Heads-up, session report

After last time ordeals, the Erikssons decided to retreat to the safety of Stein Fjellberg’s truck – waiting to get a complete scan of the unexplored system of caves beneath the safe-shelter. The debris of the hole seemed to have caved outwards, indicating that something had broken out from the caves – something that some of the siblings found quite horrific. They managed to map the general outline of the caves, but they unfortunately lacked the equipment to make a proper scan for any form of life. If they wanted to find out what was in there, the only option was to go in themselves.

Meanwhile the six captured replicants dies more or less at the same time, something Tor-Erik finds intriguing. He discovers with the help of Munin-1 that this particular model of replicants should have expired four years ago. Tor-Erik's analysis indicated that there could be a connection to the p-string infection, holding them alive longer than their programmed age. They are also baffled by the fact that the remaining replicants behaves in a hive-mind pattern.

They made some final preparations before entering the cave, like injecting themselves with a cocktail of combat drugs – something that woke an old hunger in Einhjard, as he once had been addicted to the stuff. Tor-Erik also tried to prepare them for another psi-attack. He had little practical knowledge with the subject, so what the effect would be was uncertain. It was decided that Einhjard and Idunn would lead the attack on the around 25 replicants remaining in the caves. The rest would wisely follow from a little distance, but not too far away.

There were five or six replicants that seemed to malfunction more than the others – resulting in a surprisingly aggressive behavior. They had positioned themselves behind a pitfall, and were armed with homemade crossbows – not that it frightened Einhjard and Idunn as they charged, intending to jump the pitfall. Too late Einhjard spotted the thin and almost invisible steel wire strung across the pit, and so his jump was abruptly stopped half-way. He fell into the pit head first, and he found himself soaked in gasoline – not that he cared that much, high as he was on combat drugs. Meanwhile Idunn used all her dance and fighting skills, gracefully avoiding the wire and engaging the replicants in close combat. She quickly neutralized all resistance, but one of the replicants managed to throw a flare down into the pitfall. Luckily Munin-1 had already taken action, and helped Einhjard out of the now burning pit. Angrily the ex-athlete decided that at least one of the replicants had to die, and so he quickly impaled one of them with his cold steel claws.

Alfred and Stein quickly put the fire out with the help of a couple of old fire extinguisher they found in the safe-shelter, and the party was once again ready to investigate the rest of the caves. They were greatly surprised by what they stumbled upon next, a big statue like the ones found on Eastern Island back on earth. There was also an altar in front of the statue, indicating some kind of worship. At that point it seemed that Tor-Erik lost it, as he suddenly was trying to summon some kind of divine help – it was unclear if this was due to religious motifs or an attempt to use some undefined psi-power. It was almost too much for Einhjard’s already drug-troubled psyche, but he managed to keep focused.

What they discovered in the next chamber was even more mind-blowing – a mummified but still living replicant chained to the wall with shackles. It seemed that something was keeping the body alive, and once again the leading theory was the p-string virus. After herding the remaining replicants out of the last chamber, they found also there evidence of something that once had been chained up in shackles – though whatever it was it had escaped some time ago.

After some discussion it was agreed upon to deliver the discoveries over to N.E.R.A, though not everyone was found of the idea. Alfred especially voiced concerns towards being the lapdog of N.E.R.A. Not long after they called in, two black helicopters appeared. With them were two squads of soldiers taking charge over the situation. Glad to be rid of the problem the Erikssons finally could concentrate on finding some nomads.

Stein Fjellberg (geologist, prospector and ranger):

Image: Stein Fjellberg is a little bit under average height, but his frame is powerful in a wiry kind of way. His face is battered by the unforgiving Martian weather, but most of it is hidden behind a well-groomed beard. He usually wears rough clothing made of hypertech wool suited for cold weather, and a survival suit made by the nomads. Around his neck there is always a breather mask. He smells of metallic earth and old tobacco. It’s hard to judge his age, but probably around his mid-thirties.

Roleplaying Notes:  He is a man used to be alone for long periods of time, so he can be a little bit rough around the edges when he is with strangers. He also more or less constantly mumbles to himself, something that his surroundings often find irritating. He always try to be polite, even if he doesn’t know how – something that makes him seem more humble than he actually is.

Background & Faction (Drifter & Brinker): He was born in an outpost in the Martian wilderness, the same one that he today calls his home – though he spends most of his time driving around in the Martian outbacks looking for valuable minerals and metals. His family has never taken any interest in the intrigues that plagues the domed cities of Mars. Instead they have sought the quiet peace of the cold desert, and the freedom that comes with it.

The only considerable amount of time he has spent in a city was when he studied at the university. These days he only infrequently visits when he has to do business with one of the hypercorps.  His parents died a couple of years ago, but he his married to a biologist and they have two children together. They are all a part of a bigger collective – managing the outpost by communal effort.

Aptitudes: COG 10, COO 20, INT 15, REF 15, SAV 10, SOM 25 (5), WILL 15

Stats: MOX 1/1 , TT 5, LUC 30, IR 60, WT 8, DUR 40, DR 60, INIT 60, SPD 1, DB3

Morph: Martian Alpiner.

Active skills: Climbing 95 (10), Clubs 75 (staff), Demolitions 50, Fray 50, Free fall 50, Freerunning 60, Hardware (Ground vehicle) 60 (repair), Infiltration 50, Interfacing 55, Kinetic Weapons 60, Navigation 65, Networking (Nomads) 50, Networking (Hypercorps) 40, Networking (Academics) 30, Perception 50, Pilot (Gound vehicle) 75, Protocol 50 (Nomads), Research 45, Scrounging 50, Swimming 55, Unarmed Combat 55. 

Knowledge skills: Academics (geology) 60, Academics (geography) 40, Art (carving stone) 50, Interests (mountaineering) 60, Interest (Martian nomads) 40, Interest (runes) 30, Interests (caveneering) 50, Languages (Norse) 70, Languages (english) 50, Languages (french) 40, Languages (arabic) 40, Profession (survival) 70, Profession (prospecting) 70.

Reputations: @-rep 10, c-rep 10, e-rep 15, r-rep 15.

Traits: None.

Weapons: Old kinetic hunting rifle, elektrostaff and old bowie knife.

Amour: Survival suit made by Martian nomads.

Cybernetic: None.

Gear: Basic but sturdy equipment for climbing cliffs and exploring caves, a big tracked vehicle and other stuff you need to find and excavate minerals and metals.

Total Recall 2012 Teaser

I feel obligated to post this, since our setting is on Mars - we have been inspired by the old film, and hopefully this one will give us some ideas too.

Road trip - session report

After five weeks the family decided it was time to act, and they were persuaded by Stein Fjellberg to travel the martian desert - looking for replicants and nomads. After a week in the geologist's truck they found an old safe-shelter, where a group of replicants had taken refugee. Herding them was easier said than done, especially due to an unknown phenomena making a very high pitch sound. A mysterious hole was found in the back of the complex, leading into an unexplored cave.

Here follows the players own recollections of the previous session; tuesday 28th of february at ISOTOP art studio:

Idunn's rant:

It was a glorious day for adventure as we set out from the NY. Hail was pounding hard on Stein Fjellberg's trusted vehicle, and T-E, Munin and I were comfortably slouching in the trailer, while the Big Man and Little Brother were piloting beside the Geologist. We settled in for a long ride of tall tales and high spirits just as the Glorious God of Sun sent her blazing rays down to play abstract cinema on the inside of the trailer. ‎

"We had two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a saltshaker half-full of cocaine and a whole multicolored collection of uppers, downers, laughers, screamers . . . Also, a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of beer, a pint of raw ether and two dozen amyls."
H.S. Thompson

Can you hear Willie Nelson singing "On the road again"? We were off to the Desert. Hold the Storm.

Alfred Eriksson:

Finally the family leaves their bubble of everyday life to explore the vast surface of the planet. The spectacular scenery of the desolate Mars makes a great impression on Alfred, as he rides shotgun with the guide. The first miles out were filled with nanotrees that increases Mars' general temperature...spectacular indeed. When the neon fibers fades the rock we live on reveals itself as a place no man should thread. Fjellbekk didn’t seem to worry too much about that, and the rambling in the back made a comforting soundtrack to the long drive. Alfred spent most of the days, while not driving, looking in to binoculars and discussing various aspects of the landscape with the new family friend.

How things got from checking out Munin II, to gathering runaway replicants is a mystery, but nevertheless the complex checks out to be a potential replicant pez dispenser. The hole in the back of the complex is potentially made by martian lifeforms, but the studies of the hole so far has given no clues what so ever as to what and when it was made. Alfred is determined to bring in more equipment and make a new outpost for the family affairs here. Gathering intel on Munin II and make a listening post for traffic coming in and out of Kalmar. If it is out of reach for Allfader it could be a perfect arrangement for the Eriksson agency.

Research logg entry Tor-Erik:

Moral qualms on replicant hearding dismissed. Speciments less human than primates. Scientific finds considrable: of 6 captured pods all infected with nano-virus of same structure as me. Evidence indicate connection to psi powers.

Suspicion of unknown psi mastermind supported by strong hive-like behaviour of pods and mind numbing attack upon entry in facility.

Personal injury. Fringer guide Fjellskrent has massive trauma.

Alfreds spherical camerafriend used to explore natural grotto behind hole in compound structure. Processing data and assessing situation before further action.

Personal note: Psi-attack released deep rooted scenarios of fear in own subconsious, perhaps better left alone. Images of tentacled things-that-must-not be stirs my sanity. Need to rescheduel talk with dr. Niemann upon return.

Munin-1: Journal entry 4:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Desert excursion. First stop, secure and re-domesticate replicant assets from abandoned domes in the desert. Replicants in Shelter #31 show surprising emergent group behaviour ...and high frequency of "p-mutation" - a mutation shared with Dr. Tor-Erik Eriksson. Found artificially created hole in wall, leading into cave. Indicates replicants are directed by self preservation and surprising intelligence. Will investigate further.

FULL ENTRY:
Headed out from the city in buggy with trailer. Passed through the solar harvesting fields where replicants where busy planting nano- engineered solar harvesting rods. Landscape rougher about one day out. We decided to try to start out with re-domesticating some replicants, sending them back to a Erikkson controlled facility, before we sought out the nomadic tribes. According to Stein Fjellberg, the nomads hunt replicants -- it seemed prudent to not show up at one of their camps with replicants in tow.
First destination was an abandoned facility, Shelter #31. Similar to research structure/bunker complex that the family controls out in the desert. However #31 is in a sorry state of disrepair. No automated killer drone on guard. Entry proved easy. At the facility, around two dozen feral replicants were holed up. Initially re-domestication went without incident -- but after Dr. Eriksson had tranquilized half a dozen specimen, an ill-advised warning shot sent the group into panic. The doctor took a hit from an improvised crossbow and went down.
Around this time most of the group were affected by what they described as a "loud, keening noise on the edge of hearing". The "noise" triggered nausea and headaches, and grew seemingly stronger the further into the facility the affected attempted to go. Stein Fjellberg was entirely overcome by the signal and passed out. There was no audio signal. The situation is now temporarily under control, after all the replicants that were not tranquilized escaped through a strange hole in the back wall of the complex, leading into a cave formation.
The hole looked similar to that made by a termite or other burrowing insect, only about 1 meter in diameter. We have started mapping the cave with concussion grenades and sonar mapping devices. The doctor got enough blood samples to identify several cases of the so-called "p-strain" mutation -- thought to be responsible for the doctors psi-like abilities. Based on this evidence along with the apparent intelligence directing the replicants, I theorize that the mutated individuals in this replicant "colony" mesh together in a way that results in a hive-like mind with greater intelligence than any one individual.

We agreed to pay Stein Fjellberg with copies and access to the latest geological survey maps. Fjellberg makes most of his income working as prospector, searching for heavy metals and rare minerals brought to Mars by asteroids early in the planets history.

APPENDIX:
While doing research on the legal ramifications of re-domesticating replicants, I came across a reference to the introduction of the Kinship principle in New Kalmar law. The first introduction of kinship law stems back to the re purposing of old viking principles regarding trell ownership as guiding principles for the ownership of replicants. This first introduction of old Norse law opened the door to what is now taken as fundamental jurisprudence in New Kalmar.
As to current law for replicants, any "found" replicant that is registered to a New Kalmar owner, either a person or a corporation, should be returned to said owner. Custom dictates that a finders fee is paid to the entity that returns the replicant. The size of the fee is usually either 10% of the prize for purchasing a new replicant of similar make and breeding, or 20% of expected resell value, if there is problems identifying the price of a new specimen.
For replicants not domestically owned, any found replicants is considered property of the finder. Similar rules holds for all jurisdictions on New Kalmar, often leading blade runners to smuggle replicants across borders before resale, claiming that they were found in a jurisdiction other than where they were registered. The smuggling of replicants is a serious offence in all jurisdictions, sometimes carrying similar penalties as treason, due to the shortage of replicants on Mars, and their great need in public building projects. Another method that is less often used, is to forge buy/sell-orders for the replicants. When these cross several jurisdictions, it can be hard to prove that a replicant is not found in a different area, or is in fact stolen property.

The new wave of Norwegian Folklore

There is a new film called Thale showing on norwegian cinemas, and like The Trollhunter it has a creature from norwegian folklore as it's star - Huldra a beautiful woman with a tail like a cow. I have not seen it yet, but it's high up on the list of things to do soon. Anyway, here is the trailer...

Session report - WEBs

The five next weeks were uneventful, and the family had finally some  time to breath and do some much needed boring bureaucratic work. Though there were a couple of matters that needed their attention, during those five weeks. First, Leif Eriksson had some news on his research on geneseeds - it would not be enough with a sample of blood. They needed to take the sample from the original seed. It raised the question again how to obtain it. Second, A-Web seemed to have put their evil eye on The Erikssons, and no one knew why - a sit-down with the anarchists seemed to be the best idea. Lastly, a geologist called Stein Fjellberg had some information about Munin-2, and what else to find in the martian wilderness.


Here follows the players own recollections of the previous session; tuesday 28th of february at ISOTOP art studio:

Tor Erik Eriksson – notes for a case-history: After Moon-brother executed the captive russian agent Tor Erik almost burnt the remains to dust. Luckily he was advised to do a post-mortem focusing on the unique brain mesh of the russians. Recruiting Munin-1 to assist both with research and scientific input, the better part of five weeks was put into a confidential report designed to convince the Eriksson representative in N.E.R.A (the now executive power of Nkal-Mars), that a small river of funds should be diverted into the ongoing development of artificial memory implants (also known as cortical stack technology). This tech is a necessary step towards corporal migration (body change), which in turn Tor Erik sees as his true scientific calling.

Parallell to this glorius triumph of mankind the degenerates of A-WEB desides to interviene in the construction of the Eriksson tower in Elyseum. Based on the notion that our revenge on ByteBoi was uncalled for, and that the collateral therefore was coldhearted, this bunch of genetic-waste put sand in the logistics. Naturally a sit-down was arranged, but despite considerable effort the dreck wouldnt hear reason or just cause. What ignorance! Brilliant sister Idunn saves the day by leaning on photo-artist friend Spider-lily who enjoys standing among the filth.

Usual whine from unresolved boy-genius Leif. He is taken out and get layed - but needs firm hand to become legend.

More whine from Mr. Heim on issues of no importance.

New intel on NEMESIS MUNIN-2: apparently lives as desert messia among the unwanted nomad tribes. A worthy opponent indeed, shortsighted family kin wants to engage immediately. Reluctant.
More interresting intel: Hanging Gardens in quaranteene after AI-melt down. Local humans behaving irradic as if under direct influence by survival mode AI gone dream lord. Pure cyber-zombie gehenna -----> really need to collect some data on this, even the Commonwealth is pissing their pants.

Alfred Erikson:
Alfred is finally sorting things out. The new agency he is building has started to take shape. During the five weeks that goes by, he oversees the construction of a secret bunker in woods of the family farm. It is a 30 square meters of underground storage. With his companion that shall remain nameless he hopes to establish a solid web of agents. My brothers and sisters underestimation of the A-web has finally shattered. Alfred seems to be the only one of the siblings that recognizes the shady part of the operation they run. A-web is of great importance to his ability to conduct good deals in trans-national smuggling schemes. The 40 000 investment established a good arsenal of unregistered guns and untraceable surveillance gear. The last two weeks of the time that passes, Alfred travels a bit as a smuggler in the American pipeline sorting out types of goods and looking for a good agent to recruit.

As for the past events there is not much to be told really. The Erikson diplomacy should maybe be a little less hostile. Moonbrother thinks that it is a bad idea that the hanging garden problem isn’t sorted out before the other, as he sees this problem as a growing one. This nomad trip is also of great importance, but in his opinion that can wait.


Munin-I: Journal entry 3, post emancipation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A-Web has revealed itself to be a potential obstacle to company expansion. Plan in place to take control. Russian and Commonwealth technology appear to provide two separate pieces of puzzle needed to develop cortical stack technology. Massive fund request sent to NERA. Munin-II appear to have arrived along with French-African nomad tribes.

FULL ENTRY:
Eventful month.
Assisted doctor Eriksson with dissecting Russian asset. Prepared report along with request for funding of cortical stack research to NERA. Funding request for 1.4 Billion credits for first part of project. Should look into recruiting from Russian sector. Research turned up evidence of original approach both to genetic molding of biological subjects and interfacing with conciousness. Seems less error prone than relying on full autonomy.

Note: Look into hiring research assistant -- the doctor needs one to do his work properly.
Core members of A-Web feel rendition and assassination of Byteboy to be unjustified. Also resent deaths due to unavoidable collateral damage that resulted from apprehending same. A-Web revealed itself to have ties to unions and organized racketeering -- resentment has resulted in unacceptable delays building Eriksson Tower. Suggested extermination. Extermination tricky due to A-Web spanning several jurisdictions. Probably still best option.

Revised approach to A-Web: Infiltration and bribes. Buy off family of deceased A-Web agents. Dialog should open up possibility to convert well respected members into assets, and with work allow splintering of group. In combination with surgically deployed renditions should enable company to take over all significant aspects of A-Web. Encourage Alfred to go ahead with Æ-Web project. If handled correctly should form a haven for hardcore A-Web defectors, resulting in the company controlling almost all counter system forces on Mars.

Begun mapping all A-Web online activity. Will take considerable time. Should make selecting targets for rendition easier and more accurate. What time was available after assisting doctor Tor Erik with report was spent on researching A-Web and setting up various online aliases and accounts, and start infiltrating various A-Web fora.

A meeting was set up with doctor Stein Fjellberg after introduction via family. Doctor Fjellberg is a geologist working outside of the domes, and has some experience with the French-African nomadic tribes. Fjellberg revealed that Munin-II apparently arrived on Mars along with the French-African tribes, and is revered as some kind of Loke-like god among them. Should investigate implications further. Tribes might prove important allies in case of war. They have considerable experience surviving outside of the domes.

The company Ephemera was developing some kind of experimental dream technology at the Hanging Gardens. Interest from agent Earl Grey suggest Commonwealth involvement in funding of research. The Hanging Gardens complex has been quarantined after mass hysteria and madness supposedly broke out. Reports indicate the ruling minor AI has gone mad as a result of the research into virtual drugs. The stated purpose of the research was to impose the mental states associated with drugs via neuroelectrical implants. The AI was used for simulating drug effects. Some concern that I might be susceptible to whatever virus or agent has caused problem in complex. Tor Erik Eriksson exited about implications of this research as related to potential for cortical stack implants.

Idunn's rant:
After we had our sit-down with the ugly fucking midget punk who represented the Anarchyweb, it became all too clear that these eejits are stubborn and stupid little bastards. Not only did one of them kill our parents, now they are also harassing all our business associates. To top it off they have the nerve to demand that we make a public apology? The very same night we used our media contacts to get a message across to the public. Is this what A-web do? Official policy: kill scientists and harass the people? No worries, though, it will all blow over in a few months. A few close friends of the deceased will surely hold a grudge for longer. Who cares. They might even be useful. Alfred will surely be doing business with them, and at the same time, with no communication with Earth, talk of independence and these anarchist terrorists on the prowl, the general public will be looking for a sense of stability and safety. And we will give it to them. LEIKARINGEN is a non-profit organization and a cultural centre for children. At Leikaringen we will teach music, dance, drama and, naturally, self-defence. Idunn will be one of the teachers. We are hiring others as we speak. Also, Idunn acquired the best hand-cannons money can buy. Now, if the russians or these terrorists want to give us any more shit... bring it, I'll fucking shoot it.