Evervigilant 32

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> The field oath-magister's field camp is primarily made of logistics vehicles dug into position, with prefab turret emplacements along a perimter wall and makeshift trenches.
<Vigilant_GM> Behind the main defense line, self-propelled artillery vehicles are set up, crews moving munitions while maintenance personnel clean the loading mechanisms.
<Vigilant_GM> Oath-Magister Prass exits his command vehicle just as your transport comes to a halt.
<Vigilant_GM> The Involute Cadre commanding officer waits for you to exit before heading into a prefab bunker at the center of the encampment.
* Baird climbs out of the transport and follows Prass inside the bunker.
* Nitrous follows
* Tony follows behind mostly with a look concern on his face
<Vigilant_GM> "War games," Prass says by way of explanation when you enter the structure where schematics, topography maps, and troop movements are being kept track of.
* Baird nods. "I see. It's important to stay in fighting form."
<Vigilant_GM> "Lieutenant, clear the chamber," he nods to one of the officers nearby.
* Velam follows just behind Baird, still shaken from the near miss earlier.
<Vigilant_GM> At this, everyone stops what they are doing, and you are left along with the oath-magister.
<Vigilant_GM> "Regretable business out there," he says offering you a seat.
* Nitrous takes a seat
* Baird thanks the Oath-Magister and sits down. "Agreed. My attempt was to convince your man to bring us to you so we could let you know who we are in person. As opposed to an open vox line. But circumstances got out of control rather quickly."
* Tony Takes a seat
<Vigilant_GM> "I have little to spare, but as your work is more important than mine at this moment, I will assist however I can."
* Shiv takes a seat and is still in visible pain.
<Baird> "Well the first thing I'll ask for is information. You're bound to have more knowledge of these..Wastes more so than us."
<Vigilant_GM> He nods, taking a seat of his own at the end of the large table.
<Vigilant_GM> "What is it you would like to know?"
* Velam takes a seat, slowly easing his aching back into it.
<Baird> "We are looking to make contact with a group in the wastes who are currently sneaking into the hive and combatting a common foe. They would have access to items I'd consider rare. We found a vox caster of theirs. But it has an encryption device inside of it."
<Vigilant_GM> "Not an uncommon practice among the smugglers who travel the wastes into the Hives."
* Baird reaches into his pocket and draws out one of the bone coins. "This was also among their belongings." Baird slides the coin down the table towards the Oath-Magister.
<Vigilant_GM> "Thaurian," he comments before even picking it up.
<Velam> "Yes, exactly sir. OFf-world." The savant nods to the Oath-Magister.
<Vigilant_GM> "Desoleum has many great figures entombed on the shrine world," he nods to Velam.
<Vigilant_GM> "Smugglers operating out of the Sector's Tributary Worlds, it would appear."
<Vigilant_GM> "I can have our signals experts look into the vox-caster's features. Perhaps its effects can be enhanced to allow you greater range."
<Baird> "That would be appreciated Oath-Magister."
<Vigilant_GM> With a nod, he activates a rune on his arm rest.
<Vigilant_GM> Shortly thereafter, a junior officer enters with a salute.
<Vigilant_GM> "Lieutenant. Take our guest's vox-caster over to Signals. My orders until the games are resumed are to have the device's capabilities fully understood and enhanced."
<Vigilant_GM> "As you command, Oath-Magister."
<Vigilant_GM> Doing as told, the officer leaves you. At that moment, Oath-Magister Prass turns to you once more. "Desoleum's best, I assure you. They will crack the mechanism."
<Baird> "Glad to hear it. While they work on the device I'd like for some medical attention to be arranged for my comrades if that is possible. They didn't do so well against your men."
<Vigilant_GM> "Of course. The camp's senior medicae staff will see to their wounds."
<Baird> "Appreciated Oath-Magister."
<Tony> "How much do you know about the Wastes Oath-Magister?"
<Baird> "The final thing I would ask of you Oath-Magister is a vehicle and resupply is possible. I imagine we will have further to go into these Emperor-forsaken wastes."
<Vigilant_GM> "I am sworn to wage war along its surfaces should the unimaginable occur, Acolyte. Until that day, I make sure my men are prepared to do so, becoming familiar with these lands to defend against an invader. In the process, I too have gained the requisite experience to operate in this unforgiving scape."
<Tony> "What dangers have have you faced out here?"
<Vigilant_GM> "To a force of this size, perhaps only the Glass Storms are any real threat. To a single man, however, the elements are not the only dangers. Kreaytex stalk and kill a man where they can. Sand stalkers can swallow you whole. And, of course, raiders."
<Vigilant_GM> "As for the matter of transport, there are a few options."
* Velam makes a few notes of the dangers the Oath-Magister mentions.
<Vigilant_GM> "I could lend you a taurox from the motor pool. Of course, it would have to be operated by one of my men to ensure its return - our Quartermaster wouldn't allow it otherwise. Otherwise, there are dune bikes available from our reconnaissance detail, though their range is limited. Now... if a stealthier approach is required..." he trails off and rises from his seat.
<Vigilant_GM> "Are you familiar with the glass steeds native to the wastes?"
<Baird> "Stealth is generally the preferred option..I can't say that I'm familiar beyond hearing of them in passing."
<Velam> "I have heard of these glass steeds, magnificent creatures. Fast, sturdy, and they need very little in the way of victuls. I've wondered about what they look like, though."
<Vigilant_GM> "I happen to have a stable of them here in camp."
<Velam> "Oh my, if you'd permit me Oath-Magister I'd like to visit this stable before we depart. Purely academic I assure you."
<Baird> "Ah, well given that not many of us are specialized in handling the animals, I think a Taurox would be the appropriate option."
<Vigilant_GM> He nods, "I will make it a point to have you taken to them. But, don't get too close. They do bite."
<Baird> "Stealth is by far preferable, but being trampled by your mount doesn't sound appealing."
<Vigilant_GM> "Very well. I will assign the vehicle to extended scouting detail. Should the need arise, can you operate its weapons? Autocannons and heavy stubbers."
<Baird> "That shouldn't be an issue."
* Velam bows his thanks to the Oath-Magister.
<Vigilant_GM> Prass opens the door, and waves over his aide once more. "Lieutenant, escort the gentleman scholar to the stables. My injured guests are to be taken to the medicae grounds and treated. Additionally, they are to be added to the extended patrol orders I will issue shortly."
<Vigilant_GM> "Yes, sir. Right way sir."
<Baird> "Thank you again Oath-Magister."
<Vigilant_GM> "Emperor be with you, Acolytes."
<Vigilant_GM> Two full hours pass before the wounded are ready for release. Another hour later, and Signals-Officer Vyule meets with you in a side chamber at the medicae grounds.
<Vigilant_GM> The voxcaster has had alterations made to it, you immediately notice. The pack is slightly bulkier, and its antennae are much taller.
<Baird> "I take it some adjustments were made."
<Vigilant_GM> He explains that due to a flaw in its mechanism, one which creates an interferance hiss as a result of the added encryption chip, he and his team have been able to modify the pack so as to 'track' signals.
<Vigilant_GM> "Allow me to demonstrate."
<Vigilant_GM> He makes adjustments to the extended pack, and soon a faint but audible tone begins.
<Vigilant_GM> "The nearer to an encrypted transmitter, the louder the tone," he explains.
<Vigilant_GM> "Because the smugglers are very particular about their encryption, the pack will only interact with signals it can decrypt. It can only be your mark."
<Baird> "That should help immensely, thank you Signal Officer."
<Vigilant_GM> "Only doing my duty, sir."
<Baird> "It is appreciated nonetheless." Baird nods toward the officer in thanks.
<Vigilant_GM> The roar of an engine approaches the center camp - your transport. Or, for official purposes, the extended patrol you will happily be able to board.
<Vigilant_GM> Coming to a halt, a balding operator opens the side-hatch and waves you over.
<Vigilant_GM> "Are you my detail?"
* Baird approaches the vehicle. "That is correct."
<Vigilant_GM> He wipes his wide nose on his sleeve before disappearing into the vehicle again.
<Vigilant_GM> "Come in!" you hear him call from within.
* Nitrous enters
* Velam enters the vehicle, finding a seat on one of the benches in the back.
* Baird enters the vehicle and climbs up to the pintle mount.
* Tony Walks into the vehicle and looks to the man
<Nitrous> "Autocannons are ready."
<Tony> "I can help you Co Pilot if you need help driving this big ol thing.""
<Vigilant_GM> "Still need to know where we're going," he turns to Tony. "Name's Artur, by the by."
<Tony> "Tony good to meet you, Our friend here knows the place."
* Tony as he points to Lano
<Vigilant_GM> Lano seems unwilling to speak to the vehicle's operator, instead focusing on his wound.
<Vigilant_GM> "Right," Artur finally says, "until you figure it out, I'm driving East."
* Shiv climbs into the back of the Taurox.
<Vigilant_GM> The engines are pushed, and the vehicle begins to move, kicking up sand and dust behind it.
<Vigilant_GM> After some careful maneuvering to exit the camp, Artur picks up the speed, traversing the dunes until a long ridge is reached, which he follows in an Easterly direction.
<Vigilant_GM> At this juncture, Lano opens up all the hatches to allow for some airflow, even if it allows dunesand into the vehicle.
<Velam> "So now we find the correct channel and follow the hum of the signal, correct? I think I have the idea of it."
<Baird> "I'll leave it to you then Logen."
<Velam> "Ah...right." The savant takes the vox-operators seat where the new and imrpoves vox is strapped in and begins to dial the machine in."
<Vigilant_GM> Utilizing the vox tracker, Velam is able to guide Artur in the direction of the signal, fairly successfully well into the afternoon.
<Vigilant_GM> Until, that is, the signal weakens and all but dies.
<Velam> "Oh my, that can't be good. I've lost the signal, friends."
<Nitrous> "I got a bad feeling about this."
<Nitrous> "Got a bogey on the horizon."
* Tony Seeing something he look closer with his Magnoculars
<Nitrous> "Watcha see detective?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Oh, no..." Lano comments poking his head out of the side-hatch.
<Tony> "That's a lot of Glass Shards, and it is coming our way Artur we need to change course."
<Vigilant_GM> He slams it shut, then. And frantically races for the next hatch to shut.
<Vigilant_GM> "Glass storm!"
<Velam> "Can this vehicle withstand this Glass storm?" He asks Artur the driver.
<Vigilant_GM> Terrible winds blow across the wastes, carrying dust, ash, and the glass-like vegetation that grows along the Desoleum wastelands. These projectiles fly at terrifying speeds as you soon realize when the massive thickening cloud blocks out the early evening sun as it races towards you.
<Vigilant_GM> Artur turns the vehicle such that its rear faces the incoming winds.
<Vigilant_GM> He shuts down the engines.
<Vigilant_GM> "Maybe... fuck. I don't know how bad this is going to be."
<Tony> "You guys up top get in here a Glass Storm about to hit."
<Velam> "Emperor's balls." And what that he starts praying to the God-Emperor, whispering prayers and litanies.
* Nitrous get's down and braces himself
* Velam straps himself in, while still praying.
* Baird slides shut the firing slits up top and clambers down into the main compartment with everyone else.
* Shiv hugs the floor of Taurox and yells "We gunna die... again!"
<Nitrous> "You keep saying that."
<Vigilant_GM> First, you feel the sands shifting around you, the tracks of the taurox adjusting to the flowing ground.
<Tony> "Well if we are going to be a bunch sitting Grox, may as well pass the time."
<Baird> "He always says that."
<Vigilant_GM> Then, suddenly, it's as though the floor has exploded into sand as the storm winds hit the vehicle directly; sand, ash, and dust flooding in from every possible way.
<Vigilant_GM> Those not already covering their faces are blinded by sand in their eyes, just as the whistling begins - the shards have started to fly all around you.
<Vigilant_GM> Striking and shattering against the taurox, the cacophany is absolute. If you tried, you would be unable to hear yourselves speak.
<Vigilant_GM> Lano sits low in the vehicle, swaying as he mutters a prayer.
<Baird> "Close the damn hatches!"
* Tony Tony realising the Slits are still open goes to close them
<Vigilant_GM> The vehicle groans and sways, crashing sounds amplifying.
* Shiv leaps up from the floor and closes the flaps with Tony.
<Vigilant_GM> The viewport shutters closed, the flow of sand is drastically reduced.
<Vigilant_GM> A tense half hour, however, follows with the taurox being battered by the weather phenomenon without rest.
* Shiv lights a lho while laying on the floor.
<Nitrous> "Don't you dare rat!"
<Baird> "There's no ventilation in here Itkit!" Baird grabs the lho stick out of his hands and tosses onto the deck before grinding it out with his heel.
* Tony Pulls out a Small Decanter from his pocket and unscrews the lid and takes a small sip
<Shiv> "My only release from this nightmare."
<Nitrous> "Use your other drugs."
<Tony> "Want a sip to past the time guys?"
* Tony As he offers the small decanter out
<Shiv> "Pass it over here."
<Tony> "A little please won't go to hurt Ikit."
<Vigilant_GM> As the winds begin to subside, Lano opens up a hatch and fires off a blue flare with matching trailing smoke.
* Shiv rolls his eyes and says "Please, Mr. Tony."
* Velam lets loose a cough every couple of minutes or so. "Well that was unfortunate. Reminds me of the dustier archives I had to work in as a junior assistant."
* Tony Passes the Decanter to Shiv
<Tony> "Just a sip I ain't got much."
<Vigilant_GM> "Track is busted," he announces. "We will need assistance from the tribes."
<Shiv> "Thanks". He takes a slip.
<Vigilant_GM> "You little shit!" Artur tackles the wastelander out of the vehicle.
* Baird turns to Lano. "How could you know that without inspecting the track Lano."
* Velam finds his way out of the open hatch, keeping himself away from their brawl as he vigorously dusts himself, and his servoskulls off.
* Baird draws his pistol and follows them outside. "Artur! Enough! We need to get out of here. Do a quick inspection then get us out of here, as for Mr. Lano. He get's to stay here permanently."
* Shiv gets up from the floor.
<Vigilant_GM> Artur throws the wastelander to the sands.
* Shiv goes outside to see the damage.
* Baird points his bolt pistol towards the prone Lano.
<Baird> "Stay down."
<Vigilant_GM> "Wait! Wait! I told you not to trust these people! You're making a mistake!"
<Shiv> +Raolin, something is wrong here. There's damage, but... how do I explain it this?+
<Vigilant_GM> Artur walks around back to Shiv.
<Shiv> +He knew the track was damage, but there's no way he could have seen it from inside the vehicle.+
<Baird> "Explain quickly Lano. I've just been told there is in fact damage. So how would you have known that."
<Vigilant_GM> Noticing the damage, Artur rushes back to Lano, knife drawn.
<Baird> "I've got this Artur! Return to the vehicle, now!"
* Nitrous goes out and draws his rifle
* Baird drops his other hand to his second, still holstered, bolt pistol. In case Artur tries anything.
<Vigilant_GM> "The sand-fucker placed a charge on the track! He set it off during the storm! I'll have his ass!"
* Velam watches events as the play out, not entirely sure how he can help.
<Tony> +Is it any major damage Ikit?+
<Shiv> +Nothing I can't fix.+
<Baird> "This is your last chance Lano. Speak up or your going to remain here as a permanent fixture of the landscape."
<Vigilant_GM> "Listen to me, this is not what it seems!"
* Baird slowly shakes his head. "That isn't an answer Lano."
<Vigilant_GM> With a roar in the distance a large heavily converted cargo conveyor rushes through the dunes on its six wide wheels. The vehicle bristles with weapons, its flanks studded with gun ports housing muzzles of ancient cannons. The prow of its armored and enclosed cockpit thrusts forward like a belligerent jaw.
<Vigilant_GM> Artur turns to face the approaching vehicle.
* Tony Kick Starts the Taurox
<Tony> "Better get in now we got company!"
<Vigilant_GM> "Fucking barbarian! He's one of Frohrn's little rats!"
* Nitrous rushes to the turret
* Shiv hops back inside.
<Nitrous> +Awaiting orders+
* Velam runs back to the Tauros, jumping back in.
<Nitrous> +Shoot the other vehicle boss?+
* Baird pulls the trigger, putting a round through Lano's skull. After the shot rings out Baird holsters his pistol and climbs up to the pintle mount after closing the hatch behind him. "Get us the feck out of here!"
* Shiv runs to the front to drive the Taurox with Tony.
* Tony Does not hesitate and begins to speed off
<Velam> "Frohrn....Frohrn...why does that sound familiar?"
<Vigilant_GM> Two spinning masses of jagged glass hurl in your direction. One striking the taurox in its rear, punching through plating.
* Tony Floors it and begins to swerve side to side to try and avoid the fire of the attack
<Velam> The savant hops onto the voxset, specifically the custom one they brought with us, strapped as it is next to the vehicle's own. He is unable to get it to work the way he wants.
* Nitrous takes a full aim
<Tony> "Ikit! Find us some cover we can use I will do what I can."
<Shiv> "I don't see shit aside from sand."
<Vigilant_GM> Another shard is hurled in the air,  just managing to strike the taurox. At this, Tony begins to notice the handling of the vehicle has changed - one of the tracks has been hit.
<Tony> "Alright let me keep eyes out take over."
* Tony As he quickly shuffles back into the Co Pilot Seat
<Shiv> "This is more like it!" He takes the driver's seat.
<Velam> +I have something! The vehicle chasing us is far away from any other friendly forces! It's isolated.+
* Nitrous fires a shot and hit's the vehicle
* Baird thumbs the activator on the pintle mount and strafes the enemy vehicle, and seeing one of the figures atop it disappear.
* Shiv steps on the petal and floors the vehicle forward.
<Vigilant_GM> With the taurox racing away and the shots fired into the pursuing vehicle, its next volley goes wide.
<Tony> "I see a Dune over there, we can break line of sight if we can race on over there."
* Nitrous fires a shot locking a weapon
* Baird prepares a sight line for his next salvo against the oncoming vehicle.
* Shiv turns left towards the Dune and continues toward it.
<Vigilant_GM> Another shot from the exotic weapon hurls at the turox.
* Shiv barely misses the glass shards fired upon them.
* Tony Seeing Shiv trying to adapt to the controls he slams his foot on the pedal to help Shiv
<Shiv> "FECKING HELL!"
<Tony> "Is the Sand Shifting?!"
<Shiv> "....WHAT?!?"
<Tony> "Jack! Eyes Front"
<Tony> "Ikit! Don't go down the Dune."
<Velam> "Did you say the sand is shifting? Oh dear, that might be a sand tiger or if you prefer the more local term of sand stalker."
<Nitrous> +Big scary creature?+
<Tony> "Well best option we got then is to outrun them Ikit at this point."
<Shiv> "Easier said than done."
* Nitrous switches to overwatch
* Baird fires a barrage into the area where the presumed "sand stalker" is.
* Shiv makes a sharp turn towards the left to avoid the shifting sands and is continuing forward.
<Vigilant_GM> One final shard is fired off, missing the taurox.
<Vigilant_GM> However, where the sand was sprayed with stubber fire, the dune's surface suddenly collapses.
<Vigilant_GM> A beast with thick crystaline, leather-like hide the size of a gunship begins to dash its way towards the taurox.
<Nitrous> +Run.+
<Shiv> +OH, FECKITY! FECK, FECK!+
* Nitrous shoots the immense creature as it arises.
<Vigilant_GM> Nitrous fires on reflex. The first round digs into its hide, causing it to rear its head out of the sand to reveal its almost perfectly circular maw lined totally with teeth. The second round appears to be all but utterly deflected against its crystaline hide.