ic Crash on Volturnus (IC)

[Thevshi]

GM

 

The Kurabanda led Starshot and his crew over toward another large platform and into a long structure that was built over much of this particular platform.  Inside were several long tables with crude wooden benches set up.  The inside of the building smelled of roasted meats and other foods, which were spread out over the tables.  Starshot and his crew were led to a place over near where the chief and his son sat and soon the feats was underway.

 

There was ample food and drink and plenty of stories of great hunts and battles that were told by Kurabanda warriors and translated for their guests by Ermorda.  During the feast Starshot learned that the massive trees that filed this forest, and that the Kurabanda called home, were called Bachanda trees.

 

After several hours, Starshot and his crew made their way back to the hut that had been provided them.  Soon they were off to sleep to prepare for heading out to find the pirates in the morning.

 

The next morning, they were awoken by sunlight streaming into the hut and Ermorda and five other warriors arriving to inform them that they were their guides.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

Starshot awoke refreshed, dreaming of endless Bachanda trees that filled the air from horizon to horizon. It was rather pleasant dream, replying over and over as his mind processed the sensations of the forest. And he had ate well, which always meant an easy sleep. 

 

He checked his equipment again, as was ritual, and took a moment to breathe in the forest. Moments of quite contemplation, even if they could not be called meditation, were important. They allowed reflection. 

 

"A war party, it seems" he told his crew. "One I gladly partake in. I know we will be victorious, but hubris can collapse any war. Focus, and we shall win. And besides, they fight for money, we fight for people..."

 

Then, it was time to start the journey...

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Laark and Soreen checked all of their gear as well, adding in some salted meats and other food provided by the Kurabanda.  The group's water supply had been topped off once more as well.  Ermorda and the warriors accompanying him were each carrying a bow, a quiver of arrows, an metal axe and a satchel in which they carried their food and water.

 

As the group prepared to depart, Chief Auramanda came to see them off and soon they were back down on the forest floor, walking underneath the towering Bachanda trees.  Ermorda led them toward the east as they soon passed out of the area immediately around the Kurabanda village.  The continue on for several hours, until the sun has reached its zenith in the sky when Ermorda calls a halt to rest and have some food and water.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

Never one to turn down a rest, especially before a fight, Starshot quickly settled down under a the canopy of trees on a gnarled but comfortable tree root. 

 

He took the opportunity to talk, albeit clumsily, with Ermorda, trying to understand him and his people more. 

 

What did they believe in? What did they live off - hunting? gathering? farming?

 

He was always one to try and learn. And that included studying their bows and arrows. 

 

But more importantly, he asked about the sky pirates. 

 

When did they arrive? What did they want? What have they done?

 

And, with a mind for war, how many of them where there?

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Ermorda tried his best to answer Starshot's questions, but there were often some difficulties given his incomplete knowledge of Gal Standard.  But Starshot was able to get a picture that the Kurabanda were a group that valued physical prowess in high regard, respecting those that were good hunters and fighters and individuals that uphold the honor of family.  Family appeared to be the basis of their society and everything else built on that.  They were primarily hunters and gatherers, but had learned at least some basic agriculture in that they nurtured and cared for the fruits and vegetables they harvested, insuring a renewing supply.

 

Their bows were well made, built with a draw that reflected the particular strength of the wilder.  The arrows were as well made as one could expect given their resources, straight shafts, well maintained fletchings and metal arrowheads.

 

When discussing the pirates, Ermorda answered the questions regarding how long they had been there in terms of moon phases.   As Starshot was not familiar with the phases of the planets moons, he could only guess that the pirates had been on the planet for anywhere from seven months to a little over a year.  Ermorda explained there had been others from the far sky that arrived before the pirates, but they were willing to trade with the Kurabanda and did not attack or capture them.  He believes the pirates either drove away or killed these others.  He could not answer for certain how many pirates there were, but the outpost they were heading toward usually had about a dozen, although the pirates they had faced the day before were likely among that number.

 

As Starshot was talking with Ermorda, he noticed up in the tree above them, what appeared to be multiple long tentacles lowering down through the leaves on the branches…

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

Starshot listened attentively and respectfully. Some aspects of their culture fitted well, some less so. He was not a family man, nor would he ever be. For him, one was defined by ones actions, not by ones bloodline. 

 

It was interesting to hear how long the pirates had been on the planet. A long time, although one could not be precise about it. The odds seemed reasonable, if not ideal. He had expected worse. 

 

Seeing the tentacles he grunted in a mute way. They looked frightening, but that did not mean they should be. 

 

"What's that?" he asked Ermorda, pointing. He reached out for Phalen's blaster rifle, just in case, although he would have preferred a machete...

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Ermorda looked up to where Starshot was pointing and his eyes opened wide with fear.  He immediately shouted out something in his native tongue as he began gathering up his weapons.  "Move, safety!"  He yelled simply in Gal Standard.  The other Kurabanda moved quickly to scope up anything they had out and run away from the tree the group had been sitting under.

 

Soreen was slightly caught off guard, but grabbed her pack and was soon moving after the Kurabanda.  Laark had to half drag Phalen, but was able to get clear as well. 

 

Stopping a short distance away, Starshot was able to safely look back at the Bachanda tree to see what was happening.  Now that he had a better vantage point, the space hunter could see several creatures that looked like flying jellyfish had settled over the tree.  Each was about four meters in width and had long tentacles that dropped down into the foliage of the tree.  The creatures hovered in place for a time, Starshot able to watch as the tentacles seemed to release acid which broke down the organic matter in the foliage, so the creatures were able to consume it.  After a few minutes, the creatures floated away, leaving a large section of the Bachanda tree stripped bare of foliage and scarred by the acid.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"Poisonous as well as acidic, I guess" muttered Starshot to himself and Emodora. He flipped down his helmet, partially to assess the situation, partially because he didn't want to chew any trailing tentacles. 

 

He flipped through IR and UV modes, and gave an X-Ray scan of the creature, although if it was a Jellyfish - or related - the scans would be dull and useless. 

 

To Soreen and Laark he continued. "Looks like acid is a common trait for the fauna here. I would guess the flora too. Best be on the alert for that, or we will need some top grade plastic surgery for the scars..."

 

He mused a possibility. 

 

"But we could use this to our advantage?" he asked Emodora "these creatures would make fine distraction when we attack the pirates? Can we point them that way? or draw them to the camp?"

 

Even if not, that acid might be a handy way to make the arrowheads effective against Pirate bi-lattice mesh armour...

 

 

[Thevshi]

GM

 

"I thought it was pretty much a given that the majority of things on this planet were trying to kill us."  Soreen responded.

 

Starshot’s examination of the creatures did not reveal very much, they seemed rather similar to jellyfish, soft tissue interiors and some glands that perhaps produced the acid.  One difference than jellyfish was there appeared to be some air sacs that were occasionally puffing full of some gas, or letting it out, allowing the large creatures to rise or descend in the air.  There were openings around the sides of the dome shaped top to allow it use the gas to direct its movements in the air.

 

"Kurabanda scare them away from village by using smoke and fire."  Ermorda replied.  "But demons from far sky still long journey, not likely able to steer these that far."

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"Shame" replied Starshot. "But it does bring my mind to the subject of tactics. Namely, do we have any?"

 

"I would prefer the element of surprise. We must seek to fight on our terms, with every advantage. Surprise, distraction, misdirection. It has been some time since I have been a solider" he explained, thinking back to the grim dance of world war 2 "but I have not completely forgotten. How does your tribe fight in a war?"

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Starshot began speaking with Ermorda, each doing what they could to work around the language barrier that existed.  From the conversation, Starshot realized that while the Kurabanda were skilled hunters and prized that and general fighting ability, they did not seem to have much history in terms of large scale warfare amongst the various tribes.  While certainly members of different clans or tribes might come into conflict if one group found the other trespassing on their hunting grounds, it turned out the Kurabanda actually had something of a legal system based on tradition and custom, where a council of elders from within a clan would hear complaints of various kinds, including disputes over hunting boundaries.

 

So their ideas are primarily based on their experiences as hunters and the fighting skills they have developed to defend themselves against the dangers that exist within the forests.  While Ermorda and his warriors certainly understand the concept of an ambush, they did not seem to have much understanding of how to conduct an assault any sort of fortified location.    

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

Starshot pondered the matter carefully. The tribe were no strangers to stealth and ambush, which was a start. But also, it seemed, it was the finish. Hunting gave valuable skills, but it was designed for animals. They were facing something quite different. 

 

And he said so. 

 

"Fighting the pirates...the sky demons....will be different to fighting animals. I am sure you are brave, fast, and strong. But this will be different to hunting" he explained. "They will be prepared, and they will no how to fight back"

 

"We must hunt in a different way...." he offered, hopeful that they would be flexible enough to at least try. 

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Ermorda listend as Starshot tried to explain how fighting the pirates would be different than anything the Kurabanda were accustomed to.  The young warrior seemed to understand what the veteran hunter was saying, nodding as Starshot finished.  "Starshot show Kurabanda what needs to be done, Kurabanda do what necessary to drive away demons from far sky."  He replied, gesturing to himself and the other warriors that had accompanied them.

 

He turned slightly and called out something in his native language, the other Kurabanda warriors all called out in response, rising their bows or axes.  Ermorda then looked back to Starshot as he spoke in Gal Standard once more.  "Kurabanda ready to follow whatever Starshot ask." 

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

That has avoided a slaughter. 

 

Starshot felt satisfied, even if there would be blood spilled. At least they would be in a position to limit the amount of blood. 

 

"Thank you. May your bravery see us through" he said, simply. 

 

To Sorreen and Laark he gave more measured appraisal, explaining the strengths and limitations of the Kurabanda. 

 

"With luck we will have surprise on our hands, but we need to take careful stock of the Pirates, particularly if they are fortified. The Kurabanda are hunters, not warriors, and it is up to us to make the most of that. We need to disable and neutralise their defences"

 

With that said, there was, to his mind, nothing more to be done but to move forward. 

[Thevshi]

GM

 

"Likely best to try to approach by night."  Laark commented.  "The pirates may have access to technology to overcome that, but they may also be complacent if they do not fear that any of the natives here can be a threat to them."

 

"If we can get near without being noticed and can watch them for a bit, I can see what I might be able to do to overcome any defense systems they may have."  Soreen added.

 

The group fell back into following Ermorda and the Kurabanda through the dense forest.  They stopped for a second night, which passed uneventfully.  The next morning they were off once more, and by mid-afternoon reached the shore of a vast lake.  The lake appeared to be several kilometers across, the far shore very distant.  It continued toward the south and the north, opening up considerably to the north.  As Starshot and his crew looked out at the lake, the could see what appeared to be some sort darker patches scattered along the surface of the water.

 

"Kurabanda forests surround black water."  Ermorda explained, pointing generally toward the north.  "Demons from far sky that direction."  The Kurabanda stated, pointing along the shore of the lake to the south.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"Then that is where we must go"

 

But how...?

 

Amphibious? It was high risk, for the pirates would not expect them to come from that direction. But if caught...

 

"Can we approach by the black water?" he asked Ermorda. "The tribe is of the trees, not the water. I would not place you in dangerous terrain, which you do not know"

 

"But perhaps I could come from that direction...underwater, unseen...." he offered, aware that whilst he preferred land, he was quite able to swim and his helmet could provide oxygen for two hours. More than enough for an approach. 

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Sareen gave Starshot a skeptical look.  "Given all the strange creatures we have encountered thus far, you really want to get into that water?"  She asked.  "You're more likely to end up somethings dinner than sneak up on anything."

 

Emorda shook his head at the discussion of approaching from the water.  "Demons from far sky not next to shore of black water, they build their strong huts well away.  Surrounded by burning sand.  Demons from far sky likely to spot anything on black water that come near their strong huts." 

 

"That sounds like more desert."  Laark replied.  "Could make it much more difficult to approach, at least during the day."

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

This gave Starshot pause for thought. "You make a good point!" he chuckled. "Who knows what lives underwater!"

 

"It will have to be a night approach. Although I like this less and less. They may have - the probably do have - night vision equipment. Ultraviolent, Infrared. Even if it is our best bet, it could go against us..." he said, grim now. 

 

"We will need to carefully coordinate the attack. Multiple angles. Distractions. I think those grenades could work well - if you fancy using them, Laark?" he said with a smile. "The difficulty will be getting close enough. It will have to be fast, and brutal. They have chosen their base well - open sands all around"

 

"What do we have for camouflage, or mounts?" he asked Emorda. "For we must either be unseen or swift. And ideally both..."

[Thevshi]

GM

 

"Mounts?"  Emorda asked with a puzzled look.  It took a bit of back and forth before he had the basic idea what Starshot was talking about.  "No, Kurabanda have no mounts, we not like Ul-Mor."  He then replied.

 

Soreen then spoke up, "Well, if we can gather some solid branches and had some twine and hides, we might be able to make some sort of frame that we could cover with the hides and then camouflage on the outside of the hides.  That would allow at least some of us to be hidden underneath to try to get closer without detection."

"Kurabanda can provide hides."  Emorda then added.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"Better than nothing. Slow and stealthy it is..." he agreed. 

 

But he was not happy. They might well shield against eyes, but infrared scanners? or radar systems? He could only hope the Pirates were not that prepared. If they were, it would be a grim assault out on the desert. 

 

And he said as much in private, to his crew-mates. 

 

"This is an awful risk. But I don't think we have any choice. The pirates aren't fools. Setting up camp in the flats of the desert was wise. I hope there are enough dunes to plot a more careful path out of eyeshot. But this looks like the odds are against us" he explained, tasting bitter fruit. 

 

"Still, we must do with what he have. If they spot us, we have little option but to fight it out. I have only one idea, which involves those grenades..."

 

He explained the back up. He would use his cybernetic hand, small, fast, and removable, to drop a grenade or two as a distraction. It wasn't ideal, but his hand would be hard to spot and fast...enough to give them a little breathing space. 

[Thevshi]

GM

 

"Kurabanda gather hides then."  Emorda replied before looking over at the other Kurabanda and speaking to them in their language.  The Kurbanda then all headed off into the forest, drawing their bows.

 

With the Kurabanda off to hunt, Starshot was left with his crewmembers to continue discussing possible tactics. 

 

"Well, we won't know quite what we are up against until we can get to where we can at least look at the camp with macrobinoculars."  Soreen replied.  "But the odds were never really going to be in our favor we just have to take things as they come.  Again, it is our only shot at getting what we need to get off this planet."

 

Laark nodded as Starshot discussed a possible tactic with some of the grenades they had obtained from the pirate raiding party.  "I have brought these along for just such possibility."  He replied with a nod.

Phalen remained off to one side, quietly mumbling to himself.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"That useless...." muttered Starshot under his breath. 

 

At least they had half a plan. Maybe 55% of a plan. 

 

It was true the odds were never going to fall kindly, but they had to make the most of the situation. With guts and blood if need be. 

 

But Phalen....

 

"If you have anything to say, now's the time to say it" he said grimly to the mad alien. "Because if you don't, then we all might die, and not in a good way. If you ever want to get off this planet. Or even just live on it, you should start talking!"

[Thevshi]

GM

 

As before, Phalen did not respond to Starshot, turning slightly away from the space hunter.  Although he had become more comfortable with the group, not trying to fight them or escape all the time, he was till withdrawn and non-responsive.

 

A short while later, Emorda and the other Kurabanda returned, dragging the carcasses of some animals they had killed.  Starting a fire, they proceeded to clean and skin the kills, as well as cut of the best meat which some of them smoked while the others were preparing the skins.

 

Laark and Soreen had gathered a number of long, sturdy branches that could be used to create a frame, stacking them off to one side.

 

Looking over at where the Kurabanda were working, Soreen seemed lost in thought for a moment before she said, "another possible thought…if we find a suitable place near the camp, perhaps we could start a fire that gives off a lot of smoke, draw some of them out and into an ambush?"

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

Shell-shocked...mind gone....bah!

 

Starshot threw up his hands in exasperation at the withdrawn Alien. A spiteful ironical wish hit him; that they would all die and it would be Phalen's fault. He allowed himself the spiteful thought, but tore it up in his head before it lingered. 

 

"A distraction, yes. This was my thinking. And fire is as good a distraction as anything" he agreed with Soreen. "It may work, it may not, but there is nothing to be lost by the attempt" he said, thinking it through. "And we need every chance we can get"

 

"We could possibly even try to trap the area, pits, snares. Enough to slow them down" he suggested. "We have time on our side, at least. Let us not squander that one advantage. Every preparation we can make, we should make..."

 

He sat back, turning the problem over and over in his head. But as far as he could see, they had a plan. And it was time to execute it - slowly, carefully, and with every preparation and cunning they could muster....

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Once the Kurabanda were done preparing the hides and smoking some of the meat, they and Laark took some of the longest branches he and Soreen had collected, connecting several hides to them to make a sort of litter.  This allowed them to store the additional hides, the smoked meat and other items they might need (such as leaves and smaller branches for a possible fire) in a more effective means of transporting it all.

 

It was dark before they were done with the preparations for the day, so the group set up camp a short distance from the water's edge.  Watches were established, but the night passed uneventfully. 

 

The next morning all the supplies were gathered up and the group started off once more.  It was only a few hours after sunrise that they reached the edge of the desert, moving out of the shade of the towering Bachanda trees and back out onto the hot sands.

 

Now Starshot once again took a bit more of the lead, having to use his helmet's sensors to watch for any of the creatures that made their homes underneath the sands, waiting for a victim to pass over them.