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Unexpectedly, Stell hears Kuzar's voice in her head, "What kind of nonsense are you doing? Answer mentally." If Stell answers and tells nuar that this is such a greeting ritual, he will join everyone in this performance. If not, then he will stand still, looking at his comrades with surprise and mockery.
Stell replies to Kuozar telepathically, <Every species has its own way of polite greeting. Copaxi extend their arms, palms up, and spin. Pretend you are dancing! Have fun.>
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"I am very sorry about the landing. I made a poor choice when I his the aft thrusters when I could have relied on the bow ones. I will not make that mistake again." Nic Nack says after the landing. He then starts to check the systems to see if there was any damage.
Being the last one off the ship. Nic Nack watches the greeting and make note of it
Using his telepathy Nic Nack tells Kuozar "It's a greeting that they expect us to return. Just fallow my moves."
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"I am very sorry about the landing. I made a poor choice when I his the aft thrusters when I could have relied on the bow ones. I will not make that mistake again." Nic Nack says after the landing. He then starts to check the systems to see if there was any damage.
Being the last one off the ship. Nic Nack watches the greeting and make note of it
[dice=CULTURE ]1d20+4
Using his telepathy Nic Nack tells Kuozar "It's a greeting that they expect us to return. Just fallow my moves."
Therseis steps forward and, in Common, thanks you for responding to their greeting ritual in kind. They explain that the copaxis are not familiar with the traditional greetings of Pact Worlds natives, and their own greeting is highly ingrained in their culture. Bowing is considered aggressive due to copaxi antlers. Speaking before performing the spinning gesture is a taboo sign of malicious magic.
They also warn you that physical contact with any copaxi is not recommended unless it has been specifically invited. Then Therseis invites you to touch their antlers, if they wish, to understand why.
coral or sandpaper, though they appear smooth.
After this initial greeting, Therseis invites the PCs to join the copaxi team in the research office for a brief meeting. There, they make formal introductions to the rest of the team.
Bryanisis is the jagged-antlered copaxi and a biologist.
Gnaucara has antlers curled like a ram’s horns and is the team’s
physicist and pilot.
The spiky-antlered copaxi is an archaeologist and geologist named Panacula. They have reshaped part of their chest exoskeleton to display the Pact Worlds’ insignia.
Therseis is the team’s historian and an agent of the local government.
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After learning about the do's and don'ts of Copaxis greetings, which Stell recorded, she states, "When you get a chance, you can study data compilations of the proper and improper ways of greeting for the most commonly entountered species in the Pact Worlds and some important species from the Vast. I have observed that most species, when first meeting an unfamiliar species, simply speak a greeting, such as I respectfully acknowledge you. So you may need to be understanding of that so you don't take offense when greeted verbally before any other gestures. It's one of many ways interstellar contact will change your own culture."
After the formal introductions, Stell takes it upon herself to introduce the Starfinder team. "As I said, I am Stell Z-Lin. You can call me Stell. I'm an envoy and communications specialist. Idir introduced himself. He is also an envoy and computer specialist. Kuozar of Steel is a mechanic and engineer. Nic Nack is our specialist in the mystic arts and our pilot. The Izulguun in the helmet is Thundergun, a technomancer and cybernetics expert. And that is Xikko, a solarian and expert in the variety of life forms in our universe. I'll let each one explain about zirself when the opportunity to talk presents itself."
"As you know, we have been tasked by our Starfinder Society leaders with helping explore Tabintria. So perhaps you should brief us on what you know about this place, including any hazards we should be aware of before we explore."
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Idir listens intently and takes notes from Therseis' explanations and accepts their invitation to feel their antlers, gingerly stroking them before withdrawing his hand quickly.
"I thank you for the trust and patience you have granted us in this meeting," he says politely. He steps back and nods politely along with Stell's descriptions. He was INCREDIBLY grateful she was taking the lead here. One thing she said made him uncomfortable, though.
"I apologize, Stell, but exploration may be a rather...strong word? I was under the impression our gracious hosts were about to guide us on a tour of their home."
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Tundergun strikes his breast with left fist when Stell introduces him.
The izalguun is aware of intellegent races who use scent and fluids to communicate but decide to remain contemplative mostly. But carefully touch one of antlers if copaxi suggest to.
He surely borrow starnet looking for more different copaxi's pictures via his helemt.
Otherwise the technomancer use large body to remain as background not interfering.
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"I apologize, Stell, but exploration may be a rather...strong word? I was under the impression our gracious hosts were about to guide us on a tour of their home."
Stell distinctly remembers Major Tower-9 using the word explore in cooperation with the copaxis, more than once, but she says nothing to contradict Idir. Her impression is that the copaxis did not create the cities and perhaps have not explored them.
She hopes to find out if they think of the cities as sacred or taboo in some way. If they have not explored them before, she will try to find out why not. If they can achieve drift travel, they certainly can fly up to the cities any time they want and with a population of 2 billion, certainly the thought will have occurred to some of the more curious of the species.
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Nic nack reaches out for the antler realizing that it would be a good choice since he is not sure when another might be offered.
After Stell gives the introductions Nic nacks adds in.
"Yes the Vast, as what we call out in the stars" He says as he points up "I am not sure what name you have given it. But there are many species of life out there. Not all are peaceful, I am sorry to say. For example my species was once part of a ravenous hive of locust-like predators, the shirrens only recently broke with their hive mind to become a race enjoying their own individualism, yet dedicated to the idea of community and harmony with other races. And we are now in the embrace of the Pac-worlds.
I for one am very excited of the choices you have made in wanting to be part of the Pac-Worlds. And hope our stay here will be informative to you as well us."
Introductions complete, Therseis continues the breifing. He points to a large paper map of Tabantria hanging on the wall. Bryanisis hands each of you a smaller paper copy. "We, the copaxi, only recently developed flying machines that allowed us to reach the Floating Cities. Tabantria is the only one that is intact and upright enough to explore. Copaxis believe the ancient magic that lifted the cities from the surface was the same magic that led to the downfall of the divergent copaxis; we were punished by divine intervention for becoming over-reliant on magic."
"Our, the copaxis', mission here is to learn copaxi history, catalog rare flora and fauna, and record any potential threats. If it please you, the Starfinders, catalog any strange or unique findings that may aid us, the copaxi, and collect samples of anything interesting you find. We have identified seven areas of intensive interest because they may contain much important information. They are marked one through seven on your maps. ...
Therseis moves to the map and points at each location in turn while he describes it.
1. Tabantria Market: The copaxis have already expl
2. Tabantria Academy Main Campus: You remember this location from your flyby earlier. Overgrown vegetation covers a sprawling campus of lecture amphitheaters, study halls, and dormitories.
3. Inter-City Transport Station: This location is right on the edge of a missing chunk of the city on the south side. It was once a port of sorts.
The copaxis have already explored sites 1-3, but recommend you visit because they hold cultural or historical interest. The remaining sites have not been thoroughly explored.
4. Gardens: And cemetery. Something is moving in there.
The next three you remember from your flyby.
5. A large hole : In a residential neighborhood. Obviously not part of the city's original design. It offers access to tunnels beneath the surface. Something large is down there.
6. Observation tower: Again, mystery movement. You might be getting the idea the copaxis are a little timid.
7. Arena : The copaxis experience intense headaches when they approach the arena and have not explored it.
Therseis concludes, "We, the copaxis, would appreciate your, the Starfinders, help with these more difficult areas. We are not equipped to handle anything dangerous or difficult. As you explore each area, please return to discuss your findings, or maybe I could even accompany you? I am very eager to see how you work."
"Finally we have a gift. Our copaxi linguists have programmed prototype translation software for Common and Copaxi that can be loaded on your comm units. Our language includes olfactory cues that have not been integrated into the software. I apologize that it is not perfect. "
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Fine. I suggest we start with the cemetery. They are not ready to face something dangerous, but I am more than ready! He strokes his huge cannon almost tenderly. In general, I think that it is worth starting the inspection from those places that have not yet been studied. We will always have time to look at what they have studied before us as tourists.
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Introductions complete, Therseis continues the breifing. He points to a large paper map of Tabantria hanging on the wall. Bryanisis hands each of you a smaller paper copy. "We, the copaxi, only recently developed flying machines that allowed us to reach the Floating Cities. Tabantria is the only one that is intact and upright enough to explore. Copaxis believe the ancient magic that lifted the cities from the surface was the same magic that led to the downfall of the divergent copaxis; we were punished by divine intervention for becoming over-reliant on magic."
"Our, the copaxis', mission here is to learn copaxi history, catalog rare flora and fauna, and record any potential threats. If it please you, the Starfinders, catalog any strange or unique findings that may aid us, the copaxi, and collect samples of anything interesting you find. We have identified seven areas of intensive interest because they may contain much important information. They are marked one through seven on your maps. ...
Therseis concludes, "We, the copaxis, would appreciate your, the Starfinders, help with these more difficult areas. We are not equipped to handle anything dangerous or difficult. As you explore each area, please return to discuss your findings, or maybe I could even accompany you? I am very eager to see how you work."
"Finally we have a gift. Our copaxi linguists have programmed prototype translation software for Common and Copaxi that can be loaded on your comm units. Our language includes olfactory cues that have not been integrated into the software. I apologize that it is not perfect. " The software reduces the Culture DCs to translate text by 10 and allows a PC to attempt such checks untrained."
Idir listens and his eyestalks droop a little as he begins to realize just why the Stewards had requested Starfinder assistance for this delegation.
When Therseis concludes, his eyestalks perk back up and he accepts the translation software into his comm.
"We, the Starfinders, thank you, the copaxis, for this incredibly helpful gift."
He thinks a moment and then leans in.
"If you, the copaxis, do not mind we, the Starfinders, asking...what exactly was meant by 'divergent' copaxis? We, the Starfinders, would welcome any information you, the copaxis, may provide regarding your own history to begin as a baseline understanding."
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Stell records the meeting. Eventually, she asks, "If we encounter any dangerous creatures, we may have to use lethal force to protect ourselves. If we can stop the threat short of killing, we will do so. But we may have to kill. Let us know if that is acceptable. As for any of you joining use, that would be fine, as long as you stay out of the way if there is anything dangerous to deal with."
Stell is okay with exploring the cemetery first if the fighter types prefer. She personally would prefer to start off with something tame to give everyone a chance to learn something about the place before having to fight, but she won't argue for that.
He thinks a moment and then leans in.
"If you, the copaxis, do not mind we, the Starfinders, asking...what exactly was meant by 'divergent' copaxis? We, the Starfinders, would welcome any information you, the copaxis, may provide regarding your own history to begin as a baseline understanding."
Therseis responds, "The divergent copaxis created the floating cities through the use of magic. They were punished and destroyed by divine intervention, which allowed the rise of our copaxi society."
Stell records the meeting. Eventually, she asks, "If we encounter any dangerous creatures, we may have to use lethal force to protect ourselves. If we can stop the threat short of killing, we will do so. But we may have to kill. Let us know if that is acceptable. As for any of you joining use, that would be fine, as long as you stay out of the way if there is anything dangerous to deal with."
...
Therseis hardly thinks about his answer, "We, here gathered, are the only duly authorized sentient entities on Tabantria. Our mission is of the highest priority. Lethal force would be acceptable if necessary, but it would be advantageous if live specimens could be captured. "
With the meeting winding down. The spiky-antlered archaeologist and geologist, Panacula, asks "What is the composition of your, the Starfinders' team? What are your technical specialties?"
And when the meeting finally breaks up, the copaxi have prepared comfortable quarters for you, across the research camp from their own tents.
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Stell glances at her comrades to see if anyone is about to speak before she says, "I am not a specialist in any technical sense. I suppose you could say I'm a diplomat or an envoy, with knowledge of many things that can help people communicate and work out disagreements. I'll be spending as much time as I can with your translation device so I can understand you better and can better communicate our thoughts to you.
"When I'm not on missions for the Starfinders, I am an entertainer. I play a musical instrument called a synth-violin. When I perform, I also sing and dance. I hope we get time to observe what you do for music and dance. I'll be happy to play some music for you, perhaps after we've settled into our accommodations."
She yields the floor to others who want to explain their specialties. She's curious about how her comrades view their roles in the mission. She has a general sense of what people can do, but is interested to know more, particularly about the secretive Xikka.
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Therseis responds, "The divergent copaxis created the floating cities through the use of magic. They were punished and destroyed by divine intervention, which allowed the rise of our copaxi society."
Idir notates this and continues the line of inquiry.
"Magic is forbidden, then?" he asks. "How long ago were these events? Did they occur after The Gap or some time before it?"
When asked about his core competencies, he straightens up like he's being inspected.
"Much of my skillset is similar to Ms. Z-Lin's. My primary skills lie in negotiation, conflict resolution and behavioral analysis. I also have extensive experience in data entry and other technical work involving electronics. Apart from these, I've been developing my individual combat readiness to aid my fellow Starfinders in field work such as this...even though I would greatly prefer data entry. Sadly, due to recent events, the Starfinders have needed every field agent they can get."
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Thundergun is agitated with area searching. He watch how Idir copy copaxi style. And then points at his own chest.
-Izalguuns kin performed similar rituals and relied on sences until tech-magic was invented. Magic first. I'll copy linguo-prototype. , - he approaches to a proper copaxi, but not too close.
The technomancers helmet soon install the software while teammates discuss cemetery...
--
He once stood and bow when Stell might heralds all the team. But this time she did not.
-Tundergun is strong and able to think. I retrieve tech-magic. I live withtin realities conclusion. One copaxi may acompany us, no objection. , - adds Thundergun before get back at four legs.
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"When I'm not on missions for the Starfinders, I am an entertainer. I play a musical instrument called a synth-violin. When I perform, I also sing and dance. I hope we get time to observe what you do for music and dance. I'll be happy to play some music for you, perhaps after we've settled into our accommodations."[/b]
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"We would enjoy that."
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"Magic is forbidden, then?" he asks. "How long ago were these events? Did they occur after The Gap or some time before it?"
...
"Much of my skillset is similar to Ms. Z-Lin's. My primary skills lie in negotiation, conflict resolution and behavioral analysis. I also have extensive experience in data entry and other technical work involving electronics. Apart from these, I've been developing my individual combat readiness to aid my fellow Starfinders in field work such as this...even though I would greatly prefer data entry. Sadly, due to recent events, the Starfinders have needed every field agent they can get."
"Magic is - discouraged among our people. The divine judgement on the magic users is a powerful lesson to us all. Our history is often unclear, but I know that the unified government arose after the destruction of the magic users, and it was then that our technological progress began. "
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"Do you often encounter situations requiring combat in the course of your explorations?"
"I am a spiritual follower and pilot. On my off time I like to cook. Perhaps we could exchange recipes and also learn what each other likes to consume for nourishment."
...
Gnaucara, who's antlers curl like ram’s horns, immediately moves toward the shirren. "You are the pilot? How do you handle the difference in control forces when your vessel crosses the sonic transition. It is a very difficult time for our flying vessels."
Thundergun is agitated with area searching. He watch how Idir copy copaxi style. And then points at his own chest.
-Izalguuns kin performed similar rituals and relied on sences until tech-magic was invented. Magic first. I'll copy linguo-prototype. , - he approaches to a proper copaxi, but not too close.The technomancers helmet soon install the software while teammates discuss cemetery...
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He once stood and bow when Stell might heralds all the team. But this time she did not.-Tundergun is strong and able to think. I retrieve tech-magic. I live withtin realities conclusion. One copaxi may acompany us, no objection. , - adds Thundergun before get back at four legs.
Therseis leans slightly forward from the ankles, "It will be a great learning experience to accompany you then. "
The spiky-antlered copaxi , Panacula asks, " You, Thundergun and Nic nack, both use magic? Is this common in the Pact Worlds? What is the difference between a spiritual follower and tech-magic?"
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"Do you often encounter situations requiring combat in the course of your explorations?"
Stell gestures toward her pistols and rifle. "Often enough that we, the Starfinders, always come prepared for trouble. It is, alas, a violent universe. Even in civilized areas with no wild animals, there are criminals and vermin that sometimes cause fights. Do you, the copaxis, have crime in your cities, people breaking the law? How do you deal with troublemakers?"
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The small Ysoki takes everything in and takes a slight step forward and gently pulls his hood back.
"My name is Xikko. I seek to learn more about the wonders of the universes. Traveling as far as Starfinders do, we often run into 'complications.' So while I seek out the wonders, I always seek to be prepared for the dangers."
As Xikko speaks the mote circling his arm glows slightly.
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I'm a mechanic in this squad. And I'm also something of an experimenter and inventor. My passion, installed in me since childhood, is a weapon. New ways to eliminate danger, and preferably from a distance where danger will not reach me! By the way, this is the answer to both questions - are there any technicians among us and do we often encounter combat situations. Quite often, I admit honestly. And to be honest, I rather like it because it's a legal way to test my ideas! For example, this laser is called Big Bertha. Look at how I strengthened these power supply fasteners to... - here Kuozar begins a long explanation of the features of his gun to all interested copaxis.
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I find spark of energy and implement it with essense to embody synergy or correlation of within or between structures. My helmet is a stucture. Big Bertha is a structure. Universe is a structure. Xikko's discipline is more primal and instinctive I suppose. While technomancy is a study. , - Thundergun answers a question from copaxi. He seems exhausted after so many senences, as izalguun's mouth not really adapted for Common speech.
The rest of the short evening is spent in discussion. Bryanisis, the jagged-antlered copaxi biologist hangs back.
Gnaucara, the ram’s horned physicist continues to ply Nic nack with questions about the Pact World ships, space travel, and piloting.
Panacula, the spiky-antlered copaxi archaeologist and geologist, asks about your homeworlds and cultures.
Although Therseis circulates to talk to all of you, he surprisingly spends the most time with Thundergun, talking devices and controls.
After a few hours, Therseis suggests everyone bedding down for the night and getting an early start tomorrow. The copaxi retire to their tents.
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Idir politely answers any questions Panacula may have about Dromaritia and its people, as well as discussion of Absalom Station, seeing as it had been Idir's home for the past few years.
He turns some off the questions around as the conversation continues, hoping to draw more information out of their hosts of what their lives were like, and the world they were on, diligently taking notes. Then he takes Therseis' suggestion and goes to bed, though he doesn't sleep too well as he starts awake at even the slightest noise.
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Thundergun most of the time remains silent and prefer to be in a corner or where he feel less massive.
The izalguun becomes more talkative if find a proper specialist in Therseis personality. In particular he is interested how Copaxi use technology here and especially if it improves their communication.
- We use some water-gathered electricity. But our kin decided to keep distance from technology, so I am one of the few. Our kin tries to hid existance from planetary scanners. Our ancestors was much more capabale of technology according to legends and logs. How do you utilize energy for devices?
All the copaxi are greatly interested in whatever you tell them. Thereseis is almost apologetic about copaxi technology. He explains to Thundergun that copaxi's technological development is relatively recent; it only developed after the Gap. Although it was preserved in book's and monuments, Triune's Signal that delivered the Drift Drive to the worlds was a mystery to them. It is only recently that the copaxi have reached a sufficient understanding of the Signal to construct a Drift drive.
The night passes peacefully.
The next morning dawns red, the sun's beams stained by their passage through the hazy brownish hazy atmosphere. The copaxi apparently have no concept of breakfast. They greet you and quickly move out of camp to perform their own research. Only Therseis remains with you.
When you are ready to go, he accompanies you. "Thank you again for this excellent opportunity for direct observation of your techniques and methods." He suggests the easiest route to the Gardens. It skirts the edge of the city, and has stggering views of the smog-shrouded cities below.
The floating city is eerily quiet. Weeds and ugly vines extend along silent stone pathways. When you reach the Gardens, crumbling statuary and collapsed walls, riddled with bullet holes and scorch marks, stand testament to a great conflict long ago. Dented helmets and battered, rusted vehicles stand in stark contrast to their stone surroundings.
Behind a five foot high fence of vertical wrought iron bars, hundreds of grave markers and monuments dot the landscape, each covered in old inscriptions that the years have worn to the point of illegibility. The fence is broken in places and is easily climbable.
Near the center of the cemetery, a now dry fountain is surrounded by a low stone wall.
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Stell videos various evidences of past conflict, hoping that experts later might identify the technology and maybe connect it to some known civilization. As they enter the graveyard, she says to Therseis, "There is lots of evidence in many different worlds for beings to suffer death, but continue a sentient existence. We call them undead. Do you have stories of such things?"
She looks for a climbable rock or wall to stand on and keeps watch for any activity that might spell trouble.
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All the copaxi are greatly interested in whatever you tell them. Thereseis is almost apologetic about copaxi technology. He explains to Thundergun that copaxi's technological development is relatively recent; it only developed after the Gap. Although it was preserved in book's and monuments, Triune's Signal that delivered the Drift Drive to the worlds was a mystery to them. It is only recently that the copaxi have reached a sufficient understanding of the Signal to construct a Drift drive.
The night passes peacefully.
The next morning dawns red, the sun's beams stained by their passage through the hazy brownish hazy atmosphere. The copaxi apparently have no concept of breakfast. They greet you and quickly move out of camp to perform their own research. Only Therseis remains with you.
When you are ready to go, he accompanies you. "Thank you again for this excellent opportunity for direct observation of your techniques and methods." He suggests the easiest route to the Gardens. It skirts the edge of the city, and has stggering views of the smog-shrouded cities below.
The floating city is eerily quiet. Weeds and ugly vines extend along silent stone pathways. When you reach the Gardens, crumbling statuary and collapsed walls, riddled with bullet holes and scorch marks, stand testament to a great conflict long ago. Dented helmets and battered, rusted vehicles stand in stark contrast to their stone surroundings.
Behind a five foot high fence of vertical wrought iron bars, hundreds of grave markers and monuments dot the landscape, each covered in old inscriptions that the years have worn to the point of illegibility. The fence is broken in places and is easily climbable.Near the center of the cemetery, a now dry fountain is surrounded by a low stone wall.
Idir wakes up and busies himself with making a primarily vegetarian meal for the group. While he does so, noticing the copaxi seem to lack the cultural concept of a morning meal, he inquires about how they acquire sustenance. When they ascend to the city, he makes notes about the view, taking a few pictures.
"Therseis, if you don't mind my asking, the view appears...shrouded...a bit. How dependent would you say copaxi society is on fossil fuels?"
Once they're in the ruin proper, Idir immediately shifts to a defensive posture, his eyestalks darting in all directions, seeking escape routes and cover wherever they might be located.
"Don'tlettherebeundeaddon'tlettherebeundeadohPharasmaPLEASEdon'tlettherebeu ndead..." he murmurs to himself.
Therseis defends his society, "We've come so far so fast in developing our technology, but it must seem laughably primitive to you, the Pact Worlders, who have been voyaging between the stars for centuries. We still burn the natural carbonaceous ore from the depths, and the planet's black blood for most of our power. We have developed systems for drawing power from the elemental particles of matter, but don't have enough of them to supply our power needs. Someday we'll stop burning. But until the elementary particle power siphons are on-line we must continue to burn to keep our industries thriving."
The party enters the park, then starts to pass through a fenced area of grave-markers. Almost simultaneously Nic nack, Kuozar, and Stell-Z spot movement up ahead. Near the fountain, the shapes of three copaxi break into view. Their exoskeletons are bleached a pale yellow. Two are carrying long arms, and one has a heavy spear. The spear bearer charges at you! The others raise their weapons to fire! The weapons discharge with loud powerful cracking sounds. Something smashes into a stone marker with enough force to spall the stone and send chips flying. A heavy slug hits Kuozar in the shoulder.
Initiative
2 Bleached copaxi
Idir:
Nic nack:
Xikko:
Kuozar: -3 SP
Stell-Z:
Bleached copaxi spear-bearer:
Thundergun:
Init
Perception
Perception
Inititiative
...
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Everyone, try this link, then let me know how it went.
Kuozar's laser lances through the bars of the fence and rips into the oncoming copaxi, but it keeps coming. A spooked Idir fires wide. Nic nack's rock hits it squarely in the forehead; it even snaps the thing's head back, but it keep coming.
Stell-Z chooses a different target and hits it squarely, but it also seems unfazed by the damage.