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Chadrah is Lashunta with green skin and dark green hair. She wears a lab coat on top of her light armor and carries around a backpack with a Medkit. She's an envoy with a scholarly specialization in bioengeering and has way with words, which allows her to inspire her teammates and find an angle in tricky situations.
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Chrysanthemum Gabbro is a quorlu with a fascinating pattern of crystals across her back. She looks like a mobile rock with three arms, three legs, and three eye stalks. Wearing heavy armor, she clomps around rather gracefully none the less. Chrysanthemum is a vanguard battleflower, who charges into battle both literally and figuratively and likes pushing people around. (I need to update her to 4th level on here still.)
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Tall and lithe, even by Damaya standards, Rilynn Rae stands just shy of 6'. She moves with aristocratic grace, but is constantly aware of the attitudes and temperament of those around her, and will adjust her mannerisms and even her posture to fit the room. Mahogany hair frames a narrow, angular face. Her skin is pale but shimmers faintly in the light as is common among Qabartese Damayas. A tattoo of a Great Ursaur, a Castrovelian apex predator, lunges halfway around her lower torso, from backbone to belly. It is a symbol of strength, and also the locus of her magical powers.
“Greetings, Starfinders,” Nominated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo speaks from behind her cluttered office desk. An elderly ysoki eagerly paces behind the First Seeker, adjusting his glasses every few steps.
---
Opening Crawl
---
Luwazi continues, “As I am sure you are aware, I recently announced that the Starfinder Society intends to continue its investigation into the Scoured Stars and the incident that occurred there. I have chosen you to pursue our first lead. Thanks to Royo here, we recently learned that the library world of Athaeum could contain valuable information related to the Scoured Stars—information that could prove key to disabling the shield guarding the system. Royo is our resident
expert on Athaeum. I will let him explain the details.”
Taking his cue, the ysoki steps forward, adjusts his glasses one final time, and continues the briefing, “Athaeum is one of the great wonders of the galaxy. It has no fixed location; rather, it disappears and reappears throughout the universe at seemingly random intervals. It’s not random, of course. You see, the planet actually has a powerful magical engine tha—”
“Royo,” Luwazi chides the elderly ysoki, shaking him from his tangential explanation.
Royo nods before continuing, “Ah yes, sorry. Where was I? Oh, yes! A group called the Curators controls and maintains Athaeum, along with the world’s libraries that contain the rarest of knowledge. In fact, all knowledge on the planet is unique because the Curators actively ensure that every piece of
information stored on their world is the last copy in existence. They have even gone so far as to destroy knowledge on other planets to ensure that this is the case.”
“For long time we were unable to secure access to Athaeum’s libraries,” continues Luwazi, “But recently, Iteration-177, a member of the Aspis Consortium sympathetic to the Starfinder Society, indicated that they have a relationship with the Curators. Through Iteration-177, we have secured passage for a small group to the library world.
Your mission is to escort Royo to Athaeum and uncover whatever information you can on the Scoured Stars. Additionally, try to establish a good relationship with the Curators, who could prove to be useful allies in the days to come.”
Iteration-177's ship is departing from Absalom station in twelve hours, so you will still have some time to prepare
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Makai, a lean dwarf with colorful hair, sits at one of the tables. Next to her stands her gulchgun. She listens to the briefing, and you can see that on the sides of her head she has symbols of Angradd and Triune tattooed.
"What do we know about those Curators? Are they an organization or a race? Destroy of other sources of information sounds very extreme..."
She looks around "I am Makai, a pleasure to meet you!"
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The usually calm and soft spoken Lashunta is completely horrified by the explanation. "Destroying the information to only have one copy in existence!? OUTRAGEOUS! Knowledge must be shared to be studied and expand the boundaries of science! I'll try my best to convince them to cooperate."
She turns to Makai with a nod. "Right? That's completely unnecessary!" then takes a deep breath to calm herself. "I'm sorry. Few things can get in my nerves like that. I'm Chadrah, by the way. It will be a pleasure to work with you."
"How long will it takes us to get there?" she asks Luwazi.
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"Rilynn Rae," says Rilynn by way of introduction.
"So let me get this straight: These Curators are basically information terrorists who deprive other societies of knowledge, and we want to be friends with them? Why don't we just get a fleet together and knock them down a peg?" She throws her arms up, visibly upset at the notion that such beings exist and worse, are seen as potential allies.
She turns to Royo. "And what if someone else gets that idea and the library is destroyed? One can imagine the progress that could have been made by now if civilization didn't keep erasing its past every few hundred years."
She sighs. "Sorry. I'm sure it's complicated. Why, may I ask, is Iteration-177 sympathetic to our organization? To which of our goals are their interests aligned?"
“The Curators are axiomites, outsiders made from the pure lawful essence of Axis. They often choose to look elven in appearance, but in their true forms, they are clouds of mathematical symbols. These particular axiomites exiled themselves from their home plane so that they could better pursue their mission to preserve unique knowledge. Since then, they’ve maintained the immense archives on Athaeum. Think what you will about their methods, but they are very effective at preserving knowledge in a secure way.”
Iteration-177 was not forthcoming with details about their relationship with the Curators, and we decided not to press the issue. From what I understand, the android has personal business on the planet already and is transporting another group there as well. Iteration-177 was also reticent on who the other group is and that group’s mission on Athaeum.
---
At one of Absalom stations many docks, a sleek, golden-hued luxury vessel called the Diligent Forerunner is docked. It is here that Iteration-177, a blue-hued android, is waiting. As the group approaches, a familiar face approaches as well. Fascinating, fascinating. Rilynn Rae, Chadrah, I remember these names. The familiar is none other than Ysoki Royo. Rilynn, do you still hold your mutable beliefs?
The group is escorted to their quarters, where they are given the opportunity to drop their belongings, before being asked to join the crew for dinner.
A long dining table, low to the ground, fills the center of the room. Dozens of colorful pillows surround the table, and two roughly human-sized individuals, each wearing black armor, sit cross-legged at the far end of the table. In the center of the table sits a strange technological device made of silver metal and curved glass.
“Everyone, please have a seat around the table. Our ship will be entering the Drift shortly,” Iteration-177 announces in a calm voice.
“To keep us amused on our trip, I have made arrangements for a very special dinner. As a connoisseur of unusual sensations and experiences, I recently purchased a device from a deep-space trader. It is a pencibiter, which you see on the table before you. This most unique machine can transmute thoughts and psychic energy into food for consumption. I ask that each of you contribute one thought or memory to our feast for this evening, and in this way, we will get to know one another a little better.”
Let me start with introductions, he android says. My guests here are Paralictor Kelria, and Maralictor Loomarch of the Hellknight order of the Pyre
Kelria slides back the visor of her helmet, revealing a stern-faced middle-aged vesk with dark-green scales accented by bright orange markings in swirling patterns that resemble fire. Loomarch, who sits next to Kelria, does not raise his visor, but a glance shows flames dancing behind the glass of the helmet, as if flame fills
Loomarch’s entire suit.
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"I'm still the burr under your heel, if that's what you mean." Rilynn smiles to Royo.
"Well look at this ship! Someone sure it trying to compensate for, you know..."
Rilynn nods to their host and to the Hellknight and to Paralictor Kelria.
"A pleasure, I'm sure. Iteration-177, we're to understand you are sympathetic to the Starfinder mission. I'm curious, to which of our organization's goals are your interests aligned?"
Then, to the other guests she asks, "And what is your interest in the libraries of Athaeum? How do you know Iteration-177?"
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Chadrah will buy a few things before heading to the docks.
--
Chadrah is impressed by the ship as well. She offers a smile to Iteration-177 when they met. "Is good to see you again. I'm glad we can help further each other interests."
--
She will of course participate in such an interesting activity, but as a woman of science she has questions.
"Will I retain the memory as is? Or would something happen to it?"
If it's just like showing the memory to others, she will share the day she was accepted at her university in Castrovel. She received the notification just as she was leaving for her daily run at park overlooking the sea in Qarabat. She was ecstatic and full of wonder for what she could discover in the future.
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Chrysanthemum nods politely at all the dignitaries involved, trying to help the diplomatic efforts of her companions.
"Does the pencibiter? Is that the correct name? uh, bite? I am happy to add to the meal, but do not know what would be appropriate. I would also not like to lose any of my memories. They are all important to me."
With her stilted and formal language, she is obviously still learning the cultural nuances of the greater universe.
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Makai looks at two Hellknights and nods her head. She finds a seat reasonably far away from them.
She looks at the Pencibiter and offers her own memory...
She shares a memory of when she descendent into an asteroid just to find a clan of dwarves believed to be living on Golarion and being part of their reach the sky quest. She did not share it with anyone but from that time she is afraid that her life is also some sort of cosmic experiment.
"Order of Pyre? I am sorry but I am not familiar with Hellknights orders what do you do exactly? My little knowledge tells me that you are not bookworms."
Ah Rilynn, it's good to talk to you again. Let's just say I'm a benefactor. the android evades the question, Didn't I promise something special if you and your team visited my ship?
The pencibiter, then the android continues as I mentioned, this marvel of a device transmutes psychic energy into taste. It only consumes the imagining of the memory, not the memory itself. Think of it - no pun intended - as an enhanced way of storytelling. Oh, and rest assured, we are under Aspis House Rules here, whatever is mentioned in this room stays in this room.
The android passea round a psychic node, nothing more than a little glowing cube. I'd invite each of you to describe a memory. Simply hold this item to your forehead, imagine your memory, and a wafer will be created that holds the savour of that thought.
If it's just like showing the memory to others, she will share the day she was accepted at her university in Castrovel. She received the notification just as she was leaving for her daily run at park overlooking the sea in Qarabat. She was ecstatic and full of wonder for what she could discover in the future.
Chadrah is the first to volunteer (), followed by Makai. Neither of them describe the memory, but small wafers appear, one with a golden color, the other a dark green.
Then, to the other guests she asks, "And what is your interest in the libraries of Athaeum? How do you know Iteration-177?"
"Order of Pyre? I am sorry but I am not familiar with Hellknights orders what do you do exactly? My little knowledge tells me that you are not bookworms."
The order of the Pyre Kelria answers sternly purges the universe of heresy. There have been rumours the Athaeum's Curators are in the possession of a collection of tomes, the likes of which should not be seen in the universe. We are traveling to audit the Atheum security, to ensure that whatever heresy inside remains sealed within.
---
Memory tracker:
Chadrah - energetic memory
Makai - suspicious memory
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A young male human Starfinder in glimmering heavy green armor strides into the docking bay. "Burnham Kenyon. I just got orders from Zigvigix to join this expedition. "
Paper and computer inquiries back up this claim and he comes aboard with his heavy pack and weapons.
Out of his heavy armor Burnham still looks bulky. Bushy dark hair, thick ridged eyebrows, and a low brow increase the brutish impression of his appearance. A long sword is belted at his waist, opposite a static arc pistol.
He drops unto the cushions between Loomarch and the other Starfinders. He doesn't say much but listens intently to the conversation for a while before trying to engage the Hellknight with questions about their armor.
When Iteration-177 brings out the pencibiter, Burn watches the other Starfinders' reactions then follows Chadrah's and Makai's lead. "I'll try that. Just to be a good guest."
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Chadrah's memories tastes citric, like refreshing lemonade and tangerine in a hot summer day.
And then she hears 'purges the universe of heresy'.
She nods slowly as if she finds their explanation fascinating, keeping a straight face, and turns to her team with a smile contacting them with her Lashunta telepathy.
Oh, this is going to be -lovely-. There's no way that will end up well. Do we have a way to keep an eye on them?
Are they the only two members of their order on the ship?
Does it feel like they have an ulterior motive to go to the library?
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Rilynn mentally shrugs in response to Chadrah. Not our problem. If they make trouble that's on Iteration-177 for giving them access to the planet.
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Burn latches unto Chadrah's mental conversation. Watch them? Ziggy sent me to watch us. And make sure everyone gets home. A library run ought to be safe enough. I could watch them. I won't be much use doing research. But they'll know I'm doing it and if they take exception I can't do anything about it. Hellknights are supposed to be pretty damn tough.
Probably best to take Rilynn's advice. That is you, right Rilynn? Nice to work with you again.
The pencibiter is passed around. As each starfinder, and hellknight, is contributing memories, a thin wafer is created each time. Burns is a burgundy red with black edges, Rilynn's a bright cyan.
Chadrah is silently nodding, looking for clues of further hellknights on the ship. There are only the Paralictor and Maralictor in the dining room, but the ship is large.
Kelria contributen a memory leading to a yellowish disk, while Loomarch leaves behind a disk of the darkest black.
Royo's wafer is brown. Much like his dated-looking suit.
Excellent Iteration-177 says, without contributing a memory himself, now let's have a taste. Which ones would you want to sample?
---
Memory tracker:
Chadrah - energetic memory
Makai - suspicious memory
Burns - failure memory
Rilynn - happy happy joy joy
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Know your enemy. Or at least potential security risks. Burnham grabs for bits of the Hellknights' wafers first. Not in an overtly rude or possessive way, but there's a certain power and determination in his movement to take the pieces.
Then he stops to contemplate a while before continuing with his companions' memory wafers, if there are pieces of them left over.
Iteration-177 doesn't seem at all bothered by being called out by Makai, but rather returns a bemused smile I am your host here, and I prefer to keep an aura of mystery around myself. Don't you feel that's more interesting, hmm?
---
Memory are shared, and everybody taking a bite tastes the distinct flavour of the memory, some sweet, some bitter, some very rich in flavour.
Royo's memory tastes particularly bland, a bit like a watery porridge with no salt, and conjures up a faint recollection of sitting, reading a book.
Makai adventurously takes a bite of Kelria memory, which tastes of smoke and ash. It's a very powerful taste, accompanied by the sensation of the heat of flames licking up their legs. Makai also sees a vision of Kelria consumed by fire atop a spike of iron within a Hellknight fortress. A feeling of triumph and resignation fills the memory as Kelria emerges from the flames unscathed.
Chadrah takes a taste of Loomarch's memory. Oh boy.
Loomarch’s memory tastes both savory and sweet, tinged with the thrill of freedom. Chadrah sees a vision of a Kasatha Hellknight performing a complicated incantation. Half-way through, disaster strikes, and the Hellknight whithers in flame, consumed utterly. At the same time some sort of spirit appears, made entirely out of flame. It flies towards the Hellknight's now-empty armor and takes place inside it.
Do you like it? Loomarch asks in what can only be described as a glib voice.
Loomarch's armor has two very particular signs of welding - exactly in the place where a Kasatha would have the second set of arms emerge.
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Iteration-177 doesn't seem at all bothered by being called out by Makai, but rather returns a bemused smile I am your host here, and I prefer to keep an aura of mystery around myself. Don't you feel that's more interesting, hmm?
"I read it as lack of trust and distancing yourself from others. But suit yourself."
Makai's memory tastes sour, and the feeling of joy intermixed with fear comes to mind. It is a taste that you don't want to linger and do want to get rid of.
She tries the memory of Hellknights and does not like them either. She nods her head simply saying "Interesting."
She is sure, there is no price that she would pay for that device.
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Chrysanthemum's memory is almost effervescent with discovery and interest. Not an emotion you would have expected from a large rock. You get a flash of Chrysanthemum in a small building with someone else you don't recognize jumping up and down in excitement as she babbles almost incoherently about a 'new life form'.
She tastes both Hellknights memories, mulling over the specific taste of the ashes from the Paralictor. She frowns over the Maralictor's wafer, puzzling over the taste of fire.
Then shrugs and prepares for whatever is next.
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It takes place in a large time-ravaged chamber. There are holes in the walls that likely once held doors, and the sandstone tiles on the floor are dirty and cracked in places. Softly glowing purple runes cover the interior walls of the chamber, encircling a round altar covered in more runes in the center of the space. Shadows swirl from the corners of the room and coalesce into an ebony dragon with red frills standing on the altar. Its body ripples with smoky shadows as it draws itself up to a noble height.
The harsh sound of clashing rocks is replaced by a deep, echoing voice. "You - make - this - too - easy." The dragon lunges forth before Burnt can react, jaws closing around one of his companions,a dwarf! Despite the creature's smoky appearance, the jaws are very solid and its teeth painfully sharp. It bites down hard. Shadowy energies flow from its jaws to cover the dwarf!
Throughout the dinner, Iteration-177 is carefully tasting and observing. Of Chadrah's memory, he remarks A very energetic, sanguine memory. Burns' is more melancholic, I'd say, while Rilynn... my dear Rilynn... that's a very phlegmatic, peaceful memory you have there. As is Chrysanthemum's I must say. Makai... what to say of it... it leaves a sour taste, but ultimately it is a memory of wonder, so I'd say Sanguine...
Kelria avoids having to explain too much about her memory, but simply explains those flames purified me, cleansed me of my heretical past. That past is no more. I now merely await my fate, one that was sealed long ago.
Loomarch is more forthcoming, Yes, I was summoned. The Kasatha you saw, Hualsu, made a fatal mistake in summoning a devil and switched places with me instead... I am now bound to his armor, and the Order of the Pyre has taken me in as one of their own.
---
Memory (for reference)
Chadrah - Sanguine
Makai - Sanguine (or Choleric?)
Burns - Melancholic (or Choleric?)
Rilynn - Phlegmatic
Chrysa - Phlegmatic
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Burn considers the tastes and memories of the contributors. What does it say that his memory resembles the Hellknights' more than the other Starfinders'?
It doesn't take long for him to put aside the philosophical, and he returns to one of his favorite topics. "Kelria, Loomarch, that's some very fine looking armor. Is it custom made for each Hellknight?"
As a knight, one has to take care of a good armament Kelria merely remarks stoically. What a talker.
Speaking of talking, Iteration-177 seems to have had a good time Well, that was an interesting conversation. I hope you enjoyed the tastes on offer here. Let me not keep you now, you all deserve some rest before we arrive at out destination.
Upon arriving back in their sleeping quarters, the starfinder find that Iteration-177's appreciation goes further than words. He has left a few exotic items from his personal collection: exotic lotions, spices, teas and herbs, as well as a few items. A hand-written card says A token of my appeciation. Royo seems a bit disappointed there's no books among the items.
Following a brief period of travel, the Diligent Forerunner drops out of the drift. Through the window, the group sees an empty expanse of space, into which a planet suddenly appears, crackling with arcs of ivory energy.
Good Morning, everybody the intercom system comes alive with the voice of Iteration-177, We'll be shortly arriving at the Athaeum. Please gather you belongings and head over the shuttle, which will ferry you over momentarily.
The surface of Athaeum is spotted with vine-covered stone domes and towers, suggesting the age of eons.
A nearby cracked stone pavilion is visible from outside the shuttle windows, nestled between towering skyscrapers. A stone door slides open in one of the nearby vine-covered towers, and three clouds of glowing, crystalline dust emerge. These clouds float and form into a series of formulae and mathematical symbols in midair before suddenly coalescing
into the image of three elven humanoids that patiently wait for the shuttle to land.
One of the humanoids approaches the starfinder group, while the second greets Iteration-177. The final curator meets with the Hellknights.
“Greetings, esteemed guests from the Starfinder Society. I am Albryan, and I am tasked with guiding you to the Towers of Recondite Lore, where the information you requested resides. Before I do so, I would like to remind of the rules of research on Athaeum. All the information stored on Athaeum is unique. Visitors are welcome to read from our manuscripts, but copying or recording them in any way is forbidden.
Should you choose to reproduce any acquired knowledge after leaving Athaeum, know that you do so at your own risk. We Curators will actively punish such transgressions. Know that there is no corner of the cosmos safe from us.
“Additionally, violence against the Curators or other visitors is strictly prohibited. Finally, visitors to the libraries will be charged a substantial research fee. Fortuitously for you, during our recent shift to this corner of the universe, Athaeum passed through a dangerous energy field that has greatly damaged our systems. We are correcting the problems, but our resources are spread thin. We have flagged two issues in the specific tower you are traveling to. If you can deal with these problems, we are prepared to greatly reduce our usual fee.”
This remark, in particular, seems to trigger Royo, who is eager to lower the costs of the entire operation You should know that Luwasi invested considerably in this whole endeavour. Any opportunity to make this trip more affordable would be welcomed with open arms.
The curator waits for a response, the symbols ∇x∇xE = ∇(∇.E) - ∇^2E swirling around him. Electrifying.
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The voyage is pretty cushy; Iteration-177 is a fine host if a tad bit pretentious. Rilynn enjoys the downtime in the drift. It feels like forever since she just sat down.
While she had not forgotten her initial conception of the Curators as information terrorists, she cannot help but be overwhelmed with awe at Athaeum.
"It is a place of dreams," she says absently once they arrive. "Remarkable."
And then the Curators themselves coalesce before the team, and again her mind is blown. "I could retire here, spend the rest of my life in these libraries and want for nothing more."
To the needless threat she waves a hand dismissively, then listens to the proposal set forth, an exchange of services for reduced fee.
"Of course," she says automatically. "Whatever we can do to help. Although I wonder why entities as powerful as yourselves, from whom no corner of the cosmos is safe cannot handle a little routine maintenance."
Always question God.
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Chadrah will explore the ship various areas and help Burn in his information gathering when possible.
She is gladly surprised by the gift basket... and she gives a happy hum when she sees the ring of resistance and the two healing vials. She will use the ring immediately and stashes the vials in her medkit along with her other healing tools.
As soon as she steps out of the shuttle she is -stunned-. She blinks looking at the magnificent structures full of knowledge. She wanders with her team like wide eyed like a child in the most popular amusement park in the galaxy run by a famous Abadarian Isoki.
She's distracted briefly by the several formulas and mathematical symbols floating around the curator. Chadrah takes a second to find her voice. So many questions. So little time.
"I... Yes. Of course, we can help. We would be happy to find a way for all to benefit from this visit. Do we need to do something in particular? I'm good at configuring digital systems but my engineering is a bit rusty and my specialization is in life science, not physical sciences... I hope I can help in some way."
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Burnham contentedly spends the voyage working out ("This ship's amazing. It's got everything.") , disassembling, cleaning and reassembling his gear ("Can't be too careful.") , sparring with anyone who cares to, ("Can't be too ready."), and wandering the ship looking at opulence that he just isn't accustomed to ("This ship's amazing. It's got everything.")
***
Burn arrives at the shuttle in full gear: glistening green iridishell armor, a saggy backpack, the pistol and sword from the dinner, and a reaction cannon, a weapon squat and thick like Burn himself. "Not sure why Ziggy wanted me along on a research mission, but I'm going loaded for kyokor."
***
On Athaeum he stands quietly at the back of the group. He holds his reaction cannon, pointed vaguely downward, loosely in both hands although the strap over his shoulder is taking most of the weight.
The curator waits for a response, the symbols ∇x∇xE = ∇(∇.E) - ∇^2E swirling around him. Electrifying.