Thawm just smiles in reply.
She sits in silence for awhile, "I have some processing to perform. Of the domains of the various gods, not many would fit my interests. Let along have my back and provide the power I need. Even questioning Hellion could mean the loss of what makes me powerful. Not just my abilities, but also my followers."
She continues to sit quietly. You feel like you may have gotten through to her, yet not quite sure if you will get anything from her without probing. She seems content where she is, for now.
"Suit yourself." Heretic.
Thawm turns to go. "We have things to do, so let's go do them..."
You go to meet with Joram, who will find time to sit down with the android and relay what he knows of the world, and other dieties. Luckily he is patient.
Keldor and Basil work together, some up in the Torch, which has resumed its normal schedule. though it is maybe 20 minutes off from before, which has meant a little bit of shuffle as people get new schedules, but nothing major. Helping her create what she needs. Using some of the materials from under.
You are able to work to get your armor enchanted, without much difficulty. The armor now having a nice slight magical aura about it.
Everyone spends a bit of time researching what is found below. Now that it seems mostly safe, it has brought some interest among the higher ups in the city. Khonnir is doing his best to keep it under wraps as much as possible. He believes if too much attention is made to it the Technic league will show up and want to take over. So far the only real news is that the torch went out, but came back on. We will see how long that exact story is told.
Meyanda has spend time with the local cleric, she seems to be getting swayed. One day she even claims she has lost the powers Hellion provided. When she prays nothing is returned. Not sure of what that means, she has been asking a lot of questions of Joram about Brigh. You are not sure of what will come of it, but it actually seems hopeful at this point.
She might be more willing to be spoken to soon.
Khonnir also finds the Power Relay again, and notes that he is sure it was relaying power in the direction of Scrapwall. For what reason, he is not sure.
Soon enough Delga and Khonnir gather the 3 of you together. This time Khonnir speaks up, "We have been thinking... What Meyanda was spouting about Hellion, and now knowing that the power relay was directing power that direction, we are worried that her old god might still be focusing its attention on Torch. We are a bit worried for its safety"
Delga speaks up "Yes, we are pretty sure there is a continued threat to our town. If you where able to neutralize the threat, the coucil would pay you. We have gathered a reward of 8,000gp to ensure the safety of Torch. Does this seem appropriate. We do not wish extra harm to individuals not responsible, just the direct threats pointed our way."
Keldor nods.
"I cannot speak for my friends, but I think that a wise precaution to protect so many hard-working people. 8,000 seems fair... Can we take our portions in Torch-trade when we return? I find myself fascinated with your work here and the potential of it."
He then looks at Thawm and Basil.
"Of course. I know I would prefer the coin get reinvested back into Torch."
Khonnir chimes in again, "Might be worth asking the android what she knows of the city. She is actually at the temple with Joram. Things are going well, I believe."
Wow, 8000? ... I wonder if we can squeeze even more out of these guys...
After a moment's hesitation, Thawm chimes in.
"8000 is very generous, but I fear that we might need something more or something sooner in order to finish preparing for the job."
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The talks with the android had been going well, when suddenly, Basil finds herself unable to speak further.
As if some hidden fragment prevented her from freely expressing herself any more clearly than she already did.
When they leave, she quickly forgets about the incident, only remembering that no further words were needed to sway her sister.
The next two weeks, Basil keeps herself quite busy. During the day, she helps Khonnir and other chosen representatives map and analyze the underground structure, as well as making sure the generator operates safely.
At any other time, she could be found working on her weapon, or ammo for it - including working at the Torch itself, with Keldor.
Before long, the unwieldy Blunderbuss is rid of a few of the more time-worn parts, some new elements added made from the skymetal underground, a sleek, more efficient design able to be wielded effectively with one hand - and overall more reliable, too. Perhaps most importantly, it could feed ammunition from a optional slot for cartridges, allowing for incredibly fast reloading while cartridges were easily available.
_____________
During the meeting:"Hellion resides at Scrapwall. Hellion granted spells to my sister. That means it possesses a spark of Divinity, regardless of it's actual nature. His plan was aimed at Torch. 8000 GP does not seem appropriate. You are, in essence, asking us to topple an emerging god because he threatens the status quo in a dangerous way. Our likelyhood of survival going against his cult is quite low. Do not misunderstand: I intended to investigate Scrapwall, regardless of any payment you offer. But you did ask if the payment seemed fair, and for the task you place upon us, it seems dissatisfactory.",
Keldor smiles at the others as they discuss the adventure to come.
We will journey on to Scrapwall then. Together. It will be my job to keep them alive too. Me and Gauntlet. I must think on this...
He then pipes up with a distinctly different look, now all business.
"When do we leave? How far to Scrapwall? Do you know anybody there we can contact or use as a safe contact for local information or other help?"
Dolga starts to speak up, but Khonnir puts a hand out, "Sorry all, the 8,000gp is really all the town can afford. We have been out of commission for awhile, and we have come to realize we don't have the deepest emergency fund in Numera. We relied heavily on the torch. While it was not working a lot of funds went to the people of the city. Keeping things... semi normal."
Dolga seems to calm down behind him. Khonnir continues, "Though I will speak with Joram about some of his stock. While the torch was down, we actually needed less curative items. Less injuries. Maybe there is a bit of a surplus currently. I can check with him."[b]
Turning to Keldor, [b]"As for a contact. All I know of that town, if you could call it that, is that is a pile of junk. Run by low lifes. Orcs, Ratfolk, and others who just wish to dig through scrap. Hence its name. Though Meyanda would likely know more. I think she would cooperate with some questions about the city, at least. She has not wanted to give up too much info about her.. previous patron, but maybe some info about the town she would be more willing to share"
"Sounds like a good starting point." Thawm replies, cutting Keldor off before he can answer.
"Thank you, Khonnir."
Thawm moves to wait by the door for the others.
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Keldor looks at Thawm, then the door, and then Khonnir.
"Thanks again my friend. I'm glad to see you feeling so much better. We shall discuss our route forward and let you all know our...starting point as soon as possible."
He then turns to follow Thawm, passes her and out the door.
Leaving Khonnir's forge and heading out, this time going to the temple to meet with the android woman.
When you arrive they are outside in a junk yard talking and looking at a variety of scrap. Both Joram and Meyanda.
When you walk up, Joram sees the three of you, "Well it looks like we have guests". Meyanda turns as well, when she sees you she still looks the humans over in a way that might not be comfortable. Like she is looking for weak areas, but the rest of her posture is relaxed and she is holding a small machine in her hand.
She speaks up, "I assume you are here to check on me. See what has changed with my patterns."
"Sure." Thawm answers, before quickly changing the subject.
"Also Scrapwall. Know anything about it?"
Looking at Thawm, Keldor lightly touches her shoulder and points at his chin with his other hand.
"My turn."
He then replies to the Android.
"We are now responsible for you and anything you do. If not technically, then figuratively. We are interested in your thoughts and current frame of mind of course. We hope you are doing well too of course. Our current goal is to approach Scrapwall. Any help or information you can provide would be very useful and appreciated."
She looks at the group. Going slowly to each of you. "Scrapwall... Walls junk and refuse. Constantly being picked clean by the residence there. There are many gangs that live and run out of the city. There are some that are in no gangs, but usually everyone wants protection from one of them. They need to prove their scrap-worth to join a gang. The more scrap-worth you have, the less likely the gangs will turn to you in violence and agressivness. The current gangs, in order of power lowest to highest are, Steel Hawks, Redtooth's Raiders, the Smilers, and my old gang The Lords of Rust."
She continues on, "There are other, non offiliated, creatures in the city. There is a powerful worshiper of Brigh, a manticore, and undead."
With a bit of pride, she stands up tall and goes on, "The Lords of Rust now rule Scrapwall. They are ruled by Hellion. They are located in the center of the junkyard in a large structure called Scrapmaster's Arena. There are some underground chambers to the arena as well."
With a deadpan expression, "What more do you wish to know?"
With all seriousness, Keldor replies.
"Simple enough question. How can we infiltrate the 'city' so we don't have targets on our backs immediately? We want to gain intelligence fast so we can either engage the Lords of Rust, or report back to Torch as needed. Oh...and who is the Worshiper of Brigh? That sounds interesting. They could be an ally in the city if we are careful."
Thawm listens silently, content to let Keldor ask the questions.
Note to self, find spells for destroying, repulsing, and/or controlling undead...
Basil takes note of the small machine she is holding:"Hm? What is that?"
She then holds out the Androids gun: "I believe this is yours. I took the liberty of securing the plasmid chamber so it will hardly do damage, but I believe returning it as a gesture of goodwill is in order. In time, I may undo the modification. It was also an impressive inspiration when I reworked my own gun. Thank you."
Letting Thawm and Keldor ask her, she only rejoins in the end:"Is there any message or statement you would have us pass on to a former friend, aquaintance, or your previous master? I understand the fact he granted you spells may have provided a more direct connection, but all the same, I feel compelled to offer such a service."
--- Aside ---
After going back into the cave system and working on that battered door, the group eventually gets it open. Finding:
Timeworn Autograpnel[/url
Timewarn [url=https://www.aonprd.com/EquipmentTechArmorDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Panic%20suit]Panic Suit
Timewarn Emergency Beacon
2x Batteries
24 Silverdisks
------- Back to story ------
When she mentions a cleric, Joram looks over, "By any chance do you mean Dinvaya? A Half-Elf?"
Meyanda looks to him "I can not state with certanty that we are speaking of the same person, but there is a non zero percentage we are"
Joram turns to the group, "if you are in fact going to Scrapwall, you should try to find her. She is an old friend of mine. She was on the run from the Technic League. I have lost contact with her, though. If you do run across her, please let her know their interests in her have passed and she is welcome here. Take this" He takes his own personal symbol of Brigh and hands it over to the group, "This should allow you to earn her trust. If you are able to verify she is alive and deliver the message, and even better, bring her back, you are welcome to the extend rod I have been using to help with your water breathing"
Meyanda turns back to the group, waiting for him to finish before continuing. She reaches out and takes the gun, "I appreciate this gesture. It may not work as intended, currently, but it does bring some calm to have it with me. As for a method into the city. The entire city is surrounded by the wall. There is an entrance at the gatehouse, but that is blocked. The gate is controlled by the Steel Hawks. As you are unaffiliated, currently it is possible they will let you in. You must not look to be forces of law. They will turn away anyone who seems to disrupt their way of life. That being said, the Steel Hawks used to be the strongest gang before The Lords of Rust took over. They may enjoy hearing you wish to cause an issue with the Lords. Though I can not say for certain. I imagine your best bet would be to destabilize the nature of the gangs. Using their hatred of the Lords in your benifit. If you wish to avoid the front gate, you can always climb the wall as well. But where you enter the town will change what type of gang you encounter. I can draw a basic map if you wish"
She writes out a quick map, more detailed than you would think.
Sighing, Keldor nods.
"Yes please, a map. I'm afraid bringing law to the lawless is something I'm committed to now. At least of a fashion. Also, we will have to be careful. It sounds like Gauntlet may bring too much attention, unless we have no choice to summon him. I will have to rely on my other abilities most of the time for this mission."
"Thanks for your help." Thawm adds, curtly.
Thawm turns to leave, wanting to make the final preparations for the team's journey as soon as possible.
Glancing at the map, Keldor nods and taps it with a finger.
"I hate to say it, but it looks like the 'Haunted' Section may be our best bet for getting in without being noticed. Does the Haunting have to do with Hellion at all?"
She consiters the question a bit "That region of Scrapwall is shrouded in mist. All sight beyond 5 feet is obscured. They also have a faint Necromancy aura to them. It is known to have undead in this area. All of the gangs avoid that area. It was believed a ship crashed in that area long ago.
I doubt you will be able to get far without some interaction with a gang or two. Your capabilities as I have assets them, don't lean towards full stealth. You may need to just build up a reputation within the city. Starting with acts for the gangs. Hopefully nothing outside your own personal code."
Thawm turns back, ambivalent at the extra help "Perhaps we'll start with the area of the weakest gang, then. They'll probably be the most grateful for any help we can offer, and if things go sour, then at least we'll have the minimum amount of fighting-our-way-out to do."
Thawm looks back and forth between Keldor and Basil before turning to go again, half curious and half annoyed at the possibility that they'll want to ask the android for more.
She speaks up again, "Unless you wish to go about it through subtufuge, going in the front gate and being diplomatic. Moving though the city slowly might be the best way to move through... unnoticed. Even if you end up being more noticed. It will seem more normal."
"If we are trying to be diplomatic, and use the gangs against the Lords of Rust, then I suspect we may need to choose who to make contact with. Is there anything else you can tell us about the Gangs laying claim to territories? Redtooth sounds like a sort of humanoid not represented in our make-up - which may complicate things. What about the Smilers and the Steel Hawks?", Basil asks one more question.
You will find humans, orcs, ratfolk, and others among the various gangs. As for the others. The Steel Hawks have been beaten down by the Lords of Rust. There are not many of them left, thought hey do hold some territory, and would likely want to raise back up in power."
"The Smilers live in the NorthWestern area of Scrapwall. They are thugs and are generally not liked by any of the other gangs. They have a particual hatred for the Redtooth's Raiders. They have had an ongoing conflict for awhile now. The Smilers are cannibalistic creatures. The most unlike the others"
"I would say the Steel hawks would be the best start. They are not as evil as the Smilers tend to be. They claim parts of the city with power and trickery. Sometimes deals can be made as well"
"Right. Maybe make friends with the Steel hawks and maybe pick a fight with the Smilers. Good to know."
"It would seem we have a plan. Let me stock up on ammunition and we can be on our way."
Sounds good to me. You can find your equipment at normal value.
Just let me know what you end up purchases, and when you are ready to head out. We can move into the next area.
Well, are we ready to go?
With a short discussion Khonnir agrees to giving you 500gp each. "This is for saving my life. I do hope to get paid back at some point by the council if you return safely and are able to confirm our town will remain safe."