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Zac releases the androids from their control collars. The two androids look around in confusion, realising what has happened but not knowing by whom. One of them picks up a bottle, ready to throw at Bogdin but the other quickly drags her down to cover behind the bar counter.
Taking advantage of their dazed state, Omzig dashes up and fires, but Bogdin still manages to duck from danger quickly enough. Special Circumstance runs down the stage and despite the stampeding crowd manages to land a shot on Bogdin. The shot hit him across the head and he falls unconscious. The Starfinders quickly shift their attention to the vesks, and after a quick flurry of shots among Harec, Special Circumstances and Omzig, take down the wounded vesk.
The remaining vesk finally clears his head of the blinding strobe lights. Seeing the unconscious Bogdin and his fellow bouncer, he mutters, "I'm not paid enough for this!" He turns tail and flee together with the rest of the club patrons!
Majko and Sharmain are still reeling from the lights so the other Starfinders simply pick them up and merging into the crowd, leave the club none the wiser. The two android bartenders pass them on the way, eventually figuring out the Starfinders' role in their freedom. Nodding a simple thanks, they turn to flee into the chaos of the city.
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With the third and final piece of the map fragment, the Starfinders return to report to Captain Arvin after sending your report ahead of you. Upon return to the Lorespire Tower, you find both him and the android Historia-7, leader of the Dataphiles, waiting for you in the debriefing room. Arvin is pleased that you PCs have both successfully claimed the lost map fragment and defeated a major player in the underground world of android smuggling. Historia-7, however, approaches and simply but sincerely states, "Thank you on behalf of all androids."
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A few days later, you get the anticipated summons from Captain Arvin with a simple message, "We have deciphered it."
"The Herdsman sails on
The Prize you seek inside
A Shadow awaits"
"It took some searching through the database, but I am now certain this tale leads to Preahan, one of Liavara’s many moons. Records show that in the time before the gap, other Dreamers built a mausoleum here for one of their ascended kin. Several dreaming devices were placed within. It must be those devices that Whisperer of Solar winds wants us to find. It is strange, however, that it would give us the location of the map pieces, as well as the location of the mausoleum itself... It must mean the map pieces do more than just show the way. I would advise you to gather the map pieces first to see if they have more meaning to them."
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As the gas giant Liavara comes into view, the Loreseeker’s communications station activates and plays a pre-recorded hologram of Venture-Captain Arvin. "The Liavaran Dreamer, Whisperer of Solar Winds, pointed us here. It took the Society quite some time to discern our target: the shepherd moon, Preahan. Most of Preahan's atmosphere is comprised of methane, but don't worry, the atmosphere doesn't contain enough oxygen for combustion. Still, each of you should take precautions and wear protective gear at all times. The methane creates harsh conditions on the surface. There is currently a storm raging, but there's no time to wait it out. These storms can last for months."
"The core of the moon is hollow and filled with liquid methane. The repository is likely suspended somewhere near the core. I have coordinates for a landing spot close to a tunnel that reaches all the way to the core. Good luck on this mission, Starfinders."
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Previously, as Sharmain starts to become functional again, "Thanks, Zac. Did everyone make it out alright? Did we free the androids? Sorry, I collapsed like that."
Later, as they approach Preahan, "Time to gear up. Buddy checks for everyone, I want to know that all safety equipment is secure and functioning before we head out into that environment."
Sharmain checks her own gear, then offers to check anyone else who is ready, having her's double-checked by one of the team. After ensuring that her medkit is fully stocked, that serums are easily accessible and that the team members know where she keeps them, that everyone's suits seal and function well, Sharmain stands ready with her staff in hand.
"Everyone ready? Let's go."
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Majko rubs her eyes as the group makes it out. "Sorry to let you down, friends. Those lights were so much brighter than the work lights of the Hive." She helps the group back to the shuttle, eager to prove her worth. "I am happy you were able to save the day!"
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Back at base, Majko nods in affirmation. "Sounds good, captain! We are up to the task! As long as there are no bright lights, we should be fine."
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Preahan's surface is wind scoured rocks and hunks of ice. A snowstorm rages as the Starfinders arrive, but the flakes are solid methane instead of water. The Loreseeker lands near a tunnel that leads to the interior of the moon but when the hatch opens, you realise that with the hurricane-force winds, covering even such a short distance is going to be dangerous. Normally this only carries a risk of being blown over, but coupled with the low gravity of the moon, there is a serious chance of being blown away! You are going to need to work together as a team to get through this!
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Special Circumstances is a man of business and society, not a of serious activity crawling across violent planetary surfaces. Thus he's of little value in this situation. He stands by the door Omzig and Majko try and push forward and considers his options.
After some thought he reaches out with a hand and activates his connection to the cosmos, a sudden increase in gravity trying to pull Omzig further into the surface and give him more purchase.
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Despite the best efforts of the Starfinders in fighting through the storm and balancing carefully through the terrain, they were unable to find a more protected path to the mouth of the cave. A few of them are blown away across the ice, but with teamwork, no major damage are taken except for a few bruises. As warned, the Starfinders find the cavern completely flooded with liquid methane. After a complete check of the respiratory system in their armor, and with some trepidation, they dive in. With the liquid methane being less dense then water and the gravity so low, the Starfinders need to swim hard. But physical effort is not their only worry: the tunnels quickly split and then split again, making it easy to become lost...
Finally, you are spit out of the tunnels into a vast liquid space: the interior of the moon. You see the mausoleum in the distance, a structure covered in glowing purple runes, but the liquid feels strange. Thicker that what you have been swimming in and it is a struggle to get there.
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Omzig sees a good passage. This way! This way!
Omzig struggles valiantly but is unable to help move anything large. He keeps trying, though.
Omzig thinks the runes are very pretty!
Finally, something Omzig excels at!
It's easy! Just use your lower arms to stabilize and your upper arms to swim, and you can...er...ummm....just follow Omzig! Wheeeeeeeee!
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Through careful study of the structure of the tunnels and the current flow, Zac and Majko point out the correct path, helping the Starfinders save considerable time.
Zac examines the unstable structure for a brief while, then directs the rest of the team how to stabilise the tunnels, allowing everyone to swim through unhindered.
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Special Circumstances may not know the back end of a sewage pipe from the methane caves they were in, but he knew his way around the markings that led to the bathroom on any world. And that's certainly where he felt like he was right now. [b]"Exit is to our left, guys. Well, my left, Omzig's right since he's upside down at the moment."[b] At last, he felt useful on this crazy world!
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Sharmain is a little shaken by the rough crossing to the cave and remains quiet as they begin their progress through the new challenges that face them.
Before proceeding too far, Sharmain reaches out to the stars to establish a connection that can provide comfort as well as guidance. "While I respect your science, I trust more the guidance of the stars, thankfully your results and mine agree. This is clearly the correct path."
Having no engineering skills of her own, Sharmain does her best to follow the directions provided by Zac to help shore up the wall. She surprises herself that despite the exhaustion she feels, the mystic connection she established seems to be bolstering her physically as well as helping her maintain her inner balance and calm.
Fascinated by the runes Sharmain reaches out to trace above them, careful not to touch them. "I think these are actually a message, a clue to which way to proceed. This way I think." Sharmain's voice becomes more confident as she studies the runes before her final proclamation. She makes sure to capture a copy of them before proceeding as she wants a record available for more in-depth study later.
Following Omzig's lead, Sharmain brings up the rear of the group helping any who need a little assistance.
Despite her improved mood and her excitement at the discovery of the runes, Sharmain begins to tire from the arduous activities.
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Together Special Circumstances and Sharmain study the runes, piecing together the meaning in reference to ancient script related to the lost race of wayangs, figuring out the right way is left.
The Starfinders push through the final stretch towards the mausoleum, swimming through the thick liquid surrounding them. Thanks to the successful navigation through the confusing tunnels, Omzig, Majko and Sharmain retain sufficient strength to push through. For Harerc, Zac and Special Circumstances, however, the entire journey has proved too exhausting. Although everyone reaches the mausoleum in the centre of the cavern, the three of them find themselves quite winded out by the journey.
After taking a short breather, the Starfinders studies the mausoleum. It is a rough sandstone structure, floating in the center of the moon. This close to the moon’s core, the gravity stabilizes and is close to what you find normal. A shimmering force field at the entrance seems to be holding back the liquid methane and after finding no other ill effects, you step through and enter the mausoleum. Your sensors indicate the air is breathable and you gratefully remove your breathing apparatus.
The entryway shows obvious signs of erosion. Strange semifluorescent plant life has started to grow along patches of the floor and on the walls. Together with glowing runes on the walls, the area is in dim illumination. The ceiling is 15 feet high. A large hole in the sandstone lies to the south, and shimmering inside the hole appears to be a force field made of purple runes. You carefully make your way further in.
Before you step into the next chamber though, Special Circumstances suddenly stops everyone! Those markings on the floor are not random, they form a magical trap!
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Majko hits her chest, turning on the light embedded within her armor. ”Ah, much better. Now, what do we have here...”
”Interesting...Sandstone. That doesn’t belong here...The Mother will be quite interested in this!”. The formian takes notes and then moves over to help the others disrupt the malicious magics.
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Sharmain also activates her armour's light source as she studies their new setting.
"You are right, Majko. How very interesting."
Sharmain takes careful notes adding to her documentation of this mission.
"Well spotted, Special C. Please, let me take a careful look. I'd like to try to disarm it."
Sharmain takes a long deep breath in then relaxes her body while exhaling. She finds her centre and the mystic connection she previously established, hoping it is still sufficient for the work ahead. She can feel the presence of Majko beside her assisting to strengthen the pathway to the stars.
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With an almost casual ease, Sharmain recognises the runes for what they are - an activation would call forth a pair of magical bolts that not only injure but also sicken. With some suggestions from Majko, she erases one side of the rune, rendering completely inert.
The threat taken care of, the Starfinders move into the adjoining chamber. This chamber has not escaped the ravages of time. There are holes in the walls that likely once held doors, and the sandstone tiles on the floor are dirty and broken in places. Softly glowing purple runes cover the interior walls of the chamber, encircling a round altar covered in more runes in the center of the space. Out of shadow in front of the altar, a form slowly coalesces, taking the shape of an ebony dragon with red frills. Its body is terribly contorted and trails shadows.
With a voice like rocks scraping together, it speaks. "Who dares to break the sanctity of this holy resting place?"
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Sharmain is astonished to see what looks like a dragon. Quietly, into the comms, she whispers "Umm, I read that dragons have breath weapons and it seems unhappy, perhaps spread out a little?"
"We meant no disrespect, nor to disturb your magnificence. We are seekers of truth and knowledge." While addressing the dragon Sharmain tries to study it and to remember anything she can on this type of life form.
or if more appropriate
She also tries to work out if it is truly unhappy or if this is its normal demeanour.
Sharmain is happy to have Omzig dart behind her, though apparently finds it distracting enough to disrupt her connection to the mystical energy she has been tapping.
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The dragon continues its deep rumbling as it studies each of you in turn before it replies. "No disrespect taken, little one. I am but the guardian of this tomb. I have been here for thousands of years guarding the Dreamers relics against unwanted intrusions, waiting for the day for those with the rightful claims to come." It pauses here as its eyes glint deeply. "May I ask if you have the three sandstone map pieces? If so, you may enter. Simply insert them onto the alter behind me to dispel the force field warding it."
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Tired as he is from the swim, and slightly confused by a situation outside his normal comfort zone, Special doesn't quite get a read on the strange shadow dragon creature before them. He stands idly off to the side, half leaning against the nearest wall with his weapon slung idly in his hands.
He glances at the others and gives a half shrug. "Is that what the tablets are supposed to do? Did Whisperer even say exactly how to use them?"
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Sharmain adds to the telepathic conversation, "Yes, they are definitely lying about who they are. This is not a guardian. They probably want the tablets for nefarious purposes. Do not trust them.
Sharmain outwardly remains quiet while she tries to recenter and strengthen her mystic connection ready for whatever the immediate future holds.