The ooze attacking Guli lashes out with its pseudopods as best it can without its magnetic field intact, whacking the dwarf once in the ribs.
Vecro
Ooze (blue) - 10 damage
Cavaler
Ooze (red) - 22 damage
Guli - 10 damage
Dani
Benny
Dr. Helix
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Keep those BLOBS off you VECRO! The kiirinta loads a more beneficial booster, takes aim, and plugs it into the solarian's thigh.
"What the hell?" Yells Vecro as he feels some pain in his leg. He looks down and is glad for this to be needle rather than some odd animal sucking on his blood
"Thanks Hellix, that feels ... weird."
Cavaler feels the magnetic pull on his laser, but overcomes the aberrant force and hits the ooze, once again disrupting its field and causing it to collapse in a puddle before slowly reforming its pillar-like shape.
The second ooze can apparently sense the heat radiating from Vecro's weapon, and turns its attention to a lower-risk target. It repolarizes its magnetic field and leaps at Dr. Helix, engulfing the kiirinta before pummeling him.
Vecro
Ooze (blue) - 16 damage; demagnetized until its next turn
Cavaler
Ooze (red) - 22 damage; attached to Dr. Helix
Guli - 10 damage
Dani
Benny
Dr. Helix - 11 damage
Beran just puts her face in her hands.
Startled by the sudden, high-speed impact of the ooze, Dr. Helix instinctively punches out with his sedative-loaded syringe stick. Despite the creature's non-living physiology, the sedative seems to work its way between the ferrofluid molecules, neutralizing their bonds and causing the ooze to collapse into a puddle on the ground.
The second ooze rears back to engulf Guli, only to have Benny's missiles and Vecro's blazing pike impale it from behind. The solar heat fuses clumps of ferrofluid together, and the remaining ooze drips off as lifeless slag.
A few seconds of silence pass before the doors slide open and Jinnra enters, jumping up and down while clapping. "By Ibra's eye, I never imagined something so exciting would happen on this trip! I can't thank you enough, without your help we never would have been able to record the aurora." She looks at the blobs of useless ferrofluid on the floor around her and sighs. "Frankly, we'll probably still have a hard time of it without those stabilizers. Regardless, we appreciate it. On behalf of Ibra's faithful, please take this token of our gratitude." Jinnra presents you with a credstick holding 1,800 credits and two keen senses spell ampoules, and a promise to send you the data set she does manage to collect during the aurora.
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Vecro's armor calms down. The always-moving mote slowly backs off his limbs and assembles a hovering sphere of darkness.
"That was an odd fight. It definitely breaks into the top ten." He hides his starknife and looks at the others
"Everyone is ok?" he walks towards Guli saying
"You swung that thing really well!"
Then he removes the syringe from his leg and gives it back to Dr. Helix nodding his head.
"Hey... Beran needs a rest and I have no desire to go down to my drowning doom yet. So... can we help the Ibrans fix their equipment?"
Beran will aid the person doing the fixing.
Jinnra's eyes light up when Guli comes over to look at her equipment. "Truly, you are some of the most generous souls I've ever met in the material universe, and I've seen quite a lot of it! I won't forget this, and I promise the Whispered Wish will always avail itself to Starfinders in need!" She hovers over the dwarf's shoulder, offering semi-helpful advice the whole time which the dwarf pretends not to hear. Between Guli's mechanical knowledge and Beran's research acumen, the Starfinders easily set up a telescoping mount for the recording equipment that can weather the harsh environment.
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You return to your Pegasus while the Ibrans blast off and make for Wealdriad's Crown. As you plan your own descent, you realize you're not alone - a third ship recently emerged from the Drift, and broke atmo shortly after the Ibrans and ahead of you. Scans indicate a bulbous shape with an oscillating heat signature that resembles a heartbeat, and an automated broadcast requests contact signals use the longest wavelength possible to minimize high-frequency noise that could disturb local wildlife.
As you make your way through the atmosphere, you are immediately buffeted by powerful winds as sheets of rain obscure your sensors. Moments later the environmental adapters compensate, and you see all ten spires sprawled out before you. As Dani noted, the northwestern-most column (A1) features a pre-fabricated, dome-shaped structure. The Ibrans landed on site A2, while the unknown arrivals appear to be setting up on A3.
You fly the Pegasus down to the pillar, which has plenty of flat space to land. The basalt column is generally flat, save for a deep divot in the center where rainwater collects to form a pool. The sloped walls may make it difficult to position equipment, but they offer some limited protection from the harsh wind.
The pool is also surrounded by smooth stones, many of which have symbols etched into their surface. The predominant motif depicts waves parting around a jagged stone spire.
Beran looks up at Scrimshaw's magnificent tusks as she hauls astronomical equipment out of the Pegasus. "Hey bud, if I got told not to stare hard into the woo-woo water, I'd try to avoid doing that. But hey... I'm just a rat with work to do. You wanna get yourself hexed or whatever, that won't twist my whiskers. Just help Guli and me set up this equipment first. Then you can go stare at the woo-woo water all you want."
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'Woo-woo water?' Dani raises an eyebrow. Really?
Then Dani sighs as she looks up at Benny. We're a science mission. I don't want to stop you from investigating. But... can we wait just a couple minutes to see if I am right about this before you stare at the woo--
Her thought breaks off for a moment and then she glares at Beran.
Upon seeing the etchings, Dani has a flashback to the shape the ferrofluid oozes took and suddenly recognizes the sigil: an unholy symbol of the Great Old One known as Ghatanothoa. These symbols are a focus of worship, and don't simply appear as part of the natural world. Whatever etched these runes was intelligent, and likely depraved in unimaginable ways. Dani's previous suspicion from the ferrofluid encounter allowed her to steel herself, but Cavaler's investigation triggers a sudden, overwhelming sensation that he is being watched by something deeply evil.
While Dani and Cavaler investigate the pool, Guli, Beran, and Dr. Helix have no trouble setting up the Starfinder Society's recording equipment. With that settled the team is ready to explore further, though doing so will require you to leave your site in the Pegasus (assuming you don't try to swim in the stormy waters).
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I want to see who built that observatory!
As the Pegasus approaches Wealdriad's Crown, the artificial structure atop the northwestern-most pillar comes into clear view. A massive dome made of pale-green alloys crowns this wide basalt column, its roof studded with telescope lenses, dish receivers, and recording instruments. Turret-mounted weapons form a defensive perimeter around the site, and a small hangar containing six-displacer hovercrafts abuts the main facility. A partially enclosed patio resembles a dining room set for guests, though no one appears to have visited.
Though the observatory takes up much of the platform, one small outcropping is large enough to land the Pegasus. As you disembark, four tall, gaunt humanoids emerge from the structure. Their semi-translucent skin reveals skeletons limned with a pale, otherworldly light . The same light shines from their eye sockets, though an order of magnitude more luminescent. They stand attentively, while one among them approaches you, his transparent skin forming colored blotches that coalesce into a vaguely human face.
"Always a pleasure to meet outsiders introduced to us through a common interest," the humanoid says in a voice that would be melodic were it not shouted over the blustering wind. "I'm known as Orvoll, and I'd enjoy hearing how representatives of the Pact Worlds came to learn about the natural wonder we will soon behold. We can discuss more in a less abrasive climate, if you like - assuming you did not come to chase us away." At this point you notice that two of the humanoids have taken positions by the perimeter weapons, though neither of them appear to be targeting you, instead waiting to see how you react to Orvoll's offer.
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Dani nods as she takes in their emotions and body language and then she smiles graciously. Azlanti, but not human and not unfriendly.
Even for those in Orvoll's entourage who don't share a common language with Dani, her telepathic speech comes through as clearly as if she was speaking in their native tongues. Greetings, Orvoll. We assuredly did not come to chase you away. But... we would love to exchange astrological observations with you, and tour your observatory if you would let us. We're here for the science, but also to make friends and have a cultural exchange. We're curious about you, and I'm sure you're curious about us!
I am Dani. I'll let my colleagues introduce themselves. We're Starfinders, and have been watching the phenomena over Wealdriad for some time. We're so excited to be part of this expedition!
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Perc
"Beautiful building, built in the Azlanti fashion? They do have a certain sense of flair in design. I'm Benny, wanderer of the galactic ocean and observer of its beauty and seeker of its secrets. This is King Takalua - he's just here to observe the universe and to show that his proud people are no threat to other kingdoms if left unprovoked on their expansive archipelago on Arniselle" he points to the iguana on his head.
"Yes, maybe we can go inside, much nicer indoors than out at this point and I'm sure our common interests could be better shared in mutual comfort. Maybe over in that lovely patio. I'm sorry we didn't think to bring any food to share, but here, a token of friendship and goodwill"
Benny hands over a small scrimshaw necklace and gives his best friendly walrus smile.
Diplomacy
Beran's whiskers twitch as she takes in the huge and well-constructed observatory. She turns to Vecro. "I hope that they let us look through the telescope! It looks like they have all the best toys!"
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Vecro steps out of the pegasus and looks at the endless sea surrounding the rocks. He pauses for the moment asking Benny
"Is this how your world is looking?"
He listens to the answers and follows the others. He observes the Azlantis with interest and caution. First encounters sometimes do not go as smoothly as he would like. Hering Beran remarks about the equipment he nods to that answering
"Yeah, I think we can assume that this place is more permanent than our one-off station. I also hope to look at the stars with this telescope. There is something mesmerizing in doing that."
As the introduction starts Vecro puts right hand on his chest and bows his head
"Vecro Asynti from the House Khadil it is a pleasure to meet fellow scientists."
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Vecro steps out of the pegasus and looks at the endless sea surrounding the rocks. He pauses for the moment asking Benny
"Is this how your world is looking?"
"Only if you are stuck on the surface, the world happens beneath it though, from the bright shoals to the inky black depths, my world is both terrifying and beautiful"
Orvoll takes the scrimshaw necklace from Benny and inclines their head. The whorls of color making up their "face" takes on a softened smile, and Dani can sense relief in their mind. Orvoll nods to their companions, and they lead you to the patio where a force field keeps the elements at bay. "Starfinders, I see. A few Azlanti reports indicate your organization is hostile and not to be trusted, but I've heard some of our Secondary peoples suggest that first contacts with the Aeon Guard lack certain diplomatic expectations necessary to make an accurate first impression. Worry not, we of the shatori tend to take extra steps to ensure peaceful relations as the Shaban allows. It is a rare treat when the Primaries give us the necessary latitude to see those efforts bare fruit." Orvoll's speech patterns become more soothing when out of the wind, and as they talk you notice the Azlanti lilt in their Common vanishes at an astonishing rate. They look at Dani. "I must say your proficiency with non-verbal communication is extremely impressive, given the cultural and biological variables you must consider when attempting mental contact. If it is not too bold to ask, may I take a reading of your bio-frequencies to compare to those among our own people?"
Orvoll nods to some of his teammates, who bring out several platters with loaves of grainy protein-meal garnished with a dollop of thick, shiny cream that resembles mercury. It's clear the shatori are well-trained in etiquette, and they stand ready to assist you if you have any questions or needs. "I'm afraid we don't have much in the way of 'food' either - the research grant allowing us to come was not extravagant - but Ellvant brought some of our favorite seasoning just in case we had a chance to entertain." Orvoll and the shatori they just named share a mutual bow of their heads.
Orvoll turns back to your team. "A collaborative venture is certainly appealing, though I hope you'll forgive us our reticence. Until we are sure our motives align and our cooperation will not reflect poorly upon my team when we return to Azlanti space, I must not extend too far beyond the narrow mandate of our mission. Our understanding of the Starfinder Society mostly involves violence and asset seizure; what led you to make this aurora on a distant, uninhabited world a priority?"
The shatori named Ellvant turns to Guli and Dani. "You are welcome to explore our facility with an escort, though I admit there is not much of interest. We were not permitted to bring much beyond our necessities. Building it was not too difficult, given that most of the structure was prefabricated for easy transport - and easy removal, once our mission is complete. It has been far more difficult to keep the CHERAVs operational in this unforgiving environment." Ellvant gestures to the hangar around the corner from the patio. They then turn to Vecro and say, "You are welcome to look through our telescopes, though I would recommend you return to do so after the clouds have parted. Right now the view is somewhat disappointing."
Ooooo FASCINATING! I am Dr. HELIX from Stabrisis-14. Where are YOU from?
Orvoll turns to the kiirinta. "We live on Perdure, a planet in the Disaj system - though I'm sure that means as much to you as 'Stabrisis-14' means to me. Perdure is not a vibrant world, but it has treated us well. Shatoris originally hailed from Perdane, the greatest planet in the system, but daemons overran our ancestral lands. Our people have long been skilled at planar travel, but now we tread the multiverse more carefully, for we know what happens when others follow us home.”
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Vecro nods to what Benny is saying about his world being beautiful and terrifying. He always felt respect for the oceans. The mass of water and count of creatures extremely dangerous for someone not accustomed to water habitat resulted in him never exploring the underwater world. He should one day change that, sometimes he will follow the starlight reflected in the water.
He follows Azlantis inside and is glad to not be outside standing on the wind. He allows his mote to fly freely above his head and does not make any aggressive movements.
When the food is offered he gladly tries it, with one of his right hands he takes a piece then turns to the side and puts it under his scarf covering his face. After consuming it he nods with appreciation saying
"Thank you for the food it was a delight" responds politely not sharing anything with his expression. He appreciated the gesture, and follows his own protocol of being a guest.
Hearing about shatoris and secondaries Vecros interested in cultures let him understand some significance behind it.
Yet he sees no way to share his thoughts with others so he simply stands there.
"I agree, clouds are far from interesting even watched through a telescope. I extend my sympathies to you. My people as well had to flee from our home planet, but our daemon was something that we caused. I know the feeling of being a refugee." you can hear a hint of sadness in Vecro voice as he says that.
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Yet he sees no way to share his thoughts with others so he simply stands there.
She smiles at Orvoll. I would love to try your food, and you may take all the readings you like of me. Even among lashuntas, my telepathy is unusual. Perhaps you can help me find answers as to why.