Charles shift to their three-headed, hexapodal form.
"Haven't you seen this before?" they question Legato. "You've certainly seen us in this form."
The Utopians assembled, and there are several dozen including all members of the different entourages, marvel at Charles' transformation.
Some, however, also seem a little disturbed by it. The idea that someone could change that drastically and become someone so different was a frightening one. What if they could change from whatever they were born to be. The idea seemed a little dangerous. The wisest among them conclude that Charles was born to change, but that idea still seems a little dangerous and some suspicion lurks at the back of their minds.
Fishers? Nissa asks Kate (rather excitedly), are they mermaids? Or any chance they are like my friend Pah? She has a mental image of Pah, which she will describe if Kate can’t see mental images. (Nissa isn’t actually sure how telepathy works.)
Mindy boldly approaches one of the entourages without waiting for permission from her Guardian. She speaks to someone who, by the size of their entourage, must be Guardian One. Guardian One nods and Mindy returns to Nissa, "Can show you Fisher in the book or can walk you to the docks or both. Nissa still read the book?"
Raising an eyebrow "Ya? But how do I know which is original, which is learned, and which is sunday tangent dare?" shruging "'net's got plenty of rumors, fake pictures, and fan fic on ya.
Nissa replies, “Why not both? Shall we go to the dock first?”
She flutters alongside Mindy, looking forward to meeting a Fisher!
Nissa replies, “Why not both? Shall we go to the dock first?”
She flutters alongside Mindy, looking forward to meeting a Fisher!
The Utopians are flustered. They talk among themselves within each entourage, telling their Communicators, with a wave, not to share their communications with you.
"They a-feared," says Mindy to you, confidentially. Mindy seems to be sticking more with you than with any of the entourages.
Individuals in each entourage gather in a new circle and more conversation continues.
Finally, Guardian Nine, the first Guardian you met, speaks, "It has been decided that it would be unwise to show you to everyone until we have gathered more answers. Questions without answers cause unrest. If we take you to the Bay, it will be in secret and only those who are necessary to go, should go. No more than can fit in one carriage. It will be dark soon as well. If you do not need light, we can send one carriage after dark. Or you can rest; you do not look like you have had enough food, sex, or rest in many days."
Her eyes dart to Theo, the apparent exception to this last statement.
Nissa replies to Nine, “Waiting is fine. I will go to the Bay when it’s convenient, and read the book perhaps in the carriage.
“As for food, sex and rest… I don’t eat. And sex… well, I prefer to say ‘intimacy.’ That is strictly between my girlfriend and myself. Going off-world and being pleasured by other women isn’t for me.
“Rest though. You are right. I really could use some sleep.”
Raising an eyebrow "Ya? But how do I know which is original, which is learned, and which is sunday tangent dare?" shruging "'net's got plenty of rumors, fake pictures, and fan fic on ya.
"We know. Deep as bone. We know," Charles rumble in response to Legato.
"It's... built-in knowledge," they explain further. "Like how to change forms."
They look to Guardian Nine. "We can see in the dark, but the others would be hindered by it. Food we could use more of, and though we are not tired, we suspect our companions are."
"Did she say sex?" asks Hamel in Atlantean, but shared by the Communicators to all.
"Aren't you married?" replies Ta-Hashar.
Hamel says nothing but a twitch of pain crosses the faces of the nearest Communicators. They look at him with sympathy but do not share whatever Hamel felt in reply.
Theo looks to Guardian Nine.
"Perhaps you're right", the godling sighed. "I should get some mental rest, at least. Try some Utopian cuisine. If Meo is available, I would like to see her again", The Olympian off-comments, figuring the request is too much right now, but still wanted to make it.
"We know. Deep as bone. We know," Charles rumble in response to Legato."It's... built-in knowledge," they explain further. "Like how to change forms."[/i]
Thumbing and finger touching his chin a moment, "Mm, a bit like my innate magic. I didn't have it, then I did. I can use it far more easily than the fancier formal magic I learned."
"I could eat a roast pig, lecheon. Yum. Ever had it? So tasty, crispy good with rice. None of ya'll fit my fancy for the other bits but food and sleeps be nice. My car'll probably not get towed for a few days yet."
Nissa replies to Nine, “Waiting is fine. I will go to the Bay when it’s convenient, and read the book perhaps in the carriage.
“As for food, sex and rest… I don’t eat. And sex… well, I prefer to say ‘intimacy.’ That is strictly between my girlfriend and myself. Going off-world and being pleasured by other women isn’t for me.
“Rest though. You are right. I really could use some sleep.”
Different members of different entourages come forth. Apparently you are invited to spend your night on different estates. The mountaintop is not huge, but they are definitely separating the party if you allow it. They explain that there are very few spare rooms in fact and they haven't had guests in over a hundred years and that was just one or two stray travelers who had stepped through one of the ancient gates, on the island or elsewhere.
Guardian Four wishes Theo to stay at his estate. He is, after all, the Guardian in charge of births and deaths and Theo has, apparently, added 1 to the count ... Adding 1 to the population of Utopia does mean that 1 more elderly Utopian will be 'fed to Mother' next year when they reach that breaking point. He also invites Legato; the idea of a 'roast pig' excites him. The creature that later ends up on a spit looks more like some kind of pygmy elephant, but it feeds several dozen people.
Guardian One invites Nissa to stay with them. They are the Holder of Secrets, the highest of the Guardians, and the one who knows things even the other Guardians don't know.
Guardian Eleven is in charge of farming and fishing and is excited to talk to Ta-Hashar, once someone explains what an Atlantean is. Ta-Hashar is decidedly unexcited, knowing more about ruling small outposts than fishing. "I might need to help Nissa with the book," Ta-Hashar says in Atlantean looking to Nissa for support in this.
Guardian Seven is in charge of maintenance of the ancient technology and that includes the handful of flying vehicles. He would be honoured to have the Henri stay with him. He wants Henri to see all the other vehicles.
Guardian Two is in charge of the arts and invites Charles to her estate. One of her entourage asks at the Guardian's direction, "If the Charles is not tired, would the Charles be willing to pose for some sketches? If we do not capture every detail, future generations will not believe you were real." They are delighted with the idea of sketching Charles while he feasts. Hamel is also invited to rest their, his interest in sex, one of the arts, having been noted.
Guardian Four wishes Theo to stay at his estate. He is, after all, the Guardian in charge of births and deaths and Theo has, apparently, added 1 to the count ... Adding 1 to the population of Utopia does mean that 1 more elderly Utopian will be 'fed to Mother' next year when they reach that breaking point. He also invites Legato; the idea of a 'roast pig' excites him. The creature that later ends up on a spit looks more like some kind of pygmy elephant, but it feeds several dozen people.
Guardian One invites Nissa to stay with them. They are the Holder of Secrets, the highest of the Guardians, and the one who knows things even the other Guardians don't know.
Theo wishes Nissa good night and good luck as she gets the exclusive invite from Guardian One.
The Olympian decides to stay at Guardian Four's estate. Theo is interested in Utopia's version of a roast pig. The godling is willing to answer any questions he gets.
Henri is starting to feel the fatigue of the last… days? Hearing the offer to see the other available transportation, however, perks him up and he happily accepts the offer from the Guardian.
Henri is starting to feel the fatigue of the last… days? Hearing the offer to see the other available transportation, however, perks him up and he happily accepts the offer from the Guardian.
Legato ponders the code.
Henri pauses, focusing on the static once more.
"Hamel, one moment please before you retire to the estate. Please listen to Mother's pattern for changes while I try to get her attention."
As Henri concentrates, he watches Hamel for a sign that he's noticed a change.
Hamel follows Henri's plan.
"It's repeating," he says in Atlantean, "Instead of increasing. Try starting the sequence from scratch!"
A little bit of playing with the Fibonacci sequence reveals Henri is right. Mother is trying to communicate somehow and she is able to respond to Henri's interactions, but, it seems, only through producing these patterns of pulses.
Charles are fine with being sketched. They're even willing to take off their armor and let the Utopians see what they actually look like underneath.
They are, of course, also happy to eat everything set in front of them, though knowing the difficulties of the island they don't voice any desire for more even though they aren't likely to be fully satisfied.
Nissa understands being invited to Guardian One’s place is an honor. And the Atlantean is going to blow it by inviting himself.
<We should accept our invitations, Ta-Hashar. Only you were invited by Guardian Eleven, and his people are aquatic I believe. It’s possible the Fishers are like the Atlantean, Pah. He’s the Kingmaker.
<If I’m wrong, worst case, you get bored. But if I’m right, turning down Guardian Eleven will be a costly faux pas.>
She hopes the Atlantean sees she’s advising him to make the smart play.
Nissa understands being invited to Guardian One’s place is an honor. And the Atlantean is going to blow it by inviting himself.
<We should accept our invitations, Ta-Hashar. Only you were invited by Guardian Eleven, and his people are aquatic I believe. It’s possible the Fishers are like the Atlantean, Pah. He’s the Kingmaker.
<If I’m wrong, worst case, you get bored. But if I’m right, turning down Guardian Eleven will be a costly faux pas.>
She hopes the Atlantean sees she’s advising him to make the smart play.
[dice=Diplo]d20+16+d6
Ta-Hashar nods and then offers to hurry over and help Nissa if needed.
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The party here is as off-the-hook as you want it to be but with very little privacy. Guardian Four is a glutton. If you have any questions for them, ask away.
Meo is still being watched by the Healers. Guardian Four does reveal to Theo that the Healers believe her to be pregnant, but they've never seen that before, so they are not sure.
You can ask any questions you wish.
When Nissa arrives, she finds an office in which one wall is splashed with a series of strange but somewhat familiar symbols. It is that text that looks like Atlantean, but is not. Guardian One explains that it has been here since the beginning and they repaint it every year, but they do not know if it has a meaning. Make a Culture check to read it and another to read the TOC of the book. You can choose which to put your highest check towards.
The book is brought out and placed on a low table in front of a couch underneath the graffiti.
You can ask any questions you wish.
You can ask any questions you wish.
Guardian Four may be a bit of a braggart and has no respect for privacy, but he knows how to throw a party. A grey carcass is put on a spit over a bonfire and slowly turned. The spit goes up the trunk, through the fat torso, and comes out the others side with the tail wrapped around it. It is wrapped in fruit, then leaves, then twine. The smell of citrus juice fills the air as it roasts.
The party here is as off-the-hook as you want it to be but with very little privacy. Guardian Four is a glutton. If you have any questions for them, ask away.
Great. Theo thinks sarcastically. I get Utopia's Nero.
The Olympian eats heartily of the Roast Beast, as well as the fragrant fruits and liquors. Guardian Four's entourage often gather around the two handsome outsiders. Theo often received grabby back and shoulder massages. Theo would normally go full bacchanal, but was worried what Meo would have thought, so offers for handies and more were politely declined.Meo is still being watched by the Healers. Guardian Four does reveal to Theo that the Healers believe her to be pregnant, but they've never seen that before, so they are not sure.
You can ask any questions you wish.
"Guardian Four, please tell me everything the Healers have said about Meo's condition."
Then Theo asked. "Please tell me all about your duties as Guardian. Sounds almost like you are an Arbiter of Life and Death. Reminds me a little of my exalted Uncle Hades."
Nissa is pretty sure she can handle the wall.
As for the book…
…she will ask someone to call Ta-Hashar over in an hour or two. He’s a good sport, so I’ll spare him a dull night.
“Ta-Hashar offered to help out with the book. Atlantean is his first language, so I think we should call him over. Though… maybe after dinner. I don’t want to insult Gaurdian Eleven taking his guest away.”
As for questions…
“Is it… painful? What the 72-year-olds go through? I understand why your people do as they do. I just hope we can remove the darkness so it can stop. I feel like we’re close to figuring it all out… but the sky is covered in…”
She tries not to be a downer.
“Sorry. I’m just seeing this for the first time, and you’ve lived it for decades. Yet, your world is beautiful in a way. Not the dark skies, but the people. Someone left the machines on, and you were created for a purpose and… whoever set this all up had in fact given up on this world.
“I hope our discovery makes it all worth it—that we can really save this world, and it can be that Utopian paradise you’re all working to create.”
She asks, “Have there been others like my team? Outsiders who came and offered help, only to fail? Hamel and Ta-Hashra were on one such team about 700 years ago. So I mean, between then and now, have there been others?
“Do you know anything about the twelve gates, and what’s behind them? I was able to read three of the gates. The Island of Dr. Moreaux, and…” She names the others.
“What’s been your greatest challenge as the Guardian who rose to Number One throughout her lifetime?” Nissa understands that she was Number Two until One had a 72nd birthday.
They also express some curiosity about the origin of the artist's equipment, if it was also left behind or if they created it themselves.
Henri will open himself to Mother's messages and try to keep up with the flood of input.
Legato ponders what the creature is, given the oddities that is the local wildlife. Legato takes time to pocket some small fruits, and other small bits of food to squirrel away for his pocket snack replenshment as he'd eaten his jerky previously.
He sticks to himself to busy with eating heartily, he has juice but none alcoholic as he knows.
"So.. Whatcha got cookin here?" gesturing to the roasted corpse-turn-dinner
** spoiler omitted **
NISSA: "Thank you for your hospitality, Number One! This office is beautiful. The text is not the language I learned, but I think I can figure this out…”
Nissa stares at the wall. The writing is neo-Atlantean. It's like whoever the Atlanteans stole this system from also shared it with the Utopians. The symbols are familiar but ... Oh my!
Once Nissa rotates the symbols in her head, the are easy to read: "MOTHER MUST DIE".
Dinner is a good time for questions. Guardian One eats simply but the food is deliciously fresh. The table has various sauces for dipping and, when the right vegetable is dipped in the right one, everything tastes great.
NISSA: “Is it… painful? What the 72-year-olds go through? I understand why your people do as they do. I just hope we can remove the darkness so it can stop. I feel like we’re close to figuring it all out… but the sky is covered in…”
GUARDIAN ONE: We train ourselves to live a life of the mind, although some of us find it hard to let go of the body. We can choose whether to give ourselves over to Mother and return our matter to Utopia, or we can leave and embrace the mysteries of the world beyond, letting it swallow us. In either case, it is an honourable death.
She pauses
GUARDIAN ONE: I intend to get very drunk when my time comes.
NISSA: “I hope our discovery makes it all worth it—that we can really save this world, and it can be that Utopian paradise you’re all working to create.”
GUARDIAN ONE: I was pretty comfortable with the answers to the big questions that I had arrived at and you've gone and upset all of that. I doubt I will understand as much next year as I thought I did last year. I have become very busy just as I thought I would be finishing things up.
NISSA: “Have there been others like my team? Outsiders who came and offered help, only to fail? Hamel and Ta-Hashra were on one such team about 700 years ago. So I mean, between then and now, have there been others?"
GUARDIAN ONE: Others have come through the gates. We don't know how but that is how we know what they are. Sometimes they didn't know how they came through them. None of this happened in my lifetime and none of it happened with a Guardian to witness. The accounts are confusing and incomplete.
NISSA: “Do you know anything about the twelve gates, and what’s behind them? I was able to read three of the gates. The Island of Dr. Moreaux, and…” She names the others.
Guardian One knows nothing of these names.
NISSA: “What’s been your greatest challenge as the Guardian who rose to Number One throughout her lifetime?” Nissa understands that she was Number Two until One had a 72nd birthday.
GUARDIAN ONE: My own ego.
Guardian One munches on a purple vegetable dipped in spiced oil. They look off into space as if considering the battles they had fought with that most fearsome of enemies, the self.
Ta-Hashar is so winded when he arrives that you're sure he ran over. He does say about the Fishers, "They have gills! Absolutely Atlantean DNA!" He seems excited, but not as much as he is in being in the home of the most important of the Guardians and at the center of the mystery presented by the book.
He rushes things along and Nissa finds herself back in the room under the graffiti: MOTHER MUST DIE.
Ta-Hashar looks at Nissa with surprise when he sees it.
With Nissa by his side, he opens the book to the introductory page and, working with Atlantean as the base language helps Nissa to translate some of the section titles. It starts off by saying that this book is intended for education of the Guardian whose genetic material is coded for the door to this structure and room. It then lists the various sections as follows:
The Right to Rule
The Responsibility of Rule
The Virtue of Submission
The Great Burden and Just Reward
Lies to Tell the People
The Classes
Punishment of the Lower Classes
Punishment of the Middle Classes
Elimination of Useless People
Flipping to any page reveals new horrors.
There is nothing in this book that isn't autocratic and oppressive.
Even the pictures of the different types of Utopian are horrifying, particular with the text that surrounds the pictures. The Fishers, for example, are referred to as less than human.
Charles sees enough Earth-like creatures to believe this world and his are connected, but none of the geography has looked familiar. The artists are able to show maps of a fairly large area that the Utopians have explored. Charles has no idea where he might be, if this is an Earth geographically.
The Utopian Artists are excited to show how they made their paints ... the gardens of the estate are full of flowers that can be turned into dyes. Some of the flowers look familiar, but others are strange and new. The Artists explain that this knowledge is innate for many of them, as is the aesthetic sense of how these colours should be combined.
They offer to groom Charles, if he wishes.
It is Guardian Four that waves these affectionate Lovers off of Theo saying, through his Communicator, "Until we know how you caused our young Healer to be changed as you did ... pregnant, as you call it, ... we shouldn't take any chances!".
The godling shrugs. "That's fair."
"Wow", Theo says to both Guardian Four and Legato. "I'm gonna be a father for the second time. This time will be a baby. It is my hope that when our team leaves, it will be because we solved Utopia's mysteries, and Meo will join us. Guardian Four, I know you show love to the children of Utopia when they are growing up. But what about the concept of romantic love between adults. Is that even a concept here?"
When they offer to groom Charles, however, they politely decline, asking instead for a place to sleep, as they are feeling quite tired now.
The sky is darkening over Utopia. There has never really been a sun nor the illusion of one, just light from all directions. That light fades and darkness sets.
Candles are lit and indoor spaces will with the smell of wax.
** spoiler omitted **
She exchanges the grim look with Ta-Hashar, and is even more horrified by the book. <Well… this is not going to be fun.>
She approaches Guardian One. “I’m afraid I have very unpleasant news…”
She tells the hard truth as diplomatically as she can.
The godling swallows. "I..can't. My responsibilities go beyond this world. This universe. Although with the Power of The Chalice, I have the ability to come back and visit. I can do that at least.." Theo spat, thinking about the dichotomy between himself and his father.
** spoiler omitted **
Henri contemplates what millions of fascist genetic engineers might do out there in the multiverse he calls home.
He looks at the graffiti, "It looks like there were still some rebels among them. Is it possible that whoever wrote this graffiti caused the terraforming project to fail?"
“Is Mother the creator of the genetically engineered children, or is she the nanobot hivemind?> She wonders if this is even an Or Question, though the people here are not inherently evil. Likely, they are slaves to the evil that wrote the book.
Guardian Four listens to Legato and sees Theo's sadness and then decides "Then, you must stay! You will help us with the childbirth procedures at the very least and, then, if you still wish, you may go!"
It doesn't sound threatening, but welcoming. It does sound like he's made a final decision on the matter though. Theo must stay with Guardian Four.
** spoiler omitted **
Ta-Hashar gestures towards the sky, "Things got out of hand. All of this was long before I was born and before the Utopia Project. The Utopians apologized though so ..."