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Justin isn't above killstealing. Hit the wounded cultist
cold
Egg and DR34-M12 repeat their tactic, this time DR34-M12 shot is not deflected but it isn't quite as effective as she would have hoped,and the acid burns more of her away at the end of her round and Justin ices the green cultist to drop him.
ROUND 2:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Blue
Hi-C
red
Justin
Tahomen decides to take cover after having been shot by those in the tower and moves towards the cover of the crumbling structure while casting a spell, summoning a disk made of pure force and resembling a terrifying circular saw blade, he then throws it at the two in tower!
The disk slams into DR34-M12's face, leaving it with several leaking contusions before ricocheting off too Egg!
ROUND 2:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Blue
Hi-C
red
Justin
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Handsome tries to figure out how that guy deflected Dreamz's shot. He thinks to himself, If I can set that up around Hi-C's mouth, it'll deflect all the food he tries to eat. That'll be awesome!
Handsome yells, "Knock out the red one and we can unleash our devourer on their hippy boss!"
Handsome is not able to identify the effect that reflected DR34-M12 shot back to her but is able to fire an arc into the red cultist.
ROUND 2:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Blue
Hi-C
red
Justin
The blue Cultists round about to flank Hi-C with the red then slashes with his longsword,
but Hi-C expertly deflects it with his curved blade.
ROUND 2:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Blue
Hi-C
red
Justin
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A blue head rolls past the red cultist...
ROUND 2:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Hi-C
red
Justin
The red cultist hesitates for a moment before shouting,"DEVOURER!!!!" and swinging his longsword in futility.
ROUND 2 and 3:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Hi-C
red
Justin
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Justin is a mook, and stays in his lane, shooting the other mook so the death dealers can have at each other.
Or at least be distracted so he doesn't draw too much attention to himself
Shoot red
cold
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"Hi-C looks like he has this." DR34-M12 said as she ducked down and pulled out a serum of healing. Drinking the small vial of fluid, her synthetic muscle began to stitch back together.
Egg splits and DR34-M12 drops and takes a healing serum, which does some good but the acid reverses almost all of its work before finally fizzling out for good.
ROUND 3:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Hi-C
red
Justin
"Helping the boys meet their god is noble work your doing there, don't think on it to HARD!" Tahomen snarls at Hi-C as he send waves of psychic pain! He then moves to take cover behind a structure.
Hi-C's mind is wracked with the idea of realities where pretzels don't exist!
ROUND 3:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Hi-C
red
Justin
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"Just think of the snacks we'll grab off their dead corpses Hi-C!"
Handsome then switches the pistol to his off hand and moves into flanking position behind the red guy while drawing his inferno knife into his main hand!
As he moves into position, Handsome yells, "Yaaaaaaaarrrrrr!!!"
|
Hi-C reels and blinks from the mental onslaught, but the encouraging words snap him out of it just in time to cut down the remaining cultist.
Turning to Tahomen, "Nice haircut. You a My Lil' Quadruped fan?"
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"Who isn't?"
Hi-C effortlessly dispatches the last cultists!
ROUND 3 and 4:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Hi-C
Justin
After drinking the serum, DR34-M12 quickly stood and took an optical scan of the battle. "See, I told you he had it." She said as she took aim at Tahomen and opened fire.
Justins going to kip up, running on all fours with his rifle in his teeth before standing up all the way and popping off a shot once HI C is in place.
cold
Justin scurries up to fire his rifle but it seems completely ineffective, and DR34-M12's shot does damage him but not as much as she thought it would. Egg's missiles are as always accurate as ever.
ROUND 4:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Hi-C
Justin
the sounds of a spell being cast are heard from behind the rubble before Tahomen burst forward, distancing himself from Hi-C's Blade.
ROUND 4 and 5:
DR34-M12
Egg
Tahomen
Handsome Gob
Hi-C
Justin
Tries this shooting thing again
Justin slides behind Hi C on his belly, pokes the gun between his ankles and fires off a shot at the center of mass.
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Handsome moves to get line of sight on the baddy and dances an old pirate jig to throw him off his game!
DR34-M12 fires another overcharge shot at Tahomen.
Through the combined efforts of everyone; Hi-C's Brave charge, DR34-M12 trained scope, Handsome distracting Tahomen, Justin firing one of the best shots of his short life, or Egg using a racial ability to force more magic through him to finally fell the cult leader for good.
COMBAT OVER
Tahomen:
d-suit I (mk 1 thermal capacitor)
liquidator disintegrator pistol
3 batteries (20 charges each)
survival knife
psychic booster
detonator
personal comm unit
field rations (2 weeks)
R2Es (5)
cultist X4:
lashunta ringwear I
defiant longsword
shock grenades I (2)
utility scattergun
25 scattergun shells
field rations (2 weeks)
credstick (150 credits)
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"See Hi-C! I was right! There be grub on these dead corpses!"
"Let's rest up, talk to Solstarni, search this temple for more loot and figure out what we came to figure out!"
Approaching Solstarni, Handsome says, "So.... What's up doc?"
Accessing the comm unit:
You are able to boot up the comm unit, even in its dissasembed state. Any correspondence data has been purged but you are able to determine that the unit logged a call and significant data upload about 3 hours earlier.
You now have access to the system and can read Tahomen's Recent communications. Tahomen posits that the 12-star constellation—the Gate of Twelve Suns—opens to a demiplane that hides an unspeakably powerful superweapon. The cult leader believes that the Drift Rock is a tiny fragment of this “Stellar Degenerator,” broken off when a portion of the demiplane was torn away and added to the Drift as a result of Drift travel. Tahomen also recommended that the Cult of Devourer apply as many resources as possible to find the Gate of Twelve Suns—and the Stellar Degenerator— before anyone else does. In addition, you learn the approximate coordinates of the location Tahomen transmitted his messages to: a stretch of several hundred asteroids in the Diaspora.
It also appears that the computer also has access to Tahomen's financial account....
you are able to transfer Tahomen's assets to your own credstick. the accounts contain 2000 credits.
“Oh did I learn a lot, enough to write half a dozen volumes, and potentially pioneer a whole new field of study! So first of all those 2 halls? They were practically perfect recreations of the night sky seen from Ukulam and Sovyrian. When that b~$$@ blew it up she destroyed something that the Oatia elves had perfected, and no other civilization would be able to do again until post gap technology!” she says, clearly devastated by the loss of the hall,” but the good news is there Is enough of the temple left that I might, and this is a giant might, be able to get a government grant to study this temple long term!!! The courtyard out there is small enough for a few small 2 man speeders and and, well I’m getting ahead of myself. Anyways back on topic, These elves were a philosophical offshoot that spurned their Sovyrian kin. They sought a new life of cosmic contemplation on Ukulam thousands of years before the Gap. Obsessed with the stars, as you might have seen the floors are artful, but accurate representations of dozens of major constellations as seen from many different parts of Castroval.
“Anyways, I didn’t want to disturb the rubble so once you took care of those statues I started studying the books and scrolls in the temple, It wasn’t hard to follow Tahomen’s trail. He was very sloppy in putting things back. By the way did you notice the shape of that room? And how it was a distinctly different architectural style? Well apparently These Oatia elves originally worshiped Desna! It seems that they initially worshiped her but eventually moved on to worship another deity of the stars, and built this temple around the original Desnan structure.”She stops to catch her breath before continuing.
”Anyways then I learned that shortly after they arrived they swiftly improved their techniques in telescope making and divination magic and soon discovered the strange constellation of 12 stars that formed a perfect circle in the sky. The more they studied this constellation, their records indicate, the stranger their dreams became and some of their most powerful scholar-priests began recording the odd language they saw and heard. As the elves’ knowledge of and exposure to the galaxy expanded, they parleyed with increasingly bizarre and powerful alien minds, most notably a powerful being known as Ibra—especially noteworthy because the elves’ records suggest that Ibra may not have been a deity at the time. Through Ibra’s teachings, the elves studied the mysterious circular constellation, learning that it was not a natural feature but the construction of an impossibly ancient and highly advanced species untold light years away. Casting their minds far into the cosmos, the scholar-priests sensed that the ring pulsed with an unnatural energy, which led them to believe it to be a gateway of some kind. The elves called it the Gate of Twelve Suns, and they renamed their temple in honor of it. Some of the scholar-priests believed that the Gate of Twelve Suns held back some powerful army. Others postulated that it magnified the thoughts and dreams of another galaxy and that it could be the key to untold knowledge. The most popular hypothesis, though, was that the Gate of Twelve Suns represented such power that it could only be (or serve as the portal to) some cosmically powerful superweapon. One of the scholar-priests even posited the existence of a so-called “Stellar Degenerator,” which could drain all energy from a star, turning it into a hypothetical stellar remnant called a black dwarf. Unfortunately, there’s no definitive note of where the Gate of Twelve Suns is—as if identifying its location was taboo to the elves. As interpretive disputes broke out among the elves, they agreed that from the confines of Loskialua, they could never confirm their theories, much less attain enlightenment through discovery under the inspired guidance of Ibra. They packed up what they needed, and then they performed a ritual that the texts referred to only as “the Celestial Voyage.” The implication is that the elves traveled to another system, though whether they succeeded or failed is uncertain from these records.” She finishes with a smile,”Im sorry if that was a lot to take in but as a scholar that’s about as condensed as I could make it!”
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"Got it!" DR34-M12 said happily as she cracked the security on the comm system. The damage to her face prevented a matching response, instead causing a twitching half smile. "Check this out, they are definitely after some kind of doomsday weapon. Also they did not secure their financials." The android continued as she transferred the data to her crew. "Doesn't look like they know the location yet but whoever the data was sent to is located in the Diaspora asteroid belt."
"Wait...are you saying this temple might hold the secrets to non-drift, non-miracle FTL travel? That's an even bigger discovery than a universal doomsday weapon! Though not as pressing of a concern."
Justin will first heal dreamer up a little bit, his foot and tail twitching
" Oh.. ow..wow..ow.. acid.. wounds... are now.. my least.. favorite.. wound....
He'll then pop open the habitat box, which is keeping a couple of beers and the rest of the ice cream cold.
"You guys start on those, I'm going to start grilling up some mountain eel. "
He plops on his chefs hat and its electrostatic fur trapper and fires up his cooking pot.
|
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Hi-C sets to the grim task of dragging the bodies up the hill to burn.
"Last thing we want wandering around here whenever anyone comes back is black hole zombies. Or vines animating them as zombies. Or more eels drawn to the scent of bodies. Or..." he continues describing terrible ways the jungle could re-use the dead.
When he's done, he ties some paracord around the crystal and knots it around his neck into a necklace, like this.
"Hey, uhhh. I know I don't usually say shit like this, but good shootin', everyone. That coulda gone a whole lot worse. Thanks for havin' my back. Now..." he grabs some meat, beer and chips, "I'ma go stare out at the valley and thumb through the memories of the cosmos. Or whatever. Not sure what it entails. If I come back as some bright-eyed optimist be sure to put me outta my misery."
"Wait...are you saying this temple might hold the secrets to non-drift, non-miracle FTL travel? That's an even bigger discovery than a universal doomsday weapon! Though not as pressing of a concern."
" Eh... Not exactly. In fact theres no guarantee they even made it to their destination or survived the ritual. They seemingly disappeared from history right about that time." she says contemplating, "If they did succeed it could be extremely advanced teleportation magic, or possibly Planar hopping, or perhaps they discovered the Drift!" She posits wildly. "Either way we should journey back to Turhalu point and report your success in rescuing me. I'm sure the university will want a debriefing and im sure Professor Muhali will be as excited as me about this discovery!"
Your Trek back to Turhalu point practically eventless compared to the first journey through and you are able to make it back in 10 days. Once you arrive the authorities are rather surprised you have survived and are able to book an emergency usage of the Gate and within an hour of arriving at Turhalu point you are back at Qabarat port. There a University transport is waiting to bring you back to the university and directly to Professor Muhali.
She has a beaming smile as she says,"The university can't thank you enough for rescuing Dr. Solstrani, and its so serindipidous that she was able to discover this temple I've heard? It sounds like she has her entire life work ahead of her from what ive read of her report so far." she says before getting too business, "In light of what you've done for the University, the board of Deans has deemed it appropriate to reward you; Each of you will be offered 3 years tuition free, enough time to get a degree or two, Or you may alternatively accept a research grant of 1000 credits from the university. It would, of course, be up to you how to make use of this grant." she says graciously.
"I know where 5 credits is going..." as Hi-C orders a sturdy metal clipping device via his comm unit.
"Wait, like, with REAL classes and a teacher that isn't a talking teddybear with an MP3 player moving the mouth ?!? Squeeee...thankyouthankyouthankyou... "
Someone may need a crowbar to get justin to cease hugging Professor Muhali's leg....
"Uh yes? up to 20 units a semester, as well as room and board. Registration for the next semester open in 2 weeks but the semester will not start for 2 more months of course." Muhali explains.
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"Yeah we were really lucky. The really poor kids got the talking centipede. But mom scrimped and saved and only had the 6 of us and she's a field agent so I got into the good class. At least Professor TeddyRumpus was certified... "
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After listening to Solstarni, it's abundantly clear by the look on Handsome's face that Handsome comprehends only a fraction of what was said. Taking a bite of Justin's delicious grilled mountain eel, Handsome says, "So what you're saying.."
*munch* *munch*
"...is that there's some big stellar degenerate that's hidden..."
*munch* *munch*
"...and the degenerate is so stellar, he can suck the power out of a star..."
*munch* *munch*
"...and redirect that power. Hmmm...yah think that degenerate can focus that power on grilling more eel? Justin, this stuff is delicious!"
*munch* *munch*
"But imagine the power of a sun from a degenerate at your fingertips. You can make some kickass BBQ with that, no?"
*munch* *munch*
"And hey, there's one other thing I don't understand. How does a degenerate learn to suck power out of a star? I mean, I've known a lotta degenerates in my time..."
*munch* *munch*
"And they've sucked on A LOT of... errrr... unmentionables, lemme tell ya! I mean, they're degenerates after all!!"
*munch* *munch*
"But I've never seen a degenerate who can suck a star..."
-------------------------------------
Listening to Muhali, Handsome muses quite insightfully, "So.... three years free tuition, which is worth probably tens of thousands of credits, possibly over a hundred thousand even. And the end result is knowledge and skills that will continue to help one earn a living - knowledge and skills that no one can ever take or steal away. So all that or 1000 credits up front. Hmmmm......"
Suddenly, Handsome hops up onto the table and with hand extended, he exclaims, "Cough up the creds, sister! Thankyouverymuch!!!!
"And don'tcha worry! The cash will go towards something very, very educational. Promise!!!"
Listening to Justin, Handsome asks, "It's now clear to me how you got to be so smart! Wow!!! Talking teddy bear..."
Replying to Egg, Handsome says, "So.... watchasayin' is your life is too valuable to keep runnin' around with us, mister fancy?" Handsome silently gives Egg a hostile stare for about 30 seconds... then suddenly drops the stare, replaces it with a big smile and says... "Hey, can I have your stuff???"
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Dreamz needs line of sight to the critters to be effective, justin can hide around the corner and heal ya'll after, so dream can get the armor. I'll get the next hand me down. I'm used to it.
Listening to Muhali, Handsome muses quite insightfully, "So.... three years free tuition, which is worth probably tens of thousands of credits, possibly over a hundred thousand even.
Muhali gives you a sideways glance,"...No on castroval we believe Education is a right for all sentients, even goblins. The thousands credits would cover your room and board for 3 years on campus. Mostly what you are getting is priority on classes for 3 years. Or the 1000 credits, its your choice." she says before turning to Egg, "Well I must admit you have proven yourself quite capable Egg, I assume someone of your advanced age holds several degrees and certificates already? I suppose with enough interviews and confirmations of skill it would be possible to give you a minor teaching position..." she trails off before zoning back in, "A discussion for later I should think."
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Puts up eggs first review on ratemyprofessor.com
If you fall asleep in class (and you'll be tempted to) will magic missile you in the face. Bring coffee.
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"You can't trick me with your years of manual optical scans. I'll take the credits."
"So it sounds like everyone except Egg here is going to take the grant?" Muhali asks while poking away at her comm unit,"The credits should be transferred within the hour. As always the Starfinder society has been immaculate in helping the university and we will not forget it soon." she says graciously.
"Now unless you have any other pressing concerns, I must dismiss myself to discuss the temple with Dr. Solstarni. Know you are always welcome to the University my friends."
When you get back to the ship you notice that someone is already on board....
A short yet unkempt haired human, with a cigarette in his mouth, sits in the captain's chair puffing away as he has one leg propped up in the chair while listening to some strange old school sounds pumping through the ship's monitors. Wearing a long coat with two side arms, a knife and strange goggles with the 'I heart Drow Chicks' T-shirt on looks up at those entering. He stops the music and puts out the cigarette on his heel. His smile is shown through the stubble as he speaks.
"So you the lot who spoke with Chikchik, about the whole Asteroid an ya know the mystery about its origins? Yeah cause the Gobbo, Anyways I'm Xavier The RoverFlorin, Starfinder extraordinaire, survivalist, decipherer, trap expert, etcetera etcetera blah blah blah." he says before pulling out a bottle of beer from a pocket, twisting it off and taking a drink.
"I'm here to help as this sorta thing is my specialty, the delving into the dangerous ruins, adrift ships and even uncharted planets. However last crew died after the whole Azata thing and well now I am here to help you." He finishes it off with his hand slipping the cigarette back behind his ear before pushing some buttons to end his music and pull up the messages he and ChiskChisk discussed and why he is to accompany them.
"Now if you excuse me, I am gonna see if there is any good beer and food to bring on the ship for later"
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" Whoa hold your horses, 4 Arms I am not here to replace anyone. Just been sent to you know help.'Cause y'all are still babies, so you know the floaties are still on is this big sewer we call a universe" He says taking another drink.
" Also I think you need a coffee maker, and maybe some of them...maintenance drones. 'Caise when one of ya does somebody has to take over the small stuff"
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"Now if you excuse me, I am gonna see if there is any good beer and food to bring on the ship for later"
Seeing Hi-C and thinking talking to Justin about Rover while completely ignoring Rover's presence is the thing to do, Handsome says, "If he's going to bring beer and food onto the ship, then I like him too!!! Our new quartermaster!!!"