Terrain Spotlight: Expanding Foam Trees!

Terrain Spotlight: Expanding Foam Trees!: Creating alien, boab-inspired forests from expanding foam and plastic plant pieces!

Gypsy Winds: Turn 7 - Field Trip

    Turn 6 - World of M'Neh

 "Captain, this is Quintus Zaptor with Ministry of Information of Technologies. Lady Chiandra suggested you may be able to assist me. Going over your Rememberance Day report, I found something disturbing with other reports I have. I need to get a report to Sector security, but do not feel safe sending it through my normal channels. I need an escort to a terminal in the Spacer Area. I may also have some information that may interest your crew. No rush, get back to me when you can."

*Next Message*

"Captain Hafhorne, Ross Calhone here from Mi'Neh Mining. I have a situation here that I figured you and your crew might be best suited to handle. Gimme a wave back in the next few weeks" (this and next 2 turns)

Battle (Patron- No condition, nothing special, Protect)

 "I thank you all for escorting me out on this jaunt. And it is an honor to meet all of you. Your names are quickly becoming buzz words on Government Hill. This park used to be quite a mess, but it is the easiest secure terminal for me to access. Oh my is thatt a Hulky Brawler? I've heard of them before but...

Wait, are he and his friends pointing guns at us?"

 Aftermath

 "I need to rethink my line of work", Rasel admitted to Roc. "First, Z went down to the geney with the shellgun and then Zorp and Nora dropped. I thought we were done for. And all the violence, for what?"

"Take some time off Cap- get your brokers license, get your mind straight" Roc slammed the desk "This crew needs you and looks up to you. I've been where you are and it never gets easier"

Roc took a breath and collected himself, "That liquid platinum we took off the geneys will help get us through. But you take some time and get things straight, so when it goes wrong next time, you'll be there to see us through."

Gypsy Winds: Turn 6 - Unexpected Guest

   Turn 6 - World of M'Neh

The problems with the life support became a spring cleaning event.  With the repairs done and a brand new and improved atmospheric condenser, the Gypsy Wind had some space to upgrade the living quarters. It also gave incentive to the crew to go through the rest of inventory and see what to sell and what to fix.

"Captain, a moment?" Zorp-2-5 interrupted Rasel's reverie and admiration of the ceiling. "When I came aboard with Windborn and Lucius, we shared with you our shared past. What I did not share was my past before that"

Rasel raised an eyebrow "you were a mercenary and left for dead, or so I was led to believe"

Zorp-2-5 cocked his head, "Or so I thought as well Captain. Before Windborn's tribe found me in the wastes I have no memory. That part of my core was damaged. A few weeks ago I came across some feeds that make me question my origins and that backstory"

"Zorp-2-5, you are a core member of my crew and whatever I can do to help, rest assured, I'll do"

"Thank you Captain. I may have a come across a lead on M'Neh and will keep you informed of any developments" 

Battle (Mystery Rival-Slippery Ground, Loot Cache, Brought Friends)

 "Hey You- Spacer Scum" a hardened man, a raider no doubt, flanked on either side by similar ilk on either side armed with handguns and ripper swords stood guard. "You took my nephew you down on the docks and then insulted our family honor by posting pics of him in his defeat! I claim my rights by clan law!"

Rasel glanced at Zorp-2-5. The crew of the Gypsy Winds was finishing the last of their patrols  as part of the security contract to Prefect Destinar.

"Zaxton did post some photos after his first mission with us Captain. I believe this the foe that is has been trying to besmirch our name" Zorp-2-5 supplied. I detect three more adversaries moving on our position"

 

Aftermath

 "Well now we know who has been shadowing us. What did we learn Zorp-2-5?", Rasel asked at the crew table.

"The pack we recovered contained quite a few data chips Captain. They had a data slate, indicating they were on a mission and we were targets of opportunity. In addition they had data on each of us, including myself which I had not know until now (+3 rumors). Two of the chips contained blackmail and contact information for two local corporations. The Clan itself mainly takes on raiding mission outside of the City and occasionally offworld. Most of their recruits come from the local gangs. They do not appear to be a serious threat, but they will probably be persistent."

"I'll reach out to those corporations and see if we can earn some goodwill. Keep your eyes and ears open folks. I don't want any of us having an accident."

Gypsy Winds: Turn 5 - Gardens of Peace

  Turn 5 - World of M'Neh 

The crew of the Gypsy Winds was celebrating at "The Wounded Duck", a not so popular dive in the Spacer Area. The loan on the Gypsy Winds was paid in full, now the crew could start banking away their retirement and think about adding some upgrades to the ship.

The bar came to a lowered murmur, as a team of local law enforcers walked in. Their leader quickly scanned the bar, the discomfort of being there evident on his face. He strode over to Rasel and pulled an envelope from a satchel. "Rasel Hafhorne? Administrator Destinar sends her compliments and salutations" When Rasel took the envelope, the enforcer purposefully strode for the exit and the bar noise promptly went back as if nothing had happened. Rasel grinned somewhat bemusedly at his crew and opened the envelope.

Bon chance mon Capitan! Thank you for understanding the mix up with the Blood Storm mercenaries. Your actions demonstrated the inadequacies of the Blood Storm in following their contract for our security needs. As such, we find ourselves in need of a new security team for the upcoming Remembrance Day celebrations. 

There is some chatter that a radical group of Feral dissidents, calling themselves the "Fawnist Dawn" may try and create some trouble. While I and my government are confident that our security teams can handle any threat planned by such animals, I have personal concern about minor vandalism to historical areas in the city. Included is a map marked with my areas of interest. Pardon my old fashioned eccentries for not sending this digital, but I enjoy the simpler ways some times.

At the conclusion of the Remembrance Day events, please send Nora over to collect your fee.

Chasse en toute securite!

Sub Adminsitrator, Precinct XIX Chiandra Destinar

Battle (No conditions, Loot Cache, Patrol)

"Cemeteries give me the creeps", whined Zaxton

"I dunno, it is nice and tranquil. Just think it as a park with lots of statues. A statue garden", said Nora

"Why do the call it Rem-brance Day, when the parties last all week? And why would anyone be upset about it?", Roc asked.

"Like most colonies, M'Neh has some dark periods. In M'Neh's case, Ferals were not treated well during the founding years. I can research more and give you a more complete summary upon our return" offered Zorp-2-5

"No need Zorp-2-5, I think that group over there with the Mk II Security bot wants to give us an education now"

Aftermath

 "I think there was serious coin behind those guys", opined Roc. " Screen generator, seeker sights and a Mk II security bot- pttth, we're just lucky they didn't have the training or spine to know what they were doing"

Nora reached over the table to grab another protein bar, "Chiandra didn't seem too concerned, just pleased her ancestor's grave wasn't disturbed. She introduced me to some of the other hob nobs on the hill that were also grateful."

"That crate of credits we found by the marker, was logically the mercenaries pay to do the deed", added Zorp-2-5

Suddenly a glop of orange goo dropped from the ceiling onto the table . "Uh, Captain?" Windborn asked.

"Since Stella has been gone, we haven't had anyone to adjust the life support. Guess we'll have to pay for that neglect now"

Gypsy Winds: Turn 4 - Working for the Man

 Turn 4 - World of M'Neh 

 Zorp-2-5 and Nora both rushed into Rasel's makeshift office in the cargo hold. Nora was bursting with excitement. Zorp-2-5 was, well a soulless, but the way he was shifting his weight indicated to Rasel he had something to share. "Go ahead Nora"

"Captain, while wandering the city I found this great cafe and met a government matron that offered us a job. It's just a routine delivery, but there is some VIP whose bodyguards won't let anyone near the public terminals. I think she was more interested in ...err," Nora turned red as Turovian eggplant, "anyway, she has never heard of the Gypsy Winds, but offered a nice bonus and congratulatory dinner if I can deliver"

"Zorp-2-5? You have anything to add?" Rasel looked over.

" No, Captain. I did find a meeting place of those bad mouthing us. If we want to confront them, but Nora's offer sounds like the more profitable one."

Battle (No conditions, peculiar item, delivery)

"Why do these deliveries always have to go to terminals in odd places?", asked Windborn

"If it was normal, they wouldn't hire us kid", Roc grinned. "Even so, it is weird they put a terminal in these ruins. Used to be a popular tourist spot, from what I heard"

 "Must be a real wanker of a 'VIP', since those bodyguards appear to be Blood Storm Mercs. No wonder everyone is getting chased off, they ain't the friendliest." 

 

Aftermath

 "So, there was no VIP?", asked Rasel as the crew was enjoying dinner at the Golden Probe.

Nora paused to finish her beer before responding, "Nope. Turns out another department had hired the mercs to keep people away from vent crawler infestation. Chiandra likes to walk in the park and thought it was a petty act against her" Nora took another swig in an attempt to hide her cheeks turning red.

" So it's Chiandra now?" Roc grinned and rose his eyebrow.

"Teasing aside. You did good Nora and your new friend kept up her end of the bargain", Rasel tried to ease Nora's discomfort.

"And did you see the look on that merc's face when the crawler popped out at his feet?" Zaxto started giggling.

"How did you see it, when you were running in the opposite direction?", asked Zorp-2-5

Everyone got a good laugh.

Gypsy Winds: Turn 3 - Courier Job

  Turn 3 - World of M'Neh

Nora and Zaxton are coming along in their training. Roc and Zorp-2-5 got a good find in those two, Rasel reflected as he headed to the meeting with their Patron, Hal Greetus. Hope they do as well on their trading spree today. Windborn is trying to track down whomever is talking smack about us as well, I don't like getting ambushed by rivals I didn't even know I had.

"Captain Hafhorne, so glad you could come by. And looking as fit as ever!" Hal Greetus ushered Rasel into his office. "I'll be quick Captain, I have a client that needs documents rushed to a particular terminal in the Spacer Area for a time sensitive transaction. If they don't get their by tomorrow, then the whole deal falls apart. I need your team's skills because another party wants to see the transaction fall apart. No Tax Agents this time, but probably some hired thugs. Can we count on you and your team?"

 

Battle (Gloomy, Really Shiny Bits, Delivery) 

"What's up with this area and fog?" Windbor muttered

"Probably more toxic fumes from..I got eyes on our opposition. Hang on, they look like A black Ops team- someone really doesn't want this deal to go down", declared Roc

"Let's just get to the terminal and be on our merry way. Maybe it's just coincidence", opined Rasel, hopefully. 

 

Aftermath

 " I dunno Captain, that team seemed to take the job personal, " said Zaxton

"Was it the 'we're gonna get you guys' coming from that last guy that tipped you off?" asked Nora

"We'll have to worry about them down the road. Pretty sure you're right Zaxton," replied Rasel. "But on the bright side, Greetus' client was so happy with our results that they reached out personally. We are starting to get a rep for getting things done, and with that comes some enemies.Everyone try and keep their wits about them when you're out and about"

Gypsy Winds: Turn 2 - Sitting on the Docking Bay

 Turn 2 - World of M'Neh 

"Hey Boss! While you been in sick bay, me and Zorpo found two candidates to join the crew. Nora Stankis, a human, and Zaxton Elios, one of them blue teleporters. He might come in handy getting into some tough spots. Windborn wandered the hills around the Spacer Area. He is till trying to cope with Lucius' death, but I think he found some peace." Roc shrugged. "We didn't want to bother Mr. Greetus without you, but I think I found us something."

Roc grinned, pleased  that he could bring some good news. "Met a guy who works security at the old docks. Been abandoned since some dummy mixed Tylerium and Diranium in the admin building, but the guv'mint stil wants it patrolled. Anyhoo, he said there has been some ganger activity and he's feeling a bit anxious, since his wife is expecting. We should be able to handle some ganger punks and be home before last call. Plus, there is a bounty on the lead ganger"

Battle (Gloomy, Priority Target, Patrol)

"I can't you believe you dragged us out in this fog, Roc. I might rust", Zorp-2-5 remarked.

"Nothing will ding that hide Zorpo, we just have to log into some terminals and call it a night. If we see some gangers, we might be able to collect a bounty and get you some motor oil", Roc retorted.

"Stow it guys. From that whooping in the distance, sounds like the gangers know we're here and are looking for action. Nora, you hang back and watch our six"

Aftermath

 "Good work everyone," Rasel toasted the crew, "Windborn suffered a flesh wound, but otherwise it was a walk in the proverbial park.  We collected a nice bounty on the big guy and the locals paid us a bit extra for making sure no one ran off with any of the scrap heap. We need to monitor our health badges closely for a bit, as some of those containers contained some nasty stuff"

Gypsy Winds: Turn 1- Death and Taxes

Turn 1 - World of M'Neh

After pooling all the assets together, the crew found they had 10 credits to the Gypsy Winds' name.

Rasel began to wonder if he made the right choice, as the 25 credit loan on a fuel hog of a ship began to seem an insurmountable challenge.

M'neh itself wasn't too unusual. No license is required to work, though the local government is a bit xenophobic and restricts travel to its visitors.

Stella's charm got her a permit to explore outside of the "Spacer Area" and hear of a reward for a missing item.

Roc went to the range and checked out all of the equipment for combat readiness.

Windborn and Lucius spent time in the bazaare and managed to find some decent trade goods and high quality booze.

Zorp-2-5 got a lead on a job and took Rasel along for the final negotations. They met up with Hal Greetus, an accountant with a shop on the edge of the Spacer Area. He explained he was in need of some immediate assistance and was willing to pay out an additional 3 credits for the urgency. One of his clients had come into some recent wealth, and Hal was concerned because some shadowy figures had been lingering around his office. Hal feared might want to break in and get his client's records for blackmail or worse, a tax audit. Where the wealth came from was too technical to explain, Hal said. Just protect his office at night and earn the pay.

Battle (Brief engagement, Person of Interest, Fight Off)

"Those don't look like shadowy figures, those are Unity Tax Agents! Things just went from paranoia to ugly real fast!", Rasel exclaimed.

"Captain, the fifth figure in the square appears to be a local gunslinger of note, Heidi "Oneshot". She appears to casually shadowing the agents", reported Zorp-2-5

"I hope they aren't here for the reward package- that's all mine!" chimed in in Stella.

"Ok folks, it's time to earn our pay, UTAs or not"

Aftermath

" uggh, what happened?" Rasel awoke, hurting all over and disoriented .

"It was bad Boss, real bad" Roc shook his head. "Who would have thought Tax agents be packing Plasma rifles?" Roc shrugged, "but we had them on the ropes until those reinforcements came in, right where you were dodging" Roc's shoulders slumped. "Me and Windborn ran the rest off and got you to the ER, but we lost Stella and Lucius"

"Zorp-2-5 managed to block a beam with his sword, lost the sword but didn't damage his hide none. Mr. Greetus smoothed things over with the law and was surprised about who we fought. Can't read him enough to know if he is playing us straight, but he paid up and said he wants to throw more work our way"

"And we managed to recover Stella's package and keep that bystander safe. But it was still a stiff price to pay. You rest up Boss, me and Zorpo will keep the kid in check."

Five Parsecs From Home- The Gypsy Winds

 Through Weight of Fire and TheSoloWargamingShow Five Parsecs From Home came to my attention.

So far I love the character generation and here is what I have so far for my band of misfits:

Rasel Hafhorne's parents were scientists, working all sorts of government contracts and dragging him to far off sites. He saw the stress it gave his parents when they had to do experimentation on the innocent and unsuspecting, and even though he couldn't know the details, his young mind conjured all sorts of horrors. He vowed he wouldn't be caught in that same trap to better Unity. When he turned of age he signed on with the first freighter he could and got out. Now he finally can realize his dream. He got an old battered mining ship, which he renamed Gypsy Winds, threw out some flyers and had a recruitment fair at the closest bar. Now, with a week gone by, his new crew is ready to come together.

Stella Ramcon- the girl has stars in her eyes, but Rasel can't tell if it's over dreams of glory or the idea of snatching his cred pouch. She grew up on a space station and has already bettered the Life Support systems and regaled the crew with some her exploits.

Roc Hanson- like Rasel, his parents were techs for Unity. Unlike Rasel, his blue collar work ethic pushed him into security and punching a time clock. He has come to the realization that the glory isn't going to be found being a rent-a-cop, and just happened to be in the bar after his corporate contract ended.

The last three crew came as an odd package. Zorp-2-5, a soulless, was working as a mercenary on some backwater when things went south and he/she/it was left to rust. Windborn's nomadic tribe found Zorp-2-5 and did what they could to get him functioning again. Lucius Fregatti grew up on the same planet at a fledgling colony on the edge of the wasteland. Being one of the few people trained in technology, Windborn and Zorp-2-5 sought him out when the tribe came to trade at the colony.While celebrating their newfound friendship, the trio found some sort of trouble, but won't elaborate. The three left the planet think they have found a new home on the Gypsy Winds.

Five Parsecs From Home