"Let's get in the ship."
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"Cythrul gave up the chip finder to us to find out what had set it off. It led us to this craft and this ship. We should give her a report of what was found. However, the Lady Altouna was less than happy with the presence of Mr Hellion in the city. I doubt she'd be any more happy for use to drive this vehicle into the city."
Thinking a bit more on the subject
"If this craft move over both land and water, perhaps it can allow us to scout far and wide to see if the chipfinder will detect another technological source that has up to this point been hidden. Additional technology would be a huge benefit if we are to move against the Techinc League within Silver Mountain."
Seventeen suggests to Omo, "Maybe it's possible to rig the escape pod release with a short delay so we may all get inside. We should also make sure it's power levels are nominal."
While she examines the mainframe console to determine if it can eject the pod with a delay, she calls out to Jarreck in monotone, "Cythrul probably knew what we would find here. I agree with your assessment of the crafts usefulness."
You can indeed set a timer to eject the Escape Craft.
Escape Craft NM:1023
Gargantuan land/water vehicle
Squares 16 (10 ft. by 20 ft.; 10 feet high); Cost priceless
DEFENSE
AC 12; Hardness 15 (Glaucite Construction)
hp 320 (159)
Base Save +6
OFFENSE
Gunnery Pod 3d8 Plasma Damage (1/2 Fire, 1/2 Electricity)
Maximum Speed 120'; Acceleration 40'
CMB +6; CMD 18
Ramming Damage 4d8
DESCRIPTION
This is a standard escape craft of the Androffan Royal Navy. It remained sealed in the Dusklight for thousands of years until recently being freed by the heroes.
Propulsion: Fission Reactor (2; 2 squares of energy drive; hardness 10, hp 150; extreme device); fission reactor located in rear compartments.
Driving Check Knowledge (engineering) or Profession (pilot)
Forward Facing the vehicle’s forward
Driving Device avionics
Driving Space a single 5-ft.-by-5-ft. square that contains electronics panels that control the driving device; the driving space is located at either two flight chairs in the far front of the flight cabin/observation deck(upper deck).
Decks (2) Lower Deck for passengers (Up to 4 medium sized) Upper Deck for Pilot and Copilot as well as Gunner.
Crew 1 or 2 (a single passenger may share the driving space/controls, at the chair next to driver, this passenger acting as support, grants a +2 bonus to the driver’s driving checks.)
Passengers 4
Weapons 1 integrated heavy plasma rifle (gunners base attack bonus modified by the driver’s Intelligence bonus) ranged touch (3d8 fire/electricity)
Glaucite Armor (heavy): The vehicle gains a +6 armor bonus to AC from a heavyweight polymer resembling glaucite.
Illuminators: A pair of bright technological lights are mounted on the vehicle. These give off normal light in 2; 60 foot cones in front of the vehicle and increase the light level by one step out to a 120 foot cone beyond that. These draw upon the same power source that powers the vehicle, allowing them to give off light as long as the vehicle’s engine is powered. The pilot can light or douse these lights as a swift action.
Shelter: The vessel contains a combination heater/air scrubber set that controls the temperature (between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and creates purified breathable air. The secured sealable shelter allows the inhabitants to live in inhospitable conditions with ease for as long as the power holds out
"A craft for both land and water....its creators were prepared if stranded, in the least."
"Who's going in first?
If this thing strands somewhere we don't want to be at, one of us martials will need to be out quick."
Seventeen presses several buttons and announces in a monotone, "The escape pod will launch in 2 minutes. This ship will likely sink in short order. I suggest you climb aboard, I shall wait precisely 1 minute and 45 seconds before closing the hatch."
Seventeen makes her way to the escape pod and enters.
No other blips show up.
The Escape Craft NM:1023 is shot out of the Dusklight and high into the air... it gives the party a strange feeling while falling toward the earth and through the transparent canopy you see the remains of the Dusklight sliding into the Sellen River. The Escape Craft falls towards the ground and just seconds before smashing to bits on the hard ground, thrusters fire stabilizing the craft and it lands with only a slightly jarring thump.
" Hmm so now we're out... What do we do now? I suppose we could share this information with Cyhtul, though Jarreck is right about Lady Altouna not liking us for it. On a sidenote, I don't trust Cythrul myself, but that's my opinion."
Mort stays silent for some time before adding.
" Didn't Hellion? *sigh* Mr. Hellion tell us about another AI near uhm....Lade...Vade... Jade.. no that wasn't it."
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Letting the slightly queasy feeling from their recent roller coaster ride pass before responding, "You're right he did. Mr Hellion would you remind us of the appropriate location for the other AI you mentioned before."
Seven most likely has the same infomation at her beck and call but Jarreck would ask the originator if he/she was available.
"I have maps! See this is where we are on the river, and here is the town mentioned in the journal. I say we go there."
Omo starts fiddling with the ship's computer. Does it have a map function? Can it navigate by itself based on some kind of location system?
It has a map function, but it only works after you have traveled somewhere. Basically its making a map as you travel. There is an auto pilot, but it only works if you've been to a place.
The town is particularly devout in the worship of Erastil, crowning its walls with shed elk antlers in homage.
From where you are currently located, Iadenveigh is about 150 miles away. Only a short journey in the escape craft.
Whomever is driving the Escape Craft (you can rename it if you like) must make Kn:Engineering OR Profession:Driver checks to work the craft(if not in combat taking 10 is a thing) and its DC 5 for simple movements. For plotting a course its Survival to read the map and get there in the shortest amount of time.
Seventeen suggests "Perhaps Mortimer coul help plot the journey? While you are better than I am when reading a map, he is even more proficient."
Mort looks up at Seven and raised his eyebrows as high as he can.
"That's the first time any of you called me by my full name. What's the catch?"
Instead of waiting for an answer Mort walks towards the place of the map and looks at it intently.
"Though you are right Seven, I know my way around the wastes and the land. All you have to do is read the signs. Now let me see what would be the best way to travel along."
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"Make sure you plot us to a spot within walking distance but away from the town.
I spoke to the Councillor one day shortly after I arrived in Torch and he warned me away from the place as part of my search. They don't take kindly to any technology there, the consirder you part of the League if you posses any tech items. Mr Hellion and the mask will definitely not be welcome there.
Of course that makes it all the more interesting we're going there searching for another AI"
Jarreck calls out from the weapons console where he's playing with the controls to look left right up down.
"I suppose they won't take kindly to me either." adds Seventeen without any emotion.
"Keep your most prominent features hidden. As long as they won't see your..'tattoos', you should be fine."
"I'm worried for Mr. Hellion. Perhaps we should stay with the craft out of sight and Jarreck can scout the town. Everyone likes elves, right?"
Despite talking, Omo is clearly distracted. His attention is focused on the ship.
The trip to Iadenveigh is uneventful, most creatures stay away from the Escape Craft as it rumbles through the terrain. Those that don't are chased away by Jarreck manning the Plasma Cannon.
The Escape Craft is left in the care of Hellion, who seems unconcerned he is being left behind. And the party hikes a few miles to Iadenveigh, the first thing they note is a distinct lack of an Inn...its almost as if the people here don't really want visitors hanging around.
The party enters via the Southeastern Gate and are quickly directed to a place called High Home. Although, they are free to explore as they see fit.
Mort takes a good look around him to see if there's any specific things in the town, if it is quite unremarkable he will look for any animals that might be pets or wander around.
"Let's speak with the local authorities. Perhaps they might be willing to share their knowledge if they know we share a common foe."
Omo moves in the direction of this High Home.
Seventeen concedes, "You might be right Jarreck. Talking to the authorities seems logical, assuming they operate in good faith. Still perhaps it makes sense to eavesdrop on a few conversations before we talk to anyone?"
2. Create Pit, Invisibility, Mirror Images
3. Aqueous orb, Fly, Haste
Jarreck and Omo lead the party to High Home. They get many curious looks on their way through Iadenveigh. Whispers accompany them as they walk down the dirt road to the very center of town.
The largest building in Iadenveigh, this sprawling wooden lodge clings to the northwest side of the Brow. The High Home was built to serve as a community center and watchpost, and was one of the first buildings constructed when Iadenveigh was settled 65 years ago. The building's interior is smoky and dark, with high ceilings and large windows protected by stout shutters. It's a multipurpose building, serving as a tavern, a community hall, a reception area for visitors, and a place for the town council to convene. Traditionally, caretaking of the High
Home has fallen to the youngest council member, and today
that role is filled by a hunter named Redfang.
A man approaches the party, he moves with the grace of a man that has spent many years walking silently though the wilds.
Hello Outlanders. I trust you come bearing no ill will. Redfang says I also trust that you bring no hated Technic influence into our fair town. We owe no allegiance to the League and tolerate no subversive elements in Iadenveigh.
"I am not certain what you would find subversive, but we bear you no ill will. We are here because the hated Technic League sent an agent against our town, Torch. The elders of our town sent us on a mission to stop the agent, and in the course of doing so we learned that there might be something -- some weapon or information -- near your town that might help us fight off further technic incursions. We came to learn what we can. So, we at least share a common foe."
"There is little to add. In our doing so, we've come across a few other parties, we were previously unaware of existed."
Redfang nods in thought and says We heard of the recent Trouble in Torch. While we do not condone their using the heathen technology for economic gain, we understand their need for it and we appreciate their resistance to the Technic savages.
Redfang considers you all for a moment and then speaks
It has always been hard to extend trust to outlanders. We are a self-sufficient settlement-we have no need for trade, and can take care of ourselves. It's the safest option, as I know you understand. It's difficult to tell who you can rely on , but there are two things you can do to earn the trust of the Deadeye Council. First, I would like some help in solving a problem with one of our more ... colorful residents. Second, there's an issue with a possible traitor in our midst that outsiders would be particularly well suited to handle.
He pauses and then adds
Do this and I will speak on your behalf to the Council regarding your need for assistance.
"What is the situation with this 'colorful resident'?"
Seventeen thought the man looked strange with those red teeth. Apparently he was the sort to chew something noxious and no doubt addictive. Still she was equally strange and felt no reason to question his appearance, she did however keep an eye open on the periphery of the meeting out of prudence.
The talk of missions took her attention back to the man, what manner of missions was he requesting? Various beings had made request of them before, not all of which would have been regarded her father. She waited patiently for the details.
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So far the discourse was progressing well, with open communication being our starting point. So for the moment Jarreck was listening and watching for others watching the party more than would be due to the oddity of their arrival. basically for someone watching them intently but trying not to be noticed However when Redfang mentions a traitor in their midst....
"A dangerous accusation to make if wrong and equally bad if true. Why do you think there is a traitor in your midst?" He ask politely.
Old Jevik came to the council some five days ago and said he had a problem with some animal or another on his farm. Well, Jevik has a history of not being entirely truthful. So, the Council largely ignored his request. Well, he hasn't been seen or heard from in three days. His farm is only a few hours walk away and I'd like it if you would accompany me when I go check it out.It would give me a chance to get to know you a little better. What do you say?
When Jarreck speaks Redfang replies
Ealdorman Ivik Gunnett would have more to say about that, but I'd rather we check on old Jevik first if you don't mind.
Seven notices only a few other people in the High Home, a pair of farmers drinking ale and talking and oddly enough three Varisians. Two males and a female are discussing something over in a corner.
Redfang waits for your response.
"I've no objections to that, you've got a deal."
Omo nods.
Redfang nods at the party and says Well, no time like the present. Nothing Is More Satisfying Than the Fruits of a Day’s Labor.
And he gathers his belongings before venturing forth, Redfang points out several structures in town on the way out.
was built atop an ancient, blocky building-one ofthe only
buildings surviving from the previous Kellid occupation
of the region. The Molthuni refugees erected the tall tower
atop the old foundation and topped the tower with a covered
balcony and a large iron warning bell. The bell tower gives
the most populous neighborhood of Iadenveigh, the Bell
Quarter, its name. A narrow staircase climbs the outside
of the stone building to a door that opens into the wooden
tower, then winds precariously up to the balcony i20 feet
above the ground. Most of the surrounding countryside
is visible from the balcony. Watchtower duty on the cold,
windy balcony is physically demanding, but it is a source
of pride for the Iadenveigh guards who staff the tower in
pairs. A simple code alerts Iadenveigh residents of fires and
other dangers: one bell means trouble in the Bell Quarter
or Hardblossoms, two bells means problems in the Sward
or Badwater, and three bells means threats approaching
from outside the town.
and
The heavy wooden North Gate
out of Iadenveigh leads into
the heartland of Numeria. It's
usually unguarded, but is closed
and barred from sundown to sunrise.
Just outside the gate, a solid wooden
pole supports an impaled gearsman and
a nearby sign warns visitors that most
technology will not be tolerated in the town.
Redfang relates to the party that Jevik's farm is one ofthe few located outside of ladenveigh's Elkhorn Wall. The man, Redfang notes, is something of a godless misanthrope who never really got along well with Iadenveigh's locals, and so never felt comfortable living within the city's walls. Redfang says that Iadenveigh's hunters generally keep the hinterlands relatively safe, but Redfang notes that strange beasts and mutated animals are very much a danger.In other words, a monster may well have been preying upon Jevik's farm of late.
As you get close to the farm, the smell of pigs...and blood assault your senses.
Well this ain't good. Redfang says
Visible from a wide break in a roadside hedge, the house has been recently painted and sports a wide porch with several chairs. An orchard is partially visible behind the house. A few sheds and two connected pens occupy most of the side yard, but the fencing ofthe pen has been splintered and the earth churned.
It had been several days, so Seventeen's belated reply to Mort came as something of a surprise, "In answer to your earlier question, I have given it much thought and... Well it's strange but I believe it was a spur of the moment thing." She was clearly somewhat troubled by this illogicality.
Of course while one set of routines in her positronic brain was conversing with Mort, another was scanning the environment. Clearly something bad had happened here.
She continued her conversation with Mort and suggested, "Scouting seems prudent. Should I summon something?"
Redfang, sensing the party's hesitance, frowns and says Well damnit, lets not just stand here gawking. Someone could be hurt!
Redfang hurries towards the Cabin shouting Jevik! Jevik! Are you hurt!
"I am a healer; if he is hurt but still alive, I can help him."
Omo scurries after Redfang looking for injured people. Dead pigs were not his problem, though he felt bad for the loss of livelihood.