[SFS - PbP Gameday IX] 1-11 In Pursuit of the Scoured Past - GM bigboom (Inactive)

Game Master bigboom

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You're all currently in a waiting room, soon to go into a meeting with First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo in her office.

Feel free to introduce yourselves to each other!!

A hylki, the red-skinned humans of Akiton, sits in a chair in the waiting room, typing merrily on his personal comms unit. He seems to be near writing a novel with the amount of typing he is doing. After a moment he stops, stretches and then looks out the window at the area outside. "It'S great to be back on the station. Been a few missions in the cold or with things popping out to kill us all the time."

He gives everyone else in the room a bright smile and pulls out a small box, taking a card out of it for everyone. "Ceolor Xusha, holonovelist! You might have heard of me from my works such as Around Verces in Eighty Parsecs or An Akitonian Abroad. My most recent book, The Super Smalls, has also rated really well, though only on the children's list. Here's my card! It has all my contact information written there and, if you tap it against your comms unit, it can upload it to your contacts. Also it gives you a voucher for free copy of your choice of one of my holonovels. It's a perk I only give to fellow Starfinders!"

Altorin is a transition-born Ryphorian with shaggy beige fur and cheerful eyes that glow like a warm amber lamp. His smile matches the delight in his eyes to be headed on another mission, as he plays with a xenolash on his hip.

"Tell me about it! You would think heading home for a bit would be nice...except the winters are unbearably cold. Not to mention that was a rough mission for all involved." he says with a sigh but his mood only falters for a moment.

He heads over clapping one hand on the shoulder of Ceolor and extending the other for a handshake.

"Altorin Cyrido, uhm...I like to travel and gamble! Did you also write The Sultry Reptoid Envoy? I am not much of a reader but that one always gave me a chuckle. Nice to meet ya!" he says before sitting down in an open chair, pulling out some cards to play various gambling games.

Oddman packs all his belongings, as he usually does when going anywhere. Before leaving his room, which is completely empty, he places small pieces of thread on doors and any windows, making sure anyone opening then won't notice, but he will be able to tell if they were opened while he was away.

Inside the waiting room, he pulls a chair over to a corner, away from most people. Wherever he sits, it seems to be the darkest place in the room. When addressed, he only answers with a nod and an occasional "hm".

Heavy footfalls can be heard outside the room. They draw closer until finally the door opens and in walks a towering, muscular half-orc woman. She nods to all and her hands move in a purposeful fashion.

She taps at the small plate attached to the left breast of her armour it read Oda Umox

She takes Ceolor's card and immediately taps it onto her com unit. She then taps a button on her own unit and broadcasts her details to all within the room.

Following on Oda's footsteps is a towering humanoid who crouches down to fit through the door. At her full height she is easily over 10 feet tall, though her constant need to hunker over makes it difficult to tell. All her weapons - a starknife, a staff with fenestrated ends and a batter cell in the center, and a pale-green assault rifle clearly of Azlanti make - are lashed to her with slipknots that allow easy retrieval.

As she listens to the others introduce themselves, she grins when she recognizes Ceolor's name. "No kidding! I've been helping some colonists on Nakondis rebuild their settlement, and one of the residents loves your work. Every time I come back from a Starfinder mission he asks if I happened to bump into you - it's become a running joke. I can't wait to see his face when I finally tell him yes." She turns to the rest of the team. "I'm Hermena, and I heard the First Seeker's got a personal stake in whatever we're up to today."

“Greetings, Starfinders,” Nominated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo speaks from behind her cluttered office desk. An elderly ysoki eagerly paces behind the First Seeker, adjusting his glasses every few steps. Luwazi continues, “As I am sure you are aware, I recently announced that the Starfinder Society intends to continue its investigation into the Scoured Stars and the incident that occurred there. I have chosen you to pursue our first lead. Thanks to Royo here, we recently learned that the library world of Athaeum could contain valuable information related to the Scoured Stars—information that could prove key to disabling the shield guarding the system. Royo is our resident expert on Athaeum. I will let him explain the details.”

Taking his cue, the ysoki steps forward, adjusts his glasses one final time, and continues the briefing, “Athaeum is one of the great wonders of the galaxy. It has no fixed location; rather, it disappears and reappears throughout the universe at seemingly random intervals. It’s not random, of course. You see, the planet actually has a powerful magical engine tha—”

“Royo,” Luwazi chides the elderly ysoki, shaking him from his tangential explanation.

Royo nods before continuing, “Ah yes, sorry. Where was I? Oh, yes! A group called the Curators controls and maintains Athaeum, along with the world’s libraries that contain the rarest of knowledge. In fact, all knowledge on the planet is unique because the Curators actively ensure that every piece of information stored on their world is the last copy in existence. They have even gone so far as to destroy knowledge on other planets to ensure that this is the case.”

“For long time we were unable to secure access to Athaeum’s libraries,” continues Luwazi, “But recently, Iteration-177, a member of the Aspis Consortium sympathetic to the Starfinder Society, indicated that they have a relationship with the Curators. Through Iteration-177, we have secured passage for a small group to the library world. Your mission is to escort Royo to Athaeum and uncover whatever information you can on the Scoured Stars. Additionally, try to establish a good relationship with the Curators, who could prove to be useful allies in the days to come.”

A couple images revealed on the slides!

Characters may now ask questions, then make purchases and slot boons!

Oda's face turns thoughtful for a moment before her hands begin to move over her comm unit.

No-one has as yet shown they understand sign so she will not use it

So we go to this place to get unique knowledge making it not unique. Will they try to kill us as we leave?

Altorin shakes his head when Oda starts making gestures, unsure of what to make of it.

He uses the information she sent to send a text-based message, The quiet type? Well, shoot me a message if you need anything. I am terrible at charades. Shrug Emoji. Squox Emoji. Skittermander Thumbs Up Emoji.

---

"Royo, we meet again but this time there isn't a buffet! You mentioned the Curators destroying knowledge so only they would have it...do we have anything to worry about? They sound like they could get hostile especially if we are trying to take some information with us." he says worried about getting into a brawl in a library.

Ceolor's smile falters some as he realizes that the new comer orc doesn't speak, but then relaxes some at the realization that she can hear just fine. "Hrmm, I know a variety of languages but I haven't spent enough time learning to sign. I'm sorry there, Oda, I'll put it on my list of things to learn next."
Sign language would be a great language to pick up next. I've been running out due to his theme

The red man then turns a slightly deeper shade of red at Hermena's mention of a fan she knows. "I hadn't realized my works had reached out that far! Here, give me a moment and I get a signature made for them." He pulls out another of his cards and then signs it asking for a name to dedicate it to. He passes it over with a wink, "Here, I'll even toss in a free book for him!"

===========

During the briefing, Ceolor tries to avoid direct eye contact with Royo for a bit, before breaking down and deciding to bite the bullet. "It's nice to see you again Royo, apologies for how my friends acted last time... We shouldn't have strayed into the realms of pseudo-science. I'm glad it didn't sour your interpretation of the society though."

"I doubt they would try killing us if we have permission to study what knowledge is kept there, unless we of course access things they don't allow us to... They might not let us make copies or write notes, though, I guess? Oral knowledge can be ... unreliable over generations."

“It shall be done, First Seeker. No questions.” says Oddman, from his corner.

Responding to Ceolor, Royo says, "Ah yes. Your teammates Medrick and Tamon were... ...not exactly bright, shining examples of the best the society has to offer, were they? Discussing newspapers when it was obvious they hadn't previously laid eyes on one then implying I'm an alley rat! But in aggregate, you all showed some appreciation of knowledge and academia so never you mind. Best we all move on from that meeting."

Turning his attention to Oda and Altorin, Royo replies, "That is some astute, out-of-the-box thinking that I can appreciate. But don't worry. The Curators are interested in keeping unique copies of knowledge. As Ceolor surmised, so long as we do not attempt to record or make any other copies of said knowledge, there won't be any grievance caused."

Luwazi asks, "Any other questions?"

Hermena nods. "A trip to the library doesn't sound too hazardous. Is there anything the Curators may be looking for that would help us grease the wheels? A token of appreciation or service we could provide that would reflect well on the Society?"

Ceolor pauses for a moment and then asks, "I'm well aware this is probably something you wouldn't know, but do you think the Curators would mind if I used Athaeum as the inspiration for a setting in a holonovel? With names, dates, places and other pertinent, classified, or specific identifying information changed, of course."

Royo nods approvingly at Hermena's question, "Although I wouldn't use the words 'grease the wheels,' your thinking is certainly on the right track. Unfortunately, there is nothing readily attainable for this purpose.

"Due to their lawful nature, nothing is likely to sway them except perhaps something that furthers their mission - meaning offering some kind of unique knowledge."

Royo's mood darkens noticeably, "And to be blunt, even if we were in posession of some unique piece of knowledge, I would refuse to hand that over to the Curators. Knowledge is meant to be shared, contributed to, expanded upon. Not hoarded, locked away and forgotten."

Responding to Ceolor, Royo says, "As they are axiomites, I doubt the Curators will care. So long as your holonovel doesn't record any of their unique knowledge.

Royo then mutters under his breath, "Bah! Holonovels... Such soulless forms of media embraced by the masses. While superior in every way, I fear print is dead."

Woo! Touched a nerve there it seems! Ha! Last call for more questions, boon slotting and shopping! If not, we'll move on!

Ready to set sail, cap'n

Sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Ceolor gives a small grimace at the discounting of his profession. He pauses and then gives a small sigh. "Yes print is very nearly dead. I'd love to write a masterpiece, a classic, such as the TBig Batsby, Peace and War, The Profane Tragedy, or even something as minor as the more relatively recent Sophie's Decision! Hell, I even was able to leave Akiton based on my writing chops. But true novels don't pay the bills these days, but one day I hope I will have the time, leisure, and most importantly skill to write something truly worthy of putting into print."

Ready here!

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

[b]"These Curators sound like a pretentious and miserable lot but can't squander the opportunity over their poor methods, right Royo? Time for us to be off!"[/b Altorin says trying to cheer up the Ysoki as they prepare to head on the mission.

"And once you have it down in print, Ceolor, I'll be happy to read it.

"Nevertheless, let us be off!"

The party and Royo meet with Iteration-177 at one of Absalom Station’s many docks. The android welcomes you aboard their spacecraft, a sleek, golden-hued luxury vessel called the Diligent Forerunner. Iteration-177 greets you at the bottom of the ship’s ramp and escorts you to your rooms. Once you've settled in and dropped off your equipment, Iteration-177 requests your presence in the dining hall.

A long dining table, low to the ground, fills the center of the room. Dozens of colorful pillows surround the table, and two roughly human-sized individuals, each wearing black armor, sit cross-legged at the far end of the table. In the center of the table sits a strange technological device made of silver metal and curved glass.

“Everyone, please have a seat around the table. Our ship will be entering the Drift shortly,” Iteration-177 announces in a calm voice. “To keep us amused on our trip, I have made arrangements for a very special dinner. As a connoisseur of unusual sensations and experiences, I recently purchased a device from a deep-space trader. It is a pencibiter, which you see on the table before you. This most unique machine can transmute thoughts and psychic energy into food for consumption. I ask that each of you contribute one thought or memory to our feast for this evening, and in this way, we will get to know one another a little better.”

Iteration-177 goes on to introduce the two sitting individuals: Paralictor Kelria and Maralictor Loomarch, of the Hellknight Order of the Pyre. The two Hellknights and their small contingent of soldiers currently stationed in the ship’s quarters also have business on Athaeum. Iteration-177 explains that it’s fate that both organizations had business on the world when they did and that the android is eager to assist however they can.

Kelria slides back the visor of her helmet, revealing a stern-faced middle-aged vesk with dark-green scales accented by bright orange markings in swirling patterns that resemble fire. Loomarch, who sits next to Kelria, does not raise his visor, but if you take a good look at the Hellknight, you can see flames dancing behind the glass of the helmet, as if flame fills Loomarch’s entire suit.

Images revealed in the slides.

Iteration-177 passes around a fist-sized psychic node from the pencibiter, asking each of you to attach the node to your forehead and recall a powerful memory. Kelria, Loomarch and Royo all do so and the moment theye silently recall their memory, the pencibiter emits a flash and creates a colored disk about 1 foot in diameter.

Iteration-177 explains, "Each wafer-like disk has a unique taste determined by the memory implanted into it. Moreover, creatures that eat some of the disc can experience the memory in a distant way, as if they were remembering it as their own memory." Turning to you, he says, "Once everyone has contributed, I'll breaks apart the disks so that everyone can sample each one."

-----------------------------

Alrighty!! Time for each of you to contribute a memory! Unless you refuse....

Go ahead and describe to me a memory that your character would contribute. You wouldn't actually say it out loud IC to the NPCs, so you can describe your memory in OOC.

Based upon the memory you choose and your character's general personality, you'll receive one of four traits for this scenario:
• Choleric (PCs who chose an angry or violent memory)
• Melancholic (PCs who chose an analytical, wise, or quiet memory)
• Phlegmatic (PCs who chose a relaxed or peaceful memory)
• Sanguine (PCs who chose an active, enthusiastic, or social memory)

I'm not at liberty to say what impact the trait will have but if you prefer a particular trait, feel free to share a memory that fits with the trait and I'll assign that trait to your character accordingly.

And if you want to chat or otherwise RP with the NPCs present, feel free to engage!

Oddman sits next to Loomarch and uses the node.

Oddman remembers a small, grey and very bitter potato he used to consume while stranded on his unknown planet. He probably had to eat tens of thousands of the thing, due to impossibility of hunting down the local fauna - any of the grotesque creatures would kill him without effort - , and lack of other plants that weren’t straight out poisonous or murderous themselves. He called it “liferoot”. This would definitely go towards the choleric trait.

Hermena raises an eyebrow a the contraption as it's passed to her. "You've certainly got an interesting take on 'never-have-I-ever,' Iteration-177."

Hermena will share a memory of an asteroid she helped to terraform into a a creche world in the Diaspora, so other Sarcesians could raise families there. Successfully securing the site for her people gave her a brief period of immense relief and satisfaction, before her wanderlust brought her off to other worlds. This memory is likely Phlegmatic.

Oda excuses herself briefly. She returns to her room and changes armour sets, but only for the dinner.

Re-entering the room she wears Armiger Hellknight Plate. Approaching the Hellknights she salutes then signs.

I greet you great and wise knights.

Making her way to the pencibiter her face is tense as she rifles her memories.

Oda participated in Zo!'s program Live Exploration Extreme. Whilst on the show she had to deal with a camera constantly following her while she did her best to keep the team alive. Further compounding the issue there was a group of dwarves who just would not listen to reason. Choleric I think.

"Iteration, now this is a nice welcome. After dinner we should have a few games to play, who likes to gamble?" Altorin says enjoying the plush pillow he is sitting on before attaching the node.

The recent mission back home... Meeting other Starfinders was enjoyable but losing someone...someone I could have saved. I can't get it out of my head but I have to, I gotta take care of my new friend when I get back. That little Squox needs a pal, that is gonna be me from now on.

Ceolor settles down into one of the seats trying to stike up a conversation with the hellknights, as he thinks of what memory to bring up. After a moment, he drops a choice into the conversation. "Hrmm there are so many good memories I could bring up... But do you want something dark and depressing, but intense and probably something you've never experienced before, or would you rather a much happier/lighter memory?"

Iteration-177 replies to Hermena, Ah yes. You're referencing a drinking game. The comparison doesn't quite hold up. However, I do see the humor in your statement." Iteration-177's face is deadpan, expressing no humor. ;-P

-----------------

Upon seeing Oda return wearing Hellknight Plate, the two Hellknights in attendance take careful notice. "You believe in Hellknight tenets? Or do you possess this set of armor for purely utilitarian purposes?" asks Kelria.

-----------------

Iteration-177 replies to Altorin, Participating in such games is not my focus. However, I would be interested in observing any games played." The two Hellknights don't even grunt in response to Altorin's proposal. Looks like Hellknights are not big on gaming...

Altorin, unless you object, I'll go with assigning sanguine to you.

-----------------

Turning to Ceolor, Iteration-177 says, "The choice is yours. Whatever you'd like to contribute to the feast is what you should put in. It is not for me to dictate, but rather to observe."

I'll continue the scene but please go ahead and post up what memory you'd like to provide.

-----------------

Iteration-177 breaks apart the disks that have been formed and hands a piece of each disk to everyone at the table to taste. If you taste Royo, Kelria or Loomarch's disks, this is what you experience...

Sanguine sounds good to me!

Altorin seems interested in the fiery Hellknight's cookie.

Catching a glimpse of the memory his eyes widen for a moment as he tries to to stare into the armor of the once-kasatha.

Ceolor pauses as he contemplates what he could show these people, the day his uncle died from starvation because he was feeding his children enough for them to grow normally, the day he reached the top seller for a niche holonovel category before he decides on one specific memory. He pulls the estractor to his head and then relives the moment that changed his life.

Life was darker then, drabber by design, they hadn't had money to replace the lights recently, but also from the reality of life here. There were few places one could go from here but maybe down. There we few jobs, his family was lucky his father and mother worked, but they supported most of his extended family. He ate on a regular basis, better than he could say of others. School was interesting but the teacher spent more time controlling class than teaching. The books cousin Frade found on the info sphere for him was the only light in his life. Often at night literally as he read on his 15 Gen old comms. That morning started like any other, he'd stayed up late reading and was getting ready for school, having his 1/4 of a rations bar when Frade came barreling out of her room and dragged him to her hobbled together computer. "Remember that writing contest I made you sign up for? The one for an off planet secondary and maybe even undergraduate scholarship? Well... You won! They're sending you to a good school on Absalom Station! Congrats cousin!" His only reaction was to stand there, tears streaming down his face...

Oddman chews down the memory-waffles, comments nothing.

Nice one Ceolor! As for the trait...I'm thinking melancholic?

Loomarch notices Altorin's keen interest and speaks up in an obviously excited tone, "I'm actually not the kasatha you saw within my memory. Years ago, that kasatha Hellknight you saw in my memories attempted a not-so-simple ritual to summon a devil. Mistakes were made. He summoned me, Loomarch. Yes, that's right. I'm a devil. That Hellknight's failed casting caused him and I to switch places - he transported to Hell and I bound to the Material Plane inside this set of Hellknight armor.

"Quite fortuitously, I found myself surrounded by Hellknights from the Order of the Pyre, whom I myself follow. And so here I remain, serving in that banished Hellknight's place. I have found myself infused with purpose and vigor like never before!"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Oddman just stares at his plate, not noticing anything, and failing to engage in the conversation.

Oda takes her comm unit and begins to type.

I am an Armiger in the Order of the Chain. I have progressed some way in my training but can not yet claim the full title of Knight.

Oda tries all of the disks. Upon trying Kelria's her face briefly forms into a small smile of satisfaction. Trying Loomarch's disk her face remains neutral but there is a small relaxation in her chest as she feels the freedom and recalls her own liberation. Royo's disk is not to her taste and her face shows chagrin after trying it.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Hermena rolls her eyes at Iteration-177's humorless answer before fixing her gaze on Loomarch. "You're certainly a long way from home. What is it about the Order of the Pyre that you find so... invigorating? And should I be alarmed that our current goals align with a literal servant of Hell?"

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Altorin frowns at the welds but understands what it means to take a risk, "Unfortunate for them but I suppose that was the gamble they took."

He grows quieter as the others talk.

Nice one Ceolor! As for the trait...I'm thinking melancholic?

Works for me!

Kelria replies to Oda, "I see. Then I bid you strength as you train. The path of a Hellknight, though noble and righteous, is not an easy one as I'm certain you've already discovered. Should you wish to discuss this path further, Loomarch and myself can make ourselves available after this evening's meal."

"Yes! There is no greater calling than the maintenance of law and order by any means necessary! chimes in Loomarch.

Loomarch then corrects Hermena, "I'm not a servant of Hell... Hell is merely the plane of existence from where I originate. Saying I'm a servant of Hell is equivalent to calling you a servant of the Material Plane. But make no mistake, I'm a servant to the Order of the Pyre. Invigorating? How can one NOT be invigorated by serving a righteous cause, smiting down blasphemers and those opposed to the rule of LAW!!!"

Iteration-177 interjects, "I'll also point out, Hermena, that your goals and the distinguished Hellknights' goals are not necessarily aligned. The only alignment is that you both have business on Athaeum and I happened to be in a position to provide transport."

Turning to Kelria, Iteration-177 asks a question, "Kelria, please, tell us. What does your shared memory mean?? What were those flames?"

Kelria says, "In my youth, as a citizen of the Veskarium, I naively found myself enraptured by the foreign philosophy of Sangpotshi. Seeking further enlightenment, I traveld to the Pact Worlds. However, a series
of... events in the Pact Worlds opened my eyes and revealed the foolish path I was on. Upon seeing the truth, I renounced Sangpotshi and am now on a righteous path devoted entirely to the Order of the Pyre. Those flames purified me of my past heresies. Further questions about my past are not welcome."

I'll move forward with wrapping up dinner but if anyone would like to continue interacting with the NPCs over dinner, please do so and we can continue that interaction retroactively.

Iteration-177 continues asking questions of your memories, obviously enjoying hearing about your past and whatever you are willing to share. At the conclusion of the meal, Iteration-177 thanks all attendees for humoring their unique dinner request.

In a show of appreciation, Iteration-177 provides to you a collection of exotic lotions, oils, and spices from their personal collection. In total, the rare collector items are worth 1,000 credits. Two mk 2 serums of healing and a mk 2 ring of resistance are nestled in along with these offerings.

I'll pause here for a bit in case anyone would like post more or take any other actions. Then I'll proceed with moving us along to Athaeum!

Oddman envelops the collection in some cloth before placing it in his backpack - unless someone wants to take a fancy bath using some of the items.

Then he nods to Iteration-177 and the hellknights, before returning to his quarters.

Finding loot in scenarios is so bizarre. Perhaps we'll be able to trade the exotic "stuff" in Atheum somehow - considering whom it came from, there might be some hidden meaning - or the Curators just prefer to deal with good smelling people

Anyone wants to carry the serums on themselves, or equip the ring?

Yah, funny how such loot is inserted into scenarios. In the end though, it just all contributes to the creds earned on the chronicle sheet. <shrug>

Following a brief stop, the Diligent Forerunner drops out of the Drift. Through the windows of the spacecraft, you can see an empty expanse of space, into which a planet suddenly appears, crackling with arcs of ivory energy. Iteration-177 addresses everyone over the speaker system and ushers the party, Royo, and the Hellknights into a spacious shuttle, which departs for the planet immediately. Most of the surface of Athaeum is spotted with vine-covered stone domes and towers, creating the impression that the ship is landing in some ancient and long forgotten city. Many of the city’s buildings incorporate massive gears and timekeeping devices, each slowly winding with inscrutable purpose.

A nearby cracked stone pavilion is visible from outside the shuttle windows, nestled between towering skyscrapers. A stone door slides open in one of the nearby vine-covered towers, and three clouds of glowing, crystalline dust emerge. These clouds float and form into a series of formulae and mathematical symbols in midair before suddenly coalescing into the image of three elven humanoids that patiently wait for the shuttle to land.

The first humanoid approaches the party and leads you away from the shuttle. The second humanoid greets Iteration-177, and the third meets with the Hellknights. The humanoid greeting the party politely conveys the following information while he leads you inside.

“Greetings, esteemed guests from the Starfinder Society. I am Albryan, and I am tasked with guiding you to the Towers of Recondite Lore, where the information you requested resides. Before I do so, I would like to remind of the rules of research on Athaeum. All the information stored on Athaeum is unique. Visitors are welcome to read from our manuscripts, but copying or recording them in any way is forbidden. Should you choose to reproduce any acquired knowledge after leaving Athaeum, know that you do so at your own risk. We Curators will actively punish such transgressions. Know that there is no corner of the cosmos safe from us.

“Additionally, violence against the Curators or other visitors is strictly prohibited. Finally, visitors to the libraries will be charged a substantial research fee. Fortuitously for you, during our recent shift to this corner of the universe, Athaeum passed through a dangerous energy field that has greatly damaged our systems. We are correcting the problems, but our resources are spread thin. We have flagged two issues in the specific tower you are traveling to. If you can deal with these problems, we are prepared to greatly reduce our usual fee.”

Image revealed in slides.

Royo exclaims excitedly, "Why yes! We'll certainly render any assistance possible, especially if this results in lower fees. Right...????" Royo's last word is directed straight towards you, the Starfinder party.

Alrighty! Another pause here for you to say anything, ask questions, etc. Or perhaps to rewind back to the scene earlier on the ship.

Oddman nods towards Royo, happy to be of assistance to the society in any way possible.

Ceolor looks at the humanoid, thinking about that his experiences muct be like as an outsider, one of pure logic at that, being here. He does pipe up afterwards and state before asking, "Be glad to fix anything that might be causing problems to the unique data here... Please tell me you do have backups somewhere right? Because otherwise it'd be extremely reckless for you to move the place and have any problems that could interfere with any of the knowledge stored here... Also, if I may ask a question, what is the stance on people with problems accessing the data in the current formats. For example a blind person? And I know you don't want us reproducing any of the data here away from here, but may we take notes while here and the dispose of them when we leave? There would be reproduction but it would never leave here,and thus the data here would be unique, but not singular. "

Wouldn't mind shoring up my Reflex for the scenario. The serums can be held by someone else as I can heal myself with actions in combat if necessary.

Altorin eyes the ring with a cheesy smile when they are given the gifts.

"You treat us so well, Iteration. Thank you."

---

"Curator Albyran, it is a pleasure to meet you and have this opportunity. We will provide any assistance we can as payment for your graciousness." he says with a deep bow, his shaggy fur flopping down over his face.

He lifts up and continues speaking, "Perhaps we should tend to these issues first. What is it that we can help with?" he queries.

Replying to Ceolor and Altorin, Albyran says, "No, backups are not permitted. Our mission is to maintain one, unique copy. Backups would violate the primary mission. Loss of information, although regretable, does not allow us to violate our primary mission. Additionally, visitors' inability to consume information is also not our concern. If an individual is blind and cannot read written text, then that individual will simply be unable to access any written knowledge unless assisted by others.

“Second, a special ksarik specimen named Vindurth has escaped from its cage in the tower. We captured an ancestor of Vindurth some years ago on the planet Castrovel because the hide of the beast was covered with indecipherable runes. Since then we have bred several generations from the beast, of which Vindurth is the most recent. Each has produced a new series of runes for us to record. Although relatively tame, Vindurth become dangerous if allowed to wander free. If possible, find a way to bring the ksarik back to its cage.”

As Albryan speaks, he escorts you to the far side of the plaza, where a stone shuttle attached to magically powered stone rails awaits. He explains that the shuttle will transport you to the Towers of Recondite Lore. Once there, you should seek out the Tower of the Oma; the top floor of this tower holds Athaeum’s information vault on the Scoured Stars. Normally Albryan would accompany you on your visit, but due to the crisis with Athaeum’s systems, his presence is required elsewhere.

As the you move to enter the shuttle, you notice that Iteration-177 and the Hellknight group each board shuttles of their own on the other side of the plaza. Iteration-177 seems to be on cordial terms with their Curator emissary. Kelria is gesturing angrily and berating her emissary while flanked by a contingent of her soldiers led by Loomarch.

The shuttle whisks you across the surface of Athaeum for roughly 15 minutes before stopping at the feet of the Towers of Recondite Lore. There are nearly two dozen towers in all, each named after a different magical beast and filled with individual vaults of unusual lore. Hundreds of bridges connect the towers at varying heights, meaning you can move from tower to tower without ever touching the ground, if you wish.

The Tower of the Oma lies near the center of the Towers of Recondite Lore. This soaring 40-story-tall structure is made of black, glassy stone lined with beautifully carved frescoes. Eight bridges lead to the tower, each at different heights, and four looming archways allow visitors to enter the tower.

A strange, creeping ivy fills the first floor and crawls 100 feet up the sides of the tower. This dark-red ivy feels fleshy to the touch.

Going to take yet another pause here to allow folks to speak with Albryan further or take any other actions. If you'd like to take any retroactive actions before boarding the shuttle, that's fine - go ahead and post it up!

"I am suprised to hear there are living items with your repository. Also, suddenly more at ease with not being unique myself." Altorin chuckles nervously after the explanation of the krisarik. After that he is ready to get away from the Curators and into the familiar arms of creatures or constructs that openly want to harm him.

"Anyone know what this stuff is?" he ask about the ivy.

Life Science: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Oddman can't remember seeing it before.

Hermena slowly nods as Albryan explains the situation. "And here I thought bringing weapons to a library might be problematic. Is the hard drive of a ruined security robot sufficient for 'recovering a copy of the virus,' or is there special care or a unique container we need to use?"

Life Science: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Hermena shrugs at Altorin's question. "Nothing like that grows on Nakondis, and we're lucky to get moss on Diasporan creche worlds. I'm not familiar with anything that verdant."

"No, backups are not permitted. Our mission is to maintain one, unique copy. ...

Ceolor nods and gives a small sigh. "Ah, you are using unique in that context. I was hoping you meant it in a 'unique to this place' versus a 'singularly unique' version."

"I am suprised to hear there are living items with your repository. Also, suddenly more at ease with not being unique myself." Altorin chuckles nervously after the explanation of the krisarik. After that he is ready to get away from the Curators and into the familiar arms of creatures or constructs that openly want to harm him.

Ceolor looks over at the Curator and adds, "I would certainly hope that this collection wouldn't hold sentient creatures, unless the creature agreed to it and was treated very well."

=============

Ceolor strides up to the tower and looks over the ivy curious but also not a clue as to what it could be. "Odd colors here! But it's an interesting plant. I wonder what makes it unique."

Responding to Hermena, "Once the lore wardens are disabled, you'll have a limited amount of time to recover the virus. Depending upon your skill level and preference, you may wish to download the virus to one of your own technological devices. If you do this, I advise keeping this device off until you can bring it back to us for virus extraction. Or you can remove the lore warden hard drive and attach it to a power source - typically a battery. And as a final suggestion, you can attempt to remove the hard drive and the lore warden's power source together. Perhaps you may have other means at your disposal? Please use whatever resources you may have on hand."

No response is given to Ceolor's remark about sentient creatures...

You're told the lore wardens are closest, and so you proceed up the tower of Oma. On the way up, you travel through many rooms, some with interesting oddities:

Oddman moves to the south and after the glass containers. He tosses his trident at the purple lore warden.

Cold Iron Trident vs. KAC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17
Piercing damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13

Does the extra bonus from the boon applies only the boon holder, or to the whole party?

Altorin lets out an uncharacteristic growl as they move past the chained golden dragon. Furthering his doubts about these Curators.

"I don't believe a dragon would be here willingly, much less chained." he muses as they ascend.

---

Altorin chuckles at the wild insults before they get to him, the he just shakes his head.

Move.
Standard: Attack Red.

Hindering Xenolash: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
Damage (A & S): 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 = 9 +Entangle (DC 14 Acrobatics/DC 19 Break)