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“Greetings, Starfinders,” Nominated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo speaks from behind her cluttered office desk. An elderly ysoki eagerly paces behind the First Seeker, adjusting his glasses every few steps. Luwazi continues, “As I am sure you are aware, I recently announced that the Starfinder Society intends to continue its investigation into the Scoured Stars and the incident that occurred there. I have chosen you to pursue our first lead. Thanks to Royo here, we recently learned that the library world of Athaeum could contain valuable information related to the Scoured Stars—information that could prove key to disabling the shield guarding the system. Royo is our resident expert on Athaeum. I will let him explain the details.”
Taking his cue, the ysoki steps forward, adjusts his glasses one final time, and continues the briefing, “Athaeum is one of the great wonders of the galaxy. It has no fixed location; rather, it disappears and reappears throughout the universe at seemingly random intervals. It’s not random, of course. You see, the planet actually has a powerful magical engine tha—”
“Royo,” Luwazi chides the elderly ysoki, shaking him from his tangential explanation.
Royo nods before continuing, “Ah yes, sorry. Where was I? Oh, yes! A group called the Curators controls and maintains Athaeum, along with the world’s libraries that contain the rarest of knowledge. In fact, all knowledge on the planet is unique because the Curators actively ensure that every piece of information stored on their world is the last copy in existence. They have even gone so far as to destroy knowledge on other planets to ensure that this is the case.”
“For a long time we were unable to secure access to Athaeum’s libraries,” continues Luwazi, “But recently, Iteration-177, a member of the Aspis Consortium sympathetic to the Starfinder Society, indicated that they have a relationship with the Curators. Through Iteration-177, we have secured passage for a small group to the library world. Your mission is to escort Royo to Athaeum and uncover whatever information you can on the Scoured Stars. Additionally, try to establish a good relationship with the Curators, who could prove to be useful allies in the days to come.”
"You will travel to Athaeum aboard Iteration- 177’s ship, the Diligent Forerunner, which is set to depart from Absalom Station in just over 12 hours. Any questions?"
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"Royo, so good to see you again!" smiles Kultanien.
"My this does sound exciting... although you will excuse me if I am a little suspicious on a couple of counts... The Aspis consortium holds little love for the Society if I remember correctly... so how much should we be trusting your contact?" she starts with.
"These Curators are also a curious lot. If we were to find the information... surely that would reduce its value if we were to leave with it, as it would no longer be unique to them. What have we offered them in exchange for the information, and the ability to remove it?"
She grins in an almost girling manner. "Aside from that, I do look forward to meeting these interesting new folk. What manner of creatures are they?"
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A lab coat wearing android walks in, finishing up his phone call. Just finish up cleaning the surgery supplies and read your textbook, I shouldn't be gone for long... Yep... Good bye. He turns to the others in the group, Hello, I am Medrick. I am currently finishing up my doctorate medicine. It is nice to meet you all! He scans over the group, not seeing a familiar face besides Royo and Luwazi Elsebo.
You can tell that there is an awkward tension between Medrick and Royo, but they kind of just acknowledge each other and that is all.
When Medrick gets the details of the mission, This seems like an odd sort. Why is it important that they have the last copy of everything? Do they make us pay for the information? Regardless, you have picked the right person for this job, I pretty much live in a library! He gives a chuckle and hopes there is someone else that has a background in scholarly work to understand his humor.
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With a somewhat stiff but nonethless warm smile, Thomagar nods at Kultainen, Raatchet and Conrad. The harrowing experience infiltrating the drow complex was still fresh in his mind, and the bitter taste of letting Villyth escape is still fresh on his tongue. But he pushes all that out of mind when the Second Seeker speaks. He listens intently, although glancing from time to time to study the fresh faces.
He nods at Kultainen's questions. "Indeed, is the Aspis expecting something back in return from us? If the Curators insist on having the last copy, whatever we bring out would go against that practice. To secure such a favour from them would have required much from the Consortium, and thus, would they not expect the same from our Society?"
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With everyone already asking the questions that have come to Raatchet's mind, Raatchet introduces himself to the new team member, Medrick.
"Hi there Medrick! My name's Raatchet and I'll be running tech support on this fine opportunity to go book burning... errr... I mean to plunder a defenseless library... errr.... I mean to peacefully apply for a library card and do some light reading... Yah, yah, that sounds about right, amirite??"
Raatchet ends his little outburst by extending a hand to shake Medrick's.
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The Aspis consortium holds little love for the Society if I remember correctly... so how much should we be trusting your contact?"
"Iteration-177 has helped us in the past as he seems sympathetic to our current predicament."
What have we offered them in exchange for the information, and the ability to remove it?"
"I doubt the curators will allow you to remove the information. You just need to simply uncover what you can concerning the incident. Much of it is stored on mediums other than books. All we know is that one of the vaults on the planet is dedicated to the Scoured Stars. What is inside the vault, we cannot say.”
Can you give me any insight on the Curator's? Is this our First Contact with them?"
Royo speaks up as he clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. “The Curators are axiomites, outsiders made from the pure lawful essence of Axis. They often choose to look elven in appearance, but in their true forms, they are clouds of mathematical symbols. These particular axiomites exiled themselves from their home plane so that they could better pursue their mission to preserve unique knowledge. Since then, they’ve maintained the immense archives on Athaeum.”
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Kultanien shakes her head. "Knowledge doesn't follow the normal laws of physics. Or are they more about the uniqueness of the receptacles of the knowledge? That is, the last copy of the book of Geb would be of interest to them, but the contents of the book in computer systems they would not care about at all?"
"I mean, we each have unique knowledge, and I for one would prefer not to be added to an archive..."
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M'Shak smiles at the old Ysoki.
The chance for seeing you again was about 95%. It's nevertheless a pleasure to meet you.
My routine for speaking are now improved, I can say with a 50% chance that know I can like old non digital book.
Listening to the questions and answers of all M'Shak adds
There is a 80% chances that the curator don't try to extract our knowledge Kultainen. With Royo presence there is now a 95% chance that don't happen. The odds are with us my friend.
As creature of Law we have a 57% chance that we could be able to find a loophole in their thinking and uses it at our advantage for this mission.
I've meet Iteration-177 and there is a 97% chance that his help is genuine. This android seems like a true friend of the Starfinder Society.
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That is, the last copy of the book of Geb would be of interest to them, but the contents of the book in computer systems they would not care about at all?" "I mean, we each have unique knowledge, and I for one would prefer not to be added to an archive..."
Royo looks to First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo and frowns. "This is why I stick to ink and parchment." He shakes his head. "Machines just over analyze and can easily come to the wrong conclusions." Royo looks back at the android. "YOU will not be added to the archive. They hold the books, scrolls and data for research purposes only. They are not known to be some evil cult set to capture your harddrive." The Ysoki seems annoyed with the androids and their presence.
First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo stands. "If that is all gather your belongings and head to the Diligent Forerunner."
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Kultanien looks somewhat taken-aback by Royo. "There are aesthetic advantages to written material." acknowledges the golden girl. "The limited ability to rapidly consume it is a disadvantage. On the plus side, once verified it is less subject to arbitrary manipulation."
With a sigh she nods to the others. "Let us head off and meet these curators."
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You and Royo meet with Iteration-177 (agender android) at one of Absalom Station’s many docks. The android welcomes the you aboard their spacecraft, a sleek, golden-hued luxury vessel called the Diligent Forerunner. Iteration-177 greets you at the bottom of the ship’s ramp. "Welcome!" The android says with a smile. Iteration-177 escorts you up the ramp, opening a few doors to a modest but comfortable room. "These will be your sleeping quarters. Drop off your equipment and it would be a pleasure if you would join me in the dining hall."
******
A long dining table, low to the ground, fills the center of the room. Dozens of colorful pillows surround the table, and two roughly human-sized individuals, each wearing black armor, sit cross-legged at the far end of the table. In the center of the table sits a strange technological device made of silver metal and curved glass.
“Everyone, please have a seat around the table. Our ship will be entering the Drift shortly,” Iteration-177 announces in a calm voice. “To keep us amused on our trip, I have made arrangements for a very special dinner. As a connoisseur of unusual sensations and experiences, I recently purchased a device from a deep-space trader. It is a pencibiter, which you see on the table before you. This most unique machine can transmute thoughts and psychic energy into food for consumption. I ask that each of you contribute one thought or memory to our feast for this evening, and in this way, we will get to know one another a little better.”
Iteration-177 looks around at teh confusion of his additional guests. "Apologies. This is Paralictor Kelria and Maralictor Loomarch, of the Hellknight Order of the Pyre. They also have business on Athaeum." The android claps his hands together. "It’s fate that both organizations had business on the world when they did. I am just pleased to help however I can."
Paralictor Kelria slides back the visor of her helmet, revealing a stern-faced middle-aged vesk with dark-green scales accented by bright orange markings in swirling patterns that resemble fire. Loomarch, who sits next to Kelria, does not raise his visor, but those who look at the Hellknight carefully can see flames dancing behind the glass of the helmet, as if flame fills Loomarch’s entire suit.
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Kultanien eyes up the Hell knights curiously. "I've not met anyone from your order before..." she starts. "Do you wear your armor all the time?"
Sitting gracefully at the table she offers the thoughts of dancing wearing multiple thin veils. As she dances they are shed, one by one, by one. "b]This is how my predecessors lived.[/b]" she explains. "I chose a different life."
She keeps a sly smile on her face as she shares the memory, hey eyes locked on the flaming face plate of the knight.
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M'Shak enters into the dining room, intrigued.
Iteration-177 What a pleasure to meet you again! I know you are a true friend of the Society but it's always great to see it for myself. You are right Iteration-177, the odds of such event were at least less than 7%.
She seats at the table and says to the Hellknight Greetings warrior of the Law. I'm M'Shak, Starfinder. It's my first time around one of your kind, the chance to meet one of you was only around 13% I'm glad that I'm seeing you peacefully it is said that you are great warriors.
After the presentations she looks at the strange device and adds What a meal you have prepared Iteration-177! I will try it, seems like a true and unique experiences!
M'Shak concentrate into the device and think of the mission the she discovered one race divided in two by History and they were able to make them think together again.
In the same time she tries to remember what she knows about the Hellknights and the order of the Pyre
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"It's neither fancy, nor epic. But the memory I cherish most is opening Castamir's Flaxseed Station. In another life I was friends with the original Flaxseed I think. And to open my place up to Starfinders was a dream come true."
Almost as an afterthought he adds, "Though I do miss Eevee."
Despite any philosophical misgivings, Conrad will do his best to make polite conversation with the Hellknight
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"Thank you for hosting, and more importantly, thank you for offering your assistance to the Society." Thomagar still carries some misgivings over Iteration-177's assistance, but perhaps he has just become too cynical over the years of travelling the Pact Worlds. "My name is Thomagar Dayana. Outside of the Exo-Guardian's work, I occasionally dabble in creating sculptures, mostly of stylised forms of the countless inhabits across the Pact Worlds and beyond. So, allow me to share the image of my very first creation that was exhibited. Pardon the rawness of my early work, but hopefully, it is tempered by the sense of pride," he shares humbly. An image of an androgynous kasatha poised with its four arms held up gracefully as if in the middle of an exotic dance is sent into the machine.
Turning to the Hellknights, he continues, "Paralictor Kelria, Maralictor Loomarch, it is an honor to meet you. I have not encountered many Hellknights in my travels. Perhaps if it is not to untoward of me, may I enquire what business you have in Athaeum? We might be of assistance to each other."
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Medrick sits quietly as everyone shares their thoughts and memories, I hate the anxiety of waiting for it to be my turn... What do I say? Once it is his turn, It is a pleasure to you again. I had the pleasure of talking to you personally at the gala a few months ago, if you recall. I am currently a student finishing up my M.D. soon. I have taken my internship through the Starfinder Society, since my specialty is in combat and dangerous situation medicine. The thought I will offer will be the first time I successfully treated a friend on the field. He was badly burned by some weird living oil creatures. I was finally able to put my knowledge to the test and help a friend when they needed. it. He goes quite again, unsure of if there is something more to add.
He also tried to remember any information on the Hellknights and specially this order.
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"When I'm not pulling off acts of engineering brilliance..."
Raatchet's normally energetic demeanor gives way to a noticeably more somber disposition.
"... I work a corporate day job as a TPS report specialist. It's soul-sucking work though. Here, let me share the memory but you may not like the taste - it may even be a bit painful."
Raatchet perks back up again as his signature mischievous grin returns.
"Bad tasting and painful... Hmmm... Perhaps that's something you Hellknights would actually like? Aren't you guys masochists or something?"
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Hellknights are merciless Enforcers of Interstellar Order.
Chaos reigns among the stars. For sanity and survival, the fanatical Hellknights are determined to spread order across the galaxy, even if a billion worlds must burn along the way.
The Hellknights hold law as the only virtue. Through force and intimidation, this legion imposes its ruthless justice. Heedless of borders, they go where called, crushing piracy, pacifying primitives, stamping out rebellion, and taming wild expanses. Engaged in countless conflicts, the Hellknights will accept nothing less than absolute order—yet they themselves have no desire to rule. The Hellknights are no mere conquerors, lusting after wealth and power. Rather, they are zealots, perfectly committed to the rule of law and the enforcement of consistent, stable systems.
Who makes those laws or sits on a particular throne is beside the point, hence their popularity as mercenaries with clients who can claim a legitimate mandate or seek an end to civic disorder. Even after their battles end, the Hellknights aren’t easily ousted—not until they’re satisfied that lasting order has been assured.
In their philosophies and aesthetics, the Hellknights take inspiration from Hell itself, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the diabolical designs of their imposing black armor. Matters of good and evil mean nothing next to the necessity of order, and in this Asmodeus and his legions are exquisite examples, for
Hell suffers no disobedience. This doesn’t mean that Hellknights are themselves evil or revel in slaughter, only that they remain unflinching in carrying out their orders and put moral concerns second to stability. A Hellknight would never capriciously harm
an innocent—and many actively seek to protect them—but they’d still burn a city and all its residents to the ground if it served their cause. To assure that only the worthiest number among their ranks, all Hellknights are trained and tested, culminating in single combat against a denizen of Hell. Only those who face and overcome such terror can call themselves Hellknights.
While united in their aims, the Hellknights consist of several independent orders, each focused on a different aspect of their crusade and endowed with particular
expertise. Some—such as the Order of the Nail, which forcibly “uplifts and civilizes” less-advanced races, or the bounty-hunting Order of the Chain—trace their pedigree
back to Golarion, their forbears having predicted the coming disaster and retreated to deep space or extraplanar holdings. Others arose upon farflung worlds and planes only to be called back to the Pact Worlds.
Seven major Hellknight orders campaign among the Pact Worlds, with lesser orders operating in their shadows; these are the Order of the Chain, the Order of the Eclipse, the Order of the Furnace, the Order of the Gate, the Order of the Nail, the Order of the Pike, and the Order of the Scourge. Each is known for its distinctive armor, its signature weapons or fighting technique, and its eclipsing Hellknight battle cruisers. Yet the embodiments of true Hellknight intimidation are their citadels—the massive mobile war stations each order employs as headquarters.
Paralictor Kelria looks to Kultanien. Her stern eyes almost make her take a step back. "Of course. We are truly devoted to the cause. We are traveling to Athaeum to investigate rumors that the Curators have a collection of forbidden texts and to review the defenses of the world to ensure that Athaeum is a suitable storage site."
Iteration-177 rises. "It is definitely a pleasure to see all of you once again. Including you Royo." The elder Ysoki simply nods. Iteration-177 passes around a fist-sized psychic node from the pencibiter. "Sorry, you all got a little ahead of me. Attach the node to your forehead and recall a powerful memory."
As each person attaches the node and recalls the memory, the pencibiter emits a flash and creates a colored disk about 1 foot in diameter. "Please place them in the bowl in front of you and slide your bowl to the center of the table. Each wafer-like disk has a unique taste determined by the memory implanted into it. Moreover, creatures that eat some of the disc can experience the memory in a distant way, as if they were remembering it as their own memory."
The pair of Hellknights and Royo each place their thought wafers into the bowl as Iteration-177 breaks them into small pieces. Enigmatic and bemused, Iteration-177 does not contribute any memories to the pencibiter.
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The Paralictor Kelria's memory tastes of smoke and ash.
You feel the heat of flames licking up your legs and see Kelria consumed by fire atop a spike of iron within a Hellknight fortress. A feeling of triumph and resignation fills the memory as Kelria emerges from the flames unscathed.
================================================================
Loomarch’s memory tastes both savory and sweet, tinged with the thrill of freedom.
You note two sets of weld marks on Loomarch’s armor that seal off where a kasatha’s second set of arms would emerge from.
================================================================
Royo's memory has a dry and earthy taste.
Instead of a momentous memory, Royo contributed his favorite feeling in the world: the contented thrill of reading ancient books. Those who eat his memory receive a vision of sitting in a cozy library, surrounded by the smell of old paper and stacks of enormous books. While the taste is slightly off-putting, the memory’s vision and artificial smell are calming.
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Raatchet will definitely try everyone else's memories and allow others to try his if they so wish. However, it tastes dry and bland, like eating dust if you were inclined to eat dust. The memory of working through TPS reports leaves you feeling as though you have a big hole in your soul.
"Now you all know why I look forward to doing jobs for the Starfinders whenever a mission comes up that allows me to get away from my day job!"
Raatchet turns to Loomarch and says, "That's an intriguing memory. Your armor was obviously once occupied by a kasatha but has since been modified to suit a two-armed wearer rather than a four-armed wearer. Did you and Hualsu share the same life force or something along those lines?"
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Medrick will definitely share his food. It was a big moment for Medrick and he would love to be able to share the power of real life application of knowledge with the group. It has a very spicy flavor that almost feels like it is burning your mouth but quickly dissolves into a kind of an herby taste (think like aloe or eucalyptus). It is a weird flavor and Medrick doesn't like the taste much but happy to share it. Is this a one of a kind device? Because I really like this thing!
After eating the Hellknight memories, Medrick works up the courage to ask, I have heard of the Hellknights and I am familiar with some of the orders, but I have never heard of yours. Is it too much to ask for you to enlighten us on what makes your order unique?
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Did you and Hualsu share the same life force or something along those lines?"
Loomarch seems thrilled with his existence among the Hellknights, he is happy to describe his summoning and discuss his hellish past. A gravely and deep voice echoes from the armor. "Years ago, a kasatha Hellknight named Hualsu attempted a complicated ritual to summon a devil." The flames seem to part and flicker into almost a smile. "He failed miserably. Making a crucial mistake the spell ultimately failed. Instead Hualsu and I were each ripped from our home planes and swapped places. Hualsu was transported to Hell, and I was bound to the Material Plane inside Hualsu’s Hellknight armor. Ironically, I proved to be more adherent to the Order of the Pyre than Hualsu ever was. Not wanting to turn down a tool useful to their cause, the leaders of the Order of the Pyre allowed me to continue serving in Hualsu’s place, which I have done with vigor."
Is it too much to ask for you to enlighten us on what makes your order unique?
"The Order of the Pyre searches the galaxy for forbidden texts while reviewing that the law is being maintained and suitable storage units." Paralictor Kelrias explains as simply as possible.
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Thomagar carefully bites into each of the pieces of food, his mind more on Loomarch's sharing that what he is tasting, alarmed that whatever is inhabiting the armor is not alive in the traditional sense. Still, it would be rude to react adversely so he stays silent, keeping an eye on the Hellknights.
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"Why no contribution Iteration-177?"
"Simply nothing worth contributing. I take immense pleasure in living vicariously through all of you." He smiles.
"Who forbids certain texts? And what law covers their storage?"
The vesk explains as if this is common knowledge. "Most forbidden texts are heretical and those that could bring about the end of worlds. Planets, the Pact Worlds create the laws governing storage of the texts."
Iteration-177 interrupts as everyone finishes eating. "Thank you all so much for humoring mu unique dinner request. Enjoy a good nights rest as we shall reach Athaeum in the morning."
To show appreciation, the android gives the Starfinders exotic lotions, oils, and spices from their personal collection. All of which are found in your room. In total, the rare collector items are worth 1,000 credits. Two mk 2 serums of healing and a single mk 2 ring of resistance are nestled in along with these offerings.
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"Might be best for you to take it then Medrick." suggests Kultanien.
"I do wonder what sort of knowledge could destroy planets, and if so... why the planet's people don't want it kept firmly within their own vaults."
The android shrugs, knowing that the ways of mortals were somewhat hard to understand.
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Following a brief stop, the Diligent Forerunner drops out of the Drift. Through the windows of the spacecraft, you can see an empty expanse of space, into which a planet suddenly appears, crackling with arcs of ivory energy. Iteration-177 addresses the ship’s occupants over the speaker system and ushers you, Royo, and the Hellknights into a spacious shuttle, which departs for the planet immediately.
Most of the surface of Athaeum is spotted with vine-covered stone domes and towers, creating the impression that the ship is landing in some ancient and long forgotten city. Many of the city’s buildings incorporate massive gears and timekeeping devices, each slowly winding with inscrutable purpose.
A nearby cracked stone pavilion is visible from outside the shuttle windows, nestled between towering skyscrapers. A stone door slides open in one of the nearby vine-covered towers, and three clouds of glowing, crystalline dust emerge. These clouds float and form into a series of formulae and mathematical symbols in midair before suddenly coalescing into the image of three elven humanoids that patiently wait for the shuttle to land. Royo explains. "These are the Curators of Athaeum creatures called axiomites who are comprised of pure mathematical law."
As the shuttle lands the three curator's each branch off in different directions. The first Curator approaches the Starfinders and leads you away from the shuttle with Royo. The second axiomite greets Iteration-177, and the third meets with the Hellknights.
“Greetings, esteemed guests from the Starfinder Society. I am Albryan, and I am tasked with guiding you to the Towers of Recondite Lore, where the information you requested resides. Before I do so, I would like to remind of the rules of research on Athaeum. All the information stored on Athaeum is unique. Visitors are welcome to read from our manuscripts, but copying or recording them in any way is forbidden. Should you choose to reproduce any acquired knowledge after leaving Athaeum, know that you do so at your own risk. We Curators will actively punish such transgressions. Know that there is no corner of the cosmos safe from us."
“Additionally, violence against the Curators or other visitors is strictly prohibited. Finally, visitors to the libraries will be charged a substantial research fee. Fortuitously for you, during our recent shift to this corner of the universe, Athaeum passed through a dangerous energy field that has greatly damaged our systems. We are correcting the problems, but our resources are spread thin. We have flagged two issues in the specific tower you are traveling to. If you can deal with these problems, we are prepared to greatly reduce our usual fee.”
Royo pipes in, excited at the possibility of lowering the overall cost of the endeavor. "The Society is already putting a significant amount of resources into satisfying the demands of the Curators, and while Luwazi Elsebo has authorized the expense, you would do well to lower the cost. We are short on all resources these days."
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Kultanien shakes her head "So we can gain the knowledge, but not share it." she checks, clarifying the rules, and making sure the Royo is also clear on them.
"Perhaps if you could tell us more about the challenges faced by the tower, we might prepare for the repairs in an appropriate manner?" she adds hopefully.