Darrin was still buried in the engine compartment... it soothed his many impulses. There were always valves to adjust, screws to tighten, and metal to polish. He could reach out and touch every object in sight without fear of looking odd. He'd finally found an excuse to put his hands on a lightsaber earlier, after having to fight the urge ever since he saw one swinging from the Jedi's belt. It'd keep him going for a while... but all this talk of civilization was making him twitchy.
The fringer nearly cracked his skull when he heard Alderaan was coming into sight. Taking a couple of swigs from his flask, he made it to the observation deck by the time Aldera was coming into view. It was like nothing he'd ever seen... in fact, it seemed to be the opposite of anything he'd ever seen. His hands twitched, thinking of the highly sophisticated and myriad grades and textures of metal, plasteel, and fiber intertwined within the City's gleaming structures.
"By the blades a'... it's..." he whispered as he put his hands up to the transparisteel window, his breath fogging it slightly, "...it's so shiny."
An older man in fine livery steps out of the repulsor craft. "Greetings. I trust your journey to Alderaan has been pleasant? If you are ready, I have been sent by the Senator to escort you to the Great Hall of the Royal Palace. Please, this way." The servant motions back to the repulsor craft, gesturing for you to board.
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Ko slides his blaster in and out of his holster, practicing the light wrist motion that makes his gun come out so easily. The deeply practical mind of the bounty hunter doesn't suggest changing clothes to meet a senator. It suggests always being on guard. His fingers twitch a bit, and he sights down the gun at nothing in particular in the cargo bay.
As soon as the bay doors open, he speaks up, "Everyone, let's get our crap together," looking obviously uncomfortable. As soon as Darrin joins him, "Looks like we forgot our fancy dresses and our jewelry again, buddy."
"Query: Is this a social engagement? Statement: I am not a waste of bolts and chips," the droid ambulates to their position as the ramp finally gets into position.
"You mean a protocol droid?" Ko asks.
"Query: Isn't that what I said?"
Ko and Darrin grin.
"Let's get this over with."
Ko heads down and greets the elderly fellow, "Everything leading up to it was certainly, uh, eventful."
He introduces the party as they get onto the repulsor craft with their various belongings.
As the last of you boards the repulsor craft and takes your seat, the hatch closes, and the small transport zooms almost straight up towards the heights of the Royal Palace, granting you a magnificent view of the city below.
Unlike many other cities you have seen, where the glory and spectacle observed from afar diminishes as you get up close to the muck and grime of civilization, Aldera is the magnificent exception. Every building, every support column, every plasteel plate, every window frame appears as though crafted and placed by a master artisan to enhance not only itself, but also the surrounding environment. There is not one speck of filth to be seen; nothing stands out to interrupt the scene of beauty around you.
A small time later, the transport crests the top of the tower and hovers down toward the courtyard before the massive entrance to the Great Hall of the Royal Palace. Several fountains decorate the area, arcs of water sailing through the air, glittering brilliantly with the light of the setting sun. Several people of all ages make their way through the surrounding gardens, and most make no note of your arrival.
As the craft sets down, two more honor guards make their way to the craft, helping you disembark. The royal servant begins making his way to the entry, motioning for you to follow, "This way, this way."
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Darrin stumbled off of the transport, simply awed by the sight of the city. It was the antithesis of everything he had known about civilization. Everything seemed to be in its place... it was as if every screw and bolt had been turned to its precisely optimal location... which was simply aggravating. The fringer tugged at his various belts and buckles a bit as he took it all in, managing to maintain movement toward the royal servant.
The man takes you through the massive entry doors of the Great Hall as they open noiselessly. Entering the enormous main chamber, you are led to a long dining table, most likely one of many that would fit in the chamber for royal banquets and the like.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable, and help yourselves to the refreshments. The Senator will be with you shortly." With a small bow, the servant excuses himself and leaves you alone in the Hall.
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Ko simply sips a glass of water, keeping an eye on the exits. Not out of fear of an ambush, but because fancy social occasions and nobles are a special brand of terror for Ko.
INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited February 2008
1N-N5 did not sit and did not sip at water or sharp-smelling blue liquid (or pungent blue liquid.) Instead, he stood, and he watched; he took in the scene. He did not fiddle with the carbine he was holding, but he wanted to. Did it put the client off that 1N-N5 was here? That 1N-N5 was very obviously expecting violence? That's how 1N-N5 always looked, but it didn't stop him from enjoying the idea of making the organics uncomfortable.
The doors to the Great Hall open, and in strides a middle-aged man who has a well-kept goatee and is wearing Senatorial robes. Easily recognizable as Bail Organa, he smiles and nods to the servants before turning to you. "Welcome to Alderaan," he says. "I had hoped we might meet under more pleasant circumstances, but unfortunately the Empire makes almost everything unpleasant. Still, I am glad to see that the... difficulties at the spaceport above Brentaal didn’t impede you too much.
"I've asked you to join me today because the agents of mine that you rescued seem to think you can be trusted. Since you worked hard to help them, I believe I can put my faith in you as well. I have a task that needs to be completed, but unfortunately my status as a Senator prevents me from taking care of it myself, or even from sending someone directly associated with the Royal Family.
"The planet Felucia was ravaged during the Clone Wars, but once the fighting was over, the Empire set up a permanent facility on the world. Nothing large—just a small garrison where they could keep prisoners out of the way. Some months ago, I was contacted by an Imperial Admiral who was disillusioned with the way the Empire had twisted the once-great Republic, and he began feeding me sensitive information. A little over a week ago, that communication stopped. My agents tell me that the Admiral has been taken to Felucia, where he is being held against his will. I’d like you to learn what has become of him, and rescue him if you can."
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
The Senator paused a moment to study the Jedi. "You're Krema Metyr, correct? I knew your Master; he was a good man. Let me ask you this, Padawan. Would your Master wanted you to futilely charge the clone troopers and die in the pursuit of vengeance? Or would he have wanted you to live, so that the Jedi Code could live on, through you?"
Senator Organa stepped towards Krema and set a hand on his shoulder in comfort.
"Believe me, I wanted to stop the murders at the Temple as much as you, but I did not have that power, and if I had tried, it would have only lead to my death and perhaps that of some of my people here on Alderaan. I did not have the luxury to throw my life away to sate my anger; my life was not my own to discard so casually. I have obligations to the people of this galaxy who need me to be the voice of reason and moderation in the Senate, as well as to...," the Senator pauses, looking to the distance. Regaining his focus, he continues, "My station grants me the voice to help them, and so that is my duty.
"You, too, have the chance to make a difference here, Krema Metyr. The information this Admiral has can save many lives, and may even be the key to restoring the Republic and the Jedi Order. I believe the will of the Force has brought you to me this day, and I believe your Master would agree."
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"No such thing as Jedi or Republic anymore, kid, you gotta get over it." said Darrin, his voice somewhat muffled as he tried to dig something irritating from between his molars, "I don't like this Empire though... like we start out to collect bounties for them, and then turns out that it's for a buncha kids, and they they decide to go with the whole shooting at us thing, what was with that? Anyway, mister... uh..."
wait, where was I going with this... aw, blast it, I forgot the guy's name already... Ko was always better at this part... oh, kark...
"...so Faloozy's like in the Outer Rim? I'm no astrowhatsis, but that's pretty far away probably. This givin' the Empire a black eye stuff sounds pretty great but I dunno if we've got... the resources to get there."
"I've already spoken with Captain O'Keefe and enlisted her ship, so you will have no problems reaching Felucia. Included with her payment, I have also provided her enough to give each of you 2,000 credits to cover any expenses. Succeed in this mission, and I can also guarantee that there will be future work for you."
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"That sounds agreeable enough, Senator Organa. If you would not mind, may I ask your permission to examine the wild lands around the city for a time? There are a number of interesting creatures from your planet, I would not want to miss this opportunity while I am here."
"We'll do it," says Ko, "It's obvious that the Empire isn't a bastion of morality, and considering the fugitives we're harboring, it'll be good to have some allies out here. What can we get in the way of supplies while we're here?"
INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited February 2008
"Query: Organic Ko, why are we harboring fugitives?"
It had of course been explained to 1N-N5 several times, but he seemed to constantly forget -- and he didn't have much in the way of tact, so now seemed as good a time as ever to remind everyone that they should probably fry the Jedi.
"Enfive, harbowing fuwitiffs giffs you way more street cwed than cowwecting a boufty on kids," said Darrin, while chewing with a full mouth, spraying a torrent of crumbs on the table.
"Alderaan prides itself on being a peaceful world, so we do not allow the purchase or sale of weapons or armor here. However, any other good you wish to purchase should be readily available in the markets of the city." Senator Organa paused to pick one of Darrin's crumbs from his shirt, a bemused smirk on his face.
Turning to Beyon, he continues, "Captain O'Keefe has informed me that she will be ready to depart early tomorrow morning; however, the tiome between then and now is of course yours to do with as you wish. I'm sure I can procure a Great Thranta and a couple of zoology students from the University to give you a tour and answer any questions you might have. I've heard the nocturnal behaviors of our native wildlife can be quite enchanting to observe.
"Now, if there are no other questions, I have some personal matters to attend to..."
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"Your time is appreciated Senator, and I shall take you up on your offer. I wish you the best of luck with your political endeavors and other matters you may encounter."
"Is this fish?" Darrin asked Bail Organa, pointing at a morsel of something he was eating. Just when it had seemed the fringer had grasped the significance of their host, his attention had managed to lapse once again. "I think I had a fish once and it tasted kinda like this... here Dossa, taste this. I think it's fish. If it is, give some to the little purple one. She needs to eat something."
"I am glad you like it; I will have the chef prepare you another platter." The senator turns to the rest of you. "The recovery of Admiral Varth is key to our plans to restore the Republic, but be careful. The Imperials do not wish to give away the presence of their secret facility with a large number of troops, but reinforcements will most likely not be far away.
"Once you have him, bring the Admiral here so that we may keep him safe. I look forward to your return." Organa bows slightly, turns, and departs the room, leaving you to your thoughts.
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
After the meeting with Senator Organa, you head down into the lower levels of Aldera. Finding Switch's contact, you drop off his crate of ale and shortly thereafter are wired the promised 500 credits.
Some of you head into the market to buy goods in preparation for your upcoming mission, where others grab some well-needed rest, and still others zoom over the nearby landscape on a great flying beast, setting down to observe the fascinating nocturnal behaviors of Alderaan's native fauna.
Finally, morning arrives, and with the dawn, you each head back to the Banshee. Captain O'Keefe is waiting for you, and as the last of you board, the ramp retracts, and the ship lifts from its dock, flying out to space. A few minutes later, you feel the jolt of the ship as it enters hyperspace, on course to Felucia.
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
As the blue tunnel of hyperspace fades away and the pinpoints of stars fill the windows of the cockpit, you get a brief glimpse of the planet Felucia hanging just below your ship. Almost instantly your eyes are drawn to the dagger-shaped starship looming ahead of you—an Imperial Star Destroyer.
"Hold on," Captain Okeefe says, "We're in for a bumpy ride."
With that, the captain slams the control stick forward, sending the ship tumbling rapidly into the atmosphere of the planet. As the Banshee passes through the thin cloud layer, you get a good look at the fungal swamps and jungles of Felucia, where towering mushrooms reach up into the air like skyscrapers. It would be beautiful if it weren’t rushing up at you so quickly.
Eventually, Captain Okeefe pulls the ship out of its dive, a move accompanied by the sounds of metal shearing from somewhere in the rear of the ship. The transport lurches, nearly throwing each of you to the ground, and dips sickeningly down toward the fungal canopy. Another massive bump jostles the ship before the captain brings the vessel to a screeching halt, resting deep within the mushroom jungles.
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
As the dust settles, the captain and Crash, her droid pilot, walk throughout the ship to inspect it for damage, also checking everyone for injury. Once satisfied, O'Keefe opens the hatch, the thick, humid Felucian air seeping into the ship almost immediately. She steps outside for a few minutes, and when she comes back, you see on her face that the news is less than stellar.
"While the Banshee has survived the landing mostly intact, it won’t be taking off any time soon. I think I can make the repairs, and luckily for us the ship is hidden by the Felucian jungle's canopy. I'm not sure how long this will take, though, so you should probably make your way through the jungle to the prison. The Banshee's navigational systems brought us down somewhat nearby, so it shouldn’t take you more than a day or so to trek through the jungle and get to Varth."
The captain uploads the directions to the prison facility, into your datapads. "This should give you the location of the Imperial prison facility and the relative location of the Banshee so you can make your way back. Feel free to take whatever food and water you might need from the ship's stores. I think I have enough to last you a week, though hopefully it won't take that long.
"Well, these repairs won't get to themselves. Good luck, and I'll see you when you get back with the Admiral in tow."
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Darrin got to his feet, making sure all of his posessions were still attached. He staggered up toward the cockpit, looking out the window.
"Karking... did I hit my head really hard, or is this place actually made of huge glowy multicolored mushrooms?"
"Probably both," replied Okeefe.
The living force of Felucia was strong. Its glass-like fungal forests, luminescent and vibrant, created a power presence. Darrin found it calming, steady, much unlike the chaotic patterns of cities. Darrin got his rifle in hand and at the ready, and checked in with Ko Arin as he readied the rest of the group to head out.
"Ko, I'll take point for just a bit and scout things out... see what's goin' on, y'know? Place like this might have nastier critters than stormtroopers."
Darrin will make the following checks to sneak around, take a look and listen, and see if he can sense any impending danger through the force.
Your first steps onto the soil of Felucia make it clear that this planet is truly alive. Massive mushrooms tower overhead, their overhanging edges creating a canopy that blocks out much of the planet's sunlight. Every step on Felucian soil turns up insects and other fungi just beneath the surface. The noise of the jungle is loud and alien, full of the sounds of a hundred insects and animals moving through the mushroom swamps, all part of a living and vibrant ecosystem.
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Dossa takes a few steps forward and is instantly at home on the jungle planet, reveling in the pure overwhelming life of the place. The air is moist and hot, and his skin is appreciative. He looks back at the mackaneek 1N-N5, thinks about how the humidity will wreak havoc on the droid's innards, and grins.
He pokes around the landing site a little bit, looking at the various flora and fauna. Some of them look like they could take off a foot, whether with huge pincers, stabbing thorns, or thick, dripping poisons. He will be sure to avoid those on the way. He plots out the passage to the Imperial prison in his mind, thinking carefully about what the various sinkholes and natural traps of the jungle are liable to look like.
"Heya, Doc!" He turns around, addressing Beyon. "Yousa still wantin' bugses? Theysa plenty here! Lotsa bombad bugsies!"
"Yes, Dossa, this planet has a great number of interesting creatures. It will be an experience for me, as few Ithorians are permitted to experience the towering forests of Ithor. Be on your guard, there is all manner of dangerous creature on this planet."
Knowledge: Life Sciences 1d20+13 → [6,13] = (19). PM me what I know about the planet, delro.
Knowledge: Galactic Lore 1d20+8 → [7,8] = (15). Tell me what I know about galactic lore too.
Your party sets off into the dense mushroom jungle of Felucia on your way to the Imperial prison facility. The heat and humidity make the journey quite unpleasant, and the almost jovial way in which Dossa bounds through the jungle while seemingly being unaffected by the heat does nothing for your mood. Every once in a while, Dr. Beyon will comment on a particular species as a specimen passes by, but you find it hard to pay attention with the constant cloud of small insects buzzing around your head.
The journey does not pass by uneventfully, however, as several hours in, Vii'let steps into a pool of acid, mistaking it for harmless water. The acid sears into her skin, but you manage to douse her with water before any serious damage is done. After the doctor bandages her burns, you continue your trek.
Some time after that, you are all startled by a nearby explosion, as Darrin Ash bumps into a patch of fungal bloom which, when ruptured, ignites into a ball of fire. Luckily for Darrin, he manages to jump away from the blast and suffers nothing more than some singing to his clothes.
Vii'let takes 7 acid damage. Ten hours have passed from the crash.
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
The cacophony of noise created by insects and other animals makes it nearly impossible to hear the splash of your footsteps through the Felucian swamp. The open area you walk into resembles a large, shallow pool of water with narrow islands rising out of the water, looking like stepping stones that are slightly too far apart to jump across. A faint mist hangs over the swampy ground, drifting over the still pool of water.
delroland on
EVE: Online - the most fun you will ever have not playing a game.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Dossa splashes merrily ahead toward the island in the center, unworried about the water, but maybe neglecting to think about anything in the water. Critical thinking has never been his strong suit.
"Watch where you step, folks," said Darrin, mostly muttering to himself as he starts to skirt around the center of the pool, "sometimes things aren't what they look like when you can't look at 'em to see what... they look like... when you're looking... or not looking... y'know..."
Dennow trudges behind everyone else, taking in the surroundings. Every so often, he will go up to a plant and after consideration, move away from it quickly or scrapes a small amount of it into a glass vial, which he places into his backpack. He seems to move deliberately, and the explosive gas doesn't even seem to startle him. He says nothing.
Reactive Perception Check: 1d20+9 → [1,9] = (10)
Dennow will move 10 squares east as well.
Swift Action Use the Force Check to Sense Surroundings: 1d20+9 → [9,9] = (18).
So, I ignore the effects of cover and concealment, but not total cover, for the purposes of my perception check.
Ko walks behind the group, watching out for anything out of the ordinary. The threat of stormtroopers in the area means that Ko has his hand on his blaster, not drawn, but ready to pull when he needs it.
INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited March 2008
1N-N5 sloshed quietly through the swamp. He wasn't speaking up nearly so much as usual, and all three of the carbines he carried whirred in the direction of even the slightest noise.
Moving to keep up with the rest of the crew, more or less.
Advancing towards the center island, most of you have difficulty moving through the knee-deep water, though with a little effort, you all get there with little problems.
As Darrin sweeps around to the smaller islands to the north, he trips on something, stumbling a bit but keeping his footing. Turning around to see what foliage caught his boot, he is caught completely by surprise when a humanoid figure leaps up from the ground directly in front of him.
Tall and muscular, this bipedal being seems to be a member of the native Felucian species. The long, slender form of a rancor’s jawbone juts down from the Felucian’s hand, and the scout’s body is barely covered by a leafy loincloth. A tangle of tendrils around his face makes it impossible to see his eyes, and the mud and other foliage plastered to his body camouflages him against the backdrop of the swamp.
Guess what, it's initiative time! You all are surprised, but the Felucians use their actions to stand from prone.
Water is considered difficult terrain and so requires two movement per square. Out of combat it didn't matter much; it just took two rounds to get to your current position instead of one.
Posts
The fringer nearly cracked his skull when he heard Alderaan was coming into sight. Taking a couple of swigs from his flask, he made it to the observation deck by the time Aldera was coming into view. It was like nothing he'd ever seen... in fact, it seemed to be the opposite of anything he'd ever seen. His hands twitched, thinking of the highly sophisticated and myriad grades and textures of metal, plasteel, and fiber intertwined within the City's gleaming structures.
"By the blades a'... it's..." he whispered as he put his hands up to the transparisteel window, his breath fogging it slightly, "...it's so shiny."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
As soon as the bay doors open, he speaks up, "Everyone, let's get our crap together," looking obviously uncomfortable. As soon as Darrin joins him, "Looks like we forgot our fancy dresses and our jewelry again, buddy."
"Query: Is this a social engagement? Statement: I am not a waste of bolts and chips," the droid ambulates to their position as the ramp finally gets into position.
"You mean a protocol droid?" Ko asks.
"Query: Isn't that what I said?"
Ko and Darrin grin.
"Let's get this over with."
Ko heads down and greets the elderly fellow, "Everything leading up to it was certainly, uh, eventful."
He introduces the party as they get onto the repulsor craft with their various belongings.
Planeswalker
Will of the Council - Starting with you, each player votes for death goblin.
Unlike many other cities you have seen, where the glory and spectacle observed from afar diminishes as you get up close to the muck and grime of civilization, Aldera is the magnificent exception. Every building, every support column, every plasteel plate, every window frame appears as though crafted and placed by a master artisan to enhance not only itself, but also the surrounding environment. There is not one speck of filth to be seen; nothing stands out to interrupt the scene of beauty around you.
A small time later, the transport crests the top of the tower and hovers down toward the courtyard before the massive entrance to the Great Hall of the Royal Palace. Several fountains decorate the area, arcs of water sailing through the air, glittering brilliantly with the light of the setting sun. Several people of all ages make their way through the surrounding gardens, and most make no note of your arrival.
As the craft sets down, two more honor guards make their way to the craft, helping you disembark. The royal servant begins making his way to the entry, motioning for you to follow, "This way, this way."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
UTF - Search Feelings (1d20 6=11)
"Please, make yourselves comfortable, and help yourselves to the refreshments. The Senator will be with you shortly." With a small bow, the servant excuses himself and leaves you alone in the Hall.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"Easy, Ash. We've got a potential client here and we want to at least look like we're trying to look professional."
Darrin coughed and poured himself a modest glass of a sharp-smelling blue liquid, hoping for the best.
Planeswalker
Will of the Council - Starting with you, each player votes for death goblin.
The doors to the Great Hall open, and in strides a middle-aged man who has a well-kept goatee and is wearing Senatorial robes. Easily recognizable as Bail Organa, he smiles and nods to the servants before turning to you. "Welcome to Alderaan," he says. "I had hoped we might meet under more pleasant circumstances, but unfortunately the Empire makes almost everything unpleasant. Still, I am glad to see that the... difficulties at the spaceport above Brentaal didn’t impede you too much.
"I've asked you to join me today because the agents of mine that you rescued seem to think you can be trusted. Since you worked hard to help them, I believe I can put my faith in you as well. I have a task that needs to be completed, but unfortunately my status as a Senator prevents me from taking care of it myself, or even from sending someone directly associated with the Royal Family.
"The planet Felucia was ravaged during the Clone Wars, but once the fighting was over, the Empire set up a permanent facility on the world. Nothing large—just a small garrison where they could keep prisoners out of the way. Some months ago, I was contacted by an Imperial Admiral who was disillusioned with the way the Empire had twisted the once-great Republic, and he began feeding me sensitive information. A little over a week ago, that communication stopped. My agents tell me that the Admiral has been taken to Felucia, where he is being held against his will. I’d like you to learn what has become of him, and rescue him if you can."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
The fringer inexplicably flinched twice as Ko Arin cast him a sideways glance.
"I'm in."
Senator Organa stepped towards Krema and set a hand on his shoulder in comfort.
"Believe me, I wanted to stop the murders at the Temple as much as you, but I did not have that power, and if I had tried, it would have only lead to my death and perhaps that of some of my people here on Alderaan. I did not have the luxury to throw my life away to sate my anger; my life was not my own to discard so casually. I have obligations to the people of this galaxy who need me to be the voice of reason and moderation in the Senate, as well as to...," the Senator pauses, looking to the distance. Regaining his focus, he continues, "My station grants me the voice to help them, and so that is my duty.
"You, too, have the chance to make a difference here, Krema Metyr. The information this Admiral has can save many lives, and may even be the key to restoring the Republic and the Jedi Order. I believe the will of the Force has brought you to me this day, and I believe your Master would agree."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
wait, where was I going with this... aw, blast it, I forgot the guy's name already... Ko was always better at this part... oh, kark...
"...so Faloozy's like in the Outer Rim? I'm no astrowhatsis, but that's pretty far away probably. This givin' the Empire a black eye stuff sounds pretty great but I dunno if we've got... the resources to get there."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Planeswalker
Will of the Council - Starting with you, each player votes for death goblin.
It had of course been explained to 1N-N5 several times, but he seemed to constantly forget -- and he didn't have much in the way of tact, so now seemed as good a time as ever to remind everyone that they should probably fry the Jedi.
"I meanf, we wanff to wook pwoffessionaw hew."
Turning to Beyon, he continues, "Captain O'Keefe has informed me that she will be ready to depart early tomorrow morning; however, the tiome between then and now is of course yours to do with as you wish. I'm sure I can procure a Great Thranta and a couple of zoology students from the University to give you a tour and answer any questions you might have. I've heard the nocturnal behaviors of our native wildlife can be quite enchanting to observe.
"Now, if there are no other questions, I have some personal matters to attend to..."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"Once you have him, bring the Admiral here so that we may keep him safe. I look forward to your return." Organa bows slightly, turns, and departs the room, leaving you to your thoughts.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Some of you head into the market to buy goods in preparation for your upcoming mission, where others grab some well-needed rest, and still others zoom over the nearby landscape on a great flying beast, setting down to observe the fascinating nocturnal behaviors of Alderaan's native fauna.
Finally, morning arrives, and with the dawn, you each head back to the Banshee. Captain O'Keefe is waiting for you, and as the last of you board, the ramp retracts, and the ship lifts from its dock, flying out to space. A few minutes later, you feel the jolt of the ship as it enters hyperspace, on course to Felucia.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"Hold on," Captain Okeefe says, "We're in for a bumpy ride."
With that, the captain slams the control stick forward, sending the ship tumbling rapidly into the atmosphere of the planet. As the Banshee passes through the thin cloud layer, you get a good look at the fungal swamps and jungles of Felucia, where towering mushrooms reach up into the air like skyscrapers. It would be beautiful if it weren’t rushing up at you so quickly.
Eventually, Captain Okeefe pulls the ship out of its dive, a move accompanied by the sounds of metal shearing from somewhere in the rear of the ship. The transport lurches, nearly throwing each of you to the ground, and dips sickeningly down toward the fungal canopy. Another massive bump jostles the ship before the captain brings the vessel to a screeching halt, resting deep within the mushroom jungles.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"While the Banshee has survived the landing mostly intact, it won’t be taking off any time soon. I think I can make the repairs, and luckily for us the ship is hidden by the Felucian jungle's canopy. I'm not sure how long this will take, though, so you should probably make your way through the jungle to the prison. The Banshee's navigational systems brought us down somewhat nearby, so it shouldn’t take you more than a day or so to trek through the jungle and get to Varth."
The captain uploads the directions to the prison facility, into your datapads. "This should give you the location of the Imperial prison facility and the relative location of the Banshee so you can make your way back. Feel free to take whatever food and water you might need from the ship's stores. I think I have enough to last you a week, though hopefully it won't take that long.
"Well, these repairs won't get to themselves. Good luck, and I'll see you when you get back with the Admiral in tow."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"Karking... did I hit my head really hard, or is this place actually made of huge glowy multicolored mushrooms?"
"Probably both," replied Okeefe.
The living force of Felucia was strong. Its glass-like fungal forests, luminescent and vibrant, created a power presence. Darrin found it calming, steady, much unlike the chaotic patterns of cities. Darrin got his rifle in hand and at the ready, and checked in with Ko Arin as he readied the rest of the group to head out.
"Ko, I'll take point for just a bit and scout things out... see what's goin' on, y'know? Place like this might have nastier critters than stormtroopers."
Perception = 27
Stealth = 24
UTF - Search Feelings = 15
Perception, Stealth, UTF - Search Feelings (1d20+8, 1d20+9, 1d20+6=[19, 8], [15, 9], [9, 6])
Your first steps onto the soil of Felucia make it clear that this planet is truly alive. Massive mushrooms tower overhead, their overhanging edges creating a canopy that blocks out much of the planet's sunlight. Every step on Felucian soil turns up insects and other fungi just beneath the surface. The noise of the jungle is loud and alien, full of the sounds of a hundred insects and animals moving through the mushroom swamps, all part of a living and vibrant ecosystem.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
He pokes around the landing site a little bit, looking at the various flora and fauna. Some of them look like they could take off a foot, whether with huge pincers, stabbing thorns, or thick, dripping poisons. He will be sure to avoid those on the way. He plots out the passage to the Imperial prison in his mind, thinking carefully about what the various sinkholes and natural traps of the jungle are liable to look like.
"Heya, Doc!" He turns around, addressing Beyon. "Yousa still wantin' bugses? Theysa plenty here! Lotsa bombad bugsies!"
Knowledge: Galactic Lore 1d20+8 → [7,8] = (15). Tell me what I know about galactic lore too.
The journey does not pass by uneventfully, however, as several hours in, Vii'let steps into a pool of acid, mistaking it for harmless water. The acid sears into her skin, but you manage to douse her with water before any serious damage is done. After the doctor bandages her burns, you continue your trek.
Some time after that, you are all startled by a nearby explosion, as Darrin Ash bumps into a patch of fungal bloom which, when ruptured, ignites into a ball of fire. Luckily for Darrin, he manages to jump away from the blast and suffers nothing more than some singing to his clothes.
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
The fringer shook off the shock as best he could, and after being certain he was intact, he hopped back to the rest of the group.
"How's everybody holding up? I say we should keep goin', then again, I'm kinda used to trampin' around in the middle of nowhere."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
double move: up 10, right 2
swift action: UTF - Sense Surroundings (1d20 6=7)
goddamnit, two 1's in a row. hax!
Dennow will move 10 squares east as well.
Swift Action Use the Force Check to Sense Surroundings: 1d20+9 → [9,9] = (18).
So, I ignore the effects of cover and concealment, but not total cover, for the purposes of my perception check.
Swampspotting. (1d20 7=19)
Planeswalker
Will of the Council - Starting with you, each player votes for death goblin.
As Darrin sweeps around to the smaller islands to the north, he trips on something, stumbling a bit but keeping his footing. Turning around to see what foliage caught his boot, he is caught completely by surprise when a humanoid figure leaps up from the ground directly in front of him.
Tall and muscular, this bipedal being seems to be a member of the native Felucian species. The long, slender form of a rancor’s jawbone juts down from the Felucian’s hand, and the scout’s body is barely covered by a leafy loincloth. A tangle of tendrils around his face makes it impossible to see his eyes, and the mud and other foliage plastered to his body camouflages him against the backdrop of the swamp.
Water is considered difficult terrain and so requires two movement per square. Out of combat it didn't matter much; it just took two rounds to get to your current position instead of one.
Felucian Initiative: 1d20+8=17, 1d20+8=24, 1d20+8=9, 1d20+8=17
Here's the map (the Felucians are numbered, but it didn't show up well; they are 1-4, starting at the top left going counterclockwise):
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"It's always somethin'."
Planeswalker
Will of the Council - Starting with you, each player votes for death goblin.