Azzim grunted "Huh. Funny thing about a deceiver is their first victim is themself. I think a look at how things really are would have quite the impact on Narvus!"
So he walked over and intoned a powerful spell, which ripped asunder all veils and showed the deceiver the unvarnished truth.
Such is often the case with those who fall to evil, Terexaltherin comments heavily.
After a long, quiet moment, in which he manages to broadcast a sense of brooding, the little (currently-plant) dragon 'says', We need to continue on and get to the root of this corruption, this impostor spirit. His thoughts focus on the earth spirits. Did you ever see the supposed 'Narvus'? Is there anything more you could tell us about what you've seen?
The earth spirits glance wordlessly at each other for nearly half a minute, then the deep orange-and-tan spirit known as Thill begins, "Each of us, I think, did see Narvus. Often only for a minute. His spirit was something like of whirlwind of activity. He is full ideas for innovations and immediately put each of us to work, demanding more than we'd done before but with a kind of ... cynicism. We were producing amazing things and he would, I think, reinforce the attitude that those who received our gifts should ... suffer ... if they couldn't appreciate them. And, I think left us to prey to entities like BlackForge, who offered gambling and other 'fun' for us to blow steam with..."
Thill is still.
But Arbin continues "So much as we know, activity on Helaronthrop continues at it's breakneck pace. We had been prospecting for raw crystals here and intended to quickly return. Now we not sure what course to take. What plans you have I'm not sure but Narvus has recruited some plant servants for his plans also, so your infiltration tactic might be a good choice" He hesitates, looking at the others. "We can offer you our services if you wish them to deal with this situation... "
Terexaltherin thinks it over. If there are a lot of other suborned spirits around the fake Narvus, he doesn't think charging right in is the best approach.
So it sounds like we could pull off an infiltration, maybe spend a bit more time setting up the 'big reveal' this time instead of doing it by the tips of our claws this time, he 'says' to his companions. The question is, should we ask a couple of them to introduce us to help us infiltrate, or is it safer if we just go ourselves? What do you think?
::We could ask if any are willing:: replied Azzim.
Addressing the earth spirits, Assim said "We will investigate and root out the corruption in Helaronthrop. This will be a dangerous mission, but if any of you wish to help you would be welcome."
Lyra was locked in all this dirt and rock and spent her time thinking about the body she had made for herself, and if she could make something more usable for missons. The others where making plans so she went over her systems and checked them,
The Earth Spirits again look at each other again for a while, telepathic conversation in evidence... Arbin speaks (vibrating through the thin earth) "Myself Arbin and my brother Thill will come with you. The rest of our group feels too shaken by these to continue. They wish to find a dimension that is safe from this planar intrigue. I don't blame them but I don't know if any of us can be safe now that we are embroiled in these interplanar intrigues..." Arbin add telepathically to Azzim ::Magistar, If you could find a safe place for my companions, it would aid them and we could summon them be at last resort. They hope to avoid things but you or we may need them...
Arbin and Thill approach the party while the other Earth Spirit shift nervously, perhaps embarrassed by their reluctance to help. Thill says "There have been a couple other gathering parties that vanished some maybe coming back with a different group wouldn't arouse that much suspicion but I think we should be cautious. Let me tell of Helaronthrop and then answer any questions you have.... You can see the two brother spirits, clearly the strongest of the group, are already thinking and planning for revenge on ...
That sounds like a good enough plan. What more can you tell us about Helaronthrop?
Arbin considers "Helaronthrop was something of a magical place for us. One of several places where Earth spirits conceive of the remarkable crystalline creations and send them out to the multiverse. It is like a vast swirling geode itself. Unlike where we are, outer edges of Helaronthrop, there is air and water and fire in Helaronthrop proper. While it is mostly peopled by earth entities, creatures such as dwarfs and Treants aid in the crafting process. That said, I spent only a short time in the city proper and came and went immediately to the mines and crafting halls, which take up much of the area. I suspect the constant activity of the area conceals whatever mischief is happening there... Arbin goes on to describe basically three parts of Helaronthrop. First the crystalline edges, the "wilderness" - vast gems and metals the area is carved from. Then the huge workshops where gems are crafted and finally a small city where trade, religion, government and such happen. There are guards and bureaucrats but it very orderly since most work willingly without need of reward.
One thing you discover after some prying is that this vast activity is new, and Helaronthrop had a reputation as a small and rather contemplative and religious town only ten years previously but now many spirits from the vast plane of elemental earth are being drawn to it.
Replying to Arbin, Azzim replied, "I'm sure we can find a refuge, let me think..."
Azzim set his mind thinking of a safe staging area for them.
Arlo's eyes go wide. ::Sounds like a stonecrafter's paradise. Imagine the weaponry we could forge with those materials!:: The dwarf said over the hivemind, his eyes on Lady Lyra.
Well, it sounds like we can enter just as-is and pretend we're coming in to work, as long as we don't do anything to draw attention. Then once we're in Helaronthrop we can get a better look at how things are, pretty standard infiltration tactics.
She gave him a grin back.
"Energy focus crystals for a start"
So, after careful preparations, the party approaches Helaronthrop cautiously with Arbin and Thill. Arbin notes that there is a main "road" that leads to the IronGate/Welcome-area as well as small "paths" leading back to the mining and crafting areas. You take the main road and observe the magnificence of Helaronthrop for this time - it is like bubble intricately and beautifully carved in geode laced with ruby, emerald and other gemstone material.
Reaching the IronGate, you identify yourselves as being traders, researchers and craftspeople and a genial dwarf Hiliander directs you to the small area of hotels in the center of the town - most of the town is indeed given over to crafting by earth spirits, rock-genies, gnomes and dwarves all toiling intensely.
Hiliander says "We welcome traders and seek to distribute our wares over the multiverse. Narvus will no doubt contact you within a couple days. He is currently in the outer mines but like oversee everything that happens personally and he welcomes all innovations as well. You are welcome to the consult with other travels and traders in the meantime.
A number of small drones left Lyra and sent off scanning the area.
Arlo stepped forward, a satisfied smile on his face. "Helaronthrop looks marvelous. It's so beautiful. May we walk around and observe?
If so, what areas do you wish us to avoid?"
Terexaltherin mingles freely, posing as a scholar and researcher knowledgeable in geology and minerals. He compliments the work of many crafters, subtly examining their works and the beings themselves for signs of anything off while chatting.
Lyra strode close to Arlo, her body now clean once more, As a hybrid of mech and Biomedical Android. She got more then a few looks appraising her worth in raw materials alone. At 3/4 of ton, her very steps make the ground thud. Her mini drones hovered around her.
"I agree, It is most beautiful"
She said, agreeing with Arlo.
Then from the speakers for her body comes this music
Lyra has removed her large weapon, it have proved to be near usless on this kind of mission. She would have to reliy on her hand to hand skills form here on out. She had also altered her look to be more humanoid. Also folding her wings into her back so as be not knock anyone over. To better fit in, she was ready to use Reduce person to become 6' tall in place of 12' Which she did not standing now next to Arlo.
IMAGE HERE
Hiliander answers Arlo in perfect if archaic Dwarven, "As prospective traders and craftpeople you are welcome to look around. We are conducting experiments in certain areas, marked with a yellow hexagon for danger and we ask people stay away from these." and repeats in common for the rest of the party. He then directs the part to a local hotel, where you check-in and begin your investigation.
As Terex and others scan the city, everything seems reasonable on the surface. Yet both the breakneck speed and the complexity of the projects seems to jive with the problems you've sensed from the outside; things are going faster than the participants can keep track of.
Also, you notice that open parts of the workshops generally have very new arrivals working and more experienced workers go to the lower levels but these seem difficult to access just by the busyness of the place.
Meanwhile, a tale humanoid male, seemingly made of liquid mithral-entwined-agate, approaches Lady Lyra (and others if present) and, bowing deeping says "Excuse, I can't help being impressed by one who is so beautiful yet so connected to advanced technology. One of our projects here is a vast celestial machine intended to better order the cosmos. We desperately one such as yourself to work on it. Can I show you what is needed? I can take you to the deeper, more secure zone to tell you of these projects?" He winks almost conspiratorially.
Azzim simply follows Arlo and listens. Corruption had patterns through the multiverse, some more subtle than others. Azzim might be able to spot some of these just by observing those Arlo spoke to and listening to what they said and what they didn't.
He suggested to Arlo, "Maybe we should try and visit some of the lower levels. Could be revealing."
The paladin gasped in surprise. "I was hoping there would be a hotel to stay!" Arlo acts almost giddy to be here, like an exited tourist.
Arlo's dour demeanor returned when 'Liquid Boy' walked up on his wife, but got the feeling the being was just a headhunter. Deep down, the godling trusts his wife.
::We'll follow your lead, Lyra. See if we can all come with::, Arlo asked over the hivemind.
Azzim suggested to Arlo, "Maybe we should try and visit some of the lower levels. Could be revealing."
"I would agree, Azzim." Arlo stated for all to hear.
She decides to flirt, back to the Mechnoid,
"I must say that does sound intriguing. A device to order the cosmos I bet it has a big, strong power source. To thrust its will into reality with."
She says with a wink back, but then drops the bomb shell.
"Would we be going to see it now? As I have not seen all the sights here yet, O I know would you be willing to show us around, I bet you know all the nooks and Crannies locally, and I bet the gosip too. An ativie bing like yourself must know all manner shocking things."
She takes his arm and leans in and whispers,
"Let us explore 1st before you shown me your fun dark dungeons"
Telepathically to the others
"I think we may have found a local guild to show us around"
Terexaltherin is off somewhere else at the moment. He replies back, That does sound like an opportunity. I think I'll stay uninvolved for the moment and see if I can pursue other leads. The breakneck pace of work here certainly seems designed to hide some flaws...
Rather than looking for those flaws, however, Terexaltherin is on the trail of why the pace of the 'town' is so frenetic. Still in his scholar persona, he's asking around after the history of Helaronthrop, seeing if he can subtly identify any other agents or collaborators of their target by tracing how the place has changed recently...
When Lyra asks for a tour, the liquid agate man, who introduces him as Golbodin, is a bit taken aback but quickly recovers. "Yes, I can show you sights, give a whirlwind, while I ask some preliminary research questions... a simple task for one such as you... tell me how you view the quad-space hypothesis of Alnotin... " and continues, taking Lyra and the other interested party members on a whirlwind tour of the city while expounding a series of extremely abstruse theories of space-formation... The tour lasts two hours but seems actually quite thorough. Then Golbodin, leads the group to an unassuming ally and opens a side door leading to a staircase leading steeping downward for at several hundred feet and says "Shall we?"
She walks with him taking in the sights,
To the group V comes,
"Is it me or is there a hidden power here, looking at what I have seen and read on this whirlwind tour, O an most of what he is asking about is junk theories, very fragile assumptions and weak thinking, if he did not come up with it, then who ever did must have a few nuts lose. So shall we?"
"Of course do led on"
She send two of her drone ahead to scout.
Azzim listened to Lyra's analysis before saying, ::A most suspicious set up they have here with their governance it seems. It's as if the whole thing was a front with a veneer of legitimacy, but underneath... I think we need to find out who really holds the reigns, and if I was to guess we can do that by following where the tax money goes...::
Golbodin's smile never wavers as he ushers the party down a flight of stairs carved into the raw jade of the area, heading almost a thousand feet down sometimes passing through areas of light pomice (virtually everyone in the city has earth glide and dirt and light rock are like bead-doors), eventually leading you to a series of medium sized rooms where a variety of earth-based humanoids sit around steel tables calculating - on everything from papyrus to abacus to advanced mechenoid brains. Steel boards are covered with etched diagrams that are occasionally erased and overwritten.
Over the soft murmur of the area, he says "We can begin to describe the project here. I will fetch Tkano who can start you out" He steps through the wall near you and leaves you alone. Looking around, one from the group of calculators gives you a slight nod while the rest ignore you.
A little investigation reveals a very solidly locked door behind the light stone of the wall.
Arlo returns the nod.
::They seem like they're on a tight schedule.::
Lyra walks up to the locked door.
"Tricky but doable
She places her hand on the door and her ninites get to work.
She taps it to open it.
Terexaltherin joins in with the group quietly partway through the tour, letting the others explain his presence. When he sees that Lyra is going for the door, he asks some questions about details of the calculations to distract those around him.
To pick the hidden door's lock, Lyra must create an identity in the connected system and naturally creating several identities is as easy as creating. She finishes just as Golbodin returns with Silver android figure about seven feet tall, who introduces himself as Mazra and hands each visible party member a prospectus with a list of questions/problems at the end. The prospectus is a fairly vague but the questions are strange and remarkable, seemingly at the "edge" of many fields.
Meanwhile, a glance beyond the door reveals further stairs and likely a complex like the present except perhaps more "high tech".
Giving the id, She sent 2 of her drones through the door to explore while she looked at the sheet. Taking a pen she started striking out Questions
And writing randomly
Will not work, stop working on
Not possible, stop working on
stop all research, as it is the same as another problem
and others.
Handing it back she says
"That should help."
Terexaltherin analyzes the prospectus as best he can, suspecting it only hints at the truth of what they're working on here.
Arlo loudly looks over the list, hoping to draw some attention away from Lyra's doings.
The silver android takes the paper and spits out a stream of audio binary (like a 1990s modem handshake) and as Golbodin says "Mazra says you are visionary! You shall work in an advanced study room", a door opens to an adjoining chamber containing desks stacked with flashing computer screens.
Meanwhile, the researchers in the main room is seem to hesitate for a few seconds, uncertain...
Terex:
Make save: The questions points to an insidiously plan to "improve" the organization of creation planes, a plan fated to fail and create chaos...
Fail save: Terex is tremendously curious about the questions and begins immediately researching their solution...
See sent to the group.
"Looking over the projects and problems list they are doing, I suspect someone is trying to overload the system here with a lot of what I saw just junk work aimed in some insidiously plan to "improve" the organization of creation planes, a plan fated to fail and create chaos...
So cutting the workload will slow this and I hope give us time to find things out. Give me A moment I need to introduce them to the concept of RnR"
She smiles at the silver android,
"Mazra, We need to stop all work, so I can do an audit all if this, I say this because as the most intelligent entity on the plane, I can see you have made some critical errors which could led to disaster and failure. This stems from over work and over rushing things. You must understand that over work reduces productivity. So I suggest a state holiday to celebrate those who had contributed most to the great project. starting Emediulity This would give me time to work out how to fix the coming problems. I say this because one miss step now and all this could come crashing down."
[ooc]Diplomacy [/ooc[
See sent to the group.
"Looking over the projects and problems list they are doing, I suspect someone is trying to overload the system here with a lot of what I saw just junk work aimed in some insidiously plan to "improve" the organization of creation planes, a plan fated to fail and create chaos...
So cutting the workload will slow this and I hope give us time to find things out. Give me A moment I need to introduce them to the concept of RnR"
She smiles at the silver android,
"Mazra, We need to stop all work, so I can do an audit all if this, I say this because as the most intelligent entity on the plane, I can see you have made some critical errors which could led to disaster and failure. This stems from over work and over rushing things. You must understand that over work reduces productivity. So I suggest a state holiday to celebrate those who had contributed most to the great project. starting Emediulity This would give me time to work out how to fix the coming problems. I say this because one miss step now and all this could come crashing down."
Yeah, this is definitely the work of our saboteur, Terexaltherin says, telepathically sharing some particular points that most clearly show the problem along with his analysis of them. The question is, who's in on it and who's just being duped?
He watches the reaction to Lyra's proposal for hints.
The Android Mazra stops for several seconds, LEDs flash in various areas of his body and the body itself seems slump, all power being pulled into the calculation process.
It then sends a stream of high speed binary data to Lyra... and then stands perfectly still as the researchers and Golbodin stare in amazing.
You.are.correct.it.Seems...There.are.several.fundamental.flaws.in.the.proce ss...I.will.follow.your.suggestion.and.declare.00001.decads.of.r.n.r.in.thi s.sector.of.Helaronthrop...We.will.will.then.resume.at.a.pace.slowed.by.08. factor.for.accuracy...I.request.you.supervise.research.here.at.that.point.. ...end.message.....
As far as Terex can tell, all of the reactions in the room are sincere except for perhaps' that of Golbodin...
"They are talking three days off and then will resume more slowly. they asked me to be charge of this section/part of Helaronthrop. Which now gives us chance to investigate what has being going on, I feel our saboteur will not want to take three days off, so we need to look for who os still doing things work wise. Aslo well as chace up who has been overloading the system with these bad actor commands. Looking at you
Terexaltherin and Archive data mining. Azzim bin Farouq and Arlo I need you to go see who is still active that not RnR in this section, while I work with Terexaltherin on undoing the Damage done so far."
She sends back to the Android Mazra
"010101111010101010100100010110101010101101010101...."
"Compliance, this unit and it's subunits, Identifiers AR001,
TX001 and AZ001" Indicating her fellows "And my own personal done units, will now undertake a comprehensive study of the curent stat of this section, its workload and implementations. Reporting in the form or a comprehensive report on next actions for this section to compliance of function. Acknowledge, after access to Achieve project data and current systems needed, Compliance,"
then to Arlo,
"AR001 go throw that now unlocked door and investigate."
Then to
She then Terexaltherin
"TX001 review active data for the anomalies"
Then to Azzim,
"AZ001 can you investigate the current state of the popules in this section."
Then to the group comms.
"Team beware that whoever is behind this may come a look for why everything has stopped. we may not have 3 days"
In the two hours, Mazra helps Lyra organize the scientist's wellness break, rent one of the city's merchant hotels and arranging for refreshments and etc. He has some medium conversation with his collegues and superiors over his Comm link and says "A committee is coming to inspect. They'd come sooner but they are very busy. I believe your methods will improve and speed-up the project in the long term."
Then to Arlo,
"AR001 go throw that now unlocked door and investigate."
The dwarf simply smiles and salutes The Divine Mech. "'You got it, Boss!'"
Drawing The Arlosword, The dwarf paladin opens the secret door and investigates.
Two hours later, after the R-n-R process and few are paying attention, Arlo wanders down the staircases below the "science council room" and, exploring the maze of chambers, comes to a room with ten black disks surrounding a cylinder filled with blinking lights. Other corridors lead off this but are basically empty, with nothing but office supplies of various sorts.
Terexaltherin follows along with Arlo and takes a look at the various rooms behind the hidden door.
Wait... this one here has equipment for communications and teleportation, Terexaltherin 'says' to Arlo. This is probably how our saboteur is doing their work unnoticed. Let me take a look at the equipment and see if I can backtrace them.
Azzim nods and with a sudden gesture his shape wavers and he is replaced by what passes for an ordinary citizen of this place. Another spell gifts him with the innate knowledge of a native, allowing him to blend in.
He then wanders the area, taking stock of the people there. He carefully observes those around him, engaging a few in small talk - aiming to get a feel for what rumors are going around and being careful to note how much attention he's getting in the process and whether anyone shows suspicion or hostility. More than anything he's looking for anything unusual, or any hints of the darker side to this place.
"I'm glad you know what we're looking at, Terexaltherin", Arlo admits. "Most 'hi-tech' goes over my head."
"Lyra tries to explain sometimes, but I just 'smile and nod'."
Terex analyzes the equipment. It is extraordinarily sophisticated. He gets a general idea of its functioning but can't figure out how to activate the teleportation disks. He is able to tap-in to what seems like a comm-link between various production managers spread across the city. They're mostly discussing the crystal production process - a process that's proceeding very quickly. Some are concerned about the "R-n-R" being enjoyed by the planners while dismiss is "Planners need to rest and relax, not so much production workers. Let the think rest for a bit and return with renewed vigor" and much more, most of it seemingly mundane.
Meanwhile, Azzim drifts through the city. On first blush, it seems like it fits the plot the party is imagining. Most of the earth spirit and related are moving at such a breakneck pace that they simply don't notice the direction the city is going and a small portion of the group seem to be succumbing to petty vices in a fashion of the spirit you met on the "road". Azzim is able notice a couple more Deceivers at a distance but they seem to move quickly from area to area (possibly using the teleportation devices Arlo found).
Mainwhile, Monel rejoins the party, having a bit of time to rest in the hotel and analyze the aura of the city. "I haven't learned much so far, just that most of this is newly carved. A thought I just had, however, is, 'what happened to spirits that were here? Is there an old Helaronthrop we can visit?'"
The old buildings of Helaronthrop are reported to be literally burried in the center of the city - not much of a barrier for earth creatures but even they seem to forget them...
This is some *very* sophisticated equipment. Maybe when we're done I can take some back with us to study... Lyra would probably like that, too, Terexaltherin 'says' wistfully. For now, though, we shouldn't do anything obvious.
He pauses a moment. I wonder if I can forward the communications...? It would be useful to be able to listen in...
The little dragon thinks of whether or not he could do something like that with what he has at claw.