Ok she will be doing a lot of things at once,
::"I'm going to try and contact the plants."::
Then by means of Hexqill to the crystal beings.
::"We wish to communicate"::
Rollo quietly watches the Plants as they continue to travel toward the natives.
Good point, Gift. Why are these following you Fendarion tech-villagers?
When Armaund signals him that the coast is clear, Terex asks <Shimmer> to open the way back to the rest of the group. He carefully flies out of his library dimension and into the area.
Given Rollo and Gift have spoken, he decides to avoid piling his own commentary on, instead looking around to see if there's any clue as to why this plant creature is attacking the group. Perhaps they'd threatened its... seed cluster or something?
Blue sends to the others what he can see of the size of the plant(s). He also hovers behind the plant(s) on the far side of the rest of the group, ready to attack.
As Gift turns to Elder Rydan, she notices him suddenly clutch his head along with the other fendarions, "I have never seen it but I feel it is a hellish creature sent to punish me for some great mistake... what could it be" (it's clear the creature is attempting some sort of psionic attack on them).
At that point, the plant creature rears up to a height of forty feet in front of the party and puts forth a telepathic shout. "Outsiders, you must leave this world at once."
In the background, Armaund vanishes and sends the telepathic message, "I will fly above it, ready to attack and I can put a wall of force between you and it if you wish."
Also you notice that the thing never comes fully out of the ground but rather a hole sprouting it's branches moves along the ground .
::"The thing almost certainly has more devious motives than just hating these off-worlders. Whose minds it's attacking now. Maybe it wanted the fendarions to do something they're not doing now, like align with Narsod the prophet team. I need to stop this thing in its tracks"::
Her human form drips and she takes on her true aspect of being Mecha look HERE
Gift, Arlo, Rollo, one of you should warn the Fendarions that this thing can attack their minds, Terex suggests.
He flies up a bit higher, drawing his wand out of his pack as he directs some thoughts at the creature. Funny, when we talked to the beings responsible for protecting this world they seemed to appreciate our help. I'd rather suspect you of being an outsider, yourself.
The dwarf nods and runs toward the Fendarions, shouting!
"Get back! The plant's psionic and dangerous!!"
Arlo draws The Arlosword and stands to defend other outsiders.
So, the next thing that happens is suddenly the fendarions look up, seemingly freed of the mental effect and the plant creature charges full force at the party, colliding with an invisible wall. (The creature look somewhat like an enormous, fleshy succulent tree, oozing sap here and there)
And Armaund says telepathically "That bought us only a few moments, it will soon figure a way around my spell by burrowing underground. In fact, there's a 5' gap at the bottom if Arlo wish to charge through. Let us go at this thing and keep the fendarions safe."
The dwarf smiles telepathically? Thanks Armaund. Mighty generous of you.
Arlo roars and charges the psionic plant monster through the made hole.
She looks at the main plant and the fires a beam of energy from Hexqill at it, The mean comes down from above and lashes the area.
Terex aims as close as he can to the base of one of the vines and fires his wand.
Blue swiftly expends arcane power to enable himself to move quicker, then casts a spell and fires several quick shots from his pistol.
Crit?
Arlo's sword bounces off the crystalit's fibrous skin. Gift disintegrates a large area of one branch and Blues leaves electrical burns on all of it's branches. Minna stays with the Fendarians and creates a metal-mesh cage around them.
The Crystalit moves with a deep whoosh sort of sound, flowing through the ground under the wall of force, surfacing on the other the side, batting away the meta-cage, knocking down one of Fendarian underlings while aiming for Elder Rydan, who is now wearing power armor.
Armaund sends the message he will be there in a moment (you presume he is changing form).
She sends to the collective.
::"Really don't want to try and hack this things mind, it just got hammered and it's still going, thoughts?"::
Telepathically, Armaund say, "Protect our contacts, I'll put the bite on it."
Terex feels annoyed with himself again. Here they are, another enemy, and his best option is wands again. What is he, a tiny winged human?
Pushing the thoughts aside for the moment, he lines up another shot on the giant target below him.
They can all feel Terex's annoyance Gift decides to show what the collective can really do to empower members.
::"Hexqill bring up metaconcert and make Terexaltherin metaconcert conductor, Terexaltherin mine and Hexqills powers are now open to you. Have at it."::
Hex dose just that.
Rollo calmly watches as the Plant begins to move to attack. The dhampir looks at his friends, the Fendarians getting attacked and shakes his head.
Best defense seems to be a strong offense!
He casts Disintegrate at it, after Quickening a True Strike!
"Give it everything you got!"
Arlo marks the plant creature for his smite evil ability.
::"Hex, Tere triangulate with me, a beam each at the main body."::
Then between Hexqill, Terexa and gift arcs of light pulse between the the three members in a scintillating pattern, streaming to the conductor Heqill as the powers manifests.
Then from each a beam shoots out.
11pp x3 = 33pp from the pool.
Arlo battles the plant creature from below getting one go slice in, then significantly damaged, the huge plant creature manages to grab hold of Elder Rydan with one branch, at which point something invisible snaps off a different branches - and then, in a flash of dust, the synchronized disintegrates go off and the creature's other two branches crumble to dust.
The Fendarions look around nervously. Elder Rydan says, "We must pray to God to gain the courage to continue, you will excuse us." once they finish, he says "You are miracle workers my friends. Let us continue." During that time, Armaund has appeared in human form. He also broadcast to the collective. "Well, the spell assures that this creature was actually destroyed, where I feared it's rootstalk would escape." Then Elder Rydan says, "Shall we continue in our vehicle? If more of these await it, it seems it would be vulnerable. But even partly functioning, it is fast than walking and we have far to go. Also, I will have much to explain to the other Elders of my community. The more you can tell me, the easier it will be."
Gifts form shift back and walks over to the wreck of the vehicle. The two robot dogs follow her.
::Mina give us a hand, Blue Ill need a power reboot for this thing"::
then to the robot dogs,
"Ok boys lets see what can be done"
She studded it and feed data v the collective to Blue and Mina.
As the others worked she placed her hand on it and her circuitry lit up.
Then she shunted on of her follower AI's into the control unit. ID-autopilot then sent her nanites into its form. Reconfiguration and Major Ectoplasmic Creation after a while it came back to life and hovered above the ground ready for them.
Her AI spoke v the PA system
"Systems online"
She nods to herself then enters the now working hover-ATV with the robot dogs behind her.
There's a swift flash of emotions as Gift gives Terex control over the metaconcert. A brief bit of annoyance, because it's missing the point. Gratitude, because she's going so far for him. Thoughtfulness, because it gives him some ideas...
Now that the combat is over he comes and (after telepathically asking permission) perches on Armaund's shoulder. He broadcasts a sense of sadness that the creature didn't relent and had to be killed, along with the thought that Narsod might be responsible for it.
Given their reaction to telepathy I think I'll still not speak to them, the little dragon informs the group. Just a hint of his distaste for speaking aloud clings to the statement. At some point we'll need to introduce them to the idea that the other people of this world are just as moral and worthy of life as they are... speaking of which, we should ask them how they got in contact with Narsod. They don't seem the type to believe other religious figures from outside their faith.
The hovercraft is half-buried in dirt and branches but it's full military grade, and quite tough. After a bit of repairs, it is fully functional.
The Fendarions seem a bit leery about Gift exerting command but get on board.
To the group.
::"That plant, I have a feeling that thing was part of a hive minds as well. So expect the others of its kind on this plane to know what happened here."::
Once the Veds
She notes they seem a wee bit leery about her AI, so she pulls it back out and hands control back to the Fendarions.
"Sorry, Habit"
But she leaves her AIs in the dogs, but dose not redesign them to take out the safe guards the Fendarions in them.
Arlo rejoins the others, cleaning plant gore of The Arlosword.
The group reembarks and continues towards the Fendarion village.
Armaund talks to Elder Rydan about the hovercraft, the defenses of the villages and then brings the conversation to the how the villagers contacted Narsod. The Elder answers "We had just reached the decision that the good word could be brought to this world, that you would be welcome to hear it and then we received a very well written letter from a messenger of Narsod, claiming they had receive word of us in a prophesy and that they worshiped the same God as we do. This raised many suspicions but our guidance device ruled that we should contact them." then suddenly realizing he may be saying too much, "but should not say more until we arrive..."
During the ride to the village, Armaund asks Gift if she can activate her drones and communicate with the nomads as well as the Guardian parrots, so that the party can offer something of a peace treaty to the villagers, if that is possible.
She dose just that, sending her drones out.
Then she closes her eyes and enjoys the ride back.
Sending her mind up to be with Armaund while a lesser AI rand her own body.
::"Do you mind if I tag along up here."::
Blue continues to follow the group invisibly.
There's that guidance device again... want to bet it's the strange AI you encountered, Gift? Terex comments. It's a good idea to get back in touch with the Guardians and the Giesal riders. The quicker we can get the situation here with the Fendarions stable, the better, because we really need to go deal with Narsod, I think. It's not good that they were able to figure out what to say to the Fendarions from a distance like this.
Now, this is going to be a long ride, so I think I'll get some reading and probably some sleep in, so...
Terex disappears back to his library, spending some time on the <Shimmer> books with Terecho before curling up in one of his sleeping nooks and getting some rest.
The continues within or without the hovercraft till the early hours of the morning, the Fendarions alternating sleeping their seats or driving and party able to also alternate sleeping (except Blue, who'll be fatigued unless he finds an alternate way to rest).
During that time, Gift is able to contact both the Giesal Riders and the Guardian Parrots and has permission to make a general offer of peace and friendship and point towards more direct negotiations.
Finally, you come in sight of Fendarion village and drive to the front entrance and a guard approaches the vehicle and Elder Rydan speaks to him, "My conclave have ended early. These individuals have important information and need to enter the central area." The guard looks skeptical and a bit shocked and lets the craft through. The craft continues to the large building in the center of the town where it parks in a yard with a half dozen similar vehicles. As Elder Rydan and his group parks and disarms the vehicle, another group of Fendarions walk as a group out of the building. This group includes a number of older men as well as guards. As they approach, one of your says softly "Mercy, it's the entire elder council, coming to greet us."
As the larger group comes up to you, an older man in blue ceremonial robes holds up his hand and says "Elder Rydan, back quite, hopefully with good news and obviously with guests. Welcome." and the groups exchange pleasantries, though from the start, you can get a sense of nervousness and uncertainty from the larger group - certainty about the party but a general uncertainty. Elder Rydan and the man in step closer and speak in hushed tones.
Once they are finished speaking, Elder Rydan returns to the party and says, "Our project is in a difficult point. Would you be willing to speak to Bishop Parkel and our Elder council concerning your information. Our guidance devices do not seem to be currently operating... And he leads the group to a large conference room at the front of the building and invites you describe what you know of Narsod.
Terex slips back into Wanthalia from his library shortly before the hovercraft arrives, though he still stays unobtrusive even as the Fendarions disembark.
That's certainly interesting... but we should probably not suggest that we can do anything about that. They're nervous enough without suspecting us of tampering with the devices. Perhaps if we convince them of our good intentions they'll ask us to take a look. I think I'll refrain from speaking to them until we're more deeply engaged in this conversation. Give them a bit of time to get used to us before I shake them up.
After the party take their seats, Terex suggests, Gift, you should probably show the same footage you showed before of the captives we freed.
Rollo also follows Terex into his Library to study and sleep.
My friend Terex this was an absolutely find idea. Not a better place to rest and refresh.
The Sage smiles his gratitude.
At the town of the Fendarions, Rollo casts his daily spells prior to exiting the Library.
The dhampir then follows the others.
The Sage continues to use and learn the language.
Gift dose not need to sleep so she did not, walking the driving and after a while cooking up food for the organics. Happy in the tiny gally she sings to self.
Then as they come to the village she calls back her drones, that fly over head as they enter.
::"Blue do you want to come down with the drones, that way they will think you came with them and have not been with us all along"::
Once out she hears what is being said.
When asked to show them something she dose just that.
Her ninies stream out and form a 3d holo replication of the debriefing they did with the survivors.
"I have the contact information of each of these subjects. If you want to independently verify the accounts"
::Yes, that sounds like a good idea.::
Blue decloaks and comes in with the drones.
First, One more thing the drones bring is a message from the Guardians that Narsod seems to be calling back his forces from their outposts to their main city.
Then, right before Gift's presentation is to happen, Minna, who is impersonating a human child at this point, quietly asks an elder what time the machines ceased to function and they say 4:35 pm the previous day. Through the hive mind, she mentions this was the exact time that you slew the plant creature. Also, Terex' research describes a crystalit as having powerful psionic abilities and sometimes using those to manipulate whole societies.
Then Gift's presentation happens.
There's a bit of silence after the Elders watch the Gift's presentation. The Bishop wrinkles his brow then and says "Those were Baatezu, yes. As described in the scripture. Clearly this Narsod deceived us." then Elder Rydan cuts, "And these people slew them - as they slew a monstrous plant creature which attacked us. I have considered imagine them angels or messengers but they have not said who are exactly or what their mission is. Now that are here, we can ask them together."
Arlo steps forward. "I'm not an angel, to be sure. But you can say I'm on their side. I'm Arlo Brighthammer. And I'm a paladin by calling. A paladin is a holy warrior dedicated to fight evil and are given abilities from The Divine to carry out said fight, and to defend those who cannot defend themselves."
Rollo nods in respect to their wishes.
I am Rollo Qantas. I am a magic specialist. We work for you actually. We work to preserve the status quotation throughout the multiverse.
The dhampir even chuckles.
So, we are of the mind to eliminate Narsod; his master and anyone else that may be detrimental to this particular plane.
Rollo also follows Terex into his Library to study and sleep.
My friend Terex this was an absolutely find idea. Not a better place to rest and refresh.The Sage smiles his gratitude.
Isn't it great? I'm so glad <Shimmer> was able to do it! Make sure to thank them, too! Terex replies, though his gratitude for being appreciated is clear in his mental voice.
First, One more thing the drones bring is a message from the Guardians that Narsod seems to be calling back his forces from their outposts to their main city.
Then, right before Gift's presentation is to happen, Minna, who is impersonating a human child at this point, quietly asks an elder what time the machines ceased to function and they say 4:35 pm the previous day. Through the hive mind, she mentions this was the exact time that you slew the plant creature. Also, Terex' research describes a crystalit as having powerful psionic abilities and sometimes using those to manipulate whole societies.
Narsod may not be a single individual--it might be actually multiple of the crystalits working together, Terex suggests to the rest of the party, And now they're expecting an attack.
There's a bit of silence after the Elders watch the Gift's presentation. The Bishop wrinkles his brow then and says "Those were Baatezu, yes. As described in the scripture. Clearly this Narsod deceived us." then Elder Rydan cuts, "And these people slew them - as they slew a monstrous plant creature which attacked us. I have considered imagine them angels or messengers but they have not said who are exactly or what their mission is. Now that are here, we can ask them together."
Terex decides to break his self-imposed silence and speaks to the entire assembly. To answer what our mission is, we need to ask you a couple of questions first, he states. First, have you learned anything of the history of this world? Second, how familiar are you with the various Planes? Our mission involves both.
He pauses a moment, then adds, Also, greetings, I am Terexaltherin. Yes, I'm the little dragon, he waves a wing slightly, And I am speaking to your minds, because that's how my species prefers to speak.