The party bids a temporary farewell to the yeti as they head towards the gnoll group. Halfway there though, a drone approaches from somewhere....
It flies quickly, but stops a few meters in front of you. A polite, cool voice speaks from the machine. “Greetings, interlopers. Your presence has been noted and appropriate adjustments have been made to the operation of this facility. External access is now prohibited until such time as the experiment has completed. Thank you for your cooperation in this endeavor. This machine has been programmed to answer questions, though its databanks are limited.”
It then simply hovers in front of you.
“This facility is the current site of an experiment. Your insertion into the test parameters has now been accounted for. It is designed to gather information on the dominance behavior of this facility’s inhabitants.”
To Merisiel the bot makes a buzzing sound, clearly indicating that the question will not be answered. To Shokil it says only “External access is prohibited until one of the three subject inhabitant groups achieves dominance over the others. When a single power remains, external access will be restored."
Catsial looks with interest at the robot
"Who are the three subject inhabitants?" Asks Catsial knowing only about Gnolls and Yetis, wandering who else is here.
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Seeing their allies asking the questions they can think of, Venari takes some time to look around their surroundings and think about their predicament- being trapped here was an unwelcome surprise - but they were confident their allies could master this place, perhaps getting all of them to join as one faction? They awaited the robots answer before they made suggestions however in case they were being listened too.
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Garcon raises an eyebrow. "Erm... define dominance please?"
”Well, according to the drone that spoke, when a single power remains, external access will be restored. I’m not sure that I’m suppose to be in a dominance experiment. I’m supposed to help explore new planets and build relationships, and maybe provide healing to those who are hurt. After hanging out with a great author such as Shokil, I was thinking I might begin writing an inspirational text on self improvement and meditation techniques. If I listen to my inner voice, I know that I’m not supposed to exert dominance! I don’t exactly know who is running this experiment in the Duskmire vault, but I think a mistake has been made. We need to help get these yetis a home where it is cold and they can feel mountain air in their lungs. Well, if what that drone says it true, we may have to find freedom for everyone within.”
Garcon raises an eyebrow. "Erm... define dominance please?"
"Based on prior observation, dominance among sentient species typically refers to termination of the opposing groups’ leadership. Complete extermination is not necessary for completion.”
"Accord among factions is permitted, but did not occur in iterations one through eight."
"Your presence is accounted for, but you are not part of a faction."
"Good luck." The drone then flies off....
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"Well... That wasn't ominous at all! Looks like we're stuck here until we can sort this all!" They think about it for a moment and test to see if they can send a message to the Venture Captain informing them of the update. They then turn back to their allies. "You know what I think? We unite them all under us - a glorious crew never been seen amongst the Diaspora - then we can take them to wherever they need to go. Sounds like this is the ninth test? Wonder how that works..."
"Sounds like a plan. Keep in mind that, the fact that a drone says something doesn't make it real. I don't know how this vault is run, but probably there is a way to break out from here." says Catsial looking at the departing droid.
"For sure we can talk to all of the parties, and see what happens."
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"Well... That wasn't ominous at all! Looks like we're stuck here until we can sort this all!" They think about it for a moment and test to see if they can send a message to the Venture Captain informing them of the update. They then turn back to their allies. "You know what I think? We unite them all under us - a glorious crew never been seen amongst the Diaspora - then we can take them to wherever they need to go. Sounds like this is the ninth test? Wonder how that works..."
"I love your optimism, Venari. You all encourage me with your belief that we can do this. Let's go and see if these gnolls are willing to reason with us. Perhaps if they know that freedom is the end result, they will agree to join our cause."
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Duskmire accord attempt nine Merisiel shakes her head What was that quote about repeating things and expecting different results being a sign of madness[. Still this is the first time we have been included. Not sure I want to tip off the drow but I suspect if we can't scan in then communicating out may be equally problematic. Nice idea though
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Garcon just seems confused. "Wouldn't this be 8? The initial trial would be the index patient or patient zero, so the next attempt would be the first iteration right? So if it has happened 9 times in total and the first was zero, this would be Duskmire accord 8!"
Garcon shakes his head, but quickly perks up. "I wonder what ghosts like to drink? I think I've seen a pre-gap beer called Ghost Goblin Ale... I wonder if they can drink that? And gnolls... hmmm..."
He flips through his remaining ingredients and shrugs. "Only 1 way to find out! Or 0? If there is only 1 way it's the index way so it would be only 0 ways to find out? Wait no! Maybe this is Duskmire accord 9 then after all? Hmmm... I'm so confused."
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"Nahh... " says Shokil shaking his head.
"Or maybe, but speaking for the unskilled, you want to make your language clear. I think this is the ninth. But it sounds like we can take the cultural domination route. If we get them all to become adopted yeti... Or the yeti join the others.. whatever. Lets see about meeting them and see if we can come to an accord."
The party talks while walking to the gnoll section of the massive vault. Before long you spy something interesting. A small village is built atop a low hill in the distance. A swift river borders the village to the west, its waters flowing from north to south. Fields of rice and substantial clusters of mushrooms grow from the hillsides around the town, and several figures are at work tending to the crops, their backs bent and hunched. The village itself has a short wall of piled dirt around its perimeter, and scraggly growth on top shows the beginnings of a protective hedge.
Gnolls are typically either scavengers or predators, but to see them living an agrarian life is extremely strange.
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Weird gnolls on golarion were scavengers and predators with dog or hyena like instincts. Growing rice not their style. That defensive wall suggests they expect trouble
She stoops down grabs some dirt and throws it into the air to see if there is any wind
OF course we could just shout to let them know we are coming
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Walking away from the drone, Venari listens intently to Merisiel’s history lesson, taking a moment to examine the fortifications they find themselves at, The pirate shrugs. ”Well out plan here is currently victory through co-operation, so will be much easier to go in open rather than shady.” he looks to Garcon and Shokil who have shown talents in the area. ”Not that there is anything wrong with shady of course! If anyone wants to make themselves scarce for a better vantage i’ll wait before introducing us.”
Following their word, Venari will wait to see if anyone wishes to hide before taking a few steps towards the fields and waving. Once more they pull at the threads of reality - imposing upon them a calming visage of another possibility.
”Ahoy there! My friends and I would love to talk to you about something very important, who’s your leader?”
The gnolls listen to Venari... and then quickly head back to the center of their settlement...
The buildings in this village are relatively low and squat, their walls formed from stacked bricks of peat. Most of the roofs have vegetation growing upon them, creating a soft, fuzzy look that is enhanced by the perpetual mist.
A crowd of about 2 dozen gnolls gather around the center. They, for now, stare and wait...
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Before arriving at the gnoll camp, Ohmarc will recast Telepathic Message on his companions in case it is needed in the upcoming negotiation.
"Venari, you have a way with these gnolls. I'm not sure how your charisma attracts such creatures, but you cannot argue with results. My diplomacy skill is good if the group I'm working with is already peaceful."
When Ohmarc is in a position to assist with diplomacy, he assists Venari in making a good impression.
"My friends, Venari is here to discuss freedom and fresh mountain air with you!"
Catsial follows Venari and Ohmarc in the peace negotiations. He refrains from any sudden movements and keeps his hands away from any weapons.
"Do you understand us?" check Catsial hoping to see any reaction
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Smiling to Omarhc, Venari leaps at the chance to win the Gnolls to their side - they say you get more Castrovelian Strerqrens with Honey than you do with Akitonian Fire Whiskey after all. Bowing to the awaiting audience, Venari hopes whatever reality they have pulled into is still assisting them - perhaps one where he has more fur and less unhealthy grey skin.
"Greetings and well met! My crew and I wish to get to know you and learn your ways! We are outsiders and have learned of your predicament and would offer you fresh Mountain air as my colleague says or anything else you should wish! Tell us about yourselves!"
Venari's words have an opposite effect to his intent. Shokil doesn't help much either.
Catsial goes forwards, puts one of his hand on Venari shoulder and says
"You are getting it worse, let me try".
He bowed with one of his hand on his chest while saying
"Greetings, May the crops grow healthy and your families big and strong. We came here to aid you, we wish to see yo free and unbound by this place, are you willing to listen to us? My companions have drinks and fascinating stories to share. "
Says kasatha trying to erase the bad impression made by Venari.
"We are willing to listen, but we are a cautious and careful people. My name is Corev. You could call me the mayor of our group. Now, come and join us for a meal and tell us your tale."
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"Wel met, Corev. I am Ohmarc Lightwalker at your service." The priest welcomes the invitation to sit and join them for a meal.
"You are very wise to be cautious and I appreciate your careful leadership, especially where your people are concerned. I first want to assure you that we are here to help you and we are looking for a way to make everyone's life better. Let me start my tale by telling you that we are Starfinders. We dedicate our lives to exploration and building relationships with other cultures. Our latest mission has taken us to this place which you may call home, but which others call Duskmire Vault. We have met your neighbors, the yetis and we have spoke to them and learned of their desire to return to the cold mountain air where they originally came from. We are wondering if you too desire your freedom and hope to be able to return to the plains from whence you came?"
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Glad that the others were able to make up for their tripped up tongue, Venari takes up the offer of a meal gladly and lounges in one of the offered seats, taking food and drink as offered, eating with gusto. In between bites they begin explaining.
"See, we're representatives of an organisation of Star Seekers - and we have been sent upon an adventure by our Captain to your land to see what exactly is going on here. Pray tell us of your story if you have a mind?"
"Our story is.... short. No one really remembers more than a month or so back. We were working the lands the yeti hold now. They pushed us out somewhat brutishly. "
"We do desire a new place, but we were told we must dominate the others, and that's not our way. You are new here, do you have a different idea?"
"You speak of the ghost. That way is certain death! We were told that once we achieved "dominance" that we could enter the temple in the center, but that does not seem like it would be feasible. If we could find peace with the yeti, the ghost remains."
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"It's actually really easy! You just gotta jump over a ditch, dig around, sniff some smoke, and bam you're fam!"
Garcon scratches is head, beard, and posterior all at once.
"The ghost... well... we can go talk to the ghost. And if it's really a bad undead monster... well... we'll figure that out over a drink or two."
"We... ah.... I don't remember we... no, we were just.... here. No, we ...don't know why. You just don't go there. Entering the temple is not allowed until dominance is achieved, but we are not violent. Please... don't be violent if you don't have to be."