The others see Istilnar stumble slightly and then any who have telepathic abilities hear a psychic scream as the bug drops from the mystic, writhing in the sand before becoming unnaturally still.
Bordle has a look of concentration as they reach into nothing and then flick their wrist, sending piercing needles into the two bugs that remain attached.
Arboreal, with sight newly returned, takes precise action, removing the life from the bug that was on Jyskos while leaving it mostly intact. They then strategically move to where they can easily access the one still alive on the ground.
Perhaps it is his attempt not to hit his teammate, but despite some fancy moves, Jyskos fails to connect with his target and the bug attached to Farsurrwag remains where it is.
Noting that Arboreal no longer needs her assistance, ZeeZee turns her attention to the bug on the ground, successfully shooting it.
Istilinar feels the bug attempt to dig in deeper but fail. ZeeZee watches the one on the ground try again to attach, also without success.
Jyskos moves, pulls out his pistol and Trick Attacks Green.
[dice=Trick Attack on Green]1d20+15
CR 11 and below is flat-footed[dice=Diffraction Perforator Pistol vs Green EAC]1d20+5
[dice=Sonic Damage and Trick Attack Damage]1d4+1d4
After much frantic activity, the Starfinders look to see four dead bugs, some squashed beyond recognition.
Having identified these as creatures of the Swarm which they know is an insectoid swarm driven by a need to consume all things, that destroys worlds, manipulates the genes of the conquered, and moves on to continue feeding; some recall that it once threatened the Pact Worlds and a joint effort between them and their former enemies, the Veskarium, repelled the Swarm. In their reality, the Swarm still exists but is not currently considered an immediate threat.
A short way ahead lies the ruins. Crumbling walls and shattered archways provide much-needed shelter from the unrelenting sun. The smashed structures of concrete and steel could have once been businesses, residences, or even temples, but any identifying features have long since been scoured away by sand and sun.
You are able to recognize the few intact structures as Qabarat landmarks
The broken road leads to a series of expansive hangars alongside dusty landing pads. Only a few broken down, rusted ships remain, covered by sand and dirt. The hangar doors are caved in or broken down. All that remains of what could have once been a bustling spaceport is a faded sign on the wall.
As the team approach the sign, Farsurrwag identifies the city as one that in his world is a prominent spaceport on the jungle planet of Castrovel.
Istilnar notes the sign seems to be in common but the sand covering it obliterates what it actually says.
Jyskos calls a halt to their approach when he identifies a slight depression in the sand just before the wall on which the sign is attached. It looks like a potential sinkhole or trap.
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Jyskos calls a halt to the approach. "Look, there is a slight depression in the sand, anyone got Engineering? Or are we doing the old Face-Check method I saw others make Orcs do back on Apostae?"
"The ground isn't the only one depressed by this bleak scene," notes Farsurrwag. "Can't we just toss a rock on it or some such? That should expose the trap and let us walk around it."
"As for the sign," he continues. "Its placement suggests its probably a sign of welcome--though this place looks far from welcoming, indeed, if you ask me--especially given what we know about where we are."
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"Well, I'm not a rock but I'm sturdy like a nicely aged tree. I can see what happens. Hopefully it doesn't send me through a portal or something. Stand back!"
The ghoran waits a few beats for the rest of the group to step away before rushing forward and jumping on the pressure plate.
The team works together to trigger the sinkhole so they know where to safely step as they approach the sign. Once they reach it and clear away the sand, it confirms the previous observations and conclusions with its jaunty greeting. "Welcome to Qabarat! Enjoy your stay!"
With not much to enjoy except the protection from the extreme heat, the Starfinders explore the ruined city further, only to find no signs of life or inhabitance. The streets are blasted by the desert wind and covered in loose sand, only junk and rubble litter the floors of the broken buildings.
Eventually, they activate the silver clockwork key and return to the Fairweather Foe to report back to Venture-Captain Hilo Beruta. He listens to their words with growing concern, distressed by the revelation that in that other reality, the Swarm vanquished the Pact Worlds. He thanks them and sends them for a well-earned rest, suggesting another adventure may be available shortly.
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Arboreal, still being accustomed to just living unperturbed in the forest, has spent their time between missions trying to understand how apartments and rentals work in Absalom Station to little avail. The Starfinders have finally stepped in and gotten them to sign on for a small studio in which they stay, but even so most of their off time is spent in Jatembe park taking walks and exploring until someone informs them they need to go home for the evening.
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Bordle also enjoys swimming and diving so when she is not swimming through numbers she's swimming through water, partially to keep fit but mostly because it's fun. Nightclubbing is also on her list of fun things to do which she usually does in the company of her halfling girlfriend.
She has the contact details of the other Starfinders as well as ensuring they have hers so, she can help Arboreal if they need it.
Arboreal, Bordle, Farsurrwag, Istilnar, Jyskos, and ZeeZee find themselves in each other's company once again as they enjoy they respond to their instructions to report to Venture-Captain Hilo Beruta aboard their mobile lodge, the Fairweather Foe.
Upon arrival, they are informed that the venture-captain extends an invitation to join them in the main conference room. They stow their gear then head toward the conference room, as expected.
The damai venture-captain sits gazing at a complex device situated on a pedestal in the middle of the room. He looks up at the swish of the door opening, his grey skin slightly flushed and his face alight with curiosity.
“Welcome Starfinders! What a wonderful group of familiar faces. Thank you, for joining me today and agreeing to further participate in this important research. I hope you’re prepared for anything, as I have no idea where Myrrium may transport you. Isn’t it exciting? Remember, you are to observe, document, and return to report your findings. Your safety is a priority.” With the last statement, Hilo reaches forward and opens a compartment in the golden base of the artifact, withdrawing a tiny clockwork device.
“I am sure you recall, this is the key you need to return. Don’t lose it.” Hilo first holds it up to demonstrate. “When you’re ready, one of you should touch the key again and think of this location to facilitate your return. It’s possible Myrrium could transport you elsewhere once you’re attuned, but without more information about the safety of that method of travel, I recommend you do not experiment.” He hands over the key with a wistful smile.
Hilo reaches toward the device again, and several golden arms radiate out from the base. As they do, the celestial bodies of the orrery move into alignment. “To begin the activation, insert the key into the orrery. To make sure you all wind up in the same place, be sure you each grab one of these levels and push down on it. I’ll see you back here soon.”
The venture-captain obviously pauses, looking enquiringly at the team, giving them an opportunity to ask last-minute questions or add anything to the conversation.
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After what I have experienced Venture Captain, I can understand your enthusiasm for this device and wanting to travel. I hope you get the chance to do so ... even if you have to use vacation time to do so. Even a Venture Captain has to have a break sometime.
She puts her paw on the device ready to press down on it. Let us hope we are not transported to another apocalyptic wasteland though. After the last one, I intend to vacation on Castroval.
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Jyskos usually spends his time searching for Pirates and learning the routes/attacks etc that have taken place, mapping routes and going to hunt his former crewmates and bring them to justice. He has an apartment and he has black out shutters so it can be nice and dark like his home planet if he wishes, although usually it's just shaded from direct sunlight as best as he can.
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Jyskos looks at Bordle, "I agree, that much sun is horribly bad for me, I needed some time in the darkness just to recover!"
"Let's press it and find out!"
Once each member of the team is in place and ready, they activate the device.
When the arms are depressed, the orrery whirls, and a lavender light appears at its centre. The light becomes overwhelmingly bright before everything momentarily goes black. As equilibrium and vision return, the conference room is replaced by a grassy meadow at the base of a hill near a curved dirt path. Sounds of activity rise from the other side of the verdant hill.
By now the Starfinders expect a transformation in appearance and begin their assessments of where they may be based on how Myrrium has “dressed” them. This occasion marks the greatest changes, especially for some of the team. Most appear as human, all are dressed in archaic clothing harking back to earlier times on lost Golarion.
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Yeek Bordle exclaims. Where's my fur? I'm naked ... no wait .. clothes ... looks like some sort of blue wizard robes with yellow trim, and I'm carrying this staff with a knob on the end. I swear that Myrrium has a sense of humour cause these robes make me look so gay. No wait ... I AM gay. Still I guess I can look good in twill
She looks like a short human or a tall halfling.
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Arboreal steps out into the scene. They look like a human with long dreads replacing their usual vine "hair" but to keep true to their plant-like heritage a flower crown seems to have been placed on top of their head. Their outfit does seem a better fit than the previous, however. A pair of short capri pants cover their legs and they are wearing a well worn chest plate armor piece made of leather as well as a hefty pair of gloves.
"I'm a human? Hmmmmm.... not sure how to feel about that. Though I do like that the Myrrium thing didn't give me shoes. Oh if only armor didn't require us to wear boots I'd run around like this all the time!"
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Farsurrwag catches a glimpse of his new form and attire. A flurry of bright, green hair hangs over an purple cloak that hides a vest filled with pouches and loops sporting an array of vials and alchemical tools.
"Why, that's a Bleachling of a Different Color!" cackles the gnome as he admires his altered appearance. "I wonder if I could also come in pink!"
While examining their appearances, and coming to terms with the changes, several of the team members begin to identify aspects of magic used in the illusion, while others gain a deep sense of support and encouragement, as if an entity is watching and guiding them.
With a clatter of noise and the sound of friendly voices to guide them, it is easy to determine the direction to investigate on this new world.
The Starfinders easily reach the top of the hill and observe the scene below. A raucous explosion of color assaults the eye as pavilions, banners, pennants, and clothing in a variety of bright colors swirl and flap in the gentle breeze. A village dominated by one extensive structure sits next to a large field bustling with activity. From this distance they see a wooden barrier in an open square in front of a gallery, another open area where several people are sparring with light melee weapons, a long alley defined by hay bales with targets at one end, a corral with horses, and an assortment of pavilions, people, and animals.