We had a full party this session and it seemed to go well. Audio was on Discord, dropped to MP3 then through to tabletoprecorder.com which struggled a bit because Graham's audio was a bit low and overall it got a bit confused between real names and character names. Next session we can do the introductions again.
Characters.
Saul Emzer (Graham) - the only professional bounty hunter in the group, a guild member well aware of his own shortcomings. Saul knows his aptitude is the down and dirty part of the missions. He isn't the brains, and he certainly can't fly a ship, but when the trouble goes down, he's a man of action, and of stealth when needed. Saul has brought the rest of the team together to support him and fill out the skill gaps. He doesn't like to think of himself as the leader, but he's the one with the official guild membership. He's made some big scores in the past.
Gibert Chang (Andy) - hailing from the Meriden system's Harmony habitat, the home of an obscure religious sect, Gilbert sought freedom by joining the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service. He grew up with good understanding of space construction and has supplemented this with a wide range of technical skills, becoming a professional spacer. He describes himself as the potential getaway driver, but is officially the ship's engineer, and he comes with a broad (but not deep) range of experience and a well-used but cared for vacuum suit called Nadia.
Arturo "Lucky" Javed (Paul) - Lucky's life has been a lot of ups and downs, probably more of the latter than the former. He aspired to be an intelligent agent but was kicked out of that career early on following a serious injury. He then took to a life of petty crime, struggling to make do and stay out of trouble. Eventually, a role came up on a Merchant vessel, but he kept his hand in with the underworld to try and make some money on the side. He knows Gil of old following a job that went sideways. Lucky is the one who is likely to make contact with any criminal elements that the group may need to deal with.
Pen Gata (Neil) - has spent his life in space, with a broad range of spacer skills that means he's the pilot and astrogator. Once again, he's a broad specialist rather than a deep expert. (The character was built with package generation so has a less developed life path).
The Jägermeister - a 100dT Jump-2 streamlined courier capable of 6G thrust, the ship is also their home and Assured Courier's GmbH's main asset. The crew mostly live aboard, as it's a lot more pleasant than the desert world of Ikeran where they're officially based (and have a rented office). The ship is usually located in one of the downport's long-term parkways. She's armed with a single triple turret with beam lasers and a missile rack.
Session notes.
This was one of those sessions that just flew by and was our longest one of the campaign so far. There were some moments of indecision, then a focus into action. Lightweight starship combat was triggered and we ended up with the party landed on the surface of Valkos in a nuclear winter negotiating with survivors. No zombies (so far).
Summary of the Session (lightly edited AI synthesis of the transcript).
As the crew of the Jägermeister engaged their ship to jump into space, a pivotal discussion regarding the fate of Mr. Voss, a captured interloper posing a potential threat, unfolded. Concerns were voiced that Voss, akin to a Die Hard protagonist, might attempt a violent escapade on board. Thus, it was argued by the majority, including the cautious Gil, that securing Voss in a low berth—a type of suspended animation chamber—was prudent for safety during the jump.The conversation shifted to the practical mechanics and risks associated with using the low berth. Initial worries were about the potential for killing Voss during the freezing or thawing process, which required precise handling lest they damage his body irrecoverably. The group debated the legalities and technicalities of their bounty—whether it was valid for delivery 'dead or alive,' with Saul pondering the interpretive leeway in the bounty warrant's language. With Mr. Voss safely stowed away as they decided, thoughts then turned to their travel plans.
The team navigated through space toward Tulip, a gas giant planet discussed as a refuelling point, but with potential hazards from automated defence systems and environmental dangers like radiation, which were a major concern. The ship’s crew had to make several onboard decisions, such as repairing the air raft and checking the integrity of the ship’s fuel scoops and purifiers.
As they approached the Valkos system, they had to handle immediate threats of system interdiction and restrictive alerts warning them of high risks. The crew had a detailed debate about whether to keep their transponder active or switch it off to avoid detection, weighing the pros and cons based on their past experiences and the potential risk of revealing their location in a dangerous zone. Navigating these challenges, the crew pulled together, each applying their skills—from engineering to stealthy operations—to ensure their mission remained on course despite the myriad dangers both from within their ship and from the uncharted terrains of space they aimed to traverse.
As the crew of the Jägermeister navigates through the treacherous space near the Valkos system, they face a sudden and dire threat. A missile, seemingly launched from an Imperial Interdiction satellite, targets their ship. Quick to act, Gil activates the ship’s sensors to detect the incoming projectile, while Pen confirms a high-velocity object hurtling toward them from the vicinity of the moon Vicentia. In the tense moments that follow, the crew scrambles to respond.
There was a mix up about who was doing what, and with the roles reassigned, Pen opts to use both electronic warfare to disrupt the missile's sensor lock (and asks Gil to take a lead in this) and the ship's point defence systems as backup. Meanwhile, Arturo takes control of the pilot seat, humorously promising not to crash into the sun despite his limited piloting skills. Their strategy unfolds in two phases: first, to disrupt the missile’s tracking ability via electronic warfare, and second, to prepare for potential physical interception of the missile. The crew successfully breaks the missile’s sensor lock and contemplates using the ship's full thrust to further evade the fast-approaching threat. As the missile continues its relentless pursuit, Gil and Pen, from their respective stations, coordinate their actions under high pressure. Gil's successful interference with the missile’s sensors and Pen's evasive manoeuvres help to mitigate the immediate danger, allowing them a brief respite to regroup and reassess their situation.
However, they quickly learn that their ordeal isn’t over; additional missiles are detected en route to their location. Determined to protect their ship and crew, Arturo and Pen work closely, tackling the incoming missiles with a combination of sharp shooting and agile flying, ultimately steering the Jägermeister out of harm's way. This collective effort displays the crew’s ability to effectively respond to unexpected challenges through teamwork and quick thinking, embodying the essence of their journey through the peril-filled cosmos.
In the heart of space, aboard the Jägermeister, the crew contemplates their next move with the prudent consideration for their safety and mission. They discuss the levels of radiation protection offered by their various suits, comparing the merits of their personal equipment against the more advanced but less familiar suits aboard the ship. Ultimately, they agree on the necessity of wearing vacuum suits, given the unpredictable environment and potential debris strikes during their orbit.
As the spacecraft maneuvers through the treacherous expanse, the topic shifts to finding a stable orbit that wouldn't expose them to excessive radiation or collision with space debris. Despite the risks of high radiation levels, the crew is informed that the likelihood of encountering lethal doses on their current path is minimal. Nevertheless, cautious of unforeseen threats, they proceed with an abundance of caution, monitoring radiation levels rigorously. The crew's focus then narrows on establishing a safe approach to their destination on the surface. They discuss various tactics like performing a flyby or diving directly towards potentially survivable zones.
However, their plan quickly meets a snag. During the orbital insertion, unforeseen complications arise as dormant satellites activate, launching missiles that threaten the ship. Quick response and teamwork become essential. As Gill, the ship’s sensor operator, and other crew members coordinate to mitigate the attacks, utilizing their respective technical skills in a high-stakes effort to defend the spacecraft. Amidst electronic warfare and defensive maneuvers, the crew ponders upon the planet’s harsh environment below, recognizing the possible implications of nuclear winter and lingering radiation. Despite some nervy moments and damage sustained by their ship, they manage to navigate through the immediate dangers, though not without cost to the ship's hull integrity [9 Hull Points out of 40] and their nerves.
Once stabilised in orbit, they carry out repairs and refuelling operations, while re-evaluating their mission strategy. Discussions about potential landing zones, environmental conditions, and the unknown location of their targets lead to a cautious consensus. They resolve to continue observation and reconnaissance before making any critical decisions about descending to the surface. As the Jägermeister steadies in orbit, battered but unbroken, the crew reflects on their journey and prepares for the next phase of their mission—penetrating the ominous veil of the planet below and uncovering the mysteries that await.
Amidst adversity, the crew's resolve is tested, but their spirit of exploration and duty remains unshaken, propelling them forward into the unknown. In the war-ravaged lands of Valkos, the crew of the Jagermeister stands poised at a critical juncture, deliberating their next course of action. Their conversation is punctuated by strategic considerations as they try to outmanoeuvre potential threats in a land seemingly forsaken by time and war. Gil, sensing the urgency to delve deeper into the mysteries of the planet, pushes for an exploration of the underground facilities at Naggeth, suspecting them to be the repository of high-value relics or technology, potentially guarded by combat robots or, worse still, desperate survivors of the planet's nuclear desolation. Their objective is an underground monorail station, which Pen insists is the best starting point. There's mutual agreement, a decision ripe with the dangers of lingering war remnants and the potential hostility of the handful of survivors who might have secrets worth safeguarding.
The crew debates the safety of approaching via the Jägermeister or on foot to avoid tripping air defenses—a remnant menace of the planet’s ghastly past. The decision is, painstakingly, to proceed cautiously with the air raft, skimming close to the ground, and to conceal their ship—a vital asset potentially vulnerable to hijacking. As they navigate their way, a secretive discussion unfolds around the use of the monorail, potential threats from automated defenses, and how best to conceal their ship from predatory forces.
A plan is hatched, one that will see them lock down the Jägermeister and advance cautiously toward the monorail, armed heavily, aware of the lurking dangers, but resolved in their mission. Their journey is cloaked in the somber remnants of a once-boisterous planet, now a ghostly realm of frost and ruin. The landscape bears the scars of battles long concluded, yet the war for survival rages surreptitiously in its eerie silence. As they approach the monorail station, cloaked in low flight to avoid detection and stirring the spectral remains of conflict, their path forward remains fraught with uncertainty and formidable challenges lurking amidst the shadows of Valkos's lamentable history.
In the desolate landscapes of Naggeth, the crew of the Jägermeister, led by Gil and Arturo, find themselves navigating the precarious politics of survival and cooperation. As they enter a fortified underground facility, they are carefully escorted by the inhabitants. The architectural design, featuring a tunnel that twists at sharp angles and defensive loopholes ideal for staving off attacks, suggests a community deeply entrenched in survival tactics against external threats.
Inside, the crew encounters Dr. Talia Korenberg, a grizzled leader bearing the marks of hard-earned wisdom and authority, who oversees a community including children—a rare sign of fragile hope in this nuclear-wrecked world. The facility, repurposed from an old subway station, now houses a makeshift hydroponic farm, a testament to the settlers' determination to reclaim life from the ruins.
Negotiations unfold with Dr. Korenberg. The crew discusses potential trades, acknowledging their lack of conventional resources like vaccines or anti-radiation meds. Instead, they offer what they can spare from their ship’s reserves—tools and parts, though limited in quantity. They also suggest their skills and the use of their air raft for transport, quickly realising the risk of attracting unwanted attention from lurking automated defences.
Gil finds a unique opportunity to bridge goodwill through his expertise in life support systems, reminiscent of the hydroponics he knew from the asteroid colony of his youth. His willingness to share knowledge and assist with the community's agricultural endeavors begins to warm Dr. Korenberg to their cause, fostering a nascent trust.
Through earnest dialogue and the strategic barter of knowledge and minimal resources, the crew secures the guidance of Nils Sorensen and his daughter—who, though equipped for survival, express their intent to avoid direct conflict. This agreement marks a fragile but essential alliance, steering the crew closer to navigating the treacherous urban sprawl ahead. As negotiations conclude, the session wraps up, leaving the crew prepared to delve deeper with their new guides into the heart of Naggeth's ruins, aware of the potential dangers yet driven by the mission and the mutual respect formed with the settlers.
Summary: The Jägermeister jumped into the system, initially heading for the gas giant Tulip to refuel. A change of plan was made as the decided to use the cold seas near the city of Naggeth where they suspected the underground facility they were looking for was located. They broke off from the gas giant, only to attract the attention of an Imperial SMUD-4e Interdiction satellite which launched missiles. Thanks to good teamwork, they manage to destroy the fire upon them.
After some time, they vector in on Valkos itself where they attempt a stealthy insertion into orbit. Unfortunately, they catch the attention of another kill sat, which launches at them, and the missile explodes in close proximity, battering the hull of the Jägermeister. They manage to disengage, then head down to the surface, flying slowly nap of the earth to approach Naggeth from the sea. They land on a frosty covered beach under the grey clouds of a deep winter, and snow likes around.
They spot that they're being watched as they approach the monorail station they'd identified as a potential target, flying low and slow. They manage to parley, and two of them are invited into a secure complex to negotiate. Gil barters his skills in hydroponics from his upbringing on Harmony, and some equipment seals the deal for the party to gain guides with the survivor enclaves' head, Dr Talia Korenberg. They wouldn't fight, but they'd help. Nils Sorensen and his daughter Hilaria were prepared to lead them deep into the ruins towards the bunker they were looking for.
30th September 2025
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