Recap & Disposition

Our heroes are hurtling through a series of ramshackle tunnels hidden beneath the Jossian capital of Hevetplata. The identity and plans of whoever created them aren't entirely clear, but all intelligence gathered so far points to sabotage and destruction as their short-term goals.

Topside, the people of Hevetplata are in chaos, reeling from a peaceful transfer of power combined with a recent act of terrorism in the northwestern quarter of the city. You have found plenty of evidence suggesting the presence of several more of these bombs, though it's not clear how or when they are meant to be detonated.

Roger and Aviva have combined their technology to create a map of the tunnel complex, complete with the likely location of the remaining bombs planted beneath the city.

Their efforts to map the tunnel involved bright light and loud noises, which alerted whoever else was in the tunnels to their presence. Billy, Roger, Frank, Aviva, and Briggs are rushing toward these newly revealed individuals at a GD (10) pace, riding aboard an energy skiff created by Roger for this purpose.

Your efforts are complicated somewhat by an irritatingly persistent jamming/scrambling effect that has recently asserted itself throughout the city. No traditional electronic communications are working reliably at this time.

You have been given three hours to explore and map out the tunnels, which are too small to accommodate Joss, after which you are to return to the Architects with a full report of your findings. More than two hours remain on the clock as of this writing.

Other hanging threads:

- The results of the Choosing were 4 winners: two Joss with three votes apiece and two Joss with one vote apiece. One of the "thrice-Chosen" Joss is currently missing, and has been since shortly before the Choosing ended. The "thrice-Chosen" currently in command is a traditionalist; the missing one is much more open to embracing modern solutions, and the two were largely seen as rivals with competing factions at play in the city.

- There is an ongoing investigation going on regarding the murdered and dismembered Joss various members of the party witnessed yesterday and today.

- Lincoln, Fu-Chi, and (ostensibly) Featherlight were all injured earlier today, and are receiving care in the Guest House from the watchful Ibis. As an auger, her power grants the gift of healing, but you have only recently learned that she has no formal medical training.

- Lest you forget, all three groups of humans are hoping to secure certain diplomatic and political wins from the newly Chosen Architects. No meetings to this effect have had a chance to take place yet.

- Peyton and the shuttle are still safely hidden about an hour's hike from Hevetplata. Abraxas is stored there, though Xander is among the humans under guard at the Guest House. The shuttle is the only ground-to-air capable vehicle on the entire planet (so far as you know).

- Kayla is not due to return to Ceto (along with StarBlazer Station and the rest of the party's fleet) for several months.



This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Mon 12 June 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 1):

"Please keep hands and arms inside the energy skiff and stay behind the line while the skiff is in motion." The skiff extends itself by a foot behind Roger to put some daylight between him and the Avivas. They are offered two handrails as consolation.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 2):

The Avivas take the hint and give Roger some space, though they seem to approach the safety of the handrails as more of a suggestion, alternating between sides and shifting about as the vehicle is in motion.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 3):

The skiff careens through the tunnels at a goodly pace, its built-in lighting system banishing the darkness along the way.

You come around a bend in the passage and enter a straightaway that leads up to the end of the tunnel, where the passage widens out into a hollow bulb and appears to go no further.

Further observation is complicated by a pair of energy beams that lance out in your direction the moment you come into range!


[Energy Beams (vs Skiff): 9, 38]

The first blast misses high and wide, crackling over Roger's shoulder to spatter against the tunnel's rocky walls in a cloud of pebbles and debris.

The second shot, however, catches the skiff directly in the prow.

[Damage (Skiff): 50]

Aquamarine energy explodes upward from the impact point, which transforms the skiff into a cloud of rapidly dispersing vapor and sends you all flying!

OOC: Agility roll needed from all (former) passengers. Please post your results alongside your interpretation of what they might mean for the ease and grace with which you land on the cold, hard ground. Green or better avoids fall damage at this speed. White results will cost you 10 damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:32, Fri 16 June 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 4):

"Get down, take co-" Briggs cries out, the rest of his warning lost amid the cacophony of the moment as the skiff disintegrates beneath him

[Agility: 9]

The Invictus lieutenant lands badly, tumbles head-over-foot, and crashes against the side of the tunnel in a heap.

[Damage (Briggs): 10]

When he fails to rise to his feet, you suddenly remember that nobody offered him any augmented healing when he was rescued from the hive...

[Lt. Briggs is DEFEATED]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:42, Fri 16 June 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 5):

Ah shit. Those look familiar

Frank is already in motion as the lasers fully expose and make short work of the skiff and even shorter work of Briggs.

[Agility: 13 (46)]

Frank shouts in the general direction of Roger and Aviva, "I've got laser sponge. Stay down!"

You die by my hand, and no one else's.

[Bubble: 68]

Frank begins to shimmer, her physical form shimmering in a way that makes it incredibly difficult to focus on her. With a practiced slide she pulls herself aside Briggs, and places her distorted and shielded form over him.

Frank tosses a briefly forlorn glance toward Roger, before placing her back toward the laser embankment, and mounting Briggs. This is not who or what I had in mind.

She reaches into her hip-pouch and pulls out a pulsating green ampule, and fuzzy blue flower. The blue flower is rubbed firmly against the ampule, leaving behind both color and fuzz alike.

Frank closes her hands, brings her hands to her pursed lips, and exhales gently.

[Alchemy: 59 (91)]

Frank's hands visibly glow, though you hardly have time to notice as she takes and slams them down on Briggs mouth, palms opening and flattening the concoction into his mouth as she rather plainly slugs him.

You had it coming. Now let's hope you're as much of a fighter as you are a bleeder.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:55, Sat 17 June 2023.

Billy, lacking the reaction of Briggs to latch onto Roger's skiff, has a clear view from behind it as the skiff dissolves into a blue puff, "Just as I was regretting not grabbing on," he mutters to himself.  As he continues to jog to catch up he flicks at the side of his helmet, turning on his own lights and cycling to his combat HUD to try and get a better location for the source of the offending lasers.  He runs toward Frank and Briggs's location. "How much sponge?  This as big as you get, or can we do some kind of rolling barrier thing?" he questions as he tries to focus on the turrets.

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 6):

Karma to Green
[Agility: 25 + 21 = 46, Success]

Roger's tuck and roll needs a little practice: he biffs it, but to no bad end.

"And that concludes our guided tour of these godsdamn caverns," he scowls as he brushes himself off. "You weren't kidding about the turrets!" he shouts, seeking cover.

He sets his lantern down in front of him and snaps his finger.

[Generate Ichor: 65, Success]

The light in his lamp burns brighter than ever.

"Bill, Frank - I might be able to boost it!" he calls over to them.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Fri 16 June 2023.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 7):

Frank wipes her hands on Briggs chest before standing up to respond to Billy. She angles a thumb over her shoulder toward Briggs.

He's the sponge, and an objectively good one it seems. I've done what I can to tend him.

Frank extends a protective arm towards Billy.

With that said, I'm not a bad sponge either, I'm only this big and you'll have to get and stay close.

Frank winks at Billy before reaching down and slinging a still incapacitated Briggs over her shoulder. She begins marching purposefully toward Roger.

Giddy up Tiger

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 9):

"Stick with Bill. I'll get you from here," Roger says.

He swivels the lamp toward Frank and Billy, opening the chamber. The round, four-inch-tall flame sprouts legs again and leaps from its vessel, executing a much tighter bailout than Roger's moments ago. It darts across the floor of the cavern in a laser-dodging zigzag and when it reaches Frank's bubble, heaves itself into the field with reckless abandon.

[Imbue: 64, Success]

The field absorbs the flame, bolstering the bubble's integrity.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Sat 17 June 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 10):

Whatever Frank shoved down Briggs's throat seems to have done the trick. By the time she has drawn near to Roger's side, the lieutenant has regained consciousness.

[Healing (Briggs): 40]

"Wha...what happened?" he says groggily from his place hefted above Frank's shoulder like a roll of angular carpet.

At roughly the same moment, Roger's walking lantern takes a leaping embrace over Frank's bubble, causing it to distort and shimmer with an aquamarine light. The end result looks somewhat sturdier than before.


Billy's HUD lights up internally as it attempts to hone in on source of the attack...
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:59, Mon 19 June 2023.

"They're farther than I expected.  I don't think I can fire back from here.  We're gonna have to get closer unless someone's hiding a bigger gun up their butt, so I hope this thing holds." Billy comments, looking around the bubble as Roger works his magic on it.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 12):

"I think I got enough juice for a decoy if you dudes can all switch to suit lights. It'll get dusted in a single blast but should give the turrets' position away and buy you some ground."

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 13):

Aviva closes her eyes and casually backflips off of the skiff a full second before it is hit by the energy beam.

She lands solidly and does something of a tactical back-roll to absorb the shock (Yellow Success).

Whoop! Aviva calls, landing gracefully to one side of Aviva THAT was close!

Good thing I already dodged those.

So, Aviva notes casually, dusting herself off, this is more of the same turrets we found earlier.

Helloo turrets! Aviva mock waves.  We're here!

They didn't MISS us.

Sure they did!

Oh, I get it.  Aviva chuckles.

A BIG gun is risky, Aviva shakes her head at Billy.  Walls are too unstable.  But maybe we can get outside its firing arc?

Or behind it.

Right, or distraction is good.  The last one was pretty smashable once we got to it

“We’re in a straight hallway, how do you propose we get out if its firing arc?  Or behind it for that matter?  I could shoot it before we cover that much ground.”  Billy shakes his head at the temporally questionable member of the team, “Hope you’re having fun, Rebecca.  The one time cheat codes sneaking ahead would be useful to the whole team…” he grumbles to himself.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 15):

Get... BEHIND it? Aviva raises one eyebrow at Billy.  No, that only makes sense if you come in from the other entrance, not OUT the other entrance.

Aviva shakes her head and sighs.

Aviva switches off her lights and slowly unholsers her sidearm.

I think Roger sent it something to shoot at and in the dark we could see where it was firing from. 

In reply to Aviva (msg # 16):

"I did- I mean I was... going to. I am going to. Here, I'm doing it now."

Roger shakes his head in an attempt to snap out of a recursive thought process.

[Manipulate Ichor: 13, Failure]

But he can't muster the focus to modify his lamp appropriately, which just shatters. The shards hit the ground and evaporate. The cavern goes dark all but for the active suit lights.

"Better check your crystal ball again, 'Veeves."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Tue 20 June 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 17):

... it's Viv to you, Aviva replies sullenly.

Well if we didn't do THAT, Aviva taps her chin as if deep in recall.  Maybe we have someone throw a distraction at it?  We got some strong people on the team can huck a flashlight into it's path!

“Are we doing this before or after the next volley?” Billy interjects, “Whether you can see them or not I think the turrets know where we are.” Billy taps Frank on her shoulder, or bubble as physics permit, “Drop your favorite meat shield off here, I put in too much work this morning for him to die in a different tunnel.  If we can push forward and you can take the next volley I might be able to hit the turrets.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 19):

Frank smirks as Briggs comes to, the visual and reality of him slung over her shoulder like a child tantruming too rich not to savor.

Welcome back Briggs. That top off should help, but you are by no means well.

Frank clearly concurs with Billy's assessment, and gently places Briggs down and turns to address Billy.

I could use a slab of wall or floor for padding and bull rush the embankment? With all this extra energy in my shield I might be able to increase my distortion further. They already had trouble seeing me earlier with Aviva. Unless that's a manned gun it stands to reason it would work again.

What do you think?

Frank Smash?

"I don't see anyone manning them, but if you think you can make it all the way out be my guest, I'll follow you," Billy replies with a nod toward the distant darkness housing the offending turrets, "Can't get you any better cover in here though."

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 21):

Aviva holds her sidearm loosely but ready.  She raises her other hand, palm open.  It... sounds solid enough?  Sorry, I don't remember.

Aviva lays one hand on Roger's shoulder slowly, as if approaching an easily startled animal.

If something goes wrong, I'll get you out of the line of fire, she says calmly

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 20):

Finally. We're action oriented!

Frank wastes no time responding before beginning to punch at and compress the earth around her. Frustratingly, it all continues to crumble beneath her practiced battery.

Damn. Ground's too soft for any meaningful shaping. Looks like we do this natural and frontal.

My favorite.

Frank pulls another mysterious and pulsating ampule from her hip pouch. Damn. Only one left. She proceeds to wrap the ampule in a vibrant, orange and yellow leaf.

[Alchemy: 83]

Frank rubs her hands together, producing a surprisingly smooth looking orange discus roughly the size of Frank's palm. Her form shimmers [Bubble: 53 (91)] as she turns to address Billy and Aviva.

Wait for my signal. With no clear intention of explaining further, Frank begins a charge toward the laser turrets.

Here goes nothing [Fighting: 21 (31)]

Frank flicks her wrist and sends the mysterious orange disc gliding toward one of the turrets, and angles her body and momentum toward the other.

Let's hope this camouflage works again to fool their sensors. Or that the shield protects me. Shit- why not hope for both?

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 23):

"Oh this is gonna get interesting."

He searches the left sleeve of his duster for ichor but finds none.

Despite her instruction, once Frank goes charging down the hall Billy follows not far behind her, crouching low and trying to keep her between himself and the turrets' line of fire.  As she goes careening toward them he stops short when his HUD reads the turrets in range, dropping to one knee to further minimize the size of himself as a target and leveling his right arm straight out.  He doesn't fire as he awaits the result of Frank's frontal assault and a decent shot around her.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 25):

The orange discuss arcs through the air, landing primly more or less where Frank meant to place it. A vibrant explosion fills the air with light and falling debris, but fortunately the tunnel holds. When the smoke clears, you can see the outline of one turret actively aflame, while the outline of a second, bulkier turret appears quite intact.

And intact it is, for the weapon belches another volley of energy into the tunnel as you continue your approach!

[Energy Beams (vs Frank): 52,75 (bullseye!)]

Both beams converge on the tip of your spear. They spatter off Frank's protective bubble with an accompanying sizzle of vaporizing aquamarine ichor, and she finds herself lurching backward against the oncoming impact as her feet scramble to find purchase on the ground through her skintight barrier...



From the sounds of anger and anguish now carrying through the passage, you can assume there are living foes to content with, too. This assumption proves accurate almost immediately, when a knot of three dark things hurtles down the tunnels in your general direction. You can't get a great look at them beyond the fact that they appear to be running on all fours.




This message was last edited by the GM at 15:00, Tue 27 June 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 26):

Roger ponders his empty hands for the briefest of moments.

"Let's get amongst it!"

He starts ahead but turns to look at Briggs, then Aviva.

"What about him? Not in great shape."

<Delay Action>

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 27):

Briggs? Aviva looks at the downed man.  He should stay put, that way he doesn't get shot.

Aviva, weapon ready, begins to advance following Frank and Billy.

In an erratic but athletic crouch-run, she is able to catch up with the pair.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:50, Tue 27 June 2023.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 28):

"Right on. Go 'head, I got your back," Roger says.

[Generate Ichor: 88, Success]

The familiar seafoam green vapor spills from his coat sleeves.

"Oh is that all it takes? Conviction? Okay..."

[Manipulate Ichor: 38, Success]

The fog forms up into four small spheres that orbit Roger like electrons around a nucleus.

"Cool."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 26):

Frank pauses briefly to admire her handiwork as the first disc strikes true and annihilates the turret.

Well that was easy. Now for..

The second turret rings out and strikes true, diffusing Roger's handy shield but doing no damage to her person or progress ([Endurance: 29)

Guess that's a no on the camouflage. Charge it is then!

Frank plants her foot, pushes off, and charges the remaining turret. Were it not so foolhardy it'd be a wondrous sight to behold as Frank leaps in the air, a fist pulled back behind her body and gaze fixed squarely on the remaining turret.

[Punch Smash: 34]

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 31):

Frank's charging attack impacts the turret with a mighty CLANG, noticeably denting the external plating.

[Damage (vs Turret): 30]

Her bubble, which lent its protection to her charge and its strength to her attack, now heeds the call of physics and hurls Frank backward like a rubber ball thrown against a wall!

[Frank moves from Area 5 to Area 4]

***

Briggs steadies himself and scowls.

"Hurt, yes, but out of the fight? Hardly."

He turns to thank Frank, only to find she has already dashed off. Briggs nods slightly, as if in agreement with her priorities, and moves 2 areas closer to the turrets.

[Briggs moves from Area 0 to Area 3]

[Inhuman Alertness]

He's there sooner than he should be, somehow, and uses this extra time to fire his sidearm at the turret.

[Attack: 78]
[Damage (vs Turret): 0]

Unfortunately, whatever ammunition the gun uses is utterly ineffective against the turret's armor and ricochets off with a deeply dissatisfying plink.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Thu 29 June 2023.

"Briggs, I swear to god if you get knocked unconscious again," Billy objects as Briggs walks past him, but doesn't intervene in the commander's approach.  Instead he looks back over his shoulder, "We have incoming, quadrupeds.  Roger, Adjutant, any ideas?" Without awaiting a response he fires off a red beam from his fist that lances down the tunnel.  Past Brigg's waist and over Frank's shoulder it strikes the turret right at the dent from her bubble's impact, super-heating the stressed plating.

((48 laser to deal 50 damage ignoring 30 armor.  I don't know if I've ever actually used my sucker punch before, lets go Frank!
52 shield))
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Thu 29 June 2023.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 33):

"What do they look like? Are any of the arms also legs?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Thu 29 June 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 34):

"Quadrapeds? What do you mea-ah, bollocks," Briggs replies as the single functional headlamp his damaged EVA suit swings around to paint the threats with slightly better illumination. "Don't know how I missed those...guess I'm due for a good lie-down."

The charging creatures are the right size, shape, and coloration to pass for Talpid, though you've never seen them charge on all fours before. Well, technically, on all THREEs, as you can now see each of them are using one of their forearms to steady a long silver pole.

You'd call it a lance if it were thicker or sharper, or maybe a digging tool if it were wider or flatter, but even among those of you with knowledge of Talpid culture, you have no idea what the objects are...though those of you who were at the Fareskur this morning would certainly be reminded of the object the Joss you found there took with them.

(This update does not consume their combat round. More to come.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:31, Thu 29 June 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 35):

A pillar of fire erupts from the turret in the aftermath of Billy's blast, which sizzles through its armor plating and fries more than a few of the important bits behind it.

[Turret is Destroyed]

This does little to hinder the trio of Talpid lancers, who continue their assault!

Lancer A (Area 3) levels its poletip at Briggs's gut and makes every effort to impale him with it.

[Attack (vs Briggs): 42]

The unfortunate lieutenant raises his forearm to protect himself, but the gesture is useless.

[Damage (vs Briggs): 50]

For the second time this conflict, and the third time today, Briggs crumples to the ground in a heap.

[Lieutenant Briggs is Defeated!]

***

The other two lancers consider their options. Billy, Aviva, and Roger are arranged various distances ahead of them, while their retreat path is blocked by the living bulldozer that is Frank--who is no less intimidating while picking herself up from where she unceremoniously landed after her recent attack.

Lancer B decides to zero in on the ranged threat, and levels the tip of its pole toward Billy. A humming sound spools up, and the tip of the pole ignites in a white-green light. Small, faint beams of the same color coalesce from the poles carried by Lancer A and Lancer C, until the energy is finally unleashed into an intensely bright beam that zorches across the passage toward Billy's winsome face!

[Attack (vs Billy): 35]

Fortunately for Earth's many screaming Billy fans, the blast misses his head entirely.

Less fortunately for Billy himself is the fact that it still catches him in the ribs. His reactive shield groans and crackles at it dissipates a significant portion of the energy, but he still feels searing heat and pain at the impact point.

[Damage (vs Billy): 10]

It's not the worst wound he's ever taken, but given the beating Billy took earlier today, it might as well have been. Billy slumps to the ground, steam and smoke still rising from his chest.

[Billy is Defeated!]

Those who are particularly perceptive among you might notice that Lancer B's pole is visibly smoking, and its owner is no longer holding it in forward-facing "shooting" position.

***

Lancer C (Area 3) levels its poletip at Aviva, goes crosseyed, thinks better of it, and ultimately settles on Roger, who is still awash in the aquamarine glow of his newly summoned ichor reserves.

As before, a humming sound spools up accompanied by a faint, white-green beam joining the tip of Lancer C's pole from Lancer A's -- though, notably, Lancer B's weapon contributes nothing.

This is perhaps cold comfort to Roger as he stares down a zorching blast of energy that just laid Billy low!

[Attack (vs Roger): 69 (nice)]

The barrage of energy splashes against Roger's left hip and thigh, and though both are mercifully protected by his armored duster, the blast still leaves a mark.

[Damage (vs Roger): 30]

Lancer C lowers its pole--now smoking, like Lacer B's--and yells something in Talpid. You don't really need a translator to understand that he's demanding that Roger surrenders.

***





NOTE: Briggs and Billy must each make an IMMEDIATE Endurance roll to see how badly they just got knocked down.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:50, Wed 05 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 36):

Briggs fights for his life...

[Endurance vs Kill: 58->66]

...and succeeds! Barely.

Note: If we were playing at a table, this roll would have been made immediately when his health was depleted above. Since we're not, we'll have the "saving rolls" happen at the top of the next round.

This works out pretty nicely because I can use Briggs as an example of how this whole thing operates. In this system, being DEFEATED isn't as bad as bleeding out in, say, D&D can be. A battle is only lost if the entire party is "Defeated" at the same time.

In any case, a green result is a "Near-Death Situation"; Briggs would suffer a quasi-permanent -1CS to his Endurance score and still be Unconscious/Stunned for X rounds, where X = the number of times he's been defeated this encounter.

He karma'd that to yellow, because he's no fool (and I'd highly recommend players do the same whenever possible).

He's been defeated twice now, so on his initiative this turn, he will simply be skipped. On his initiative next turn, he will have to make an Endurance roll on the Stun column. If he succeeds, he will recover and heal his Endurance rank immediately, but take no other actions that turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:50, Wed 05 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 37):

"Sorry Frankie, I need that back."

[Manipulate Ichor: 13, Failure]

Roger attempts to recall the augmentation to Frank's bubble but it stays put.

"Guess it likes you better...

He glares at the talpid lancer.

"Adj, what is this idiot saying?"

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 38):

"You shouldn't be here," Adj's tinny voice supplies. "Go away. Oh dearie dear, such rude brutes. And thieves, too. The audacity of using my Lords and Ladies royal armaments against them! And after all you've done for their kind."

He sounds even more flustered and affronted than usual by this apparent breach of decorum.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:31, Fri 30 June 2023.

"Sonofa-" Billy grunts when the beam strikes him.  He attempts to focus on the nearest Talpid, "Okay..." he adds wearily before collapsing into darkness, his headlamps unhelpfully illuminating the ground under him.

((19+47 karma for yellow no dying times))

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 40):

"Ah, Leireblmost tech. No wonder that shit fucking hurt. Adj, tell us what these dudes are packing and possible countermeasures."

Roger winces.

"And ask them if they're with Ponce."

He turns to the blurry twins.

"Okay Aviva, we're at the shooting. What happens next?"

OOC: Action to Aviva

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 41):

Didn't we already know about Lierebl--WHOOOP!  Aviva blinks, finding herself surrounded and alone by three unfriendlies

The shooting already started? Aviva asks, raising one eyebrow.

Already finished.

No, not THAT one! Aviva points toward Lancer A who has yet to fire any energy beams.

Right, the OTHER two though shoot, that and stabbing are next Aviva agrees with Aviva.

Frank!  I think this is going to be up to you!

Yeah, but I'll try to make it... safer! Aviva adds.

The two Avivas quickly place their palms together and... push apart from one another?  Somehow as they do this they both get further apart and closer at the same time.  This makes Aviva even harder to look at without your brain freezing up and your stomach attempting to flee the scene of a crime.  Almost like trying to look at something through a slowly moving fan with a strobe light on.

Lancer A stares down Aviva's mesmerizing performance...

[Psyche Save (vs Vertigo): 94]

...but is thoroughly unimpressed.


***

"Identify them?" Adj says, sounding puzzled. "My Lord, surely you recognize an energy lance when you see one? They are practically synonymous with the Liereblomst, used for everything from peacekeeping and game wardening to warfare."

"Oh! Dearie dear, you meant which MODEL, my Lord. Yes, yes you wouldn't be able to see it the way I can from this distance. Please accept the humblest apologies of I, your wretched servant."

"Those are almost certainly older models, perhaps MK-IIs. The MK-IIIs did away with the humming sound, you'll recall, and from MK-IV onward the weapons don't visibly discharge after firing."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:49, Fri 30 June 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 43):

"And possible countermeasures to the older models? Weaknesses? Glaring exploits?" Roger asks testily.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 44):

"Same as any weapon, my Lord," Adj replies. "They can break. They can be depleted. And, of course, some models are keyed to only work properly for their registered owner."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 45):

Ooh!  If Roger gets to be a Lord, can I be a Lady!?

Aviva wrinkles her nose.

Not that I'll be LADYLIKE per se, but it sounds fancy!

Aviva finally seems to notice that her maneuver had no visible effect on the Talpid.

Oh...

I really didn't want to shoot anyone...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Sun 02 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 36):

With a satisfying, kaboom, the turret gave way, and Frank found herself bouncing backward in time to see both Billy and Briggs keel over.

Pincushions! Absolute pincushions!

Frank surveys the battlefield. There arefew good options. Roger and Aviva areseparated, and the boys areboth down.

She thinks for a moment, and quickly finds resolution. It's because I trust you more to survive than I trust him V.

[Endurance: 50]

Frank charges at the Lancer Talpid nearest Roger, throwing the Wrecking Frank at the irksome creature. She turns to Roger, hohumly,We need an exit strategy, and fast.

Let's hope you've got some more of that helpful smoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Mon 03 July 2023.

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 47):

Frank hurtles past Lancer A and crashes into Lancer B. The impact isn't sufficient to send him soaring out of the area, but it does handily clobber the poor thing.

[Damage (Lancer B): 40]

As with the turret, so with the talpid -- Frank's impact sends her flying! She glides into a not-quite-graceful, mindful arc that carries her forward rather than backward, soaring over Briggs and the other talpids to land with a few small bounces not far from Aviva (though just on the other side of the area divider between them).

[Frank moves from Area 3 to Area 2]


***

(moved from previous post)

Briggs fights for his life...

[Endurance vs Kill: 58->66]

...and succeeds! Barely.

Briggs has stabilized! (Health = Endurance, gained Stunned (X-1), which in this case is Stunned 1. He'll miss next round too, but act the round after that).

***

(Billy's last post (#39) would have gone here under the system if I'd done it right. I'm leaving the post there, but moving the results to here, too.)

Billy has stabilized! (Set health = Endurance, gained Stunned (X-1), which for him is Stunned 0. He can act normally next round.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:51, Wed 05 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 48):

Lancer A traces Frank's movements with its now-humming pole, then fires a blast of white-green energy at him when the bouncing is at a minimum.

[Attack (vs Frank): 58]

The blast plinks off the bubble and scorches the tunnel wall instead. Apparently without help with the other poles, at least, it doesn't have enough oomph.

[Damage (vs Frank): 0]

The pole emits out a plume of smoke, and Lancer A lowers the weapon with a scowl.

***

Lancers B and C branding their poles like quarterstaffs and descend upon Aviva in tandem.

[Attack (vs Aviva): 30,48]

Lacer B's attack misses handily, sailing in the space between both (or neither?) Aviva.

Lancer C has better luck, and lands a solid blow across the side of her ribcage.

[Damage (vs Aviva): 50]

The two Avivas solidify into one, and fall to the ground in a heap.

[Aviva is defeated!]

Both poles emit a short chirp afterward.

***




This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Wed 05 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 49):

Roger points at Talpid B, fully expecting his four tiny blue-green orbs to pelt the creature like rocks from a sling...

[Manipulate Ichor: 21, Failure]

... only to have them all fall to the ground with a plop.

"Adj, what's that chirping sound coming from their weapons?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Wed 05 July 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 50):

Owwwwwwww!

Aviva rolls to one side, leaving Aviva where she was to rub her temples.

[OOC:  Endurance vs bad stuff "pre-boosted" to yellow roll = 9, spend 67 Karma to get to Yellow]

What IS that thing?

Felt like when I crashed into that Retroflector Cable in the FZ-75!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Wed 05 July 2023.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 51):

Frank sighs as Roger once again fails to conjure smoke, and Aviva joins the rank of the PincushionsGood help is just so hard to find these days

Last chance

Frank pulls a rather mundane looking series of grape leaf appearing plants from her pouch. She proceeds to wrap her now familiar ampule in it, and clutches it in her fist.

[Alchemy: 57]

Let's hope they're as tired as I am.

Frank once more charges toward the talpids, aiming for the previously injured lancer, but comes up wanting

[Endurance: 5]

And finds herself face to face with all 3 lancers.

Ok. Not ideal. But we planned for this.


After this, I am officially OUT of ideas

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 52):

Ah, this one, well, this one will go differently than the last one! Aviva notes.

Other ideas?

Aviva fumbles her sidearm off the ground.

No I... don't remember them.  Aviva presses one palm to her forehead.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 53):

Briggs picks himself up, but can take no further action.

[Briggs has recovered]

***

"The chirping sound is, as I recall, an indication that the weapon is still recharging," Adj replies to Roger. "Or did it mean it was already done? Oh dearie dear!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:47, Thu 06 July 2023.

Billy rolls over with a groan, taking stock of the situation.  Briggs and Aviva are worse for wear and three talpids are still brandishing their laser poles.  With a sigh he raises his arm and barely waiting for his helmet's reticles to sync lances two red beams at two thirds of the opposing talpids.  Specifically, at their chirping poles.

After the dual blast he swivels his fist to aim at the third talpid, "The last time I spoke to a talpid we agreed to a week before we'd have issue and that was yesterday," though he speaks with as much vigor and wrath as he can muster from his recently horizontal position the voice that comes out of Billy's helmet is the robotic tone of Roger's translator speaking talpid, "So one of you better go get whoever's in charge down here and tell them we're keeping the other two prisoner or I'm going to start thinking the most productive move would be to leave all three of you in the same state as those turrets because my laser doesn't need to recharge."

((8+63=71 and 1+70=71 for two bullseyes on the zappy sticks for 50 damage apiece. 17 shield because the dice roller did not want me to contribute to this combat.))
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Fri 07 July 2023.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 55):

Frank motions toward Billy and addresses Roger and Aviva.

That's the kind of other idea I was talking about!

And not a moment too soon.

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 56):

SHH! Billy's going to talk to them!

In reply to Aviva (msg # 57):

Roger stares at the large glowing marbles on the cave floor, scratching his head with one hand and holding his burn wound with the other.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 58):

Billy's pair of bullseyes takes Lancers B and C by surprise. While the weapons don't exactly explode, the blast clearly did something to them, as they are now emitting a whirring whine and plenty of smoke.

The pair brandish their poles nevertheless, and look ready to beat someone to death with them until Lancer A lowers the butt of his lance to the ground and raises a heavy digging claw.

(Translated from Talpid)

"We have no contracts with humans," it says, cocking its velvety head to one side. "We will honor no agreements forged by Ponce's illegitimate government, nor the deposed Down Dweller's."

Lancer A takes a few steps forward and appears to be squinting at Briggs, Aviva, and Frank in particular.

"Your markings are familiar," it says at last. "You've seen things you should not have seen."

"You escaped the hive," it says, jabbing its lance toward Briggs before rounding on Aviva and Frank. "And you survived the explosion you detonated before its time. Nearly ruining everything."

Lancers B and C look at the indicated humans more closely at this announcement.

"A survival rate of 33% and 66%, respectively," Lancer A continues. "That is unexpected resilience."

The talpid pauses to collect its thoughts.

"Why are you here?" it says at last. "The burning metal is gift, left by those who would call themselves our masters. We claim this cache as our birthright. And we will fight tooth and claw to retain it."

Lancers A/B/C have readied actions.

*** COMBAT SUSPENDED ***

OOC: You may act out of order for now, but your actions are limited to (essentially) speaking. You may not change areas or use any ability that is not a free action. Attempting to use a partial or full action, including nontrivial movement, will immediately resume combat on the Lancers' collective initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:50, Sat 08 July 2023.

"I'm willing to make a new agreement," Billy's translator continues, his cautious tone not entirely carried over through the helmet's speakers as he lowers his arm, though the tension in his posture doesn't wane.  "You threw three of our people to the hive.  I have issue with that.  You killed a Joss in the street. They have issue with that.  But this is the first time I'm hearing of Talpid and Joss working together.  What are you doing down here, setting bombs, killing the people of Havetplata?  You could've taken from this cache unseen from down here without violence.  I was told it was half-forgotten, you could've taken from it and let the Joss fill it again if all you cared about was birthright."

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 60):

Roger stoops to gather his orbs. "And I got one. Which side of the bridge were you dudes on when Ponce stirred up that revolt?"

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 61):

I remain unconvinced this ends without you napping

Frank helpfully follows up, Can't help but notice you said NEARLY ruined?

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 62):

Aviva slowly draws herself up from the ground to full height, arm with the sidearm hanging limp by her side.

Aviva tosses her braids from her face with a huff.  Coulda LED with that.

Right, otherwise there's going to be shooting and laser lancing!

Aviva frowns.  Why you don't START by talking their talk each time is beyond me.

Right.

Aviva points to Frank.  WE only barely survived your... plan.  If you were trying to be sneaky, why leave a trail of burning metal leading up to it?

Right! Aviva agrees.  What kind of plan was that?

A bit TOO perfect, Aviva shakes her head.  All roads lead to offworlders being blamed.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 63):

Roger follows Aviva's conversation with eyes fixed wide, mouth agog, shaking his head back and forth in an expression of appalled bewilderment.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 64):

"Neither," Lancer A says, replying to Roger first. "I preferred the Down Dweller to Ponce on a personal level, but neither is equipped to take our people where we need to go."

It taps the energy lance against the ground for emphasis.

"A brighter future awaits those with the courage to claim it."

It then settles its gaze on Aviva and, behind her, Billy.

"The problem with the cache being half-forgotten is that it was also half-remembered. Indeed, a growing subset of the population here was becoming bolder, and more willing to experiment with the burning metal. Should that faction have gained power here, they would have objected to our claim."

"Couldn't have that," Lancer B interjects.

"Had to do something," Lancer C agrees.

"We have seen their curiosity begin to spark already," Lancer A continues. "Your steam-powered systems would never have been allowed a few cycles ago. There are many Joss who saw that as the beginning of the end of their way of life. An existential threat."

Lancer A uses the lance to gesture broadly at the tunnels around him.

"There is no reason to worry about the bombs any longer. Your ally has seen to that. They were meant to remind the Joss how dangerous burning metal and, indeed, all technology can be, if needed. Our partners among the Joss are well-served by stoking these fears, and have promised that we could take their burning metal off their hands after the Choosing."

Lancer A then turns to regard Frank.

"And then...you set off the wrong bomb. You detonated a contingency plan we planted in case our partners decided not to honor our agreement after they got what they wanted. Fortunately, the Joss blame you for that."

"And rightly so," Lancer B chimes in.

"Didn't end up needing them," Lancer C agrees.

Lancer A nods slightly.

"We're emptying the cache now in case our partners no longer feel willing to honor our agreement, amidst the chaos of what's happened. Leave us to our work, and we'll soon be gone. Hevetplata will have nothing further to fear from us, and neither will you."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 65):

Taking advantage of his distance from the talpids, Roger goes to scratch an itch on his head. Those near him might notice him turn his head to utter a few words into his wrist bracer.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 66):

"Oh dearie dear, no, my Lord! Fear not, there are no overrides or overloads to worry about on the royal armaments," Adj's tinny voice rings out, responding to an unheard question with the approximate level of discretion you've come to expect from it.

Fortunately, it doesn't bother translating the response into Talpid.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 67):

"Shh, Adj! Dude what are you doing?" Roger says, before lowering his voice.

"The Joss that was murdered, they were one of the ones who would have objected to you taking the burning metal.  Was that part of your plan as well, or did they also see something they shouldn't have?" Billy presses the Talpid after they have made their case.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 69):

Aviva grinds the heels of her hands against her temples.

All talking at the same time...

I know... hard to follow!

Wait!  Aviva almost, but not quite, raises the hand holding her weapon.

Which ally of ours? Not your 'partners'?

The other bombs are disabled... or are they merely delayed?

Sophisticated defenses too... who helped install them?

We might need to dodge again Aviva assumes a tactical half-crouch, as if ready to roll to one side.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 70):

It took everything in Frank to keep her eyes from rolling off a cliff as Billy began the delicate dance of diplomatic negotiation.

I like this more when I'm gone before the Lieutenant shows up

Frank keeps her primed ampule concealed in her closed fist, eyes fixed on the Talpid holding the functional lancer.

[Hold Action]

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 71):

"We set all of this up ourselves, with a little help from our partners."

Lancer A looks puzzled.

"I don't understand your question. We could see what happened down there, until the bomb went off. We speak of you yourself and this other one (here it motions to Frank), and a third who is no longer with you."

"As for the Joss who died, that was not part of the plan," Lancer A continues, turning to Billy. "He quarreled with one of our partners, words turned to blows between them, and it escalated quickly from there."

It thumps the lance against the ground in frustration.

"It would have been easy enough to cover up what happened, preserve the plan, if there had not been witnesses. This complicated things. We did what we had to do, for the greater good."

"Greater good?!" Briggs interjects. "Your partner suckerpunched his countryman in an alley in the dead of night, and beat him to death with his bare hands. Then one of you helped him try to do the same to me and mine simply because we were in the wrong place at the wrong time. He's gotten away with murder, and you let him do it. Helped him, even!"

He closes his eyes for a moment, and visibly regains his composure.

"You do realize we're guests of the State here, yes? Diplomatic envoys with rights and protections guaranteed by forces greater than ourselves? Your 'brighter future' is not starting off on a terribly positive note. Invictus will not be pleased when it learns what happened here today."

The trio of lancers exchange glances.

"How would they know?" Lancer B says.

"You can't call home," Lancer C agrees.

Lancer A taps his lance against the ground more forcefully, cowing the other two with the gesture.

"Enough."

It turns its attention back toward Billy.

"You spoke of a new agreement. A deal. What did you have in mind?"

Briggs turns to regard Billy, as well. His face is carefully void of expression.

"Yes...what DID you have in mind?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:57, Tue 11 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 72):

Roger again consults his bracer.

“You said the burning metal was a gift to you, and you clearly know how to use it, but why are you stealing it from the Joss?  Even if it is your birthright it’s not like they took it from you first, these are found things, technology they encountered and feared, right?  This is just a convenient source for you.  You know how to use the burning metal, but you don’t know how to make it.”

Billy’s helmet tilts slightly he raises his chin and evaluates Lancer A, “What if you didn’t have to take from the Joss at all?  What if you didn’t need to rely on gifts?  What if those who would call themselves your masters could be made to owe you more?”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 74):

"I would ask you how you plan to achieve this," Lancer A says simply. "Our former masters are long gone from this world. Only the tattered vestiges of their power remain, sealed up in their dormant cities and unaware that they are as abandoned as the rest of us."

"Humans have flying ships," Lancer B interjects.

"They could travel between worlds, before Ceto captured them," Lancer C agrees.

"Which means perhaps they know where our former masters are, or went," Lancer A concludes. "Is that it, then? And you're offering to act as an intermediary trade partner?"

The three lancers look at each other again.

"What would you gain from that?" Lancer A asks. "And what would you ask in return?"

***

Roger's bracer flickers with light, but remains silent.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:55, Tue 11 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 75):

Aviva nods at Billy's answer and presses one knuckle to her chin in thought.

But... maybe they have enough laser sticks already?  Aviva glares at Billy, clearly a suggestion rather than a question.

What about other technology... vehicles... spaceships of their own! Aviva flies her left hand around her head like a small spaceship with nailpolish

That would be a good deal!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Tue 11 July 2023.

“They left a keeper.  It is responsible for the system that captured their ship,” Billy gestures to the others in the chamber, “But when my ship arrived we found it first.  It is damaged, but more than a vestige.  It needs help making repairs.  In exchange for help, I asked it for technology and it agreed.  You could be part of the same agreement.  Make repairs, turn those vestiges into something new and working.  Something that you run and maintain, not just building up power for others.  I don’t want to be an inbetween, I’m offering a partnership,” he waves at the talpids’ armaments, “If we can get the means to make enough laser sticks for everyone why not hust share the laser sticks with everyone?  I mean, personal safety permitting.  If you want to travel the stars yourselves you could join us.  Find your old masters yourselves if that’s interesting,” Billy shrugs as he offers possibility for trade.

“I left our home planet to find other species, make trade with them and make our place in the universe.  I expected most we’d meet would already be out there, have their own place in it and ideas about newcomers, the way I think your old masters do.  I thought we’d have to beg and scrape and bend over backwards to learn what they know.  But you, and the Joss too but they seem less interested on the whole, don’t have a place out there, we know more than you do about what’s out there.  So I don’t want to be like those others I feared to encounter.  I’m willing to find our places together.  And maybe we go different ways but there’s no reason we have to advance at anyone else’s expense, or fear the idea that you might learn things we already know.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 77):

Aviva looks to Billy, waiting for his response to the Talpid.

...idiot... she mutters
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Wed 12 July 2023.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 78):

Roger carries on muttering into his personal console.

Billy blinks as he tries to process the fact that Aviva responded to him before the spoke.  Ultimately he turns to Aviva and though his helmet mostly steals away his desperate, wide eyed look, his voice comes out of its speakers in strained Solese, “You do not need to help the opposition fucking negotiate.  If this falls through they start using the laser sticks again, you idiot.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 80):

Hey, same side... offworlder! Aviva's brow falls low over burning eyes.

Aviva raises her hands almost defensively No need to fixate on the violent stuff... once they have what they want, they won't need it anyway

Besides, I don't want to be responsible for any more violence, do you?

Plenty of chances to make everyone happy, the Joss would probably be happy to be RID of these guys anyhow.

Aviva nods in agreement, raising one brow. And THAT way, Billy boy, you could get political props from the Joss at the same time...

“I’m beginning to see why you were not the designated negotiator on your team,” Billy grumbles through grit teeth as Aviva says out loud all the things he didn’t want the Talpid to be thinking about before they could all agree to definitely not shoot each other anymore.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 82):

Yup, Aviva agrees confidently.

Outside the box, Aviva clarifies

I DO get yelled at later though

And the more they're thinking about their future... long term I mean, the LESS they're thinking about making us play laser limbo right now.

It's PERSPECTIVE Aviva nods

In reply to Aviva (msg # 83):


"We have little desire to see our former masters again, let alone work for them," Lancer A replies. "They are monsters. Slavers. We are no more native to this world than the Joss, and we were left behind like unwanted pets when our former masters took their leave. But if what you say is true, if they left behind a coherent presence...that changes things."

"Could be builders," Lancer B adds.

"Not scavengers," Lancer C agrees.

The trio lower their poles a bit more, and Lancer A takes a cautious step forward.

"Our former masters bent Ceto to their will. Their burrows were as dark and warm as they decided to make them. Their machines could move quickly, and carry much, and perform labor."

"They could fly," Lancer B adds, nodding toward Aviva. "In ships."

"They could leave," Lancer C agrees.

"We desire that same freedom," Lancer A continues. "The same freedom you enjoyed, before you came here."

"You say we could travel the stars with you. Have our own ships, perhaps. But we've seen human ships fall from the sky. You're as trapped as we are. And in our experience, human colonies do not honor their agreements with anything resembling consistency."

It looks at Billy suspiciously.

"And no deal is possible at all until you've answered this: What kinds of repairs are you being asked to make?" it says at last. "We do not want to restore our former masters to any semblance of power on this world. And widespread knowledge that their ruins retain some measure of sentience could start a war."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:31, Thu 13 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 84):

Roger scowls at his bracer. He raises an eyebrow, then a hand.

"'Scuse me fellas, question from the back," he calls down the tunnel.

He puts his hand down.

"Where have you encountered a human colony before?"

The man in the long coat pauses a moment.

"And who taught you how to use all that tech? Couldn't help but notice... nah, nevermind, you guys wouldn't be interested. It's probably too advanced. Sorry, carry on."

“The presence they left, it calls itself Commandant.  The place where it is was damaged, it has limited power, limited supplies.  There was a room it said was some kind of medical facility but it was trashed.  It asked us to repair it back to full function.  I think it’s supposed to be able to access the ruins around the planet, but it can’t because of the state of them.  It is alone though, it doesn’t know where your old masters are, it’s just sitting there, waiting for them to return…some day.  All it’s trying to do is maintain the technology that was left here and I’m telling you, you could help with that.  If you help us with the repairs then it would rely on you, and you could make the decisions about how much power it has.  If your old masters do actually come back you’d be in control of their technology, or maybe even long gone if you prefer.  Whatever you fear, your involvement could make this an opportunity, not a threat.

One thing it can control in the state it’s in is the system that trapped their ship, if it falls completely into disrepair I don’t know what happens to that, maybe no one will be able to leave again.  But my agreement with the Commandant earned me permission to fly to and from this planet unhindered.  I can show you if you want proof,” Billy waves generally to the ceiling.

“I don’t speak for the human colonies you’ve known, I’ve only been on this planet for six months.  I know that doesn’t make me any more trustworthy, but it’s true.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 86):

"You can WHAT?" Briggs snaps, swiveling to face Billy. "You aren't trapped here? If that's true, Invictus is prepared to make you a significant offer to extend the freedom of the skies to our people."

He turns toward Frank and Aviva.

"Did you know this? Does Exsillium have a deal to this effect, as well?"

***

"Why do you seem surprised?" Lancer A asks Roger. "We are, of course, aware of both the main human colony, which calls itself Invictus, and the smaller colony made of up those who have left it. The Down Dweller is said to have made his way to that camp after Ponce's coup."

"Humans obey the letter of their agreements, not their spirit," Lancer B adds.

"They value themselves above others," Lancer C agrees.

Lancer A nods and turns to Billy.

"Yes, neither have made good trade partners thus far. But as we are different from the Down Dweller and Ponce, I can accept that perhaps you, too, are different from the others."

It taps a digging claw against its chin for a moment.

"I believe we can come to terms, at least temporarily. A ceasefire, not an armistice. Here are my provisions:

0 - Each party will mutually forgive all debts incurred from aggression between us thus far.

1 - You will cease your efforts to prevent us from claiming our birthright here.

2 - You will take our designated representatives to see this Commandant, and discuss the possibilities. This must occur within 10 cycles, and you must provide us with collateral against default.

3 - The delegation to see the Commandant will contain an equal number of representatives from all parties.

4 - If, after meeting with the Commandant, we determine it to be more dangerous and capable than you suspect, you will either assist or fail to hinder our efforts to destroy it.

5 - These terms can be amended or abandoned by mutual agreement."

"Reasonable," Lancer B adds.

"Generous," Lancer C agrees.

Lancer A cocks its head to the other side.

"Do you agree? Will you stand down?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:21, Fri 14 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 87):

Aviva rolls her eyes at Briggs.  Of COURSE I already knew that.

How do you think I became a pilot?

Seem fair?  Aviva asks toward Roger.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 87):

"Us stand down? I'm sorry, but... what? You filled an unmarked tunnel with sentries that shot at us first. We destroyed them in self defense, then you start stabbing and shooting us yourselves."

Roger's right eyelid twitches.

"That's like saying 'Oh I didn't punch you, you ran into my fist,'" he says in a mock tone.

"And are you telling me that if I just turn and walk away right now, you're gonna hit me in the back with that last charge you're hanging onto?" he says, looking squarely at Talpid A, watching his expression closely. "We give you what you want or you kill us... is that the deal here?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 15:32, Fri 14 July 2023.

As Roger responds strongly to the talpids’ terms Billy leans back to let him get it all out, looking at Briggs, “Roger’s seen it and told the Exilium faction when they showed up.  No one has any deals, and I have very specific terms before anyone from the Nadir does. Later.”

After Roger’s finished his point Billy raises his hands in what he hopes is a universally peaceful gesture, palms out and fingers splayed, “Look, personal safety and trust aside, I’m willing to agree to terms regarding the Commandant and your people’s interactions with him but as far as forgiving debts and just letting you take everything from the Joss, we can’t make that decision.  They already suspect we’re responsible for your bomb and the murder, if we just let you go unhampered it’ll be the same as admitting our guilt.  They have more of our people under guard, one cache of technology isn’t worth their lives or safety.  Send us a representative to negotiate with the Joss, if you’re willing to turn over your collaborators to their own authority for judgement, maybe we can negotiate a trade agreement with the Joss, you said yourself you didn’t intend for the murder and we’ll share culpability for the detonation.  They don’t want this technology, if you don’t use it against them they may be willing to just give it to you instead of needing all this.  And if any of them really want to branch out and explore this technology maybe they can form their own faction, join you in taking charge of it instead of fighting over the scraps.”

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 89):

Frank agreed with Roger's curt assessment.

It's not a fair deal, but if there's no more bloodshed and we get a chance to lick our wounds..

Loving the meal you're cooking for us here Billy, but do you think you could inquire about medical attention as part of this parlay? We've got some fairly wounded here, including yourself, who would stand to benefit.

Given adequate supplies, I'd be happy to treat the injured Talpid as well in a sign of good faith.

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 91):

"It is traditional for the losing side to stand down, yes," Lancer A deadpans in Roger's direction. "But parlay was your idea. If you dislike the terms, we can return to defending our claim through force."

It turns toward Billy next.

"We could free your people from custody, if that is what ties your hands."

"Easily done," Lancer B adds.

"Trivial," Lancer C agrees.

"But I suspect it's more than that," Lancer A continues. "You wish to maintain appearances here, salvage your reputation among the Joss?"

It taps a heavy digging claw against its chin.

"We will agree to this amendment to the agreement. What collateral can you offer against our representative's safety? It must be something with sufficient value to deter any plan that involves returning to your Jossian captors with a convenient scapegoat."

Frank's question goes unanswered, for now, as it was not translated into Talpid.

“You are correct, I would like to work with the Joss just as much as I would like to work with your people.  Their fear of burning metal makes that a challenging prospect, but as you’ve noted they are in the middle of a potential cultural shift.  If you want collateral, my ship is parked a ways outside Havetplata, the pilot is the only person present aboard.  You clearly know about our communication issues, if you can clear that up for long enough, I’ll let him know to expect your people.  You can hold it under your custody as long as your representative is at risk, Billy’s offer is made with little trepidation or pause.

He doesn’t immediately physically acknowledge Frank’s suggestion, his helmeted gazed fixed on the Talpids as he hopes his offer will be taken as a sign of sincerity, in addition to its intended collateral.  He does ultimately say in Solese, “I’m still working on them not trying to kill us, I don’t know how much further medical assistance they’ll offer before that.  Do what you can for Aviva, and if you can keep Briggs standing for more than five seconds the next time something hazardous happens I would take it as a personal favor.  I’ll be fine,” his tone suggests he’s talking out of the corner of his mouth even though his helmet’s speakers renders the attempt at subtlety moot.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 93):

It's good to have comms back... no offense, but only having 4 people to talk to is SO limiting!

Aviva catches Billy's glance.

Ah, right, LATER

Agreed, first stop the punch-up, THEN get to the important spaceship matters.

If it helps them agree, Aviva adds to Billy, I can go WITH them to the spaceship... 

In reply to Aviva (msg # 94):

Roger shakes his head disagreeably at Lancer A, offering him a grin but no words.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 95):

"The ship and its pilot are sufficient collateral," Lancer A says at last. He gestures toward Lancers B and C, and they relax their stances further. "I will go and fetch an appropriate representative. My colleagues will remain here, as a gesture of good faith. I shall return before long."

With that (provided nobody stops him), Lancer A turns and begins to jog lightly back toward the ruined turrets.

Billy seems like he's about to say something before Lancer A heads out but remains silent with a small nod of agreement.  When the Talpid spokesman heads off he looks to the rest of the small human contingent, "Well, this seems like progress," he says in Solese with a shrug.  He looks at the remaining Talpid, "So uh, what're your names?" the translator voice comes out of his helmet again.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 97):

Roger takes a deep breath and shakes off like a dog.

[Manipulate Ichor: 33, Success]

He hovers a palm over his laser wound and the four small spinning orbs launch themselves at the opening, forming a smooth, glassy protective layer between his injury and his environs. Long, thick wisps of energy trail out from Frank's barrier into Roger's bandage, causing small lightning-like energy discharges beneath its surface.

Upon hearing names, he'll address Talpid B, who seemed the most reasonable and amicable of the bunch. "Hey buddy, mind if I take a look at that lance there, fix it for ya? I work with Leireblomst tech all the time. Had a mobile fortress and entire army of robots at one point."

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 98):

Ooh that's cool! Aviva gushes watching Roger's surgical procedure

Looks painful, Aviva raises one eyebrow

Like a... energy zipper!  Up, down, up, down!

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 98):

Frank could feel the absence of energy transfer from her bubble back to Roger.

Oh we've got to have a chat about what else yellow smoke can do

She turns her attention to Briggs, lowering her voice and apprising him of the situation

I'm not even a field medic let alone a doctor, and we've exhausted the last of my healing supplies. Try to avoid being such a laser sponge this time, will ya?

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 100):

"I am Baux," Lancer B says after a moment. "And this is Celest."

Lancer C inclines its chin slightly in response.

"Adak will return soon. What are your-"

Baux pauses abruptly when Roger places a rather bright bandage upon his arm, and glances over at Celest with what might be the Talpid approximation of a raised eyebrow.

"Your concern is unnecessary. The weapon is fine. But that..." he points a heavy digging claw at the glowing covering. "What is it?"

Celest frowns slightly at her own energy lance, then looks back over at Roger.

"A mobile fortress, and an army of robots? What do you mean by that?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:59, Thu 27 July 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 101):

"Baux, Celeste."

Roger nods, rejoining the group as he closes the distance down the tunnel.

"Roger. Some people call me garage, mirage, the Maharoger, raj mahal, yardbird, 'bird. Not yard, though. Who knows?"

He scans Briggs and Aviva as he passes them.

"This thing," Roger says, pointing to his wound dressing. "Just somethin' I thought up. Should keep the infection out. And if it's doing its job, my body's putting itself back together a little faster. Remains to be seen. Hah."

Roger eyes the bandage closely and purses his lips in satisfaction.

"Yeah I mean long story short, I also left some masters behind not too long ago. Then I found an old Leireblomst stronghold with a bunch of old drones. I had them tear the place down and turn it into a giant moving compound. Massive tank treads. Robotics and fabrication bays. Fully stocked cafeteria, and I mean fully stocked. Like, glowcap sorbet, my dudes. And turrets that could level a mountain. With armor so heavy that not even a terrasque could hack through it. If you've got any questions about any of this LB stuff, I'm the guy."

He looks at the talpid's lance again.

"And you don't gotta worry 'bout me swipin' your zap stick, my man. That's bound to your biologics at this point. Won't work for me. Or maybe it'll explode in my hands. Who knows! Roll the dice, right? Can I get a look with my eyes at least?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 11:54, Mon 31 July 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 102):

"You found intact drones, and they listened to you?"

Baux and Celest blink at Roger for a moment, and it's not clear whether they really believe him.

"You can see it," Baust says finally, holding the energy lance out a little further from his body but not moving any closer to Roger.

"From there," Celest agrees.

The have little else to say, and the lull in conversation passes somewhat uncomfortably for those who dislike spending time alone with their thoughts.

***

Soon enough, Adak returns with a fourth Talpid in tow. This one is not equipped with an energy lance, but does wear the same banded iron necklace as the others.

"Everything peaceable?" he says when he draws near, the question aimed more at his compatriots than at the humans. They nod, and he smiles. "Promising!"

Adak gestures toward the fourth Talpid and begins to speak.

"Dolom here has agreed to serve as our envoy in this matter. He will accompany you to the surface, identify the conspirators involved in the murder, and help you provide context for the explosion."

"While he is with you, we shall observe a mutual ceasefire, and we shall occupy your ship and hold it as collateral. Once an appropriate agreement has been forged with the Joss, we will make arrangements together to meet this Commandant, in equal number, within 10 cycles. We shall determine whether it is a trade partner or a security threat. If the latter, you will help us neutralize it."

"In either case, after the meeting and its aftermath are concluded, the ceasefire will end and you shall regain control of your ship. We can discuss a longer-term armistice at that time, along with trade agreements of our own, if things go well."

Adak cocks his velvety head to one side.

"Is my understanding of our agreement consistent with yours?"

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 103):

"I'll let Bill answer for the broader team," Roger says, inspecting the neon-green dirt under his fingernails. "I'm technically a freelancer operating on Ceto independently, so we'll need to get ourselves a sub-contract in play. No sweat, we can hammer out the details as we go, just wanted to point that out. I mean, the Commandant isn't going to deactivate itself if it proves to be a threat... and I can't imagine anyone would want to fight the hordes of bots it'll throw at us if we try to force it offline."

Roger takes an extra close look at the brandished lance, leaning as far forward as Baux and Celeste seem comfortable with.  "Yeah, the drones listened to me. I'm practically a Lord to them."

“I need to contact my ship if you want to occupy it, the pilot is on orders to take off if approached by any potentially hostile force,” Billy responds to the recounting of their agreement.  “If you can enable that then the terms are agreed.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 105):

"Ah, yes. You did mention that," Adak says, nodding toward Billy. "Very well. Prepare your message. When you are ready, I will give you a 30-second window to transmit it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Tue 01 Aug 2023.

“Thirty seconds?” Billy grumbles with indignity but doesn’t argue.  Instead he takes a deep breath and seems to center himself.
After a moment he says “I’m ready,” and once the interference lets up continues to leave the translator speaking through his helmet’s speakers for the Talpids’ benefit, “Peyton, a group of mole people are going to come to the ship.  Let them on and cooperate and they won’t hurt you.  Ship’s collateral for one of their own, should be a temporary situation and if we’re lucky, new friends.  Sorry for the short warning.  Confirm you got my message.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 107):

"Why just 30 seconds?"

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 108):

"I will endeavor to remain healthy," Briggs replies tightly to Frank. "And I do appreciate your aid so far. If you require compensation for the supplies, I'd be happy to reimburse you later."

The lieutenant watches the rest of the conversation between Roger, Billy, and the talpids without offering much in the way of commentary.

"Because 30 seconds is sufficient time," Adak replies to Roger. "You hold the key to the sky. We hold the key to remote communications. Perhaps we can arrange a trade later."

The talpid raises a digging claw and nods toward Billy.

"Begin."

At this point, Billy verbally sends his message to Peyton. A dozen seconds later, you hear Peyton's somewhat bewildered voice ping back: "Uh, confirmed? But I have so many ques-"


Adak lowers his claw, and the rest of Peyton's response dissolved into a garbled mass of static, followed by radio silence.

"It is done," the talpid says with a nod of satisfaction. "Where is the ship?"


OOC: Anybody else who wanted to take advantage of the comms window, please include a note on what you did (or tried to do) in your next update.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:59, Wed 02 Aug 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 109):

Roger shakes his head at Adak's comparison.

"Nah now wait, let's not get sloppy with our equivalences here, my man. Billy created the key to an existing lock created by the Leireblomst. You took Leireblomst tech and created a lock to which you are dangling the key. Did you know we've had some people get critically injured -- almost die -- because we couldn't radio for medical help? Your jamming radius extends pretty far beyond qualifies as defending your claim down here," Roger says, airquoting the final five words of his small lecture before continuing.

"I'm agreeing to go along with the broader plan, but this is extortion and you are using technology recklessly and in a way that puts innocent others at risk. You're gonna find out real quick how easy it is to slip into oppressing people just by virtue of having access to advanced tech. Just like your former masters did. I wonder if you know the long-term effects of operating a jamming field of this intensity so close to where you eat and sleep."

He looks down to tend to a readout on his personal device, not seeming to need a response.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Wed 02 Aug 2023.

“Roger, they’re using the technology they recovered from the Leireblomst to jam comms, and we’re using what we recovered from Hitch to fly the skies.  I’m pretty sure you’re the only inventor in the room,” Billy puts a hand on Roger’s shoulder as he expresses his disapproval of the Talpid’s bogarting the airwaves.

“This isn’t the hill to die on, not now.  As they said, this is an armistice and whatever they’re using certainly isn’t meant to interfere with the Joss.  They have no reason to be concerned with the extent if injury to potential enemy combatants, and I don’t think the Geneva conventions made it here before the Nadir.  I’m sure we’ll have a mature discussion on the morality of technology as part of Dolom’s meeting with the architects.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 111):

"Fuckin' moles, man. Every time. Every time," Roger mutters.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 112):

The talpids continue to wait patiently for directions to the ship.

Billy, lacking specific measurements or knowledge of local landmarks that aren’t Havetplata itself does his best to explain where he left his ship to the mole people.  There is more than one assurance that they “can’t miss it.”

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 109):

Frank raises a coy eyebrow, looking over her shoulder at Briggs as she walks toward Billy and Roger.

An open ended offer of compensation? Careful tiger, you're already having a hard enough time staying upright around me.

But I wouldn't mind indulging in some of the rarer medical herbs I know they have back at the Invictan camp.

She winks at him, and finishes her prowl toward Roger, smiling warmly as she greets him.

You're even more helpful in a fight than you look, and you already look very helpful. When this is all over, I'd like to talk to you a bit more about that yellow mist of yours.

Her tone shifts from flirtatious to professional.

But, and I promise the irony of this is not lost on me, you're sounding a bit like I did earlier, and the you from earlier was pretty emphatic I needed to get my head in the game and trust Billy Laser Fist.

She cocks a thumb over her shoulder at the injured talpids, destroyed turret embankments, and the processing his entire reality in real time but totally not dead meatsack known as Lt. Briggs.

Frank reaches her fist outward to Roger, Game On?

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 115):

"I did say that," Roger admits.

He turns to Billy. "Vouched for you."

"Hypocrisy is a bad look."

He takes Frank up on the fist bump.

"Oh, and I'd say it's more seafoam green -- tealish -- than yellow. If we're talking about the same thing. But anyway yeah, that shield augmentation thing worked pretty good."

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 116):

At least some of the same things, tiger

Don't even get me started on how we might be able to amplify and expand the properties of my existing alchemy with your seafoam. The improvement to variable countermeasure efficacy is..

The authentically nerdy tangent on operational flexibility catches even Frank by surprise, and she quickly regains her composure.

So, what's next?

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 117):

The talpids huddle together, their discussion inaudible to human ears, then nod as one.

"Then we are agreed," Adak declares with a measure of finality. "When you return to claim your ship, with Dolom in tow, we shall make arrangements to meet our so-called masters together."

"Lords of no one," Baux adds.

"Unlady-like," Celest agrees.

Baux and Celest begin to make their way back toward the ruined turrets and, ostensibly, their exit point, but Adak seems perfectly content to stand there and wait for you to leave.

Dolom steels himself for a moment, then strides over to you.

"I hope you are prepared for a measure of ugliness," he says once he draws within comfortable earshot. "Our conspirators among the Joss will not be happy to see me, and their ire will only increase once they hear what I have to say."

He gestures toward the tunnels behind you, back the way you came, with a digging claw.

"Shall we?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:24, Fri 04 Aug 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 118):

Spaceship! Aviva almost squeals

Aviva looks rather bored while negotiations are ongoing, using the end of one of her braids to make various moustaches

In reply to Aviva (msg # 119):

Dolom looks from one human to the next, and scratches his velvety muzzle with surprising grace using a heavy digging claw.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 120):

"Probably shouldn't hang out down here too long... you guys heard the tale of Sporcules' Ghost, right?" Roger says.

Billy gestures broadly back the way they came and is happy to lead if Dolom doesn’t take the invitation with vigor, eager to diplomacy their way out if everything going on.  He’s less eager for the actual diplomacy, the fact that the one professional diplomat on the planet is currently comatose vexing him anew.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 122):

Dolom follows Billy's lead as they travel back through the twisted passages.

The talpid tries to start a conversation with Billy about the nature of his dealings with the Joss and the Commandant, but he has trouble getting a word in edgewise over Briggs.

The Invictus lieutenant aims a ceaseless battery of questions at Billy pertaining to the nature of his ability to fly, his existing treaties with the various entities of Ceto, and his ironclad faith that Invictus can provide the best and most reliable trading partner on the planet. Briggs gestures broadly toward Aviva, Frank, and Roger from time to time, as well, asking them if Exsilium knew about this or had similar dealings and treaties in place that Invictus doesn't know about.

Rather than fight to be heard, Dolom slows his pace to match Roger's instead.

"Adak says you're considered something of a Lord yourself," Dolom says to Roger as they walk. "You do not resemble them in most respects. Why would any remnant of our former masters recognize you as such?"

You reach the bottom of the crude ladder that connects the tunnels to the surface just outside of Hevetplata's stables without incident, and here Dolom leads no further.

"I must again emphasize that your hosts may not like what they're about to learn," he says. "A subset of them will dislike it more vigorously than the rest. Are you prepared for unpleasantness, if it comes to that?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Wed 09 Aug 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 123):

"Y'know the truth is I don't know, man," Roger says to Dolom. "I crash-landed here, found an abandoned Leireblomst outpost, and everything just sort of lit up when I walked in. What did the previous dudes look like?"

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 123):

Regardless of who Briggs' questions are aimed at and whether or not Billy responds fully, Aviva helpfully fleshes out both sides of all conversations.

Yes, Billy's ship WILL fly.

Also there's more.

Right.  I kept telling Excillum people about them but... well when I was a kid they didn't believe me.

THEN they didn't understand me.

THEN they didn't want to hear it anymore.

I can fly too you know, will even get my commercial license, thought that isn't really much of a flex, mostly book learning and such.

If I HOLD Adj, do I get to be a Lady then?

Dealings with the security whatsit?  No, Excillium didn't even HAVE spaceships until later!

Unless anyone attempts to intervene, Aviva will shoot up the ladder first.

And stop staring at my butt on the ladder, Aviva adds before following Aviva up though you're not sure at whom.  It's not cute.

Billy is happy to see Dolom’s eagerness to talk but as Briggs loudly flexes his negotiating muscles that path of conversation quickly vanishes.  He’s happy to let Aviva answer as many if Briggs questions as she’s willing to, filling in holes on the occasions that she joins Roger and the talpid’s conversation, “I have been on this planet for six months and so far I have established an agreement with the Joss to let us install a steam engine big enough to run a lot of their city, and most recently to let us help them investigate a crime all of us were suspect in.  That’s it.  Aside from Roger, who we met as an independent agent, I haven’t spoken to any local humans before yesterday, he told the Exilium contingent when they arrived after you.  Oh and I told Jeffers while you were with the bugs.”

He’s happy for Aviva to intervene on the depth and source of any other Exilium knowledge but ultimately Billy shakes his head at Briggs’ persistence, “Honestly I expected your reaction to be more amusingly baffled than persistent salesman.  You and I are going to have a talk.  After the politics are done.”  At the ladder he addresses Dolom, “The Joss are having to deal with a lot of things right now, I’m not expecting this news to go over easily.  There are a lot of ways this could end, the Joss’s current leader is a traditionalist but they seem reasonable.  I honestly believe that if you’re willing to negotiate in good faith you can come to a mutually beneficial compromise.  If unpleasantness is truly unavoidable at least we’ll see it coming.  Not to make excuses, but we do much better work outside of dark, narrow tunnels.  I’ve promised your protection and that much, at least, I guarantee.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 126):

"I believe there will be time for baffled amusement later," Briggs says simply. "Please don't mistake this for idle sales chatter. You'll recall that a big part of our mission to Hevetplata in the first place was to secure permission to erect a new transmission tower? That priority shifts considerably if we now have the means to orbital communications within our grasp. It will affect how I can negotiate with the Joss."

"And that," Briggs says, beginning to scale the ladder, "is precisely what we're about to do."

Dolom nods at Billy, satisfied with his answer, and climbs the rungs of the ladder alongside the rest of the group.

***

The thrice-chosen Joss is not waiting for you topside, but a pair of different Joss are. They are armed with clubs, but do not seem particularly eager to use them.

"Ah, you've returned," one says with a smile. "You're early! Did you find what you needed to find? We're to bring you to the Architects, if so."

Its smile fades a bit when it sees the talpid, and it looks at the other Joss in confusion.

"Wasn't it all humans?"

"Does it matter? The Architects can sort it out. They were Chosen so we didn't have to worry about that kind of thing."

The first Joss nods, and beckons for the group to follow.

"Come along, then. All of you."

***

Your guides lead you not to the Inner Wheel or the Architect's Tower, but rather to the blast zone in the northwestern quadrant.

Excavation and cleanup efforts have proceeded at a somewhat impressive pace, at least where Joss are concerned. Large piles of rubble have been cleared and sorted into various component parts: wood, stone, soil, trash, and historical objects recovered from the museum each have their own area.

The thrice-chosen Architect can be seen speaking with a handful of other Joss around this last pile, holding two shards of pottery aloft and trying to fit them together like puzzle pieces.

When he notices your approach, he turns and waves you over with excitement.

"You made excellent time," he says approvingly. "I am glad that you took your Duty so seriously. Come, gather near and tell me what you've learned."

His eyes fall to Dolom, and his expression becomes puzzled.

"Starting with where you found a talpid, and why you brought him back with you."

Billy removes his helmet to speak to the architect directly, “We’ve found Talpids under Havetplata.  I’m sure you know of them living deep underground, Some are treated as pests for your farms, if I remember.  The talpid leaders are not chosen as your architects, I understand that the last change of leadership was contentious, there are Talpids split by two loyalties, to their former leader and his replacement.”

At the end of his brief explanation of talpid politics he gestures to Dolom, “This is Dolom, he has come as a representative of a third group.  They are separate from the conflict of the Talpid deeper below, and they were part of the events today.  He wishes to explain what has happened, and who is responsible for the murder this morning.  His people also wish to take the burning metal from Havetplata, he would negotiate an agreement with your people.”  Billy lets the statement hang in the air, looking at the architect intently, desperate to pull any familiar emotion from his alien features.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 128):

Aviva somehow, impressively, resists the urge to end Bill's introduction with a drum roll on her thighs.

We worked out all the aggressive negotiations for you, she smiles broadly at the Architect and bows slightly.

I can't tell enough about the Joss to read expressions, Aviva whispers to Roger, but he's gonna make a face like this.  She twists her face into her best Joss impression

In reply to Aviva (msg # 129):

"Oh yeah?"

Roger puts his palms together side by side as though her were going to cradle water. In the middle of them appears a small, stubby translucent replica of the architect with Aviva's twisted face plastered in place of the Joss leader's.

"Somethin' like that?"

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 130):

Aviva giggles.  Yep, JUST like that!

Aviva punches her in the shoulder and Aviva goes back to being very serious and paying close attention to the discussion.

...worried these new Architects trust the Talpid even less though... she mutters

In reply to Aviva (msg # 131):

"I just think it's sad that once the Leireblomst left, all these oppressed species turn around and do it to themselves and each other. Was kinda hoping it wasn't a universal." Roger adds before turning his attention to Dolom.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 132):

Billy's first announcement concerning the existence of talpids beneath the city elicits plenty of concern all on its own. By the time he gets to the part about Dolom and the murder and the bombs and the burning metal removal, quite a crowd has gathered from among the joss who had been working nearby.

One of the workers jabs a finger at Dolom angerly.

"It wasn't enough for your kind to pilfer our glødekapsler? You had to encroach into the very land beneath the bluffs, as well?"

Many nearby joss nod their agreement, many looking to the Architects for guidance.

"What're you going to do with him?"

The thrice-chosen Architect, for his part, motions for calm.

"We shall listen," he says, holding the broken pottery already in his hands aloft for emphasis. "We have lost much today. Not just a building! Parts of our history have been taken from us, erased in the explosion that claimed our precious museum. So many treasures, senselessly destroyed. An irreplaceable, irreparable tragedy."

The majority of the joss in the crowd nod along with this, though a substantial subsection does not.

"And so, if he can tell us what happened, and why? I will be grateful. It will give us closure, and the ability to move forward with confidence."

He fixes his gaze upon Dolom, who looks quite small in comparison.

"Go on, then. Speak your mind. But know that your words carry with them a significant weight. These humans who brought you here to me stand accused of grave crimes against our people. Your account shall be considered alongside their own."

"I'm counting on it," Dolom says, taking a step forward to address not just the Architects, but the crowd, as well. He speaks in an accented but perfectly understandable Jossian tongue. "Listen well, for the tale is long, and I do not wish to repeat myself."

"It is true that there are tunnels beneath your city. You've only discovered them today, but they have existed for quite some time. Portions may even predate your occupation of the land above, though of course they were quickly abandoned after your people moved in."

Dolom tugs on his velvety snout with a heavy digging claw, the gesture's meaning lost to you.

"All was well enough, while you kept to the toplands and left the depths alone. But as you ventured below, and sent your Chasers and Smashers and Breakers and whatever other Duties you called them to enforce your borders, things changed. You made enemies."

"You see, there are many among my people who firmly believe that the Depths are theirs. That we have ceded any permanent territory on the surface as an implicit agreement that all others have ceded territory below. And yet, you have established footholds. You have driven our people out. This has earned you the enmity of Ponce's faithful. And as Ponce now sits in the Grand Burrow, this will make things difficult for you sooner or later."

The rabble begins to rumble at this suggestion, and it takes the Architects a moment to restore calm. Dolom nods his appreciation and continues.

"Believe it or not, I understand. I agree with you, actually. The notion is preposterous. I am not one of Ponce's disciples. Nor do I belong to the Down Dweller's exiled faction, which embraced a form of shamanism that hallucinates about some farcical Voice of the Deepest Burrow."

Dolom extends a digging claw toward his chest and smiles.

"I represent something new. We seek to tame the burning metal that our so-called masters used to enslave our people. ALL of us, talpid and joss alike, have a shared history in that oppression."

He presses on before the crowd can properly react to this sentiment.

"The humans speak true when it comes to the burning metal. I would extend an offer of friendship, or failing that, an offer of service. My people would gladly take whatever burning metal you've collected off your hands and remove it to someplace safe. We'd do it for free, as a gesture of our good will and friendship."

The thrice-Chosen Architect perks up visibly at this, as does a portion of the crowd. Some look excited, and others...well, if joss expressions mirror humans, they are akin to anger.

"I would gladly consider such an offer," the thrice-Chosen Architect says. "Shall we adjourn to consider the details in private?"

The other two Architects glance at each other, with one nudging his fellow until she clears her throat softly.

"Respectfully, what of the bombs, and the murder?" she says. "Surely the negotiations should wait until we've resolved those matters more fully."

Many of those gathered agree with this sentiment, and voice their opinion strenuously. The thrice-Chosen Architect blinks at her for a moment, uncomprehending, and then his eyes widen abruptly.

"Oh, yes! Yes, of course. My apologies. The idea that we could finally be rid of the burning metal quite overwhelmed me," he says, turning toward Dolom. "Pray, continue. Educate us on those details, that we may move on to other matters."

Dolom looks at the Architects carefully, then at the assembled crowd, and finally back at the humans. He tugs his velvety snout again and nods.

"That bomb was but one of several planted within the tunnels beneath your city," he begins, taking a step backward toward the humans as he does so. "My people know where they are and how to disarm them. We would be happy to provide that service for free in exchange for the stockpile of burning metal you have amassed."

The thrice-Chosen Architect looks pleased at this, but the once-Chosen who redirected the conversation earlier looks puzzled.

"How do you know where they are?" she asks. "Did the humans tell you?"

Dolom pauses and glances over at the humans again, clearly weighing the pros and cons of availing himself of this obvious out.

"No," he says at last, looking up at her with a broad gesture. "We know where they are because we put them there in the first place."

Shouts rise up from the crowd at this, and some individuals surge forward only to be reined in by a cadre of large joss who made their way to the front sometime during the speech. They are positioned exactly as you'd expect governmental crowd control to be deployed, and they seem to be doing a fair job of ensuring nobody actually makes it to where the speaking is taking place. For now, anyway.

"You?" the thrice-Chosen says, sagging visibly. "But why?"

"For ransom," the bolder of the two once-Chosen spits. "Tell me I'm wrong."

"You are...not entirely mistaken," Dolom admits. "The truth is, we planted those bombs as a failsafe. You see, we have already made arrangements with your people regarding the supply of burning metal. What we have come to learn is that they did not have the authority to make those arrangements, and so we took certain precautions."

"But hear me: the bombs were meant to be for show. This...all of this..." Dolom gestures toward the rubble around him. "This was not supposed to happen."

"It's the only thing that COULD have happened," the bolder Architect snaps, turning toward the thrice-Chosen and pointing at Dolom fiercely. "You don't brandish a club unless you're willing to swing it. They used one already; why wouldn't they use the rest, or threaten as much unless we treat them as our new masters, doing whatever they want?"

"We didn't set off that bomb," Dolom says, his voice flat and strong. "The humans did."

It takes quite a while for the shouting to fade this time, and the crowd controlling joss have their work cut out for them in keeping the more fervent among the crowd at bay.

"You were working together?" the thrice-Chosen Architect asks, clearly taken aback. "All this time? But you lived with us, worked with us...how could you-"

"They didn't mean to," Dolom interjects. "They found the tunnels, explored them, and ran into one of the bombs. This one here, in fact. Humans understand the burning metal better than anyone we've met, aside from our former masters. They recognized it for what it was and tried to deactivate it. Render it useless."

"They failed," he continues, gesturing to the crater again. "But they didn't mean for this to happen."

"Some help," a voice shouts out from the crowd, to much agreement. "They should be punished!"

"No," the thrice-Chosen Architect booms, his voice much more forceful than before. "I am pained as much as anyone by the loss of this building and all the knowledge it held. But we cannot hold the humans accountable for trying to help."

He turns to his fellow Architects, who are looking at him strangely.

"This is what I have been saying all along. Destruction is the inevitable result of treating burning metal as ANYTHING but a threat."

Many in the crowd are cowed by this notion, though an obvious subset scoffs and jeers all the louder.

"I would propose," the thrice-Chosen continues. "That we pardon the humans on the condition that they aid in our reconstruction efforts by providing hard labor."

The other two Architects glance at each other, the nod.

"As for the talpids, for the crime of introducing more burning metal to our city, this faction shall be banished from Hevetplata until such time as a future Architect sees fit to pardon them. And they shall take their burning metal with them when they go, along with all burning metal left in this city. They shall incur the risk of dismantling and transporting it, rather that our people. It is only fair."

The divisions in the crowd are becoming more stark, to the point where it's pretty obvious who the pro-tech people are and who the traditionalists are. There are quite a few who don't seem to lean either way, though; perhaps a third faction, or simply joss who are disinterested in technology one way or the other.

"You can't just GIVE them our salvage," a loud voice booms out from the crowd, much to the delight of the pro-tech faction. "Even if we agreed to get rid of it, you'd be giving them what they want! Rewarding them for planting the bombs that destroyed your-, er, OUR precious museum!"

The bolder once-Chosen Architect nods slightly at this sentiment.

"I'm inclined to agree," she says. "And there's still the matter of the murder..."

"I was getting to that," Dolom nods. "A joss died this morning, and a talpid helped cover it up. We will deliver the talpid responsible for that to you for judgement. And I am prepared to identify the killer as-"

*CRACK*

A smooth, heavy rock whirls out from somewhere in the crowd, moving so fast you're not sure it's not a bullet, and pastes the talpid directly between the eyes. Dolom yelps and hits the ground hard.

No amount of coaxing from the Architects or their crowd control is capable of quelling the mob now, which quickly collapses in on itself as the factions vent their frustrations upon each other with shouting, fists, and improvised weapons.

"Stop! STOP IT!" the thrice-Chosen cries out uselessly, repeating himself until the bolder once-Chosen grabs him by the shoulders and shakes him sharply.

"We can restore order from the tower. We will do a summoning," she says, turning toward the humans. "You are wards of the state, and under our protection. Come with us, and bring Dolom. I wouldn't trust the crowd with any of you right now."

With that, the three Architects hurry toward the center of the city, closely hemmed in by a handful of their useless crowd control.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 133):

"Hey knock that shit off!" Roger shouts, not hesitating to study the effect of his words before he pushes his cupped palms inside out toward the downed Talpid.

[Manipulate Ichor: 80, Success]

The illusion of the Aviva-faced Joss turns into a bubble that encapsulates Dolom. Roger rushes over to him and lifts him off the ground, picking him from under his arms and setting his feet on the ground.

"I got you, dude. Can you walk? We gotta move."

He looks at Frank and points at Dolom with one hand while still steadying the talpid with another.

"Asset."

He turns to Billy and Briggs.

"What about our guys in the bunkhouse?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Sat 12 Aug 2023.

Billy watches Dolom's revelations and the Joss's reactions to them.  As the Thrice-chosen architectm akes his verdict Billy moves to speak before the crowd reacts, and the rock flies by.  He immediately falls next to Dolom, Roger's defensive measure much appreciated, "Get Dolom to the tower, keep him safe. I'll check on the others.  Frank, go with them; keep the mole whole.  Briggs, we'll get the others.  Aviva...you probably know what to do," he snaps off directives to the team before grabbing the thrice chosen architect before he filly clears the scene, "This won't get better if you keep getting distracted by what you want.  This is about more than burning metal, and it has been for some time."

Without waiting for a response he waives Briggs to follow and jogs off to the guest house where they left the rest of the local humans.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 135):

At some point in Dolom and the Architects' discussion, Aviva suddenly squeals and drops to the ground.

Aviva dusts herself off and looks rather confused.

When Dolom goes down to rock attack, Aviva seems at first nonplussed, but finally joins in with Frank escorting him to safety.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 135):

Frank was never one for the subtlety of management meetings, and negotiation was the worst kind of leadership huddle.

Diplomacy is so forever taking

As if emerging from a self imposed fugue, the reverie of Billy's voice and Roger's entirely sexy take charge tone an unavoidable Clarion call, Frank explodes from the background and springs to action.

A quick crane of the neck toward Aviva confirms their inclination to follow Frank as she bursts forward and grabs Dolom under her arm. The scowl defacing her beautiful visage all the declaration of intent anyone could need, her three point stance an unneeded but clear conveyance of purpose.

Go ahead. Make my day.

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 137):

Briggs watches the chaos unfold with an expression that's hard to read, seeing as his blackened eye conveys little emotion and his good eye is still behind what's left of his shattered faceplate.

The rock galvanizes him, and he hits the deck instinctively before scrambling back to his feet to follow Billy away from both the riot and the Architect's Tower, and toward the Guest House.

***

Team Architect (Roger, Frank, Aviva, Dolom)

With Dolom amply protected by a layer of Roger's aquamarine ichor and snugly secured beneath Frank's arm like an oversized football, the group has little trouble hurrying after the Architects toward their central tower.

Indeed, the mob seems more interested in in-fighting at the moment, and you're able to make it all the way back to the tower and within its doors without encountering anything approaching an organized resistance.

Once inside, the thrice-Chosen and the less vocal of the once-Chosen turn to place a heavy bar across the doorway, struggling mightily to lift it. Judging from the dust disturbed during this action, you'd guess the door didn't get locked like this very often.

Frank and Aviva are treated to their first glimpse of the interior of this building, though Roger has been here before:



The bolder of the once-Chosen gestures wildly toward the pair of cord-wearing attendants standing vigil near the cranks and hops upon the platform without slowing her pace in the slightest.

"To the top," she says hurriedly. "As fast as you can!"

The corded Joss begin the tedious task of spinning the hand cranks, which causes the platform to lurch upward at uneven intervals that in no way keep the thing level as it rises. Anyone with the will and desire to join her will have to move quickly to leap onto the platform before it rises beyond your reach.

Team Hospitality (Billy, Briggs)

Billy and Briggs race across the city streets, putting the noise and violence of the mob behind them as they speed through the spokes toward the Outer Wheel. They pass the tavern, the stables, and the Great Lift before the Guest House finally comes into view, looking much the same as it did when they left it.

Two bored-looking Joss are standing outside the Guest House, armed with clubs. They look at each other when you approach, and hop a little closer toward to bar the entrance to the lobby with their bodies.

"Where do you think you're going in such a hurry?" one says, looking over Billy and Briggs's shoulders and toward the empty street behind him. "And where's your escort?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:32, Tue 15 Aug 2023.

“There’s rioting at the site of the explosion.  Talpids have been living under your city, Joss conspirators murdered one of your own, and some well intentioned humans set off the bomb.  Now half your population want to give away all the burning metal in the city, half want to lynch the Talpid and humans for daring to even have burning metal, all the loudest voices are accusing the talpid and humans of malice and hostility, but it was definitely a joss who threw a rock when the Talpid offered to name the murderers.  So now our escort has seen the architects to the safety of their tower so they can try and restore order and the two of us, approximating leaders of our people, have come to make sure the mob doesn’t remember that most of us are in one convenient location as long as reaping a terrible vengeance is a hot topic of discussion.” Billy rattles off the state of affairs the pair left behind to the two guards, his accent slipping as he speaks Joss as rapidly as he ever has, occasionally actually slipping into solese and having to stutter back to words they actually understand.

Once they’re fully up to speed, Billy moves to brush past the guards, “The two of you aren’t going to keep the whole population if Havetplata out if they come after us, so you can either help or stand aside, because I’ve been beat up too much today to be intimidated by a pair of clubs.”

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 138):

Roger takes one look at the bellhops and says "Nope, too slow."

He looks around warily.

[Manipulate Ichor: 64, Success]

The barrier around Dolom opens from the top and retracts quickly down to the floor beneath the talpid, Frank, Aviva, and Roger. It forms a flat disc that slides under the soles of their feet, then inflates to a depth of two feet.

"Up!"

The four find themselves rising into the air.

"Today is platform day. You dudes are good with no guardrails right? Safety measures are the last thing I spec out. Technically the subaquatic plasma turrets brought the Nadir down... but it just as easily coulda been a boiler explosion. What can I say? Children of Sol got what they paid for... and they ain't done paying 'cuz they got more comin'!" Roger chuckles.


He looks at the simmer pot.

"If the mob crashes the gate, we give 'em a nice warm bath of whatever that is."

Roger catches Frank's eye.

"Took Dolom's shield off now that we're away from the masses. I only got so much of the green stuff to work with. If you got any tactics, I'm all ears."

He pats an empty coat pocket.

"I used to have these slick little containers that could hold this stuff without it dispersing. Those broke."

The platform slips over to the Architect, whom Roger invites aboard along with the elevator operators.

"It's not burning metal, it's burning air. Much safer."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Wed 16 Aug 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 140):

Aviva attentively watches the icor form a lift plate beneath her, then braces her stance as it begins to lift.  Finally she raises her back foot so that she is balanced only on the other.

No rails?  No problem!

Aviva watches the exit carefully, one hand resting on the butt of her sidearm.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 140):

Frank flashes a flattering shade of red as Roger punctuates and punctures a clearly private thought with his ask for support. She silently leaps back to the ground, visions of ichor dancing in her head.

Tactics. Such a fancy word for what is almost always just creation or obstruction of an entrance.

Frank pulls two pieces of wood from the fire supply, cautiously sets the tips ablaze, and smiles wickedly as she moves to the corded Joss.

Need a light?

She proceeds to quickly set both ropes ablaze at the crank, waits a heartbeat to ensure a satisfying smolder, and sprints back to the hovering platform. Frank extends her arm outward to Roger before catching his gaze and providing a sit rep.

Elevator's broken. Unless they're packing a Roger or some very out of place tech, that should slow them down.

Let's get to the next floor see what our supply situation is.

And pray that I don't need to ration food and water before Billy gets back
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Wed 16 Aug 2023.

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 142):

Team Architect

The four Joss still at ground level (to two attendants, plus the thrice-Chosen and quieter once-Chosen) fall back, horrified, as the rope and pulley system goes up in flames. It's fortunate indeed that the fire causes the rope to snap rather than spreading upward and outward to engulf the rest of the facility, and instead peters out with a guttering sputter near the now-useless winch cranks.

The bolder once-Chosen has no choice but to leap from the platform and onto Roger's elevation solution before the former clatters to the ground in a heap.

"What are you doing?!" she demands, looking more than a little out of her element as the group is whisked ever upward.

Frank has no trouble disembarking on the second floor, which is filled with barrels and crates and shelves of various supplies. This earns her another glare from the various Joss in the room.

"Be careful!" the thrice-Chosen calls up to her. "There is burning metal stored there that we haven't had time to move to the Fareskur."

Provided Roger takes her there, the once-Chosen will wait to disembark until the platform reaches the third floor.

"Are humans always so reckless?" she asks aloud, her tone not particularly expecting an answer. She frowns and pokes at the solidified vapor. "And, can all humans do this?"

Team Hospitality

It takes longer than anyone is comfortable with for the Joss to understand what Billy is telling them, shifting into and out of Solese as he is. When he does finally convey his point, they relax their stance slightly and peer down the nearest streets.

"Joss don't...that is to say, a mob would be unprecedented..." one of them begins, looking troubled. "Our people would never..."

"They could," the other says more firmly. He looks oddly satisfied. "Finally. It's been coming for a long time."

"Looks like someone's been buying Ajax drinks again. You've got to treat his stories as the fables they are. It's one thing to indulge our elders, but it's quite another to give credence to their rambling-"

The second Joss's eyes flash with anger, and he prods the first Joss with the tip of his club.

"Ajax was the greatest Architect we've ever had," he says forcefully. "And if he hadn't specifically asked us not to Choose him now that he's eligible again, he'd be an Architect today. Dares's heart is in the right place, but we needed stable, experienced leadership. Ajax should have trained him for longer, maybe waited another Choosing or two."

"Dares is an idiot," the first Joss snorts. "He was born an idiot, he's still an idiot, and no matter how much you groom him, he'll die one, too. You'll see what a visionary looks like, once we find Phorcys and give him his cords."

"Is that so?!" the second growls. "Your Phorcys would surrender decades of tradition, and for what? To play with the burning metal? To walk in the shoes of our former masters and make believe that makes us the same? I hope he fell off the bluffs and is never seen again."

"Yeah? Maybe I should throw you down to take a look!"

"Heathen!"

"Coward!"

At this point, the pair of guards throw down their weapons and begin to wrestle with each other, leaving the doorway to the Guest House perfectly accessible to you (and anybody else who may wish to enter it).
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:22, Wed 16 Aug 2023.

"HEY!" Billy shouts at the wrestling Joss guards.  He raises his arm and fires a beam of bright red into the sky.  Though the shot is silent, the flash of red bathes all four figures in front of the guest house, "Has no one in this city heard of a god damn compromise?!" He rounds on the Ajax fanboy, "Phorcys was killed by joss just like you who thought they could do better than the architects.  They conspired with the talpid who didn't trust them, for good reason apparently, and that's why your decades of tradition are currently rubble."

He wheels to the opposite guard, "And whether you like it or not, Dares is your leader.  If you really believe anyone born an idiot will die an idiot, then no one in this city is a visionary because none of you know shit and have actively avoided it for decades.  The fact that you'd rather dismiss him than see him educated or, god forbid, try to do it yourself is proof you're no better."

Taking a step back, Billy huffs a deep breath, "Maybe if the two of you, and for that matter, your whole culture, were less concerned with being right you could see an opportunity right in front of your face and be better," he gestures to the first guard, "Why not take your traditional values and make sure you're better people," he gestures to the other guard with his metal hand, "and actually study the burning metal to live better lives," he claps his hands together, "and at the end of the day accomplish better things than your old masters ever dreamed possible, because they were dicks." He huffs again, "But no, you'd rather fucking punch each other.  How about you just go join the rest of the mosh pit you fucking animals?" he points back the way he and Briggs came, his best angry parent expression locked in place as he tries to simultaneously glare down at the two guards and look up to meet their eyes.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 144):

No, she's just going to deactivate it, Aviva clarifies.

Reckless?  When?

Before, or possibly after, her questions are answered, Aviva begins to poke at the burning metal to see what she can identify.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 143):

"Nah, this is a me thing, far as I can tell, so far. But it's great! I love buildin' stuff, and now I don't have to walk around with a coat full-a junk all the time. I mean I still do it outta habit," Roger says, flapping his duster to cause a jingle.

He watches as Frank disembarks.

"Y'know I've done a lotta work with burning metal. I'm pretty good at removing it, making it safe, and having it do stuff you want it to do. When this is all over, I'm happy to take a look at what you have. Whether you keep it or send it away, it's good to know what you're workin' with."

The elevator reaches its destination.

"Third floor. Summoning and summoning-related accoutrements! I uh, assume."

He sets the platform comfortably down on the actual floor.

"Frank, Aviva... you two gonna chill down there or you comin' third floor with the rest of us? I don't know if there's a way up..."

He looks to the architect...

"...anymore."

...and adds a few more words between just the two of them.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Wed 16 Aug 2023.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 145):

Team Architects

"I've seen brashness before, but never to this extent. Or...rarely, perhaps. Among the more fervent Smashers and Chasers," the bolder once-Chosen says to Roger. "If it's more common in humans, it must be hard to get anything accomplished smoothly."

She hops off the platform and moves over toward the railing that separates the reception area from the Architect's seats, and wheels a large, convex object that looks a lot like a gong into the center of the room. She busies herself setting up a trio of braziers around it, setting them to smolder, and sprinkling fragrant herbs over them.

"It is my belief that we should consider sending the burning metal away to someone who was not involved in today's events. But I only speak once, and Dares seems willing to deal with the talpid, at least."

She glances downward.

"Can you bring my colleagues up here, perhaps? And the attendants?"

Team Hospitality

Billy's laser blast has the intended effect, and both Joss stop fighting immediately in favor of staring at him, mouths agape. Billy notices that Briggs has drawn his pistol reflexively in response to his discharge, as well, but the lieutenant quickly lowers it as he processes what has happened.

It takes the Joss a moment to snap out of their shock, and longer still for them to process Billy's words.

"Our people have compromised much, and often," the Ajaxian guard says stiffly. "But there is no middle ground on this matter. We either use the burning metal or we don't. We embrace the culture and heritage of our slavers, or we don't. Your Steamworks represents the only compromise I'd even consider--human technology is not derived from our former masters, and it is easier to trust it."

"I didn't say nobody could learn new things," the Phorcysian guard says defensively. "Just that Dares can't. We've been trying to get the Ajaxians to see the benefits of the burning metal for a long time. He, and many of his followers, remain willfully ignorant to better adhere to traditional purity. That's why-"

The Phorcysian guard stops abruptly.

"Someone...killed Phorcys..." he says says with dawning realization, his eyes betraying something between disbelief and pain. He looks accusingly at his fellow guard. "You couldn't out-Choose him, so you had him killed?!"

"Don't look at me," the Ajaxian guard says disgustedly. "I think your views on the burning metal are dangerous and wrong, but that doesn't mean I actually wanted him dead. Quieter, maybe, but not..."

His voice softens.

"Apologies. I didn't mean what I said, about wanting him to fall off the bluffs. I didn't know."

The Phorcyian guard waves him off, rounding instead on Billy.

"Who else knows about this? What's Dares planning to do about it? And what's this about the talpids? Are we under attack?"

“You don’t have to embrace your former masters ways in order to understand them.” Billy looks down at his hand for a moment before reaching up to twist the cuff at the end if his EVA’s sleeve.  With a small hiss and whine it releases and he pushes the sleeve up to his elbow and holds up his arm to show the full prosthetic that terminates half way up his forearm, “We have our own burning metal, I knew nothing about your masters before coming here.  I can shoot lasers just like their weapons, maybe even better.  But this is also my right hand, the only one I have.  If you understand the burning metal you don’t have to use what your masters made, you could make your own.  You could help the injured and feeble. You can choose not to make it a weapon.  But if there’s no middle ground you don’t even get to make that choice for yourselves,” Billy looks at the Ajaxian guard with almost pleading eyes before turning to the Phorcyian.

“The talpid representative spoke of the murder at the sight of the explosion, but he didn’t identify the victim and the crowd was pretty riled up by that point, anyone’s guess how many people took it in.  Dares and the other architects are with him and some of our people in the tower. No decision was made, the Talpid was hit with a rock and all hell broke loose before anything was declared.  The talpid think the burning metal is their birthright, they were taking it from the Fareskur but they have stopped and agreed to an armistice while their representative negotiates.  I had hoped for something mutually beneficial to come of this, the Talpid could take the burning metal and some Joss would be made responsible for oversight, to ensure they don’t become as unbearable as your masters, your people could learn how it works without having to abandon your principles.  And avoid this civil war, which I’m afraid is the only active conflict facing Havetplata.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 148):

"Smooth is usually last thought that goes through my head right before I fall on my ass."

He peers down at the joss below.

"Yup!"

The glowing platform zooms back to ground level and he motions to the architect's colleagues and attendants.

"Step on up. Not to code but totally mostly safe."

He'll gather up the willing and stop on the second floor to see if Aviva or Frank need a ride.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 149):

Down or... Aviva looks bewildered to see Roger approach.

Yup!  Aviva agrees, hoping onto the platform beside Roger.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 149):

I'm going to look through the material here to see if there's anything suitable for impro..

Frank's voice tails off as she all at once decides it's suboptimal to tell the Joss she's messing with bombs again

Improving our defenses!

Nailed it

Intuition: 12

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 151):

Team Hospitality

"Burning metal is dangerous," the Ajaxian guard reiterates, though he does look at Billy's detachable arm with new interest. "That mindset have served us well for a long time."

"It's our birthright just as much as the talpids. And you saw the benefits of the Steamworks, did you not?" the Phorcyian guard interjects. "That didn't harm our way of life."

"That technology is not derived from our former masters," the other joss replies sullenly. "In any case, it's up to Dares, not us. The treaties, the judgement, the leading, all of it. Our Duty is different."

The Phorcyian guard nods slightly.

"Yes, and on that point, the rioting and unrest is relevant. We are meant to protect the humans from harm and keep them from leaving Hevetplata. If a mob comes for them here, I don't see how we could possibly do both."

"Then don't," Briggs says, taking a step forward. "The best way to keep us safe is to let us go. It's the only reversible choice you have. We can return once your Architects have restored order, but we cannot be un-harmed, should the mob catch up with us first."

He turns toward Billy, judging his reaction to this suggestion.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:23, Thu 17 Aug 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 152):

Team Architects

Frank and Aviva pick over the second floor unimpeded, setting aside various items as potentially interesting and piling up useless, broken, or burned-out components in a different section of the floor.


They aren't finished by the time Roger stops for them, and so the platform rises to the third floor without them.

***

The four Joss spill out of it the moment they're able to safely disembark, and hurry over to the bolder once-Chosen with what dignity they can muster.

"You cannot conduct a Summoning unilaterally," the thrice-Chosen gripes once he gets close enough to be heard. "You speak but once among five voices."

"Do you have a better idea?" she replies, not pausing her efforts to set up whatever she's doing in the slightest. The other once-Chosen looks over at the thrice-Chosen with curiosity and, perhaps, hope.

"...well, no," he admits, wringing his hands nervously. "But I do want to talk it through before we commit to it. That's the procedure, after all."

"Under ordinary times, I'd agree. But this is an extraordinary threat. It requires quick, decisive action," the bolder once-Chosen says impatiently. "We can say it was your idea if you want, and retroactively approve it. Backdating the decision, even. Would that satisfy you?"

"That would be highly improper," the thrice-Chosen frowns, conflicted. "But...I suppose I can live with that. As long as we really do approve it retroactively, of course. First thing next session. I so motion. Is there a second?"

"Yes, fine, seconded, get into position," the bolder once-Chosen replies, handing the thrice-Chosen a large mallet wrapped with felt. He looks at her questioningly, and she smiles at him. "It is traditional for the one who speaks loudest among the Architects to conduct the summoning, is it not?"

"Oh! Oh, quite right. Yes, of course," the thrice-Chosen says with a nod. He gestures for the other once-Chosen to take his spot, waiting until everyone is in position. "Let us begin!"

The three braziers form a triangle around the large gong, and an Architect stands between each brazier to make a sort of living triangle of their own. The thrice-Chosen stands on the side the runs parallel to the gong's striking surface and begins to run the mallet in broad, slow circles around the disk's perimeter.

This creates the expected effect of a rolling percussion sound, which gets faster and louder as the thrice-Chosen Architect continues to move the mallet in increasingly smaller circles.

The other Architects and their attendants produce paddle-like fans from somewhere nearby, toss something onto the braziers, and scurry from brazier to brazier at regular intervals in time with the thrice-Chosen's rhythym.

In short order, the braziers belch forth steady plumes of smoke: one red, one blue, and one yellow. The three streams of smoke twist together like a braid as they rise toward the hole atop of the tower, and it's easy to think that anyone outside would be hard-pressed to miss the signal that will soon be towering above Hevetplata.

The five Joss are completely consumed in their task, leaving them unable to spare much attention to whatever the humans might want to be doing in the meantime.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:43, Thu 17 Aug 2023.

“Your duty was to make sure none of us fled Havetplata to avoid judgement.  If we evacutmate the injured and noncombatants under your guard they can be kept safe and you can be sure no one who leaves does so to avoid the rule of law,” Billy expands on Briggs’ loophole, “And if that’s not good enough, I threatened you with burning metal, I’m sure a couple paranoid people in the crowd saw that shot.  Either way you did your duty to the best if your ability.  Now help us with the injured, we have to get to the great lift.”

Differences mostly settled, Billy marches into the guest house, “We’re evacuating.  Anyone in better shape than I left them?  We’ve got an angry mob possibly en route and our warm welcome is definitely worn out.  Also the ship’s collateral for mole people.  If anyone still wasn’t aware, there’s a working spaceship.  Rebecca, you’re staying with me.  Xander, I don’t know what Peyton did with Abraxas but I would love if you can get him to stand between the angry mob and the noncombatants just as a nice to have once you’re out there.  Invictus, you guys had some vehicles not far off from the city, right?  Might be a good place to reconnoiter while we figure out the whole civil unrest thing.  Actually who’s in charge of your crew, I know I’m in charge of my company and Briggs is running his…” Billy stops short as he rattles off orders to look between Wren and Lincoln, raising a finger to point at one and then flick to the other slightly out of sync with his head.  He doesn’t say anything but the silent question is obvious.

Whether he gets an answer he quickly moves on, “Ibis, you stick with the injured.  Hilda, this is, uh, what’re your names?” Billy turns to address the guards, assuming they followed him but not having paid attention as he stormed the guest quarters, “I’m sure they’ll be lovely conversation while they keep you safe from locals and wildlife.  Gestalt…Xander’s in charge.  Xander, then the pilot, then the healer, then the translator, then you.” Billy narrows his eyes as he looks at his personal assistant with a judgmental but not altogether hostile look, “And if the ambassador wakes up he outranks you too.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Thu 17 Aug 2023.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 154):

"Just gimme a shout when you're ready to get on my level," Roger says to Frank and Aviva -- smiling as he and the others pass by the second floor.

As the summoning begins, Roger watches wide-eyed, consulting his bracer immediately.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Thu 17 Aug 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 155):

Aviva continues to pick through the bins of burning metal.  Temporarily oblivious to her surroundings.

Aviva helps her, temporally oblivious to her surroundings

Broken

Good

Broken

Good

WILL be broken

Nope

Worthless

OOh, shiny!

Broken

What even is...

Nope
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Sat 19 Aug 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 155):

Frank makes quick work of her shopping list, and returns to the former elevator opening covered in wires, battery packs, circuit boards, and other clearly forbidden doodads.

She raised her voice skyward.

Uppies?

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 157):

"Hang on Frank, shit's gettin' real up here."

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 158):

Team Architect

Aviva helps Frank pick out various components, using helpful phrases like "that one didn't work when we tried it later" as justification. Barring extraordinary feats of gymnastics, however, the two are stuck on the second floor until Roger takes the time to bring them back up.

The colorful outpouring of smoke continues to braid itself upward for quite some time, but nothing further happens. Eventually, the braziers sputter out and return to normal, less-visible smoke, at which point the Architects cease their movements and take a moment to rest.

"That went rather well, I think," the thrice-chosen says, massaging his mallet-wielding wrist gently with his other hand. "Hopefully they're paying attention. We haven't had a summoning in many cycles. At least two Choosings ago, I should think."

The other Architects nod their agreement, with the bolder one's eyes traveling upward to gaze upon the loops of colorful smoke still lingering high in the sky above the tower.

"They'll see it," she says confidently. "They'll come."


Team Hospitality

"We're closer to jailors than bodyguards," the Ajaxian guard sniffs, though he does shy away from Billy when he mentions burning metal. "But...you have a point. If the mob descends upon us, Joss and humans alike will be hurt. That serves no one."

"So, what, we're to help you escape?" the other guard frowns. "You are suspected of terrorism, we can't just-"

"Let's get them inside first," the Adjaxian guard interrupts, waving Billy and Briggs toward him. "Wouldn't want the mob to see any humans wandering about the streets right now. We can talk through the Great Lift bit in a moment."

The guards remain at their post while Billy and Briggs enter the lobby, head down the ramp, and join the others holed up in the bunk room.

The reaction to Billy's announcement is varied.

The Invictus troops surge to their feet the moment the see Briggs, but the lieutenant waves them down with a gesture.

"No, he's right. The mission's scrapped," Briggs says, glancing sharply over at Featherlight, who is still using a wheelchair made of solidified light. To his credit, he moves on without missing much of a beat. "Best thing to do is get out of town, maybe send another envoy party later, when things have died down. Might not even be necessary, given the...well...the spaceship."

The other soldiers nod and fall in, and Billy notes that they were already packed up and ready to move.

Rebecca and Xander nod at Billy's instructions, and quickly move to gather their things.

"Everything gets easier once we're clear of the jamming field pervading the city," Xander says. "Abraxas can be wherever we need him."

Fenwick and Wren exchange glances when the matter of Exsillium leadership is  brought up, and the latter steps forward.

"This is Lincoln's delegation, but I speak for us on all matters not related to diplomacy," she says. "Doubly so, while the man is indisposed. We do have vehicles parked a short distance from the city. Are you suggesting we split up, or are you asking if we picked a place with enough room and shelter for everyone here?"

"We have vehicles, as well," Briggs volunteers. "Along with tents and the like, comfortable enough for some time in the field. I'm sure we can find appropriate terrain once we know how many people we need to shelter."

Ibis frowns from her place between the two hammocks containing the recuperating Lincoln and Fu-Chi.

"They cannot be safely moved," she cautions. "Neither I nor the Goddess will take responsibility if they worsen during transit."

Hilda smiles as Billy gives her an actual job to do, and rushes up the ramp to meet with the guards for whom she will be providing translation services in the immediate future.

Gestalt takes Billy's pronouncement of his place on the food chain in stride, though he does fold his arms unhappily across his chest.

"And what, pray tell, will you and our science officer be doing while the rest of us are cowering in our captured ship or in the alien wilderness?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:03, Tue 22 Aug 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 159):

"Who's coming?" Roger asks, sizing up the horizontal and vertical gap between his position on the third floor and his teammates' on the second.

"Hmm... how 'bout..."

[Manipulate Ichor: 28, Failure]

His solid circular floating platform turns into a walkway that begins to extend down to Aviva and Frank but twists itself into something resembling an angular, jagged pretzel before it makes it halfway to them.

"Well, screwed that one up! Sorry dudes, I'll try again. Gimme a sec.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

“Making peace with aliens, I guess?” Billy shrugs at Gestalt, which somehow manages to appear as a manic gesture, “You know, mission statement or whatever.  I’ve been making it up as I go since this morning, I usually don’t go this long without a break.  Or a drink.”

Billy addresses Briggs and Wren, “I don’t care where you go but we saw Exilium roll up, it wasn’t too far off.  We just need a place everyone can hunker down that’s far enough to avoid mob violence and close enough that the guards don’t start to chafe about it.  No one splits up without the guard’s explicit approval unless you don’t give a shit about genuine diplomacy, or the rest of us and if that’s the case announcing it loudly and clearly beforehand would be a huge help.”

“Alright, so how bad is it?” Billy steps up to Ibis and the two seriously injured members of the collective, “What would it take to make you comfortable moving them?  Stretcher?  One if those?” he waves at featherlight’s hardlight wheelchair, “Life support?  I’m trying to be understanding about your goddess’s mysterious ways and shit, but we aren’t safe here and I need Fu Chi cognizant sooner than later so if divinity doesn’t have what it takes to fix him I need you to help me out with what’s missing.  And if she can but won’t I’m gonna need you to explain that one too because I’m getting ready to call bullshit and I’d rather not bring a theological debate on top of everything else I hate about today.”

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 161):

Team Architect

"Friends," the thrice-chosen assures Roger. He seems content to leave it at that, until the bolder once-chosen jabs him sharply with her elbow. "What? They are!"

The bolder once-chosen sighs and hops forward.

"You may have noticed that our people are assigned Duties every cycle, with no time set aside for leisure," she says. "That is a relatively new occurrence, ushered in by the Architects several Choosings ago."

She gestures toward the colorful smoke.

"We used to perform a Summoning every dozen cycles. It tells the whole of Hevetplata that there will be no Duties assigned for the next three cycles. It also serves as an invitation to local entertainers, merchants, and performers, all of whom are welcome to gather here during the Duty-free period."

"Not all," the thrice-Chosen corrects her. "The landflyktige remain unwelcome."

The other Joss nod absently, as though this could have gone unspoken.

"The end result is rather festive," the once-Chosen concludes. "It will distract the populace during this difficult time for long enough for us to determine the truth behind these accusations. It is also my hope that this gesture will placate at least a portion of the mob, and reassure the progressive voices among them that even if Dares here speaks the loudest, we are not entirely resistant to change."

"What about the rubble, Dictys? The cleanup efforts shouldn't be halted for three cycles," the more timid of the once-Chosen asks his counterpart.

The bolder once-Chosen, Dictys, smiles reassuringly.

"Fear not. The talpids have been declared landflyktige, though I move that we grant an exception to this one for the duration of the investigation. And those who have been sentenced to a Duty as punishment are not freed from this obligation by the Summoning. There is precedent for that, Dares, so you needn't fret over the optics."

"It's a good plan," Dares, the thrice-Chosen, nods happily. "I'm glad I thought of it. Speaking of which, we really should formalize that so I can start working on this evening's speech..."

Team Hospitality

Briggs and Wren glance at each other for a moment.

"We'll strike our camp and merge into yours," Briggs says at last. "Taking one of the guards with us, of course. It shouldn't take long to make things comfortable enough for what I hope will be the short duration of our stay."

Ibis listens quietly to Billy's none-too-subtle accusation, but the confident serenity of her body language does not change.

"The Goddess has granted these men succor, but they remain bound by mortal limitations. They were trapped in a toxic environment with no protection, neither the shield of faith nor an appropriate EVA suit. They are damaged on the inside in ways I don't fully understand. Still, I know enough about such injuries to know that they should be kept still. If they must be moved, it should be done with a stretcher and a sturdy brace to support the neck, back, and head."

She looks Billy in the eyes.

"I have done what I can, in Her name, to repair their bodies, but there is little I can do to hasten the recovery of their minds. I have learned that extending Her grace directly upon a wound of this nature can be...detrimental to my patients. Our brains cannot endure it. They must recover on their own."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 162):

"Ah!" Roger says. "Humans call that holiday. Who else besides talpids are landflyktige? I'm down to help clear the rubble if you don't mind me using my incredible other-dimensional skills and building abilities."

He points to cue the convoluted walkway jutting out into midair.

[Manipulate Ichor: 14, Failure]

The pretzel tightens until there's a wretched sound of groaning and scraping metal followed by the sound of cracking--then shattering--glass as translucent turquoise shards rain down on the first floor as the walkway suffers utter catastrophic failure.

"Ooh, sorry! Sorry!"

He grits his teeth and shrugs sheepishly at the architects.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

"Fine, stretcher and brace," Billy's tone remains tense but he clearly doesn't want to press the issue of the limits to Ibis and her goddess's powers.  He looks at Featherlight, "You got any more of that stuff?" he waves vaguely at her wheelchair.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 163):

Performance anxiety? And at a time like this? How disappointing.

Frank turns her gaze to the wall opposite exposed platform, walking around the side so her hand can touch the wall behind the opening.

[Fighting: 92]

Hey Aviva, you any good at climbing?

Frank's hand seems to melt into the wall, leaving a perfect hand hold in it's place. A cautious tap with her toe yields a very similar welcome. She eats a canary of self satisfaction and begins her ascent with ease.

On our way up!

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 165):

Aviva looks up from a crate of parts, startled look on her face as if she didn't even notice Frank was there.

Climbing?

Oh, handholds, that'll help!

I remember the first time I went rock climbing, actually!  She drops what she was poking at and dances toward the opening in the floor.

It might have been THIS time!

Aviva gives Frank space then follows after.

Wait, which way are you going?

In reply to Aviva (msg # 166):

"Wait, let me - give me just... nope, you know what? That totally works. Totally works. Probably the safest solution," Roger says as he watches the pair begin their ascent.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 167):

Team Architect

Frank and Aviva put in the sweaty work required to manually ascend to the third floor. They've only just arrived when Dares turns to address Roger directly.

"I believe I, at least, should return to the ground floor and prepare to receive the populace. Can you regenerate your colorful lift for me?"

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 168):

Team Hospitality

Featherlight blinks at Billy, her expression twisted into an enduring scowl that brightened only vaguely when Briggs arrived at the scene. When the Lieutenant nods encouragingly, she sighs.

"...I suppose I can still be of some use, then. Yes."

With a tired gesture, she conjures pinpricks of light into a grid around her, traces the air with her fingertips as if playing connect-the-dots, and ultimately fuses them into a pair of incandescent wheelchairs.

"There. They'll last long enough to get us outside the city, as long as we don't dither around."

She fixes Briggs with a glance that holds the barest hint of a smile, buried deep within her lingering pain and exhaustion.

"Which suits me fine. I'm afraid I've quite lost my appetite for dithering at the moment. Sir."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:00, Thu 24 Aug 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 168):

"I... uh... sure" Roger says, face looking slightly damp with sweat.

He looks over the edge of the floor and fixes his gaze on the pile of sharp energy shards below.

"Hey!" he shouts downward in a slow cadence through cupped hands. "Become a colorful lift again and get up here."

[Manipulate Ichor: 23, Failure]

The pile of shards vibrates, then settles in deeply, appearing even more lifeless than before Roger's command.

"Well I guess that doesn't work."

He turns back to the architects.

"I can, I'm just not very good at it. Gimme a second, I'll give it another try."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 169):

"They shall serve," Ibis says, carefully beginning the process of transferring each patient to their shiny new conveyances. "As must we all."

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 170):

Team Architect

The Joss just stare at Roger with "oh-get-on-with-it" expression that's impossible to misinterpret.

One might have snickered a bit, but quickly stifled it.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 172):

Is it a good idea to go down yet?  Aviva raises an eyebrow

They're here soon.

And they seemed pretty dangerous before.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 173):

"Oh right. Yeah. Can never count on a mob to disband. I'll go check it out."

He looks down at shard pile. "Hey, how 'bout stairs with one set for Frankie on the second floor there?"

[Manipulate Ichor: 65, Success]

Sure enough, the staircase materializes per Roger's specifications.

"Wait here, we gotta recon."

He heads down to the ground floor and waves at Frank as he passes by then flashes a thumbs up.

"Looks like a good haul!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Thu 24 Aug 2023.

“Good, great, yeah It’ll serve,” Billy lets out a deep sigh as the two are loaded and the group is apparently ready for travel.  He ascends back to the guest house entrance to make sure their guards aren’t going to insist on further dithering.  “We’re ready to move.  Under your supervision,” he makes a gracious gesture to the guards as he glances at Hilda, hoping whatever conversation they might’ve gotten up to has encouraged the whole “protect the human populace” plan.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 174):

Frank slides down the wall before pushing herself off and onto Roger's platform.

Roger dear, is there a reason we're leaving the easily defended high ground to return to the point of dangerous ingress?

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 176):

It's tactics... but backward? Aviva looks confused.

Aviva shrugs at her.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 177):

"Yeah I was just gonna go check to make sure the coast is clear. The architects want to make a statement. Go 'head and take the high ground if that's what you're into," Roger says, standing aside to give Frank a clear path up the crystalline, spiraling staircase.

"Point of dangerous ingress actually sounds kinda cool."

He heads down the stairs.

[Generate Ichor: 62, Success]

A thick green mist kicks up around him as he descends.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 178):

Team Hospitality

You're not exactly sure what Hilda told the guards, but both of them seem resigned to their fate as they lead the knot of humans from the Guest House to the Great Lift. They make a show of counting the humans present, though they keep getting distracted by a tall plume of colorful braided smoke that can be clearly seen rising from center of the city.

"What's that mean?" Hilda asks, pointing at it.

"It's a Summoning," the Ajaxian guard says. "Several cycles of rest for most of the city, excluding essential Duties that cannot go undone."

The Phorcyian guard sighs.

"Looks like we'll be spending the first Summoning in a dozen Turns as your prisoner/escorts. Come on. If we're going, we should go."

The guards make no move to activate the Great Lift until all of the humans have boarded it.

***

The already long descent is made all the more interminable by the specter of being caught in the vulnerable position of being half-down by the mob, but you're able to reach the bottom of the Lift without incident.

"This way," Wren says, hopping off the lift with enviable grace. "We have a good hour's hike through the grassland ahead of us, so here's hoping those wheelchairs can cover this kind of terrain."

Team Architects

Dares, the thrice-chosen architect, bounds toward the doorway as soon as he reaches the bottom floor and begins to unfasten the heavy beam of timber laying across the entrance. He's barely made any progress lifting it before the door buckles against a series of heavy impacts that could only generously be terming knocking.

"Open up, Dares!" a deep, muffled voice bellows through the door. "I demand an audience!"

"There will be no formal audiences until after the Summoning," he replies through the door. "Surely you saw it?"

"OPEN UP!"

The heavy knocking repeats, louder and longer this time. Dares fumbles to remove the bar from the door and creaks it open ever-so-slightly, just wide enough to poke his head out.

At least, that was his intention. The Joss on the other side shoves the door wide open with such suddenness that Dares nearly tumbles forward. When he steadies himself, he finds himself standing in the center of the doorway facing a rather dense crowd of his fellow citizens.

"Where's the talpid, Dares?" demands a large Joss standing nearer to the door than the rest. "Where's the humans? Are they HERE?"

"Well, yes, but-"

The rest of his answer is lost in a chorus of angry shouts. Dares looks as though he's about to shy away, but then he notices an elderly Joss standing off to one side among the rest of the crowd. There is little anger in his eyes, and he gives Dares an encouraging nod.

"Of course they are here!" Dares announces, raising his voice and taking on more authoritative tone. "They MUST be. For it is our Duty to judge and sentence them."

The large, angry Joss sneers at him.

"And have you?"

"We have," Dares sniffs. "We have Decided many things. We declare the talpid to be landflyktige for his role in the disaster. The humans, we find less culpable. They shall take up Penal Duties until such time as their debt to our people is repaid. The first is Cleanup Duty, which they will undertake as soon as it is safe for them to proceed."

"And what of the Summoning, Dares? The city's in ruins!"

Dares falters for a moment, and the bolder once-Chosen brushes past him to address the crowd.

"Hevetplata is wounded," she says loudly. "And how do you care for a wound?"

She waits a half beat before continuing.

"With rest and relaxation! We are all tired, my friends. We are shocked and appalled. Our hearts are heavy with the sense of betrayal and loss. But if we lash out, we only aggravate the injury!"

The large, angry Joss folds his arms grumpily over his chest, but you note that the elder Joss is considering the bolder once-chosen carefully, his expression unreadable to human eyes.

"Thus we Speak," the once-Chosen continues. "Stand down. Go home. Eat, drink, and grieve. There will be no Duties tomorrow, nor for the two cycles following it. We must come together. Grow together. Heal together. And, together, we shall carry on!"

This simple speech placates much of the crowd, and many Joss have already started to disperse when a small Joss shoulders her way over to the elder Joss and jabbers something to him rapidly. The elder Joss blinks, pats her on the head, and clears his throat loudly. Whoever he is, the bulk of the crowd lingers to hear his words.

"The Great Lift is in motion," he says, hopping forward a bit. "Either the Summoning has brought guests to our city far sooner than it ever has before...or the humans have decided on a Judgement of their own."

The large, angry Joss glances sharply in the direction of the Great Lift.

"Commission Riders!" he snarls. "Bring them back!"

"That is not for you to Decide," the elder Joss replies, gesturing instead toward the Architects. "Well, Dares? How do you Speak?"

The thrice-Chosen wrings his hands, glances back over his shoulder, and peers toward the Great Lift.

"...we must confer," he says at last. "A moment."

"We don't HAVE a moment," the angry Joss spits. He hefts his club and points toward the stables. "If you will not commission Riders, I will do it myself. Who's with me?!"

A chorus of angry voices yell their assent from the crowd.

"You forget your place," the elder Joss warns. "You'll be banished for this!"

"You don't Speak for our people anymore, Ajax," the angry Joss laughs. "Dares doesn't have the guts to banish me. And he knows what will happen if he tries."

He taps his club against the palm of his hand for emphasis, smirks at Dares, then charges toward the stables with a sizable following in tow.

Ajax shakes his head as he watches them go, sighs, and hops over to stand beside Dares and the bolder once-Chosen.

"The hotheaded fool just handed himself over on a platter," the elder Joss says. "But his aims are useful enough political cover. Let him gather the wayward humans for us, then reprimand him accordingly. After the Summoning."

Dares nods, but the bolder once-Chosen shakes her head.

"If you let them go, someone's going to get hurt," she says. "We should stop them."

"Anyone we send to stop them will run the same risk of harm," Ajax replies flatly. "The humans can handle themselves. With any luck, they'll solve some problems for us along the way."

The bolder once-Chosen looks uncomfortable, but Dares nods again in agreement.

"I'm glad you're here, Ajax," Dares says. "Come in, come in! We could use your guidance."

He ushers Ajax into the building, leaving the bolder once-Chosen alone with what's left of the crowd outside.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:12, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 179):

"What're you... no, wait, let me... what? Don't open it!" Roger says as Dares pushes past him and unbars the door. "There's a mob out there! I was going to check! You... unbelievable..."

Roger throws up his hands and watches the scene unfold between the architects and angry Joss. When the angry joss storms out and the architects begin casting lots, he speaks up -- addressing the Joss named Ajax.

"Hey. Nuh uh. I get that the big guy is a problem for you, but my friends aren't pawns. That's a dangerous plan, letting him go after them. What's his deal? I'll get out there and handle it."

He stops to note that the mist he generated on his way down the stairs has largely dispersed.

"Damn, this stuff just doesn't want to stick around."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

Once the group gets to the great lift and everyone else is aboard Billy taps Rebecca and moves to go back into tue city.  At any objection from the guards he waves them off “You weren’t assigned to guard me in the first place.  And I did a prisoner exchange,” he waves between Rebecca and Briggs where he stands on the lift, “I need her to get to the Architects without fighting my way through the crowd anyway.  That was my duty, work with the architects right? This is fine, don’t worry about us, we’re not leaving the city it’s great.” He taps Rebecca’s shoulder, gives her a small nod and in Solese says simply “Run,” before turning on his own heel and bolting into the city toward the smoking tower.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 181):

I... don't understand Aviva cocks her head to one side, watching the Joss run toward the front door to commit apparent suicide.

Yes, EX-ACT-LY Aviva emphasizes, ignoring her

Aviva points with two fingers.  So... that opens, but they go back out again?

Yes, but only because WE just came in

Oh... so sort of like their Tactics-in-Reverse?

As the crowd of Joss starts to break up, Aviva leans toward Roger to whisper conspiriatorily once it happens, I'll explain it if it's hard to follow along

Very surprising, Aviva agrees

In reply to Aviva (msg # 182):

"Wait, once what happens? Do I not track the big guy down and club him over the head with a bigger stick than the one he's got? Y'mean just let him go?"

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 183):

Aviva shrugs in helpless resignation. Nope, you don't.

That's just how it goes sometimes

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 183):

Team Architect

"Our loud, angry, boisterous friend is called Sirap," Ajax says, turning his attention toward Roger with a tired smile. "But there is no need for any great haste. He and his followers--Phorycians, all--will reach the stable to find it empty. All of our steeds are currently working on the excavation efforts, and have been for some time."

"Even if, having seen the Summoning announcement, their handlers are in the process of returning them to the stables, the animals are quite spent for the day. They will not be able to conduct anything resembling a merry chase until morning. And by then, I firmly believe cooler heads will have prevailed. Sirap's temper is like a cloud blowing across the sun. It does not linger."

He gestures toward the doorway.

"But you needn't take my word for it. If you would forsake the protection of the State, as perhaps your fellows have done, we will not force it upon you. You are free to go."

"They are NOT free to go," the bolder once-Chosen states flatly. "They are bound to uphold their Penal Duty, on pain of banishment."

"Yes, yes," Ajax waves dismissively. "They are free to go UNTIL MORNING, then. At which point you must present yourselves here at first light for the commencement of your Duty."

Dares looks between Ajax and the bolder once-Chosen, then nods at Roger.

"Thus we Speak. You may go, if you wish, but if you do not return by first light, do not return at all."

Team Laser Fist (Billy, Rebecca)

Billy and his trusty (if juvenile) Science Officer run down the spoke-like road that winds between the Great Lift and the Guest House, heading toward the Inner Rim and the Architect's Mound with all positive speed.

They do not know that, parallel to them and just a few spokes over, an angry horde of Joss led by the foul-tempered Sirap is charging toward the Outer Wheel with violence in mind.

Team Hospitality

Wren and Briggs continue to lead the bulk of the humans onward toward their vehicles' hidden parking area, escorted by a pair of nervous, grumbling Joss.

They haven't gone too far before Xander perks up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've got signal!" he says, not bothering to mask his delight. "Wow. That's a lot of missed calls. Sofia, can you triag-"

"Already on it."

Though nobody gives an order to this effect, the humans self-segregate into knots of GunBlazer, Invictus, and Exsilium personnel, speaking quietly among themselves as they hurry along.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 18:38, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 185):

"Okay well what about Dolom then?" he says loudly, hoping to invite comment from Aviva and Frank.

"And lemme make sure I got it," he says, in a more conversational volume. ""It's Ajax, Dares... and you are, sorry?" He poses his question to the once-chosen.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 186):

Not sorry at all, Aviva twists her mouth as if she had eaten something sour

Also... who?

In reply to Aviva (msg # 187):

Team Architect

"Dictys," the bolder once-Chosen replies to Roger. "And my quieter counterpart is called Deilós."

She glances over at Dolom.

"Dolom has been banished, but we cannot release him until he provides the name of the murderer and their conspirators. After that, his banishment can begin in earnest."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 188):

"Banished! Wow! I don't know. I mean, I didn't see him do anything wrong. People are saying he did, but nobody really has any proof, right? And even... OK, let's say he did. He also stuck his neck out -- slash, is going to stick his neck out even further -- when he gives you those names. And he already took a rock to the face. If he's not welcome here, and he's suddenly not welcome among his own after he turns on them, where does he go? Out there?"

Roger gestures broadly to the surrounding area beyond Hevetplata.

"I mean, we had one of our own get snatched up by a terrasque out in the grasslands -- and he was wearing burning metal when it happened... and that didn't even protect him. Dolom would be entirely exposed. I dunno. Kinda sounds like you maybe might be sending him to die. Brave little Dolom, out there on his own, tragically eaten by the megafauna. I don't know how a just society can do that."

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 189):

Team Architect

"The mob's reaction is regrettable. That's why he's here, under our protection. And once he has recovered sufficiently to continue his story, we would hear the rest of it and take action against the other conspirators. But it is his own testimony condemns him. He, and his people, planted burning metal with destructive potential beneath our city. To facilitate ROBBING it. The sentence is light by comparison."

Dictys shrugs.

"Landflyktige can go wherever the like, aside from Hevetplata. Perhaps they could try the human outcasts. Nevertheless, if his people find themselves ostracized everywhere they go, perhaps they should rethink their choices."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 190):

"Oh. Your protection? Got it."

He motions Aviva and Frank over for a quick huddle.

"Look, the mob's out for Bill and co. I feel like someone should get out and warn 'em... hop into the fire if need be. But I'm not sure how safe Dolom is here by himself. What do you dudes think?"

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 191):

Not just Billy.. that's our way out when we need it!

Right, can't have our exits cut off, can we Frank? Aviva folds arms across her chest and chews on her lip in thought.

We leave Dolom on the top floor, that'll slow them down if they get tetchy.

A bit, not forever Aviva whips her head around to the sides of the building.

No

So: we'll have to split up.  Defensive group and Team RescueBillyFastWithoutGettingMobbed!

OR Defensive Group and Team Intercept the Interceptors before they GET to Billy
This message was last edited by the player at 18:36, Wed 30 Aug 2023.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 192):

"Frank, you want to guard the VIP or put your riot gear on?"

OOC - Will leave it here for Roger until Frank is back and responds.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 193):

Aviva nods furtively.

Yep, you already asked me that.

Aviva holds up one hand and points to various creases as if they were a map clear as day.

Billy goes down THIS road, they split up HERE, but we intercept him HERE!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Sat 09 Sept 2023.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 194):

OOC: We've waited a week now. Frank will be put on "auto-follow" until they return. We'll keep her on guard-the-talpid/protect-the-tower duty until she comes back, at which point if she would have gone with Roger we can poof her there all along.

Team Architect

Frank gives no indication that she intends to follow Roger out into the mob-infested city streets to follow the angry, violence-prone Joss who just tore off toward the stables.

If Roger and Aviva want to leave the building, the Architects don't seem inclined to stop them.

Team Hospitality

Billy and Rebecca continue to hurry toward the city center, still blissfully unaware of the more violent Joss heading for the stables parallel to them. They haven't made much progress in the last few seconds, of course...

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 195):

"Nah, we can't leave Dolom up there. If he's anything like me, he's gonna get hungry."

He waves his hands and the staircase turns into a gentle sloping slide with high sides.

"Hey Dolom, slip on down! The rock throwers are gone."

Roger steps outside to see if he can spot the movement or tracks of the mob.

"We may need to get a bird's eye on this, Aviva," he says.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:37, Mon 11 Sept 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 196):

Aviva goes crosseyed for a second.

Well THAT was weird, she points at the slide.

Oh, no, they ALWAYS go down

In reply to Aviva (msg # 197):

Team Architect

Aviva, it turns out, DOES know which road you will later find Billy on, and indicates as much to Roger when she has a moment.

When Roger calls out to Dolom, however, all of the Architects are equally opposed.

"Dolom is the only material witness to the murder and the bomb-laying. He will remain here until we have identified and captured his co-conspirators."

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 193):

Frank heaves a loud sigh as the all too predictable scene plays out before her.

This is why you don't leave the well defended high ground..

Roger dear, it seems as though there's a rather angry mob intent on killing our captain. Shall we intervene?

The sweetness of her tone belies none of the casual menace evident on Frank's face as she cracks her neck and knuckles and braces for battle in the streets.

Turning into my kind of party

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 199):

Aviva smiles.

Let's Go then!

In reply to Aviva (msg # 200):

"Yeah Dolom can stay, I just didn't want him up there by himself."

Roger steps outside the building and looks at the map on his bracer he generated from Aviva's.

"So we meet up here?" he asks, pointing to the stop Aviva did previously.

As he awaits her answer, he holds out his arm. On his wrist, wisps of vapor coalesce into a strange corvid-looking bird, both a crow or raven but at the same time, neither. Its clicks and caws end with a strange harmonic resonance, like the hum of a wine glass.
This message was last updated by the player at 12:30, Mon 11 Sept 2023.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 201):

Team Architect

Roger exits into the sunshine as he summons his vaporous "clockwork" crow and consults the holographic map that represents a combination of his and Aviva's efforts, followed quickly by Aviva and Frank.

They are not alone.

The immediate threat of the mob has subsided, at least for now, but there are still plenty of Joss gathering to see what the Summoning was all about, or to see the Architects for other matters. There is much murmuring and pointing as Roger creates and deploys his construct, though nobody actually does anything to hinder your efforts.

Aviva is able to trace a rough path on Roger's map that shows, more or less, the route you will have taken when you encounter Billy. It heads to the east, in a straight line along the spoke-paths leading from the Architect tower to the Great Lift.

The angry Joss who recently departed with violence in mind went more to the northeast, toward the stables. You will not encounter them along the same path (unless somebody made a wrong turn along the way.)

Team LaserFist

Billy and Rebecca are huffing and puffing and likely wishing they'd invested more time in cardio as they continue to dash toward the Architect's tower. They cross the Middle Wheel without incident; only a few more "blocks" to go, now!

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 202):

Yuppers!  Though Billy wasn't happy to see us.  He made THIS face, Aviva demonstrates

Frankie, my friend, Aviva notes in an uncharacteristically cool tone probably best to keep the weapons holstered and the fists unclenched.  These Joss are a teeny bit on edge

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 202):

Roger does his best Aviva impersonation.

"We don't go that way," he says, referring to the stables.

He picks a straight-line intercept path to Billy and hustles on his way.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 204):

Frank, Aviva, and Roger hurry down the side street, not being particularly careful to avoid attention at the moment. It doesn't take them more than a few minutes to nearly collide with Billy and Rebecca, who are barreling toward the Architect's tower down the very same street at a headlong dash.

Merge Teams

OOC: There are, of course, other "teams" in play (notably, Dolom and the Architects, plus whatever's happening back at your ship and at the Exsillium/Invictus camps where the other humans are headed), but with no PCs among those teams they don't need to be separately delineated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:25, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 205):

"Whew! Holy crow. Glad you dudes are OK. That got super dicey back there. Where'd everybody go? Architects are back at the tower, along with Dolom. Thought for sure the mob would be on you. They were headed for the stables to find horses to chase you dudes down. Architects seemed to think the horses will be tired... but I dunno about that. So are we sticking around for the judicial stuff. I'm not too keen on gettin' locked up again."

He takes a deep breath and rests his hands on the tops of his knees.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 206):

"Not horses," Rebecca says, struggling to catch her breath. "Birds. They're...well, you've seen them. They resemble large members of the Order casuariiformes."

She looks over the various blank faces around her (save perhaps Frank's), then frowns.

"They're like emus. Or ostriches. Maybe they tire more easily than a horse would."

Rebecca glances over at the stuffed doll perched upon her shoulder.

"Percy's right," she nods. "I wouldn't bet my life on that."

She blinks and notices Roger's spectral crow for the first time.

"Oooh! What's that?!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:49, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

"I wait what?" Billy replies breathlessly to Roger as Rebecca explains taxonomy, "It's been like 15 minutes, what happened?  You guys abandoned the mole we're supposed to be protecting?  Who's chasing us?  I thought the mob was at the tower, who needs horse...birds?" Billy looks helplessly across the new half of the group, "What the fuck?!" he finally concludes.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 208):

"Becks, right on! Good to see ya." Roger says, offering her a high five. "Oh, this is uh, some kinda aerial surveillance device that's intended to look like local fauna. You be the judge."

"The mob heard that the great lift was in motion and went berserk with pitchforks and things of that nature. Big ol' guy leading 'em, too. I'm sure he won't be a problem or anything later..." he says to Billy. " But if you're worried about the mole, Bill, let's go find the mole. We thought you guys were in more danger than him. Odds are they're just gonna try him and exile him. He's longflickticka or whatever. Your call."

"I am so done with this comm interference," Billy grumbles, "Everyone took the lift to get away from the mob if the mob is chasing them that's bad.  They've got injured and noncombatants," Flicking his gaze between the lift and the tower Billy seems as torn as he's ever been, "Ugh, we need to make nice with the aliens, go stop that mob.  Talk them down or..." he sweeps his gaze across the other four before jabbing his finger at Frank, "Nonlethal!" his finger quickly jumps to Roger, and then Rebecca pointing at each sternly to emphasize the same point, "No brain melting."  He ends pointing at the pair of Aviva, but the stern finger wilts as he gives a defeated sigh.

"I'm going to keep an eye on the mole, I gave him my word," Billy sighs again before heading off the way the other three just came from, "Try to be the good guy and everyone you work with is terrorists, what did you expect?" he grumbles to himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:19, Wed 13 Sept 2023.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 210):

"Hey you, go check on the posse," Roger says, nudging the crow on his shoulder. It lets out an eerie call which sounds like it's echoing in a tile room before taking to the sky. "So you're saying crowd control?"

"They're still under guard, just convince the mob to stop chasing them!" Billy replies as he continues up the road.

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 212):

"Oh! Got it."

Roger turns to Rebecca, Aviva, and Frank.

"We just have to get them to stop."

He shakes his head and consults his bracer, waiting for a very primative top-down view of the aggravated masses and their whereabouts.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 213):

Do you mean STOP chasing or STOP before they get here?

No, but slowing down is just the same

Aviva bumps into an errant Joss, apologizing profusely

Right, take the wind out of their kites, let them cool off?

Aviva leaps to one side

Watch it! Aviva waggles a finger at her.

Aviva cocks her head to one side and eyes Billy's pointed finger.

I would never Aviva crosses a hand over her heart

In reply to Aviva (msg # 214):

I wonder, what if.. let's try!

Frank reaches into her belt pouch. She runs an uncovered finger as a scythe across the thorny stem, rendering it inert. She returns the naked stem to her pouch, removes a black petal leaf, and places it in her closed fist with the thorns.

Roger dear, is your crow a crop duster?

With that, Frank slams her fist over her mouth and swallows the plant detritus whole. Her body begins convulsing as she falls to the ground.

[Alchemy: Take]

Frank writhes, her hands kneading her stomach like a disagreeable sourdough. It ends as quickly as it began, punctuated by the most awful retching sound you've ever heard and the birth of an ominous yellow pod.

Sorry, don't usually do that in front of other people, and never tried an empowerment before. So undignified. Frank passes the pod to Roger with a wink.

Does anyone have a bed, I might need a

Frank falls backwards to the ground, unharmed but unconscious.

In reply to Penelope Franklin (msg # 215):

Roger is speechless, eyes wide, shaking his head and mouthing the words "no, no, no, no" before finally covering his mouth just as Frank's bursts open. He accepts the freshly divulged pod with gritted teeth and ensures it doesn't touch any part of his hand that isn't covered by glove.

As Frank passes out, he can't move and only stares. Then:

"This is... I... second most fucked up thing I've seen on Ceres. Number one was the digestive space inside a rotting, irradiated terrasque corpse. No, wait, this is three. Because giant brain parasite was two. All in the last couple days. Never know what to expect... love it. The giant pillars of rock that shot out of the ground--covered in runes carved by an unseen hand--when my buddy Gustaf went insane because he saw the Face in the Deepest Burrow? Doesn't even register on the scale anymore. Mm, Treve though. Yeah, okay, that's still number one. Burying the hollowed-out body of my commanding officer who took a plasma beam through the chest prior to a high-speed-dirt crash landing is number one."

"Got anything to wake her up?" he asks Aviva flatly.

Assuming his crow got a good look at the crowd, it circles back to land on his shoulder in preparation for loading.

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 216):

Aviva claps a hand to her mouth as Frank writhes on the ground.

Aviva rushes to place hands beneath Frank's head so that it doesn't slam into the ground.

When Frank finally comes to unconscious rest, Aviva carefully arranges her body in a more dignified pose, hands crossed on chest.

No, never seen THAT before.

Aviva moves her lips as if to form words in response to Roger's question, but finally just shakes her head.

In reply to Aviva (msg # 217):

Rebecca eeps and puts a hand over her mouth when Frank does her thing, then hurries over to her to excitedly.

"That was disgusting!" she gushes, enthused. "But biologically fascinating! You'll have to walk me through it!"

Only then does she realize that Frank has passed out, though this does little to curb her enthusiasm.

"...later, then. And we'll have to keep you awake for longer intervals if we're to have any meaningful progress in the case study I'm planning..."

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 218):

Roger's makeshift drone completes its eyes-in-the-sky mission and reports back, alighting upon the tinkerer's shoulder with surprising grace.

Roger's crude map quickly populates to match his new information: a group of Joss have indeed made their way to the Great Lift and are currently on their way down. Another mass of Joss remains mobilized near the disaster area in the northwest, and a third knot of Joss is actively gathering around the Architect's Tower.

Further afield, the humans are continuing their journey away from the bluffs and toward the vehicles they've parked a few kilometers away.

The colorful smoke from the summoning still hangs in the sky, a signal to all for many miles around that Hevetplata will be on holiday for the next few days.

Roger glances down at his map thoughtfully. He taps a finger to the great lift, leaving a blotch of color on the map, then taps the Exsillium vehicles and the StarBlazers shuttle in the same way.

"Tracing..." Adj's voice confirms, connecting the points to form a right triangle with its hypotenuse connecting the vehicles to the shuttle. "Complete. I'm afraid that's rather inconvenient terrain, my Lord."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:57, Mon 18 Sept 2023.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 219):

"Inconvenient how? Is the mob outpacing our guys? Man, we shoulda stayed with Dolom and you guys shoulda stayed with Wren and the others," Roger says, looking at Rebecca. " Bill's right, this no comms thing is a pain."

In reply to Yardbird (msg # 220):

Yes, Aviva agrees with Billy

I know, it's the worst Aviva's shoulders sag dramatically.  Not having people to talk to except those right in front of you?  What is this the Middle Ages?

But if we can slow down the mob, they can get further away on their own.

Too late to change plans now.

Right, no sense dwelling on what you already did in the future!

In reply to Aviva (msg # 221):

"Rebecca, can you get in her head or something? I need to know what this does before I go dropping it on a bunch of angry one-legged rioters."

Roger has now allowed the pod to touch his skin. He's holding it aloft with his thumb and index finger and studying it a safe distance from his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Tue 19 Sept 2023.