Last Stand

As Sirina goes about her business in Kandra's Run one of her dead drops shows signs of use. The nearly unnoticeable red light at the bottom of the otherwise unconscious post has flicked to green someone has left her something.

Inside, rolled tightly into a cylinder requiring Alpine Clan codes to open was a typically terse message from, Kazimieras Dubick the Clan enforcer in this part of the world. Older and highly respect Kaz was the law around these parts, at least for the lawless. 'Meet at cloven oak after 12th bell, pack your things'.

Meanwhile on the other side of town Tomin's finely honed force sight would start to notice a trail of light side energy extending into the Hushed Forest. Incredibly subtle to the point even most experienced Jedi wouldn't notice it, the trail was a clear message and a request. Someone must have sent for her.

You don't get to be a Knight without having at least one experience of Force-nudging that's obvious, and probably a bunch that are more like coincidences that are a wee bit improbable. This was definitely the first category, since she didn't know of any creatures that left Force trails.

Of course, that didn't mean it was safe. Tomin tapped a quick message by touch into her comm that ought to poke someone if she wasn't back at a decent time, then slipped into the forest, keeping as silent and hidden as she could manage (which is to say, not even half as well as the ship's Rangers).

There's a sense of keeping the lines and eddies of Living Force in the periphery of her 'vision,' occasionally tilting just so, to catch a current that let her look through the trees before her.

Sirina hasn't made it this far in life by kowtowing to authority. In this case, however, a finely aged blend of obligation and curiosity means it only manifests as her arriving at cloven oak just late enough past the 12th bell to be a frustration rather than a liability.

Arriving exactly when she means to, with a bag packed and ready for the almost-anything the clan could be calling on her to do-- mostly wilderness survival gear rated for the particular challenges of Obra-Skai-- she finds a spot nearby her destination to look bored and await contact or further instructions.

As is the will of the force Sirina and Tomin arrive at nearly the same time. And it's clear that something is deeply wrong.

In the past this glade had been nearly barren with only the old oak holding on through thin soil and the ravages of time. But today the glade is alive with life! But it is nothing like the pristine wilderness of The Hushed Forest. Huge blackened brambles have sprouted at will from the soil, curling around newly sprouted trees with thin razor sharp limbs.

Sirina knows that none of this growth is typical for the forest, while Tomin is easily able to feel the lingering presence of pain and suffering in the force.

Master Mobok paces through the clearing with an air of quiet concentration, occasionally kneeling down to prod at the unnatural growth.

Kazimieras Dubick stands looking over the glad with his arms crossed and his brow fiercely beetled. His loyal hound Sven rests next to him, clearly refusing to go anywhere near the brambles.


He grunts as our two heroes arrive. "Took you long enough."

Tomin feels the skin over her cheekbones tighten with distaste at the feel of the place. The forest is usually a place of quiet and retreat, at least for those who know enough to avoid the dangers...the normally very natural and not overnight brambles sort of dangers.

"Wasn't exactly a comm call, though, was it?" she says, before offering a greeting to the familiar Master Jedi. "Though I do wish we'd all caught a whiff early enough to stop whatever happened here. This is nasty." There's a questioning tone to 'whatever' as her attention remains on Master Mobok, wondering if she's found anything of note yet.

Sirina examines the brambles from a safe distance, her nose wrinkled and lips turned in a scowl. She keeps a wary gaze on the Jedi, while speaking aloud to the group-- although her words are directed at Kazimieras Dubick, "Oh sure, I'll just put aside everything else going on to keep a constant check on the subtlest ways to get my attention. The Jedi's right, could have just comm'd."

"I've never seen growths like these," Sirina notes, padding over to Dubick and offering his hound a strip of salted jerky from some beast or another. "What do we know?" she asks, before casting a keen eye towards their surroundings. The brambles were clearly the most visible change to the environment, but Sirina knows the woods-- and this forest in particular-- well enough to know no shift in the ecosystem this obvious comes without further changes.

Aola stands and brushes some snow from her knees with quick precise motions.
"I apologise for the unorthodox summons Tomin. But Mr Dubick needed some proof of a Jedi's ability to see without seeing."
Kazimieras glances at the Jedi Master and then Tomin before shrugging.
"Dunno how all that works, maybe you just commed her when I wasn't looking."
Aola gives him a look.
"Or maybe you didn't, it's your knight's life not mine."

Sven snaps hungrily at the jerky which disappears with terrifying swiftness as Kazimieras grumbles.
"Don't spoil him, he's gotta work for his keep, same as all of us." Although he makes no actual motion to stop the jerky distribution.

"I- we." Aola gestures at Kaz. "Believe that there was an uncontrolled use of the force here, a release done in anger and pain. Warped by those emotions it's no wonder the flaura has become so warped. Although I've never seen anything as powerful as this."

"Guess you Jedi don't know everything then." Kaz peers intently at the other three present for a few moments. "Good thing I do then. This is sensitive though, Alpine Clan business and not for outsiders. Only reason I'm even talking with you all is because the invasion has us stretched thin. So. I'm gonna ask for your word that what I'm about to say doesn't leave this clearing. Sirina can fill you in on what happens to folks who break their details with us."

Tomin's hand scoops up and to the side, index finger to thumb, in the Miralukan equivalent of an eyeroll. "Can see as well as I hear." There's a slight pause as Tomin waffles between proper and local proper, coming out with a decision to stick to the spot in where they meet. "Mr. Dubick."

"The emotional mess here is obvious. Be glad to hear what the Clan knows of it, rather then spending time hunting when we're all stretched thin, like you say." She crouches closer to one of the brambles to get a better look at it. "My brother flies with some of your guys over on Vakarus, so I'm aware of the troubles folks can get in if they're steppin' across your paths."

She sighs, and speaks her own mind, knowing the Master could technically override...well some of it. "I'm not one to go spreading your business around, but you have to know that we're not going to just sit back and wave you along if the gang's dealing in nasty, dangerous as all get out, Force artifacts or similarly nasty and dangerous Force using people or critters. That's just some next level nonsense."

Sirina palms another piece of jerky, not-so-subtly sneaking it to Sven. "Now Kaz, there's a fine line between earning keep and keeping motivated." She says, when he inevitably catches her in the act.

"As to the Jedi. If you are worried about finding something distasteful, don't go looking. You've a chance to do good here, take it. I promise clan business is below your concerns anyway-- not worth snooping into."

Sirina pats Sven before turning her attention to Aola and Tomin, her gaze ultimately settling on Tomin. She nods, acknowledging Tomin's familiarity with clan business. "Good you are familiar with staying in-lane."

Master Mobok just nods unruffled. "We have no cause for gossip. Something told to the Order is told in trust provided its secrecy will do no harm to others."

Kaz grunts but seems satisfied as Sven rolls over for belly rubs, giving Sirina an imploring look.

"None outside the Alpine Clan know this, not even the eggheads in the archive or any of those city scholars. But the Forest has a...presence." He shifts uncomfortably. "A living vessel I guess. I'm sure you Jedi could work out some fancy scientific name for it, but it's alive, a thinking feeling creature. You keep it happy, show respect and the forest looks after you. You do the opposite...well, it's a dangerous place at the best of times."

His gaze shifts over to the overgrown glade. "If my sources are right, and they always are. Someone tried to kill that vessel right here. I don't think they succeeded, but if they try again I can't imagine the damage it might cause. Someone's gotta find them and stop them."
He gestures at the axe on his hip.

"Reckon I know who it is too."

That catches her attention, and gives a different context to what she's seeing. She sucks cold air against her teeth in distaste.

"Yeah, no need to be spreading *that* around, no worries." She isn't really surprised that the forest has an avatar of that sort, there's a lot of presence here. "And I'm happier putting a stop to whoever's done this before they can spread word either..." She takes a breath and looks to Master Mobok, "peaceably if that's possible, but I'm not going to let this," she waves at the snarled and hazardous terrain, keep on."

Settling back on her heels, her lips quirk a moment to see Sven and Sirina enjoying such simple pleasures in the midst of this. Maybe a lesson there to think about later. "And if you know who it is, that does simplify the finding them part, I hope?"

"We're still entertaining a peaceful approach?" Sirina asks, incredulously, as she vigorously rubs Sven's belly with a booted foot. "I think whoever did this lost that option when they attacked first. We get a chance and I'm putting a bolt in their head before whoever it is even know we're after them." Sirina interrupts her train of thought to coo at Sven, the contrast between her eagerness to baby the hound and the violence she promises is enough to cause whiplash. "But, if the peaceful route means catching them alive and stringing them up to a cliff face in an ice storm to send a message, I'll give it a shot."

"Well the finding them is the only reason-"
"What Mr Dubick means." Aola cuts in smoothly. "Is that finding them and stopping them peacefully if possible will require both of your skills. Due to the...unusual nature of this incident I believe Tomin's force sight will be uniquely useful. And Sirina I understand you are a skilled hunter."
Her tone is slightly doubtful.

Sven has no doubts and is having the time of his life as Kaz just rifles through his vest pockets.
"I got pics of them. It's an off world hunting party led by these three. They're still tracking the vessel deeper into the forest, seemed downright obsessed as I hear it. So it's gonna be a real trek in after them."

He holds up the first pic:


"Baron Coburg, he wants to take the vessel as a trophy. Typical core noble, more money than sense and a bigger ego than both combined. Real peace of work, got a whole retinue with him."

He then turns to the second picture:


"Wired Earp, the gunslinger. He's a killer droid with a rep in the underworld. He's getting paid handsomely to assist the Baron but I hear it's all about the thrill of the hunt. Know a couple folks he's iced."

And the finally:


"Cyber Doc Holliday. Some kind of big shot academic specialising in biology. No idea what he's doing here but I understand he's the brains of the operation. My guess is it's science drek."

Tomin listens to the information, frankly not entirely sure there was any reason to expect an overbred noble would listen to reason that wasn't provided by blaster fire. But still...

"Trophy hunting in the middle of an invasion? That's...some special Core sense, that is." She says it like common sense, but the opposite. "Not going to lie, my instinct is to stun them insensible and argue once they're secured, but..." she holds a placating hand, palm upward, toward Aola, "I'm sure the Temple has reasons to prefer them even less discomfited."

"But," she says to Sirina as she stands, "if the solution includes death, it's a bolt through the head, I'm not feeding more misery into this forest stringing them up."

"How much lead do they have?"

Sirina, who has by now knelt down to give Sven *the most* scritches, stands and brushes off the knees of her pants. "Right, right," she says, sarcasm dripping from her words like venom, " Core nobility gets to so what they want out here. Shall we issue a fine? A verbal reprimand? Punishment is for those who can't pay, after all. That's Core justice. In the Alpine Clan we server frontier justice. It's a lot more about equity and prevention through persuasion-- and a strong message is the best persuasion there is. But we'll take a firm slap on the wrist under advisement."

Have done her self-appointed duty to go off on one, Sirina sighs. "I'll save the rest of my griping for once we've hunted the pack of them down and sort out our differences. Last known direction of travel? Any hideouts or-- I guess a baron from the Core worlds has a resort, nor a hideout-- we know about?"

Kaz has no doubt in his voice. "Two days, maybe a little less. Hunter friend of mine saw them working there way along Chalk Canyon. They're not locals, so they leave a hell of a trail. He's got a whole retinue of guards with him mind. Shouldn't be hard to find 'em. But you have to find them before they track down the vessel again."
He glances back at Mobok then you two.

"I've said my part as to dead or alive. But whichever it ends up being, do it quick. The forest doesn't have that much time."

Aola, who had been giving Sirina the look of a disapproving teacher nods as well.
"As have I. You'll be in the deep forest, if there is no opportunity to take these vile hunters alive then focus instead on protecting the vessel. Core justice or frontier justice if they slay it I cannot imagine the ramifications."

Sirina is quick to show exactly what she thinks of Aola's disapproval by introducing her to several of Sirina's more obscene gestures.

Nevertheless, after both Aola and Kaz finish speaking, Sirina says, "Consider your moral whinging noted." She sighs, her heckles rising as she even starts to think the following let alone put it to words: "That aside, I agree. The safety of the vessel is the priority above all. I make no promises how the Baron and his thugs are dealt with, but if the decision is between getting him and saving the vessel it's the latter every time."

Sirina briefly casts her gaze up at nothing in particular as she recalls the direction towards Chalk Canyon from here. Without another word, she sets off in that direction, hefting her Blaster Rifle up onto a shoulder and setting a brisk pace. Only after many long beats in silence, she looks back to ensure the rest are following, and says, "What? Time is wasting."

Tomin nods. "With a retinue of guards, the odds of a direct assault shift a bit, but absolutely, the vessel's the priority." Before following into the forest, Tomin says, keeping Aola in her peripheral view, "two days lead and you're thinking my kind of sight is useful...are you hoping to find a short cut to the vessel and get there first instead of chasing them?"

Either way, she was settling into that familiar awareness of the Force that might let it tug her. She suspected she'd need that connection at some point in the chase.

Aola smiles ever so slightly. "I cannot say. But I do know that the forest itself will be reaching out for aid, if you can sense that then perhaps you can sense the vessel. At the very least it will give you another way of following their trail."

She makes a gentle shooing motion with her hands. "Now go, may the force be with you both."
Kaz shrugs his shoulders and grunts something like "Don't get killed killed" before accepting an off from the Jedi to take tea, Sven whining with a worried look towards you two before following his master.

As our two heroes start their journey into the forest its unnatural silence swallows them up, the boughs overhead thickening until almost all the light is gone, as if they were journeying into the heart of an immense darkness...

The Hunt.


Sirina and Tomin must follow the trail of the Baron deep into the Hushed Forest, navigating dangers and thinning his retinue along the way.

It is highly recommended players discuss their planning for this section. Also, please feel free to RP as you go, there's no need to rush.

There are three hunt phases and each player character can choose one action to attempt per phase.
Every Phase each player character will suffer 2 strain and 2 wounds with no soak allowed from the dangers of the deep forest. This can be mitigated by player actions.

For these rolls Advantages and disadvantages convert at a 2:1 ratio to the next roll of that player. Triumph's can be spent to upgrade their next ability check or on some actions, despairs upgrade the difficulty of that next player's roll. Advantage may not be spent to reduce strain gained during the hunt.

No player may roll the same check twice in a row.

The hunt actions are:

Stalk. The Baron mustn't know you're onto him. You'll have to be stealthily as you shadow his group, never leaving any hint you're following in his path. Make an average stealth or skullduggery check with two setback dice ◆◆■■. Every successful stalk check will grant a character a boost dice ■ to their next survive, sustain or strike and a free manoeuvre at the start of the confrontation, to a maximum of two maneuvers per player. A triumph maybe be sent to provide one boost dice to any roll in the confrontation. ■

Survive. The Forest is dangerous, and seems even more so around the Baron and his party. Even usually docile creatures are hostile. Just getting by without being hurt is a feat in and of itself. Make an average survival or vigilance check with one setback. ◆◆■ On a success neither player suffers wounds from this hunt phase. A Triumph may be spent to heal 2 wounds already suffered or to mitigate any 2 future wounds from hunt phases

Sustain. Of course, you'll need to stay healthy both physically and mentally through the cold snows of Obroa-Skai, a feat challenging even for an experienced huntsman. Make your choice of a lore (xenology), discipline or perception check at hard ◆◆◆. On a success neither player suffers strain from this hunt phase. A Triumph may be spent to heal 2 strain already suffered or to mitigate any 2 future strain from hunt phases

Strike. A member of the Baron's retinue has separated from the group, now's your time to strike! Make an attack roll of your choice against an opponent, this attack is at long range if you are using a ranged weapon. Your target has one rank of defence and will upgrade the difficulty once ⬟ ■ . If you can deal at least 6 wounds to this soak 2 target you remove one minion from the Baron's retinue at the confrontation. A triumph may be spent to inflict 1 wound without soak on each of rivals present at the confrontation.

After 3 rolls from each PC we move onto the confrontation!