GM Rednal's Legendary Planet AP (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"My home world was destroyed long before I was born, but my people live among the remnants. As such, there's not often large distances of land travel, and we don't need to eat, so animals like that are not common."

"I never got to taste camel, as far as I remember. I'm looking forward to it, even if it's not a delicacy. I am, however, certain they will have other food available for you, Plany"
Sorry, spotty internet where I was...should be good to go again

Child broke off from the others as soon as possible, promising to try and meet up again at whatever counted as dinner here, and headed to the traders' tent, hoping to learn what he could about any important planetary customs, local news, or recent travelers.

Looking around, the traders' tent didn't have a whole lot - mostly just basics for daily living in a place like this, which was clearly hardscrabble even at the best of times. Nothing with any kind of magic, either... although a lot of people did seem to be excited about some chag beetles mating. Apparently, it had something to do with the local trade.

Eventually, though, dinnertime did come around - and to be sad but honest, there was really only one place that supplied meals for travelers - Wuli's tent. The interior of this tent features several benches surrounding a smoking fire-pit beneath a hooded vent. A curved bar covers the opposite wall blocking access to another door leading to an area nestled against the cliff. An alcoholic smell mixed with a powerful earthy scent permeates the air.

(This.)

Wuli’s makeshift tavern serves chag meat, seaweed and crustaceans from the nearby sea, camel’s cheese and milk, as well as mossbeard ale. Chag meat is greasy and chewy but provides sustenance like any other meat. The seaweed is bitter and not something people from Buckle typically request. Mossbeard ale is a foamy green liquid with flecks of moss floating in it. It has a sour smell and flavor but intoxicates its drinker as well as traditional ale. There are a dozen other patrons here, but Wuli himself - a ratlike alien, but much larger than most similar species - calmly brought your food over, clearly sizing you up.

For anyone curious, camel milk is healthier than cow milk—but also a lot saltier. Because of its protein composition, it can only be curdled with acids (e.g. vinegar or citrus), meaning that camel cheese is known for being both salty and sour.

Well, I guess technically this isn't camel meat, Child glumly thought to himself, as he ate.

"Truly, the comforts of home," he mused as the patron approached, with a glance down at his food. "So, you have a question for us, then? Our business in this town is peaceful—and our own—but we'd be happy to trade stories."

Isen ordered some of the crab and camel's milk, if only to see if Child cringed away from it.

@Image: Are those guys in blue checking out US or the lady?...there also seems to be a sign-board - anything worth knowing posted?
@Milks: Aye, and Donkey milk is quite similar to human milk, except for the Fat content - that is, sufficiently so to be used as breast milk substitute(with some added Fat).

For science, Phai documented the mating ritual and behaiviour of the chag beetles in her travel journal, together with a few choice bit of information about the species. Which, probably, made her the group member most interested in the sexual habits of local beetles.(At least I hope so)
Phai suggests that they order a bit of everything, so that everybody of the group can try the things on offer at Wuli's. (i.e. Tapas)

You guys know a lot about milk apparently >.>
The blue guys look super friendly!

Vincent heartily agreed with Phai, hoping to sample a little taste of each of the establishment's offerings. "Food is such an interesting cultural phenomenon. It's obviously dependent on what is available in a given region, but the style and flavor so often are unique even among areas with similar ingredients available. I'm glad to be able to experience it with you all."

They're definitely observing you.

"Mm. Word is you left our beetles alone, despite your... clear willingness to resort to violence." Wuli said, pointedly looking at your weapons. "Good thing, too, because we'd definitely like to hire you if you're willing to apply a little of that on our behalf. The chag beetle population is at an all-time low thanks to this creature we're calling Shakes - some sort of winged feline thing, with a face like his." the rat-man indicated Vincent. "We've lost half a dozen people to it, too, including two professional hunters who tracked it to a local gully. You'll make a lot of friends here if you get rid of it... and we might be able to help you get to wherever you're headed, too."

"Those were your beetles? They were magnificent creatures, and seemed happy to leave us alone as long as we didn't bother them, so we had no reason to defend ourselves. A face like mine? Does this Shakes creature speak? And if it's making prey of those beetles, just how big is it?"

"Is that... a common problem with outsiders?" Child asked a bit skeptically. "We're not bandits—just people with a bit of practice at keeping them away."

"And if someone had eyes on us on the road... yeah, sure, we know a thing or two about flying, if that's necessary to stop this Shakes creature. Doesn't sound like a fun job, without a bit more info, but we might be interested, especially if there's a reward involved."

A winged feline with a humanoid face? Interesting. "I am afraid too many are willing to see those they considered unarmed as prey. The weapons are as much for those who would do us harm as for ourselves, rather like certain animals and insects wear certain colours to warn you of the dangers of harming us. We have no ill intent to anyone, I can assure you."

He nodded with Vincent's comment. "They were impressive creatures. At their size, I am guessing herding them requires a certain level of skill and fortitude. So...if we take this task, the job is to make sure the creatures does not accost your creatures. Killing it is not an essential component, only making sure your creatures are safe?"

"Respond to violence in kind, not resort to it as a first order response.", Phai nodded, in agreement with the others.
There was little else to add, the others already having asked most important questions...except, possible, one:"Is Shakes a sentient creature, a self-aware one?"
They lost several people to it, already...and there was no mention of trying to strike a deal. But there was always a chance that this creature was no mere beast. Which would change a lot of things.

Then, under her breath, she leaned towards Wuli, whispering:"I feel these guys over at that table are sizing us up. Any reason for that we should know about, or just curiosity?"

"Oh, it's aware, all right." Wuli noted. "That's part of the problem - dumb creatures are a lot easier to get rid of. I doubt it's going to listen to reason, though - I watched it gut one of my friends and love every second of it."

At Phai's question, though, he glanced around. "What, the syaandi? They're hunters, even if they don't talk. Their coin’s as good as anyone else’s, though, and they’ve caused no trouble. If you want to know more about them, I know they camp somewhere west of here."

"When the choices are reason and extinction, some intelligent creatures will see reason. And if not, then such if their chosen fate. Do you know what range the creature hunts?" It didn't seem like finding this thing would be too difficult, and it was likely to hunt them, but Isen thought it would be good to know where it was likely to be found.

"Hmm. If they don't talk, I guess that's none of our business."

"We'll see if we can do something about your problem in the morning. Is there a place we can get a quality map of the area, and perhaps more information about the surrounding areas? We're pretty new here and wouldn't like to accidentally blunder into danger, at least without good reason."

"Aye. And if there's more about the creature someone can tell us, anything that improves our chances is welcome-...the hunters tracked it to some gully...to whom did they report?", Phai asked...if they headed out the next morning, it would be good to prepare for the situation...considering their ability to spontaneously tap into magical powers seemed...misaligned.

Once we are fine again, but still in the evening(not already into the night), Phai would try and center herself for a few minutes with a meditation technique, then re-attempt to tap into her mythic power...if only to confirm that indeed, we are currently cut off)

"Got some maps over by the bar." Wuli said, clearly fine if you wanted to get a better look at the land. "I won't go with you into the gorge itself, but I'd be happy to show you where it is." He snorted slightly. "Be a bit silly to ask people to help take care of a problem and not help them avoid getting lost on the way. Shakes hunts a fair bit outside his home, though, which is a big part of the problem - we don't even know where to keep the beetles so they'll be safe."

"What sort of wild game is available? Obviously relatively tame livestock are likely easy prey, but if not that, what else is there to hunt?" Vincent thought for a moment, then added, "How much would one of these beetles cost to purchase?"

If Shakes is intelligent, perhaps he could be convinced to hunt for valuable hides or other animal parts, and then trade for the tasty beetles, especially if he has unique access via his flight, Vincent mused.

"I'm guessing there isn't a convenient cave system large enough for keeping massive beetles in," Isen agreed dryly. "But if he leaves often and isn't responsive to any more peaceful solutions, it might be possible to ambush him in his lair. How wide across is this gorge?" Some rope strung across the gorge above the creatures nest would make flying off and escaping difficult.

"He's not deterred by guards covering the beetles with bows, then? Though I'd expect hiding the beetles means he'd hunt villagers instead."

"Thank you. Maps are much appreciated. We can start pondering our options once we know at least the locale...but I concur that ambushing Shakes at it's home seems the most prudent course of action.", Phai nodded.

"Beetles aren't for sale, I'm afraid. In better times, sure, but their population is too low right now - we need breeding stock." Wuli explained. "Ain't much else out there, either, or we wouldn't have to spend so much time raising beetles. The gorge is about ten feet deep, fifteen to forty-five across or so depending on where you're at. Shouldn't be a problem to navigate."

Isen nodded. "Excellent. In a pinch we should be able to work with that. Thank you." He glanced at the others to see if they had anything else to ask.

Phai shook her head, slightly.
The creature would be trouble, no doubt.
Then one thought passed her mind, and she quickly added, on the off-chance that Wuli could know:"Some of these you lost did battle with the creature...if such is inevitable, is there anything we should know? Did Shakes seem vulnerable or resistant to certain attacks?"
If that thing has DR 15/Bludgeoning+Cold Iron and innate Energy Resistances, it would be prudent to know beforehand.

Child nodded, with no further questions to add.

Vincent got up from the table and headed over to check out the maps in greater detail.

Sorry for slow posts, work is crazy.

Wuli shrugged slightly. "If I knew, we'd have tried to use it ourselves." he answered. He sounded genuinely apologetic about that - if he actually knew such a weakness, he'd definitely have told you.

The maps, meanwhile, looked solid enough - certainly good enough to help you get a better understanding of the local terrain. The route you were likely to end up taking was a fairly easy one, with nothing more friigthening than a few hills you could amble around.

Child did what he could to listen to the rumors, speech, and most of all manners of the villagers around him, but otherwise had no real plans until the next morning.

Isen checked out the various shops, looking both for items that were unique and those that might prove useful on this world.

Once their dinner and the talk with Wuli was concluded, Phai waited until most of the food had passed from her stomach to her 2 digestive tracks, just to be save, then tapped into her inner power once more...or tried to.

Attempting to spend a Mythic Point to cast Heightened Awareness. If we ARE really cut off, it would be good to know before tomorrow.

After the group found a place to spend the night, Vincent followed Phai's lead and tried to tap into his mythic potential to cast crafter's fortune.

Vincent: If you *can't* cast Crafter's Fortune, let Child know, and he'll prepare it for tomorrow.

As Phai and Vincent tried to reach for their mythic power, both were roiled by the stomach-churning sickness that had hit Phai earlier...

Fort DC 20 (Phai): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Sickened for Hours: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Fort DC 20 (Vincent): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 Sickened for Hours: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

...and neither of them was able to overcome the intensely distracting aftereffects of their mythic power simply failing. Whatever had disrupted Phai back at the gate clearly hadn't gone away... and just as clearly wasn't limited to her.

Isen's trip, alas, wasn't much more profitable... depending on what he was looking for, at least.

This location doesn't really have anything in the way of magical or valuable items, although mundane gear up to 10 GP is still available - usually of crude but serviceable make.

Is further research into our lack of mythic power meaningful, or is this something we're supposed to accept for the time being? I don't mean to dwell on it if it's a plot device, but IF we are somehow supposed to try and restore it via finding out more, doing our research, and acting on that...basically I'm asking for a hint on wether to pursue or drop it -

"Ugh...the same..."...Phai decides to drink some water and lay still on her bed, taking some time to read through her journal, and refine illustrations about the recent events.

"Certainly doesn't feel right," Vincent said woozily. "I think I'll wait to work on my shield another evening, when I'm feeling better. Does anyone have any idea what went wrong? I suppose we didn't really go investigating where it came from to begin with. If I had to hazard a guess, and it really would be a speculative leap, perhaps what's cut us off from that power source is the same thing that's interfered with the gates on this world."

"Nope." Child shrugged. "But it doesn't seem to affect my ancestors' access to magic. If anyone needs a spell prepared, let me know."

"Huh," Isen replied. He'd never been as comfortable with his more impressive gifts, and rarely utilised them. He was also glad for his stomach. "Well, we'll have to bear it in mind. Perhaps whatever allowed the gate to live again affected the same powers that we use?"

Research cannot help you with your mythic power right now.

There is no mythic, only Zuul.

There is no Zuul, only Yid.

There is no Yidhra, only Yidhra!

Gesturing at the rest area, Isen added, "Shall we nap so your stomachs can settle, then ingratiate ourselves to the locals via a combination of violence and diplomacy come first light? I can take the first watch." It went without saying he didn't trust a camp full of strangers not to rob them in the night.

There is no Zuul, only Yid.

"Uh...yeah, you misspelled me! Y-I-N. That's YIN. Also I can make a Zuul! I made an Adam once. It was a big kittyrobot with a arm cannon and we fought with a Red Dragon and saved a City and someone got married and then Adam and the Dragon lived happily ever after!"

"Sounds good to me, Isen.", Phai had little to add, ready to settle down for a bit. Matter of fact, her stomach would have disagreed with anything she would even have tried to add beyond that basic statement.
Fine with going to next day if no interruptions happen

"Right, sure. I'll make sure to carry my longest pokey stick tomorrow."

Vincent apparently agreed, since the first thing he did when they found their room was to sprawl out on the bed and began snoring quietly.

While Vincent slept, Axis softly bounced about, chipping dried mud off of Vincent's boots and armor, briefly spinning a loose coin through its body, and reorganizing the various items in Vincent's pack. Towards the end of its task, its gems sparkled as it found a new shiny rock that Vincent had tucked away earlier near the beach. The new rock added to its whirling body, Axis returned to the safety of Vincent's tattoos.

Isen gets it. XD

Eventually, your group managed to settle down for the night. A few folks passed nearby, but nobody seemed interested in actually trying to rob you, given A) the fact that you were armed so well, and B) the outpost as a whole badly wanted your help, and anybody who messed it up for them was in for a world of hurt. The four silent figures you'd seen at the bar left before the end of the day, though, and didn't return.

Morning dawned - eventually - heralding the start of what looked to be your first full day trying to track down the Opus Aeterna... or at least to getting somewhere that would make your task would be a little easier. Wuli was prepared to go before dawn even broke, clearly eager to have the matter with Shakes resolved as soon as possible. It wasn't simply their livelihoods that depended on it - it might well have been their lives as well.