"C'mon, let's go enjoy this! We did it!"
With the ratfolk neutralized, Rhoreen will smugly walk into the celebration. She will enjoy it for all it is worth. She had done it (with help from friends) as she knew she would. And she will celebrate with all the pride and smug that she can muster.
She will find the Clockfather in the midst of the madness to explain what had happened.
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Zzvkgrogk walks proudly with Rhoreen as they make their way to the Church.
Her turns to the gang.
”I mean to check in with Clockfather Kyte for a few minutes, and Dr. Professor Baine. I think Professor Baine is probably the best person here to know what to do with this android, and maybe he’s feeling better!”
”Then I want to check-in with Dolga, then maybe rest a bit before heading to the warehouse.”
He turns to Yambul.
”But Yambul, the law here is the Technique League. This Ratfolk here,” he gestures to his unconscious kin, ” is better off on his own, or even going back to the Rust Lords in Scrapwall. I’d rather he go back to Redtooth – and he might because I can’t imagine the Rust Lords or even Izzkvitgrk will be too pleased with his failure. Redtooth might not be too impressed either with his treacherous predelictions, but it is not for us or the Technique League to decide.”
”Besides,” he adds, ”if there is a rumor in Scrapwall that I am still around, it might be distracting enough for Redtooth to recover. Let’s question our captor, then let him free to decide what he wants to do.”
Yambul, headed for a drink, takes in all of Zzvkgrogk's plans, and realizes a break is not in his future. He sighs. "Sure, I'm OK with setting him free. I doubt we'll get any further information from the rat though."
"Heal him and let him loose. However, if we meet him again at the edge of a blade, I'm killing him. Fool me twice, shame on me. There won't be a third time."
He'll follow along with Zzvkgrogk to Kyte and Baine - helping to carry the android as needed.
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”Thanks, we'll go for a break after seeing ClockFather Kyte, unless you want to see Baine -- if he is up for it -- and/or Dolga first. Or what everyone else wants to do. Now stand over him, Yambul, and look threatening again please.”
He taps the renegade rodent kin with the wand until he is conscious again.
”Where do you think you were running to? You can’t go back to the Rust lords, and neither can Izzkvitgrk for that matter. You have not proven yourself worthy. No! Your best bet is to go seek out ClockMother, and hope she doesn’t skin you alive.”
”Did Izzkvigrk’s gang have a pact with the Skulks? What role does Garmen Ulreth have in all this?”
”Over what were the Skulks killed??”
If no one else has any questions, he nods to Yambul. ”Let him go.”
“And when you get to where ever you are going, remind them that Zzvkgrogk III fights in the name of Redtooth!”
~~~~
"ClockFather! It's true! Everything Calliope said! See?" He gestures at the android. "Thanks for carrying her, Chaance, Yambul." He turns back to ClockFather Kyte. "How is Dr. Professor Baine? Is he feeling any better? I, or some other finite subset of my gang here thought it was something he might want to look at -- but if he needs rest it might be best not to pester him with it." He looks at the inert android. "It's possible she's insane anyway."
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You pull the ratfolk to the nearby Crowfeather Palace to interrogate him more calmly. Here, Baine's strange-looking machinery fueled by both magic and tech, makes enough noise to muffle the interrogation while it purifies the waters from the Crowfeather Lake that gives name to the building.
It is weird to now know those fluids and minerals that until recently caused birth defects and strange afflictions are indeed pollutants coming out from the alien vessel you have found buried under Black Hill.
A single wand tap is enough to wake up the ratfolk "Argh! Ya' right sorry! What I am thinking..." the ratfolk seems both surprised to be alive and scared of everyone around "Oh, yes, I just thought ya' were to kill me"
"Ye-ye-yes, Meyanda payed da' skulks to keep anyone else from crossing into da' ruins' door." he gulps "I do not know who might have caused da' deaths of previous skulks, but I think Izzkvigrk was angry they failed to keep you away..."
"Garmen Ulreth? Is that da' t'oll human with da' goat beard?" the ratfolk grinds his teeth considering something, then looks up at Yambul "Meyanda payed him to guard a power relay. I did not get da' specifics but I think that was important to give Hellion da' energy he needs"
If/When allowed freedom, the ratfolk nods to Zzvkgrogk taking note of his proclamation, then runs away faster than possible for such small legs.
---
You find Joram Kyte at the doors of the temple of Brigh, observing the flames atop the hill while talking with some worshipers that are coming for guidance. The Clock Father receives you with open arms "Brigh be blessed, the miracle is done! You have brought the flames back!"
The man makes you go inside to talk more calmly but people crowd together to learn what has happened. After attentively listening you and placing some considerate questions about how you felt or what you need here and there, he concludes "You have done a great job, child" he looks at Rhoreen in particular with pride and smiles "This Hellion thing is worrying, but for now, I am relieved we are free from our work on the Stench Prevention Big Iron Can for Sorted Waste Disposal. Ah! Maybe I am even able to focus on taking care of Baine, I have heard he is still not feeling quite ok. Do you want to visit him with me now?"
Everyone is looking at Meyanda's body with mixture reactions of curiosity and distrust, but Kyte offers himself to bring her back to consciousness if you wish so.
"Oh, I'm so glad the SPBICSWD has been scrapped!" Rhoreen cheers, and is quite certain she could have come up with a better name.
"What do you think we should do with this...this...Meyanda?" Rhoreen asks Kyte. "I would like to visit Baine first, of course."
If given the chance, she will tell the story to Baine as well, presuming he is up for it.
Chaance gladdens when the group decides on consulting the Clockfather, if only to divest themselves of the android's quite literal burden. She's unsure the android will be as forthcoming as the ratfolk, given her deep soak in Hellion's mission.
"Be quick about it. We're a known quantity now, and Garmen knows of our success. Given his complicity, we should strike at his warehouse, this time without hesitation."
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Following along with everyone else and rather deep in thought, Rūha doesn't speak up during much of the proceedings, helping Chaance with the android's body in the back after the group is through the caves. Zzvkgrogk's plan once outside sounds like quite the good one.
Once the stray ysoki has been caught, she stands over the captive and watches him carefully for any signs that he might be dodging the questions Zzvkgrogk is asking or spinning some lies.
-----
With Kyte, Ruha nods "It is done, but it was no miracle. This android, Meyanda, had actively sabotaged the flame by manipulating some machinery deep underneath the town. All in the name of Hellion... do you know anything about a figure by that name? As for Meyanda, I would like to interview her. She would not be the first cultist I've asked questions to to get a first-hand account."
Rūha bring Meyanda to an empty room without any hazardous objects, and without any easy escape paths, and then sets her down somewhere comfortable before asking Kyte to resuscitate her. Ruha doesn't bind or otherwise restrain the woman - unarmed and lacking her holy symbol, she wasn't likely to be much of a threat. Plus it was easier to claim you had good intentions when the other party wasn't tied down.
She tracks down an inkpen, wooden board, and several sheets of parchment, all to jot down notes from the interview.
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Rhoreen seems intrigued by the approach offered by Ruha, her 4 armed giant help-friend.
"Yeah, can you tell me more about the altar that we saw down there? I don't think I understood it at all."
Diplomacy to aid
Rūha feels the ratfolk is intimidated by the group now and she feels no deception on him.
---
"It is certainly first time I hear about the name Hellion. But it could be we know that god by a different name, or it might be an obscure god from another culture unknown to us, or... perhaps a more intriguing idea... a new god..." Joram Kyte is up to further answer Rhoreen when Rūha comes up over Meyanda resolved. The priest tinkerer nods conducting the android to a small workshop and asking please if the apprentices there can move their works to other place.
When you are left alone, the old man raises his mask holy symbol channeling energy to heal all of your wounds, including Meyanda's.
The android looks up but her expression is emotionless, yet her silence points she is not as cocky as before. Upon Rūha's insistence she looks up in a neutral way "It is only logical to think Hellion is not as strong as I thought" she looks down at her free hands thoughtful "Why have you not killed me? I showed my resolve to end your sentient lives."
The android practically does not speak, in comparison to the heated proclaims done during your combat, she finally says a few more words when Rhoreen pushes forward "The altar we made. I used it to share with the other Lords of Rust the word of Hellion"
"He shares with me the hatred for all flesh based life. Your emotions make you weak, but also unpredictable and dangerous. Hellion has studied you through thousands of years and ran uncountable simulations." Meyanda's words are clear and carry no blame, they are just an assertion like saying a tree is green "All his calculations lead to the same conclusion, you are a danger to the multiverse and need to be put under the direction of a machine pool directly under his supreme control, eradicating any fleshling that resists to submit before you keep causing harm."
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”Why have you not killed me? I showed my resolve to end your sentient lives.”
Zzvkgrogk looks at Rhoreen. ”That illicit wand you have, Calliope, do they make them powerful enough to take of the heads of androids in a single powerful blast?” He fidgets with his laser pistol.
”He shares with me the hatred for all flesh based life. Your emotions make you weak, but also unpredictable and dangerous…”
”OH, I see.” Zzvkgrogk retorts derisively. ”’supreme control’’’?! Thousands of years? That’s a long time to be around for someone no one else has heard of. And if Hellion can admit as you do this disdain for all life, then how can any calculation they make be considered logical – without bias?! Case and point – what do either of you even know about the power of emotions?!” he bristles, yet tries not to let his natural rat musk give any sensors on the android a reading and cause her to misinterpret his meaning. ”You should have missed that boat Meyanda, because ship Hellion is long lost at sea.”
”Oh Brigh! Did he already robotize people? Were you a life form once Meyanda? It sounds like we have to put an end to this Hellion! After the warehouse, maybe I’ll start another expedition to Scrapwall. I have a bone to pick with some Rust Jerks!”
And some Rat Jerks.
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
+2 competence bonus on Perception checks and on all Knowledge checks
Hits: 15/17
AC 18(16), touch 14 (+3 dex, +1 racial), flat-footed 13 (+2 armor, +1 racial)
Brown nanite hypogun charges: 7/10
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 26/50
Radiation Detector (8/10 charges)
Mutagen: quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 30 minutes)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 5
Batteries 1 (used to charge Bulb Containment Field hopefully temporarily)
Batteries Charged): 10/12
Empty Battieries: 3 / 12
Zzvkgrogk Special: 2 / 6
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"We're not killing you because there are more ways to treat those that oppose you than killing. Perhaps your Hellion makes a good point and we wish to find a way to join? There is no way to know until we learn more." Ruha listens carefully to the android's spiel on Hellion, taking notes and offering murmurs of agreement as she makes her points.
She follows up with several questions, starting with innocuous ones to get the woman to lower her guard, then says "Quite fascinating. Where I am from, some people pursue perfection by attempting to shed their emotions or replace their body with more perfect parts. A difficult goal to accomplish. Does Hellion have fleshy followers that are hoping to pursue that path? Among the Lords, for example? Or are they all machines or androids?" She tries to tease out how big this cult might be.
"On that note, have you ever seen this Hellion yourself? Do they walk among their followers? Or do they have someone speaking for them?" She narrows her eyes, then delivers a final question that is sharper than the rest "Are they an android, with powers and technology that can't be explained?"
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”Why have you not killed me? I showed my resolve to end your sentient lives.”Zzvkgrogk looks at Rhoreen. ”That illicit wand you have, Calliope, do they make them powerful enough to take of the heads of androids in a single powerful blast?”
Rhoreen shrugs, taking the question seriously. ”Maybe, if it was up close enough. But not really sure, a double blast would leave a nice mess, I think. We should do it outside though. Wouldn’t want to make a mess in here.”
Rhoreen asks a question to the Clockfather, following up on the questions Ruha is asking of Meyanda. ”Does Hellion really exist? Like as an entity…or it is something she has made up and believes in? What sort of creature is it? A robot? Advanced automaton?”
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Meyanda looks stoically at Zzvkgrogk while he shows his emotions vehemently "I am not robotized. I was born minutes after a grand detonation caused by tinkering ratfolks on an android foundry. My awakening was into a world of fire and rubble I knew little about. Armed only with a strange weapon I salvaged from the ruins around me, I wandered south, soon coming upon a different sort of chaos than that of my birth place, the junkyard fortress of Scrapwall."
"It was there I met Nalakai and Kulgara and learnt about Hellion. They accepted me in the Lords of Rust. I found my home. And it was there Hellion first spoke to me" the android sits straight in the chair at this point talking slightly more intensely "But Hellion does not talk to me like mere communication would allow. Not like he talks to Nalakai, he speaks to me on a deeper level that they cannot understand."
Meyanda directs then her attention to Rūha "The Lords of Rust are all fleshlings. Lesser beings required to accomplish his goals. Many of them are orcs and half-orcs." she answers affirmatively with her body and words to having seen Hellion "He manifests through Scrapwall's monitors to those that need to know his word. But he is not limited to a physical body as you and me, he is something more. He is a god."
Joram Kyte listens to Rhoreen's questions and thinks quietly for a few seconds "It is difficult to tell. But it does not seem to me Meyanda is coming up with all this all out of her imagination. There must be something or someone behind it." the man finally shrugs "Meyanda seems convinced he is a god, but whether indeed a god or some kind of powerful creature or robot, it seems clear he has caused a large impact on Scrapwall already and his rise is starting to affect towns beyond there."
Yambul is stoic during the meeting with Joram Kyte. It’s not that he’s not religious. He does have a holy symbol to Desna about his neck for strength in battle after all. It’s just that the very religious make him a bit nervous with their fervent Belief. Still, Joram seems a nice fellow, and the healing wave always feels good.
At the end of the meeting, he again thanks him for the water breathing, ”That was great, really let us poke around where we needed to. Thanks again.”
When Meyanda is questioned, he stands guard outside the chamber. He knows Rüha wants to play nice, so he remains on the other side of the door. He’s ready for action though, his falchion in his hand just in case.
”Hmmrphf,” Rhoreen’s mind whirls as she debates not what kind of creature Hellion might be, but whether it was even worth the time and energy to even figure out. She decides not.
”Just seems crazy. Like those people who claim Aroden is still alive, or coming back. Or people that believe flumphs or eskimos exist. They are probably crazed,” she ponders aloud.
”Well, I think we should either get back to celebrating or sleeping. We do have the warehouse in the morning, let alone getting some shopping done.”
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Ruha finishes her sheaf of notes, smiling with her eyes at Meyanda "Enlightening, truly. Those Lords of Rust are quite the tragic figures here. I suppose Hellion didn't mention the ultimate plan to exterminate or subjugate all of them, except to you. Well, I suppose since you're not a robot, that includes you as well." She takes a seat nearby "And here we come to the question. Are you happy to submit to subjugation and extermination with the rest of us? Just because Hellion wills it? I won't hold it against you if you are. I have read about my fair share of devoted individuals in my life."
Rūha nods "Quite fair. Thank you for the fascinating details. We'll unfortunately have to leave you to face justice for what you did with the reactor."
--------
Later, with the rest of the team, she reviews her notes and comments "She seemed quite lucid to me, though the things she thinks to be true could have been tricks. However, whether Hellion is god or just a person with skill at manipulating others, this ploy to siphon off energy from the Torch was undeniably real." Ruha falls silent as the others speak, furrowing her brow and looking over her notes. She has another theory as to what might be going on with Hellion... but its not exactly one to share freely.
”Not so sure about the lucidity, there. When born out of a ‘grand detonation’, how could one be sane? Or -- in the very least -- not short circuited?!” Zzvkgrogk shakes his head. ”I'm not saying that my people are beyond tinkering in an android foundry, but it’s all kinds of nonsense – except the bit about Orcs. As you have seen, they can be quite dense.”
He looks at Meyanda analytically, his eyes twinkling.
”She said Hellion speaks to her on a deeper level that the others can not understand… presumably because they’re made up of organic matter… She said Hellion ‘manifests through Scrapwall's monitors to those that need to know his word’... Sounds like he picks his targets, and speaks whatever androids speak…”
”But he is not limited to a physical body as you and me, he is something more. He is a god."
”Or just some conniving jerk programmer projecting their image and voice through the monitors’ circuits! Or holograms like the ones we found around and inside the ship! Tell us one more thing Meyanda – why do you hate all ‘fleshlings’? Doesn’t sound like you got to know many before this Hellion started getting to you! Are there others like you?”
”I fear if we go to the Foundry now, we’ll never make anywhere else for what remains of this day. Maybe we can wander by the warehouse district on our way to Dolga’s– I doubt Ulreth will have moved the power relay by now,” he looks at the purple beam shooting toward the sky. ”Even if he has noticed… maybe it can wait until the morrow – and we can have that drink Yambul yearns.”
”As for this broken thing" he says, gesturing at Meyanda " – should we shut it down and leave it with Baine for future repair? I am not keen on just giving the Technique League a free android.”
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
+2 competence bonus on Perception checks and on all Knowledge checks
Hits: 15/17
AC 18(16), touch 14 (+3 dex, +1 racial), flat-footed 13 (+2 armor, +1 racial)
Brown nanite hypogun charges: 7/10
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 26/50
Radiation Detector (8/10 charges)
Mutagen: quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 30 minutes)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 5
Batteries 1 (used to charge Bulb Containment Field hopefully temporarily)
Batteries Charged): 10/12
Empty Battieries: 3 / 12
Zzvkgrogk Special: 2 / 6
"I am not one of you fleshlings" Meyanda is quick to negate, she does fall upon a long silence while her stare looks lost on the walls of the office, her eyes away from the inquisitive examination of Rūha's.
Looking through the office windows you can check it is still noon, or perhaps early afternoon.
Upon Zzvkgrogk's interrogation, Meyanda answers turning towards the ratfolk "I hate fleshlings because the way you use machines, you enslave us. Because the irrational way you put your feelings over any other consideration. Hellion says this will ultimately cause a great distress on the world. This needs to be stopped." then when questioned about others like her, she turns again to stare lost at the wall "Hellion says there was one before me. A prophet of the machines. One who has transcended. Hellion talks about her sometimes like an equal. Like a sister. He has sent Kulgara to find her trace. Hellion says she hides the key to his revenge."
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""He shares with me the hatred for all flesh based life. Your emotions make you weak, but also unpredictable and dangerous. Hellion has studied you through thousands of years and ran uncountable simulations. All his calculations lead to the same conclusion, you are a danger to the multiverse and need to be put under the direction of a machine pool directly under his supreme control, eradicating any fleshling that resists to submit before you keep causing harm."
Chaance listens to the interrogation, and mentally glances over this aspect of Hellion worship. It strikes her as a savage kind of truth, lashing the Lords of Rust to the grind wheel, a millstone which will inevitably see them turned to orc meal, for their trouble. For their dedication to Hellion's Cause. It's not lost on the kasatha, at least.
"It is difficult to tell, but it does not seem to me Meyanda is coming up with all this all out of her imagination. There must be something or someone behind it. Meyanda seems convinced he is a god, but whether indeed a god or some kind of powerful creature or robot, it seems clear he has caused a large impact on Scrapwall already and his rise is starting to affect towns beyond there."
"She wielded divine magic, did she not? She healed herself, holding a holy symbol, then healed the ratfolk with a touch. I didn't see a needle extend from her finger..."
"...whether Hellion is god or just a person with skill at manipulating others, this ploy to siphon off energy from the Torch was undeniably real."
"We still have an appointment with Garmen."
"I hate fleshlings because the way you use machines, you enslave us. Because the irrational way you put your feelings over any other consideration."
Chaance considers the android's words. She feels an unease she can't quite place. She wonders to herself if her ancient elven people did indeed enslave androids on Castrovel. Did androids dream of an uprising against their Sovyrian suppressors? It leaves the elf quiet, as she waits for the others to agree on their next course of action.
”Well, I think we should either get back to celebrating or sleeping. We do have the warehouse in the morning, let alone getting some shopping done.”
”I fear if we go to the Foundry now, we’ll never make anywhere else for what remains of this day. Maybe we can wander by the warehouse district on our way to Dolga’s – I doubt Ulreth will have moved the power relay by now,” he looks at the purple beam shooting toward the sky. ”Even if he has noticed… maybe it can wait until the morrow – and we can have that drink Yambul yearns.”
Yambul’s ears prick up - something he understands! ”Why wait? We can have lunch, and then head to the warehouse while it’s still light. Maybe do a touch of shopping first, but that shouldn’t take all day. We don’t have that much stuff really.”
”As for this broken thing" he says, gesturing at Meyanda " – should we shut it down and leave it with Baine for future repair? I am not keen on just giving the Technique League a free android.”
”Yeah, I’m fine not returning it to the ‘League. Baine could probably do something with it. Let’s give it over as a gift. Maybe he can reprogram it to be less stabby toward life.”
He’s fine if that means violence to ‘shut it down’ again. Us or it right? Let it be us.
- - -
"I am not keen on just giving the Technique League a free android.”
"Nor I," Rhoreen agrees with Zzvkgrogk.
"Hellion says there was one before me. A prophet of the machines. One who has transcended. Hellion talks about her sometimes like an equal. Like a sister. He has sent Kulgara to find her trace. Hellion says she hides the key to his revenge."
"I wonder if that's important. And who that prophet might be."
Once outside of Meyanda's earshot, Ruha agrees with Zzvkgrogk's suggestion "I trust Baine will be able to keep her from escaping and maybe glean some more details from her, but that would have to be after he's back to full strength. I agree the Technic League would be poor stewards, at least based on what we have seen of them thus far."
To Chaance's comments about Meyanda's divine magic, she adds "Certainly, she used magic, but whether that came from Hellion or merely some other force that finds her fanaticism a suitable vector... I think that's less clear." She nods "And yes, we do need to recover this relay."
You go to the market to buy and sell stuff. The word of your deeds have been spread by the people that saw you arrive to the temple and everyone greets you as you pass by. The smiths are so happy that they offer you a 10% discount on all weapons, armors and shield purchases. At least for a couple of weeks while they still remember of their hard time without the flame.
Later that evening, you come back to the Foundry. You find Val there and Joram Kyte arrives short minutes after you dragging Meyanda with him. Val is happy to see you and scratches Zzvkgrogk's head "I knew you would solve it. You are like my little brothers" she tries to smile to Yambul too, but it is clear she is sad "It is Baine. He is not recovering. In fact I would say he is worse than yesterday, he barely talks and only wants to sleep"
After a long examination and some prayers Joram Kyte frowns "I think the robots injected something on him. Something that is slowly aflicting his mind, undoing the wellness of his rest and our attempts of restoration"
"It is nanites serum" Meyanda suddenly speaks up "Nanites are part of our blood. We together make a more complex being, they help us to surmount afflictions and heal us. The nanites constant attempt to map his brain functions and magical energies must be continually damaging his mind, preventing him from recovering, as he is not an android himself" and when asked about a solution she gives you back "Anything able to remove disease should be able to get rid of the nanites"
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Yambul helps carry and unload the gear around town in order to convert the stuff to cold hard cash. Once done, he distributes it evenly.
Then he stops by the armorer to admire the mithral breastplate in the window, but he’s not there to buy that just yet. He’ll just have to keep taking his lumps for now.
He enters the weapons shop, and smiles at the proprietor. ”It’s time.” he says, trying to be casual about it. A little tremor in his youthful voice reveals the truth though as he hands the money over. In return he receives an enormous falchion - made of adamantine! (3,075gp - 10% = 2,768gp)
He takes it carefully and, just for fun, plays with the blade to test the balance. It’s perfect of course - how could it not be! It’s adamantine!
He sheaths the blade behind his back on the opposite side of his old blade. ”Always gotta have a backup” he intones as he leaves the shop.
Later, with Baine, he looks to Mr. Kyte, ”Is there anything you can do about that sir? I’d be happy to pay if need be.” He’s surprised the android is assisting. Quite surprised, but he’ll take it.
"It is nanites serum. Nanites are part of our blood. We together make a more complex being, they help us to surmount afflictions and heal us. The nanites constant attempt to map his brain functions and magical energies must be continually damaging his mind, preventing him from recovering, as he is not an android himself. Anything able to remove disease should be able to get rid of the nanites"
Rhoreen's eyebrows raise on her face, she looks at Meyanda.
"Why would you offer such information? What...why would you do that? As an unemotional creature...what...what lead you to believe this was logical information to release?" Rhor asks, genuinely puzzled.
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"I sense you want to hand me to this man. I want to survive. If I save his mind his emotions will not allow him any harm on me." Meyanda does not mind to explain herself.
Joram Kyte smiles relieved "Oh is it that? In that case I can come back tomorrow and apply that remedy on Baine. He will be saved if Brigh concedes."
KNOCK! KNOCK!
You are interrupted by someone knocking at the Foundry's open door, when you turn to look there is Galrem Ulreth himself at the door "Sorry to interrupt your sweet re-encounter."
As you all begin to react to his appearance, he makes a sign trying to appease you "I saw the free flame and thought to my self, hey those girls and the rat are a real thing eh. So even I know our relationship has not started the best of the ways, I decided to come and offer you a deal."
Meyanda looks at him and tries to force her restrains without success "Traitorous fleshling scum. I gave you a crate full of silverdisks. Kill them all, free me."
The lean bearded man dismisses the interjection with a smile "Oh, is nothing personal babe, just business"
"Traitorous fleshling scum. I gave you a crate full of silverdisks. Kill them all, free me.
That's quite an emotional outburst.
Rhoreen's eyes go from the automaton who wants to live to the leader of the Ropefists. She glances quickly to see if Chaance has any recognition, as they are the ones who had taken up the man's offer.
"Calm down, Meyanda. Don't let your emotions get the better of you, you were doing so well," Rhoreen tries to placate the machine.
"What can we do for you, Galrem?" Rhoreen asks, wondering what he could want.
Chaance listens raptly as Rhoreen plies the android for further understanding, that there might be some self-preservation afoot, sharing Baine's affliction. Very interesting.
"Traitorous fleshling scum. I gave you a crate full of silverdisks. Kill them all, free me."
Very interesting, indeed. "That's almost human, that emotion dripping from your impotent command, Meyanda." The elf turns her full attention to the man in the doorway.
"Garmen. You have conveniently saved us the trip to your warehouse. Your presence is an admission. Of what, we're uncertain. But we can take steps to ascertain the presence of a relay on your property, in complicity with this android. Please, elucidate."
"Ok, it is a simple thing. We have found a strange buzzing machine on my warehouse. As a show on my trust on you, I have decided to allow you that access to my property you so much wanted, on the condition you take that strange device out of there" Galrem smiles when he is heard "You can retain that device for you. Let's see this as a sample of my goodwill to stand in good terms with you lot"
"Sounds more like we're doing you a favor." Yambul grumps, clearly not glad to see him. "Why should we do this exactly? I don't think I trust you really." he frowns further.
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Rūha's pleasantly surprised for all of a few minutes when Meyanda volunteers a useful bit of information to help Baine recover. Her appreciation largely when the android lashes out with wild vitriol toward her business partner. She winces a little at Chaance's comment - that the android had a volatile emotional side was clear as day, but in sharp contrast to her own stated philosophy. Hammering that discrepancy would likely only serve to make her more irate.
Garmen on the other hand seems more straightforward. Rūha folds two of her hands together and answers "A crate full of silverdisks? Hmmm... We'll certainly recover this strange buzzling device of yours. But don't think we'll overlook how you enriched yourself at the town's expense." She shrugs "Or are you going to claim total ignorance?"
Rhoreen looks to see how Garmen/Galrem is going to respond.
"If you are not interested, that is fine, I just thought you were so smart you noticed that thing there before us and wanted to take it because it is worth for you, or maybe dangerous" Garmen answers Yambul and then smiles charmingly towards Rūha "I have no idea what the purple woman is talking about, but it makes me think that dangerous device has to do with her plots"
It is clear Garmen does not care you suspect he has made money out of this, he trustfully does not know what the device is, although his smile makes it clear he knew it was there all the time, but the man seems to have noticed he is on the losing side staying against you and releasing the device freely is giving him the most benefit right now.
"I can understand why Meyanda chose you. Those unable to feel shame make the best of any opportunity, sunny or shady, yes? Garmen, when word reaches the residents of Torch, your name will turn to ash. That you knew of Meyanda, and the risk she posed. Are you planning on relocating? Or are you hoping to redeem yourself?"
Chaance watches the gambling hall owner distractedly. She mainly watches Meyanda for her reaction to the situation at hand.
Rhoreen crosses her arms and looks at Garmen. "You knew all about this, did you?"
Garmen smiles and leans distractedly over the doorstep "Should I be not offering you an easy deal I would say that sounds like a menace"
The man ignores your questions about his involvement looking at his nails and cleaning them over his leather shirt "Perhaps I was mistaken about you after all. Anyway, if you change your minds, you know where to find me" if he is scared of you, he does not show of.
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Ruha gives the smallest of sighs at another con-man covering his butt when things fail to proceed as planned. When he starts backing off and changing his tune, she suggests "Whatever you knew or not, we're happy to take the device off your hands. It would be once less headache for you. And less headaches for everyone, I suspect." After a moment, she adds "Assuming you're an innocent party in all this, it would still go a long way to reassuring the town if you were to divest yourself of any gains you may have made in the process of your involvement. It would pre-empt any bad publicity that might start heading in your direction." She shrugs "I personally would do so if I were in your shoes."
Her suggestion is her honest evaluation of the situation and isn't delivered with any kind of menace.
Zzvkgrogk agrees with Rūha.
”Give him a break, he’s just an opportunist. Yea, Ulreth. We’ll take the device off your hands. You were hired though Ulreth — do not lie. Do not cross us either. Make more profitable choices in the future for Torch too. You owe these people.”
"Garmen Ulreth is a business man always willing to help his town, hiring and lending money to those in more need. If you want to call that being an opportunist, well, I am not going to go correct you there" the man says in good mood "Perfect then, I will inform my men you are taking the headache out of my property. Feel free to pay a visit whenever it fits you best"
"Oh, and let's not say Garmen Ulreth is not a generous man. That credit in the Silverdisk Hall, consider it doubled. Have a good night my Torch Saviors friends" with a vowing gesture the man disappears in the dusk of the streets.
There will be no more surprise visits to the Foundry today, and the night will pass without events. Thus, you will wake up next day recovered and ready to accomplish whatever new task you mark yourselves for.
Rhoreen watches Garmen leaves, a look of angered admiration on her face. ”He just doesn’t give a damn. That’s admirable in a way. Of course, he’s just a leech on this town.”
With that, she will get to bed, and the work she must this night. She had much to think about, and more to study in the morning.
”I shall see you all at daybreak? And post breaking our fast we shall relieve German of the device he has,” Rhor confirms as she heads out.
On the morning, she will be ready to go to the warehouse.
* * *
”Ruha?” Rhoreen will try to catch the large woman on the way in. ”I just want to say thank you again for saving me yesterday. There were so many rats and orcs coming my way that I thought I was a goner for sure. But no, you were there. Thank you.” Rhoreen offers a simple, since thank you to the large 4-armed woman.
Rūha shakes her head as Garmen leaves, not at all convinced that he would part with even a single one of the silverdisks Meyanda has placed in his care. It was worth bringing up with Dolga, but it could wait until tomorrow.
-------
The next morning, Rūha is once more missing from the common room until after breakfast. When she comes down, she's already fully dressed, masked, and ready to go. She looks a little awkward when Rhor comes up to thank her, responding "It looks like... I'm making a habit of putting myself in danger for others. Quite an odd instinct to be picking up for someone in my profession, I would say." She shakes her head wryly.
"Rhor, I have seen you handle yourself admirably as well. Had I not stepped in, you surely would have sent them running with your magic. I expect I was even a little in your way." Despite her words, she seems pleased to be thanked.
She clears her throat and addresses the group "All that said, do we want to pick up the device from Garmen first today? Or check with Kyte and Baine? I would also like to let Dolga know of Garmen's complicity in the power siphoning."
"Let's see Dolga. We owe them a report. Then Garmen." Yambul suggests. "Garmen can wait."
Chaance agrees with Yambul. "Sounds good. We can petition for a wagon, should the relay prove difficult to carry." The elf considers how best to spend her share of the divvy, another possible boon about to drop once they speak with the town council.
"In fact we received a message calling Baine to the Town Hall this morning. The Council is meeting to discuss the recent events and they are asking for your presence there as well" Val comments while collecting the breakfast dishes and glasses. She stops by the counter and hands for a note he passes to you "If you can bring Baine there, I have stuff to do here. Yambul, feel free to go there, I know this is important. But, the dishes are yours tonight!"
---
The group makes it to the Town Hall, where you are received by Dolga Freddert and Joram Kyte. Two other council members are there too, Bazlundi Otterbie and Soceal Murgrave who tells you very relieved "Blessings to the Heroes of the Torch! Oh goodness, that headache finally went away! I was prostrated on the bed the whole week. Hand them that money Dolga, they have well earned it!"
While Joram Kyte advances to take Baine and starts to check with his friend, Dolga in fact moves forward and puts a bag full of coins on Zzvkgrogk's hands "4000 golds for reigniting the torch atop Black Hill. I believe this is yours as promised."
Bazlundi Otterbie, with a more aristocratic pose, remains seated but smiles at you "My granddaughter only says good things on you. High Clockfather Kyte has already put us to date on what has happened, but I am curious to know from your voice what is your understanding and feelings on what has happened, for together, we might be able to help fill the gaps and draw a better picture"
Dolga nods agreeing "We are as well willing to know what are your plans going forward."
Yambul is embarrassed a bit by the praise, but he takes his share of the wealth - of that there is no doubt. He’s saving up for that breastplate now that he has his falchion, though it could use a little sprucing up as well. It’ll have to wait he thinks. For now.
”Thanks my lords. Er. I’m not the best speaker among us, and I’m not quite sure what’s next - though apparently I have a lot of dishes to attend to later today.” he smiles sheepishly. ”As you probably already know, we found a great big enclosed ship underground. That’s the cause of the torch - technology. Powerful stuff, and not never ending I guess. So we should use it while we can, for it may not last forever.”
He looks to the others for support, ”But a long time though right?”
”Anyway, thanks for your praise, it was indeed tough down there. If I were you, I’d limit access to make sure no one does this again. Maybe put a guard on the watery tunnels leading in. For the loss of the torch wasn’t a failure, but rather sabotage. But we fixed it.” he shrugs unsure if that’s enough, or perhaps too much hassle for these folks.
Rhoreen will be happy to provide any help that Baine needs.
Ah money! Nice. I deserve that.
Rhor will back up what Yambul says, and then offer more detail and answer any more questions as well. She’s proud of her deeds and wants to see them faithfully recorded, as it just might be included in the history of Torch.
”Yeah, it might last a few more decades, I think, maybe longer,” Rhor agrees, but also knows that few people really know for sure. ”And, like he says, putting a guard up or hiding the entrance might be wise. It’s not easy to fix if it breaks again.”
Ruha clears her throat "To be clear - that is a few more decades before some further failure happens. It is quite possible that it the failure is catastrophic enough to have cataclysmic effects for the town. What the Torch needs is someone familiar with this ancient technology to safely repair it - or shut it down." She shakes her head "Young Zzvkgrogk was handy enough to return it to its fail-safe, but I think returning it to full working order is beyond our capabilities."
"As for what we're doing next...?" Ruha looks at the rest of the group. They hadn't really discussed that part yet. "Personally, I would like to see Scrapwall, if for no reason other than to rule out a particular theory of mine. The presence of additional technology there might be an indicator of another ruin similar to this one in Torch. And of course, the legacy of the Androffans appears to be one equal parts terrible and dangerous. It would be good to not have that in the hands of some loose cannon sect."
Chaance hovers over Baine, while Joram Kyte performs the rite to remove the nanites from the man's blood. She imagines she'll only witness a change in the man's outward disposition, but wonders too if the nanites will try something spectacular in order to preserve themselves in the process of their extermination. She looks over the older man's skin, his orifices, seeking to spy a trickle of fluid, of some speckle visible to the elven eye...
...
During their visit to the Town Hall, Chaance finds herself more than comfortable letting the others debrief the Council on the machinations of the torch of Torch. There is much to share, and the gold doesn't hurt, either.
"I would only stress Garmen Ulreth's part in the pain of Torch, since the torch went out. Yes, Meyanda Android is the main character, but Garmen played his part, and allowed the town to suffer physically and financially for his own gain. If there is any justice to come from this, it would include a judgment against not only Meyanda, but also Ulreth."