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"You're holding my AI core right now, silly!" Casandalee says with a sudden giggle and wink. Her face quickly resumes its normal impassive countenance. "If you can take me into the heart of Silver Mount and interface me with Unity's central processing unit, I might be able to hack into it and override or delete its programming. But we'll have to get past all of its guardians and defenses first. It will not be an easy task.
"It has been centuries since I last set foot inside Silver Mount. Do you know much about what has happened in the area in that time?"
You fill Casandalee in about the city of Starfall that now surrounds the crashed starship, as well as the rise to power of the Technic League. "I see. Well, it would seem that we will have to deal with the Technic League before any attempt to enter Silver Mount to face unity can truly begin. Preparation is a better course of action than reckless assault. Take the time you need to train and equip yourselves for the battles to come. Soon, we will journey to Starfall to defeat the Technic League!"
Fireday listens to the conversation and his eyes figuratively light up at Casandalee's words.
"A chance to take down my greatest enemy once and for all and bring justice to all they've wronged, myself included? You would not be able to keep me away from joining you in this! I swear, on my blade and that of Iomedae herself, that I will be your blade against the Technic League, Casandalee, until either the League is broken and Unity is no longer a threat, or both you and I are dead."
He makes the sign of the sword as he holds out his weapon in salute.
Holg laughs back at Casandelee "Erm ok, so we have the AI core I see... It seems like a suicide mission to go there and destroy Unity. I like your plan"
"As for how has it changed... I do not know, maybe Fireday can tell more, but I think now it is ruled by an organization called the Technique League. I have no idea how they do relate to Unity" the man scratches his head trying to get out everything he can "Well... there is also a Kellid who officially rules the land, the Black Sovereign. But until we get rid of the Technique League I do fear my people is ruled only by a proxy..."
With that, Holg agrees and raises his greatsword in a sign of desire to fight back "Let's head back to Torch. We can prepare ourselves there" By now the Kellid can teleport everyone back to Torch via word of recall but he is happy to fly again in Longdreamer if people prefers. Also Holg will want to say goodbye to Paetyr and invite him to life in Torch if he wishes so, or ever feels in danger at the Valley.
When Holg offers the return to Torch, Fireday somewhat sheepishly asks if they can travel with Longdreamer one more time. While teleportation was more expedient, he'd be lying if he said he didn't find the thrill of flying rapturous, and it would probably please the great butterfly to know that a terrible evil from beyond the stars has been purged from the Valley, so that it may finally begin to heal.
Then he turns to Isuma.
"We've avenged your friends. What will you do now?" he asks her. Whatever her answer, Fireday assures her that she would be welcome at Castle Urion. Her experience and her dedication to slaying such evil creatures as the Dominion's monsters, even if it was for her own personal reasons, would make her fit right in there, even if she was the only one of her kind, possibly on the whole of Golarion. And of course, as his companions could attest, she would always have a place in Torch should she ever want it. He also offers her a hug before they part ways, thanking her for her help as a guide and fellow warrior against evil.
When the group returns to Torch, Viv finally does what she has been planning for a while now: She approaches the town council and offers to construct a hospice and clinic, if they will allow her to purchase a plot of land to do so.
"It is time for me to put my skills to use here," she says to the team when they have returned to Torch and spent a day back in the rustic comforts of the town. "Numeria has many hurts, and I can do something to heal them. Perhaps I will even find the time to extend my reach to Scrapwall, to help remediate the water there, and make it bloom in the desert, bring an end to the starvation and scavenging."
"Our time together has been productive," she says, "and as I will remain here, I will always welcome visits from you."
As expected, she shows no signs of emotion, though it almost seems like something is struggling to come out... but she lacks the capacity to express it.
"Nevertheless, I am certain of your eventual success in this mission. And perhaps then, when Numeria is safe from the machine-entity that calls itself 'Unity,' we can rest easy."
"Except for you, Holg, because I know that you will never rest."
As they arrive in Torch and Viv informs them of her decision, Fireday's countenance falls, but he nods.
"We will miss your powers in battle, but I understand your decision. One thing that you can criticize Iomedaeans like me for is that we are always marching forward, always searching for the next great evil to slay, and there's so much of it in this world that we rarely have time or energy to protect and heal the ones left behind in its wake. I'll do what I can to help. Besides, someone will have to prepare for the celebration that we'll have when we return victorious after Unity and the Technic League are vanquished!"
"I will marry you whenever you want." Fifteen says gently. "It is good that you have spoken about it. Val wanted to know about dates and did not believe that I had already asked. There is nothing that I want more than to marry you. Would you like to have a temple wedding?" Her forehead creases slightly, a sure sign that she is thinking. "Torch has a temple to Bright, and a chapel to Pharasma if you want a religious blessing. You are the only person I need to be there - although Val would be very upset if we did not invite her or Father."
Fifteen smiles and takes Molly in her arms. "Do I have to purchase a dress?"
The halfling's face breaks into a broad grin. "Don't be silly. Of course you need a dress," she says before throwing her arms around the android and pressing her lips against the woman's cool ones. Before she's even aware of what she's doing, she hears grumbles of disapproval from others sitting nearby and realizes that she's climbed into Fifteen's lap ... in the middle of the common room.
With a face the color of ripe beets, Molly climbs down from her love's arms and pushes her chair back to where it belongs. She eyes her slice of pie and then her lover.
"Perhaps we should have dessert back in our room?" she asks with a sly grin.
Then, Holg brings Meyanda to the tavern and while he prepares the deer for food, he presents the android to the other party members as they arrive for eating "Look Fireday, do you remember about Meyanda? You will be surprised on how much our words changed her"
And also points to the new members "They are Molly and Fifteen. They are very close together. Hei, this is Meyanda, she gave us quite a work some months ago, but she wants to hear about our business in Silver Mount. I think she can be of great help, she knows about the Technique Leage and Unity"
Fireday is naturally shocked when Holg arrives with Meyanda in tow.
"How could I forget? Her work was what prompted us to meet and begin the long journey we've made."
Meyanda agreeably follows Holg to meet with the rest of the team. "I'll prove my fighting prowess any day you want!" she says witha chuckle.
"Fireday!" she shouts, overjoyed, when he is re-introduced to her. "Still fighting for the heart, I hope?" She rubs a small spot of skin on the back of her neck. "One of the... experiences... I had was that I found an installed an emotion chip. I understand you all so much better now."
She nods in greeting to Molly and Fifteen, offering a hand as well. "Hello! If you're braving the Silver Mount with Fireday and Holg, I can only assume that you are great warriors too."
Meyanda tells a bit of her story...
"After I was exiled from Torch, I wandered the wastes. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, just something new to start my life. I hunted with a knife, prayed to Gorum to make water drinkable. It was a mean existence.
"Eventually I stumbled across some tech-ruins, wrenched some usable gear from them. Every day was a battle to survive. Finding food, water, shelter—you know, Holg; it is not simple in Numeria.
"I thought I would make for Scrapwall, perhaps pay a visit to one of the people I used to know there, but then I reasoned that after you had captured me, you must've followed the signal back there. I figured that there was nothing good for me in that old disaster of a place.
"I met an old man, a Kellid tech-shaman who was also scavenging for parts. Though we were wary of each other at first, we worked together to survive for a time. He helped install new parts to make me stronger, taught me some strange tricks of the desert.
"One of the pieces he installed was an emotion chip, so that now I understand people better.
"And so I continued my wanderings, found these tools, eventually realized that Gorum had been strengthening me for a greater challenge. I decided to come back to Torch, see if I could talk my way into the town, find something to test me further. And I found you! Truly there are no coincidences."
The android warrior posts her massive gray sword and leans with one hand wrapped around the hilt. "I learned much while I was away. I am a better fighter now than I ever was, and my faith is powerful, too. Now that I am back in town I am ready to have a drink and a bath and to prepare for my next adventure!"
Certainly she seems quite boisterous, no longer the reserved and callous android that she was when the team first met (and defeated) her.
Meyanda's new demeanor catches Fireday even more off-guard than her presence.
"Yes, Iomedae 'the Bore' continues to guide my blade and we've overcome many great evils since last we spoke."
He listens patiently to her story, and his shocked expression gives way to a smile.
"You HAVE changed, Meyanda, and only for the better it seems. It is good to see you again."
Holg listens attentively to Meyenda's struggle in the desert and her new found faith in Gorum "That seems like a hard time you passed, but it clearly also strengthened your resolve"
"I do believe Gorum himself is guiding you to fight the false ones who call themselves as the Iron Gods, for there is only a true god of Iron" the Kellid gets pretty emotional and carried over at this point "Let's not talk more, come with us to Silver Mount and fully complete your redemption!"
"You were the one who took my father then." Fifteen says, a slight colour to her tone that Molly does not recognise. "That was a wicked act and wrong. I will watch you very carefully."Meyanda nods somberly to Fifteen. "Yes. I understand that now. Before, I lacked the empathy to recognize the harm that I was doing. I am glad that you were able to save him. Khonnir is an important part of this town's strength, and I... feel... that I have a better understanding both of his importance to Torch and of the wrongs I perpetrated."
"I will help you to reach the Silver Mount. It will involve some travel. It is the main bulk of the mountain upon which the capital city of Starfall is built. We can seek information there. The Technic League runs the city, ostensibly under the auspices of the Black Sovereign, so we must be cautious about the kinds of enemies that we might make. But it should be possible to barter for information."
He nods at the conversation between Fifteen and Meyanda.
"Part of redeeming oneself is knowing where one has wronged others and working to make it right. If I had any doubts before they are erased, Meyanda, and I imagine you'll have an opportunity to prove yourself to you as well, Fifteen." he says.
"I'm certainly eager to get to Starfall and face the League in their own fetid nest. But discretion is the better part of valor, so I would not be so bold as to suggest just charging in and taking heads. Meyanda's right: we will have to be discreet and figure out a way to work our way towards their leaders. Behead the serpent and it will die. What information do we have to barter WITH, though? Surely you're not suggesting using Casandalee as bait? We've worked so hard to free her that it would be a betrayal to put her at even greater risk so soon."
Fifteen's sharp eyes look from Molly to the pie on its plate and back to Molly, before her lips curls a little at the corners. "I believe that would be a good idea." She says, standing with the lithe grace that she always displays and gathering up the plate, before reaching down with her other hand to take Molly's.
"Although we must be quieter this time. I received a scolding this morning about the noise." She adds.
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Meyanda says to Fifteen, "Again, I apologize. I accept that I have much work to do to be worthy of your trust."
To Fireday she says, "Nothing like using Casandalee. The Technic League is always hungry for information about other crash sites and tech-dungeons. From the gear you now carry I can deduce that you have found more. Just the promise of telling them the locations of some of these places might be enough to open a few doors. And if those nests are already cleaned out of anything useful, why, how can it be your fault that other people came and scavenged there after you defeated the monsters within?"
"Ultimately though they will try to take your technological gear by force, and if the easiest way to do so is to make slaves of you, then they will try that, too. You—we—must deal with them from a position of strength and cunning. Let them think that it is too dangerous to fight us, but that they might be clever enough to get something good from a deal if they help us," she suggests.
"Yes, Isuma, if you wish, you can totally come with us. I am sure we can find a place for you, there is people from all Golarion, even things with green skin from the far jungles" Holg will use sending to call Longdreamer so Fireday can enjoy the flight, and he himself actually, and the party can update the butterfly about their success.
---
"Ok, so we go to Silver Mount and look for information, clear" Holg balances for a while, his face frowning increasingly in effort, and after some minutes of quite silence he asks "Mmmm... what information we should seek out?"
"I hate Coen left, he will perfectly know how to do this position of strength and mislead of the Tehcnic League you are talking about Meyanda"
Fifteen's sharp eyes look from Molly to the pie on its plate and back to Molly, before her lips curls a little at the corners. "I believe that would be a good idea." She says, standing with the lithe grace that she always displays and gathering up the plate, before reaching down with her other hand to take Molly's.
"Although we must be quieter this time. I received a scolding this morning about the noise." She adds.
"I'd be happy to officiate it for you as well...I *am* an ordained priest, after all!" Fireday comments. "And even if you wish another priest's services, I'd still love to attend if you'll allow it. I'm happy for you!"
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"We've avenged your friends. What will you do now?"
Isuma has remained largely silent since the battle at the Dominion hive, as is her nature, but when Fireday asks her what she plans to do next, she shakes her head. "Honestly, I do not know. For months, all I could think about was making the Dominion pay for what they took from me. Now that my vengeance is complete, I will search this alien world for more of my kind. I know it is a long shot, but I cannot rule out the possibility that more kasathas survived and are out there, somewhere, on Golarion."
She accepts the android's hug, patting him on the back with four hands.
"Yes, Isuma, if you wish, you can totally come with us. I am sure we can find a place for you, there is people from all Golarion, even things with green skin from the far jungles"
"Very well. I suppose Torch is as good a place as any to begin my search."
Once back in town, the alien woman quickly makes friends with some of the other citizens. Crowds gather to hear her tales of adventure from a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
Meyanda says to Fifteen, "Again, I apologize. I accept that I have much work to do to be worthy of your trust."
To Fireday she says, "Nothing like using Casandalee. The Technic League is always hungry for information about other crash sites and tech-dungeons. From the gear you now carry I can deduce that you have found more. Just the promise of telling them the locations of some of these places might be enough to open a few doors. And if those nests are already cleaned out of anything useful, why, how can it be your fault that other people came and scavenged there after you defeated the monsters within?"
"Ultimately though they will try to take your technological gear by force, and if the easiest way to do so is to make slaves of you, then they will try that, too. You—we—must deal with them from a position of strength and cunning. Let them think that it is too dangerous to fight us, but that they might be clever enough to get something good from a deal if they help us," she suggests.
At this suggestion, Fireday strokes his chin.
"Mmm...we may have...something resembling an ally in the League. During our recent search at the Scar of the Spider, we encountered Hyrsek Caio, a tiefling mercenary in their employ, who'd been dispatched there in search of another League agent who'd gone missing there. Hyrsek aided us against a number of the Scar's horrors before finding what he came for and leaving us in peace. He was returning to Silver Mount when he left us. If we reach out to him, maybe he can make introductions? It's a long-shot, I admit, but he's literally the ONLY person in the entire Technic League I've let walk away."
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As terrible and dangerous as it was, the time in the Scar of the Spider passed mostly as a poorly remembered blur for Kaksa. During that time she was quietly, but very deeply, involved in a personal crisis. With every day that passed, Kaska became more convinced she was pregnant. If it was true, it would be happening under the worst possible combination of circumstances Kaska could imagine.
The timing was bad not only because of her personal preferences at this time in her life, but because Kaska was presently chasing around rogue machines and Technic League agents in all the worst parts of Numeria. It was all completely unsafe and not likely at all to result in anything that would include prosperity and old age.
Even worse if it were true, the Scar of the Spider was probably among the worst possible places in all of Avistan for her to be. The valley positively overflowed with bizarre and toxic ichors, fluids, and vapors. If a land could be properly described as having a gangrenous wound, the valley she was in would be exactly that. Kaska’s exposure to the place might cause her to give birth to a monster if it didn’t kill her outright.
Then there were the non-physical problems. Kaska had known Gelati for a number of years, and counted him amongst her very few good friends. She knew him to be a good young man. He was reliable, trustworthy, kind, and she enjoyed spending time with him. That said, Kaska certainly did not presently want an intense and durable entanglement with him. Kaksa had no reason to believe Gelati wanted something of that sort either.
She didn’t share any of this with anyone else. Holg would celebrate it, and Kaska was in no mood for that. She might have said something to Viv, but androids were so unpredictable in what they would say to people and how they treated information. Nothing seemed sensitive so Kaska was unsure if telling Viv was just a roundabout way of telling Holg.
Fortunately for her state of mind, by the time the journey to find Casandalee’s AI core, or whatever her box-thing is exactly, was concluding, Kaska found she was not in fact pregnant. With the great weight lifted, Kaska resolves to have a talk with Viv when she makes it known she will be settling down in Torch to be a healer. She certainly doesn’t intend to stop sleeping with Gelati if Viv can help her take the proper precautions. He has the best pectorals in Torch hands down and she doesn't plan to give them up just yet.
Kaska also doesn’t wait for any clinic to get built. As soon as she catches Viv alone, Kaska collars her for a talk.
”So Viv, I need your help getting some herbs, I think it’s herbs I need…”
"Of course," Viv says to Kaska. "I am only to happy to assist you. What needs do you currently have? Are you experiencing any uncomfortable symptoms?"
Kaska shifts back and forth on her feet with her hands clasped behind her back. She looks uncomfortable and takes a few seconds to spit out what's on her mind.
"No, I'm not sick or anything." Kaska leans in closer to Viv. "I need the kind you can take to not get pregnant. Do you think I could get it in time for the wedding?"
Viv pauses, then nods. "Normally it takes a little while to get night tea leaves. But I can make a special trip for you. Since I can fly it's not a burden. That will also allow me to bring back an extended supply, so that you don't need to worry about it as long as you remember to take them every day," says the android.
"I could possibly whip up a pharmaceutical alternative but having never done so in the past I would recommend using a tried-and-proven method instead of an experimental one. Your choice."
Kaska is pleased and grateful, taking Viv's hand and giving it a squeeze.
"That's wonderful. Thank you Viv. I think tried and proven is best. I hope it not too much trouble to ask for it so soon. It's just that I'll be bringing Gelati, you met him at the dinner at my house, to the wedding. He gets sentimental and teary at weddings, we've gone to a couple together before."
"It's like a reflex with him. He can't help himself I guess. And it makes you want to roll your eyes, but it's also pretty adorable. And so then I... Well, so then I appreciate you going to the trouble is what I mean."
Viv holds Kaska's hand and gives her a squeeze. "It is no trouble. It will take a little while to assemble materials for my clinic in any case, and this way I can make a few additional purchases abroad. I need some more herbs and chemicals for making pharmaceuticals, so I can make all of the purchases at once."
"Now remember," she says, "Once per day, and you cannot miss a dose! Higher concentrations can induce termination of unwanted gravidity, but as the saying goes, the poison is in the dosage. Don't overdo it. You may find it more pleasing to blend with a floral or herbal tea as well."
Kaska offers Meyanda a neutral "hello" when she shows up, and nothing more than the greeting.
In Kaska's view people don't really change. Oh sure, trappings and details can change with time and circumstance. But, the real core of the person? Nope.
Meyanda is a religious fanatic who cares most about her faith. She'll take her devotion wherever she believes it needs to go to prove how strong it is, no matter what it costs her or other people. Changing gods won't change that about her.
Kaska lets it all slide because Holg is pleased he will have someone around to talk about Gorum stuff with. To her mind Holg isn't a fanatic. The fundamental difference being Holg could, under the right circumstances, become pissed off at Gorum. It would take a lot no doubt, but Holg could walk away. But Meyanda's the type who can rationalize anything.
In any case it doesn't matter too too much to Kaska if she's around. If Meyanda steps badly, she won't be a problem to put down. They've done it before, and if they have to do it a second time it will be permanent.
"You are right Fireday! That is a fantastic idea! Let's try to contact with Hyrsek Caio first and find out as much as we can. After all he owes us a favor or two..." Holg nods enthusiastically at finally seeing a way through.
The man is emphatic enough to notice something is going on with Kaska, but dumb enough to not understand it by himself, and too busy with the recent apparition of Meyanda and the organization of the trip to Silver Mount.
In her typical downer fashion Kaska must disagree.
"I understand why we let Hyrsek Caio go but it was a mistake. He's scum and he will sell us out in a heartbeat. Don't think just because you did him a good turn he'll do so in kind. As soon as he was out of our reach we were dead to him."
"Do you think so? Hummm" Holg looks back at Fireday confused after listening to Kaska "Do not know, perhaps we should judge him by his acts and not assume things. Does anyone has an alternative idea to Fireday's plan?" the Kellid scratches his head in a deep thought effort.
Kaska shakes her head impatiently.
"We can already judge him by his acts. We caught him at his disadvantage. He struck a temporary deal with us so he could get what he wanted. And he did get everything he wanted. We received very little in return. When he had what he'd come for, he used our honorable intent to make his exit."
"A person doesn't become a friend just because you don't kill them. We know he thinks in terms of what is best for himself. We know his interests lie with his own benefit. He told us so if you read between the lines. No loyalty to the Technic League, just a job. No loyalty to us, just a job."
"If we contact him asking for information, where does the advantage lie for him? He benefits most by going straight to the Technic League and telling them everything new about us. Because believe me he's already told them everything he already knows. Why would he not? At worst he gets nothing, more likely he can finagle a bonus for it."
"If I were in the Technic League's shoes, this is what I would do. I would have Hyrsek reply to us that he will help, and arrange to meet. That meeting would be an ambush of course. Even if it's not an ambush, he could feed us false information given to him by the Technic League, or simply act as their informant on us. What are we hoping to get out of it anyway? Anything worth giving up our intentions and location? Again we would give up more than we could get from Hyrsek on the hope he thinks kind thoughts about us."
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Fireday nods.
"I don't disagree, Kaska, but like Holg said, what are our alternatives? Hyrsek is the only 'in' we really have at Silver Mount...without such an 'in,' we'd literally be faces in the crowd, and we'd have no real way of accessing the city's metaphorical halls of power, which is our target. Any other League agents who might have been able to make introductions for us are dead by our hand."
"If we went in secret yes, we would be just faces in the crowd. I think that is a good thing for us to be. We will find our own way, learn what we must once we are there. Especially when the other choice is to announce ourselves to our worst enemy and ask them to kindly guide us on our way. If you want to kill a dangerous beast, you watch it and learn its ways and habits. You do not offer yourself as bait and hope you are a very fast learner."
"Maybe I'm wrong, and it is best to seek out the Technic League. If we go without their knowledge and we fail, if we find no other way forward, it can be undone. We can then seek out Hyrsek Caio and ask for his help."
"If we ask for his help and it is a mistake, it cannot be undone. We are known and marked. We have thrown away our alternatives. Since we can't debate among ourselves to a certain answer, which way is wiser if we are uncertain?"
Kaska pauses as a thought comes to her.
"We may not have to remain in the dark on this question. I can seek counsel from my ancestors. It is within my power to contact them. Can we agree to accept their advice should they give it?"
"There might be another way... the Silver Mount is dangerous, but the Technic League is always hungry for its contents. They would be willing to sponsor adventurers trying to penetrate its depths in exchange for a share of the proceeds. We might be able to convince them to let us in on the promise of giving them some tech when we return. Of course if we don't come out the way we came in, and our goal isn't really to steal tech, then all we need is to get inside," suggests Meyanda.
"Assuming they don't recognize us, of course. We've thwarted them more than once, they might have some idea of who we are."
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The halfling internally debates having another drink before deciding that what Fifteen doesn't know won't hurt her. "But she does feel things," Molly replies after taking a large swallow of the mediocre beer. "She doesn't feel them the same way we do and she doesn't feel them with the same intensity, but she does love me. It's evident in how she holds my hand. In the hundreds of other little things she does for me every day." She stares into the mug in front of her. "Love isn't just a feeling - it's a choice. And she's chosen to love me."
Her small hands push away the half-finished drink. "And I choose not to drink any more tonight."
”But if you don't drink any more then you're going to be no fun when the girls come on stage!" Val replies with a grin. "You even get a special dance tonight as the bride-to-be!" She grins hopefully.
"No, Fifteen says that I ..." she pauses and shakes her head. "I get a little short-tempered when I drink too much and I shouldn't do that."
The rest of Val's statement finally seems to catch up with the halfling. "Wait, what? Girls? Dance? What are you talking about?"
"Well what did you think we were here for?" Val asks with a much wider grin. "The Marrymaid isn't the only place in town to sell drinks, but is it the only one with boys and girls who take their clothes off for money. Hey look! The show's about to start." Val takes her place with Viv and Kaska, all seated behind Molly so that the halfling is exposed to the dancers on stage...
Molly's hands move up to cover her face as the musicians change the beat of the music and attractive big-people move to the stage. Someone looking a little closer, however, would notice that she's peeking through her fingers. Unfortunately for her someone does notice, and a well built man wearing a bandolier of leather and very little else struts over the stage towards Molly and begins moving with truly remarkable flexibility. Taught muscles writhe and his skin glows with a strange ethereal light as he gyrates in front of the bride to be. Behind her Val is flashing a big thumbs up and mouthing "Yes! Her!"
The halfling seems to shrink in on herself as the man gyrates closer to her, pulling her feet up onto the chair and wrapping one arm around her knees. The other hand still covers her face with fingers spread just barely enough for her to watch the performance. She turns back just enough to whisper harshly to those behind her. "Please don't ever tell Fifteen about this!"
Viv's lips quirk upwards, Kaska smirks outright and Val at least has the good grace to look embarrassed. "I... err... checked with her beforehand." She admits. "I explained how its traditional before the wedding and she said that we should do it!" It doesn't take a genius to notice that the young woman seems a little... awkward. "She said that I should 'ensure that Molly has the best possible pre-wedding party'" She does a passably good impression of her little sister, although the eye rolling is pure Val. "And this is the best possible party. Take her away!" She adds.
Before Molly can do anything, the dancer grabs her and vaults back onto the stage. A tall stool has appeared, and he places Molly gently on it as three more dancers, another man who seems to be a 'hunter' garbed in skins and carrying a ridiculous looking bow, and two women, one brunette wearing a reflective bodysuit moulded to her form, and a blonde who is wearing what looks like a Technic League uniform - but far too tailored, appear from the wings. Suddenly Molly is surrounded by dancers, who split their attention between the halfling on the stage and the audience. The view both sides is quite spectacular however and more than one member of the audience looks at Molly with envy.
Molly, on the other hand looks as though if there were a way to sink through the chair and the floor below it, she would take it in an instant. After a squeak of surprise when the dancer picked her up to move her to centre stage, she's remained entirely silent, attempting to curl into as small a shape as possible. She's still peeking through her fingers, though.
When the hunter-garbed dancer moves right in front of her and begins to grind his pelvis ... or rather what's in the middle of his pelvis ... in her direction, her hands slowly fall to her sides revealing wide eyes and a mouth open in a small 'o' of shock or amazement. She turns to meet Val's eyes in the audience and points at the rhythmically moving member and mouths, 'Oh my gods!'.
Val applauds and gives a massive wink back before turning back to hollering as the hunter turns around and shows Molly that his muscles are just as defined at the back as the front. The 'show' lasts perhaps five minutes until the blonde, who is now wearing little more than artful tattoos gives Molly a hand down from the chair and a theatrical kiss on the cheek. "Wasn't she a good sport everyone? A round of applause for tomorrow's bride!" The entire bar applauds, although probably just as much for the blonde and her companions as for Molly.
The halfla finds a new drink waiting for her back at her chair and Viv leans forwards. "Did you enjoy that?" The android asks. "Who was your favourite dancer?"
The drink is slammed back without a moment's consideration for her previous statement that she wasn't going to drink any more tonight. "They were all quite ... skilled," Molly says after wiping her mouth. "Although I think the hunter had a fecking quiver stuffed into his pants," she adds with a laugh and a very red face.
Kaska lets out a whoop and Val curses before pushing a gold piece across the table to the other woman. "Did you not even notice Amara?" She asks. "I thought that was a sure thing!"
”You should not bet against Kaska." Viv replies. "She is very lucky. More than probability should allow."
The party continues for some time longer, although now Molly has survived her dance the worst is largely over. All the girls leave the Marrymaid in varying states of intoxication and good cheer which Val declares ”Perf *hic* for the wedding tomorrow!”
”Nervous my dear?” Khonnir asks with a smile. ”Plenty of brides are at this point.”
”Why would I be nervous?” Fifteen replies, looking down at her father with a slight smile. ”I am very lucky, not afraid. However I do feel… anticipation?” She looks down at the waist of her dress. ”I think perhaps I understand the saying about butterflies now.”
Her father’s appraising look is cut off by the applause from the audience as they part for two short figures. Val walks behind Molly with a wide smile, but Fifteen only has eyes for her bride. The halfling is wearing a brightly patterned summer dress, with a tight bodice that flares out into a wildflower embroidered skirt. Her feet, shod in pretty leather sandals, practically dance over the black earth as Val peels off and Molly mounts the carefully decorated box so that she stands just below Fifteen’s shoulder.
”Friends,” Khonnir begins. ”I am here today as a proud father, rather than as a priest but before out esteemed friend begins the ceremony I wanted to say a few words. I am glad beyond measure to be here for the wedding of my daughter, although not the daughter I was expecting be married first!” He pauses for a few moments for laughter although Fifteen looks confused until Molly tugs on her hand and whispers an explanation in her ear.
”I am also thankful because not long ago I did not think that such scenes would be possible again.” Khonnir continues. ”Torch’s flame went out and I was kidnapped. It was thanks to Fireday, Kaska, Viv, Holg and other companions not able to be here today that I was saved and the flame reignited so I want us all to show them our appreciation!”
A hearty round of applause breaks out directed and lasts quite long enough for Fireday to blush and Kaska’s face to imitate her clan’s fames symbol. Eventually Khonnir calms the applause with a few large gestures and then retreats to join Val as Fireday steps forward.
”The Inheritor teaches us that there is nothing more important than valor, bravery and trust in your comrades and I have the pleasure to say that I know of very few braver people than the two women standing before me. Together they have faced down aliens from the depths of space and fought on with wounds that would have slain anyone without their sheer determination. And, most importantly, they have proved time and again their absolute faith in each other.” The android pauses to clear his throat. ”Neither of the wedding couple are especially religious, so I simply call the blessing of the gods upon them as I ask you Molly Fairlocks, do you take this woman to be your wife as witnessed by the people of Torch.”
”Absolutely!” Molly replies, her smile threatening to split her face in two.
”Fifteen, do you take this woman to be your wife as witnessed by the people of Torch.”
”There is nothing I desire more.” The android replies an unaccustomed warmth in her tone.
Fireday turns to the audience and raises his voice triumphantly. ”Then by the grace of the Inheritor and with your approval I present to you Fifteen and Molly, may their love only grow stronger!” There are a few whoops until he turns back to his fellow android. ”This is when you kiss her.” He adds in a stage whisper. Fifteen does so with enthusiasm and then the cheers begin in earnest.
"Drinks are on us!" Molly shouts to the assembled when she finally comes up for air. She looks back into her wife's eyes. "We won't be around for them, though," she adds with a smirk.
With a practiced effort, she jumps into Fifteen's arms. "To the wedding bower, Love of My Heart," she commands with a hand pointing in the direction of their room.
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Kaska performs a divination to ask her ancestors if contacting Hyrsek Caio would be a good idea. The answer she receives is: "The hellspawn is exactly as he seems. He only values that which glitters and gleams. Seek instead she with skin that is frigid, and whose right hand bears an extra digit."
Before you leave for Starfall, you consult with Khonnir Baine. The Technic League has gone through many changes (both physically and politically) since Khonnir fled, so his information on the organization is woefully out of date. He can confirm that the leaders of the Technic League control access to Silver Mount, and mobilize swiftly to attack any unsanctioned infiltrators.
If you are planning to explore Silver Mount, Khonnir strongly recommends you either infiltrate the Technic League first in order to gather intelligence or recover tools to aid in their entry of Silver Mount. Destabilizing the Technic League would go a long way toward helping you in this endeavor—Khonnir points out that there’s classically been enough treachery among the captains of the League that one or more of them might be willing to help you for their own reasons. The trick will be figuring out who these possible allies might be--without alerting the whole organization.
***
When the time is right, you make the journey of 80 miles across the plains of Numeria from Torch to Starfall. Starfall has long served the tribes of Numeria as the seat of power for any Kellid warlord strong enough to seize the coveted title of Black Sovereign. Since the advent of the Technic League, though, true power has belonged not to this single barbaric overlord, but rather to a sinister cabal of arcane spellcasters who have embraced the strange wonders of technology. Starfall has always been a place known for danger, but since the Technic League took power, the city has also become known for oppression, filth, and hopelessness—it’s a place that draws those who enjoy gathering power at the expense of a suffering populace like flies to a corpse. Those willing to cast in their lot with the Technic League can rise to great power in Starfall, but for
those who try and fail, the fall can be painful indeed.
Those with power are the minority in Starfall, yet such is their strength that the city exists primarily to cater to their whims. As Numeria’s capital and largest city, Starfall reflects both the harshness and eeriness of the surrounding lands. The bulk of the population is comprised of immigrants—the homeless and desperate who come to the capital under the misguided hope of finding a sudden reversal of fortune. Though it’s true that cleverness, creativity, and a lack of stringent morals can quickly make one rich in Starfall, most meet only with failure and despair.
Entry into Starfall is tightly regulated, although mainly for the purposes of collecting entry taxes; the Technic League doesn’t much care who visits as long as they pay. The city is surrounded by an ominous wall built from great blocks of conglomerate formed from a mixture of stone, mortar, and recycled scrap metal. Its surface is uneven, with hunks of metal and other bits of junk haphazardly protruding outward. Along its entire length rise hideous 30-foot-tall metal watchtowers spaced at frequent intervals. At all times, metal gearsmen keep silent watch from these towers, constantly scanning both the surrounding landscape and the city below.
Of course, all of this pales in comparison to the enormous bulk of Silver Mount that rises above the city, shining in the rays of the sun.
Entrance to Starfall is via Sovereign’s Gate to the south—all who pass through the gate must pay an entrance fee of 10 gp, but this fee allows for as long a stay within the walls as the visitor desires. The gate is guarded at all times by a group of four gearsman battleguards. You know that all technology in Starfall is technically the property of the Technic League. You will either have to keep your technological items out of sight or disguise them as something else to pass through the gate unmolested.
Fireday smiles as Fifteen and Molly kiss. He hoped he'd kept the speech brief enough for Molly's tastes. After the celebration, he begins making preparations for the journey to Starfall. By the time they're ready to go he's wrapped himself in fresh bandages to hide his circuitry marks. He'd been getting used to showing them openly, now that he was among friends most of the time, but now they were headed into enemy territory, and he wanted to look as human as possible.
He has plenty of time to think as they travel...Starfall was probably the last place he expected he'd ever travel. The heart of the League...the lair of his greatest enemies. Was it here that he'd run from, going on eight years ago? Was this a homecoming? He wasn't sure they'd find any trace of his body's previous soul, but he was sure of one thing: he was done running, and he and his newfound clan would break the Technic League once and for all, or die trying.
Holg applauds heartily when the words of bondage are pronounced "Oh! Look at them, these two are going to be pretty happy together!"
"Great words Fireday!" the man has taken a package of rice and when the couple bonds their hands together and kisses he starts to throw the rice grains all over them "Hooray for the happy couple!"
"Now to the important stuff" Holg smiles mischievously "Where is the banquet?"
Holg observes the tall walls and well defended towers of Starfall as the group approaches "It seems we will have to behave by the Technique League rules until we are strong enough to strike"
As the group approaches the gates, Holg conceals his cyberart tattoos under his clothes "Shall we put all our guns and stuff inside a dimensional bag until we are safe?"
Once at the gate Holg pays the 10 golds fee "Do I get a receipt for paying my taxes?" the Kellid looks at the towering gearsmen and smiles remembering how the power of Gorum has shattered some like those to pieces in the past.
"Any inn you recommend staying the night off?" Holg asks the gearsmen while they inspect them.
The gearsman regards Holg impassively but does not answer his questions. *Do you have any technological items to declare?* it asks in a harsh, buzzing voice.
"I have nothing to hide robots" comments Holg.
If the robots find out his tattoos and say something against, the Kellid adds "Perhaps you want to check closely this other piece of technology" pointing at his greatsword.
Fifteen, who has almost no technological gear after divesting herself of much of what she was carrying in Torch, simply tries to blend in.
She keeps a close eye on her wife though, if the guards take exception to black powder as 'technology' then she will have to step in...
Molly stows her arc rifle and veemods into whatever bag Holg suggests, but she openly carries her musket, considering it no more 'technology' than her wife's swords.
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The 'Hen Party' is a pretty weird scene for Kaska. She thinks it must be a Halfling or city thing because she's never heard of any such tradition around the local area before. The club they go to is the sort of place locals work at but don't go to, at least within Kaska's age group. Customers tend to be travelers and such. Being in the place is a little awkward for Kaska because she knows some of the dancers by name. None of them are people she's tight with (that would be super awkward), but they're around her age and grew up in Torch, which is a small place.
Kaska does her best to play her part, and the alcohol helps. But Kaska also suffers from the condition of easily being embarrassed for others. When Molly is pulled up onto the stage Kaska cheers on the proceedings, but inwardly she cringes just as Molly does.
There is a great blessing though. While Kaska rarely drinks excessively, her toughness extends to handling alcohol. The next morning she wakes up completely fresh and unaffected by the previous night.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kaska attends the wedding with Gelati as her escort. She wears a simple, loose fitting one piece linen dress colored sky blue. The dress is short sleeved and low cut so her extensive tattooing is maximally visible within the bounds of decency. The skirt is slit up both sides and cinched in at the waist by a woven leather belt. Her hair is up, held by a barrette fashioned from an old gear and polished bone pins.
As Kaska had predicted to Viv, tears roll down Gelati's cheeks while Fifteen and Molly exchange vows. Kaska smiles gently, partially for Fifteen and Molly on their day and partially because of Gelati's reaction, and holds his hand.
Kaska sneaks some of her friends into the party after the wedding, Smilte, Rasa, and Smilte's boyfriend Nojus. Together they form a young townie contingent among the party attendees, talking among themselves and hanging around within easy distance of the of the free drinks. Even then Kaska mostly spends her time chatting and joking with Gelati. The pair sit or stand leaning in so close to each other their foreheads practically touch.
Anyone watching her for a while would notice Kaska seems different on this particular evening, and they might realize it is because she is completely comfortable and at ease.
At some point during the party Kaska and Gelati slip away, leaving their friends to ransack the free booze for as long as they're allowed to.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kaska readily agrees to stow her technology away in Holg's bag. It's easy to do since her stuff amounts to her pistols, her collection of epicks and access cards, and a bunch of batteries.
She has never seen such a big settlement with so many people, which is intimidating even before the watchtowers and robot guards are added to the picture. It reinforces her view that the best thing they can do at the moment is lay low, learn their way around, and avoid unneeded conflict while they figure out a plan. Ideally it will be a plan that includes the frigid woman with an extra finger revealed to her.
Kaska pays up her 10 gold coins and claims no technology to declare.
Fireday pays up too, letting Kaska do the talking.
The gearsman accept most of you through the gates without issue, but Holg's abrasive nature causes them to do a more thorough search. His tattoos seem to pass inspection, though, and eventually they wave him through.
Soon enough, you find yourselves among the bustling streets of Starfall. As with any city, Starfall offers a wide range of opportunities to buy and sell equipment or to eat and drink and rest— but unlike most cities, Starfall presents a fair bit of danger as well. Unless you take care to disguise themselves, you'll likely be regarded in town as adventurers or mercenaries, and all costs for rooms, food, and drink will skyrocket—many vendors and innkeepers attempt to charge ten times the normal price for such amenities, knowing that adventurers are often quite wealthy.
A major feature of note in the city is the Street of Lights, so named because of the brightly lit strings of alchemical and technological lamps that illuminate the grim city. The widest street in Starfall, this thoroughfare connects the city’s two gates and divides the settlement in half. The street is lined with businesses of nearly every sort, and its glowing lights banish darkness from its storefronts, most of which remain open around the clock. The Street of Lights is dotted with dozens of drinking houses, drug dens, hostels, and inns, all providing entertainment and respite to Starfall’s visitors. Due to this, all sorts of gossip and news of the city can be gleaned along the Street of Lights. Those who visit Starfall are often cautioned to never wander far from the Street of Lights, for the mazelike alleys beyond are difficult and dangerous to navigate.
After quickly retrieving her few pieces of technological gear, Molly follows behind the others as they navigate the Street of Lights. It's not difficult to pick her out as a tourist as her head turns this way and that, trying to take in all the wonders of a city of this size.
"So where are we going?" she asks, her eyes jumping from this to that.
Fifteen, holding her wife's hand, shrugs. "I have never been to Starfall." She says. "When I escaped the Silver Mountain I must have emerged on the far side. I simply fled. I had no idea that any of this existed."
"So many people and places," Molly says, as much to herself as to the others. She gives Fifteen's hand a squeeze, though.
Fireday strokes his chin.
"I wonder if there are any houses of worship in the city...they'd probably be the places most likely to accomodate us and to grant us sanctuary from the League's overwhelming presence...obviously Iomedae has no strongholds here, but maybe Gorum does, and I imagine Brigh would too."
"Maybe Fireday, but it might be best if we go ahead and find an inn right away so we don't have to stand around in the street until something good happens for us."
Holg is happy to see he brings up the attention of the gearsmen leaving the others unchecked.
As the Kellid enters the city he opens one of Xoud's flasks of expensive cologne and he puts some over his chest and ears "Be aware Viv told me in the big city you cannot go around hacking people up with the sword. For some reason that does not work here. Apparently we need to smell to cologne as being fancy seems to be the way you convince people here" he passes the cologne to others for sharing.
Walking through the Street of Lights, Holg marvels himself multiple times at the incredible variety of services, but mostly the number of different kinds of food "Spiced mammoth steak? You seriously can just buy that?"
When it comes to finding direction Holg nods in agreement with Fireday and Kaska "Whatever of those places might work if we can find them. Perhaps we should first try to find an inn to have our base of operations and later look for a temple and find out what is their willingness to help?"
The Kellid will ask for directions in the street to the first human he does spot "Hi there! Any inn with good tavern food nearby to pass a few days for a few pilgrims?"
"My friends and I where guessing what temples lay around the city"
Molly declines the offer of perfume, but does her best to help Holg in his quest for directions.
"We'll, more than a few," Molly adds with a grin. "But some of us are small so don't take up much space."
"I told him we shouldn't be guessing - we should be asking something that looks nice and trustworthy."
Fifteen avoids saying anything - that helps more than whatever she might have said.
The locals recommend a few good inns to check out along the Street of Lights. As for temples, there are some to Gorum, Brigh, and Erastil, but it doesn't seem like most of the citizens of Starfall are very religious.
You make the rounds at various taverns, asking subtle questions and trying to learn more about the situation in the city. After several hours of this, a slight man approaches you. "I can get you in touch with people like you. Those who would not bend the knee to the Technic League. Follow me and I will take you to them."
Molly narrows her eyes at the man as she sips from her drink. He seems honest to her, but she's not always the best judge of character, so she remains silent.
Fifteen watches the man carefully, noting every minute flicker of the blood vessels in his eyes and the timbre of his voice.
"I believe him." She says after a few moments of observation. "We will come with you."