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The dwarf woman nods to Gab's words, and loosens the grip on her weapon. With a nod of her head, her compatriots also relax their grip on the archaic weapons they carry, and she speaks to Gab while the cameras zoom in to get closeups of this conversation.
“I am Ylga Tulgarst, daughter of Ulfrodi. I speak for the Marbleheart clan while we seek the surface...why do the living dead travel with you carrying strange weapons?”
At that moment, Wazasha leans forward a bit and whispers with a smile, "Dear, we're the camera crew. Just pretend that we're not even here!"
Slightly confused, but still not hostile, Ylga continues. "The Marbleheart clan is large, but we split into smaller groups to seek the surface more than a century ago, from a time before my memories. I now lead a band of 43 dwarves, though we are down to 29 after the orcs and earthquakes returned.” Her eyes flash to Satchel, riding on Rahdokama's shoulders, for a moment. "I see you have met them already."
In response to the next query, "We are uninjured - My shield-brothers and I were on patrol when we felt the earth shake, and came to investigate since many of these quakes have also led us to find parties of orcs nearby."
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Kitkul comes up to the dwarf woman and bows deeply. using Gab's AI to translate. "Great daughter of the Marbleheart clan. You said something about orcs. One wonders if you mean orcs, or goblins. Are there more orcs here that you know of? And you said they returned. Can you elaborate on that, location or maybe anything else you might know?"
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Ylga looks Kitkul up and down, having clearly never seen anyone like her, but replies via translation. “The orcs fought us for centuries, but they fled upward long ago. I heard stories of their towering forms, green skin, and rage as a child, but we only saw them for the first time a few hundred forge-days ago. They are shorter than I imagined, but just as cruel. Also, they jabber in a language unknown to us, even though I learned the orc language as part of my warrior training.”
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Ylga nods to , as she already answered that. To Gab, she also nods.
“We have always lived below ground, but a generation ago my ancestors answered Torag’s summons — a tremor that called on our people to seek what lies above in the Quest for Sky. There we shall do our god’s will on Golarion’s surface.”
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Gabbers opens his mouth to speak, then closes it. He glances back toward his companions, then back toward the dwarves. He opens his mouth, then closes it again. His whiskers twitch. He glances toward the camera crew, and says softly, "Oh boy, this is gonna take some finesse ..."
He turns back to the dwarves and nods, resuming in Draconic. "We have come from the surface. We can lead you there. These," he motions behind him at the others, "are my ... er, shield-brothers. But I should warn you, I don't know that the surface is quite what you expect it to be..."
He advances, slowly, non-threateningly. "Perhaps there's someplace we could go and talk at greater length, rather than standing around here?"
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Ylga nods. "Our settlement is not far. We can go there, and also add chief priest, Holsin, to the conversation. Be careful as we trek, though. There have always been tremors, but they have become stronger of late. Sometimes cave ceilings collapse, burying bystanders but opening up new passages for us to explore on our quest.”
Wazasha nods enthusiastically to this development, but holds up a hand to speak with you in Pact Worlds Common. "It'll take us just a minute or two to get our gear up here, and Zo! has scheduled another commercial while the fans vote on theories as to what's going on here. Mind if I pull you for an interview in the bubble, agent Kitkul?"
Assuming Kitkul agrees, the hexapodal robot sets up "the bubble" once more, allowing Wazasha to enter it with Kitkul.
"Our audience hasn't had many opportunities to see formians on-camera except in war films or documentaries about Castrovel, and almost none have seen members of your people off on their own before! So far, our viewers have noted that you seem to possess a very controlled personality and logical mind; but you are also clearly very strong of body as well. What can you tell us about yourself and other formians who are part of, or who might seek to join, the Starfinder Society?"
"What do you think of this recent development, finding dwarves here with their wild claims? Also, language-barrier aside, what do you think of your teammate Gab doing so much of the decision making? It is also hard to ignore that fully half of your team today are vesk. Do you find that intimidating at all? Do you have any concerns that there are so many agents form the Veskarium in the Starfinders as a whole?"
"Now a few general questions we'll air near the end of the show: What's the best thing about being a Starfinder? On the flip-side, what about being a Starfinder makes you mad? And lastly, is there anything stressful going on between you and your fellow agents? If so, this is a great chance for you to get that off your chest!"
While the production crew gets their gear up, Ylga makes note of something she finds odd (comparatively). "This language you speak amongst yourselves...I have heard it before. Sometimes, spirits in the stone have spoken, but with phrases that have no meaning..." In heavily accented common she repeats the things she's heard: "critical error" "sequence initiated" "segment fault" but clearly does not know what any of these mean.
During the walk, Wazasha gently puts an arm on Ssslusssk's shoulder, asking him if he'd like to also have an interview during the walk. She'll have the hexapodal robot hand off its heavier gear to the android assistants, so it can carry "the bubble" while keeping up with the others walking.
Assuming he agrees...
"Our audience finds you to be something of a contradiction to their preconceptions, agent Ssslitherer. Their notes on our webpage have been that you exhibit amazingly wonderful and honorable traits such as being a keen observer and being protective of your team...but you also show a depth of learning and knowledge that some find surprising and others refreshing. What do you say to questions about being able to balance your combat skills alongside being able to devote time to study and learning? Is it something that anyone can do, or are you simply an extraordinary agent who can do just about anything?"
"What do you think of this recent development, finding dwarves here with their wild claims? Also, language-barrier aside, what do you think of your teammate Gab doing so much of the decision making? A full half of your team today are vesk. Who do you think is the strongest of the three of you? Who do you think makes for a better Starfinder agent? Why do you think so many vesk choose to leave the Veskarium and join the Starfinders?"
"Now a few general questions we'll air near the end of the show: What's the best thing about being a Starfinder? On the flip-side, what about being a Starfinder makes you mad? And lastly, is there anything stressful going on between you and your fellow agents? If so, this is a great chance for you to get that off your chest!"
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"One has seen a few of the war films about the war between its previous people and the lashuntas. One does feel sympathy for the loss of life on both sides. One would also want to mention that it was well before one's time, or even the time of one's matron."
"This one was removed from its hive, as it was more independent than even some of its fellow soldiers. It was thought that being solarian caused it to be more unruly to the hive. One went to the Society as it still needs to be part of a clan....part of a family. The Society has given one purpose, to be here to help its Society-mates in learning about what has happened to the rest of the Society, and to learn more about the wonders of the universe."
"Other formians that are expelled from the clan would do well in the Society. Even workers, or other soldiers like oneself. The Society provides structure, and even something resembling the hierarchy of its hive on Castrovel."
"Dwarves here on this moon, it is an interesting puzzle that it wants to find out more about. Gab is here to be the voice of the Society, as that is his job, as one's job is to protect Gab and the others. He is doing his job better than this one could do." Kitkul tilts its head slightly at the question about its teammates. "Should this one care that half the team is vesk? Vesk are decent warriors, a bit more individualistic and chaotic than what one is used to as soldiers for the formians...but even chaos has its uses in battle."
"Should this one feel intimidated by the vesks? One sees them as fellow guards and warriors to protect the more...fragile...of our Society."
"One has answered the best on being a Starfinder....having a clan, and having a purpose for the clan. It is a bit stressful in dealing with other individuals that does not always have like minded purpose to protect and help the Society, but those people are rare. Stressful with others of my clan here on this rock...nothing that this one has yet seen, sorry, as one does not know exactly what you are asking it."
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Gab nods to Ylga and says, in Draconic, "It is a language common among our people. I have some ability to speak to the, uh, spirits like the one you mention, so let me know if you see a place where the stone says this, let me know, and I will check it out."
As they walk, he keeps alert for any signs of technology or access ports. In Common he says to the group, "Ylga says she sometimes hears Common from the 'spirits' in the 'stones.' Sounds like place might be having some maintenance issues. Keep your peepers peeled."
As they walk, Gab introduces the other Starfinders to the dwarves.
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The dwarves lead your team and camera crew through the caves, Ylga explaining that during the Quest for Sky, they would periodically settle for a year or two to gather resources, rest, and allow scouts time to trail-blaze ahead. It has been more than a year since this branch of the Marblehearts has been in one place, primarily due to "orc" raids with alien weapons that have killed many of their clan. As you approach, you can see that their settlement is fortified - reinforced doors, arrow slits, and other stonework.
Once your group is noticed, several dwarves run up to Ylga, clearly in distress. The dwarven leader quickly translates for you - the recent (goblin-caused) earthquake that brought you to her attention was also felt here. Less than an hour ago, a fissure split down the middle of the settlement’s cavern, dropping a massive chunk of stone to crash into the Temple of Torag’s facade, trapping their priest, Holsin, inside. As she urges you to come with her to the temple, the dwarves relate that the fissure should lead to chambers at the rear of the temple, but after forming it quickly filled with an unknown, toxic liquid.
As you arrive near the bridge to the temple, where a dozen dwarves are working at breaking through the massive facade blocking their back, Wazasha catches your attention, whispering to you, "Our audience just voiced their opinions for you, darlings. 82% want you to explore the fissure to get into the temple!"
What will you do?!
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Poking the goblin on his shoulders the vesk jests, “What do you say, little one, what sort of sound do you think a goblin makes when they fall down a fissure. I say we give it a closer look, how about it? Aghhhh, don’t worry. Hold on tight and nothing will happen to you.”
Whispering quietly to the party, “I doubt I’ll be much help at the fissure, but as long as we get the ratings, I’m sure we will be fine.”
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Kitkul looks at the defense works, and admires the archaicness of them. Then it goes over to the area near the entrance and the fissure and scopes them out.
Kitkul looks over at Wazasha, noticing a blinking on her wrist computer.
When Wazasha comes closer and reports what the audience wants, Kitkul nods. "One thanks you for telling us that the audience wants us to take the more dangerous route. From what one understands of these shows, that was already a foregone conclusion that one was expecting."
"Wazahsa wants us to go to the fissure, though likely being the more dangerous path. From what I can see I would be of limited use myself. I would be fine with either the Athletics it might take to on either paths. I could possibly help look around if we went to the entrance and maybe even be able to get the dwarves to be better coordinated. However, if we want to go for ratings, the fissure is probably where we can get the biggest rating."
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Before continuing deeper into the caves with their new companions, Gab is sure to reclaim the weapons that he put aside when winning over the dwarves.
"Unknown toxic liquid, eh?" He checks to make sure his radiation badge is active and placed on the exterior of his suit, in a location where it does not obscure any of the corporate logos. "I don't know how many of these dwarves understand Draconic, so not sure I can coordinate them real well. Maybe the fissure's the best move. I have some medical supplies, including antitoxin, and some titanium cable." He eyes the fissure. "Wish I had a grappler, though." He strokes his chin.
He says to Ylga, in Draconic, "Since they know it's toxic, I assume someone's touched it. Are they okay, or do they need medical attention?"
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Ylga assures you that her people are fine - apparently one dwarf named Fulgrim got light headed after breathing some of the fumes in and is now mumbling in his sleep about being psychic and having new ideas for brewing beer.
Heading around to the fissure, you see that it lances through the cavern wall and winds as it encounters especially dense bands of stone. It’s only about 5 feet tall, and is filled with oily fluid to a depth of 3 feet.
If you beat the DC by 5 or more (18+) you can open the second spoiler below.
Several of the ghouls attach devices to their cameras, turning them into remote-controlled drones to follow you, as Wazasha recognizes that they might get into your way in these tight quarters.
To pass through the fissure, you can make an Acrobatics check to wade through the fluid or an Athletics check to brace against the narrow walls and climb above the fluid. If you succeeded at the DC 13 Engineering/Science check earlier, you get a +2 to your Acrobatics/Athletics attempt!
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Kitkul listens to Deloran and realizes that the fumes might be slightly more toxic to it (because of it great sense of smell), so she engages it environmental protections.
With that, Kitkul starts to brace itself against the wall, using its four legs to brace on one set of wall, and its arms to brace against the other side, attempting to make it look like this is something the formians can do naturally. And keeping watch on the others to make sure they make it safe.
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Watching his allies swiftly make their way past the deadly fluid, he braves himself.
“Alrighty Satchel, hold on. And hold your breath. If you wriggle and I drop you, well let’s not have hay happen. Ahhhhhg. Okay here we go, one, two, three. “
— he makes sure to follow the steps of his allies, placing his hands where they did. For a big vesk he isn’t very graceful.
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Satchel chooses to remain behind, staring at the camraghouls' controls as they fly their makeshift drones around your team.
Kitkul activates her environmental seals and, at great risk, braces arms and legs against each wall of the fissure, climbing expertly through as the cameras make passes for obvious close-ups!
Rahdokama and Deloran both slosh through the fissure, gear held above their waists like soldiers trekking through a swamp, and are able to make it to the other side, albeit a bit wetter than before with the fluid that clings to their armor and clothing, a bit.
Enjoy ;)
Gab, Salamander, and Ssslusssk still must decide where/how they go!
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Gab nods to Deloran. "Yeah, this is a weird situation. Definitely be interested in getting to this high priest, and figuring out what the full story is behind how these folks think they got onto this quest for the surface."
Gab shrugs and tries to move by bracing himself against the wall. "I try not to wade through muck if I can avoid it." He says to Salamander and Ssslusssk, "Once I get on the other side, i'll see if I can secure the cable for you."
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Botting Salamander and Ssslusssk:
Salamander is able to work his way through the fissure, but unfortunately, both Gab and Ssslusssk slip and emerge slathered with the hydraulic fluid!
Enjoy ;)
With some of you suffering the effects of the hydraulic fluid, you all make it to the temple. Inside, you can hear the sounds of an older male dwarf calling out for help , but as you arrive in the area, you notice three blob-like shapes moving around threateningly!
ROUND 1
Deloran
Kitkul
Rahdokama
Salamander
Gab
Blue Blob
Cyan Blob
Green Blob
Ssslusssk
ROUND 2
Engineering (Recall Knowledge) Check once you can see the blobs:
In addition to a slam attack, they can spit caustic acid as a ranged attack. If struck with an attack that targets their KAC, part of their acidic structure reflexively spews in the direction of the attack, also making that area difficult terrain.
Deloran, Kitkul, Rahdokama, Salamander, and Gab are up!
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The Blue blob isn't budged at all by Kitkul's rush, but it is heavily singed! Deloran pushes through the grease and also enters the chamber.
This hall of worship bears several lovingly carved likenesses of dwarves performing great deeds of forging and warfare, though much of the room’s surfaces are bare.
Rahdokama, Salamander, and Gab are still up!
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Rahdokama spends his first round pulling out his tactical pike and getting in reach of the enemy with the end of his movement. He will ready an action to strike when the enemy comes around the corner and out of cover. He activates Photon Mode as soon as combat starts.
Redied Attack:
Special! Allies who shoot the target Rahdokama is in melee with, gain +1 to hit!
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Gab darts through the area, using the coating of lubrication to his advantage to skid through the area, bouncing off of walls to change direction. As she moves into the room with the blue ooze, he calls out, "Watch out! That thing spits acid. You'll want to target it from range, preferably with energy attacks ..."
He aims his motion toward the trapped dwarf, ending his run right next to him. In Draconic, he says, "Hey there. My name's Gab. These are my buddies. We're here to help you out. Any idea where these blobs came from?"
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The old dwarf replies in Draconic. "I'm pinned and bruised, but still here! They came out of the fumes and fluid the same way you came from...a voice in the spirit-language said... 'liquidate' and the fluid came to life and started absorbing all of our texts!"
Gab can see that getting the stone off of the priest would be easy with a few formians-and-vesk, but would take a few seconds of dedicated effort .
Salamander uses his superior speed to rush forward while drawing his sword and pistol. Hearing Gab's warning, he aims the gun at the one not as-close to Kitkul, and fires!
vs. KAC
The bullet bites deep, causing a little spray of acid (squares marked with an X on the map).
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The Blue Blob stops moving towards the trapped dwarf, turning to try and slam Kitkul!
vs. KAC
The Cyan Blob spits acid at the person who attacked it - Salamander!
vs. EAC
It will then close the distance on the vesk soldier!
The Green Blob slithers towards Rahdokama, whose readied attack is a critical hit!
Rahdokama's mighty stab destroys the ooze, but it still gets to spray a bit of itself at the powerful vesk!
ROUND 1
Ssslusssk
ROUND 2
Deloran
Kitkul
Rahdokama
Salamander
Gab
Blue Blob
Cyan Blob
Green Blob
Ssslusssk is up, followed by the rest of the party!
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Heedless of the camera crew, Salamander shuffles with the blob as they exchange feints. Eventually Salamander sees an opportunity and slashes at the creature with his sword.
Unfortunately the blob's shape shifts as the tip of the blade arcs through the space the blob once occupied.
"Just wait, you'll feel the sword's sting soon!"
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Ssslusssk draws a weapon while he advances to join the party as fast as he can (double move behind Salamander), while Kitkul's attack goes a bit wide.
The Blue Blob tries to slam Kitkul, while the Cyan one targets Salamander!
vs. KAC
vs. KAC
ROUND 2
Ssslusssk
ROUND 3
Deloran
Kitkul
Rahdokama
Salamander
Gab
Blue Blob
Cyan Blob
Green Blob
The whole party is up!