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Into Outland: A post-Apocalyptic quest

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Turn 26 Rumor Mill
  • Threadmarks
    • United States Government
    -Unprecedented Winter Storm Strikes the East Coast: A colossal winter storm of historic proportions has descended upon the eastern United States, plunging cities and towns into a deep freeze. Heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and sub-zero temperatures are paralyzing regions unaccustomed to such extreme weather. The storm has triggered widespread power outages, impacting millions of residents who are grappling with freezing homes and disrupted travel plans. Authorities have issued severe weather warnings, urging people to stay indoors and exercise caution when venturing outside.
    -Rising Concerns Over Ongoing Wildfires in the West: In the western United States, a protracted battle against a series of wildfires continues, leaving communities on edge and firefighting resources stretched thin. With prolonged drought conditions exacerbating the situation, these wildfires pose an enduring threat. Local residents are nervously watching the skies as thick smoke blankets the region. The fires are serving as a grim reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate future fire risks and protect vulnerable communities.
    -Labor Unions Call for Nationwide Strikes: A nationwide movement is brewing as labor unions from diverse sectors unite to demand better working conditions. Strikes have been called in various industries, including retail, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. Workers are pushing for fair wages, improved job security, and more robust employee rights. The momentum behind these strikes is mounting, prompting discussions about the broader issues of income inequality and labor rights in the modern workforce.
    BBC World Service
    -Northern Exodus: Climate Change Drives Mass Emigration to Warmer Lands
    With climate change in full swing, regions traditionally known for their chilly climates are witnessing an unprecedented exodus. From the Arctic to northern Europe, people are fleeing the relentless cold, seeking refuge in warmer, more temperate lands. The mass emigration is posing numerous challenges for host countries, including questions of capacity, infrastructure, and cultural assimilation. Policymakers are struggling to adapt to this global shift in population as they grapple with how best to manage these climate refugees.
    -Global Efforts to Curb Surging Wild Animal Attacks
    Wild animal attacks on humans have reached alarming levels worldwide, prompting concerted efforts to protect both people and wildlife. Attacks have been attributed to various factors, including habitat loss, food scarcity, and human encroachment into animal territories, with the most prominent contributing factor being the global ecological impact of the Yellowstone event. Governments, non-profit organizations, and researchers are working together to address these concerns. Strategies involve public awareness campaigns, enhanced conservation efforts, and measures to improve the coexistence of humans and wildlife.
    -Tech Giants Unveil Revolutionary Health Tech Advancements
    Leading technology companies are taking healthcare innovation to a new level. Wearable devices, AI-driven diagnostics, and telemedicine are revolutionizing the medical field. From tracking daily vital signs to providing quick access to healthcare professionals, these advancements are changing how we monitor and manage our health. This tech-centric approach aims to provide more personalized healthcare options, making medical care more accessible, efficient, and responsive to individual needs.
    -Cryptid Chronicles: Mysterious Creatures Captivate the World
    The resurgence of interest in cryptids, once relegated to the realm of folklore and urban legends, has taken the world by storm. Reports of sightings and encounters with cryptids have piqued curiosity and captured imaginations. As enthusiasts and scientists embark on expeditions to search for these elusive beings, a blend of ancient myth and modern technology is changing how we view the unexplained. This wave of cryptid fascination is drawing researchers and adventurers to remote corners of the globe, eager to uncover the secrets behind these age-old mysteries.
    Outland camp
    -Lying in adjacent beds in the camp's medical area, Sarah and John exchanged friendly smiles across the room. Both had sustained injuries while working on the firebreaks in the forest, but they seemed to be in good spirits. The room was abuzz with the gentle hum of conversation from other campers also receiving medical attention.

    Sarah was the first to speak, her voice tinged with amusement. "So, how'd you end up here, John? Sprained your ankle, too?"

    John chuckled softly, his arm in a makeshift sling. "Oh, no, nothing as simple as that. I got into a tussle with a stubborn branch, and well, I lost."

    Sarah raised an eyebrow, curiosity shining in her eyes. "A branch, really? What happened?"

    John chuckled again, shaking his head. "I was trying to clear a fallen tree off the firebreak path, you see. Thought I could handle it on my own. That's when it snapped back and caught my arm."

    Sarah winced in sympathy. "Ouch, that sounds painful. At least it's just a broken arm, though."

    John nodded, grimacing a little. "Yeah, could've been much worse. How about you? What's your story?"

    Sarah glanced down at her wrapped ankle. "Well, not as exciting as yours. I took a wrong step while hauling debris. My foot went one way, and I went the other, and now here I am."

    John grinned. "Guess we both got our own war stories now. We'll be back in action in no time."

    Sarah chuckled, finding comfort in the camaraderie despite their injuries. "Yeah, definitely. Until then, let's enjoy some downtime."

    -Sitting at a cluttered desk stacked with inventory lists, quartermaster Haythem Reed scratches his head, his expression puzzled. He glances up at his assistant, who's been diligently working on some paperwork nearby. "Something's not right."

    Abigail, his assistant, looks up from her own papers and asks, "What's the matter, sir?"

    "Take a look at these," says the Quartermaster as he spreads several sheets out on his desk. When Abigail leans over to view the papers, he taps the inventory list with his finger "These numbers here. They just don't add up. We should have more of those canned meats. Winter's almost gone, so it's not the biggest issue, but we shouldn't cut corners regarding rations."

    Abigail studies the list and then scans the warehouse shelves filled with supplies. "It could be a mistake from the last delivery to the cafeteria. Or maybe someone had a miscount when they were checking the shelves?"

    Quartermaster Reed nods in agreement. "You may be onto something. I'll need to go over what records we have and check the recent deliveries to the cafeteria. With the wildfire getting closer, we need all the slack we can when it comes to food." Abigail raises one eyebrow and gestures out to the overflowing shelves of food. "You know what I mean."

    -The hunter knelt beside a makeshift snare in the forest, the younger man observing with curiosity.

    "You're probably wondering why I'm setting up snares instead of just using poison, huh?" the hunter remarked, looking up from his work.

    The young man nodded. "Yeah, I mean, poisoning them seems easier, right? Just scatter some bait, and they eat it."

    The hunter continued to work on the snare while explaining, "It might seem that way, but poisoning them can lead to unintended consequences. Sometimes, they die in hard-to-reach places, and the stench is unbearable. Plus, poisoned rodents can become prey for other animals, and that could lead to a chain reaction of poison entering the ecosystem."

    "So, snares are better?" the young man asked, raising an eyebrow.

    The hunter completed the snare and held it up, showing it to the younger man. "Well, you see, snares are more precise. When you set one, you know where the rodent is likely to go. It's a quick and humane way to catch them. Plus, I can use their pelts for various things. Waste not, want not."

    The young man paused, absorbing the information. "I guess that makes sense. Let's hope it works."

    The hunter nodded in agreement and placed the snare near a rat creature burrow. "Now, we wait."

    As they continued their conversation, suddenly, the snare snapped shut with a high-pitched squeal. Both men turned to see a rat creature caught in the trap, frantically trying to escape.

    "Looks like our answer's here," the hunter said as he quickly approached the trapped rodent, knowing they had a good catch.

    ??????
    -Ernest Parsen sat at a small, corner table in the dimly lit cafe, nervously tapping his fingers on the worn wooden surface. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, providing some comfort as he waited for his old friend. It had been years since they last met, but he needed to talk to someone he could trust. The world had changed so much since their last encounter.

    Moments later, the cafe's bell jingled, and in walked an older man with graying hair and kind eyes. It was Walter, Ernest's friend since childhood. The two exchanged smiles and a warm embrace before settling into their seats.

    "Ernest, it's been too long," Walter said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

    Ernest nodded, his smile masking the heavy burden he carried. "It has, my old friend. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."

    They caught up, reminiscing about shared memories, the good old days when life was simpler. But as their coffee cups grew emptier, the weight of Ernest's concerns pressed upon him.

    He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Walter, I have something serious to discuss with you. It's about the future of our world. I've stumbled upon information that paints a grim picture, and I need your advice."

    Walter's brows furrowed, concern etching lines on his face. "Go on, Ernest. I'm here for you."

    Ernest detailed what he had discovered, the troubling data predicting the world's fate. He watched as Walter's expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief and then, finally, to the same grim understanding that weighed on his own shoulders.

    "This is bigger than both of us," Walter said, his voice resolute. "We need to find people who can make a difference. Government officials, scientists, anyone who can help us prepare for what's coming."

    Ernest nodded, grateful for his friend's support. The world had changed, and they were no longer just two old pals catching up over coffee. They were now part of something far more significant, and they needed to act to secure a future, even if it was uncertain.

    -In the weeks following their arrival in Outland, the rescued cats, dogs, and rabbits had begun to carve their place into the intricate tapestry of the camp's life. It wasn't without its hiccups, of course.

    The dogs, for one, showed boundless enthusiasm in their new surroundings. Many of them, especially the younger ones, would bounce around with unbridled joy, sometimes bowling over unsuspecting campers who were, quite literally, caught off guard. The camp's medics found themselves treating more bruises than usual, and the occasional sprained ankle was the talk of the infirmary. Nevertheless, the campers couldn't deny the comfort and security these loyal companions provided during this strange adventure.

    Amid the vibrant chaos of the dogs, the cats seemed to have made a peculiarly regal return to civilization. They often appeared, perched majestically on rocks or tree stumps, displaying a sense of haughty nonchalance. Sometimes, their activities involved more practical matters, like making a snug nest out of blankets they'd 'borrowed' from tents. And while their presence likely caused a slight dent in the local bird population, their grace and independence became a soothing aspect of camp life. Campers found themselves sharing their meals with these regal felines, forming a connection that bridged two worlds.

    The rabbits, in contrast, appeared to adapt quite well. Among the rescued animals, they seemed the most unfazed by the transition. These quiet, fuzzy creatures nibbled on the fresh grasses and herbs that grew in abundance, seemingly enjoying the vast meadows of Outland. The agricultural studies students marveled at the adaptability of the rabbits and even noted signs that the female might be expecting. With the potential for a new generation of bunnies, the camp's animal population was truly thriving, adding an unexpected but heartwarming layer to their shared experience in Outland.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Glad to see that Walter is being careful with the information. If we're lucky It won't cause even more of a mass panic so there'll be something of a nation left when we return.

    the strikers kinda choose a terrible time for it, thing aren't as bad as they were just after Yellowstone but still going to get worse before it gets better. Either way, it just needs to hold together for a month or two.

    The Cryptid hunt is interesting could point to magical things passing over or just fluff. We do know that portal moths exist.

    And our guys found missing food. If we're lucky that'll lead to the cult getting found out but if nothing else stamping out corruption is good.
     
    Wonder if we could train the dogs as ratters, that plus the cats should put a dent in the rat problem.

    Plus, the rabbits can become a source of protein if they are already breeding.
     
    Turn 27: First Week of February
  • Threadmarks
    • As the threat of the encroaching forest fire became an ever more tangible threat, the initial willingness among camp members to battle the flames remained. Still, a palpable undercurrent of fear and helplessness has begun to cast a more profound shadow. The crackling urgency of fire-fighting efforts is now accompanied by uneasy glances and hushed conversations that betray a growing sense of vulnerability. The flames danced on the horizon's edge, and even the most resilient individuals couldn't shake the gnawing awareness that they were battling a force of nature that cared little for their collective strength.

    In the wake of the advancing forest fire, the once vibrant and cacophonous symphony of animal noises that had long been a companion in Outland began to fade. The mass exodus of creatures seeking refuge from the encroaching flames resulted in a noticeable drop in the ambient sounds that had once defined the local environment. The eerie silence that settled over the land created an unsettling atmosphere for the campers, replacing the familiar chorus of wildlife with an emptiness that amplified the gravity of their situation. Those who had once complained about the nocturnal disruptions caused by the animals found themselves yearning for the return of the normal, even if it meant losing sleep to the chorus of the natural world.

    Richard, Bill, and Lieutenant Collins convened in the leadership group meeting room early to deliberate on the critical question that hung over the camp like a heavy cloud. Lieutenant Collins was the first to speak up. "The issue at hand is this: should the entirety of the camp's efforts be redirected toward combating the advancing forest fire, or should we maintain the current idea of splitting our resources to address multiple pressing needs?"

    "I think we need a more unified approach here," says Richard. "We need to find some way to either contain or outlast this thing. We should also probably look toward scavenging firefighting supplies from Earth; it could help."

    Bill spoke up, saying, "You're not wrong, Richard, but we need to think about the broader picture here. Yes, the fire is a major issue, but we also have a lot of other issues that we need to work on here at the camp."

    "And that's not even considering how the security of the camp will change with the change from the fires. Lots of animals will be moving around and finding new homes in the aftermath. That will cause all kinds of issues with animals trying to attack the camp. Especially with some returning for the coming spring."

    As more people showed up and added their opinions, the discussion ebbed and flowed. Many participants presented valid and compelling points, or simply added their voice behind others, leaving the room in contemplative silence, the weight of their decisions hanging in the air, unresolved. The fate of the camp rested in the balance, with the uncertain path forward reflecting the complex tapestry of challenges that defined their struggle for survival in the unforgiving landscape of Outland.

    Start of Turn Stats:
    Total Dice: 9
    Currently Available Dice: 7
    In use Dice: 2 locked (Self-Defense policy, Pest Problems)
    Currently Available Portals: 3, 0 next turn, 0 on cooldown
    Camp Slots: Available 1, In use 8(2Housing, 1 Canteen, 1 Warehouse, 1 Farming/Ranching, 1 Engineering Area, 1 Medical Area, 1 Small Park)
    Winter Timer: Winter is ending, Some DC's are still changed
    Food: 35 Max:26
    Animal Feed: 20 (will eat regular food at a rate of 0.5 per turn) Max:25
    Yeast: 10 (Increases by 1 every 4 turns, started Turn 16)
    Replacement Parts: 84 (+4 every turn)
    Power Needs: Small+
    Power Generation: Miniscule
    Power Storage: Small
    Morale: +11 overall (Base 1, +1 basic housing, +2 successful evacuation, -3 ????, +2 Basic Amenities, +1 small park, +1 Housing Level 2 Crit, +2 For Want of Drink(1 turn), +3 Banner of the Smilodon, +1 Pets!,+1 Flight Capable, -1 Forest Fire)
    Morale Tier 1 unlocked! +5 to all actions as long as Morale is 5 or above.
    Morale Tier 2 Unlocked! +10 to all actions as long as Morale is 10 or above.

    [ ] Personal Defense: The camp has suffered another devastating attack by the area's predators, and only the quick actions of the medical staff limited the number of deaths. The campers were sad and angry, and out of that anger, combined with the words of Corporal Chavez, came this proposal. This suggests making the campers go through self-defense courses to give them a better chance of surviving these attacks. This would take a long time, and campers would constantly rotate out from the training, but it would help to make the camp safer. (Gain a reroll against animal attacks, with the highest roll taken. Gain a growing bonus for the campers the longer this is taken. Reduces the maximum number of dice by 1 so long as this is taken.) Policy Decision, Roll for morale effect.
    [ ] Pest Problems: The camp has discovered an infestation of rodent-like creatures trying to steal the camp's supplies. The rat-creatures have already eaten their way through or otherwise spoiled 2 weeks of food in the canteen stores. Now that Spring is starting to return to Outland, it might be a good idea to get ahead of this issue before it rears its ugly head. Search the camp to eradicate all traces of these vermin; their meat might make good food for the dire wolves. (Eliminates the revealed infestation of Rat-Creatures and future proof so that there are no more similar infestations. (This would remove that specific scenario from my crit fail list)) DC 60
    [ ] Expand Borders: Space is still a bit tight in the camp, and while no one is complaining, it might be nice to get ahead of this. Use some more fencing to expand the area that you have available for more space to put towards any purpose. Might as well use what we have while we have nothing better to do.(can only be taken 2 more times with current supplies) 2 turns, DC 50 rolled every turn
    [ ] Fire Proofing, Perimeter: The forest fire on the horizon is unexpected and strange, especially as it still persists despite the remaining ice and snow. Several campers have suggested going over the perimeter fences and the immediate surrounding area to try and install some fire safety measures. (Fireproofing for fence and immediate area of camp) DC 20/50/90/140
    [ ] Fire Proofing, Interior: The forest fire on the horizon is unexpected and strange, especially as it still persists despite the remaining ice and snow. Several campers have suggested looking at measures that can be used in the camp interior to prevent fire from catching or spreading if/when it makes it to the camp. (Fireproofing for the interior of the camp in various ways) DC 20/50/90/140 -> 20/40/70/110
    [ ] Wooden Walls: The constant attacks by predators have caused questions to be asked about building a better wall. The idea has merit and was thus added to the project list. This would also give our people experience building wooden walls for Outposts when we get to that stage. (Builds a wooden wall around the current camp, options unlocked, DC reduction for certain actions.)(Locked due to missing requirements: Camp Level 2)
    [ ] Town Hall: The camp has grown quite a bit since it was first established, and people are wondering if it could be turned into a town instead of a camp. The idea would be great for everyone as it would also take some of the pressure off of the project group from having to run everything. One of the things that would be needed would be a town hall to house all the decision-making and other purposes. (Upgrades Camp level to 2. Options unlocked.) (Locked due to missing requirements: Research Area Level 1, open camp slot)
    [ ] Wooden Huts: Some campers have come forth and asked if it would be possible to make wooden huts for housing. This would be a long-term project, but the result would be people having their own houses and feeling perfectly at home for the first time in a while. (Locked due to missing requirements: Camp Level 2, Level 2 Lumberyard, 10 slots will be used/converted)
    [ ] Better toilets: The toilets in the camp are constantly in use. While not currently a problem, there could always be more, and they could always be better. Redesign the toilets in the camp to reflect the larger population better using them and be able to clean them and empty the waste products more efficiently. (build more, better toilets for the camp and have them less crowded.) 1 turn, DC 35 (Currently Locked)
    [ ] Create a Research area: The scientists have been debating about providing them a space to retain all the knowledge of Earth and research new things about the world they find themselves in. Allow them to take over the remaining area and transform it into a combination of Library and Laboratory. (Introduces the research mechanic. Provides a bonus for certain future actions. Gathers all knowledge about Earth and Outland into one easy-to-find place) DC 50
    [ ] Build a Library: The fortuitous luck of taking a whole library's worth of books has made people ask for a stand alone building to be built in the camp. Unfortunately, this would require more coordination and management and access to more modern building techniques. Needless to say, this option is lost to us for the time being. (Locked from lack of camp slots.)(Locked due to missing requirements: Camp Level 2, Research Area Level 1)
    [ ] Build Portals: There can never be enough Portals in the camp. The engineering team are willing to create new portals as it would expand the options available for the future and are eager to make more than 1 if given a chance. DC 40
    [ ] Build an offroad vehicle workshop: The discovery of all available parts for dirtbikes and the ATVs on Earth was a boon. Some people have suggested that an Offroad Vehicle Workshop be made to take care of the maintenance of the bikes, ATVs, and any other such vehicles found in the future. Now that winter is over, it might be worth looking into. DC 30
    [ ] Building mills: The wheat discovered in Outland can be turned into flour if the grain is put through a mill to grind it down. That would be useful if there were any hand mills in the camp, but that was one of the few things Bill should have thought to order. It may be possible to make some mechanical hand mills to process the grain into flour, but they would have to be hand-made, and wouldn't be the most efficient even with a workshop. (able to manually grind wheat into flour in the camp.) DC 60
    [ ] Prep a bigger generator area, part 2: The site for the bigger generator from the military camp has been cleared and prepped for the laying of a foundation. Now that the worst of the weather is over, and temperatures are starting to approach something close to mild, it might be worth looking at this project again. (Unlocks part 3 of project.) DC 100, 2 turns
    [ ] Animal products: An idle question about the purpose of keeping the animals in the camp has caused the project group to look into what they can use the animals for. While using their skins for leather will eventually become an option, you could also think up uses for the animals' bones, feathers, fur, and many other animal products. DC 40
    [ ] Food for the Herd: Jerry was going over inventory for the animals and he realized that there was still some room for storing feed. He puts forth the idea of gathering a bunch of grasses and other plants from the surrounding area to make feed for the animals. While labor intensive, this would add more to stores and give something to do for those who are willing. (Provides 1 turn worth of food for the animals) DC 35 80
    [ ] Start Ranching: The space enclosed by the fence would be prime land for grazing animals when it starts to grow again. Designate the area as a pasture and allow for the growth of wild plants and grasses that the animals can feed on when the plants grow. (converts 1 open space to pasture, providing 1 feed every 4 turns) DC 10
    [ ] Milk in the making: The cows can provide fresh milk for the camp to be used in cooking and maybe make cheese in the future. The idea of fresh milk is strange to some people who have never had it, but they will quickly get over their reservations. Especially as some of the cows have started to show signs of pregnancy, making this a more viable idea. (Gives the camp access to fresh milk.) DC 35
    [ ] Add an additional field: Jerry has been complaining that he doesn't have enough room to plant in the camp. He would like to turn one of the open camp plots into another field to be used for farming. (Changes 1 open camp slot into 1 Farming/Ranching Camp slot) Free action
    [ ] Start Crop Rotation: Jerry realized when planting that we need to implement some sort of crop rotation to ensure that the ground is not stripped of all its nutrients. Set a policy so that the fields are not used till they have nothing left, like what happened on Earth. (In quest, fields able to grow crops all year long. Mechanically, This makes the field unable to be changed to something else later.)
    [ ] Start Farming short-term crops: Try and grow your food, the first step to sustaining your camp in Outland. This explores whether or not you could grow crops that mature faster and get you food sooner, at the cost of providing little food. 8 turns for results, DC 30 rolled at the end, +8 food (Excludes Start Farming, long-term crops due to lack of available fields)
    [ ] Start Farming long-term crops: Try and grow your food, the first step to sustaining your camp in Outland. This is a long-term project and will provide a lot of food…when it finishes. 16 turns for results, DC 40 rolled at the end, +18 food (Excludes Start Farming, short-term crops due to lack of available fields)
    [ ] Increasing the herds: Jerry says he could encourage the animals to breed more and grow the pack to larger sizes but does not recommend this action as there needs to be more room to properly house and care for more animals. (Locked due to Area Level, Requires Level 2)
    [ ] Floating Rice Farms: A comment from one camper led to an idea about making more food in the future. The idea is to have floating farms for producing things like rice on the lake that was found. The idea has been done in many cultures on Earth and would allow the camp to dramatically increase its food production. (Locked until Spring)
    [ ] Medical Survey, Spring: The initial medical survey of the camp has shown that there are no current problems regarding sicknesses or conditions. However, this was only the initial review, and another survey will need to be done in the spring when there is a different environment and climate. DC 20 (Locked until Spring)
    [ ] 100 Herbs and Fungi: The campers in charge of the medical area have put in a proposal for the study of the native plants in the nearby area to study how they would affect the human body and what they could be used for. While this is the project's stated purpose, Tina says it was primarily to see if there were any medicinal plants they could find in Outland. (Chance at finding medically beneficial plants nearby, catalogs plants in the area for possible later use.) DC 35 (Winter Locked)
    [ ] Electric Grills: The constant use of Electricity has caused some questions about the possible utility of electric appliances instead of gas-powered or even straight fire. The idea has merit, and a few warehouses' electric grills have been overlooked. Add them to the Canteen and see if it helps with the lines that happen during meals. (Reduces lines for food due to having more cooking space available. Opens availability for more cooking styles/foods.) DC 40
    [ ] Hot Water: The icy grip of winter has increased the need for hot water for various tasks. While storing the hot water would be an exercise in futility currently, the actual heating of the water can be made more efficient. Set up an area in the canteen that would allow people to quickly and safely heat water for any number of uses. DC 30
    [ ] Ice House Blues, part 3: Now that everything is set up, fill the remaining space with the ice and snow needed to keep things cool as long as possible. It shouldn't be too difficult. (Gain Ice House for the camp, able to store ice and snow long into spring and maybe summer.) DC 20
    [ ] Wood Storage: An idea proposed by Jerry from the farming group was that the wood taken from clearing areas should be collected and dried to be used for future use, whether that be for fires or buildings. Ensure there is enough room in the warehouse to hold a good amount of wood that is safe and dry from the weather. (Some of the wood from cleared areas is kept for future use instead of being immediately used.) DC 30
    [ ] Expansion: The warehouse for the storage of animal feed at the current level is full. This has caused several people to suggest upgrading the warehouse to increase the available storage capacity of everything. (Locked from level requirements.)
    [ ] Aerial scouting: The building of an airbase will allow many things to open up for the camp, the primary among them being aerial scouting. The ability to relay information or draw maps from an aerial view presents many opportunities. Send out the plane to expand the map of the area and give ground explorers a better idea of what is in which directions. (Adds bonus to exploration/scouting rolls, expands map.) DC 60 50
    [ ] Gathering food, forest: The camp is near a forest that could be teeming with food. You could gather edible plants, roots, and berries to increase your stockpile. None of the plants are liable to continue growing much as they conserve what they can for the winter months. (+1 food, +1 additional food for every 20 past the DC threshold) DC 40 70
    [ ] Fishing: You have discovered that a nearby lake has fish! Get yourself some and have a fish fry at the camp. (Gain +1 food for every time DC exceeded(ie. Rolling 90 gives +2))DC 35 55
    [ ] Set up roving patrols: Predators in the forest were waiting to attempt adding humans to the prey menu. This is concerning in and of itself and suggests that the predators in Outland are more intelligent than their Earth counterparts. Setting up some patrols in the surrounding area would make the camp safer and allow for easier expansion. (Predator attack rolls are reduced by 1 dice so long as this is taken. Reduce DC for certain actions. project unlocked) DC 40 80, -1 dice for continuous patrols
    [ ] The Road to Omaha, part 2: The path towards Omaha is started, but there are obstacles in the way of progress. The first of those obstacles is trees, lots and lots of trees in a forest that lies almost in the middle of the path toward Omaha. Nothing to it but chopping away and working on getting the trees out of the ground. DC 50 60 each turn, 3 4 turns
    [ ] Mining Iron: The guys from the fishing group found a small deposit of iron when they were out fishing. The blacksmith has said that it's good quality and the camp could always have more to add to its supplies. Go and mine some of the iron to be used by the blacksmith and possibly the engineers. (Grants +dice roll of iron, with the type of dice depending on the initial roll) DC 40 60
    [ ] Fire Proofing, Forest: You've made some headway toward building fire breaks in the forest to try and stop the fire. The initial efforts will be enough to provide some more breathing room but more could always be used. With the fire so close though, this will likely be the last chance to finish the initial line of fire breaks and some of the secondary line. (Establish fire breaks in the forest) DC 100/120/150/200/300
    [ ] Fire Proofing, Prairie: The forest fire on the horizon is unexpected and strange, especially as it still persists despite the remaining ice and snow. While not in nearly as much trouble as the forest, basic fire breaks were also suggested for the prairie to prevent the fire from spreading to encompass the camp. (Fire breaks established in the Prairie) DC 30/60/100
    [ ] Hunting: A group of survivors wants to go hunting in this new world to expand the available supplies. There is a more limited availability of prey as some species start to move for the winter months. DC 25 (Locked from the random event)
    [ ] Growing Weed?: Some of the stoners brought up the idea of planting Marijuana and hemp whenever people go hunting or in specialized areas. While this is likely only something they thought of to increase their supply, this could provide a source of drugs and materials for the future. (allows planting of marijuana and hemp plants out in the forest. Potential materials when plants grow. You will need to research hemp or find information while scavenging before it is beneficial.) DC 60 (Winter Locked)
    [ ] Look for Bees, Outland: A random thought by Jerry, the leader of the farming/ranching area, led Richard to think up this project. While you have a hive already, you could always use the honey and wax they produce. Find some wild hives and get access to bee products until you can get them from your hive. (Access to bee products. Options unlocked.) DC 40 (Winter Locked)
    [ ] Deer Domestication, Part 2: The deer are much more amenable to being around humans and have started associating humans with food. Unfortunately, they are close to leaving for warmer areas for the winter. Continue to feed them until they leave and engrain that association between humans and food in the mind of the deer. Locked until finished, DC 40, 1 food used per turn. (3 turns until they leave for winter) (Locked from the random event)
    [ ] Scavenge: Go through the portal back to Earth and scavenge for supplies. (Choose what you look for when scavenging: Consumable, Knowledge, Material.) DC 10
    [ ] Animal Food: The thought of domesticated animals on Earth leads to another idea, that of pet stores and, specifically, the bags of pet food they have. Most of that food would still be good and could be used to feed several of the animals in the camp. Plus, to the disgust of many, the food might also be edible for humans, even if barely. Scout out pet stores back on earth to see if there is anything that you should bring back. DC 25
    [ ] Wind Power Scavenging: The camp has started using electricity continuously, which requires a lot of power. Unfortunately, the generators you brought have a limited amount of fuel. Some people suggested getting some at-home wind-powered generators to provide a more consistent power base for the camp. They could also be set up immediately, though there is little in the way of keeping the energy stored when it is not needed. (Provides a small continuous generation of energy for the camp.) DC 70 95
    [ ] Sporting and You: One of the campers brought up the idea of raiding the sports stores still standing for things that will be needed once spring ends. Among the things he suggested stood out the most: trail bikes to be used for easier exploration. This is a great idea for use when winter ends, as the issue of transportation is one that will become more important when temperatures rise again. Procure some bicycles for the camp and the parts to adjust them to people as needed. (Adds Bicycles to the warehouses and increases the bonus from Enthusiast of Dirt Bikes) DC 50
    [ ] Generator for the camp: The generator at the camp exploded, and the camp is running on reserve power from the trickle charge brought in by other sources. This situation couldn't have happened at a worse time as the available electricity is all going toward the canteen for hot meals. Send some people to scout around on Earth and pick up a portable generator or two to bring the camp back toward producing enough power for everything. (Power returns to pre-explosion levels. Possibility of power surplus.) DC 75+10(Winter)=85
    NEW[ ] By the Power of Snow and Ice: The forest fire on the horizon is unexpected and strange, especially as it still persists despite the remaining ice and snow. One camper had the joking idea of opening portals back to Earth in various places and bringing back large amounts of snow and ice to have more water on hand to try and stop the fire. Needless to say, he was surprised when his joke was taken seriously and entered the discussion. (Bring in snow and ice from the Long Winter on Earth and pile it in places to try and stop the fire.) DC 20/50/90/150
    [ ] Solar Power scavenging: The camp has started using electricity continuously, requiring a lot of power. Unfortunately, the generators you brought have a limited amount of fuel. One of the ideas is to take apart the solar power cells that can be seen around town and bring them back to provide power. While not the best in the upcoming winter, it would allow them to be stored safely in Outland instead of being out in the elements back on Earth. (Provides a moderate generation of energy during the day, reduced to small because of winter weather.) DC 90 (Winter Locked)
    [ ] Try and track down the rest of Bill's order: When the Inventory efforts were finished, quite a few things were missing from his order. Bill knows the location of most of what is missing and could probably guess where the rest is from there. The problem? The missing stuff is in Omaha. Not a problem for a drive on Pre-Apocalypse Earth, but since the options are either going on Post-Apocalypse Earth or in Outland, the trip would take considerably longer. (Currently locked, complete The Road to Omaha first)
    [ ] Continue evacuation to Outland: One of the conditions for the Military to join the group in Outland was to continue evacuation efforts when there is access to a major city. While there are no more survivors in the surrounding area, this evacuation would allow people to join pre-built camps and help to increase the human race's chances of survival. The military would lead these evacuation efforts, bringing more people to the camp. (a dice roll of people is added to the camp each turn. Every 100 people evacuated this way adds 1 dice to the available dice pool.)(-1 dice as the military works on this)(automatic when in an area with people to evacuate)(currently locked, no more people in the area)
    [ ] Snowball Warfare: One of the things that have been brought up by campers is training for accuracy when it comes to projectiles. The Military contingent has brought up the idea of taking some time out of a week to have supervised training and battle maneuvers. When further questioned, several admitted they wanted official permission to have snowball fights. Despite the initial silliness of the idea, upon further consideration, the project is added to the docket as potentially a good idea. (snowball fights are had. Possible Morale boost. Repeatable) DC 30
    [ ] Sap to Syrup: The weather might get cold enough this far south to allow for maple syrup production. While a simple process, the specific type of sap doesn't form in maple trees unless the temperature continuously falls below a certain threshold. Investigate the possibility of making maple syrup at the camp to provide a sweet treat for the campers. (Opens the option to produce Maple Syrup in Outland without moving to more northern climates.) DC 60/90
    [ ] On the status of Art, continuous: The snow sculptures have been a great success, and the possibility of any type of additional activities has formed the seed of an art movement in the camp. There has been a petition put forward to allow people to make more sculptures and other art pieces to improve camp mood and get rid of excess energy. (People keep making snow art. Morale boost becomes permanent as long as winter lasts at the highest DC.) DC 20/80

    AN: I forgot about posting this on Friday because I was with family, and yesterday was too busy. So have it today!
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • I would at very least spend one die on the Ice House to finish that up so that we actually have ice to put in it, other than that all dice should go into fighting the fire.

    Edit - Do we want to take the die off Personal Defense? We can always put it back on after the Forest Fire is taken care of.
     
    Last edited:
    Wobb Nox said:
    I would at very least spend one die on the Ice House to finish that up so that we actually have ice to put in it, other than that all dice should go into fighting the fire.

    Edit - Do we want to take the die off Personal Defense? We can always put it back on after the Forest Fire is taken care of.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Nah we shouldn't take the die off Personal Defense as with the forest fire coming, more animals are gonna be running around trying to escape from it.
    Also I agree that we should atleast finish the ice house then put focus more anti forest fire procedures.
     
    For the anti fire stuff should we work on the farther out firebreaks in the forest or start defending the edges of the camp.

    I'm hoping we avoid activities to prevent fire spreading within the camp as it would be a lot better if we prevented the fire from reaching the camp entirely.
     
    [X] Plan - Icy Hot
    - [X] Ice House Blues, part 3 - 1 Dice
    - [X] Fire Proofing, Forest - 6 Dice

    Basically finishing the Ice House while we still have ice to put in it and trying to stop the Forest Fire at the Forest.
     
    Wait, we have an action to bring ice from Earth, so we can wait on that.

    But we should scavenge the Fire Station for safety gear, that would come in handy.
     
    [X] Plan - Icy Hot Prairie
    - [X] Ice House Blues, Part 3 - 1 Dice
    - [X] Fireproofing, Forest - 5 Dice
    - [X] Fireproofing, Prairie - 1 Dice

    Let's Fireproof the Prairie just to cover our bases just in case the fire gets too unpredictable and strong.
     
    Looks like Plan - Icy Hot is the winner.
    I've already started work on it, so I'll just keep with that.
    Rolling for Random Event.
    Edit: Dang, that's pretty good.
    Gahuul threw 1 100-faced dice. Reason: Random Event Roll Total: 81
    81 81
     
    Turn 27 Results
  • Threadmarks
    • -Personal Defense: The camp has suffered another devastating attack by the area's predators, and only the quick actions of the medical staff limited the number of deaths. The campers were sad and angry, and out of that anger, combined with the words of Corporal Chavez, came this proposal. This suggests making the campers go through self-defense courses to give them a better chance of surviving these attacks. This would take a long time, and campers would constantly rotate out from the training, but it would help to make the camp safer. (Gain a reroll against animal attacks, with the highest roll taken. Gain a growing bonus for the campers the longer this is taken. Reduces the maximum number of dice by 1 so long as this is taken.) Policy Decision, Roll for morale effect.
    - Pest Problems: The camp has discovered an infestation of rodent-like creatures trying to steal the camp's supplies. The rat-creatures have already eaten their way through or otherwise spoiled 2 weeks of food in the canteen stores. Now that Spring is starting to return to Outland, it might be a good idea to get ahead of this issue before it rears its ugly head. Search the camp to eradicate all traces of these vermin; their meat might make good food for the dire wolves. (Eliminates the revealed infestation of Rat-Creatures and future proof so that there are no more similar infestations. (This would remove that specific scenario from my crit fail list)) DC 60
    - Ice House Blues, part 3: Now that everything is set up, fill the remaining space with the ice and snow needed to keep things cool as long as possible. It shouldn't be too difficult. (Gain Ice House for the camp, able to store ice and snow long into spring and maybe summer.) DC 20
    - Fire Proofing, Forest: You've made some headway toward building fire breaks in the forest to try and stop the fire. The initial efforts will be enough to provide some more breathing room but more could always be used. With the fire so close though, this will likely be the last chance to finish the initial line of fire breaks and some of the secondary line. (Establish fire breaks in the forest) DC 100/120/150/200/300 6 Dice

    Pest Problems: DC 60

    Roll=64-5(Emergency Storage)+10(Organized Camp)+10(Morale Tier 2)=79(Success)


    As the camp faced the persistent threat of rodent-like creatures pilfering their supplies, the campers revisited the issue of these pests, specifically that the action had been left unresolved. With a renewed focus on eradicating the vermin, the small group of campers embarked on a mission to safeguard their dwindling food supplies. Equipped with newfound knowledge and a heightened sense of urgency, combed through the camp, locating and eliminating the troublesome pests. Their diligence in addressing the infestation secured the remaining food supplies and served as a valuable learning experience.

    Two campers, Jim and Emily, shared a quiet moment as they surveyed the now hole-free surroundings. Jim couldn't help but express his gratitude, "You know, Emily, I think we lucked out getting picked for this job instead of working out there in the forest. Dealing with these critters might be annoying, but it sure beats facing down that approaching fire."

    Emily chuckled in agreement as she double-checked their work, "You've got a point, Jim. I'd take these little pests over the big one any day. At least we can see the results of our work right away. It's a bit like a break from the chaos happening in the forest, don't you think?"

    Jim nodded, "Absolutely. Plus, we're helping make the camp safer. It might not be as heroic as facing a forest fire, but someone's gotta do it. Besides, it's nice to have a task where we can actually finish the job without worrying about the fire catching up to us."

    As they continued their work, the duo couldn't help but appreciate the change of pace. While the looming forest fire cast a shadow over the camp, Jim and Emily found solace in the simplicity of their task. The thorough pest removal efforts, coupled with the campers' heightened awareness, made future infestations less likely. The camp, having grappled with the consequences of the rodent invasion, was now better equipped to prevent similar challenges in the future.

    (Finally got the buggers. Infestation with larger critters removed from my Crit fail table. No worry about food supply.)

    Ice House Blues, part 3: DC 20

    Roll=95-5(Emergency Storage)+10(Organized Camp)+10(Morale Tier 2)=110(Crit)(5x DC)

    In the wake of the looming forest fire, a group of campers who weren't able to help with the forest situation undertook a simple mission: to fill the remaining space in the ice house with the precious resources of ice and snow, essential for preserving their supplies. Braving the chill of the forest, thankfully in a direction away from the fire, the campers made their way to the lake, ready to collect copious amounts of freshwater ice and snow.

    The task proved both simple and tiring. Scooping and transporting the icy loads demanded physical effort, but the campers found a rhythm in the repetitive motions. As they toiled, one member of the group, Jake, felt the monotony lull him into a state of near-dreamlike fatigue. By the time they finished, he retreated to his bunk, feeling sore and exhausted.

    To everyone's surprise, Jake woke up feeling remarkably refreshed the following morning. A newfound energy surged through him as he rejoined the group. As they resumed their work, Jake, seemingly on autopilot, made some spontaneous adjustments to one of the sleds used for transporting the ice. To the astonishment of the group, the modified sled glided smoothly and efficiently, effortlessly outperforming the others.

    When questioned about his impromptu modifications, Jake could only attribute the idea to strange dreams he couldn't quite recall. Nevertheless, the enhanced sled continued to stand out throughout the week, prompting the campers to request similar adjustments to the remaining sleds.

    As the ice house neared fullness, the group took the time to ensure that the ice and snow were packed in as tightly as possible while still being accessible. It was a struggle for some of the larger members to get to the back, but as the week neared its end, the group congratulated themselves on a job well done. On the last day of the project, having been told that everyone could be finished when the building was full, the group started to move out of the building from where they had been storing things.

    "Jacob! We're all done up here; how's things looking back there!" Called Abraham, the self-appointed leader of the group.

    "Quit your bitching, Abe, I'll be out in a moment. One of the blocks came loose a bit, and I want to -grunt- move the damn thing back in place," replied Jake. "And I don't know how many times I have to tell you, call me -umf- Jake! Only my parents called me Jacob."

    "Just as many times as I have to remind you that my name is Abraham, and doubtless many more," replied Abraham in a deadpan tone of voice. "Now, do you need any help? I'd like to get out of the cold if not. Something about the amount of ice here makes it colder than usual."

    "No, no, I'm fine. Go on ahead, Abe - Abraham. I'll close up when I'm done here," replies Jake from the back.

    "I swear, I can hear that boy rolling his eyes sometimes," mutters Abraham, shaking his head as he walks out the door.

    Unbeknownst to Abraham and the rest of his group, Jake hadn't been just moving the block in question. Compelled by an unexplained urge, he had been surreptitiously scratching something onto seemingly random places in the building, with the last being on the inside door frame at the corners. Unbeknownst to him, the structure seemed subtly altered once those last scratches were in place.

    As Jake left the ice house behind, the inexplicable modifications lingered, leaving an indelible mark on the structure. The mystery of Jake's strange dreams and their tangible effects became an intriguing footnote in the ongoing saga of survival in the unpredictable realm of Outland. The mystery of the Ice House itself wouldn't be discovered until much later.

    (Success. Crit and 5x DC combined to change ice house into ??? Ice-house. This gives a bonus once discovered by the campers and researched. The normal effect of storing ice for long amounts of time is still there.)

    Fire Proofing, Forest: DC 100/120/150/200/300

    Rolls= 49(1st roll)+44(2nd roll)+50(3rd roll)+3(4th roll)+85(5th roll)+74(6th roll)+5(Basic Information, Outland)+5(Scouting Force)+10(Morale Tier 2)=327(1 Crit Failure)(Max reward)

    The urgency of the impending forest fire spurred the campers into action, revisiting the crucial task of fire-proofing the forest. As the flames encroached, the campers faced heightened challenges in their quest to build effective fire breaks in the dense forest. Despite the elevated difficulty caused by the fire's progression, the campers were determined to make their new home as safe as possible.
    "You all know the drill by now, people," says Richard to the gathered crowd of campers. "We need to get back out there and finish our fire breaks as best as we are able. The more fire breaks and other deterrents we are able to put in front of this thing, the safer we will all be. You should all have teams you worked with from last week; keep in those groups unless you feel you need to be somewhere else. If you weren't part of the efforts over the last week, and I see quite a few new faces, come see me in the front to be put in a group. Are there any questions?" There is a silence as Richard finishes, and while some people look like they want to speak up, they keep their questions to themselves. Richard nods and says, "Then let's move, people."
    Their efforts resulted in the completion of the initial line of fire breaks, offering a crucial buffer against the advancing flames. The campers, recognizing the urgency, also managed to finish the secondary lines, further fortifying their defenses. The resounding success of their collective endeavor provided a glimmer of hope in the midst of the encroaching inferno.
    By the time the front lines were finished, the haze of smoke had become a concern for health and safety reasons. "We're done here!" yelled out Harry from a hoarse throat. "Get the tools you can and let's leg it towards the third line. The second will be as close to done as they can be." Campers have been moving since Harry said they were done, though several had to quickly turn and retrieve dropped tools before continuing their flight. The trail they had walked through the forest to get to the first line, more of a dirt trail, was being rapidly turned into a well-trodden path from the after-effects of the mass movement of campers.

    Harry is one of the last ones out, looking back to make sure no one's left behind. He doesn't see anyone, though the smoke is starting to get thicker, so that may be an issue to consider. Harry turns and runs down the trail, making sure to keep a lookout for tripping hazards like loose rocks or large roots. 'I still can't believe that these kids managed to get so much done in a limited amount of time,' he thinks to himself, stepping over a large root and crossing the path. 'They managed to do as much as I asked and more. I wonder if-' Harry is broken out of his musings by rustling bushes and sees several dark shapes dart by him away from the fire. He hears swearing from ahead of him and speeds up slightly to see one of the campers from his group looking at the bushes.

    "I just saw-" starts the guy before Harry cuts him off.

    "The Dire wolves, I know," says Harry, pushing the guy from behind as he runs by to get him moving again. "I saw them around the area as we were working. I don't know what they want, but it isn't important right now. Let's go."
    However, not without its challenges, the critical failure roll unveiled a hidden obstacle. Beneath a portion of the forest, the campers discovered a cave system intertwined with partially covered ravines. This revelation significantly hindered their firebreak efforts on one side, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the already daunting task.
    A startled scream caused Matt to whip his head around toward the sound. Several people are rushing toward a hole in the ground, and Matt goes with them. "What happened? Is anybody hurt?" Matt asks as he arrives at the scene.

    "I don't know!" says a frazzled woman who is holding onto a shovel. "Me and Margaret were digging here when suddenly the ground started cracking and she fell down there!"

    Matt looks down the hole to see a woman at the bottom of what looks like a cave. "Hey! Are you alright? Are you awake?" the lady doesn't respond and as Matt looks closer, he winces as he sees the lady's leg bent out of shape. "We need to get her out of there. Someone alert the medical team to bring a stretcher if they have one! And get me some rope! We ned to get down there and get her out." several campers speed off to do what was asked, and Matt yells out through his hands, "Everyone, stop digging!" when he has their attention from that, he explains, "there's some sort of large hollow or cave under the ground here, we won't be able to dig safely."

    "Brought the rope!" yells out one guy as he and several others come up with several coils of rope.

    "Medicals alerted and said they'll have a makeshift stretcher ready for when we're done." said a girl as she trotted back to join the group.

    "Alright, here's the plan: we'll make a long rope with all this and lower me down. I'll get the girl and carry her in a fireman's carry. Then I'll get a secure grip and you'll all pull me and the rope up. Any questions?" Matt finishes as he starts to tie the end of two ropes together.

    "Why do you get to go down?" asks one guy with a frown.

    "Do you want to go?" Matt asks, gesturing toward the hole.

    The guy looked at the hole, replied, "No, go right ahead," and started to tie two ends together as best he could. Things are tricky, and there is an instant where the lady looks like she might fall off Matt's back near the end, but by the time medical staff arrive with their stretcher, Matt has managed to get the lady out of the cave.
    The campers pressed on despite this setback, adapting to the evolving circumstances. By the end of their tireless efforts, the fire breaks were a testament to their resilience and teamwork. Positioned strategically, these defenses would play a pivotal role in redirecting the approaching fire, safeguarding both the camp and a substantial portion of the surrounding forest.
    The news of the work having to be stopped along one side of the fire breaks due to the presence of something under the ground is not taken well. As more and more people pulled back to the camp as they finished their fire breaks, the bad news was diluted by the people coming in and reporting their fire breaks finished or almost done.

    Everything was being drawn out on a whiteboard, at least as best as could be done. As more fire breaks are added, the picture of a camp surrounded by green-shaded forest and yellow-shaded plains has the forest gain several lines where the approximate place of the fire breaks are. When the picture is finished, it is a beautiful thing to behold: a visual reminder of the campers' effort and the results it has.

    "Well, damn. That's some pretty good work right there," you say while inspecting the picture. "We still have to do something about where the prairie touches the forest, but otherwise, we've put in some solid work." Several noises of agreement sound out before a voice sounds out.

    "I think we could still do more in the forest," says Andrew, one of the guys who was working on the firebreaks. Several people groan or complain about their aching back before Richard responds.

    "I don't disagree with you, Andrew, but from what I've heard, the smoke was starting to become a real problem at the front breaks. Hell, most of the 2nd and 3rd line fire breaks were done as well. I don't even know what more we could do in a timely fashion." That seems to stump Andrew, as he starts obviously thinking about the situation. Richard turned and looked over the rest of the crowd that had been watching the exchange. He says, "In the meantime, take a break, everyone; we've done what we set out to do, and we could use some winding down."
    As the campers surveyed their handiwork, a sense of accomplishment mingled with the palpable tension of the impending fire. The success of their fire-proofing endeavors stood as a beacon of hope, a tangible testament to their ability to confront and overcome the ever-present challenges of Outland.

    (Success. Max success, but mitigated by a Crit Failure on one of the rolls. This amounts to the fire breaks all being completed before the fire hits them, except along one side where the cave/hollow in the forest made further work too unsafe to continue. There will now be a roll with DC 60 to determine if the fire advances in the camp's direction in addition to the rolls the fire already has for continuing to burn and spread. This will not apply to the area past where the fire break had to stop.)

    Random Event Roll=81

    The smoke from the forest fire had been billowing up into the sky for days now, sending loads of smoke and ash into the sky. When that fine particulate matter hit the dense, moist air in the atmosphere, clouds started to form in the air overhead. The clouds rapidly grew in size and strength as the fire kept sending up more and more smoke, growing the clouds into a storm that started to darken the sky. Eventually, a tipping point is reached, and the clouds start releasing their bounty of freezing rain onto the burning forest below.

    (A storm has formed over the forest and started to rain down on the fire. There is no sign of it stopping any time soon. The storm will continue raining intermittently over the coming week and might continue next week. The fire has to beat a DC+15 for spreading and burning while the storm is extant.)

    End of Turn Stats
    Total Dice: 9
    Currently Available Dice: 8
    In use Dice: 1 locked (Self-Defense policy)
    Currently Available Portals: 3, 0 next turn, 0 on cooldown
    Camp Slots: Available 1, In use 8(2Housing, 1 Canteen, 1 Warehouse, 1 Farming/Ranching, 1 Engineering Area, 1 Medical Area, 1 Small Park)
    Season Timer: Spring, lasts (D6(2)+8) 10 turns
    Food: 34 Max:26
    Animal Feed: 19 (will eat regular food at a rate of 0.5 per turn) Max:25
    Yeast: 10 (Increases by 1 every 4 turns, started Turn 16)
    Replacement Parts: 88 (+4 every turn)
    Power Needs: Small+
    Power Generation: Miniscule
    Power Storage: Small
    Morale: +9 overall (Base 1, +1 basic housing, +2 successful evacuation, -3 ????, +2 Basic Amenities, +1 small park, +1 Housing Level 2 Crit, +3 Banner of the Smilodon, +1 Pets!,+1 Flight Capable, -1 Forest Fire)
    Morale Tier 1 unlocked! +5 to all actions as long as Morale is 5 or above.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • That crit fail is rough, Hopefully the chink in our armor isn't too bad. Anyways I think we should work on the prairie if it's safe. The fire is currently has to beat a 75 DC to move towards the camp so if we can raise it higher that would be ideal.

    As soon as the fire event is over we should push the road project, The fire and the fire breaks cleared a lot of trees so it should be significantly easier. Plus the faster we get that done the better off we will be.
     
    Gahuul said:
    you could do that, I guess.
    There's no water pressure, though, and the trucks would need overhauls before they could run again if they're even there.
    If you want to do that, I can make it an action.
    Let me know.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    I figured the trucks wouldn't be useful but I was thinking of all the other gear like the oxygen tanks or the fire resistant gear.
     
    Wobb Nox said:
    I figured the trucks wouldn't be useful but I was thinking of all the other gear like the oxygen tanks or the fire resistant gear.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Well since we're talking about getting some supplies from the fire department, why don't we try to check some of the department stores or see if there's things like tools for construction that can be used.

    Maybe we can even scrap some houses out there, get some metal scraps or such you know?
     
    Turn 27 Rumor Mill
  • Threadmarks
    • United States Government
    -Unusual Delay in Spring Raises Concerns:
    As the calendar advances, many parts of the United States are experiencing an unexpected delay in the arrival of spring. Unseasonably cool temperatures and persistent winter-like conditions are prompting concerns among scientists and agriculture experts. Farmers worry about potential impacts on crop cycles, and meteorologists are closely monitoring climate patterns to understand this unusual phenomenon.
    -Weather Woes Disrupt School Attendance Nationwide:
    The relentless rain and snowfall across the country are causing widespread disruptions in school attendance. Students and parents are grappling with transportation challenges, and school districts are considering contingency plans. Authorities are exploring innovative solutions, such as online learning options, to ensure that education remains accessible even in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.
    -Battle Against Wildfires in the West Intensifies:
    The fight against the raging wildfires in the western United States continues as emergency crews, firefighters, and volunteers work tirelessly to contain the blazes. Evacuations are underway in affected areas, and resources are being mobilized to protect both human and animal populations. The situation remains dynamic, and officials are urging residents to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders as necessary.
    -Renewable Energy Boom: Shaping a Greener Future:
    Amid environmental concerns and a shifting energy landscape, the United States is experiencing a notable surge in renewable energy projects. From wind farms to solar installations, the push towards cleaner energy sources is gaining momentum. The federal government is providing incentives to encourage sustainable practices, fostering a renewed focus on green initiatives and reducing the nation's carbon footprint.

    BBC World Service
    -Global Climate Anomalies Raise Concerns: Meteorologists and environmental scientists around the world are expressing growing concern over the unusual delay in the arrival of spring. Many regions are experiencing unseasonably cold temperatures and persistent weather patterns, impacting agriculture and wildlife. Climate experts are closely monitoring these anomalies and investigating potential links to broader climate shifts.
    -Water Shortages Grip European Cities Amid Unusual Weather Patterns: Unseasonal weather patterns have disrupted water supplies in major European cities. Persistent rain and snow, far beyond the typical seasonal limits, are causing challenges in water management systems. Authorities are urging citizens to conserve water as they work to address shortages and ensure a stable supply in the face of unpredictable weather.
    -Renewable Energy Boom: Nations Rally to Expand Green Power Amid Climate Crisis: In response to the global climate crisis, nations are accelerating efforts to expand renewable energy sources. The surge in demand for clean energy solutions is reshaping power grids and fueling investments in solar, wind, and other sustainable technologies. Governments worldwide are setting ambitious targets to transition towards greener, more sustainable energy practices.
    -Groundbreaking Research Reveals Startling Impact of Climate Change on Arctic Ecosystems: Scientists conducting research in the Arctic region have unveiled alarming findings related to the impact of climate change. The study highlights unprecedented changes in Arctic ecosystems, from melting ice caps to shifts in wildlife behavior. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for global collaboration to address the far-reaching consequences of climate change on polar environments.

    Outland camp
    -As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow across the camp, two campers, Emma and Jake, decided to venture to the newly constructed ice house. Armed with containers, they eagerly approached the icy fortress, excited about the prospect of replenishing their dwindling ice supplies.

    The door to the ice house was a heavy, insulated behemoth, but with combined effort, Emma and Jake managed to open it. A wave of frigid air greeted them, and they both shivered in response. Inside, the air was crisp, and shelves neatly organized with blocks of ice awaited their eager hands.

    "Man, it's colder in here than I thought," remarked Jake, rubbing his hands together for warmth.

    Emma chuckled, "Well, it is an ice house, after all. What did you expect, a tropical breeze?"

    They worked efficiently, filling their containers with ice, chatting away about camp life, and the peculiarities of Outland. As they were about to close the door, Emma paused. "Did you see that?"

    "See what?" Jake asked, slightly puzzled.

    "Watch when I close the door," Emma instructed. She slowly swung the door shut, and as it neared its final inches, a flash of light caught their eyes.

    "What was that?" Jake asked, his curiosity piqued.

    Emma grinned mischievously. "A cool light effect," she said, emphasizing the pun.

    Jake rolled his eyes. "Really? A pun?"

    As the door stopped, they observed the shimmering ice, catching the last rays of daylight. The blocks glowed, refracting the fading sunlight in a dazzling display. The mundane task of fetching ice had turned into a moment of unexpected beauty.

    -Tom sat by the flickering campfire, watching the tendrils of smoke rise into the darkening sky. The distant glow of the wildfire cast an eerie light, and the crackling flames seemed to mimic the nervous energy in his chest. "Hope they get that fire under control soon," he mumbled, glancing anxiously towards the forest's edge.
    Sergeant Davis, a sturdy figure in military fatigues, paced near the edge of the camp. His eyes were trained on the flickering flames in the distance. "We need to fortify our perimeter. If the fire spreads, we can't risk it breaching the camp," he barked orders to the military team, ensuring everyone understood the urgency.
    Dr. Ramirez, surrounded by medical supplies, furrowed her brow as she considered the potential influx of injured campers. "We might need to expand the medical area. Burns, smoke inhalation... we need to be ready for anything," she muttered, organizing her team to prepare for a potential uptick in medical emergencies.
    Erin, a part of the camp's leadership and an avid scholar, peered at the distant flames with a mix of concern and excitement. "Once it's safe, I want to explore that cave. Who knows what secrets it holds," she mused, already planning the scientific expedition that would follow. Matt just looks at her and raises an eyebrow. When Erin eventually notices, she swats him with a huff and says, "The fire is an issue, but we'll get through it. I'm looking forward to our future endeavors.
    Mrs. Jenkins, one of the elder members of the camp, sat on a log, watching the fire's glow dance in her troubled eyes. "I've seen a lot in my time, but this... it's different. We need stability. We need safety for these young ones," she sighed, voicing concerns about the fragility of the camp's existence.

    "I agree, ma'am," says a voice next to her. Mrs. Jenkins turns and stares at the younger man next to her, also watching the fire. "We need to have a leadership in place that knows how to handle these things." The two keep talking for a while before they both move off to do other things.

    ??????
    -Zeke sighed as he leaned against the rough cave wall, the dim light casting shadows across his tired face. His clothes were worn, and his unshaven face bore the marks of exhaustion. Jimmy, equally disheveled, sat on a makeshift seat of rocks, a flask of clean water in his hands.

    "You think it'll work, Zeke?" Jimmy asked, glancing up from his meal.

    Zeke hesitated, squinting at the makeshift map they had spread out on the cave floor. "The portal's the key, Jimmy. It's our ticket back. We just need to figure out how to use it without ending up as alien chow."

    Jimmy scowled. "Don't talk like we're stuck here. We ain't stuck. Just wait till the weather's better. Can't do much with all this snow and crazy creatures running around."

    "Yeah, yeah," Zeke muttered, not convinced. He traced the outline of the portal on the map with his finger. "We gotta be ready, though. Once the weather clears, we make our move."

    Jimmy nodded a determined glint in his eye. "Right. We wait a week. Then, we're outta here. Back to Earth, where things make sense."

    Zeke couldn't shake the feeling that their plan was too simple. The mysteries of Outland were deep, and the portal was an unknown variable. Still, he kept his doubts to himself, knowing that, for now, they needed some hope to cling to in this alien wilderness.

    -Lieutenant Colonel Brown sat in his makeshift office and regarded the papers before him. Foremost among those papers is a map spread across his makeshift desk marked with several places where evacuations had been implemented months previously. Among those spots was Lincoln, Nebraska—an area that had fallen silent, its platoon missing. The radio crackled with sporadic communications from people reporting in with more information, but Lincoln remained stubbornly silent.

    The Lieutenant Colonel ran his fingers through his graying hair, contemplating the difficult decision ahead. He knew he had to act to find out what happened to his missing soldiers and the city they had tried to evacuate, even if it meant venturing into the relatively unknown territories of post-ashfall Nebraska. With determination in his eyes, he reached for the radio transmitter.

    "Sergeant Rollands," he called, waiting for a response.

    After a brief pause, Rollands' voice crackled through the speaker. "Sir?"

    "Keep gathering intel on the region. I need a comprehensive report on the situation, especially whatever went down in Lincoln. We're putting together a recon unit."

    "Sir, with all due respect, that region's been dead for weeks. No signs of life. It's a ghost town."

    "That's precisely why we need answers. We can't afford to lose more soldiers without knowing what happened. Get ready to move, Sergeant."

    Lieutenant Colonel Brown knew the challenges ahead. Convincing the higher-ups that an expedition into what seemed like a lifeless zone was essential would require finesse. He grabbed a pen and started drafting a detailed proposal, emphasizing the strategic importance of understanding the dynamics at play in the situation.

    Hours passed as the Lieutenant Colonel meticulously crafted his argument, anticipating the skepticism he would face. Finally satisfied, he called for Rollands to send off the proposal to the higher echelons.

    The decision from the higher command was arduous. The skepticism was palpable, but Lieutenant Colonel Brown's determination and the mounting evidence of missing soldiers pushed the scales in favor of the expedition. Permission was reluctantly granted, and a reconnaissance unit began preparations.

    As Lieutenant Colonel Brown watched the team gear up, he couldn't shake the weight of responsibility. The missing soldiers haunted him, and he silently prayed for answers, hoping the recon unit would bring back information that would shed light on the mysteries of Lincon.

    AN: I really need to look over these better before I publish them.
     
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    • Gahuul said:
    As Lieutenant Colonel Brown watched the team gear up, he couldn't shake the weight of responsibility. The missing soldiers haunted him, and he silently prayed for answers, hoping the recon unit would bring back information that would shed light on the mysteries of Outland.
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    Wait, so the army knows about Outland?

    Also we should send someone Earthside next turn, in case they run into the recon unit.
     
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