Archeotech 2 – Treasure Hunt (RPG IC)

[Lord_Ikka]

Ravia

 

"Stand down, it will just be an inspection before a team leaves the convoy."

 

Ravia informs the team of the convey's communication. Powering down the lascarbine, she turns to address Helene, "The oversee is an Eadwin Von Herz. Will that be an issue?"

[Petragor]

Helene

 

The cleric seems to lose her composure slightly, making an anxious grimace before willing her features to be more neutral. 

"It should be of... no issue. He is of my house yes, but that's no problem. I doubt he'll even recognize me..."

She pulls the collar of her robes up higher to cover her neck more thoroughly, and sits down in the back of the vehicle, her head lowered and her hands locked in prayer.

[Lord_Ikka]

Ravia

"That is...reassuring." Ravia turned back towards the front of the truck. Her hands lifted the mask that was, until now, hanging on her belt, towards her face. With a click, the mask connected to subtle anchors implanted in her face. The front of the mask was an inhuman collection of ceramic plates, metallic ridges, and softly glowing lenses. The soft under-tone of binary machine-cant that her voice had would now be more intense and harsh- a grating buzz that was full of static. The mask, and the hood that went up with it, were Ravia's way of controlling others' perceptions by showing them what they believed was the real face of a tech-adept. Her real face was shown to those of the Cult Mechanicus, or like her current teammates, those she needed to interact with on a closer level. This minor official would not be getting her real face.

[A.T.]

Aria

 

The name was unfamiliar to Aria, and the mistresses response suggested they were not a target but rather one that should be given due deference. Social standings, the complexities of alliegence and familial vendettas, and the hierarchy of bloodlines were fortunately not questions to be asked of her station. Though perhaps would see them assigned to some unfavourable task for past slights perceived or otherwise.

[Trokair]

Day 1 - Evening

 

The unexpected break was drawing to a close, Overseer Von Herz’s had reached the last of group east parked ahead of you. You cannot hear the details but you can see the bustle as the team leader confer with the Official, data slates being conferred and supplies rechecked, no doubt for the umpteenth time going by the pained and exhausted look of the aids and team members as they comply with the orders.    

 

In the end he must have been satisfied that not only all was in order but that the convoy could proceed again. You had gathered to get the inspection over with as quickly as possible, but after a long look over the team Edwin stepped back into his Achillies. While you are attached to the Eastward part of the Expedition you are not under his direct purview, and the hours had already eaten into the day.

 

As the Achillies engines sprung to life, he did however take a second look with a frown of puzzlement on his face as the vehicle set of to retake its position near the head of the column. Whatever though had come to him he did not pursue it as scant minutes later the signal to move again cascaded down the column.

 

The highway did not truly enter the city, but skirted its northern border before turning eastwards once more along the coast. A few people had come out to see the convoy pas, but mostly all you saw was the row upon row of small scale factory that populated the edge of the highway, easy access to the road was of value after all. From the back of the column you could not see everything clearly, so when the convoy slowed down for a second time there was a brief moment of worry, but the party leaving on a northbound road was hard to miss even at a distance and soon the column was up to speed again.  

 

As quickly as the city had come into view you had left it behind again. The monotone of the road for company the convoy continued on into nightfall. The landscape was much as before, managed and cultivated near the settlement before reverting to unkempt wilderness. For stretches the only sign of civilisation was the road itself, and occasional ships far out on the southern horizon. The sky was still a rich medium blue, though fading fast, as lights appeared on the horizon, another town.

 

As you get closer the convoy is directed to a linked series of overgrown fields of the south side of the highway.  For tonight they where the convoys res stop. As you are directed to a spare space in the second field you can see that the teams at the head of the column had already begun setting up tents.

 

Within the encampment is also a Mess Tent serving up a simple dinner. To the east a short walk along the roadside is the beginning of the town proper, though to reach its heart it is will be closer to three quarters of an hour’s walk, should you wish to visit the bar, or church or just civilization in general.  To the south of the field there is a path to a stone studded beach, about ten minutes walk away.

 

You characters can stay as a group or split up, stay in camp or go into town, the beach, the road, the mess tent or anywhere else reasonably within range.

[Lord_Ikka]

Ravia

 

"Do as you please," Ravia informs her comrades. She moves to the Goliath and begins to do the mandatory maintenance and beneficial rites. "I will be here for a while before eating and sleeping. We should be ready to travel in the morning with the rest of the convoy."

 

Ravia begins the maintenance, starting with the Supplication of the Motive Spirit and the Chant of Traveling. The proper rites will take a few hours, but Ravia knows that without them the machine spirit of the truck will become fractious and disagreeable. 

Edited November 3, 2022 by Lord_Ikka

[TechCaptain]

Kazimir Twiceborn

 

When Kazimir had to slow down then pull over per the orders of the convoy and Rivia, he had tried to subtly unsnap his holster just in case of trouble. That however had turned out to be an overly cautious action as this was an inspection stop though why they needed one this far into the expedition he wasn't sure. Even though the other crews began to relax, Kazimir's mind immediately when to higher alert because he was seeing the lack of discipline of this scratch company of PDF that this expedition group basically was. There wasn't enough security, but the inspection went off without a hitch. So, he continued with the directions until they made their night stop. There Rivia said they were free for the night and began working on their transport. Not wanting to interfere but wanting to be nearby just in case he grabbed his large sword and cleared himself an area to practice with it as he watched the area around noting again the lax air of the PDF they supposedly were now. Only Aria so far seemed to understand the nature of security and keeping watch. He assumed it was because of whatever duties Helene had given her, because of that difference shown to the noble born. Kazimir did not do much to wipe away the assumption that he wasn't much brighter than a Oygrn but that was more so people would underestimate him.  He spent a lot of time observing his surroundings and marking locations in his head with objectives, escape routes, vulnerabilities and other items of importance to a career soldier. 

[Trokair]

Kazimir

 

As you go through several warm up routines, it has after all been a long cramp day inside the driver’s seat, several of the others watched, whether out of curiosity, or just to keep an eye on the big man in case he fumbles and gets in the way you cannot tell from the glimpses you get in-between movements.

 

While Ravia was tending to the needs of ‘David’, Helene with the aid of Aria, was either setting up two tents from the Goliaths supplies, or blessing the tents, maybe, you did not want to interrupt your exercise to see and listened fully.

 

Several minutes into your routine you notice that you have gained a group of spectators, members from other teams had stopped on their way to watch. You can hear snatches of conversation, there was a quite debate as to whether you were a  BONE'ead or some Mechanicus cyborg creation, the complexity of your exercise did however convince the onlookers that you were not just a combat servitor.   

[Machine God]

Varn

 

Varn watched the driver Kaz going through his sword-work.

 

He had been about to go out hunting, but this was interesting.

 

"Go Kaz!" he shouted as a crowd began to form. Perhaps he could hunt for Thrones instead.

 

 

 

Edited November 5, 2022 by Machine God
Typo

[A.T.]

Aria

 

The warriors display was drawing a crowd, all a potential thread as Aria stood in the shadow of her mistress dissuading undue approach. Kazimirs nature was uncertain to her, the appearance suggested a vat-grown servitor but the degree of free will was to great. Faded memories of her home vessel recalled glimpses of augmented vat slaves broad aboard by a xenos contingent, but Kazimir bore the mark of the mechanicus.

 

Whatever his origin he had placed himself apart from the tech priest, was he not her servant?

[TechCaptain]

Kazimir Twiceborn

 

With the warmup routines getting him back into a limber state, Kazimir began picking up speed, noting that he wasn't as agile as he remembered but he was much stronger than he used to be. Being reborn through the Arcane ways of the Mechanicus had equal advantages and disadvantages it would seem. The sheer power of his swings now that he was bringing it to full speed let out a muffled howl, almost of an animal's growl.  He was doing his best to ignore the small crowd, especially since they were not a part of his crew. It wasn't an elegant style; it was highly pragmatic and used the whole of the sword, mixing in single hand punches and kicks, at certain points. He was so far from his home world both in time and space, so now Kazimir dedicated his life into perfecting his art of the sword and pistol. This would give him the best chance to survive the hellholes the guard liked to send him. But in his mind, he was starting to wonder is he even Imperial Guard anymore. Here he was being used to bolster some backwater Planetary Defense Force due to the favor he owed for being reborn. His entire routine was done in full armor, the best way to train was do was to do it as one would in real battle. 

[Trokair]

In a lull in the spectator’s conversation you all clearly hear a voice.

 

“Wha’ you rec’n Da, you fink you can tage the Bone’ead?”

 

The speaker was a thin fellow, glad in PDF surplus, whether hangovers from service or otherwise acquired is hard to tell, he wears it just loosely enough to either be an overly relaxed PDFer or to be a civy unfamiliar with proper fitting procedure.

 

Da on the other hand is a well built stocky figure, purely civilian garb, but robust and well suited for travel outside the city. Seeing the eye of the crowd on him he replies, as much to the crowd as to the skinny fellow

 

“Aye” Eyes on the giant sword he added “In a fair honest fight”

 

 

Kazimir/TechCaptain. If you want to accept the challenge narrate accordingly. If not do likewise.

 

If the former then fight itself will consist of three rounds, during each you make an unarmed attack roll and may attempt to parry or dodge. Priority will be a coin flip each round after you have made your rolls and I have made Da’s rolls. The attack and dodge/parry attempt will then be applied in sequence for the result of each round.

[TechCaptain]

Kazimir Twiceborn

 

Kazimir hearing the wind of the conversation finished his last thrust of the sword with a grunt. The thrust of the sword was in a downward angle that planted the sword deeply enough that no one was going to be moving it quickly unless they had his strength. With a crackle of bones he flexed his fingers and neck to loosen them up a bit from the grip he had on his sword and the concentration he had on his exercise. He was curious at what his rebuilt body could do, besides the Civy known as Da looked much like he was before the guard. Probably fairly capable in a brawl and knew most the hiver tricks. But Astra Militarum taught him there was worlds of difference between a Hiver's brawl even a gang war and the reality of war that the Imperium is embattled in. The Mechanicus said he was as strong as an Ork now, and he still had the experience of brawling with the Cogger Hive Guard, against the Cadians, against Mordians, chuckling to himself he remembered a bout he lost against a Catachan once. That was before his upgrade, learned a thing or two about applying strength smartly. When he was ready, he looked at Da with a tilt of his head, motioning the man to bring it on and dropping his stance into a standard Militarum pattern a little to allow the man to keep thinking that Kazimir was no smarter than an Oygrn. His eyes already gaging the man as he would approach. The tightness of muscle, the pattern of breathing, the angle of feet, the crest of brow in concentration, all was taken in to give Kazimir a picture of the man and actions he was likely to take. He was processing several strikes ahead and patterns to follow. 

WS 35 Roll: 29 

Parry is choice of counter versus dodge at this time. 

(Hopefully this is what you meant. )

[Trokair]

Upon seeing his challenge accepted Da removed his coat and handed it to his companion, unstrapping his tool belt and holster, as these could otherwise get in the way he also tossed them towards his companion who burdened with the heavy coat almost dropped them. Rolling up his sleeves as he moved forward he took up position opposite you, a little out of arms reach.

 

Attack - WS: 35 D100: 42, Miss,

Dodge - Ag: 37 D100: 16, Pass, 2 DoS

Coin flip: Tails, Da goes first.

 

Da swings and misses, Kazimir swings and Da Dodges. Narrate how you want whether it is one attack or a series the final outcome of round 1, as neither of you landed any blows, is you both stepping back a bit and begin circling to seek an opening. As Da is shorter I imagine his dodge as a duck. Then make your round 2 attack and parry/dodge roll.

[TechCaptain]

Kazimir Twiceborn

 

Da apparently was the aggressive type as he rushed to get into striking range of Kazimir trying to use speed to outweigh the power that was obvious from both their builds. And for the most part it would have worked if he was more willing to take a hit or was a little more experienced like Kazimir was. Kazimir stood his ground as Da went for a right handed hey maker, Kazimir was ready with an arm to block and went for a counter strike and was within a hairsbreadth with his own right cross. Da read the writing on the wall of the powerful strike flew at him like a freight train, in the span of a blink curved his body down and to the right to barely dodge the meaty fist that could crush stone if struck. But now the two of them was in tango range as Kazimir brought himself in tight to leave no openings and continued the match in earnest. The crowd watching saw that Kazimir at least had no fear of strikes from Da but the reverse could not be said to be quite true. Now both opponents have taken their opening moves the crowd watch to see how the fight would develop more. 

 

Attack - WS: 35 D100: 37, Miss,

Parry - D100: 22

[Trokair]

Attack - WS: 35 D100: 26, Hit,  

Dodge – Not requiered

Coin flip: Heads, Kazimir goes first.

 

Kazimir misses and Da return attack is parried, Narrate accordingly.
As the round ended with contact being made you can either break apart and go for another round of attack and dodge/parry or you can attempt to grapple. To do so make a normal Attack roll and also make a Strength roll (for if you succeed in the attack and Da fails his dodge). The strength test will be an opposed roll.

[TechCaptain]

Kazimir Twiceborn

 

Kazimir tried to follow through on his attack with a quick jab of his left while pulling back his right defensively. Da was still moving and was quickly out of reach of the left and now on Kazimir's right flank. But he was an unmovable object, Da's was parried with a right arm outer block pushing Da's fist wide missing Kazimir as he followed through stepping into the space created. Kazimir's arm began wrapping Da's arm as they continued their little bout. Kazimir knew in a contest of strength his was greater than any normal man. He could feel it in his synthweave muscles, reinforced bones, and hide like skin that was the blessing of the Omnissiah. The marked man was hoping to end this in the next few moments as they danced their way through a proper bout. So far, Kazimir by keeping to the standard patterns had drawn in Da like he meant to. 

 

Attack - WS: 35 D100: 34, Hit,  (barely)

Strength Check (Grapple) – Str 50 D100: 44 passed maybe

[A.T.]

Aria

 

Aria followed the match, curious as to the value of her new companion in a fight but bound by her duty not the leave Helenes side without cause. Though such duty was temporary, the others always died.

 

Kazimirs approach was noted. Reliance on strength and durability he held every advantage over his opponent, but he had little choice but to fight and weather the blows without the speed to dictate favourable terms. She mused that perhaps he had mastered the machine spirits of vehicles that he might drive closer to strike at his foes.

[Trokair]

Attack - WS: 35 D100: 13, Hit

Dodge - Ag: 37 D100: 76, Fail, 3 DoF

Coin flip: Tails, Da goes first.

Da hits (Kazimir can’t parry/dodge because grapple attempt)
Location 31 – Body, Unarmed damage 1d5(rolled 3) – 3 + 3 (SB ) – 4 (TB) – 6 (Armour) = -7 so no permanent damage.

Kazimir Hits, Da fails Dodge, Kazimir Grapples, Da opposed Strength roll Target 35, D100: 07, Pass, 2 DoS

Da breaks free of grapple. End of Bout

 

 

Proving swift on his feet Da attempts to retake the initiative with a solid punch to your chest, you feel the impact and the weight behind it, but your rebuilt body takes the blow with no issue. Perhaps Da had expected you to be staggered, or he had thrown to much weight into the blow, either way he fumbled his recovery as you laid hands on him, intending to wrestle him to the ground. Alas while Da dose go down your fine motor skills are somewhat lacking and he escapes your grip with a roll coming up on one knee safely out of harms reach.

 

He looks at you with a grin and is about to rise again when the crowd parts as if jolted.

 

Overseer Von Herz strides into the empty space left by the parting crowd, but before he has even finished opening his mouth Da springs upwards and salutes.

 

“Just a friendly spar. Sir. Keeping fit an’ he’lthy.”

[TechCaptain]

Kazimir Twiceborn

 

Kazimir quickly falls into a salute as well as the overseer had approached their bout. "That is correct sir. Primer designated and approved recreational activity and training." His voice was deep, gravelly and had a reverb quality to it. Since the bout was so light on him, he wasn't even breathing hard anymore and was still in proper uniform. It was obvious he was no worse for wear. In fact, that last blow didn't even register as something even needing a block. Kazimir was disappointed in his lack of speed and agility but was unsure how to improve them. His muscles no longer improved with exercise. His coordination and technique did but with fake muscles they did not need the exercise to improve, he needed a Magos Biologist. And he only knew of the rank due to the recovery facility. 

[Machine God]

Varn:

 

Varn had enjoyed watching the bout and the crowd. He'd offered encouragement to both combatants although it was slightly evident that Kaz would win.

 

The crowd just needed to unwind after a long day and Kaz had given them some fun.

 

The hunt for Thrones had gone on, even the arrival of the Overseer had helped by keeping eyes away from bags and pockets.

[Trokair]

Overseer Von Herz looks at both of you for a long moment, as if trying to see inside your skull, the stare drags on, uncomfortably so.

 

“Hmpf.” He clearly meant to say more but then changed his mind, turning sharply he cast a disapproving look over the crowd, no doubt trying to remember everyone who was there. The crowd begins to scatter in earnest, no one wanted to stick around for trouble.

 

Casting one last look your way he departed, continuing his round through the camp.  

[Petragor]

Helene

 

Having remained hidden in the truck up until this point, Helene pokes her head out cautiously after hearing the crowd begin to disperse. Confident that her kinsman has left, she steps out of the vehicle, pushing her way through a few departing spectators and steering well clear of the Outlander as she makes her way over to Aria.

Standing next to the bodyguard, she looks over at the Machine-Man as he inspects his artificial joints, though from where the Cleric stood it seemed clear that he had suffered no significant advantage. Helene wondered what would drive someone to spar with such an imposing figure. Sheer bored idleness? Such time could be better spent on prayer. Although it had been a while since Helene had practised her fencing. The iron soldier should be more than durable enough to serve as a sparring partner for her, provided she kept her chainsword deactivated of course.

That aside, the cleric also had some thoughts to spare for her bodyguard. Aria had been standing here alone until Helene joined her, with most having avoided her in much the same fashion as the cleric avoided the scout. On second thought, perhaps she should give the man a chance, smelly as he is. That would come later however, as Helene chose this moment to speak.

"How do you find the journey thus far Aria? Does life on the road agree with you?"

[TechCaptain]

Kazimir Twiceborn

 

Kazimir indeed was inspecting his joints and ability to move once more now that the Overseer has moved on, dropping out of his parade stance. He did give Da a friendly wave before moving back to his sword and easily getting it back out of the ground. Taking out a spare piece of cloth, he began the process of wiping it clean and keeping it in shape to be useful later. He didn't really need to sharpen it or anything but he liked taking care of his weapons, even though his pistol had clearly seen better days. His equipment spoke of proud service and that he had been at one point an elite among his Regiment. They might not be as famous as the Cavalry of the Lunar Venatorii, the Catachan Devils, or the Cadian Karskin but he had done good work in the tight spaces of Hive Worlds. The fact that he wielded such a large weapon in a unit known for being in tight spots and lack of originality spoke to just how well he had did there. But here he was a mere Guardsmen and assigned to escort basically a bunch of civilians for all the discpline he was still seeing.  Da, at least, gave him a decent warm up for his unarmed exercises and showed that the Mechanicus Cult Boys indeed left him wanting in some areas. Taking his cleaning back near the vehicle not to far off from the Noble and the hired gun of said Noble, Kazimir continued his task with an absent thought as he just enjoyed the moment allowing his body take stock of itself as he tried to figure out a way to get more out of his augmented limbs. The strength was admirable, but he needed a bit more speed to apply that strength. Or he could use his mind more to get better at being predictive to fake the speed a bit until he could get a tune up. 

[A.T.]

Aria

 

"The Emperor has blessed us with fair passage, Lady Helene". Such length of time in isolation would normally indicate prayer, but the mistress seemed more interested in avoiding the overseer.

 

Noting her interest in Kazimir, "The warrior appears capable." Seeking skilled opponents to spar against had been one of the few indulgences Aria had noted in ward, and one of the few exceptions in her duty to intervene.