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Vetch has a hard time believing the ham was indeed ham and not thinly slice avian special on his rye bread.
Zane concludes his meeting with his sports bros as he lets them in on a little trade secret. The smile and give a wink followed by a few thumbs up that they will hold his secret. "Will do."
"Thanks Zane!"
"Zane is the man"
"My old lady is never going to believe this!"
"I am going to double our savings!"
....
I kind of drones out as Zane returns to the table and begins to oogle Dr Solstarni's limbs.
Not knowing who is listening or what will happen the group waits....
...and waits...
...and waits...
...and waits...
A few customers come and go but overall nothing that catches your eye as out of the ordinary or important. Though you now have the information that Eyrub Paqual and an ill looking Kasatha, presumably Dr Solstarni, secured passage to local portals to reach Turhalu Point.
”Hey, The.” Dash whispers to the group. ”My eyes are up here.”
Dr. Solstarni gives The Zane a look, then a subtle wink.
Abe stares at Dash/Solstarni. After a while, he gives him/her a look as if to say, Now what?.
He waits to see what he's planning with his disguise.
A look of realization comes across Zane's face. There might even be a flashback somewhere coming to life in the synapses of his mind.
His quick understanding that Dr. Solstarni is actually Dash, gives some indication that he's experienced a holosuit before. He even says as much.
Ahhh, The Zane likes how you made yourself bait to attract the quarry. Like sugarbops to attract the Zogobees. You are brave, and gutsy. The Zane respects that.
Those holosuits can come in handy. But be careful, The Zane once ran into a guy that used a holosuit on him, and (s)he got a Solestian Sandwich that messed up the teeth so bad not even the holosuit could imitate a smile again.
Thinking back to the memory, he shudders but also cracks his knuckles just by flexing them into fists and unflexing.
Well, since the game is still on - what is the next play coach(es)?Actually, who is the Head Coach of this team or is it streetball?
Dash/Solstani takes another drink. ”Ugh.. this tastes like liquid taint. This place must be a front for laundering credit. No way it makes a profit on this sh!t.” Putting down the cup, he/she dabs at his/her mouth to cover more whispers. ”Well, it seems the only attention I’m getting is from The. And apparently I’m not his type. Too bad, because I’m sure he’s gifted at sackball. Let’s meet up outside and compare notes.”
As they leave, Abe nods now that he feels better they can’t be overheard and he begins. ”So I talked to a self proclaimed smuggler. Dunno if he was telling the truth, but he might have been. Anyway, according to him, he helped a male korasha lashunta named Eyrub Paqual secure travel documents for 15 individuals, permitting them to use local portals to reach Turhalu Point. Most of the visas were counterfeit - including three fake IDs for Port Authority employees to help move the group’s equipment. He had to make only some minor adjustments to the legitimate academic visas that Paqual and his ill kasatha colleague had.”
He wets his lips and continues, ”Though he doubted Paqual was who he said he was, said he thought it was an alias but he had the cash. Paqual was shipping a considerable number of firearms and heavy gear, most notably a shirren-eye rifle and a sizable comm unit that was disassembled into three bulky pieces. They also had to secure special permits for transporting fungal spores.”
He adds casually, ”This guy also said he could get us visas for 300cr per person. I don’t think we can talk him down, but maybe a little. Still, we should be able to get legit visas for much cheaper, yeah? No need to counterfeit them for us.” He’s thinking of the cash they just acquired, and how he wants to spend it.
”Oh, speaking of cash, we should divvy out the advance.” He hands out a few cred-sticks.
Wow. That Shirren-Eye Rifle could be one heck of a fine piece of equipment. It's a sniper style rifle, and they have a few different models. Almost all are very high end - big time value stuff. There is a low end one - you could probably get it at 700 creds - so if it impressed your smuggler there it had to be the really expensive equipment valued at around 9,000!
Upon hearing the part about getting visas.
So you guys and androids are thinking about going off world? Maybe to Turhalu Point to track these 15 people down?
The Zane licks his lips. Thinking about the opportunity of actually being able to leave this planet. Go into the great layer of space for the first time. Spread his GREATNESS to a vast population.
A jubilant smile crosses his face. It's assumed he's happy about the creds, but that's not it when he exclaims, Hot Damn! Let The Zane see if his buddy can score him an off world visa.
Noticing Abe’s eyes drifting to the new MK I ring he wears, Dash pulls it off and tosses it to the engineer. ”I can see you looking at this like The was looking at my t!ts. Here, take it.”
Abe smiles, "Thanks Dash, I was indeed quite interested when we found it. Thanks." He slips the ring on his finger as they walk.
"Seems to be we need special visa's. Do we try the research facility, or the Starfinders first do you think? We'll likely need some pull to get 'em - I don't want to blow nearly half of what we just got getting illegitimate ones that might not work anyway."
He's happy trying either, though he leans toward the Starfinders, they seem more organized, and he's never known researchers to have much political pull.
Vetch begins to feel much better in the open air. Something in that cafe was stifling him and it was just like waking up when they left the place.
Vetch takes a deep breath through his ysoki nostrils. Ahhh...air.
He rubs his ratty palms together, looking at they party, much more aliv.
"So...we need to buy some special visas and get to Turlalu Point. I think reporting to the Starfinders can wait. I bet the visas we buy will work. I'm willing to risk it, at least," Vetch says, having more money now than at any time before in his ratty life.
"Zane, Dash, Abe," Vetch looks each of them as he says their names. "You guys did well in there. Let's keep it up and go to the Point."
”Hold on a f@#%ing minute. I am a law-abiding android. Let’s talk to our friends and see if they can help up out with the paperwork.” As Dash talks he pointedly indicates his chest where the defective’s bug is listening in to their conversation.
Talking to his shirt, ”We’re done at the Arches. Meet us down the street.”
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It only takes a few minutes for the detective to meet up with you down the street to exchange further pleasantries. "This is bitter sweet news." He goes on to explain further for those not from around here. " As I said before Qabarat conducts trade by land, sea, and air, and like many other settlements on Castrovel, it also maintains a number of magical gateways known as aiudara or “elf gates.” These are not large enough to sustain heavy traffic, so the local port authorities manage use of the gateways to prioritize shipments from those who pay a premium for instant transportation. Most of these portals are in Qabarat’s Gateway District, a smaller area along the city’s eastern side, where use of the portals rarely interferes with the busy harbor and spaceports."
"And now the bad news." He pulls out his data pad. "While you were investigating the Five Arches I sent another team to speak with the Port Authority since their uniforms were being worn when broke into the University. They spoke with Gate Controller Raiyiri. A manager there. She pulled the assignment logs and confirmed that no employees were sent to the University."
The detective speaks into his datapad. "Ask her about Turhalu Point and any groups going there recently."
Several minutes go by. "Hey boss, she said that few people travel to Turhalu Point, as it is a largely decommissioned military base that now serves as a research station. Only one group went in past couple days. A team of 15 carrying laboratory equipment, cryogenically frozen organic compounds, and specialty foodstuffs with authorization from the Qabarat University of Xenoarchaeology and Xenoanthropology. According to the records, customs confirmed the contents of all of the crates. Hold one...."
"...She is looking through the paperwork as it seems to be missing some stuff. Looks like the passenger data indicates that the group consisted of a kasatha, a shirren, two humans, and 11 lashuntas."
The detective hangs up the conversations. "Thanks, that should be all for now." He looks back to Dash. "Looks like we have a clear trail to Tarhalu Point. It’s a fairly clear trail, but it’s also clearly outside the bounds of Qabarat jurisdiction, we would be glad to have your continued assistance if you will. I can secure Visas for you to get where you are going. They will take a few hours though."
Zane looks to be cheerful at the prospects. The group that hired him for a quick "find her" job, just took all the money advanced them and split it evenly. If their moral compass is pointing in the direction they probably have it pointed, they are going to follow this lead to Tarhalu Point.... and are "probably going" to take The Zane along!
Vetch even called out ZANE out for doing such a great job in there. Vetch almost acted like Zane was the star of the show - which he was.
They like The Zane. No way they don't take him on the trip.
Well, not exactly -No Way. So The Zane should just shut his mouth and hear how this conversation goes. If they ask for 3 Visas.... but if they ask for 4 Visa's.... The Zane is IN! Then Zane can do an emphatic fist pump in the air.
Abe nods, "Good, you can get us the visa's, excellent."
"I wonder what they're really carrying out there? My contact mentioned weapons, but surely it's more than that. I want to know what they're doing out there." he says firmly.
He'll wait the few hours until the visas are ready, likely tweaking his gear. He has outlined some plans for a major Messalina overhaul, and wants everything to be perfect. So he spends some time on that as well.
Vetch sticks the 300cr he had designated for the visas back in his electronic pocket (so to speak), relieved to have another way to get clean visas.
"Are we keeping this guy with us?" Vetch thumbs at *THE* Zane, trying to make sure he understands what is happening.
"He does tend to talk a lot, but if he can be helpful as muscle, we should bring him along."
Vetch scritches his chin.
"Yeah, let's get to Tarhalu Point then."
Vetch crawls under the bench/workstation that Abe is tinkering at. He sleeps, naps, and self cleans as he waits for the visas to be ready.
”So, Detective,” Dash voices the question hovering in the air and plastered across The Zane’s face in an unnaturally large smile, ”Can we borrow The here? If he had a puppy tail he’d be wagging the sh!t out of it. Also, how are we getting to Tarhalu Point? Can we fly our ship there?”
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"He is more than welcome to join with you as long as you will have him." The Detective refers to Zane as The Zane's excited twitching is noticeable. "Starship landings on the continent are tightly restricted due to its status as a wilderness preserve so you will have to travel through the Port Authority and aiudara or "Elf gate".
***
Several hours pass before the Detective returns with said Visa's. "You should have no problems getting to Turhalu Point with these." The Detective hands them off to Abe as Vetch stretches out from underneath the workbench.
With the acquired visa's the group sets out to the aiudara. Before you stands a large gate with a swirling magical vortex within. Every color in the spectrum sparks to life as Port Authority checks papers before allowing anyone through. Though it is as the detective said. This is a rarely used portal due to the reserve and restrictions.
The port authority guard flips through your papers before handing them back. "Looks good." He does a quick scan through all of your belongings for anything biological or otherwise harmful for his customs forms. Finding none, he waves you on. One by one you walk through the "elf gate" and appear what seems many hours ahead in an instant, standing on the eastern coast of Ukulam.
***
The station at Turhalu Point sits at the tip of a broad peninsula covered in rolling plains and expanses of tall, palegreen grasses that shimmer with violet hues in the wind. Short-lived blooms of magenta fungus tower nearly twenty feet over the landscape, though many have begun to wilt and others are marred by bite marks of half a dozen sizes. Trumpeting calls echo across the plains as immense, sixlegged creatures with long, swooping necks trek steadily across the grass toward the western jungles. Beyond rises the Singing Range, its peaks barely visible through the haze.
Nearby waves an older human male with a thick but neatly groomed beard. "Welcome! Welcome. I am Dr. Khair al-Nuaf. I am with Qabarat University of Xenoarchaeology and Xenoanthropology. They called and said you would be coming." He turns to walk you to Turhalu Point's research station itself. Giving a small guided tour of sorts along the way. "This was once one of Qabarat’s minor military outposts on Ukulam, Turhalu Point has since been decommissioned for more than 20 years. It still maintains a token security force to keep the wildlife at bay, but industrious researchers have converted most of its gun turrets and bunkers into greenhouses and biology labs."
Abe occupies himself with schematic drawings and tinkering during the wait, though part of his mind worries about all the weaponry their quarry seems to have taken with them. Aimed at the group, it's going to hurt, but he sees no other way to proceed. Maybe they'll get lucky and surprise them. He shakes his head grinning, That's not likely with this group.
When he reaches Turhalu Point, he's impressed. He always liked the country side, it always seemed more peaceful and relaxed to him. Watching the large herd animals move through the grass reminds him of that fact.
"Greetings, thanks for meeting us and giving us the tour. So what is your corner of expertise doctor? What do you study here?" he says by way of conversation, though he doesn't listen too closely to the answer, his eyes darting this way and that uneasily.
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While the crew waits for their visas, Dash leaves some weapons to charge and heads out to buy some supplies for an expedition.
Dash Purchases:
Serum of healing MK 1 (x2) 100cr
Spell gem - magic missile 140cr
Spell gem - lesser restoration 450cr
Medpatches (x2) 100cr
Antitoxen (tier 1) 150cr
Battery 60cr
Gear clamp (x2) 100cr
Field rations (x5) 5cr
Total: 1005cr
***
Dash is not completely comfortable taking the “elf gate” to Turhalu Point. Wilderness preserve be damned, he doesn’t like leaving in his starship behind. But he also doesn’t like relying on elven technomagic. Everyone knows that elves are d!cks, and could decide to make them all walk back if they were feeling especially snooty.
Once through he greets Dr. Khair al-Nuaf, introducing himself as Captain and the rest of his crew by position, assigning The Zane as a red shirt “security officer.”
”So, Doc, we heard a group cam through the elf gate a couple days ago. Any chance you saw or spoke with them? Or know anyone that did? A group their size would be hard to f@#%ing miss I’d think.”
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So what is your corner of expertise doctor? What do you study here?
"I dabble more on Xenoarchaeology. There is so much history hidden away in these lands. It just needs to be unearthed." Dr. Khair al-Nuaf smiles as he truly does enjoy his work.
”So, Doc, we heard a group cam through the elf gate a couple days ago. Any chance you saw or spoke with them? Or know anyone that did? A group their size would be hard to f@#%ing miss I’d think.”
"Yes, Yes!" He holds his hand up to flash a badge to a strip on the wall as a door opens. "A large group. Around 15 or so cam through here a little more than a day ago. The group was mainly armed lashunta mercenaries from the looks of it. Based on what I overheard, they were headed toward some elven ruins to the northwest to perform archaeological survey work with the oversight of Dr. Solstarni, though the kasatha appeared to be groggy and perhaps ill."
Dr. Khair al-Nuaf moves you into a room that contains at least a dozen crates and numerous maps. He shuffles through a stack and pulls a map of the region out and begins drawing on it. "This research outpost contains numerous maps of the region. The data was surveyed from aircraft that have flown over most of the continent. Based on the ruins they spoke of I estimate the journey there is roughly 10 to 12 days of steady travel by foot." He points to the map. "This route here." He traces a line on the map. "Should lead through the fairly sparse lowlands around Turhalu Point, into the dense subtropical rain forests to the northwest, and finally into the foothills of the Singing Range."
Dr. Khair al-Nuaf turns and opens a few of the metallic crates. "The University instructed me to provide whatever extra equipment we requisitioned from the grant towards your efforts."
Inside are:
- scratched-up suit of lashunta ringwear II armor
- A carbon steel curved blade
- Stickybomb Grenade II
- Tier 1 Anti-Toxin (4)
- Sprayflesh (4)"
"I also have a small bit of rations, ammunition, backpacks and tents if you need them. As well as access to our recharging stations." He taps a wall with a bank of batteries hanging from them.
"Doctor, what kinds of dangers exist in this rain forest? Any humanoid settlements that we know of? Or owlbears or the like?"
Vetch takes the offered sticky grenade and promptly puts it within his cheek pouch. With that, he puts in one Anti-toxin and one Sprayflesh, sucking on the trio of freebees in his cheek pouch.
"Ah, yeah, that's the stuff," Vetch says happily as there is something in the spot for the first time in a while.
He will pile 3 weeks of rations into his backpack, leaving the heavier items for people with the adjective "The" in their name to carry.
"This is great. We appreciate the supplies," Vetch chitters, as he goes to access the maps of the region.
Vetch looks over the route, then looks at Dash.
"Captain SpaceClank, this is our route, here," Vetch traces the route with his hairy finger. "I haven't traveled much in the rain forest...but I just want to be sure you won't rust on the way out? Also, we should probably define a marching order and rendezvous points should we get separated."
Vetch looks at Abe.
"Abe, how much scouting ahead and aerial surveillance can your bot provide to us?"
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"Doctor, what kinds of dangers exist in this rain forest? Any humanoid settlements that we know of? Or owlbears or the like?"
"There are hundreds of dangers out there." The Doctor throws his arms in the air. "There are species out there that haven't even been identified. Plants that could kill you with their touch. Skyhooks, Yaruks, and cliffs. Though like most things. if you leave them alone, they will generally leave you alone."
"The few people known to have inhabited the interior of Ukulam were the Oatia elves millennia ago, and their occupation almost certainly predated widespread use of Common or the Lashunta language." He holds his finger up in thought. "Would you like a translator? I am sure we can find one to accompany you for a small fee."
”Rust?” Dash laughs at Vetch. [/b]”No. I won’t rust. Or drown in three feet of water. Or suffocate in shallow quicksand. Or get sh!t on my fur when nature calls.”[/b]
Dash looks over the supplies but finds that he has already come prepared. Noting the lashunta ring wear and curveblade, he glances at The Zane. ”Can you handle these?”
To Dr Khair, ”So they only have a day’s head start.. do you know this area well? Any route we could take a shortcut and head them off down the path?”
Abe picks at the gear, but recognizes how much stuff this really is.
"I think we're going to need a porter, cart, animal, something to help us carry all this. I can stow some on Messalina here, but she can't carry too much, and can't help with any more than that. Zane, can you manage the tent and maybe some others food?"
He gathers up another wheel of ammo for their pistols, charges his energy packs to full, and ties a bunch of stuff onto Messalina, strapping it down tightly.
When Vetch asks about Messalina, he nods. "She can fly quite far before range becomes an issue. I can have her fly high above us to give us an eagle eye view of our immediate vicinity. Maybe 50' up or so? That way she can re-join us for combat as needed. She can do some scouting ahead too, but she's not very stealthy." he digs out some schematic drawings, "Yet!"
He points to some gibberish on the page, "Here, I plan to enhance her abilities in that direction as soon as we get a chance to rest a day. Then she'll be able to give you cover as you scout and won't give away her position quite so much as she does now." he smiles triumphantly, proud of his plan.
When the man describes the potential dangers, he grabs another battery from the pile... just in case. He plans to shoot. A lot.
Vetch shakes his head at Dash. "That's a good route if we can fly, but not sure many of us can. I can, somewhat, in null-gravite, and maybe the bot, but your route will just take longer. We'll have to follow them."
Vetch waits for the food and rations situation to be handled, and then the porter/interpreter issue.
"I don't *think* we need an interpreter. But what do I know? Seems like a mouth to feed and a body to keep alive. Might be that we buy some spell gems that allow translation, eh Dash? Should we need them?" Vetch argues.
When it is time to follow tracks:
Survival - tracks
Vetch will sniffle and snuffle the way forward.
He then makes a flexing style pose with one arm held straight and the other bent at the elbow. Almost like the shape of a lightening bolt by using his body and arms.
He seems intense. talking to himself and saying, Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
When the Visa's arrive, he is on cloud nine. Knowing that this dream isn't going to be pulled from him. Then he arrives in the awe inspiring landscape, and is greeted as he should be - with deference and the "I'm supposed to help you with anything because YOU - Zane- are important" from Dr. Al-Knauf. This is what The Zane expected and more. So much more. The Armor and sword that he sees are better than his gear. He moves over and makes the changes. Equips himself. Adding food that overburden's him. But, as ABE said, It's gotta be.
With his armor on- he punches his breastplate a bit. testing it.
The Zane was the epitome of awesome before. Now, this is silly Vid-magic stuff. The Zane is INDESTRUCTIBLE.
He turns to the jungle an at the top of his lungs yells,
He turns to the rest of the party. You should have an easy time of the jungle. Nothing's gonna want to mess with us.
He then looks for tracks -
”...” Dash eyes The Zane’s loud demonstration and abandons all hope of catching their quarry by surprise.
Turning to Dr. Khair, he almost declines the offer of a translator, but considers something else an extra linguist comes with - extra hands to carry stuff. ”I’d like to know more about this translator you mentioned. Who are they, and what sort of fee would they require?”
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Kcectic looks around at all of the ancient artifacts. "Someone should stay back here. In case something goes wrong. I can signal and let Chiskisk know." Kcectic suggests as he disconnects the cables from the backup generator attached to the back of his armor. He sets it on the table. "You might need this out there."
The Doctor speaks up. "Yes, it does get quite hot out there. While your sits will protect you they will only last a couple days at best from the heat. Keep your batteries charged and you should be fine. Lost more than one man to the overwhelming heat in the jungle." He takes a sip from a processed water bottle.
"Thanks Kcectic. You're a good man."
Abe will help Zane with the backup generator, if he'll wear it. If not, Abe will remove his armor upgrade and place it on himself - though it will encumber Abe so he'll be moving more slowly...
When the group is ready, he follows Vetch and Dash into the jungle (after the cars take us as far as they can).
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"It would be one of the younger interns here. He is very fluent in the ancient dialect of elven found here. He normally goes out for 600 credits.
Vetch worries about the safety not only for himself, but also for the young translator.
I wonder if the translator wears a red shirt.
"Meh. We should by some gems of language, huh? Forget the translator if we can't be sure to keep him alive. From what we read, it's dangerous in here."
Vetch will pony up enough for Dash to buy a gem of Comprehend Languages (nothing is close on the Mystic list, Dash).
Vetch shakes Kcectic's hand, having almost forgot the alien was with them.
"Good luck, Kcectic. We're going to miss your silence and ability to say nothing for a long time," Vetch says offering paw to shake.
Dash is less concerned with the welfare of interpreters. ”Spellgems are great, but limited. And likely to get us shot if we try to employ one in a hostile situation. And they can’t carry heavy sh!t. Let’s hire the intern and buy a spellgem, if one is available.”
Once the group has said its farewells to Kcectic, Dash takes up position near the rear of the party, his own shirren rifle in hand.
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Kcectic is naturally silent as he shakes Vetch's paw. Dr. Khair al-Nuaf nods. "Of course I will get them set up right away."
After some time the Doctor returns with a very young Ysoki male. His eyes seem glued to his comm screen as he is calling to say good bye to his family for a short bit.
"I am only going to be gone a little while. Someone hired me to go into the jungle with them to interpret." A sigh is heard on the other side of the screen.
"I wish you would just come back to Absalom Station. The kids need to see their dad."
The intern smiles a buck toothed smile. "There are 23 of them dear. They won't all remember me even being gone.
A holoscreen ejects from the comm unit with the image of a confused looking ysoki child, whose head is quickly pushed out of the screen by an older ysoki woman. A bright light flares from the holographic projection and and you can hear the Ysoki woman scream in the background. [b]"“Kirkath! The welding torch is not a toy! You wanna go in the toddler’s pen with the other kids?” She snorts dismissively before continuing, “Sorry, some of these little ones would cut off their own heads if I let them." The intern bids his wife and kids farewell as he hangs up and looks to Dash. "Kids." He chuckles and holds out a Spellgem for Dash.
As you prepare for the journey Kcectic begins to set up a computer for constant communications back with Chiskisk at the Starfinder Lorespire Complex. "Be safe out there." He mentally projects to each of you.
***
As discussed the Turhalu Point’s security forces drive you 10 miles outside the base to the point that you will have to travel on foot. The Ruins lie approximately 120 miles west-northwest of Turhalu Point through a trackless expanse of subtropical forest.
The first two days through the grasslands prove easier to track the prints and trail of the mercenaries. Between Vetch and the Zane the group is easily able to cover down 18 miles distance. Though the days are long, hot, and muggy, with temperatures rising to above 90° F shortly after dawn. Luckily speaking with the Doctor you are fully equipped and rotating out a spare battery every few hours among each other to keep the environmental protections going on your suits so the heat isn't too bothersome.
The journey through the wild grasslands is not difficult, but the grasses are in a tall, seasonally dormant state that attracts few grazers to crop the vegetation. As a result, the grass ranges in height from 3 to 8 feet tall, making it difficult to watch for wildlife.
By the middle of the third day you finally reach the edges of the jungle. Thanks to the jungle’s density, you can only see roughly 90 feet out at best. Dozens of gargantuan 6 legged furry and naturally armored beasts leisurely patrol the area through which the PCs need to travel, knocking aside smaller trees. The massive creatures sniff out delicious fungus that looks to have drawn them here.
Yaruks are immense herbivores that can readily crop tree leaves, even using their sturdy forelimbs to partly climb trunks to reach even higher. Yaruks are infamously destructive in their ongoing migrations, toppling whatever isn’t convenient to walk around. This has hidden benefits, though. Not only does this create natural pathways and game trails that other species exploit, but it also clears swaths through thick canopies, allowing for new growth. While most yaruks are solitary, they regularly call to their neighbors with deafening bellows magnified by their hollow crests. The yaruks then form temporary gatherings, called moots, and wander together for up to a week afterward before the individual yaruks gradually disperse.
Abe shrugs and hands over a credstick, "Welcome aboard. Stay well back when the shooting starts and you'll be fine."
Abe struggles a bit that first day, his physical form not exactly in peak condition. He's not done this sort of overland travel before, and often trails to the rear of the party as he struggles to keep up. But keep up he does, up to the edge of the jungle.
"I think I may have read about these before. Let me think a moment..."
Survival
Survival
Survival
Survival
Survival
Survival
Survival
Survival
Life Sciences
Vetch stares at the creatures from a distance, hoping *The* Zane has a mind to keep quiet. He thinks back to Dr. Zan's notebook.
"Maybe those are thunder-bellied behemoths," Vetch whispers, thinking.
"We can either wait for them to leave or go around. I think we should go around them." Vetch looks at Dash and then Abe, already sure that Zane would argue for a full frontal assault.
Abe plinks away at his computer a moment, mostly just to help him think. He feels like he should just take a picture and post it to the information network. But in the end, he remembers,
"The massive herbivores are known as Yaruk's. While normally very calm yaruks can be extremely dangerous if the animals are threatened."
"Yaruks are immense herbivores that can readily crop tree leaves, even using their sturdy forelimbs to partly climb trunks to reach even higher. Yaruks are infamously destructive in their ongoing migrations, toppling whatever isn’t convenient to walk around. This has hidden benefits, though. Not only does this create natural pathways and game trails that other species exploit, but it also clears swaths through thick canopies, allowing for new growth. While most yaruks are solitary, they regularly call to their neighbors with deafening bellows magnified by their hollow crests. The yaruks then form temporary gatherings, called moots, and wander together for up to a week afterward before the individual yaruks gradually disperse."
"So yeah, let's not attack them. But if this is a moot, they might be here a week, so we should go around... carefully."
Vetch nods agreement with Abe and begins to carefully circle the beasts. He gives them plenty of room.
He swats away a few bugs as he walks. He's happy to contribute what he can to this mission, taking point and trailblazing after their quarry.
Survival
Abe looks again at the large herd. "Oh. They're too large a herd to go around. Let's proceed through them, but quietly and carefully. They should leave us alone..." he says without much feeling.
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May The Zane see that notebook? Doing research on what to expect is certainly the smartest thing to do.
He leafs through the information. Saying things like, " Whimpy. and Pretty Buff." when getting to different descriptions of the alien life forms.
Upon seeing the un-god-ly sized Yuroks. He exhales- In Awe.
Moving quietly with the party, he takes in the stony type back protrusions. He whispers
Now THOSE would be amazing to ride. Imagine the pomp and circumstance granted if you rode down "a center" on one of these. Everyone would stare. Dash- you got a killer spaceship, but having and domesticating one of those... whew...totally different level.
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Dash has little to offer in the way of pathfinding. Hearing that the journey could take weeks round-trip, he makes sure his iComm has plenty of music and entertaining spherecasts to help pass the time in what promises to be a whole lot of walking.
Occasionally he glances at their young ysoki interpreter and can’t help thinking about the score of orphans soon to be on Absalom Station.
***
”Sh!t. I think you’re correct for once Vetch.” Dash whispers when the group comes across the “thunder-bellied behemoths.”
When Abe offers scholastically correct information, he nods, as if he knew that too.
”Right, lets head through them. Walk casual everyone. And The, we’ll need you to use your inside voice. You have one, right?”
Vetch shrugs as he would prefer the safety of going around, but the party has decided.
He chooses the route that he feels is safest and furthermore uses his natural skill at skulking to skulk like a ysoki.
Stealth
Dash works up another whisper spell to keep group communications quiet.
”I can’t imagine how we might threaten these giant b@stards, but let’s keep all weapons stowed and sharp objects in sheaths for now. The Zane, that rigwear armor looks like it could be loud and jingely. Might be best to take it off for this.”
Turning to follow Vetch Dash steps on a twig that cracks.
”F@#...”