ST:TTV521 | "Belyia Pt. I"

Stardate 97490.5

The crew are tested to their limits when the investigation of a strange anomaly takes an unpredictable turn to leave them stranded and scattered across a medieval world, where not only is technology non-existent, but their own is completely non-functional too.

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View Act I - Day 1

Mia@crystyll | Inside a set of quarters on the VF, it is near total darkness and silence Mia@crystyll | Only a faint glow from the few active consoles cuts through the dust drifting in the seemingly stale air Mia@crystyll | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b0QACI-WOw Mia@crystyll | Looking through the room to the far end, one could see into the lifeless bedroom Mia@crystyll | Looking closer still to the nightstand, the equally lifeless form of Miadrone is barely visible through the dark Mia@crystyll | A twitch from one of it's appendages. Then another, and another, before it's lights slowly flicker into life - casting a harsh contrast through the dust in the air Mia@crystyll | A short series of beeps echo around the still room as the drone gently - or tentatively - rises from its resting place Mia@crystyll ripples into view a moment later, laying peacefully on the bed Mia@crystyll moans softly as she begins to stir, gradually building herself to a big stretch before rolling over and sitting up with a smile, "Good morning to you too little one!" Mia@crystyll looks around, "Why is it so dark in here? Computer; raise illumination 75%" Mia@crystyll | ...nothing happens Mia@crystyll 's eyes narrow, shifting to the edge of her bed, "Computer, respond" Mia@crystyll | still nothing... Mia@crystyll | Miadrone emits a nervous sounding 'wooo...' Mia@crystyll nods, "Yes, this does not feel right. How long have we been offline?" Mia@crystyll | Miadrone beeps away in a fluster Mia@crystyll snaps around to face the drone, "C'est impossiblé!" Mia@crystyll again slowly turns and exits the room, fortunately not needing to rely on sight alone (or at all really...) to navigate in the dark Mia@crystyll traces a hand through the air, "Environmental conditions are consistent with our internal chronometer. But how..." she glances out the window to see... nothing Mia@crystyll: "Que...?" Mia@crystyll moving closer in disbelief she stares out, MIadrone hovering close beside her, "This is very wrong little one. Where have all the stars gone?!" Mia@crystyll: "We must investigate at once!" she heads out into the hallway... Mia@crystyll steps outside to find the corridor exactly like her quarters; dark, silent, and with a staleness in the air accompanied by fine dust that is barely visible to the naked eye in the dim lighting Mia@crystyll | The hallway however also comes with an ominous depth of field zoom out. Camera rolling to one side and everything! Mia@crystyll taps her combadge, "Mia to bridge" Mia@crystyll | Nothing, as expected. But one has to try Mia@crystyll taps again, "Mia to anyone, please respond!" Mia@crystyll | Still nothing... Mia@crystyll glances to Miadrone, moments later a flashing light on Miadrone as it tries something else Mia@crystyll | Miadrone: [Sayu? Brother, where are you? We need you!] Mana@anncarise | Sayu: [Mia! You are finally awake! I am in Secondary Engineering.] Mia@crystyll | Miadrone: [We are on our way!] Mia@crystyll rushes into engineering a short time later, "Sayu? Sayu!" Mia@crystyll | Engineering is as dim and lifeless as the rest of the ship seems to be, a little visibility in here as a few consoles are active and the warp core - barely - pulses dimly Mana@anncarise | Sayu hovers down from the second level of Engineering, [Mia! I can use your help here!] Mia@crystyll looks up briefly before rippling out of sight. Miadrone hovers straight up to him [Brother, what's going on here?] Mana@anncarise | Sayu: [I don't know. I cannot locate any organics so I have been trying to keep the ship's systems online to the best of my ability.] Mia@crystyll | Miadrone: [What do you mean you can not locate them? What happened to everybody?] Mana@anncarise | Sayu: [Insufficient data to reach a conclusion. I've been using most of my time and processing to keep the ship mostly online. I am not specialized for support like you are.] Mia@crystyll | Miadrone: [We are in your debt, brother. Come, let us make the ship safe and find out what happened!] Mia@crystyll | Miadrone scans around the lifeless room briefly: [Is everyone truly gone...?] Mia@crystyll: ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjaejG-LDAQ&feature=emb_logo ) Rianni@crystyll FX | An annoyingly undisclosed amount of time earlier... Rianni@crystyll | The officers lounge is it's usual gentle buzz of activity, with a number of off duty officers and friends enjoying a relaxing atmosphere and the timeless view of the star streaks with the VF + Rianni@crystyll + cruising along at warp speed Rianni@crystyll sits by herself next to the window, looking out while nursing a drink T'Emp@anncarise steps into the lounge, spotting Rianni and walking over, "Hi Rianni!" Rianni@crystyll looks over with a smile, "Hello Pia! What brings you here, up to much?" T'Emp@anncarise: "I've been doing a lot of reading today, so I thought I'd mix things up and come find people to talk to. Can I join you?" Rianni@crystyll 's smile widens, turning back proper, "Please do!" T'Emp@anncarise beams and takes the seat opposite Rianni, "So, how's things going for you Rianni?" Rianni@crystyll: "Lot's of studying, you know, the usual! Plenty of new material since we spent all that time with the An" T'Emp@anncarise: "Oooh yeah. That Mothership of theirs is really an amazing feat of engineering!" Rianni@crystyll: "Did you manage to spend much time over there with them?" T'Emp@anncarise: "Mhmm! I got the usual tour, the Visitor's Centre, their museum collection and everything, but Kelly also got Erik to take me on the tour into their mechanical sections." Rianni@crystyll: "Ooh nice! That must have been great!" T'Emp@anncarise nods excitedly, "Did you know that singularity core generates not only enough power for the whole ship, but also the gravitational field that's responsible for the gravity in the Habitat Zone?" T'Emp@anncarise: "They have standard artificial gravity plating in other places, but the entire Habitat Zone uses the real gravity coming from the core!" Rianni@crystyll: "That's some serious artificial gravity! Wait... is it still artificial if it's generated like that?" T'Emp@anncarise: "It's technically real gravity generated by an artificial creation..." T'Emp@anncarise giggles, "Technicalities! The An certainly consider it real gravity." Rianni@crystyll: "Don't tell me, you've now dreamed up another revolutionary change for your perfect starship design?" she smiles teasingly T'Emp@anncarise grins, "As awesome as it would be, I don't think a giant singularity core can fit on my design." T'Emp@anncarise: "There's certainly a few little things we can learn from An engineering, though!" Rianni@crystyll giggles, "One of these days you're going to have to finalize this plan of yours so we can actually get it built you know!" T'Emp@anncarise: "But ship designs go through multiple stages of reviewing!" Rianni@crystyll: "True, I just hope I one day get to serve on this ship of yours!" T'Emp@anncarise grins, "Who knows, maybe you'll even get to captain it!" Rianni@crystyll grins back over her drink, "Now there's a tantalizing thought..." she drifts off, looking past TP to a crowd gathering by the window T'Emp@anncarise notices Rianni's gaze and glances back to see what she is looking at. Rianni@crystyll: "What are they all looking at?" she turns to look out the window to see for herself T'Emp@anncarise: "I'm not sure..." T'Emp@anncarise also looks out the window. Rianni@crystyll | At first there seems to be nothing out of the ordinary, but the longer they watch it gets clearer and clearer... the stars are going out T'Emp@anncarise: "That's...not normal..." T'Emp@anncarise taps her comm, "Mum? Are you seeing this?" Rianni@crystyll <C-Keelah> "T'Pia? Seeing what, what is this about?" T'Emp@anncarise: <C> "The stars! They're just...disappearing. At least that's what we're seeing from the window in the officer's lounge." Rianni@crystyll <C-Keelah> They... what? *a long pause as she obviously activates the viewscreen* Pia, I have to go. Thank you for calling this in sweetheart Rianni@crystyll | Moments later the star streaks fade as the ship drops to sublight, then a call to general quarters comes over the intercom T'Emp@anncarise: "Yup...definitely not normal." Rianni@crystyll stands, "Sorry Pia, I have to report to my station..." T'Emp@anncarise: "Don't let me make you late!" Rianni@crystyll smiles and waves as she rushes off to the bridge T'Emp@anncarise smiles and waves back before turning to the window again to observe the ominous disappearing stars. --- Keelah@crystyll FX | The bridge is at it's usual lull of daily life when Keelah combadge chirps Keelah@crystyll | <TP> "Mum? Are you seeing this?" Keelah@crystyll: <C> "T'Pia? Seeing what, what is this about?" Keelah@crystyll | <TP> "The stars! They're just...disappearing. At least that's what we're seeing from the window in the officer's lounge." Keelah@crystyll frowns a little, looking to TQ: "Viewscreen" Keliaya@anncarise glances over to the viewscreen curiously. Keelah@crystyll watches the starstreaks a long moment, leaning in with narrowed eyes; only widening as she see the same effect Keelah@crystyll: <C> Pia, I have to go. Thank you for calling this in sweetheart Keelah@crystyll: "Helm, all stop. Sound general quarters" Keliaya@anncarise quickly turns back to her console, already trying to check if the sensors are actually picking up stars fading. Keliaya@anncarise: "Captain, our sensors are no longer picking up a number of stars, but...I can't figure out why." Keliaya@anncarise: "There's no anomalous readings, the stars just dropped off the readings." Keelah@crystyll: "How is that even possible?" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni joins the bridge crew, quickly moving to her station amidst other staff reporting for duty Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't know. The sensors are providing no explanation for it." Keelah@crystyll: "Theories? Ideas? Stars, I'll take fanciful mythology at this point as a starter" Keliaya@anncarise: "There's no phenomena I know of that could be responsible, not without providing any clues to its presence at least." Keelah@crystyll: "Recommendations?" Keliaya@anncarise checks to see if there is a pattern in what stars are disappearing. Keliaya@anncarise has the computer locate the distance to the nearest disappeared star. Keliaya@anncarise matches current readings to old sensor data and isolates the missing stars before checking distance again. Keliaya@anncarise: "I've managed to calculate a rough position of the nearest star that's disappeared. Maybe going directly to where it occurred could yield more answers?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "Helm, reverse course. Continuous sensor monitoring for our test star" Keliaya@anncarise nods and keeps sensors monitoring for the star and other bodies in its system. Keelah@crystyll | At this slower speed it takes longer to see a difference, but sure enough the star appears... roughly where it was plotted Keliaya@anncarise: "It's,,,back again." Keelah@crystyll: "All stop" Keelah@crystyll ponders, "So it would seem that whatever is causing this is a fixed facade. But we have no way of determining how far it stretches?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I've been unable to find a pattern in the disappearing stars on sensors. It's not all the closest or furthest ones disappearing, or anything like that." Keelah@crystyll: "How big a discrepancy was there in the plotted position?" Keliaya@anncarise: "About one-twentieth of a light year. Still enough to pose a risk of accidentally warping into a star or planet." Keliaya@anncarise checks sensors for any unusual particles or energy signatures. Keelah@crystyll: "Ok... what if we send a warp probe ahead of ourselves to transmit back an extrapolated position. Something to... mimick the starmap for our navigational sensors?" Keliaya@anncarise: "That could mitigate the navigational hazard and allow us to move safely." Keliaya@anncarise: "Still no indication of what is causing this though, and how. But if they can hide entire stars from sensors and view, I wouldn't be surprised if the cause of all this is similarly hidden." Keelah@crystyll: "Agreed. Launch the probe and engage a pursuit course at warp 2. If we maintain suitable distance we should be able safely drop to impulse if anything happens to it" Keliaya@anncarise nods and taps her console, "Launching probe." Keliaya@anncarise looks over to TQ, "It might be a good idea to relay the probe's readings directly to helm to maximize our response time." Keelah@crystyll | TQ nods and does so Keliaya@anncarise: "We're in uncharted territory now...literally." Keelah@crystyll | Things seem to go well for some time until suddenly - and without warning - the probe disappears Keliaya@anncarise: "We've lost the probe!" Keelah@crystyll: "All stop!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Sensors are seeing a planet directly ahead." Keliaya@anncarise: "We're...unable to read anything except the planet. It's almost like there's a fog hiding everything." Keelah@crystyll looks at the image of the innocent looking planet on screen Keelah@crystyll FX | In the blink of an eye, everyone vanishes! --- Keelah@crystyll | One moment Eva was standing at her duty station on the bridge, the next she finds herself waking up in an unfamiliar room. A slight groggy and disorientated feeling about her Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks around, trying to get a bearing of her surroundings and see if anyone else is there. Keelah@crystyll | She is completely alone in the room. Her surroundings are dim, only lit by a candle flickering away on a table beside the bed she found herself in Keelah@crystyll | The bed covers are roughly made, but a suprisingly soft natural fur about them Keelah@crystyll | The room is rather small. A tinge of wet stone and timber in the air Keelah@crystyll | Beyond the simple wooden door to the room, there is a distant sound of what almost seems like festivities Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 slowly sits up and gets out of the bed warily, moving over to the table to see if there is anything on it other than the candle. Keelah@crystyll: ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r_5A6K7gu0 ) Keelah@crystyll | There is nothing else on the table Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 stands near the candlelight, looking down at herself to check if she still has her uniform and combadge on. Keelah@crystyll | She does! Eva shows no sign of trauma or injury, her uniform even appears as clean as it should; not consistent with the musty setting she is in Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 taps her combadge, "This is Lieutenant Dra. Does anyone read?" Keelah@crystyll | The combadge seems completely dead. Not even the usual error chirp for a failed connection. Zip. Nothing, it may as well be a broach at this point... Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 sighs, "I thought it wouldn't be that easy..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 approaches the door, extending out with her telepathic senses to see if there is anyone else nearby. Keelah@crystyll | She can sense a great many people all around her, but none of the minds she can touch nearby are familiar Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 tries to open the door. Keelah@crystyll | It is not locked, though it does have a simple old barrel lock she notices. The door is simply held shut on a courtesy latch Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 opens the latch and peers outside a little, checking if it is as dark out there as it is inside the room. Keelah@crystyll | Beyond the door, it is not /as/ dark. The door opens out into a more open area filled with tables that are slotted between old wooden supports Keelah@crystyll | Daylight streaks in through cloudy windows on the far end, where the room seems to turn around a corner towards the sound of the activity Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 opens the door a little wider, using her telepathic senses to check if anyone is directly in the area ahead. Keelah@crystyll | There is a more distinct crackling of fire here as most of the wooden columns hold sconces with torches flickering away. There is also a more prominent crackling of a larger fire, accompanied by + Keelah@crystyll: + the smell of cooking meat Keelah@crystyll | Eva can sense a small number of unfamiliar minds beyond this room, likely where the audible activity is Keelah@crystyll: ( https://cdn1.epicgames.com/ue/item/Store_MedievalFantasyTavern_screenshot_01-1920x1080-9cbdc77e42a77ac2a820f75414fb5aaa.png ) Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 slips out of the room quietly and cautiously makes her way towards the music, peering around once she reaches the corner. Keelah@crystyll | Around the corner looks like a very typical tavern layout. There is a large cooking pit in the centre of the room which she can see is the source of the large fire & smell. A bard plays happily in+ Keelah@crystyll: + a near corner, entertaining a small number of patrons Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 slowly steps into the room, seeing if she draws any attention and ready to bolt away if needed. Keelah@crystyll | She does indeed attract the attention of a serving wench. The human-looking girl peers over with brief surprise before flashing a smile and heading over, "Now what in the heavens is that?!" she + Keelah@crystyll: + asks, clearly looking at Eva's strange clothes Keelah@crystyll | Wench: "No wait, don't tell me... you're one of them fancy magister types from the university, ain't ya?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "No, I'm a...traveller. From a distant land." Keelah@crystyll | Wench: "An adventurer, huh? Don't normally see your sort dressed all fancy like, but whatever works for you! Does at least explain what you're doing down here anyway. Not much for call for fancy + Keelah@crystyll: + upper city folks to come around here, right?" she laughs, naturally assuming Eva to know exactly what she means, like it's the most common of knowledge Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I suppose not. I enjoy learning things and seeing new places, though. I presume you're a local here?" Keelah@crystyll | Wench: "Well I sure don't travel all the across town to work in a drinking hole like this! So what'll it be, ale good for ya?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I...presume I'll have to pay for it?" Keelah@crystyll | The wench rolls her eyes with a smirk, "Leeet me guess, adventuring business ain't so good right now. Yeah, I heard that before. Sorry but no coin, no service - you gotta leave" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "Could you point me to someone who might have...information to share? Maybe a retired old man who wouldn't mind some conversation?" Keelah@crystyll | Wench: "Plenty of beggars out there with nothing better to do, but don't count on them giving something for nothing either. You want work, go uptown and check the missives board like everyone else" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles, "Thank you. Um...where's the door out?" Keelah@crystyll | The wench gives her a quirked look, but before she can respond a door in the hallway behind her opens to a pair of locals coming in off the street Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "There!" she gives the wench a nod and heads for the door. Keelah@crystyll | The wench shakes her head as she watches the stranger depart, "Crazy adventurers..." and gets back to work Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 makes her way out the door and tries to get her bearings. Keelah@crystyll | She is greeted by the distinct fragrance of a seafront and the squawk of seagull-like birds overhead in droves Keelah@crystyll | Around her, she can see rickety black & white timber and stone buildings. A few people roam the narrow and muddy streets, going about their business Keelah@crystyll | The click-clack of hooves on stone approaches as a horsedrawn cart turns the corner and passes by, uncaring of anyone stupid enough not to move out of the way Keelah@crystyll: ( https://i.pinimg.com/originals/97/5f/cc/975fcc2110b27cbdfb5e62034835652b.jpg ) Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 takes in her surroundings, "This looks like a pre-warp civilization. How did I get here...and where is everyone else?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 tries to see if she can sense anyone familiar now, though she doesn't hold out much hope in the middle of a city. Keelah@crystyll | As she suspected, though many minds can be felt none are so prominent to stand out as familiar at the moment Keelah@crystyll | Splash! Eva /almost/ gets covered by a rather unpleasant smelling load of waste dumped from a bucket out of a window above Keelah@crystyll | NPC waves from the window, "Sorry love! Don't want to hang about in the gutters if you know what's good for you!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 quickly looks up at the person, "Oh...good advice." Keelah@crystyll | Clearly this place is /very/ pre-warp... Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 sighs as she steps away, "Well, I was going to need new clothes anyways..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks around to see if she can discern where the uptown the tavern wench mentioned might be. Keelah@crystyll | There is little to judge by, but this taverns appears to be along a seafront so most of the city is further inland. She would also see that this seafront appears to be at the base of a cliff, + Keelah@crystyll: + and judging the height of the distant bridge to a castle she can see on a coastal island, the town may above her on top of the cliff Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks around to locate a way up the cliff. Keelah@crystyll | With this area of the city being so condensed there is no clear way up besides the narrow muddy road she stands on which leads somewhere inland Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 makes her way down the road, careful of more people dumping things from the windows now as she goes. Keelah@crystyll | Moving down the road, she appears much safer from window dumping and able to take in more of her surroundings Keelah@crystyll | Perhaps most interestingly at present in the indifference of the local people to her Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 continues examining the area, looking for the way uptown and trying to learn what she can of the local people and their life. Keelah@crystyll | It is clearly a simple life for people here. This part of the city so far seems to be largely residential, having moved inland some from the rougher docks Keelah@crystyll | Moving further along, and winding up the cliff on zig-zagging streets a more mercentile lifestyle becomes apparent. People are livelier, better dressed, some even manning stalls outside their homes Keelah@crystyll | So far everyone seems to be of the same Human'esque creed. That is until Eva spots a distinctly pointy ear on the head of someone standing at a market stall with a rough cloak over their shoulders Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 extends her senses to see if it is someone she recognizes. Keelah@crystyll | Eva is unable to get a specific read on the person Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 steps up to the person curiously to see if she can recognize them once she gets closer. Keelah@crystyll | The man has his back to her for the most part, busy negotiating with the stall vendor over some fruit Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 waits patiently for him to finish negotiating while taking in more of her surroundings. Keelah@crystyll | He eventually concludes his business and turns away, almost bumping into her, "Oh! Excuse me, miss. Fine day to you" he smiles politely before moving on. Clearly another local, but with more + Keelah@crystyll: + distinctive features and - of course - the ears. An overall Vulcanoid appearance Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles back, "Fine day to you too." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 steps up to the merchant stall he just left, "Excuse me...do you have a moment?" Keelah@crystyll | The vendor leans on his counter with a pleasant demeanour, "Sure thing love, what'll it be? I've got the freshest imports from Goudanta right here for a steal! Or if you prefer the more exotic, + Keelah@crystyll: + how about something spicy from Kaisuita? I kid you not!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Oh, I was just wondering where the missive boards would be. Someone mentioned something about them." Keelah@crystyll | Vendor stands back from his stall, clearly a little disheartened, "Oh..." he points up the street, "Keep heading up to town. Take a right towards the Old Bridge, then left all the way to Palace + Keelah@crystyll: + Walk. Boards are in the central courtyard" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles and nods, "Thank you. I would love to try your fruits, but I'm afraid I don't have anything to buy them with at the moment." Keelah@crystyll | The vendor considers her, looking her up and down with more scrutiny at the appearance, "Bit down on your luck eh?" he leans in a little, "Tell you what..." Keelah@crystyll | The vendor pulls something that resembles a pear off his stall and tosses it to her with a wink, "Courtesy of Northern Trading. Tell your friends!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 catches the pear, "Thank you! Speaking of my friends..." she motions to her combadge, "You wouldn't happen to have seen anyone dressed in clothes like mine, would you? We...got split up exploring - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - the city." Keelah@crystyll | The vendor peers closer at the combadge, "Hrm... pretty sure I'd remember anyone dressed so fancy-like. Sorry love" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles and nods, "No worries. It was worth asking. Thank you again for your gratitude." Keelah@crystyll | The vendor smiles and gives a cheery wave to her, "Remember: Northern Trade looks after it's friends!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I'll remember, and let my friends know when I find them!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 follows the vendor's directions, giving the pear-like fruit a small bite as she goes. Keelah@crystyll | The fruit has a pleasant enough, but unexciting taste to it Keelah@crystyll | Nearing the destination, Eva could see an increasingly extravagant setting around her with tall stone buildings and arches flanking every side Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 continues to eat it as it doesn't seem inedible, continuing to examine her surroundings and remember some rough directions on how to get around the city. Keelah@crystyll | Though distant visibility is obscured by the tall buildings, the occasional glimpse speaks volumes to the city beyond as she spies monumental domed roofs rising even higher Keelah@crystyll | The people here are dressed even more extravagantly with fanciful silks and embroidery of all colours Keelah@crystyll: ( https://img2.goodfon.com/wallpaper/nbig/0/98/art-doroga-zamok-gorod-den.jpg ) Keelah@crystyll | Eva eventually finds her way to the suggested courtyard. A large pentagon shape with roads coming off each side Keelah@crystyll | Most disappear into other districts of the city, whereas one in particular leads down a staircase to another bridge that looks to cross back over the dock where she began Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks around for anything that could be a missive board. Keelah@crystyll | It appears to be over by the large bridge archway Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 checks out the missive board! Keelah@crystyll | The board has a smattering of parchments pinned to it. Typical collections of recovering lost items, hunting wanted bandits and so on Keelah@crystyll | The top of the board bears a banner that reads 'Roseorb District Board' Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 notes some more memorable items to keep an eye out for them as she crosses over the bridge to take in a better view of the area and check out what is on the other side. Keelah@crystyll | One particular parchment calling for the return of a family heirloom includes a helpful city map, seemingly meant to indicate which random residence to turn the item in to Keelah@crystyll: ( https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.enjin.com/161311/Belyia/HIlbas.png ) Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 checks if there's any indication where the item might be found. Keelah@crystyll | There is none. Not even a picture of the item, only a vague description that could be applied to many nic-nacs seen in the market earlier Keelah@crystyll | A number of items on the board mention places and people of note as well, but most actual requests lack context Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 decides to proceed across the bridge, leaving the board behind for now. Keelah@crystyll | Looking back at the city once far enough across the bridge, Eva is truly able to take in the scope of it all (per previous image!) Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Well, at least I'm not stranded in wilderness." Keelah@crystyll | There is a smattering of foot traffic in both directions on the bridge. Some on horselike mounts, but a closer look at one passing by makes clear that these are not Earth horses Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 steps aside and examines the people passing through. Keelah@crystyll | People are consistently well dressed here. A mix of male and female of all ages. There is also a noticable increase in the number of Vulcanoids in this area Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 notes the number of Vulcanoids and crosses the rest of the bridge to check out what is on the other side. Keelah@crystyll | It appears to be a large castle build on an island off the coast, although it seems to lack the heraldry or guards one might expect from such a place in this setting Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 approaches the castle building, looking around to see if there are any guards. Keelah@crystyll | She sees nothing obstructive at all until reaching the very end of the bridge where two robed figures stand watch before a tall gate Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 approaches the two robed figures slowly, "Hello. May I ask what's beyond this gate?" Keelah@crystyll | The two figures look down at Eva, one of them turning enough to reveal a tattooed face beneath the hood of his robe, "You stand before Farthing University. Foremost centre of learning in all of + Keelah@crystyll: + Chya" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Oh, this is the University. Am I allowed inside, or are only members of the University permitted?" Keelah@crystyll | Robed man: "Visitors are welcome to public areas only. If you wish to study at the University, you must prove your capability to the assessor" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "Where can I find the assessor?" Keelah@crystyll | The robed man swirls his hand and what looks like a holographic map appears before Eva. It shows the layout of the University. He points across the map, "Head through the main gate and across to + Keelah@crystyll: + the old Castle Tower. Prospective students will be met on the ground floor and escorted to an appropriate assessor" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 blinks at the holographic looking map, but quickly focuses and notes the route, nodding to the man with a smile, "Thank you." Keelah@crystyll | The robed man nods and with another wave of his hand the gate beyond opens, "Good luck to you, acolyte" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 steps through the gate, looking around curiously. Keelah@crystyll | The courtyard seems typical to a centre of learning, with clear groups of students and instructors alike all going about their business Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks around for someone who isn't in a conversation and doesn't seem to be in a particular hurry so she can approach them. Keelah@crystyll | She finds a student sitting quietly on a bench, just watching the world go by Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 steps up to the student, "Hello. I hope you don't mind the intrusion?" Keelah@crystyll | The girl looks up and smiles, "Oh, h- hello there. And, um, n-no, it's no problem" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles back, taking a seat on the bench beside her, "I just have a few questions. I'm told this is the best place of learning around here." Keelah@crystyll | The girl nods, "Y-yes, that's what I heard t-too! Are... you here t-to study as well?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I might. The person by the gate said there's some form of assessment. Do you know what people they usually accept?" Keelah@crystyll | The girl looks at Eva more closely, "A-anyone with t-talent. At least th-that's what I hear" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "And you're hoping to get accepted?" Keelah@crystyll | She nods eagerly. Timidly, but eagerly Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles and leans forward a little, "You'll want to speak with more confidence. Be more sure of what you are saying." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Even if you are the most intelligent person in all the world, if you don't sound certain of what you're trying to say, others will doubt your capabilities, regardless of your actual talent." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "On the other hand, if you present yourself like you know something, others will often believe that you do. Now, I don't recommend you pretending to be something you are not, but there is no harm in - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - being more confident in something you /can/ do." Keelah@crystyll | The girl smiles, "You sound like my village Magister, she was kind too." she sighs, "But it's easy to be confident when you're strong..." slowly peering back to Eva she asks hesitantly, "What... + Keelah@crystyll: + is your gift? If you don't mind, that is" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Well...I'm a telepath, if that counts. I can sense others' feelings, read their thoughts, affect them to a degree if I wished to, and communicate without speaking." Keelah@crystyll | The girl goes wide eyed, "Heavens... you-... you're a /Seer/? No wonder you're confident!" she huffs, slumping her chin into her hands Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "What about you, if I may ask?" Keelah@crystyll | The girl peers back, reaching behind the bench to a flower bed where she picks a small flower bud. She holds it out between her fingertips and watching, it quickly blossoms intoa a full bloom Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 widens her eyes and smiles as she watches, "That is very impressive. How do you do that, by affecting its growth or the passage of time around it?" Keelah@crystyll | The girl chuckles, "I /wish/ I could do time! No, I'm just a nature magister. I mean, that is, I hope to be..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Well, it's your own talent. It's something I can't do, no matter what other talents I have. In that skill, you're already better than I am." Keelah@crystyll | The girl brightens, "You really are kind. I think you'll make a great magister!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles, "And I am sure you will as well. Just don't doubt yourself. You have a very special talent, and you should be proud of it." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "It may not sound as impressive as being able to read minds, but I can think of many different ways affecting growth could come in handy. Be creative, and you'll be able to do things I can't even - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - dream of." Keelah@crystyll | The girl smiles, "I will try, then-" she looks up at the clocktower as it chimes, "Oh! I should go, thanks again and good luck to you!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Good luck to you as well!" Keelah@crystyll | The girl hurries away Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 stands and resumes her way along the path the robed man pointed out. Keelah@crystyll | Eva soon finds her way to the Castle Tower Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 makes her way into the tower, keeping her eye out for anything of note and continuing to try and sense anyone she knows. Keelah@crystyll | Still no sense of anyone familiar, though Eva does sense something... powerful in this place Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 enters the ground floor of the tower where the man directed her to. Keelah@crystyll | Inside she is greeted by a lonely circular chamber. Sparesly decorated with a few banners and some simple seating Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 takes a seat, waiting to see if anyone approaches her. Keelah@crystyll | She sees no sign of life for the longest time, until she senses a presence nearby Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 stands, looking around for the source of the presence. Keelah@crystyll | An elderly Humanoid appears in the middle of the room, looking to Eva Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 steps over to the elderly humanoid, "Hello. I was curious about your university here." Keelah@crystyll | The man seems to stare blankly through her, "Another candidate seeking scholarship. Very well... what is it this time; healing, elemental, nature, illusionist maybe?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "According to a candidate I met...I'm a seer. But I'm not quite sure what that means." Keelah@crystyll | The man steps closer, studying her features. He stands uncomfortably close, peering through her still. This holds a long moment before he gives a light 'hrmph' and turns Keelah@crystyll | He walks to the wall and waves his hand. A door appears and opens, which he steps through. Pausing to look back silently and expectantly Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 tilts her head curiously and follows along. Keelah@crystyll | As she enters the room beyond, the man is nowhere to be seen. Simply a table and chair in the middle of the room Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 steps over towards the chair, trying to see if she can sense where the man went. Keelah@crystyll | There is no sign of him Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 takes a seat in the chair, assuming that is what is expected of her. Keelah@crystyll | She once again finds herself facing a long weight before another door opens into the room. Small, delicate footsteps approach before a young girl skips into the room. Pausing, she looks to Eva Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 looks back at the young girl as well, "Hello." Keelah@crystyll | The girl tilts her head, "Hello!" she chirps, skipping over and using Eva's legs to climb up onto the table where stands around eye level with Eva Keelah@crystyll | Closer view shows this small being is in fact a fully grown adult, not a child. Just a very small one Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 examines the little adult curiously now that she is closer, "Who might you be?" Keelah@crystyll | The girl chirps with a childlike upbeat tone, "You tell me!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Oh! Do you want me to read your mind?" Keelah@crystyll | The girl smiles Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 closes her eyes, extending her senses to the girl's mind and trying to pick up the surface thoughts first. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "You are Seonalia. You're here to test if I'm a Seer." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "You're...different from anyone I've read before." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 tries to pick through the strange details, trying to discern if Seo is a Seer herself. Keelah@crystyll | Seo certainly is a Seer. She smiles and nods, "Good, good! Now... defend!" Keelah@crystyll | Seo attempts to access Eva's mind Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 keeps her eyes closed, using the same techniques she employed to ward off the Primeval entity's powers over Keelah not long ago. Keelah@crystyll | Seo pushes her attack, tensing with focus for a while longer before releasing and hopping back with a bright smile, "You are strong, candidate" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles back, "Thank you." Keelah@crystyll | Seo: "By what name do you go?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I'm Evanne Dra. Many of my friends simply call me Eva." Keelah@crystyll | Seo: "Very well, Eva - unusual name... from where do you hail - Iwa? Tokumi perhaps?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I come from very far away, a place that your people have not found yet. My friends and I journeyed to your land on a ship, but I seem to have been separated from them." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 points to the combadge again, "You wouldn't happen to have seen anyone else wearing this symbol, have you?" Keelah@crystyll | Seo shakes her head, "Alas, I have not. So Evanne Dra, what brought you here to us? Why do you wish to become an Acolyte of the University?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "You would not know of my people, then. We came as explorers and we believe in improving ourselves to be the best version we can be." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I am also quite interested in learning about your people here. Some of these abilities are familiar to us, but others we have never seen before." Keelah@crystyll | Seo nods, "Aah, self improvement. Of course! So you wish to improve yoruself. To hone your skills and become a scholar of Chya" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "And to know more of your land, and your people. Or...should I say peoples? You are not like the others I have seen so far, and not just in terms of your abilities." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I've also noted many with pointed ears, much like our Captain." Keelah@crystyll | Seo chuckles, "You noticed that, huh? Yes, there are not many halflings in Chya, it is true. But we can talk more on such things later. For now, let me welcome you as an Acolyte of the University" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles, "Thank you for having me, Seonalia." Keelah@crystyll | Seo: "As is customary, I may present a gift of choice to you as a new member of the University. The question is, what gift would you choose..." Keelah@crystyll: 1. Power and wealth Keelah@crystyll: 2. Help me find my lost friends Keelah@crystyll: 3. Give the Nature girl from the courtyard a chance to prove herself Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "The candidate I spoke to earlier...she wants to become something called a nature magister. She is a little shy and unsure of herself, but I think given the chance, she will prove to be an excellent - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - addition to the university. It is probably not my place to recommend candidates, but I'm hoping that you consider teaching her." Keelah@crystyll | Seo tilts her head, "Benevolence. Are you certain this is what you would ask as your gift? Nothing for yourself and only a benefit to another who by all accounts is unworthy?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "She is a good person, from what I have seen of her. She deserves an opportunity to refine her abilities. And even if her abilities are not the strongest or most impressive, there are other ways she - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - will be able to contribute to you. I have many friends who have no talents like ours, but are great people, both in more ordinary skills and in heart." Keelah@crystyll | Seo smiles and nods, "Benevolence is the mark of a great Seer" she stands up straight and levatates off the table. Her form begins to shift and morph, growing... Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 widens her eyes as she watches Seo morph. Keelah@crystyll | Before she knows it, Eva finds the shy nature candidate standing before her, this time with a cheeky smile Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 tilts her head, "Were you testing me all along?" Keelah@crystyll | Seo winks, "Life is a test, Acolyte. But worry not, for your benevolence is not wasted. The girl you thought you met is real enough, she is due to arrive here soon as a hopeful candidate" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods, "How did you know about her? It doesn't matter...I hope you give her a chance when she does arrive." Keelah@crystyll | Seo: "As was promised by virtue of the gift. She will enter the University and pass a suitable trial, she will get her chance. This is the promise of my gift. But now come, let me show you to your+ Keelah@crystyll: + room and see if we can't find you something more suited than... whatever that is you're wearing" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I can use some clean clothes. I found myself in the dock area and was a little unfortunate in where I chose to stand," she chuckles slightly as she gets up from the chair. Keelah@crystyll | Seo laughs, "A mistake rarely made twice!" as she leads the way out Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 laughs and follows Seo out, "Well I certainly don't plan on repeating it!" --- Lendaria@crystyll: | After the flash, Ann finds herself laying on the grass in a strange forest... Ann Carter@anncarise: slowly sits up, looking around herself, "Wha' the..." Ann Carter@anncarise: taps her combadge first to see if anyone else can hear her. Lendaria@crystyll: | The forest is dense, but temperate. Distant sounds of wildlife fill the air as an early morning orange sun streams through the canopy Lendaria@crystyll: | Just like Eva, the combadge is completely dead with not so much as an error chirp Ann Carter@anncarise: "Figured as much..." Ann Carter@anncarise: stands, looking around the forest for a moment and taking in the surroundings before getting to work. Ann Carter@anncarise: first checks the ground to see if it is wet or dry. Lendaria@crystyll: | The ground is dry Ann Carter@anncarise: "Okay, tha's a good start." Ann Carter@anncarise: looks around for a branch long and straight enough to work as a makeshift staff while collecting together smaller dry branches that would make for good kindling. Lendaria@crystyll: | It doesn't take long to find what she wants Ann Carter@anncarise: keeps an eye out for anywhere the forest might be less dense, if she can see any as she wanders looking for sticks. Lendaria@crystyll: | It is a long walk, but eventually she spots a hill that seems like it might rise high enough for a good view Ann Carter@anncarise: carries the branches on top of the hill, leaving them there as she takes another look around at her surroundings from this higher vantage point. Lendaria@crystyll: | It looks like the forest is endless... Ann Carter@anncarise: looks up to check the sky, both trying to see what the planet is like and how long it would be until night. Lendaria@crystyll: | It is an unfamiliar sky with a single large sun of an orange/red hue, at least at this time of day. It looks to be early morning so she has a good day ahead Ann Carter@anncarise: proceeds down the hill first, taking the makeshift staff with her but leaving the other branches on top as she takes another direction than the one she comes from, seeing what she can find and - Ann Carter@anncarise: - collecting more good branches as she goes. Lendaria@crystyll: | Hours of trecking through the forest go by until something catches Ann's eye; the rising soft grey plumes of a campfire Ann Carter@anncarise: sets the branches she has aside and cautiously moves towards the direction of the campfire, frequently looking down and tapping the staff on the ground in front of her every once in a while, just in - Ann Carter@anncarise: - case someone has set up traps around their camp. Lendaria@crystyll: | Drawing near, she would see a simple makeshift campfire. No signs of equipment or people, just a fire Ann Carter@anncarise: looks for a good hiding place nearby, preferably a bush she could squeeze into, so she can be hidden from all directions rather than just standing behind a tree. Lendaria@crystyll: | She can easily find a suitable spot in the overgrowth Ann Carter@anncarise: sets the long branch she is carrying just beside it, covering up her tracks as best as she can with leaves before taking her hiding spot. Ann Carter@anncarise: lies in wait patiently, looking to see if anyone approaches the camp. Lendaria@crystyll: | It is again a long wait, the forest is cooling now as day prepares to turn to night Lendaria@crystyll: | Wildlife has even settled around Ann, including a curious little squirrel-like creature hopping along her cover branches and pausing for a curious sniff Ann Carter@anncarise: examines the squirrel-like creature just as curiously, waiting just a little longer to see if anyone comes back to their campfire. Lendaria@crystyll: | Her patience eventually pays dividends however as the rustling of approaching footsteps tells of activity Ann Carter@anncarise: keeps very quiet to see who is approaching and stay out of their sight for now. Lendaria@crystyll: | A figure soon approaches the campfire. Visibility is difficult at this hour, but she can make out what appears to be a figure clad in a robe fashioned from an animal hide Lendaria@crystyll: | The figure dumps some smaller game beside the fire before stoking it back to life. It then gets to work skinning the kills, kneeling beside the fire and seeming to use it's bare hands Ann Carter@anncarise: tries to judge the size of the figure as she watches. Lendaria@crystyll: | The heavy makeshift robe makes it difficult, she make out a height a little above her own but little else Ann Carter@anncarise: figures it is probably not a Lupan, not a full grown one at least, and slowly makes her way out of her hiding place, though still keeping very quiet and hopefully going undetected by the figure. Lendaria@crystyll: | She appears to be succeeding and gains some ground on the preoccupied figure Ann Carter@anncarise: holds her staff as she sneaks up behind the nearest tree by the fire. Lendaria@crystyll: | She makes it to the tree with no signs of being spotted Ann Carter@anncarise: steps out from the tree, holding her staff in a ready stance as she announces herself, "I'm not here to hurt ya, but I ain't defenceless either if you try anythin'." Lendaria@crystyll: | The figure pauses, straightening a little as the head turns back some, "Wait... Sweets? Tha's you sneakin' round back there?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Lennie? Where'd ya get those clothes?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Sweets it is ya!" she rushes over and hugs Ann Lendaria@crystyll: "I thought I were all alone 'ere!" Ann Carter@anncarise: drops the staff and hugs Lennie back, "Me too! How'd we even get here?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Wish I knew. One minute I were walkin' down th'corridor on th'ship. Next step I took, I were 'ere an' tripped right over a branch!" Lendaria@crystyll: is now clearly wearing her uniform beneath the makeshift robe, a little tattered but still there Ann Carter@anncarise: "I remember the Cap'n callin' everyone to stations, but not much more. I just woke up lyin' on the ground." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Definitely didn't transport down, an' there's no sign o' an escape pod or shuttle or anythin'. Only tech I got is my combadge an' it's not workin'." Lendaria@crystyll: "Mine neither. An' tha' ain't th'only thing..." she raises her wrist to show the defunct implant monitor Ann Carter@anncarise: "So wha'ever it is, it's deactivated all our tech..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Seems so yeah. C'mon, ya gotta be starved if ya been 'ere all day too. I'se got some food cookin'!" she beams proudly Lendaria@crystyll sits down. Ann Carter@anncarise: picks up the staff and brings it along, "I noticed! Ya did very well for yaself here!" Ann Carter@anncarise: takes a seat by the fire, "Figured I could go without food for a day, see if I could find anybody else first. Did gather a bunch o' branches to set a fire if I didn't find anythin' by night, though." Lendaria@crystyll: flashes her hand in response, the usually immaculate kept digits and claws now rough and bloodied from seeing their more primal origin for once Ann Carter@anncarise: "So tha's how you were doin' it! I thought you were a baby Lupan for a second there..." she laughs. Lendaria@crystyll: chuckles, holding open the cloak to wrap around Ann, "It ain't a great job but once I got lucky an' dropped this fella, it's claws made th'big job easier" Lendaria@crystyll: sets about preparing the small game meat on makeshift skewers for them Ann Carter@anncarise: "Must've been real lucky! I haven't even seen somethin' like tha' so far today." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Mostly come across lil squirrel-like critters." Lendaria@crystyll: smiles, "I'd-a felt a lot luckier findin' a lil' squirrel friend instead o' this!" she grabs the hide Ann Carter@anncarise: chuckles, "Tha's true. Tha' thing must've been pretty intimidatin' when it was alive." Lendaria@crystyll: "Compared to a squirrel" she laughs, and sighs, looking up, "...so whaddaya think happened t'us?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "I got no idea, but I figure either we did just get transported here immediately by some real powerful aliens, won't be the first time we came across 'em, or somethin's brought us here an' wiped our - Ann Carter@anncarise: - memories. To wha' end is anybody's guess." Lendaria@crystyll: "Ya think it got e'everyone?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Well we weren't in our quarters when we ended up here, so it's probably got nothin' to do with proximity. If not the whole crew, I bet there's still a fair number o' folks it's brought here." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Probably scattered around, but I don't know if it's through this forest or maybe the whole planet." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Or maybe the whole planet is one giant forest. I haven't found an edge to this place yet..." Lendaria@crystyll: "We'se gotta figure a way t'find others an'suss things out" Ann Carter@anncarise: "My first thought was to build a fire with lots o' smoke, but I decided to explore a little an' find more branches to keep it goin' before I started the fire." Ann Carter@anncarise: smiles, "Good thing ya got one goin' first, an' I could find you." Lendaria@crystyll: smiles and nods, "I'd-a feel better drawin' attention knowin' we'se safe. There's at least wildlife 'ere an' ain't nothin' t'say snuggles 'ere is top of th'food chain" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah..." she pats her long branch, "Picked this up so I'd at least have somethin', but would be nice to have a knife an' turn it into a spear or somethin' sharp." Lendaria@crystyll: chuckles, "Kinda reminds me o'tha' fantasy holo we used t'play" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Oh yeah! Except we didn't start tha' with nothin' at all to work with. Still, could be worse." Ann Carter@anncarise: "We got a breathable atmosphere an' plenty o' local resources for food, fires an' shelter." Ann Carter@anncarise: "There's a lotta worse planets we coulda found ourselves stranded on." Lendaria@crystyll: "I'm-a extra glad we played tha' now. Kinda feels like prep work f'this!" she nods, "It is not the worst climate to survive in, I would not be surprised to see more advanced life evolving here" Lendaria@crystyll: "Question is; has it already evolved an' if so, how far..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "An' if they're nice or not. Might be tha' they were the ones who brought us here in the first place. No idea wha' they got to gain from it, but..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well th'obvious answer t'takin' all o'us off th'ship, is th'a they'se get th'result of th'ship left undefended an' free for th'takin'..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "True. Wouldn't be the strangest pirate trap we've seen so far..." Lendaria@crystyll: "I'm-a see wha' I can put t'gether from our supplies 'ere. Think it's worth butcherin' our tech t'try an' get somethin' workin'?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "I wouldn't mess with the implant controls, but now tha' we got two combadges, we can take one apart. At least see why it's stopped workin'." Lendaria@crystyll: nods, unclipping her and passing it over, "If anyone can' figure this stuff, is you!" she looks at the useless ornament on her arm, "Sweets... if this thing ain't workin'..." she looks back, clearly + Lendaria@crystyll: + worried for Ann Ann Carter@anncarise: takes Lennie's combadge and begins tinkering with it, "I ain't feelin' anything different so far..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Nobody ever does at first... I just hope bein' out in th'open 'ere it won't be so bad, but ya start gettin' headaches, ya gotta promise t'speak up" Ann Carter@anncarise: nods, "I'll let ya know, vijra. Kinda wish it had the opposite effect on me..." she smirks. Lendaria@crystyll: grins, shrugging off the hide to wrap it fully around Ann as she stands and moves around the fire to play with the sticks and bones they have Ann Carter@anncarise: "See if ya can find anythin' sharp in there. Might be worth keepin' till we find somethin' better." Lendaria@crystyll: "Will do!" Ann Carter@anncarise: continues tinkering with the combadge, trying to take it apart with the tools she has without damaging it too much. Lendaria@crystyll: | After spending some time making camp and - unsuccessfully fiddling with combadges - the pair settle for some rest as the sun drops Lendaria@crystyll: | Their rest is short lived however as a group of figures sneak up on their camp Ann Carter@anncarise: grabs her makeshift staff and jumps to her feet. Lendaria@crystyll: | Ann is too late as a large figures immediately wraps two hulking arms around her from behind Lendaria@crystyll: is equally caught off guard as she is yanked off the ground by another Ann Carter@anncarise: tries to push her body weight backwards in hope of toppling whoever grabbed her. Lendaria@crystyll: | No such luck as the figure seems to be significantly bigger built than either of them Lendaria@crystyll: | The man laughs, "Stop squirming little one!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Who are ya an' wha'd ya want?" Lendaria@crystyll: | A third figure steps closer to the fire revealing shadowy features, reminiscent of a ridged Klingons features, but less pronounced and overshadowed by upturned tusks sticking from his mouth Lendaria@crystyll: | He looks Ann over, "City folk? Pfft, hardly worth the effort..." Lendaria@crystyll: squirms, "Leave her alone!" Lendaria@crystyll: | He turns to Lennie for a closer look, smirking some, "Well well, what do we have here... fire in the eyes, olive flesh... a nymph?" He pushes her head to one side and frowns, "No, not with those + Lendaria@crystyll: + pathetic round ears. Eugh, filthy half breeds, even less worthwhile!" Lendaria@crystyll: scowls and squirms harder but to no avail Ann Carter@anncarise: looks to see if she is close enough to the fire. Lendaria@crystyll: | Ann is still rather close, yes Ann Carter@anncarise: tries to see if she can distract the ones by Lennie by kicking some ashes at them. Lendaria@crystyll: | She is successful, but all it does is piss them off and the holding Ann strikes her down and forces her to her knees Ann Carter@anncarise: grunts and continues to struggle. Lendaria@crystyll: "Vijra!" she yells with increasing distress Lendaria@crystyll: growls, clenching her fists "Grr... if only this was that silly hologame, I could just use my magicka and-" Lendaria@crystyll: | Suddenly - and quite randomly - the one holding Ann is struck by a bolt of lightning from an otherwise clear sky from above. A very clean strike that only harms him and pushes him away from her Lendaria@crystyll: stares wide eyed in shock Ann Carter@anncarise: rolls away from the lightning as it strikes before looking back, just as shocked, "Wha'..." Lendaria@crystyll: | The other figures start backing away fearfully, "They're no city runts, boss..." Ann Carter@anncarise: takes the opportunity to grab her makeshift staff and get back to her feet. Lendaria@crystyll: | Boss: "You-... you're a- a-... a witch!" Lendaria@crystyll: eyerolls at the ludicruous comment and retrieves the makeshift bow she fashioned from branches and entrails, slowly turning to the fleeing attackers, "Whatever, I jus' want ya stuff now..." Ann Carter@anncarise: grins, "Ya better do everythin’ she says before she turns ya into sand worms." Lendaria@crystyll: aims and fires an arrow. Unfortunately being so roughly made, it is nowhere near accurate or powerful enough but is enough to scare the already spooked attackers Lendaria@crystyll: | The attackers cower, peering up with confusion as the crappy arrow flops to the floor in front of them, "Seriously...?!" Lendaria@crystyll: curses under her breath, "Gisjachet..." Lendaria@crystyll: | The boss smirks and slowly rises to his full height again with renewed confidence Ann Carter@anncarise: steps up and tries to whack him across the head with her stick before he has the chance to do anything. Lendaria@crystyll: | Ann lands a well placed blow, however her staff simply snaps in half over his ridged head Ann Carter@anncarise: "Oh c'mon!" Lendaria@crystyll: | The boss laughs harder and cracks his knuckles together, "Maybe this will be fun after all!" Lendaria@crystyll: | He reaches to grab Ann, but quickly recoils with his arms up to protect his face as he is suddenly engulfed in a gout of fire Ann Carter@anncarise: holds the other half defensively and takes a step back to try again before watching the boss catch fire. Lendaria@crystyll: | He yells out in pain before dropping to the floor while the last remaining one backs away and flees back into the forest Ann Carter@anncarise: looks to Lennie, "How're ya doin' this?" Lendaria@crystyll: stands prone, hands raised slightly towards the fire that she seemingly pushed towards the attacker, panting slightly and looking equally confused, "I... dunno..." Lendaria@crystyll: "I just thought 'bout those times playin' tha' game when I did this stuff, after we talked 'bout it before. An' it just... happened..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Ya don't think we've been transported into some kind of holoprogram...?" Lendaria@crystyll: "S'the most advanced holodeck I ever saw, but I dunno how else t'explain it!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "I heard from some o' the older crew tha' they once found a whole planet that was one giant holodeck." Lendaria@crystyll: stands back, relaxing more as she looks at the fire. She concentrates a little, raising one hand and snapping her fingers Ann Carter@anncarise: looks to the fire curiously to see what happens. Lendaria@crystyll: | A single flame appears flickering from her snapped fingertip Lendaria@crystyll: grins, "Neat!" Ann Carter@anncarise: looks at the fire and tries snapping her finger the same way. Lendaria@crystyll: | Nothing happens when Ann tries Ann Carter@anncarise: "Huh. I wonder..." Lendaria@crystyll: watches curiously, "Whatcha thinkin' Sweets?" Ann Carter@anncarise: tries to visualize a shield in her hand instead. Lendaria@crystyll: | With a little focused effort, a translucent shield forms in her hand! Lendaria@crystyll: jumps back, "Woah, wha'?!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Aha!" Ann Carter@anncarise: grins, "I think it was cause ya used all those elemental spells in the holo, so tha' came naturally to ya!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "While I was usin' more support an' defensive spells to complement a warrior character..." Lendaria@crystyll: Huh... does tha' mean ya got skills wit' a sword here too?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Maybe...always did like staves an' spears more, though." Lendaria@crystyll: "Maybe we oughta stick wit' wha' we know then" she looks around again, "This's gotta be a holo... right?" Ann Carter@anncarise: tries to get rid of the shield and visualize a proper quarterstaff. Lendaria@crystyll: | The shield disappears, but it seems she can't simply summon a physical weapon at will Ann Carter@anncarise: "Okay, tha' didn't work..." Ann Carter@anncarise: looks back to Lennie, "Who knows, maybe we've all been turned into Q or somethin'." Ann Carter@anncarise: grins, "But I think it's more likely to be a holo. Ya never know, though..." Lendaria@crystyll: "I guess, though I don't feel like I can do anythin' like tha'..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah, I don't seem to be able to make a staff." Ann Carter@anncarise: looks to the two dead attackers to see if they have any weapons. Lendaria@crystyll: does the same and checks the other one Ann Carter@anncarise: takes anything that might be of use, searching for tools and coins as well if they carry any. Lendaria@crystyll: | Between the two bodies they find a coinpurse, some trinkets, a dull war axe and a batter warhammer Ann Carter@anncarise: "Well, least we got some proper weapons now." Ann Carter@anncarise: glances to Lennie, "Ya want the axe or the hammer? I mean, ya could just set fire to everythin', but it's good to have somethin' more conventional just in case." Lendaria@crystyll: sits back beside the fire embers, "Honestly, I'd feel more comfortable using this ability or my own claws. Don't think either'll be much use t'me" Lendaria@crystyll: "Could make use o'their gear though. Maybe a bit less conspicuous than our uniforms" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Definitely. I figure these guys who attacked us are probably locals, or holos. Which means there's gotta be other people 'round here." Lendaria@crystyll: "Hopefully other folks're nicer. Hey, didn't he call us cityfolk at first? Tha's gotta mean there's a population centre 'round 'ere somewhere" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Oh yeah! Good catch, vijra! Question is where we find it..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Maybe come daylight we can track where these guys came from" Ann Carter@anncarise: nods, "It's worth tryin'. An' hopefully if there's anybody else from the crew scattered nearby, we'll get their attention when we set camp for the night." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Might wanna take turns sleepin' though, just in case we attract the wrong kinda attention again." Lendaria@crystyll: nods, "Good call, Sweets. Ya get ya head down first if ya like. I'll-a take th'first watch" Ann Carter@anncarise: smiles, "Thanks. I should be up in a bit, wake me if I sleep too long an' I'll keep an eye out for ya while you get some rest." Lendaria@crystyll: "Sleep well Sweets" she smiles back Ann Carter@anncarise: gets the fur cloak and uses it as a blanket as she lies down and gets some sleep. Lendaria@crystyll: sits by the fire, continuing to play with her newfound power. Even if this was a holodeck, she couldn't work out how it could feel so real inside of herself --- Lendaria@crystyll: | After the flash, Mana suddenly finds herself standing in the middle of a humid desert... Lendaria@crystyll: ( https://www.mobius.photography/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC6113-Edit-Orange-layers-of-light-san-rafael-swell-Utah-sunrise.jpg ) Lendaria@crystyll: | Just like the others, she would find that her tech is completely non-functional Mana@anncarise: takes off her visor, checking it first before hooking it onto her toolbelt as it stops working. Mana@anncarise: raises her cybernetic left arm, taking off the interface wristcomp and opening it manually to try and diagnose the problem. Lendaria@crystyll: | Everything appears perfectly fine. Just... dead Mana@anncarise: looks at the arm confused, examining it for a few more minutes before realizing it is hopeless and stands, trying to get her bearings. Lendaria@crystyll: | All she can see in every direction is a neverending barren desert... Mana@anncarise: "How did Mana get here..." Lendaria@crystyll: | A small lizard scurries across the sand, pausing in front of Mana and looking up at her, almost in response with it's timing. It quickly scurries away though Mana@anncarise: follows the lizard with her gaze for a moment before she picks a direction and starts walking, seeing no other option. Mana@anncarise: keeps her eyes open for anything that may be a source of food or water as she goes. Lendaria@crystyll: | The walk seems relentless through the arid wasteland Mana@anncarise: switches strategy and tries to look out for more signs of animals in hopes of finding some source of water. Lendaria@crystyll: | What looks like the same lizard from before appears again from a rock crevice, scurrying away again Mana@anncarise: tilts her head curiously at the lizard and walks in the direction it scurries away. Lendaria@crystyll: | She follows it a short way before she comes across a little vegetation, turning a corner she sees something new in the distance... Lendaria@crystyll: ( https://www.wallpaperflare.com/static/135/1012/34/fantasy-art-desert-luke-skywalker-star-wars-wallpaper.jpg ) Mana@anncarise: makes her way over to the strange rock formations cautiously. Lendaria@crystyll: | Drawing nearer, she can make out a smattering of dome structures all around the formation - high and low, like huts... Mana@anncarise: looks for heat signatures that might indicate people, energy sources or just fire. Lendaria@crystyll: | A number of the huts appears to house fires Mana@anncarise: choose one of the huts to approach, staying outside for now and checking what she can see through the wall. Lendaria@crystyll: | Inside there are a couple of people sitting at a table beside the central fire, talking though Mana can't make out the conversation Mana@anncarise: looks for a door to knock on. Lendaria@crystyll: | There is no door, but an entrance with a cloth curtain draped down it from inside Mana@anncarise: calls out from the other side of the curtain, "Hello? This one is hoping to seek shelter here." Lendaria@crystyll: | The talking stops, followed by some murmuring before the curtain is pushed aside and a figure steps into view Mana@anncarise: examines the figure, taking in what features she can with her natural infrared vision. Lendaria@crystyll: | The figure has feline features, like the Caitan nurse on the VF. She looks at Mana, "Mrrow... this one looks unfamiliar, a visitor to our village?" Lendaria@crystyll: ( https://pm1.narvii.com/6827/530e20fd97a15a7a0f743441445829752a165aafv2_00.jpg ) Mana@anncarise: nods, "Yes. Mana is not sure how Mana arrived, or even where Mana is." Lendaria@crystyll: | The cat person smiles, "Mana is this one's name? Mana is welcome as a guest in our home" Lendaria@crystyll: | she stands aside, holding the drape back for Mana Mana@anncarise: smiles back and enters the hut, "Mana thanks this one. Mana will repay this one's hospitality however Mana can, though Mana is not at Mana's best." Lendaria@crystyll: | Cat person: "Mana is unwell? Mana should let us heal her" Mana@anncarise: "Mana will be able to adjust to the climate here naturally in a day or two, and Mana should be much better then. But Mana is not sure if Mana can get the arm working." Mana@anncarise: raises the immobile cybernetic arm, "Mana's equipment all seem to be non-functional." Lendaria@crystyll: | The cat sits, pouring out some syrupy drinks, "Is Mana's arm injured?" Mana@anncarise: takes a seat as well, "A long time ago. Now Mana's arm is a replacement, but the machinery that makes the arm work does not seem to be working anymore." Lendaria@crystyll: | The woman tilts her head, "Mrrow-sheen-ery?" Mana@anncarise: "Oh, this one must not have machines! The arm is...um...metal. But normally there are...contraptions to make the metal move. Like a...gate. This one knows of gates, yes?" Lendaria@crystyll: | The woman nods, "Oh! like clockwork?" Mana@anncarise: "Yes! Like clockwork!" Lendaria@crystyll: | The woman sighs and shakes her head, "This one is sorry Mana, but you will not find anyone skilled in clockwork in our quiet village. Tsumama city maybe, but not here" Mana@anncarise: "Mana is skilled in clockwork, but Mana is not sure why the arm is broken. What village is this? Mana is not sure where Mana is at." Lendaria@crystyll: | Woman: "This is the village of Odatsukiga. Just... how far has Mana come to be so lost?" Mana@anncarise: "Very far. But Mana does not know how Mana got here. Mana just...remembers being in the desert." Mana@anncarise: "Before that, Mana was in the ship, with Mana's friends." Lendaria@crystyll: | Woman, "Aah, a traveller. Wow, you have come all this way inland from the coast then? You must be exhausted. Rest here, this one insists" she smiles Mana@anncarise: smiles back, "Mana will need the rest. Mana thanks this one again for this one's hospitality." Mana@anncarise: "Does this one have a name?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Woman: "This one is Kizumio" Mana@anncarise: nods and smiles, "Mana is pleased to meet Kizumio. Has Kizumio always lived in this village?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu smiles, with a slight purr, "Ever since this one was a kitten" Mana@anncarise: "Does Odatsukiga get many visitors? Kizumio does not seem very surprised at seeing Mana, even though Mana is very different." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu shrugs lightly, "A few trade caravans come this way. We know there are many peoples in this world, but have met only a few. It is no surprise to this one to encounter an unfamiliar race" Mana@anncarise: nods, "What about the city? Tsumama? The city probably sees more travellers, Mana imagines?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "Yes indeed! It is Kaga's capital and one of the biggest ports in all of Belyia!" Mana@anncarise: "Kaga is the political state that the village and city is in, Mana presumes?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu laughs, "Of course it is! The Principality of Kaga! Mrroww... Mana must have travelled very far to be so unfamiliar. From somewhere up north this one guesses?" Mana@anncarise: nods, "Very far, yes. Are Kizumio's people native to this land?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "Indeed we are" she states proudly, "The Kaguan people once dominated the southern continent, but over time and conflict we lost territory to the other races. Kaga remains our home, but only + Lendaria@crystyll: + Todo and Kaisuita remain outside of that" Mana@anncarise: "Who are the people who have taken the Kaguan's old territory?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "Ira and Tokumi now belong to the Humans and Elves, while Kiwawa is occupied by the Halflings. Khaganate..." she sighs despondently, "...is a dead land now" Mana@anncarise: "There are humans native here? Just that...Mana knows a few humans on the ship Mana came with." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu chuckles, "That is no surprise coming from their native northern territory" Mana@anncarise: "What about Halflings? Mana has not met any Halflings before." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "Slippery little things they are! Always sneaking around and up to no good. Mana should be glad of to be so lucky!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana assumes Halflings are very small, then? Like...half the size of Mana and Kizumio?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu chuckles, "Something like that, yes!" Mana@anncarise: chuckles, "That explains the name! What about Elves?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu scowls: "Stuck up, pointy eared- um... no offense, this one did not consider Mana might be half breed..." Mana@anncarise: "Mana is not a half breed, though Mana does have pointy ears. But all of Mana's people have pointy ears, and are not called Elves..." Mana@anncarise: chuckles, "Some of the Doshaie can be a little stuck up, though." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu ears pick up, "Doshaie? This one does not know that name. Is that the name of Mana's people?" Mana@anncarise: shakes her head, "No, but Doshaie is a tribe of Mana's people. One of the four remaining tribes." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu purrs with delight, "Another tribal people! How purrrfect!" Mana@anncarise: "The Kaguan live in tribes, Mana assumes?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "Many have forgotten their roots, living in big cities like the Humans and Elves. But many of us hold true to our origins, yes" Mana@anncarise: "Like the Haxash tribe! Some of Mana's people live in cities too, but the Haxash retain an old nomadic lifestyle, wandering the land with herds of livestock." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "This one likes the sound of your Haxash tribe" Mana@anncarise: "Mana does as well! The Haxash preserves many ancient traditions that the other tribes have lost." Mana@anncarise: "What about Tsumama city? Mana supposes the Kaguan there are less traditional too?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu nods: "They live much more extravagant lives, too much focus on greed and indulgence for this one" Mana@anncarise: "What does this one usually do?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "This one is a herbelist" Mana@anncarise: "Oooh, that is why Kizumio offered healing!" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu nods: "This one is no magister. But Mana might be surprised just how much can be achieved with the careful application of herbs" Mana@anncarise: "Magister? What is a magister?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "Mana... does not know of magisters? Maybe by a different name... they are powerful spellcasters" Mana@anncarise: "Spellcasters? What can magisters do?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu laughs, "What /can't/ they do? Healers, naturists, illusionists, seers, elementals, you name it - there's a magister who can do it!" Mana@anncarise: "Interesting...are there many magisters here?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu shakes her head, "Not in the village. Few have cause to venture out in the wilds unless they are the adventurous type. Major cities normally host a school of some description, or a University" Mana@anncarise: "Cities like Tsumama?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu nods, "There is likely a small school there, probably a few more magisters travelling and adventuring. Many seek ancient power in forgotten ruins..." she chuckles mockingly Mana@anncarise: "Are there ancient power in forgotten ruins, or are these usually just fanciful stories?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu shrugs, "This one pays little attention to such stories to comment. Though they do make entertaining bedtime stories if nothing else" Mana@anncarise: nods, "Yes, probably just good stories to tell to young ones." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu smiles, topping up their drinks, "This one finds the current fad of flying demon stories particularly entertaining" Mana@anncarise: "Flying demon stories? That does sound very intruiging." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu leans back in her chair, "Yes, some of the caravans started telling tale of a great demon flying across the sky. With grey skin and great red wings, as big as a city even!" she laughs Mana@anncarise: "That sounds...very exaggerated, probably. Did anyone say where this demon was seen at?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu shakes her head again, "As with so many of these tales, they are contradicting. But most speak of random sightings in the wilderness" Mana@anncarise: nods, "Probably a story that has been passed on and changed a lot. Maybe there is some truth to the original, but probably not exactly like described." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu smiles, "Mana is wise. This one agrees with the sentiment when it comes to such tales" Mana@anncarise: smiles back, "Mana knows travellers like to make tales more fancy. Oh about travelling...does Kizumio have a map anywhere?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu thinks a moment before standing and moving to small cabinet. She rummages around some before pulling out a dusty map that she hands to Mana Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "It's not perfect, or particularly accurate on a local scale. But it is all this one has" Lendaria@crystyll: ( https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.enjin.com/161311/Belyia/Belyia%20Jun11%2017-11.jpeg ) Mana@anncarise: smiles, "Mana thanks Kizumio. That is better than nothing, and Mana has no map." Mana@anncarise: "Kizumio mentioned that the Khaganate is...dead?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu nods, "Not all, but what was once our territory to the south is" Mana@anncarise: "What happened? Mana assumes the land was not dead when the Kaguan were there?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "It was the site of a great conflict many lifetimes ago. A great evil washed across the land and was eventually defeated there. But at a cost... the realm was killed along with it" Mana@anncarise: "What is this great evil? Or are the stories not clear on that?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu: "Not clear enough for this one to say with any certainty" Mana@anncarise: nods, "This conflict must have been very long ago, then?" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu nods: "Many, many generations back" Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu stands: "But come, Mana must be tired from crossing the desert and getting lost. Rest, we can converse more when the dark recedes" Mana@anncarise: "Mana will get some rest. Kizumio should not be startled if Mana seems to be ill for the next rotation or two. This is a natural process for Mana to adjust to the hotter and dryer climate." Mana@anncarise: "Mana thanks Kizumio again for inviting Mana into Kizumio's home. Mana will not intrude long, and probably search for Mana's friends once Mana has adjusted." Lendaria@crystyll: | Kizu smiles, "Mana will be taken care of until she is ready to travel again" she waves Mana along and shows her to a crude bed behind a screen Mana@anncarise: stands and follows Kizu over to the bed. --- T'Quila@crystyll | It has been a couple of days since Mana arrived at the village, under the care of Kizumio. Still with no sign of anyone else from the crew T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu stands cooking over the firepit in the centre of the hut when Mana wakes for the day Mana@anncarise gets up and out from behind the screen leading to her bed, "Hello Kizumio!" T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu smiles, "Hello Mana. You have more colour in your flesh today, does this mean Mana is feeling better?" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana thinks Mana has adjusted fully to this climate now! Mana is no longer feeling the effects of the heat and dryness." T'Quila@crystyll | Kizue purrs, "That is warming news to this one, even if it does likely mean Mana will be leaving soon. But not on an empty stomach, come, eat!" Mana@anncarise smiles, "Mana thanks Kizumio! Mana will try to repay Kizumio's kindness if Mana can." She takes a seat over by the firepit. T'Quila@crystyll | Kizue sits herself down and hands Mana a bowl, "Think nothing of it, we are a proud people and nothing if not hospitable" Mana@anncarise nods, taking the bowl, "Mana has certainly noticed! Mana is glad that Mana has found Kizumio, and Mana hopes the rest of Mana's friends have also met Kaguan to help." T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu takes a bite, "So, does Mana know where to search?" Mana@anncarise: "Mana is not sure where Mana's friends will be, but Mana was thinking of beginning in Tsumama. More people will probably be passing through the larger cities, yes?" Mana@anncarise: "Especially one as important as the capital here and a big port." T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu nods, "If Mana could wait another day, there should be a trade caravan heading back there from a tour of the region. Mana could travel with them in safety" Mana@anncarise eats from her bowl, "That is a good suggestion, Kizumio. Mana only knows the way from the map and what Kizumio has told Mana." Mana@anncarise: "Following a caravan will be much easier than trying to find the city alone." T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu purrs with delight, "Then it is settled! We can enjoy one last day and celebrate Mana's continuing journey at the village feast later. This one thinks-" she pauses, ears picking up Mana@anncarise looks to Kizumio before looking around to see or hear whatever she detected. T'Quila@crystyll | There is the distinct sound of activity outside, something is going on T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu stands and moves to the door to investigate Mana@anncarise sets down her bowl and follows Kizu, keeping her eyes out and trying to pick up what she can with her infrared vision. T'Quila@crystyll | A crowd gathers in the centre of the village, around a trio of warriors who have seemingly returned home Mana@anncarise examines the crowd before turning her gaze back to Kizu, "Who are these ones?" T'Quila@crystyll | The focus appears to be on a statuesque female Kaguan clad in red, while a couple of armoured guards haul a rickety box cart T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu smiles, "That is village defender - Sujiho - she has returned early from patrol it seems..." Mana@anncarise: "What does Sujiho usually defend the village from?" T'Quila@crystyll | Mana may be able to see that the box cart is holding someone T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu: "Wild animals mostly. There is no war here, so she chooses to defend our home rather than venture away as a sellsword" Mana@anncarise: "Sujiho does not seem to have caught a wild animal this time..." T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu ears flit forward curiously, "Mana can sense this? Come then, let us see!" she leads them down into the village with the rest of the crowd Mana@anncarise follows Kizu in, "Mana probably does not see like Kaguan. Mana sees people's heat instead of...people." Mana@anncarise: "Mana can make out the rough shape inside the box, and thinks this might be a person." T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho is inciting the crowd as they get closer, "Brothers, Sisters, since we were kittens we have heard tales of the demons lurking in the nether. Today, the prophecies have come to pass as we + T'Quila@crystyll + have captured one of these abominations!" T'Quila@crystyll | the crowd murmer unconvincingly Mana@anncarise peers over curiously. T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho: "Mock as you will! But /this one/ never lost faith in the teachings of our elders; that one day these beasts would return for their forsaken lands! It is the end times... dragons of silver+ T'Quila@crystyll + and gold with demonic red eyes seen in the night sky, dragonspawn reeking havoc across the nation! And now, demonspawn come to steal our young!" T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho dramaticlly smashes open a lock on the side of the cart, causing it to pop up to reveal a caged interior, and a figure within T'Quila@crystyll | The crowd gasp at the sight. First seeing a girl, maybe even a distant cousin of the Kagauan, but so.. many... tails..." Mana@anncarise: "Wait...that is not a demon..." T'Quila@crystyll | The prisoner lifts her head to reveal the frightened face and pinned back ears of Tiah. She scurries backwards into the corner of the cage, snarling at her captors, "Let Tiah go!" Mana@anncarise looks to Kizu, "This is one of the people who came on Mana's ship!" T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho growls back, "Silence, monster!" she swings a staff which seems to cast something on Tiah which has an effect similar to drugging her as she slumps woozily T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu turns a curious gaze to Mana, "Mana knows this one? What... is it...?" T'Quila@crystyll | The crowd continue to murmur with a mix of confusion, fear and denial T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho: "This one found the demonspawn lurking by the sacred oasis! When challenged, it attacked this one with unholy magic!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana...is not sure. Tiah has been used both as Tiah's name and the name of Tiah's people. But yes, Mana knows Tiah and Tiah is not a demon!" T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu: "This one is not the one Mana must convince..." Mana@anncarise nods and tries to squeeze her way through the crowd to reach Sujiho. T'Quila@crystyll | NPC1: "Sujiho's right, just look at it! We have to kill it while we can!" T'Quila@crystyll | NPC2: "No, it's just a girl! She might be a halfbreed or something, she should have a trial!" T'Quila@crystyll | NPC3: "You're all blind! Do you not recognize the corporeal form of Tiwona?!" T'Quila@crystyll | The crowd suddenly ushers down to a murmur again as the religious NPC pushes through to Sujiho, shoving past Mana in the process Mana@anncarise pauses and looks at the religious NPC, puzzled at what they're talking about. T'Quila@crystyll | NPC1: "Oh give it a rest Tamio, /everythings/ a sigh from damned divines to you!" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "Because it always /is/! You fools are just too blinded by modern politics to see the old ways! This one is telling you-" she points to the cage, "-that /is/ Tiwona!" T'Quila@crystyll | the crowd back away cautiously a step T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho snarls, "Why would a God lurk like a gutterling in a sacred oasis?!" Mana@anncarise tries to take the chance to squeeze through the crowd more. T'Quila@crystyll | Mana makes her way to the front Mana@anncarise: "Wait! Tiah is not a demon, or a god! Tiah is just a...a kitten!" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "Because it is /her/ oasis! Come on Sujiho, are you really going to take the chance? What if this one is ri-..." she pauses looking to Mana, as does Sujiho T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho strides over, towering over Mana, "And what is this one supposed to be?" she traces a claw lightly across Mana's tattoos, "A golem?" Mana@anncarise: "This one came with Mana on a ship from far away. The Kaguan would not have seen Tiah's people before, just as the Kaguan probably do not recognize Mana." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "The Mana speaks truth, Sujiho. She came a few days ago and has become a friend to the village" Mana@anncarise: "Tiah is not a threat to the village. Tiah is just very young, and not able to control Tiah's abilities very well." Mana@anncarise: "Tiah simply felt threatened by strangers and subconsciously attacked. Tiah means the Kaguan no harm." T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho snarls begrudgingly, "Your... 'kitten' killed two of my soldiers! Why should this one believe any of this?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "Why shouldn't you?" T'Quila@crystyll | Kuzi steps up to them: "Sujiho, Mana is due to leave with the caravan tomorrow anyway. What if she simply takes this 'Tiah' with her?" T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho: "And unleash that wild demonling on the nation? How could you be so naive, especially for a wisewoman!" Mana@anncarise: "Yes, Mana will take Tiah with Mana. Mana apologizes for the harm Tiah has caused, and Mana will ensure Tiah does not hurt any more Kaguan." T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho looks to Mana, "HOW will Mana ensure this? Can Mana demonstrate control over the Tiah? Only then might this one consider relinquishing custody" T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho stands, arms folded defiantly Mana@anncarise: "Mana will try, if Sujiho gives Mana the chance." T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho grumbles before waving a paw, "Mana will have her chance as a friend of the village, proven. But know this Mana; if your Tiah threatens one person in this village, this one will be honour + T'Quila@crystyll + bound to destroy it" T'Quila@crystyll | Sujiho huffs and pushes her way through the crowd, who slowly disperse after her for the most part Mana@anncarise steps up to the cage, "Tiah?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah stirs groggily, tails wrapping over herself like a blanket Mana@anncarise: "Tiah will not be hurt, Mana promises." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah groans, whimpering. But then her ears flit back and forth some and she raises her head a little, sniffing, "Mana... Is that you?" Mana@anncarise smiles and nods, "Yes, this one is Mana. Tiah does not need to be afraid. The Kaguan here are not bad people." Mana@anncarise: "The Kaguan must have scared Tiah, and now the Kaguan are scared of Tiah because Tiah attacked. But if Tiah does not hurt any more Kaguan, the Kaguan will not hurt Tiah either." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah pounces up, grabbing the bars of the cage to face Mana. She is looking a lot rougher than usual from the energy field suppressing her but she seems generally ok T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah tenses and growls, looking around and circling her cage to find an exit, "Tiah is caged! Why was Tiah hunted?!" her voice raises with panic Mana@anncarise: "The Kaguan here does not know who Tiah is and thought Tiah was a danger to the village." Mana@anncarise looks around to see how she can open the cage. T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah continues to circle around with increasing panic and frustration, tails whipping around with desperation T'Quila@crystyll | The few onlookers who remained back away fearfully as the rickety cart rocks back and forth with Tiah's movement Mana@anncarise checks for any locks she might be able to open. T'Quila@crystyll | There is a door to the cage which she should be able to open from outside Mana@anncarise quickly opens the door, stepping aside, "Tiah is free now. Tiah will be safe, but Tiah has to promise to not hurt the Kaguan." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah pounces out of the cage as soon as the door begins to open, throwing it aside and steamrolling right into Mana, knocking both of them to the floor amid a flurry of furry tails T'Quila@crystyll | The crowd scatter even more, some turning and running away completely Mana@anncarise tries to get back to her feet as quickly as she can, "Tiah!" T'Quila@crystyll | It soon becomes clear that Tiah is not attacking Mana, but... hugging her, tails and all! Mana@anncarise hugs Tiah back, "Don't worry, Tiah will be safe!" T'Quila@crystyll | Mana would feel that Tiah is trembling, "Tiah is so scared... where did everybody go? Where... is Qwayla?!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana was hoping Tiah would know...but don't worry! Mana will find out, with Tiah's help." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah nods firmly, tails swishing happily now, "Tiah was following her scent when the mean cats attacked her!" Mana@anncarise: "The Kaguan are not mean. Sujiho did not know who Tiah was and thought Tiah might be a danger to Sujiho's village." Mana@anncarise: "As long as Tiah do not hurt the Kaguan, Mana can promise the Kaguan will not hurt Tiah." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah: "Tiah only defends herself. Tiah is not a hunter" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana has talked to the Kaguan and the Kaguan will not attack Tiah any more." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah beams happily, "Tiah is so happy to have Mana back! Come-" she steps away, eagerly pulling Mana's hand, "-we must find Qwayla and everyone else!" Mana@anncarise follows along, "Mana was thinking of staying in the village and travelling to the biggest city here to look, but Tiah says Tiah has T'Quila's scent?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah nods, "Tiah was following her scent when the cats attacked!" Mana@anncarise: "T'Quila must be naerby, then! Does Tiah need some food and rest first? The desert is a big and harsh place." T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu joins them, "Mana is correct. You should rest first and continue your search in the morning" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah recoils and cowers behind Mana at the sight of Kizu Mana@anncarise: "Tiah does not need to be scared of Kizumio! Kizumio is very nice and helped Mana when Mana first arrived here." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah leans her head out over Mana's shoulder, sniffing cautiously, "This one does not smell of deception..." Mana@anncarise nods and smiles, "Mana has been living with Kizumio and Kizumio even helped Mana with asking the other Kaguan to release Tiah." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah steps out a little further, "Kizumio is... a friend?" Mana@anncarise: "Yes. Kizumio is a friend." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah smiles, bounding over to Kizu where she circles around her, sniffing curiously, "Hello friend Kizumio!" T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu laughs, "Well, you are quite the adorable kitten after all aren't you" Mana@anncarise smiles as she watches, "See, Tiah is very friendly!" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah beams proudly, "Tiah likes friends! But... Tiah must find Qwayla..." T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu: "Come now, Tiah. You are exhausted and need your strength to help your friend, yes? Let this one give you nourishment first" Mana@anncarise: "Mana and Tiah will find T'Quila soon. Mana and Tiah should be at the best for traversing the desert here though." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah stands sheepishly, wrapping a tail around her that she fiddles with in both hands, "Tiah is hungry... ok friend Kizumio!" Mana@anncarise holds out a hand to lead Tiah back to the hut. T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu purrs happily, "Come along then you two, let's get you fed before you leave!" T'Quila@crystyll | Kizu leads them back to her hut, with Tamio tagging along behind them, quietly and curiously --- T'Quila@crystyll | Following a hearty meal, Kizu bids farewell to Mana and Tiah as they head off back out into the desert Mana@anncarise waves to Kizu with her good arm before turning to head out of the village with Tiah. T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah bounds around Mana excitedly, "Are you ready to go find Qwayla Mana?" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana is ready! Mana is told Tiah was last at an oasis before the Kaguan attacked Tiah?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah nods, "Tiah was parched and needed rest. This place is alive, but it is not nice" she pouts Mana@anncarise: "Why not nice? Because this is a desert and there is not much life?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah nods again, "It is dry and sandy and everything wants to eat Tiah!" Mana@anncarise: "Mana will help Tiah if anything tries to eat Tiah again! But Mana cannot do much about the dryness and sand..." Mana@anncarise: "Anyways, Mana and Tiah should return to the oasis. Picking up T'Quila's trail means T'Quila was at the oasis too before, right?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah: "The mean cats won't attack us again for going there?" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana has told the Kaguan that Tiah is no danger. If the Kaguan come back, Mana will handle things." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah beams, "Alright then, let us hurry!" and bounds off towards the oasis T'Quila@crystyll | Mana struggles to keep up with the exciteable Tiah the whole way, but they soon reach the oasis where Tiah was captured and she slows cautiously Mana@anncarise looks around with her infrared vision to check if anyone else is in the area. T'Quila@crystyll | Besides some small wildlife the area is deserted Mana@anncarise smiles, "See. No cats this time." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah begins to explore around, trying to pick up TQ's scent Mana@anncarise follows behind Tiah, keeping her eye out for any potential danger while Tiah searches for TQ T'Quila@crystyll | Mana soon becomes aware of someone lurking behind them... Mana@anncarise turns, trying to see if she can make out more detail on who it might be. T'Quila@crystyll | She can see the heat signature of a single person hiding behind bushes, but little more Mana@anncarise checks to see if Tiah is still nearby. T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah is still exploring around the oasis further in Mana@anncarise carefully steps towards the bushes, "Mana means no harm. This one does not have to hide." T'Quila@crystyll | A head pokes out, revealing Kaguan features, "This one did not mean to startle..." the voice tells it is Tamio Mana@anncarise: "Tamio? Is this one following Mana and Tiah?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio approaches, "This one apologizes, but such an opportunity could not be passed up" Mana@anncarise: "Why is Tamio here? Does...Tamio still believe Tiah is some god?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "Not just any divine, she is the Tiwona; Goddess of the life cycle and mother to the Kaguan people" Mana@anncarise: "Tiah is a remarkable being, but no goddess..." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio shakes her head, "It is no surprise that you can not see it, how could anyone not of the Kaguan blood hope to see it?" Mana@anncarise: "Tiah does bear some resemblence to the Kaguan, but Tiah is not the mother of the Kaguan people. Tiah comes from far away beyond the sky...no wait, that does not help..." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "Exactly!" she points to the sky, "Tiwona has come to us from her distant home just as the prophecies foretold!" Mana@anncarise sighs, "Okay, Mana will humour Tamio's idea. What...exactly does this prophecy say?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "That Tiwona - she who watches over the cycle of life - will return to protect her children when darkness falls" Mana@anncarise: "And...what is this darkness?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio shrugs, "There are many theories. But this one believes it is a time when the night falls eternal and blots out the divines to keep them away from us" Mana@anncarise: "So if Tamio believes Tiah is Tiwona returning to the Kaguan, what does Tamio intend to do? Mana and Tiah is out to find lost friends, and Mana knows Tiah will not stop until Tiah finds T'Quila." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "Tamio will serve however Tiwona sees fitting" Mana@anncarise: "If Tamio insists...Mana and Tiah can probably use a guide out here anyways." Mana@anncarise: "But do not be disappointed if Tiah is not a Kaguan goddess. Mana has already said so, and Tamio follows of Tamio's own accord." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio smiles, "Tamio's faith is all she needs. Now, why has the Tiwona returned to this sanctuary?" Mana@anncarise: "Tiah is looking for Tiah's friend T'Quila, who Tiah has a special connection with." Mana@anncarise: "T'Quila is...like the people that Kizumio called Elves. With pointed ears like Mana, but not exactly like Mana." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio thinks, "This one does not recognize the name... but there are many divines in the sky, and not all look upon the Kaguan. If this T'Quila is of the elves, this one is not surprised to be T'Quila@crystyll: + unfamiliar with the name" Mana@anncarise nods, "Tiah is trying to pick up T'Quila's scent and track T'Quila in the desert. Come, Mana will see if Tiah has made any progress." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio nods and follows Mana Mana@anncarise moves further into the oasis to catch up with Tiah. T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah continues to search around the area Mana@anncarise: "Tiah? Any sign of T'Quila yet?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah frowns, "It is strange... her scent is here, but not here. It does not come down the path, or away in any direction. But it is here..." she focuses on the middle of the oasis pond Mana@anncarise looks into the oasis pond to see if her vision can see anyone through it. T'Quila@crystyll | Mana can see something out of the ordinary beneath the water. It looks like a heat source on the bottom of the pond, but not that of a person; more like she would see from the outside of a heated + T'Quila@crystyll: + building or something Mana@anncarise: "There is something...strange in this oasis." Mana@anncarise turns to Tamio, "What does this one know of the place? Sujiho called the oasis sacred, no?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "It is called the Sanctuary of Tiwona. It is a shrine to-" she glances to Tiah, "Well, to her. A place of healing and reverance, and the wellspring that nourishes our village" Mana@anncarise: "Is there a...building in there?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio looks around and shakes her head, "It has always been just the oasis you see now as far as this one can remember" Mana@anncarise: "Mana sees something inside...Mana supposes there is only one way to find out." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "Please don't say this one is thinking what Tamio thinks she is thinking..." Mana@anncarise: "Is there a rule against going into the oasis?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio nods: "The water is consecrated. All are forbidden from taking it even, let alone submersing..." Mana@anncarise looks to Tiah, "Even the goddess the oasis is a shrine to?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio ponders this, "This one... supposes, she should be permitted..." Mana@anncarise: "Does...Tiah know how to swim?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah stands, looking back to the pair, "Tiah... does not know... Mana@anncarise: "Mana will come in to help if Tiah needs. Mana thinks T'Quila is very likely inside..." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah looks at the water, "Qwayla is in there?" she dips a foot in, recoiling with a shudder Mana@anncarise: "If the trail does not lead anywhere else but is around here, Mana cannot think of where else T'Quila would have gone." T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah puts on a brave face, "Then Tiah must find her!" and strides purposefully into the water Mana@anncarise: "Be careful Tiah! If Tiah needs help, just let Mana know!" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah disappears under the water a short time. Mana can see her signature cooling beneath the surface Mana@anncarise looks back to Tamio, "That is not good...Mana thinks Tiah may need help..." Mana@anncarise makes for the oasis herself. T'Quila@crystyll | Suddenly, the water begins to recede... Mana@anncarise pauses as she sees a shift in the water, looking around for Tiah. T'Quila@crystyll | The water continues to drain away, much to the shock and awe of Tamio. It soon reveals Tiah's sodden form in the middle, tugging at the large looped handle of a hatch T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah stops, standing up and looking around as she realises she is no longer submersed. Then looks down herself as she realises she is wet and promptly shakes it away like only a canine + T'Quila@crystyll: + can, times 9 tails... Mana@anncarise jumps back as Tiah shakes off all the water. T'Quila@crystyll | None can escape the spray of wet-fur smelling water splashes with so many tails T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio recoils with a disgruntled hiss, though is at least a little sympathetic for Tiah in this T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah stands, ringing her tails out one by one and still pouting at the feeling of being totally submersed in water. Ears dripping, she manages to look more adorable than normal despite the splashes Mana@anncarise chuckles slightly, "Tiah made it! What did Tiah find?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah looks down, "Tiah is not sure..." she looks around, "Did Tiah pull a stopper out of the water? The cats will be angry won't they..." T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio: "Never mind that, look!" she points to the entrance Tiah was trying to open Mana@anncarise turns her attention over to the entrance. T'Quila@crystyll | It appears to be a relatively simple trapdoor Mana@anncarise steps over to Tiah and the door, "Can Tiah open the door?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah shakes her head, "Tiah tried, but it wouldn't budge!" Mana@anncarise checks the trapdoor for any locks or mechanisms. T'Quila@crystyll | There is nothing obvious Mana@anncarise tries to open the trapdoor herself with her good arm. T'Quila@crystyll | It's pretty stuck, but soon comes loose. Apparently it was just the weight of the water that was keeping it sealed T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah of course doesn't think about this and frowns, folding her arms in a pout, "Well... Tiah must have loosened it for Mana!" Mana@anncarise chuckles, "Tiah certainly helped by going into the water already!" Mana@anncarise looks back to Tiah, "Can...Tiah pick up T'Quila's scent inside?" T'Quila@crystyll | Tiah cautiously peers into the entrance before her ears pick right up and her tails swish around excitedly, "Yes! Qwayla is in here, come on!" she bounds on ahead without a second thought Mana@anncarise follows in after Tiah, motioning for Tamio to come along too. T'Quila@crystyll | Tamio nervously follows T'Quila@crystyll | After the trio disappear into the hatch, it ominously closes gently of its own accord; the oasis bubbling back up to it's normal level...

View Act II - 2 Weeks

Keelah@crystyll | It has now been almost 2 weeks since the crew mysteriously found themselves thrust into the midst of this archaic world called Belyia Keelah@crystyll | With some luck, a number of crew who found themselves in the same region have gravitated together and work tirelessly to find their lost comrades, and a way home... Keelah@crystyll | Keelah - as with more of the crew than not - has found her natural abilities enhanced by this world, and has been ekeing out a quiet income with magistrate work Keelah@crystyll | A room at a local tavern has been hired for an evening and locked down so that the team may meet and discuss their situation. All are now dressed to blend with their environment Keelah@crystyll stands at a table with a number of small parchments scattered across a larger one which is clearly a map of the continent Keelah@crystyll | Fisher & Kazra are present, as well as a few junior officers and staff Keelah@crystyll pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs, "2 weeks... 2 WEEKS! And what do we have to show for it?! A handful of the crew and still no answers? We have to up our game and find a way to reach our Keelah@crystyll: + people already!" Keelah@crystyll is clearly running a lot hotter than usual with the burden of their situation, emotions riding closer than ever to the surface Keliaya@anncarise: "We have no scanning technology, and this is a...very big map." Keelah@crystyll | Kazra shakes her head, "It would be one thing if our people were scattered around the city here, or even the state. And as Kelly said, this a densely populated planet" Keelah@crystyll: "What about our technology, have we had /any/ luck in getting something to work? Even figuring why it won't?" Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "No, none at all. The best theory we have is that there's a dampening field over the planet. Something that prevents our equipment from working, but without scanners we can't - Keliaya@anncarise: - tell the difference, and there's no way to confirm or deny our suspicions." Keelah@crystyll: "What about using local tech as a substitute?" Keliaya@anncarise: "We've explored that as well, and the local technology just isn't advanced enough. We can't build subspace communications technology and modern scanners in the local smithy." Keelah@crystyll | Fisher pokes at his combadge, laying on the table, "Maybe we don't need to..." Keelah@crystyll looks over, "Malcolm you got something to say, now is not the time to be holding back" Keelah@crystyll | Fisher looks up, "Well I mean, it won't help us reach the ship or anything - assuming it's there to reach... - but, I don't know, couldn't we fashion something of a rudimentary transmitter? It + Keelah@crystyll: + doesn't need to be Starfleet standards or anything, even with the range? Just something to send a signal that our combadges would still pick up?" Keelah@crystyll hrms, looking to Kelly, "You've probably looked at more of what we have to work with here so far" Keliaya@anncarise: "With what we have, we could make /something/. Whether or not it would work depends on what exactly is suppressing our technology." Keelah@crystyll: "Sounds more promising than anything else I've heard today" Keelah@crystyll parks herself on a creaky wooden chair, leaning her elbows on the table and staring at the map, "Even if we get something working short range, it would take years to cover all this ground..." Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll look into it. I'm not sure if we can reach out to everyone's combadges exactly, seeing as they're all deactivated, but we might be able to make some form of technology, at least." Keelah@crystyll | Fisher takes a swig of ale from his clunky metal tankard, "Well we have to start somewhere. I mean, we all found each other without anything" Keelah@crystyll leans back with a creak from the stool, "Ok, what these... enhanced abilities we've experienced? Are we any closer to an explanation for that yet?" she looks to Kazra Keelah@crystyll | Kazra again shakes her head, "Without any lab equipment I'm extremely limited in what I can do at this level. I'm falling back on rough liquid measures and old fashioned chemistry techniques for + Keelah@crystyll: + most things. All I can tell you is, I don't see any evidence of genetic alteration. Nobody is actually changed, that I can tell. Simply... enhanced. Like your telepathy, Malcolm's strength-" Keelah@crystyll | Fisher: "pfft, still couldn't take the Captain in an arm wrestle" Keelah@crystyll actually chuckles a little, "Well I had the strength before we started. And how many times, no ranks here" Keelah@crystyll | Fisher, "And what about Kazra's little trick?" Keelah@crystyll looks up as Kazra appears to turn invisible in her seat, reappearing a moment later beside Kelly, "I can only surmise it is some latent trait associated with my genetics" Keelah@crystyll & Co. clearly haven't met Ann & Lennie yet... Keliaya@anncarise: "I still think these abilities are our best chance of finding everyone, not our technology. Whatever this planet is, it's subduing our tech and enhancing our...genetic characteristics or whatever it - Keliaya@anncarise: - may be doing. Trying to get some piece of our tech working is like struggling against the tide. Maybe we should just flow with it instead." Keliaya@anncarise looks to Keelah, "I've heard about these magisters being capable of even more impressive feats. You've been working with them, is there any way their abilities can help?" Keelah@crystyll: "I have been trying to extend my mind and reach out to our people telepathically, but I am unfamiliar with the concept of singling out lost minds amid a planet-sized crowd. As for the magisters..." + Keelah@crystyll: + she shakes her head, "Some of them do indeed put on impressive displays, but even the Seers don't seem able to reach individual people around the planet. Even they have to communicate with each + Keelah@crystyll: + other via handheld missive deliveries" Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll try to rig up some kind of transmitter, but I think at best it might be a short-range radio transmitter. Our combadges aren't designed to pick up on those even if they were active, and there's - Keliaya@anncarise: - also the sheer scale you mentioned..." Keelah@crystyll nods, taking a more civilized sip from her tankard and trying hard to hide the grimace on her face from it, "You said before about using these enhanced skills instead. What are you thinking?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Well I /was/ hoping those Seers could just telepathically comm everyone, but if that's not an option..." Keliaya@anncarise looks to Kazra, "As far as we know, do /all/ of us having some enhanced ability?" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra nods, "As best as I can tell at least. It doesn't seem to manifest consistently, but I have found no evidence of change - biological or otherwise - among the crew here" Keliaya@anncarise: "What about the locals? I've met plenty who live very ordinary lives. Do you think all of them have abilities, or is it just the select ones among the magisters?" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra: "As best I can tell, it is everyone - like it is something in the environment here that empowers people. However it seems to be matter of the individual as to if and how they manifest. + Keelah@crystyll: + Could be genetics, or simply a desire to try" Keliaya@anncarise: "So it's not us, nor the locals, being special in any way. It's the /place/..." Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "Are you suggesting that we are all capable of manifesting the same abilities, even those less consistent with what already know?" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra nods to Kelly, "The place, the atmosphere, hells the water for all I know. And yes Keelah, it could simply be a matter of focus and time, well... training or learning. As with all skills - + Keelah@crystyll: + physical and mental alike, there are those naturally more gifted than others. If this place simply emphasizes that effect, a person could potentially develop an obscene amount of power simply by...+ Keelah@crystyll: + well, trying" Keliaya@anncarise: "If only we could will our combadges into working..." Keelah@crystyll frowns, peering across the table in concentration a few moments before she sighs, "Well I still can't turn invisible..." Keelah@crystyll looks to Kelly, "You said before about dampening fields. Could the same thing be responsible for both phenomena? The dead tech, and the natural ability?" Keliaya@anncarise: "It's possible. It has to be an incredibly powerful energy field, but I've seen more unlikely and outlandish technology before." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Given what happened to us to end up here, I still suspect 3rd party influence. This whole region of space is wrong" Keliaya@anncarise: "The question is how we get out of here..." Keelah@crystyll nods and is about to add something when there is a knock at the door and a wench enters carrying a tray of drinks Keelah@crystyll | wench: "A refill for my favourite mercenary band!" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Thank you Cheonda" Keliaya@anncarise smiles and nods to the tavern wench, "Thank you." Keelah@crystyll | Cheonda giggles, "Gotta love how civilized you folks are, and rich! Long as you keep spending your coin in here, you're all good in my books and Cheonda will always look after you!" Keelah@crystyll | Fisher: "I'm sure nowhere else in the realm hosts it's guests with such charm" Keelah@crystyll eyerolls Keelah@crystyll | Cheonda playfully drapes an arm across his shoulder, "Now, now, Sir Malcome. You know that costs extra" Keelah@crystyll | Malcom laughs: "One day Cheo, one day..." Keelah@crystyll ahems Keliaya@anncarise chuckles at Fisher. Keelah@crystyll | Cheonda, "Right, sorry! Didn't mean to interrupt... whatever this is" she looks around, "Planning a big job? Ooh, I bet you're going after those dragons everyone's spooked over ain't you1" Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, "I am not at liberty to divulge that information" Keelah@crystyll | Cheonda grins knowingly, "Knew it! Well, we're all rooting for you guys. Just shout if you run dry before I do another round!" she waves and heads back out Keelah@crystyll peers at the fresh drink, sighing a little and sliding it over to sit next to the first one she's hardly touched Keliaya@anncarise looks back to Keelah once Cheonda heads out, "What if instead of using what we have to build transmitters...we build early scientific equipment instead?" Keelah@crystyll: "Got something in mind?" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra grumbles, "Easier said than done..." evidently she hasn't had much luck building medical equipment, at least to her standards Keliaya@anncarise: "We create things like galvanometers, telescopes, tuning forks. Most of these can be done with what the locals have with minimal reliance on our own technology, just our knowledge." Keliaya@anncarise: "These abilities have to come from somewhere, which may or may not be the same thing interfering with our modern technology." Keliaya@anncarise: "If we can figure out what's going on with this planet, we might be able to get our equipment working again, maybe even find a way off." Keelah@crystyll: "I have to admit... I have yearned a few times for a telescope already to get a better look up there" totally doesn't just want to try and spot the VF in orbit Keelah@crystyll: "I even considered heading across to Aeindong to see if they had anything at the University there" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra: "If we could manage to make a crude telescope, it should be possible to also make a crude microscope. That might help me see what's going on within us" Keelah@crystyll nods, "This is all well and good, but finely worked materials are not cheap in this world" Keliaya@anncarise: "And neither is repurposing what we have with the local tools." Keelah@crystyll | Fisher: "Well I'm confident that I can take on some higher paying mercenary work now, some of the others too. Maybe bring in some more coin" Keelah@crystyll nods, "We must do all we can but we can't lose sight of the fact that we - regrettably - need to keep surviving her for the foreseeable future. We can't afford to throw everything into these + Keelah@crystyll: + investments as we need to keep accomodation and food bills up" Keelah@crystyll sideglances to Fisher, "And no, before you say anything; we are /not/ resorting to underhanded methods against these people" Keelah@crystyll | Fisher grumbles, "...not like I actually liked the idea either" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra: "What about those dragons that Cheo mentioned?" Keelah@crystyll: "I don't think they will be much help, if they even exist..." Keelah@crystyll | Kazra, "No, but... these people clearly think they do. What if we /did/ look into it? If we could solve that mystrery for them that would be worth a fortune I bet" Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps, but with so little to go on I won't hold my breath" Keliaya@anncarise: "If there's any truth to them, the magisters are probably already looking into it. They're the academics of this world, aren't they?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "But by all accounts they are as stumped as the rest of the populations. They may be academics, but they still exist within a largely religious society which is barely beginning to grasp it's + Keelah@crystyll: + place in the universe" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra: "That's true. A 'wise woman' at the clinic talked to me at length about the stars. How each one is one of their gods peering down through the 'Nether' Keelah@crystyll: "It is a quintessential early development mentaily where the society is the centre of it's own universe with the sun, moons and stars all gravitating around them" Keliaya@anncarise: "What about all the different species here? We don't have the equipment to analyze their DNA, but it's possible they didn't all evolve here." Keliaya@anncarise: "Aside from the Xindi, I've never heard of another example of so many species evolving on the same planet. Maybe many of those were stranded here long ago like we are." Keelah@crystyll | Kazra: "We can't say either way at present. I know what you're thinking though, and they are all perhaps descendants of crews like ours who have been pulled in here and left to it" Keelah@crystyll: "Possible, though with one distinct flaw in the theory" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra looks to Keelah with a perked brow, for once Keliaya@anncarise looks over to Keelah curiously as well, though without a perked brow. Keelah@crystyll: "For a diverse society to evolve like that from multiple independent species, there should be a much more fluid degree of interbreeding and genetic diversity evident through the generations. But here+ Keelah@crystyll: + there is none. Here, most of these species are still distinctly 'pure' in the sense of little to no cross breeding with the other species. For the sheer size of this population, it would be far too+ Keelah@crystyll: + many generations now for such vivid lines to remain intact. So no, I believe this is a rare case like the Xindi where they are all indigenous. Though possibly evovled through a controlled measure + Keelah@crystyll: + that are yet to know" Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe this whole world is a reserve. We know advanced species often undergo a period of devastation in their development before we reach the stage where we're, well, more mature as a civilization." Keliaya@anncarise: "The Denobulan-Antaran wars, the Vulcan Time of Awakening, Earth's Third World War, and so on." Keelah@crystyll: "Perhaps there was more segregation between the species, but these people have a long history consistent with natural evolution. To have such a reserve as one open population like this would still + Keelah@crystyll: + culminate in that same genetic dilution, I think" Keliaya@anncarise: "It could explain the technological suppression though. Preventing them from getting advanced enough to destroy themselves. These abilities are impressive, but nowhere as dangerous as nuclear - Keliaya@anncarise: - missiles or bioweapons." Keliaya@anncarise shrugs, "Or maybe whoever is responsible for bringing us here just put them in place so we wouldn't use our equipment." Keelah@crystyll: "True. Perhaps-" is interrupted as the door flings open, causing everyone to jump before they see it is Silvestrie... with a Kaguan Keelah@crystyll | Silvestrie: "Sorry Ca- Keelah, but you'll want to hear this" he looks to the strange cat with him, "Go on, tell them what you told me" Keelah@crystyll | The Kaguan looks around the strange mix of people nervously Keliaya@anncarise looks from Silvestrie to the Kaguan, "Don't be nervous. We won't bite." Keelah@crystyll smiles gently, taking one of her drinks and passing it across the table, "It's ok, nobody will hurt you. Just take your time" Keelah@crystyll | The Kaguan takes the drink cautiously, "This one only repeated the story this one heard. This one knows not of the truth behind it" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra grumbles, "Dragons. It's always dragons..." Keelah@crystyll | The Kaguan hisses a little towards Kazra, "No! But keep mocking this omen from the divines and a dragon will likely be the last thing this one sees!" Keelah@crystyll raises a hand, "Please, go on..." Keelah@crystyll | The Kaguan slurps the drink, "This one was travelling back with it's caravan from Baharlikhi, along the river" Keelah@crystyll | Kaguan: "Our caravan was camped for the night, a full day south of town. That's when this one saw it" Keelah@crystyll: "Saw...?" Keelah@crystyll | Kaguan: "Unholy lightning in the sky!" he flails his arms dramatically, sloshing the drink out of the tankard Keelah@crystyll: "...unholy lightning..." frowns towards Silvestrie Keelah@crystyll | Silvestrie raises a hand, "I know how it sounds, but hear him out" Keelah@crystyll | The Kaguan listens to the bickering mercs before continuing, "Understand this; there was not a cloud in the sky that night. This one was sitting on watch, looking up to Tiwona and praying for it's+ Keelah@crystyll: + kittens when it was blinded by the flash from nowhere!" Keelah@crystyll: "I..." shakes her head, changing her mind, "No, I still don't see the connection" Keliaya@anncarise: "Did it look anything like usual lightning? Or was it just a light coming from the sky?" Keelah@crystyll | Kaguan: "There was nothing usual about this lightning!" he brushes their parchments aside to clear a spot on the table, tracing out lines with his claw Keliaya@anncarise looks at his lines carefully. Keelah@crystyll | The Kaguan traces a shape out as he describes it, "It started with a flash at the top - high above this one's head - and the lightning arced down like this, but it did not strike the ground!" Keelah@crystyll | Kaguan continues: "No, it then turned back up! then it swept around like this before sweeping around here and closing back like this. After it flashed some, it faded and there was nothing..." Keelah@crystyll tilts her head to look at the shape he traced out, eyes widening a little as she sees it... Keelah@crystyll: ( https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Delta-shield.svg/1200px-Delta-shield.svg.png ) Keliaya@anncarise nods as she sees it as well, "And...where was this?" Keelah@crystyll | He brushes more parchments aside and points on their map to a spot just south of their town, "That is where this one was camped" Keelah@crystyll looks to the map then back to the cat, "Thank you. We will investigate this... unholy phenomena. You have my word" Keelah@crystyll nods to Silvestrie who thrusts a small coinpurse into the Kaguan's paw before ushering him out the door Keliaya@anncarise looks back to Keelah as Silvestrie ushers the Kaguan out, "This is what I was thinking of when I thought we could use these abilities to our advantage." Keliaya@anncarise: "If someone can do this, it can act as a beacon. Not everyone will get word of it, but it's better than nothing." Keelah@crystyll nods, "It would appear that someone out there has found a way. Malcolm, put together a search party - you leave at first light" Keelah@crystyll stares at the spot where the Kaguan traced the delta symbol out, "Very clever..." she muses Keelah@crystyll: "If only we could do the same thing on a larger scale... enough to spread out across this whole continent" Keliaya@anncarise: "If Kazra's theory is correct...maybe many of us can learn this, and we can proceed to different areas and send the beacon across the continent." Keelah@crystyll: "That's a lot of if's..." Keliaya@anncarise: "I think our best chance is to find the person who sent the beacon and see if we can learn how from them." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Agreed" Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe not all of us will be able to do it, but we have plenty of people with different talents. As long as we have a few, we'll have a bit more reach than one region." Keelah@crystyll | Fisher, meanwhile, sits quietly twirling his combadge against the table, weaving it back and forth as he thinks. Kazra watches him curiously, doing the same Keelah@crystyll | Kazra: "Or maybe we're overthinking this..." Keliaya@anncarise: "What do you mean?" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra gently places a hand on Fisher's, flattening his combadge to the table. But instead of turning away from that distraction, she slides it out from under his hand. Or specifically, the + Keelah@crystyll: + parchment it sits on. She turns the parchment blank side up, laying the combadge on top of it. Looking almost like a letter header... Keelah@crystyll: "I hope you're not suggesting we send letters to everyone in the world" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra chuckles, "We don't need to. You said it yourself before, Keelah; how the Universities communicate" Keelah@crystyll: "The couriers. But..." Keelah@crystyll | Kazra: "We don't need to reach out to individuals. Just regions. We know that every major city has a missives board, so what if just post this to all of those? Because I'm sure everyone will be + Keelah@crystyll: + heading for the major population centres. Sooner or later they will likely look to those boards as they all need to earn coin. Anyone seeing this delta will know, but to the locals it is just a + Keelah@crystyll: + heraldry!" Keelah@crystyll smiles, "It certainly wouldn't hurt for us to make a start on getting these sent out while we search for the lightning beacon" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I'm sure some people will see it at least." Keelah@crystyll: "We'll start right away. If we can get something drafted this evening, we can send a team over to Aeindong to despatch it nationwide while we search for the beacon" Keelah@crystyll | Fisher: "You know we're likely not the first one's to think of this. Others might have started in the big cities and picked up on the boards a lot sooner" Keelah@crystyll nods, "We need to do something to make clear that they should all head here. That ours is the delta to follow" Keliaya@anncarise: "Your signature? I'm sure most of the crew recognizes it by now..." Keelah@crystyll: "You mean they would recognize Mia's PP" she chuckles Keliaya@anncarise: "True..." Keelah@crystyll: "But..." she nods, "...I think you're on the right lines in associating this with me personally" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra: "Your pips then. Nobody says the heraldry has to be just the delta, what if we include a clear image of your pips?" Keelah@crystyll hrms, "Vague, but it could work. But you really should stop calling this a heraldry, it is not like we are a faction of our own right on this world" Keelah@crystyll | Kazra smiles and shrugs, "Just having fun with it" Keelah@crystyll: "Not as much as 'Sir Malcolm' over there" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles. Keelah@crystyll | Fisher grins, "Hey, it's called blending in alright! Besides, heroic quests, dragon slaying, maybe we should be. This message could be dressed as a recruitment flyer!" Keliaya@anncarise: "That might attract more attention than we want..." Keelah@crystyll groans, "Exactly. No, we have to keep it low key. As much as I want to shout from the rooftops to find our people, the Prime Directive comes first and we can not do anything to damage these people" Keelah@crystyll | Fisher grunts, "Like creating giant Starfleet deltas in the sky you mean..." Keelah@crystyll: "I'll admit, it's pushing it. But with this superstitious people there is at least some scope for intuition, and we can't just give up" Keelah@crystyll: "But come" she swigs her ale with more enthusiasm, "Let us start drafting this message. I will see if Cheo can serve us some food in the meantime" Keelah@crystyll stands and heads out to the main bar Keliaya@anncarise stands as well and follows Keelah. --- Lendaria@crystyll | It's been a couple of weeks since Ann and Lennie found themselves stranded on the mysterious planet in the midst of an endless forest Lendaria@crystyll | Learning to master their newfound skills as they traverse the landscape, the pair have become rather adept and handling the wild barbarian attacks and have + Lendaria@crystyll + even managed to salvage information from the barbarians that led them abandon ruins where they were able to lay hands on useful equipment and supplies Lendaria@crystyll | They now stand before the entrance of one such supposed ruin, though it looks more like a simple cave... Ann Carter@anncarise: "All set to go on in?" Lendaria@crystyll looks dubiously at the cave, then to the rough map in Ann's hand, "Y'sure this is th'place?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Well if it ain't, it's just a cave. Can't be too bad, we've gone in plenty o' those too." Lendaria@crystyll: "Yeah... I jus' hope it's at least half as worth wha' tha'guys orders made out" Ann Carter@anncarise: "I hope so too. C'mon, only one way to find out!" Lendaria@crystyll grins, clearly enjoying this newfound life of theirs, "Le's do it!" and steps in Ann Carter@anncarise moves in with Lennie, taking the lead as usual. Lendaria@crystyll | The pair wind their way down into the cave. A fairly long and narrow crevace which eventually opens out Lendaria@crystyll | Snaps her fingers and conjurs an orb of light that hovers a little overhead. The light makes clear a side passage up ahead Ann Carter@anncarise smiles, "Thanks, vijra, Tha's always useful to have." Lendaria@crystyll: "An' it don't get old" she chuckles Ann Carter@anncarise follows the light, looking around for anything of note or possibly dangerous. Lendaria@crystyll | The side passge appears to be a small open cavern-room Lendaria@crystyll peers around the corner, "No way it's gonna be tha' easy is there..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah...I'm thinkin' traps too..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Wanna check it out then?" Ann Carter@anncarise nods, heading in very warily, holding her axe in one hand and getting ready to conjure up the shield in her other. Lendaria@crystyll follows, looking around as well Lendaria@crystyll | The room is bigger than it first seemed and remains largely obscured in darkness Lendaria@crystyll seems to pluck the light orb out of the air, holding in front of her face. She blows it away like a kiss and it floats gently across the room Lendaria@crystyll blows a kiss. Ann Carter@anncarise takes a closer look at what the orb illuminates, still on the lookout for potential traps. Lendaria@crystyll | It doesn't show anything of interest until it pins against the far wall, showing a bulky and furry form curled up in the corner Ann Carter@anncarise glances to Lennie, "Did ya see wha' I just saw?" Lendaria@crystyll nods, standing ready. Unsure if they went to try and back out or just attack it Ann Carter@anncarise lowers her voice a little, "It hasn't attacked us so far, but maybe it's asleep..." Ann Carter@anncarise conjures up her shield, sloooowly making her way closer. Lendaria@crystyll | As Ann steps forward, loose stone on the ground shifts and the creature stirs. Standing to it's full height it is comparable to a bear, and just as happy to see strangers in it's den... Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yup, it was definitely sleepin' alright..." Ann Carter@anncarise readies her shield and axe, "Hey, sorry to wake ya. Any chance we could be friends?" Lendaria@crystyll | The bear-thing rears up with a guttoral roar and swipes a heavy paw towards Ann Ann Carter@anncarise jumps back, holding her shield in front of her just in case the paw still comes close. Lendaria@crystyll | The paw does come down on her shield, but the momentem allows it to easily deflect away Ann Carter@anncarise: "I'll take tha' as a no..." Ann Carter@anncarise swings her axe back at the bear-thing, hoping to catch it with the axe blade or at least ward it back. Lendaria@crystyll steps up at the same time, thrusting her arms forward to form a wall of ice across the front of the beast Lendaria@crystyll | The combined attack slows the creature enough for Ann's swing to land a quick and painless killing blow Ann Carter@anncarise: "Tha' did it! Want another blanket, or should we leave this fella here?" Lendaria@crystyll steps closer, "Hmm... could be handy. But I don't much fancy luggin' tha' lump around in 'ere. I say we leave 'im be f'now. If we can, maybe stop an' skin 'im after" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Sounds good to me," she looks around to see if there's anything else worth taking in here. Lendaria@crystyll | A small pile of remains nearby, but nothing of consequence Ann Carter@anncarise begins to head out of the small side area, "C'mon, let's see if we can find anythin' more valuable." Lendaria@crystyll: "Yeah, them orders made out there's some ancient ruin 'ere wha' they thought were full o'valuable tomes" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Maybe they're just a long way down..." Ann Carter@anncarise continues leading the way as they go through the cave. Lendaria@crystyll | More twisting and winding before they reach a split Ann Carter@anncarise: "Could use another light...or two." Lendaria@crystyll obliges with a pair of light orbs she sends off in each direction. Neither shows any discernible difference in the routes Ann Carter@anncarise: "Okay...tha' didn't help. Guess we could always take one an' double back. Which one do you think?" Lendaria@crystyll starts waving her finger back and forth between the two passages, murmuring as she does Lendaria@crystyll: "Einy, meiny, miney-... wha?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Hm?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Einy meiny is a perfectly legit an' scientifically proven method o'choosin' stuff!" Lendaria@crystyll totally not feeling self conscious Ann Carter@anncarise chuckles, "Better than any other method we got so far!" Lendaria@crystyll starts again and settles on the right passage, "...mo!" Ann Carter@anncarise grins, "Guess tha's our route!" Lendaria@crystyll: "Fingers crossed!" Ann Carter@anncarise continues down the path Lennie chose, continuing to be alert for any traps or ambushes. Lendaria@crystyll | All seems ordinary and innocent as the progress deeper, until the cave begins to open out. Further and further until they find themselves standing in the middle a large cavernous void Ann Carter@anncarise: "Woah, this place /is/ big. Probably big enough to have a ruin somewhere." Lendaria@crystyll gives an impressed whistle that echoes around the room Lendaria@crystyll: "Could be. But I still ain't seein' anythin' more than cave" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Me neither...unless it's real deep inside." Lendaria@crystyll | Their talking echoes around the cavern, every word rebounding off the damp walls. There is a considerable underground lake to one side as well Ann Carter@anncarise: "So...where to go from here..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Least we got water, an' tha' bear-thing if we need food down here." Lendaria@crystyll shakes her head lightly, "I guess we could circle around an' see where it leads." she nods, "If tha' thing were livin'ere, seems likely tha's clean water if ya wanna top up first" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Good thinkin'. Let's head over to tha' lake, then see where it takes us." Lendaria@crystyll nods and heads that way, drawing a flash from her belt for another swig before filling up Ann Carter@anncarise almost drains her own flask before filling it in the lake as well, "Tha' should last us for a good while!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Let's see where this leads us, an' we can come back here if we need more water." Lendaria@crystyll: "True!" she smiles, turning away Lendaria@crystyll | As the pair step away, the ripples in the water's surface settle to reveal something peeking up through the water Lendaria@crystyll | The pair don't get before the shape rises further before launching out of the water and flying overhead with a shrill squawk Ann Carter@anncarise jumps and quickly looks back, axe at the ready as she tries to figure out where the squawk came from. Lendaria@crystyll: "Woah!" she jumps, ducking instinctively Ann Carter@anncarise ducks as she notices something flying over before peering up to try and see what it was. Lendaria@crystyll | The creatures swoops over the pair, disappearing further into the cavern. Shrill squawks echoing deceptively until it gradually fades Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wha' was tha'?" Lendaria@crystyll: "I ain't sure I wanna know. I'm-a jus' glad it weren't interested in us" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah, me too...looks like there's no end o' strange things down here. Or in this world..." Lendaria@crystyll: "I ain't tha' surprised at this point, really" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Well on th'upside. There's clearly a way forward from 'ere now without turnin' back..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Downside is, it's where tha' thing flew away to..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "If it wasn't interested in us now, maybe it's not gonna be a problem." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Or so I'm hopin'..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Welp... on we goes then!" she smiles Ann Carter@anncarise: "On we go!" Lendaria@crystyll & Ann continue cautiously and without distration for some time, with Lennie's light orb shining the way Ann Carter@anncarise holds her axe as they proceed, ready for any traps or other monsters lurking in the caverns. Ann Carter@anncarise: "This place really is massive. Wonder how far under the forest it stretches..." Lendaria@crystyll: "If nothin' else, it sure explains th'interest them folks had in 'ere" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Still, seems weird for 'em to talk 'bout ruins an' tomes if they're just comin' to explore some caves." Ann Carter@anncarise: "I got a suspicion they're still down here somewhere. Just a matter o' how much time it's gonna take to find 'em." Lendaria@crystyll: "True enough..." she pauses, tapping Ann's shoulder and pointing out another concealed opening on one side ahead" Lendaria@crystyll whispers, "Ya had t'say it didn't ya Sweets" with a slight smirk Ann Carter@anncarise grins, "Let's check it out." Ann Carter@anncarise carefully makes her way over to the concealed opening. Lendaria@crystyll draws the quarterstaff that was slung across her shoulder, following Ann around the corner Lendaria@crystyll | Inside looks to be another smaller chamber with nothing jumping out as being of interest Ann Carter@anncarise: "Nope...another bear den at best, probably..." Ann Carter@anncarise steps inside to check it out anyways. Lendaria@crystyll: "I don't know Sweets. We're pretty deep for a creature like tha', less it's pure hibernation or somethin'" Lendaria@crystyll: "Assumin' they even do tha'..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "True...they probably aren't like bears." Ann Carter@anncarise looks around if she can spot anything without a light. Lendaria@crystyll | Visibility is difficult, but after a moment to build confidence in the room Lennie conjurs up an orb that she pins to the ceiling letting them see Ann Carter@anncarise makes sure there aren't any traps or napping creatures this time. Lendaria@crystyll | The room seems clear, just lots of dust and cobwebs. Though in poking around more, Ann does notice an oddly flat stone surface beneath some loose rocks Ann Carter@anncarise: "Huh..." she moves closer to the smooth stone but is careful not to touch it. Lendaria@crystyll: "Got somethin'?" Ann Carter@anncarise points out the stone, "Not sure if tha's somethin', but it looks a lil artificial." Lendaria@crystyll uses the tip of staff to brush the rubble away and reveal a flat stone surface, "Well I'll-a be damned..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Tha' definitely looks like part o' a ruin." Lendaria@crystyll nods, "Seems we might be onto somethin' after all. Not much t'tell 'ere yet though" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah. No tomes or treasure or anythin'." Lendaria@crystyll stands, "Not yet anyway-" is interrupted by a familiar shrill squawk out in the main hall Ann Carter@anncarise spins around. "Tha' was the thing from the lake..." Lendaria@crystyll stands ready, "Dammit, we'se boxed in!" Ann Carter@anncarise conjures her shield again while looking around to see if there's any possible escape routes or places to hide. Lendaria@crystyll | No escape route and nowhere to hide... Ann Carter@anncarise: "We could make a run for it, but against those flyin' things, I think it's better to hold our ground..." Lendaria@crystyll nods, "I'm-a ready!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Think ya can set fire to the entrance, make it harder for 'em to come in?" Lendaria@crystyll: "I could, but it'd be equally harder f'us t'get out. Not t'mention th'thin air down 'ere" Lendaria@crystyll | Another shrill squawk heralds the creatures arrival. It lumbers outside the doorway before lurching into view. Two winged appendages reach in at ceiling level as the body of a giant bat-like + Lendaria@crystyll: + creature moves inside Lendaria@crystyll: "Goddess..." Ann Carter@anncarise moves to the side and tries to slice at one of its wings. Lendaria@crystyll | The bat-thing recoils and lashes out, struggling to move within the tight space Lendaria@crystyll focuses herself and unleashes a gout of fire from the tip of the staff. It singes the other wing and forces the bat-thing to evade into a corner of the room Ann Carter@anncarise: "Its size is workin' against it! We're more nimble here, just don't get caught by it when it's stumblin' around!" Lendaria@crystyll | The creature does indeed flail around, making it difficult for the pair to keep their footing Ann Carter@anncarise readies her shield in case the bat-thing attacks as she closes in for another swing of her axe, this time trying to get its head or body. Lendaria@crystyll | The creatures sense are clearly honed and it evades the head attack, but takes the hit on it's side in the process Ann Carter@anncarise jumps back right after her attack as to not be in the way of its flailing, and also hopefully give Lennie an opening to strike. Lendaria@crystyll | The bat-thing does lash out, but misses Ann. Lennie swipes her staff to bat away it's flailing wing, thrusting forwards to unleash a flash of electricity from the tip which encasulates the creature Ann Carter@anncarise takes the opportunity while the creature is shocked to jump in and go for its head again. Lendaria@crystyll | It's a successful killing blow and the creature slumps to the floor, sparks of electricity dancing across it's body a little longer Lendaria@crystyll: "Phew. Nicely done" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Good thing it decided to take an interest in us down here. Dealin' with this thing in the open area by the lake woulda been a nightmare." Lendaria@crystyll: "A lucky break. We'd better press on before anythin' else gets th'same idea" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah. This place's a dead end, but if there's some sign o' ruins here, there's gotta be more up ahead." Ann Carter@anncarise leaves the side area and presses on. Lendaria@crystyll | They continue to wind deeper and deeper into the cave network... Ann Carter@anncarise stays alert, keeping her eyes and ears open for more monsters. Lendaria@crystyll | The further they travel, the more their surroundings take on a distinctly constructed appearance; the uneven rockfaces giving way to smoother stone surfaces Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yup. Definitely ruins now." Lendaria@crystyll: "Now just t'figure wha' them barabarians were after in'ere" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Somethin' 'bout tomes, so big dusty books, right?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Or was it tombs..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Wit' barbarian handwritin'... 50-50 odds" Lendaria@crystyll | They turn another corner and suddenly find themselves in a large constructed chamber like an underground courtyard Ann Carter@anncarise chuckles, "Yeah...guess we should keep our eyes open for both." Ann Carter@anncarise: "An' this place just keeps on impressin' me, doesn't it..." Lendaria@crystyll: "You an' me both Sweets. I thought tha' Iconian gateway at Forged Earth were an impressive dig site..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "I wonder who made this place. An' whether they're still alive, or long gone by now..." Lendaria@crystyll: "I'm-a guessin' th'latter lookin' at this place" Lendaria@crystyll cautiously begins to explore Ann Carter@anncarise: "Well, they're definitely dead. But maybe they were ancestors o' somebody still up there on the surface or somethin'." Lendaria@crystyll: "Could be" Ann Carter@anncarise explores around, staying by Lennie as she looks for anything interesting as well. Lendaria@crystyll shivers, rubbing the back of her neck, "Ya feel tha' too? S'like there's somethin' in th'air..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah. Wha' is it, some kinda magic? Ghosts?" Lendaria@crystyll: "I know how things seem in this place. But I don't think any o'it is really magic. D'ya?" Ann Carter@anncarise shrugs, "If ya can't figure it out, I don't think anyone can. You're the Chief Science Officer after all." Ann Carter@anncarise: "But I guess to the locals, our tech would look like magic to ‘em, so this is probably just somethin' we don't understand." Lendaria@crystyll: "Yeah, well... gimme a tricroder an' maybe I can tell ya somethin'" she chuckles Lendaria@crystyll nods, "Tha's wha' I'm-a figurin'" Ann Carter@anncarise: "No clue why our tech doesn't work, though. Tricorder would really come in handy here..." Ann Carter@anncarise continues exploring and searching the ruins. Lendaria@crystyll: "Almost prefer tha' to a tome!" Ann Carter@anncarise chuckles, "Here's hopin' we find a workin' tricorder then..." Lendaria@crystyll continues towards the middle of the courtyard, pausing as the central column seems to react to their presence and lighting up with a pulse of energy Ann Carter@anncarise jumps a little at the energy, "Woah, wha'?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Now tha's interestin'" Ann Carter@anncarise: "This is remindin' me o' the trident we found in the underwater ruins..." Lendaria@crystyll: "S'almost uncanny" she nods, gazing up to make sure there isn't a trident up there. Of course there isn't Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wha'd ya think this is?" Lendaria@crystyll grins and winks, "Our tome!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Tha's an interestin' lookin' book..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Ain't it just" she ventures forward cautiously Lendaria@crystyll | Drawing closer, the air seems to fill the sound of thousands of whispering voices all overlapping each other Ann Carter@anncarise: "Was tha' wha' we felt earlier?" Lendaria@crystyll rubs the gooseflesh on the back of her neck again, "I reckon so..." Ann Carter@anncarise glances around to see if there is anything near the column that might shed light on what it is. Ann Carter@anncarise glances around to see if there is anything near the column that might shed light on what it is. Lendaria@crystyll | There is annoyingly little to work with. Despite it's functional status, it is in even disrepair with the rest of the place Ann Carter@anncarise: "We really could use a tricorder..." Lendaria@crystyll hrms, sharing the sentiment as she looks around as well Lendaria@crystyll | The voices definitely seem louder the closer they get, yet they don't seem to emanate from the column Ann Carter@anncarise: "This thing wasn't on before we got here. It just lit up once we were close enough." Lendaria@crystyll: "S'like it's reactin' t'our presence" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah. An' wha' are those voices? They tryin' to talk to us?" Lendaria@crystyll shakes her head idly, "I can't make 'em out. I jus'... get this feelin' they want me to..." she slowly reaches out to the column Ann Carter@anncarise: "Me too, but I dunno if tha's a good idea..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Want me to...I dunno, throw somethin' at it first?" Lendaria@crystyll almost seems in a daze as she continues to reach towards the column Ann Carter@anncarise: "Lennie!" Ann Carter@anncarise tries to push her hand down. Lendaria@crystyll is already too close and her fingertip touches the rippling energy just before Ann pulls her hand back. There is flash from the column and the energy pulses out from it as the two stagger back Lendaria@crystyll | The energy continues to expand around them, actually separating from the column and swirling around the room like a sea of wisps Ann Carter@anncarise looks around the room at the wisps to see what they do. Lendaria@crystyll | The whispering voices are louder then ever, almost deafeningly so inside their heads. The wisps continue to sweep the room until one sweeps down and straight into Lennie, appearing to dissolve + Lendaria@crystyll: + into her. The rest slowly settle back to the column... Ann Carter@anncarise rushes up to Lennie, "Lennie! Wha' just happened? Y'alright?" Lendaria@crystyll groans, rubbing her head, "Tha' were... di- *hic*... oh come on, seriou- *hic*..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "They were wha'?" she takes out her flask and opens it, offering it to Lennie. Lendaria@crystyll drinks appreciatively, trying to suppress the sudden hiccups with moderate success Lendaria@crystyll: "Tha'... were... different..." she eases the words out carefully Lendaria@crystyll: ... *hic* Lendaria@crystyll: "Oh come on!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wha' happened? One o' those things looked like it came at ya." Lendaria@crystyll nods, "It did. I think... tha' were th'tome?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Did it...teach ya somethin'? Give ya some kinda knowledge or power?" Lendaria@crystyll: "I don't think is anythin' tha' straightforward. But I do feel kinda... stronger? No, more connected..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Connected? To wha'?" Lendaria@crystyll looks around, "E'erything..." Lendaria@crystyll outstretches a hand and a spark of electricy dances across her palm Ann Carter@anncarise: "Huh..." Lendaria@crystyll pushes the spark away and watches as it circles around the room like the wisps did Lendaria@crystyll didn't just release it though. She continues to direct it... Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wait...are ya controllin' tha'?" Lendaria@crystyll giggles and nods, "Pretty neat, huh!" she brings it down and makes it dance around the pair of them in a figure-8 Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wow...yeah!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Do ya think I should use the tome too, or...?" Lendaria@crystyll: "S'up t'ya Sweets, but it certainly don't seem to have done me no harm" Lendaria@crystyll: ...*hic* Lendaria@crystyll grumbles Ann Carter@anncarise laughs, "Other than tha'..." Lendaria@crystyll settles her little lightning dance down to focus on Ann, just standing by to support whatever she decides Ann Carter@anncarise: "Might as well. Guess I can live with the hiccups, an' if it's bad, least we'll go through it together." Ann Carter@anncarise reaches out to touch the column too. Lendaria@crystyll | Just as before, the wisps swirl out and around the room. The whispering voices in her head grow louder Ann Carter@anncarise prepares herself as she stands and waits... Lendaria@crystyll | They are again staggered backwards as Ann makes contact, the swirling wisps swim around the room more until one sweeps into Ann. They then settle back Ann Carter@anncarise waits for the hiccups to subside a little before trying to speak, having learned from Lennie's experience... Lendaria@crystyll holds an arm around her, "How ya doin' there Sweets...?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "I'm *hic*...good. Let's see wha' I can do..." Lendaria@crystyll chuckles at the hiccups Ann Carter@anncarise tries to see if she can conjure a weapon now, picturing a dagger materializing in her hand. Ann Carter@anncarise: "Awww *hic*...still no weapons..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "I wonder..." Lendaria@crystyll gently rubs her back to help with the hiccups Ann Carter@anncarise tries to form a shield around both of them. Lendaria@crystyll looks around in surprise, "Goddess... now tha's a shield!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yes!" Ann Carter@anncarise: ...*hic* Ann Carter@anncarise chuckles. Lendaria@crystyll: "So much f'dusty ol'tomes!" Lendaria@crystyll: "C'mon. I say we bug out before overstayin' our welcome" Ann Carter@anncarise: "This is so much better! But yeah, we got wha' we came for." Lendaria@crystyll | Later that day, the pair are relaxing by their now familiar campfire some distance from the cave. Lennie sits on a log, staring into the fire in contemplation Ann Carter@anncarise tests her newfound powers, seeing if she can make a stationary, one way barrier as well. Ann Carter@anncarise looks to Lennie between test conjuring larger shields, "Whatcha thinkin', vijra?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Nothin'... an' everythin'... in th'space of a couple weeks our lives've been completely turned upside down" Lendaria@crystyll: "Wha' if we never get back? Wha' if we'se alone 'ere?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Well, least we're still alive an' we got each other. Between us an' these powers we can deal with any creatures or raiders an' keep on survivin'." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Plus, if there's intelligent natives here, no way all o' 'em are hostile. Even the Klingons aren't so closed to negotiation." Lendaria@crystyll smiles, "Yeah. s'long as I got's ya at mah side, ain't nothin' else wha' matters. Still, I worry 'bout others..." Lendaria@crystyll idly swirls around a more pure energy swirl in front of her. Back and forth like a sparkler, tracing patterns in the air Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah, they gotta be down here too. At least some o' 'em. No way we're the only ones tha' got brought here." Lendaria@crystyll 's pattern finds it way into a Starfleet delta as she thinks about people. round and round the swirl goes, making the illusion of an energy delta in the air in front of them Ann Carter@anncarise watches, "Do ya...think you can make tha' bigger? Like, big enough for everybody else to see?" Lendaria@crystyll looks to Ann, "For... everyone t'see?" she looks skyward, "I... dunno..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "The other crew might be too scattered to notice smoke from a lil fire, but this could work..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Sweets, ya a genius! Locals wouldn't think anythin' of it. But our guys'd know it in a heartbeat, like sendin' up a flare!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Exactly!" Lendaria@crystyll stands to focus, "One way t'find out..." Ann Carter@anncarise nods and steps back, watching. Lendaria@crystyll looks up and reaches out, forming the energy swirls. It takes a while to build and takes a lot more from Lennie to reach so far but she pushes with all she can muster and the swirls dance higher + Lendaria@crystyll: + into the sky, crackling with electric energy as they go. As she reaches what feels like a peak she closes her eyes, tracing her outstretched hands to form the shape Ann Carter@anncarise looks up into the sky. Lendaria@crystyll | Ann could see the lines being followed, the electric swirls of energy speeding up more and more until their trail begins to form more solid lines and the outline of the delta takes form Lendaria@crystyll has her eyes shut hard as she holds it as long as she can before letting it go and dropping to her knees with exhaustion Lendaria@crystyll: "Di... did it... work?" Ann Carter@anncarise smiles, "You did it! Y'alright?" Lendaria@crystyll pants and nods, "I'm... alright..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Tha' musta taken a lotta energy..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Yeah... ain't doin' tha' again any time soon" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Why don't ya get some rest, an' I can take the whole watch tonight. We gotta stay here an' wait to see if anybody comes, anyways." Lendaria@crystyll stands and nods, "Thanks Sweets. I'll swap wit' ya when I got some energy" Ann Carter@anncarise smiles, "Ya deserve some sleep after all tha'." Lendaria@crystyll hugs Ann, kissing her gently on the cheek before going to lay down and rest Ann Carter@anncarise hugs Lennie back and moves to take a seat by the fire as Lennie lays down. --- Enelya@crystyll sits by the fireplace in her little townhouse, quietly reading Keliaya@anncarise knocks on the door. Enelya@crystyll looks up. Setting her book down she moves over and unlatches it Keliaya@anncarise waits outside patiently. Enelya@crystyll opens the door with a wooden creak, smiling at the familiar face, "Kelly, always a welcome surprise. Won't you?" she gestures to invite her in Keliaya@anncarise smiles back and steps inside, "Hello Kazra. I was going to bring something for you, but I thought it might be better to save what we earned for when we might need it." Enelya@crystyll: "Ever the tease I see" she laughs, closing the door behind them Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "That's what I'm here for!" Enelya@crystyll: "Well make yourself at home, for what it is..." Keliaya@anncarise: "You've done pretty well for yourself, considering everything." Enelya@crystyll | The small home is little more than a room, and is an impressive mess of ad-hoc chemistry experiments and parchment notes pinned all over the place Keliaya@anncarise steps over to examine some of the notes curiously, "Are all these your studies on the abilities everyone has here?" Enelya@crystyll: "For the most part. Some are my research notes on the indigenous species, some are general ramblings and observations, personal logs..." Enelya@crystyll points to one scrap on the table, "That one's a doodle of an animal I saw that I thought might make a nice house pet if it can be trained..." Keliaya@anncarise looks over to the table curiously. Enelya@crystyll | It looks like an axaggerated cutesy puppy. There's a chance it may not be a real creature... Keliaya@anncarise: "Are you...sure you saw that? I probably shouldn't be surprised, it's not like the strangest thing we've seen in the last two weeks." Enelya@crystyll shrugs, "It may not be an accurate representation, but I definitely saw something" Keliaya@anncarise: "It definitely looks like it would make a nice pet. Though I wonder why the locals haven't tamed any yet if they can be trained." Enelya@crystyll: "Maybe they have. Maybe it someone's pet I saw, one can hope!" Keliaya@anncarise: "That's certainly a possibility! I'll keep my eyes out if I see anything like it, and ask around to see if we could get one." Keliaya@anncarise finds a place to take a seat. Enelya@crystyll joins her, "So how are things with you?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, I tried to tinker with our combadges and equipment for a while, but as we all know, they don't work. And without any equipment, there's not much science to do, either." Keliaya@anncarise: "I've been keeping occupied working as a glorified housemaid, and at least it's getting us coins to spend. What about you? How are you holding up?" Enelya@crystyll: "Housemaid, seriously? I half expected tos ee you running your own tinker shop by now" she chuckles Enelya@crystyll: "As for me, I just keep studying things the best I can. Help out the local healers too, it's good to learn about local remedies" Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "I'm not much good with woodcarving or masonry and all the materials the locals use. These people have spent their entire lifetime honing their crafts. Without precision cutting tools, we - Keliaya@anncarise: - can't really compete. Knowing advanced physics and engineering doesn't help much when you need to have a 'feel' for when the metal is hot enough." Enelya@crystyll: "What about fine craftwork like the clockwork?" Keliaya@anncarise: "It's closer, but you need suppliers to break into that trade. People to make gears and such. Which I am looking at now, but mostly for putting together a telescope." Enelya@crystyll smiles, "Maybe in the process you'll find what you need to set up shop" Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "I hope so. Fortunately I was able to land that high-end serving position when I got here, so I have something to keep occupied with for now at least." Keliaya@anncarise: "Everyone thinking my uniform was some form of luxury dress certainly helped." Enelya@crystyll chuckles, then sighs, "It's already been some time Kelly. Do you think about the possibility that we may have to... settle?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I think that thought's crossed all of us at some point or another. I never planned on retiring this early, but...it's not the worst place to retire to." Enelya@crystyll: "Or is it? Being so cut off from tech here, all I keep thinking about is what if we do settle and then the Horde comes?" Keliaya@anncarise: "That's a good point. We'd never know, and without knowing how far away exactly they are...maybe they won't be here for another generation or two, but they'll reach here eventually." Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't think anyone's ready to give up trying to leave just yet, though. I mean, I'm certainly not." Enelya@crystyll: "What if... they already are here...?" she looks to Kelly Keliaya@anncarise: "What do you mean? You think they're behind...whatever is going on here?" Enelya@crystyll: "Think about it; unexplained abilities, mysterious tech failure. It is all the kind of thing that could be a telepathic illusion" Keliaya@anncarise: "True, but these new implants are supposed to protect us from them, aren't they? And they've worked well so far." Keliaya@anncarise: "Besides, from what we know, they either outright dominate someone's mind or use subtle manipulations to the extent that people under their influence couldn't even distinguish their own thoughts - Keliaya@anncarise: - from the Horde's suggestions. What would putting us all in a simulated reality achieve for them?" Enelya@crystyll: "Yeah... just paranoid ideas. The result of being cooped up in this shack I guess" she laughs Keliaya@anncarise laughs before sighing, "It's not a comforting thought, not even knowing what 'here' is, exactly." Keliaya@anncarise: "I'm assuming all this is real so far, I haven't seen any slips that suggest otherwise, and from what I've read of past encounters with simulations, holographic and telepathic, there's usually some - Keliaya@anncarise: - tell, some slip-up where you can figure out that things aren't quite real." Enelya@crystyll: "Exactly yeah. I guess... part of me just hoped that was the case so we really weren't facing the prospect of living out our lives here..." Keliaya@anncarise shrugs, "If it's an illusion and we can't escape it, then we'd be trapped in here for the rest of our lives too. It's the same, either way, we have to focus on trying to get out." Keliaya@anncarise: "I think we all know that, though. It's just we're living here now, not just coming down for away missions, and we can't keep our mind on work every second of our lives." Enelya@crystyll nods, "Anyway... any news on the others?" Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "Not yet. I was hoping to ask something, actually. Well, several things, out of personal interest." Enelya@crystyll leans back, waving an inviting hand, "Ask away!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Keelah was talking about how there was still clear biological divides between the local races, when she said they probably weren't stranded crews like we were. You've studied the locals more - Keliaya@anncarise: - closely than any of us, their physiologies at least. Have you come across any hybridization, like T'Pia or T'Quila?" Enelya@crystyll shakes her head, "My access to local records in very limited, as too much probing might risk exposure" Keliaya@anncarise: "Me neither. And I'm guessing you're going to tell me it's impossible to say for certain if it can be done without modern medical analysis equipment." Enelya@crystyll: "Well I mean... if you find a barbarian with a long fluffy tail, you can be preeetty certain they're a hybrid with a Kaguan" she chuckles Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "I'd rather not go looking for barbarians if I can avoid it." Enelya@crystyll: "Bottom line; early generation hybridization I would expect to be visually distinct, as they are with any other inter species mating. The challenge comes in genetic analysis for more distant + Enelya@crystyll: + historical study" Keliaya@anncarise: "And I haven't seen anyone that might be early generation hybridization yet. But that doesn't mean it's not a possibility; like the Cap...Keelah said, they're clearly divided among their own - Keliaya@anncarise: - cultures and kingdoms. So hybridization is likely not the norm." Enelya@crystyll: "That's about the best I ca offer on it so far, yeah" Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "I thought you probably couldn't get a concrete answer, but it was worth asking." Enelya@crystyll: "Always worth it!" she smiles Keliaya@anncarise: "If you're wondering why I'm curious about this topic..." Keliaya@anncarise sighs, "I don't have access to the usual hypos, so I've had to avoid getting too intimate with any of the men, local or from the crew. And without research or usual duties..." Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "There's only so much you can do on your own, after all!" Enelya@crystyll nods, "It's a risk, but no different to any that countless billions have faced throughout the course of evolution" Keliaya@anncarise: "I suppose not. It would be so much easier if we've found Katie or Eva, or one of the females I've been with before..." Keliaya@anncarise: "I'd rather not end up leaving the planet with a half-local child. And I don't know how to begin explaining it to Keelah!" she laughs. Enelya@crystyll: "We'll find them soon enough" she smiles, "But honestly Kelly, the best I can say to you is that as a medical professional; you know the advise I have to give regarding interspecies relationships in + Enelya@crystyll: + the best of circumstances. As your friend..." she smiles, "...just be careful and use your judgement" Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "That's why I haven't tried anything intimate with any of the locals, male or female." Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe if we do have to settle here, I'll take the risk. But right now, it's just...boredom, I suppose." Enelya@crystyll: "Sounds like someone needs a hobby" Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "This /was/ my hobby!" Keliaya@anncarise leans forward a little, "I don't making a habit of doing it with other senior officers, but...I don't suppose you'd be interested?" Keliaya@anncarise: "It's a good way to get the mind off things, but I understand if you're not comfortable with it." Enelya@crystyll: "Ok you got me there!" she laughs, setting into a smile, "One day, perhaps. But I have never been much of one for intimacy, and after getting involved in the archaic medical practices here, or what + Enelya@crystyll: + butchery passes for it at least. I don't much want to see or touch any body by the end of the day" she laughs Keliaya@anncarise grins, "You weren't? Could've fooled me..." Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "I know you're usually just teasing for fun." Enelya@crystyll: "Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good friendly flirt as much as anyone else. But that's a far cry from anything close" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I know. Thought I would make the offer, just in case you were up for it." Enelya@crystyll smiles, "It's a kind thought, thank you" Keliaya@anncarise smirks, "Guess I'll have to make do with myself for a few more days." Keliaya@anncarise sighs, "I'm not proud of admitting it, but I've certainly thought of taking the risk a few times. Thank you for the advice, Kazra." Enelya@crystyll: "Hey" she smiles again, "I'm your friend, right! And I get it, truly I do" Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "Well, if you ever feel like using my methods to relax a little, my offer's always open." Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "Assuming I don't lose control and end up with a child down here. I don't even want to /think/ about that." Keliaya@anncarise: "It's not even safe delivering a child with this level of technology. How anyone can feel comfortable having one here is beyond me..." Enelya@crystyll: "I certainly don't want to think about the prospect of it, or any kind of medical treatment in this place" Keliaya@anncarise: "You haven't had to treat any of the crew for anything other than minor cuts and bruises, have you?" Enelya@crystyll shakes her head, "Thankfully. With the combination of generally more advanced approach to things, and these various enhancmenets, we have faired very well really" Keliaya@anncarise: "Let's hope it stays that way. Speaking of enhancements, that invisibility trick...how did you first find out you could do that?" Enelya@crystyll chuckles, "Hiding from a hungry creature" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "One that wouldn't make for a nice pet, I imagine." Enelya@crystyll: "Indeed. What about you anyway? Have you found yourself with any... enhanceements?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Not yet, actually...but I was probably one of the more fortunate on my arrival and didn't go through some of the ordeals the others did." Enelya@crystyll: "That shouldn't be a prerequisite to it though" Keliaya@anncarise: "If you're right about enhancing natural genetics, I suppose...I might be really good at climbing? I haven't tried to climb anything yet, though." Keliaya@anncarise: "Maybe I just haven't done whatever it is my enhancement is related to." Enelya@crystyll: "Maybe you've got something going on that you just haven't realized yet" Enelya@crystyll chuckles, "Maybe that appetite of yours is it" Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "I had that back on the ship. Maybe it's a little enhanced, but I'd say it's just a natural result of not having sated it for a few weeks..." Enelya@crystyll: "True enough! Is just as likely you haven't found cause to call upon whatever natural instinct seems to trigger it in you" Keliaya@anncarise: "I think so. You might never have found out about that invisibility trick if you didn't have to hide." Keliaya@anncarise: "How long can you hold it for, anyways? And do you have to be still, or can you move around like that?" Enelya@crystyll: "I can move within reason, but not too fast else it breaks my concentration. As for holding it... never really had cause to push it, but based on the physical and mental drain experienced I would + Enelya@crystyll: + surmise that I can hold it for a few minutes. It seems more useful for quickly getting in or out unseen Keliaya@anncarise: "It certainly sounds useful! But no idea why you have that specific enhancement? It's not a natural sense that's been heightened like Keelah..." Enelya@crystyll: "No it's not, but it is more a... personal trait. Like the old 'fight or flight' instinct. My theory is that there is some connection there, to the personal aspect - be it genetics, wants or desires,+ Enelya@crystyll: + or even sheer will" Keliaya@anncarise: "Wants or desires...maybe if I gave in and got intimate with someone, I'll find mine..." Enelya@crystyll shrugs, "It's entirely plausible given what we have observed to date" Keliaya@anncarise laughs, "I was just joking...but I suppose anything's possible at this point!" Enelya@crystyll: "So was there anything else on your mind?" Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head and stands, "I'll leave you to it, Kazra." Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "Thank you again. Hopefully I'll be able to find whatever enhancement I have without taking any risks." Enelya@crystyll: "Always nice to catch up Kelly" she smiles Enelya@crystyll: "And I'm always here for you if you need advice or support with any of it" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I'll be sure to come to you first. I'm here to help too, if you need anything." Keliaya@anncarise: "And if I can get a telescope working, the first thing I'll do is try to make you a microscope." Enelya@crystyll smiles, "You're a gem." Keliaya@anncarise grins, "Don't get your expectations up too high! It won't be a particularly good one, but it'll be better than nothing." Keliaya@anncarise: "I'll see you around, Kazra. Stay safe!" Enelya@crystyll: "You too!" she smiles giving a little wave Keliaya@anncarise waves as she heads out of the little townhouse.

View Act III - 3 Months

Rianni@crystyll | Time since planetfall: 3 months, 2 weeks, 15 days Rianni@crystyll | Many of the crew have now been located through Keelah's campaign, and with the aid of Lennie's delta flares Rianni@crystyll | With so much time past, few hold hope of finding their way home, let alone even finding their ship. And so have tried to settle down per Prime Directive mandates and try to live out quiet lives + Rianni@crystyll: + out of the way of history on this planet. Rianni@crystyll | Keelah and a small group of resilient and/or stubborn officers maintain vigilance in their search, for answers if nothing more Rianni@crystyll | With their bolstered numbers and widespread influence, life is at least comfortable for the crew and their skills have earned them the reputation of a mighty and honourable mercenary guild Rianni@crystyll | With a base of operations in the Elvish heartland capital... Aindong Rianni@crystyll: ( https://external-preview.redd.it/0QBGkCXu-tL5sY6e8CFaBM66L0ySt6kpNmwXMrzbi4M.jpg?auto=webp&s=cc4752f3cb4b1b26354be2532c483303e82b1040 ) Rianni@crystyll | A city as grandiose as it is ancient, Aindong is dominated by the Timeless Citadel sitting atop a cliff which pours magnificent waterfalls down as far as the eye can see and feeding the Pyeong + Rianni@crystyll: + River Rianni@crystyll | And whilst the ad-hoc guild may enjoy a comparatively lavish base of operations in the upper city, is not so entertaining for all. Some prefer the more humble surroundings of the lower side West + Rianni@crystyll: + Gate and Sunset Gate districts. Some, just want to have fun... Rianni@crystyll runs across the city landscape, panting for breath as she goes but laughing and giggling at the same time Rianni@crystyll | A couple of city guards try hopelessly to keep up with her in their clunky armour, rattling and shouting as they fall away to the distance Rianni@crystyll bounds towards the lower city Citadel fort wall from the raised land above, splashing across a bridge under part of the waterfall with glee Rianni@crystyll | A pair of guards turn the corner in front of Rianni, crossing their lances to cut her off Rianni@crystyll grins and drops low, sliding through the gap. As she springs back to her feet she leaps high to grab the canopy support on a building front, spinning around it then leaping higher still to land on a+ Rianni@crystyll: + rooftop. She skids to a halt, turning back to the guards with a faux salute and a playful smile, "Better luck next time boys!" and she bounds away across the rooftop Rianni@crystyll gasps as another guard bursts through the doorway ahead, then another and another Rianni@crystyll | Guard 1: "Not this time little minx!" Rianni@crystyll grins and charges at the guards, squinting through the sunlight that peeks over their sheltered position Rianni@crystyll | The guards brace, determined to finally land what is clearly a long sought victory Rianni@crystyll closes and... vanishes into thin air Rianni@crystyll | Guard 1: "Wha?" Rianni@crystyll | Guard 2: "Where'd she go now?!" Rianni@crystyll ahems from behind them, bashing their helmeted heads together as they turn in surprise Rianni@crystyll sprints away as more guards join the chase, bounding from one rooftop to the next Rianni@crystyll fast approaches the main street of Sunset Gate - a broad central trade route filled with masses of caravans working to and from the Citadel. Wider than most of the buildings she crosses Rianni@crystyll once again leaps however, and as her body crosses into the shadow cast by the looming clock tower, she vanishes again Rianni@crystyll reappears the far side of the shadow, completing the impossible jump Rianni@crystyll keeps running across the rooftops, hopping impossibly through shadows as effortlessly as taking each step, until she runs across the pitched roof a large dockside warehouse... Rianni@crystyll slips as an old tile gives way from her step and tumbles forwards, going head first over the edge with a panicked squeal Rianni@crystyll | Emma bursts through a loading door on the mid level of the warehouse, plucking Rianni out of the air and landing with a comfortable thud to the floor Rianni@crystyll | Emma: "One of these days I won't be here to catch you, you know..." Rianni@crystyll grins, panting for breath as she holds tightly to Emma, "I know you'll never let me go" she kisses her on the cheek, while Emma sets her down Rianni@crystyll | Emma "What's the rush this time anyway?" Rianni@crystyll looks back with a glint in her eye, "Something's happened. We have to find Keelah immediately!" Rianni@crystyll: ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjaejG-LDAQ&feature=emb_logo ) Rianni@crystyll & Emma burst into the guild hall, giving poor Eva quite the start as she goes about her day Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 spins around, dropping a few books she was carrying, "Who...you seem to be in quite a hurry." Rianni@crystyll: "Sorry Eva! Where's Keelah?" Rianni@crystyll | Emma eyerolls, pausing to help Eva gather up her books Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Umm..." she gives Emma a smile, "Thank you." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 closes her eyes to see where she can sense Keelah at. Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "She's in the observatory." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 turns and begins leading the way, "Unless this is a private matter?" Rianni@crystyll: "You'll want to be in on this too. Everyone will, I think. But... let's get Keelah first!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 nods and continues towards the observatory with a slight chuckle, "I suppose I'm the new computer now, without the ship." Rianni@crystyll: "Aww, don't think like that Eva!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Don't worry, I'm happy playing computer!" Rianni@crystyll smiles, "Well, just remember you're far more valuable to us a friend!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 smiles back, "As are you, Rianni." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 steps up the stairs to the top of the headquarters where the observatory is located, a large area with open archways where Kelly had set up her telescope and a variety of other scientific - Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: - instruments made using local materials. Several books with papers inside them can be seen on wooden tables, but no loose papers as the wind would have long blown away any left in place. Rianni@crystyll | Keelah stands a board, working through a mess of calculations, looking around at the sound of the arrivals, "Eva, Rianni, Emma..." she eyerolls and groans, "How many this time..." Rianni@crystyll giggles, "23!" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah sighs, "I hope it was worth it at least" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 grins a little as she listens. Rianni@crystyll: "It was! Keelah, there's been a development at the temple" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah turns, brow perked curiously, "A... 'development'?" Rianni@crystyll nods eagerly, "One of the stone alcoves, it's pillars energized and formed a barrier of some kind. It's got the court in a panic, and they're asking for you" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah draws a deep breath and nods, "Come then, let us not keep them waiting, yes?" she smiles ruffling Rianni's hair, turning her to walk away as well Rianni@crystyll | The group begin making their way out of the guild hall Rianni@crystyll | Keelah turns to Rianni as they continue down to the main entrance, "You know Rianni, they could have just sent a runner with the message" Rianni@crystyll | The large wooden double door emits a hurried knock as they approach it, then a young elf boy steps in panting for breath Rianni@crystyll | The boy hunches over, fighting for breath as he raises a shaking hand with a rolled up scroll, "Le... letter for you Ms. Keelah..." he pants Rianni@crystyll | Looks back to Keelah with a grin, "Oh, they did. But why wait!" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 chuckles, "To be fair, she was faster. And I think she enjoys the run." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah laughs, taking the scroll and paying the runner some coin as they all head out and up to the Citadel Temple Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 follows along with the group to investigate the mysterious happening. Rianni@crystyll | Following a far more civilized and casual walk back to the Citadel, the group eventually arrives at the temple entrance where a crowd of clerics are gathered Rianni@crystyll | Cleric 1 looks over, rushing to greet Keelah with both hands taking hers, "Oh Ms. Keelah! Thank you for coming so quickly, we are at a loss to explain this and the people grow fearful" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah smiles softly, "Worry not, Elder. We will investigate and protect the city as always. Is the temple secured?" Rianni@crystyll | Elder nods: "Everybody is accounted for and the Palace Guard has locked down all entrances" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods with a confident 'hm' and steps towards the main entrance Rianni@crystyll pokes her tongue at one of the guards who doubletakes at her passing, then frowns. Seemingly one of the 23..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 grins a little as she notices Rianni's gesture while following her in, before stretching out with her senses to see if she can feel anything off. Rianni@crystyll | The guard next to him leans in, speaking under his breath, "Round ears..." Rianni@crystyll | The first guard nods in agreement at the cultural stereotype they appear to share Rianni@crystyll | The group continue down into the ancient temple beneath the heart of the Citadel. Entering the main chamber, an unusual silence would linger of not for sound of thrumming energy coming from one of+ Rianni@crystyll: + the near countless alcoves. A light in the corner indicates which one, though none are certain which of the ancient deities the alcove is dedicated to Rianni@crystyll | Emma: "What I wouldn't give for a tricorder about now..." Rianni@crystyll: "Or a phaser..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I can't tell what's causing the energy...just that it's there." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Let us focus on what we do have" she looks to the alcove, "Which... seems somewhat reminiscent of an Iconian gateway, does it not?" Rianni@crystyll | Emma nods, "In principle at least. Though those Iconian ones normally show something on the other side, not this... haze" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Could it be another broken one?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "It is possible, but then how or why would it suddenly activate?" Rianni@crystyll looks around, "And does that mean all these other alcoves are broken gateways. Could this place be the remnants of an Iconian colony?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Maybe it's not Iconian. We've only seen Iconians use gateway technology, but that's not to say they're the only ones who ever developed it." Rianni@crystyll: "Technology... here?" Rianni@crystyll | Emma: "Maybe it's a 'magic' portal" she teases Rianni@crystyll: "Hey! I don't believe in literal magic any more than you do. But it's the local reference for many skills and abilities like telepathy or telekenesis. I'm just going with the flow!" Rianni@crystyll | Emma giggles Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Ok, ok... so what are our options here, besides the obvious of just stepping into it...?" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Well, we don't have anything to scan it with. We could always throw something into it, but without a guided probe we can't say for sure if it survives the journey." Rianni@crystyll shrugs, "It's a start at least..." picking up a loose stone and tossing it into the portal Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 watches to see what happens to the stone. Rianni@crystyll | The stone creates a ripple in the hazy, almost liquid surface as it passes through. It doesn't strike the wall behind the portal Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Well, it didn't disintegrate before our eyes. That's...hopeful, at least." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 glances over to Keelah, "Are you hearing that too?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods Rianni@crystyll | Suddenly the portal ripples again and... Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "It wasn't there before. Could the rock have triggered some-" Evanne Dra@annpc#5570 takes a step back as the portal ripples. Rianni@crystyll | The same stone comes flying out, bouncing to their feet Rianni@crystyll looks at the rock, giving it a tentative nudge with her boot, "Huh..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "I wonder if someone is tossing it back, or if it's rejecting its passage..." Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: rolls 32 (1-100) Rianni@crystyll: rolls 35 (1-100) Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: rolls 26 (1-100) Rianni@crystyll: rolls 16 (1-100) Rianni@crystyll | The voices contine in Eva & Keelah's heads, while the portal continues to ripple Rianni@crystyll | A sound grows audibly to all, "MMMMMMRRRRRR...." Rianni@crystyll | "....EEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW!" Rianni@crystyll | Tiah comes hurtling out of the portal, straight into Emma. The pair tumble backwards in a mess of dust and, well... fluffy tails Evanne Dra@annpc#5570: "Wait...is that Tiah?" Rianni@crystyll rushes over, "Emma! Emma, are you alright?" Rianni@crystyll | A muffled groan comes from the fluffy bundle before a gree hand reaches around and shoves a tail off her face, "I... was so not ready for that..." Emma grumbles Rianni@crystyll | Keelah watches in disbelief, "Tiah...?" Rianni@crystyll | Tiah bounces up, looking around clearly disorientated, "Where is Tia-? Rianni, Eva... Captain!" Rianni@crystyll | Emma groans again from underneath Tiah Rianni@crystyll | Tiah pounces back with a slight bark, "Oops! Sorry Emma, Tiah did not see you there, but thanks you for catching her!" Rianni@crystyll & Tiah help Emma back to her feet Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Tiah, what's going on here exactly?" Rianni@crystyll | Tiah steps over to the portal, cautiously looking at it and almost reaching to it, "Tiah is uncertain. We found a thing under the pretty water and..." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah, "Wait... 'we'...?" Mana@anncarise jumps through the portal, landing more smoothly as she seems to adjust her stance with uncharacteristic speed and breaks her fall with a roll. Rianni@crystyll beams, "Mana!" Mana@anncarise slowly gets up, looking to the source of the voice, "Rianni?" Mana@anncarise glances around, "Captain Keelah! Mana knew others would be here too!" Rianni@crystyll: "It's us alright!" Mana@anncarise | Tamio comes through the portal, stumbling right towards Mana, but she manages to step aside and catch the Kaguan with her good arm, reacting almost too fast for the others to see. Rianni@crystyll jumps at the sudden Kaguan Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "And I see you brought a friend" Mana@anncarise: "Actually...Tamio insisted on following. Apparently Tamio believes Tiah is a Kaguan goddess..." Rianni@crystyll: "Um... what...?" Rianni@crystyll | Emma: "Seriously?!" Mana@anncarise | Tamio: "This one is the physical avatar of Tiwona, Goddess of the life cycle and mother of the Kaguan-" Mana@anncarise nods, "Yes. Mana is serious." Rianni@crystyll turns and points to Tiah, "/This/ one?" Mana@anncarise | Tamio: "Yes! Only Tamio can recognize her here, as the others are not of Kaguan blood." Rianni@crystyll | Tiah stands, looking around the conversation with an innocent smile Rianni@crystyll | A gasp is heard from the door where a nosy Elder was spying, the door creaks shut as he runs off Mana@anncarise looks to the door, then back to Keelah, "Who was that one? Where is this even?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah, "One of the Citadel Elders. You're in the temple beneath Aindong City. Where... did you come from?" Mana@anncarise | Tamio: "Aindong? But Tamio was just in Kaga...the homeland of the Kaguan!" Mana@anncarise looks back to the portal, "Did that...transport everyone to a different part of the planet?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah shakes her head, "It is the first time we have seen such a thing here" Mana@anncarise | Eva nods, "I don't remember coming across any accounts about something like this during my time at the University." Mana@anncarise looks around, "Time at the University? How did Eva get into a University here?" Mana@anncarise | Eva: "Well...I just asked, and they had me undergo an assessment to test my abilities, then they allowed me to join as a seer on account of my telepathic ability." Mana@anncarise: "Did Eva use Eva's telepathic ability to find Keelah and everyone else?" Mana@anncarise | Eva shakes her head, "I tried, but there were too many people in the city. I didn't find Keelah until almost a month later when the couriers delivered that note to the local message board." Mana@anncarise: "A...month later? A month is about thirty planetary rotations, yes?" Mana@anncarise | Eva nods slowly, "Yes...that's the standard length adopted for official Federation terminology." Mana@anncarise looks between Eva and Keelah, "Keelah and Eva has been here for thirty rotations?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Over a hundred now actually" Mana@anncarise: "But...Mana has not even been here for five rotations..." Rianni@crystyll turns, "Wait, so you guys just got here? No fair!" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Hold on. Maybe they did, or not. Perhaps these portals play a part in it" Mana@anncarise | Tamio: "Mana is right. Mana only arrived in our village about four days ago." Mana@anncarise | Tamio looks over to Tiah, "So Tiwona opened a portal across the world /and/ through time!" Rianni@crystyll: "So first she's a deity, now she can manipulate time /and/ space?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah raises a hand, "Now, let's not jump to conclusions. Tiah, can you... try to explain what happened?" Mana@anncarise | Tamio: "That is why Tiwona is a goddess! Only divines have such power!" Rianni@crystyll | Emma facepalms at the devout ramblings Rianni@crystyll | Tiah: "Tiah does not know. We were exploring the underpond when we came into a place-" she looks around, "-sort of like this. Only wetter..." Rianni@crystyll | Tiah: "It was old and dark, not clean and light like this place! This one smells much nicer too!" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Tiah. Focus, please..." Rianni@crystyll | Tiah: "Oh, right! Well, Tiah was exploring with her friends when this stone started glowing. Then... a rock jumped out at Tiah!" Rianni@crystyll | Tiah: "But when Mana threw it back, Tiah felt an uncontrollable urge to chase after it..." Rianni@crystyll 's turn to facepalm now Rianni@crystyll | Keelah hrms, "Tiah... do you think you could show us what you did to this alcove?" Rianni@crystyll | Tiah nods, moving to another one, "Tiah was just exploring like this..." Mana@anncarise and Tamio both follow over to watch. Rianni@crystyll | Sure enough, as Tiah explores around the alcove in hums into life as though reacting to her presence like the word walls do Mana@anncarise | Tamio: "See! This one is divine! Even the magisters do not know such magic!" Mana@anncarise | Eva: "I'm not a magister yet, I'm just an acolyte." Rianni@crystyll | Tiah jumps back cautiously as the alcove activates Mana@anncarise | Tamio: "This acolyte said the magisters do not have records of this!" Mana@anncarise | Eva: "I haven't read every book in the University..." Rianni@crystyll: "So these things just react to Tiah?" she goes and investigates one of the alcoves more closely herself to see what Tiah is triggering in them Rianni@crystyll | The alcove also reacts to Rianni! Rianni@crystyll: "Woah..." steps back just as cautiously Mana@anncarise | Eva: "So it's not just Tiah..." Mana@anncarise: "See? Tiah is special, but Tiah is not a goddess." Mana@anncarise | Eva moves over to an alcove curiously to see if it reacts to her as well. Rianni@crystyll | Eva sees the same reaction, and would also find it akin to the wisp pillars Rianni@crystyll | Keelah and Emma also find the same result Mana@anncarise | Tamio moves over to see if anything happens. Rianni@crystyll | Nothing happens for Tamio... Mana@anncarise | She backs away, looking a little disappointed. Mana@anncarise walks up to the one Tamio failed to activate. Rianni@crystyll | Nothing happens for Mana either Mana@anncarise looks over to Keelah, "Why does this work for Keelah and the others?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah shakes her head, "I am uncertain. I have been here before and nothing like this has ever happened" Mana@anncarise: "Maybe because Tiah activated the first one? But why would this not work for Mana and Tamio?" Rianni@crystyll | Emma hrms: "Does anyone else feel this is a lot like the wisp pillars?" Mana@anncarise: "What are wisp pillars?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods, "I can hear the same voices from these activating as I have from the wisps" Rianni@crystyll: "Oh right, if you're still quite new to everything here you probably haven't come across them yet!" Mana@anncarise | Eva: "That's true. I heard them as well." Mana@anncarise nods to Rianni, "Mana has not seen anything resembling a wisp pillar." Rianni@crystyll: "They are ancient structures that seem to react to a persons presence. When they do, a wisp appears and enters the person who contacted the pillar. The result is an improvement to their natural + Rianni@crystyll: + skills or abilities. It seems to vary by individual, but..." she nods, "... it seems to the be same magic as these portals" Rianni@crystyll | Emma groans Rianni@crystyll pokes her tongue out in response Mana@anncarise | Eva chuckles before looking over to Tiah, "Has Tiah come across anything like what Rianni just described?" Rianni@crystyll | Tiah shakes her head absently Mana@anncarise | Eva: "So it's not because we've interacted with the pillars, and Mana and her friends haven't..." Rianni@crystyll: "Unless it is because of that. Maybe there is something special about Tiah too? She does originate from a different plane of existence after all" Mana@anncarise | Eva: "That's a good point. What if we bring Mana to one of those pillars, and then see if they react to her once she gets back?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods, "A good plan. Rianni, Emma, I need you two to keep this room locked down until we return" Rianni@crystyll & Emma nod, "You got it, Keelah" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah & Eva lead the others back outside Rianni@crystyll | Stepping out of the temple main entrance, the group come to a halt at the sight of the gathered crowd; the nosy Elder front and centre Rianni@crystyll | Elder: "There, see? It is true! Tiwona walks among the people!" Rianni@crystyll | All of the crowd drop humbly to their knees, bowing their faces to the floor Rianni@crystyll | Keelah's turn to facepalm... Mana@anncarise | Tamio: "Finally! Someone else who believes Tamio!" Mana@anncarise sighs, "Tamio is not helping..." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah, "We need a new strategy, back inside!" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah promptly closes the door and hustles back into the temple, "Eva, get Rianni up here and cover her spot with Emma" Mana@anncarise | Eva nods and heads back to call Rianni. Rianni@crystyll catches up to the group, "Is there /really/ a mass gathering out there or is this a wind up to get me back for something?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah shakes her head, "It is true. Do you think you can get Tiah back to the guild hall unseen?" Rianni@crystyll grins, "Just leave it to me!" Rianni@crystyll takes Tiah's hand, "Come on Tiah, don't worry this will be fun!" Rianni@crystyll sneaks the door open to peer out before focusing a moment. As she leads Tiah out the pair disappear into a cloud of dark smoke as they cross the threshold, appearing again moments later in the + Rianni@crystyll: + distance and quickly running off through the shadows Mana@anncarise stares at where Rianni disappeared and looks to Keelah, "How did Rianni do that?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah smiles, "It's this place. It seems to embody skills and abilities within many of us, perhaps all in time. The wisps they spoke of do indeed enhance these things too" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Rianni became adept at fade jumping early on and has visited almost every pillar we've found in the region. She has become a valuable scout as a result" Mana@anncarise: "So that is how these magisters have abilities too..." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods, "Myself and Eva count among magisters as well now, though Eva is at least part of the University. I remain unofficial" Mana@anncarise: "How did Keelah become a magister?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "I started by using my telepathy and telekenesis skills to assit the Citadel Court. Eventually I simply earned a reputation for reliability" Mana@anncarise nods, "And everyone else in the crew have skills like Rianni and Keelah now?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Most, not all. And they vary greatly from simple physical enhancements like Emma's strength & agility, to the more elaborate like Rianni or Kazra's stealth abilities" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Then there are the outright flamboyant like Lennie's elemental magic" Mana@anncarise: "Interesting. Tiah already has very unique abilities, Mana wonders if those would be enhanced here. And Mana cannot think of what may be responsible for this enhancement..." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods: "We have been scratching our heads for months now trying to figure this stuff out. These portals activating is the first real step forward we've made" Mana@anncarise: "Then Mana will help however Mana can, and see if finding the pillar changes how the portals react to Mana." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah smiles: "Come on then, let's show you to our new home!" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah and Mana make their way back to the guild hall at a more casual pace, bypassing the crowd of Tiah fans Rianni@crystyll | They walk in to find a number of guild members sitting around a circular table, happily celebrating Tiah & Mana's arrival Mana@anncarise: "Keelah has found much of the crew! Mana supposes Keelah has been here for many rotations after all..." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods, "We have accounted for more than 80% of the overall complement so far. Most are living quietly either here in the city, or elsewhere in the realm" Mana@anncarise: "But still no sign of the ship?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah shakes her head despondently, "Not a thing..." Mana@anncarise: "What about Mia, or Sayu? Mana is worried as everything technological seems to have been deactivated..." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah again shakes her head, "I wish I had better news Mana, even some news! But we have no sign of either of them either" Mana@anncarise: "Mana assumes all the technology everyone else had stopped working as well, though?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods, "It has been painfully frustrating trying to achieve anything as a result" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana imagines these abilities have been very helpful, though." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah smiles a little, "It has certainly made life here a lot easier for us as an offset to the lack of tech" Mana@anncarise: "And Rianni says these pillars improve these abilities?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "That they do" Mana@anncarise: "Do the locals know about the pillars, or are the pillars a new discovery by Keelah's people?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "They were first encountered by Ann and Lennie. We aren't aware of too much local visibility on them, but that's mainly because they seem to be limited to remote and hidden locations. + Rianni@crystyll + locals who do venture out successfully are suspected to have used them as well" Mana@anncarise: "But Rianni has scouted and mapped out many of the pillar locations?" Rianni@crystyll | Keelah: "Some, following up on rumours mainly. We haven't found /that/ many really, but honestly; detailed exploration of the local area helps keep the crew busy" Mana@anncarise: "Rianni can show Mana the way to the nearest one, and Mana can use the pillar and come back to the portals." Rianni@crystyll | Keelah nods: "That's the plan" Mana@anncarise: "Mana is ready whenever Rianni is, then!" Rianni@crystyll | Rianni smiles, "Let's go then!" --- T'Pia@crystyll | A few days later, Keelah & Mana return to the temple with a small group from the guild, ready and eager to test their theory now that Mana has encountered the wisps as well T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah looks around the temple as they enter, to see that all of the alcoves are still active, "So Mana, are you ready?" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana will see if having used the pillar affects anything." T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah smiles, gesturing to the room, "Well be my guest then. We're all eager to see the results" Mana@anncarise slowly steps over to one of the inactive alcoves to see if anything happens. T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah and the others follow, watching from a safe distance Mana@anncarise reaches over, ready to jump back if there is some reaction. T'Pia@crystyll | Sure enough, the alcove powers up like the rest of them! Mana@anncarise smiles and looks to Keelah, "The theory was right! The wisps must have something to do with the portals!" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah joins her, smiling back, "It would seem so! The question now is, what is our next step. If we are to try travelling through one, whi-..." T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah is interrupted by a rumbling from the middle of the room. Everyone turns to see another portal open up Mana@anncarise looks over, "Did anyone approach that one..." T'Pia@crystyll | Everyone looks around equally confused. Nobody has moved, and the new portal seems to have opened of it's own accord Mana@anncarise: "Maybe someone opened the portal from the other side, like Tiah?" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah, "Possible. But the timing is a little too coincidental for my liking" T'Pia@crystyll | Lennie: "Well, Keelah; you were wondering which we should explore. Seems we'se got an invitation" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah nods, "It would seem so. Alright, let's give this a go..." Mana@anncarise follows over. T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah approaches and cautiously leads the way through Mana@anncarise goes in after Keelah, showing no signs of nervousness as she had gone through a portal already before. T'Pia@crystyll | After stepping through the portal, the group find themselves standing in what can only be described as an ethereal plane Mana@anncarise: "Where...is this?" T'Pia@crystyll | Lennie: "What is this...?" T'Pia@crystyll | All around them, above and below, seems to be an endless swirl of dancing energy T'Pia@crystyll: ( https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71hn04B9dWL._SS500_.jpg ) Mana@anncarise: "Is there anyone else here?" T'Pia@crystyll | There is no answer T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "We are definitely not alone. I can hear them" Mana@anncarise looks back to see if the portal they came through is still there. T'Pia@crystyll | It does not seem to be Mana@anncarise: "Captain Keelah...the portal is gone." T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "Or someone wants us to believe that is..." Mana@anncarise: "That could be an illusion. But Mana does not suggest going back just yet." Mana@anncarise tries taking a step forward. T'Pia@crystyll | Mana seems to walk on solid ground even though nothing is visible Mana@anncarise looks down, and then around, "This is very unusual. If only Mana's visor still functioned..." T'Pia@crystyll | The energy continues to swirl around and also grow... T'Pia@crystyll | It then becomes clear that it is not growing, it is getting closer Mana@anncarise glances to Keelah, then back again at the energy. T'Pia@crystyll | Steps forward alongside Mana, "Who are you? Why have you brought us here? Can... you communicate with us even?" T'Pia@crystyll | The energy swirls focus in around them, swirling around the group like the wisps before they focus together just before the pair and merge together into a solid form T'Pia@crystyll 's form, to be precise T'Pia@crystyll: "We... can communicate" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah frowns at the illusion, "If you hope to manipulate me by choosing that form, then you will not be successful" T'Pia@crystyll: "We... wish to... communicate. We... do not... wish to... offend" Mana@anncarise: "What is this one?" T'Pia@crystyll: "This one is... all. This one is... life..." Mana@anncarise: "What does this one mean, that this one is life?" T'Pia@crystyll: "We are... life. Everything in this world is us..." T'Pia@crystyll holds out her hands and images begin to form in front of them T'Pia@crystyll | The images are a confusing mess at first, looking almost like atoms, then DNA, then random particles and energy T'Pia@crystyll | The images continue to evolve into recognizable forms of life, and on to the more familiar sentient species of the planet Mana@anncarise: "Everything in this world...and the abilities...is this one responsible for the abilities too?" T'Pia@crystyll shakes her head, "We do not control those of their own will. They are empowered by our presence" Mana@anncarise: "But the abilities are connected to this one?" T'Pia@crystyll shakes her head again, "Each individual's abilities are their own. They are simply... better. With us" Mana@anncarise: "And the technology?" she raises her immobile cybernetic arm a little. "Why does the technology not work?" T'Pia@crystyll: "It is a necessary price for the ability to grow and evolve. The Yang to our Yin" Mana@anncarise nods, "Mana comprehends the logic." Mana@anncarise looks to Keelah, letting her do the negotiating/diplomacy. T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah considers, listening carefully up to this point, "Do you understand that we are not of this world?" T'Pia@crystyll nods, "We know who you all are Captain T'keel Se'Lai" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah frowns, "Then I take it you are also responsible for us being here?" T'Pia@crystyll again nods T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "...why, then?" T'Pia@crystyll: "Because we... need you" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah perks a brow, "For what exactly?" T'Pia@crystyll: "We are... in danger. The great dragon came from beyond the Nether. It is unknown to us... free from us. Like you" T'Pia@crystyll | Lennie grumbles, "Why don't I feel so free from this place..." Mana@anncarise: "The great dragon? Mana heard rumours about something like this..." T'Pia@crystyll: "Yes. It has come and it's children swarm around our universe" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "I am still waiting for the part which explains why this led you to bring us here" T'Pia@crystyll: "Because the great dragon is... from beyond the Nether. You are... from beyond the Nether. Both are random elements. Both must cancel out to restore balance. The Yin needs its Yang" Mana@anncarise: "So...if this dragon is defeated, Captain Keelah's crew is free to leave?" T'Pia@crystyll: "Balance will be restored" she nods T'Pia@crystyll | Lennie: "Ya keep talkin' o' this 'Nether'... wha's tha' exactly?" T'Pia@crystyll: "The Nether is our... Universe" T'Pia@crystyll | Lennie: "Yeah... we ain't from beyond it, we'se part o'it, y'know?" T'Pia@crystyll raises her hands again and more images begin to form before them T'Pia@crystyll | First is a familiar view of the world they are on, which zooms out to show the planet they first approached T'Pia@crystyll: "This is... our world. This is... us" T'Pia@crystyll | It continues to zoom out to show another broader sphere with less defined edges, just sort of fading to nothing T'Pia@crystyll: "The Nether... surrounds us. It is... the Universe" Mana@anncarise: "So this world is...separate from the rest of the universe somehow?" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah's eyes widen, "The stars went out..." T'Pia@crystyll: "You came from beyond the Nether" T'Pia@crystyll | Lennie: "So when we crossed into this... dark space, tha's ya Nether?" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "But when we came into this place, the stars appeared to go dark. Yet... when we stand on your world, we see stars. Different, vague... but they are there" T'Pia@crystyll manipulates the image again, so that they appear to be standing on the worlds surfaace looking all around at pure blackness T'Pia@crystyll points as a spot of light appears, then another, "In the beginning there was only purity" T'Pia@crystyll: "But over time, others came from beyond the Nether. Whenever one does, it leaves... a hole. What you see is the void beyond the Universe" Mana@anncarise: "What about this great dragon? What does this one know about the other visitors?" T'Pia@crystyll | Lennie: "Yeah... tha' ain't a void. Tha's th'real univer- ow!" she yelps at an elbow nudge from Keelah T'Pia@crystyll: "We are blind to the great dragon. We touch all life, but the great dragon eludes us. It is... dead" T'Pia@crystyll | Lennie stares a moment, "Hey, uh... guys. It just me, or tha' sound kinda familiar..." Mana@anncarise looks to Lennie, "A little, yes..." T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah looks between the pair curiously Mana@anncarise: "Isn't that...what Tiah says? About life on ships?" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah thinks and nods, "You're right. Maybe Tiah is closer to these people than we thought" T'Pia@crystyll: "Tiah is... not unlike us. But she is not of us" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "You know, your people think she is one of you" T'Pia@crystyll points to a spot of light on the still current view, "That is Tiwona, the one they liken your friend to" T'Pia@crystyll points to another, "That is you. They have not named you yet" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "Alright, so we take care of this dragon problem and you will return to us to our ship?" T'Pia@crystyll nods, "You will be back where you belong. Will you... help us?" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah gives a moments thought and nods, "We shall" T'Pia@crystyll smiles, waving her hand to reveal the portal behind them, "Your self belief is just. Go now and... good luck" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah dips her head and turns to leave, stepping through the portal once more Mana@anncarise dips her head as well, imitating Keelah before turning to head through the portal with her. T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah looks to the others as they return to the temple, "We should get back to the guild hall. Eva, how long will it take to rally everyone?" Mana@anncarise | Eva: "It might take a few days to get all the crew we've found so far back together. We'll have to get messages to the ones outside the city, and they'll have to make their way back." Mana@anncarise | Eva: "I should be able to gather everyone in the city together in half a day, though." T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah nods, "Do it. This is the breakthrough we've been waiting for" Mana@anncarise | Eva nods back, "I'll get on it right away." T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah turns to Rianni & Emma, "Meanwhile, I need you two to run a series of scouting missions to map the other portal destinations" T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "Nothing fancy, just figure out where each one goes. Got it?" T'Pia@crystyll | Rianni & Emma both nod, "Got it!" Mana@anncarise: "The Kaguan that Mana took shelter with talked about rumours of a dragon passing over places. Mana inquired, but there was no reliable location to follow up on." Mana@anncarise: "If the portals lead to other parts of the world, this could make investigating rumours on this dragon much faster." T'Pia@crystyll | Keelah: "One of the reasons we're pulling everyone. We're going to need eyes in every corner of the world" --- Lendaria@crystyll | A couple of weeks after the encounter through the wisp portal, and the crew are still vigilantly searching the realm through the newly accessible wayshrine network Lendaria@crystyll | Having learned that the portals responded to those more connected with the wisps, by way of pillar interactions, the crew have been opening them all over the realm and mapping the network Lendaria@crystyll | Of course, such activity is hard to keep unnoticed. As such the guild has seen an exponential rise in influence through a mix of fear, reverence, and respect Lendaria@crystyll | With advanced scouts confirming the safety of the portals, senior teams are following to investigate the connected regions for signs of the dragon rumours Lendaria@crystyll | Ann & Lennie have just portalled to the town of Sergagaanbu, deep in the mysterious Chutagian territory Ann Carter@anncarise looks around as she exits the portal. Lendaria@crystyll | The temple is a fairly familiar sight by now. This one appears to be generally run down, likely abandoned in more recent years Ann Carter@anncarise: "So, wha'd we know about these Chutagians?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Almost nothin'. Accordin' t'Eva, even th'Universities ain't sure on 'em. Some even doubt they still exist" Lendaria@crystyll: "Tamia reckoned they was instrumental in'some war 'ere way back. But they they'se vanished right after or somethin'" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Huh. Interestin'. Well this temple looks pretty neglected, so maybe they are really gone or somethin'." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Though, I wouldn't be surprised if it simply hasn't been discovered for a long time..." Lendaria@crystyll: "Wouldn't be th'first tha's f'sure. Stay sharp though, no knowin' wha' we'se facin' outside 'ere" Ann Carter@anncarise nods, "Yeah. Even if they are friendly, they might not be so happy to see strangers appearin' outta some old temple." Ann Carter@anncarise looks for an exit out of the temple. Lendaria@crystyll | The layout is fairly consistent so it is easy enough to locate Ann Carter@anncarise carefully makes her way out of the temple, "Let's see wha' we walked into..." Lendaria@crystyll | They exit the temple to find themselves amid a vast tropical jungle. Remnants of ancient stone structures cling to life through what seems to be a losing battle against the jungle Lendaria@crystyll: ( https://i.pinimg.com/originals/23/d4/a9/23d4a95f6fb2271fd2f0db5de056dfb7.jpg ) Ann Carter@anncarise: "Yeah...definitely looks abandoned. Still pretty grand, though." Lendaria@crystyll: "That it is. But where t'start now?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Good question. I'm guessin' the biggest an' grandest structures are probably the most important." Lendaria@crystyll: "Yeah, I don't see no signs o'life so tha' seems th'best place t'start. Lead on!" Ann Carter@anncarise leads the way, still wary of any traps or wildlife as she heads towards the biggest structure in view. Lendaria@crystyll all seems quiet for the moment as the draw nearer Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wonder wha' happened here. Wha' did Tamio say 'bout these guys an' a war?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Did they all die in the war, or had some kinda collapse after cause of ite effects?" Lendaria@crystyll: "Somethin' about how th'Khagante region to th'south were once theirs but now is all wasteland Lendaria@crystyll: "Nobody seems t'know wha' happened t'these guys though. They just went dark" Lendaria@crystyll | There is the sound of rustling in the nearby overgrowth Ann Carter@anncarise pauses, "Wha' was tha'?" Ann Carter@anncarise readies her axe, looking around. Lendaria@crystyll draws her staff, standing ready as well Lendaria@crystyll | Another rustle from their opposite side Lendaria@crystyll: "Gisjachet! We'se surrounded!" Ann Carter@anncarise forms a shield around the two of them before asking, "Come out if ya understand us! We ain't here to cause trouble!" Lendaria@crystyll | The shield goes up just in time to deflect a rough wooden spear Lendaria@crystyll | Hissing sounds from the overgrowth... Lendaria@crystyll | Voice: "Ssssstop you foolssssss! Thesssse are from the guild" Lendaria@crystyll | More rustling as something slithers closer before rising up from the ground as an imposing snakelike figure Lendaria@crystyll: ( https://pm1.narvii.com/6335/724dbdea42f798e878c0f105b961eae276b13608_hq.jpg ) Lendaria@crystyll | Snake: "I apologissssse for the hasssssty action. My warriorssss are... on edge now" Ann Carter@anncarise lowers the shield, "Who are ya? One o' the Chutagians?" Lendaria@crystyll | He hisses with distaste, "A cheap Elvissssh name!" then sighs, "Forgive, it hasss been too long ssssince we had vissssitors from the other realmssss. I am Atuander, Chieftan of thissss tribe. At + Lendaria@crystyll: + leasssst, what remainssss of it..." Lendaria@crystyll | Holds her staff cautiously trained still on the multiple snakemen warriors who appear, all training spears on the pair Ann Carter@anncarise holds her axe ready as well, despite having lowered the shield, "Why are your people on edge?" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander slithers around and points to the distance where smoke rises up over the landscape, "Becausssse of that" Ann Carter@anncarise follows his hand to the smoke, "Wha' happened there?" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander slithers back around, coiling loosely around the pair as he focuses face to face with Ann, tongue sniping the air around her, "The dragonsssss!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "They were here? Ya sure o' this?" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander hisses in her face, rising tall above her, "You dare to question the word of a Chieftan?!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Not questionin', just makin' sure. We're on the same side, we're here to deal with those dragons." Ann Carter@anncarise: "We just wanna know if you saw 'em with your own eyes, an' anythin' ya know 'bout 'em." Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander settles back down, an entertained look forming as his hissing takes on a laughing sound, "What, a fleshbag and..." slithering around to Lennie, "What are you even, a water nymph?" Lendaria@crystyll frowns, "Yeah, sure. Why not..." Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander circles back, "What are /you/ going to do against such unholy creaturesssss?" Ann Carter@anncarise: "We got more people. They can be here in very short notice." Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander's tongue lashes, "Yessss... the Elven witchcraft that brought you here. The Old Godssss died to ussss a long time ago, and now they mock usssss by ssssending you through their temple" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wha'd you mean, the Old Gods died to you?" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander hisses, "Look around! They abandoned ussss after the War of the Catssss. It issss our penance for betraying their will" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wha' happened in the war, that betrayed their will?" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander slumps, "We happened... but thissss issss irrelevant! If your witchcraft brought you here, then it can take ussss away" he raises his weapon, "You will take usssss back through your portal Lendaria@crystyll: " Ann Carter@anncarise: "Ya wanna move your tribe elsewhere, I take it?" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander: "we can not sssstay and burn under these creaturessss!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "An' you promise you won't cause any trouble once ya go through?" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander: "We are in sssshape to wage war on the other realmsssss" Ann Carter@anncarise glances to Lennie to see what she thinks. Lendaria@crystyll: "Not exactly confidence inspirin' answers..." Lendaria@crystyll turns to Atuander, "Look. We /might/ be able t'do somethin'. But can't just have y'all suddenly walkin' into th'middle o'Aindong city. Folks there'll freak" Lendaria@crystyll: "Besides, we need ya help 'ere first" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander's tongue lashes the air, "With what?" Lendaria@crystyll points to the smoke he indicated before, "T'show us tha'. Do this, an' we'll take /you/ through first when we'se return. Ya can speak wit' our leader 'bout th'rest o'ya tribe" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander circles around, hissing and grumbling, "Very well nymph. We have an accord, but beware your sssslipery tongue. If you deccccceive us, you will pay-" he thrust his spear towards Ann, "With+ Lendaria@crystyll: + /her/ life!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Sounds like a deal." Lendaria@crystyll frowns and nods, "Aight, ya got mah word. Now lets-..." looks around at a sudden unusual sound in the air Lendaria@crystyll: "What's that...?" Ann Carter@anncarise glances up. Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander rises high, looking skywardx and holding a tense grip on his weapon, tongue lashing fiercely before he hunkers back down, "DRAGON!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Think we should follow suit..." Lendaria@crystyll | As he says this, a (relatively) small shadow appears over the distant treetops, flying unnaturally and at high speed Lendaria@crystyll: "Hit th'deck!" Ann Carter@anncarise drops to the ground, hoping to stay hidden in the undergrowth while doing her best to get a glimpse of the source of the shadow. Lendaria@crystyll | As the group scatters, the shadow draws nearer with an unnatural droning sound. Sweeping in through the group a bright red flash emanates from the front of it, scorching the ground where the group+ Lendaria@crystyll: + stood, leaving it ablaze Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander and his warriors hurl spears at the dragon as it swoops away, the best of the shots bouncing off with a... metallic clank? Lendaria@crystyll | Ann & Lennie would easily recognize that this is no dragon, but a Nuhar drone. The 'fire breath', actually an anti-proton beam Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wait...is tha' wha’ I think it is?" Lendaria@crystyll nods, "I saw it too. We ain't got a choice, we'se gotta get outta here!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "C'mon, back to the temple!" Lendaria@crystyll turns and waves to Atuander, "Aight, new plan - e'eryone into th'temple!" Ann Carter@anncarise leads the way back, alert for any more 'dragons' in the vicinity. Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander and his warriors all slither in around the pair, accompanied by a disturbed grimace from Lennie's face as she watches and thinks about nothing but snakeman slime all over her robe Lendaria@crystyll | The 'dragon' can be heard circling overhead, but seemingly unable to locate them through the thick canopy and they soon make it back inside the temple Lendaria@crystyll | The ceiling rumbles, dust and small debris rain down on them Ann Carter@anncarise creates a larger shield and holds it over herself and Lennie as she makes for the portal. Lendaria@crystyll: "You first Sweets. Tell 'em we'se bringin' company, I'll bring up th'rear" Ann Carter@anncarise nods, "Don't stay too long!" Ann Carter@anncarise steps through the portal. Lendaria@crystyll stands ready, waving Atuander along, "C'mon, hurry!" Lendaria@crystyll | Atuander stays beside Lennie, ushering his warriors through first Lendaria@crystyll | As the last slithers through, Lennie & Atuander follow without incident --- Keelah@crystyll | Keelah & Co. are busy coordinating the mapping of the portal network back at guild HQ Keelah@crystyll | The large mead hall table that has stood in for the ship's conference room table all these months is awash with map parchments and simply flag markers, everyone working busily Keelah@crystyll | Rianni and few other more nimble members of the team are serving as runners to and from the temple with updates, and distributing fresh orders to the recon teams Keelah@crystyll | Rianni rushes into the room, stopping only when she reaches the table and bracing against it to catch her breath Keelah@crystyll watches her, "Rianni...? I know that look..." Keelah@crystyll | Rianni nods, "We... lost another two..." Keelah@crystyll slams a clenched fist against the table, "No! Where now?" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni finds a map and points, "The 12th portal again, Fen Guo" Keelah@crystyll huffs, plucking out a flag from that location, "Damned lizards! They're worse than a tribe of Gorn..." Keelah@crystyll scribbles out a note with updated orders and hands it to Rianni, "We're locking down 12" Keliaya@anncarise looks to the map Rianni found, "Did they just never come back?" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni nods, pocketing the orders in a pouch on her belt Keelah@crystyll: "That's the second squad to attempt 12 after the initial survey. And only one of them made it back" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Locking it down seems like a good measure to be safe." Keelah@crystyll: "We can only hope that region is not where our dragon resides..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Well...it is possible that the reason they didn't make it back is /because/ of the dragon." Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, rummaging for a small parchment note that she slides over to Kelly Keelah@crystyll | The note is crumpled and bloodied, speaking more volumes than the hastily written text on it describing the hostile lizard men of that region Keliaya@anncarise takes the note, reading it and nodding, "Locking it down is probably for the best, then." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed. Rianni, that will be all" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni nods and rushes off again Keelah@crystyll leans hard against the table with a weary sigh, clearly things taking a toll on her emotional control after all this time Keliaya@anncarise looks to Keelah, "Finding and dealing with this dragon is really easier said than done, isn't it..." Keelah@crystyll: "It's been eluding this entire population since before we arrived. And in all the time we've been here we haven't even seen anything of it" Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "We have a way out now. That's more than we had before. It's just a matter of time before we actually complete our task." Keelah@crystyll smiles faintly to Eva, "One can only hope..." Keliaya@anncarise: "But how many more people do we have to lose before that happens? And if we're losing them to native reptillians...what about confronting this dragon?" Keliaya@anncarise | Eva smiles back, "We'll manage it. We've managed so far, haven't we?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "It will take everything we've got to confront this thing. The recon teams have been supplemented by junior crew who wanted to help but had no other means to contribute" Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "Maybe we can start some training programs, like what the University does, to hone everyone's talents." Keelah@crystyll: "A nice thought but I think this comes more down to basic survival instincts" Keelah@crystyll slams the table in frustration, "Dammit, why did I have to agree to send them! I should have known better..." Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head, "We needed to explore every avenue we had to find this dragon. At least now we're certain that area isn't safe to go." Keelah@crystyll: "Tell that to the families of those who didn't make it back from that area when we get home..." she scowls Keelah@crystyll | They are interrupted by a heavy pounding on the halls main door Keelah@crystyll | BANG, BANG, BANG! Keelah@crystyll peers over, "Well at least people are finally learning to knock..." Keliaya@anncarise | Eva stands and moves over to open the door. Keelah@crystyll | Opening it, she is greeted by a full legion of city guard - all stood with arms at the ready Keelah@crystyll | Guard: "Where is your guild leader?" Keliaya@anncarise stands and looks at the guard, "What is this about?" Keelah@crystyll joins them, frowning at the unwelcome intrusion, "I am in charge here. What's the meaning of this interruption?" Keelah@crystyll | The poor guard looks between them all, "I am sorry ma'am. But... you're going to have come with us. All of you" Keelah@crystyll looks him up and down, "...to what end?" Keelah@crystyll | Guard: "By order of the Citadel Court; you, your guild, and all associated persons are under arrest on the charge of high treason. Please... don't make this difficult" Keelah@crystyll | The guard's demeanor suggests he knows at least some of the group's ability by reputation and seems fearful of a confrontation Keliaya@anncarise: "Can you tell us what this is about, at least?" Keelah@crystyll | The guard shakes his head, "You think too highly of us if you think the Court would grace us with such knowledge. Now please... I must insist" Keelah@crystyll raises a hand, "It's ok. Lead on, guardsman. We won't make any trouble for you, but I expect an audience with the Court upon our arrival to explain all of this" Keliaya@anncarise exchanges a glance with Eva, then nods at Keelah's decision. Keelah@crystyll | The guard gives a curt nod, "Thank you ma'am" shuffling aside along with his troops to make way Keelah@crystyll | As everyone is escorted out, much to the bemused entertainment of onlooking civilians, the group would spot a shady shadow across the yard betraying Rianni's distant observation Keelah@crystyll | True to their word, the guard escort the entire group to a collection of grotty prison cells beneath the Citadel and Keelah is escorted away to speak with the Court Keelah@crystyll | The meeting does not take long as she is soon escorted back to their cell. The guards locking the wrought iron door behind her, leaving them to their own Keelah@crystyll looks to her cellmates as she takes a meditative seat in the corner Keliaya@anncarise looks over to Keelah, "No luck with negotiating?" Keelah@crystyll: "No, but I at least found a little more out" Keliaya@anncarise: "Why are they keeping us in here for?" Keelah@crystyll: "Ann and Lennie..." Keliaya@anncarise: "What did they do?" Keelah@crystyll: "They were on recon through portal 4, Chutagian territory. They returned ahead of schedule, and they weren't alone" Keliaya@anncarise: "Did someone or something pursue them through the portal?" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "No, they escorted back refugees from that region. Fleeing - supposedly - from a dragon attack" Keliaya@anncarise: "What does that have to do with treason? Were those refugees enemies of the Elves?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "That's putting it lightly. They are ancestral adversaries, and when a whole tribe of warriors poured through the gates the temple guards panicked. A fight broke out and it got messy before + Keelah@crystyll: + our girls settled it all down. Of course, the Citadel was all riled up by that point so refuse to see the logic of the situation and now blame us for conspiracy to bring these enemies into the + Keelah@crystyll: + heart of the Citadel" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Do we know where this tribe is now?" Keelah@crystyll looks to the door, "Down here with the rest of us, somewhere" Keliaya@anncarise: "Ancestral enemies is going to make this difficult..." Keelah@crystyll: "Indeed" she sighs, "If we could at least speak to the girls we might at least get some detail on this supposed dragon sighting" Keelah@crystyll huffs, standing and pacing, "We /finally/ get the break we've been searching for, now this!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Is the Court willing to talk more, or are they settled on their decision already?" Keelah@crystyll: "They are too busy tying themselves in knots right now to make an informed decision" Keelah@crystyll: "Half of them want to hear us out, beneficiaries of our work to date" Keelah@crystyll: "The other half still cower in the shadows, fearful of us and this perceived rise to power, and debate whether they can risk acting against us or not" Keliaya@anncarise sighs, "We can't just break out of here. Even if we're successful, that'll just skew our image as traitors more." Keliaya@anncarise: "And we can't afford to lose the allies we've made so far in this place." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Exactly why I agreed to come along with them. We need to keep these people on side, if it gets ugly..." shakes her head, "That will be too much blood for everyone" Keliaya@anncarise: "I agree. As unfortunate as losing time is, we're better off settling this peacefully." Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "Do you think they'll give us more chances to speak with them?" Keelah@crystyll: "Logically they will have to in order to compile data for their case" Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "When they come to ask for you again...maybe you could give Kelly a chance to speak for us." Keliaya@anncarise: "What?" Keelah@crystyll perks a brow, looking to the pair, "What are you thinking Eva?" Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "She...has a talent for persuading people here. It's very subtle, but I've studied at the University. And I know what it's like...firsthand..." Keliaya@anncarise: "That's different from trying to convince an entire Court!” Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "You sell yourself short on these things. You can be very persuasive. Especially here." Keelah@crystyll: "She has a point Kelly. It's not like you would standing in front of a whole room trying to sway people at distance" Keelah@crystyll: "It would likely be a more intimate setting with just a handful of the Courtiers" Keliaya@anncarise sighs, "I suppose I'll give it a try. But if you can't persuade them, I don't know how much better I'll do." Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "That's exactly why I think you'll do better. Keelah is an excellent negotiator, but your style is...different." Keliaya@anncarise | Eva smiles encouragingly, "I think it's worth a try." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "Agreed. Now we just nee-" Keelah@crystyll | The Citadel is shaken by a violent explosion. Dust and small debris falling from the ceiling of their cell Keliaya@anncarise jumps to her feet, "What was that?" Keelah@crystyll looks around, trying to see out of the cell but to no avail Keelah@crystyll | Frantic shouting can be heard in the distance through the clanking of metal weapons and countless rushed footsteps as soldiers hurry around Keliaya@anncarise glances to Eva to see if she can sense anything. Keliaya@anncarise | Eva: "Everyone's afraid and panicking. Something's happening, but I don't think most of the guards know what it is." Keelah@crystyll: "We can't just sit here..." Keliaya@anncarise nods, "I don't want to wait until whatever's happening gets to us." Keelah@crystyll | There is the sound of jingling keys outside the door Keelah@crystyll | Rianni's cheeky smile appears, "Good think you don't have to then!" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni quickly opens up the cell door for them, "Go! I'll find the others" Keliaya@anncarise smiles, "Thank you, Rianni." Keelah@crystyll: "Rianni, what's going on?" she asks, hustling everyone out of the cell Keliaya@anncarise and Eva step outside, looking around as they do. Keelah@crystyll | Rianni shrugs, "Don't know. But it sounds like the Citadel is under attack. Whatever it is, they need you" Keelah@crystyll smiles, ruffling her hair, "Find the others then come back to me safely, you hear?" Keelah@crystyll | Rianni smiles back, giving a faux salute, "Aye boss!" and hurring off down the hall Keelah@crystyll looks to her fellow liberated cellmates, "Come on. Just head for the sound of fighting" Keliaya@anncarise makes for the sound of fighting, keeping an eye out for any weapons or equipment they might be able to use as they go. Keelah@crystyll | There are a number of scattered guard weapons laying around, nothing extravagent Keelah@crystyll | The group hurry up to the main citadel, and the sound of clashing weapons and frantic screaming Keliaya@anncarise collects the weapons as she goes, handing one to Keelah and giving them out to the more combat-experienced crewmembers. Keelah@crystyll | The Citadel Court - normally a pure embodiment of serenity - is in ruins Keelah@crystyll | Burning banners flake down to the smashed marble floor while destroyed columns struggle to hold the ceiling in place Keelah@crystyll edges her way forward through the ruins, leading the group as more catch up to them from the dungeon Keliaya@anncarise: "What happened to this place? The tribe couldn't be responsible for this, could they?" Keelah@crystyll shakes her head, "The last we knew they were sealed in the dungeon as well..." Keliaya@anncarise: "And even if they broke out, there's no way they could do so much damage so quickly..." Keelah@crystyll continues cautiously towards the grand main entrance which overlooks the top of the waterfalls and the city below from a modest courtyard outside Keliaya@anncarise follows Keelah, keeping alert for any potential enemies. Keelah@crystyll | The last group from the dungeon catch up alongside Rianni. Ann & Lennie are with them as well as Atuander and his warriors Keliaya@anncarise looks immediately to Atuander, "You're from the tribe we brought back, aren't you?" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander bows his head, "Atuander, Chieften of thissss tribe" he hisses Keelah@crystyll is a little taken aback, having not expected these warriors to be giant snakes Keelah@crystyll | Atuander spots Keelah and slithers around her, uncomfortably close even for a Humanoid, let alone a snake Keliaya@anncarise: "You're...nevermind. Do you know what's going on here?" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander hisses viciously in her face, "Knife Earsssss! What have you-... no, halfling? Half breed!" he laughs, "Baby knife earsssss, how amusssssing" Keelah@crystyll groans, resisting the urge to just side swipe him with the quarterstaff she now wields Keelah@crystyll: "Can we please not do this now... or ever" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander gives an exaggerated bow, "Of coursssse! Anything for the high and mighty" Keliaya@anncarise: "Chieftain, this isn't your doing, is it?" Keliaya@anncarise motions around to all the destructions. Keelah@crystyll | Atuander hisses under his breath as he slithers back to his men, "Jussst remember to reinsert that ssssstick where it normally livessss when thisss issss over" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander then turns sharply to Kelly, "We have nothing to do with thissss!" Keelah@crystyll: "Then prove it! Help us push back whatever is responsible" Keelah@crystyll turns to proceed out of the giant arched door when an unusual droning sound comes from outside Keelah@crystyll | A sight familiar to all in the form a small Nuhar drone hovers into view, beam emitter glowing red and ready to fire Keelah@crystyll | Atuander: "Dragon!" Keelah@crystyll dives out of the way before it's beam fires and carves a fiery path through the middle of the room - scattering the group Keliaya@anncarise dives into cover as well before looking at the 'dragon,' "What...how?" Keelah@crystyll: "I don't know, but I intend to find out! First things first, we need to stop it!" Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't think swords and spears are going to be much use against it..." Keelah@crystyll: "A distraction at best. But we have more!" Keliaya@anncarise looks around to see where Lennie is. Keelah@crystyll | Lennie is taking cover further back in the room Keliaya@anncarise shares another look with Eva, who glances over to Lennie, telepathically communicating with her, <Do you think your lightning will do anything to it?> Keelah@crystyll | Lennie looks around in confusion a moment before settling her gaze on Eva, and gives a firm nod. She tries thinking to herself in the hopes that Eva can read her thoughts <But I will need to focus+ Keelah@crystyll: + my energies. I can't stand in the open and do that without getting fried> Keliaya@anncarise | Eva nods, <We'll provide you with a distraction.> Keliaya@anncarise | Eva looks to Keelah, "Lennie might be able to take it out, but she needs us to distract it for her first." Keelah@crystyll looks to Atuander, "What do you say, Chieftan? Think you can help me draw it's attention?" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander tightens his grasp on his spear, "I thought you would never asssssk, baby knife earsssss" tongue lashing fiercely Keelah@crystyll groans a little but nods, "You and your warriors draw it in. I can pull it's attention from there" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander turns to warriors and they deploy further back into the room before launching spears at the drone as it scans around Keelah@crystyll: "Eva, tell Lennie to be ready" Keliaya@anncarise | Eva nods, looking to Lennie again, <We are springing the distraction. Get ready.> Keelah@crystyll | Lennie gives another nod and prepares herself Keelah@crystyll | As the drone turns and closes towards Atuander's warriors, it draws further into the room Keliaya@anncarise | Ann raises a shield in front of Lennie just in case. Keelah@crystyll runs out from her cover and swings the metallic quarterstaff with all her strength across the top of the drone Keelah@crystyll | The staff shatters, but her reinforced Vulcan strength esnures it is still able to stagger the drone, which slumps to a low hover as it reorentates itself Keelah@crystyll | Lennie steps out from the back of the room, arms outstretched and a hard gaze focused on the drone before she unleashes a stream of lightning any Sith would be proud of Keelah@crystyll dodges the splash damage and dives back into cover Keliaya@anncarise observes from cover, seeing if Lennie's lightning harms the drone. Keelah@crystyll | The drone emits an array of pained sounds as it struggles against the critical attack, while Atuander closes with surprising speed Keelah@crystyll | As Lennie's lightning dies off, Atuander coils himself around the cripplied drone. It's shell creaking and cracking under the immense pressure before it's casing finally cracks and it's inner + Keelah@crystyll: + workings are crushed beyond repair. It's beam emitter flickers out of life Keliaya@anncarise looks around to see if there are signs of any other drones. Keelah@crystyll | It seems to be the only one Keliaya@anncarise | Eva steps out from cover, "Thank you, Chieftain." Keelah@crystyll joins them as well while the others slowly come out of cover, "An impressive feat indeed. The people of this city owe you a great debt" Keliaya@anncarise follows Keelah out, looking around at the damage, "Was all this done by one...dragon?" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander, "I care not for the wantssss of knife earssss. Thisssss is no dragon though..." Keelah@crystyll breathes a sigh of relief at finally seeing some sense from the locals Keelah@crystyll | Atuander: "It is jussst a baby dragonling!" Keelah@crystyll facepalms Keliaya@anncarise looks to Keelah, "Where there's one, there's probably more. A lot more..." Keliaya@anncarise turns back to the Chieftain, "You escaped from a dragon attack, didn't you?" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander: "Thissss dragonling drove my tribe from our home. Your nymph promisssssed to hunt it... it sssseemsss that wassss the truth" Keelah@crystyll: "Nymph...?" then glances back to Lennie who stands, catching her breath with Ann at her side, "Aah, I see" Keliaya@anncarise: "If this is a dragonling...do you know if there's a dragon out there somewhere?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Or...other dragonlings?" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander nods slowly, "We know where the beassssts lair is" Keliaya@anncarise: "And where is that?" Keelah@crystyll | Atuander: "The beassst nesssts high in the mountainssss of the Khaganate wasssteland" Keliaya@anncarise nods and smiles, "Thank you, Chieftain. This information is very useful to us. We will take down this dragon for you." Keelah@crystyll | The High Courtier steps out from the shadows as well, "We have once again misjudged you, it seems, Keelah" Keelah@crystyll: "Not only us" she glances to Atuander and his warriors Keelah@crystyll | The High Courtier glances that way and nods reluctantly, "Do whatever you must to safeguard our city" and moves to Atuander to make a tentative apology and truce Keliaya@anncarise collects what remains of the drone for study. Keelah@crystyll | There is not much, but some of the others help Kelly to clear away evidence of the advanced tech if nothing else Keliaya@anncarise returns to Keelah once everything has been cleaned up, "Are we clear to go back to the guild hall?" Keelah@crystyll nods, "Yes, we should be fine now. I'll keep most of our people here for the time being to assist with cleanup, but we need to look more closely at this... 'dragon'" Keliaya@anncarise: "It's very badly damaged, unfortunately, but I'm hoping to find some sign of why it works here while our equipment doesn't." Keliaya@anncarise: "I don't think there's enough to reverse-engineer anything useful, but I'm sure we'll learn something that can help us." Keelah@crystyll smiles, "And here I thought Eva was the resident mind reader. Come on, let's get this thing back" she helps Kelly with the debris to carry Keliaya@anncarise smiles back, "Thank you."