longer to invest labour elsewhere.

Decision 1.  What level of defenses?
a)Walls and barricades.
b)+Turrets
c)+Traps
d)All of the above

Decision 2.  Is the attached wall layout good enough or should they revise their plan?
a)Yup, looks nice
b)Nope, MS Paint says this would be better

Looking forward to seeing what people come up with!

((Note, one thing I am not a fan of is the meta killboxes.  The piles of rocks with a simple bypass door that any actual attacking force would use.  So shortcuts are okay if they make sense, but if it is sorta meta or wouldn't actually work if the AI was more complex, I might tweak just a bit to make it more roleplay and story fitting))

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first of all great story so far cant wait to see where it goes

as for the decisions
1. barricades and traps no turrets their over rated
2. MS paint is a kind and wise oracle and is currently asking how the heck they got into your base past your defenses is there like a hole in your wall for some unknown reason? you should probably fix that and add better cover to the entrance
once again keep up the great work :)

Quote from: Dragonoftherim on May 15, 2016, 05:46:11 PM

2. MS paint is a kind and wise oracle and is currently asking how the heck they got into your base past your defenses is there like a hole in your wall for some unknown reason? you should probably fix that and add better cover to the entrance
once again keep up the great work :)

The wall is the recommended from previous decisions and developed accordingly.  They fought inside courtyard purposefully for cover as part of the steadfast combat style.  The attached picture shows the planned wall upgrades and there if you have other recommendations.  Edit pic as you choose :D

i simply figure that it is usually best to have one entrance that you can get a cross fire going and i know combat style was not one of the decisions but blocking off the second entrance, reinforcing your walls with a second layer and hooking up some IEDs or even spike traps with adequate cover for a firing line can make all the difference when the particularly nasty raids come around. you dont even need the cross fire just make it so that threirs one way in so that your line can be effectively held and two colonists arent put in near death states. im sorry if this is particularly rambly but these are simply my suggestions

No worries!  I love roleplay and trying different ideas to make something interesting happen.  That is plenty of info.  The idea of combining choice with freedom of concept is what this is all about :-)

Have ideas for the next chapter, but want to give until tomorrow afternoon hoping to get a couple more in, else your suggestions will definitely rule chapter 7!

Totally against deadzones, and if you going to use turrets then max 1 or 2, because they too good. Make them hard to get, like exchanging a prisoner for a turret.

Lately I have played without "entrances" but with bigger open spaces full of debris to slow people down. If the attackers pass this slow zone, then I fall back to sandbags and start a close quarter fight.

i know where your coming from but do you want to survive or do you want another raid like that
also im in full agremment with you no or few turrets, however i do think at least some within the colony would argue for strategically advantageous positions 

GAWD good story here!

Decision 1: A and C, walls and barricades are good but add some traps so as to make the raiders suffer as they trudge along the line. Don't mind the turrets but that's only for emergencies and having enough power.

Decision 2: Good wall plan there, especially using covers and traps against incoming invaders but try to revise a bit so as to able accessing those crops outside the walls.

You need solid covers into the perimeter, sandbaga aren't worth their weight in metal.