Campaign Turn 3 is begun! Here is my write up (with ChatGPT's assistance) for the pre-battle activities of Campaign Turn 3.
Upkeep
As Bricken heads to the market to purchase the crew's supplies, he encounters Trax, a local supplier. Trax greets him with a nod.
"Hey there, Bricken. Good to see you. How can I help you today?"
"I'm here to buy our usual supplies, Trax. We need food and some other essentials to keep the ship running smoothly," Bricken replies.
"Sure thing. I can get you what you need, but the price of food has gone up a bit since the last time you were here. It'll cost you about 0.75 credits this time around."
Bricken raises an eyebrow. "That's a bit steep. Any particular reason for the increase?"
Trax sighs. "The planet's been getting more and more unstable lately. There have been some uprisings and riots in the nearby cities, and it's starting to impact the supply chain. I've had to pay more to get the goods I need, so unfortunately, that cost gets passed on to you."
Bricken nods understandingly. "I see. Well, I suppose we have to pay the price for stability. What about the other supplies?"
Trax scratches his chin. "Well, the price of fuel is holding steady at 0.2 credits, and I can give you some replacement parts for the ship's systems for about 0.05 credits. All in all, it'll come to about 1 credit for everything."
Bricken nods and hands over the credit. "Thanks, Trax. Say, have you heard anything about salvaging old ships? We're looking for a way to make some extra cash."
Trax shakes his head. "Sorry, can't say I have. With the planet in such a state, most people are just trying to get by. But keep your ears open, you never know what you might come across."
Bricken nods and takes the supplies back to the ship.
Ship's Debt
Brister went to the bank to arrange the transfer of payment to the creditor holding the loan on the Hard Bargain. However, as he approached the teller, he couldn't help but notice the uneasy look on the teller's face.
"Is there a problem?" Brister asked, trying to remain calm.
The teller hesitated before responding, "Well, it's just that...with the growing instability on the planet, we're becoming more cautious with our financial transactions. We want to make sure that everything is legitimate."
Brister understood the concern but couldn't let it delay the transfer. He quickly provided the necessary documentation and confirmed the transfer of credits to the creditor. As he left the bank, he couldn't help but worry about the impact of the growing instability on their ability to find work and pay off their debt.
Med Bay
Esan walked into the medical bay and saw Hivoo sitting on his bed, reading a book. She could tell he was getting restless. She walked over to him and sat down next to him.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
Hivoo put his book down and looked at her. "I'm feeling much better, thank you," he replied. "But I'm getting tired of being stuck in here."
Esan nodded sympathetically. "I understand. But you need to take it easy for a little while longer. You were hurt pretty badly."
Hivoo sighed. "I know. But I'm ready to get back to work. I don't want to be a burden on the crew."
Esan put a hand on his shoulder. "You're not a burden, Hivoo. We're a team, and we look out for each other."
Hivoo nodded, but she could tell he wasn't convinced. "I just don't want to be useless. I want to contribute to the crew's success."
Esan smiled. "You already have, Hivoo. You saved our lives back there. And when you're back on your feet, you'll be a valuable member of the team."
Hivoo smiled back at her. "Thanks, Esan. I appreciate that."
Just then, Brister walked into the medical bay. "Hivoo, I've got good news for you. You're clear to leave the med bay tomorrow. But take it easy for a while, okay?"
Hivoo's face lit up. "Thanks, Brister! I promise I won't do anything too crazy."
Esan stood up and patted him on the shoulder. "I'll keep an eye on him, Brister. Don't worry."
As Hivoo gathered his things and left the medical bay, Esan couldn't help but worry about him. She knew he was still recovering, and she didn't want him to push himself too hard. But she also knew that Hivoo was determined to be a part of the crew, and she respected that.
Training
Bricken knew he needed to improve his reaction speed if he wanted to stay alive in future battles. He had been researching different training methods for weeks, but nothing seemed to fit the bill. That is until he stumbled upon a VR training program that promised to increase reaction times by up to 30%.
Excitedly, Bricken downloaded the program and began his training. The program consisted of a series of simulations designed to test and improve reaction time. Bricken started off slow, but as he got used to the program, he found himself getting faster and faster.
As the days went by, Bricken felt his reaction times getting quicker. He was able to react to threats faster than ever before, and he was more confident in his abilities. It was a good thing, too, as the crew had been encountering more dangerous situations lately.
Bricken was grateful for the training program and knew that it had made him a better fighter. He was ready for whatever lay ahead.
Market
As Masu and Esan wandered through the busy market, they couldn't help but marvel at the variety of goods available. The bustling bazaar was a mishmash of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to advanced technology. The scent of exotic spices filled the air as vendors shouted out their wares to passersby.
Masu was on the hunt for a laser sight to upgrade one of their pistols, and Esan was looking for a new melee weapon. They split up and agreed to meet back at the entrance in an hour.
Masu scanned the stalls, his eyes flicking from one item to the next. He stopped at a stall run by a grizzled old vendor with a twinkle in his eye.
"Looking for something special, are we?" he said, sizing her up.
"Yes," Masu replied, "I'm looking for a laser sight. Do you have any?"
The vendor stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I might have something that would interest you. It's a gently used sight, but it will need a bit of repair. I can let it go for 0.5 credits."
Masu examined the sight carefully. "I think we can work with this. Deal."
Meanwhile, Esan was drawn to a stall selling a variety of weapons, from sharp blades to heavy clubs. She was searching for something unique, something that would set her apart from the rest of the crew.
As she browsed, a massive orcish vendor approached her. "What can I do for you, little one?"
Esan grinned up at him. "I'm looking for a weapon. Something brutal."
The orc's eyes lit up. "Ah, I have just the thing." He reached under his table and pulled out a massive mace, adorned with spikes and engravings. "This weapon has seen its fair share of battles. It's one of a kind. I can let it go for 0.7 credits."
Esan hefted the mace, testing its weight. She grinned. "I'll take it."
As they regrouped at the entrance, Masu and Esan compared their finds. Masu nodded approvingly as he inspected the laser sight. "This should come in handy. And that mace… It's a beauty. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that in a fight.
Patron JobsRege and Brister were on a mission to find a new patron job, but it seemed as though the universe was conspiring against them. They had reached out to Alexander Novak, but he was off-planet and unavailable. They had also explored other avenues, but with no luck.
As they made their way through the busy market, Brister couldn't help but feel frustrated. "This is ridiculous," he muttered under his breath. "We need a job, and we need it fast."
Rege nodded in agreement, looking around at the hustle and bustle of the market. "I know. But it's not like they're just lying around waiting for us to find them."
Just then, a familiar voice caught their attention. "Hey, you two. Over here."
They turned to see Titus Fairchild waving them over. Brister and Rege exchanged a surprised glance before making their way over to him.
"Fairchild, it's good to see you," Brister said, offering a handshake.
"Likewise," Fairchild replied. "I take it you're still in the market for a job?"
"You read our minds," Rege said, smiling.
Fairchild chuckled. "Well, I might have something for you. The job I offered last turn is still available, and the rewards are the same. Two credits danger pay, a choice pick from my company store, and transport to the job site."
Brister frowned slightly. "Transport? How many can you take?"
Fairchild's expression grew apologetic. "I'm afraid my ship can only hold a crew of four."
Rege and Brister exchanged a quick glance before turning back to Fairchild. "We'll have to talk it over with the rest of the crew," Rege said firmly.
"Excellent," Fairchild replied, handing them a datapad with the details of the job. "I'll give you some time to think it over, but I'll need an answer soon."
Brister and Rege nodded, and Fairchild made his way back into the bustling market.
As they walked away, Brister couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "I don't like being boxed in like this," he muttered.
Rege put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll make it work. Besides, we need the credits."
Brister sighed. "I know. But I can't shake the feeling that something's not right."
Brister's unease was almost prophetic.
Decision Time
The crew gathered around the main table in the mess hall, listening as Rege laid out the details of the only available patron job. Brister leaned forward, his interest piqued. "So, what's the deal?"
Rege leaned back in his chair, a serious look on his face. "Fairchild needs us to retrieve an item from the transient sector. But there's a catch - there are four primitive creatures armed with only melee weapons running loose in the area. We have to get the item and get out within six rounds of combat."
Masu raised an eyebrow. "Primitive creatures? Like, humanoids?"
Rege nodded. "That's what Fairchild said. He didn't give us any more details than that."
Esan frowned. "And after we get the item?"
"We have to get half the crew across the sector with no time limit," Rege continued. "But Fairchild did mention that there's a cache of high-value supplies hidden somewhere in the sector. If we find it, we can take what we want and earn another two credits."
Bricken scratched his chin. "So it's a four-on-four fight, and we get some extra loot if we find the cache. But we have to navigate the crowded sector, and there's been flash flooding lately."
Brister pointed out. "We can't take on a job like this with only four crew members."
"Who says we're taking the job?" Esan countered. "We could go for an opportunity mission instead. It might be easier and safer."
"But the reward wouldn't be as great," Rege interjected. "And we need the credits. We've got debts to pay off and supplies to buy."
"We'll have to be careful," Bricken said thoughtfully. "If we split up, Esan and I could set up at elevation and cover the area with our sniper rifles."
"Good idea," Rege agreed. "Esan and Bricken can take overwatch. Masu, you're the fastest. You'll go in and retrieve the item."
Brister looked unhappy with the decision. "I don't like the idea of splitting up," he grumbled.
"We don't have much of a choice," Rege said firmly. "We can use the terrain to our advantage. And we'll have the element of surprise."
After a moment, Brister reluctantly nodded his agreement. "Fine. But you'll have to be quick. And watch out for those creatures."
"We'll be careful," Rege promised. "And we'll come back with the goods."
The crew murmured their agreement, and Rege stood up, stretching. "Alright, let's get to work. We'll need to prep the ship and gear up for this one."
Accepting the Job
Rege made his way to the admin center to meet with Fairchild and finalize the details of the job. He found Fairchild waiting for him in a dimly lit corner.
"Captain Robail," Fairchild said, nodding his head in greeting. "I trust everything is in order for our mission."
Rege nodded, "Yes, everything's set on our end. We're ready to go as soon as your transport arrives."
Fairchild handed him a small data card. "This contains all the information you'll need for the mission, including the location of the item we need retrieved and the cache of supplies I mentioned earlier."
Rege took the data card and slipped it into his pocket. "Thanks. We'll get started as soon as we arrive."
Fairchild leaned in closer, "I should warn you, there have been reports of some unusual activity in the sector recently. Keep your wits about you and be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary."
Rege raised an eyebrow, "Unusual activity? What kind of activity?"
Fairchild hesitated for a moment, "I can't say for certain, but the increasing instability of the planet seems to be attracting all sorts of shady characters. They're rumored to be highly aggressive and extremely dangerous."
Rege took a deep breath, "We'll be careful. Thanks for the warning."
Fairchild nodded, "Good luck, Captain. My transport will be here shortly to pick you up."
Rege watched as Fairchild disappeared into the shadows, then turned and made his way back to the Hard Bargain. It might be time to think about moving on from Mariakorg before things get completely out of control.
Crew Photo
Transient Sector
OpponentsThe Twist
Unbeknownst to the crew (and to their Patron - maybe?) there is also a bounty hunter among the primitives that the crew is facing off against.