Donato's Planet Hopping Adventures!

Game Master Luis Loza

"That shouldn't be a worry. Considering how long we've been here, if they were to attack, they would have done so by now. I believe they are completely unaware of our presence here."

"I hope it is so," Valai says with a brief, stiff bow of her head. "Were my magic greater, I would be pleased to add some illusion spells to your defences. Seeing as this is not the case, I shall suffice to thank you once again, and bid you good day. Or farewell, as the case may be."

The haughty Elfmaid turns to Celia and the Mechanic. "Unless there are things or personnel that we yet need to acquire, I would suggest an early departure is always best. Golarion awaits."

"Not unless they have something nice ta' wash the travelling down with!"
Celia appears more bubbly than usual, grinning like an idiot at Valai.

"Ah, this must be a reference to alcoholic beverages, which we can not imbibe due to the suits which currently keep us alive," Valai says in a bland tone. She softly thumps the heel of her quarterstaff against the floor a few times.

"One can dream!" Celia says, sounding more hurt than she is as she pointedly adjusts her immobile helmet.
"Besides, na' a one could prevent me from askin' for some... in the helmet." she whispers, leaning in.
"Course, it'd be an embarrassin' way to drown."

"Perhaps," Valai says, shrugging. "I can think of worse things to drown in, however."

"Like-?" Celia asks, staring up at Valai innocently.

"Bureaucracy," the Elf says with a perfectly straight face. "Stale traditions."

Whereas Valai's player tells you in good cheer that you should be glad you can't drink while wearing that suit, or you might drown in -- *ZZOT*! -- "Valai has restrained her player."

Celia's player thinks she knows where that was going...
"Hm. Distinct reply. I thought ya' were goin' ta say something like 'the ocean' or 'stomach fluids'. Surprise endin' for me, then."

"Drowning in the ocean is hardly out of the ordinary," the Elfmaiden says, her lips thinning slightly (more) with distaste. "Drowning in... the other thing is foul, not embarrassing."

"Pudding, then. Drownin' in pudding would be extremely embarrassing!"
Celia asserts, insistent on getting Valai to show more than her ability to compress her lips together into a never-perfect line, due to anatomical structures therein.

Boodka started walking out and gave Celia a quick nudge with his elbow.

"I don't know. I'd be pretty happy to go out eating a pound of pudding," he chuckled.

The recently reunited group made its way out of the forum, led by the Mechanic. After a few more winding pathways and halls, they found themselves once more at the ship, humming louder than had left it.

[i]He made his way over to a platform and playfully took a look at his wrist.

"All aboard! he bellowed. After a beat, he shook his head. "No, no. You wouldn't understand that. Let's get going, then."

"There are ships on Golarion, sir Mechanic," Valai says in a mildly pained tone. "That particular cry is familiar enough. No matter. Let us be going; I am eager to see the blue skies and green forests of home again. Heel, William."

William the Goat bleats grouchily, but does follow closely at the Elfmaiden's side as she boards the vessel.

"Well, yes. I guess I didn't give your home planet enough credit. Apologies, lady Valai."

Any word from Booker?

I PM'ed him, but he hasn't shown up... :(

Same, and nada.
"I've lived on ships... water ships. Is this goin' ta be similar?"
The gnome asks, skipping after the others with a smile.

They loaded onto the ship. With the Mechanic's help, they were strapped into a seat, facing straight up at a metal ceiling, their heads akwardly resting in their helmets. The Mechanic took the captain's chair and after a few minutes of working the equipment, he let out a warning.

"Okay, friends, this is it. Pray to any appropriate gods that we may travel safe."

A button was pressed and a great roar filled their ears. The ceailing split in half and receded into the walls, revealing a tall shaft and stars beyond. A few moments of violent rumbling and shaking and the ship began to lift, making it's way towards the stars. The force kept everyone glued to their seats and instilled a panic in William that Valai had never experienced. However, a few minutes later, the ship's movements eased up.

"Fellow travelers, we have entered the cold, unloving area that is known as space. Welcome. At this time, feel free to remove your helmets and move around our vessel freely. Our expected time of arrival is estimated to be two weeks."

"Perhaps we should have considered food and drink a little sooner," Valai mutters.

Keth strode over to a window and stared out at the stars.

"This is quite interesting," he said with the slightest enthusiasm.

Valai cautiously gets out of her chair and moves over to stand beside Keth. Anyone watching her closely may notice that her skin becomes a few shades paler, but the haughty Elfmaid nevertheless holds her ground.

"Fascinating," she says, her voice just a little bleak.

Celia, meanwhile, not-so-cautiously moves to run around the ship, stopping at every window and smiles widely.

The Kethan rises from his seat.

"Well, it's just a matter of time now. There are quarters to rest in on the lower deck, as well as facilities and a kitchen. Our cooks will be sure to accomodate you. Is there anywhere you would like to visit along the way?"

"I have never been out here before, so I wouldn't know," Valai says, her voice dry. "Unless Nethys' private library is out here and open to the public, I'd say no."

Keth floated over.

"Lady Valai, if it is of any interest, there are a few notable locations and landmarks along our course. The next planet in the system is Castrovel, known as the Green. Also, between Aballon and Castrovel is—"

Keth shuts down. He crashes to the floor with a resounding clang. A moment later, he is active yet again.

"How can I help you Lady Valai?"

"You can tell me about Castrovel, I suppose," Valai says.

As soon as Keth has said whatever he can, the Elfmaid seeks out the Mechanic and Celia.

"Be aware," she says. "There is something between Aballon and Castrovel that our laughing acquaintance does not want us to know about. It may be dangerous."

"Castrovel. The Green. Size: Golarion equivalent. Mass: Golarion equivalent. Gravity: Golarion equivalent. Makeup: Abundant plant life and water sources. Atmosphere: breathable. Primary races: Elf, Lashunta."

"What is an Iashun - wait!" Valai turns to Keth, her eyes wide with genuine alarm, her face pale. "Did - did you say Elves?! Elvenkind is a primary race on this Castrovel?!"

Sweat suddenly beads Valai's forehead...

"Yes, the elves originally hailed from this planet. Along with lashunta, they are primary denizens of Castrovel."

"Oh, no," Valai mutters, as she staggers to a chair. "Ohhh, no... Castrovel, indeed. Ohh, no."

All of Celia's attempts at getting an emotional response from Valai thus far have been trying to make her smile. That this new destination brings the elf so much grief causes Celia to pause in her latest charge.

"Erm... Valai...?"

"Let us not go to Castrovel," Valai says, her voice bleak but very firm. "I have no desire to get anywhere near... that place."

"Oh, but Valai...? This isnae a Shackles ship... I can't go swimmin'... um... How do I say this nicely?"

Celia blinks.
"If I 'ave to stay in here too long, I'm going to get bored."

Valai blinks, her expression uncomprehending at first. Then, understanding dawns, and the Elfmaid's eyes are filled with the usual dark discontent.

"Bother!" Valai snaps. She heaves a sigh. "If I provide you with entertaining illusions, might we stave off terminal boredom?"

"Maybe...?" Celia responds in all honesty. She hadn't ever had someone offer that before, or asked another gnome if it would work. There would be the limits of Valai's imagination, too, whatever those are...

A few days passed...

"Folks," called out the Mechanic, "you might want to take a look at this."

The Mechanic had slowed the ship down. He made his way over to port and tapped on the wall. A window opened itself, revealing a curious image outside. Floating helplessly in the emptiness sat large pieces of metal debris. Not far beyond was the source of the scraps— a wreck of a massive spacecraft, missing a sizable piece of it's bow.

"I think this might be what the little one was trying to warn us about."

"Keth," Valai calls. "Do you know anything about this... phenomenon?'

Regardless the answer, the Elfmaid casts Detect Magic.

"It appears there was some sort of collision, Lady Valai"

No magic auras, from your current distance. If you approach you may be able to detect something.

"Do you know who or what built this... craft?" Valai asks.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7.

"I have no information on this craft or its design. I apologize."

What you can see from here shows the craft to about three times larger than even the largest galleon in Golarion. However, due to the missing section, it's only about two-thirds of it's full size.

Valai makes a musing sound. "Sir Mechanic? Do you know anything of the possible origins of this vessel?"

"Well, let's get goin'! Someone might be hurt!" Celia announces, literally pulling herself from hanging upside down in a seat gargling conjured water. She puts her helmet on with haste.

The Mechanic takes a moment to think. He then makes a small nod.

"Having seen plenty of ships, this most resembles a Terran design. This is actually quite amazing as we haven't seen a Terran ship in centuries."

"'Terran', you say," Valai says. "What can you tell us about these Terrans?"

Seriously? :D It's a ship from Earth?!

"The Terrans are actually our ancient ancestors. At some point, they started to explore the stars and eventually landed on our home planet, Keth' Al. That's where they lived for millenia, slowly adding technology to their culture and physiology. Eventually, they became the race that you see me as now, the Kethans. Since then, we too have taken to the stars and exploring, but that was some time ago. How this ship ended up here, though, I couldn't say."

Yes, that's exactly it.

"Perhaps they came looking for you," Valai says, shrugging.

"I would doubt that. We have visited their planet and they have actually died out, it seems. It's rather unfortunate. This ship must have been here for some time."

"Were they invested in necromancy?" Valai asks. "I would be delighted to find out about an alien species' history, but not if we are headed into a hulk full of zombies, piloted by a lich or worse."

You may get the impression that Valai does not like the undead. :p

"So... there isnae anyone to rescue..?" Celia asks, suddenly very disappointed.

"Magic was very rare amongst their people. It's about abundant as rifle or a musket is on Golarion. However, instead their magic came in the form of technology. That is how they took to the stars. If there was ever any necromancy, I know nothing about it from their history."

He surveyed the wreckage for a moment.

"I'm not sure if there would be anyone on board, but we may definitely take a look if you like."

Valai heaves a sigh. "I suppose," she says, resting one hand on Celia's head. "It will keep Celia from fading like a pastel in a bucket of water, and there might be someone alive inside. Let's go."