Voyage of the Isaac Asimov

Game Master EltonJ

There are no prepared casters in Starfinder. We are all spontaneous. So no preparing after the fact! Magic has taken a back seat a bit.

"Yes, a translation into Aklo would be good"

6 also walks closer to these rings and looks them over. Curious if they are mystical or technological, or some hybrid.

is there a roll to learn about these rings?

Yes! Roll mysticism.

Also not understanding the language 6 projects to their companion, "Anyone else understand this? Probably a forsight not to have Elvish ready to understand. Might need to look into technomagic that will help"

The technomagical spell Comprehend Languages would help here.

I know M has all the languages (and thanks for the vote of confidence), but she doesn't actually have all of them yet ;P

BTW, do prepared casters have the ability to prepare spells later in the day if they take a (usually very long) break to do it?

M frowns.
"Oversight. I concur. I doubt they'd let us disassemble their rings. 'Sacred ruins' and all that..."

M gives in to her curiosity and begins spinning the other rings to hear each in turn.

Prepared casters have the ability to prepare spells later in the day after a long rest.

Spinning another ring reveals the following. In elvish, this time a male base voice:
"I am the last of the prophets. While some elves have left this planet for their native home, I stayed behind to watch the elves burn it all. They used their atomic weapons to destroy each other. And now one third of all the elves on this planet are gone. I am in a cave, and I lament the loss of my people. Some survivors took to the surface and returned to a state of degeneracy so as the destruction won't happen again. Other survivors went underground, and they were dark."

Yea I figured Comprehend Languages would work, but there are no prepared casters in Starfinder. So since I don't know that spell there is no way to learn it for the day. There is also no way to make a spell gem without already knowing the spell. Will need to think about it on level up. Magic is a lot more limited.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Yea I figured Comprehend Languages would work, but there are no prepared casters in Starfinder. So since I don't know that spell there is no way to learn it for the day. There is also no way to make a spell gem without already knowing the spell. Will need to think about it on level up. Magic is a lot more limited.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

You can't figure out the rings yet. Perhaps if you took ten or twenty?

While others are talking, 6 would try to look closer at these rings. Taking their time to look it over.

Detect magic cast, as well as take 10. Would take 20, but don't want to mess with them directly to cause a cultural incident

While others are talking, 6 would try to look closer at these rings. Taking their time to look it over.

Detect magic cast, as well as take 10. Would take 20, but don't want to mess with them directly to cause a cultural incident

They are hybrid items, of both technology and magic. They will only work in the bowls however. There's nothing unusual, and they seem to be made of steel.

Bump!
AX stands in a corner, occasionally fiddling with a setting on Betty, but otherwise still. The android does not seem to be paying much attention.

Apologies for lack of posting; next week should be much better

Raloveg walks up to the bowls, intrigued by the power of the rings, he walks around them without touching, staying at a certain distance.

"Those artifacts are intriguing." he finally says. "Perhaps it is The Light that is speaking through them?" The Vesk falls back into a contemplative silence, trying to figure out the magic behind the rings.

Gonna try a Mysticism take 10 as well, for a total of 19

Using her Comm Unit to record and transmit it to the Ships Database, Alyson reluctantly approaches the bowl, and twirls the last ring of the first bowl, half expecting to be struck down by lightning or something similarily dramatic.

While they had no means to understand what was said, it seemed sensible to gather as much information as possible - this was a place held sacred, and it seemed unclear if they would have easy access to it on subsequent visits - so recording whatever information was available seemed sensible.

There are 3 bowls with 5 rings each, by my count we listened to 4 so far, so there's one more ring for this bowl and then 2 more bowls. So lets see what happened next :) - also, degenerate surface dwellers and the dark underground ones gives me H.G.Wells "Time Machine"-vibes - luckily our ship should be too large to 'hide'.

There seemed little enough to do for the time being other than record the histories for later translation. Retri spent a bit of time in thought. They would have to consider just how they would square a settlement with the local population and their deliberate rejection of technology.

There was one obvious path, but Retri didn't think it would be fair to ask the settlers to give up their own technology. It had significant benefits for a civilisation after all, even if things had gone horribly wrong here.

The prophets who left before it all went pear-shaped out me in mind of the Craftworld Eldar from 40K

Apologies for lack of posting; next week should be much better

Raloveg walks up to the bowls, intrigued by the power of the rings, he walks around them without touching, staying at a certain distance.

"Those artifacts are intriguing." he finally says. "Perhaps it is The Light that is speaking through them?" The Vesk falls back into a contemplative silence, trying to figure out the magic behind the rings.

Gonna try a Mysticism take 10 as well, for a total of 19

They are hybrid items, a hybrid of magic and technology. They are made of steel, that much is for certain. Most of the magic is in the bowl. They require each other to work. When twirled on the bowl, the bowl makes the sound for each ring. In someways, the bowl is like a computer. In other ways, the bowl is like a stereo.

Using her Comm Unit to record and transmit it to the Ships Database, Alyson reluctantly approaches the bowl, and twirls the last ring of the first bowl, half expecting to be struck down by lightning or something similarily dramatic.

While they had no means to understand what was said, it seemed sensible to gather as much information as possible - this was a place held sacred, and it seemed unclear if they would have easy access to it on subsequent visits - so recording whatever information was available seemed sensible.

There are 3 bowls with 5 rings each, by my count we listened to 4 so far, so there's one more ring for this bowl and then 2 more bowls. So lets see what happened next :) - also, degenerate surface dwellers and the dark underground ones gives me H.G.Wells "Time Machine"-vibes - luckily our ship should be too large to 'hide'.

Another man's voice, soulful this time: "I speak as to what happened after the nuclear apocalypse. Many elves died. Those that survived -- some went underground and they were dark in complexion. Those that stayed on the surface were light in complexion. Although some elves miraculously made it through the fallout, most did not. As a decision was made, the elves on the surface would eschew technology, so this won't happen again."

You all get 250 XP.

The prophets who left before it all went pear-shaped out me in mind of the Craftworld Eldar from 40K

Hmm, something to think on later.

Looking over the devices "These are fascinating. Sadly we do not understand the language spoken. Would you be willing to convert it to the common language we speak?"

Thinking a second.

"On that note. I learned this tough while researching some more obscure technology. How do you, and your people, know Aklo? It is known to be a language of strange beasts and of dark lands. How are you taught?"

"I learned Aklo from the dark ones."

With a blank bug eyed stair "The Dark Ones.. Do they maintain their grasp on technology of your ancestors? Do you communicate and trade with these dark, underground, individuals? Before we make any decisions, we would like to meet any possible groups we might end up interacting with."

Looking to the group "I hope I did not overstep my parameters by asking this. We should meet these Dark Ones as well."

"The Dark Ones..." says Raloveg cautiously, as if testing the word. "Hardly seems safe to contact such entities... Though I must admit I do wonder what they might be. Where The Light shines, there must be shadows."

Nodding "Yes, an underground society filled with people who speak Aklo does not seem the most positive. Though, if we are have some of our ship move here, we should know as much of the dangers as possible. And maybe more importantly, they may have technology to help the ship as well as any future residence here."

Touching their gun, "But we can be careful during this meeting, if they agree to introduce us."

"I could introduce you, if you want."

"So, what did he say? Do the dark ones still use Tech?", Alyson inquired of her comrades.

"Please do." M replies in Aklo.

Then, in common, she says to the others "He'll introduce us to these 'Dark Ones'. He didn't mention anything about tech... just that they are from whom he learned his Aklo. I wonder why they're called dark. Think they're brown like me?"

"They are brown," said the elf in Aklo. "They are also dangerous. I barely escaped them after they taught me their language."

"Oh joy." There is no trace of humor in the android's voice.

Alyson raises an eyebrow:"Did you translate that right? He 'escaped' them? And he's going to introduce us to them? That seems...contradictive - at the very least it will make things very interesting."

With a small buzzing sound "Maybe that isn't a good idea. Though I do feel we should learn more about these people. If people are to live here, they should know the dangers."

"Maybe we should report back. Check in with Team A. Our superiors should know the dangers and we can get feedback on how to proceed."

Ok sounds like a dangerous thing. Not something we can just talk to. I vote we head back to our ship, and report our findings. I don't believe we are the decision makers of the ship, so we should report to someone who is. Otherwise, techically the planet is habitable and there is room for them, according the elves. So our "mission" is complete, just need to let them know of the dangers. Doesn't make sense, for our role in this, to just go fight or talk to these dark elves (or whatever) without being told to

but combaaaaaat
Also, more importantly, we don't know how dangerous the dark ones are. Also, apparently they aren't purple xD

"When they see that we're well armed I'm sure they'll avoid fighting." M says as she follows after the elf. "What does the Captain think?" she adds, looking towards Retro.

Retri shook his head, "There's no sense in going off to a dangerous meeting without checking back in," he said, "And at the least sharing the histories we've recorded."

"We are going to have to find out about the dark ones if the colonists are going to be sharing a world with them. New arrivals might well disturb the peace."

I'd say that although we can't necessarily make final, binding decisions or agreements on behalf of the Asimov, we do have a fair amount of latitude when it comes to gathering information.

True.

"Aye aye captain."

Nodding to the group, then to our elf guide "I think we need to discuss this with our group. Do you mind if we step out and discuss. You have been kind with your knowledge sharing. Much appreciated"

When given a chance to walk away. 6 pulls out their comm unit and relays through the ship to Team A "Comms open. Team A, we wish to report and ping an idea off of you. What is your status?

You hear this response from Team A: "Watch out for kidnapping drones from old ruins. They like to use freezing guns."

M stares blankly at him for a moment, taking that in.
"Kidnapping drones. Understood. Thanks for the warning."

She then pulls her gun off of her back, runs a few diagnostics, and decides not to put it away immediately.

"Is it hammer time?"

"Kidnapping drones with freeze rays. Do you think our host could elaborate on that?"
Following Emeralds lead, Alyson unholsters her gun, first checking it, then loading a bullet, and keeping it in hand while leaving safety on.
"If they do use drones, that answers if they use technology. And if they do that, there's a good chance they know we are here. And if they assaulted Team A, I would assume they try to strike at us as well. We'd best stay on alert until we are back at the ship to run some more scans..."

Retri nodded, "What motivates the dark ones to try and capture people?" he asked, indicating to M to translate to their host, "Is it malice, or do they have a purpose to it?"

Surely there was some purpose at play here.

Retri nodded, "What motivates the dark ones to try and capture people?" he asked, indicating to M to translate to their host, "Is it malice, or do they have a purpose to it?"

Surely there was some purpose at play here.

"They tried to eat me."

"Hmm. Many of us ought to be fine then."

"How comforting," Retri said with mild irony.

"That doesn't exactly bode well for prospective colonists. Or put a positive spin on interactions with the rest of the elves."

Eat? Wow noice xD
Reminds me of a movie that had an ancient library with book-shaped dust piles...

Without bothering to translate the group's concerns over the alleged cannibalism, M responds.
"Indeed. Depending on the armaments of those below, we might suggest saving the surface elves followed by orbital bombardment or advise against settling on this world."

M turns her attention to her built-in comm unit, wondering when the reply from team A will come.
I hope we don't need to start a rescue mission too...

"Kidnaping drones? Why would they teach that elf Aklo if they wish to eat him, and his kin. Well as far as I can tell this planet would be a great place to settle, except for the underground race of people who wish to eat the surface dwellers"

Pointing down "If they have language, and are willing to teach it to at least one elf, they might be willing to work out a trade deal. We provide meats on the surface, as in life stock, and they can trade their technology. If all they want is to eat us, and have no sense of morality at all.. This planet might not be the right choice."

With a wide gesture "Orbital Bombardment might be a bit much, and might not actually accomplish what we wish. They lived through a huge transition of power, deep under ground. Without knowing we have rooted them out of every whole, there is a lot of places to hide inside a planet surface. In fact, we have no idea how many there are! I say we either get out of here, or try to talk to these Dark Folk. More information is needed"

6 sais all this with a very dead pan expression. While still looking along the horizon for any drone.

"How about biological warfare? We don't WANT the planet vitrified...just that threat gone.", Alyson suggests meakly.

vitrified is such a beautiful word, haha

"Half of us are biological. Why don't we go, then?" M says, following the elf to... wherever he expects to introduce us.

"I don't think that will be a good idea," said the elf. "There is one place in the ruins we don't go, and it's a cave. An entrance into their world."

Raloveg raises his hands as talks of orbital bombardment and chemical warfare come up.

"Come now! It is hardly appropriate to speak of violence just yet. We barely even have information about those creatures, and should I remind you, we are guests here. Unprovoked shows of violence are out of the question."

The Vesk paces around for a while before adding, with a slightly concerned tone: "I do not like this one bit, but I must admit we do have to gather information about those Dark Ones. How are we to report to our superiors without such intel? It seems to me that the presence and nature of such creatures may well be a vital piece of information." He turns towards the elf, waiting for someone to translate his questions. "Maybe our host can enlighten us some more? What do they resemble? Are they enemies to the elves, or rather neighbors, or even partners? The relationship seems rather perplexing to me."

Retri nodded firmly, "We're getting well ahead of ourselves talking about war," he said, "And it's not something to consider lightly. War on a massive scale is how this world wound up in its current state to begin with, and more war is unlikely to improve matters."

Partners, as a rule, did not try to eat each other. Nevertheless, Retri was interested in an answer to Ravoleg's question. Their guide had struck him as remarkably sanguine about the situation.

Nodding "Agreed. My thoughts are we need to either learn what we can from them, maybe come up with a balance, or we need to return with our suggestions to not relocated a colony. If the ship wants to return with a military force, that is their decision. Our job is to learn what we can, and return with that info. We can take care of oursevles, but we are not here to bombard the planet."

Turning to the elves "I think we need a chance to meet these Dark Ones and learn what we can first hand. We need to return to our ship with full load of information."

"Biological. A selective, tailored response. And I meant in case they posed a danger. I, I know we need to learn more first. But this is good land despite the wars...it's why it was surveyed as a potential colony site. So if there is cannibalism, it's cultural, and I'd expect one-sided. So if there is indeed a race of tech-wielding underground guys happily eating sentient beings, then maybe we should consider stepping in before they take to the stars and start diversifying their appetites - I mean, we are considering placing colonists here, we're already meddling with the cultural evolution of the natives. But yeah, we need to learn more. Maybe ask our host again about more details? As was pointed out, there's usually little use in teaching your prisoner your language before eating them, unless he was a prisoner a long time, and supposed to be consumed in some form of ritual. Maybe he was even allowed to move freely - I read about some forms of that in ancient books. Like, without the eating but that's just a cherry on top." Alyson defends herself, then pushes for more info.

After trying to decide what to do, you see them come out of the cave. Drones, robot drones. And they come in your direction. They look like elves, but they are made of rivets and steel.

Your host freezes in terror. These were the same drones that picked him up. The drones come in two, and have robot arms, levitation as a means of propulsion, and are armed with freeze rays. Their eyes, if you can identify them as eyes, glow green menacingly.

"Please, no, I like my freedom!" says your host in terror. The robot drones are painted white, in mockery. The drones close in on your position.

AX steps in front of the elf, and draws his hammer. Knowing full well that he cannot understand, he still says, "For your protection, I must request that you stay behind me." To his compatriots, "Normally, I would try and protect you all before all else, however I think our host takes priority, and I am unsure if I can sucessfully defend even one person against these. Do we stand our ground, or try to flee?."