Chapter 3: Salvaging the Onslaught Part 1

The Onslaught

 

Truths: Lifeforms

Many sites and planets are infested by dreadful forgespawn. These aberrant creatures threaten to overrun other life in the galaxy. The forgespawn are hostile creatures born of the chaotic energies of this galaxy. Hundreds of abandoned or devastated outposts and derelict ships stand as a testament to their dreadful power and cunning.

[Begin a Session: External factors create new danger, urgency, or importance for a quest]

The Starfall connected to the Onslaught via an airlock as Tinker got his gear ready for the salvage operation. Being a Grub, he knew that anything can happen during a salvage operation. He strapped on his iron dagger and made sure his blaster was at full charge before slipping it in the holster. Once satisfied that his gear was in order he made his way to the airlock with Rodney in tow.

"Normal salvaging protocols Rodney. Make sure you record everything for the client." Tinker said as hit the record button on his body cam.

"As ye wish cap'n" Rodney said as he pulled a large wrench out of his backpack and his eyes lit up as he switched on the recording subroutines.

The airlock opened into a corridor that ended at a steel door. The door was slightly opened and peeking inside the room, Tinker could see what looks to be a lounge area.

There were a few couches scattered about the room, flipped upside down and ripped to shreds, a large table was busted in between the couches and many papers and items littered the floor of the room. Three doors exited the lounge. One to the east, west, and south.

[Face Danger: Strong Hit: 3 + 4 + 0 = 7 vs 5 | 4 you are successful. Take +1 momentum (4)]

As Tinker looked around the room, something looked out of place along the wall. As he got closer to examine it a knife came at his throat, he was able to dodge out of the way at the last second.

"Frak, A Stealther," Tinker says as he pulls the large wrench from his back and circles the Forgespawn.

A Forgespawn Stealther

This Stealther was of medium height, its long barbed tail dragged behind him, the poison dripping from the tip. He had the bone knife, that most Stealthers used in combat, gripped in its left hand. His body blended into the background behind him as he crouched down low.

[Enter the fray. Rolled +iron: Miss with a match: 2 + 3 + 0 = 5 vs 5 | 5 On a miss, the fight begins with you in a bad spot. Clicked off a box on the secret clock going on. Troublesome fight due to Rodney helping]

As Tinker circled the Forgespawn he failed to see the broken table leg underfoot and slipped to the ground. His large wrench flew from his hands and landed near the door.

The Forgespawn, noticing his luck, whipped its tail overhead trying to impale Tinker with the poison.

[Face danger:  rolled +edge: Weak Hit: 4 + 2 + 0 = 6 vs 6 | 5 You succeed at cost. -1 health (4)]

[Endure Harm. Rolled +health (4):  Strong Hit: 4 + 4 + 0 = 8 vs 2 | 3 Embrace the pain: Take +1 momentum (5)]

As the tail came down, Tinker was able to roll out of the way but he still got sliced in the leg. If the barb punctured him he would've been in a lot of trouble because of the poison, but a gash was a small price to pay.

"Help me, Rodney," Tinker yelled as he got to his feet as the Forgespawn grinned at the sight of blood.

[React under fire. Rolled +Heart: Strong Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 8 | 1 you succeed and are in control. Take +1 momentum (6)]

"I've killed your kind before, Forespawn. Come at me if you dare." Tinker said as he pulled his knife from the sheath.

[Gain Ground. Rolled +wits by coordinating with Rodney: Strong Hit with match: 6 + 4 + 0 = 10 vs 5 | 5 On a hit, you stay in control. On a strong hit, choose two. Mark progress (3 boxes) Take +2 momentum (8) With the match I am taking the third option on the gain ground as well +1 to next roll]

Rodney circled behind the Forgespawn making it look towards him for a second. Tinker, taking advantage of the distraction, tries to plunge his knife into the side of the Stealther.

[Strike. Rolled +iron: Miss with match: 1 + 3 + 1 = 5 vs 9 | 9 On a miss, the fight turns against you. You are in a bad spot. Pay the Price: A friend, companion, or ally is in harm’s way (or you are, if alone)] -2 health to Rodney (2)]

[Companion takes a hit. Rolled Rodney's health: Strong Hit with match: 6 + 2 + 0 = 8 vs 6 | 6 On a strong hit, your companion rallies. Give them +1 health. Because of the Match, I am giving Rodney +2 health (4)]

The Stealther leaps towards Rodney, avoiding the blow from Tinker with ease. Rodney is caught off guard and knocked to the ground as the Stealther stabs Rodney with its bone knife. 

Rodney pushes the Stealther off of him and gets to his feet. He looks down at his chest and notices the knife couldn't penetrate his chassis. 

[Clash. Rolled +iron: Miss: 2 + 3 + 0 = 5 vs 7 | 5 On a miss, your foe dominates this exchange. You stay in a bad spot and must Pay the Price -1 health (3)]

[Endure harm. Rolled +health: Weak Hit: 3 + 3 + 0 = 6 vs 8 | 5 you may Lose Momentum (-1) in exchange for +1 health. Otherwise, press on. Momentum (5) Health (4)]

As the Stealther gets pushed back he turns and slashes with his knife, striking Tinker in the arm. Blood begins to drip from the wound onto the ground.

Tinker grimaces but presses on. His knife is held at the ready as he waits for the right moment to strike.

[Clash. rolled +iron: Strong Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 5 | 6. strong hit, mark progress twice (9 boxes) You overwhelm your foe and are in control.]

[Progress Roll: Fight the forgespawn: Strong Hit = 9 vs 1 | 8 you prevail. Take +1 momentum (6)] 

The Stealther lunges to strike but Tinker was prepared for it and dodges out of the way, slamming his blade into the side of the Forgespawn and hitting a vital spot. Blood begins to pour out of the creature as it sinks to the ground mortally wounded.

Tinker slumps to the ground breathing hard, the slashes to his arm and leg still leaking blood. He pulls out his medkit from his pack and treats his wounds.

[Heal. Rolled +iron: Strong Hit: 6 + 3 + 0 = 9 vs 1 | 4 the care is helpful. take +3 health (5)]

"How's your chassis doing Rodney?" Tinker asks as he finishes up with the bandages.

"I be fine cap'n. The Stealther couldn't penetrate me chassis." Rodney said as he walked over to Tinker.

"I need you to take the footage of the fight and get it out to the Weave. Top priority. The people need to know that Forgespawn has arrived in Mobius Crossing." 

"I can nah leave ye here by yourself Cap'n. It's against protocol."

"I'm giving you a direct order. Take that footage and go transmit it. I'll be fine." Tinker said as he got to his feet and grabbed his wrench off the ground. "I can take care of myself. Just hurry up and get back here."

"Aye cap'n." Rodney says as he leaves the Onslaught.

[Gather Information +wits: Strong Hit: 3 + 4 + 0 = 7 vs 6 | 3 you find something helpful, take +2 momentum (8). Marked 1 progress (1 box) towards the vow for finding the keycard]

Tinker begins searching the room for anything useful. The scattered papers about the place were nothing of importance but he did find a keycard under one of the couches. He slipped it into his pocket and [rolled a d3 to see which direction (1)] went to the door to the west and opened it.

The long corridor had strange symbols carved along the walls. Tinker recognized it as Forgespawn language. He's seen plenty of it in his time working for the Grubs Alliance. He made sure he recorded it all on his body cam before moving on. Strange disturbing sounds could be heard echoing down the hall. 

Tinker held onto his large wrench tighter as he opened the door.

[Undertake an expedition. Rolled +wits: Strong Hit: 4 + 4 + 0 = 8 vs 1 | 2 mark progress (2 boxes now)]

The next room was large in size. It looked to be some kind of food storage room. Many crates lined the shelves and floor of the room but the most notable thing was a dead body in the middle of the room.

The body was that of Keeper. You could tell by the clothes he is wearing. 

This must be a Keeper ship. Tinker thought to himself as he searched the body for anything of use. 

[Secure an advantage +wits: Weak Hit: 4 + 4 + 0 = 8 vs 8 | 2 Take +2 momentum (10)]

The body had nothing really of value except the Keeper's gun that was still in the holster and a bag of some kind of bluish powder hidden in the Keeper's boot. Tinker took them and searched the rest of the room. Many of the crates were still sealed airtight and held many food items. They would be worth something to his client. Food supplies sell for a great deal in the Forge. 

There must be a small fortune here.  Tinker said as he cataloged the crates and recorded it all for the client. 

There were two doors in the room, one to the west and one to the south. Tinker decided to go south [Rolled a 2 on a d2]. 

The long corridor had Forgespawn writing along the walls and pools of dried blood lay everywhere. There were three doors along the west wall, three doors along the east wall, and one door at the end of the hall.

Tinker spent some time recording the writings. When he got back to the ship he would be able to start a translation. Over the years, researchers had made great strides with the Forgespawn language and culture. Ever since the Cataclysm, people have been obsessed with the race of creatures that destroyed Earth and have been learning about them ever since.

As Tinker went to the first door on the west, Rodney came down the hall.

"The Video 'n warnin' has been sent t' the Weave, Cap'n." Rodney said as he took out his wrench.

Tinker nods and opens up the first door. The room was a living quarter. A bed, desk, and dresser were in the room. papers scattered on top of the desk, clothes strewn about the place.

A quick search about the place found a small box hidden in the closet, inside the box was the same bluish powder that he found before.

Rodney, what is this stuff?" Tinker asked holding up the blue powder for Rodney.

[Gather information, rolled +wits: Strong Hit: 3 + 5 + 0 = 8 vs 7 | 5 you discover something helpful and specific. The path you must follow or action you must take to make progress is made clear. Envision what you learn. Then, take +2 momentum (at 10 already)]

Rodney scanned the blue powder and accessed the salvager database, after a few moments he handed the stuff back to Tinker.

"'tis the illegal drug known as Warp, a mighty addictive substance that was banned by the Keepers 33 years ago. It makes the user's brain function at a higher level at the cost o' bein' more violent in nature"

"Why would the Keepers be carrying this stuff? It's not like they confiscated it and it is in their cargo hold. This is the second time I found it as a personal stash." Tinker said as he cataloged the find and slipped it back in the box.

"I dunno Cap'n" Rodney responded as he looked around the room.

The next room was another living quarter. It was set up the same as the first. Bed, dresser, desk, closet. A footlocker was at the end of the bed in this room. The room was in disarray.

[Face Danger +wits: Strong Hit: 6 + 4 + 0 = 10 vs 4 | 8] Searching the footlocker, Tinker noticed a trap set in the lid. If he opened it a small capsule of gas would break and release some kind of gas into the room. He easily disarmed it before opening the locker.

Inside was a datachip, a few personal belongings of no significance, and what looks to be a very old piece of parchment in a sealed holder. Tinker grabbed the datachip and put it in his handcomp. It was messages from the Keepers loved ones at home. 

[Gather Information +wits: Weak hit, Burned momentum Strong Hit: 1 + 4 + 0 = 8 vs 6 | 7 you discover something helpful and specific +2 momentum (4)]

Scanning the piece of parchment showed that it dated back hundreds of years ago to a time when our forefathers just made it to the Forge. The writing was used as an archaic form of what we use now. 

"Holy crap Rodney. Do you know what this is?" Tinker showed Rodney the parchment but answered without waiting for a response. "It is an original page of the Covenant. Or at least one of the Covenant books. This item is priceless."

Rodney shrugged his shoulders and looked around the room some more but didn't find anything else of value.

The last four rooms were searched and Tinker found another 2 pages of the Covenant along with some useful personal Keeper gear in good condition. 

A recorded message was found in one of the rooms on a datachip next to a dead Keeper that looked like he shot himself.

 Tinker played the message for Rodney to hear.

This is Keeper Mave Becker of the Command Ship Onslaught. We are just finishing the last leg of our patrol of the Mobius Sector when we came across a distress signal from an Outbounder named Mutara. This particular research vessel claimed to have vital information about the Forgespawn so we went to investigate. I am marking down the coordinates in this recording. 

As we came out of the Drift we were attacked by 2 Forgespawn Barrage-class Battlecruisers. The Onslaught was no match for such firepower so we fled. Hoping to make it back to a safe place to send out a warning. 

We thought we were safe when 3 Seraph-class Starfighter's emerged from the Drift and attacked. They quickly disabled our engines and communications before boarding us. Stealthers, Brutes, Grunts, Elites. They all swarmed the Onslaught and killed many of us in a brutal conflict. 

I escaped from the slaughter and came to my room. I do not want to end up a captive of the Forgespawn. For any that hear this. Be warned. The Forgespawn are here.

"Send this message back to the Starfall in case something happens to this chip. We want to be able to send it to the Weave as soon as possible." Tinker said, handing the chip to Rodney.

[I added a milestone to the progress bar of salvaging the ship (now at 2) and the vow of salvaging the ship (now at 3)]

[End of Session move: What will happen when Tinker and Rodney finish salvaging the Onslaught? Will they find more Forgespawn? Will they make it out alive? Find out next time. +1 momentum (5)]

[End of Scene Stats: Momentum 5 Health 5 Spirit 4 Supply 5 Rodney Health 4 3 boxes filled on Vow to find and salvage the Onslaught. 2 Boxes on the progress of salvaging the Onslaught]