Out of ki, Rūha turns to the massive autograpnel she's holding in her lower two hands.
But amid the tumult of scrap, her aim leaves a lot to be desired.
Rhoreen magic missiles burst on the gearghost quite effectively.
Zzvkgrogk's overclocked rifle blast strikes on target, badly melting the target.
Yambul's arrow chips away some more scrap but the gearghost is already doomed.
The strange undead of scrap is consumed by fire and force and disperses, the scrap all suddenly dropping to the ground in front of you.
Rūha can preserve her autograpnel.
Without the menace of the gearghost, it is easy for you to walk over the scrap pile Zzvkgrogk stabilized. After ten more minutes of walk you reach the end of the canyon.
The tumultuous sound of metal grinding on metal issues forth from a constantly churning, grinding wall of gears that blocks off the western portion of this narrow valley. Only two larger gears remain motionless, situated at ground level in the center of the wall where one might expect to see a pair of doors.
Zzvkgrogk's mutagen reaches its end of duration.
From your previous visits to the temple, you know the double doors in this chapel are immense gears that can be triggered to grind open with the flip of a hidden switch nearby.
You notice a strange switch at the northern end of the wall.
Zzvkgrogk pulls out the wand and heals Whiskifiss, himself, and anyone else in need pulling another wand from Rhoreen’s pocket if necessary.
Zzvkgrogk pockets the broken walkman into one of the many slots on his armor, then picks up some plastic sheeting.
”Hrm… this… this is in good condition! It’s implantable armor, if you’re into that. Requires surgery…” he considers, his beady eyes aglow with what might be greed.
”Did you say this will come back?”
He pulls out a vial as he kneels to pray in front of what is left of the gearghost.
Brigh, have this creature plague scrapwall never more. He treats the gearghost remains with holy water.
"I hope this is enough. I've never had to do this before."
When the group gets to the double doors, he runs ahead to the wall and flips a hidden switch.
”We should be safe now, here at the Chapel.”
True Strike
Heightened Awareness
+2 competence bonus on Perception checks and on all Knowledge checks
StealthRat (+2 Stealth should something… untoward happen)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 14/22
AC 18 / 16 (Mutagen) (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: 1/50
Radiation Detector (7/10 charges)
Mutagen: Quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 40 minutes)
Neraplast Armor Charges: 7/10
Laser Pistol (Charges): 2/10
Laser Rifle: 16/20
Batteries Charged): 12/21
Empty Battieries: 2 / 21
Zzvkgrogk Special: 2 / 6
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = None
Falchion: Attack: 4 BAB +4 Str +1 Focus +1 MW (-2 PA) Damage: +6 Str (+6 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: Adamantine
Chef’s knife: Attack: 4 BAB +1 MW +4 Str / +2 Dex Damage: +4 Crit: 19-20x2 Range: 10’
Studied: (gearghost) (mv/im; +1 att, dam, bluff, knowledge, perception, sense motive, survival)
Spell Like (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation cl1)
Spell Like (1 time, st, Cure Serious Wounds cl5)
- - -
Yambul waives off any healing and frowns, ”I gotta get this bow done right. Sigh, so much money.” He stows his bow and takes out his Falchion once again.
He waits for Zzvkgrogk to sort out the holy water issue, and makes a mental note to get some of that himself. I should have some for this sort of thing.
”Hrm… this… this is in good condition! It’s implantable armor, if you’re into that. Requires surgery…” he considers, his eyes aglow with what might be greed.
”Surgery?” Yambul asks. He unconsciously taps his cloak pocket where a dog eared book pokes out. ”Interesting. Yes, interesting. Painful?” he asks idly, wondering at the process.
He’d be part machine, and he wonders about that. Still, a few bits of armor isn’t so much, is it? He tries to convince himself and is quiet during the ten minute walk as he ponders.
When they finally arrive at the Chapel, he’ll poke around a bit before walking up to the door.
(general tracks)
When everyone is ready, and after Zzvkgrogk throws the switch, he’ll open the doors (if they don’t open themselves). As he’s not expecting trouble, his falchion is sheathed out of politeness.
As Zzvkgrogk pours the holy water on the remaining scrap, it smokes. This is the single cue the liquid has made effect.
Yambul does not find any track on this entrance. The place has not been frequented of late it would seem.
When Zzvkgrogk throws the switch, the walls tremble and slowly roll over themselves through an intricate system of dented gears that look very dangerous to put your hand on.
The spinning doors settle with a loud noise and some dust raising. By now all the temple should know someone is coming if anything.
A few stairs reach to another set of doors framed by an intricate decoration of gears. The whole facade of the temple is decorated with carvings of lean metallic humanoids.
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Rhoreen cheers as the gearghost is kilt. "I knew I could do it!" Rhoreen smugs, thinking of her own contributions. "That was no problem at all for me."
”Hrm… this… this is in good condition! It’s implantable armor, if you’re into that. Requires surgery…” "Did you say it will come back?"
"Surgery? But who would want to do that? That seems...painfully unnecessary," Rhoreen ponders the application. "But yeah, the 'ghost will come back. In a few days, maybe? I'm pretty good at this sort of thing, you know? I kind of read a lot? And so that's what I think. In a few days."
Rhoreen follows the party, all the while thinking about the implants and who might be foolish enough to want them. She lets others enter the temple proper, and follows after.
Not sure quite what more to expect after the gearghost falls, Rūha asks for some help with the wand of cure light wounds before she traverses the scrap pile on the way to the Cathedral. Zzvkgrogk's discovery draws her attention "Implantable armor? Epidermal, looks like. I've heard of things like that before, but none that look like this."
"She shrugs at Rhor's comments. It would require surgery, but you'd usually do it with the patient under sedation, and any pain would only be during the recovery period. I can't imagine this would work too differently from the ones I... heard about... before." She realizes she might have shared too much and turns to hiking ahead to get to the Cathedral first. Once there, she lets the excited Zzvkgrogk hit the button and stands back as the doors open.
"Spectacular design." She murmurs as she looks up at the array of gears. "Religious art always inspires, doesn't it."
Rhoreen will take a healing hit.
CLW
Zzvkgrogk finishes healing Whiskifiss .
He pulls out a fresh wand and heals everyone else, then himself.
"Implantable armor? Epidermal, looks like.”
Zzvkgrogk nods. ”Yes, but it’s a major organ,” he says, tugging on his own skin. ”Very invasive surgery.”
He shudders. It’s the sort of thing Izzkvitgrk would do.
He dusts off himself further, trying to look more presentable. ”Come, we’re this way.”
Once everyone is ready, he heads up the stairs.
True Strike
Heightened Awareness
StealthRat (+2 Stealth should something… untoward happen)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 14/22
AC 18 / 16 (Mutagen) (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: 43/50
Radiation Detector (7/10 charges)
Mutagen: Quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 40 minutes)
Neraplast Armor Charges: 7/10
Laser Pistol (Charges): 2/10
Laser Rifle: 16/20
Batteries Charged): 12/21
Empty Battieries: 2 / 21
Zzvkgrogk Special: 2 / 6
"Rüha, you should totally have the armor. That's keen!"
When keener eyes than his own say it's safe, or when he sees Zzvkgrogk moving up there, he heads up to the platform and opens the next set of doors - or tries to at least.
Yambul climbs the stairs to the entrance and open the doors after the group has done some healing.
Inside, there is little light , and the place is full of junk organized in piles, shelves and tables. There are five metallic statues of a lean automaton you recognize as Brigh from what you have seen and learned at Torch's temple.
One of them, strangely standing in the center of the room and made of junk attached together, immediately
lurches to life when you enter and walks towards you.
Even a blind monkey would notice the construct is closing its hands in a fist with the intention to hit you!
This is no robot, this is a creature constructed through clever work and magic, a junk golem.
As most golems, it has some DR against non adamantine weapons and it is immune to magic, except to no-SR ones and a few special ones (read description).
These creatures can decompose on a swarm of junk, and have fast healing when in places full of scrap like here.
Know (Arcana)
"That golem...appears to be pure junk! I mean it. It's a junk golem and it's not likely that most magics will harm it!" Rhoreen warns (when she can see and speak to) the party as she decides how she might contribute.
"Oh, well. I guess that explains why it's dark..." Zzvkgrogk laments for what is next to come, glad that everyone who wanted to be is fully healed..
"Why is -- is this... Oh, I don’t know… she’s not usually prone to –”
He calles out to the darkened room. ”Is this yours, ClockMother Dinvaya? Do you have enough cool scrap?”
He shoots the thing.
rchtrchtrchtrchtrchtrchtrchtrchtrcht!
For
For
"We can help you fix it!" he calls out.
True Strike
Heightened Awareness
+2 competence bonus on Perception checks and on all Knowledge checks
StealthRat (+2 Stealth should something… untoward happen)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 14/22
AC 18 / 16 (Mutagen) (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: 43/50
Radiation Detector (7/10 charges)
Mutagen: Quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 40 minutes)
Neraplast Armor Charges: 7/10
Laser Pistol (Charges): 2/10
Laser Rifle: 14/20
Batteries Charged): 12/21
Empty Battieries: 2 / 21
Zzvkgrogk Special: 1 / 6
"One of the Clockmother's projects? Or is something wrong here?" Rūha puts her guard up against the junk golem as she makes her way into the room. "Considering it's form and where we've found it, if our goal is to shatter it, references to Brigh may serve to distract it."
Weapon Equipped = Falchion
Conditions = Ioun Torch lit
Falchion: Attack: 4 BAB +4 Str +1 Focus +1 MW (-2 PA) Damage: +6 Str (+6 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: Adamantine
Chef’s knife: Attack: 4 BAB +1 MW +4 Str / +2 Dex Damage: +4 Crit: 19-20x2 Range: 10’
Studied: () (mv/im; +1 att, dam, bluff, knowledge, perception, sense motive, survival)
Spell Like (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation cl1)
Spell Like (1 time, st, Cure Serious Wounds cl5)
- - -
Yambul wasn’t ready for this. He takes out his ioun stone of continual light (move action that provokes), draws his falchion, and steps through the door.
Zzvkgrogk's fire scorches the junk that form the chest of the statue. No one answers his questions as the construct keeps silently approaching the group.
Rūha gives good advice to the group.
Yambul activates his ioun torch that starts to give some light after a command word. Then draws his falchion to fight.
Chaance does something heroic!
Whiskifiss has an already loaded bolt and shots quickly at the golem!
But the bolt only clips a small crystal on the construct's eye.
A new crystal on a nearby table flies over and adjusts on the eye replacing it . Then the construct advances and without saying a word smashes at Yambul.
The punch breaks through the Kellid's jaw, making him bleed, the dirty junk menacing to infect the injury.
Round 1, Init 4
Rhoreen draws one of her remaining acid flasks and moves into position to hurl it.
HP: 26/26 - 1 -1 -5
AC: 12/12/10 (+4 w/Mage Armor) F+3, R+4, W+6
Open spell slots:
Left Hand: nothing
Right Hand: Wand of MM
Lighten Up: 0/1 used
Rod of Extend, lesser: 2/3 used
[ dice]1d20+4[/dice] ranged to hit;
[ dice]1d4-1[/dice] blunt damage
Phasing: The drinker gains the ability to become incorporeal for 1d4 rounds as a swift action, but takes 1 point of Con damage when he does so. Phasing can be extended as a free action by taking 1 additional point of Con damage. Coming out of phase inside a solid object is instantly fatal.
She casts a very simple spell at Arturo.
”I can do it myself!!”
[ dice]1d8+1[/dice] CLW
"zzvkgrogk!"
force damage (32/50 left)
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Ruha, seeing that the junk golem is surprisingly sturdy, decides to focus her effort on supporting Yambul. She circles carefully around the golem at a distance to avoid it's attention, then moves in to provide a flanking distraction. She also makes a telegraphed jab to add to the distraction.
Oh, ClockMother, where are you?!
”I do not know if this is ClockMother’s work being forced to deal with this extra crappy scrap, but I do know we can help her build another.”
He shoots at the construct again.
PEW!rchtrchtrchtrchtrchtrchtrchtrchtrcht!
For
For
For
True Strike
Heightened Awareness
StealthRat (+2 Stealth should something… untoward happen)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 14/22
AC 18 / 16 (Mutagen) (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: 43/50
Radiation Detector (7/10 charges)
Mutagen: Quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 40 minutes)
Neraplast Armor Charges: 7/10
Laser Pistol (Charges): 2/10
Laser Rifle: 12/20
Batteries Charged): 12/21
Empty Battieries: 2 / 21
Zzvkgrogk Special: 1 / 6
Weapon Equipped = Falchion
Conditions = Ioun Torch lit, Advice (+1att/+1dam)
Falchion: Attack: 4 BAB +4 Str +1 Focus +1 MW (-2 PA) Damage: +6 Str (+6 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: Adamantine
Chef’s knife: Attack: 4 BAB +1 MW +4 Str / +2 Dex Damage: +4 Crit: 19-20x2 Range: 10’
Studied: (construct) (mv/im; +1 att, dam, bluff, knowledge, perception, sense motive, survival)
Spell Like (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation cl1)
Spell Like (1 time, st, Cure Serious Wounds cl5)
- - -
vs DC 12
Yambul grips his falchion and tries to pay the construct back for the harm it did. He takes a moment (move) to study it before attacking with lots of help from Rüha!
(studied, advice, flank, aid)
(studied, advice, precision)
”Rüha, let’s shift for the ranged folk!” After he attacks, he 5’ steps a little to open a lane.
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Rhoreen readies some acid to fight the golem.
Rūha performs a perfect movement to set the golem to be hit by Yambul.
Zzvkgrogk sets the junk construct into fire, with one of his beams just striking on the head.
Yambul finishes the work, his adamantine falchion cutting easily through the scrap.
The creature collapses into a pile of scrap over the floor of the workshop!
The door at the back opens and a blond half-elf appears through armed with a hammer and a shield, and dressing work glasses. She looks down at the pile of scrap and shakes her head in disappointment, muttering "Obviously I need to improve that thing's defenses," and then greets Yambul and Rūha with eyes narrowed in suspicion "You are not gang members. Are you Technic Leaguers?" then raises her eyes and looks past the door to Rhoreen, confused "Disguising as myself was a smart move, but my creations do not guide themselves just by visual sensors. Now, why are you at the Clockwork Temple of Brigh?"
Only then she notices the rat holding a rifle almost as large as himself "Zzvkgrogk is that you? I thought the Lords of Rust had fed you to the Manticore!"
"Disguising as myself was a smart move...Now, why are you at the Clockwork Temple of Brigh?"
Rhoreen lets Zzvkgrogk speak as she's not sure how she could mistake what she looks like for herself. We don't even have the same nose.
”I thought the Lords of Rust had fed you to the Manticore!"
Is that what that pinkie-rat said?
Zzvkgrogk’s beady eyes start to sparkle quite a bit before he sniffles in response to the Clockmother, who is in no way shape or form a blood relative of Zzvkgrogk either. ”Oh, no… we haven’t met any Rusty Orcs… yet. I’ve been travelling –” he quickly does introductions. ”This is my ‘Away-Gang’. We were under a mountain, and then had to deal with some addicts!! We thought we would check in with you – we promised Baine we’d find you!”
True Strike
Heightened Awareness
StealthRat (+2 Stealth should something… untoward happen)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 14/22
AC 16 / 16 (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: 43/50
Radiation Detector (7/10 charges)
Neraplast Armor Charges: 7/10
Laser Pistol (Charges): 2/10
Laser Rifle: 12/20
Batteries Charged): 12/21
Empty Battieries: 2 / 21
Zzvkgrogk Special: 1 / 6
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Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Ioun Torch lit
Falchion: Attack: 4 BAB +4 Str +1 Focus +1 MW (-2 PA) Damage: +6 Str (+6 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: Adamantine
Chef’s knife: Attack: 4 BAB +1 MW +4 Str / +2 Dex Damage: +4 Crit: 19-20x2 Range: 10’
Studied: () (mv/im; +1 att, dam, bluff, knowledge, perception, sense motive, survival)
Spell Like (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation cl1)
Spell Like (1 time, st, Cure Serious Wounds cl5)
- - -
Yambul, out of respect, apologizes, ”Sorry for crushing your thing.” He waits to be healed, simply binding his injury for now so he doesn’t bleed overmuch - though it is a mild injury anyway and everything seems peaceful for now.
He watches as Zzvkgrogk gets together with the priestess and smiles. Always nice to meet up with old friends. he thinks.
”Hi.” Yambul says when he’s introduced trying to straighten out of his slouch briefly. He’ll sheath his falchion as well, though he’ll leave his ioun stone out for the convenient light.
”Sorry for crushing your thing.”
"To be fair, maybe it shouldn't have attacked us," Rhoreen's pride is wounded after the unnecessary attack. "What kind of refuge has golem attacking those that seek safety?"
"A mountain? Addicts? Well why don't you pass the night here with me and you explain me all that " the half-elf points to one of the workshop rooms, she stretches her eyes when you mention Baine "Baine? Is he ok? Are you here for him?"
She does not seem to worry about the golem destruction, but she respectfully accepts your apology " This is a dangerous place and some people want me bad, that is why I hide here and maintain my guardians"
She feels more relaxed as you start to explain yourselves "So what is your business here in Scrapwall?"
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"This is a dangerous place and some people want me bad, that is why I hide here and maintain my guardians"?"
”Yes, this is Scrapwall! This Chapel isn’t exactly on the beaten path, either! And you saw that Gearghost! Under such circumstances, what else do you do when you are not expecting visitors?!” he says in support of the ClockMother’s self-defense mechanism.
”Oh! That’s right – there’s a nasty gear ghost between here and the unclaimed territories! We think it might come back in a couple of days!
It's too bad they don't have Zipstick Tape for incorporeal creatures that can throw things with their mind.”
"And, that reminds me, can you use any of this?” he says, dumping the broken walkman and raspberry pi on a table. ”I think I see gears in this one,” he says picking up to inspect the walkman.
He pulls out the peanut brittle he has left to share, relating the group’s escapades in Torch under the mountain, the addicts, Rhoreen’s ‘curse’ after partaking of toxic waste, the ghost at the fort – everything up to this moment. ”The more unbelievable news is – the Smiler Gang is no more. We left a couple behind, who might re-band, but I think they’re more likely to be come cultists under this Helion. We don’t much like Helion, and have come to relieve him of his grip on Scrapwall. There are ties to torch we must break, starting with that stupid new enormous White Dish. I suspect the technique league is involved with this cult nonsense too, and that will put a torsion tool in the wrong place in their cog,” he giggles mischeviously.
”And, yes for Baine we came; we heard this Ghartone’s name recently on the lips of Technique Leaguers and think he may not be as dead as believed.”
”Oh, and we collected some bloodrush thorns from some hoodlum bloodrushes and made some tea, if you need any.”
"Oh no worries Zzvkgrogk, your friend here has given me good ideas of how can I improve the golem's features." Dinvaya keeps relieving the grudge.
She looks at the pieces handed by the ratfolk "Oh, sure, we can do something useful out of this, thanks"
The half-elf pours water into a large machine on the wall and activates it producing a lot of noise and steam. The machine outputs a black smelly and sour beverage she distributes while listen attentively to your story "So that is it. I had heard that Hellion's high priestess had gone missing, I am impressed you are responsible for Meyanda's capture."
"I know that the Lords of Rust were siphoning power from some distant location, gathering it at a receiving array on the far side of Scrapwall, that is likely the disk you are pointing out; it is probably a good idea to investigate that site before you attempt to attack the Lords of Rust in their headquarters, as there may be some useful clues or information there about what the gang is up to."
Rhoreen will chirp in with details or thoughts as Zzvkgrogk goes over the story so far.
"That's right, I'm Rhoreen. That's Yambul. And Ruha. And Chaance," she offers introductions. "Is the gearghost also part of your defenses? Why stay here if it's so dangerous, and if you cannot offer your service and blessing to others of Bligh?" Rhoreen asks, wondering many things.
Eventually, she will ask if the priestess can cure her lingering cough/disease/drug cravings...and how much it will cost.
Yambul settles in a bit, but what with the enemies they’ve already made, and her talking about enemies, he tries to stay somewhat alert - and avoids any liquor for now.
”Could we rest here a time? We’ll have to cross Scrapwall to get there, past the big hill - which I expect will have hostiles. I’d rather go in the light of day, well rested, so we can handle whatever may confront us.”
He knew from his tracking that few people came here. So it’s as safe a place as any to get a little shuteye.
"The gearghost? No, I guess it was some gang member that fell into one of my valley traps." she tries to give an explanation to the strange creature.
Dinvaya gets a bit reclusive though when it comes to Rhoreen's second question "That has to do with something personal of my past. There are other places I would have preferred to live in, some... others of Brigh... but old mistakes led me to hide here for most of my life... until I know I can do otherwise..."
She is quick to leave the topic by engaging with Yambul's question "Of course you can stay! Anyone willing to face the Lords of Rust and as strong as to destroy my guardian are of course invited to rest here."
Dinvaya can offer some clerical help at the usual prices and is willing to accept supplies and equipment in exchange instead of coin. She has also a limited amount of mundane and technological equipment to offer "I can also craft for you sacred weapons, armor and wondrous items upon request. If you are planning to end the Rusters and Hellion, I guess you are staying a few months here at the least, so you can tell me of anything you are interested in advance"
Rhoreen listens to Dinvaya’s explanations and tries not to take the lack of welcome too personally. She appreciates Dinvaya’s position, but is also a big believer in not letting her person be attacked when trying to seek sanctuary.
Eventually, she will ask if Dinvaya can cure her little issue with, well, the drugs. ”They were very good drugs, you see? But maybe, maybe I don’t have the vim and vigor needed to take them.”
”Yeah, Rhoreen’s no addict, you know? She just had a brush with some powerful stuff. She won’t be doing that again soon.” Yambul grins.
When she offers to craft, he adds happily, ”Well, as you’ll take it in gear... There’s a small thing, called a Campfire Bead (link) (720gp) and then, well, I need better armor. I’m looking for a mithral breastplate with maybe a touch of magic.” (+1 for 5,200gp)
He offers a deposit knowing he can almost cover the total. He’s a little uneasy, but he figures even in a place like this there has to be some money. Right? He’ll find some loot, no thievery!, to trade for the finished armor before he leaves. He hopes.
"Ah, campfire beads! I heard of some druids crafting that kind stuff, but Brigh does not provide the type of blessings needed." she smiles and makes her hammer spin in her hands with great skill "There is not much pure mithral to work in Scrapwall, but I am sure I can put something together for Zzvkgrogk's friends"
When requested to treat Rhoreen addiction, Dinvaya approaches and checks her eyes closely "Are you clean girl? The god can do nothing to help if you are still consuming that shit..." she looks a bit judgmental, and although she looks young for a human, you can sense the half-elf is probably near her first hundred and looking at Rhoreen like a grandaughter that got into trouble because young decisions and errors she herself once did "It is not going to serve divine aid if you run tomorrow on the same type of parties"
The day will pass without trouble here at Brigh's Workshop, thus, you can assume a full rest while you plan out what to do next.
Rhoreen seems confused by Dinvaya's comment.
"So...can you fix me or not?" she asks, totally unsure. "Not sure I can get my hands on any magic barbarian brain juice around here, can I?" Rhoreen does want to know the answer to that, but also doesn't plan on going out and getting some unless...unless...
Yambul keeps watch when it’s his time, for he insists they keep a careful eye on the neighborhood - just in case. Before he goes to sleep, he will ask the priestess for a cure light, for the wands can keep.
(not sure what level she is)
That and a good night’s sleep brings him back to himself again. He rises early, and makes breakfast for everyone.
He’ll then, after cleaning up of course, settle in with his book while the others study their spells/pray/whatever. Once everyone is good and ready, he takes out the map. ”The southern route looks faster, but I’d bet there are some hostiles on the biggest scrap hill. I imagine the size attracts them. The northern route would avoid that, but take longer. I’m not sue what is the best path to the dish.”
Still chomping on a bit of toast, and sipping the last of the juice, he waits for other input on the plans of the day.
Yambul gets maximum healing from his cure light wounds, and he finds the canyon is silent when he goes on watch prior sleep.
The next day, Dinvaya casts remove disease on Rhoreen.
But the half-elf still feels the desire after the application "Not sure if that worked, but you have to take care about those fluids, I have seen every now and then here in Scrapwall."
As Yambul begins to think about the next plans to do, Dinvaya is around and willing to answer any questions you might have, she also gives some advice on what she things is best "First of, I suggest you try to build up scrap-worth, if you make yourselves famous enough, it will only be a matter of time before the Lords of Rust notice you and invite you
to take part in a battle in the Scrapmaster's Arena."
"This may well be the easiest way to get close to the lords and give you a chance to attack one of them—the troll Helskarg. I have heard that Hellion has found a powerful weapon of some sort, and that the device is buried under the arena." she is already working over some gears on her workbench when you wake up in the morning, and barely looks up to talk with you, that is her focus on the work "Infiltrating of the Lords of Rust compound there would no doubt reveal more information, but before you dare such an audacious stunt, I recommend you to do what they can to disrupt the supremacy the Lords have over Scrapwall. If you do it well, any blatant move you make against the Lords of Rust would likely trigger chaos in Scrapwall, forcing the lords to hunker down in their compound and removing their option to draw reinforcements from the gangs of the surrounding areas."
Rūha stays quiet for a while, listening to the exchange with Dinvaya while cupping the beverage - one not entirely unlike coffee - from the machine that dispensed it. She doesn't drink it, but holding it in two of her hands has a visibly calming effect. In fact, she looks more in her element holding this drink than you've seen her otherwise thus far.
During the initial discussion with Dinvaya, she asks "You said you had something from your past that requires you to stay here. I sense you'd like to keep that to yourself, and that is perfectly fine, but I do want to know - what enemies of yours should we expect? Did you wrong the Lords of Rust in some way? You seem eager to see them brought down, and while I agree they're quite dreadful from what we've seen, I'm not sure a typical resident of Scrapwall would be so eager."
Afterward she adds "Your offer to rest here is appreciated. It seems we have our work cut out for us." with a nod. After a moment's reflection she follows that with a shake of her head "I don't think my intention with this trip was to take down a wide reaching cult. Instead, it was more curiosity regarding Meyanda's origin here. This place seems to be a hub for Androffan technology, suggesting some kind of significance... though I can't say exactly what, even having seen the piles of junk. You seem knowledgeable about this place, and more than handy with tech. Where does all this technology come from? Especially any that is more intact?"
Rhoreen notes that she doesn't feel any different after the spellcasting, but thanks Dinvaya nonetheless. She hopes for better tomorrow, certain that it couldn't be worse and as it was free, she wasn't going to complain about it.
She will listen to the answers to Ruha's good questions and might add her own.
"What kinds of technology are you working with right now? Is there anything that you want to share with us? I like to learn."
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”Could we rest here a time? We’ll have to cross Scrapwall to get there, past the big hill - which I expect will have hostiles. I’d rather go in the light of day, well rested, so we can handle whatever may confront us.”
Zzvkgrogk helps himself to the sour brew. ”Just relax and have some hot tea, Cook Boy.”
”Yeah, Rhoreen’s no addict, you know? She just had a brush with some powerful stuff. She won’t be doing that again soon.”
”Powerfully addictive stuff. Let me rephrase: Calliope is an addict, you know.” He thinks for a moment, ”Although, she did just resist some, I think.,” he scrutinizes Rhoreen with an arched brow above a beady eye. Come to think of it, I wasn't watching her all that closely when we were by the toxic creek....
He turns to ClockMother Dinvaya. ”Thank you for the refuge. I was thinking, wondering – maybe I could try and develop some holy water cartridges, and maybe borrow bits of the workshop to repair my firearms. Then we should go forth and infiltrate the other gangs in Scrapwall to build up our Scrapworth as we conquer more foes, and then take on the troll Helskarg under the arena?”
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"[..] You said you had something from your past that requires you to stay here. I sense you'd like to keep that to yourself, and that is perfectly fine, but I do want to know - what enemies of yours should we expect? Did you wrong the Lords of Rust in some way?"
"No, the Rusters have not directly threatened me, they know the gangs value me for when they really need some healing. The reason I have been hiding in Scrapwall for already two decades is much older..." Dinvaya gets somber at this point but feeling strangely comfortable in front of the strange four-armed Kasatha she eases up her story which not even Zzvkgrogk had previously heard "I grew up in the city of Chesed, where I got interested into crafting. In Brigh's Workshop I met a boy called Joram Kyte who shared my passion. We could work together for the whole day in the most crazy of ideas. We bonded deeply." she pauses to take a sip from her smelly beverage "We also traveled along Numeria adventuring with a few others to learn more about the mechanic creations that plague it and adventured in sites to obtain new parts until... that disastrous day... we lost our child in a clash with the Technic League in Lackthroat. Only Joram and myself escaped alive. Bastard tyrant slavers!" she suddenly hits the table and her eyes fill with pain "While Joram eventually recovered from our great loss, I never did. I could not keep working in the workshop like before, and my hatred of the Technic League grew and festered over the years. Against Joram's advise, I began to actively work against the Technic League, until one day they discovered my association with various underground resistance groups in Chesed, and I was forced to flee the city in order to keep Joram and several others from being implicated and imprisoned"
Dinvaya looks down drinking from her cup like someone who accepts her fate "After spending several months living in the wild, I came to Scrapwall, drawn by the mechanical allure and it's promise of a home for all outcasts. That was twenty years from now already..."
"[..] Where does all this technology come from? Especially any that is more intact?"
"These all come from the Rain of Stars. Or so do they say. If you really want to dig into its origins, you should travel to the easternmost area of Scrapwall. Spirits that are not from this world haunt that misted canyon. No one ventures there, and if there is any reminiscence of the origins of Scrapwall, it must be found there." she explains, pointing the area for you .
"What kinds of technology are you working with right now? Is there anything that you want to share with us? I like to learn."
Dinvaya gets very excited about this question "Oh! I am working on a new method to melt the glaucite from the walls of the ancient debris and extract more easily the adamantine out of it. Do you want to come and see?" if Rhoreen accepts she kind of gets lost for the rest of the day explaining on this new process and the various approaches she has attempted and what she has learnt out of it.
”Thank you for the refuge. I was thinking, wondering – maybe I could try and develop some holy water cartridges, and maybe borrow bits of the workshop to repair my firearms. Then we should go forth and infiltrate the other gangs in Scrapwall to build up our Scrapworth as we conquer more foes, and then take on the troll Helskarg under the arena?”
"Let me see this" Dinvaya inspects the shattered firearm and frowns "What kind of brute has done this?" the priestess takes the weapon and praises the model, then gives Zzvkgrogk all the space and tools he needs to work on it. With the scrap the ratfolk has collected and Dinvaya's advise and tools, Zzvkgrogk is able to fix the pistol after working what remained of the first day and the next morning at no additional cost.
"If you want to raise your scrap-worth, you should defeat more gangs. You already got the Smilers, the few that you left alive have probably passed word of it around Scrapwall, so you sure are known right now. You could also fight the Steel Hawks" she does point the Hawk Palace for you "Or the Redtooth gang"
"What Do You Zay Dinvaya! You Zilly Prieztezz!" Whiskfiss is quick to complain "They Are Going to Ally With The Redtooth! Everyone Knowz Redtooth Iz Bezt Gang To Ally, And You Get One Zcrap-Worth For Allying With Zuch A Powerful Gang!"
Dinvaya smiles and shrugs "Well, you will get also some renown by killing dangerous monsters that cause trouble, like the Manticore in the topmost scrap hill"
Rhoreen *does* (and most excitedly so) spend the day learning from Dinvaya, and is happy to take in the process of extracting adamantine. ”Brigh has blessed you in this. Such industriousness!” Rhor will take notes, and try to learn all that she can.
”Manticore? Really? Here?!” Rhoreen’s head spins to look at Whiskfiss.
Know (Arcana)
Her eyes widen, looking from Whisk to Din. ”Does it have the tail spikes and everything? Really? And we would gain reputation from killing it? Huh? That would be something.”
Zzvkgrogk helps himself to the sour brew. ”Just relax and have some hot tea, Cook Boy.”
Yambul smiles, being relieved of the pressures of having to plan. Not his forte! He does indeed enjoy the sour brew, whatever it may be. Secretly he wonders if there may be some acid in there somewhere.
Yambul studies his book as the others talk about scrapworth (though he figures that’s basically reputation), and the various technological discussions. Those just make his head spin. He’s also glad Zzvkgrogk is able to repair his weapon. He does cherish it so. He considers his falchion and smiles in kinship.
He puts the book down and listens to Dinvaya’s story. Poor woman, such suffering and to stay here 20 years! That’s some penance. He likes the Technic League even less, which he wasn’t sure was possible.
He finally risks a question, ”So, Whiskfiss, why should we join the Redtooths. I mean, aside from you and Zzvkgrogk here, what makes you special? Just curious to know more about the gang we seem to be merging with.”
Later, when the manticore is mentioned, he asks, ”What’s that? Tail spikes?”
The remove disease already happened in the morning as it is not what Dinvaya uses daily, then Rhoreen will need to wait a bit more.
Rhoreen *does* (and most excitedly so) spend the day learning from Dinvaya, and is happy to take in the process of extracting adamantine. ”Brigh has blessed you in this."
"Share what you know" Dinvaya expresses after Rhoreen's gratitude "Every discovery since the dawn of civilization has allowed later inventors to create even greater things than those who came before them. Brigh teaches us hiding knowledge from the world is like stealing from starving, future minds"
"Such industriousness!” Rhor will take notes, and try to learn all that she can.
"Invention is Immortality Calliope" she stops the technical explanation to praise Rhoreen's interest "So many of us Brighers are so devoted to our crafts we cannot maintain a family. But Brigh teaches that for those of us inventions are our children, our work is our legacy, and allowing others to learn and use our discoveries is as good as passing a family name" Dinvaya pats the half-elf's back affectionately despite maintaining her strict facial expression.
"I suppose it includes the spikes" Dinvaya shrugs "I actually have never seen the beast. I mean personally."
"Uh! Of Courze Zpikez Lotz of Zpikez! You Better Cover Yourzelf, Bring Giant Shield!" exclaims Whiskfiss.
”[..] why should we join the Redtooths.[..]”
"Becauze We Have Ruzt Monzterz And Dire Ratz! We Mozt Dreaded Gang! And We Have Explozivez! Ha! And Of Courze We Have Zome Cookiez For Big Human With Big Belly" Whiskfiss says but seems unable to find something more to convince Yambul "Ah, Guezz You Humanz Should Talk With My Zizter Redtooth, She Iz Great Leader Of Uz. She Muzt Be Worried For My Fate And Looking To Organize Zome Zaving Operation Already"
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"Invention is Immortality Calliope" she stops the technical explanation to praise Rhoreen's interest
"Ah yes! So it is! I wonder what I should invent!" Rhoreen casts about for good ideas for things to invent, inventions that might live on longer than she lives so that she might be immortal too.
She continues to think about that for the rest of the day, even as she helps with Zzvkgrogk's pistol, because fixing things is important too.
"Your sister Redtooth leads your gang, you say? Did she know you were taken?" Rhoreen queries Whisk.
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Rūha murmurs "So you're a strategic resource then..." as Dinvaya explains her position in Scrapwall. The explanation about the woman's story before arriving here earns a more heated "The Technic League again! And to hurt a child just because of their ridiculously cruel approach to technology! I am starting to think that most of the troubles around here in Numeria find their origin in the League." She crosses her arms.
The tip about the origins of Scrapwall's tech gets a nod "Thank you. While there are obviously pressing dangers around here, I'd like to go see that place when we can." She directs that last comment to the rest of the group.
Though the technological discussion is certainly interesting, it's the later mention of Brigh's tenets that really lights a spark in Rūha's eyes. She takes out a notepad and begins recording Dinvaya's comments regarding the faith. She follows by asking a dozen odd questions - each one asking about a holy book, ritual, saying or tradition, some of which are definitely part of Brigh's faith and which seem to show a deep understanding of her worship, while others that are equally detailed having no basis in reality. These "fake" bits of scripture or tradition are particularly weird to those familiar with Brigh, as they seem like something that could reasonably be part of the canon, while also being just a little "off". At the end of the barrage of questions that lasts several hours, Rūha muses out loud "Interesting. Very interesting. I would not have guessed that those would have arisen after... or those would have been forgotten. An uncommon opportunity. Maybe that's what this is all about..." before packing her notebook away.
Tuning in to the conversation, she adds "If Whiskifiss is any indication, we should not have much reason to fight Redtooth's gang unless they turn those rust monsters and dire rats to menacing travelers. The manticore on the other hand, well, it seems like a dangerous foe to confront willingly."
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”Joram Kyte…”
”He lives, ClockMother!” Zzvkgrogk exclaims, reaching out with a friendly palm. ” He is alive and well in Torch!’ He recalls the latest invention of the ClockFather, the 'Stench Prevention Big Iron Can for Sorted Waste Disposal". ”Luckily for all, he doesn’t need it anymore!”
"Brigh teaches us hiding knowledge from the world is like stealing from starving, future minds."
Zzvkgrogk trills in respect. Maybe someday I too will be worthy of the hammer.
"If you want to raise your scrap-worth…”
”Right, then!” Zzvkgrogk exclaims, ramming his right fist into his left palm. ”First the Steel Hawks Palace – it’s around the corner” he points south, ” – and they probably have a big shield… then to The Warren – “ he points to the south east, his beady eyes soften in fond recollection. He looks wistfully at Whiskifiss, ”-- check in with our Home Gang, except for Izzkvitgrk and his ilk… And no worries!" he turns to his away gang. "The Rust Monster Corps only obeys Uncle Whiskifiss -- then to the manticore and arena,” he points east and slightly north, glad to have plans out of the way.
The tip about the origins of Scrapwall's tech gets a nod "Thank you. While there are obviously pressing dangers around here, I'd like to go see that place when we can."
Zzvkgrogk grows quiet, somehow at the same time appearing slightly bigger – at least the parts puffing out where he is not covered by his armor. He looks at ClockMother Dinvaya, then to Rūha, then back to Dinvaya.
”Well, then, thank you ClockMother Dinvaya, for the use of your tools in my quest to fix my laser pistol!" he exclaims, holstering the weapon. ”Um, may I borrow them once again for insight into how to create a Holy Water of Brigh Cartridge to use with my rifle, or dragon pistol? I... I mean -- that place is haunted!”
He heads back to the workshop to puzzle over cartridges. The next morning he pushes some hot sour brew toward Rhoreen, inviting her to partake.
"It might help with the curing."
"Becauze We Have Ruzt Monzterz And Dire Ratz! We Mozt Dreaded Gang! And We Have Explozivez! Ha! And Of Courze We Have Zome Cookiez For Big Human With Big Belly" Whiskfiss says but seems unable to find something more to convince Yambul. ”Ah, Guezz You Humanz Should Talk With My Zizter Redtooth, She Iz Great Leader Of Uz. She Muzt Be Worried For My Fate And Looking To Organize Zome Zaving Operation Already”
Yambul grins and nods, thinking to protect his falchion. ”Sounds like a good idea Whiskfiss. Let’s get you home.”
Tuning in to the conversation, she adds "If Whiskifiss is any indication, we should not have much reason to fight Redtooth's gang unless they turn those rust monsters and dire rats to menacing travelers. The manticore on the other hand, well, it seems like a dangerous foe to confront willingly."
”Totally, good add there Rüha.”
”Right, then!” Zzvkgrogk exclaims, ramming his right fist into his left palm. ”First the Steel Hawks Palace – it’s around the corner” he points south, ” – and they probably have a big shield… then to The Warren – “ he points to the south east, his beady eyes soften in fond recollection. He looks wistfully at Whiskifiss, ”-- check in with our Home Gang, except for Izzkvitgrk and his ilk… And no worries!" he turns to his away gang. "The Rust Monster Corps only obeys Uncle Whiskifiss -- then to the manticore and arena,” he points east and slightly north, glad to have plans out of the way.
Yambul gets up and straightens his gear, ”Let’s get going then. We’ll show these Steel Hawks we’re the new gang in town and see if they’ll uh, give up.”
He double checks his gear and makes sure he can get to Zzvkgrogk’s shield elixir thingy readily. Then he puts his book away and says, ”I’m ready. Let’s get ‘em!”
Even with all that, a stray thought crosses his mind, Holy water cartridges, wow - that’s so cool!
Whiskifiss thinks on Rhoreen's question "Mmmm... I Guezz She May Think It, But Not Zure She Knowz-Knowz. I Think I Might Leave To Reunite The Gang While You Do Zcrap-Worth Thingz"
Zzvkgrogk's statement about Joram catches Dinvaya's attention "So Joram is still alive... it has been such a long time. You say he is living in Torch?" the half-elf smiles while the ratfolk explains about the man's inventions.
"These holy water cartridges seems an intriguing innovation. Sure, work on it, you have my forge Zzvkgrogk" the ratfolk will be able to craft his ammunition before you depart the temple, perhaps after lunch time?
With the party decided on a direction, Dinvaya gives you some extra update on the Steel Hawks "Be aware, their leader, a ferocious and intimidating bear of a man named Varagio, gambled and lost in a conflict in the Scrapmaster's Arena against the Lords of Rust, and was killed by Kulgara in a particularly gory battle. Since then, the Rusters have given the leadership to an ex-Smiler thug, Birdfood. The turncoat has only been too eager to bow down before the new masters of Scrapwall"
You have heard Birdfood is a ranger who loves to hunt major preys with his flock of trained hawks.
Once you are all ready, you get back into Scrapwall's exterior and walk through the scrap-canyon reaching back the field that leaves to the south. There Whiskifiss says you goodbye "Well My Friendz Thankz Again For Freeing My Rat Bonez! I Will Let Redtooth Know About Your Deedz. Pleaze Come And Talk With Her When You Feel It Iz Time To"
After an hour or so from the temple, you reach the Steel Hawks headquarters. A ramshackle structure built out of wood, bits of scrap metal, and other items of refuse scavenged from the surrounding terrain.
"So Joram is still alive... it has been such a long time. You say he is living in Torch?"
Rhoreen follows up with any detail that Dinvaya might want, trying to be helpful and reciprocating the teaching that she offered Rhoreen.
"Oh yeah, he's doing great. Mostly great. After his health scare, but pretty well, mostly."
* * *
Rhoreen will offer the usual, minimal protections that she can to herself and Ruha (extended Mage Armor) in preparation for the Steel Palace.
She thinks it's best to examine the place from afar first, to scout, and then to decide what might work best.