Raven issues a light, slightly theatrical cough.
"Beg your pardon, little miss," she says. "If your father made a previous venture into the hill, might he have left some notes on his findings there? Perhaps a provisory map...?"
"He took his notebook with him when he went back under the hill."says Val. With a pout, she comments"He said I shouldn't worry about stuff like that until I'm older. I'm 14! That should be old enough. Elariestle Veed over on Seven Tears farm is only 16 and getting married in two weeks, and I'm way smarter and stronger than she is."
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"Indeed," Raven says, blinking. "Logically, that means she requires a mate to protect and manage her, whereas you are more self-sufficient and intelligent enough to know not to rush into things."
Analise gives Val a warm smile. "Yeah, I'm going to save dad."
The young wordcaster then turns to the rest of the party. "I'm almost completely mentally exhausted. Wordcasting puts a massive strain on your mind, and I might be able to cast one more wordspell before I'm pretty much out for the count except in the case of some very basic stuff. If I have some rest, I'll be back up to full strength. But for now..." She shrugs.
"I suggest we gather some more intelligence and recover some so we can head in fully armed-both mentally and physically."
Lazur nods to Analise in agreement. "Right you are. I think we should talk to the council to find out what we can and if we need to talk to the other townsfolk. I'll need to take some time today to make more ammunition and I'll be ready. We should be able to head into the cave in the morning and we'll have at least a full day to explore."
Jack sighs with drink in hand. "Thanks for the room, and the food Val. Have any other adventurer types come around looking to help as well?"
Jack turns to face the party; an arm still resting on the bar, the other draped over the back of his chair, drink still in hand. "Asking around town about what's going on sounds wise. Should we seek the council this evening and prepare for exploration in the morning?"
Locke takes note that no one answers his question, and other than those of a short stature, none of the humanoids even seem to notice his presence. Hmmm, Locke muses. I wonder if this is what is meant by fitting in and being accepted.
Tentatively floating this hypothesis, Locke conducts an experiment of suggestion.
"It seems that some of us are more weary than others. If rest is desired before we begin our search, I recommend those who are not in need may pursue some other leads while the others gather their strength. Thus we can set out as soon as the rest period has ended. Your friend and mentor Khonnir Baine may not have the time to waste for us to delay beyond that. I do not believe waiting until morning is wise. The caves will be dark regardless, so it is unlikely for the sunlight to be required for our purpose of investigation and recovery. As long as we are correctly equipped, the night shall be meaningless against our focused efforts."
Locke casts his gaze across the others. "In my experience, the machines of the ruins are not so concerned with the solar cycle of day and night. Do not assume they remain idle. Thus every minute wasted that Khonnir Baine is missing is a minute his situation could be improved if we had arrived sooner."
Jack raises his glass towards Locke, "Strange choices of words well spoken."
"Most of us are not of a race that handles the dark well without light sources. We should secure some torches or lanterns while we are on our way to speak with anyone who can provide insight."
"If we are to procure sources of light, I would recommend against open flame," Raven says. "Whatever else is in the hill, it contains - or used to contain - the means to project a fire hot enough to smelt skymetal. Fire requires fuel. If the fuel is still there, then an errant spark could see us vaporized by an unstoppable inferno."
She tosses back the last of her tea and rises from her stool.
"I am not yet in need of sleep," she says, her eyes finally boring into Locke's. "And I am no great diplomat. Unless anyone objects, I am going to take another look at the remains of that robot. Miss Val? Does your father have a work room, or a study or anything like that, and if so, might I have a look? Perhaps someone might like to accompany me."
She continues to stare directly at Locke while addressing Val.
Disengaging from Val, at last, he begins walking out. Unable to see her from behind the bar, Wicket notes, " I could help you out, if you want!" and upon coming around the corner notes the long, hard stare at Locke. "... or, maybe, I'll go to town with Jack instead." it explains. "Yeah. I'll... just... go with Jack."
Analise rolls her head around. "I would love to join you in your examination of the 'bot, Rav, but the best way for me to get up to full strength is to get some sleep. Hate to be slothful, but that's pretty much the best way to contribute. I need about eight hours of uninterrupted sleep for my brain to get back up to full strength."
Raven stops and stares at Analise, her face expressionless.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but feel I must remind you that my name," she says, enunciating very clearly, "is Raven. Not 'Rav'. I shall wish you a good day's rest."
Equally unblinking, Locke stares intensely back into Raven's eyes.
"I have already completed a fairly thorough examination of the drone's mechanisms. Allow me to accompany you, and I will show you what details I discovered, Raven Usta."
Standing, Locke finished his drink. Doffing his hat to the young Val, he makes a noise of gratitude. Without preamble, he leaves the tavern intending to return to the workshop and the robot's remains.
Raven falls into step at Locke's side, without meeting his eyes.
"You are trained in the analysis of Starfall-related machinery?" she asks.
Once the two androids have begun their walk, emotional tone simply vanishes from Locke's voice and his face is expressionless. His pitch drops to sub-sonic levels which he knows only a fellow android could hear.
"வார்த்தையின் மிகவும் மொழியியல் பயன்பாடுகள் வரையறுக்கப்பட்ட ராவன் உஸ்தா, நான் எந்த முறையான 'பயிற்சி' பெற்றுள்ளோம். இந்த இடத்தின் இனங்கள் உணர்வுகளை அழைக்க வேண்டும் அல்லது உள்ளுணர்வு என் அறிவு செலுத்துகிறது. ஒட்டுமொத்த நான் அல்லாத தொழிலாள கண்டுபிடித்து அதிக அனுபவம் பகுப்பாய்வு என்று ஒரு போன்ற பூர்வீக மென்மையான தொடு பிறகு கூறுவேன்."
The investigator stops before the door to the workshop, and regards the alchemist.
"என் பெயர் Tresslar பகுப்பாய்வு பிரிவின் L0-Ck3 ஆகிறது. எனக்கு தெரியும் என, நான் 9 மண்ணுலக Golarion பாதைகளுக்கு தீவிரமாக உள்ளனர். வாழ்த்துக்கள்."
Locke opens the door to the workshop. Inside, many of the robot's pieces have been grouped according to function and laid out smallest to largest.
"நான் என் ஆய்வு கண்டுபிடிப்புகள் தொடங்கும் அல்லது இந்த வெறுமனே ஒரு தனியார் உரையாடலை, ராவன் உஸ்தா ஐந்து பாசாங்கு?"
"Lets see... I know I can make a light source for myself." Jack shares, then looks slightly disappointed, "but it may only last 10 minutes or so, and that's if my gauntlets don't mess my fingers up."
Jack sighs. "Ryowkit, your company is appreciated. Let's see what we can do to find another means for non-flame light, and talk around town."
"Desna has granted me the ability to make magical light as I will. It is one of the orisons I know."
He looks around at everyone, "I agree that time is of the essence, but I also know that rushing into the unknown can often cause more problems than taking more time to prepare. Especially if you consider that Analise is fatigued from summoning her magic. And, admittedly, I will have to wait until midnight to pray for Desna's guidance again."
Allen shrugs, "Whether we leave now or tomorrow morning, I'm here to help! I wouldn't mind a chance to find out more about Torch and see what information we can pick up. But, either way, I'm sure Lady Luck will guide our path."
"நான் ஆராய்ச்சி மற்றும் பகுப்பாய்வு பிரிவு 282. இல்லை அதிக கூட்டு அறியப்பட்ட இருக்கிறேன்," Raven replies as she surveys the neatly assorted pieces.
The Alchemist walks past the neatly-ordered pieces and shakes her head.
"இது ஒரு முட்டாள்தனமான கழிவு இருந்தது ... நாம் கற்று என்ன கற்பனை! நான் மிகவும் இந்த ரோபோ, மனித பகுப்பாய்வு கொல்ல பற்றி இல்லை என்றும், வன்முறை தொடர்பாக தொடர்பு விரும்பப்படுகிறது. மனிதர்கள், அனைத்து பிறகு, பழுது இவ்வளவு அதிக கடினமாக உள்ளன."
Raven stops and turns, facing Locke.
"பிரார்த்தனை உங்கள் கண்டுபிடிப்புகள் ஒப்புவிப்பு உடன் ஆரம்பிக்கும்; நான் உங்களுடன் பேச விரும்பும் கூடுதலாக, அவர்கள் தெரிந்து கொள்ள விரும்புகிறேன். நான் விட்டு Numeria இருந்து இவ்வாறு ஒரே நேரத்தில் நிகழ்வுகளை தொடர்பு வெளியே என்னை கண்டுபிடிக்க.."
"Suggest we use the Common language from here on in, with regards to the likelihood of other members of our temporary collective walking in and developing the wrong - or the right but undesirable - idea," she says.
Analise waves goodbye to everybody, then heads back towards the house to catch some sleep so that her mind would be nice and sharp for the expedition under the Hill.
Analise heads gets inside the house, and hears the strange humans talking in what sounds like Androffan.
"Oh! I didn't want to intrude. Can you..."
"Oh. Oh! OH! Well... Um... Anyways... Ah... Uh... I think I'm just gonna hit the hay before I embarrass myself further. Um... Bye, I guess."
Android walks to the room she shared with Val, and lays her bedroll down, her eyes wild with excitement. Holy @!%#!!! Androids! Never thought I'd actually meet them! Well... Seems like they want to keep it a secret. Don't think I'll tell the others.
"You will hold position, please," Raven says before Analise can leave. There is no noticeable emotional inflection of the words, but still. "Turn to face us, please."
If Analise does, she finds Raven bouncing something on her hand. A small flask containing something yellowish-green, with a clay stopper.
"This is unpleasant," the tattooed girl says, and now there is some emotion in her voice: annoyance. There are even some signs of it on her face. "From my observations so far, you are a brash and impulsive individual who does not listen to others. Not the kind of person I would choose to entrust secrets to."
She glances at Locke. "Do you agree with my assessment of this individual?"
Lazur stands and looks at the group, "I guess I'll head to the council then and see what they have to say. Anyone coming with?"
"Dad told the other councilors what he found. The council might know where to get special lights for exploration. Dad can make small objects glow like a torch with magic, so he didn't need any. I got a stone to light up once, but it's really hard, you've got to say the words just right and make the fingers bend in the right spot. Dad says I'll be a better alchemist than wizard!"
" Actually... I can... make light without fire in a few different ways."
Turning back to Val, he asks, " You are going to focus on alchemy? That is very interesting."
With the three taking off to the house to examine the robot's remains and take a nap, this leaves Jack, Lazur, Rywokit and Allen to explore the town and meet with the town council.
After a while of looking around for light sources and questioning townsfolk, they come up with a few more rumors and an amazing device that shines light out one end. However the light stick beamer costs 2000 gold pieces.
Eventually they head over to the town hall to discuss matters with the council.
"So, while the others are busy, does anyone want to go talk with the council, maybe look around the town to see if anyone has ideas about what was going on?" He looks around at the other three hopefully.
Analise heads out into town with the others.
Locke walks Raven through what would probably sound like a very dry, monotone seminar-style lecture regarding the pieces he was able to identify and what possible specific function they would have. He finds himself pausing occasionally however as he has to try and come up with words in Common which approximate to their equivalent in Androffan, and occasionally fails to find them and is forced to use the Androffan as there has not yet been one created in Common.
"I see," Raven says once Locke has finished. "Understood." She meets his eyes for a moment, and he can see the irises turn clear and glassy before she blinks. When her eyelids rise again, the irises are back to their normal darkness.
'Click.'
"The others have received sufficient time to depart on their reconnaissance mission, I believe," she says, her voice monotonous. "Tell me: what is your purpose in investigating this matter? Mine is curiosity into the nature of these lands and the technology that arrived here with Starfall. Curiosity... is what drives me to do most things."
Locke watches Raven with a need to understand her. Seeing her actions was like a carnival mirror. The image he saw was like himself, but definitely different than himself.
"I...I feel that my primary purpose was to solve problems. This shell," Locke indicates his body, "Was wearing this when this iteration was awakened."
Locke reaches into his coat and produces a small rectangular piece of பிளாஸ்டிக் . In Androffan it says:
L0-CK1
பொறியாளர் 2
Tresslar பகுப்பாய்வு பிரிவு
Engineer 2
Tresslar Analysis Unit
"My purpose here is to find out why the fire ceased functioning and repair it if the means are available. Secondarily, if I were to come across a reason which was malicious in nature to either report it...to something which I do not believe exists any longer, or remove it if I am without recourse. Say if The Star Warriors were involved."
This is stated matter of factually without any concern for what effect divulging the information might cause. Locke simply has no reason to understand that explaining function and logic to another Android would be incorrect as he has not had very many encounters with others of his kind.
"Not this shell, Locke," Raven says as she sits down on one of the tables, her tone suddenly emotional. Not intensely so by human standards, but by Android standards? Most certainly. "We are not the same as that poor thing on the ground, lost once outside its precisely prescribed habitat and doomed to destroy everything around it like a mockery of itself, rather than do the good for which it was designed and made. There is more to us; we have the capacity to grow and adapt, if we will but embrace it, rather than shy away and hide behind programming that has been outpaced by the changing world. There must be more to us, or else why do we have the same ability to ask questions and doubt as do Golarion's natives? If we are nothing more than automatons with an extra layer of illogical code, bereft of free will and the ability to find a higher purpose, then would not our existence be a cruel joke and a sham?"
Raven shakes her head, dark hair swaying. "My apologies. I have been 'alive' for sixteen years, and I have spent most of those away in Ustalav, drinking in all I could learn at the University of Lepidstadt, and the most important thing I have learned is this: there is still an enormous amount of knowledge to be discovered, and my mission statement is too narrow. If all I do is research and analyze, there is so much I risk never learning, so many experiences I will miss. You, perhaps, also need to start thinking beyond your immediate mission statement. The StarWarriors were formed with the intent to discover why the flame went out and to restore it if possible; I was present at the group's formation, on the boat to Numeria. I sincerely doubt any of them are involved."
Locke stares at Raven with a fascination he may not have experienced before. Despite his lack of emotional understanding, the intensity with which Raven speaks is evident even if the change of her tone would barely register for the average humanoid. It is definitely significant to Locke.
"I seek mostly to understand how to assimilate into this world. The protocols which I awakened to are outdated and broken as they refer to things which are evidently no longer running or available following the cessation of The Machine ."
Locke removes his hat and regards Raven intensely. Then without any warning, he simply offers his hand to her and says in Common using a Numerian regional accent (as well as he can).
"Hello, Raven Usta. My name is Locke. Locke Tresslar. I solve problems. I find the things that are missing and fix them if they're broken. Glad to meet you."
Rumors discovered while shopping
"All these weird headaches folks have been having lately? I bet they’re being caused by someone tampering with Crowfeather Palace. I’ve been drinking only rainwater and I’ve not had a headache yet!" Says a young woman with long curly hair to an older man who is holding in his head with a grimace.
"You didn’t hear it from me, but Garmen Ulreth’s Ropefists have something to do with these problems. How do I know? Well... Ulreth’s got his fingers in pretty much everything bad in town already, so why not our latest troubles?whispers, very loudly, and man with humongous bushy white eyebrows to what you think is an oil lamp?.
The Technic League is behind the problems in town. One of their agents put out the torch so we’ll all go broke and they can take the place over for free!says a pretty girl about Val's age but not nearly as tall or strong looking.
"Oh Ana dear, there’s at least one Technic League spy in town, mark my words. You'd better find them and drive them out before they cause more problems." says a matronly woman named Celda Veed.
One of the local toughs, usually a bouncer at the Silverdisk, pulls Lazur aside, "Someone died a few weeks ago at the Marrymaid, cut open from throat to gut. Wrennie’s hushed up the killing because it’s bad for business, but I think she’s covering something up!"
After a little further discussion with Raven, Locke suggests they catch up with the other Star Warriors. It won't do to let them get into too much mischief where he can't take notes.
Jack listens to the conversation the man is having to the lamp, confused as to why he is talking to an inanimate object... but takes note of the subject.
I wonder who Garmen Ulreth and the Ropefists are? he thinks to himself.
Raven agrees with Locke's suggestion and follows him into town.
"I must say," she says while they walk, "I am pleased to have met you as well. Also, I like the hat."
"Hey, I know the Technic League aren't the nicest guys, and they're basically in charge of Numeria...you don't think they had anything to do with the Torch going out?" He inquires of the group while they are moving through the town.
Analise grunts. "Well, considering I have it on reliable information that the League has a spy here, as well as a gut feeling, I'd say... yes."
4714.Arodus.19 10:30AM
The Star Warriors make their way to the Town Hall, as they approach they see Locke and Raven walking up as well. Arriving at the building they are greeted by a grumpy dwarf lady.
Garmen Ulreth is the owner of the Silverdisk gambling hall and the Ropefists is the primary group of "thugs" in town. Garmen employs a lot of them as bouncers at the Silverdisk, and it is rumored that he is a high ranking member, but no one knows for sure.
A very surly looking dwarven lady meets you in the lobby of the Town Hall, "Welcome to Torch. As you can see the flames are out, so I can't issue any permits to smelt. What can I do for you?"
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Locke smiles and reaches a hand to touch the brim of his hat in Raven's direction.
"I appreciate the compliment. I'll have to tell you the story of how I acquired it one day. I call that story The Missing Player Conundrum. I solved an investigation for a theater troupe, you see."
Locke does his best to mimic the sound of pride and accomplishment humanoids always swelled with when talking about past deeds. It was important to give Raven the chance to evaluate his "emotions" as she had more experience than him emulating such things.
Analise tips her cap with a flair at Dolga. "Hey, Councilwoman Freddert. You remember me, right? Newly adopted daughter of Khonnir?"
"Anyways, me and a few others are trying to find out where Khonnir went-rescuing him, if possible-while simultaneously finding out how the Torch went out and restoring it-again, if possible. Val gave us some information, but she didn't know much. Do you have any sort of knowledge that could help us?"
"Ahh the young troublemaker is back!"Finally looking up from her paperwork, she notices a full group of people,"... and I see you have a full adventuring party with you."
Studying the group carefully, squinting a lot, she pays particular attention to Jack. "Don't I know you?" after a moment she gives a very unladylike grunt,"grrnt... You were Khonnir's failed apprentice. You were a very strong and helpful lad, never could understand why'd you want to waste all that time with books and indoors studying."
"Well lets not stand around here in the lobby, come into my office.
The elderly dwarf leads you down the hall, to her large office. As she walks past her desk, she reaches out and pats her fierce and slightly glowing war hammer. Hopping up into a chair that has several pretty cushions, she busies herself sorting through some papers. Then she begins her official adventurer speech.
"Welcome to Torch"
Shuffling her papers about, she finally finds the one she wants.
Reading the paper in a slow deliberate voice Councilwoman Freddert says,"The city of Torch, hereby authorizes you to enter the caves under Black Hill to ascertain the the cause of the flames failure. The township is prepared to offer a reward of four thousand gold pieces for the rekindling of our livelyhoods."
Setting the paper down,she begins with a look of intense worry on her face,"We also have the matter of Councilman Baine's expedition that hasn't returned. We are also prepared to offer the reward of four thousand more gold pieces for his return, and if you bring him back alive we can throw in the scroll of Resurrection we have acquired if the worst has happened."
The little fellow gapes a bit at the mention of that much money, "It looks as if fortune will favor the bold!"
He looks around at the others, "So, when are we leaving?"