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I guess we'll check later then. I've had a game resurface after a longer period, so I won't be too upset...but I give warning now. I may find another Iron Gods game, or have read the available modules cover-to-cover by then. I'm really good about separating myself from meta game, but if that's a concern...I'm just wanting it out there.
I think a hiatus might be good. And if you want Viskous, you could even throw up a recruitment post in the meantime, if you want to go that route. :) I will certainly be there with interest!
Locke shakes himself to clear the strange visions, but the knowledge he sought has appeared. "Right," Locke says to no one in particular and goes to where the others climb the ledge and begins to assist and be assisted hoisting himself up.
Locke realizes he is being left behind as the others crawl up the ledge. He wonders why his scrutiny did not ever seem to yield results. It's like he was looking at the material and the universe simply ignored his examination never bringing any illumination to his mind. It was difficult to fathom how that can be. Locke wondered if some kind of all powerful entity was intentionally manipulating Locke's place in time and space in order to goad him onto another path and disregarding the android's own actions. Everything he had done and even the internal questions he had asked had simply faded like a dream. In his mind's eye, Locke saw a a large steam driven machine running along some kind of twin metal beams that stretched from horizon to horizon. I guess the only thing I can do is ride the machine in whatever direction it goes, he realizes. Why did I ever believe I had any freedom at all?
You couldn't have placed that interruption in the discussion thread, Analise. :-/
If it's worth anything, I can recommend someone who is very good. I can check to see if he has openings for more PbPs, if you would rather that than have to audition more people.
With Allen bowing out, will you be offering a spot to a previous applicant, or reopening recruitment in the thread, GM Viskous?
"I presume you refer to the woman with the violet hair and the gremlins rather than the tech savant we are currently tracking," Locke says with a steady blink while looking at Raven.
"I recommend moving cautiously as we know these gremlins are a hostile force at least to the tribe here. If they are in fact in a state of conflict, there may be ambushes and traps set, so let's please examine the way carefully." As they move into the wider area, Locke notices the metal wall and portal and stares with fascination. He moves up to the wall and begins to touch and tap it trying to glean its composition if he has seen it before.
Locke realizes that his nanites had temporarily suspended his consciousness while doing routine maintenance as analysis had shown no immediate threats incoming. He shakes his head to clear the fog and quickly reviews the events leading up to this moment. He cocks his head at Jack's question and ponders. "My knowledge of non-mechanical monstrous beings is much more limited than what I know of engineering and Rain of Stars artifacts. With further study, I hope to become better acquainted with this field of study, but for now I know nothing of gremlins. My apologies."
RAW wins! I forget sometimes that some nuances like this are covered already despite "logic." :P
I'm unclear why those creatures would be a Knw (local) check. Given this location only recently became known to the citizens of Torch (hence all the expeditions), this choice seems odd. Based on what's in the spoiler, wouldn't Knw (dungeoneering) or possibly (history) make more sense? Obviously if that's what the book suggests or you're just making a GM call, that's cool. At first glance from me it just feels somewhat disjointed. I always think of (local) as info a character could (or could have) gathered from the humanoid on the street or reading an almanac of the area. "New caves" seem a little outside of that scope, lol, assuming you think of it the same way.
Locke watches impassively as Analise and Allen boldly stride out across the mold despite the information given. He affects the raised eyebrow he has learned is appropriate when humanoids do surprising things despite the circumstances. As the mold leeches the heat from their bodies rather visibly as both the woman and the halfling's pallor becomes pale and bluish, Locke exchanges a glance with Raven. "Interesting. I admit, that certainly wasn't what I was expecting them to do. Perhaps they made some assumptions regarding their ability to generate the energy required to counter the sapping effect of the mold. Hmm," Locke muses aloud. "No matter, as they will certainly require assistance now, I believe we should make use of the rope notion I suggested..." As Rywokit moves across the mold to their unconscious comrades, Locke reevaluates his plan, but before he can speak, a voice behind them interrupts. Seeing nothing, Locke begins paying more attention to the responses of his comrades to better triangulate a possible location of the new party based on the angles people's heads move in reaction to the sound. He remains quiet as the others address the voice and make decisions to which he has no objection at this stage.
Locke nods cautiously at Jack's words and gestures for the others to approach for some semi-discrete discussion. Locke explains his thinking, "Unless I am mistaken, our stealthy friend has suggested we rescue our friends, and then have you depart rather than separating while still uncertain as to the state of our comrades. This seems wiser in the event that other beings or creatures close by are not as willing to avoid hostility." Locke waits for the other four's opinions all the while trying to focus on the vague outline seen previously.
Sorry to hear of the troubles, Raven. I look forward to the GM returning after Wednesday, so we can hopefully get this latest scene straightened out. Seems like there was some misunderstandings.
...Locke retrieves his pack but makes certain his short sword is at the ready for the next threat as he moves away from the group... In regards to the Roll 20 map, I do not have the ability to add words or don't know how, and I certainly can't edit anything added by the GM which that marker was. ;-)
Locke kneels down a good foot away from where the mold begins and examines the brown "dust" Jack has indicated as dangerous. "Fascinating. This fungus' ability to feed on heat energy begs the question how it survives at all without a direct source of abundant warmth. Perhaps the diminishing of the Torch has actually caused this to recede, and if we had been present here before it stopped this patch would have been much more significant." Locke stands and turns to Jack. "I imagine if there is no way past this without directly treading upon this mold, we should simply investigate the other passage. As to the other concern to determine the body's identity, I believe you yourself suggested the procurement of a rope. If anyone here is dexterous enough, we should be able to use the rope to tangle the body and bring it to us without having to expose ourselves to the mold beyond what may be present on the body. The use of tools and weapons for prodding and examining the person should be sufficient to prevent contamination hopefully."
Locke cautiously moves up with his short sword ready. He tries to ascertain if anything of interest or concern may be near Jack and Rywokit as they investigate their direction of travel.
Locke studies the means in which Jack chooses their next direction. Locke has never been very successful at tracking or using the environment for survival, and he wants to learn how to do so as quickly as he can.
Locke is also too preoccupied with the cave art to notice the silver disks until Raven and Analise begin discussing them. "Hmmm," he emits when Analise is finished as if to suggest he had never seen their like before. Looking around, Locke says cautiously, "Debris does not typically pile itself up. I imagine we will be encountering the sentient life which could be our opposition soon. Please be alert."
"Five...five dead so far. These caves seem to be much more dangerous than any have anticipated." After making this rather obvious statement, Locke retrieves his pack but makes certain his short sword is at the ready for the next threat as he moves away from the group. He waits at the edge of where the party has previously been careful not to proceed to anywhere out of sight of explored territory without The Star Warriors. Hmmm and hmmm. it is increasingly unlikely The Star Warriors could have had anything to do with this situation given the amount of concern over the death which has preceded our arrival into the caves. There must be a yet to be discovered foe behind the events leading to the cessation of the fire, Locke muses.
Locke glances at Raven and the others. "With time this could possibly have some use." He pokes at one of the former slime mold piles for the corpse (or corpses) underneath.
Locke lifts his blade and watches as the jelly-like remains of the mold drip onto the cavern floor. "Do you suppose there would any benefit to taking a sample, Raven Usta?"
Hoping to prove he has combat prowess with his sight in addition to blind swings, Locke quickly steps into the goo of the now dying moldy slime and swings at the last remaining aberration.
Rushing just to the left of Jack's elbow, Locke barrels down on the slime creature. Hoping his bladed weapon will be able to bisect the slime and prevent any further assault, the investigator swings the short sword heartily.
Slightly off center, Locke's wild swing doesn't account for the queasy way its jiggling alters the position of the creature's form. As a result, Locke's attempt almost appears to be scripted for a comedic scene at the theater.
Locke moves forward and sees the sudden change in The Star Warriors' stances as some unseen threat around the corner begins to menace their investigations. To free his movement, he lowers his pack to the ground. Locke will draw his short sword and move down the narrow channel towards the others as far as he can. "What is the concern?" he calls to the others ahead. "Is it a new enemy?"
Locke listens to what the others say very carefully. After some time sitting silent while he waits for the blindness to wear off, he speaks. "I ask that you all consider what I am about to say with rational minds. While I understand that your passionate feelings for Khonnir Baine would have you suggest further urgency regarding the matters we are here to investigate, I believe for that very reason we should move slowly and cautiously. "I myself urged speed...until we were assured the town of Torch would provide a scroll of resurrection should anything amiss have befallen the esteemed Khonnir Baine. This means that time is not necessarily as serious of an issue, and moving forward prepared and carefully becomes more important. This is no longer a matter of trying to succeed, but an endeavor which in fact needs to succeed. We," Locke sweeps his hand in an attempt to include everyone despite his lack of vision, "May be the last hope. Unless I am mistaken, others have definitely come before us, and the evidence is that they failed. Possibly due to the influence of followers of this Zyphus. Or it could remain something else yet unknown. It is possible that this individual body found with the blindheim was the follower of said god and was here on a separate matter entirely meaning he or she was not the cause of the troubles we investigate. "As we know, we will need to return through the same waterway from whence we came unless an alternate route is located as we progress. This means keeping mindful of the time we travel as the water breathing spell will eventually expire. As time is not as specifically our enemy in this case, I would urge that we consider that we may need to retreat to Torch periodically to rest and resupply. This will also allow us to speak with some of the local specialists regarding what we have discovered thus far. The fact we have located two bodies may provide illumination as to what we face and if anyone knows who the unfortunates are, we may even learn from that. The local clergy may be able to shed further light on this Zyphus issue as well." Locke pauses and takes a breath. "Please, do not let your passions overwhelm your reason regarding your perceived concern for Khonnir Baine or the implications of the machinations of the deity Zyphus. Rushing headlong out of worry could in fact be exactly what is desired by any follower of a 'god of accidents'."
Thanks for the reminder! I completely forgot about that.
Hearing the explosion and then the angry creature near him, Locke gives pause trying to orient himself. Then Locke hears the voice of the sentient wooden construct and swings to both his lefts (simultaneously even!) in an attempt to hit the blindheim by triangulating the sounds and projections of momentum.
Locke makes note of the hat brim's complete failure in preventing blindness. "Hmmm...this is definitely going to make this conflict a problem." Locke takes total defensive action since he can no longer see his opponent.
Hearing Raven's warning, Locke will move up behind Jack...but realizes Rywokit is there, so will remain where he is...pulling his hat low to shade his eyes hoping give him a chance to help avoid the creature's gaze if it attempts to blind. He's glad Raven is there since he was unable to identify either the fungi or the creature himself. He notices the mental note to acquire a ranged weapon is still there on his mental list of future acquisitions. "Thank you for the information, Rywokit Prometheus." Locke files this away in case it becomes relevant later. Drawing his short sword again, he hears the twang of crossbows. Evidently this encounter will also not be resolved without conflict. A pity, Locke thinks. And Jack was trying to communicate. However, the fact that the blindheim creatures could possibly be the source of the water's taint does figure into various scenarios Locke works through in his mind. The necessity for their destruction could be a forgone conclusion anyway.
Locke nods at Jack's perceptive suggestion. "There is definitely a reason to check the source of the flow we hear. It seems the fluid under the Black Hill is considered rather important, and investigating it may provide us some answers that will be very revealing." Jack approaches the fungi cautiously not wanting to trigger any spore bursts or other fungal self-defense mechanisms if he can help it.
Locke ruminates on the discussion of returning the half-orc to the town for burial. Knowing that humanoids' shells did not get reused as androids' did, he had always found the vehemence shown by some as to the reacquisition of the dead for burial to be slightly illogical if the body was not in a position to pollute or ruin a food source. Not from being around the area, he has no knowledge of this local half-orc. Surprisingly, no one else seems to recognize her despite their ties to the region. Locke deduces the half-orc may have been a new transplant or possibly someone from outside the area. He acknowledges Jack's suggestion. As they begin to move out, he finds himself going over why he has been so easily accepted by The Star Warriors. Perhaps his mannerisms remind them of Raven. This is good. He decides staying close to her will be good for further observation and education. "Is the examination finished, Raven Usta? We should move along as Jack Homini suggests."
Locke stands aside as Raven examines the beetle, and everyone begins to climb into the tunnel. "We're going that way? Alright."
Making a mental note that a ranged weapon should be on his to buy list the next time he had spare coin, Locke moves to the beetle directly in front of him putting himself to the left of Jack and swings his short sword in an arc attempting to cleave the beetle in half. .
Locke silently takes up a place behind Jack and hopes he can move out of the way fast enough if anything really nasty shows up. He readies his weapon and begins to study the environment around them.
Suddenly compelled to get down to the true purpose of his visit to Torch, Locke runs the rope through a couple belt loops and into the water.
Locke quietly follows the group watching and making mental notes.
After listening to all that's been said, Locke makes a small throat clearing sound. "Thank you for kindness Lady Dolga Freddert. We will do what we can to locate Khonnir Blaine and get to the bottom of the fire mystery." Doffing his hat, Locke does his best to show respect to the town leader. "May I also inquire as to the current ratfolk situation? I heard a rumor that indicated there have been some increasing issues with the race recently, and I wondered if you think they may have anything to do with the fire going out at Black Hill."
Locke smiles and reaches a hand to touch the brim of his hat in Raven's direction. "I appreciate the compliment. I'll have to tell you the story of how I acquired it one day. I call that story The Missing Player Conundrum. I solved an investigation for a theater troupe, you see." Locke does his best to mimic the sound of pride and accomplishment humanoids always swelled with when talking about past deeds. It was important to give Raven the chance to evaluate his "emotions" as she had more experience than him emulating such things.
After a little further discussion with Raven, Locke suggests they catch up with the other Star Warriors. It won't do to let them get into too much mischief where he can't take notes.
Locke stares at Raven with a fascination he may not have experienced before. Despite his lack of emotional understanding, the intensity with which Raven speaks is evident even if the change of her tone would barely register for the average humanoid. It is definitely significant to Locke. "I seek mostly to understand how to assimilate into this world. The protocols which I awakened to are outdated and broken as they refer to things which are evidently no longer running or available following the cessation of The Machine ." Locke removes his hat and regards Raven intensely. Then without any warning, he simply offers his hand to her and says in Common using a Numerian regional accent (as well as he can). "Hello, Raven Usta. My name is Locke. Locke Tresslar. I solve problems. I find the things that are missing and fix them if they're broken. Glad to meet you."
Locke watches Raven with a need to understand her. Seeing her actions was like a carnival mirror. The image he saw was like himself, but definitely different than himself. "I...I feel that my primary purpose was to solve problems. This shell," Locke indicates his body, "Was wearing this when this iteration was awakened." Locke reaches into his coat and produces a small rectangular piece of பிளாஸ்டிக் . In Androffan it says: L0-CK1
Androffan:
L0-CK1
Engineer 2 Tresslar Analysis Unit "My purpose here is to find out why the fire ceased functioning and repair it if the means are available. Secondarily, if I were to come across a reason which was malicious in nature to either report it...to something which I do not believe exists any longer, or remove it if I am without recourse. Say if The Star Warriors were involved." This is stated matter of factually without any concern for what effect divulging the information might cause. Locke simply has no reason to understand that explaining function and logic to another Android would be incorrect as he has not had very many encounters with others of his kind.
Locke walks Raven through what would probably sound like a very dry, monotone seminar-style lecture regarding the pieces he was able to identify and what possible specific function they would have. He finds himself pausing occasionally however as he has to try and come up with words in Common which approximate to their equivalent in Androffan, and occasionally fails to find them and is forced to use the Androffan as there has not yet been one created in Common.
@GM Viskous: Am I okay to go with the initial conversation between Locke and Raven being inbounds? I apologize if I caused any RP trouble.
Hold on you two...:
Once the two androids have begun their walk, emotional tone simply vanishes from Locke's voice and his face is expressionless. His pitch drops to sub-sonic levels which he knows only a fellow android could hear. "வார்த்தையின் மிகவும் மொழியியல் பயன்பாடுகள் வரையறுக்கப்பட்ட ராவன் உஸ்தா, நான் எந்த முறையான 'பயிற்சி' பெற்றுள்ளோம். இந்த இடத்தின் இனங்கள் உணர்வுகளை அழைக்க வேண்டும் அல்லது உள்ளுணர்வு என் அறிவு செலுத்துகிறது. ஒட்டுமொத்த நான் அல்லாத தொழிலாள கண்டுபிடித்து அதிக அனுபவம் பகுப்பாய்வு என்று ஒரு போன்ற பூர்வீக மென்மையான தொடு பிறகு கூறுவேன்." Androffan:
"Raven Usta, I have received no formal 'training' as defined by most linguistic uses of the word. What the races of this place would call instincts or intuition drives my knowledge. Overall I would say more experience with finding non-working remains after the delicate touch of the natives like the one called Analise." The investigator stops before the door to the workshop, and regards the alchemist. "என் பெயர் Tresslar பகுப்பாய்வு பிரிவின் L0-Ck3 ஆகிறது. எனக்கு தெரியும் என, நான் 9 மண்ணுலக Golarion பாதைகளுக்கு தீவிரமாக உள்ளனர். வாழ்த்துக்கள்." Androffan:
"My designation is L0-Ck3 of the Tresslar Analysis Unit. As far as I am aware, I have been active for 9 earthly Golarion orbits. Greetings." Locke opens the door to the workshop. Inside, many of the robot's pieces have been grouped according to function and laid out smallest to largest. "நான் என் ஆய்வு கண்டுபிடிப்புகள் தொடங்கும் அல்லது இந்த வெறுமனே ஒரு தனியார் உரையாடலை, ராவன் உஸ்தா ஐந்து பாசாங்கு?" Androffan:
"Shall I begin with the findings of my analysis or was this merely pretense for a private conversation, Raven Usta?"
Equally unblinking, Locke stares intensely back into Raven's eyes. "I have already completed a fairly thorough examination of the drone's mechanisms. Allow me to accompany you, and I will show you what details I discovered, Raven Usta." Standing, Locke finished his drink. Doffing his hat to the young Val, he makes a noise of gratitude. Without preamble, he leaves the tavern intending to return to the workshop and the robot's remains.
Locke takes note that no one answers his question, and other than those of a short stature, none of the humanoids even seem to notice his presence. Hmmm, Locke muses. I wonder if this is what is meant by fitting in and being accepted. Tentatively floating this hypothesis, Locke conducts an experiment of suggestion. "It seems that some of us are more weary than others. If rest is desired before we begin our search, I recommend those who are not in need may pursue some other leads while the others gather their strength. Thus we can set out as soon as the rest period has ended. Your friend and mentor Khonnir Baine may not have the time to waste for us to delay beyond that. I do not believe waiting until morning is wise. The caves will be dark regardless, so it is unlikely for the sunlight to be required for our purpose of investigation and recovery. As long as we are correctly equipped, the night shall be meaningless against our focused efforts." Locke casts his gaze across the others. "In my experience, the machines of the ruins are not so concerned with the solar cycle of day and night. Do not assume they remain idle. Thus every minute wasted that Khonnir Baine is missing is a minute his situation could be improved if we had arrived sooner."
At Rywokit's assertion of his reason for being there, Locke looks at the halfling cleric, and then turns his head to peer in the direction of the Wyrwood's voice behind the bar. "The words you speak are correct. I was 'with' Allen...but no more and no less than I was with you. I may have chosen to arrive here since I suspected I would learn a great deal about the situation in Torch in your company. I have been correct so far...now I wish to learn more. Evidence suggests that there would be some wisdom to keep myself close to this group of Star Warriors who seem to be rightly equipped to deal with the dangers that may be faced under the Black Hill." Locke attempts to smile pleasantly.
Locke murmurs an acknowledgement for what little role he may have played in the rescue of the adolescent female. He sips the brew and listens to everyone carefully. Hmmm...this account seems to suggest my initial theory is flawed, Locke thinks. I will need to continue to gather data in order to determine the complicity of Khonnir Baine and The Star Warriors in this matter. However, the adolescent female Val's narrative could indicate a different cause for the events which have occurred. Locke doffs his hat and addresses The Star Warriors. "Pardon me, do you all intend to enter the caves below Black Hill in search of your friend Khonnir Baine? If so, I would request the opportunity to accompany you. My purpose here in Torch is to determine the cause of the missing fire. The young woman's recounting certainly suggests the actions of Khonnir Baine may play an integral part in the solving of this mystery."
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