Iron Stars - dr-truffles

Dr. Truffles, one of the first Piggen Experts in the fields of science in some hundreds if not thousands of years finishes work in his rudimentary lab. Outside is hot, the dusty streets of Delphos now rumbling with passing vehicle traffic rather than the hooves of the desert beasts that once used to be here. A pair of aircraft skate my overhead, their grav plates shaking the roofs for just a second as they move along

11:53 AM

There is some commotion out in the street, and its been said that some visitors from Central, the main human settlement on Gudrun are going to be heading into the city, looking for skilled piggen

Dr. Truffles stretches and looks towards the commotion. (edited)

12:12 PM

"Guess I should be goin' to see who the visitors are lookin' to hire this week, maybe I can pick up somethin' new from the folks at Central."

12:12 PM

Dr. Truffles locks up his lab and heads down the street towards the crowd.

There are a number of people on a nearby street corner as a sleek looking roadster, and three large trucks that have canvas backs roll by. They are more streamlined and seem to glide into the wind rather than the boxy machines that the piggen make. Some are following the vehicles, clearly heading toward the palace

Dr. Truffles follows along with the crowd and turns to talk to one of them. (edited)

12:10 PM

"Howdy. Folks seem real excited about this here convoy. You got any idea what they's here for pacifically?"

"heard they were looking for some experts to bring back to Central with them. Looking for some science types for a big expedition they're planning. You should think about signing up, know you got the lab and all that" he says, looking back down the street to the small building you work and live out of

"Wouldn't that be excitin'? To see space and whatnot. I think I'll ask 'em about goin'. Thanks friend!"

1:50 PM

(Do I know anyone who can watch my lab while I'm gone?)

(I'd say you probably have friends or family who could)

(That sounds good, I'll make sure to get in touch with one of them before I leave.)

2:38 PM

Dr. Truffles continues on to the palace. (edited)

The palace is a large three floor building of glittering sandstone and reinforced metal now that it has been rebuilt. The work took almost two years , in the wake of the battle against the helldiver warhost, and the new palace is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Piggen race. The vehicles stop in front as Chief Stonetusk emerges from the building , flanked by his trusted guards. They each carry up sized mag rifles specially made to fit their hands

Dr. Truffles finds a good spot in the crowd to listen, and waits intently to see what the Chief has to say. (edited)

Chief Stonetusk is quiet for a few moments, speaking in low voices with the human experts in town, before raising his arms to quell the crowd noise of the gathering Piggen. "Friends, we have an opportunity before us to make our way back into the stars. Our friends here from Central are looking for volunteers to go into space, and head west to planets they fought for, to meet the people, help develop, and make our entire United Nations of Worlds prosperous again. It is rumored there may be a branch of Piggen on another of these worlds, and you would be the frist in hundreds if not thousands of years to meet a branch of our long lost family"

Dr. Truffles starts to bounce excitedly and murmurs to no one in particular. (edited)

11:58 AM

"Dang, can you imagine, they may be the ones what flew here. That'd be downright amazin'." (edited)

"If any of you think you have the aptitude, please speak with one of our Human or Taros friends here" Stonetusk says, before heading back inside

Dr. Truffles approaches on of the visiting dignitaries. (edited)

2:37 PM

"Ummm, 'scuse me. Name's Dr. Truffles. I'm a scientist here in town. This here mission sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime, helpin' uplift another branch of our people an' all that. I'm a decent hand at adaptin' UNW tech for piggen use, got a lab here where I do that so I can bring some o' my own equipment, though I'd imagine you UNW folks have got better, and I don't blow m'self up too often."

They seem to consult a pad, which verifies what you've told them. "it seems you meet the critera. We can certainly bring you back with us, and we can review next moves from there. Do you have someone to manage your affairs while you're gone? the trip could be some months"

"Yeah, I can ask my pappy to do it fer me. Where should I report to once I settled all that?"

“We leave for Central with out volunteers tonight. Handle your affairs and meet back here then. We will arrange further transit, and give you more mission specifics then”

"Thank ye kindly, I'll be quick about it."

1:49 PM

Dr. Truffles heads through town to where his "pappy", Mr. Mushroom, lives, and knocks excitedly on the door. (edited)

There is some stirring from inside, and the clatter of something being knocked over as the door opens. "Hey there son, you're out of breath, what's going on? Did you have an accident in the lab?|

"No....."

2:07 PM

Dr. Truffles pauses to think for a second. (edited)

2:07 PM

"Well yeah, but that was this morning."

2:10 PM

"Pappy, they think their might be other piggen out there in the galaxy. I got signed up for the mission. Could ye keep an eye on things while I'm away? I'd feel a lot better knowin' someone was lookin' after the lab, feedin' my dog, things like that."

"Had to have a Terran pet, couldn't adopt a Skitterling like the rest of the Piggen your age. Alright, we'll watch over the lab, your mom and I. How long do you think you'll be gone?"

Dr. Truffles pauses, realizing he should have been less excited and more inquisitive when talking to the officer. (edited)

2:33 PM

"Would ye believe I forgot to ask? I'd think a mission like this would be takin' a few months, but I'll send y'all a comm whenever I'm able."

"We'll watch the lab for you, just come home safe, however long it takes. Please"

"Thanks pappy, I promise."

Dr. Truffles embraces his parents and then hurries back to his lab. He carefully packs his tools, dataslab, some more esoteric spare parts he figures might come in handy, and his personal effects. He takes his wrench and tries out some of the poses from the space adventure movies he rents from the Terran Cultural Exchange Center in the bathroom mirror. He double checks that anything dangerous is locked safely away, then scratches his dog behind the ears and on the belly and gives him a treat. He takes his time walking from his lab to the palace, enjoying the sights and sounds of his home for the last time in what might be quite a while. He pauses for a minute in front of the palace, then grins, and heads over to where the detachment from Central is gathering. (edited)

11:36 AM

"Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. I was recruited for the mission y'all are sending west, and was told to meet here to travel to Central."

"A helicopter will be landing just here , shortly to bring us there. There are six others here, all piggen who are various technicians, scientists or soldiers, all looking to be the first to meet another branch of the piggen family tree. "From central, we'll be able to requisition any equipment you might need, and you'll be brought aboard the Free Merchant vessel that is going to bring us galactic west. We have several stops along the way, and we'll be free to enjoy some time at each of them"

"That sounds mighty fine!"

1:15 PM

(Does he recognize any of the other piggen?)

(I'd say by reputation but maybe not personally, at least not to that level right now)

Dr. Truffles introduces himself to the surrounding piggen. (edited)

4:22 PM

"Howdy, I'm Dr. Truffles. I'm going to be in the science division on this here mission. Excited to work with y'all!"

There are some affirmations back, and the helicopter begins making its final approach, kicking up sand and small rocks as it drives on toward the settlement. It lands and the wide doors open, crew members waving you aboard. The piggen have several aircraft of their own but they are boxy and ungainly in the air. This craft is sleek and well suited for its job

10:41 PM

The passenger bay is comfortable and wide, with benches running along both sides of the armored compartment

(Are there any access panels, particularly interesting looking mechanical bits, or someone who's obviously an on-board engineer?)

(the crew chief is responsible for the mechanics of the aircraft, but since it is an aircraft...in flight...i dont think i need to say messing with the electronics is not a good idea)

(Yeah, def a look-don't-touch situation. Access panel was the wrong word, I meant display screen.)

10:18 AM

Dr. Truffles approaches the crew chief and asks him about the propulsion system. (edited)

10:19 AM

"This is a mighty fine aircraft. The ones I've flown in weren't nearly so smooth. What's this baby runnin' on?"

"Miniaturized fusion reaction, Type B energy cell, keeps us running for 240 hours before needing to set down and swap it out. Can run on biofuel too in a pinch. Had to piss into the tank to get that last little bit home more than once on prolonged scouting missions"

Dr. Truffles gives a hearty laugh. (edited)

10:30 AM

"If we get into trouble I'll brew up a nice pot of coffee."

He snickers under his breath, as the copter banks around, and you see the glowing sea of urban lights below you as you crest the mountains. Central is the site of the original colony ship crash that firstbrought the humans to this world. The ship floundered in the wake of what was called The Scream, just over 4 years ago now. In that time, Piggen, Human, and Taros worked side by side to reclaim Gudrun for their own, and now are at the vanguard of not just this world, but 12 others.

11:29 AM

The airport doubles as a modest berth for atmo capable starships, and it sets down in the shadow of a Patrol Boat, on the ground for a refit.

Dr. Truffles sits at the viewport and takes it all in. He asks the crew chief about their ship. (edited)

11:31 AM

"Holy cow, this is amazin'. Is the ship we're gonna be takin' here? I'd sure love to get a look at it."

"This is indeed going to be our ride. It's going to be cramped in there even with just the handful of us, but we don't know what we might be sailing into, so the extra armor and durability here is necessary"

12:37 PM

"The crew cabins should be marked, go ahead and get aboard, find your spot, and we will meet once we get into space"

"Thank you kindly! Excited to get started."

1:01 PM

Dr. Truffles consciously measures his pace to avoid looking overly excited as he boards the Patrol Boat and finds his quarters. (edited)

The crew quarters are cramped but overall it is more comfortable than what you might expect on a war-ship running with a full crew. The seven rooms assigned to you, one bedroom each and a large room that has been designated as a gear dump, along with a small common area between them all, has been set aside for your use and planning during the trip. You

4:49 PM

are welcomed to use the ship galley and refreshers, but it seems the crew is largely in favor of the group not wandering aimlessly while it is in flight

(Are there any orders or manuals in the room?)

(No orders since aside from reporting here, nobody knows what you're going to be walking into once you arrive at the destination)

7:18 PM

(What kind of manuals were you hoping for?)

(Presuming I'm going to be on the science crew, basically technical information on how the ship works.)

There is a loose manual on the engineering systems, though most of the technical specifications are top secret, and considered military property. "So" the expedition leader, Dr. Irene says, entering the compartment. Below you all, the floor shakes for a moment as the engines come on. "As you can see, our original plan has been changed a bit . We were supposed to be aboard a Free Merchant, so our ride is currently a bit different. Destination is the planet Shalini, which has never been explored by the UNW before, aside from the brief scouting data we're working this lead with

Dr. Truffles hops up quickly from reading on his bunk and gives an awkward salute. (edited)

2:40 PM

"New exploration is just fine by me. I'm excited to get out into the galaxy, see if we can't find some neat tech to bring home to help everyone out. The more unexplored the planet, the better it is with me. I'd be lyin' if I told you I weren't excited about the prospect of finding other piggen to uplift too."

“They’ll need as much help as we can give them if they’re out there. this is where we start bringing the family back together and we make ourselves whole again”

(Is Dr. Irene a Piggen or Terran?)

(She is a Human)

8:04 AM

(but her use of the "making us whole again" even though its not her species is a nod to her belief in the UNW)

Dr. Truffles smiles at the gesture. (edited)

10:55 AM

"I'm downright honored to be involved ma'am. I was havin' a bit of a read to try to figure out what I should be doin' to help out 'round here. Do we got particular assignments yet?"

"Won't be much to figure out until we get there and get eyes on the planet. We have a good spread of skills here, I'm not concerned we're going to be outmatched by anything when we get there. Our route is Tsatsos, Terezinho, Creusa, and then finally Shalini. We're going to be stopping at each of those first three worlds for fuel, and there will be some shore liberty while that happens, so if ther's anything you want to see en route, let me know, and I'll arrange passage"

"I'd love to visit any second-hand tech bazaars if that'd be in the cards. Sometimes I'm findin' stuff there that can help me adapt various other planets technomological innovations for Piggen. Sorta a treasure hunt, you never know what yer gonna find that might inspire a good thought."

(2 days of downtime as the ship travels from here to Tsatsos, where you'll be able to go shopping. Roll20 has a handout near the top with what you can spend your downtime on)

(Right on, thanks.) (edited)

2:21 PM

(Would the work area on the ship be considered a TL4 workshop facility? I think it might be cool to start making a recon drone.)

(yes, it can make gear and drones but not vehicles)

(I'll go ahead and start working on a Drone. I'm guessing Primitive Drone would be the only one I'd have the available materials and expertise for right now?)

(Unless you have the money to buy one of the others)

(Hmm, I don't have all the credits for the base model either. Is it something I can pay for and work on a bit at a time, or should I switch to just learning a skill?)

(I don't typically like to do 'credit' with players because it gets lost in the weeds)

7:14 AM

(or it turns into feeling like irl debt collection)

(Yeah, no that 100% makes sense. I'll do some skill learning then, and work on getting level-0 in Program.)

10:53 AM

Dr. Truffles spends the two days of transit familiarizing himself with the ship's computer systems, studying the custom routines and trying to piece them apart so he can begin to make improvements. (edited)

Tsatsos is the first port of call, after 2 days in spike space (2/90 program) The lava planet below has some stable land mass, and a cool enough surface atmosphere to allow life. It is the new home of the Ashen Ones, along with the human Rigers Corps of Engineers members who also have settled on the planet. Governor Billy Rigers is the leader of this planet, a founding UNW member and one of its Constitutional Framers

Dr. Truffles uses the ship-board computer to see if he can find any flea-market type establishments, or anywhere where he might have a chance of stumbling on more esoteric technology. (edited)

Relics and other TL5 objects aren't in common circulation, as they were likewise not before The Scream, but there is a strong vendors row in the city of New Hephestus, along with a short job board where locals post some small odds and ends they need doing for credit rewards

Dr. Truffles goes to find Dr. Irene. (edited)

2:14 PM

"'Scuse me Cap, would ya be alright if I was takin' some work on while we're planet-side? Could use the creds to grab some new odds 'n' ends."

“Of course. The fueling will take about a day, so keep your employment limited to that. Let’s plan for about this time tomorrow , if you can “

6:39 PM

“I myself have some matters to discuss with the governor. I’ll also be on shore leave”

"Thank ya much Cap, I won't be late! Good luck with yer meeting."

6:53 PM

Dr. Truffles checks out the local job board. (edited)

6:53 PM

(Do you do formalized character goals for XP?)

(Yes I encourage personal goals)

6:54 PM

(Just don’t make them directly related to the mission you’re doing. Ideally they should be something you can accomplish in at least a missions worth of work/risk, and you can of course go longer term than that)

6:54 PM

(Just don’t expect to get xp for like “survive the mission” since you’re already getting mission xp. That feels like double dipping )

(I was thinking a lot of mine would be technology related? I realize some of those would be probably longer term. But tie them into the drones I want to build, mods I want to make to ships, getting an AI research assistant, things like that.)

1

7:18 PM

(Would uplifting another population of piggen be too mission-centric? Seems borderline.)

(It would be a long term investment so that one j don’t mind so much)

(Sounds great, I'll post them on Roll20.)

(Added some initial goals, let me know if any aren't alright.)

(Everything looks good)

Locals are having problems with hostile wildlife near the city
a site of interest needs a survey team to properly document it
An item of importance to one of the Ashen One manufacturing clans here has gone missing

(any 1 of these is fine, we'll run it)

(Surveying sites of interest seems up Dr. Truffles's alley.)

12:29 PM

Dr. Truffles pulls the information for the surveying job to his datapad and heads to the appointed location. (edited)

To the east of the rare metals mining operation there is a suspected Remnant cultural site that surveyors were unable to document, as they've been called away to other concerns. It is thought that some sort of memorial, or other structures were made here, though no one has been able to get a close look until now. Although the Remnant is long defeated, traces of their Tenebrian culture remain everywhere, and insights into what happened between The Scream, and their eventual conflict with the pre-UNW are still useful. Five others have been assigned to the expedition, a driver, 3 security, a medic, and now yourself as a technical team member

Dr. Truffles shakes the hands of all of the other team members and introduces himself. (edited)

1:53 PM

"Howdy folks. Name's Dr. Truffles, from Delphos on Gudrun. Lookin' forward to workin' with y'all, it's gonna be excitin' to document a new cultural site!"

They agree and space is made for you in the back of the grav flyer. THer eis a bump as it takes off, heading east rapidly over the lava plains below. A pair of wurms belch smoke into the sky as they bathe in the endless lava seas, their long fangs rumored to once have been harvested and turned into a pair of swords by Hailey Clements herself

(Do we have a Survey Scanner on board by any chance?)

(yes)

Dr. Truffles boots up the survey scanner and starts scanning the surrounding area as they go, looking for signs of foreign debris under the lava. (edited)

8:20 PM

(Thinking sort of how archaeologists use satellites to look for ruins and stuff. Figure it's unlikely under lava but if it does pick up something is probably really cool.)

(lets get a program/int)

8:21 PM

(at +2 for the survey scanner)

([5+6]-1+1+2=13)

(if you click the little pencil in the top right corner of the character sheet to turn off edit mode, you can click the skill and it will do all the math for you next time)

(Oh, right on.)

You find rare minerals near the mining camp , as expected, but there is a deposit of them nearby, beyond the mineworks that do not seem to have been surveyed before

"Heya folks, I had this here survey scanner goin' as we been flyin' and it's picked up a nice spot o' rare minerals that's lookin' like it's outside what the minin' camp is workin' on. Do y'all have a way to radio them?"

A handset is passed back to you from the copilot chair, and he gives a thumbs up signaling the channel is open, and you can talk to them. its your find, you should get the credit

2:07 PM

The co pilot sends the message to your pad, from his in the front, as the cabin is very loud

Shucks, thanks. I'll call it in. (edited)

3:30 PM

"Minin' Camp, this is Dr. Truffles. I'm a scientist with the UNW runnin' an archaeological survey, 'n' one of our scans picked up another rare mineral deposit near you. Transmittin' you the spot now."

3:30 PM

Dr. Truffles sends the survey scans and coordinates to the mining camp.

3:30 PM

(What's the name of our ship, so in the future I can introduce myself like a proper space-pig?)

(the patrol boats in organized battle would form a squadron, under the squadron name of Condor. The individual boat you're on is Condor 2)

(Right on.)

"Condor, these scans are phenomenal, we assumed it was all part of the same vein, not two distinct ones. Miners would have missed this from the ground for sure. You saved us a very expensive construction effort later"

"Happy to help. I'll send along anythin' else I find as we go. Happy excavatin'!"

As the grav flyer gets closer to the site, Dr. Truffles packs his gear, double checks everything is secure, and nervously straps his laser pistol to his side. (edited)

The ship sets down in the midst of the former Remnant camp, and the scanners trace the ground once more to make sure there is nothing buried, and no hidden defenses that have not been dealt with

Dr. Truffles confirms that the scan comes up clean and turns to the rest of the crew. (edited)

2:13 PM

"Alrighty, I think we're good to get out here."

The group emerges in the middle of an encampment with a barracks building, several large buildings that once held prisoners, a mineworks, and a few administration buildings. a long stretch of recently cleared and turned acres of land runs east of the camp, with simple stones marking where bodies have been buried.

Dr. Truffles keeps an eye on the scanner and looks at the others. (edited)

8:13 PM

"Should we maybe be checkin' out the administration buildins first to see if we can rustle up any info that might be useful explorin' the rest o' the place?"

“Alright doc. Take a security trooper and go check that out. The rest of us will start getting some better eyes on the place to see what we can do, and what might be lurking here”

"Sounds good, we'll holler if we're findin' anythin'."

11:33 PM

Dr. Truffles waves to one of the security troopers and heads into the administrative building. He shines his light around, and begins rummaging for computers and file cabinets. (edited)

The doors are rotted and fall off almost right away, cheaply made and not suited for the intense dry heat of this planet. The computer are in likewise pitiful condition, though there are a few files, mostly keeping track of prisoner movements. It looks like there was a sustained effort to try to get a mine started here, and to try to find plants that might grow well in the ash enriched volcanic soil

Dr. Truffles stashes the botanical information and hands the information on the prisoners to the security trooper. (edited)

8:29 PM

"I dunno if these'd be helpful to the local authorities if people 'round here got taken by the Remnant. Maybe give some families some closure or somethin', yeah?"

8:30 PM

"Anyways, I don't think there's much 'round this building, let's get back to the others and see about checkin' out the rest o' this here installation."

8:31 PM

Dr. Truffles heads towards the door and back out to join with the rest of the expedition. (edited)

(It does help in the sense you know there are metals, and fertile ground in the area, so far)

(Right on, makes sense.)

11:46 AM

Dr. Truffles approaches the rest of the group and relates what they found in the admin building. (edited)

11:49 AM

"Most stuff in there were pretty darn degraded, but we did find some old prisoner manifests an' some stuff 'bout plants they were tryin' to grow. Looks like there's evidence of fertile ground an' metal in the soil. Y'all had any luck out here?"

"Looks like they tried digging a seam into the mountain nearby. We were going to take a look. Care to accompany us doctor?"

3:28 PM

"Might have something to do with those metals you were mentioning"

"That's what I'm here for! Lead on, hopefully we'll be able to find out what they was up to."

3:40 PM

Dr. Truffles draws his laser pistol and carefully follows the security personnel into the seam. (edited)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 8/10/2020 8:57 PM

Heading into the antechamber you can see air tanks, lights, and other safety equipment has been left behind to rot in a hurry, most of it is cracked, corroded, or rusty

(Are we in the bottom right corner?)

10:38 PM

Dr. Truffles signals the rest to stay back and goes and checks the tanks and electronics to make sure they aren't leaking anything toxic or about to combust. (edited)

10:38 PM

"Just a sec folks, gonna do a quick safety check."

(yea exactly, bottom right )

8:46 AM

(lets get a notice/wis for the inspection, unless you have another skill you think might work better, I'm open to pitches)

(Would Fix work since I'm looking at mechanical workings or is that specifically for the actual fixing of things?)

(Yeah i could say fix works, and you can use int if you want then, since you're recalling technical information)

8:53 AM

(rather than making a guess)

(Sounds good.)

8:58 AM

(8)

The tanks held oxygen once in case of an accident, leak, or other dangerous condition within the mine, but normally the air inside seems quite safe.

9:09 AM

the tanks ar e not leaking, they are just old

"Looks good folks, we can keep movin' forward."

9:21 AM

Dr. Truffles follows the others up to the first intersection and helps investigate the room. (edited)

The tunnel junction is a rough carved stone tunnel, where picks, shovels, and unpowered tools were responsible for most of the cutting

10:36 AM

Slave labor was the power tool here, and it seems this shallowly into the rock they had been unable to find any of the materials they were in search of

Dr. Truffles looks around. (edited)

2:06 PM

"This is awful. Those poor folks..."

2:07 PM

"We should keep movin' and find anything there is to find. This ain't a good place."

2:07 PM

Dr. Truffles heads for the other exit to the room. (edited)

The tunnel here moves into another large cavern, in the mid point of the mine. Here, a vein was found, though barely excavated. Dozens of barrels sitting in this room are sealed, made of wood but not labeled.

(Would any of the various scanners and toolkits I'm carrying be able to give me an idea of what's inside?)

(survey scanner could with a roll)

7:40 AM

(without opening them just with your hands

7:40 AM

(i understand the hesitation)

Dr. Truffles sets up the survey scanner next to the barrels and tries to get a read on the contents. (edited)

8:30 AM

(Yeah, in a mine I'm scared of old explosives. What should I roll for this with the survey scanner?)

(No roll needed) The survey scanner shows the obvious wood and metal bands the barrels are made with. Several of them are filled with explosive materials, though the other half of the barrels seem to be filled with gathered ore, and samples of local rock material for transport elsewhere, though the Remnant never got the chance

"Couple o' these seem to be filled wit' explosives, we can leave those unless y'all have something you wanna do wit' 'em, though in the state this here mine is in I wouldn't recommend it. These others got samples in 'em. We can take 'em back to the grav flyer on our way out."

9:05 AM

While Dr. Truffles has the survey scanner on he'll do a sweep of the rock in this room to see if he can figure out why they stopped excavating. (edited)

There are some hairline cracks in the wall, where you smell something akin to rotten eggs coming in through the very thin sectioned rock

"There's a sulfurous smell comin' from behind these rocks. We should finish up quick as we can so's we don't find out first hand why this place was abandoned."

9:30 AM

Dr. Truffles motions the others and continues down the passage. (edited)

There are a few bodies in the tunnel junction before the last of the carved rooms. Scraps of their uniforms hold the skeletons together. Eye lenses have been bleached yellow with age, and a thin layer of brown dust carpets them

10:43 AM

There are no weapons here but many have fallen within reach of hand tools

(Do the uniforms look military or worker?)

(worker)

Dr. Truffles checks the bodies for any signs of trauma. (edited)

Blunt force has many of the bodies broken, battered, and has protective gear cracked and shattered . They were overwhelmed by a sudden projectile force from behind

(Behind being the direction we're heading in? Or is it possible to tell from how the bodies have fallen?)

(right, behind them meaning your forward)

"Heads up folks, I think these fellas got killed by somethin' from that direction. Looks... violent. How do y'all wanna move forward?"

“It’s your call doc. You’ve got another expedition ahead of you, but we might be solving a problem for the people that live here by handling it. “

"I ain't gonna leave y'all or the folks here in the lurch, but y'all mind if I stand in the back? I ain't too handy with this here laser pistol, it's honestly more fer show."

They begin moving to put you near the back of the column, and proceed ahead, low and slow, with weapons raised. "Alright doc, you keep watch behind us, we'll get through this together"

"Righto!"

8:41 PM

Dr. Truffles sighs with relief and takes up his position at the back of the column, following the others through the hallway. (edited)

The ground shakes gently ahead, and the survey scanner begins to ping gently, showing somehow, there is a mass of metal moving around you, below, and in the walls.

Dr. Truffles swallows and grips the hilt of his pistol nervously. (edited)

11:06 AM

"Folks, looks like the metal around us is... movin'. Not sure how that's possible, maybe some weird geotectonic thingamabob, but let's be ready to up an' outta here if this goes south."

11:07 AM

Dr. Truffles continues to follow the others forward.

11:08 AM

(This is teeeeennnnnnnssssseeee

)

3

11:18 AM

A large creature bursts from the ground, occupying the entirety of the thin tunnel ahead of you and the megapede roars as it bursts from the ground, a mount full of fangs specially designed to tear through rock and flesh

"Welp, we figured out why the Remnant up and left. It's my scientific opinion that we skedaddle. RUN!!!"

1

11:22 AM

Dr. Truffles makes a mental note to more regularly pack explosives. (edited)

The beast dives back underground as you all begin to run, swimming swiftly through the rock below you, as you make your way back to the room with the barrels of ore and explosive material

(How heavy are the barrels? Smaller kegs where I could grab one and keep running or huge ones?) (edited)

(As a piggen you'd be able to grab a couple without slowing down since you are swole)

1

1:24 PM

(i think the humans with you would have a lot more trouble)

Dr. Truffles hastily holsters his pistol and grabs two barrels in a running bear hug. (edited)

1:32 PM

Panting and huffing. "Can't forget the samples!" (edited)

1:32 PM

(Two of the ones with metal if I remember which ones.)

(yeah you'd know)

1:37 PM

(perfect)

1:37 PM

One of the troopers halts as the rest of you continue running past him. "Go! I have an idea but you guys need to run like hell!"

"Bud, I appreciate the effort, but the same thing done crossed my mind, and I think it'd jus' burrow right through whatever the 'splosion brought down. Keep runnin'!"

1:51 PM

Dr. Truffles keeps running for the entrance, hoping the trooper followed him. (edited)

The trooper has not, and as you clear the doorway, there is a thunderous boom from inside the mine as the explosives detonate, blowing out massive rocks from above , and below, as the entire mountainside comes down

1:56 PM

The creature rears up, before its head is crushed by a massive, falling boulder, sending a spray of green blood in all directions, as another rock crushes its midsection

"Well, didn't think o' that, guess I ain't much of a physicist under pressure."

1:59 PM

Dr. Truffles looks back to see if he can see the trooper behind him. (edited)

If the trooper was not killed in the explosion, he was most certainly killed in the tumble of rocks and landslide that came after

2:01 PM

You cannot see him, but it is not hard to divine his fate

Dr. Truffles hangs his head and keeps running to keep pace with the others. (edited)

(3xp, 5000 credits)

2:03 PM

The expedition is safe, and you've made it back to the vehicle with two barrels full of samples of whatever the Remnant was mining here. The creature explains why the mineworks were abandoned and why the slave stock here was liquidated when it became clear mining was not working

Dr. Truffles turns to the head of the expedition. (edited)

2:05 PM

"You know if he had a family or anythin'?"

2:06 PM

(I'll process my level up this evening. That was awesome

)

(sounds good!) "We'll find out. The security team is from here. There will be city records and we can figure things out from there. You'll likely be on your way by then"

Dr. Truffles processes a transfer for 2500 credits to the team leader. (edited)

2:39 PM

"Give that to his family if he had 'em. If he didn't, I trust you to find a worthy cause 'round town he woulda approved of. We're all alive 'cause of his bravery."

(Level 2: HP now 7 from 6. Tinker focus now at 2. Know from 0 to 1 spending 2 skill points. Heal from -1 to 0 spending 2 skill points.) (edited)

(Actually, thought about it a little more, would it be ok if I did Heal to 0 instead of Trade to 1, it fits what happened this mission better. If not, no worries, I did lock it it.)

(you're good, we can change it)

(Awesome, thanks, edited the level-up text.)

The money is put aside, and any work into his family or a suitable organization to donate to will have to be done later.

8:22 AM

You're bundled back into the flyer, with the two barrels of sample material taking the place of the missing soldier. THe mood is dour, though there is a sense of accomplishment here, as the megapede is dead and the area is now safe

Dr. Truffles starts to run more detailed scans on the samples as we fly back. (edited)

The minerals here are rare, of abnormally large size, and of abnormally pure quality. The rare materials would make rare ingots when refined, and they would be excellent for industrial and craftsman purposes.

"Looks like y'all got a pretty good mine out there now that the megapede is done an' gone."

3:02 PM

Dr. Truffles explains the results of the scans to the team leader. (edited)

“This will go a long way toward improving the planet for all of us. The mine being safe now will put thousands of people back to work, and they’ll be safe doing it with that creature dead”

Dr. Truffles smiles at the assembled crew. (edited)

9:48 PM

"UNW has done right by the piggen on my home planet. It's real nice to be able to represent the polity and help return the favor on other worlds."

"I'll make sure the news gets back to them, but I know you have a transport to catch. You're owed a nice dinner here in the city when you're on your way back. Make sure you live to see it"

Dr. Truffles gives a hearty laugh. "I'll do my best. Y'all be safe now." He shakes each of their hands and disembarks from the grav flyer. (edited)

11:05 AM

(Do I have time to go to the market, or do I need to get back to the shop ASAP?)

11:06 AM

(Also, I noticed the more I've been reading other people's threads, I'm formatting my shit wrong, and italics are for thoughts, not actions. That's my bad, I'll go through and edit later.)

(You habe time to get some supplies )

(Cool deal. So this time I definitely want to pick up a medkit, bioscanner, and survey kit if they're available to fill out my science kit. More generally, since my longer term goals are to find technology that works more easily for the other piggen, I'm going to be looking for a lot of esoteric knick-knacks and doodads that I can break apart and modify. Would it work rules-wise to where we can just narrate what those are based on the flavor of the planet but just count them as spare parts in my inventory?)

(It would work rules wise to do that sure, and those goods are all here for regular book price)

(Awesome. One more question before I decide how I'm going to allocate credits. I was reading the discussion in #ooc about research labs and that seems like something Dr. Truffles would want to get in on. I'm a bit confused with how Research Points relate to labs as it's laid out in Black Sun. Do I need to invest in a 2 enc lab to store 1-10 RP, or does having 1-10 RP grant me a 2 enc lab by virtue of that just being how much space I need to store that research? My reading was the latter, but I just wanted to double check.)

(all research points generated go to a giant pool since all the polities are working together to discover things)

(Right on, so we're not using the part of the book where we'd have an individual lab then?)

(You;d need to have one to do a research roll, but most civilized planets have one if you dont have your own)

12:56 PM

(and the stuff you generate goes to the big pool, you dont carry it on you personally)

(Ok, so it would be more like, at level 10 Dr. Truffles has his own science vessel and it counts as a UNW research hub type thing?)

(You need lab access or your own lab to have the facilities to attempt a research roll. if successful the research points go to the pool where the galatea council votes on what to use it for)

(Gotcha, so using communal UNW resources to do the rolls until I can build my own.)

Dr. Truffles is so excited he almost sprints to the bazaar. His first goal being to fill out his gear selection, he buys a bioscanner, medkit, and survey scanner. He then spends as much time as he can finding interesting bits of local machinery, particularly old mining gear and things with heat resistant metals. He excitedly observes that the necessarily robust nature of the construction of much of the equipment here will adapt well to the size of piggen hands. He arrives, panting and grinning, back at the docks with about a minute to spare before the ship lifts off. (Bioscanner, Medkit, Survey Scanner, 20 units of Spare Parts, 1650 credits total.)

4:03 PM

(I can edit if I overstepped my bounds with narration there and there were encounters you wanted to play out in the market. It seemed like it was going to be more of a side thing, and I'm still getting used to how much as players we're allowed to stretch "I do this thing and it happens.")

(Nope all good. I’ll stop you if something comes up but you completed the mission and I didn’t have any more trouble for you right now )

(Right on, sounds good!)

The supplies are loaded, and as night falls on this volcanic world, you prepare for your next port of call on the way to Shalini. The next planet along your route is a heavily urbanized planet called Creusa. The UNW fought a decisive battle against the same Remnant forces that made the mine you discovered here, and its three large cities are on massive pre-tech platforms, floating above a supermassive gas giant.

7:40 PM

The cities had seen their share of violence, but things are calm now, especially with the intercession of the void wardens, and the influx of UNW job creation there

Dr. Truffles marvels at the viewport as the ship orbits the gas giant and makes for a landing platform on one of the floating cities, mind running through all the possibilities of what he could find here and glad he saved some credits from the last stop.

9:24 PM

(Any downtime days during spike?)

(3 between here and there )

Dr. Truffles stretches out at his terminal after spending the spike customizing the interface. He found the buttons on the screen to be a bit small, so he worked a scaling mechanism into the operating system. (Program 5/90)

The cities on Cruesa do not have names and are simply hub A, B, and C, with C being the newest and therefore the smallest

Dr. Truffles goes to find Dr. Irene. "Mornin' boss, this place is really somethin' isn't it? How long we stoppin' for?"

"Just a day to take on fuel, and then we reach our destination. Security on the ground is going to be a lot heavier here. This world was a Remnant stronghold, and the UNW bungled their post war response here. Most of the people are warming up to us , but the war ended recently, many of them remember how things were under the Remnant with something like pride"

Dr. Truffles looks downcast, remembering the evidence of Remnant rule he saw in the mines. "That don't sound to good. Maybe I could loan myself out to the local government while we're fillin' up, show 'em we're here to help?"

"Like a neighborhood tour? Kinda see how the people are doing?"

"Yeah, somethin' like that. See if there's anythin' around that needs doin', and help out with the UNW's humanitarian work."

(You're more fix oriented right, so something more like public works than volunteering with a medical service?)

(Yeah, definitely more mechanically oriented than biologically right now. Fix-1 vs Heal-0, and both my focus picks are in Tinker.)

The people of City C are the least developed among their companion cities, and have the greatest need for public assistance. Although the techs here are capable of ensuring the massive grav platform remains running fine, there are other needs such as reliable power, food production, and water services that are failing, or rationed between neighborhoods

Dr. Truffles reads through the list with some concerns, and decides that water production should be his first stop. He packs his gear and beads towards the water plant, taking in the sights of the floating city as he goes.

The water plant is a large building with collectors reaching through the city depths, to the underside of the grav platform, where vapor from the gas giant below is collected, condensed, and filtered before being pumped through the city. the collectors were heavily damaged in an attack on the city a year before, and skilled technicians havent been able to get it running again despite their best attempts. It reminds Dr. truffles of the water extractors the Piggen of Delphos used in the desert.

Dr. Truffles walks up to the head technician and smiles, holding out his hand. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. I'm with a UNW science expedition, heard you folks could use an extra set of hands to get stuff repaired, so I figured I'd mosey on over here and see if I could help while we was in port."

"Know anything about moisture condensers or fluid dynamics Doctor? We're having a devil of a time trying to get the collectors working again. Whole city is going thirsty because of it"

"I've seen one or two in my day. We use somethin' awful similar in Delphos, where I'm from, it bein' in a desert on Gudrun an' all. Lead the way!"

8:13 PM

Dr. Truffles follows the head technician down to the equipment, and sets up his toolkit. He makes a visual inspection of the machine, and starts to run a diagnostic on his datapad.

Most of the internals have rusted closed or into positions that render the machine inoperable. The feed lines and valves are large enough to climb inside and are off now as work is expected to be done on them.

6:17 AM

“Don’t know if there’s a clog or if one of the intakes are jammed up with rock. Haven’t been able to get anyone down there with enough skills

"I reckon I can get down there. Think you terrans got an expression 'bout greased pigs that might be 'propriate, though I think I'll try without first. While I'm down there, they give y'all a status on replacement parts? A load of these might downright need to be replaced."

"We were told something was coming from Gudrun months ago, but it was either caught up in the war effort, or the administration never actually had the paperwork connect. Someone notable like yourself might be able to force something through though. "

Dr. Truffles looks to the side at being called notable. "I'll sure see what I can do. Lemme check on the order on my datapad, and if nothing comes up I'll make a call while I'm down there workin'."

11:28 AM

Dr. Truffles uses his datapad to look for any records of the shipment on the UNW servers.

There is a shipment log from shortly after Cyrus had escaped from the planet, though it seems the vessel carrying them was either sucked in through the metadimensional tunnel that opened, or was lost in the release of energy. It is marked delivered, since the ship reached its destination, though never made planetfall

"Hmm, looks here like the ship was lost in some big spacetastrophe. I'll see what I can be doing about getting a replacement sent on down to y'all."

4:32 PM

(Would this be a larger humanitarian mission that was lost? I guess like small enough scale that I should start by talking to Irene, or large enough that I should bring it up in #unity-council-meeting?)

)small scale enough where Irene could probably help)

Dr. Truffles calls up Irene on his commpad. "Hi Cap, it's Dr. Truffles. I came on down here to their water plant, and it looks like some parts they were supposed to be gettin' from us went and got lost in the mail on account of some subspace mishap. Anything we can be doin' to make sure they're gettin' re-sent?"

“It will take time, especially to dispatch them from Gudrun again and have them made. Are you able to do any kind of repairs while we are here?”

"Think so Cap. I was gonna see if I could go in there and see if I could reroute around the broken components. Should do 'em 'till the new part gets here."

9:50 PM

Dr. Truffles turns to the maintenance head.

9:52 PM

"Should be on its way, but it'll be a bit. I'm gonna head on into the intake and see if I can get y'all straight in the meantime."

9:52 PM

Dr. Truffles heads into the collectors to look for a clog or jam.

The collector pipe is covered in algae from the inside, along with growths of something that resembles barnacles. Not enough to clog the water flow, but it seems an entire ecosystem has developed somehow in here due to the intake of gas from the supermassive gas giant below.

5:46 AM

The water dribbles, and trickles up ahead down something sitting in the middle of the tunnel

Dr. Truffles scrapes off some of the algae and barnacles and runs it through the bioscanner.

They are unique aside from some basics about their structure that identifies them as barnacles. in the darkness, they are speckled, and those freckles glow gently in the dim light in here. Ahead, something like a large clog has the collector pipe jammed. Rock fragments, sucked in spaceship debris, and trash keep it from bringing in anything more than a small trickle, as the powerful intake indiscriminately sucks up anything coming near it

Dr. Truffles makes sure to note the genome of the barnacles for archival purposes, specifically any bioluminescent gene sequences. He then approaches the clog.

It seems to be somewhat deep, not solid enough to entirely prevent water, but enough to constrict the movement of most of what should be filtering and feeding through this intake.

"Well if this don't explain things. Should be easy enough to fix to hold 'em over 'till new parts get here."

1:34 PM

Dr. Truffles looks around for a shutoff valve.

There is nothing down here, but a quick call upstairs has the tech crew shutting down the pumps so you have some time to work

Dr. Truffles takes off his lab coat, folds it neatly and sets it to the side, rolls up his sleeves, and starts dismantling the clog, working from the top so the whole thing doesn't just collapse and reform further down the pipe.

(fix/int)

(8)

The good doctor is able to remove the blockage from the tunnel after several hours of work , along with help from some of the technicians above when its clear youre making some kind of progress. the replacement parts are also on the way, but it will still be some time before they arrive all that remains is to turn everything back on once you're safely topside

Dr. Truffles turns to the head technician.

10:44 AM

"Hopefully this should do y'all until those new parts arrive, sorry I couldn't get that goin' any faster than I did. Let's turn it on and see if it works."

10:44 AM

Dr. Truffles turns the water back on.

There is a rumble, as the water flow is turned back on. Fill levels and pressure begins to rise, and other pumps begin working to get the incoming gathered materials into proper holding tanks for filtering and distribution to the neighboring communities across the platform

(3xp, 5000 credits)

Dr. Truffles wipes his hands and then smacks himself in the forehead. "Aww, nuts, left my labcoat down there."

12:42 PM

Dr. Truffles turns back to the head technician. "All done. Send me a comm if them parts don't arrive and I'll follow up with my captain 'bout it. Anythin' else I can do for y'all while I'm here?"

"You've already raised the bar for everyone living in the area. Truly, you've done more than a dozen technicians could have done"

Dr. Truffles smiles, thinking of Dr. Irene's words when he boarded the ship. "Just tryin' to do my part to bring the family together and make us whole. When any of us suffer, we all suffer. I'm downright glad I could be of help."

1:53 PM

Dr. Truffles shakes the technician's hand and heads back towards the ship.

1:53 PM

(To my understanding, this was going to be a quick stop and I probably don't have time to shop at this point?)

(You can shop here before leaving if you want to)

On his way back to the ship, Dr. Truffles heads to the nearest tech district, looking around for scrap and broken drone bits, robot parts, servos, and gears. As he's walking through, he starts to schematic out a robot he wants to build with the parts when he gets back to the ship. He arrives back to the ship, drops his parts in his quarters, and goes to report to Dr. Irene, both to inform her that the fix was successful and to thank her for helping out with the missing parts order. (20 units of Spare Parts, 1000 credits total.)

(I believe this next stop is actually our destination, finally)

4:10 PM

(2 days of spike travel, and we're here)

(Ha, sorry for taking so long. It's been fun exploring though

)

4:11 PM

(There aren't days listed for building drones and stuff, is that something that's in the book or does it just take a day if you've got the parts and credits?)

(no appologies needed! I'm glad you're having fun. Generally its a day if you've got the parts and creds)

4:16 PM

(the ship has a workshop, so the time spent on it is trivial)

(Sounds good! I think this spike, Truff is going to take his first foray into invention and crafting. Would my spare parts trade for the credit cost on a janitor bot on a 50 cred per part basis?)

(I don't see why not, youd have just spent the credits on one anyway as is, we just did it more thematically)

(Awesome, that's kind of what I was shooting for. We'll do that for 1 day of downtime and another day in Program for the other, which is now at 6/90 I believe.)

4:24 PM

Dr. Truffles spends a day happily working away in his lab. When he finally wipes his hands on a rag hours later, he looks down at a small, red, half-spherical robot with two camera sensors sticking up like a slug's antenna. Multiple vacuum tubes and mopping apparatuses stick out from the sides. "Howdy Sweeps, the labs lookin' a bit messy, you mind?"

4:24 PM

The robot whirls and beeps, and starts cleaning up the mess of its own creation.

4:24 PM

(I'm thinking like the little space roombas from Farscape but less angular.)

(I dig it!)

(Rad. So that's a goal completion and a level up I believe. I do have a question about that. Is xp cumulative? It blanked out my 3 xp last time, but left me at 6/12 this time, so I guess that should be 9/12 if it's cumulative?)

(it is cumulative)

(Ok, right on.) (edited)

4:39 PM

(Level 3: HP now 11 from 6. Fix from 1 to 2 spending 3 skill points. Left 1 skill point as unspent.)

(Also, sorry for taking so long to get to my master craft. If it fits in the parameters, I'd like a Deflector Array (embedded in my new lab coat) with the Bubbleseal, Customized, and Polymorphic Blending mods).

(deflector array is Tl5 and not currently available)

(Ahh, ok. I'll do the next best street clothes. I think the security clothing?)

(Secure clothing would be the next up yeah)

(Sounds good, I'll do that with those three mods then.)

Your item catches up with you before the final jump to Shalini, and Sweeps keeps your laboratory aboard clean for the last day. A heavily forested world, with two habitable plains moons form the focal point of this sector, along with a gas giant at the system edge. There is no evidence of space travel, satellites, or other development that would indicate the Piggen culture here has seen space.

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 8/27/2020 8:09 AM

Shalini main

Dr. Truffles considers the terrain on the map carefully.

11:25 AM

(I know Delphos is in a desert, is that sort of our preferred ecological niche or did we get put there?)

(the piggen had a couple small settlements in the forested area, but the desert one was the biggest. The forest tribes rallied there when the underhill infestation got to be too bad)

11:26 AM

(and now its just a lot more developed than everywhere else, so there was no reason to go, especially now with trains and planes)

11:26 AM

(none of the labels are on the map yet because nothing has been explored here)

(Ok, this might be a real stretch, but can I wire my bioscanner and survey scanners into the ship's computer and do a flyover to see if I can narrow down some likely candidate regions?)

(Each of those icons is a piggen village, if that helps, unless youre trying to scan for something different)

(Oh, yes, that does help

)

11:42 AM

Dr. Truffles asks the pilot to land several kilometers away from the village at the top right of the map, and try to obscure the landing with the nearby woods.

The pilot is able to pierce the atmosphere, away from the settled area, landing 15km away, which should be out of easy range of any foot patrols. The settlements here are not advanced enough to have any kind of detection technology, but a Piggen with a rifle and eyes is deadly no matter what other tech is backing him up

Dr. Truffles turns to the other crew. "I'm thinkin' just the piggen on crew should go first, they may never have seen another sapient species 'n' such. Should give us time to start a conversation 'stead of a firefight."

"Exactly the reason we recruited from Delphos" Irene assures you. "Take who you need, and what you need, and we'll see you off. Everyone else will remain here in the ship, and we'll try to keep inside"

6:52 AM

"I don't think they have anything that can threaten us in here"

"Sure thing cap, we'll report back when we've made contact. Let's all try to cover up anythin' spacey lookin' with some nondescript robes or simethin'."

8:48 AM

After making the necessary preparations, Dr. Truffles heads off with the other piggen through the woods.

8:48 AM

(How many piggen were on the ship?)

(10 , all recruited from delphos

As Dr. Truffles walks through the woods with the other piggen, he does his best to reassure any that are nervous, and get everyone excited about meeting a new community. "Can y'all imagine, bein' the first from Delphos to meet piggen from another world? We've got the opportunity to represent our city to some long lost cousins!"

10:13 AM

(If we don't run into any patrols, I'd like to slow down and see if we can get to the point where we can watch the village for a bit before we head straight in.)

The crew sets out in the direction of the village, doing their best to try to get close without attracting attentino until they are ready There is evidence of at least some wheeled vehicles as you move through the woodland, though its unclear if they are things like cars, or something like animal or other piggen drawn carts. Any foot or boot prints are far less shallow than the wheel ruts and have gone away faster

Dr. Truffles turns to one of the other piggen as they continue walking and grins. "At least we won't be needin' to help them reinvent the wheel!"

There is some light laughter from the group before the sound of oncoming wooden wheels over the ground catches your attention. You cannot yet see what is coming, but you hear thick piggen voices, and the creak of ill fitting wood putting pressure on itself.

Dr. Truffles signals to the others. "Why don't y'all head back up the road a ways so's we don't overwhelm 'em too quickly. I'll signal when it's all clear."

9:03 AM

Dr. Truffles activates the polymorphic blending in his lab coat to make his outfit look more agrarian.

The group comes into focus, eight Piggen escorting a large cart. Four of the group are pulling it with the help of a wide sway bar in the front. The back is loaded with building materials and a few large skins of water

Dr. Truffles smiles, waves, and addresses them in piggen. "Greetin's friends! Name's Dr. Truffles. I come from another town far away, we was hopin' to get to know y'all better, share our experiences, and learn more about our backgrounds."

The wagon comes to a halt and the piggen begin to gather around. You don’t see any visible weapons on the group under their long traveling robes. “Another town far away? Which one? Yer a long way from home no matter where yee from”

"I may 'o buried the lead a bit, but I didn't want to startle you straight off. The towns name's Delphos, on a planet called Gudrun. We piggen used to travel all about the stars, and now we're scattered all over. I'm a scientist with the United Nation of Worlds. I came with friends to reconnect to you, our long lost cousins, an' help you with whatever you're needin', just like the UNW did for my town when they found us."

They look on skeptically, as you appear as one of them. "Friend, these are bold claims. Can you back them up somehow? "

"Sure can, I can show you somma the stuff I got on me." Dr. Truffles lets the polymorphic blending on his clothes dissipate. "I can also take you on down to our ship if you'd like, we didn't want to land too close to the village on account of unnecessarily startlin' folks."

The shimmering field reveals your more modern clothing and they instinctively take a step back I. Amazement. “Truly you speak the truth. May we see the chariot that has brought you through the stars “

"Yeah, o' course. We'll pick up some other folks I came with on the way there. Piggen, like us. But at the ship you'll meet all manner o' folk. Our captain's what's called a Terran, that's like a, uh, y'all got monkeys? Like a monkey on two legs with no fur. Kinda odd lookin', but they're good folk. They brought us the tech like this here jacket I got, and they'll give it to you too, if you're wantin' it. Is y'all's village independent? Do you have some sorta inter-village organization? Could y'all make introductions for us at the other villages after we're done talkin' to the folks in your village?"

10:00 PM

Dr. Truffles continues to babble excitedly to the other piggen as they walk back to the ship, showing them pictures of Gudrun and the other UNW planets on his datapad as he goes.

"Our village is a proud and independent state. We have known no king other than our own, and are respected by all of our neighbors. We may be able to introduce you to some of our trading partners if meetings in our own village go well, but this is the only thing we can really promise right now"

"That'd be grand. Is the planet mostly at peace then?"

"The distance between settlements is large. THe disagreements need to be large to make armies march, and that has not happened in some time. We lost most of our shamans a few years ago, and the chiefs have mostly not found new ones"

11:05 AM

"They make few decisions on ther own"

"Shamans? You mean like MES sensitive folks? Sorry, got all jargony there, folks who could do stuff with their minds? What happened to 'em?"

"Four years ago, about, some sort of..sickness took them all. turned to skeletons and then to dust all at once right in front of us. Happened all ove rthe planet as far as we know. THey just up and died"

Dr. Truffles looks downcast. "Ahh yeah, we call it the Scream. Happened all over the galaxy, lots o' folks died. Sorry it affected y'all so badly. Good news is those powers seem like they're comin' back all over."

THey say little else as you approach the wood and stone walls of the city. A waterwheel powers a mill, built into the side of the town, ad the smell of bread is in the air. Piggen guards on the walls have a mix of crossbows and rifles that are antique to anything the UNw is currently using, even on the frontier

Dr. Truffles sniffs the air. "Well if that ain't the finest smell I've ever smelt after a week of starship rations. On behalf o' the UNW, I'd like to formally request that baker's bread recipe."

7:28 PM

Dr. Truffles waves to the guards as they continue into the city.

The gate grinds open on hinges sorely in need of attention. You're brought to the town square where other Piggen are beginning to gather, sensing something important is happening. Runners move ahead of the group, likely summoning any of the important Piggen in town who needs to be made aware

(How do the people look? Well fed and healthy, just more primitive, or is there obvious poverty or starvation?)

(well fed and healthy, just below your new standard of living as UNW members)

8:03 PM

(but its probably a lifestyle you;'d be familiar with, having lived it for many years yourself)

Dr. Truffles smiles as he watches young piggen in the street playing like he used to. "Well if this doesn't take me back. The town I grew up in looked a lot like this 'fore the Terrans came. It's comfortin' to see that the core of our society an' culture remained intact when we got scattered throughout the stars."

8:06 PM

Dr. Truffles introduces himself to the piggen gathering around as he waits for the runners to return with the dignitaries.

Several Piggen in the guise of shamans (though not magical, like wannabe church officials) , local functionaries like nobles, and one with a simple brass circlet emerge from the central building, along with grim faced Piggen guard in heavy conquistador like armor, wielding shotguns. They gather around you, before the king approaches. "Friend from afar, my heralds tell me what you are claiming, and we see that your manner of dress is outlandish. I invite you to speak to us, and say what you came to say. "

Dr. Truffles gives the king a polite bow. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles, from a village called Delphos on a planet called Gudrun. We're members o' an interstellar polity called the United Nation of Worlds, but we're piggen just like you. Long ago our people were spacefaring, but we're all scattered now, livin' in villages like this all throughout the galaxy. We came here on a mission o' exploration and peace, to bring y'all friendship and technology, and to reform the bonds of family what were broken when our people lost the technology to travel the stars so long ago."

"We have myths of the Piggen once taking to the stars, and traveling across the universe. You are saying you are a thread from our past now, putting us back together like a broken necklace " (edited)

(My understanding is that a Prometheus Project is subject to the people being willing, and not contingent on them joining the UNW afterwards. Are there any other stipulations I should be aware of talking to them?)

(yeah, and it handles te cultural integration of the tech as well, so its not going to turn into something like a delayed social shock)

2:34 PM

(There might be some ruffled feathers because there are going to be some institutions that see the pecking order change, but no large scale change is without difficulty)

(Yeah, that makes sense.)

2:42 PM

"That sure is my hope. You wuddint believe how excitin' this is, being in another village like the one where I was raise, but on a whole different planet. Gives me hope we can keep on lookin' and bring our whole long separated family back together. But we won't do a thing without yer say-so. We can start what's called a Prometheus Project, where we'll bring y'all the best tech we got and help integrate it with how y'all live yer day to day lives. After that, y'all can stay independent, or come under the umbrella of the UNW as a member planet, whatever y'all think is best after learnin' a bit more about the galaxy."

2:42 PM

Dr. Truffles looks around at the crowd.

2:43 PM

"Y'all don't know what it means for me to be standin' here, I coulda hardly dreamed of this when they told us they thought there might be more piggen to find."

"What are things like in this Gudrun place you keep speaking of? What are the Piggen there doing?|

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly. "Things are goin' real good. Some folks' lives haven't changed much, my mammy an' pappy still run the same diner they did 'fore the terrans arrive, they just serve a few new dishes now. Piggen-fusion they call it. On the other hand, folks like me have gotten opportunities we never woulda 'fore. I been able to make my livin' adaptin' tech for piggen usage, you'll see when you meet the terrans from our crew, they got the derned smallest hands they design everythin' fer. I won't lie to y'all, we had our share o' social unrest, traditionalist factions and growin' pains an' all that, but broadly folks is happy we took the terrans up on their offer. It can be frightinin' sometimes too, hearin' about all the stuff the UNW is out fightin' in the galaxy, monsters an' slavers an' all that. Makes us real thankful we got friends and we look out fer each other."

(It literally just occurred to me, because I'm a bit dense, that Gudrun is likely not the piggen homeworld. Would an ok goal be to find the piggen homeworld?)

(We know that it's 2 sectors south of Gudrun but that's all we know. That's a great goal )

(Right on! It would be cool to find a bunch of piggen in diaspora and all go together.)

"What do the terrans want for this technology? Are these piggen free to do what they wish? or do they serve these Terrans in exchange?"

"No strings in my experience, least not mandatory ones. I ain't a politician by any means, but my understandin' is that folks in our government view it more as an outreach project, not one motivated by profit. I should point out too that we piggen on Gudrun are full citizens with representation in the government, and reachin' out to other piggen has been one of our priorities, so you could see the fact that I'm standin' here as evidence that we're viewed as equal partners. Obviously we'd benefit from y'all bein' added to our trade network and whatnot, but joinin' the UNW itself ain't mandatory. As for the piggen, we're free to do as whatever we like. It's against the UNW charter to hold another sapient bein' in bondage or indenture." (edited)

10:49 AM

(Added the piggen homeworld goal to my sheet as well.)

"and this charter, its something they abide by themselves? or have these Terrans set themselves as first among equals?"

"I think they're doin' their best. On Gudrun, everyone's pretty equal, piggen, terran, and other folks too. I've seen some neglect on the outer planets in my travels, not gonna lie, worries me as a citizen. But the piggen on Gudrun would be there fer you at the Unity Council if you were joinin' the UNW. Bein' from the most developed planet, I can't right tell you what the right choice is as a potential outer planet, but like I was sayin', we won't hold you to joinin' the UNW as a condition for initiating a Prometheus Project and bringin' you the tech. If you learn more about the politics and decide you wanna go yer own way, you'll go in friendship, and you'll always have allies among the other piggen." (edited)

“This sounds like something we could do. I would like to see this technology, perhaps sending some piggen back with you for our own eyes on day to day life

7:58 PM

If this is something you would agree to, as a first step”

"Sure, that sounds like a mighty fine arrangement. Would you folks be amenable to callin' a council of the other villages on this planet? We'd like to talk to y'all, maybe take some of their folks back too so they can make a decision as well."

“It could take some time for everyone to get here. If you came here in a ship, it may be faster for you to bring them here, or make an arrangement with each to take everyone at once”

8:36 PM

(Or you can wait and people will show up eventually if you wanted more focused rp/observation here)

(I think I'll pick them up. I'd like to see the other villages myself.)

9:09 PM

"We can pick 'em up. Y'all mind if I call the ship to town? Might be better if some of yer folks come with us."

"Please, use the field north near the windmill, since we aren'tg rowing anytihng there"

Dr. Truffles pull out his compad. "Cap? You can bring the ship on down to the field north o' their windmill, they ain't growin' nothin' there right now. They're interested in learnin' more, and we're gonna go pick up folks from other villages to talk to too."

8:01 AM

While he's waiting for the ship, Dr. Truffles will find some local piggen interested in coming aboard, both for visiting the other towns and for going back to Gudrun.

There are three that will visit other towns for now, but they want to see what everyone has to say before volunteering to leave too

9:45 PM

You have but to decide where to visit next ,

9:45 PM

(I’ll start adding village names as you go there so the map looks complete by time you’re done

Dr. Truffles shows the piggen onto the ship and introduce them to Dr. Irene.

10:32 PM

(We'll go to the other village on this landmass first.)

The piggen from the village end up in a long conversation with her, never having met a terran before. The next village on the landmass is far more impressive, with a stone castle and expansive walls watching over a large town, its farms, and a large guild hall where all manner of Piggen in different styles of dress come in and out. Carts pulled by other piggen haul stones, beams, and other construction materials toward another large building under construction

Dr. Truffles turns to one of the piggen they brought. "These folks are yer closest neighbors I reckon. How's y'all's relationship."

"They mroe or less leave us be. Our town ain't nearly as impressive, we ship em food once a year and they promise not to kill us all

(I'm guessing uplift would require them to have some amount of political cohesion? Like at the very least something similar to the UNW charter but for an intra-planet confederation?)

(that is one way to do it, or pouring a shitload of resources into one group knowing they will probably have to fight at some point to get supremacy)

1

"You think they'd be amenable to some sorta intra-planet council or confederation? If we're gonna give y'all big ol' guns and bombs, we'd certainly prefer you didn't blow yerselves up with 'em."

8:14 AM

(I feel like Truffles is probably going to go Star Trek over Hunger Games

)

8:16 AM

(The latter is more or less what happened on Gudrun though, right? The UNW supported what's now the establishment piggen leaders against a violent traditionalist faction?)

(They offered for the traditionalists to settle elsewhere, and help them get it going, which they did, but then the traditionalists started raiding and bombing things)

8:17 AM

(sort of abused the trust)

(Ahh, ok.)

"If they end up at the top of it, I think they would, but thats where you guys come in I suppose"

"Do these folks also have a monarchy?"

"In this village here? yes they do. their kind defeated ours in battle many years ago, and we have paid them yearly tribute since"

Dr. Truffles looks a bit pensive, his excitement dampened for the first time since landing on the planet. "I'm hopin' we can maybe convince 'em to get past that. After all, food and land ain't worth much when you got all o' space. I'm thinkin' havin' a council with all the towns'll be real important. Do y'all have relationships with any o' the towns on the other landmasses?"

"We sometimes get traders from across the sea, they come less often now with the storm season here, but fi you took us, they'd remember our village and doing business with some of us I'd bet"

"That'll be handy. Hopefully the consensus'll be to work together, and the surprise of seein' a real life spaceship'll put these folks off balance so they're not tryin' to grab more power right away."

(just highlight where you wanna go next, if you are not planning to land at this larger settlement right now)

(Yeah, probably a better idea to save them for later.)

7:22 PM

Dr. Truffles points to a village on an island on the map. "You know much 'bout these folks?"

“Almost nothing. They don’t have much reason to travel as far north as we are when they have closer groups and less sea to travel to trade”

Dr. Truffles grins at him. "I guess we're'a goin' explorin' then."

2:31 PM

"While we fly, why don't we go about sharin' myths and legends. It'd be mighty excitin' if we found stories that survived our people gettin' scattered."

(Standby. I’ll have to come up with something haha)

(Hahaha, no worries, I've thrown a few curveballs today

)

9:38 PM

(Woop, wrong town, and also can I get your culture's history?)

9:38 PM

(I just figured it might give me some cool material to riff off of for the council we're setting up. Nice folk tales with good morals and stuff.)

The one myth they do talk about was how their capital world once looked , with towers of light, proud space barges in orbit, and proud industries making everything they need. The shamans and kings worked hand and hand to make the piggen civilization from nothing as the piggen uplifted themselves the first time

7:44 AM

It’s rumored there are other repositories of knowledge out there with the combined shamans writings

(Do we have the same myth on Gudrun, or have we forgotten?)

(the same)

12:47 PM

(in centuries befgore now the piggen once crash landed on gudruns moon but back then it was all dusty and barren, not forested like today. With the last of their tech and strength they moved down to the planet, and scattered into tribes. Some sites on the moon havent been re-examined by Piggen since the return to space, 1 or 2 are left, but they;ve all had a bit more info about how the ancient piggen used to do things)

12:48 PM

(along with samples of crops and goods from home)

"Wow, we got the same myth back home, even found some where we first landed, it's amazin' what sticks with a people. We know about the area o' space what where our home world was. Maybe once we finish bringin' all the piggen o' this sector back together, we can go find it!"

"What do you think might be therE? anything?

"Truth be told, I dunno. Suspect if they still had space farin' abilities they'd have come to look fer us, but we may be able ta learn how our people lived, some o' the secrets o' the old shamans, and just learn more about our people and culture."

(Thats all they really had until youre ready to land)

Dr. Truffles looks out as the ship begins to lower outside the village. "Hope this'll go well!" (edited)

Piggen begin emerging from homes, from the small manor home in the center of the settlement, and from the surrounding woods as the ship comes in to land.

Dr. Truffles turns to the piggen from the first village. "Round 2. Lemme know if I'm about to say anythin' downright dumb!"

7:20 PM

Dr. Truffles heads down the ramp and goes to greet the crowd.

7:25 PM

"Name's Dr. Truffles. I'm a piggen from Gudrun, a planet far from here. At one time, our people's traveled the stars. Me an' my friends are here to bring that technology to you, so you can join up with the interstellar community if that's what yer wantin', and all the piggen can reunite."

7:25 PM

Dr. Truffles leans over and whispers to one of the piggen from the first village. "Is my sales pitch gettin' any better?"

“More direct this time certainly”

8:34 AM

There is a loud clamor as your ship has set down And more and more Piggen begin swarming around the ramp. Ship security appears and their rifles are enough to keep the crowd tame but it does continue to grow

Dr. Truffles makes sure to step out well in front of the security. "I know this could be mighty alarmin', seein' a ship like this show up outta the blue. I promise you we're here in friendship an' fellowship, not to harm you or make you do anythin' yer uncomfortable with. We've already talked to the leaders of another town on yer fine planet, they've sent some representatives with us as well. If it's alright with y'all, we'd like to talk to y'all's leaders and arrange a council of all the towns on the planet, so y'all can decide what to do with the opportunity we're presentin' as a people."

The crowd continued gathering and there are so many questions being asked that they all drown into one wall of noise. On a horizon near by you see armored piggen knights assembling, looking down at the crowd

6:44 PM

They are about a kilometer away

(Outside of the town or coming from a manor within the town?)

(Outside of town)

Dr. Truffles singles out the calmest looking piggen in the crowd. "'Scuse me, who are those armored folks over yonder?"

"Knights from the hold nearby. Probably saw this metal monster coming down and came to investigate. They're an honorable sort, and won't charge without cause"

"Is the hold part of y'all's town?"

"They belong to all , working to ensure the roads are free of bandits and hostile wildlife. You might fit either one depending on how you act"

"I assure you we're friendly, though I certainly do understand yer hesitation. I reckon I should go talk to 'em to reassure 'em."

11:20 AM

Dr. Truffles motions the guards on the ship to stay with the ship, and heads towards the knights. Putting his hands up and trying his best to be non-threatening. He stops about 100m away and lets them approach him.

The knights ride powerful and thick legged lizard creatures who are likewise armored in thick metal plating with spines. They keep their long spears and pennants high , bringing their creatures toward you to 20m at a trot, not in a hurry to charge or close distance with you. Their grandmaster rides in the center of the front line , his armor a mirrored silver and light blue compared to the mottled steel of his companions

7:15 PM

He carries a hammer low in his left hand, and does not wear a helmet

Dr. Truffles waves and does his best to muster his friendliest smile, and doing his best to keep his hand from shaking, gives a friendly wave. "Howdy folks, how y'all doin'. Didn't mean to startle you with our ship, I hear y'all are more or less the local sheriffs?"

There is some laughter among the group at the comment, though their weapons remain at rest. "Sheriff, what a provincial term for our proud order. You're not from here, we will forgive the insult. I am Grandmaster Stoutus, and I demand to know what you are doing in our province"

"Howdy Grandmaster. I didn't mean any offense, an' I thank you for not takin' any. Name's Dr. Truffles. I'm from a planet called Gudrun. My friends an' I have come to this planet on a mission of friendship an' fellowship, to offer you the technology to join us in travelling the stars, and to bring all piggen back into contact again."

"Doctor! Ah a physician! And you come from the stars. Well this is an auspicious start. Doctor, if you'd prove your mettle to me, perhaps you could do something about this wracking cough my page has contracted"\

10:45 AM

he nods, and the beasts part for a moment to let a sickly looking piggen wander from the ranks, and his whole body shivers with the effort of coughing out thick yellow corruption from his lungs

"Well, I ain't entirely that kinda doctor, I reckon I'm more of a machine doctor, but luckily we have some machines that might just be able to help your friend out. Lemme take a look at him."

10:49 AM

Dr. Truffles scans the young piggen with his bioscanner.

The young piggen is afflicted with an advanced form of what passed for Tuberculosis on this world. His cough is terrible, and violent.

(Do I have available treatment in my medkit? I know IRL it's typically a long-term antibiotics course, don't know if we've shortened that.)

(you've got the drugs for it)

Dr. Truffles smiles and pats the sick piggen on the shoulder. "Ain't nothin' to worry about, this is a pretty common malady, got some medicine in my medkit that'll fix you right up."

3:24 PM

Dr. Truffles gives him the appropriate medicine from the med kit.

(and then just a flat 2d6 to see if the kit runs out of supplies)

(5)

(Med kit still good)

6:10 PM

The drugs are somewhat fast acting. He wretches once and a good amount of mucus begins moving. His breathing is still ponderous but a bit easier now

6:11 PM

(And he’s got more to take over the next couple weeks)

"You just keep on takin' those 'till yer out, understand? Should fix you right up."

6:25 PM

Dr. Truffles turns back to the knight.

6:27 PM

"What we're offerin' is medicine like that and much more. Will you come on back to town with me an' hear about where I come from?"

He nods and gestures for a lizard with no rider to be brought forward. “Here you are not medical doctor. It’s trained. Just keep your balance and it will follow the herd”

Dr. Truffles looks at the lizard, gulps, and mutters "when in Central..." He mounts the lizard, gives it a tentative pat, summons his best smile for the knight, and heads back towards town.

The knights move off back to their holdfast with you and the dismounted crowd in tow. The ship lifts off to keep you covered from@above though keeps and extreme distance back

"So, as I said, name's Dr. Truffles. I come from a village of piggen on a planet called Gudrun, part of the United Nation of Worlds, and we work together with a lot of other species to keep each other safe an' prosperous an' such. I'm part of a crew what was sent out on a mission to find other piggen. Back in the day we were a great star farin' people, and it's my hope we can all be connected again, a family livin' throughout the sector and supportin' each other. To that end, we came here to offer y'all the technology to take to the stars again, if you're wantin' to take it." (edited)

"And this technology, it allows you to regularly treat disease like this? What else can it do? Tell us the most advanced thing you have seen"

"Oh yeah, what I was usin' was a field med kit. I reckon we can get y'all each one of those for field wounds. We can do a heck of a lot more in hospitals. As fer the most impressive thing I've seen? Well I guess that's gotta be a spike drive. They're the things lettin' us get places faster than light speed. That's why it only took us 'bout 7 days to get here, lickety-split compared to a few hunred years without."

8:43 AM

Dr. Truffles pauses for a moment.

8:44 AM

"Though I think, bein' knights, y'all might have an appreciation fer these."

8:44 AM

Dr. Truffles pulls out his laser pistol and hands it to the grandmaster.

8:45 AM

"Point that at a section of wall you don't care too much 'bout, and away from folks bodies, and pull that there trigger."

The weapon only kicks a bit, streaking out into the afternoon air and burning a small section of stone. The flame gutters out after a second or two.

11:41 AM

"And..it does this to a person? to metal?"

"To a person, yeah. To metal? Reckon you might need a bigger one than that, but most the weapons we use's like that. I ain't exactly a munitions expert, understand, but havin' folks come in to teach you's part of the process. We'll also have people introduce you to our, well, I reckon it's like a code of chivalry. How we go 'bout wagin' war, what rights other people have even if you're fightin' 'em, things like that."

1'

11:37 AM

"I'm not sure if a weapon like this is honorable, Idont think it is, but I like it. What about steeds, or metals? or new lances? Anything like that?"

"Sure, I reckon we can upgrade pretty much any sorta weapon that suits your style. We got ways to make blades cut better an' things like that." (edited)

12:15 PM

Dr. Truffles takes out his monoblade knife and shows the knights how it works.

12:15 PM

"That's just more of a utility tool, but we can put that sorta tech in any blade."

12:17 PM

"As fer metals, if yer thinkin' armor, we got all sorts o metals and polymers for that. Fer example, my labcoat's made out of a real advanced fabric. I reckon it protects me almost as well as that full suit of armor protects you, an' I'm just a civilian. Our military folks have some real neat doodads on their armor, stuff that let's 'em jump out of ships an' things like that." (edited)

12:19 PM

"As fer steeds, we don't use many animals in war, mostly vehicles. Y'all saw our ship outside, that would fight in space battles an' the like. I reckon we could get y'all gravbikes or tanks or somethin' like that that'd be a fair approximation fer yer lizards." (edited)

12:19 PM

Dr. Truffles takes out his datapad and shows the gathered knights a few designs of what he's talking about.

12:23 PM

"Now, if y'all's planet decides to join the UNW, which ain't a requirement for us bringin' you this you understand, just an option after y'all join the galactic community, y'all will mostly maintain y'all's own military presence, but the UNW brass'll be able to ask the planetary governor to send forces for major threats. Fer example, right now we're fightin' some real creepy technoabominations a few systems from here, and rampin' up operations against a slavin' empire to the galactic south."

(Also, added some new goals for making friends with the utan and building uplifted solidarity and stuff.)

THey are interested in seeing what these foes might look like, especially being an order of martial minded piggen such as these. "Of the two, who could you consider the gravest threat?"

Dr. Truffles rubs his chin thoughtfully.

11:50 PM

"I don't rightly know, I ain't much of a military piggen. From what I gathered at the last council meeting, the ghoul king is a bit more pressin', but we seem to be throwin' most our resources at 'im, so hopefully that should be sorted soon. The Extauren might be a bigger threat down the road. We don't rightly know how much territory they control, from what I gathered everyone seemed a might surprised they'd gotten so close to us."

11:51 PM

Dr. Truffles shows them some of the captured images that were shown at the last council meeting.

“Proper knights in armor I see! We would test ourselves against this foe. One being is not to keep another in bondage. You will find a way to take us to the fight. Even if we lose you will have our support and the support of our townships on this landmass”

"I reckon y'all are gonna like our UNW Bill of Sentient Rights. I think we can get that sorted, was thinkin' about headin' down that way myself anyway. Rumor is our people's is scattered all throughout the galaxy. I figure I might be findin' more of our people enslaved durin' that campaign, and then when it's all over we can look for our homeworld. I would like to take y'all to get trained on modern weapons so yer not field testin' new gear against coocoo slavers, does that sound good?" (edited)

(Added "Free any piggen held by the Extaurren Empire" as a goal, if that's too much overlap with our main goals for the UNW I can change it up.)

(The war is to the south, opposite the direction of the piggen homeworld to the north but it’s true. You don’t know where they could have taken slaves from

(Ahh, ok, Mardavegruppulus said 2 sectors south of Gudrun earlier in the thread, he must of meant the other way round. This works good too though, this way I can gather more piggen from different planets and swing north after the war so we can all find it together. I'll edit my last line to be more in general free enslaved folks.)

“Would we be leaving the planet then? To go tk this testing place you’re talking about. You have a lot to offer, but we will need to make arrangements before departing if this is your offer”

"That'd probably be easier if it ain't too much trouble. I could prolly bring someone here, but we'd have to spend a few weeks swingin' on back to pick y'all up."

11:27 PM

"I gotta head on to talk to the towns on the other landmasses anyway. I was thinkin' we'd have a planet-wide council so y'all could talk things over before we left, so you got some time."

He nods "Alright, I'll find a steward among us who can handle things while we are gone, and we will begin making arrangements to provision ourselves for the trip. You have been most helpful not-medical-doctor Truffles.

7:50 AM

he takes a spare tabard from a saddlebag, showing two black crossed tusks over a bright yellow sun. The field is a pure white. "you're one of us now. Wear it with pride. You won't be knighted until we see battle together, but you have our protection as long as you walk the surface of this world"

Dr. Truffles smiles as he puts the tabard on, making sure the sigil is visible under his lab coat. "I'm downright honored. Would y'all like to send a representative with me as I'm headin' to visit the other landmasses?"

He gestures a rather beefy looking knight forward. “He will accompany you. Karst has been in many battles and is strong enough to break even me in half”

Dr. Truffles shakes the hand of the large piggen. "Good to meetcha, Karst, welcome to our little posse. Y'all have any inklin' of who we should talk to next? Haven't been to the southeastern or western landmasses yet. Anyone we should be avoidin' 'till we got more of a quorum?"

He thinks on this for a long moment. "We could try. No one should react violently if I am with you, but they may not be receptive to what you have to say. Not all the Piggen here are as reasonable as you are, Doctor"

"I reckon' yer right, there was one town we were puttin' off fer just that reason."

7:43 PM

Dr. Truffles shows him the map.

7:43 PM

7:45 PM

"You know anythin' about the folks in this town?"

"They are spiritualists. Trying to force another Shaman through meditation, ritual, all that stuff. MES isn't something we're especially strong in, but they keep on trying"

"Well let's head on over there next. I reckon that'll be on the simpler side, since we got a whole bunch o' those folks, comparatively anyway. I think you fellers are gonna like the space ship, y'all seem like a high octane bunch."

9:53 PM

Dr. Truffles signals the ship and boards with Karst and the piggen from the first village, and fills Dr. Irene in on what happened and where they're going next.

(gotta see what we have available for people movers, new one i dont think is finished yet, and the Geon might not be done evacuating)

9:59 PM

(might have to use some other ships or try to figure a solution out)

(Oh, I figured it was kind of a small contingent of knights, found me an army

)

10:01 PM

(Would this maybe be a good time to bring this in front of the Unity Council? I've been trying to figure out a good way to work my way in there IC. I know we're all supposed to be equal, but it just felt kinda weird to start talking before I had anything to contribute.) (edited)

(I think so, i also dont remember what ships the factions have available so you might get your heavy airlift this way)

1

(Posting here to not clog the meeting since it seems like we might be switching topics to the ghoul king. For sending Billy the request well talked about in #unity-council-meeting, do I just post a letter in the #rigers-board-of-engineers channel? I've seen some folks do stuff like that. If so, how many knights do we need to equip?)

(About 60 knights, and 300 Piggen at arms who would be on foot with longbows, siege weapons and other weapons the knights would not lower themselves to use)

Dr. Truffles walks out of his meeting grinning and pats Karst on the shoulder. "We should be good to take ya'll down to fight the Extaurren. Current plan is for a big ol' battleship with 20,000 other soldiers to come pick y'all up, and we're gonna get some weapons trainers over here in the meantime. Folks already down there said they's not sure o' the threat yet, but we might be the cavalry ridin' to their rescue, which I thought y'all might enjoy a good bit."

"That does sound very nice Doctor" the brutal piggen smiles, a face full of cracked tusks and some put together again by banded metal. "When do these trainers come?"

Reckon I shoulda requested an orthodontist too. Also doctors. Next request I 'spose. "Well, took me 'bout 7 days to get here from Gudrun, not countin' stops, though we're flyin' a pretty small ship an' had to make a few of 'em. It'll prolly take Governor Rigers a few days to put together the stuff I requested too. So don'tchu worry, we'll have you back home in enough time to get a good pick from the weapons pile."

He nods "Alright, well I'm to guard you on your tour, if you're satisfied we can return to the holdfast and begin planning, otherwise we can find another settlement to discuss things with"

"Let's head on and talk to the shamanistic folks on the other landmass. I reckon they'll be curious to hear about maybe rediscoverin' the piggen homeworld."

The air is thick around the village where the Shaman are known to keep to themselves. A storm is picking up out at sea as your craft sails in low, and close to the ground. Karst has normally been expressionless so far, but takes an instinctual step back away from the open passenger bay as he watches the weather gather

Dr. Truffles approaches him and stands at the edge of the bay with him. "I remember my first time flyin'. There was a UNW community outreach thingy, right when they started our uplift. Basically took piggen what were interested on tours 'round Gudrun. Couldn't decide if I was fixin' to wet myself in fear or excitement, till the pilot nosed us down and started skimmin' the sea. Knew right then I wanted to work on tech like this, an' help create such beautiful machines." Trying to assuage his unease, Dr. Truffles pulls up the plans for the Lizard 2.0 on his data pad. "Plus, ain't no better openin' for thrillin' heroics like barrelin' out o' the sky. This might be more yer speed, get a look at these new mounts I designed for y'all. Figured y'all were used to fightin' on lizard-back, so you'll have one piggen flyin' and two more in the side cars doin' the stabbin'. Best part is, y'all won't even have to wait for us to land the ship to get to savin' folks, you can drop straight from orbit on one of these beauties and finish givin' those slavers what for 'fore the rest of us even get down there."

“Mighty steeds but it’s will take time to learn to use them. These slavers aren’t going anywhere and we will find our home again Doctor. “

"That we will. Findin' y'all, it opened up a whole new world o' possibility for our people. We ain't alone, we'll find the rest o' our family scattered throughout the stars, and we won't just be findin' our home, we'll find our history. Even if their ain't nothin' left on our homeworld to tell us where we came from, the stories an' customs we all carried around the galaxy with us'll paint the picture of who we was. Who we are. Who we can be."

The ship pushes down into the soft sand of the beach, and the shamanic guard of war painted piggen warriors begin moving forward, spears low, protecting three shaman who emerge from their large hut homes.

9:39 PM

They look on with curiosity , protected by the phalanx of their personal guards , most of whom Karst says, were once criminals

Dr. Truffles signals to Karst and the others to stay back for a moment and approaches. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. As y'all may have figured out from the space ship, I ain't from around here. My home's a piggen town called Delphos, on a planet called Gudrun. We're with a bunch of other folks, all sorts o' different aliens all together, in a confederation called the United Nation of Worlds. We're a crew on a scientific an' outreach mission to find other piggen an' bring 'em the technology what we've had brought to us. You folks are also welcome to join the UNW if you're wantin' after, though it ain't a requirement."

The soldiers keep their spear points down facing you. forming three ranks deep of metal between you and the Shamen here. The three of them stay back toward the end of the formation, and if they have powers, have not tried to use them, or even reply. The group stares you down for a moment. "What of the other piggen? Have they shamans among them?" one asks after a few moments of thought

"Yeah, though not so many as you'd hope. That... event four years ago, that tore right on through the entire galaxy. We got ourselves a few though. Feller named Grupp's particularly noteworthy, did a lot of travel round the galaxy buildin' his shamanic abilities few years back."

"What has this shaman been able to do?" You get the sense they are trying to judge his worthiness based on your replies

(I didn't find much on the wiki about him other than him fighting off an agent of the Still Lady and saving the academy on Gudrun. Can I make a Know check for Grupp facts?)

(You'd know from the night show he's a rectifier, as well)

1:11 PM

(thats 3 solid things right there)

"Well, he's what folks where I'm from call a rectifier. Means he can change his physical shape an' heal folks an' whatnot. He's pretty handy in a scrap from what I hear too. An academy for other, y'all'd call them shamans too, was attacked back home by some agent of an evil goddess, an' he went on in and defeated them in single combat. Nowadays, he's taken to trainin' apprentices himself, met one the other day actually, nice fella. He also hosts a nightly talk show with a fella named Dax. They're a real stitch, hardly anyone on Gudrun ever misses it."

"This piggen sounds like he does have the qualities of a shaman. He is on Gudrun still? He can be spoken with therE?"

"He's on Gudrun, yeah. I reckon I can set somethin' up if y'all are interested. Would you be willin' to come to a meeting o' all the towns on this planet to plan out a course of action for all of y'all?"

7:30 PM

(Should I send a letter to Reza or Grupp to try to set up a meeting for that?)

(We can do that yeah, but they’ll come with you. The message will get there ahead of your ship since it can go in a straight line)

(Right on, is there a particular channel for doing stuff like that? The only messages I've sent have been in faction channels.)

8:13 PM

Dr. Truffles thanks them profusely for their cooperation and willingness to work with im and returns to the ship, gathering Karst and the piggen from the first town.

8:14 PM

"One more landmass left, plus those folks who were bullyin' ya'll, then we can gather folks an' work out a way fer y'all to work together durin' this process."

8:15 PM

"Anyone know anythin' 'bout these towns?"

“Little aside from the piggen there have formed an alliance and have cut off contact with the rest of us”

"Well ain't that ominous. We'll start in the center town, figure they'll be the most connected."

8:33 PM

Dr. Truffles gives the pilot instructions to fly to the town marked in red on the map.

Landing outside the town, out of range of anything that might be pointed at the sky, you hear bells ringing in the town head, large and brass throated, they are echoed by others after a few moments, signaling the townsfolks that something is happening"

"Well, reckon we ain't gotten shot yet. Let's try an' keep on doin' that."

8:44 AM

Dr. Truffles steps off the ship and approaches the town with his hands visible and a smile on his face.

The town militia is forming up as you approach, spears and guns shouldered, not pointed at you, but the village is on alert and unsure of what is about to happen. A militia officer on one of the lizards used by the knights is in front, skittering up and down the line to ensure everyone is ready

Dr. Truffles approaches the militia officer. "Howdy, sorry 'bout all the ruckus with the spaceship, imagine that's alarmin' if you ain't seen one before. Name's Dr. Truffles, I'm from a town o' piggen called Delphos on a planet called Gudrun. We came here on a mission o' friendship and outreach, to offer y'all technology like we have, an' to bring y'all into our interstellar alliance, if that's what y'all want, though it certainly ain't a requirement for the aid."

“The triple crown alliance is proud and we need no help. What do you intend for us and for our village ?”

Dr. Truffles looks slightly downcast. "We don't intend anythin' but peace and friendship. We got medicine, ships to travel the stars, machines that make farmin' and manufacturin' easier. An' we bring the hope of findin' the piggen homeworld, of connectin' all the piggen throughout the galaxy. I'm new to this planet, so if it ain't too forward of me, can I ask why y'all done isolated yerselves here?"

7:20 PM

(If these three villages are named Kentucky, Preakness, and Belmont, you will have slain me sir.)

“We communicate with other towns that have joined our alliance. In time the entire planet will and we will have more prosperity than what you’re offering. This village has nothing for you. We won’t serve another master no matter what you offer “

"As I was sayin', joinin' our alliance ain't mandatory for us to bring things to y'all. That's for y'all to decide for yerselves, if the answer's no, it's no. The process of bringin' y'all stuff, we call it uplift, is just somethin' we want to do 'cause y'all are fellow piggens. Many other towns on y'all's planet seem interested. We'd certainly prefer to be all equitable an' stuff an' give things to everyone. Now, I ain't a diplomat by trainin', so I may be missin' somethin' here, help me understand. Why would y'all want to wait for this prosperity when we're offerin' it right now, no strings attached?"

"There are never no strings attached. Simply put, we don't trust you, or this benevolent organization you're speaking of to follow through or for there to be no real strings. Everyone wants something. They're doing this for a reason. What might that reason be? New bodies for wars? Our planets resources? Untapped labor markets of strong backed piggen? No , we will uplift, and work for ourselves"

"I reckon I get y'all's hesitancy, an' like I said, we'll respect y'all's wishes. I'd ask two things of you. First, send a representative with me on over to Gudrun to see how my people live, an' that we're actin' in good faith. Second, come to a meetin' of the towns on this here planet. When we was uplifted, there was a traditionalist faction like y'all an' things ended... poorly. I'd sure like to avoid that here, an' make sure y'all's rights to be left alone's incorporated in the agreement we make with the others on the planet."

A prisoner is brought forward from the ranks "Take him. Kill him if you want, it doesnt matter. He qualifies as your hostage I'd hope"

"It's a few weeks travel back an' forth to our home, but we'll bring him back to y'all safe. Will we be seein' y'all at the meeting?" (edited)

"Not my decision to make, but if its agreed to, someon will be there"

"Thank you kindly. It's my hope we can prove ourselves an' our intentions to y'all, an' return again with y'all's blessin' one day."

8:26 AM

Dr. Truffles motions to the prisoner and heads back to the ship. When he boards, his shoulders sag. He turns to the prisoner and takes off his bindings.

8:29 AM

"Yer a guest here friend, not a prisoner. That coulda gone better though. Bein' from there, you got any insight inta what I did wrong? Feel like I missed some aspect o' y'all's culture or history."

"Ran from a battle. We were losing, badly, and I wasn't going to die for them"

"Battle? Don't y'all control this whole landmass?"

"How do you think we came to control the whole landmass?" he asks, looking down at his raw wrists

"From what folks were saying', I reckoned it were a willin' alliance. Yer sayin' the other two towns was conquered?" (edited)

"Capitulated after the armies were defeated in the field. The cities weren't razed or anything like that. They fought noble fights, and allowed our rulers to live, just as members of the alliance, and in slightly less impressive political posts"

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Whadda you reckon the mood is like in those towns? They mostly happy with the arrangement, or you reckon they'd like to be self-ruling again? An' I'm more talkin' bout the folks in the town, not necessarily the displaced rulers."

"life ain't changed much for most people. Farmers still gotta till the land. Warriors dont have as much to do now, but they're building a lot of boats. Miners keep on breakin rocks. No famines, everyone' got enough to eat. The alliance really only interested in our warriors and people, so they wanna make sure we have enough stuff to go around"

Dr. Truffles starts a bit at the mention of boats. "That captain mentioned bringin' other folks into the alliance, you know how close these boats are to finishin'?"

"Few months last I heard. Middle of campaign season this summer most like"

"Good, reckon we got a bit to get the rest of the planet some... deterrin' armaments then. I don' wanna start a war, I'd much rather folks see the benefits of what we're offerin' an realize the material things they're fightin' over ain't ever gonna match up to what they can get by workin' together an' takin' to the stars."

(3xp, 5000 credits)

11:55 AM

(I think thats all the places you can go who would be receptive to your message, now its just a matter of heading home and getting the meetings done)

(Yeah, thinking an all-town meeting is going to do less than just getting folks from the three towns that were receptive home and starting the process. I'll send Billy draft specs for the transport ship we were talking about tonight, I designed it but I've been on my laptop a lot recently with the pupper and the screen isn't big enough to screenshot the whole thing.)

12:00 PM

Dr. Truffles turns to Karst, and the piggens from the first town and the shaman's town. "Anythin' I can do to make y'all more comfortable? We got about a 7 day spike journey ahead of us. Everyone's quarters to their likin'?"

The biggest question, as it is for all piggen after a few hours, is the typical "what's to eat around here?"

Dr. Truffles excitedly herds them into the mess. "Y'all stay right here, I'm gonna prepare one of my mammy and pappy's recipes, get y'all a taste of Gudrun piggen cuisine."

12:18 PM

(It should be noted at this juncture that Dr. Truffles never really paid attention to his parents' cooking lessons.)

12:18 PM

(And I assume the supplies I'm working with aren't exactly a gourmand's dream.)

12:20 PM

(Level 4: HP now 16 from 11. Know from 1 to 2 spending 3 skill points. Heal from 0 to 1 spending 2 skill points.)

(I think they'd just be happy to eat, and as far the rest of the crew, thankful that they'll be stoppin at a few places to take on more food on the way back)

Dr. Truffles approaches Dr. Irene after getting everything sorted in the mess. "I'm hopin' that was a good first step. I think we got enough interest to start thing's off an' all. My only worry's the more militaristic folks, but I'm hopin' they'll come around when they see further conquest ain't really gonna be an option. Do you reckon we can plot our course back through Terezinho? We're pretty settled on Gudrun at this point, an' I'd like the folks we brought to see an active uplift project. Wouldn't mind reachin' out to the Utan an' lettin' 'em know that Delphos will help 'em out however we can too."

(6 days to return, but Terezinho will be your first stop)

(Program 12/90)

1:43 PM

Dr. Truffles will spend time on the computers showing the piggen how to use the UNW archives and start finding some things that may be of immediate interest to them.

Stopping at Terezinho, you can see the Utan are hard at work turning the former Slyth ruins where they used to live into something resembling an actual township, though they have a lot of work ahead of them.

9:22 PM

They know enough to recognize a starship, and know it is friendly, though the welcoming party is a bit lacking, and would be considered slovenly compared to modern standards

Dr. Truffles exits the starship and greets the leader of the welcoming party with a smile. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. I've been over on Shalini workin' with the piggen there gettin' started on an uplift o' their own. Was takin' a few back to Gudrun to look around, but I reckoned it might be nice to see what life'll be like durin' the process, assumin' y'all don't mind showin' us around."

The Utan leader spends a few seconds unpacking what you said mentall,y as his exposure to language has all come at a very rapid pace over the past few weeks. It seems as though he cannot formulate a reply in a time that would be polite, and instead merely gestures for you to follow him through the crumbing stone archway into the wider settlement itself

Dr. Truffles sidles next to him. "Appreciate you havin' us. How've things been goin'?"

“Month ago the Utan had no name. Was dull furs. Was us. No things else. We learning languages. We have tools. We find star sea is very big place and this sea here very big place too. Utan learning much. “

"That's real great to hear. Anythin' y'all need while we're here?"

The utan have not been citizens of the universe long enough to really understand their role in things, or what they have or dont know they have.

Dr. Truffles sees that he wasn't really understood and changes tack. "I'm a fair decent mechanic, y'all need help figurin' out or puttin' together any o' the machines you got sent?"

They bring you to a massive pile of crates in the middle of town, and you can see that the Utan are hopelessly outclassed

1:37 PM

by what they have been given to put together

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "Well if this don't take me back. Yeah, the directions ain't the best. They got this idear in their heads from this old terran furniture company that havin' the instructions without any words would make it so anyone could piece it together regardless of language. Which was a good idear in theory, but I reckon it just makes it confusin' for everyone."

2:16 PM

Dr. Truffles motions for some of the Utan to start helping him unload and sort the parts while he looks over what they were sent.

2:17 PM

"Karst, you reckon you could give 'em a hand with that? Big as you are, I reckon it'll go twice as quick."

(fix/int)

(10)

You're able to help them get the tractor together, along with some housewares and basic industrial components. Theyll be some ways off from factories, cars , planes, and the like, but what they do have is better than sticks and rocks for tools

Dr. Truffles wipes his hands on his overalls and turns to the other piggen. "So this here's the sort o' farmin' equipment y'all'll get. We'll make sure both you an' these folks get some technicians from Delphos to help out. The higher ups mean well, but with so many planets an' all that, stuff falls through the cracks sometimes. Good to have folks who'll advocate for you."

9:25 AM

Dr. Truffles approaches one of the utan. "Can you take me to y'all's leaders? I'd like to arrange an' exchange o' diplomats with Delphos, so we can keep an eye an' make sure y'all are gettin' taken care of. Least we can do as fellow uplifted sapients."

The Utan chief is a massive figure, his fur was once a sky blue but most of it is thoroughly gray now, and its left eye is milky, the results of past conflict for dominance among the tribe. None the less he is a proud figure, preferring to remain hunched forward despite no longer strictly needing to- it now being just a matter of some 40+ years of preference

Dr. Truffles smiles at the older utan chief. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. I'm from over in Delphos on Gudrun. I was hopin' to pass on our welcome to the UNW, an' see if y'all are interested in an exchange o' representitives to establish friendship 'tween our towns."

"I reckon we know better than most that the uplift project can be challengin' sometimes, we'd sure like to offer a helpin' hand if we're able."

"One will come, our second best warrior. We can spare no others now"

1:22 PM

'not with the storm season approaching"

"I reckon they'll fit right in in Delphos. When thinkin' about piggen we can bring here, ya'll got any specific needs? You mentioned storm season..."

"The rains and winds are coming soon. Very much rain, very big wind. The stones keep us safe. They have been shelter for us for many times"

"I reckon they probably have, saw 'em comin' in, they were real impressive. Y'all usually have a shortage of folks to keep 'em up? Us piggen tend to be real strong, I can probably find some folks willin' to come help build an' maintain durin' the storm season."

"The ruin stones have been here since the Utan have. No one keeps they just stand, but Utan have to make something from them now, and the work is hard. We do not know how, or the best way"

"Make somethin' from 'em? How ya mean? Couldya show me?"

(They want to basically build out the ruins into proper buildings)

(Ooh, I see, like a full sea wall?)

(They want to turn the slyth ruins they're living in into an actual village. They want structures that can take the weather)

(Oh, ok, I see. Sorry, I'm a bit thick this morning.)

9:41 AM

"Hmm, I reckon we can prolly find y'all some designs in the UNW archives. Ya reckon sendin' one or two builders to direct things be a help?"

"It would...be of help. Can your Delphos friends do this?"

"Yeah, I reckon we can rustle up some folks who know what they're doin'. We'll be headin' back this way inna few days, we'll drop 'em off then."

the Utan chief nods, struggling with the words to say much else- as your accord seems to be made already

Dr. Truffles smiles and turns to the other piggen. "Y'all have any questions for 'im about the process or anythin' 'fore we head on back to the ship?"

They are so far in over their head it seems like a return with experts is going to help both Piggen and Utan alike

Dr. Truffles maintains his smile while slowly realizing he may have gotten a bit overenthusiastic. "We certainly do appreciate yer time. I look forward to workin' with and learnin' more about yer people."

1:23 PM

Dr. Truffles bids farewell to the other utan and takes the piggen back to the ship.

(and one of them is coming with you

1:26 PM

(one of the utan, i mean)

"I'm realizin' that mighta been a touch overwhelmin', this bein' y'all's first alien planet an' all. I'm a big believer in the uplift project, I genuinely reckon it's made all our lives better, but I ain't a diplomat by nature, an' I just want y'all to have as much information as possible, an' not feel like you got bamboozled if somethin' ain't as expected."

1:31 PM

Dr. Truffles turns to the utan who came with them. "I'm Dr. Truffles. I really appreciate ya comin' with us. I reckon you'll like Gudrun, an' I'll do my best to make ya as comfy as possible when we get there. I reckon this's overwhelmin' for ya too, so if ya need anythin' at all lemme know."

The utan nods, and begins trying to make its large size comfortable in the cabins available here. Future UNW ships are going to need to be upsized to accommodate for future Utan crews, certainly. For now, this is passable.

Dr. Truffles makes sure everyone is settled in with a nice meal before the spike jump.

(we spent all the 7 days as far as accounting for the downtime right?)

7:19 PM

(was jut a matter of getting there)

(We did 6, I'll do the last for Program as well, I don't have the spare parts on me to do my next robot.)

10:37 PM

(Program 13/90)

The Taros civil war seems to be coming to an end when you return to@Gudrun and there is still a protectorate ship in Gudrun space as well. Delphos is calm, and the piggen and your family are eager to see all of you home along with your new friends

Dr. Truffles will take the piggen on the scenic route through Delphos on the way to his parents' restaurant.

They admire at the appropriate sights before arriving there, eager to eat

Dr. Truffles loses a bit of his decorum as he rushes in and goes to hug his parents. "Mammy, pappy, we found other piggen over on Shalini! I brought 'em on over fer vittles, figured we'd get 'em fed at the best restaurant in town 'fore we took 'em to meet with the folks they need to meet with. Brought an utan too! They's more uplifted folks who started their Prometheus Project this month."

Your dog bounds from the back kitchen where your father has been annoyed with (but secretly loves) it. It almost tackles you, barking excitedly at your arrival

5:01 PM

It gets tired of your smell after a moment and begins to bother your companions with equally friendly measures

Dr. Truffles scratches him behind the ears and down his back before he runs to the others. "That's a terran animal, they call it a dog. They make the best dern pets. We can get y'all some if ya'd like."

The utan especially seems to enjoy the company of the dog, petting it very lightingly as it does not know its strength

Dr. Truffles makes a mental note to have some (large) dogs sent to the utan village, and hands the utan a handful of treats. "Ya give him these an' he'll stick to ya like, well, fleas onna dog for the rest o' the day."

5:52 PM

Dr. Truffles heads to the kitchen to help his parents bring the food out.

(you can montage this if you want to, but they probably wont have anything major to do until your preparations are done for getting ready to go back)

1

Dr. Truffles has a hearty meal with his family and the visiting piggen and utan. He spends the next few days showing them around the town, answering their questions, and trying to make sure they have all the information they need to make a decision on uplift. The piggen from the first village spend some time touring the outlying farmlands, inspecting the new equipment and agricultural techniques they will be able to employ. Karst spends a lot of his time with the city guards, excited over the new weapons. Dr. Truffles spends some time getting the utan installed with Chief Stonetusks office, making sure he has a large enough space that's comfortable with him. While he's there, he puts in the requisition for helpers for the utan village and the piggen on Shalini. He also messages Reza to set up a meeting with Grupp for the shaman. He manages to find some time to swing by the market as well, purchasing 100 units of spare parts for a new robot design he has. Finally, he takes a day to spend with his family, cooking their favorite meals and watching intergalactic cable. (edited)

(we can drop a message in Reza's thread too for gettingt hat part rolling, just so we have a record of it)

Good Morning Dr Truffles, 

It was great meeting you as well. I hope your work on Shalini has been going smoothly. 

Let me take a look at his calendar... How about 13:00? No wait... He has a nap scheduled... Uh how about tomorrow at 10:00... Wait shoot... He has racquet ball practice... Uh... Let me see... If I move his manicure up a little... And then push his second lunch... There how does tomorrow at 13:52 sound? Just head to the Nova campus of the Psychic Academy in Central. Either Dr Ahn or Mistress Crane should be able to get in contact with him if he isn't there already. 

As a side request can you please keep a look out for any structures that contain these symbols? They could be vitally important for my work on Aliah.

Thank you, 
Reza

Attachment(s):
<Aliah.Obelisk.001>
<Aliah.Obelisk.002>
<Aliah.Obelisk.003>

(Neko: the images are the ones that I took of the pillars on Aliah which match the ones on Acastus.) (edited)

(right, makes sense to me)

Dr. Truffles saves the symbols to his datapad and enters them into the pattern recognition protocols on his survey scanner.

1:52 PM

(Please correct me if any of the sci fi mumbo jumbo that I narrate Truffles doing is ever profoundly not how things work

)

1:54 PM

Dr. Truffles informs the shaman about their meeting with Grupp. "Got ya'll a meetin' with Shaman Grupp at 13:52 tomorrow. We'll charter y'all a transport to the Psychic Academy in Central. Y'all want me to head over there with ya?"

It would make them feel much more calm to have you accompany them to the meeting, as they're still learning their way around Gudrun

Dr. Truffles smiles. "Of course. Not gonna lie, always wanted to meet Shaman Grupp m'self. I spent many a night workin' in my lab with his late night show for company."

2:29 PM

Dr. Truffles heads to the transport station with the piggen shaman.

Dr. Truffles, 

Never a problem. Just mention other Piggen and he will completely forget the fact that his nap got taken off his calendar. 

Hmm sounds like quite the conundrum... If you think that I can ever be of assistance just let me know. 

And those glyphs are indeed related to the planet core of Aliah. I don't know what they mean but I am on route to Acastus to learn what I can. 

Be well and tell Master Grupp I'm okay,

Reza

A transport is arranged for you, and as its engines power down the group boards, is shown to their seats and given a short safety demonstration before it lifts back off, passing over the Dank Crew compound and its trio of grow towers, the mountain range where a UNW nuclear defense site is situated, and finally over to Central, where Shaman Grupp sometimes spends his time. there is another undisclosed site he also uses on occasion, though its been a polite and open secret not to ask him about it

(fixed and labeled map as well)

2

Dr. Truffles points out some of the sights as they fly along, and gathers everyone up as they land in central. "I talked with one o' Shaman Grupp's apprentices to set up this meetin', an' he said he's gonna be real excited to meet y'all. We're goin' to a place where lots o' shamans get trained too, so we might be able to fix up a tour if that's somethin' y'all are interested in. If there's anythin' else in the city that looks interestin', or that you have questions about, just holler!"

10:32 AM

Dr. Truffles begins to lead them towards the Nova Campus.

Crane is waiting there behind the desk as she always is with her bird looming over her shoulder like the spectre of death himself. It caws loudly to get her attention as the group of you draw near

4:12 PM

Smiling, she sets down her paperwork, and stands from behind the desk to come over and attend you

"Howdy, names' Dr. Truffles. These folks here is from a piggen town on a planet called Shalini. We got a appointment with Shaman Grupp at 13:52. Mr. Reza Collins called ahead for us I think?"

“Reza did call ahead sirs. You’re expected. Shaman Grupp is upstairs in the gym , I will let him know you are here and coming “

"Thank ya kindly, we appreciate the help. Ya have a real nice day now." Dr. Truffles leads the other piggen to the elevator and heads up to Grupp's office. (edited)

( @Regulus/Grupp Whenever you have time, just tagging so you know to look since you wouldn't normally check here. Dr. Truffles has some wannabe shaman from Shalini with him, as well as one of the recently uplifted Utan, and is looking to get some advice/make connections)

Grupp's office is small and looks seldom used as you enter, a few stock photo pictures on the wall and a small bookshelf full of books that have likely never been read. Grupp stands as he sees you and the other piggen, his smile wide and his four arms held open as he comes in for a hug, "Welcome friends! I'm Shaman Grupp as you no doubt guessed!" He's wearing some simple ceremonial robes and has a wooden staff with some totem-like carvings on it—much less flashy than anything you've seen him wear on his show. "I heard we found some long lost brothers and sisters out there eh? Ha! It's a pleasure to bring you into our fold!"

Dr. Truffles somewhat awkwardly returns the hug. "Thank ya kindly for seein' us Shaman. I'm Dr. Truffles. These good piggen here are folks from Shalini, seems to be a whole planet o' us. They're tryin' to recover their shamanistic heritage, an' were real anxious to meet with ya after I was tellin' 'em about some o' yer exploits an' heroics an' whatnot. We're real thankful ya were able to see us, an' to Mr. Collins fer arrangin' the meetin'. He wanted me to sen' word to ya that he's alright, on his way to Acastus to investigate some runes he found on Aliah."

"This meeting might be the first thing Reza's done right, ha! But really it's you who's done it so he's still mostly useless eh? Ha! I'm not sure how heroic I am but I'm happy to help in whatever way I can!" Grupp turns to the other piggen, "Did you folks have Shepherds to guide you? Ours came with us from the homeland! Not that we know much about it eh? Ha!"

"We did once, but they're all gone now. Gone a very long time ago"

9:40 AM

"It hasn't been the same since. So far from home, and without our ancestors to guide us"

"Ah, that's too bad eh? Though to be fair they might have gone mad by now if they had stuck around, so really you dodged a bullet there, ha! Er, dodged an arrow? A really fast rock. Anyways! Doc, I dont supposed you've met with our Shepherds before have ya eh? No time like the present, ha! How about you take our new friends back home—our home that is, and I'll send a message to Stonetusk and the monks to set up a meeting for you!"

Dr. Truffles smiles. "I ain't had the opportunity yet. Thank ya again for meetin' with us, Shaman, an' for settin' up the follow-up. Before we go, I gotta say..." Dr. Truffles looks down nervously. "Big fan o' your show, never miss an' episode, an' I'm always puttin' on the reruns when I work. It's been real nice to meet ya."

Grupp smiles widely, "Always nice to meet a fan, ha! Here, take this!" He holds a hand out and a limited edition Gruppies Plushies Grupp Plush appears, clad in his trademark chitinous armor with a plastic glaive held in two of his hands and a shield in another, the fourth hand raised as if casting a spell. Grupp gives a wink, "This one is special, give it a tight squeeze and it'll heal ya! Only one use mind you, it's no mighty arcanotech artifact, just a temporary engram!" (It's a magic consumable that heals 2d6)

4

(That’s amazing )

(That's awesome.)

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly as he stares at the plushy for a second and then gingeryly puts it into his pack. "Thank ya a bunch Shaman. Everythin' you've done today... it means a lot. I'll take these folks on ta meet the Shepherds, an' I'll send any word back if we're findin' any piggen artifacts with magical powers an' whatnot."

8:30 PM

Dr. Truffles says his goodbyes, and stands quietly to the side while the other piggen make theirs. Then he walks with them back to the transport.

The transport is ready, at 3pm, just as Grupp is leaving for his squashball match or whatever sport he has taken an interest to for the week.

3

Dr. Truffles turns to the shaman. "I ain't never met these Shepherds before, but I think they'll be able to help y'all out. Y'all feelin' alright about everythin'? I know the last week's prolly been a lot."

As you leave, Crane stops you, and asks to speak to the Doctor alone for a moment. The other shaman oblidge, and gently move away. "This will be quick, I promise"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Ain't no problem, happy to help with whatever y'all need."

"I've been asked to present you with something, but you're not to use it in front of our guests or breathe a word of it until you can be sure their intentions are more than seeking enough power to bring their own planet to heel independently of us"

7:46 AM

she hands you a small box, with a finely polished crystall key on a string. "This is a teleport anchor to Shangra-La, a fabled and lost piggen holy site in the desert. It is a place of immense power, and meant to be a refuge for psychics and mages. It's only been a few years since The Scream. A lot of people tolerate us, but still see the old academy, and psychics, as the reason the galaxy fell apart. They hate that they need us now, but them needing us is the only thing keeping an angry mob from destroying this place"

7:47 AM

"Do not bring the Shaman there if you're doubting them. Using Shangra-La's power selfishly will not only call attention to the site, but would compromise it as a retreat and refuge for anyone who needs it. That said, if they prove trustworthy, reconnecting them with a piece of their past would be an invaluable bargaining chip"

Dr. Truffles furrows his brow. "I understand. Reckon I'll keep a close eye on 'em when we're meetin' with the Shepherds, an' when we're headin' back to Shalini. I appreciate it though. They seem good folks, I think it'll be somethin' of value to 'em. I reckon I'm nervous after somma what I saw on Shalini though."

"You're under no obligation to present this to them or tell them of the place if you suspect it might be misused. Regardless, an invitation for at least yourself has been extended. Use this when alone, and in a place where you won't be disturbed for some time"

"Alrighty. I'm downright honored y'all'd trust me with somethin' like this. Do I gotta be on Gudrun to use it? If I do need to take folks with me, they just gotta be in the same room?"

"you do need to be on gudrun. Anyone touching you will also be taken"

"Alrighty, good to know. Thank ya again, and you take care o' yerself." Dr. Truffles smiles, and stores the cube safely away, hanging the crystal key around his neck and tucking it inside his shirt before rejoining the other piggen.

The piggen have been amusing themselves reading the meager books the library here has available, mostly the Desmond O Shea case files, a semi-editorial account of the famed detective's life on Acastus before his tenure with the UNW. (edited)

Dr. Truffles brightens up and stops dwelling on what Crane said. "Aww dang, I love that book. I reckon we can get y'all some datapads so you can access the archives."

“These are based on a real person?” He asks

"Yeah, fella was kinda a big deal. Part o' a group 'at killed a god called the Still Lady on a planet to the east o' here, though he died durin' that battle. One o' his buddies 'at he fought with is actually bankrollin' some o' the uplift activities on y'all's planet." (edited)

So far only two short stories have been written , but they seem eager for more. They are easy to get into , and captivating for the right amount of time

(Are Dax or Hailey still on Gudrun? From the wiki it looks like they adventured with him a lot.)

(Dax is on chloe. Hailey is probably actually on Gudrun right now due to the Chris fury concert going on)

(I took the wannabe shamans / new Desmond fanbois to the concert as well. Should I take this in there?)

(sure thing we can do that, i think thats a great way to keep it going)

"I reckon we can holler at one of his friends at the concert tonight. Y'all want to head on back to Delphos in the meantime?"

They're prepared to do so, whenever you are ready (3xp,5000 credits) They depart with copies of the O'Shea case files in hand, re-printed by the Nova Academy mail staff

Dr. Truffles heads back to the transport with the piggen and utan. He's quiet on the flight back, occasionally reaching to touch his shirt where the key is.

9:10 PM

Dr. Truffles stretches as he gets off of the transport, coming out of his fog a bit. "Back to back meetins, but don't y'all worry, we'll get some tourin' in 'fore we leave again!"

9:12 PM

Dr. Truffles heads down the street toward the palace, walking the same path he took two weeks before and reflecting on everything that has happened since. He smiles as he sees the palace come into view again.

(If you want to hand them off to some people you can. You don’t have to be their chaperone for the entire time)

9:36 PM

Plus I feel like the military officers ect would be better to explain weapons and tactics to them)

(Yeah, we can do that. Should I accompany the utan though, since setting up those diplomatic ties is a goal, and going "I set up a meeting and oh hey look level 5" feels a bit cheese

) (edited)

(We'll for sure do the meeting before you push off, but he's got to eat and sleep and do neon ape things too, so if you're gone for a little bit, its no big deal)

(Right on. I do want to play with my new toy

)

10:34 PM

Dr. Truffles pats Karst on the back. "I reckon yer gonna enjoy this next part big guy. The military folks is gonna show y'all some weapons an' whatnot. I got some stuff to take care of 'round town, we'll meet back up later."

10:37 PM

Dr. Truffles heads back to his lab and locks the door when he's inside. He carefully clears a spot on the workbench and sets the teleportation anchor there. He rotates it, examining the cube from all sides. Well, I reckon there's always one good way to suss out what somethin' does.

10:38 PM

Dr. Truffles takes the crystal key from under his shirt, inserts it into the cube, and turns it.

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/shangra-la-article

Shangra-La

7:38 AM

You’re transported far away from the lab, into the desert to a holy site and place of immense power, sacred to the piggen

7:38 AM

(Article describes it best)

Dr. Truffles wanders the complex in awe, tracing his hands along the stone as he walks. He stops in the archeotech laboratory and examines the tools.

The tools are capable of letting a mage work here to@make whatever he has the formula and components for, and each tool is inscribed painstakingly with runes

Dr. Truffles will file the runes in his datapad, and head to the library to see if there are any books on archeotech formulas.

There are a few of shaman grupps personal reference materials here but you get the sense if you removed them from the building he would be very upset about that

Intrigued by the idea of mixing shamanism and technology, Dr. Truffles will thumb through the books for a bit, looking for a more simple formula that he could work on perfecting in his lab.

11:11 AM

(I'd like to go partial arcanist with my respec eventually, so I'm basically just trying to plant a story seed for that.)

(Okay that makes more sense) You find one where all but two of the components look familiar to you. You have no idea what the spinning prayer wheel device might do, but it looks relatively simple to construct

Dr. Truffles sketches the schematics into his notes, and walks outside again. He looks at the temple for a while, and then pulls out his Grupp plushie, staring at it and smiling. Putting it away, he puts the crystal key back in the teleportation anchor and turns it.

7:59 PM

(We'll find out if that's how you go back he/I neglected to ask Crane

)

8:02 PM

(Yeah, based on what I learned about the piggen homeworld and the fusion of the shamanistic abilities with technology being like the OG piggen tech, it seemed like a cool thing to work towards.)

There is a blink of light, and you're returned t where you were before, thousands of kilometers away

"Well dern if that weren't cool as heck." Excited by the prospect of new avenues for invention, Dr. Truffles searches out the Shalini piggen and the utan to take them to the meeting with Chief Stonetusk.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Level 5: HP now 17 from 16. Know Magic from -1 to 1 spending 4 skill points. Gained focus Limited Study and used it to acquire the Energetic Construct Evocation spell.)

9:26 PM

(Oh, wait, that might have been a bad, I might not be able to spend that Expert skill point on Know Magic.)

9:27 PM

(Nevermind, all good.)

Stonetusk is eager to meet Piggen from another world and Youre cleared to meet almost as soon as you make it back to Delphos.

Dr. Truffles leads the group to the reception area at the palace. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. I got a few piggen from Shalini here, s'well as an utan hopin' to set up diplomatic relations with our town. We got a meetin' with Chief Stonetusk."

The chief will see you in the gardens behind the palace, please proceed through, the guards will bring you. He is waiting there for this meeting

Dr. Truffles proceeds to the gardens, admiring their beauty and nodding respectfully to Chief Stonetusk when they approach him. "Howdy Chief. We ain't never met, but I'm Dr. Truffles. I was one o' the scientists sent on the mission to Shalini. Brought back some folks who wanted to talk to you from a few towns there. I reckon the shaman would like to holler at our Sheperds too. I brought an utan from the recently uplifted town too. I figured since we got some experience in that area we could set ourselves up a bit of an embassy exchange, an' help 'em out with the uplift process."

"Ah the Shepherds. THey've been dormant for some time you understand. They're....unstable...and can't be powered for long. Dr. Truffles, we may need your expertise reconnecting them for this conference then, and then disconnecting them after"

Dr. Truffles looks taken aback, but pleased that the Chief knows his work enough to ask him to do this. "'Course Chief! Anythin' I can do to help. These folks ain't got Shepherds o' their own so I think they'd be mighty appreciative."

(they're true AI, and unbraked, and were starting to lose their grasp of reality a few years ago when Stonetusk moved here and consulted them last. There was some light allegation the Shepherds might have artificially been stunting the Piggen's technological growth too, in the misguided effort to keep them 'safe' by keeping them from creating destructive weaponry or going to space)

1:04 PM

(but we never got a 100% verified out of that hook, just very strong circumstantial evidence )

Dr. Truffles turns to the Shalini piggen. "From what I've heard, I reckon the Shepherds can be nuttier 'an a squirrel's turd dependin' on the day we catch 'em, but we'll do our best!" (edited)

(There was a final mission by Grupp where the Galateans, and Rebirth labs went into Dabloonscape and helped him install some brakes through an elaborate digital combat game, so the follow up to the follow up is they're safe now, but maybe at least for stonetusk there is some residual hesitancy to consult them too often since he remembers the beforetimes )

(Yeah, that's totally understandable on his part. Would those brakes be something I'd need to review the specifics of before I turned them on or am I more here as a saftety blanket so he's more confident?)

(The brakes curb their behavior and the Ai's intelligence, so they can't turn their unlimited computing resources into logical fallacies and get all erratic as they were)

(Gotcha.)

The chief brings you to a room in the basement of the palace that is large and naturally kept cool. A large data screen and sensors worked into the wall are where the shepherds look and soeak from. You’re brought to a control panel on the side of the room that has everything you might need to boot them up

Dr. Truffles checks all the connections to make sure everything is in order. He reaches for a coffee mug that isn't there before withdrawing his hand, taking a deep breath, and turning on the Shepherds.

There is a gentle hum and the screen goes from a liquid black to a gentle blue, powering on. Three small points of light resembling camera lenses begin coming to life, forming into something like unique glowing eyes, regarding the room, their surroundings , and the assembled guests

Dr. Truffles looks nervously around the room. "Umm, howdy Shepherds. We brought some piggen from a far away world to y'all. We was hopin' y'all could give 'em some guidance on reclaimin' their shamanic heritage."

The lenses focus, and spin up, and there is a gentle crackle in the air as the data engines begin coming online. The shepherds work to focus on the request and statement you have just made to them. From far away. What world do these Piggen come from? (edited)

"I ain't rightly sure what it'd have been called when y'all were programmed an' whatnot, but we call it Shalini now. It's yonder over at 1822, usin' our current galactic coordinate system."

(I think a lot of what this scene would entail would be the shepherds listening in on the group here and them giving information to the shepherds that you already have since you've been there, and it giving them probably more information that we have as players than people in the setting would have to know about colonizing and uplifting, and this would probably go on for hours if not days)

(That makes sense. We can montage it then?)

(For sure, I think thats rpobably the best way without massive redundancy)

Dr. Truffles steps back and allows the Shalini piggen a chance to ask the Shepherds questions. He leans over to Chief Stonetusk. "This is lookin' like it might go on fer a bit. You reckon I could talk with you a bit about the utan?"

Of course, please, walk with me, we can leave them here to talk to the shepherds by themselves for a while"

"Thankee Chief. I visited their village on Terezinho when we was headin' back this way from Shalini. I ain't sure they're quite gettin' the support they need. I know folks mean well, but the UNW is big an' things get lost in the cracks sometimes. I helped 'em out with what I could while I was there, but I'd like if we could support 'em more officially, if'n we've got the folks to spare to help out. Given that we've been through this before, I reckon we understand what they're goin' through more 'an most."

"You''re suggesting a Piggen only expedition? We have a ship. We could certainly send some help"

"Both an expedition an' a more permanent presence I reckon. Sendin' the ship would be amazin', but I'm thinkin' it'd be real nice too if we could have someone there as a resource. I brought an utan to Delphos for the same reason, I was thinkin' an exchange o' diplomats as a sign o' friendship an' a commitment to advocate for 'em."

"I believe the uplift team will do both, and if the Utan trust us to keep delegates there after, its a choice they need to make themselves. We'll do everything we can to keep them happy in the meantime though,and it is the right thing to do to help"

"I reckon they'd appreciate it. Would it be alright to set up an office for the utan representative in one of our government buildins? An' we can mebbe send to Central to get 'im a big dog, he seemed to like mine an' I think it'd make 'im more comfortable."

"There's more than enough space for an office for him here in the palace, as far as a dog you've got my permission to travel. I don't know what central will allow"

"Thank ya much Chief, I think that'll be real helpful to them."

3:09 PM

Dr. Truffles pauses for a second, and swallows nervously. "I'm a touch worried about Shalini if I'm bein' honest Chief. Some o' the leaders there, they ain't seein' this so much as an opportunity to advance together, if yer gettin' my meanin. There's good piggen there, an' I'm hopeful, but any advice yer havin' based on the situation ya went through with Vincheris would be real swell to hear. I gotta admit, politics ain't my most natural shoe to wear so to speak."

"ah so you want to hear about the civil war. Well, I gained my position through a Kurultai, and I nearly lost my life doing so. I was able to silence all but Vincheris through winning there- so when it did come time to deal with him he was alone, without support. He was a small enclave, and even then, we approached him for peace three times, and he continued his campaign of shelling and raiding our city. "

Dr. Truffles sighs. "I reckon that makes sense. I was hopin' ya had a magic bullet or somethin'. It seems like some o' the towns on Shalini are preparin' fer war anyway, but I can't escape the feelin' that I'm pourin' fuel on a fire. The piggen there are good folks, I just hate to see any of 'em gettin' hurt."

"Well, when you return, find a leader among the groups you feel you can work with, and get those in your camp to back him. Hes going to have to fight... now here...is a thought....if they cannot agree on one of their own...what if you put yourself forward? "

Dr. Truffles looks a bit taken aback at the idea. "As their governor? If they'd have me, I reckon so. Might make the process easier, but I wuttint wanna force it on 'em. If not, I reckon the leader of a hold of knights might be a good pick. They seem neutral peacekeepin' types on the island they're from, maybe expand that protection to the whole planet."

"If they can't agree on him, then you might want to think about yourself, at least as a provisional titleholder while the planet unifies. Get your own camp behind a single candidate, challenge any who want to, get them to respect the results

3:26 PM

and if any group continues resisting, they'll be doing it in relative isolation"

"I reckon that's probably the best way to do it. I certainly 'preciate the advice. Though..." Dr. Truffles reaches down and pinches around his middle. "I reckon I need to spend a day or two in the lab improvin' some o' my gear. I ain't exactly ever been built for hand to hand combat."

“It would be done with local weapons and armor- but you said you’ve rubbed up on the good side of some knights. Theyd be the people to speak with if it ends up being you fighting”

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "Makes sense. Reckon it wuttint be sportin' to roll up with a backpack fulla drones an' a control implant. Thanks fer yer advice Chief, means a lot."

7:25 PM

Dr. Truffles walks with Chief Stonetusk admiring the garden until they head back to check on the Shalini piggen.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

10:29 PM

The Piggen seem to have enough information to get started for now, though they have a proposition for you and Stonetusk. The Shepherds are safe now, as much as they can be anyway- and Stonetusk is reluctant to consult them based on the troubled past he has had with them. The three AI minds would be invaluable advisors to the Shalini Piggen now that the Gudrun Piggen have been uplifted and found positive mentors in the Humans and Taros of the UNW.

Dr. Truffles looks deferentially at Stonetusk. "I reckon I can get 'em loaded an' sorted on Shalini if yer alright with it Chief." He turns to the Shalini piggen. "If we do this, y'all know this is fer all the piggen on yer planet, not jus' yer village?"

'The Shaman will take care of them, as they serve all Piggen as is. They will remain a neutral, but advisory enclave as the Shepherds have instructed, and we see the wisdom in this'

(Do they seem earnest?)

(Yes)

Dr. Truffles smiles at this. "I'm real glad to hear it. I got an additional resource for y'all in that case." Dr. Truffles takes out the teleportation anchor. "This here is a teleportation anchor to a place called Shangra-La. It's a place o' great power an history fer our people, a place where our shamans study an' meditate. We can go there if y'all'd like."

"A holy site? what is this place like?"

"It's a great temple in the mountains all stone towers an' whatnot. There's rooms fer reflection, a library, a laboratory, an' of course, a kitchen for makin' vittles." (edited)

"We would travel tot his place if you would allow us, to reconnect with our ancestors, if you would allow it"

7:34 PM

(and while you're gone they

7:34 PM

will prepare the shepherds)

"It'd be my pleasure. Can't right think o' a better way to welcome you to the family." Dr. Truffles prepares the group, and then takes the key out from where it hangs under his shirt and activates the teleporation anchor.

There is a flash of light as you emerge at Shangra-La, and the group begins to spread out, reverently walking through the temple grounds. Dr. Ahn is here now, and is surprised by the sudden influx of people ere, though recovers her social graces very quickly

Dr. Truffles scratches behind his ear and smiles nervously. "Eh, ah, sorry Doc. Reckon I'm still not used to the etiquette here, guess I shoulda sent word 'fore I brought this many people."

“Crane trusted you with a key then. Good. You deserve to be here and so do they. Resting before your return trip to their homeworld then?”

"Yeah, did some reasearch here earlier meself, but I reckoned that they'd enjoy seein' it. I'm mighty thankful to Crane for trustin' me, I think this an' the shepherds have gone a long way towards accomplishin' our goals on Shalini."

(Added a new goal for that arcanotech device.)

“Well when the group is satisfied with what they’ve seen here , we can get everyone moving back to home. They have a long way to go and I’m eager to see what becomes of them

== TO: Dr. Truffles
== FROM: Venser Reach
== SUBJECT: Extaurren Front

// BEGIN MESSAGE
Hello Dr. Truffles! 

Likewise I hope you are well. To be perfectly honest with you Doctor this is also my first war, your expertise is as good as mine, but I'm glad us rookies get to stick together! I will bring Force Commander Andisom in on the specifics of strategy, any details you can give about the organisation of your force are appreciated. Our journey from Sumati to Brizeno took roughly two weeks, so your ETA is about a month? 

The most important advice I can give you is to move from system to system as quickly as possible. Brizeno is actually within Extaurren space so a couple of the systems we passed could have given away the element of surprise had we not moved on through quickly and quietly.

The only other thing I might suggest is a friend of mine, currently on Gudrun's moon, you may have seen him briefly in the Unity Council meetings: Proceus Pompeus. I know he's been eager to get out here with us but it's an arduous trip to make alone. If he could join you in your second wave, both he and I would appreciate it. If you're all good with that I'll message him and put you two in contact. Thank you Doctor!

All the luck in the verse,
Venser

(edited)

Dr Truffles, 

It is likewise good to hear from you. I am currently on Olar exploring before continuing towards Acastus. 

I have looked over the designs and they seem pretty straight forward. Just need a casing. Well a specific kind of casing. Certain inscriptions need to be placed on the casing to act as a binding for the magical energies that are to be imbued into it.

You are in luck as I just found something that would work for your casing. I can do my part of it and then all you would have to do is assemble it. 

I will drop it off at the Nova academy when I return to Gudrun. 

Be well, 
Reza

"I'm lookin' forward to it as well. I reckon that Shalini'll thrive under their guidance with everythin' they learn from the Shepherds an' whatnot."

10:48 AM

Dr. Truffles waits until the group is done exploring and studying, helping them find things if needed, and then prepares the teleportation anchor for the return trip.

== TO: Dr. Truffles
== FROM: Venser Reach
== SUBJECT: Extaurren Front

// BEGIN MESSAGE
Dear Dr. Truffles

Excellent, I have informed Proceus he should be in contact shortly. Unfortunately I can't pull any more resources away from our engagement with the Ghoul King. If you can make your own arrangements that would be advisable. I look forward to having you with us!

All the luck in the verse,
Venser

They’re ready after several hours of exploring the temple here and you’re not sure of the shamans have been able to re kindle their powers or not. It may be some time before they manifest

Dr. Truffles smiles at them. "Won't be long now, I reckon, 'fore y'all are slingin' spells an' magically healin' folks." Dr. Truffles turns the key on the teleportation anchor and takes everyone back to Delphos.

9:58 AM

(Truffles sent Proc a message to run this down too, but would I have any lines on a ship to get us to the Extaurren that he might not? I think I was originally planning to catch a ride on Billy's new troop transport but from talking to Venser it seems like that won't be an option?)

(The transport is not an option no, the ghoul campaign is going even if no PC's aside from Theta work on it)

8:39 PM

(Which is how it seems to be going)

8:39 PM

(So is the intended cargo you and Proc? or are you planning on bringing actual troop reinforcements)

(I was planning on bringing the Shalini knights and their assorted gear. So that's 360 piggen, 20 hoverbikes, and 13 gravtrucks. Which seems like it would take a pretty big ship, I think bigger than Proc's.)

(Yeah way bigger. The UNW itself doesn’t have anything it can spare right now with the relocation of the spider aliens and then the kicking off of the ghoul campaign)

(Looks like Aphroditan has a big troop transport. Would it be kosher to try and work something out with them?)

Dr Truffles. Apologies for the late reply. You asked whether I thought anything different could be done to avoid conflict during uplift. I fear that in any great change you will come into resistance. It is rare that everything just goes smoothly. Still, I would look to see where individual detractors feel threatened and see if you can give them room to feel the power they fear is being stripped from them. If they wish to war among themselves, give them something to unite over. Show them external threats and military commands. Help them begin building ships of their own. A shipyard of their own and they can join us in space as their brethren have. Other than that, sometimes the only way is to defeat the leader of the resistance somehow. Let me know how I can help. Your design is fine by the way.... 

Dr... would you like to become an RCOE member? There is a lot of good you could do if you were on the payroll.... let me know.

Billy looks pensively as he ends the video message.

(You could ask, I’m not sure what val is planning to do

After making sure the piggen shamans get back to their quarters, Dr. Truffles catches up on some email and then heads to Central to do some shopping before the return trip. He purchases the materials for a lighter protective weave for his lab coat (Flexible mod, 5000 credits), a large thwacking wrench (medium advanced weapon, 60 credits), a grapnel launcher (200 credits), 14 type A power cells (140 credits), and 112 units of spare parts (5600 credits) (11000 credits total). He also visits an animal shelter and gets the largest, most robust looking dog he can find, taking it back to the dwelling in Delphos that was established for the new utan ambassador and knocking on the door.

8:18 PM

(Sorry that took me ages I was reading up on the equipment list today to make sure there was nothing obvious I was forgetting before we took off.)

(the mod is going to take 14 days to install by yourself, or 7 if you and an assistant do nothing but work on it)

(That sounds good, I'll plug away at it while we travel.)

The Utan answers it. You can see the door has been patched a few times, as he's accidently broken parts of it with his misapplied brute strength when opening and closing it.

Dr. Truffles grins at him and makes a note to order a metal door installed. "Howdy, hope yer settlin' in alright. I'd noticed ya really enjoyed playin' with Smooshums the other day, reckoned I'd get ya somethin' while I was in town to make yer stay here a little more comfortable."

10:04 PM

Dr. Truffles moves the dog into view of the door. "This feller should be pretty robust, you'll be able to horse aroun' with 'im without worryin' too much. Seems an energetic feller, I'm sure he'd have a blast."

The Utan's face lights up in the widest smile you have seen a sentient creature make. The dog bounds into the apartment and you hear the sounds of laughter and its happy barking intermixing as the two of them begin to roughhouse with one another

Dr. Truffles smiles as he leaves, walking back through town to spend one last night with his own dog and his parents before travelling back to Shalini.

10:42 PM

("Set up a diplomatic mission between the piggen and the utan to start good relations." Complete?)

(Complete$

(Awesome! Is Proc coming back to Shalini with me or is he going to catch the ship here in Gudrun as it's coming out of the yards?)

(Not sure what his plans are but as we are in month 4 , he’s hopefully going to do something else until m6, be it with you or something else he’s got cooking

(Yeah, I figured we'd probably be closing in on mid-Nov IRL by the time month 6 rolls around. Depending on whether or not I die in mortal combat for unity for the Shalini piggen I may need to add some local stuff to the to-do list myself

)

(fair enough!)

(Looks like Proc is going to do his own thing until we leave so I think it's time to head back to Shalini.)

9:13 AM

Dr. Truffles meets the piggen back at the patrol boat. "Hope that was valuable for y'all! I'm excited to have more folks than myself encouragin' uplift when we get back. I reckon y'all are gonna be more eloquent 'bout it than I am!"

(Billy offered to buy me a personal ship. Would you describe my amount of face as "enough for a Logistics Ship"?)

(Not for a log ship no, since its a specialized cruiser hull)

1

(and then we have 7 days on the way to Shalini)

Dr. Truffles spends the trip tinkering in the on-board workshop, building a new repair robot, and working on his lab coat. He finishes the robot the first day. It has the appearance of a rolling wastebasket full of parts with two long prehensile arms that wave above it as it rolls around the ship. Dr. Truffles turns it on and gives it a tusky grin. "Welcome to the family Bolts, we got some run-down equipment in the lab, reckon you can take care o' that?"

1:30 PM

(So that's 1 day for the bot, and 6/14 days to mod the armor. The goal completion puts me to level 6, would this be an alright time to respec?)

(For sure, we're between missions so its best to do so now if we can)

(Alright, so I'm going to go Partial Arcane Expert / Partial Arcanist. I'm going to keep Tinker 2, and swap out the Limited Study for a different focus now that I have actual spellcasting. I'll reroll HP since I'm at 1d6-1 per level now, and I'll redo my skill points from level 1 since I feel like that's just going to get confusing if I try to refund.)

(yeah its been the easiest way)

2:16 PM

(just rebuilding )

(Level 6. Respec taken. HP to 18 after rerolls. Focus picks Tinker L1 (lvl 1), Tinker L2 (lvl 2), and Petty Sorceries L1 (lvl 5). Technician background gives Fix - 0, Know - 0, and Trade - 0. Partial Arcanist gives Cast Magic - 0. Tinker focus gives Fix - 1. Hobby gives Know Magic - 0. Levels 2-6 give 20 skill points, spent on Fix - 1 to Fix - 3 (7 sp), Know - 0 to Know - 2 (5 sp), Know Magic - 0 to Know Magic - 2 (5 sp), and Heal - 0 (2 sp), 1 sp left over. Level 6 partial Arcanist gives 6 spells, Energetic Construct Evocation, Personal Shielding Field, Void Slip, Evoked Image Projection, Universal Translator Rubric, and Blindside Skip.) (edited)

(Alright, everything checks out as far as i can tell now that ive been able to match it all up)

(looks good to me too)

(Awesome!)

Bolts happily cleans the lab, enjoying every single minute of cleansing the filth of the work space- and eager to be of service to you.

2:24 PM

It beeps and chirps happily, often times its mechanical jerks look like dancing when it is not being employed in other tasks (edited)

Dr. Truffles grins and pats the top of the waste-basket looking chassis. "Gonna have me a whole robot crew someday." He goes to the galley, and with the last of what should have been three weeks of food stores for any other crew, makes the piggen aboard a hearty meal for the journey's end.

(So just so i know what to have read,y what is our plan upon landing?)

(I think I want to go to the knight's hold first to talk to them about maybe needing to fight a single combat, and then go ahead with calling all of the villages to a council so they can make a decision together.)

The knighthold is prepared for your return, and although there is no feast prepared, the Grandmaster and his personal retainers ride out to greet your landing ship- happy to see the Piggen in your charge have returned healthy, well fed, and with valuables from off-world.

Dr. Truffles smiles and waves to the grandmaster as he approaches, puffing out his chest a little bit to show off the tabard he's wearing tucked into his overalls. "Howdy, good to see y'all! Karst can tell y'all all about what he thought o' Gudrun, but I got everythin' sorted fer us to go fight those slavers. Y'all's vehicles an' weapons should get 'ere soon, an' me an' some o' the other council members designed a new logistics cruiser 'specially to get us there. Got enough room fer all the troops an' new vehicles y'all are gettin', an' it's got some pretty good guns an' whatnot in case we get inta a scrap in space. I'm real excited for ya'll to see it! Should be comin' outta the shipyards an' comin' to pick us up next month." (edited)

Karst and the others are taken aside, no doubt to be interviewed by Knight-Interrogators separately, though you have nothing to hide as you're being earnest.

4:24 PM

"This is really something. Everyone has come back to us in good health, and looks well fed. Everyone should be able to experience this, but we're looking west now, waiting for sails on the horizon. "

Dr. Truffles sighs. "Yeah, that there's the other thing I wanted to talk to y'all about. I asked advice from a few folks that were in the thick o' things durin' our uplift. I can make a last ditch effort to convince 'em to join us. I didn't have a whole ton o' luck 'fore, but maybe seein' folks come back'll sway 'em. If not, I guess it'll come down to a fight like it did fer our uplift. Our Chief whooped the leader of the traditionalist faction an' we were able to continue with our uplift. Couple ways we could do that, since I reckon the person who wins'll likely be the one best suited to be the planetary governor if y'all choose to join the UNW. Our Chief suggested I put myself forward. I ain't gonna lie, it makes a certain amount o' sense. I'm already on the council, I'm neutral here so it wouldn't be showin' any favoritism to one group or another, an' I reckon I can bring additional resources to the folks here if I'm more involved in what's goin' on. But I wouldn't wanna push that on y'all, an' I ain't a great fighter, I'm a scientist, I reckon there's a pretty good chance their leader'd just kill me. But I'm willin' to fight for y'all if you think that's best. The other option would be for you or one o' the other local leader to put yourself forward. At the end o' the day, it's y'all's planet and I'll respect y'all's decision."

"THe knights will respect your claim if you put yourself forward, and we will assist you however possible. You've done what you promised you would do, but when you win, remember us, and keep us at the forefront of society"

Dr. Truffles smiles again. "Y'all might have to tussel with the shamans fer that one, after talkin' to the Shepherds they're real excited to help all the villages out as advisors. Honestly though, it's great to see all y'all comin' together an' steppin' up fer yer people. There's all manner o' folks in this galaxy that need help, I reckon y'all's order'll be known throughout the Iron Stars before all's said an' done."

9:12 PM

Dr Truffles flexes his hands nervously. "I reckon we should get to this meetin' o' the villages. Can I offer y'all a lift?"

The Grandmaster accepts, and wants to know more of your plan for this fight

Dr. Truffles looks down nervously. "I mean, I sure would like to use my laser pistol or my magic, but I reckon the only way I'm gonna win the necessary respect is by fightin' with the same weapons, yeah? That's how it was on our planet. That's been the rub since Chief Stonetusk suggested it. I ain't ever been much good in a fight. I guess I'm still hopin' it won't come to that, that I can make 'em see."

"The triple alliance has me worried. I think it will come down to fighting with them, if we get them to come to the table at all. I do not think you will have the rest of the planet to worry about"

"Last I talked to 'em they agreed to at least show up. I reckon I'm more worried for 'em 'an about 'em. Bein' blunt, they're buildin' wooden boats, an' I reckon even jus' the frigate I came in could keep that strait clear, nevermind if I was to write back to the folks I work for an' get more ships sent. An' 'at's even if they're able to attack before the vehicles I put in for y'all get here, I reckon if they tried to attack after those got delivered it'd be a real short war. But every ship sunk'd be dozens of piggen lost, piggen who I reckon shouldn't have to pay fer the pride o' their chiefs. 'at's why I'm willin' to fight, even if the odds don't favor me. I didn't come here to get folks killed, an' if it's gonna come to blood I reckon I'd rather be the first one at risk than the last. But I wonder if there's a way we can box 'em into a corner diplomatically. I was told two of the towns was forcefully subjugated, you think they might refuse to fight fer the alliance if we were to land the ship there, explain the situation, an' make 'em see 'at they've been coerced into fightin' a war they got no chance o' winnin', an' that they'll be protected if they refuse to fight? At that point, I reckon the leaders o' the first village might just see joinin' us as a way to hold onto a measure o' status."

(this was a giant block so idont think i absorbed everything)

11:12 AM

(but youre trying to visit other triple alliance towns?)

(Yeah, sorry. Basically, I think 1v1 combat with melee weapons is a big risk for Truffles given his general kit, but in character it's one he'd be willing to take because I don't think he'd be alright with just blowing their boats out of the water and calling it a day. But I wanted to make a last ditch effort to try to avoid that by visiting the other two towns and seeing if they would refuse to fight so we could bring the leaders of the main town back to the table.)

11:16 AM

(Accent plus nervous wordy plans

)

"We can try. You should be prepared to meet political resistance when you come to them with something like that

"I reckon you're right. Hopefully the leverage'll be enough. Maybe at the least we can use the leverage to work on findin' some comprimise where they get to stay over yonder on their landmass an' are left to develop how they choose, an' folks can come join one o' y'all's villages if they're wantin'. I reckon we better get to it." Dr. Truffles walks back to the ship with the grandmaster.

He climbs in as the ramp shuts and begins walking around for his own private tour of the vessel that he also seems to be hosting himself. The pilots wish for a destination

Dr. Truffles directs the pilot to the southernmost of the two cities the Triple Crown Alliance conquered.

The city to the south is large , an economic center though some sections of the place are still showing the signs of damage- needing to be repaired. Thousands of Piggen are hard at work building, milling, mining, and manufacturing as much as they can from the countryside

Dr. Truffles asks the pilot to land the ship in the most public place they can safely land it and exits with some of the knights.

The town square is the largest spot for you to set the vessel down, and a large crowd is gathering. Bells toll at the holdfast up the hill

Dr. Truffles addresses the assembled crowd. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. Don't think I've met any o' you, landed at another village first time I came. I'm here to make a last ditch plea to avoid a war I reckon shouldn't happen. I'm from a village called Delphos, on a planet called Gudrun, part o' a network o' planets scattered throughout the stars called the United Nation of Worlds. We go 'round sharin' our technology with folks like you who haven't developed intersteller travel yet, an' we do our best to protect planets in our sphere o' influence from external threats. The villages y'all's leaders are plannin' to invade have accepted our help. We've begun kittin' 'em out with vehicles an' weapons that could, I reckon, pretty effortlessly annihilate any fleet o' wooden boats y'all decide to send across the sea. I'm here 'cause I don' wanna see that happen. I'm askin' you to help me talk to y'all's leaders, help me convince 'em they can get more without goin' to war. I don' wanna see good piggen die for the sake of misdirected ambition."

There are murmurs among the crowd, and it seems like at the top of the hill the keep doors are opening- with a group of mounted piggen heading out to the village. Almost every single knight of the 40 strong group has a banner of some kind, and all are different. You couldn't guess what the heraldry might mean, and the Grandmaster is focused on examining them all to try to make some educated guesses for himself

Dr. Truffles leans over to the Grandmaster and types out a quick message on his compad to have binoculars brought from the storage locker on the ship. "See anythin' familiar? I reckon we're about to meet some mighty cross piggen."

“A few. Old allies. Not anymore I guess. You may have your first fight on your hands Doctor”

Dr. Truffles nods with concern. "I reckon ya might be right? They old allies from this landmass, or where y'all are from?"

"Where we're from, We've fought with them, and against them dozens of times over the generations, but in the end Knightly orders tend to treat one another with respect. Not so here, it seems"

"Yeah, I reckon that ain't ideal if they got folks on their side over the water. I was hopin' that strait would provide some defense. I reckon we should see what they want." Dr. Truffles waits with the Grandmaster for the knights to approach.

The knights draw up, and one of them emerges from the ranks, carrying a large hammer in both hands. "Invaders, you trespass in Triple Alliance territory. Surrender now, and turn over your weapons, and you will be permitted to leave"

Dr. Truffles smiles. "Now that ain't any way to treat a guest, least it ain't how I was raised. 'Fore y'all get y'all's knickers in a knot, we just come to talk. I talked with y'all's leaders on my first trip here. I wanted to come back an' make my pitch one more time. The villages y'all are plannin' to attack have accepted our help. We're deliverin' not just farmin' an' manufacturin' technology, but weapons, vehicles, an' teachers of shamanism. I reckon y'all got about as much chance o' sailin' wooden warships over the water as I do o' becomin' Emporer o' the Galaxy. But I didn' come here to start a war, nor watch one start if I can do anythin' to stop it. So we got a couple options here. First, I meant what I said 'bout uplift bein' optional. Say the word, an' we'll work with y'all an' the leaders o' the other villages to set aside this here landmass into an enclave where y'all can continue to live y'all's lives undisturbed. Second, we can solve this the old fashioned piggen way, with a fight between leaders that'll prevent unneccessary loss o' life. Frankly I don' much care for either o' those two options."

9:35 PM

Dr. Truffles concentrates and spreads his hands, they begin to glow, and the wind begins to pick up around him. A 2m circular slab of stone rises out of the ground between the two groups, carved with scenes of piggen farming, dining, fighting together against a scary looking alien, and participating in shamanistic rituals (casting Energetic Construct Evocation and using my Petty Sorceries focus for the special effects.) (edited)

9:37 PM

"Ever since we found out we weren't native to Gudrun, I dreamed o' findin' others like us, o' findin' where we came from. The terrans showed up an' made that a possibility for us. I'm askin' y'all. I'll beg if I gotta. Join us in the stars. We'll put that military might o' yours to use makin' sure piggen across the galaxy can live safe an' secure. We'll find our home world an' reclaim our heritiage. Please..."

"Tradition must be observed, as you yourself have said. We will leave the alliance if the honor duel is agreed to, and we'll be fighting you, magician, if you agree to it"

Dr. Truffles hangs his head. "I understand. What're yer terms fer the duel?"

"Terminal consequences, and any hand weapon you feel comfortable using. I will be sticking with my hammer"

"I'll use my wrench I reckon. I trust with that big suit o' armor yer wearin' you won't object to me castin' a protective charm? Left my full plate on my other space ship."

"That is agreeable. This fight will be equal terms"

Dr. Truffles removes his lab coat and a bubble of energy emits from his hands and settles around his body (casting Personal Shielding Field, AC 18). He takes a few minutes to type out two messages on his datapad, and sets the send timers to 1 hour. He puts his lab coat back on, and touches one of the larger pockets to make sure his Grupp plushie is in there. He hefts his wrench and turns to the other piggen. "Ready as I'll ever be I reckon."

The piggen of both sides make a circle 10m wide, keeping you both inside a ring that distance from one another. No weapons are pointed inward, but they keep a consistent barrier keeping either of you from leaving. (initiative)

2

(3)

(2 for city champion)

Dr. Truffles moves in tentatively at first, and then barrels forward suddenly and swings with his wrench.

9:13 PM

(12/9, ignores primitive plate, 3 shock AC <= 13) (edited)

The knight deftly parries with the half of his hammer, swinging back with the killing head at your exposed center mass- but your various technological augmentations turn the blow aside (5)

Dr. Truffles takes advantage of his surprise, jamming the wrench into his stomach.

9:31 PM

(19/6)

He staggers backwards, chest plate caved in by the large wrench. The hammer lashes out again, his two hands holding it almost to the halft-cap, letting the full momentum of it smash into your side (18/11)

(Is my Grupp plushie a Main Action to use?)

(Yep)

Dr. Truffles steps back and circles, pressing the Grupp plushie in his pocket to his side, the magical energy staunching the bleeding a bit.

9:35 PM

(3 healing)

The plushee squeeks softly as you give it a hug, and the knight opposing you adopts a defensive stance (total defense, +2 to AC for the round, your move)

Dr. Truffles rushes forward again, and with an ungainly swing misses the knight wide.

9:39 PM

(6/9)

The swing he had prepared for you is battered aside by the wrench, the knight unused to parrying or defending against such an ungainly style

Dr. Truffles spins around and almost by accident crashes the wrench into the knight's side.

9:43 PM

(18/7)

The wrench pulls away crimson, as you've opened the side of his armor like a can opener. The hammer tumbles from his weakened grip, and the vanquished knight falls onto his back, a thick puddle of crimson expanding underneath him. The Grandmaster, and the assembled villagers cheer, and the opposing knights dip their banners in respect at a duel fairly fought, and the passing of a great Piggen warrior.

Dr. Truffles stares at his wrench and then almost forcefully throws it away from him. He rushes forward pulling out his med kit and drops to his knees beginning to rifle through the med kit and trying to apply anything that would help. Seeing the state the other piggen's side, begins to cry quietly among the noise of the crowd.

The wounds are too severe for any of the limited treatments you have on hand to be effective. In better days a Lazarus patch may have had a chance here but those are now too gone like so many other technological touchstones

Dr. Truffles gets to his feet and shakily walks to the other knights assembled. "Please, I'm beggin' y'all, no more o' this. I... I jus' wanted to bring y'all the prosperity we was given. We'll set aside the enclave, or we'll uplift y'all with the others. Whatever y'all want."

10:00 PM

(Goal added: Rediscover the secrets of the Lazarus Patch.)

(Would it be possible to design a pilot robot? Not a true AI or anything, something on the level of my repair bot that can just get a ship from point A to point B.)

(I'd have to figure something out because we're sort of stepping on the idea of an expert system here)

(All good either way! Was thinking about building a ship with the automated assistance mod or whatever it's called and thought it'd be neat.)

(Expert system is the fitting we're talking about , there's a model of it for starships)

(Oh, I see, I misunderstood. I get the problem now, I'd be cheating mass/power.)

8:43 AM

(That's actually perfect though, I could just anthropomorphize it like Pilot in Farscape.)

The city leader steps forward,t hrowing his crown at your feet. "We will take the uplift. We don't wish to be left behind- but the alliance will come, and we've broken our word by turning tail"

Dr. Truffles picks up the crown and holds it out to the piggen. "I came here to help, not rule. Somma the other villages want me to be governor if y'all decide to join the UNW, but I reckon I see that more as me jus' advocatin' for y'all at the Unity Council an' lobbyin' for resources, not bein' y'all's chief. Folks should pick their own leaders. Will ya deliver a message frome me? 'Slong as they won' hurt ya for showin' up that is. Tell them we'll be there tomorrow to have a talk. I really don' wanna do this two more times, much rather find a solution that prevents further tragedy."

"They'll execute anyone who brings it to them as a traitor. They'll be lucky to just be hung and not beaten half to death first." One of them points over a nearby hill where a messenger Piggen loyal to the alliance is already kicking up a massive trail of dust, no doubt bringing the news to his employers elsewhere

"Well then, I certainly don' want any o' y'all doin' that. I prolly need some time to patch myself up if it ends up comin' to another fight, so we'll stay here tonight. Reckon y'all could spare someone to show me 'round? I'd like to see the town an' get to know the folks here."

The piggen agree, though the best chance of long term recovery in a sterile envrionment is on your ship.

(Can I medkit myself?)

(the medkit lets youget the long term recovery benefits in places where you normally wouldn't have them, like in the middle of the wilderness)

3:01 PM

(as well as handling toxins and other things like that)

3:01 PM

(There is a dose of healing powder on the ship though)

Dr. Truffles starts to follow the other piggen and then stumbles. "On second thought, I reckon I'll head to my bunk, have a lie down, an' do my darndest to stop bleeding internally. Maybe we postpone the tour until tomorrow mornin'."

3:38 PM

Dr. Truffles starts to clean and bind his wounds. Sweeps the janitor bot tries to help clean the gash but Dr. Truffles turns him away. "Nah buddy, I reckon we don't want to vacuum that."

3:38 PM

Dr. Truffles takes the healing powder and crashes into his bunk.

3:38 PM

(I'm not sure how much healing that is, couldn't find it in the book.)

(Its in the iron stars book, D6, and normally there is a dex penalty but since you're resting its going to have expired by time you need to worry about dex again

7:50 PM

(so not worth noting

(5, +6 for rest, and I prepared my spells.)

7:59 PM

Dr. Truffles wakes up, feeling marginally better. He leaves the ship to take a look around the town before they leave.

A guide from the town, along with the Grandmaster prepare to go with you, not trusting the locals to be 100% adjusted to the change of command that has happened yesterday. The crown has been left in your quarters, yours by rights of winning the trial by combat

8:26 PM

Piggen in the street bow respectfully and mvoe to the sides of the street as you pass

Dr. Truffles asks a few people in the town about what life is like, and tries to identify any immediate technological or medical needs he might be able to address while he's here.

The town is run down, h aving been conquered once by far more ffighting than it took you to take control of the area. The guildhalls specifically look to have been burned, and most of the construction work right now is centered around the holdfast that the knights rode out of when you've arrived. Many piggen here are walking wounded, sporting minor injuries

Dr. Truffles will start to treat the wounded with his med kit. "Lot o' folks lookin' banged up 'round here. Can I ask what happened? Was all this fightin' that recent?"

“Within the last few months. Recovery is always slow. But it keeps all The idle hands from causing trouble “

Dr. Truffles smiles understandingly. "I reckon we'll prioritize putting in the latest health tech first, though if there's anythin' I can do with the limited supplies I brought I surely will. As for idle hands, I reckon that won't be a problem fer much longer. The galaxy's a big place, plenty o' opportunities fer young piggen with a snout for adventure to get into all sorts o' trouble."

"and there will be more than enough for them to do here, too, especially as we continue t rebuild parts of the planet from war, and into a more modern society like where you come from"

"I reckon so, an' the equipment we bring'll make that a whole lot easier. The shaman in the other village should be able to help out a lot too, we sent 'em home with the AI that guided our society."

9:08 AM

Dr. Truffles spends a little more time walking around the town, and then heads back to the ship to go to the main Tri-Crown city. Turning to the Grandmaster on the bridge, he sighs. "Reckon we better get this over with."

(the shepherds also dont need to all stick together either, so if the eventual plan is one exists in sort of each region between former alliance territory, your initial landing area, and the shaman island, that's a legit way to dole em out)

(Oh, right on, that would work out. Play in with the shamans wanting to be more neutral too.) (edited)

(yeah, neutral but at least informed about whats going on in other parts of the world since other Shepherds are around)

(That sounds good.)

12:50 PM

As the ship approaches the main Tri-Crown city, Dr. Truffles goes to his quarters and looks at the crown sitting by his bunk. He sighs heavily, and places it on his head.

(how close did you want to get, considering this settlement is going to be unfriendly at best)

(Would it be reasonable to assume given their current tech they'd have a very difficult time breaching the hull?)

(for sure, the issue i think here is mroe along the lines of what happens when you go outside)

(Right on, that makes sense, I was thinking I would probably just land outside and hang out on the ramp.)

7:48 AM

Dr. Truffles directs the pilot to land right outside the gate to the city. He motions a few of the security personnel with him and goes and waits at the bottom of the entry ramp.

The ship sets down outside the main city gates to the ringing of bells and the blowing of trumpets. Its not clear what might be going on behind the sealed gate, but the guards in the towers near it are nervous and have bows drawn already

Dr. Truffles steps forward and yells up to them. "We're here to talk peacefully, y'all's leaders can come out. We don' wanna hurt any piggen."

An arrow lands at the base of the ramp, followed by a second and a third

Dr. Truffles sighs and yells up again. "I'm in a dern space ship with laser canons onnit, but I'd really prefer to chat with y'all."

9:34 PM

"Though I sure do admire the gumption." (edited)

3

Another rain of arrows hits the hull. Most bounce but a few of them stuck into its metal skin

Dr. Truffles lifts his commpad to his mouth. "Pilot, reckon you could fire a warnin' shot over their citadel. Don' hit anythin' mind." (edited)

The turret containing the ships weapon swivels, and shrieks as it fires over the city, cutting a neon swathe through the air. The arrow rain lessens and then entirely stops

"I'm fair decent at makin' vittles, I'll make us a real nice parlay picnic. Like I said, really jus' wanna talk."

The arrow rain has stopped, and there is a knock at th hatch like someone outside is throwing stones at it

Dr. Truffles motions to the security to stand by but out of the way, and opens the hatch. "Howdy folks, we decide we wanna have a conversation?"

The arrows begin again now that they can see you, one whizzed past you and impacts the bulkhead wall

Dr. Truffles sighs again and steps back into the ship.

2:38 PM

(Does it look like any of their people are around the gate?)

(just the guards on the towers, the gate hasnt opened and this close you cant see behind it/through it)

Dr. Truffles instructs the pilot to fire directly in front of the gate, but to aim at the ground so the blast doesn't go through.

He will have to lift off if you want him to do this, otherwise you'll be too close to the weapon's path

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin and considers what the pilot says. "In that case, I reckon maybe instead we lift off an' see if there's a spot we can put down near or on top o' their citadel."

"If you're thinking of shooting it, we're not equipped for direct air to ground attack. "

"I was thinkin' mebbe if we parked right outside they might hafta come talk to us. But that might be the wrong way to go 'bout things. Sorry, reckon I'm still a bit bamboozled from yesterday. I reckon we try the same thing that worked last time, land in the town square an' talk directly to the people. Best case scenario folks in the citidel cave to the pressure an' agree to a meetin'. Worst case..." Dr. Truffles trails off and looks down, absentmindedly reaching up to scratch on his head where the crown sits.

“If they don’t just kill you out of hand. What about the north kingdom. Maybe if we take their vassals out from under em they’ll come to the table themselves?”

"Yeah, reckon that's a good idea. I guess I was tryin' to avoid another duel but it looks like that ain't gonna happen. Set a course if ya would."

10:28 AM

(Sorry, not getting phone notifications on my thread for some reason

)

"Aye, I can do that. settle in doc, we'll be there soon"

Dr. Truffles nods and spends some time reading over the notes he copied from Grupp's books until the ship arrives.

Dr. Truffles

Hope this finds you well. Your monthly dividend earnings are in: 47 million credits has been deposited into your account per agreement. 

Travel Well,
Devnoc

The message comes during Dr. Truffles's study, and he stops and stares slackjawed at it for a while. Then he opens his messaging app and writes a few messages for the duration of the trip.

Dear Mammy and Pappy,

I hope you're well. This leg of the trip has been... more difficult than the last. I guess I was a bit idealistic, and I reckon I'm paying for that. I'm doing good work out here. At least, I think I am. But sometimes I miss just tinkering in my lab. It was simpler. Less rode on my decisions.

In happier news, I've started doing a bit of work for Governor Rigers, and he has been very kind with his compensation. I have deposited 2 million credits in your account along with this message. Build that addition to the restaurant you've been talking about, and while the construction crews are there, buy a free merchant and take that vacation you've always wanted. Just don't go west, the UNW fleet is mobilizing against a nasty piece of work named the Ghoul King. Or south, there are slavers. Or north. I think that's where the zombie planet was, I'll have to check the travel advisories. Maybe go to Terezinho? I was there recently, the utan have a real nice town on the water. Just do an environmental scan for incoming storms before you land.

I love you both, and I'm anxious to see you again. Give Smooshums some ear scratches for me.

Truffles

Dr. Truffles,

Of course! I will pass it along to Billy. This sort of thing is not unheard of. Shortly before Robert Tanzer died, Greystar forbid him from receiving his dividend payments and thus it went toward a universal education fund to build schools in the UNW. I will make a note. 

D.

The northern town is a large guild center where miners, loggers, merchants, and skilled craftsman all congregate. The town is industrious and sports nothing in the way of defenses. Negotiations here were likely amicable, and involved significant transfers of wealth.

Dr. Truffles views this and sighs with relief. All things considered, much rather bribe folks 'an kill 'em. He directs the pilot to set down in a wide open town square area, and egresses the gang plank, wearing the crown from the first town. "Howdy folks, name's Dr. Truffles. I'm from a planet called Gudrun, an' I've come to share technology an' resources with y'all. We were real excited to find another population o' piggen. Most towns on this planet have been real receptive, but the folks leadin' y'all's alliance have been... difficult. We was hopin' that, bein' obvious business people, y'all's guild leaders might well be downright amenable to that sorta thing. Reckon I could speak to 'em?"

No one from the squaere ventures forward, unwilling to interfere in guild business, but a fanfare of trumpets and a loud commotion near the guild halls is a good indicator you dont have long to wait for someone to attend you

Dr. Truffles instructs the security officers to stay on the ship so as not to be threatening, and waits by the gang plank looking as friendly as possible.

The guild masters, six of them in total, begin making their way down to your vessel, accompanied by their large group of accountants, guards, and house stewards. They're all parading in great amounts of finery and piggen craft

Dr. Truffles beams at them. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. I reckon by now you know why I'm here. I gotta say, it's real nice to see such lovely piggen handiwork. I reckon there'll be a real market for all that once we get y'all connected to the galactic market."

“Hello doctor. We have heard. A bit from our representatives that had gone out East to meet you earlier. It’s going to take quite a lot of wealth to sway us. We are in a comfortable position right now

Dr. Truffles grins and chuckles. "Glad I don't gotta fight someone, I reckon community development's a lot more in my wheelhouse. I'll tell y'all what I'm thinkin' right now, then y'all can give me y'all's feedback. The folks on the other two landmasses, they's supportin' me for governor if y'all decide yer joinin' the UNW. Now, that's a bit less of a political title 'an it sounds, it's really more administrative. Basically, I'll be makin' sure resources are gettin' here, an' then workin' with y'all to decide how they'll be gettin' spent. But operatives, we travel a lot, so I'll need good piggen to manage stuff while I'm away. I reckon this planet is a bit diverse fer me to lean on just one Sub-Governor, so I was thinkin' o' setting up a system o' three Ministers. The grandmaster o' the knights here'll handle military matters an' security forces. We'll set those offices up in the Knighthold of the Order of the Sunburst. The shamans have been workin' with the Shepherds to recover knowledge y'all have lost, so I reckon they'll handle technological an' cultural affairs from their village. I'll be needin' an economic minister though, an' I'm thinkin' one o' you'd be perfect fer the job. That means most of the production an' off-world economic opportunity'd be here fer y'all to manage. Fer starters, I'm thinkin' prioritizin' mega production facilities, a major commercial bank, an' the best trade access possible. Shalini's near the border between two major interstellar polities, so I reckon we could set it up as a major trade hub. That's an initial investment of 6.5 million credits from my personal accounts just to y'all's town."

"Your credits don't mean much here without bringing us into that sort of economy. We don't even know if that's a lot. We'd need to see some significant investment in the area to really get on board with this. Everything soudns good on paper, but what can you promise right away if we decide to side with you"

7:26 AM

(they'd need the bank to make the credits have any worth to them. They're using local money right now, probably gold or silver backed currency if not coins made out of those materials themselves)

(Yeah, I was thinking it was more the location of the production center that would be tempting. Is that something I can fund at the same time as the Prometheus Project? Not entirely sure how holdings worked, but one of the columns on the sheet made it seem like there was a limit to what I could build at one time.) (edited)

(It could be made in addition to in this case since we're using it to resolve an issue on a planet youre active on)

(Woo, PC powers!)

9:19 AM

"Yeah, bringin' y'all the production facility is my main sell. If y'all are lookin' fer somthin' concrete without a build time, I'll be havin' my new ship brought here in a few weeks. Haven't set up my labs in the cargo hold yet, so I reckon I can fill it with industrial tools to get y'all a head start on things. I can bring 80 tons on the first trip."

"We would see a sample of these wonders you promise then, and judge their worth for ourselves. This is an acceptable alternative to us"

(Could I show them the workshop on the ship for this kind of thing?)

(as an example, alternatively we could empty the ships armory and locker )

(Yeah, let's do that.)

10:28 AM

Dr. Truffles nods. "I reckon that's a sensible request. I can show y'all what we've got in our ship's locker an' armory, that'll be a nice samplin'."

10:28 AM

Dr. Truffles instructs the crew to bring the contents out, but to remove the power cells from the weapons and leave those on the ship.

The goods are passed out, and the guild members look at them, hoping for some of your insights on what things might be used for, or things you’ve used to help in your tasks

Dr. Truffles starts explaining excitedly. "That there's a med kit. It can cure all sorts o' diseases y'all got here. An' that's a survey scanner, you can find all sorts o' cool minerals an' whatnot with it. This postech toolkit can' make all sorts o' repairs to the things we're gonna bring y'all..."

7:47 PM

Dr. Truffles continues to talk for going on fifteen minutes straight before catching the eye of the grandmaster and slowing down.

7:48 PM

".... yeah, sorry, I get excited with this kinda stuff, y'all feel free to ask about whatever."

Your lecture has answered most of their immediate questions, and their attention turns to the fine details of the work, and the beauty of each piece in front of them. Everything is well made to a standard even the finest guild backed craftsman would not be able to match, and they are suitably impressed

"Someday we'll be makin' things like this here, but it'll have our own piggen flair to it. Shalini'll be the first majority piggen world we know of. I got a vision for it as a center for learnin' an' trade, an' a place where piggen from all over can visit to enjoy bein' surrounded by our shared culture. It'll take a lotta work, an' a lotta investment, I ain't gonna lie to y'all, but the more we work together, an' the quicker we get started, the quicker we'll make that a reality."

"The guild will stand with you, if you free us from our commercial obligations to the Alliance."

9:02 AM

A crest is taken off as the guildsmen from each organization hand you theirs. The loggers, the miners, the fishers, the smiths, the bakers, the list goes on, until you have close to a dozen of them

"Thank y'all, I really mean it. Promise I won't dissapoint. Now if you folks'll excuse me, I got a piggen on lizardback to chase down in a spaceship."

9:43 AM

Dr. Truffles returns to the ship, and asks the pilot to scan for a dust cloud from a spy leaving and heading back to the main Tri-Crown city.

Sure enough, a lone lizard rider speeds across the dusty roads- making a heavy pace for the seat of the triple alliance

Dr. Truffles instructs the pilot to land on the road ahead of him, blocking his path. Exiting the ship, he waves at the rider. "Howdy, I'd like you to take a message to yer bosses, reckon they should be ready to talk now. Tell 'em there ain't gonna be any reprisals or nothin', I jus' wanna talk when I get there, not reason to waste arrows tryin' to penetrate a reinforced composite I reckon."

He nods, unsure what else he can to but carry your message onwards

Dr. Truffles sends him on his way, and asks the pilot to give him a few hours head start before continuing to the town and landing again in front of the gates.

(the rider wouldnt have made it back with just a few hours, more like a few days needed. We can still go to the city ahead of him, but if you're going expecting the message to be delivered, you'd be well ahead of it)

Dr. Truffles looks down at the read outs the pilot is showing him. "I ain't gonna lie to you, I spent geography class sketchin' schematics in the margins o' my text book. I reckon we should just go on ahead."

5:36 PM

(My b, let's keep going

)

(Landing anyway then?)

(Yep.)

Arrows and a few flaming stones from catapults rise up to meet the ship. One of the stones hits, breaking into smaller fragments and denting the floor plates. There is a small whistle of air- as the hull is breached but not enough to cause a crash. It will need to be patched before taking off again for space

"Well dern it, pull up out of range."

10:23 PM

(Do we have a way on board to broadcast to the ground?)

10:24 PM

(I assume they don't have radios or anything but like a megaphone?)

10:25 PM

(Now that I'm typing this it's kind of a daft thing to put on a spaceship because of the whole sound in space thing

)

10:26 PM

"Reckon we should still try to talk while we're here. Land outta range but in view o' the gate. We'll throw up a peace flag an' give 'em a bit to come out 'fore we head back to the hold to make repairs an' wait on the messenger."

(You'd still need it for landing or warning people in the area/communicating with ground crews. I think you could argue there's an external speaker)

(That's a good point, I didn't think about landing.)

10:39 PM

"Howdy, this is Dr. Truffles again. We'd still really like to talk to y'all. Those two other towns y'all forceably subjugated done come around to our way of thinkin' an'll be gettin' weapons shipments from us soon enough. We're gonna go set our ship down outsida town while y'all consider who you'd rather have a conversation with, us, or a few hun'red laser-rifle armed piggen a might miffed that y'all conquered 'em a while back."

There is no way for them to answer you, and the archers are the only people below dexterous enough to try to hit the ship in flight, though most of the arrows miss. THe ones that don't, don't do more than stick into the first few centimeters of hull plating.

Dr. Truffles asks the pilot to land in clear view several kilometers outside town in order to give them a chance to come talk.

(any preparation you want to make ahead of time?)

(Have the pilot be prepared to leave in case they come with trebuchets again, and I'll cast my Personal Shielding Field when they're about a kilometer away if they come.)

Incoming Message
To: Dr. Truffles
From: Reza Collins

Hiya Doc! Just wanted to let you know that I finished that Prayer Wheel. Quite the little device. You are definitely going to love it. I left it with Master Grupp on Gudrun for you! I am heading out to Metanor to do some field research. Keep an eye out for another prayer and I might be able to make another one. Will check in with you when I am on my way back. Be well!

Reza,

Attachment(s): 
Notes.Wheel.Of.Blessings.txt

The delegation makes its way through the forest without any pretense of stealth. The knights come first followed by piggen at arms on foot and archers, about 400 beings all together

Dr. Truffles waits for them at the foot of the ramp. "Howdy, glad y'all've decided to come talk. Rest o' the planet has accepted our offer, so way I'm seein' it, y'all got two choices. We can agree with the other towns that y'all's territory is'an enclave, an' make sure y'all aren't bothered. Or y'all can join the rest of y'all's people in acceptin' the prosperity we're offerin'."

“Take the ship!” One of the commanders shouts as the knights begin surging forward.

2

8:56 PM

You can see this was never meant to be an investigation or discussion, but a ruse to rob you of the one advantage you hold over them

(How far away are they?)

(100m. You’ve got enough time to button up if you’re planning to, but the point is they’re being duplicitous little minxes)

2

Dr. Truffles sighs and heads back onto the ship. He asks the pilot to lift off out of arrow range, and takes the outer speaker again. "Really y'all, how'd you reckon that one was gonna work out? I feel like I've done my darndest to prevent any sorta unpleasantness, but this is really startin' to rustle my jimmies. I really don't wan' any o' the folk you been oppressin' to show up at y'all's town with a whole mess o' laser weapons an' whatnot. That could well get outta control. Now, y'all can leave three piggen in the clearin' an' send everyone else back to town, an' we can have a nice conversation. I'll even make lunch."

9:10 PM

(I'll Void Slip to get back in if I need to but it sounded like I had time to just close up the hatch and lift off.) (edited)

The archers begin firing as they get into range, another rain of steel and wooden shafts breaks against the hull (you had enough time to close the hatch. THe ramp probably has some dents in it from them hacking away at it while it retracts, but they're not getting aboard)

(Guessing we're able to lift off without issue then?)

9:27 AM

Dr. Truffles has the pilot wait for a few minutes to see if they take him up on leaving just a few people to talk.

(yeah you're able to lift off fine)

12:13 PM

THey're not interesting in complying with your request, and archers fire another cloud of arrows into the udnerbelly of your ship

Dr. Truffles sighs. "Let's go ahead an' head on back to the Knighthold. We'll stop an' grab some folks from the other two Tri-Crown cities. I reckon I got a plan that may work, but I need more info 'bout life on this continent."

12:25 PM

(OOC so you know where I'm going with this and it doesn't just seem like I'm faffing about, I was thinking of coming up with a plan to sneak in and talk to local workers, end-around their leaders. If I can take the 8 days to finish the mods on my armor so I can use its camoflage abilities, I'd like to, but if that's too much downtime in the middle of a mission, I can borrow a Renn Faire outfit from one of the locals and roll without my fancy stuff.)

(If you decide to spend 8 days we can do that, There are a few things i need to simulate if that much time is passing)

(Is it ok if I get the info from the other two towns first and then decide? I was going to ask them if there was a time the ships were unguarded so we could take them out in the patrol boat.)

(Actually, thinking about it, that's not going to matter one way or the other. I will spend the 8 days doing my armor, since it makes the plan way safer, but I'll put off repairs on the patrol boat and have it do flyovers of the 3 Tri-Crown cities and the ocean to make sure they're not launching ships.)

On day 4, an army begins marching for the boats, spotted from the air by your vessel

(Are they sailboats, and if so does the PB have fine scale enough targeting to hit the open sails?)

(The patrol boat is not equipped for any kind of accurate ship to surface bombardment. The army is marching for the boats) (edited)

Dr. Truffles turns to the Grandmaster. "How long you reckon it'll take 'em to cross the sea? I'm thinkin' maybe we got time to bring some folks from the other villages on this continent to their town an' take it while they're away."

(If it comes to war, are the vehicles and weapons I purchased ready to be delivered?)

"Four days, maybe five if the wind is against them" (i don't think we ever determined where they are. Building them wouldn't have taken long but its still several days for them to get here, not to mention no ships with enough tonnage to carry them all are available)

(The R Transit looks like it's set to complete this month. Could it bring them on the way to the Ghoul King front?)

(It could, but they wont be here in time to solve this)

"How long you reckon it'd take to get troops from the other Tri-Crown cities to the main one?"

"The other two cities you negotiated with don't seem to be among them. We'd have seen the reinforcement columns marching"

"Well I reckon that's good at least. Karst, don't s'pose you happened to take a look at our armory 'fore we left Gudrun? How we lookin' on explosives?"

“A handful. The ship doesn’t seem to be carrying large amounts of them”

Dr. Truffles nods. "I reckon that'd be enough to get a bit of wall down if necessary. If we was able to muster armies from the other two towns, how quick do you reckon we could have 'em at the main Tri-Crown town?"

(So you're talking about a counter-attack?)

(Yes.)

"Won't be able to get across the sea in numbers, not before they set sail .Best bet is to meet them on the beach where they land, even if its just with a vanguard. Try to give the allied forces time to respond and rally"

(I was thinking we could get troops from the other towns on this side to go to their stronghold. No armies though?)

(oh from places you just flipped? the guild won't do that, bad for business, and the other town had a pathetic number of soldiers)

(Right on, makes sense.)

10:03 AM

"Yeah, I reckon we should head on back to the knighthold then. Maybe we can give a duel a try to stop too much violence."

“If you met them on tbe beach and challenged honor would compel them to uphold it before the fights

10:37 AM

“You’d be risking your life but saving hundreds. If not more”

Dr. Truffles attempts a weak smile. "I reckon that's what a governor's sposed to do, ain't it? Make sure as many o' the folks on his planet are safe as possible."

“The results will be respected. I think it’s known it could come to this”

Dr. Truffles nods. "I reckon we should do our best to prepare then. You mind musterin' the troops to meet 'em on the shore? I wanna make a few last minute adjustments to my gear 'for I fight again."

"i'll be able to get the knights. City troops may take longer, or not arrive until battle is joined. We;ll do our best"

Dr. Truffles pats him on his shoulder. "I 'ppreciate it. Hopefully we can still avoid a battle with the duel. If I don' make it, I've asked that my shares o' the corp I work for be set aside for y'all's benefit, so y'all should receive relief from the UNW."

12:42 PM

Dr. Truffles spends the days he has to prepare finishing the modifications on his lab coat. (I think given the time-line I have time, also, spells prepared on Roll20.)

To stave off the anxieties of the nights, Dr. Truffles works on translating piggen mythological stories from Shaman Grupp's notes.

Ancestor pig's friends are having a feast... 
Ooh. Aah. Wants the feast... 
Ancestor pig asks his friends for some food... 
Ooh. Ahh. Asks for some food... 
All the other animals they work hard for this feast... 
Ooh. Aah. They work hard for this feast... 
Ancestor pig didn't bring any food... 
Ooh. Aah. Didn't bring any food... 
Ancestor pig can't have any food... 
Ooh. Aah. Can't have any food... 
Ancestor pig he gets chased away... 
Ooh. Aah. He gets chased away... 
Ancestor pig makes a plan for a ruckus... 
Ooh. Ahh. Makes a plan for a ruckus... 
Ancestor pig finds Mr. Balvarine... 
Ooh. Aah. Finds Mr. Balvarine... 
Ancestor pig say got a job for you... 
Ooh. Aah. Got a job for you... 
Mr. Balvarine, please cause a distraction... 
Ooh. Aah. Please cause a distraction... 
Then me and you we can split that feast... 
Ooh. Aah. We can split that feast... 
Mr. Balvarine he bursts into the clearing... 
Ooh. Aah. He bursts into the clearing... 
All the other animals they run away... 
Ooh. Aah. they run away... 
Mr. Balvarine starts eating the feast... 
Ooh. Aah. He starts eating the feast... 
Ancestor pig comes over to join him... 
Ooh. Aah. He comes over to join him... 
Mr. Balvarine gets to eat some ham... 
Ooh. Aah. Gets to eat some ham...

4

1:06 PM

(Tried my hand at writing some piggen mythology. Going for an oral storytelling, call and response type vibe based off a trickster/Anansi story. Hopefully it halfway lands

)

1:07 PM

(Thanks for helping with the plot the other night @Karre Mondragon(Timothy) @TheWallofFlesh)

2

(I like it!)

1

2:16 PM

(so we have some time before the landing force makes it, 4 days of downtime to burn)

(I think 4 was what I needed to finish modding my armor, I was 6/14 and we had 4 before they started moving, so that takes care of all of it.)

(okay perfect)

2:19 PM

(checks out on my end too)

On the day the armies are set to arive, Dr. Truffles scouts out the path of the ships in the patrol boat, and has it wait out of arrow range where they will be landing. When they start to arrive in the harbor he gets on the external comms. "I'm real sorry it's come to this, but let's not waste lives unnecessarily. I reckon we can handle this with honor. Send y'all's champion ashore, an' I'll fight 'em. If I win, y'all turn around an' go home. Once y'all are there you can take our help or we can make sure y'all are left alone, whatever you'd like."

Several long boats are deployed from the ships, anchored in deep water. The first one in the fore has a massive black sail, with a red dragon embossed on it. A powerful looking Piggen in black armor waits at the foremast .

Dr. Truffles asks the pilot to land and steps off the ship. He walks towards the piggen in black armor, pulling out his wrench and forming magical energy around him as he goes. (Personal Shielding Field, AC 18)

7:38 PM

"I really wish we coulda avoided this. I want you to know if I win it ain't gonna be any worse for yer people. We'll treat 'em right an' respect their autonomy."

“Let’s make this a fair fight. Fate will decide what becomes of these people”

10:12 PM

(Initiative and as it’s a duel I’d say you’re within a move of each other)

(3)

(1)

7:40 AM

(Truffs up)

Dr. Truffles stretches out his hand. A 2m by 2m by 1m slab of granite appears above the knight, and then gravity takes over.

2

9:35 AM

(Energetic Construct Evocation)

9:35 AM

Dr. Truffles moves back 10m to stay 20m away from the knight.

(I'll look up what it does)

11:13 AM

The block of granite falls on the knight, (24 damage) and after a moment he wriggles his way out. The spear in his hand is weighted, and he throws it with all of his strength. (21/17), it sails true through the air, slicing through wind like a singer hitting the perfect note

(Ouch. I don't suppose that plot point would let me dodge out of the way?)

11:14 AM

(Or is that too close to preventing death?)

(too close to preventing death)

1

Dr. Truffles moves 10m forward and then disappears, reappearing above the piggen and bringin his wrench down in a gravity assisted 2-handed overhand swing. (Void Slip to close the distance, 1 system strain to do it as an on-turn action instead of a main, and then 19/5 on the hit, plus whatever I can get from the plot point with some fancy Void Slip shennanigans.)

The knight draws his sword, but it means nothing, he never sees the blow that ends his life. The helmet is crushed under the edge of your wrench, the killing swing is delivered with the last of your strength, and the last thing you can feel are people pulling you onto some kind of stretcher or litter bed as you are overcome by your injuries. The spear was deep. A Shaman begins chanting over you as your vision goes dark. when you awaken that night, you're on the beach in a canvas tent. Waves crash outside, and large fires are burning out by the shore. Many voices of talking, laughing, and joking piggen can be overheard.

11:27 AM

your wound is bandaged and some kind of salve has been applied over it. Things seem stable and it doesnt hurt unless you bend over too far

Dr. Truffles raises himself on an elbow and calls weakly to the outside. "What happened? I reckon I won?"

The tent flap opens, and a Piggen attendant answers, crown in hand.

11:29 AM

"Shaila is yours, Doctor-Governor Truffles"

Dr. Truffles smiles sadly. "It was two lives too many, but I reckon I'm glad there's peace. Can you bring in the Tri-Crown leaders? I'd like to have a talk with 'em."

"In this state? Are you well enough for a discussion?"

"I wanna put their mind at ease. I'm sure their expectin' some sort of a reprisal, I wanna make it clear that they're safe so they can rest easy tonight."

After a few moments, the tent flap rustles again and other Piggen are brought to you for your audience. None of them speak, the honor of opening the meeting firmly on you

"Howdy. I'm sorry it came to that, I really am. An' sorry fer y'all's loss if that piggen was y'all's friend. I meant what I said before, we ain't gonna force y'all to do anythin'. If y'all wanna return home an' keep to y'all's selves, we'll honor that. If you'd like to join the rest o' y'all's people in the stars, we'd be downright happy to have y'all with us."

(I am having the worst time trying to read this)

"Our fate is your decision. You need to make a choice, and we will obey"

(Sorry, I can dial back the accent or post tl;dr's below longer stuff

)

9:07 PM

"I'll make y'all's decision for you, but I'll make it on behalf of the people of y'all's town. That's how we do stuff in the UNW. We ain't dictators, we serve our people. Would they be happier more connected to the rest of the galaxy?"

“Without knowing what’s out there, we can’t say, but if they’re allowed to withdraw from that connectedness if it’s not to their liking , I think they’d agree”

Dr. Truffles nods. "Like I said, it'll always be y'all's decision, but in the meantime, welcome to the UNW. Y'all have a safe trip home now, we'll be in touch. I'm gonna pass out again I reckon."

You speak the truth, and pass out a moment later- still recovering from your battle injuries

9:46 PM

(3xp , 5000 credits )

(Would this be the end of my "Find and uplift another population of piggen" goal as well?)

(We haven't really done the uplifiting side of it)

(That's fair, just wasn't sure where we were calling the endpoint since the full TL4 uplift is going to take like 20 years.)

10:07 PM

Dr. Truffles sleeps off his injuries for a few more days. When he's feeling better, he goes to talk to the grandmaster. "Howdy grandmaster, or I reckon Defense Minister. Reckon you can hold down the fort for a few days? Need to head on over to the Trivedi yards to pick up my new ship, then head on to Gudrun to put in the work orders to get the sanctums set up here for the shepherds."

(The efforts just need to get going. All we have so far is everyone agreeing yeah let’s do it, but no actual changes yet ) (edited)

1

7:04 AM

“Of course. Troublemakers won’t reach anything important by time you’ve returned Lord Governor”

Dr. Truffles smiles. "Thanks. Reckon I could borrow Karst for the trip? That piggen's good company."

8:26 AM

(Would having three piggen from here hang out and crew my FM with me be too close to henchkeeper?)

(They'd just stay with the ship as regular NPCs)

(Yep, that's exactly what I was thinking! I'll recruit Karst, and one of the younger shamans and guild members for a nice balance.)

Dr. Truffles spends the next few days touring the towns and giving tech demonstrations for young piggen. After his crew is rounded up, he boards the patrol boat, and beams at the pilot. "One more trip to the Trivedi shipyards, then y'all can get to helping out the next new operative. I surely do appreciate all you've done for me."

(6 days back to Gudrun from Shalini)

(Program 19/90)

6:41 PM

Dr. Truffles spends the trip acquainting his new crew with the operation of a spaceship, while continuing to investigate the more esoteric systems himself.

Arriving at Gudrun, you pass through the orbital defenses and dock with a busy Trivedi Cloud shipyard, always the hub of system traffic

Dr. Truffles says farewell to Dr. Irene and the crew, and heads excitedly towards his new free merchant, delighted to have his own ship for the first time.

7:21 PM

(Cue scene from Star Trek IV: The One With the Whales where they see the Enterprise-A for the first time.)

The ship is perfect, built to spec and designed in every possible way with you in mind, your crew is eager to get aboard and begin exploring their new surroundings

Dr. Truffles keys the biometrics for them, and lets each pick their quarters. He deposits his tools and supplies in the workshop, then heads to the bridge and runs his hands over the controls, smiling. After the crew has settled, he starts the ignition cycle. "Let's take her on out for a spin. Reckon we should hit the Psychic Academy first, arrange for sanctum materials to be sent on out to Shalini."

(Would there be time for me to get some holdings done on Shalini before the flip?)

(No, not with how close to the end of the month unity came)

(That's fair. I docked the ship cost and 7 months wages and maintenance, so the six month lumps will be on M6 and M12 and easier to remember. That's updated and noted in my sheet now.) (edited)

(Alright, sounds good to me)

(Can I name my other two crew members too? If so, the shaman is Coccolith and the guilder is Feldspar. Just so I'm not reffering to them as "that one guy".)

10:04 AM

Dr. Truffles does his best to land the ship at the Nova Academy, and walks in, greeting Crane. "Howdy. I was hoping we could send some sanctum stuff on over to Shalini to set up areas for the Shepherds to be set up."

(you can name them all for sure)

(Right on, tried to stick with Karst's geological features theme.)

(I dig it. So with sanctums, we will keep them as book cost with the codex. I think for power generation, its still 5% the total sanctum cost but since the world isnt uplifted it will probably take the form of like electricity made with windmills or water wheels or small things you can make like solar cells rather than actual reactors right now)

12:16 PM

(to fit in with the theme of ongoing uplifting

(I really like that, kind of a steam punk windmill vibe.)

12:17 PM

(Lots of stone and everything.)

(I tihnk that would probably be the first step in getting them to culturally accept whatyoure doing too, its not major alterations to their buildings or anything, mostly just starting off by adding something new to what they have, and letting them see the advantages themselves)

(For sure, definitely want to keep with the local style.)

12:18 PM

Shalini Sanctums
================
One to be placed on each continent to house the shepherds.
= Facilities =
Arcanotech Laboratory (Advanced) :: 250,000 credits
Assay Facility :: 25,000 credits
Bot Support Bay (x10) :: 50,000 credits
Defensive Turret (w/ Plasma Projector) (x4) :: 21,600
Garage (w/ Ambulance) (x2) :: 200,000
Integral Power Plant :: 142,330
Landing Bay :: 100,000 credits
Living Quarters (x20) :: 200,000
Medical Bay (x10) :: 500,000 credits
Recreation Facility :: 25,000 credits
Research Laboratory :: 25,000 credits
Secure Library (Advanced) :: 25,000 credits
Secure Vault :: 50,000 credits
Spell Design Facility (Advanced) :: 250,000 credits
Supply Bunker (x22) :: 1,100,000 credits
Workshop :: 25,000 credits

= Staff =
Majordomo (x2) :: 100,000 credits
Servant (x10) :: 150,000 credits
Scholar (x20) :: 450,000 credits
Physician (x10) :: 500,000 credits
Guard Sergeant (x2) :: 100,000 credits
Guard (x10) :: 250,000 credits
Technicians (x10) :: 300,000 credits

= Total Costs =
Total Facilities :: 2,988,930 credits
Total Staff :: 1,850,000 credits
Total Cost :: 4,838,930 credits

12:18 PM

(I specced this out, one for each continent.) (edited)

12:19 PM

(I was thinking all the staff could be locally hired and trained.)

12:24 PM

(I haven't done large scale interstellar shipping before, assuming most of this is going to have to be made on Gudrun and then assembled there. Is it a % on top, or do I need to find a specific ship to take it all?) (edited)

(I think since you're using local materials the money spent here is you just laying off locals)

1:38 PM

(like the guild for example)

(Gotcha, makes sense, didn't know if there were certain things I could only get on a TL4 planet.)

1:43 PM

"Thanks for taking a look at the plans .I was thinking they should have most of this over yonder on Shalini, but you reckon we could arrange someone from here to go and advise construction?"

"If you're having the Shepherds do it, might they be the best people,...er...things?" Karst asks , looking on at the drawings

Dr. Truffles laughs and smacks his head. "Reckon you're right at that. Look at me, just rushing on into things. Let's head to Shangri-La, Reza left me a new gadget there."

2:09 PM

Dr. Truffles says his goodbyes to Crane, and then takes out the crystal key and activates the teleporter to Shangri-La.

2:12 PM

(I'm a bit confused on the prayer wheel Reza made for me. My original understanding was that it was a component/focus for the arcanotech formula I found in Grupp's library, but it seems to be a thing on it's own. Is it both or did I misunderstand initially?)

(both)

Dr. Truffles settles Coccolith and Feldspar into the library and shows Karst to the training room, and excitedly opens the package Reza left him, spreading Grupp's notes out beside him.

(did eish send you the writeup for it?)

8:54 PM

(I have it, if not)

(Yep!)

8:56 PM

(I wanted to see if I could figure out the plans I have now that I have the wheel for context.) (edited)

After some study, it becomes clear that although restored, the device cannot be replicated. It does however have some unique properties,a nd more about it might be understood as it is used

(The prayer wheel or the device I have plans for?)

(the wheel, im fuzzy on the device you're working on_

(I am too, I don't think I ever got a full description on it, it was just a thing in Grupp's notes that this was a part of.)

9:58 PM

(Wait, I just checked the message again and I misread. The prayer wheel was the device. Sorry, reading comprehension fail.)

10:01 PM

(In that case I will have to reorient that goal a bit, because I'm assuming I don't get 3xp for having Reza build a thing for me

)

10:02 PM

Dr. Truffles spends some time meditating on the prayer wheel, comparing the runes on the device with those in his notes, and working the peaceful spinning into his daily spell preparations.

10:03 PM

After a while, he starts to look through the notes in the library, impressed with Reza's work, and looking for a formula he could start to work on on his own.

10:04 PM

(If you have something custom you wanted to introduce I'm down for that, otherwise I can make a selection from the book?)

(Yeah if you're wanting to research a blueprint you can pick something from the book. Someone like Grupp or Reza could also teach you blueprints they know that wouldn't use your research month, but you wouldn't get the occult lore that comes with doing it yourself)

(Right on. I'll do a Biostasis Seal to have something to play with now then, and a Slipsheath to have something to work on longer term.)

10:15 PM

(Sorry for the cluster Neko, that was my bad.)

(all good. We can do the seal. Since the device basically stores plot points i dont want to make it widespread)

Dr. Truffles pulls up the plans for the Biostasis Seal and lays out the materials. Using the prayer wheel as a meditative focus, he begins to inscribe the runes on the base material. (edited)

( I don't believe there is a roll involved here, I think it just happens)

(Oh, ok, I think I misunderstood the book then. Sorry

)

7:57 AM

Dr. Truffles admires his handy work and pats the prayer wheel before putting both devices away. He goes to the library and spends some time looking for any information on Lazarus Patches, especially any planets where they might have been produced or corps that would have made them.

(If you are making your own formula and not copying one from one of Grupp's books then it would need a roll. Know Magic/Int vs the creation DC. Would also need to spend credits equal to the amount listed for the item) (edited)

9:14 AM

(If you are making a biostasis seal, you will need to do a know magic/int roll vs the DC. No need to do a heat check since it is a single use item)

(Right on, 9 against DC 8.)

A message appears on the terminal as you’re working. The shepherd left in the shamans village is reporting an attack. Alien raiders have caused damage to the sanctum and were driven off after a skirmish. A few bodies have been left behind , and several piggen of the shamanic guard are dead.

10:21 AM

A live prisoner has also been taken

"Tarnation! Karst, Coccolith, Feldspar, we gotta go! Glad I invested in that Spike-4 drive." Dr. Truffles responds to the message that they're on their way, transfers his research to his datapad, gathers his crew, turns the key on the teleporter, and hoofs it back to the Nana Lichen, triggering the power systems on the ship as soon as he's in range. "Get the ship ready for launch y'all, I'm gonna lay in the coordinates for Shalini."

10:28 AM

(I'm assuming they sent some sort of image and these are the same weird aliens that attacked Chloe?)

(Correct sir)

(In the excitement of this morning I forgot to ask, does building the biostasis seal count as completing my "Build the arcanotech device found in Grupp's books." goal since flavor-wise I was working in the library or did you have in mind for that me building an original recipe that I found from his resarch materials?)

(It counts for what I’m concerned with )

1

(Awesome!)

(6 days of downtime as we race across unw space to get there from gudrun)

(Program 25/90)

9:09 AM

Dr. Truffles spends the trip nervously pacing, checking and rechecking the data on his computer.

Arriving at Shalini, the ship makes orbit over the Shaman's village and a landing craft is prepared for you

Dr. Truffles goes to see the main shaman. "Is everyone alright? Do folks need medical attention?"

"We have some wounded, not many, but some. The enclosure for the shepherd has also taken some damage, some kind of thermobaric energy weapon"

"I reckon I'll take care of the wounded first, then take scans of those weapon strikes. When the guildmaster's folks have a chance to assess the damage I'll make sure he's compensated for the extra work."

3:00 PM

Dr. Truffles pauses before going to see the wounded. "And Minister, y'all did really well getting one of them alive. These suckers have been hitting worlds all over the sector, and we'll be able to get invaluable information now. I should have protected you better. It'll be different from now on, I already have our planetary defense fleet at work in the Trivedi shipyards, and I'm going to pour all my resources into building up planetary defenses."

"Nobody blames you, and with some of the advancements you've already brought us we were able to contain the worst of the raid"

"All the same, you chose me as your governor, and way I see it, that means ultimate responsibility for y'all's safety is mine. I just want y'all to feel safe here, and not feel like stepping out into the galaxy is gonna endanger y'all."

“We do habe the prisoner. If you’re ready he can be spoken with

Dr. Truffles nods. "I reckon so. Lead me on to them."

(The art of how they look is in the bergada raid channel) The creature is hunched and bloodied from the fighting and from the beatings given out by the shamans guards later on. They’ve vented their frustrations a few times it seems, but the emissary of the ratchk warshard has endured it

1:06 PM

He chuckles to himself as the cell door opens

"Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. I'm the governor of this planet. I'd apologize for my guards, but I reckon your lot did kill a few of their friends. Can I get you anything to make you more comfortable while we shoot the breeze."

(Should I do the Shalini build stuff here, in the RCOE channel, or in the UNW channel?)

(We can do UNW channel)

1

(Spells prepared for day 1 of the Yauvani Campaign: 1 Personal Shielding Field, 1 Void Slip, 1 Blindside Skip.)

(Bump, but also I'm getting a lot of love right now between the group mission and two meetings, so if you want to put this off we can.)

(Yeah I was gonna hold it until the groups are over. Keeping them coherent is most of my focus )

(Sounds good!)

(Level 7: HP from 18 to 19. Attack from +2 to +3. Stab from -1 to 0 using 2 skill points. Cast Magic from 0 to 1 using 2 skill points. 1 skill point still remaining from last level. Focus pick Piggen Shamanic Inventor.)

(Alright if I narrate an unsuccessful interrogation since Billy found them already?)

)that’s fine. I forgot all about that

(You good, I'll write it up when I get back from walking the pupper.)

Dr. Truffles spends several days trying unsuccessfully to coax the Rachk into speaking. Unwilling to go to any aggressive means of questioning, he doesn't have much success with the surly spacefarer. When it comes time to leave for Yauvani, he turns him back over the the guards with instructions that he should be eventually transferred back to Gudrun.

10:09 AM

(Spells prepared, and Program at 37/90 from downtime in #reza.)

10:10 AM

(Could I have had the guild install some sanctum stuff in my FM while I was doing Ghoul King things?)

(If it has room for it. Some of the sanctum fittings take up mass/power

5:11 PM

(Or just available tonnage)

(Yep, I left the available tonnage for it.)

(Having the guild install Basic Arcanotech Laboratory, Research Laboratory, and Basic Spell Design Facility to the Nana Lichen using 75 of 80 available tonnes.) (edited)

(Build approved for Shepherd's Plenty in #shipyard-updates, deducting 15,500,000 credits.)

(Forming the Shalini 1st Home Guard, equipping 10,000 piggen with a Laser Rifle and Combat Field Uniform, making it a 10,000 troop Division with Strength 2 at a cost of 13,000,000 credits.)

To: Monadnock, Defense Minister of Shalini and Grand Master of the Order of the Sunburst
From: Dr. Truffles, Governor of Shalini

Grand Master,

I hope you are well. In light of our recent security issues, I would like to bolster the Order of the Sunburst so you can better support and train our nascent home guard. Enclosed are funds to equip 140 additional piggen-at-arms, and to purchase more supporting vehicles.

Best regards,
Dr. Truffles

10:45 AM

(Spending 884,600 credits to buy 140 Laser Rifes and Combat Field Uniforms, as well as 6 Sunburst Transport Trucks and 1 Sunburst Support Truck.)

10:50 AM

(The Order of the Sunburst should now have enough piggen and vehicles to qualify as an Armor Batallion.)

(they sure do, one of these days we need to go back and see the changes firsthand)

(I'm excited to drop them on some bad guys

)

(Purchasing cyberware. Tertiary Arm - (5,000) - 2 Strain. Holdout Cavity - (10,000) - 1 Strain. Total - (15,000) - 3 Strain - 3 Days of Recovery.) (edited)

(only 3 days for you. 1 day per strain. I had 5 because I was removing cyberware)

(Oooh, ok.)

(so you could use 2 days for downtime activities

(Edited.)

9:46 AM

(Program 39/90 from 2 days of downtime.)

(Program 48/90 from 9 days of downtime in #reza.)

(Y4M6 Research: Task - Scribe Formula Piggen Shamanic Infusion INT / Know Magic DC 10, Success (10 vs 10), 2/0 Enlightenment Points gained, 5,000 credits deducted.)

8:42 AM

(I'm not sure where we came down on the infusion that goes with my new focus costing OL or not so it's 2 EP gained if we went with the 5 OL and 0 otherwise.)

(Program 59/90 from 11 days of downtime in #reza.)

(I meant to mention, I don't want to take a salary for the Shalini governorship, I want the money to stay with the piggen there.)

To: Monadnock, Defense Minister of Shalini and Grand Master of the Order of the Sunburst
From: Dr. Truffles, Governor of Shalini

Grand Master,

I have received word from the Trivedi shipyards that the beginnings of our planetary defense fleet have been completed and are inbound to Shalini. I am remanding them to your command, and requesting an instructor from Delphos to facilitate training of crew. Let me know if there are any issues. When I return to Shalini we will meet to discuss how best to utilize our remaining defense budget.

Best regards,
Dr. Truffles

8:59 AM

(With the PBs and Fighters done does that take care of my goal for four ships for the Shalini defense fleet?)

(yessir)

3

(Level 8. HP to 20 from 19. Attack from 2 to 3 for real, messed up and did that last time, was wrong about which way it rounded. Know Magic from 2 to 3 using 4 skill points. 1 skill point remaining from last level.)

2

(Program 70/90 from 11 days of downtime in #reza.)

(Y4M7 Research: Task - Dangerous Artificing and Scribing, INT / Know Magic + 2 for Lab DC 12, Success (13 vs 12), 32 Research Points gained, 16000 credits deducted.)

(Spells prepared for #deleted-channel.)

(Goal completed to help with an RCOE faction endeavor.)

(Agreed)

(Checking goals "Assist Reza with his investigation the Conjunction" and "Find and help uplift another population of Piggen" since the Prometheus Projects started running last month.)

(done and done)

3

(I want to head back to Shalini to check on things there, with a quick pit stop on Gudrun to pick up The Shepherds' Plenty and drop off the Nana Lichen for a refit.)

(Works for me, let’s get to it!) (edited)

5:11 PM

The ship makes way to Shalini where uplift efforts are underway, and the piggen are slowly adapting to the changed. Dozens of organizations are present here , working hard under a combined assistance force to bring enlightenment, security and stability

Dr. Truffles nods as he reads over the progress reports. Thanking the dock crew that flew The Shepherds' Plenty, he arranges transport for them back to Gudrun, and makes plans for the recruitment of locals to serve as the ship's permanent crew. As he boards the cargo shuttle to head down, he sends messages to his three ministers asking them to meet him at the sanctum near the knighthold. When the three walk in, Dr. Truffles smiles broadly at them. "Grand Master Monadnock, Guildmaster Gorge, Shaman Kopje, good to see y'all. I apologize for my extended absence, there were things needing to get taken care of in my other capacities with the UNW." Dr. Truffles begins to cackle before looking embarrassed. "Sorry, something happened during a ritual while I was traveling, I ain't right in the head right now I don't think. Reckon I'll leave the speeches to the three of y'all for a while."

8:36 PM

Dr. Truffles takes a breath and continues. "I brought a new ship with me what should help with the uplift. Gorge, I'm leaving this one under your command as economics minister, it's got a whole bunch of production facilities on it. I'll provide you with the credits to get it all crewed up and whatnot. Kopje, I'm working on it's more research oriented twin, and that one'll be under your command when it's ready. Monadnock, that leaves you with the defense fleet."

8:37 PM

Dr. Truffles looks hopefully at them now that the business is done. "I was hoping to stay and help out for a bit, how are things going?"

8:39 PM

(Definitely want to help out with whatever they've been dealing with, and I'd also been thinking for a while about working on a special trade good now that we've got a production center? Maybe something food-based because piggen. Not really sure what that would entail.)

8:39 PM

(Also would 8 days of downtime be a correct count? 78/90 program if so. And I'll get the refit of the Nana Lichen done tomorrow, it's been kind of an insane day.)

(I think a mission to get that set up would be good , be it organizing a farming collective, surveying for a unique resource. Ect.

9:55 AM

(Some aspect of the production of it requires a mission)

(That sounds great. I was thinking something along the same lines, like getting a signature ingredient either by setting up the collection/production or securing an area for harvest or something.)

(Also, paying 1,185,835 credits for crew and maintenance of The Shepherd's Plenty through Y4M12. Now that I have it delivered and it's helping out with the uplift, does that complete the goal "Crew a starship with predominantly uplifted species, with a mission to uplift others"? And paying 23,050 credits for another month of crew and maintenance on the Nana Lichen so they're both paid up through the end of the year, and I think I'm going to hold off on a refit, need 1 more pretech component for the eternal reactor.)

(sounds good to me, want to circle an area on Shalini and we can go off?)

(Let's see what the Fishers are up to. That goal puts me at level 9, so I'll process that and mark my prepared spells.)

(Level 9. HP to 29 from 20. Fix from 3 to 4 using 5 skill points. Learned spells Gravitic Control Rubric and Quantum Jamming Field.)

2:24 PM

(Spells prepared: Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Ghost Field Emission *1, Aversive Impulse Projection * 1, Gravitic Control Rubric *1.)

(Bump, but if you need more prep time totally understandable, I know you were doing IRL stuff this weekend.)

The fishers are doing what they do best, fishing and trying to sustain the populations on the mainland that depend on them for food. A host of small and colorfully sailed fishing boats have been set adrift with nets deep in the sea. Large smokehouses built near the beach send gentle plumes of smoke skyward as the seas bounty is preserved for others to eat someday

Dr. Truffles disembarks the shuttle and goes to find the chief, greeting them warmly. "Howdy, good to see you again. I wanted to come on down and see how y'all were adjusting to the uplift, and if there's anything I can help y'all with. I've also been thinking about unique exports for the planet, so I wanted to see what y'all might need to scale up production. Y'all's fishes is downright delicious, and if it's good enough for a piggen it's good enough for a terran." Dr. Truffles bursts out laughing, chokes it back, and looks down bashfully.

"Having enough trouble feeding the world, now you're asking for the galaxy" The village alderman asks, with some mild disgust in his voice. "You going to help us chase the schools when we over fish? Or you just going to move on to the next planet and ocean while we starve"\

Dr. Truffles waves his hands apologetically. "Only if it's feasible, and we want to do it sustainably sure as I'm alive. That's why I wanted to talk with you. Get your expertise on the matter. Is it something y'all could do if I provided the support?"

"Fish farms are a lot of care. A lot of work to maintain. Whole village is going to need to be in on this. Probably more Piggen than that even"

Dr. Truffles nods. "You'll have all the money you need to both hire folks and build out the village. What about keeping the fisheries sustainable? Would it require going further out off the coast? If so, reckon I can have some grav-lifted fishing boats produced for you."

"The idea is not to deplete whats in the water, but farm them closer to shore"

Dr. Truffles snaps his fingers and smacks the side of his head. "Course! Aquaculture. That should be downright doable. Reckon I can have the materials brought in, you got an area in mind where we can get stuff set up?"

9:25 PM

(I assumed he meant setting up enclosed fish farms but if I misunderstood let me know.)

(You got it right )

10:59 PM

“Off shore. Just beyond the shallows so they have room to grow. That’s how I’d do it if it was going to happen”

Dr. Truffles nods. "You reckon I could borrow some experienced fisherpiggen to head on out there and scope it out?"

"Is five enough? I can spare a crew for the day if you want to get an idea of the waters, maybe see how a normal boat operates and how the fish behave"

"That should work nicely Alderman. Thank you kindly for your help and advice."

A small dinghy is pressed into your service with a gruff looking Piggen crew aboard. Theyre a hard working subset of Piggen, and seem chafed at needing to head back out today, but it comes from the top, and you are the world governor

Dr. Truffles greets them and thanks them profusely, trying to keep the inappropriate chuckling to a minimum. He sets up his survey scanner and bioscanner on the deck, and signals to the captain that he's ready to leave. "Thank y'all again. Where we headed today?"

“Heading out to the deep cove out in the middle of the bay. Island there with a cave system and the fish seem to like the shelter there”

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly. "Gonna do a little geology then! Sounds right dandy. Y'all explored this cave system much?"

"Only the first 200 meters or so. We never beached at the rock-beach inside. Too dangerous. If the tide comes in and you're ashore, you'd drown"

(Could I send up to one of my ships for vaccsuits to explore it in?)

(Sure we could)

Dr. Truffles sends up to The Shepherds' Plenty for vaccsuits and puts it on when the shuttle arrives with it. "Reckon these should help explore on down there, I'll head on down first and scope things out for y'all, reckon this should be an exciting bit of exploration."

11:31 AM

Dr. Truffles heads towards the opening of the cave system.

(exert/con)

(7)

You don the suit and splash into the water, and are sucked down in some kind of undertow current. You can see now why the Piggen fishermen were so afraid. Your vac suit provides you one advantage all the would be divers never had down here- air, and six hours of it right now to gradually rise out of the rip current. It takes close to an hour of alternating between suspended floating, and cutting your way forward in powerful strokes. The exertion and extra air use has you down to 3 hours of usable air. The cove around you is a stone beach leading up to natural caves cut by the tides over millions of years of planetary formation and tidal force. Their walls and floor shimmer under your headlamp with encrusted salt

Dr. Truffles radios out to tell them he made it through safely, and begins to explore the cave where he surfaced.

8:30 AM

(you'd be on the southern shorE)

8:31 AM

A short swim across the glittering waters has you deposited onto an island, made of greenery with a small structure built on it. The home looks empty now, like it has been for some time, and small growths of crystal sprout from the soil like budding mushrooms

Dr. Truffles takes a moment to scan the growths of crystal with his survey scanner.

The crystals project a faint energy, but its not one that appears on the bandwith the scanner has

Dr. Truffles will take a sample of the crystal to examine in the sanctum and then head into the small structure.

The door is thick and chained. It opens a sliver and you can see inside a house that reminds you of a shamans abode. Everything you can see is very neatly tucked away and clean.

The runes on Dr. Truffles's third arm glow as he disappears and reappears inside of the house. (Casting Void Slip)

You appear in the orderly kitchen, seeing the same lack of mess from the other side

(Does it look clean in the sense of someone is actively living here or clean in the sense of someone put everything away nicely in anticipation of being gone for a while?)

9:01 AM

Dr. Truffles looks around for any clues about who's house he might be in.

(Nicely in anticipating of being gone for a very long time)

(Could I get a vibe based on how much dust accumulation or something like that of how long it's been empty? Not super specific, like weeks or months or years?)

It’s been years since anyone has been here

Dr. Truffles begins to rummage around, looking specifically for any books or arcane equipment.

2:52 PM

(Finally found a good one for the interior)

(Is 1 the kitchen? If so I'll check out 2.

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 1/17/2021 5:00 PM

(Yes it is)

10:50 PM

2 is a small study room and tea room set off from the kitchen. A smaller hearth is in here along with thousands of small pouches for various teas the shamans used for health and their powers of vision

Dr. Truffles will collect several of the pouches for later research, and examine the tea set. (Curious if it's a ritual item or something like that.)

The tea set seems well made and like it was created reverently. It’s either a very thoughtful gift or something used for ritual purposes

Dr. Truffles hesitates for a second. Reckon no one's been here in a long time, and I'd like to study this. Can always bring it back if we find the folks who lived here. He stows the tea set and moves to the next room. (Back through 1 to room 3.)

3 is a lounge and meditation room looking west out to a small reflecting pond where life in the tidal pools would have gathered. There is a school of brightly colored fish in there now along with a few crabs and something like a burrowing eel

Dr. Truffles marvels at the thriving pond, and takes a sample of the water. Must be some darn cool plankton and such in here that can live in the cave that the fish are feeding on. If we're gonna adapt this place for aquaculture, we'll need something like that.

7:26 PM

(Now that I've seen some of the interior and stuff, am I getting a typical Shalini vibe from this place, TL2 and similar construction and amenities, like it was the house of a native hermit, or more of a higher tech, offworlder shaman here to observe sort of thing?)

(Shalini inspired, but some of the trappings would have been from a background with a higher tech level. Nice things, but I would say probably too nice for now things are normally made here)

1

Dr. Truffles checks around the pool to see if its persistence was simply talented aquaculture or if there is some technological or magical element. (edited)

The design simply seems to be made from talent alone- which is about as impressive

8:01 AM

When the tide comes in these creatures will have a chance to escape into the wider cove, but the flood level doesnt seem to go much beyond the borders of the pond

Dr. Truffles marvels at the design and then heads to the building's other inner courtyard. (Assuming 4 was where I came in, 5 if so.)

(yeah, 4 to 1, and then through the house_

10:51 AM

5 is a smooth planked dock that passes over the water, to a small shed where fishing gear, yard equipment, and a prayer rug are kept. The seals on the door seem to keep the water out, even at high tide

Dr. Truffles will examine the prayer rug more carefully, and poke around inside a bit to see if there is any hidden storage for papers or books of some kind. (Basically just checking if this is the "vault" part of the sanctum since it's water tight.)

You find something of a hatch set into the wall behind some fishing equipment. It lacks a keypad, but the tow rope tied through it unquestioningly marks it out as a door

Dr. Truffles checks around the hatch for any sign of mechanical security or magical locking or security mechanism.

(know magic/ int or wis)

(12)

There is a security ward keeping the hatch secure. You can open it, but there is probably a nasty surprise on the other side

(Any way I could mess with the runes to disrupt it, or does it not cover part to where maybe I could cut out the center of the door?)

4:22 PM

(Also, can I tell from my roll if triggering it would destroy what's inside?) (edited)

Triggering it would destroy what’s inside, and the rune could be dispelled through the right process

(Is it something I could do here with time and knowledge of magic or would I need to go acquire an engram with a specific spell?) (edited)

(Youd have to find the grimore or engram for it which is probably on the grounds somewhere)

After examining the door, Dr. Truffles returns to the study and tea room, checking under the cabinets and shelves for any spellcasting aids, as well as feeling the tea bags to ensure they are all actually tea and not hiding something else.

The final case of tea "Celestial Sleepy Time Manic-Pixie Dream Curl" is far heavier than a case of tea should be

3

Dr. Truffles gingerly removes it from its hook, opening it to see what's inside.

There is a small lead ball bearing with inscriptions carved over its surface. It looks to be uncharged but you’re reminded of the Empty faces of your prayer wheel

8:55 AM

Before they received their arcane charge

(Can I tell from the inscriptions whether it's something that's meant to "pull" the charge out of the door, or if it's some work I need to do to charge it to use as a key?)

(Pulls the charge from the door)

9:18 AM

(I communicated it poorly)

(No you were good just wanted to double check.)

9:31 AM

Dr. Truffles returns to the shed, takes a deep breath, and touches the ball to the door.

The charge moves from the door and into the small ball bearing. It’s scrimshaw like carvings glow gently with a yellow energy

Dr. Truffles laughed uproariously and pockets the ball. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he opens the hatch.

Two occult components are sealed up in the small compartment here along with some papers that would allow you a greater understanding of occult lore

Dr. Truffles examines the components to see if he can determine their use, or if it will require study of the papers.

(Theyre just occult pieces for archeotech and occult lore to make your own projects easier)

(Ahh, ok, gotcha.)

6:48 AM

Dr. Truffles puts everything in his holdout cavity, and then leaves a note in case the owner returns, telling them I borrowed materials for study and if they arrive before I put them back to come collect them at one of the sanctums.

6:49 AM

(Did I come with the current all the way in here?)

(yes, but with a bit of a wait it would come back in and pull you back out)

Dr. Truffles will take readings with his survey scanner until the tide comes back in, then gets in the water and makes for the exit.

(6xp, 10000 credits)

Dr. Truffles surfaces and goes back to the fishing boat. "Got ourselves quite a cave system under there, I reckon it could work out alright for aquaculture. Found this house in an area of the cave where it looked like a shaman had been living. You ever meet anyone at this island?"

"No, used to be an old witch doctor lived out ther,e back when my gransow was alive, said you could hear her laughing sometimes on shore when the weather was clear

Dr. Truffles chokes down a giggle. "Know the feeling. I was able to collect some of her materials for study. She also had a downright incredible pond. All sorts of fish surviving without the sun. Reckon we could adapt some of her methods for this here project."

(Also, now that I'm back at my computer, gransow is genius and can we retcon the name of my ship

)

1

(yes of course!)

2:24 PM

"You're probably the only one to see the place since my Gransow's time. Think you could copy what you saw? or show us what to do?"\

"Certainly could. We'll get y'all the readout from my survey scanner, and I got a sample of the water we can analyze back at the sanctum to see what plankton and whatnot those fish was eating."

2:27 PM

(Would the tunnels have been big enough to accommodate a custom harvesting vehicle?)

(Like a submarine?)

(Yeah.)

(probably something groundcar sized)

8:22 PM

(which EoB says you can use as a boat or microsub thing)

(Awesome!)

8:23 PM

"Reckon we can spec out some special vehicles too so y'all can get in there and tend and harvest all safe like."

"Which brings us back to the issue of trying to keep the numbers where they are, or growing"

8:16 AM

"Getting them is only half of the operation"

(I may have misunderstood, I thought I was scouting the caves for room to grow through aquaculture?)

(Yeah we're set, he was basically just saying they've got some work to do) (edited)

(Ahh, ok, right on.)

12:32 PM

(So would a new production center with next month's build finish that up?)

(Yessir!)

12:46 PM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

Nekosmash

(6xp, 10000 credits)

(You got me yesterday ❤️)

12:48 PM

(May I humbly suggest "Shalini Smoked Salmon" for an alliterative product name?)

12:49 PM

Dr. Truffles bids farewell to the fisherpiggen who took him out and the head piggen of the village. After a short flight back to the sanctum near the knighthold, he retreats to his office to examine the papers he got from the house, looking for anything that might identify the origin of the shaman from the cave.

(Bump

)

The shaman was a female Piggen true to rumors. You can smell the calm scent , faded with the passage of time but still present in the pages. The Piggen have not always been understanding toward their wise people , and especially in the days where there were more of them. What you can make out describes a night of pogrom. Shaman ripped from their beds, their studies destroyed, their books burned, their shoulders taking the blame for the technological regression, years of poor harvests, and the cracks of what would later become the sundering of unity and the creation of the two opposing major power blocks on this planet

12:22 PM

One of only a few to escape she went to the most remote place she could find, and the last entry states that she felt age in her bones, and a slowness in her mind that she knew was unlike her.

12:23 PM

She was not sure if anyone would find her home, but even in her advanced age she tidied one last time, in case of guests, and wrote a short farewell to any would be shaman who was able to harness magic and find these logs

12:23 PM

She is resting comfortably at the bottom of that tidal cave now, her bones giving life to the planet that once hosted hers (edited)

Dr. Truffles wipes away a tear and calls one of the young shaman assisting him into his office. "Reckon we'll take this letter on back to her house and set up a little shrine. Get a few more subs to take folks for a little museum. We'll make it a nice little memorial of what y'all's ancestors did for the people of this planet, and a nice little ecological and magical learning center for folks to go to."

“I think if she were alive today she would be happy to see what you’re doing, Governor”

Dr. Truffles looks down at his desk. "Reckon we're all just doing our best. A week before I got here I just had a little engineering lab on Gudrun, tinkered and fixed stuff for folks around town. But we're all just out here trying to do our best for folks after the Scream."

There is little else to say when confronted with the enormity of such a read, and your crew- and the locals return to their new slews of tasks, and await fresh orders

(So new goal to discover more about Shalini before it's decline for sure, I also have visiting Art and the Children on my goal list. I wanted to get in on the end of the Ghoul King but not sure how long that's going to be and what I have time for before it starts.)

(Theta and Stev are cleaning up the last bit of resisting on Yauvani right now, but a second group getting together to clear out the last of the strongholds would let us move on)

(That sounds good, I'd like to pit stop at Gudrun first to get a drone control implant since I'll have Program-0 before too much more downtime is up.)

(I guess should I check in #ooc or #deleted-channel too and see if anyone wants to come with?)

(We can do looking for party so it is less likely to get buried)

After catching up on his paperwork, Dr. Truffles boards the Gransow Lichen and sets course for Gudrun (6 days downtime if I can go by the black hole, 7 otherwise, Program at 84/90 or 85/90 respectively). Upon landing, he makes an appointment at the local cyberware clinic, having a Drone Control Link, a Ghost Talk Transceiver, Panspectral Optics, and Gecko Anchors installed (65,000 credits and 4 strain, 4 days of recovery). He spends a happy few days of recovery visiting with his parents and his dog, and eating many hardy piggen meals. After a morning of working out his new mods, accidentally denting the roof as he climbs over it, he heads to the Nova Academy and asks to speak with Crane.

(you can use the black hole now since there's a project there)

10:48 AM

Crane is scrubbing up from a long medical procedure, and you can see on the guest book Valentina Spiros is still on the premises.

Dr. Truffles smiles at Crane in greeting. "Howdy, I was, uh, wondering how one goes about applying for associate membership to the academy. I reckon I couldn't work for y'all full time, I got my duties on Shalini and with RCOE, but I'm finding myself more and more in need of resources y'all have, and I reckon I'm getting good enough at this shamanistic stuff to where I could maybe contribute some too."

"Your interest alone simply seals the discussion. There is some paperwork, just to ensure the Central Bank is aware of our relationship, and that any credit transfers are lawful given the sums we work with, but there are no barriers to entry. "

Dr. Truffles nods and follows Crane to fill out the paperwork. After he's done, he goes to find Valentina.

(just gotta see how her thread wraps up and ill tag her)

(Sounds good!)

as surgery finishes and Amborse is settled @Valentina Spiros [Ythal] gets a message on her pad that Dr. Truffles is here, wishing to re-connect

Dr. Truffles wanders through the halls, finding Valentine outside the room. "Howdy, how're you doing? It's been since the bridge of the Vox before we went on down to Yauvani."

"Ah, Dr, It has indeed been a while. I've been very well thank you. From what I've heard, your time on Yauvani was as productive as mine, I must admit, I am hoping to head back there shortly to try and bring it to a smooth conclusion. How have you been?"

"Not so bad, traveled with Reza and Shaman Grupp for a while investigating the conjunction and then I was handling some business on Shalini, trying to get more production going and whatnot. I was also reckoning on heading on back to Yauvani soon, I think there are a few ghoul strongholds still holding out, and I'd like for the Protectorate to be able to safely land humanitarian aid."

"Yes, I was hoping to get a team over Shalini to give you a hand with the Prometheus Project, from what I've read it seems fascinating and you seem to be making good progress! Did you learn much from the conjunction?"

Dr. Truffles smiles. "You're welcome anytime. If you're needing some assistance interfacing with the local guilds, just let me know. The conjunction was downright fascinating. Me, Reza, Shaman Grupp, and Venser were able to direct a bunch of the energy to reform a world for the Zadak. Weren't able to save Aliah though. I reckon we'll be studying it's outcomes for years."

Val pauses for a moment, "That's unfortunate, although lets hope something positive can be learnt from it in the coming years, as for forming a whole new world, that is a feat in itself... I hope Reza and Venser are well, I enjoyed working with them on Yauvani... Regardless, if you wish to travel to Yauvani with us, then the company would be appreciated as ever, and I hope to meet up with the Knights of Draconis, alongside a small mercenary force belonging to the Aphroditan Guild. Have you any preparations you need to make, or will you be setting out shortly?" (edited)

"Venser and Reza are both doing well last I saw em. Reza was heading off with Shaman Grupp and Venser's working on some super secret business undercover with a couple other UNW operatives. Last we heard from em they're all safe and sound though." "I reckon I'm all good to go to Yauvani. Got my cyberware installed, visited my folks, and filled out paperwork for Crane. That was all I came out this way to take care of. I can meet y'all in orbit with my ship?"

"It sounds tremendously interesting and secretive and yes, I'll get the Phobos and head up to meet you in orbit, and we can rendezvous with the Hymenaeon, Eros and Anteros in orbit around Yauvani, see you up there!"

Dr. Truffles bids farewell to the members of the academy, entering orbit on the Gransow Lichen and laying in the coordinates for Yauvani.

(Did you guys want a group thread, or we can enter the stev/theta one as latecomers to their assault )

(Teucer mentioned possibly joining us, so a group thread may be nice, also I'll write up a copy of the Merc group AGET will be bringing over, but that'll probably be tomorrow as it's coming up on 2am, and I should sleep!)

(Whatever makes it easiest on you!)

(Right now, Theta and Stev are assaulting one of the forts, so we can either back them up, or we can attack a different one in the same region)

(I'd say a different one so we can stabilize Yauvani quicker to free coalition forces up to attack Urreturre.)

(Sounds good to me!)

(Trying to calculate downtime, would we have flown through the space at Urreturre?)

(Dear gods no, don't fly through Urreturre, they have lots of very deathy satellites!)

(That's what I figured, wasn't sure how close we had to get to a planet to use the gravity well of the solar system to spike.)

1:28 PM

(I think that's 9 then? Gudrun -> Tsatsos -> Terezinho -> Ianassa D41 -> Alcibiades -> Yauvani?) (edited)

(As long as all your ships have spike 3, then I also think that's the shortest?)

(Yeah, I only have my FM right now, my cruiser is more humanitarian focused and parked at Shalini.)

(you have to pass all the way through the solar system to get to the other side)

1:52 PM

(so being in it, is being in it)

1:53 PM

(9 is also correct, i just got on roll20 myself to check)

During the flight to Yauvani, Dr. Truffles spends a few days working with his new drone control implant, then another in his workshop building a stalker drone. He designs a sleek, round, matte grey UFO-looking grav-flyer with a robot arm holding a shear rifle and a grumpy face painted where the cock-pit would be on a person sized ship. He then spends a few days practicing some recipes he picked up from his parents on Gudrun.

3:10 PM

(6 days downtime into Program, 90/90. 1 day into building the drone. Full cost is 3100 credits paid as 62 spare parts. 2 days into Work, 2/90.)

3:11 PM

(The drone fittings are Weapon Fitting with a Shear Rifle, Ammo Unit, and Observation Suite. It has a cool little backpack mount where it can just shoot up off his back if that's ok.)

3:15 PM

(Spells prepared for #deleted-channel : Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Ghost Field Emission * 1, Aversive Impulse Projection * 1, Quantum Jamming Field * 1.)

3:18 PM

(Goal complete for "Build a Stalker Drone for recon and personal defense"?)

(Yes goal done)

1

(Goal complete for "Develop a new (possibly food-based) trade good for Shalini to export" now that the production center is up and running?)

(Yes done)

1

(I think the next things on my to-do list if it's going to be a bit before we start the assault on Urreturre is checking out more ruins on Shalini and checking in with the Jademane to see if they need any help relocating now that they've had time to process a bit.)

(I think we are ready to move on the ghouls it’s just figuring out who’s going

7:28 PM

(And if it’s going to be a fleet thing with infiltrators or just some kinda sneaky run )

(Sounds good.)

(which did we want to do first?)

(Sorry, I read that as we were holding off until GK was done. Let's go to Shalini!)

Shalini has many ships in orbit now, each working on the uplifting projects below. Even with alll this work and capital, it will take years for the Piggen to rise to the same level as their stellar neighbors. Technology is starting to be looked at however as more science and less superstition.

Dr. Truffles smiles at the view out the porthole as he finishes the dish he was cooking and serves it to Karst, Coccolith, and Feldspar, and then moves to the cockpit and dials in coordinates for the sanctum at the shaman's village (6/90 to Work-0 from 4 days downtime if my calculations are right). (edited)

(indeed sir!)

11:51 AM

The sanctum and its staff are both present and finished - and are eager to begin personally serving the new world governor now that he has returned from fighting off world

Dr. Truffles smiles and greets the shaman when he lands, checking in on everyone's research. After the pleasantries, he goes to find the office of the oldest shaman and knocks on the door. "Howdy, mind if I holler at you for a minute?"

"Hollara way, Governor"

"When I was working on some stuff with the fisherpiggen, I found the home of an old shaman from way back when. What I found in there made it seem like shamanism were a lot more prevalent on Shalini in even the recent past. You're the most venerable of the shaman here, I was wondering if you got any memories from when you was a piglet, any places they was that I could try to explore and see if I can bring any of that back?"

Nekosmash

Two occult components are sealed up in the small compartment here along with some papers that would allow you a greater understanding of occult lore

(Did these give me a set amount of Occult Lore or are they something I need to spend a research month on to gain that?)

(They're the components you need to build a device, since they need lore and components generally)

(Ahh, ok, so would it work for like any device or is there a specific one I can use this month's research to look at?)

(Any device you want to make)

(Y4M9 Research: Task - Dangerous Artificing and Scribing, INT / Know Magic + 2 for Lab DC 12, Success (12 vs 12), 36 Research Points gained, 18000 credits deducted.)

)perfect)

11:16 AM

(I’ll check the surface map for ruins we haven’t explored)

(Sounds good!)

There are ruins to the north of this large island, about 50km from here, where the shaman used to live in larger numbers and in better days. The city is destroyed now, but you might be able to pull something valuable from the ruins that previous expeditions were unable to find. You would be surveying with better equipment and would not have to fear travel eating up mostof your supplies

Dr. Truffles nods and thanks the shaman for his time, and arranges for one of the flying ground trucks to take him to the ruins. (Spells prepared: Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Ghost Field Emission * 1, Aversive Impulse Projection * 1, Gravitic Control Rubric * 1.)

(I’ll post the ruins from the city kit when I’m back to a computer)

1

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 2/25/2021 6:52 AM

Dr. Truffles walks around the streets for a bit taking in the old-style construction, and looking for anything that might have been a central community area or work building.

The large building to the north of the park with a hole in its roof looks like the town hall, and probably the best place to begin your search

Dr. Truffles sets up outside and sends his drone in to survey the layout of the area.

The overhead map you're viewing is generating, it doesnt seem like there's anything living in the immediate area thats larger than a lope

Dr. Truffles follows the drone in and begins to search the main area.

(The layout of the house you wanted? I think I’m confused)

(Nah, just going in to explore the building and see what I can find. I was just sending the drone in first in case there was something nasty.)

Poking your head in, the drone is hovering in an abandoned parlor room, where the furnishings have all been destroyed. Not a single chair leg remains propping up another and the book cases have been ransacked- books have been split open and their pages have been left to be hosts for mushroom colonies on the ground. Some of them might have even been used to wipe nethers.

Dr. Truffles will check for any unsoiled books, and if there are any passages hidden behind the book cases.

(notice/wis)

(7)

There is a spot in the center of the main floor, under the incredibly filthy rug, where the floor sounds hollow

Dr. Truffles will feel around the edge of the panels and look for a catch to see if he can open it.

A metal ring flush with the door lid is set into the top and you’re able to pull it up exposing a deep root cellar

7:22 PM

There’s no sign anyone’s found it before when the village was ransacked

Dr. Truffles will gently pry the ring up to see if it's trapped in any way.

It doesn’t seem to be trapped, it’s concealment was the chief defensive feature

Dr. Truffles opens the door and peers down the hole.

There are preserved foods down in this level along with what looks like a few books

Dr. Truffles examines the content of the books, and checks the food containers to see if anything is hidden inside.

(I wish there was a taste check)

9:19 AM

The most perfect roasted peppers you’ve ever tasted are inside the jars. You could easily eat the entire one by yourself

9:19 AM

The books are written in some sort of ancient Piggen language and even with your training you’re having a hard time putting most of it together

(Haha, I was 100% working on Work for cooking. New piggen species trait, +1 to Notice and Survive checks involving taste?) Dr. Truffles puts as many of the books as he can in his holdout cavity and the rest in his backpack, along with the roasted red peppers. "Dang, they musta been good shaman, these peppers are downright magical." Dr. Truffles will exit and carefully replace the trap door. (Was this room the bulk of this building?)

(The main room was most of it

Dr. Truffles heads to the park in the center of town, looking for any sort of religious gathering area.

There is a small shrine that’s easy to make out. After all this time a natural gas flame still burns in an alcove there though the prayer parchment and coins are gone now

Dr. Truffles examines the shrine, checking to see if the mechanism that keeps the flame burning is mechanical or magical.

It seems like it’s mechanical, just a gradual release of natural gas from a pocket deep below the settlement

Dr. Truffles takes a few minutes to sketch the schematics on his datapad so that it can be recreated at the new sanctums. He checks around the shrine to see if there are any hidden caches or nooks that may have been missed in the looting.

There are a few niches in it with prayer cards and small charms nestled away. Although the vandals came here to put the shamanistic culture to ruin and force them to move away- it seemed none of the group wanted to tempt the gods, and thus this shrine was spared

(From what I know of Shalini's culture, would it be considered disrespectful to take these for the shrine / museum I'm setting up in the lady's house in the undersea cave?)

12:57 PM

(Or would it be seen as more proper to leave them and clean up this site more?)

(they're being installed into another place of worship so you'd be okay to take them)

Dr. Truffles carefully collects the prayer cards and charms and folds them into his backpack. He examines the other buildings around the town square. (Trying to figure out their purpose, houses, shops, etc.)

There is an obvious bakery here, and a blacksmith- there might have been a book binder on this row of stores, and the other buildings are too damaged to really be able to tell

Dr. Truffles will investigate the bakery first.

The hearth is intact and the cook tables and tools look to be in decent shape as well. Any food stocks or ingredients have been carried away by Raiders and scavengers or eaten by pests and other creatures that came to occupy the space after the fact

Dr. Truffles will compare the baking tools against the ones he has back on the ship, and search some of the cabinets, specifically looking for any cookbooks or recipe boxes.

They have some similar functions but are a more rustic and simple design, and usually are more solid or are in fewer pieces. There are a few books but they'll need to be restored- most of the pages are yellowed and stuck together

Dr. Truffles packs away the cooking gear and recipe books and moves on to the bookbinder.

The book binder has a ruined door that is jammed into position and won't open. A pile of singles is in a rotting heap outside the smashed window inside, though the glass remains jagged. you can see bugs have made their home in here, feasting on the rich paper and most of the machinery has not taken kindly to the elements

Dr. Truffles smashes the rest of the glass out of the window and climbs inside.

You scatter rodents and other pests before you as you enter the building. You are the first piggen to do so in many years. This building was especially hard hit by the mob and you can see that many of the books have had every single one of their pages ripped out or otherwise destroyed. ink stains set into the floorboards are reminders of where enormous piles of learning were destroyed because of nothing more than local superstition

Dr. Truffles shakes his head sadly. He looks around, checking for any archival stashes that may have been missed by the mob.

The press can probably be taken with you and restored but the mob was deliberate in their ruination and here at least they surveyed their target with thoroughness. Not a single book survived the massacre , and any that might have been overlooked would have been spared only to fall to ruin as they were exposed to the elements

Dr. Truffles moves the printing press out to the landing zone to be picked up by the grav truck when he leaves, and heads to the blacksmith.

A burned flyer nailed to the door is barely legible WARNING: THE INHABITANTS ARE RUNESMITHS AND ARE CONVINCED OF CONCERT WITH UNHOLY ELDRICH POWERS.

Dr. Truffles looks down at the runes on this third arm and grins with excitement, and checks around the door for any sort of warding.

There is a magical ward on the ground surrounding the entire building, along with some well baked in soot stains where some unlucky fop probably tried to cross

(I don't have any sort of dispel magic or anything, but is this something where I could study and disrupt it?)

(I would say so)

Dr. Truffles spends some time examining the wards, picking out a few to try to disrupt the barrier.

(cast or know magic/int)

(11)

finding a few places to probe where the ward is thinner, Dr. Truffles is able to break enough of the contiguous ward apart, allowing it to dispel

Dr. Truffles enters the blacksmith shop and looks around.

The shop is the best condition you’ve seen so far. The ward kept anyone too curious from getting into the place to sack it. Rusted swords , ten of them in total , are hung on an arming rack along with a suit of half plate that was never finished. The tempering barrel is empty and has nearly rotted away from the water that used to be inside. The forge is dusty and has not been used in a long time. The anvil needs replacement soon. A hairline fracture runs along the top. One say soon it will shatter.

Dr. Truffles examines the swords and armor for any sign of magical enchantment.

They would have been candidates for it if the smith had been around to finish the work. You can see etchings on the blades where planned enhancements would have been carved in and enchanted with the proper tools

10:01 PM

That day never came

Dr. Truffles records the etchings on his datapad for the archives, as well as the material composition of the blades. He searches around for caches of supplies or other esoterica.

The engraving tools are here in a complete set , and the chemical vials for acid etching probably have trace amounts of what was used still in them that you can extract and re create

Dr. Truffles takes molecular samples of the chemicals and puts the tools in his pack. Since this seems to be the most intact building, he'll look around for any sort of ledgers or books, something to give an idea of who lived in this town to find out who their families might be.

Under the counter a yellowed book that looks to be a business ledger is almost glued to the spot. Natural decomposition and unsuitable storage has weakened the volume and made it incredibly fragile.

(Does it look like I could leaf through one page at a time and scan it with my datapad without ruining it by trying to pry it up?)

(You could pry it up but leafing through the pages as it is right now is probably going to be what damages it)

Dr. Truffles attempts to carefully pry up the ledger to take it back for restoration. (edited)

There is a gentle suck, and hiss, but you're able to retrieve it

Dr. Truffles carefully puts the ledger away and moves back out into the street. (I'm guessing this mostly covers the inner ring around the courtyard on the map, and the outer ring is houses I can explore?)

(yep we can do the outer ring if you're enjoying it)

(Yeah, definitely!) Dr. Truffles moves from the inner ring of shops to the outer ring of houses, looking for any that are in better shape than the others.

The home at the southwest corner of the village seems to be nearly pristine, aside from a broken front window and a door that is hanging off its top hinge

Noticing the undisturbed state of the house, Dr. Truffles checks around the outside for magical booby traps.

You sense the non exploded windows have wards on them of some kind, and unlucky priors must have triggered the ones on the window, and door.

(Does it look like one use ones where I could safely enter through the door now?)

(Yeah you could now since other people exploded before you trying to do it )

Dr. Truffles grits his teeth nervously and steps over the threshold, exhaling audibly as he doesn't explode. Awful glad I read them runes right. He takes a look around the main area of the house.

The main area was in the middle of being evacuated when the attack must have come. The stairs lead upstairs and down in a spiral and the kitchen and main living area are also on this floor but the walls prevent Easy sight

Like any good piggen, Dr. Truffles heads first to the kitchen and begins to rummage in the cupboards.

1

(Sorry about that this Neber lot up for me

(You're good!)

The kitchen has dry goods in storage for later use. They’re all still very out of date but haven’t rotted

8:17 PM

Most of them are things still in use today though coarser and less refined

Dr. Truffles makes notes and takes samples with the bioscanner for the agricultural databases, and then moves into the living area.

A conversation pit in the middle of the floor is plush with now faded and dirt covered cushions. There were glasses left out from a night of either relaxing or entertaining- they are made of crystal- amethyst, it looks like.

Reckon I'll have to send a team from the new museum out here later for stuff ain't in danger of the elements, don't guess I can carry it all back with me in one go. Dr. Truffles records the scene and inventories the glasses and other artifacts before moving on to the upstairs.

At the threshold at the top of the stairs, your magical senses warm of a ward on the floor that was not previously triggered

Dr. Truffles will spend time disrupting the ward even if he's able to step over it. Reckon I gotta make the place safe for folks excavating and whatnot.

(Cast magic/wis)

(8)

Careful observation and channeling of energy into the ward in select places allows you to dispel it.

Dr. Truffles uses his study of the glyph to disrupt it, and continues into the upstairs rooms.

There are four bedrooms, a master bedroom, and something like a study on this floor- analyzing the glyph has shown similar ones near the forge- as though coming from the same practitionner

Dr. Truffles grins at his good fortune and a laugh escapes. He heads to the study and begins to look for any books, as well as hiding places where a shaman might stash their research objects.

There is a large glass spike on the desk that has “worlds okayest magical practitioner” on it. There is also a mahogany globe with gold leaf continents on it and dozens of ink stains marr a leather and felt blotter

I wonder if the museum curator'll let me keep the spike in my office on loan. Dr. Truffles collects the spike and the globe, admiring the handiwork. (Are the continents on the globe the same as exist now or were there any geological changes that accompanied the fall of the shaman and the scream?)

There is a small island continent in the middle sea, a few hundred kilometers around, that is no longer on present maps

(ARE YOU TAKING ME TO PIGLANTIS NEKO?!?!) Dr. Truffles excitedly notes the island continent in the middle of the map. Howdy doody that's exciting. Glad we got those subs built, reckon the shaman are gonna get a kick out of this. Dr. Truffles puts the globe away and heads towards the master bedroom.

(fuck yes we're going to Piglantis)

3

6:33 PM

A map of this lost continent is over the bed in a yellowed frame. It looks very delicate, barely held together in its wire and class holder

Dr. Truffles makes a high resolution full scan of the map with his datapad and begins to process and examine it. (Is it mostly geographic / topographic or is there information about the civilization?)

(just geographic. Basically just a blob on the map and here be pig dragons)

1

Dr. Truffles files the map away for later reference and moves to check the smaller bedrooms.

The smaller bedrooms were simply places to sleep from how it appears. They don’t seem to point to any other long lost piggen continents

2

Finishing his sweep of the upstairs, Dr. Truffles heads down to the basement.

The stairs heading down are long, wooden, and creak when you put your weight on them. There is no light down here, though you can see several large objects under sheets, hidden in the darkness

Dr. Truffles activates his Panspectral Optics, and looks around for any of the now familiar defensive runes before checking under the sheets.

Nothing exists in this room that can harm you. The one on the stairs seems like all they were able to manage.

8:55 AM

The sheets have models of submarines , creatures that were thought to live under the sea, and examples of metal hand weapons and shields that were thought to come from this lost continent. The work is a bit different than the more blocky and crude piggen artifacts Youre used to seeing.

Dr. Truffles will record everything on his datapad, and begin moving it all to the pickup location to be taken to the museum.

movers will need to come down here to get most of tihs, even with your tertiary arm, some of it is still heavy or weirdly shaped.

Dr. Truffles gets what he can and records everything else so the movers know where to look. He takes one more pass around the residential district of town to make sure he didn't miss any potential booby traps that innocent excavators could step into.

It seems like this are calm now. You’ve handled what you could and discovered what was possible

Dr. Truffles nearly skips back to the gravtruck, narrowly avoiding tripping as he sets work orders for curators from the shaman to come behind him.

2

(3xp, 5000 credits. We fixed the piggen write up with this stuff and then I think that brings us up to the ghoul mission)

1

(Sounds good. Are we too far in to that for me to level?)

(we can do that now before we get into anything major)

1

(Level 10. HP to 30 from 29. Attack bonus from +3 to +4. Know Magic from 3 to 4 using 5 skill points. Program from 0 to 1 using 2 skill points. New focus Arcanotech Specialist Level 1.) (edited)

1

(hot!)

(Dat double digit big boys club. Does this take care of my goal to find another ruin on Shalini too?)

(It does)

1:36 PM

(We'll do piglantis after the ghoul mission)

(Also changed that from Know to Know Magic I made a typo.)

1:36 PM

(

LANTIS)

(For 16 days of downtime from Urreturre to Acastus and the 7 days of downtime in #deleted-channel I'll put 1 day into building a second drone to the same specs as my first. Full cost is 3100 credits paid as 62 spare parts. The drone fittings are Weapon Fitting with a Shear Rifle, Ammo Unit, and Observation Suite. He's also a little UFO with a gun arm, and his name is Drouglas Drone. He'll join his brother Dronald Drone on Truff's back-rack, and I think that's going to about do me up with drone encumbrance. I'll also put 22 days of downtime towards Work, which is now at 28/90. Looking back over my thread, I don't think I ever did the downtime for Shalini -> Urreturre, so if it's ok that I do that now, I would have continued to practice my cooking, and put Work up at 32/90 for those 4 days of downtime.)

(Sounds good to me. Just again since I know you’re a latecomer the city is going to have ecm so if you end up landing later and mass combat hasn’t captured it you won’t have drones for a bit

(Righto, I'll make alternative plans when I prep my spells.)

(Forgot to post this earlier and it's probably going to become relevant now that we're landing. Spells prepared for #deleted-channel : Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Universal Translator Rubric * 1, Aversive Impulse Projection * 1, Gravitic Control Rubric * 1.)

(sounds good!)

(Forgot to ask, were the three targets I raided during the Ghoul King war enough to complete my "Ensure the Ghoul King's maltech is either destroyed or delivered safely to Headmaster Fate" goal?)

(yeah we're solid there)

(Wooo! That's 11. I'll get the level-up processed before we start PIGLANTIS.)

2

(Sounds good, i am ready!)

(Level 11. HP to 33 from 30. Cast Magic from 1 to 2 using 3 skill points. 1 skill point unspent. Learned spells Arcane Grounding and Kinetic Siphon.)

12:09 AM

(14 days of downtime from Acastus to Shalini, Work at 46/90.)

12:10 AM

(edited)

Dr. Truffles spends most of the flight from Acastus to Shalini preparing piggen dishes for Venser and their crews between spike jumps. When the Gransow Lichen and the Wildstar flick back into normal space in the Shalini gravity well, Dr. Truffles moves to rendezvous with the Secretorum. He basically yanks Reza onto the ship and into a hug, and then hurries him and Venser into his laboratory. He alternately chuckles and taps his hands on the table, and gives them a broad tusky smile. "Y'all ain't gonna believe this. I was investigating some old shamanic ruins last I was planetside. Guess what I found!"

Reza is in the middle of giving an interview to the ship's camera drone he has rugged up. He is talking about the intricacies of blending space-time magic with technology when the alert comes in that Truffles ship has entered the gravity well. He meets the doctor at the airlock before being dragged unceremoniously into his friend's ship, "Why wouldn't I believe that you were investigating old shamanic runes? I thought that's all you do here?" Reza says with a smile

Venser is almost sad to arrive at Shalini, very much enjoying the gentle spike trip and oh so excellent delicacies from Truff. However seeing the Secretorum in system when they arrive perks him right back up again. The good doctor's excitement is almost infectious, and Venser is buzzing with curiosity and wanderlust as they dash to his lab. "Quite! What did you find???"

Dr. Truffles laughs at Reza's jibe and waves his hands with the flourish of a nerd presenting his latest work and the map he found comes up on every screen in the room, as well as Reza and Venser's personal tablets. "Evidence of a lost continent! Chick full of magic I reckon! Been reading some of y'all's terran mythology and I'm tentatively calling it Piglantis!"

Venser stares at one of the maps, eyes wide, before chuckling hard at the name. "Truff, this is incredible! I've read the stories of Terra and the concept of a land fallen to the sea is certainly sound, but even with all the marvels of technology, we couldn't find it. This is... wow." He pats Dr. Truffles on the shoulder and gives him a warm smile, before thoughtfully scratching his stubble. "You think this place could offer some leads in your search for the original Piggen homeworld?"

Reza stares off into the corner and gives a wide-eyed 'wow' to no on in particular. Returning his attention to the table he mirrors Truffles excitement, "This is great buddy! Absolutely fantastic! I... wow... When are we going? You got a submarine?"

Dr. Truffles grins. "I ain't sure if it'll help us find the piggen homeworld or not, but I reckon it'll give us a window into some special piggen magic. I found these maps in an old town with some of the most incredible artificing." Dr. Truffles forwards the scans of the piggen rhuns he found to their tablets. "Reckon Venser has the sub covered, he was showing me a nifty lil toy he picked up while we were travelling over this way." (edited)

"Interesting... can't say I'm very well versed in what you call 'magic', but it's just another form of manipulating metaspace after all, and I'm always looking to learn more to further my studies. Maybe that's the next step!" At the mention of the sub, Venser reaches into his jacket pocket and pull out what looks to be a tiny model submarine and shows it to Reza. Hyper-realistic in design, but it looks more like it belongs in a toybox or on a keychain. (edited)

"OH! Well! Magic as you said is just another method of manipulating and controlling metadimensional energy! It just uses a different training methodology and interface theory for how the pathways are formed in your brain. Also a little safer in my opinion. There is no chance Truffles or I can ever torch ourselves. Clearly magic is superior..." He gives a wink to Venser and holds out his fist towards Truffles for a fist bump

Dr. Truffles returns the fist bump with his metal arm. "Also I sure do like flying, tried that for the first time on Rana. There's a saying in there I reckon..." "Like Reza said, it's all about different manipulation. I ain't even sure this is the same to what we use now adays. What I've seen is a whole lot more rhun-based, more about giving properties to objects and such."

Venser lifts a finger and Reza feels the force of a light fist bump on his hand as he winks back. "I actually have to agree with you there. I've torched before and it was... not fun." He laughs weakly. "Don't worry though it only lasted for about 3 or 4... years. But I've even been taught to do that safely now too! It just really really hurts, haha..." (edited)

12:54 PM

Quickly changing the subject he says, "So more like creating artefacts and imbuing them with magic? Well we certainly have the 'promise of treasure' aspect of Piglantis fulfilled." (edited)

Dr. Truffles smiles tuskily. "Ain't that the truth. Honestly though, I just wanna bring folks here a bit of their culture back. What I've seen the the ruins ain't like anything else in the Iron Stars, I think it'd really give piggen here pride and purpose. Shalini may not be caught up in technology and whatnot yet, but I reckon they'd like having something to bring to the table."

(seen, just not wanting to cut this off)

(Yeh just wanted to give Reza a chance to respond)

"Well? What are we waiting for then? Let's go sea 'splorin!"

“Absolutely! Piggen have such a rich culture and history, I’m sure we’ll find it in droves. Honoured to do this with ya buddy!”

Dr. Truffles smiles and then tentatively hugs them both again. "Reckon we can park the Gransow Lichen over the ocean then launch from there?"

Venser wiggles the tiny sub between his fingers. "Just give me a spot large enough to drop this baby in."

To: Dr. Truffles, Governor of Shalini 
From: Second Paragon and High Priestess of Ognyena Aksana Schuk

Governor of Shalini,

First of all, I don't know if you know already but our beloved Prophet and the first to bear the name of Paragon in our organization, Hedwig Wilhelmova Sakharov, fell during the battle of Rana. She faced the greatest evil and now resides at the side of our Goddess. Now, both of them watch and guide us, and give us strength to move on and bring the flame to everyone.

So for further correspondance, please refer to me. But bar in mind that I have big shoes to fill and while our First Paragon did prepare me for higher duties, I was not prepared to take over these duties just yet.

I know that she held your Project dearly, so we will continues as she did. After checking the documents I saw that she crossed out the parts where you offered to pay for those projects yourself and we just sent personel, but the First Paragon decided to pay for it all. So we keep that, I'd say. 

I am personally not too much into sports but will try to care for the Blessed Flames as she did, so "Goo, Flames, grill some Pork!" I hope that is not too inapropriate. I'd like the idea of the festival, to bring Ognyena's teaching to the people and to tell everyone from the great sacrifice of our Prophet. How Daitrij threw herself against the dangers to save us all. And gave her life for it.

May the flames guide your way,
Second Paragon and High Priestess of Ognyena, Aksana Schuk

3

(Aroogah! aroogah! dive dive dive!)

2

There is an inlet here, close to the coast, where there seems to be enough room to drop the submarine, for a short journey east, and underwater

Reza draws some shapes in the air and a crackling purple light begins emanating from the figures in the air. After a few seconds of chanting some words in Piggen, Reza muscles seem to grow more defined and he stands a little taller. He then gets ready to climb down into the submarine after it gets created, "Well what are you waiting for Venser? Throw it!" (Casting Manifest Aspect to get 18 STR, +10 temp HP [69 total. giggity], Immunity to Poisons and Toxins, and Intrinsic Immunity to a natural hostile environment [Underwater]. 1/2 L3 spells remain, 7/8 changes remain)

3

Dr. Truffles stares at him for a second and then turns to Venser. "Sometimes it ain't easy when you're looking at another species to figure what's supposed to be where. He just grew, right?" As Dr. Truffles says this the runes on his arms glow, causing a spasm of chuckles. A bubble expands to encircle him. (Casting Personal Shielding Field.) (And on that note, spells prepared for PIGLANTIS: Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Universal Translator Rubric * 1, Ghost Field Emission * 1, Arcane Grounding * 1.)

3

Venser leans over and whispers to Dr. Truffles, also staring at Reza 'Swollins'. "Is it bad if I don't know either? Maybe he just did a lot of push-ups on Rawhani..." Venser shakes the thought from his mind and tosses the submarine into the water, subtly influencing it's landing position with small bursts of telekinesis. As it breaks the water, he presses a button on his compad and the TL5+ fragment tech, bordering on incomprehensible magic, activates. Causing the entire thing to expand to life-sized in the blink of an eye, with a thump. There's a splash on either side of the inlet as a large amount of water is suddenly displaced, and the entire vessel bobs wildly before returning to a calm equilibrium. (edited)

10:13 AM

"Thanks Ande. Still looking out for me after all this time..." He thinks to himself and smiles, before floating down towards the hatch on top of the sub, encouraging Dr. Truffles to join him.

10:17 AM

(Statblock for reference)

Dr. Truffles gives a quick clap, slaps Reza on his swole back, and jumps in after Venser.

Reza jumps in the water and then swims over to the sub. Climbing in, he has to duck down a little as his herculean frame makes for a tight fit in the small submarine. He goes to the engineering output and monitors the engines as they dive their way down to Piglantis (edited)

Lights dim as everyone boards and the daylight from the outside is cut off as the hatches slam shut and pressurize. Computer systems are running diagnostics to ensure the time spent in storage has not caused any problems, and despite all this technological marvel has gone through in vensers pocket, it seems to have withstood the test of ages well

2

"Good to be back." Venser makes his way to the front of the ship to man the controls, but stops himself while the group is still gathered to ask something. "The sub has internal voice comms. I can also establish a telepathic unity between our minds so we can communicate and be fully aware of one another. What would we prefer?"

Reza stops and looks scared. He looks off into the corner before delivering a monologue to no one and everyone, "Shit... Do you think he will be able to see you if he is in my MIND?! Hmm... No... Should be fine... Don't worry, I'll still keep talking to you guys." Reza clicks on the comms, "Yeah... mind stuff sounds fine to me!" (edited)

Dr. Truffles sees Reza's aside and suppresses a chuckle himself. "Reckon mind is good. Sorry in advance if the hungry comes through. Speaking of, I made sandwiches. Catfish and tartar sauce. Or Shalini's catfish analogue at any rate. Y'all want one while we drive?"

"Do you even have to ask?! Send one my way!" Reza pulls out a napkin from his holdout cavity and tucks it into the front of his shirt

"Oooo excellent, you know I love your food Truff! Although I grew up on ration packs, so it doesn't take much to impress me..." Venser chuckles, and you're aware you can literally throw a sandwich in his general direction and it will makes it's way to him on it's own. "Now Doctor, we've done this many times before, in previous missions," he leans a little closer to whisper "and in our private conversations during council meetings." He gives a wink and pulls back again. "So it should be pretty seamless." Venser closes his eyes and concentrates for a moment. Slowly, wisps of metadimensional energy begin to extend out and connect himself and Dr. Truffles, before reaching out to Reza as well. Until eventually, they can each feel more than one presence in their minds. Venser opens his eyes again which briefly glow a dark blue before settling. "Okay... Testing, testing. 1, 2, 3." His words now echo in their minds without speaking. "Wonderful, we should be good now." Venser reaches out through the unity to sense the minds of his friends, wondering if they feel any different, especially Reza with his odd displays of monologue. In return, you can sense Venser's mind has changed slightly. There's a different sensation this time. It's like being invited into an impervious stronghold, the drawbridge is opened and you are welcomed as friends, but the high walls and myriad defenses suggest any assailant to Venser's mind would have a bad time, to say the least... (edited)

Dr. Truffles passes out sandwiches. "This is much more efficient. And feels... closer. Like your friends are right there with you."

"HELLO ANYONE HERE? THIS THING ON?! HEY! SANDWICH!!" The thoughts ring out loudly in Venser and Truffle's mind. They get the sense that Reza's mind is a mix of two things. One is an endless stream of ideas on Magical Theory and schematics on how to bind metadimensional energy into objects. And the other could only best be described as the mind of someone preparing for an interview.

3

Dr. Truffles thinks of one of the plans going past. "Ooooh, we'll have to talk about that one later..."

"DON'T WORRY! GOT PLENTY MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM... UNDERWATER ANCIENT PIGGEN CULTURE HERE WE COME!" (edited)

"Right! Lets do this thing!" Venser sits down in front of the main control console, admiring the half submerged scene through the view screen in front of him. He makes a few gestures over the console's display and the entire vessel shudders before quieting entirely. The part of the view screen still above water slowly shrinks as the deep blue engulfs them and they begin to submerge, into the unknown depths below...

Bubbles begin trailing upwards as the submarines slips below the waves. This is also a good opportunity to document some of the wildlife at the lower depths- as the Piggen of this world had no such way of doing so beyond anything 20m or so down. Kelp and long strands of sea grass all claw skywards as you're still floating outwards from the continental shelf, and as you move to glide along the shallow bottom you can see a reef ahead, taking advantage of the warm waters and proximity to the sun.

(Does the sub have any biological scanners or could we wire ours in?)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 5/12/2021 2:33 PM

(We were't able to get any scanners in here before, maybe something to check out after the fact since i see there is some spare power and mass, for now, id say we could wire any existing bio/survey scanners among the group in)

(Also there's a periscope because of course)

Truffles stares out the window in wonder, before starting and rushing to wire his various scanners into the ship. "Just a minute! Just a minute! We need data!" (I have bio and survey scanners, Fix / INT 11 to interface if necessary.)

(have fix-2 so could assist, Would work the system so the data would be stored on a storage unit I have for whatever reason

)

The scanners come online, and after aligning for several minutes they begin to hunt for things of interest The reef ahead is a massive ping on the bioscan wr

Dr. Truffles points the scanners out to the other two. "Y'all up for a quick detour?"

"NONE HERE!" Reza stands near the survey equipment ready to help gather important information about the ecology of Shalini

"It's your mission, Cap'n!" Venser brings the sub in towards the reef.

Dozens of teal looking eels begin to float by, coming up from the reef bed to investigate

8:03 AM

One of them suckers its mouth to the front glass. It's not hurting the submarine, but it looks disgusting

"Jesus!" Venser is spooked by the sudden appearance out of the blue and scrambles to look for wiper controls before he realises how stupid that is. "You guys seeing this?"

Dr. Truffles turns from the machine and starts. "That's a whole mess of teeth."

"WELL LOOK AT THAT?! CAPTIVE AUDIENCE! MIGHT AS WELL SCAN IT IF IT'S GOING TO STAY STILL FOR US"

(anyone want to name it?)

(Shalini Reef Lamprey?)

(I like that!)

11:21 AM

"Maybe we can compare it to our library of edible species and let the aquaculture piggen know!"

(Awesome!)

"LOOKS LIKE THE JAWLESS FISH FROM OLD TERRA! MAYBE CALL IT SHALINI REEF LAMPREY? I'M SURE GRUPP'S MAMA CAN MAKE IT EDIBLE!" (edited)

Dr. Truffles guffaws heartily. "From what I've heard folks saying back in Delphos Grupp's mama could make me edible. That's a piggen I reckon can cook!"

"LET'S GET DATA COLLECTED AND KEEP DOING A LAP AROUND THE REEF. SHOULD KNOW THE TOTAL AREA OF THE REEF SO IT CAN BE PROTECTED ADEQUATELY!" Reza moves to the survey and biological scanners to collect what information can be gleaned about the creature

Dr. Truffles nods and mans the secondary station while Venser pilots to continue the scan.

"I'm glad you scientists are having fun, I'm just enjoying the view..." Venser thinks, admiring the reef as they continue their tour.

(I’ll throw a world anvil article up tomorrow

4

"VENSER... IS PILOTING UNDER WATER ANY DIFFERENT THAN IN SPACE? WELL BESIDES CURRENT... DOESN'T THIS THING HAVE A GHOST DRIVER? DON'T BE LAME AND COME HANG OUT WITH US COOL SCIENCE FOLKS"

Venser rubs one of his scorched temples like he's just had a sharp headache. "You know it's possible to not yell using this thing, right? Na, controls are a bit different and it's a bit slower, but more or less the same. Well, do you guys want to get up close and personal with the reef? I believe I have a couple techniques that should allow us to go for a swim indefinitely."

Dr. Truffles grins broadly. "I can breathe underwater, but I wasn't sure if y'all could and I reckoned it be rude. That sounds mighty good."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YELLING? WHO'S YELLING? DON'T YOU THINK THIS LOUDLY ALL THE TIME?"

2

"If I think too loudly I can kill people, so generally I try to tone it down with friends." Venser thinks, laughing. "Lets do it! There's vacc suits on the sub if that makes you feel more comfortable, but I can surround each of us in essentially a bubble to protect from the cold, pressure, drowning, etc." Venser 'parks' the sub in a convenient location and moves to the airlock. He concentrates for a moment and both Reza and Truff are surrounded by what feels like an invisible vacc suit as well as feeling themselves lift of the ground ever so slightly. (Activating pressure field and telekinetic flight, assuming that works in water, 8/10 free effort remaining.)

The airlock pressurized as you step in. Once ready it will fill with water and then let you out into the reef

Dr. Truffles nods and presses the airlock button, moving into the reef.

"WHAT?! Oh... hm... let's try this..." In Reza's mind he is barely above a whisper but it is coming out at normal conversational tones. He looks to the back corner of the sub and shrugs, "Probably should get my hearing tested..." he says to the 4th wall. "No need for the bubble for me, but the flight will help navigation. Through the wonders of Rectification magic I am now immune to the hostility of underwater depths. "

"Ooo, nice! Well at the very least it'll help keep your clothes dry." Venser thinks as the airlock slowly fills with water. The urge to panic is there as they run out of space, but he takes a moment to breath and finds solace in his training, letting the water envelop him.

Doors to the open sea slide apart, allowing your passage into the reef and warm coastal sea beyond. This is a look so few have had at Shalini, as even the Pearl hunters of the costal clans cannot get this deep on a lungful of air.

Dr. Truffles motions to the others and starts to doggy-paddle into the interior of the reef, making sure to stay a few meters up, using the combination of his Panspectral Optics and Ghost Talk Transceiver to transmit audiovisual data on all spectrums back to the data storage on the sub. (edited)

Venser glides effortlessly through the water and keeps an eye out for anything threatening as the scientists do their work. "So how close is this reef meant to be to our 'Piglantis'?"

As soon as the water reaches up to his neck, the skin begins to split open into several slits on both sides. Gills begin pulling in oxygen from the ocean water and filling his lungs. He begins swimming forward to keep up with Venser and Truffles, "So this is what it is like to be a Fish man..."

2

Aurelia | Venser

Venser glides effortlessly through the water and keeps an eye out for anything threatening as the scientists do their work. "So how close is this reef meant to be to our 'Piglantis'?"

(Not sure actually. I was assuming side trip for surveying and writing as such.)

(Yeh I'm all good with that, just generally curious)

(Yeah we have a good distance to go. Probably a few hours of undersea travel from here)

(Rad, I'm good to fully explore and enjoy the scenery on the trip

)

2

(not rushing you at all neko, but are you waiting on a prompt from us?)

(no just catching up world anvil and stuff,

9:17 PM

(ill get something here shortly)

9:21 PM

The waters here are warm and you see the eels beginning to force the nearby fish to school up in a giant ball, so they can begin to feed. Crabs and other small creatures are idle witnesses, basking in the relative safety of the rocky reef surface.

Dr. Truffles waves excitedly before remembering the unity of thought. "Pretty sure they're driving them right on up to where the piggen fish! No wonder the hauls is so good out this way! This ecosystem is downright incredible!"

Venser is in complete awe at the wonders of nature. "Amazing... Truff, I know we're uplifting Shalini and encouraging all sorts of tech and industry, but just make sure you preserve some of this, eh? It'd be a shame to see it go away. It's- it's breathtaking..." A telepathic chuckle echoes. "Ha, literally!"

Reza spends a moment cycling through his various fields of vision, thermal to nonvisible light to magical, to see if anything stands out as unusual. Truly remarkable... Yes... do not let your people lose their connection to the natural world... Lest they fall the way of 20th and 21st century Earth...

"27th century ain't much better. Closest I got to any of this as kid was the hydroponics garden..."

Dr. Truffles nods. "I reckon that'll go fine. No offense to terrans, y'all have helps us out bunches, but y'all do do a number on y'all's ecosystems sometimes. I had a heckuva time even getting these folks to agree to the aquaculture."

The reef seems mundane. There are a few scatterings of ancient piggen coins tossed along the bottom sands, it seems. Perhaps well wishes to some god or goddess of the depths, but otherwise the scene is entirely mundane and natural

Venser eyes one of the coins. "Ooo! Score!" He thinks, pulling it towards him with telekinesis. "Well, not that this isn't beautiful, but I'm ready to move on when you guys are."

Dr. Truffles scoops up a few coins as well to put in the museum in the shrine. "It is downright gorgeous, but I do reckon it's time to head on back to the sub."

"I agree... No ordinary visible or non visible light emanations. A beautiful reef none the less." Reza swims with the pair back to the sub. "I always hear of untouched wilds... But to see if first hand? Just... Wow is all I can say."

(we have one more ocean hex in between if someone wants to shoot me a D10)

(your mission Truff, your roll)

1

(3, sorry, bit slow this morning, got excited about a work thing and was up until 3am

)

2

The reef fades away, and the continental shelf drops off to the deep ocean. You can descend here, and need to in order to find the goal ahead of you. External lights click on, and as they probe the bottom, a solid contact ahead of you appears on the scanners. The survey scanner finds wood, and cloth, along with traces of metal

Dr. Truffles looks at the scanner intently. "Y'all reckon it's a ship?"

"Wood and cloth would lend credence to the notion that it would be a sailing vessel. Check it out or leave it for another time?"

Dr. Truffles looks thoughtful. "I'm awful curious if I'm being honest."

"Let's go!" Reza once again heads for the airlock and waits patiently, but not really, for the others. They can each hear a foot tapping in their mind.

3:59 PM

THe lights illuminate a shallow drafted trading scow ahead of you, sunken with its cargo aboard, and possibly also with remains

Dr. Truffles will exit the sub with the others and signal towards the stern of the ship, where the passenger compartment is. (Assuming Venser's TK thing is still up, I have my field but I don't want to drown the other two haha.)

(I think it’s still up until he pulls the effort back)

2

1

(yeh as long as I want)

2:38 AM

Venser sets the sub to hover gently nearby and makes his way to Truff. "Wow, don't get to see many sailing ships. Wonder what happened to her..." If needed, he will pull open any compartments with telekinesis.

Swimming over to the vessel, you can see the superstructure was intact until it actually hit the ocean floor. The mast is snapped however, and was done so before it sank.

Reza once against scans the inky blackness of these watery depths. Activating his magical senses and using his panspectral optics to look for anything living or out of the ordinary in the area, "What would cause a ship to sink... but leave its main structure fully intact?"

Something somewhat large is in the hull cavity, below deck. It is wedged tightly into the space down there

"There... There's something in the ship still..." Reza points towards the lower decks

Dr. Truffles nods excitedly and examines the hull with his panspectral optics. (Thermal vision and any radio waves that might be coming off it.)

There is something inside the hull. It looks like some sort of multi legged creature, but you cannot get an idea of its true shape

pm1988 pinned a message to this channel. 5/19/2021 10:01 AM

Reza holds up the Crystal Necklace that he always keeps with him, "Let's see what lurks beneath the decks..." He then begins drawing patterns in the air with his other hand around the crystal. There is a low, gutteral chanting that can be heard in Piggen. Forms and equations are 'cut' into the air with metadimensional energy and flash for a brief instant before vanishing into nothing. Reza's eye's go completely white as he stares into the crystal hoping to scry on the location within the ship's lower decks. (Spell Cast - Casting Forth the Inner Eye; Utilizing Retain Sorcery to not use a spell slot. 4/5 effort remain)

A pool of water, mirror, open flame, polished crystal, or other luminous or reflective surface is used to peer at a distant location. The location must either be within 30 meters per caster level or be a location the caster has physically occupied before. The caster perceives the location as if he were standing at the targeted point within it, seeing and hearing events there as if he were present. This spell cannot scry locations that have been magically warded, and scrying the same location repeatedly is hindered by the resonance created by the spell. If a target present in the area has more hit dice than the caster has levels, they get a Mental saving throw to get an uncanny sense of being watched, something that will alert those cognizant of this spell. This spell lasts until the caster performs some action other than focusing on the scrying.

(edited)

(Just pinning my spells for on mobile. Mod powers!)

2

10:03 AM

Dr. Truffles nods. "We wanna get a closer look I reckon I can make us all invisible if we get all cozy."

There is a large squid within the hold. The cargo crates have not been bothered beyond some degradation from the passage of time. It seems to be content to lurk here between feedings

Reza pulls himself back from his out of body experience to rejoin the others in their current space, "There is a... rather large squid hiding within the hold. Cargo looks good though, you know... as good as it can be given its under water for an undetermined amount of time." Reza swaps the Furious magazine from his Tempest to his Thermal Razor, "How do we want to approach this?"

(would I be able to extend pressure field around my weapon as well so I can firing it without it flooding? I assume normal penalties will still apply once the bullet is in the water)

(I aways sort of thought it would apply to anything connected to your body)

1

Venser puts a hand on the grip of his hand cannon at the mention of the beast. "What do you reckon we'd find in those crates? This vessel is what? TL1? Maybe it's just like food or spices, something mundane. If you guys want to go invisible I could have it chase me while you study it, if that's the goal." (edited)

(Would my drones work underwater?)

12:45 PM

(Not sure if they're prop powered or some sort of grav field.)

(there is a specific drone frame that works under water. Normal drones wouldn't be rated for underwater use. They didn't get the IP700 rating)

2

Dr. Truffles nods. "You got something to give em the slip and meet us on back at the sub Venser? Reckon sunken treasure ain't worth dying for." (edited)

"You guys will probably loose my ability to glide through the water as I get further away, but between that and teleporting, reckon I can outpace it. Plus if it misses me it's gonna have a real bad time..." Venser grins. (I can teleport back to the sub anytime from up to 1000km away)

(Yeah only one drone model works underwater)

Dr. Truffles smiles and clasps Venser on the shoulder before grasping Reza's metal arm in his, the two of them winking out of Venser's view. (Casting Ghost Field Emission, dropping focus on Personal Shielding Field, 11 hours remaining on the effect of Personal Shielding Field.)

Venser moves to the opposite side of the ship, away from the sub and his friends. "I guess we're doing this..." He mutters to himself, putting a hand out in front of him. He uses subtle bursts of telekinesis to cause gentle vibrations in the water, in the hopes of alerting the slumbering squid.

Reza stays close to Truffles as they begin their ponderous swim towards the wrecked ship. Glaive at the ready just in case

There is a small cloud of ink that emerged from the hold. A tentacle appears and then a second, and then the bulbous head of the squid as it emerges from its hiding place to quest for the food it thinks Is at the end of the vibrations

(Towards Venser or me and Reza, or is there enough distance between us to tell yet?)

(It’s just starting to come out of the wreck to investigate in general. It’s not really on the move toward anyone specific yet )

Venser draws his gun and fires a shot, intentionally missing the squid by a metre or so, trying to get it's attention. "OI! FISH-FUCK! CHASE ME YA BIG HEADED PRICK!" The taunt likely comes out as a garble of cockney expletives by the time it reaches Dr. Truffles and Reza.

2

With a howl, it chases the path of the bullet, as it is the most severe disturbance in the area , zooming off into the depths. It will likely return quickly

"Tally ho, good show! Let's Go!" Reza swims as fast as Truffles can towards the ship. As they get close he activates his ability to sense magic in case anything jumps out at them as magical or otherwise Metadimensionally related.

Dr. Truffles paddles to keep up, only in marginally better shape underwater than out of it.

Things seem mundane as you approach the captain's cabin, and the access to the berthing and hold decks below. You can already see this vessel was massively over packed with whatever is in these crates

Reza fishes out a crowbar from his postech toolkit and looks to carefully pry open the top of one of the crates

Gently moving the top off, you can see a wealth of Piggen coins inside. They shimmer in the murky light coming down from above.

"Wow... Coins... and a whole heckin' lot of it..." Reza tries to gauge as best he can the number of crates to give a ballpark estimate on amount of coinage that might be here in the ship (edited)

Dr. Truffles gasps. "Reckon we could take back a few for the museum, but dang, wonder if we could bring some salvage stuff back here and fund some public projects with it?"

"I can help bring some of them... As far as future expeditions... well I will leave that one to you Guv'nah!" Reza begins chanting once again in the language of Piggen while drawing more pretty shapes and shit into the water around them. After a few seconds there is a small tear in reality as a small extradimensional pocket apparates into existence. (Casting Extradimensional Pocket. Requires Deep Focus. 4/5 Spell Slots Remain) Reza then begins shoveling in coins into the pocket before the Squid manages to return. (It says it can hold up to 1 person and all their gear or 30 items of enc. So whatever amount of coins that would be.)

As Reza scoops coins, Dr. Truffles will check a few other boxes to make sure the cargo is all coinage.

"Nice! Sunken treasure! Don't worry about me, this is going greeeeeeaaaaaaa- AAAAAAAAAA!" Something tells you Venser got distracted in the middle of that thought. (edited)

2

There is enough here to fund Shalini operations for a year or more, or could fuel any number of restoration projects if slowly trickled out over several years

"Let's tag the location and then you can conduct a full scale salvage operation. This could easily ensure the steady progress and stability of your people for many years to come..." Reza finishes scooping the last of the coins into the pocket dimension before drawing his hand across the top of the tear in reality. It seals shut becoming completely imperceptible. "Ready to go?"

Dr. Truffles nods, taking one more look around. "This'll sure help a lot. Venser, how're things going on your end? You reckon we should start the sub heading on away from the big squid feller then you can teleport to us?"

"You sure you don't want to kill this thing? I could do this all da- TENTACLE!" There's a flash of light off in the distance, as the speck that is Venser disappears and the reappears further away from the blurred shadow of the squid. "On second thought that sounds good..."

The creature seems to be almost playing with Venser, rather than trying to eat him. The slap of tentacles creating bubbles, the micro jets of ink, and the return fire of intentionally missed bullets seems to be a part of their playtime somehow, though the creature does not understand its own strength- and even a glancing slap from one of the muscular appendages could easily snap bones or worse

"Meet you back at the sub!" Reza begins swimming up and out towards the sub with Truffles

Awww, that's kinda cute, playful lil squid monster. Dr. Truffles enters the sub with Reza, and points the nose towards Piglantis, setting the engines into gear. "Pulling clear Venser."

As Venser performs this intricate dance with the beast, he notices something. A kind of... connection? Psionic in nature, yes- but not quite telepathic... It's hard to explain, and in the moment there is no need to. He feels as though he can sense what it wants; food, well naturally; but also love, companionship, safety, guidance. The intensity of this heightens more and more as they glide through the water. Until finally, it reaches a kind of crescendo, giving Venser pause. The chase ends abruptly, as he pulls up in the water, just a few metres above the squid. Surprisingly enough, it stops with him, if only for a moment, as if it's curious what he's thinking, curious what will happen next. There's a moment of stillness and understanding, before the telepathic notice from Dr. Truffles cuts through the quiet, and Venser shakes his mind back to reality. "Brilliant... uh- coming now." He regards the squid, it appears to regard him back. "See you around, I guess..." And in a burst of purple, he's gone. (edited)

You sense it will be waiting, curious in its own way about what has just happened

Venser materialises back on the sub. "Phew... well that was weird! Fun though! We get anything else?"

Reza makes a motion in the middle of the air, almost like he is unzipping a bag. He sticks his hand into the small tear in reality that forms and pulls out a handful of piggen coinage, "Treasure ship!"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon there's enough down there to fund a whole mess of social projects for the next bit. Got some folks with submarines, we'll just have to figure out what to do about the big squid feller."

"Yeh... me too..." Venser mumbles to himself. "Nice! Well, let me know if you need me to give her the run around again."

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "May have some fisherpiggen who'll be taking you up on that."

Moving past the wreck the submarine continues descending until you’re on the ocean floor. Lights begin to flicker and the sensors inside the vehicle begin to fade and change readings on themselves. Timekeeping pieces of technology begin counting oddly

(Could I use Know Magic as like a detect magic type thing?)

(I don’t believe it could be stretched to that )

(Yeah, that's fair, figured that'd be a push without some sort of spell slot.) Dr. Truffles turns to the other two. "Reckon we should swim from here on out?"

(would my magical senses detect anything?)

(Yes. I’ll write a suitably worthy post this evening )

3

(No worries, I'm out and about today too.)

1

Magically you can sense powerful remnants of forces ahead. Unfathomable magical energy eas released here. It is dormant now but still lingers like radiation after a nuclear explosion. It feels much the same way.

Reza immediately shuts off his enhanced senses and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Holy Piggen arms..." After taking a few moments to collect himself Reza shakes his head, "I know what it causing the instruments to go haywire... Whatever is up ahead has... Rather had a magical explosion at one point... It bleeds through like radiation after a nuclear device detonation..."

Dr. Truffles shudders. "Reckon it's good we got ourselves them magic vacc suits. I don't figure we're gonna find a happy reason a continent sank. Should we head on out the airlock?" (edited)

"I thought I could feel... something... Are we sure it's safer out there then in here? Even with all the instruments going haywire."

(Do the actual mechanics of the sub still seem to be working? Is it just the fine electronics?)

(Just the fine electronics. Everything else is okay)

1

8:15 AM

The submarine seems to be slowing on its own. The control surfaces aren't damaged. This seems to be something happening on its own.

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon that ain't such a bad idea." He moves up next to Venser at the controls and begins to cycle through the modes on his panspectral optics to help him navigate.

Ahead, you can see lights beginning to come on. The submarines is now piloting itself, adopting a slightly drifting course before correcting, moving straight ahead as a bridge of light comes alive around you (edited)

8:22 AM

3

"Okay, none of this is me anymore. Don't know whether to be terrified or in awe..." He says looking out through the viewscreen.

Dr. Truffles works his jaw up and down. "It's... it's downright gorgeous."

Lights ahead also begin coming on, highlighting a city build into the reefs and walls of the continental plates. Its hard to see detail from here, as the sub steadily moves across the light bridge. Schools of untroubled fish swim above, and below, along with this world's variant of whales, and sharks

"The city was built down here? Or do you think this shelf was once much higher up and then sank? What if they sank the city on purpose..." Reza looks to see if there is any protective dome or anything that might allow existence outside of a vacc suit.

You can see the lightshow rise, as the vessel is drawn closer. There is nothing on the communication frequencies, though most of the trappings, like this bridge, seem to have been created on site. Someone, or something, lived here once. The light-screen ripples into existence as you approach, invisible up until the submarine gets to the opposite end of the bridge.

10:24 AM

Suddenly finding itself surfaced on passing through the screen, the submarine steams into a dock yard. There is no water above, and it seems the entire city exists in some kind of invisible dome of magical energy. Pylons set into tall buildings across the city seem to be responsible for maintaining it, now that you know where to look. fish swim outside, and sea grass waves in the currents. You do not see any existing humanoid life. (edited)

Dr. Truffles looks around in wonder. "Everthing still seems like it's all operational and whatnot. I wonder where all the piggen got to? Who' been maintaining it y'all reckon? So many questions..."

"Mother of pearl... It would seem that they have managed to create a massive magical boundary to protect the city... I... I cannot begin to fathom the skill needed to create such a working on such a massive scale..." Reza looks around the different view screens in absolute child like wonder. "It seems that whatever systems are guiding us in are taking us to a dock of some sort. Let's make ready to disembark"

Dr. Truffles nods, and giggles a little, still dumbstruck. He packs away his survey scanner and bioscanner and makes his pack ready to disembark.

Reza nods as well before going to get his Thermal Glaive. He makes sure his type A Cell is fully charged before slamming it home on his Tempest. He sets his own survey scanner to begin recording before they step off of the sub into the dock area.

Venser follows suit, all the relevant equipment already on him. The mission, from his perspective, is protecting his friends. One of the perks is getting to take in this awesome spectacle.

The sea-docks are empty, there are no other craft here but you can see they resemble land based submarine pens. A walkway like jetty connects to a pier, allowing you access to the shore or what makes up the boundary of this underwater city. Lampposts with contained wispy witchlight burn gently to provide illumination here in this place where most of the planet's starlight does not travel. Fish and larger creatures swim outside the dome on their unknowable instinctual errands. The entire scene is serene

Dr. Truffles immediately runs excitedly to the first lamp post, checking it over for signs of rhun-work.

The thump of Reza's Staff of Authority can be heard echoing in the empty halls as he uses it as a walking staff for now. He tries to take in his surroundings the best he can. Looking for any sort of directory or signpost that might give them some direction. He also pulls his compad out to see if there is an active network within this magical city (edited)

Rhunes of Everbright Light have been carved into the base of each lampost

Dr. Truffles carefully documents the rhuns. "Amazing! Saw the starts of this in one of the ruins, but this here... these'll light forever..."

"We should find an information hub. I feel like we will be here a while so getting our bearings should be priority number one."

Dr. Truffles nods and pulls himself away from the runes. "I reckon that's sensible. A library maybe?"

Venser eyes the rhuns carefully, having only seen magical symbols in passing glimpses that quickly fade. "Sounds good. Do they have service desks in a place like this?"

Dr. Truffles gives Venser a tusky grin. "I ain't rightly sure, this is my first underwater lost city."

(looking around, what seems to be the tech level of this place? how hard are they leaning on magic?)

(Very heavily leaning on magic, probably as close to TL5 without grails as we are going to get)

3

Venser shrugs, feeling the call to adventure, and starts wandering deeper into the city.

(d100)

(36)

1

9:09 AM

(Sorry, that was probably intended for Venser, saw the d100 before I read the other stuff.)

(All good)

1

Some sort of small dockyard office is nearby, and seems to be the only building of note before the long parklands lead into the city proper. It looks like it was once a house, converted into a pier office as the city grew

Reza walks up to the door and inspects it for any magical energies that might be acting as a trap or arcane lock

Dr. Truffles assists Reza, using his burgeoning knowledge of piggen rhun-work. (I'm trained in Know Magic so I think I can assist.)

There is no arcane lock. There is a normal one that seems like its just casual enough to keep out random passers by, but would not resist a determined break-in attempt

With press of a button the Thermal Razor ignites it's hot plasmas. He pushes the tip of the glaive into the lock and melts the mechanism. He then pushes the door open, "Thank you for the gift, Master Grupp"

Dr. Truffles looks a bit stricken before softening his expression, pulling out his datapad, and opening Shalini_Repairs_ToDo.ods, making a quick addition.

2

The door gently opens, allpowing you to see the nautical themed office inside. There is a small computer and a generally lodgey sort of feel to the place. The air smells like lavender and sea salt

Dr. Truffles runs around with the camera on his datapad, looking for all the worlds like a tourist. "This is... But look at this... Oh if that ain't...." After an excited few minutes he approaches the computer and attempts to start it.

The database can be queried for most general information

(Is there anything like a newspaper archive?)

(what would you be looking for in it specifically? )

(Headlines from the last few days before the archive cuts off.)

The headlines are dominated by news of attacks against magic users and proto-psychics on the mainland. Pogroms, book burnings, and lynchings are the primary coverage, along with an ambitious plan by the city leadership to keep the city safe and in a "place beyond sight" .

Dr. Truffles transfers the data to his datapad as he reads. "Looks like this here sinking was intentional. But then where'd all the piggen get off to?"

The final headline is a warning that tonight, there might be some shaking and that the view outside is going to be very different by time the shaman have done their work, but everything is under control.

(are these articles from pre-scream?)

(Yeah, I think I found it was like 50 years ago in my last adventure. Current generation's grandpiggen.)

Reza leans over to point at the date of the articles, "This is all prior to The Scream. These people were trapped in a bubble with I'm sure many mages and psychics. I can only imagine the havoc that was caused by that event here."

(yeah pre-scream)

"See if you can pull up a map of the area, Truffles."

Dr. Truffles blanches. "I... I weren't thinking of being stuck in here with all them mages. That's.... I'll try and find the map." Dr. Truffles starts laughing and chuckling as he searches the computer for a map.

(I know psychics went feral, but how specifically did mages react to the scream?)

(Exploding or dying in a variety of suitably gruesome ways. Basically metaspace overload)

3

3:33 PM

The access road from the pier leads into a row of shops and upper class living arrangements. This district overlooking the dome outside was for the upper crust of undersea-piggen society.Most of the shops were touristy or for selling luxury goods, none of the names or titles provide hints as to what they might sell.

Dr. Truffles approaches the first shop and peers in the window.

The window is dirty but you can make out some kind of weaving shop here. The existing stock is moth eaten and has largely fallen apart

(Does the weaving equipment look normal or magical auto-weaving stuff, or can I tell with how dirty the window is?)

The equipment by form looks mundane. The equipment by function is too difficult to discern without getting closer

"Anything good in there, Truffles? Worth checking out or should we move on?"

Dr. Truffles thinks for a moment. "Much as I wanna go in every which place, reckon if I do that we'll be here till our grandpiglets come looking for us. Reckon next building." Dr. Truffles selects another shop and peers in the window. (Is this something Universal Translation Rubric would help me investigate or are the signs uninformative because they're people's names and stuff.)

(People/cute business names, so its not that you're lacking an understanding of the words, its a lacking of the context to which they fit)

3

7:55 AM

This one is more recognizable. A metalworkers shop is inside and you can all feel the latent energy of Rhunwork inside. Awls, raps, acid etching brushes and other tools are laid out on the counter, along with neatly stacked metals in barrels sorted by type, length, and grade of purity for various orders that now, would never be coming

Dr. Truffles beckons the others over excitedly. "This here's some rhun-working, let's make a stop right quick." Dr. Truffles checks the door for magical security.

There is a Rhun carved into the door that you do not identify. One of the elements of the glyph is an eye, but you do not recognize the other swirling elements of the border and field around it

"If you want, I can attempt to dispel the rhun."

Dr. Truffles nods, documenting the etchings before Reza dispels it.

(we can study that pattern later if we want to)

11:07 AM

The rhun flares for a moment, and then begins to vanish. It sinks into the wood like it had never been delicately carved there at all, and you can feel the lingering magical traces dissolving away

After seeing the rhun disappear, Reza cautiously opens the door and looks inside. If he sees nothing inherently dangerous, the High Mage walks over the work bench to examine the rhun works setup. He keeps an eye out for components and other hard to find valuables that could be repurposed for other projects and workings.

Dr. Truffles follows Reza in and examines the workshops as well, trying in particular to spot any similarities between what's here and what was back at the ruin in the mountains.

Venser stays outside the store to keep watch, he wanders up and down the row a bit but doesn't stray too far from the group.

There are a few. The tools seem to be about the same general manufacture with a few differences that are mostly stylistic, rather than a change in function. The carving table also seems to be about the same.

Dr. Truffles looks around admiringly. "Reckon we could move it but... I wonder if folks'd want to live down here again? Fishing's good, and no mages to die horribly and take you with em anymore..."

"Well if we need to move anything, I can lift about a ton by myself." Venser thinks as he meanders.

"Anything large we should just tag a location and we can come back when it's over. Also if the plan is to potentially resettle this city, we may want to leave as much intact as possible" Reza looks at the metals to see if any are unique or are unknown alloys to current science. He uses his survey scanner if it will help

Dr. Truffles nods. "That was what I was figuring Reza. I didn't expect all the life support and whatnot to still be working. Reckon I'd like to understand what's making it tick before we start inviting folks to move on down here though."

"Yes. I will say I'm a bit disturbed by just how quiet and clean this all is... With feral psychics and overloaded mages, I would have assumed we'd be discovering a very different scene..."

Dr. Truffles pauses for a second. "Reckon you're right, and I ain't sure if that's good or bad."

"It's like everyone just... vanished." Venser shudders a bit at the thought.

"I have never seen a place this technologically advanced... There could be... 'Cleaning' mechanisms in place that took care of the more... Gruesome cleanup..."

Dr. Truffles gags and sits down. "That's... wow... I ain't gonna get that out of my head for a while..."

There is a newspaper in here too promising a day of celebration as the populace is moved to a place beyond harm and the spiteful revenge of the mainland

(i know it got buried in RP, but how do the metals look? Any alloys not known to science?)

(Alloys are things we know about so far , but good to ask)

1

(I think the previous information I had on why the shamans fell out of favor was pretty general, since it was something a piggen heard from his gransow. Anything more specific in these papers?)

(not really the cause with what we have so far, just that there was a large wave of anti-magic pig-man violence and sentiment on the mainland, and the danger was getting closer)

1

Reza looks around for anything that might resemble a notebook or work book that might have formulae or designs if rhuns

It seems that the master of this place had the majority of his craft in his mind, and there is no manual here to pilfer. You do remember the eye motif from the door that you dispelled, signifying an undiscovered rhun, but nothing here indicating its function.

Dr. Truffles looks around and sighs. "Reckon it's gonna take us years to get all this knowledge back. Y'all ready to check out some other shops?"

"How?! How would someone remember all this... This complexity... Something I'll never understand..." Reza looks around dumb founded as he is unable to find any sort of documentation. "I wouldn't dare attempt a spell of equivalent magnitude without my grimoire..."

"I don't have to study each day for my psionic techniques?" Venser wonders. "But yes, lets continue onward."

"But your psionic powers are limited in that there is a strict rigidity to your mental interface. You cannot wake up one day and decide you are going to perform a technique that you have never imprinted..." Reza sighs audibly, "The flexibility paired with the memorization is just something that my brain is not able to wrap itself around... oh well... there will be time for more study like that later." "We should see if we can find anything in one of the houses or apartments..." Reza leaves the workshop and heads down the road a little bit. He looks for a nicer residential building to explore.

The upper floors of these shops have staircases leading up to the second story, where residences span up several floors from there

10:38 AM

(so shops at street level next to stairs, stairs go up to residences)

(awesome let's see what the rich people had) Reza goes up the stairs connected to the Rhun Crafters shop and checks the door to the residence for any traps or locks.

You can see another one of the eye rhuns on the door in the same place. It is active.

Before Reza works to remove the rhun, he spends a minute or two examining it with his Sense Magic. He tries to discern its purpose or function to the best of his ability

Sense Magic: Commit Effort as an Instant action; while it remains committed, you can visually perceive magical energy and get a one-sentence description of the effect of any standing magics or magical items you inspect. The ambient magical energies in most areas allow you to see clearly even in conditions of perfect darkness.

The Rhun here is a Rhun of Remote Sight, which allows the caster to have vision within 5m of the Rhun's surroundings, as though they were looking through a peep-hole on a door. The Rhun only allows vision, not audio. It also is relegated to mundane vision. The caster may experience either direct vision, or a silent mental alarm when a creature comes within 5m of the Rhun. They may also exempt certain creatures or individuals from triggering it.

Dr. Truffles squats down next to Reza and examines how the rhun is carved in. (Trying to see if there are any special procedures for inscribing beyond just the right symbols.)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 6/1/2021 1:22 PM

Knowing what is known about Piggen Rhunwork, there is undoubtedly a process for doing so. Understanding the shapes is just one part of the puzzle, but there is nothing in this example that provides insight as to how it was done, or what alloys the awls and mallets used to carve it would have been made from

Reza takes numerous pictures of the Rhun and waits until Truffles is satisfied with his own inspection, "Amazing... The ability to see the space around a rhun. I wonder if it could be repurposed into a spellform... Hm..." Reza jots down some notes and theories into his compad. "Whenever you are done inspecting it, I can work to dispel it. Or we can probably just enter and leave it"

Dr. Truffles looks thoughtful. "Reckon we can leave it, yeah? It'll be good to have an example to draw off?"

"My thoughts exactly. Gives you a reference point to see if a crafted rhun is working properly." Reza looks to open the door if it is not unlocked. Pulling out tools from his pack if he has to

The door is locked but it is a simple mechanical lock that only takes a moment to be picked. The handle slides down with a satisfying thump, and the door squeaks as it opens intoa large foyer. A staircase leads upstairs, and two apartments exist on this level with doors on opposite sides of the staircase leading up to more floors

(With Sense Magic still up do any of these doors that we can see have Rhuns on them?)

The interior doors do not have as stringent security. If you’re inside chances are you lived here or were the guests of those who did live here and were expected.

Dr. Truffles picks the first door and pushes it open. "Wonder what sorta stuff these piggen had in their homes? How much different life was back then afore the Scream."

The door opens and snags on a plush carpet, red, and thick, and perfectly clean. You can hear a gentle hum inside, as some sort of piggen equivalent to a scrub field or roach popper is still running

"I can only imagine what it was like... Xianus was still a developing colony world prior to the Scream. At least from what I can remember." Reza moves to stand behind Truffles. He looks in the room to hear the sound of the roach popper (Edit): After a moment he takes a few steps into the room to get a better look around. Looking for desks or other storage containers (edited)

"Oh, red carpet. Yep, this is where the rich people live." He is slightly startled by the sound of the roach popper and instinctively reaches for his holster as they step inside.

Dr. Truffles smiles. "I reckon this was something to see afore the Scream. Reckon it'll be again too someday if we have anything to say about it. I ain't a huge fan of looting from the dead, but I reckon some of this might tell us how to use what all's downstairs, so...." Dr. Truffles starts going through the room, taking it slowly and trying to be as respectful as possible. (Looking through, not tossing it basically, and focusing on anything that looks like a desk or night table.)

There is a large writing table connected to the western wall of the home, along with glass doors that can be opened to get to the kitchen, eating room, and bedroom areas

Dr. Truffles checks the drawers of the writing table to make sure they're not trapped, and then opens and looks through them.

There are no traps, Dr. truffles begins looking through the writing materials as everyone else fans out into the apartment

Reza checks and then opens the other door across the hall from the one that Truffles opened

Venser enters one of the bedrooms, hand on his holster.

A series of wind chimes for decoration are on the wall. Each is made from suspended silver wire, with crystals of different hues and at different heights to produce various musical tones. A large bed, a dresser, and a small walk in closet complete the room. There is also an end table by the bed. Reza looks into the kitchen, through the door. The range seems fairly mundane and similar to the ones in use in Delphos though the materials are a bit more refined and manufactured. A larder is also present here and you notice that despite the relative modernization of the city, most appliances here do not use electricity or power at all.

1:54 PM

The larder works by exchanging moisture and heat via its construction, and the stove is little more than a very efficient fire-box (edited)

Dr. Truffles cans the materials for anything relating to the rhun-crafting work done in the workshop below.

There are some rather saucy letters being kept in the drawer here, exchanged with the apartment on the other side of the staircase outside. Nothing seems to be arcane but some of the contortions the letters describe sounds like they might need a rectifier to truly work

Dr. Truffles reddens as he reads the letters, Venser and Reza getting some of the feedback over the psychic link. "Uhh, on second thought... reckon it's been good the autocleaners ain't broken. I been a piggen my whole life and I ain't got any idea we could bend like this."

Reza looks for any sort of recipe book or cards. "I dunno... Not much difference between clay and flesh..." There is a mental shrug felt by everyone on the Unity.

"Yeh I definitely feel like we're just snooping now. Should we go find a databank or some seat of power instead?"

"Better Than Yer Gransow's" is a cookbook in the kitchen on a stand. The current page is yellowed and very fragile with exposure, but the rest of the book seems to be in better condition

Reza takes several pictures of the delicate page before very gently closing the cover and wrapping it in a handkerchief that he keeps in his backpack. He places it securely in his pack before heading out to meet with Truffles and Venser, "Recovery of cultural touchstones is hardly snooping... but I would agree, we should find a major administrative building to help us be more effective in our search."

Dr. Truffles nods. "Yeah, we ain't got time for me to look in every house I reckon, but plenty of time for that when we get everything all sorted." Dr. Truffles walks with the others back to the main boulevard.

Reza helps Truffles and Venser look for any sort of central administrative hub. A town hall or gathering place that might have more information about the workings of this city

(admin.int)

(10)

There is a building two streets over with a domed roof, that does not have any immediately adjacent to it. You can reason this is a place of importance for some reason, and might be worth looking into.

Reza stops after they walk down the boulevard a hundred meters from the apartment they visited. He takes a look around to see if he can glean any information from the surroundings and manages to find the stand alone domed building. Pointing to it, he directs the unity's attention to the structure, "That looks like something... Important enough to be separate from the structures around it. Let's go check it out!"

Venser gives an affirming thought and kicks off the ground, floating just above the surrounding structures to get a bird's eye view.

Dr. Truffles nods thoughtfully. "Agreed, some sorts public building at any rate I reckons." (Does anything stand out about the other buildings as we approach?)

(Yes I also wanted to see if I can see anything from above)

(Just that the domed one is different and had been given some space with a park around it. I would say the few blocks between here and there would look like this one and fairly cookie cutter

(Gotcha, good moving to check out the domed one then if Venser doesn't see anything sketch from the sky.)

1

Venser would see about the same before running into the edge of the dome

Dr. Truffles approaches the entrance to the domed building, and looks for any sign as to it's purpose, as well as for any rhun-work around the entrance.

Reza double checks that his Survey Scanner is set to record video and sets the camera lens up so it looks in the direction he is facing.

It seems to be a local center of administration. This building was open to the public so you don’t see anything in the way of security or hazards in the area as far as you can tell

Reza makes sure to get good footage of the architecture of the building before walking up the stairs into the admin building.

Dr. Truffles looks around wonderingly as he follows Reza, detaching his drones from his back to scan the layout of the building.

Venser remains hovering as they enter, ready to join the drones on some scouting. (edited)

Nothing seems to be coming, and for now the building that is possibly an admin center seems to be the focus of the group. Wide stairs lead into several doors all connecting to an atrium. It is harder to see much deeper inside, as the lights are off

Dr. Truffles looks around for a maintenance room. "Everything else seems to be in right good shape, reckon there's a way to get the lights on round here somewhere."

Reza passes a hand in front of his eyes so that he can see in the low light (Sense Magic HM art allows vision in perfect darkness) he then pulls a glow bug out of an easy to grab pouch and hands it to Truffles. Reza walks into the Atrium and looks around for a welcome desk or something of the like

Venser curses for letting that awareness technique fall by the wayside during his re-training. He stays close to Truff and wonders if the glow of his hand cannon would do the trick.

Dr. Truffles notices and hands Venser the glow bug. "Got me some robot eyes since the last time me and Reza were out adventuring together, so you take this now."

Venser smiles by the light of the glow bug. "Thanks Truff." With a gesture the light floats into the air to maximise it's coverage.

The interior floor is quiet. A quartet of hanging terminals blinks quietly waiting for commands that have not come for a very long time. The building has power and you can hear the larger scrub field system here also working overtime to keep contaminants out.

Dr. Truffles approaches the terminal. "Well I reckon this'll do." He busies himself at the computer getting the lights on, and then checks to see if there's access to any administrative databases from this terminal.

While Truffles checks the computers, Reza looks around the room for any signs on the wall and other potential pathways through the building, "Gotta lend me your computer manuals at some point, Truff... Turning them on and using MacroHard Term™️ is about the extent of my knowledge with those machines..."

Dr. Truffles nods sagely. "Reckon it works best if you just use two fingers to type. I seen folks use all ten, but I ain't that coordinated with it yet."

It seems like this machine is capable of answering some general questions about the surrounding area

Dr. Truffles' first query is for the presence of a university or shamanic temple.

The entire city center is given over to several different universities and temples. They are all centers of Piggen learning. It shows city center is acting under an elevated state of alert

Dr. Truffles checks for access to those systems to see what might be causing the alarms.

The alarms have been going off since the date the continent was thought lost on the surface world

(Is there anything that looks like new or ongoing issues or is it more along the lines of "everything that maintained this went insane and the system doesn't know what to do"?)

(the ongoing issue its registering is the event of The Scream, but we haven't seen any damage, just no people)

8:10 AM

(the city is functioning at least in these outskirt areas, there just isnt anyone around)

"Eyy Doctor T, you able to get a map of this place? Might help us better decide where to go from here"

(I can do one of those augmented reality book big city block type things if you guys want)

9:25 AM

(some of the buildings might be a little 'off' from their label but if you want like a general floorplan wihch is what we keep gravitating back to)

(yeah i think something like a simple floor plan of the city is more than fine. Just so we can be a little more directed)

(Sounds good to me too!) Dr. Truffles nods to himself before realizing Reza is in another part of the building. "Surely can. Hold tight, I'll upload it to y'all's datapads."

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 6/8/2021 10:29 AM

(We'd be at the apartment block, having come in from the underpass and passing the leasureplex)

Dr. Truffles looks over the map. "Looks like they got some sorta vehicle shop. Y'all wanna ditch walking and travel the city in style?"

"I can fly and teleport... but yeh, sounds interesting to say the least! Also the VRcade, the 'Antiques', man this city has everything!"

(I’m good for whatever. This should hopefully pick up now)

"You know... I have a large collection of old Tera video games... We should totally hit up that VR Arcade..."

Dr. Truffles grins broadly. "Cars, then arcade, then antiquing. Sounds like a downright awesome day!" Dr. Truffles meets the others by the entrance and heads off towards the vehicle showroom.

Nekosmash

(I’m good for whatever. This should hopefully pick up now)

(Sorry, that's mostly on me, was slow posting over the past week.)

Out in front in what was once a showroom window, you see the gem of the shop's collection.

7:52 PM

The bike is sleek, supported by independently articulating twin fans. Each of them are controlled by steering levers in a piggen sized piloting seat. The electronics suite looks likewise advanced for piggen tech, and you can see it has a rail system in the nose to fit a weapon or advanced sensor equipment depending on the preferences of its owner. "MANY COLORS AVAILABLE INSIDE!" the fading banner says

7:54 PM

Other bikes and cars inside resemble aquatic life, namely a sleek shark like model that also seems to run on arcane gravity manipulation principles.

Reza whistles both audibly and in their shared unity, 'Holy... This is some amazing stuff..." Reza rushes over to a blue shark model bike. He begins trying to get a look at the propulsion system. Pulling his tools out if he has to. A sense of kid-like wonder and curiosity is felt in both Venser's and Truffle's mind (Don't need to do car builder simulator for my sake) (edited)

Images of the knighthood's piggen bikers in new dual bikes flood out of Truffles subconscious. "This is... I reckon... Y'all... I WANT THAT ONE THAT LOOKS LIKE A WHALE! But now... Venser if Reza's taking the shark you wanna take a dual one with me?"

(I am 10,000% willing if you guys want to)

8:28 PM

You recognize flat pads of smooth stone in the middle of what would be the control and instrument panels for the vehicles. A small crystal tipped metal stylus has been chained to each and rests in a notch above the pads. The chains are brass and this has all the hallmarks of rhunwork you've seen in other artisan workshops

Dr. Truffles looks at the other two. "If this is a magical ship... boot I reckon we could use that."

Reza continues to inspect the archanics of the bike, running a hand along the connection between the metadimensional energy generator and the control panel. He pays particular care to how the energy is focused in such a way that produces lift equivalent to gravitics. "Oh man... The cool freakin bike I want to build..." (edited)

Venser walks over to the twin-bike and admires it for a moment, he puts a hand out to give it a pat before hesitating, not wanting to disrespect such a fine vehicle. "I think I'm in love! Uh- Don't tell Blossom I thought that..." He looks over at Dr. Truffles as if to ask for permission to disturb the Piggen antique. "You mind?" (edited)

You can see through some kind of arcane circuitry that whatever is written on the pad will also engrave itself on the control surfaces mounted where grav plates would be. Some sort of rhun seems to be required to start them

Venser can see that Reza is already into the guts of the machine. Pulling off plating and other bits and ends to see how the piece of arcanotech is functioning. He sits back after he finishes confirming his theories on how this craft works, "This is amazing! They had a rhun for everything... these need some sort of 'ignition' rhun that you would inscribe here..." he points to the pad "... and that acts as a focus to draw in meta-dimensional energy and then it redirects that energy along it's circuitry..." He points out small lines of arcane geometry that is all interconnected, "... to the grav plates to create lift and propulsion... Holy Gransow's chicken pot pie! They managed to replicate microfusion reactors and gravitics purely through arcane means!" Reza gets up and begins looking around vehicle dealership for something that might resemble a rhun needed to start one of these vehicles. (edited)

Dr. Truffles shakes his head at Venser. "I ain't minding at all, any luck and we'll find enough for a bunch of folks. Let's get to helping Reza find the ignition rune." (Anything that might be a candidate based off what we've seen so far?)

(Does the twin fan bike also require the vroom rhun? Seemed more modern, figured I might be able to jumpstart it with EK.)

(The twin fan bike does not need to be activated with magic)

9:13 AM

(but the other more atlantean looking ones do)

9:15 AM

There are three offices in the back along with what looks like a repair shop. Tools hang on the walls and are scattered around the floor along with the more conventional lifts and chains you'd expect to see in any repair room.

(Do the tools look like anything special?) "Nice workshop they got... I am gonna check the office on the left" Reza heads to the left most office and inspects the door before slowly opening it

(Normal tools. Well made beyond frontier standard which we know purity of the tools is a bit rhun work thing, but function wise everyone sort of understands that wedges and lifts and wrenches are made with the same general principles)

9:33 AM

The left office looks like the repair shop manager. "Scandalous Vehicle of the Month" calendar dating to the month of The Scream is on the wall. You can see one of the manta like vehicles with its hood and coverings taken off, exposing what is underneath as a tongue in cheek play on a pin up calendar. Another calendar with appointments is on the desk, along with schematics for one of the vehicles they must have been planning to work on.

Dr. Truffles thumbs through the calendar for a bit chuckling and then examines the schematics.

The shape is simple to draw as the vehicles are meant to be started in a hurry.

10:30 AM

It is shown as a fixture or feature of the rhunpad and ignition system, like an accessory or part that belongs with everything else

Reza pulls the calendar off the wall and places it in his pack before taking high-res pictures of the schematics. When they come to the ignition rhun, the High Mage pulls out his Grimoire and begins sketching the rhun onto one of the open pages, "Probably use the stylus to make the rhun... I would imagine that its more like... revealing the rhun that 'inscribing' it per se." Reza then goes through the manager's desk to see if there are any other goodies in the drawers there. (edited)

Dr. Truffles nods and pulls the datapad with his grimoire out of his holdout cavity. He scans the rhun and then practices tracing it a few times until he has it down. He moves aside to give Reza the chance to search the desk before resuming his examination of the in progress schematics.

The vehicle is a larger model. It is too large for the shop. It seems like at the time of the mass disappearance the owner of the ship was getting ready to make his way down to wherever the vehicle was held. There was some sort of house call about to be made.

(Does it look like from the notes it was about finished?)

11:38 AM

(Or PAFO gotta go to the house?)

(Yeah we don't know what the story is here just that they needed to go to the place to do something with it)

(Awesome! Would it be a more residential house call, like Luxury Apartments on the map, or the Bulk Transit Company?)

(Bulk transit company)

Venser crouches down and gives the twin-bike a careful once-over, having received Truff's permission. "Ok dear, tell me all your problems..." He runs a fairly simple diagnostic, having only a basic competency with machinery, but enough to know what he's doing. "You know I always wanted a hover-cycle, but that's difficult when you live on a space station, hallways are a bit narrow." He laughs remembering the horrified look his Mother gave him whenever he would bring it up.

Dr. Truffles grins. "Reckon we can find a way to get this'un back to your ship for you. Y'all wanna head over to check out this custom job?"

"Only if you promise we go to the VR Arcade afterwards! You promised, daaaaaaaad!" Reza nods enthusiastically. "Let's go check out this special project of theirs..." Reza waits for Venser and Truffles and then heads out towards the Bulk Transit Company on their map (edited)

(Just wanted to check this one wasn't totally wrecked or anything before we moved on, do we want not want to ride them round the city anymore?)

(The vehicles here work)

9:45 AM

(The vent fan one is a bike. The hammerhead lookkng thing is a grav car)

9:45 AM

(And we know what the ignition rhuns@look like now

(Perfect!)

9:48 AM

"Absolutely, we taking these puppies or?"

Dr. Truffles nods and gets into the grav bike. "Course Reza! Port, then arcade, then antiquing! Let's roll on out!" (edited)

(i just don't have any skill in pilot lol. Can def hop in a cool shark grav car)

(Yeh I can drive and you can ride shotgun)

Reza hops into the shark looking grav vehicle next to Venser. Drawing the rhun to ignite the 'engine' he points forward, "Onward!" (edited)

The 'engine' whirs to life and Venser gets a feel for the controls before flying down the streets of Piglantis towards the courier section. "Woohoooooo! All this thing is missing is some kind of magical tape deck!"

While he drives, Reza looks for a spot to put in his Loung Jazz CD that he picked up from Olar. After a few minutes of futzing around with the main console, he finds a slot for physical audio media. He puts the CD in and their ride is softly playing smooth jazz for their flight over. (edited)

Dr. Truffles has his head out the window, almost like a dog, gasping at the sights on the way to the freight yard and giggling to himself.

The yard is wide and has direct access to the water. You can see larger vehicles would have floated our front here too where you came into the city to pass out of the dome. Amid mostly empty stacked up containers you find the pulled apart manta vehicle you’d seen at the dealership

"Look! There! Looks to be in pieces... Maybe the parts are all here? Looks like they were working business as usual until the Scream."

"I know! Reckon it feels like opening a big ole time capsule would!" Dr. Truffles jumps out excitedly and motions the others to help him inventory the parts. (How big does it look like it was going to be?)

"God, they really were just all in the middle of their day when it happened. I'm starting to think this place has some sort of magical fail safe that triggered and bamf-ed them all away into some kind of stasis. A literal rapture... Is that even possible?" Venser ponders, with little knowledge of magic, but an almost flawless understanding of teleportation.

(Grav truck sized I think is probably the best approximation)

7:09 AM

Tools are laid out. They're missing a copy of the plans here- which the trip from the dealership now makes a bit more sense. In Principle, this vehicle looks to operate on much the same understandings as the others

Reza pulls out his toolkit and lays it on the ground near the truck. He unfolds the set neatly "You good to be our power lift, Venny?" Reza pulls up the schematics on his compad and sends a copy to Truffles and Venser. He then begins the process of putting the pieces back together

Dr. Truffles sets out their lunch beside where they're working. "Reckon I'll start on the engine bits!"

Venser nods and waves a hand, lifting all the pieces into a real life exploded view of the fragmented truck.

(Was thinking about a skill contest for this since the end result is going to be pretty impressive if done correctly)

(sounds good!)

(Perfect. In which case Venser would attempt to use TK/con as described above)

(Alrighty, lemme know what the check result is when you've got the time to roll it)

(Yeah, skill challenge sounds great!)

(14)

(pasS)

Reza moves to the metadimensional engine and checks over the arcane circuitry. He re-inscribes any missing runes and once the engine is ready he imbues it with a portion of his own occult power. (Know magic/int? I am also fine with dumping some Occult Lore into this too.)

(that one works, just the check is good we dont need to burn any resources)

(12 on the check)

(two passes, zero failures, TK and Know magic used)

Dr. Truffles sees Reza has the arcane bits of the engine handled and starts running the power lines between the components Venser has lifted, hooking everything up and making sure it's all in order. (Fix / INT 13

)

(3 successes, no failures, fix, tk and know magic used)

Reza grabs the smaller and finer tools from his metatool set and heads towards the vehicles computer core. He tries to pull up the admin interface and sets the tuning and output flows (4 program/int rip)

(3 successes, 1 failure. Fix, TK, Know Magic, and Program used)

Dr. Truffles stands over Reza's shoulder with the schematics. "No, no, you ain't supposed to boot it up like this. Ain't neither of us good with computers. Here, reckon that goes there..." (Know/INT 10)

(4 successes, 1 failure)

As the cockpit of the vehicle comes together Venser takes the seat, a few of the pieces still suspended with telekinesis around him. He looks at the controls and tries to give direction to Truff and Reza through an instinctual knowledge of what should go where from the more familiar perspective of a pilot. (Pilot/INT 9)

)complete!)

7:09 PM

(This vehicle has environment water by design and environment air for free) The side panels ripple gently as the engines boot up. The cargo pod in the center is empty but there’s enough room in the cab for two across and a third in the captains chair behind.

Reza walks along the undulating wing, "Nicely done guys! Let's go around Piglantis in style!"

Dr. Truffles manually shuts his jaw. "It's... it's downright beautiful. Reckon no one's never rolled up to an arcade in so much style."

The dealership doesn't seem to have anything else of importance now that you have your prize.

"Looks like we got their special project! Time to go joy riding!!" Reza informs the imaginary camera off to the side of the space. Clearly speaking to empty air. "Alright you guys ready to hit the VR Arcade? We can hit up security after and then think about bedding down for the evening... Had to have been at this for a while now... Right? What time is it anyway?" Reza checks his compad (Mostly want to know how many hours since we got into the sub?)

(we're about 16 hours from when we departed the mainland

"Maybe we should secure the VR Arcade... I'm beat..." Reza stretches

"You sure you don't want to head to the hotel or something instead? Get some proper rest? At least then we won't be disturbing anyone's place, that's what it's built for."

Dr. Truffles looks like he's going to protest for a moment and then shakes his head. "Y'all are right, let's test drive her on down to the hotel!"

"Sounds good! Get us over there" Reza climbs into one of the passenger seats after drawing the ignition rhun on the pad.

Dr. Truffles throws the new vehicle into gear and heads towards the hotel. "What should we call er? I ain't so good at coming up with cool names."

"How about the Transportation Rhun-powered Underwater and Flying Luxury Explorer? Call it 'The TRUFLE' for short" (edited)

Dr. Truffles laughs. "You reckon that wouldn't be too egotistical and all? Y'all helped too..."

"No I love it! 'The TRUFLE' it is!"

There are several vehicles in hotel parking. Things here were business as normal up until the moment they weren't, and this is yet more evidence of that fact

Dr. Truffles looks at the hotel and gives the others a broad smile. "Reckon we shouldn't wait for a valet. Though, I bet there ain't no one in the suite!"

"I would have to agree! Probably even have food stored here... I bet they had managed to perfect that technology as well!" Reza hops off The Trufle as it lands and carefully heads towards the front door of the hotel. He uses the Glaive as a walking stick while he keeps a sharp eye for anything moving or otherwise stands out.

Dr. Truffles stops in his tracks. "Y'all... reckon there are flavor rhuns?"

"We can only hope. I'd love to see you try to cook something with an ignition rune though!"

(So we know there is a vision one, just not the process of how it’s drawn , and we know the start one for the vehicles now which is pretty much just unique to that)

(Sounds good! Maybe we can find more on the inside! Good to explore the hotel a little)

Dr. Truffles nods vigorously. "Let's have a gander at the kitchen first then, then we can see about a room."

Venser points a finger up into the air with a smile, "Priorities!" He enters the hotel.

(notice/wis, everyone)

(8 for me) (edited)

(2)

4:56 PM

Dr. Truffles looks around with excitement, not paying attention to anything.

(2)

5:04 PM

Venser is far too distracted at the thought of more scrumptious Piggen BBQ.

Natural gas is running without a flame. Reza notices it almost immediately upon entering the building

"Wait! Gas leak!! We gotta find a way to shut this off before this hotel takes out half the city!"

Dr. Truffles looks embarrassed. "You sure? Those sandwiches, uhhh, ain't sitting too good."

3

Reza gives an exasperated sigh, "Not that kind of gas! Natural Gas... Cooking Gas! We need to find a shutoff and a way to disperse this gas before there is an accidental ignition..."

"OHHHHHHHHHHH." Dr. Truffles moves towards where the kitchens would be in a typical hotel.

Reza hurriedly looks for a map placard to try and find main engineering. "I'm gonna try and find engineering in case we need to shut it off at the main!" (Edit): As Reza walks through the hotel towards what is hopefully some sort of engineering department, he pushes a few buttons on his arm band and his Icarus Harness unfolds out from his necklace. It seals with a hiss and keeps the natural gas out of his lungs (edited)

Venser sees what Reza is doing and immediately shrouds himself and Dr. Truffles in a similar telekinetic bubble. (Activating Pressure Field to filter the gas, 9/10 effort remaining)

Rushing through the dining room set for the morning meal that was never served you enter the kitchen where tools and the remains of a continental fare were about to be put onto the stove. The gas has been on this entire time- the spark for the massive griddle range never occurring. The work was stopped mid process. A whisk and pour funnel lie on the floor, caked in now very dried batter that mold has even given up trying to leach nutrients from.

Dr. Truffles turns the gas off as quickly as he can, and then investigates to see why the automatic cleaners didn't handle this.

The wall panels has a blinking error code. It repeats over and over again. You're not sure what the numbers correlate to from here.

Dr. Truffles notes the error code and checks to see if there's a way to reset the cleaner from here hoping it will scrub the atmosphere. "Looking like something ain't right with the systems in this building. Jot down any error codes y'all see."

"Will do." (Is Reza able to find any sort of engineering room? Like where they have the main fire panel in hotels and HVAC controls etc...)

There is an engineering room a level down from here in the basement. The elevator and stairs in the lobby can both get you down there

Reza will take the stairs, not wanting to accidentally ignite anything with activation of the Elevator. (Assuming he makes it without issue) Reza starts looking at any display panels that might help in identifying error codes that Truffles read off.

"If you need us Reza, just share a visual of your location through the unity and I should be able to get us there instantly."

The stairs lead right into an engineering annex. Most of the mechanics and systems here relate to the elevator itself but a manual is chained to the wall. The error code indicates the vent system is blocked on the roof. Something is obstructing the powerful fans from turning on

"Roof! There is a blocked vent fan we need to clear. Meet you by the front door and you can float us all up right?" Reza does whatever he can from this point to help mitigate the current problem before heading back upstairs carefully to meet up with Venser and Truffles

Dr. Truffles nods at Venser. "Right, reckon that should be easy enough for Venny. We'll meet you on up there." He colors a bit as the nickname Reza came up with slips through the thought stream.

Venser seems to appreciate the nickname, never having had one before. "Absolutely!" Once they have regrouped outside Venser will all of them to lift off the ground and fly rather rapidly up the side of the hotel. (TK flight, 8/10 effort free)

The roof is the scene of some disarray. Technicians had been working on the cooling unit evidently and most of their tools have spilled into the grate and fan blades here blocking them from being able to clear the building and the gas buildup within. The mechanisms have been trying to run this entire time

"Oh man... I get the feeling that how they experienced the scream was a lot different than the rest of the galaxy... It almost looks as though they were just... removed from existence... Like someone just hit the delete button." Reza looks around and shakes his head at the thought of so many people being lost. He floats down to the rooftop and does his best to begin clearing the grate of errant tools.

Dr. Truffles nods thoughtfully and looks for a shut-off up here so that Reza doesn't get hurt if the fan blades start up again suddenly. (edited)

There is a large shutoff box that the engineers have rigged to the side of the fan unit. The red button is lit, and once pressed the fans shut off. The buzz of a motor on the cusp of finally burning itself out is finally silent.

Reza once again busts out his toolkit and splays it out on the roof. He also pulls out a handful of spare parts and begins getting to work making repairs to the motor and motor assembly.

(I can assist with that if it's a roll.)

(I think collectively we are handy enough to not need to roll for it)

3:16 PM

There is a bang as the fans come on and you smell the gas being vented through the roof. In the open dome air, it will disperse into a harmless concentration.

(In all our time walking and driving around, have we come across anything that might give a hint as to where the people went? Or does it seem like they all just vanished?)

(We haven't uncovered any big hints of something catastrophic like how the scream was elsewhere. I think with basically life randomly stopping everywhere the delete button theory is closer to what you're seeing)

As Reza goes through the process of taking the motor apart to repair and replace any parts needed he begins wondering aloud, "Where the heck did all the people go? ... Everywhere else The Scream causes mass psychosis among psychics and other practitioners of metadimensional arts... Destruction and chaos soon followed... Here... It's like... Poof! Everyone is gone now... Hrm... Where could they have gone..." Reza pulls off a near tattered drive belt as Truffles hands him a replacement belt he had just cut to size, "Maybe they have traffic cameras or some security cameras from some stores... Might be able to see what happened..."

Dr. Truffles nods thoughtfully. "There was a lot of alarms towards the center of town going off. Maybe they was catching something? Could have been one really powerful shaman..."

"That's what I'm saying it's like they all got raptured away. Like someone hit the save button right before everything went sideways and the backup is stuck in the cloud..."

Reza continues vocalizing his thoughts, "I think that should be our first task tomorrow... As much as I would love to go to the arcade, this complete and sudden disappearance of everyone is... unnerving." He puts down his tools and wipes the grease from his hands. "There that should do it... Good as Piggen new"

The error is resolved and the gas looks to be moving out of the building as quickly as possible. Anyone needing to use an open flame down in the hotel itself should be safe now.

7:51 AM

Night is evidently coming to the surface world. The water outside the dome is darkening and the city lights are also turning themselves down.

"We should probably get some eatin' done then bed down in one these fine fancy suites up here." He finishes packing up the tool kit and lifts gently off the ground and heads to the edge of the building. "Let's hit the kitchen like originally planned. Last one down is a rotten Spineback egg!" And with that Reza begins plunging towards the ground, definitely moving out of range of Venser and his fly ability.

"Oh jesus- REZA!" Venser dives off of the roof after Reza, acclerating downwards to get him in range again.

Dr. Truffles flies off after Venser. When they get to the kitchen he does his best to mix what's there and still good with what they have to make a homey dinner in a nicer dining room in the hotel.

It is a bit eerie with the entire large dining room being given over to just one table, but the meal is excellent despite the lack of fresh ingredients.

Venser stuffs his face. "Mmmmm, excellent as always Truff!" After a while he gets to pondering about what happened to all the people again. "So come on, you guys are the meta-space experts, is it at all possible that everyone here could have been teleported away? Into stasis, like how I survived the scream or maybe even some kind of pocket dimension like that of the Still Lady?" The memory of that place is still fresh in his mind.

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin in thought. "Suppose it's a possibility. A hopeful one I reckon. But maybe that some powerful shaman or another realized what was happening and squirreled everyone away? Or they may of had some automated system?"

Reza is smiling the entire way down before Venser catches up, "I have an Icarus Harness you know... Ha!" After they walk in and enjoy their meal, Reza leans back in his chair and stairs at the ceiling in contemplation, "Mass teleportation? Could be possible... Especially given the nature of this city. It is just awash in Meta-dimensional energy. And if there was a large amount of shamans and proto-psychics... could also be The Scream had a very different effect given the proximity of so many outlets for that energy..." Reza uses his compad to pull up a projected display of the known Iron Sectors. He uses his direct interface to manipulate the map and place markers at certain points. Olar, Shalini, Aliah, Metanor and Acastus all have markers in them, "We know that Olar was essentially the source of the Scream. Or at least the Academy there caused it. Aliah and Metanor are known sites of ley-lines to the Meta-Spring... It is possible that Shalini's proximity to these Ley Lines caused an unusual response to The Scream..."

Dr. Truffles cocks his head. "Reckon there could be a leyline here we ain't found yet? Or some artifact like on Galatea that kept things going?"

A line appears being drawn from Acastus to Metanor, Shalini is only just outside of this line. "Quite possible, Truff. Look here." He points to the line extending across 3 sectors "We know that Acastus and Metanor and Aliah have known Major Ley-line connections. In my mind, it would not be unreasonable that there are other Ley-Line connections, both major and minor, branching off of this big one. The Shamans were very in-tune with the natural and meta-physical world. Perhaps they even managed to create a connection..."

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon there could be branches? Thinking bout it like an organism, a capillary to an artery?"

"In my mind it was more akin to a mountain top spring spawning multiple different rivers. It could cut this way and that and sometimes a rock would fall and divert part of the river down a new path."

Dr. Truffles nods. "Makes a lot of sense, lot of things following the same natural laws and all that, whether the flow's metadimensional or physical."

(i dont want to cut this off, this is awesome)

3

Venser sits there, enraptured, like he’s taking a class in a subject he actually cares about. “Woooooah. So what effect could that have on this place? From what I’ve seen there isn’t just one expression of a planet sitting on a meta-space leyline. Aliah’s connection manifests very differently to Acastus for example.”

"Exactly so, Venny." Reza leans back in his chair and then begins floating in the air. Fingers interlaced behind his head. "It is also possible that the Shamans did something in anticipation of The Scream. A way to protect their people."

Dr. Truffles cocks his head. "Hmmm, any records of anything like that on other planets?" (edited)

"I'm mostly just hypothesizing at this point. It was known on Olar that something was happening. Perhaps a group of Shamans that were in tune with metadimensional flows could sense something was going to happen."

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon we'll find what we're looking for on over at one of the universities. Should we hit the hay?"

(am good to move to sleeping. Reza would propose sleeping in shifts even though they haven't found anything dangerous of yet)

(Just need a d10 from everyone as the night goes on)

(6)

(8)

(3)

The night passes in this submerged city. It is uneasy and everyone has restless dreams here. The darkness seems only to amplify the utter silence of the large city and though your ears play some tricks on you, nobody sees anything during the night

Dr. Truffles wakes up and stretches. "Need to get more piggen down here. That there was spooky."

Reza stirs a bit before sitting up, "Agreed... Down right creepy in here without the noise of other people just living." He turns a bit to one side and pulls on the metadimensional zipper to his extradimensional pocket. The Coins are still there and he hurriedly closes the pouch again. Reza stands up and begins getting his things together before leaving the suite to go to the rest of the city

Venser awakes from the third spot in the bed and window immediately opens on the other side of the room. "The unity while we slept was good to ensure we didn't get ambushed, but I think I sort of... 'bumped into' some of your dreams last night."

Dr. Truffles wipes his mouth a bit. "That there was a good feast, hope you enjoyed it."

"Best I have had since Grupp's Mama's cooking!" He hoists his pack onto his back "Let's go check out city center and see what all those alerts are about"

"Right!" The group clambers into The Trufles once again and sets out onto the streets of Piglantis.

(heading right for the academy?)

(yeah! Definitely cautiously since you said it is listed as a higher state of alert)

(Don't want to get "cleaned" lol.)

2

(inb4 teleported to Gradient Descent)

2

THe academy district and the central government buildings are within a second ring of airlocks and environment seals. The interior of this area is dry and they seem to be functionally the same as airlocks on ships or other sealed environments- just scaled up for industrial use. Telekinesis and regular machinery are fine enough to get them open. Outside the dome a bright school of purple fish swims by.

3

Reza lets out a low whistle, "This impressive place keeps getting better and better... " Reza passes a hand in front of his eyes and his pupils go completely white as he changes his vision to see the metadimensional light spectrum. He looks for any intense source of magical energy

Venser does the same.

Dr. Truffles looks around wide eyed before remembering to adjust his optics too. "Y'all reckon there'll be some sorta trail we can follow?"

The area is saturated in teleportation energy. It feels like a residue of some monumental event in the past rather than evidence of recent use.

Dr. Truffles is so excited he talks and thinks at the same time. "Y'all see that? Feel that? They mighta gotten out!"

Venser face brightens at the fallout. ”Always hold onto hope Truff!” (edited)

The academy is the strongest concentration of this energy signature, to those with metaspace sight it is almost blinding as though looking into the heart of a dying supernova of power.

Dr. Truffles has to keep himself from running ahead. "Let's see what we're looking at! Reckon we'll get answers over yonder!"

Venser resists the urge to start comparing his glow to it’s. ”Yes, let’s!”

"Would seem that there is some credence to the mass teleportation theory... Let's just hope it was a planned event." Reza rubs his eyes as he turns off his enhanced vision. "Man that was bright... Need to make like... Meta Sunglasses..." he makes a few gestures to add a note to begin designing such a piece of equipment. "Proceed carefully... Unknown how stable this area is..."

You can feel the swirling possibilities of unstable metaspace centered around the academy. A massive unleashment of power has happened here, and there is nothing left to tell the tale but alarms, and automated security with the building on lockdown. Armored shutters are slammed over the door arch leading in, and a camera has emerged on a long probe, scanning the street in front of the building

Dr. Truffles attempts to find a datapad to get access to the system.

Reza approaches cautiously, with a hand on his staff ready to counter any magic that might come out at them

The pad is in something like a security lockdown mode. Rather than numeric keys youre once again faced with a rhun pad. Above the pad is an inscription. In times of fire. In times of flight. The shaman remain. Thy sign is sight

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "We did see that sight rhun round a mess of magic places earlier. Whaddya think?"

"Sounds like a logical conclusion to come to... Just be careful... This place has me nervous..."

Dr. Truffles takes a deep breath and draws the sight rhun from the crafting areas.

Welcome, Shaman the pad writes in return once the rhun is inscribed. The shutters begin to retract revealing an ornate white wood door, inlaid with gold carvings of Piggen shaman fighting back darkness of both ignorance and the enemies of the Piggen people

3

Dr. Truffles takes a deep breath and starts recording for later study. "Ready?"

Reza ensures his own camera is set up properly and nods. He quickly pulls together Metadimensional energy. There is a crackling and buzzing as if energy is being gathered before the feeling goes away quickly. (Casting Contingent Excision of Arcana + Retain Sorcery. Deep Focus dropped on the Extradimensional Pocket, 10 hours remain. 4/5 Effort Remain)

Venser stands at Truff's side, a flicker of some iridescent energy in his eyes. He places a hand on the piggen's shoulder and smiles. "Always, you?"

1

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly at his friends and steps inside.

1:25 PM

(We would be in the bottom middle)

1:27 PM

A large reception desk with a door on the left and right. Items for scheduling are on the desk along with a large calendar and quill. The chair is Piggen sized and very plush

Dr. Truffles settles into the comfortable chair and checks the calendar to see if anything can be gleaned from the last few days it was written in.

The schedule for all the mages and psychics has been jam packed full of appointments and classes. Life was continuing as normal and it seems like they had no idea the scream was coming.

7:33 AM

They had gone about the business of their day to day lives until somehow they just did not anymore. There are appointments written in for after the date of the scream as well, giving further context

Dr. Truffles sights and stands up from the desk. "Reckon they didn't know it was coming from what we're seeing here. Looks like a lab or something might be though the door to the right here. Let's check that out" Dr. Truffles moves towards the door to the right.

"That's what I was afraid of... Mass uncontrolled translocation energy being unleashed. I'm just more impressed it only affected the people and none of the surrounding structures" Reza nods as he follows Truffles to the door (edited)

Dr. Truffles nods. "Hopefully whoever did it was a might more powerful than we are. Reckon that'd be the only way folks could get through alright."

Venser likewise follows Dr. Truffles. "We can only hope."

There is a sign on the door that says HARD HAT REQUIRED. PIGGEN AT ~~WORK~~ PLAY

6:59 PM

The door is heavy and metal, reinforced with vulcanized rubber around the frame to form a seal.

Dr. Truffles looks to the others. "Bit of a risk, but I reckon if there ain't a view port then there's some sorta staging area on the other side?"

Reza looks around to see if there might be any extra hard hats hanging off of a post or hooks on the wall.

The bottom drawer of the desk has one in it , likely for if the attendant had to fetch anyone from this secure room (edited)

"Found one hard hat... Maybe there is more inside we can find quickly? With no one working we might not need them?" Reza hands the hardhat over to Truffles. He then looks to help him open the door to the work space

"I'll do my best to stop any errant debris with my..." Venser waves his hands and does a melodramatic imitation of using psionic powers. (edited)

"If you wanted to just be a Mage, like us, all you have to do is ask. We would gladly teach you!" Reza says jokingly as Venny makes the gestures

Venser chuckles. "You know what Rezzy? I might just take you up on that, if only in a... 'limited' study capacity. A spell or two could be a great addition to my skillset."

Dr. Truffles grins as he puts on the hardhat. Reckon we'll find plenty for you to choose from down here! Let's see if we can't get this here door open." Dr. Truffles examines the door for a way to open it.

The doorway has a latch on it that can be pulled to allow access, it reminds you almost of a walk in freezer/cooler at a restaurant (edited)

Dr. Truffles takes a deep breath, looks to the others, and pulls the latch, heaving on the door.

(the people wouldn't be here in the picture but)

11:48 AM

THere is some sort of grow experiment underway, but it has been unmanaged for a long time.

11:49 AM

Growth here has exploded and the plants fill almost the entire tank

Reza gives off a low whistle and looks about the room, switching between Sense Magic and his panspectral optics to see if anything unusual is registering

Bioscopics had been applied to the tree at one point to encourage it to grow. Those energies have not been applied in several years. Nature and the mechanically controlled grow environment have done the rest.

Venser kicks off the ground again and scans from the air. (edited)

Reza slowly moves over towards one of the computer terminals. He attempts to access the system and check the status of the current project/growth

Dr. Truffles gasps in amazement and checks the plants in the tank against the botanical database for Shalini.

Plants that exist today on Shalini's surface are descendants of the plants in this room

2:19 PM

These are if you had to put a pin on it, more pure expressions of the plants that exist today

Dr. Truffles gasps. "Y'all, I reckon this is almost sorta like a seed vault. Something for the shaman to keep the ecosystem going if something happens on the surface maybe?"

As Reza walks over to the computer mainframe, he cocks his head to one side. He squints for a minute before nodding his head slightly, "Bioscopicly Engineered Plant. Compared with a created an environment that is just so perfect for it's growth... These Shamans must have known something of the metadimensional world that maybe even the best human psychics did not truly understand... Harmony... Amazing..." Reza snaps out of his momentary day dream to focus on the computer. He queries the system to see if there were any logs that might describe what was happening before the scream hit.

Tests were continually being run on these plants. Increasingly larger bouts of bioscopic energy were being funneled into the plants. It seems the Piggen were trying to discern the subtle differences between life giving Bioscopic energy, and the harmonious union of life and nature of Gaiascopic energy. Like most piggen practitioners of the psionic arts, their raw power was immeasurable, their fine control over it- especially the kind needed to separate mental MES channels for different sorts of disciplines, is something needing more development.

Dr. Truffles marvels at the data Reza pulled up. "They sure did some amazing stuff."

"I've only just learnt the basics of biopsionics, and I feel like I have some gaia potential to unlock, but I've been having trouble differentiating between them as well..." Venser thinks in sympathy. "Incredible. I wonder what the experiment in the other room is?"

"I am no Psychic so take this with a grain of salt... but it seems for the most part Bioscopic powers are... in a sense limited to adding to or enhancing what is there. Or what was once there. To me, at least, it seems that Gaiascopic energies introduce an aspect of... 'creation' if you will. " Reza scrolls through the information while he continues his thought, "Sure you can dump enough bioscopic energy into an environment and will eventually seed life into the area... but gaiascopic energy seems to be more focused in that sense. It gets right to the point, so to speak."

Dr. Truffles nods. "Wonder if this explains all the diversity in the ocean?"

"Good chance. Would not be surprised if they were running other similar experiments on creatures." Reza queries the system to see what other projects were being worked on besides the plant research

(program/int)

(7)

A breeding project for genomes of aquatic creatures without genetic defects was also underway in this room. The apparatus was never delivered before the Scream occurred but the planning stages for it were complete. There were other projects here, something resembling the telepathic anchors SCAF would later perfect, mass-transit teleport relays, and other projects in the strange and conceptual stages that the Piggen never got into assembling the apparatus for.

Dr. Truffles stares open mouthed at the schematics Reza pulled up. "That would... Our fisheries... Reckon we could build this?"

Reza also finds a recipe for baked fish, and 1,000 dirty jokes about your mom, and various sea life. It seems an elaborate office email chain was going around compiling entries.

3

"Oh my... These are... raunchy..." Reza stares at the designs some more. Paying particular attention to the genomics and teleportation "It's at least a starting point... Something to build on. Will copy this to my storage unit and can review in my own lab." Reza tries to copy the database to his storage unit

"If you're pulling from their databanks, could you also copy the jokes to me please?" Venser pulls out his compad and floats it over to Reza. "Oh yeh and maybe the telepathic anchors as well? That's probably more important..."

The data will take a few hours to copy. The pads seem safe enough here for now

Reza leaves his compad connected to the machine and his storage unit. "Anything else here? Or should we go check out the side of the facility?" (Do the bookshelves have books?)

(They do)

Reza begins scouring the books along the walls. Checking titles and flipping through initial pages. Trying to get a sense of what kind of library it was

Dr. Truffles looks at the jokes and reddens a bit. "I don't reckon we're gonna put these in the museum." He busies himself helping Reza with the bookshelf.

(admin/int)

(Burned 2 re-roll tokens ugh! 6 total)

2

(You get the +2 for me helping or is it only setting dressing if it's not a trained skill for me?)

(I believe generally you need to have at least level-1 to help like that)

(Yeah, that's what I thought.)

(yuou need to have at least a 0)

10:16 AM

(you just can't help at -1, since you have no meaningful training)

3

There is a small primer on differences in psionic channels in a piggen brain. This is the most complete record of the neural pathways in a Piggen brain that any of you have seen

2:19 PM

channels for different expressions of psionic power are labeled

Dr. Truffles looks at the primer then at his friends. "This is... Y'all wanna go for brain scans after this?"

Venser turns around with a massive smile as if someone just said the words ‘ice cream’. ”Do I!!!”*

Dr. Truffles grins. "Wonder if these results'll hold even though I got taught magic by terrans. If it's the biology or the magic that develops the pathways..."

There are fewer channels labeled than existing disciplines today, but you can see that there isn’t anything the Piggen here knew that the terrains didnt. The differences come in the expression and use of those powers, and the true difference became the practical application of twisting those powers into rhunwork to create new and novel things

Venser glances over Truff's shoulder. "Oh interesting, so even I could learn some of these rhuns...?"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Seems possible maybe. Looks like there's as many similarities as differences. Reckon we can do some experimenting!"

"Brain scans at the ripperdoc's followed by mani-pedis at the hotel?" Venser starts making evening plans that bleed into the unity.

pm1988 pinned a message to this channel. 6/25/2021 5:03 PM

Dr. Truffles smiles. "Piggen spas got these birds that'll clean your tusks, they're downright great. Should we keep on going?" Dr. Truffles nods to the door to the left. (If I have the map right, that's the other exit.)

The other room on the left is a large study chamber where it is not climate controlled but just as big. Several beds are lined up against the walls of each side of the room and a host of medical equipment has been neatly stockpiled for use in the event of an emergency

Dr. Truffles examines the medical equipment, comparing it to what's currently available for mass production.

The medial equipment is far more advanced than what the Piggen either here or on Delphos, Gudrun are using. It is far more sensitive and attuned to Piggen physiology

(Does it look like there's an arcanotech component or something we can reproduce?)

(Yes there would be one component here )

Dr. Truffles turns to Reza. "Looks like there's a bit of magic in here. Reckon we could figure out what it is given some time?"

Reza is following right behind Truffles as they explore the medical wing. His eyes widen as they get a closer look, highly advanced magical components firm the basis for their advanced medical machinery. "More than a bit... The Piggen here managed to seemlessly integrate their shamanism with technology. Probably the best example we have seen since getting here." Reza takes a closer look at the pieces. And just begins attempting to figure out a way to break down the machinery in such a way that it could be reverse engineered at later date.

It will take some experimenting and it’s possible they’ll need arcane components to function properly like everything else in this city

"I would say so... However each piece would require specific arcane and metadimensional components. Until we have reached such a time where they can be produced en masse, we will need to be very... Particular about what we try to recreate"

(Sorry, we hit a lot of traffic on our drive and most stops were trying to take care of the pup.) Dr. Truffles nods sadly. "Still, reckon the stuff tailored to piggen biology will be downright useful." Dr. Truffles starts to browse the drawers by the bunks.

"Most definitely. The databases within the machinery will be tremendously valuable."

Personal effects have been left behind here. Photos of family members , books for both pleasure reading and spiritual reading, and a handful of small carved puzzles to tinker with while bedridden are common fixtures here, as are fine clothes that the patients either came in with or more likely had brought to them by family members. The silks are fine and perfectly blended to create strong and comfortable garments. Coral and bright colors are fixtures of most of them.

Reza begins looking through the books, trying to pay particular attention to the more esoteric and academic varieties as opposed to the pleasure reading

Dr. Truffles grabs one of the small puzzles depicting a mamallian sea creature and plays with it for a few minutes before stashing it in his bag and waiting for Reza to finish his examination.

Most of the writings here are not metaphysical in nature so much as the herd is venerated above all, typical of the Piggen in other places that have been contacted as well. Finding purpose and the community as a metaphor for the body are heavily mentioned and extolled over and over again in ever more increasingly elaborate prose.

10:14 AM

There are some theories positing that by extension the Piggen as a race are one organ in a much larger whole, and their quest for the center or brain of this elaborate cosmic system was not something they had time to explore. This find may give further credibility to the leyline theory currently passing through the debate halls of the psionic academy (edited)

Venser is doing loop de loops in the air as they read, playing songs in his head and therefore also in the unity. "Still nothing on where they all went, huh...? Anything on the Piggen homeworld?"

"Hmm... No... Mostly Piggen philosophy... They recognized the harmony that not only their shamans had but all Piggen shared. That Piggen everywhere were just one part of the whole. And, if my interpretations and assumptions are correct, they understood that there was a central source to all metadimensional energy. They seemed to believe that Piggen were just as much an extension of this source as are the leylines themselves."

"Well if you believe in the idea of a 'soul' then that tracks. Maybe it's not some ineffable part of us, but rather our reflection or signature in metaspace itself."

Dr. Truffles nods. "Ain't too different from what we grew up learning on Gudrun. I've found some similarities in the mythology like that afore."

in your readings it seemed that the Piggen here regarded this as their home and did not seem to be concerned with where they came from. This city, and the people they inhabited it with were the Piggen they knew and loved and trusted.

Dr. Truffles smiles while reading the writing and then looks up at the others. "Y'all wanna move across to the other side?"

Reza nods and stows one of the books on Piggen philosophy in his backpack. He then follows Truffles into the next room (Assuming this is the one with the orrery?)

(That works for me!)

1

(the one with the orrey is the one we are moving into, is that what you guys have too?)

3

(yes)

THe orrey room is next and you can see right away something is wrong with it

12:01 PM

(know/int, anyone can)

(14)

(5) Venser's mind is far too distracted by the absolute banger playing in his head right now. (edited)

This orrey does not depict Shalini's position in space. It does however identify worlds with other known metaspace conduits affected by the conjunction, and there is a massive sphere in the center that may represent a heart, or some enormous font of energy. Even that may be connected to some kind of greater whole but the model was never revised to include it

"I knew it! I knew there had to be more!" Reza verbally shouts to everyone and no one. He immediately rushes over to the orrery and begins jotting down notes and taking drawings. He pays special attention to the worlds other than Shalini that are shown here in the model. He takes down any names that he can decipher. "The Piggen... or at least their shamans understood the Conjunction and its connection to other worlds and the Meta-Spring. See here? These are the ley-lines and they all converge here at the source... or at least a source. I am still unsure if the Meta-Spring is the only one of its kind or if this is a repeating phenomena throughout the entirety of the universe."

Venser now sees it and cocks his head to one side "Is that the meta-spring or the Piggen homeworld?"

"The Meta-Spring. My research has lead me to believe that all metadimensional energy comes from at least one source. I have yet to find anything to point to more sources. When you or I channel that energy we are in essence tapping into the Meta-Spring. Its why we have to develop such structured neural interfaces. We have basically created an artificial ley-line within our minds." (edited)

Dr. Truffles dances excitedly around the orrery. "Reckon we could trace a meta spring with this? You thinking it might be in a physical location or in metaspace?'

"I would venture a guess that it is located within Metaspace... I am honestly unsure how even such a journey could be safely navigated... Spiking from one planet to another is hazardous enough as it is... But staying within metaspace to get to the Spring? I... I wouldn't even know where to begin..." (edited)

Based on this orrey and if it compares to re-space coordinates, Aliah is sitting on a massive con-flux of several different leylnes. Specifically, the site of the working

(Would it be safe to assume then that this is dealing with the conjunction we investigated last year then?)

(yeah it looks like they were modeling it and where it might have an impact)

Dr. Truffles turns to Reza. "Could we've predicted the conjunction this far ahead ya reckon?"

"They are the second of the precursor races that had managed to track this phenomena.. The Slyth as well... Their temple on Acastus had it down to the millisecond... They just came to their answer in a seemingly less... Spiritual manner. It was more scientific."

Dr. Truffles nods. "It's really amazing stuff! I ain't never gonna stop being surprised at how well shamanism and tinkering combine for stuff like this!"

"I might have to go back to Aliah... The leylines there seem to be completely different than what is found on Acastus or even Metanor. Ah! Another place I need to return to... Too much to do and not nearly enough time..." Reza approaches the desk across from the Orrery and begins looking through the tabletop and drawers.

"Y'all wanna hit Aliah next? I feel... drawn... to it again." Venser thinks back to some of his recent dreams, visions really, and the encounter with the squid. (OOC don't no if Truff has to shoot off for the meeting with IA/NFSS, or how much we have left to explore down here, but it's an idea.)

(I figured it was out of time otherwise I can let someone else go.)

10:41 AM

Dr. Truffles nods. "I reckon if y'all are feeling drawn I'm right there with you."

(I am fine with it being out of time, and now that you know where this place is we can always come back)

"Something we can go and visit once we have finished our initial survey here! I am sure this place is going to keep administrators busy for quite a while as they get an accurate inventory of what is here. Truffles perhaps even reaching out to Headmaster Fate about this place. I don't want to take away part of Shalini for outsiders... but having another stronghold for us practitioners to fall back on in case of another wave of pogroms... well... could be useful."

"I couldn't agree more. What else do y'all want to check out while we're here?"

"I'm gonna check out this here desk!" Reza begins looking at the desk top and then the drawers to see what interesting things it might hold (edited)

Dr. Truffles nods. "Heck of an idea Reza, that was always my intention with the sanctums and this is just plum better."

The desk and drawers have various writing utensils and some crude tools used to measure stellar distance when held up to the orrery. A few replacement foot pedals and cranks for its orbital gears are also inside the desk still in their wrapping , just in case

Dr. Truffles nods at what Reza finds. "Reckon that makes sense. We piggen got real big feet, I'm breaking the pedals on the Gransow Lichen all the time."

"Hrm... I wonder what new leylines we might see if we were too..." Reza walks back over to the Orrery and attempts to have it rotate slowly. He wants to see if some new leyline location or other clue might be given with a shift in perspective

Venser leans in with interest at what Reza is trying.

Now thatBrizeno and its location have been so heavily featured in the news with some rotation you can conclusively say one exists there.

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Y'all reckon the Extaurrens and PMG know about any of this or it's just a coinky-dink?"

"I doubt the Mining Guild has dedicated the resources to understand what they have control of at Brizeno. The Etxaurrens seem to be a more... religious and spiritual bunch even if their proclivity is towards violence and sacrifice. The Zadak were from Brizeno, no? If I recall correctly they are especially in tune with metadimensional energies..."

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon that makes sense. Wonder if they had any conscious knowledge of it."

"That's correct Reza, specifically Brizeno's moon was their main home, it was a bustling place of nature and harmony. Reminded me a lot of Aliah, come to think of it... The giant redwoods and lush greenery were the images I gave you when we were shaping Sumati 2." Venser remembers the scene fondly. He then steps up to the Orrey as well, and tries to locate Pherusa. Wanting to know if there are any particular leylines close to his home that may have effected him, or whether the stories about his father might be true. "Perhaps a mix of both?" He wonders privately. (edited)

Reza thinks back to the events of the Conjunction a few months back. Nodding slowly, images of the mighty redwoods begin forming in their shared unity. "I'd bet Mama Grupp's farm that the connection to the Leyline is on Brizeno's moon... You think... You think we should go and... I dunno? rescue it from the Etxaurrens? At least the moon? Them having access to such a font of power could be... problematic."

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Y'all know, I did promise the Order they'd get to test their new grav-bikes on slavers..."

"From the reports it would seem the Etxaurrens have no space presence to worry about... With a light escort we could certainly cause havoc on the moon while we wait for more soldiers to assist with Brizeno prime..."

Venser takes an audible breath and pauses his fiddling with the Orrey for a moment. "I'm uh... I would be apprehensive to go back there. Last time... didn't end well. There aren't any Zadak left there now, we saved all the civilians we could, and had to leave most of the warrior caste to die. The average Extaurren is, in my experience, dumber than a bag of rocks. So they probably don't know what they are sitting on, their "God" might be different. It might take a couple months to rally our forces and get down there, but I'd do it if you guys are there. Ideally I'd like Rey with me as well, I'll send him a message." Venser goes back to trying to locate Pherusa, likely keeping a lot of emotion out from the unity, penned inside the walls of his impervious pavis of will.

Dr. Truffles nods. "We could go in quiet I reckon. We all got things to disguise us..."

"Did someone say disguises?!? I love disguises"

Dr. Truffles cackles a bit and then cuts it off. This'll be a hoot. If it don't go horribly wrong."

(Sorry we will stop interrupting. I think Venser was trying to figure out if Pherusa has a Leyline)

Pherusa was a world rich in many things, but metaspace energy does not seem to be especially abundant there compared to some of the other sites you are investigating

"Huh... weird..." There's a flood of private thoughts but for now Venser returns to the present moment. "Certainly, I don't actually think I have anything disguise-wise. Need to put more work into biopsionics for that, like a LOT more work... Anyway, this place is truly incredible. Anything else we need to look at here? Want to go hit up the VR-cade?" (edited)

Dr. Truffles nods. "Last room here, then arcade and antiques!" Dr. Truffles heads towards the door on the other wall of the orrery. (edited)

"No need for that Venny" Reza waves his hands as they walk towards the other room. They pass by a mirror and Venser sees a tall piggen instead of his usual human self. He even smells like one too. (casting Adopt the Simulacular Visiage. 3/5 spells remain) "You don't apprentice to Master Grupp for years and not learn how to alter the physical form" he says to the imaginary camera in the corner. (edited)

Venser cocks a head to one side looking at himself in the mirror. "HAHA-" He catches the sounds as they leave his mouth, the voice much deeper and not like his own. "Oh this is... this is weird. I thought you said disguises, not transformations!" He begins to float gently off the ground to check his powers are still intact. "HAHA! It's like the Old Earth saying!"

Dr. Truffles laughs. "That there's my favorite terran saying."

Piggen-Venser lies on his front and floats through the doorway in the air, admiring his new huggability.

Dr. Truffles rubs his own belly and then helps him test it out. "More I meat folks, more I'm learning why Shaman Grupp does this so darn much."

2

A statue resides in this room. It is an onyx representation of the scream beast in all its Majesty and horror. The rubies for its eyes have been polished to a mirror sheen

"What? ... How? ... How do they... They knew of the Scream Beast also? ... Perhaps they foresaw the Scream as an inevitable event?"

Dr. Truffles stares at it slack jawed. "... I'm glad you saw that, wasn't sure I'm seeing that I'm seeing?" (edited)

9:46 PM

Dr. Truffles turns to Reza and Venser. "Y'all's better educated than me. I don't know much about the scream beast other than what it is. Did folks know bout it in advance?"

"There's records on Olar found by my cousin... Well second cousin... Second cousin once removed... Doesn't matter. Josh found reference that the Academy folk there had discovered the existence of the Scream Beast. Then the brilliant folk decided to contact the damn thing... It's the leading theory at least..."

Dr. Truffles nods. "I wonder if these piggen found it through the same sources..."

"Let's hope the Shamans showed more wisdom than the psychics of Olar. Or maybe it was that the Scream began here... Interesting hypothesis. No evidence to support at this time... Let's see what they knew about the creature." Reza begins inspecting the statue first with his magical sight then physically if it doesn't look to be dangerous (edited)

Venser examines it in stunned silence. "Good God... Well I suppose bad God to be more precise. As far as I know, there was some kind of echo or voice that nearly every psychic alive had heard at one point, when deep in trance. I believe I heard it myself, long ago, but I can't be certain. Nearly every Psychic Academy, not just Olar, but the entire galaxy, pulled together and attempted a gestalt to contact the source of this call. That... 'thing'," He gestures to the statue. "didn't seem to take a shine to us. And thus, the Scream... Perhaps the Shamans here attempted a much smaller gestalt years before, the result being they all went poof..." Venser eyes the statue carefully. "It's eyes are too clean..." He worries.

Venser’s theory about a smaller gestalt happens to be true based on the evidence Reza finds among the papers. Very early Piggen psionic practitioners had found evidence of the unfathomable intelligence lurking behind the veil of metaspace. They believed it was just one of possibly several but so many questions remained unanswered. A smaller gestalt had gained a vision of it hundreds of years before. It became something of a totem of piggen psychics for a time -proof of pure psionic life

Dr. Truffles shakes his head. "I sure don't like the idear of more than one scream beast."

"Well we already dealt with another, The Still Lady. If only the larger galactic academy had possessed the foresight to keep the contact small and brief, everything would be different. The Beast likely took such a massive wave of energy as an attack."

Dr. Truffles shudders. "There's a whole mess of scary stuff out there I feel like we got no clue bout." (Have we seen the teleportation energy stronger in any particular room now that we've been to them all?)

(No, would have been pretty uniform)

(Gotcha, I'll keep searching next time I come to the city then.) "Well, you fellas want to avoid a scary end to the trip and head on over to the arcade?"

"If there's nothing else to be found here, sure! And don't worry Truff, whatever it is, we'll face it together. It's worked like a charm so far."

Dr. Truffles grins. "I hope it's just video games and fun antiques from this point out. But I appreciate it. Y'all's real good friends."

Piggen-Venser gives Dr. Truffles another big hug before they make their way back to the The TRUFLE. "Uhhh, Reza? Not that I haven't loved being in Truff's shoes for a little while, but could you turn me back? I'm not use to driving with trotters, and a car crash at the bottom of the ocean isn't exactly how I want to go, although it's probably not too far down the list.

Memories of ghouls poke through the unity as Dr. Truffles shudders. "Reckon it ain't. We really gotta find a safer line of work someday."

Reza seems distracted as he continues to stare at the Scream Beast, ”What? Huh? Oh sorry!" with a dismissive gesture, Venser returns to normal.

( AR Arcade next?)

(yes!!)

(Yup yup!)

Troughs and Tokens is the name of the VR Arcade and despite the passage of time the building still seems powered and maintained. Lights advertising the "thickest prize payouts in town" and "Family night is Thursday" becon those passing by in the street to come in. Somehow, the air still smells like the food Piggen would eat at carnivals and other celebrations

2

(hey neko can you let me know when it has been 10 hours since we entered the academy? right before I would want to cast Extradimensional Pocket again as I don't want to lose those coins

. Just want to keep an accurate accounting of spell slots)

(Will do!)

1

"Active power? Amazing! Perhaps micro-fusion reactors? Wait... Micro-fusion Rhuns?!" Reza's eyes widen like a kid who just realized he might have access to unlimited candy. He runs into the arcade.

Dr. Truffles watches him go and chuckles at Venser. "That smell's got me hungrier than, well, a pig at slop. I'm gonna go get the refreshment stand rolling, you scout out the games."

The machines are on standby, but if you are willing to wait, popcorn, slushed drinks, and piggen sweets can be made from the fully stocked kitchen here. A network of tidal generators surrounding the city seems to be keeping everything running. The games are likewise on standby mode. "Piggen Punisher!" A fighting game, "Wreck it Rudolph" - a game where a fat human child destroys a play room of toys, and "My first fully immersive surgical training device" some sort of medical game are among the first in the row that you see

1

Dr. Truffles sets about getting the confections running and then goes to find Reza and Venser. "Y'all up for a little round-robin of Piggen Punisher!?"

Venser breaks into a wide smile. "Let's go handsome!" He finds a place at the controls.

(this would be like a "safe" VR game where you whack each other with no psionics, idk if you guys wanted to spar)

3

(Hell yeah! initiative?!?)

(Haha, yes!)

Reza comes running back very excited, "Okay not nearly as cool as a micro-fusion rhun, but still awesome. Tidal generators all over the place feed the entire city with power. Very environmentally friendly" As he looks around he sees Piggen Punisher game, "Whoaa!!!! You guys up for a round? Mano-A-Mano-A-Pig?"

Dr. Truffles grins. "We were just talking bout that. Reckon they got a wrench as a weapon option?"

"I am sure they do! Big Wrench Truffles on deck! Venny, you in for a little bit of friendly sparring??" Reza begins queuing up the program. He goes through the menus selecting a generic fighting pit with few obstacles. There is a wide variety of weapon selections and he ensures everyone has starts with a random kind of wrench. Pipe wrench for Truffles, A big open ended wrench for Reza and an overized allan wrench for Venser

Obstacles include acid pits, vertical logs with spikes on them, attack dogs springing from trap doors, and something called "The tenderizer" which is left as a large question mark on the preview menu

3

"Uhhh, don't suppose there's a 'gun' option on there? That's more my speciality, although that does feel like a little much here." Venser chuckles, and is trying his best to treat it as a fun game, but the notion of fighting his friends in a situation that feels real calls up a far too painful memory... (Just to confirm, no psionics so no intuitive response, no reactive telekinesis, etc?)

(right, wouldn't carry over to a video game)

1

"Gotta build up those arm muscles, Venny. Can't always be 'mind' day! You'll be fineee..." Reza selects "The Tenderizer" option and then loads the program up. "Alright let's go!" Reza moves into position with the VR machine and hooks in where necessary

Dr. Truffles laughs. "Do love a good tenderizer, gets the meat just right." He picks up a headset and hooks in with Reza.

2

The three of you move into an area. It is shaped like a triangle with Dr. Truffles occupying the left low point, Reza occupying the point at the top, and Venser occupying the low right. A massive hammer, spiked and ridged like a meat tenderizer is the only obstacle in the middle of the room, randomly swinging and swiping at different intervals with its brutal maul-head. Each of you has the large advanced weapon of your various wrenches in hand.

Dr. Truffles steps forward in full space marine armor and gives the pull cable on his chainsaw-wrench a rip. "Howdy fellas, looking good! Let's Rumble!" (4 for initiative)

Venser's avatar is a being of pure, gently shifting energy, that floats just above the ground. The luminous form reaches forwards and forms a wrench out of thin air as a hard-light construct. The voice comes out amplified and bassy. "Time to d-d-d-d-d-d-d-duel!" (Hahahaha, 1. Venser does not want to be in another fight with his friends.)

(6! Reza is ready to bring it)

3:02 PM

Reza looks around at his two friends and gives them a big smile before lazily running towards Venser with the comically oversized wrench. Swole Reza winds up and takes a baseball swing at Venser's mid section (23/6) "Oof take that!"

(Oooo, just hits, 22 AC, 93/99 HP.)

Dr. Truffles grins and runs along the edge to avoid the meat tenderizer, servos cranking on the armor. He swings the chainsaw wrench at Reza's back. "Howdy! Turned your back on me!" (20/9)

The wrench cracks into Venser's belly, winding him IRL, but the avatar stands tall. "So whose rock, whose scissors, and whose paper in this situation?" He finishes before taking a wild swing at Dr. Truffles. (13/6)

(50/59) "I don't know but I won't be stuck between!" Reza twists to get out of Truffles' reach to take another smack at Venser (Opportunity attack for truffles) (22/10 on Venser)

(Evasion save everyone)

(nat20)

(Nat 1 lol. Dat pork tender. Also 27/33 from Venser's attack.)

(nat 20! Man the stats are all over today. Also lol that hit?)

(I'm a squishy boi without my magic, 13 meets AC lol.)

(Oh yeh also 83/99 HP now)

(14 damage to everyone , 7 if passed) Reaction more than thought sends Venser and reza flat against the ground as the swinging arm of the tenderizer makes a complete 360 degree arc around the battle space in a radial pattern before going back to its random pounding

(43/59)

Dr. Truffles stumbles to his feet, nursing a tenderizer-shaped dent in his armor (13/33 HP). He grabs Venser and Reza each in an arm, squeezes them in a big pig-hug, and attempts to throw them into the path of the meat tenderizer. (Exert / STR 4 hahahaha)

2

(8 ha)

(hahahaha 3, have a -2 to that) "Ahahaha, see this is why I use telekinesis!!!" Venser yells as his hollow spacer bones fail to muster a half decent resistance. (76/99 HP) (edited)

The tenderizer stops as it smashes into venser's back (15 damage) before the whining servos inside the simulation send it protesting and spinning the other way instead

(61 HP) Venser stumbles into the tenderizer and his avatar shudders and glitches for a moment before turning to normal. "Is that all you got!" He says playfully. He leaps at Reza and clamps the end of his wrench around the handle of his opponents, attempting to wrench it free. (Trying to disarm, 19 to hit, we both roll contested stab/(dex or str) checks and you get a +3 to the roll, I rolled a 12!)

2

Reza uses his hilariously sized open wrench to parry the blow effortlessly. His increased physique makes it an easy task to hold onto his weapon "Gonna have to do better than that Venny!" (rolled a 14) While they have their wrenches crossed, he slams down hard hoping to smash the hands of Venser so that he drops his wrench! (24 to hit with 11 on the stab/str to disarm you!) (edited)

The wrench clatters to the ground and Venser narrowly ducks out of the follow through. "Shi- dammit!" (10, just got me)

1

"Maybe you should have kept the trotters! No wonder you are so skinny, Venny!"

Seeing Reza is distracted, Dr. Truffles goes low and attempt to schoolboy him. "He ain't the only beanpole!" (14 to hit, 8 on the opposed Punch / STR roll to knock prone.)

Reza feels the good doctor bump into him but it feels little more than a friendly pat on the back (AC 19)

2

(Ffs! Rolled a d4 to see how far my wrench rolls away and got a 4!

) Venser combat rolls sideways and attempts to recoup his weapon. (AOO from Reza I guess? Using movement to get to the wrench and action to pick it up.)

Reza is too distracted by the comforting pat on the back by Truffles to realize that Venser had rolled out of his combat reach, "Hey why you gotta push like that Truff?" Reza then attempts to shove the Piggen but whiffs horribly (rolled a 9 to hit lol)

(Sorry, I looked at this, registered it was my turn, and then immediately forgot

) Dr. Truffles grins and jets in his armor shoot him to the side. He crouches and swings his chainsaw wrench at Reza's knees. (25/6)

2

(37/59) Reza groans with pain as the advanced virtual weapon slams into his knee, "Turn down the torque!"

Dr. Truffles adjusts the switch. "Got it, sorry, reckon I went a bit overboard with the specs."

Venser is a bit more shaky as he hauls the wrench up, but takes a deep breath and launches back into the fray. "Is it too late to change back?" He yells as the wrench whiffs Dr. Truffles' jets. (11/8)

Dr. Truffles stands still grinning as his armor deflects the blow. "Reckon there are some advantages to being 5'4" and 350 lbs."

"Reckon there would be!" Reza tries to twirl around and give a whirlwind swing with his wrench at Truffles. (eek 23/12)

Dr. Truffles bends over winded. "Oof, that'n got me." (1/33 HP lol)

Venser tries to capitalise on the opening and launches a flurry of swings at Reza. (Crit!/14)

2

(23/59) Reza nearly knocked flat on his face from the impactful virtual swing by Venser. He knows that the weapons are digital and that no real impact happened, but his mind is saying something else as he picks himself up off the floor. He returns the swing and misses wildly. (rolled a 10)

Venser catches the blow in the end of his wrench and tries to reverse it's momentum, but gets caught off guard when his psionic powers don't instinctively kick in. (16/6)

Dr. Truffles tries to slide under the meat tenderizer to find a new angle of attack, but it changes angle at the last moment and his avatar disappears into a red mist. He appears as a ghost above Reza and Venser. "Boooooo howdy, reckon I'm the ref now." (4 vs 5 Evasion save, glad I'm getting these out of the way in VR lol.)

2

(you're up Rezzy, this is just a slap-fight now

)

Reza winces at seeing his friend turned to Red digital mist. He pivots and begins to circle Venser as they are locked in digital combat, "For just being a psychic you sure are a hearty fellow!” (lol another 8 to hit)

Dr. Truffles apparates a megaphone in front of him and a striped shirt onto his spectral torso. "Boyeee, and Reza swings and flops like a possum playing dead! How'll Venny respond?"

2

Venser was riding the line for a moment but it seems he's now taking this fight for the light hearted scuffle it is. "Ha! I could say the same to you! Never met a wizard with so many muscles!" Venser regards his fellow King as they circle eachother. "That won't stop me though!" Venser feints a swing to the side but at the last second bonks Reza straight on the noggin' instead. (Crit!/6) (edited)

(17/59)

"Oooh, Venny with a solid connection to the noggin! Reckon Reza's gonna be feeling that like a pint of Miriam moonshine in the morning!"

Reza's head rings like a bell as the shot takes him right in the temple. He shakes his head to refocus his eyes, "I am no conjurer..." he swings his hefty wrench in a wide arc at Venser "... of weak lifts!" (23/13. I think this is like the 4th 19 i have rolled)

2

(48/99 HP) The hit decks Venser in the side, causing his avatar to glitch slightly once more. "Oof... That was a good one!" He kicks the pommel of his own wrench to sweep it backwards before bringing it down hard like hitting a high striker at a fair, but the heavy blow is easily sidestepped. (8/5) (edited)

"Master Grupp has taught me the ways of the wrench. While others studied the arts, I mastered the tool of my craft!" Reza tries to slam the wrench into his friend's hands (18/7)

Venser catches the blow at the handle with his own as it comes down. The two are now locked, face to face, in a desperate bid for leverage, something only Truff can appreciate from his vantage point. Venser takes several quick breathes and tries to push back and win the lock, but fails to find a weak point."Jesus Christ man, what are they feeding you?!" (15/5)

"A little bit of Nana Grupp cooking and a whole lot of Rectification!" He flips the wrench around trying to catch Venser by surprise, but is unable to break his guard (rolled a 9) (edited)

It seems Venser is definitely tiring at this point as he whiffs one clumsy swing after another, using the majority of his remaining energy for defense. (11/7)

"Gotta stop letting your mind lift everything for you! How else are you going to leverage your tools!" (16 to hit)

"I'm starting to think you're jealous!" (lol same)

"I mean... I probably am! Look at you, you handsome devil!" Reza uses the momentary pause from Venser being distracted to strike home with another blow from his wrench (22/8)

Turns out Venser is not distracted, he's goading him. However in his overconfidence he still almost leaves it too late and the blow misses his head by less than an inch as he ducks, disturbing the perfect quiff in his IRL hair. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Rezzy!" He brings the wrench up again, but it's easily parried. (11/9)

Reza smiles as he catches the wrench with a deft parry. "Hey look! Over at Truffles! What is he doing?!" Reza attempts to clock Venser with the distraction but fails to sell it. (17 to hit)

Dr. Truffles makes jazz hands and juts his lower jaw out, just in case someone looks.

2

Dr Truffles notices several long ribbons have tickets have printed for his participation in the game

Dr. Truffles grins and grabs the tickets, looking around for a prize booth.

8:48 PM

(Will wait for Reza and Venser to finish up before heading over there though.)

Venser smiles at the attempt, and for his next attack swings all the way around before bringing it back so he can see Truff as he turns. But the arc is so wide you could see it coming a mile away. (10 to hit, this might take a while

)

2

"No but really! Look how crazy that is!" Another attempt deserves another turn of the wrench.

4:08 PM

(8

)

Another spin, another wild cleave. (13, it's like the world's worse tennis rally)

(lol i think have to roll a natural 18 or higher to hit you.)

4:22 PM

Reza is exhausted and it shows mightily. He comes close to hitting Venser, but the psychic manages to get out of the way just in time

4:22 PM

(20 to hit)

(forgot to add vambrace/force pavis earlier, AC is 24) The blow glides off of Venser's forearm as brings the wrench up and back down for another near miss. (18/2) (edited)

(ready to call it whenever you are

) Reza levels the wrench and tries to ram Venser with it

5:16 PM

(23 to hit

i think i need a nat 20 to hit you)

Venser parries the blow and capitalises on the opening. "Ha! I could do this all day..." He says, clearly tired. (23/7, how about if you hit me you win?)

(10/59) (Ha! Sure!)

6:05 PM

Reza is huffing, "Guess I should use magic less and my feet more..." He lazily swings towards Venser

6:05 PM

(dirty 20)

“This is good endurance training we should do it more often!” The wrenches clang together harmlessly as they exchange blows. (11 to hit)

"Yeah... Sure! ... Woof... I guess i should look at rectifying my endurance..."

6:10 PM

(14)

(24/10!) Venser catches an incoming blow in the jaws of his massive wrench, as his amorphous avatar shifts to one side and pulls hard to further Reza’s follow-through. Using his opponent’s own weight against them, Venser swings Reza around and into the tenderiser, finishing the move with a summary bonk on the head for good measure, scattering Reza’s avatar and finishing the game. (edited)

"Ooooooo" Reza starts laughing "Well played at the end!!! I really need to work on some cardio"

Dr. Truffles is visibly excited as they come out of the simulation. "Y'all. There's tickets! That means a prize desk!"

Reza pulls Venser and Truffles in for a hug, "That was a lot of fun! And if there are prizes, even better! Let's see what they got! Race ya!" Reza doesn't wait and pushes off the others and sprints to go find the prize desk\ (edited)

(Zarn's here?

) Dr. Truffles looks after him. "Hey, that ain't fair!" "I ain't very fast..."

Venser hugs Reza and shakes his hands. "Thank you! Excellent match, we should add some magic next time! And yeh... me too." He chuckles and trundles over to the prize desk, very worn out.

Everyone has 30 tickets

7:17 AM

And those are worth one of anything shows on the prize screen above

3

Dr. Truffles grins and hits a button. "A triceratops! That there's one of my favorite mythical creatures from terran lore."

Reza selects the button associated sticky hands "Always loved these things! If only I could rectify stretchy stick arms"

Venser selects the blue swirling bouncy ball. "Oh man, had a jar of these when I was a kid, my Mother used them to demonstrate the behaviour of atoms. But I could turn any of the hallways on the station into a 3-Dimensional minefield with these bad boys!" He bounces it off the floor several times.

It seems the tickets have been used up, but the arcade prompts you to keep playing if something else is desired from the ticket counter.

(Y'all want to hit another game or go antiquing?)

(let's go antiquing!)

(Hell yeh, antiquing!)

(oh god what were we supposed to do with this? its been so long)

(Haha, there was just an antique shop in the bottom right of the map we were gonna hit before we left.)

1

The building is dark when you approach. The windows and doors are shuttered and it’s small wooden knocker bangs gently in the slight underwater under dome Breeze

8:34 AM

It doesn’t seem like this is anything more sophisticated than a mom and pop establishment

Dr. Truffles checks around the door for any security rhuns before opening it.

There is an eye rhun carved into the door, observing the surroundings and all of you

Dr. Truffles will carefully scratch out the rhun before opening the door.

It languidly blinks once before sinking into the door, now dispelled.

Dr. Truffles grins at his friends and opens the door. "Lets find some doodads to decorate the old ships!"

"Well I don't want to rob the place blind, but certainly, we can leave a few credits on the counter." Venser proceeds into the store.

"Would be nice to get a little souvenir..." Reza heads into the store last

Dr. Truffles nods. "Yeah, reckon we should leave a few credits. Nice surprise for when them folks get back. Like one of them mystery shoppers on the Gudrun reality shows."

3

(d100 everyone!)

(18!)

(52)

(4!)

(okay items incoming)

7:37 AM

Reza wanders to the back of the store. Under an oily drop cloth is a stained glass window about the size of his main office window in Khmarna metascience center. It depicts a small army of elementals and outlanders perched on a rock, holding hand tools and looking appreciatively up at a warm reflective sun.

7:38 AM

Venser disappears into a side annex where silver and gold pieces were kept- finding a large silver urn. The stopper doesn't seem to be able to be removed. Panels along the sides show some kind of story, the first panel of which is the conjunction of stars. The stars are ones in this sector, and this panel depicts the conjunction event.

7:40 AM

Dr. Truffles moves into something of the housewares section, finding a ceremonial Piggen Shaman uniform. The fabric is soft but durable and in the vibrant colors of the underwater kingdom here. The neck piece has flat pieces of colorful shell worked into the fabric as to the hem of the robe and the cuffs of the sleeves.

3

Dr. Truffles runs his hands along the delicate shell-work, thinking about the shamans who came before who wore this robe. "Fellas... I think I may of found something that'll replace the labcoat. This... this is beautiful. I ain't never seen anything like it." (Can I use Know Magic to see if there's anything enchanted about it?)

As Reza discovers the drop cloth, he gives it a gentle pull to reveal the beautiful stained glass window underneath. He sets the cloth to the side and looks at the pane a few steps back. 'Wow' he says silently as he appreciates the fine craftsmanship. He then takes a step closer to really get a good look at the people and other creations that exist in the landscape. "I think I found a great addition to my office on Galatea... Wow I didn't think anyone had been creating stained glass masterpieces anymore..."

Venser hefts up the urn and looks it over before trying to pop the stopper off with telekinesis. A little perturbed this doesn't work, he instead admires the gorgeous artwork that runs around and eventually pieces together that this is the conjunction. "Oh wow, this would go nice in there too Reza! What a memento, an entire cosmic event summed up in one amazing piece of craft work..." He notes the similarities to his vambrace.

(nothing enchanted about it, just traditional, well made, and authentic )

2

2:44 PM

(there is more to the story on Venser's, the conjunction is just the first panel)

Dr. Truffles smiles. "I'm glad y'all found something. I'm gonna leave these folks something nice in case... when they come back." He joyfully transfers a million credits onto a stick and leaves it by the register with a note thanking them for the shopping experience.

Venser smiles at the gesture, then turns the urn around to see the other panels.

(Reza gonna be a hood rat for a minute and try and snag that credit stick....)

2

2:59 PM

Reza heads over to the counter with the stained glass window under one arm. "Good idea, Truff! I am sure they will be back!" Using the window to act as a bit of a barrier, he looks to discreetly open his extradimensional pocket and brush the credit stick into the metadimensional space. He then takes out two credit chits with nothing on them from his pocket and places it onto the counter

3:01 PM

(rofl 6 on the sneak/dex)

(Do we Notice / WIS that lol?)

(Fuck it im burning my last reroll token for this shit. got a 10)

2

(I don't think Venser does, he's just looking at the urn lol)

(HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I have 200 million credits I would just give you money

)

1

(but where is the fun in that?!?!)

2

(3, Truff is also looking at the urn lol.)

2

(HAHAHA, rolled for the hell of it, 2...)

2

(Nobody notices Reza being a kelpto)

3

Credit stick hidden safely away he walks over to Venser, "That's a mighty fine piece of pottery! Any insights from it?"

Completely oblivious, Venser starts. “Well this here is obviously the conjunction, and thiiiiiiis…” He trails off as he turns the urn to look at the other panels. (edited)

The other panels all look as though they’re made from encased swirling oil. They undoubtedly form a progression of some kind but what they lead to is unclear. How other panels reveal themselves is also unclear

"A curious thing... Does it know what is coming and keeps it in mystery? Or is it only responding to some metadimensional stimuli?"

Dr. Truffles approaches as well. "Any rhuns on it? Reckon we might be able to activate it somehow?"

"Hmmm, strange...." (With my metapsi vision can I tell if there's anything special about it?)

It is a vessel and there is a power within. The power does not feel like it has a sentient mind behind it, it just happens to exist inside this urn. It cannot be released until the events on the panels are resolved, and its not clear what metadimensional stimuli might be needed to try to get it open.

"Maybe when this next event comes to fruition and reveals itself on this panel, we can try to deduce what the final panel may hold." Reza says thoughtfully. He too sees the metadimensional power held within the vessel but is unsure what to make of it other than a record keeper of sorts.

"There anything else you guys wanted to do? Or should we..." There is a dramatic sigh "I guess return to the wider galaxy... Are you sure we can't just like... stay down here forever? We can conduct our research, Venny can go get Blossom..." there are flashes of memories that come from Reza. A small box with J.S. engraved on it. Hour spent talking the night away but no one can be seen other than a small holographic display of young human female "... sorry... Didn't mean to share those... Still getting used to this whole telepathy business. But we have everything we need and we could spend lifetimes rediscovering what the shamans knew!"

Dr. Truffles pats him on the shoulder. "It's ok, you're with friends. Yeah, I reckon it's time to get on back. Thank y'all for coming with me. It was downright wonderful to see this little bit of my people's history. Made it even better to do it with my friends."

Reza sighs as he walks out of the antique store and begins heading towards the docks that began their journey "I guess you are right... I should go check in with the Headmaster. Maybe I will be able to convince him to give me a raise! Ha!" Reza chuckles, albeit a little nervously

Dr. Truffles looks worried. "You need some money Reza..." He looks embarassed for a moment. "You've helped me out a whole bunch, and I got plenty from my stock Billy gave me."

”Same for me and AA, if you lot need anything, anytime, all you have to do is ask.” Venser gives a warm smile and puts one arm around each of them. “It’s been an absolute pleasure guys, we need to come back here to look more sometime, it’s just a shame the galaxy moves so damn fast… But I love you guys.”

It's at this point Reza's extra-dimensional pocket dispels. With that realization in Reza's mind, comes a the sound of gold coins hitting pavement. And not just one or two coins, but a person sized amount of gold coins with piggen words spill out onto the street. In the pile is a suspiciously familiar looking credit stick Reza is immediately embarrassed and looks very uncertain, "Uh... Where did that come from?!"

Dr. Truffles looks surprised for a second and then beams. "Reza! You saved coins from the shipwreck! Were you gonna surprise me?" Dr. Truffles looks suddenly worried. "Normally I wouldn't offer to a friend, but you just said you was having money trouble. Normal finder's fee for cultural artifacts is 4x market value. Let's see, that there looks like about a ton and change if you were using the spell I think you were using." Dr. Truffles pulls out his datapad. "... carry the 7, I think that there's about 28 million credits if my maths is right. Would that help out?" Dr. Truffles looks pleased with himself and hopeful, Reza would get the sense that he didn't even notice the credit stick getting caught up in the gold.

Reza has turned vibrant shade of red as he coughs a couple times to clear his throat. He is clearly embarrassed at the current situation, but is doing his best to hide the reason why, "I thought... it would be... a really... nice surprise?" He scratches the back of his neck nervously, "I... can't... what? No... The Headmaster can..." his eyes widen at the figure a little "Are... Are you sure?" He moves to stand over the credit stick and kneels down to pick up the coin and hides the credit stick, "Can I keep one as a momento?"

Dr. Truffles smiles. "Course! Venser, why don't you take one too! We can have em as friendship mementos from the trip!" He picks up two coins and hands one to Venser, before handing a credit chip with 28 million credits on it to Reza, then scratches his chin. "Reza, you reckon you can cast that again, or do we gotta find a wheelbarrow to get this back to the T.R.U.F.L.E.?" (edited)

Reza nods sheepishly and makes a few gestures in the air. After he mutters a few words a tear in reality appears, the High Mage begins scooping the coins into the space, "As long as I have no need to use any more spell forms I can carry it to whatever secure storage you might have... Are you sure about paying for this? I..."

Dr. Truffles helps Reza load the pocket and then gives him a big hug. "Course! I got more money'n I know what to do with. I bought a dern soccer team. And you've helped me out so much."

"..thank-... thank you..." he says quietly in his mind. Barely audible over the clinking of coins falling into a pile in his metadimensional sack. There is a lot of conflict within the mind of Reza that seeps into the unity. Guilt is quickly followed by confusion and a bit of anger. Not at anyone in the group. But at himself. (edited)

Dr. Truffles looks stricken. "You don't gotta feel guilty! Like Venny said, we got plenty. Less than a year ago I lived in the room above my shop on Gudrun. I reckon I couldn't spend the money if I tried, pour most of it back into the administration here being hones. And you two are my best friends in the galaxy. So it ain't no problem."

”Yeh Reza, you’re a very good friends and you do incredible work that helps a LOT of people. I never want you to have to worry about money, and I know you will use it for good. You know sometimes I do think those CBSS guys have got it figured out, “receive according to need, give according to ability”, if I could have it may way, people like you should never have to want for anything. And thankfully that’s what we’re all fighting for!” He offers a group hug.

Reza says little else. The conflict still remains internally but the feeling is slowly ebbing away from the unity. Whether it is because he no longer feels that way or he has put up his own barriers, it is hard to say. He just nods solemnly and leans in for the group hug with his friends.

(I;m all caught up, 9xp, 50,000 credits for mission completion )

1

10:37 AM

(and the various items we've all taken)

(That was so awesome and fun

❤️ )

Dr. Truffles grabs them both around the shoulders and squeezes. (Thank you Neko, that was wonderful ❤️)

(I know doc and Venser are now going to Brizeno, did we have any ideas with Reza? or just going to stick eith Eish for a bit?)

(will message you!)

(That was amazing guys thank you ❤️)

4

(I know it was mentioned earlier that there was a Magical Component that was found. Was it 1 total or 1 for each of us?) (edited)

(https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/735174385333174472/858511847719698433 for reference)

(1 each)

4

(ty

) (edited)

(24 days of downtime by my calculation from Shalini to Brizeno by way of the VW station brings me to 70/90 Work. Love my new robe but I don't want to confuse my loadout for the current group mission sticking mods into it

)

(We can always mess with it later )

1

(Paying 50,000,000cr for my new soccer thing, 149,550cr for six months maintenance and wages on the Gransow Lichen, 1,386,125cr for six months maintenance and wages on The Shepherds' Harvest, and 1,423,000cr for six months maintenance and wages on The Shepherds' Plenty.)

1

To: Dr. Truffles, Governor of Shalini
From: Delegate Izabela Carr, Northern Free States Singularity
RE: Sociocultural Algorithms

Greetings Doctor,

I hope this missive finds you well. Thank you for your continued patience regarding response times. 

As far as any sociocultural uplifting algorithms we have, we are not at liberty to share them with you at this time. It has been brought to our attention via our legal team that there is a clause in your Galatea Treaty that requires you to share any and all technological advances made or discovered with other members of the treaty. While we would love nothing more than to lift your people up and out of the darkness, we are not willing to give away our technology to every polity within the Galatea Council. We are willing to let slide what small victory that the Protectorate thinks they have won, but we will not continue and make the same mistake a second time.

Should your... situation with regards to Shalini's allegiance ever change, you know where to find us.

Strength in Unity,
Izabela

Governor Dr. Truffles,

I hope this finds you in good health and the past few months have treated you well. I am happy to inform you that CAST is looking to continue to expand upon our investment on Shalini and we are interested in feedback between two potential options. While we have considered increasing our investment into our ongoing Prometheus projects there, another option we would like to suggest is the opening of a new CAST Research University on your planet.

Apart from bringing in local scientists and researchers to work alongside some of the brightest minds from across the galaxy, we would also provide, in addition to what your government offers, free advanced education to the citizens of Shalini. Our educators are some of the highest paid in the industry and would help local educators establish a rigorous curriculum that works to benefit your people for years to come. I believe that an investment such as this would pair quite nicely with the ongoing projects on the planet.

All research projects taken on by this campus would be directly related to ongoing joint Galatean research projects, or ones taken up by independently by local researchers. While CAST will help fund research, we are not in the business of dictating what bright minds chase after. CAST will simply manage and oversee the facility and will commit to ensuring an overwhelming majority of academic staff are citizens of Shalini. Whatever your choice may be, I look forward to your response and look forward to watching Shalini’s bright future unfold. 

May the stars guide your journey into the light and propel your sails into the future.

Kind Regards,

Iracus Varanu
Chief Executive of CAST

(requesting permission to build a minor university!)

(Quick check on my PA faction rep. I've got a count of 5: building the conjunction device with Reza, the conjunction mission with Reza, Venser, and Grupp, the two ruin dives on Shalini, and the first expedition to Piglantis?)

(Don't forget ghoul campaign missions. You got at least a couple in there) (edited)

(Ooh, didn't know those counted. I think I did 3 there? Have to check.)

(The 5 you're remembering def count, Lemme know what campaign missions we're thinking of here and i can look too)

To: Dr. Truffles, Governor
From: Izabela Carr, Delegate

Hello Doctor,

There is no need for you to apologize for the actions of the Protectorate. They have decided to set themselves apart and will bear the consequences all the same. The fault also lies partially with us for not scrutinizing the Treaty that had been presented to us. As I said, a mistake we will not make a second time.

When the Singularity has need to uplift a society we can do so with great speed. Depending on the current technological state of the planet of course. Within 3 months approximately 150,000 people will have been uplifted. Within 6 months, over 500,000. 18 months, 5.1 million. Give or take. I hope this can enlighten your fellows as to just one of the many strengths of the Singularity

Strength in Unity,
Izabela

1

2

1

1

Nekosmash

(The 5 you're remembering def count, Lemme know what campaign missions we're thinking of here and i can look too)

(There was #deleted-channel, #deleted-channel, and #deleted-channel.)

(I count 8 then)

(Woop woop!)

2:44 PM

(Oh wait, does Rana count?)

(I'd certainly say so)

(Oh wow, that's 10, ok, post-forge is gonna be fun.)

(I'm good with picking up here talking to the piggen on Brizeno before heading to the forge? @Aurelia | Venser if you still wanna join ❤️)

(Absolutely!)

(the routed Piggen knights, or the snow piggen?)

(Let's check on my piggen first since that's what I was going to do directly after the meeting, and then we can search out some snow piggen.)

1

Karst is being supervised by some kind of medical team when you arrive at the Piggen encampment. Only 30% of the battalion survived, representing those who were too tough to die or too crafty to allow themselves to be stuck in the encircling noose of enemy forces during the battle. Whining electrical tools and blue sparks accompany a grimace by the Piggen war-leader. You can see he cradles the helm of the grandmaster under his arm, and the other arm is missing- being set up for some sort of cybernetic craft by a techno-medical professional. (edited)

Dr. Truffles sits down beside him and puts his hand on his arm. He's silent for a few minutes before letting out a nervous chuckle and biting it back. "I'm... I'm sorry. I feel like the biggest dern fool in the whole galaxy..."

"It is war. You cannot predict the tides of it. We had them on the run for a few minutes there. We will learn from this defeat"

12:31 PM

He is pragmatic and is not showing much emotion other than relief this conflict is over.

Dr. Truffles nods. "I'm just looking forward to getting everyone home all safe and stuff. I'll learn from this. We'll get a better outcome next time." He touches the grandmaster's helmet. "He was a real good piggen... maybe, a statue or something? Outside the knight hold?"

“I think the order would like that very much. Saw some other piggen survivors. Say they wanna come home with us, see their northern cousins. You reckon it’s okay if our friends sleep over? Their moms can probably pick them up in a couple years if they manage to get ships running again”

Dr. Truffles laughs, intentionally this time. "We was just about to go make that offer. Found where the old homeworld is from the slyth fella too, so hopefully we'll find us some more cousins to keep in contact with. Looks like the medic is about done fitting you, you wanna head on over with us?"

Venser moves through the encampment, handing out biopsionic healing to any who would take it, before standing solemnly behind Dr. Truffles and saying a small prayer out of habit for the passing of the Grandmaster.

You're not sure if anyone out there is hearing you, but you feel better having said the prayer. The Piggen who are injured seem to be receptive to healing.

Dr. Truffles pats Venser on the shoulder. "Thanks bud. Reckon that'll make the healing go faster for a lot of them what worse off. And I think the grandmaster would appreciate you thinking of him like that."

"Thanks, but how are you?"

Dr. Truffles shrugs. "Well as I can be. Feeling guilty as heck. Like you was saying, most important thing is to make sure it don't happen again."

"Didn't seem like there was a good time to say it back there, but you availed yourself tremendously on the battlefield, especially for 'just a scientist'. You're no slouch with that wrench. The Grandmaster would have been, proud... And these men, these great warriors, owe you their lives."

Dr. Truffles nods. "From a mess I got em into though. I could be better. I will be better. Reckon that's the important thing right? Getting better all the time?" (edited)

"I wish there were a better, simpler answer. One that didn't involve this cycle of our own trial and error and people getting hurt in the meantime. But yes, that's all we can do." Venser gives a somewhat hopeful smile and turns back to Karst, to see if he's made up his mind about tagging along.

(Karst is getting seen to by medics and techs so won’t be ready to travel for a while)

Dr. Truffles pats Karst on the shoulder and smiles. "You rest up now. We'll bring a couple of em on the Gransow Lichen with us and you can talk their tails right off." He motions to Venser and heads out towards where the snow piggen are.

Venser bids Karst goodbye and follows suit.

The Snow Piggen have gravitated to the knights somewhat but otherwise are keeping a respectful distance. A small cluster of them remain near the fountain in the square here.

Dr. Truffles approaches. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles, this here's Venser Reach. I'm from a piggen colony on a planet called Gudrun, but I done more or less moved to Shalini where those good piggen are from. How're y'all holding up with all these changes?"

"We were not whipped for not moving blocks fast enough this morning. Things are...improving...in some small way" one of them says.

10:41 AM

He shows signs of being on the wrong end of dozens of lash wounds

"Are any of your people in need of attention?" Venser coalesces a familiar gentle green energy and offers it to the Piggen.

"Some medics came by a while ago. We were not treated too badly, they needed us for the worst of the labor. Our wounds are minimal compared to those poor knights"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon that's good. I wanted to ask y'all a few questions, if that's alright. First, lemme say, if any of y'all wanna come back to Shalini, you'd be welcome as good news. We're trying to rebuild and build on the old piggen culture there, and we're happy to take anyone what wants to go. We'd sure love to learn more about how y'all did things farther south closer to the homeworld. But if y'all want to stay here and rebuild, that's fine too, and the Galatean Council'll support that and keep y'all safe here. Though, if you do got some particularly ventursome folks who want to try a bit of space travel, we sure would like to take at least a few folks back with us just to set up diplomatic relations." Dr. Truffles pauses and smiles back at Karst where he's getting medical treatment. "Big fella there was hoping to have a sleepover with some of his cousins on the way back to Galatean space. Wouldn't recommend arm-wrestling with him, but he does have some good games on the VR screen."

"We had committed several of us to returning if you will allow it, and it sounds as though you will. We were all hoping to go"

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly and claps him on the shoulder. "Course! How many of y'all are there? I'll work on arranging transport."

"300 from our village have survived the war and the years of slavery. Do you have enough room for all of us?"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Sure do, got quite a few transports in orbit and..." He shuffles for a moment. "We lost some folks ourselves." He brightens up. "You're really gonna like Shalini though, it's downright beautiful. And I promise, by the light of the ancestors, you ain't never gonna go through what you did again, so long as I'm alive and breathing. You said today was better than yesterday. We'll make tomorrow better than that. Well, I reckon maybe not if you're prone to space sickness, but once we get home, better."

They seem eager to be off, and ready to leave when it is time to quit the planet,.

Dr. Truffles nods. "Let's get y'all on the ships then. Any other villages on the planet we should visit afore we head out, or just y'all?"

(New Astria was the only real settlement)

(Gotcha, good to head out then.)

(Where are we heading fellas?)

(What are the mechanics for using the forge? Do I just need to show up or do I need to do some prep first?)

(okay, good to go, Venser, still tagging aliong?)

(Yep! Was just didn't want to interupt Truff's question, I know the forge wipes you out of all magic/psychic stuff for a week.)

Returning to rawhani you’re able to get priority transportation to the Draconic stronghold on the surface. Their Loremaster, a man named Wescott, is waiting for you upon hearing you entered the system

Dr. Truffles walks up and shakes Wescott's hand. "Howdy there. Name's Dr. Truffles. I done got told the forge could help me open up some of the MES channels up there in my noggin. Is that something you could be helping me with?"

“I will escort you to the forge of course. The awakening process is different for everyone. The forge works In ways we do not entirely understand. Upon entering the sanctum our security will withdraw to give you privacy but are under orders not to open the door until you come out. We are playing with unstable metaspace energies and it is for their safety as much as yours “

Dr. Truffles nods. "Thankee much for the info. Venser, you gotta do something while we're here too?"

Venser greets Wescott. "Good to see you again Loremaster. Commander Andisom and his men delievered amazing results as always on Brizeno. Yes, I'm here to craft something ii the forge if that is permissible." "Other than that, I was wondering if I could accompany Dr. Truffles on his awakening. Thought it might help to have a trained metapsion, and a friend, there for such an event." He turns to the Good Doctor "I can guide you through your first few moments as a psychic, and stop any... 'extreme' instabilities. God knows I can recognise what torching looks like." He chuckles a little and scratches one of his scorched temples. (edited)

“Of course. The same rules apply.” He says, hurrying you the main doors of the cathedral and out to the undercroft where the forge is located.

7:45 PM

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/psionic-forge-article?preview=true

Psionic Forge

Dr. Truffles chuckles uneasily and claps Venser on the shoulder. "It'd be downright good to have you there. This is making me a bit nervy. Shall we?"

"No need to be worried mate! As Reza has said many times before, this is just a different way of manipulating the same energy. I'm just here as a kind of... 'safety net', for ya." He smiles again. "Yes, let's." Venser strides into the forging chamber and floats the appropriate metadimensional-focusing crystals to the ritual dias. "How do you want to do this?"

(I'll work with ya one at a time, whoever wants to go first let me know)

(I'll go!)

The large grate to the forge keeping both the psionic power and the actual heat of the more traditional forging flame contained swings open upon sensing Dr. Truffles get close. The white-bright core of the furnace seems to call , longing to be held, to be touched, just for a moment. Senses that normally would be cautioning against sticking one's hand directly into the heart of an industrial metalwork apparatus seem to be absent or soothed.

Dr. Truffles tentatively reaches his hand closer, trying to sense the flows of metaspace energy around the furnace.

There is a bright flash like looking directly into the sun as your arm and hand close around the core. The burn on your mind is the single most freeing and single most painful thing you have ever experienced, and will ever experience. Channels are burned in your mind and as you recover from the pain you can see the vision has not ended. You are back on Shalini. Piglantis rises from the ocean once again to take its place among its above ground companion states. It becomes a place of progress and learning. Cities rise around you as you observe from above like a detached god-like observer. Piggen, Humans, and others move about at thousands of times their normal pace, scurrying like ants as days and years pass as seconds. Arcane Sigils decorate the heavens. Civilization spreads to other parts of the system. Enlightened ruler warrior-mages emerge to guide a strong and free population of thinkers, warriors, craftsmen, and artists and a hub of culture and trade rises from the ruins of this pastoral world. The old Piggen empire for all its wealth, worlds, power and progress is eclipsed by this one planet. It is a golden age that seems to have no end in sight. Your world, your adoptive home, your place where you had become something more than a garage tinker becomes a place of light, love, music, learning, and joy for all who live there, a bulwark against an encroaching galactic darkness. It is one bright pearl in a string of other leyline proximate worlds, keeping the hopes of those who live on them and near them alive. More than anything, you feel with certainty this is only possible because of what you have done, and what you will do thanks to this newfound power. You awaken on the forge floor. You are soaked in sweat, and breathing heavily. Your heart beats the staccato of hard exertion.

3

(Level 12. HP to 42 from 33. Gaiapsionics from -1 to 0 using 2 skill points, Biopsionics from -1 to 0 using 2 skill points. Learned techniques Animal Companion and Psychic Succor.) Dr. Truffles pulls himself to his hands and knees, breathing heavily. Tears are streaming from his eyes, both in pain and in joy. He laughs incoherently, both as the MES energy triggers old psychic wounds and out of pure delight. Where his hands and feet touch the ground, algae spreads out along the stones of the floor of the forge as the torrent of metaspace energy continues to rage through his body. He struggles to his feet and grabs Venser in a rough embrace. Venser feels gaipsionic and biopsionic energy, the hallmarks of the piggen shaman of old, flow out of Truffles and into him. "I... I seen it. The future. Or a dream we can make the future. Shalini as a paradise. A safe place. For my people. For yours. For our families. A place where all living creatures can grow and prosper and be valued. I ain't gonna fail in the end. If I keep pushing we can do this..." Dr. Truffles starts to blubber again as the metaspace energy continues to rage, and he begins to try to get it under control. (edited)

(Your insanity effect would be cured as well)

3

Venser first fights the urge to rush to help his friend as he watches the brutal ritual unfold. Then fights the sudden rush of metadimensional winds that buffet throughout the chamber as he trudges his way towards Dr. Truffles. Having to put one hand up to shield his eyes from the blazing supernova of light the Piggen has become to his heightened MES senses. As Venser nears Dr. Truffles, he hesitates slightly at the algae. "Wow! Ok- That one's new..." Eventually they come into an embrace and Venser feels the full impact of the scorching power now radiating from the Doctor, the force and heat like being in the pull of a dying star, as he recounts his vision. He tries to help. "Good! That's really good! Hold that thought! You need to picture something that grounds you. Brings you hope. Brings you peace! Brings you the will to overcome this. I can't do it for you, but: YOU. CAN. DO THIS!" Venser takes Truff's hands and hopes they don't explode. His image flickers and glitches slightly as he prepares to launch an enormous amount of psychic static, as a last resort.

Truffles seems to be recovering. The danger has passed and the forge cools, it’s bright light fading back to normal working levels. The air smells like burnt ozone and the finer hairs on the doctors snout and back are entirely gone now. This is the smoothest and cleanest you have ever seen him.

Dr. Truffles pants as he begins to regain control of his finer motor functions. "I reckon I'm getting it. Thank you Venser. Holding the picture up there in my noggin... It helps out a bunch. Helps me focus..."

(We'll say this counts as the time to learn not to torch as well, since Venser RP'd it awesomely)

2

7:22 AM

Venser and Dr. Truffles continue with some simple exercises for a few moments to ensure there are no lasting effects or any mental defects that might have been overlooked in the intensity of the moment. Things seem like they are stabilizing, and that the good Doctor is indeed now capable of the psionic gifts many others in these elevated ranks of the UNW possess.

They sit cross legged on legged on the floor, eyes closed, facing eachother, as Venser tries to teach how to meditate. Which is difficult considering he still struggles to do so himself. "Just breath in." He inhales. "Then out." He exhales. "There. I think you've got it!" He opens his eyes again to see the active energy around Dr. Truffles dissipate. Although an incredibly strong passive aura remains...

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon I got it. It's... different than spell work? But also the same. It's real weird to have both swimming up there in my noggin."

"You're a natural. Now, do you feel like pouring any of that into building something here?" He looks over to the forge. "I warn you, last time I did it I was wiped out for a full week. Although..." He contemplates. "That might give a nice on-ramp to your abilities re-emerging. What do you think?"

(I'm guessing I can't imbue techniques I don't have but I could help Venser?)

(There are crystals imbued with all core, lvl 1 and now lvl 2 techniques for you to use if you want. It's not just techniques you have.)

1

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Reckon we could maybe make something that'd make me a bit more robust? I ain't quite as sturdy as some of y'all and we keep wandering close to gods." (Thinking Impact Sump if that works?)

(like a one time ignore damage kind of thing, thats normally impact sump, just dont remember if its first instance of damage or all instances of damage for that round)

(just one instance of Physical damage. can only be used 1 per day too i think as per RAW) (edited)

(That sounds good to me!)

(yeah i think thats perfect without me needing to add any extra layers onto it)

9:25 AM

(maybe working that into the lab coat?)

(I was thinking my new robes from Piglantis, but yeah. Need to log my downtime for coming up here but one of the things was going to be putting my favorite mods in it.)

(lets do it, need me to total up the days?)

(No, you're good. 17 by my count from Brizeno to Rawhani. Downtime calcs incoming.)

(17 days of downtime from Brizeno to Rawhani, 7 to add Bubbleseal, Customized, Flexible, and Polymorphic Blending for 16,000 credits, and Work to 80/90.)

1

(HOT)

Dr. Truffles slips his robe over his head. He's still wearing his work shirt and overalls underneath, a connection to his beginnings remaining. He brings the robe gingerly up to the forge, and focuses on the crystal he received from the loremaster.

The power of the crystal and the forge reverberate like a harmonic charm being rung. THe core begins to stoke as though air is being forced over a fire.

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin and looks to Venser. "Reckon I just put the robe in the forge and concentrate real hard on the crystal?"

(Both things go in)

Dr. Truffles takes a deep breath, focuses his metaspace energy, and places the robe and crystal into the forge. "That oughta do it."

(Venser, what did you want to make?)

(I was going to make something imbued with sense the need, perhaps one of the coins from Piglantis)

(The coin would be cool. I also have the construction hat if it needs to be wearable.)

(That also works)

(Totally up to you I appreciate it with way ❤️)

(That’s pretty cool either way

Venser takes a crystal that contains a flowing font of golden energy, like an hourglass it tumbles and changes direction in a plasmatic Brownian motion. He has only just begun his studies in using psionics to manipulate probability, but if he and Truff must part once again, why not send him on his way with a little bit of luck in his pocket? The lightbulb moment clicks as he rifles through the pockets of his jacket and pulls out one of the coins recovered from the sunken wreck near Piglantis. He examines both sides and tosses it once in the air with a satisfying clink. "Hmm. Fitting." He smiles. The forging process begins as he ignites it's channels, both molten and metaphysical. As a sharp contrast to the last time he was here - a novice among Arch-Psions - here the scene is one of total mastery. Multiple tools, materials and manuals orbit Venser in a controlled ballet of telekinesis as the energy trapped within the crystal is teased out into the very atoms of the coin over the next few hours. Heated, imbued, folded, and quenched; with nothing but the human mind. The process, and heat, builds and builds into a crescendo of clanging and brightness before suddenly ceasing as the forge goes dark. All that remains is the light of a rapidly cooling circle of molten metal that reforms into the shape of the ancient coin on the anvil. Embossed image of a snout on one side, spiral tail on the back. Even once fully solidified, the coin retains that subtle golden hue that once belonged to the crystal, which now hangs transparent and devoid of colour in the focusing prism above. "All the luck in the 'verse." Venser says quietly, and looks over at Dr. Truffles in delight.

2

Dr. Truffles grasps and chuckles as he walks up beside Venser and looks down at the coin. "Reckon yours was better there buddy. That there looks like one of the Piglantis shipwreck coins. What's it do?' (edited)

(take a re-roll venser)

3

2

"This-" He flicks it off his thumb and sends it tumbling into the air towards Dr. Truffles. "-is a lucky coin. I've imbued it with some precognition energy, similar to my hand cannon, linked to the mind and fate of whomever possesses it. Wherever you're going, whatever you're doing, this bad boy will give you brief visions every now and then, letting you know what you'll need with you to succeed. With this, you'll never be without something important." He smiles. (edited)

Dr. Truffles smiles down at the coin, gives it an experimental flip, and slips it into one of the pouches on his robe before giving Venser a big bear hug. "Never without something important. So reckon it's a portable Venser then?" He steps back with a tusky grin on his face. "We've sure had a humdinger of a past few months haven't we? Discovering a lost city, chatting with an enemy god..."

Venser accepts the hug gladly and very nearly tears up at the 'portable' comment. "Just another day at the office." He finishes Truff's sentence. "I guess... I guess this is where we part ways, for now." He can't help but give the Doctor another hug. "You already know, if you ever need anything, I'm there. We'll of course keep up on the holo-meetings, we have a Government to run." He chuckles. "But nothing quite beats adventuring with you buddy."

Dr. Truffles nods a bit sadly. "I know, I'm gonna miss you a bunch. Reckon we can't hang out all the time, governing different planets and all. I'll keep a look out for that retirement beach when I'm back on Shalini though."

"Please do, I've heard Terezinho is also nice this - well... anytime of the year really! Let me know if you're having any problems with the new powers." Venser gestures to his brain. "It'll take some getting use to, but you've clearly got a knack for it. There's this really excellent place on Gudrun actually, an old Shaman Temple out in the desert. I can tell you about it now that you're 'one of us' as it were. Ask any of the Professor's at the Academy about it, or me next time I'm around, you'd love it there. Safe place to practice."

Dr. Truffles nods. "Master Grupp arranged for me to get a key a while back. It's a peaceful place. I'm hoping we'll be getting something of the same on Shalini someday."

"Oh good. Piglantis is certainly secluded enough." Venser coughs awkwardly and fidgets for a few moments, trying to figure out what to say. "I've uh- never been very good at 'goodbyes', tends to happen when you can teleport." He smirks. "But I'll see you around, call me if you and Reza and Grupp want to go down south to check out that tip we got. And yeh..." He sighs, feeling a little stupid. "I love you buddy, you're a great friend with a great big heart and it's an absolute pleasure everytime I see you. Thank you, for everything."

Dr. Truffles nods and gives him another hug. "You're a real good friend too. I reckon I couldn't ask for better. And yeah, I got some stuff to take care of on Shalini, but then I'll be in touch with y'all about taking a little road trip."

“Excellent! Well keep that coin safe, keep your head on straight. I hope you and yours are alright in the end. If not, I’ll have some very aggressive negotiations with that snake-fuck myself.” He sighs and chuckles. “God we live some odd lives.” He waves, and in a final warping on purple light, Venser’s gone.

Dr. Truffles waves at the space where Venser was. "We do. You take care buddy." He bids farewell and thanks to the loremaster, and heads back to the Gransow Lichen.

1

(whats on the horizon for us doc)

(I'd like to head back to Shalini to find a pet and do some rhuncrafting. Also, goal check on 1) Investigate the metaspace leylines in the Brizeno system, 2) Visit the psychic forge and learn to wield gaipsionics and biopsionics like the piggen shamans of old, 3) Handle the soldiers loaned by Izabela and Nelzosh in a way that gets their approval, 4) Assist with a Psychic Academy faction endeavor.)

(I'd say 1, 2 and 4, we never really circled back with them on 3, and the knights got routed too which isnt really anything close to a military success)

(Gotcha, sounds good, I'll calculate downtime to Shalini when I get home.)

(6 days of downtime from Rawhani to Shalini, work at 86/90.) The Gransow Lichen sets down on the coast of the central ocean on Shalini, and Dr. Truffles pulls up some recent natural history reports on his datapad. He focuses on one of a stocky, blue, sea-otter like creature and shows it to Karst. "You reckon this is a decent companion for a newly minted shaman?"

"It's fitting" Karst agrees, even more taciturn than normal since the battle of Brizeno. "Time to go hunting then? Forgot my seal club back at the holdfast"

1

2

Dr. Truffles looks at him and cracks a warm tusky smile. "Reckon I might try baiting one first. It's like my gransow always was saying, you catch more seals with oysters than clubbing. Always wondered where she picked it up what with Delphos being in the desert and all. Let's get the T.R.U.F.L.E. out of the garage and head on out."

The large vehicle extends its grav plates as it begins its power up sequence. That should be ready in a matter of a few moments.

Dr. Truffles settles into the pilot's seat, smiles thinking of his adventures with Reza and Venser in Piglantis, and dials in a course for the general area that the natural history reports indicated, staying a few meters below the surface of the ocean to avoid detection by surface wildlife. (Need to get you a spell list for the mission but definitely Gravitic Control Rubric and Aversed Impulse Projection at least.)

(survive/wis or pilot/dex)

(9! Way better than I was expecting at a -1

)

(which one did we pick? R20 actin up on me)

(survive/wis)

(Yep, my bad, sorry, missed that taking Male #4 for a walk.)

2

(Spells prepared: Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, , Aversive Impulse Projection * 2, Gravitic Control Rubric * 1.)

You;ve only got scraps of lore about these creatures but are able to incorporate it with other Piggen hunting practices to keep the vessel far enough from the nesting grounds to not spook your prey. The bioscanner detects dozens of the signatures of these creatures a few kilometers from here, and they do not seem to have noticed you

The rhuns on Dr. Truffles arms glow as he shields himself and lifts slightly out of his seat. (Casting Personal Shielding Field and Gravitic Control Rubric.) He parks the T.R.U.F.L.E, opens the hatch, and takes off through the few meters of water into the sky. He flies towards where the signatures are coming from, and uses his optics to observe from above, trying to find a particularly robust and brave specimen who might be venturing out from the group.

There is a lone specimen far from the group who is working on cracking an exceptionally large scallop against its stomach. It’s claws dig deep into the shellfish and it’s arms bulge with muscle.

3

2

Dr. Truffles gently sets down to hover beside him and quickly reaches out with metaspace energy to sooth him without scaring him away. (Casting Aversive Impulse Projection to have him stay out.) "Howdy there big feller. Whatcha got there? Scallop? That looks real tasty. Here, I think I got something else for you too." He takes out the coin from Piglantis that Venser made for him and gives it a flip, focusing on the biggest oyster he can imagine. He catches the coin, reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a huge oyster, holding it out to the creature.

1

The creature immediately forgets its lunch in favor of the much bigger one you are offering it. Its arms reach out, claws about to grasp the scallop with glee

1

Dr. Truffles hands over the shellfish and makes contact with the creature as he does so, reaching out through his mind and the gaiapsionic connection to him. You seem like a brave little feller. How'd you like to come with me? We'll get you all the scallops and oysters and clams you can fit in that round little belly, and you can help me protect your friends back there. Reckon you'd like that?

1

The creature agrees heartily, and although the connection is still forming you get the sense all you needed to say was "As many scallops as you can eat" for the brave little thing to want to give this a try.

1

Dr. Truffles thinks of Monadnock, the Grandmaster of the Order of the Sunburst who died on Brizeno, and about how the otter-like creature was knocking on the shellfish to get it open. Let's call you Knock. Do you want to go for a ride in a big metal fish Knock? We can stop on our way at an oyster bed?

1

Knock eagerly agrees as you feel the bond between you solidifying. He is an eager companion and is prepared to join you on your journey.

1

Dr. Truffles gives Knock an experimental belly rub and then cradles him and skims the water with him back to the T.R.U.F.L.E., sending reassurance through the bond as they go. On the way back to the Gransow Lichen, he sans the ocean floor for oyster beds and stops by one so that Knock can grab another snack.

1

(3xp, 5000 credits)

9:36 AM

Knock seems plenty happy to eat whenever the chance is given,and otherwise settles into a traveling routine for now. Your bond will deepen with time and experience together.

3

(I was thinking about trying my hand at rhuncrafting next. Feeling maybe somewhere foresty to do the hedgehoggen spines on my robe?)

2

(Oooh, I also had a goal I missed to free any piggen held by the Extaurren Empire. Would that be complete or do I need to arrange for the follow-up inspections on Extaurren? Not sure if they were just on Brizeno.)

(they were only living on brizeno, so id say we accomplished that)

(Woohoo, think that there's another ding. I'll process that real quick.)

(Ok, here we go. Level 13. Plus PA rewards this one is a doozie. HP to 43 from 42. Gained focus Psionic Training for Gaiapsionics. With PA reward, that gives 9 skill points total, 3 have to be spent in Gaiapsionics, an additional 3 in any psionic discipline. Gaiapsionics from 0 to 2 using 5 skill points, Biopsionics from 0 to 1 using 2 skill points. Alchemy from -1 to 0 using 2 skill points. Learned techniques Transmute, Tongue of the Beasts (free L1), Natural Armaments (from Psychic Training), Metaflora (free L2), Mastered Succor (free L1), and Remote Repair (PA reward). Knock now gets an additional +1 hp per level and can carry my level in encumbrance points.)

(Alright, i dont see any issues here at face value. Looks good to me)

2

(Sweet! Ready to head off to find a nice forest to do some rhuncrafting if that works for the hedgehoggen spines then!)

Returning to Shalini's dryland, you see a forest not far from where you are. It is dense with pine like trees and small game- not enough to sustain a settlement but the woods are well lived in.

Dr. Truffles enters the forest with Knock following at his heels. He finds a peaceful clearing created by a tree-fall. He sits and begins to meditate, reaching out to the flora and fauna in the area, and into the soil in the clearing. As he meditates, a stone altar begins to rise out of the soil in the clearing, and he removes his robe and lays it out on the altar, setting his rhuncrafting tools beside it. (Committing 1 effort for Transmute, let me know if I'm overstepping here, first time we've done this, but I figured for the ones that didn't require a specific adventure it would be mostly narrative?)

(yeah thats exactly what i was aiming for, we're doing greaT)

12:32 PM

The forest is quiet as you set your tools out and your back is warmed by the afternoon sun. You can feel the soft touch of the grass under your feet and a gentle wind as you begin getting the punches, chisels, small hammers, and other items needed for the trade laid out.

Dr. Truffles takes a hammer and small pin and begins making tiny holes in the robe, enough to get a needle and thread through, in the shape of the rhunes he has in mind for this recipe. As he works, he minds the passing fauna, and waits for one with spines to come by. After a time, a mid-size porcupine like creature waddles by. Dr. Truffles nudges Knock to go out and engage the creature in play, and reaches out with his mind. Howdy there little fella. Reckon I could have one of your quills? I figure my friend here can help rustle up some grub for ya in return. (Committing 1 effort for the scene for Tongue of the Beasts. 2 effort remaining.)

The creature agrees, wanting to know if Knock will help it get some berries from a high bush it has been trying to get for some days now. Other animals have eaten most of what is on the forest floor until the summer sun brings the late bloomers out of the ground, and he is quite hungry.

Dr. Truffles smiles at the simple request as he walks over and gently takes out a quill. Of course lil buddy. Reckon if he rolls into the tree he'll knock quite a few loose, and he can give you a boosty besides. Y'all have a good time with it now, I won't be long. Dr Truffles focuses on the vibrant life of the forest around him and focuses it into a single strand. Energy coalesces into a green thread and snakes through the quill as he begins to sew the rhuns into the robe. After quite a while of careful work, he steps back and looks with pride at the stitching, then smiles as he sees Knock and the small spiny creature stuffing themselves with berries at the edge of the clearing.

The forest comes alive under the touch of your stylus and its close to dusk when you finish the work. Your animal companions have slunk back to the woods and look to be engorged with the spoils of their foraging.

Dr. Truffles smiles with satisfaction and puts the robe back on. He flexes experimentally, and the rhuns glow as spines made of a stone-like carapace erupt from his arms and torso. He grins showing his tusks, and the rhuns fade, the spines retracting. He walks off a ways into the woods until he finds Knock and the spiny creature. He bends over and gently rustles Knock. Reckon we're all ready to go. You have a nice time with your new buddy?

Knock sends back images of their afternoon running through the woods, enjoying the hot sun and the feel of the grass below their feet. Not a predator in sight today, it seems.

Dr. Truffles grins an ruffles the fur on his head. That's good there buddy. Let's say goodbye to our new friend and head on back to the ship. Got a few more things to take care of while we're planet-side, then you get to see space. Uhh... shellfish on different worlds!

Knock cheerfully crawls up your back and perches, waiting to see what comes next.

(I was thinking of either securing a space for a UNW infrastructure project, or finding / training a shaman to supervise magical workings when I'm not here. Dealer's choice

)

(We're here on Shalini, lets get the shaman done first so it can just run while we do other things

(Sounds good!)

(Should we head to the shaman village or were you eyeing something else?)

(yes, this never lit up for me)

8:27 AM

(I don't know why)

Dr. Truffles returns to the ship, powering up the T.R.U.F.L.E. for the flight to the village. Arriving, he parks at one of the vehicle bays in the sanctum, and gets out with knock, heading over to the reception area to see who is in residence.

(connect/cha, just to see whos around and who we can easily connect with)

(9, I've been a lucky boy on these off-spec checks the last few missions.)

1

The town square is busy. Merchants are beginning to set up for the day with their small amounts of wares. A town crier rings his bell and shouts the news to those who will pass by and listen. A few scholars are also in town looking for scrolls and look to be hawking the market.

Dr. Truffles leans down to Knock and gives him a credit stick. Now, you can go to the fish market, but you have to pay for the fish. Hand the nice piggen this stick when you take anything from a stand, ok? Dr. Truffles pats him on the head and walks over to the other piggen. "Howdy fellas. Name's Dr. Truffles. Y'all are shaman in town to work at the sanctum?"

"Not quite shaman. Wandering historians, looking for lost lore, or valuable manuscripts. You neve rknow what will turn up in these market towns"

Dr. Truffles smiles excitedly. "Wandering historians? Where from? Where you been so far?"

"Many questions, all of which are irrelevances. We are Piggen, from Shalini, and we seek to document all places so we may be from the world, and not a region. "

Dr. Truffles grins. "And have y'all documented the undersea continent in the middle of the ocean where all the shamans was living way back?"

There is a stunned silence among all of them, because of course they have not.

Dr. Truffles clasps the nearest on the shoulder. "I reckon y'all'd like to go then? I gotta insist y'all stay to stuff we've explored already or that I can take y'all too while I'm down there with y'all, don't rightly know what we could wander into still and I don't want no one getting hurt. But I reckon it's about time to set up a permanent research presence down there, and I can hang around with y'all and make sure you're settled and safe and all."

They don’t seem to think you’re serious about this based on the immediate facial expressions you get.

Dr. Truffles shifts nervously. "I... uhh... didn't want to lead with this. Reckon I just wanted to talk as scholars. But I'm the governor of this here planet. Been trying to investigate cultural sites as one of my main initiatives. Getting local scholars involved seems right handy now some of the initial legwork is done." He pulls out his datapad and shows them some of the images he's taken, starting with the map in the ruins in the mountains and moving to the first Piglantis expedition.

"Surely such a discovery is not possible on this planet. We would like to see the truth of our eyes, if you can allow it"

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly. "Course, that's why I mentioned it. My vehicle parked outside can get us there if y'all wanna come with, and I reckon I can radio my ship to get us lab support and what not."

(3 scholars right now, but no actual mages so far, did we want to continue casting our net before leaving?)

(Yes! Sorry, misread the cue

) Dr. Truffles scratches his chin thoughtfully. "Reckon y'all are the right piggen for some of the recording and whatnot, but I reckon we could round up some practitioners as well to help out. Y'all seen any shaman looking folks around? If not we can tool around the market a bit more." (edited)

“Just a novice shaman poking around. Not sure what he’s doing in town”

Dr. Truffles smiles and waves them along. "Reckon we should go ask. Be nice to see what advances they'e making up at the sanctum." He leads them along through the market looking for anyone in shamanic robes.

The shaman wandering the market has robes on, but is wearing a metal breastplate over his chest as well. A rough traveling pack that has seen its share of road wear and violence hangs on a shoulder strap that has been re-knitted and patched a few times over. He is looking at a knotted wood club at a nearby vendor, giving it a few practice swings before frowning and putting it back.

Dr. Truffles looks at him, a bit worried by the violence apparent on his garb. "Uhh, howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. You run into some trouble on the road? I'd sure like to help out if they're getting dangerous." (edited)

"THe roadS? yeah there's trouble. Lots of bandits in the places between the towns. Not everyone's happy with the rate things are moving"

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "I ain't heard much from any of my advisors. How so? What do ya reckon might help?"

"I doubt they'd be aware of regional issues, or travel on roads much. There are always going to be Piggen who try to make more from doing less"

Dr. Truffles looks worried. "Reckon we might be able to do some social services and whatnot with some of the new UNW funds that are gonna be distributed. Anyways. I'm putting together an expedition to a brand spanking newly discovered cultural site, an old shamanic city at the bottom of the ocean. These good piggen are gonna help with the archiving, but I could sure use some piggen of shamanic talents to help out with the project. You seem to know how to handle yourself. Was wondering if you might be interested in something like that?"

"away from the continent and all the idiots who live here? Why aren'y we there already?"

Dr. Truffles hides a smile for the grumpy shaman. Like this piggen already. "Just gotta round up one more crew member and we can head on out. I sent him to, uhh, get supplies." Dr. Truffles reaches out through the gaiapsionic connection, the first time he's used it from this much of a distance. Knock? You there buddy? You find some nice shellfish? You handed the piggen the stick I gave you, right? We'll meet you back at the big metal flying fish. I brought some new friends.

Knocks bond with you is deepening and you feel that he’s done as you asked through the connection. His thoughts are becoming more and more clear as time goes on. You expect soon it will be actual language

Dr. Truffles smiles and sends warm feelings through the link, and leads the scholars he's rounded up to the T.R.U.F.L.E., meeting Knock there. He sends the information on Piglantis to the consoles in the ship when they board. "Y'all can review that on the way. If y'all have any questions, just lemme know. Figure I can show y'all what's been explored already, and we can check out some other locations to boot."

(Did you want another little district kinda like what we did last time? I think they’d have tons of questions on the way but I feel like making you regurgitate facts about a mission you basically just did feels like a shitty pop quiz )

(That sounds good. Would something on the map like the ripper doc or one of the tech places correspond to something magicy or arcano-tech?)

(yeah or some archeoprostesis place, whatever we decide)

8:48 PM

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 9/26/2021 8:49 PM

(Oooh, more stuff too, yeah, let's hit that hospital first and then it's right next to another school, and there's a religious building.) Dr. Truffles plugs in the course for Piglantis into the console in the T.R.U.F.L.E., and turns to the crew he brought with him. "So, from my research, I reckon the piggen shamans of old used a whole mess of life magic. What might be close to what we figure as gaiapsionics and biopsionics nowadays. So I was thinking we maybe head on over to some of the medical facilities first and see what's what?"

The team seems to eagerly agree, taking in the majesty of the world around them as they look at maps and images, and the TRUFLE begins to slip below the waves- following a course you know already it will travel many times.

Dr. Truffles secures the T.R.U.F.L.E. when they arrive at Piglantis. He gives the group a brief tour of the areas he, Venser, and Reza explored previously, and explained some of the things they discovered. He then pulls up a draft map of the city and beckons the others to follow. "Reckon we can check out the local hospital first. It's on down this way."

(City is still underwater too iirc, we didnt look into raising anything or any kind of working)

Nekosmash

(City is still underwater too iirc, we didnt look into raising anything or any kind of working)

(We haven't yet, no.)

The local hospital is a large three floor building with architectural notes taken from the shaman temples of today, though in their purer form here. Swooping lines resembling waves and currents, stout pillars with thick middles, and statues of Piggen healers line the way into the clinic doors, providing grandeur mixed with civil service.

Dr. Truffles whistles softly through the gap in his tusks. "Architecture down here is downright beautiful. Now, y'all stay behind me till you get the hang of some of the security rhuns." He approaches the entry to the clinic and examines the outside of the door frame for any rhuns.

There is another of the observation ones carved into the door. The workman ship here is more mainstream and traditional looking, care was done to set this in place.

Dr. Truffles outlines the rhuns for the historians and shaman. "These here's observation rhuns. Best I can gather, they're on just about every building. Reckon they had folks on staff who was alerted if something triggered them. Shouldn't bother us as we head on inside though." Dr. Truffles gives them the time they need to study and take notes, and then heads into the clinic.

(I feel like they'd probably wander around quite a bit unless you want them to stay close)

(I would give them time to explore, but stay with them. I don't think we're in a particular hurry, and I wouldn't want them to stumble into any security measures they couldn't handle.)

Upon hearing of the dangers here, the team begins gathering at the beginning of the hospital. The rhun looks on impassively as the group opens the doors into a reception room.

Dr. Truffles smiles as they begin to explore, and looks to see if there are any operational computer terminals as he follows them.

There don’t seem to be computers on this bottom floor. There is some simple medical equipment for treating less serious injuries but most of it is manual or things to be used by Piggen hand.

Dr. Truffles waits until they're done exploring and then points to the stairs. "Looks like stuff down here's mostly mundane. Y'all want to check out the surgical suits and specialty areas?"

They believe it’s about time to do so, everything down here is useful to the surface world but mundane; and may not be a good idea to move if re inhabiting the city is planned

Dr. Truffles gathers his group and follows the signs to the surgical suits, on the lookout for any interesting rhuns or things that would be out of place in a typical TL4 hospital.

Passing through the stairs you see a new Rhun carved into the top step. It is well worn after being trod on by many, many feet over the passage of years, The symbol is a large one, showing something like flowing water, with particles rising out of it.

Dr. Truffles motions the others to stop. "Now, I ain't seen this here one before. Let's go on ahead and stop and ponder it out a bit." Dr. Truffles will sit down and pull out his datapad to look through the rhuns he's found before, searching for any similarity in structure. He will also reach out towards the rhun with his MES senses, to see if it has a functionality similar to any of the techniques or spellforms he's mastered.

(know/int)

(Know Magic work? 16 if so, 14 if just Know.)

(know magic is good too)

2:34 PM

(i forgot about know magic)

(No worries!)

You recognize some similarities in the line work here compared to piggen alphabet. Some form of clean, or cleanse, is inscribed here. You're nto sure mechanically how this rune would function.

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Huh, neato, I reckon this here's to clean folks off before they go operate and what not. Reckon it's safe to try, could be useful to add to some of our hospitals topside." Dr. Truffles steps onto the rhun and leaves his senses open to try to feel what happens.

The feeling is diluted from what it could be or should be. You feel a bit cleaner , like you’ve given yourself a quick rinse in the field, but far from what you’d need to be able to operate with confidence in someone

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "Reckon it needs a polish. Good thing none of us is hurt. Let's keep on going! Reckon it's a new discovery round about every corner down here." As they continue on he fills them in a bit on what of the rhunic signs he's worked out and what to be on the lookout for.

This floor is the operating suite for those who were stable, but needed more elaborate procedures done. First aid is applied downstairs, and the patient is brought here for the actual surgery. Four surgical bays with inactive surgical armatures attached to the ceiling await patients. the spider limbed armatures have all manner of medical tools attached to them, such as scalpels, lasers, injectors, and so on.

Dr. Truffles examines the machines more carefully, checking to see if there are any obvious access panels or if they're networked to a terminal.

The armatures have access panels on them where pads could be plugged in to help automate or directly control the surgical machines

Dr. Truffles plugs in his datapad and attempts to pull up some of the options to get an idea of the functions of the machines.

(Bump ❤️)

)seen. Just writers block)

(No worries!)

The options are in ancient piggen but you can make out most of them. It seems like common procedures could be mostly automated from here after the patient was measured and vitals were taken. A doctor would be on hand to ensure the machines performed well, do the most dangerous parts of the various operations , and be a backup in the event the machines suffered a malfunction

(Would this be pretty typical of machines we would have at other TL4 medical facilities or something different to take home with us?)

(Normal hospitals got so used to having bioscopics around conventional medicine has not advanced much. These are better than what most hospitals are using)

Dr. Truffles turns to the others. "Reckon we could get one of these apart and get the schematics, then get them mass produced and what-not on the surface. These'll do dandy until more biopsis get trained I reckon. I told y'all, bunch of exciting stuff down here!"

With study and a few to practice on, they think they can get some taken down for study and eventual transpiration to the surface. The work will take time.

Dr. Truffles grins wide between his tusks. "Reckon that could help a mess of folks. Let's head down to the specialty areas and see what's what there." He leads the group on through the hospital.

(Seen. Im@having a lot of writers block with this)

1:56 PM

(Nothing I come up with sounds good )

(No worries man, it's been a week for me too, I feel like I've been a bit flat with my responses.)

The speculator area is a small study and surgical suite in the back of the second floor. Things like heart and lung procedures , brain procedures and others would happen here. There’s another new rhun in the ceiling you’re not sure you’ve seen before

Dr. Truffles holds up a hand to pause the group and pulls out his notes on what rhuns he's found, trying to find any similarities or hints as to what the function might be in the form of the rhun.

There is nothing in the books or in what you’ve seen already that relate to this one. It seems you’re on your own for determining it’s function

Dr. Truffles turns to the others. "I ain't rightly sure what this one here does. Reckon we can look around and see if we can find any notes on it." He beings to look through the study for any sort of surgical manual or log that might give a clue as to the rhun's purpose.

(notice/wis)

(8)

The wall at the back of the study has a bit of light coming around it, like it is hinged or moves

Dr. Truffles bends down to examine the wall. "Ain't this interesting, reckon there's something behind here. Let's see if we ain't able to get it open." He and Knock more carefully examine the area where the light is, looking for a switch or hinge?

The books seem to be the only things of note on the shelves. There are varying sizes and colors but none of them have titles.

Dr. Truffles begins to remove them and open them, both to scan the subject matter and to see if one is concealing a switch or a button behind it.

THe book interiors dont have anything written on them. The pages are blank no matter how many books you remove. Halfway through you taking them off the shelves, you find one that is solid and doesn't seem to budge.

Dr. Truffles concentrates on the book, reaching out to his connection with Knock and pouring a small amount of their shared MES energy into it. (Petty Sorceries, for the once per day I can try to use it to affect a scene.)

There is a click, and the book cases' right side pops out from the wall and its surround just enough to get a hand around its edge

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly and pulls the book case outward, reaching out to Knock. You wanna head in and see what's what buddy? Keep these piggen with us safe?

Knock agrees and waits for you to pull it open, so he can rush inside and look around

Dr. Truffles pulls the rest of the book case open and scans around the entry as Knock investigates further.

There is a small operating room behind the book case that is well supplied but lacks the automation or power constraints the other operating theatres used. Plastic has been set up on the walls and the ceiling, and there is a book shelf in the corner of the room that is home to data pads and books. Operating tools in stainless steel cabinets are also behind the plastic.

Dr. Truffles excitedly approaches the shelf and begins to rifle through the datapads and books, looking for clues to the rhun in the previous room.

There are not any clues to it, but you do see as you begin looking through the books that there was illicit vivisection research taking place in this room. Although clean now, this was a place of horror as one of the professionals here took those that were intentionally sickened while in other parts of the clinic and made to appear dead- they would end up here where all manner of physical and metaphysical experiments would have taken place on them, before they were dropped into burn bags , similar to the ones humans made use of pre-scream, though these were of Piggen design.

Dr. Truffles puts down the datapad in disgust. "I can't believe piggen was doing this to each other in a place with so much... possibility." (Did it look like this was something everyone in the hospital was involved in from the records or just a small portion?)

(someone's private indulgence that one or two people would have been in on)

(Is the incinerator in this room?)

(there is a shute in the back wall going down to it)

1:33 PM

(like a slide

Dr. Truffles bags the data pads and books into one of the bags, and takes it to the chute, throwing it down in anger. "We ain't got any use for any of these horrors. Ain't nothing good can come of it or anything related to it." He steps back into the surgical suite, takes out his wrench, and bashes the rhun in the ceiling until it's no longer recognizable. (edited)

1

You feel a slight torporific effect when you make contact with the sigil and it vanishes as the rhun is destroyed

Dr. Truffles shakes his head sadly. "Reckon we can check out something else. I... was hoping to show y'all the wonder of this place. Maybe we can go check on what the shamans were up to..." (Looks like there's a religious building on the map we can visit?)

(lets do it)

8:19 AM

The Shamanic Temple is a building of drab tan and brown amid a sea of otherwise very colorful buildings. The builders looked to have hung on to the original desert tradition of the Shaman, and incorporated it here below an ocean of water instead of amid one of sand. There are no doors or window shutters, as anyone would be free to come and go in regards to the temple whenever they wished. There is also an absence of security Rhuns or other more traditional or mechanical safeguards here. Swirling linework in strange patterns covers the outside of the building, constantly challenging the eyes with the swoop and swirl of its shapes.

Dr. Truffles was in something of a cloud as they walked over but brightened up visibly upon seeing the openness of the temple. As they approach, he grabs Knock and excitedly begins to examine the line work on the outside of the building more closely.

(know magic or know. with int)

(13 for Know Magic / INT)

There is a deeper meaning to the swirls here. You can see something like ward shapes as you look closer, but most of them have been marred or damaged with neglect and the passage of time.

Dr. Truffles motions the others to help him with 3D scans on the datapads, making sure to get all of the detail, and then tries to match the shapes to other structures he's recorded exploring the city to see if it's possible to make a reconstruction.

(I think any kind of match or database hunt would take a while)

2:01 PM

(but this can run in the background)

(I figured that might be the case, that was why I was a bit cagey with my phrasing.) Dr. Truffles motions to the others and enters respectfully, sending Knock bouncing in in front of him.

The tile and prayer rugs inside the temple seem to be normal looking, and a bit dingy from not being cleaned in a while but not especially distressed. They are more sea-like colors that are generally the normal and expected color pallet for this settlement, and most of them have some kind of earth tone fringe around the edges. They are long and wide enough for an adult piggen to sit, kneel , bow forward, and lay down when necessary, depending on the ritual, observance, or other religious event in question. A small circle of tile and additional wards at the back of the building is where the leader would sit, leading prayers, chants, and otherwise doing w hat the congregation would repeat.

Dr. Truffles moves towards the circle, recording everything with is datapad as he goes. When he gets to the circle for the head shaman, he and Knock look around the area to see if they can find any spiritual implements used.

There is an incense burner here along with something elaborately carved that looks like a balsa rain stick. It had leather tassels at the broader of the two ends. The more narrow is spiked and looks like it has been used to crush herbs or spices

Dr. Truffles gingerly picks up the balsa rain stick and smiles at the craftsmanship while he examines it for any sort of rhunic markings.

There is one on the bottom, with a small saying. “Dreams of Rain”

Dr. Truffles tentatively settles into the circle and picks up the stick. Motioning Knock and the piggen mage over to assist him, he uses his datapad to have the sensors on the Gransow Lichen scan the area over Piglantis. He collects some of the incense and uses the spiked end to prepare them, then begins to focus MES energy into the stick and the incense burners.

Gransow Lichen reports a storm is suddenly brewing topside. Right now it is just a drizzle, but it came out of nowhere and they're planning to move to space to avoid getting struck by lightning. This close to the ocean's surface they'd crash into it before power came back on.

Dr. Truffles looks excitedly down at the stick and calls the others over. "This is more the exciting stuff I was reckoning we'd find! Just talked to Karst up topside and when we were messing about with this, a storm came up while we was working." He pauses and turns to the shaman. "You reckon you could replicate what I did there just now?"

"With study and effort, and magical materials yes, we likely could"

Dr. Truffles nods. "I reckon I can help y'all out with that with some of the material I got access to. Let's see what else I can find on in here!" Dr. Truffles looks around the back of the room for doors to any other areas in the temple.

It does not seem like anyone lived here or that this space was used beyond observing certain prayers and rites. THere are no storage areas or back rooms, or cloisters here where staff would have lived on a permanent basis ,this looks like just a workspace, for spiritual matters

(What would be marked school or college on the map? We've been to the university, so would it be like a specialty academy or a grade school or something like that?)

(we could just try to go find one rather than I mill maps until we get one with the right label, if you'd rather do that)

(Oh, it's on the map next to the government building, I was just asking if I had any more details IC on what it was sense the maps are pretty general.)

(not really, the labels are just abstractions like a mall food court map)_

(Gotcha gotcha.) Dr. Truffles pulls up the map of the area on his datapad. "Reckon there's gonna be a few more neat things round these parts. Last university we visited had a whole mess of cool things. Looks like there's another school over yonder. Let's head on that way." Knock frolicks out in front as they lead the group of piggen towards the marked school.

(notice/wis)

(8)

There is a faint rumble a few streets over like the sound of a heavy vehicle rolling down city streets. No one else is down here with you aside from your small team.

2

Dr. Truffles motions to the others. "Y'all stay here, Knock and I'll go check it out and be back in a jiff." Dr. Truffles begins to move towards the noise, launching his two drones from his back to survey the area in front of him and Knock where the sounds are coming from.

Two streets over a smaller example of the TRUFFLE vehicle is buzzing along the street smashing into trash cans, parked vehicles and whatever else happens to be in the way. There is no sign of crew inside and it is moving under its own power

(So let's say completely non-theoretically that I was a big dumb dumb and forgot to list the spells I prepared before we started. Can I take the same kit I brought to Piglantis last time? For reference, it was Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Universal Translator Rubric * 1, Ghost Field Emission * 1, Arcane Grounding * 1. If the answer is "remember your spells next time dummy" that is also fine

) (As for the scene, when you say smaller, do you mean like motorcycle size or like drone/roomba size?)

(motorcycle sized)

12:07 PM

(you can use those spells its all fine)

1

Dr. Truffles motions Knock to climb onto his back, and then moves within 10m of the mini-T.R.U.F.L.E. and disappears, reappearing on top of it and attempting to grab hold. (Casting Void Slip.)

(exert/con!)

(That there's a 4 captain

)

2

You are bucked from the back of the suddenly reversing drone like vehicle and are thrown into the street (11 damage)

Dr. Truffles sits up dusts off Knock. "Ow. That'n didn't feel too good. Reckon we can try to box it in maybe?" Dr. Truffles and Knock split out around the drone to try to herd it towards a corner.

(are you basically setting yourself up hoping it moves away from you? or how are we trying to contain it)

(Yeah, basically. Assuming it's moving like a Roomba where it's puttering along, bouncing off of things / trying to avoid them and changing direction, and trying to get it cornered a bit that way.)

(Gotcha okay that makes sense )

8:35 PM

The vehicle senses you coming snd turns away from you , moving toward an alley at high speed

As the drone closes on the alley, Dr. Truffles and Knock move in behind it from either side. Dr. Truffles holds out his cybernetic arm, the rhuns on it glow, and a barricade appears in front of the alley. Dr. Truffles and Knock jump at it from either side, attempting to pin it. (Casting Energetic Construct Evocation, and hoping we don't Looney Toons

)

(Exert/str)

(8!)

This time you're able to bull charge into the side of it with Knock, and it flips onto its side. Grav plates shut off and the remote vehicle goes dormant.

Dr. Truffles gives knock a scratch behind the ears. Great job buddy! Let's crack this sucker open and see what's making it tick. Dr. Truffles removes one of the access panels to survey the inside of the drone. (Glad that roll was better, my next best idea was to use one of my plot points to have the battery run out

)

(fix/int and ill stop harassing you with checks. Normally i think you;d be fine without but this being arcane and us only having one related example of the tech I think makes the check necessary)

(15

, and you're good, at my computer now so I can do it without the sack tightening fear of accidentally duplicating all the character sheets in a polity again

)

1

After tinkering with it, you realize the following (equivalent to this, just the Piggen Version)

3:37 PM

The Alecto model of drone examples one way that pretech scientists attempted to sidestep the limits of quantum ECM on the modern battlefield. Every Alecto is a full-fledged VI, an expert system so sophisticated as to seem almost sentient. Its self-reinforcing cognition allows it to operate even when cut off from external signals by quantum ECM. Salvaged Alectos have all exhibited “female” personalities

3

Dr. Truffles excitedly pulls out his datapad and reaches out to Knock. Buddy, I think we just may have got us a new member of the family! He wires up a power cell to give the main core some power, and attempts to interface with the onboard VI through the datapad.

Howdy. I'm Dr. Truffles. Your specs make it seem like you're a real bright robot. Wanted to introduce myself. The little furry one on your sensors is Knock.

Hello Doctor. I am indeed very bright! Please tell Knock to refrain from knocking on my head, there is nothing inside of me it would enjoy eating

Dr. Truffles hands Knock a piece of dried fish from his jacket. Don't reckon there's no meat in there bud.

Sorry bout that. Think he thought you was a big shellfish. You seemed to be having some issues afore we stopped you. I'm a fair good mechanic. Anything I can help with?

I cannot see. Power returned to me and I could not see. Where am I?

We'll get you all fixed up, don't you worry. Got a whole mess of tools back on my ship. As for where you are, well, when you are may be a better place to start. It's currently 2669 by the Terran calendar, five years out from a catastrophic event we call the Scream. Real bad time, every psychic and mage and shaman in the galaxy went crazy. You're in a city we call Piglantis, though I reckon that's not what you call it. From what I've gathered, looks like it was sunk into the ocean on Shalini to escape the shamans getting persecuted, and then there was a big teleportation event, probably around the time of the Scream, that led to the city being abandoned. I've been exploring down here with some folks trying to find clues about what happened.

The VI is silent but you can hear the clicking of its various machine parts almost as though it is thinking to itself. I understand. Please fix me, and I will answer your questions

(Would I have the stuff to do it down here with just my toolkit and spare parts or do I need to take it back to my workshop?)

(We would need the workshop)

Of course. We'll get you to the ship right away. Dr. Truffles logs onto his datapad and sends a message to the Gransow Lichen to circumvent whatever is left of the storm and meet them at the docks in Piglantis. He packs up the drone and slings it across his back, and moves back towards the others. "Found this right cool drone with a real advanced AI. Reckon we can take it on back to the ship, I'm gonna have it meet us at the docks, and see what's what and what it might know bout what happened here." (Latest refit on the Gransow Lichen has Amphibious Operations, I've just been rolling in the T.R.U.F.L.E. because it's cool AF

) (edited)

(I think that is on the registry now too so we should be okay there)

(Yeah, I had to double check the completion date because I knew it was recent, but it finished up last month.) Dr. Truffles leads the group of piggen to the docks and begins to set up to repair the drone in the onboard workshop.

Returning to the ship you can see the storm is still going, centered on the city, but it appears natural and will dissipate soon.

Dr. Truffles waves to the crew as he enters, as Knock charges at full speed to playfully tackle Karst. After making sure the guests have a hearty meal to keep them busy, he moves into the workshop and lab area and arrays his tools to begin fixing the drone.

The entire sensor cluster is gone now. It has entirely shorted out and most of the connections likewise are nubs of fused metal now. It’s entire ability to sense the world has been altered or entirely removed.

Dr. Truffles breaks out his spare parts and begins to assemble a new sensor array for the drone by cobbling together designs from various similar UNW drones.

You spend almost a day on the project and by the end of it you are exhausted and have missed two meals. The drone hovers in place , waiting for you to make the final connection but this should work.

Dr. Truffles smiles and rubs his grumbling belly, but is too excited to pause to go eat. He makes the final connection and then smiles and waves into the drones sensor arrays.

1

I can see you now it says matter of factly. As it rises it does not hit any obstacles , as if making its point

Dr. Truffles nods. "Glad I was able to get you all fixed up. Reckon you can tell me more about what the city was like last you were active?"

"there were many piggen, and there was more magic. Shaman were making things all day, every day, away from the mainland. They did not want other surface piggen to get their hands on what was created"

Dr. Truffles nods. "You reckon they were working towards anything in particular? All for on big thing, or smaller household goods and whatnot?"

"they were working on a planetary teleport network so they could collect resources from the landmass without giving anyone direct access to the city"

Dr. Truffles can barely contain his excitement. "Reckon that's what they used to escape? You know where they was putting it together?"

"Different schools across the city were handling different parts. They were not prepared for a test fire of the system. No apparatus to test has been constructed either. It appears on a most recent city map that is still true"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon that tracks with the residue we found. You have a record of the last day you was operational?"

"I do not. My memory cores have been damaged 35.6% due to improper repairs and maintenance "

Dr. Truffles nods understandingly. "Ain't no worry. What's your earliest memory? I reckon it'd be good to get an idea of how old the city is."

"I remember the day I was brought into service. There were many other assistants like me in the workshop. We were meant to help organize things for the Shaman, and the different schools here"

Dr. Truffles nods. "I was just on my way to check out one of them schools when I found you. You wanna come along? May fill in some blanks in some of them memory circuits?"

“There is a high probability of that outcome happening. I will follow you Doctor”

Dr. Truffles smiles. "Welcome to the team. Let's head on over there." Dr. Truffles rounds up the scholars and mage and heads towards the school.

(A day has passed just from working on her alone, are we resting or do we need to change or re-prepare anything?)

(Oooh, good call. I'll roll with the same spells I have been. Spells prepared: Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Universal Translator Rubric * 1, Ghost Field Emission * 1, Arcane Grounding * 1.) On his way out, Dr. Truffles is redirected to his bunk by his crew-members, and Karst firmly but gently tells him he needs to rest. Knock snuggles up next to him, and a few hours later he has everyone gathered again and is ready to head out.

3

12:52 PM

The academy entryway is a green space with plants that seem to have grown in place of street lamps. They give off a steady glow to the street around them and walking into the place of learning is similar to walking into a jungle, complete with humidity and nesting creatures in the trees.

Dr. Truffles gasps. "Well reckon this here's different than the last one! Look at all these plants and animals!" (Could I reach out with gaiapsi energy to see if the animals are real or illusory?)

(Yes, we could do that!)

Dr. Truffles concentrates on his bond with knock and reaches out towards the trees and animals, trying to sense their life essence.

These animals and plants are real. They are infused with metaspace and have some unnatural appearances and things they can do, such as the lantern trees, but are natural in every sense of the word.

Dr. Truffles reaches out to Knock through the connection. You reckon you can start making friends bud? We can get some stuff written down. Dr. Truffles gathers up the others and spends some time inventorying the plants and animals, checking them against the list of creatures common on Shalini's surface.

Knock thinks he can indeed make some friends here and scampers off, and will report back to you soon once he has a proper look around and probably aggressively tries to decide what is food and what is not food, and what might have strong feelings about being food.

Dr. Truffles turns to the drone. "You reckon this is ringing any bells? Should we head on deeper?"

"I have seen this before. We need to go inside. I might recall more from my time here"

Dr. Truffles grins broadly. "Hear that piggen? Sounds like we're onto something grand. Everyone stay close behind me, let's head on in deeper." Dr. Truffles takes the lead, moving deeper into the school and keeping an eye out for any rhuns or other security measures.

There do not seem to be any here, and approaching the main doors the VI seems to freeze for a second. It pulses some kind of tight beam to a receptor on the door,and it opens to reveal a well appointed grand hall where it is buried in green and special plants almost as much as being made from conventional building materials.

Dr. Truffles smiles at the VI. "You sure have been here before. Got you the keys still and everything." Dr. Truffles takes a tour around the grand hall, stopping to examine any cabinets or other storage areas, and pausing to make sure to get images and scans of each plant.

I do not know how that routine was accessed. I have been here before. My logs indicate I have been many times, Doctor. I have nothing in saved data coils about what it inside

Dr. Truffles nods. "Are you starting to remember anything more about your purpose? May clue us in on what we'll find here. If not, it ain't a worry, we'll find it out together."

I do not. Lets go inside and look around we have a strong chance to find something. I believe psionic engineering is on the second level. I feel called to it

Dr. Truffles nods and waits for the other piggen to finish looking around before leading the way to the stairs and moving towards the second level.

(everything is as pictured)O

1

6:28 PM

On the second level the entire floor is taken up by a single study. Someone of singular importance must have worked here, and their effects are scattered around the work space in the unorganized organization someone deeply immersed in their work creates. To them it is a symphony of flowing ideas and thoughts, to the outside world, it is the cluttered mess of the eccentric or insane. (edited)

Dr. Truffles audibly gasps and all but throws himself at the papers on the desk, before remembering how they got here and looking back to the VI for any recognition.

The VI is looking around , trying to pull ideas together. For now it remains quiet lost in whatever is happening inside

Dr. Truffles nods understandingly, and turns his attention back to the stack of papers on the desk.

(admin/int)

(9)

plans for materials and something going towards a "teleportation matrix" are laid out here. A lot of the materials are exceptionally rare and were difficult to get in. A notice from the city zoning board is also here, once again unable to agree on a site for the project.

Dr. Truffles files away the address of the city zoning board before moving to search the drawers of the desk, checking for any rhunic protections before he opens them.

The drawers do not have protections on them. You find some fine pens and inks, along with a small rhun crafting kit

Dr. Truffles calls over the shaman and hands him the rhun-crafting kit. "I already got me one of these. This here's a nice one though. How do you like it?"

A small piece of wax paper with writing on it is folded into the bottom drawer, close to the back. You can see it is yellowed with age

Dr. Truffles gingerly takes it out an opens it to read the note.

When you are in trouble, or lacking inspiration, you can always find what you need at home The handwriting is rapid, but is consistent with handwritten notes made on the wax papers here

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. Wonder if they got more materials on over at their house. (Would I have any idea of like the addressing system in Piglantis? I know you mentioned zoning. Something where I could maybe rifle through their mail or a personnel file and find out where they lived?)

(Yeah i think you;'d be able to take the address from the informaiton here)

(Awesome!) Dr. Truffles takes note of the address and begins to look over the books on the shelves behind the desk.

These books are all journals written over the long life of the Shaman that used to occupy this office, starting when they were in the late years of being a teenager, and ending as an adult, some fifty years later just before the mass teleportation incident, within a few days of it.

Dr. Truffles smiles at some of the notes, reflecting on his own research scribbles. He selects one from each decade and peruses them to try to get an idea of the types of things the shaman worked on throughout their life.

(I’ll make some entries here. Im on my phone right now so typing it is going to be a lot, but I’ll write them)

(Sounds good, no rush ❤️)

The first entry talks about some girl problems he is having as an angsty teenage Piggen and he is trying to rationalize not worrying about it himself , as he’s been selected for Shaman training and is going to be too busy soon. Shaman acolytes are supposed to be coming to pick him up within the next few days so he can begin his new life

Dr. Truffles chuckles and motions the VI over. "You may have known this fella if you were working here. You reckon you wanna look over my shoulder while I read to see if anything rings any bells?"

I will do so. Let us move on to the next passage, maybe there will be something there

Dr. Truffles nods smiling as the VI floats over and flips to another section of the journal.

The next entry is a few months after the last one. He has just passed his initiation into the lowest circle of shaman and has been given his personal belongings back as a result. He does not say much about the specific rituals he went through, other than it involved a lot of meditation, and lack of access to food and clean water while everyone else around him indulged. He was also forced to practice rhuns hundreds of times over, ensuring the forms are perfect.

Dr. Truffles peruses the passages with interest. Reckon that's less risk of torching than what I did. He calls over the mage from the group of piggen and shows him the passage. "I ain't never asked you, how'd you develop your MES abilities. This here looks like the ritual they went through back in the old days."

“Wisdom passed down from those who came before. Weeks of isolation and meditation , denying the self and learning to feel the energies around us, then harnessing them and expressing them along natural paths “

Dr. Truffles nods. "Hmm. I got some powers from an artifact, but originally for me it was learning and study, both from books and from friends and mentors. Reckon there are a whole bunch of ways to open up them MES pathways. Interesting how it varies." Dr. Truffles continues through the journals.

There seems to be something almost like the beginnings of some organized system of documentation forming, with a volume given for personal life, and a volume given for work notes, each of which is referenced at the bottom of the page and has a match in the book shelf here.

Dr. Truffles perks up at this and scans the list of documentation for work notes, looking for either information on the broad theoretical overview for teleportation or on what techniques and fields of study were common for Piglantis shamans.

The shaman were broken up into two major schools at the time this was penned. There were cultural shaman who were more like priests and focused on abilities like telepathy and the compact like enforcement of the Yama king though that function was far less common. The other function was as an academic. Those were free to study all disciplines but telepathy was less common.

Dr. Truffles points the passage out to the VI. "This here division is interesting. I reckon you worked with the academics, you remember if there were others like you for the cultural piggen too?"

"Some had servants, things they pulled from Metaspace, like walking books or animal companions, but not robotics like me"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Ties into what I found, what with a focus on gaipsionics. It's why I went and made friends with Knock. Hope he's having fun with them other critters." Dr. Truffles moves on to some of the notes on the teleportation project.

(One more admin/int

(8)

The teleportation project was seen as a way to get to land quickly to gather resources and escape just as fast. Similar to how Shangra la works, the shaman would have a talisman that allows them and anything they’re touching or marked with transit rhuns to return to designated sites in the city

Dr. Truffles notes the similarities and continues to peruse the indexes, looking for any references to leylines and how they may have tied into the project.

It was believed in time the "Range" of these teleports could be to locations up and down existing leylines, if the talisman was 'attuned' to the respective one being used, but it does not look like significant trials were being publicly undertaken

2

Dr. Truffles shows the book around excitedly. "Reckon folks mighta gotten outta here! If they was able to attune to the leylines! This here's really something!" (Does it seem like there's any indication they had spent time mapping them and that that information might be stored somewhere?)

(I think we could infer there is indication its been mapped "somewhere" but that somewhere is not among the notes here)

Dr. Truffles leaves the others to browse the journals further as he examines the two skeletons behind the desk.

One of the skeletons is the head of some large draconic like beast, but some of its horns have been broken off somehow. To the left side of the desk there is a complete skeleton of a creature the size of a cow. It does not have an analogue to something living on the surface.

Dr. Truffles searches around the cow-like beast to see if there are any notes associated with the skeleton.

What is known is that this creature is not native to Shalini. A group of mages testing the teleport system briefly were "somewhere else" as they described, and this friendly creature had come back with them. It remained their loyal pet for several weeks but they believe separation from its native environment caused it to pass away. Its skeleton was preserved for study once the other tissues had also been analyzed.

Dr. Truffles takes notes and scans of the skeleton and moves on to examine the area around the dragon-like skeleton.

This is a beast that does live on Shalini, or did. Ancient Piggen hunted the mighty sea drake to extinction as they moved from the land to the water , and you can see based on the age this might be one of the last to have met their end on Piggen billhooks and bows.

"Wow, this here is real cool. We'll have to send the scans of both of these creatures to the shaman on the surface. That's real sad about their pet though. Can't imagine something like that happening to Knock." Dr. Truffles checks the bookshelves around the walls of the room.

(Settled in back in VA!)

1

You’ve been through them a bit in your studies already , crossing them as references in other books and so on.

Remembering the hospital and grimacing, Dr. Truffles does a cursory examination for any seams in the wall around the book cases.

It seems any record of atrocity is confined to the hospital. You're not sure what they were doing down there other than testing some kind of new types of organics in living tissue, but what times and to what ends continue to remain a mystery.

(Were there any other rooms on this floor before I debrief with the VI and the other piggen?)

(no the whole upper floor is this obscenely elaborate office

(Right on! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.) Dr. Truffles waves the shaman and the VI over. "This here stuff is real neat. I wish I could stay here all the time and work it out, but I reckon I ain't able to. How do y'all feel about teaming up to focus on working more in depth on what we found here?"

It seems like there is a discovery on the verge of being made here and it’s indirectly what they’re all here to do, so for now they’re with you and will join up to see what shakes out of this new mystery

Dr. Truffles returns downstairs and reaches out to Knock to see how his new friendships with the school fauna are going. Hey there bud. You meet any interesting critters round?

Knock is outsdie and he has made friends with two strange floating jellyfish like creatures that use the air instead of water to get around here.

Dr. Truffles smiles at Knock and give him a scratch behind the ears. Nice work there little buddy. He tentatively reaches out to the jellyfish-like creatures, attempting to make contact through the metaspace energies floating between them. (Tongue of the Beasts, 1 scene effort committed, 3/4 remaining.)

You feel some sort of wispy and intangible connection between you and the floating creatures who curiously drift closer

Dr. Truffles conjures up images of these halls bustling with other piggen, sending them across the link as a question, seeing if the creature has any memory of the time the city was inhabited.

They do remember many Piggen occupying this space. None of them ever stayed for long , like this was a waystation for people moving on to bigger things , but you get the sense this was a proud campus

Dr. Truffles sends along feelings of gratitude as well as a mental image of all the piggen suddenly disappearing, linked to the feeling of another question.

They’re not sure what happened. The city was filled with flashes of bright light very suddenly and when things faded back to being able to see, everyone was gone

Dr. Truffles sends along messages of thanks, gratitude, and comfort through the link, patting one gently on the top of the jelly. (Just so we're on the same page, my read here is that the shamanic assistant for wonders is going to be the shaman we brought down working with the VI for assistance and drawing on what knowledge it gets back the more time we spend in Piglantis?)

1

(that was what i was working toward here)

(Rad, figured, just wanted to double check.) Dr. Truffles turns to the VI. "Reckon if you spend more time working down here you might be able to jog some of them memory circuits?"

"I believe I might be able to. Please allow me to stay here"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Course. You're a free being far as I'm concerned. You're dern well welcome to do whatever takes your fancy." He turns to the curmudgeonly shaman. "You reckon you see anything down here what takes your fancy?"

Their grumpy mood has changed considerably upon being down here. This entire city is a wonder to them and is so much more than the trinkets theyve been forced to make do with st the market

Dr. Truffles nods. "I got a job for the two of y'all, if y'all are ok with it. I had... I mean... have a dream. Of this planet as a jewel of piggen civilization. Using magic and technology to make wonders like our ancestors used to. Only problem is, I find myself needing to be away a good bit. I could use some folks like yourselves to oversee projects.... If y'all are willing..."

"What would we be overseeing or doing? We think its a great dream but how do we get there?"

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Reckon we start small first. We can maybe use that fishing village where I met you and them historians as a little lab. It's small enough to be a test, but it's got an aquaculture center that's real important for the planet so we'll be doing some good while we get our hooves wet. Give em workings that keep pests out and keep the fish from going bad while they process em to start with." Dr. Truffles cracks a big tusked grin. "Then maybe we can work up from there to making Piglantis a flying city."

They all seem to agree, and look forward to working with whatever you build on the surface. (3xp, 5000 credits)

1

Dr. Truffles leaves them to their research, pulling out his compad to arrange for one of the fishing submersibles to ferry them to and fro as they need it before heading back to the Gransow Lichen. (Could I turn investigating the bandits into a mission for utilizing some of the UNW infrastructure money? Making it safe to build new transportation, etc.?)

(yeah that works, if its not a mission we want to run, or have one of the new folks run)

(I guess I meant more would that be the type of thing you had in mind for PC actions that lead to infrastructure improvements? If you want me to leave it for one of the new folks though I can think of something else.)

(a pc action leading to an improvement , yes. I don't care who does it, i just thought you were trying to avoid doing it)

(Nope! It was the last thing on my to-do list while planet-side. Gotta be a good guvna

)

Remembering the bandit problem along the roads on the surface you decide for now it’s a good time to return to the proper continental mass to see it some sort of security solution can be worked out

Dr. Truffles sets the ship back down outside the market town, and inquires at a few of the stalls to see if anyone else has had issues with bandits on the road.

most of the townsfolk have not had issues, but the traveling merchants have all been forced to pay tolls in the form of credits or goods at some point or other in the past. THe bandits don't seem especially bloodthirsty, interested in actually taking what they need. There;s not been reports of anyone actually being killed so far.

Dr. Truffles listens to the concerns of the merchants and nods with understanding. "Reckon I can do my best to get this worked out and all. There a place they usually pop up?"

"They usually spend time along the roads, close to the transportation centers. I think if you check the woods or fields from there you'll run into them

Dr. Truffles nods. "Thank you kindly. We'll get this sorted on out for you folks." He swipes the meshed controls on his robe and it shimmers and turns into a typical merchant's garb. He smiles warmly down at Knock. Let's go make some new friends buddy. See if we can't get this sorted on out. Dr. Truffles thanks the merchants one final time and heads out towards the woods and fields.

(D10!)

(6)

You’re able to get a trace of them as you move down the road. An overturned wooden cart riddled with laser fire is your first clue. The pack animals have been shot but you see no Piggen here

Dr. Truffles looks sadly at the pack animals for a moment, then he and Knock check the area around the cart for any animals who may have seen anything.

They’re very dead. Looking into the woods knock finds birds and some Beetles who make their homes here and commonly frequent the side of the road. Six piggen did this armed with laser weapons. They let the cart driver and his assistant got

1

(Afore we get to far in, Spells prepared: Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, , Aversive Impulse Projection * 2, Gravitic Control Rubric * 1.) Dr. Truffles reaches out to some of the birds in the tree Knock is pawing at the base of. Hi friends. Don't worry, y'all are safe. Reckon you could tell us the direction the folks who did this went in? (Tongue of the Beasts, 1 effort committed for the scene, 3/4 effort remaining.)

The bandits have gone west deeper into the woods on the opposite side of the road. The brids did not follow them a sometimes members of the flock are hunted for food

Dr. Truffles thanks them and sets off into the woods, changing his clothes to appear more as a hunter and trapper and activating the rhuns on his cybernetic arm briefly as a magical barrier solidifies around him. (Casting Personal Shielding Field.)

You can see traces of Piggen moving deeper into the woods from here, notably tracks and a discarded power cell where the connector has been bent- meaning it wont be charged properly again. It's been left behind as trash. A clearing ahead is a likely place to find more leads, but you see no evidence of a camp nearby this close to the road.

Dr. Truffles detaches one of his drones from his back and sends it upward to scan the clearing before he and Knock move forward.

(survive/wis)

(Dirty 2

)

2

The clearing is empty. There was once a camp here but there’s no sign of anyone. It’s like the piggen that lived here have vanished

Dr. Truffles scratches his head, then sends both of his drones above the forest to look for other potential signs.

The forest canopy is thick and without being much of a skilled trapper you can’t find much evidence of the bandits

Dr. Truffles recalls the drones and sets off with Knock to search by foot in a widening circle around the camp, hoping to pick up the trail of the piggen who vanished from there.

The piggen that fled here have move deeper into the woods. It looks lien they might have been using this as a forward base but nobody is here now

8:31 PM

Perhaps something has been left behind

Dr. Truffles wraps back around and begins to dig through some of the refuse at the camp, as Knock starts to gnaw contentedly on some old vegetable matter.

There are yellowed papers here, depicting crude maps of the surround. The territory of their base camp seems to be partially highlighted and mapped out here, deeper in the forest. A rocky spire seems to be landmark near it, and you can see it from here

Dr. Truffles rolls up the map and heads towards the base camp, sending his drones ahead to scout the path in front.

The spire has a glint near the top as the drones get closer. Someone with a rifle or telescope is on top

(Does it look like they have 360° view or is there a slit of some sort they're poking out of?)

(they're on top of the big stone pillar type stone formation)

8:10 AM

(so 360 view, but the trees provide a lot of concealment for approaching)

Dr. Truffles turns to Knock. Stay on back here in the trees till I tell you it's ok, alright Lil buddy? He then moves forward into the clearing around the spire, holding his hands up so as not to appear threatening.

(you want them to see you though, is what I'm getting out of this? )

(Yeah, figured they didn't seem super violent given that they let everyone from their hold-ups get away.)

1

As you come into sight you can see the spotter signaling the camp with several quick flashes of light. You're too far to hear him shouting, so he does not try

Recognizing he has been seen, Dr. Truffles stops and waits for the response from the camp.

Three Piggen enter the clearing a short while later and they keep their sidearms low. “You’re close enough. Who are you and what do you want?” The highwaymen ask. They’ve been out here for a very long time it seems and may be truly ignorant of who you are

Dr. Truffles sits down in the clearing and stretches his cybernetic arm out, rhuns glowing, as stone table rises up out of the ground. He motions the three piggen to sit down across from him. (Casting Energetic Construct Evocation.) "Howdy. Name's Dr. Truffles, I'm Lord Governor of Shalini. Well, I ain't sure if that's entirely true anymore. Bit of a galactic political flux. Reckon we may be swapping out the nomenclature. Either ways, I do most the planet's paperwork, represent us at the Federation hall on Galatea and in the United Nation of Worlds Unity Council, and lead the planetary army and defensive fleet with what I reckon folks would charitably call mixed success." He shudders at this point and grimaces sheepishly. "Those new braker guns is gonna be nice though, stop the space pirate raids. So I guess you could say I'm a bit of a combination of a representative, accountant, and general. Still, spose that ain't entirely here nor there." "Mostly wanted to talk to you good piggen about what we can maybe do to get you to stop holding up folks on the highway. Reckon y'all ain't an entirely bad sort, what with not hurting anyone, though I sure wish you'd have left the pack animals alive, they didn't do nothing. So why don't y'all tell me what brought y'all to a life of highway banditry."

They are forced down to their bottoms and sit across from you. "Life on the planet is hard. Resources were hard to come by, so were jobs. This was an easier life. The people we take from have the means to replace what we take"

Dr. Truffles nods. "What if I could get y'all good jobs? Resources is hopefully better now. We got some big grants from the UNW to do us some infrastructure projects."

"We'd need to see what you're offering and some guaratee we're not just going to be arrested the minute we step into a settlement. Probably not possible here"

Dr. Truffles nods. "I'd understand, and I reckon there'd have to be some consequences. Maybe community service related to what y'all do for these projects?"

"Don't want to AVOID consequences, but there a way we don't have to serve them here? Villagers probably not as understanding as you, ya know?"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon that there's understandable. Y'all know these here woods pretty well I reckon?"

"Fairly, It's been our home for some years now on and off. It's a big place, changes a lot with the seasons"

Dr. Truffles nods. "How would y'all feel about acting as surveyors for the project? Y'all could then give back to the community some by guarding the road stead of robbing folks on it in the off hours?"

"For the Project? What do you mean? " The highway men are not sure what you've been working on

(Hmm, I don't think we ever 100% said what it was going to be. How do you feel about a freight / passenger rail? Sort of fits into that TL2 -> TL3 + magic-punk vibe?)

(Sure that works for me)

Dr. Truffles smacks himself on the forehead. "Shoulda mentioned to start. We're wanting to build a train track going through here, connect the fishing village over the strait to where the shamans are based. Could use y'all's help surveying out a location, then maybe patrolling it after?"

“ if you won’t take us off world I suppose that’s a good a deal as we will get”

Dr. Truffles nods. "I ain't ruling it out. Do good here, make up for the robberies and whatnot, and I can see about getting y'all on as crew on a merchant ship. But for now, let's head on and maybe scout a place to look at some train tracks!"

(We can try to blaze a new trail, or couple them with the road if we decide to, basically follow the same route but to the side of the road)

(I think by the road is a good plan, but whichever makes it easier for you vis-a-vis me putting forward an appropriate amount of effort to get the infrastructure.)

(Let’s get a desired start and end point and I can figure out a good way to do this)

(Would it be ok to start near the town, follow the road to the coast, and do some wilderness encounters to flesh out the planet more / solve any of them that would get in the way of a train?)

(sketch me a map? or a proposed route? That should be fine but just so i know what we're passing through)

(Thinking something like this.)

(Is there land there or we making a bridge

(We'd need a bridge or a tunnel. I drew it across a little straight where two peninsulas come close together.)

(okay perfect. I'm good with this)

8:50 AM

(I'll hex the surface but eyeballing it we've got 3-4 hexes to cover here)

(Sounds good to me!) Dr. Truffles finishes introductions with the bandits, and pulls up a map on his datapad, showing them the first area that needs to be scouted outside of the fishing village.

The team is ready to head out. Getting away from civilization and being under your protection are the best ways they have to try to live and avoid seeing the inside of a cell. The area south of the city is a grassland that looks to be home to all manner of creatures

Dr. Truffles excitedly points out the ones the piggen have documented thus far, and sends Knock out romping in the fields to make new friends and keep an eye out for any larger creatures that might cause crews trouble.

There is a massive road that shakes the ground ten minutes after knock leaves and the rodent comes scurrying back to you. It’s panicked telepathic signals are coming in far too fast for you to make sense of them

Dr. Truffles turns to the others. "Y'all get off into some scrub real quick. There's something big coming this way. Let's get on ready for it. Knock you too, you done good buddy." As Dr. Truffles moves off of the road with them he sends his drones high to try to catch a glimpse of what's coming.

At treetop level the behemoth strides. Branches break. Leaves fall. Birds scatter skyward as one of the exceptionally large and rare apex predators of the world makes its way into the region.

2

Dr. Truffles turns to one of the bandits and shows the feed from the drone on the datapad. "Y'all have any run-ins with big fellers like this afore?"

this is the first time they’ve seen one of the legendary Tuskaroths. It was rumored they’d all been hunted to extinction but efforts to map the dark places of the world must have driven this one out of its former lair

Dr. Truffles nods and turns back towards the rumbling where the beast is coming through. The rhuns on his cybernetic arm glow as he lifts off of the ground and flies towards the creature, stopping to hover a short ways in front of it, opening up a psychic link and sending images of greeting and friendship. (Casting Gravitic Control Rubric and either maintaining Tongue of the Beasts if we're still in the same scene from when I was following the bandits or reactivating it for another scene effort.)

(how close did we want to get? )(

9:03 PM

(sorry you waited all day for me to ask you that)

(Haha, you're good buddy. Close enough to where it notices me and I can send it the psychic pictures, but not in immediate dinner range. Maybe like 20-30 meters?)

(Works for me)

You sense a massive length of time in this creature. It has seen much, done much, and eaten much.

Dr. Truffles sends through the connection of an idyllic island, full of game, along with feelings of safety, where no one would bother or hunt it. (Would I know of any uninhabited islands off the coast, or could I look at info from surveyors or satellites on my datapad or anything like that?)

(i think we could probably find something with some research)

(Sorry in advance, gonna be spotty today with driving. Would a flyover of the surrounding sea in my ship work?)

(I'd say so!)

Dr. Truffles radios to Karst to have him bring the Gransow Lichen around to pick them up. He tags the large creature with his bioscanner to keep track of it, and plots a course for some of the larger islands off the shore, initializing the survey scanners as they go.

(program.int)

Dr. Truffles works the survey equipment on the Gransow Lichen. As the hours go by without finding an appropriate island, he touches the prayer wheel Reza made for him, mouthing a quick prayer to the ancestors and spirits of the oceans and sea to find a place for this creature where it can be safe. (11, rerolled from a 6, and using the last charge on the prayer wheel Reza made for me.)

You almost miss it when you compare charts to what you see in the seas. South of the planned position for the tunnel or bridge connecting the fisher island to the mainland you see a large landmass that has not been charted. The island is several square kilometers, perhaps smaller than its current hunting territory, but a safe place to graze at least for a time until a more permanent solution can be found for it.

Dr. Truffles instructs Karst to make several passes around the island, concentrating on developing solid mental pictures he can transmit to the creature, and then has the ship drop him off nearby where it is. He flies back to a short distance in front of it once again, and transmits mental images of the lush island, along with feelings of safety. He tries to make it clear to the creature he wants to take him there.

The creature seems to be welcome to the idea. The area is becoming filled with all manner of traffic and he is not looking for trouble

(So not to get overly Sil here what with the physics, but would it be reasonable to assume, based on the lift it would take to break atmosphere, that my ship could transport him if I were to construct some sort of Free Willy-esque sling to carry him under it?)

(If it’s a cruiser or higher it can’t come into the atmosphere at all

(It's a FM.)

(I think we'd be able to one time a solution for this, or it can just walk/swim there)

(That would be easier

) Dr. Truffles beckons the creature to follow him, and sends messages of it doing a large piggy paddle, as he flys slowly in the direction of the island.

(gaia, wis )

1:32 PM

(just so we don't have to keep slowing down)

(8)

The creature looks to be complying, wanting the safety, water, and food of a whole island where it's the only true large beast in town- and it will not be hunted by the locals.

Dr. Truffles spends some time watching the creature go before smiling and returning to the former bandits. "I reckon it'll be safe and happy there. Let's head on down to the next part of the planned track."

(d10)

(8)

(I think we have one more overland he then the water )

6:23 PM

The loose forest gives way to open plains, dotted with the occasional large tree or rock formation. A cairn is newly constructed below the shade of one of the largest trees.

Dr. Truffles examines the area around the cairn curiously, trying to see if there is any obvious feature it's marking.

It looks to be a fresh grave of somekind.

(How close are we to the area where I found the bandits?)

(its the next hex over so about 200km)

9:19 AM

(they didn't kill this fellow, if that's where this is heading)

(Gotcha, I was thinking more if they would have known other woods-piggen in this area.) Dr. Truffles sends his drones on a high sweeping flight above the tree-line to see if there are any nearby farms or settlements.

There is a large farm to the north of here, working on cultivating some kind of chicken like native bird. They have an enormous flock, but there are faint wisps of smoke trailing towards the sky.

Dr. Truffles motions to the former bandits and heads towards the farm, sending the drones closer to investigate the smoke as they go.

(Boop ❤️)

It looks like fowl are being disposed of here. Large heaps of the dead are being burned. Piggen farmers with goggles and cloths on their faces emerge from the barn with more every few moments

Dr. Truffles motions the former bandits to stay back from the potential biohazard, and protects himself with a wave of his rhun-inscribed cybernetic arm before approaching the farm. (Casting Personal Shielding Field.) "Howdy y'all. Name's Dr. Truffles. Saw y'all might be having a spot of trouble with some scouting drones we was using for surveying, anything I can do to help y'all out?"

The workers do their best to try to ward you back, though you can;t hear much from under their protective equipment. It's clear from this close that some kind of contagion is spreading through their livestock, and they're being forced to cull the flock to keep it from getting worse. The smell of blood and ash is heavy on the air.

Dr. Truffles types out a message on his datapad.

No need to fear, I have magical protections. Is there someone I can talk to to get a summary of the issues y'all are having?

The locals are dealing with a disease that’s killing their flocks and they think had found a way to jump to other Piggen. One member of the homestead had already died and three others are sick. They’re hoping by culling the birds they can stop it. After this they plan to get aid to the sick homestead members and when the crisis is ebbing they want to figure out what caused it

(Is this something the medical equipment we found in Piglantis could help with, or was that just surgical?)

(It was just surgical, but still way better than the frontier stuff the surface has)

Dr. Truffles nods and scans one of the carcasses with his bioscanner, checking the ailment against the UNW database of known pathogens.

It is a new sequence of avian flu. On a TL4 world this would have been handled quickly and effectively by now, but the Piggen lack those abilities until the uplift project completes.

Dr. Truffles types out another message to the masked piggen and then hands them the datapad to respond. How widespread is this? Just your farm or are there others?

"There is another farm down the road where we think they're dealing with the same thing. We saw smoke for the first time yesterday. We don't have any other close neighbors around us- but we've all sold birds to the Fishers village lately. People there might be getting sick"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Thanks for letting me know. We'll go on and get this sorted. Be safe, ain't any reason to put yourselves at risk." (Is this something bulk TL4 medical supplies could take care of?)

(Yes, TL 4 hospitals can handle this thing as a matter of routine )

Dr. Truffles pats one of the piggen on the shoulder. "Don't you worry. We'll get this all sorted out. Should be able to bring in medicine to take care of it I reckon."

1:58 PM

(https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/655843107539124224/802639654628622336 Would the Shalini FMs have enough cargo space to get what they need?)

(I'd say a few trips from this would do it. The low tonnage means we're not knocking it out in one blow)

(Gotcha, would the UNS Hauler do if I can get the Unity Council to let me re-purpose it? I don't think we're doing far-trades with it right now.)

(Yes it would)

Dr. Truffles sends a message to the Unity Council about re-purposing a ship before turning back to the piggen. "Gonna get y'all medical supplies to take care of this quick as I can. We can get y'all's livestock replaced too, but we can't replace y'all, so focus on staying healthy. I'm gonna scout the other farms to see how far this thing done spread." Dr. Truffles heads off in the direction of the other farm they pointed to earlier while sending his drones high to look for more fires.

This wilderness area looks to be largely empty, with the other farm you were pointed to being the only other structure of note within the vicinity.

Dr. Truffles moves over to that farm to deliver the same message, while using his datapad to arrange for the UNS Hauler to pick up medical supplies. (Would we have enough bioscanners to scan everyone trying to enter or leave the island or is that beyond current uplift capabilities?)

(I think if we arrange like some points for them to enter/leave at, we can catch anyone whos not making a deliberate attempt to evade )

(That sounds good. I'm guessing since we're on an island with a port / fishing village on it that's how most folks get in and out?)

(Yeah , that’s the main transit right now. Barges go to the mainland and back)

Dr. Truffles returns to the former bandits and re-embarks in the T.R.U.F.L.E. before heading back to the docks. Once there, he checks with the harbor master to make sure adequate bio-scanners are available to check incoming and outgoing traffic.

The harbor master such as it is , is a portly old boar who has seen too much of the sea and the sun. He is blind in one eye and a leg has been replaced with a wooden peg. Coins are passed into his hand as the ships come in. No logbook seems to be kept and no official work seems to be done here. The situation is unorganized and haphazard

1

Dr. Truffles smiles and shakes his hand. "Howdy, name's Dr. Truffles. I ain't sure if we've met afore. We got a bit of a health issue inland, I was hoping to work with y'all on some temporary measures while we done find a solution."

"Health issue" He laughs. "Nah, no health issue here. YOu're too young to be sick like that anyway"

2

7:13 AM

Another few coins are dipped into his hand by a passing longshoreman, along with a courteous half bow.

Dr. Truffles scratches his head and tries a different track. "Reckon you're like most piggen round here and like eating farmed meat right? We got a bit of an issue on the farms that might have us all eating just fish for a bit and it could get piggen here sick too."

"An issue you s ay? Sure, love me some bird. BBQ, fried, boiled, you name it. My wife makes the best spicy bird you've ever had"

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly. "Reckon we'll have to swap recipes sometime. Anyway, this here sickness is mostly infecting the birds, but could get piggen sick too. So if we're all gonna avoid eating fish and fish only for the foreseeable future, reckon you could use this here bioscanner to make sure no one coming in and out is spreading the thing?"

“What’s it doing exactly? Who’s getting sick and why ?”

Dr. Truffles nods encouragingly now that it seems like he has his attention. "Few farmers on the outskirts found it in their birds, but I reckon it's looking like it can infect piggen too. One there's died and a few others is sick, it's coming on sorta like a flu."

“Something like that hitting the island would hurt everyone. What do we do?” The harbor master now realizes this is serious. He has been on boats where sickness has spread through the crew like wildfire and the same might happen to his island

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Reckon for now best thing'll be just scanning everyone who comes in and out with this here bioscanner. Was gonna go talk to the head piggen to see if anyone in town's fallen sick, I'll set up a place for folks to quarantine with em for you to send folks. That sound alright with you?"

"It does. You thought about how you're gonna stop people coming in or leaving ?" he asks. "happened 20 years ago too. Boats came in from the mainland all the time. Had to sink a few before they got the message"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Anywhere they're able to dock but here? Maybe we can just keep folks on the boat if they're real insistent. The scanning should be better this time than it was 20 years ago I reckon."

"The entire island has shallows around it, like all landmass, There is a cove north of the city that sometimes larger ships dock at, we need to get a team out there and prevent anyone from getting in"

Dr. Truffles smiles gratefully. "Reckon I can talk to the head piggen about getting some folks up there. I sure do appreciate the information. Call me on the datapad if you're having any issues or finding y'all need anything." Dr. Truffles bids the "harbormaster" farewell and makes his way towards the town hall.

The town hall is a large building perched right next to the warehouse where the caught fish are salted and dried. The air has a strange taste and smell but the business of food production continues on. Several piggen work in both buildings it seems.

Dr. Truffles enters and greets the head piggen. "Howdy. We got ourselves a bit of a sticky health situation on this here island. Was hoping to get your help mobilizing the response."

"What's been happening? The fish smell bad yes, but I don't think they're going to hurt anyone"

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "We got a new strain of flu out on some of the poultry farms that ain't looking too good. You reckon you can think of anyone got sick recently?"

“Sick? Maybe. We had a few near the north coast that died , not sure what killed them, some kind of flu we think but it’s so isolated there. We haven’t been able to get anyone out there to talk”

Dr. Truffles nods. "I can send a sequence to y'all to check for with your bioscanners, and I can head on up there. Harbormaster said sometimes folks dock in the northern cove, you reckon you can send some piggen up there to check on folks coming in?"

“I’ll send some of the militia but they could use some official help if you can get another else to back them up. They’ll struggle if anyone tries to force the quarantine”

Dr. Truffles nods and looks briefly sad. "Reckon we could send some of the knights on in. They... could feel like they're doing some good." He shakes himself. "Could also use your help getting poultry off the market for now. You reckon we'd have any problems with that?"

"Not if people know the reason, but there might be some panic. If you've got knights to send we need them, every one you can manage"

(The knights got pretty battered on Brizeno, but would they have enough for small peacekeeping patrols like this?)

(Yeah they’ve still got the numbers for this )

Dr. Truffles nods. "I can send some of the knights on down here, that ain't no problem. Reckon maybe you can send some folks around to get the poultry taken off the market a bit sneaky like?"

"I can't promise a flawless job but I'll send them to do it. We gotta contain this, We gotta, or else there's gonna be a whole lot of dead"

Dr. Truffles nods his head in agreement. "Shouldn't have to contain it too long, I got permission to use some big UNW haulers to bring medical supplies on in. I'm gonna head north now to look into a few other reports, anything you reckon you need from me afore I head out?"

"What you've done is enough.; We'll be sure to call if the situation gets worse or does something unexpected. Good luck Chieftain" (edited)

Dr. Truffles thanks the village head and returns to the T.R.U.F.L.E., heading north towards where the reports of farms with sickness were.

You can see from above that the northern side of the island is less rocky and a few farms have been made here- taming back the forests, clearing rocks and stumps from the fields, and otherwise using the land to grow the more common foods that other parts of the island need to compliment their diet into something more than just dried and salted fish. There is no activity outside at any of them which is not a common occurrence during summer, one of the busiest times to be on a farm. Animals wander, weeds choke the pastures of crops, and it shows farm chores haven't been done in quite some time.

Checking to make sure his protective shield is still active, Dr. Truffles lands at the first and knocks tentatively on the door.

There is no answer from within, but the thud of your knock would have been impossible to miss from inside (your shielding is holding)

(Sorry, I got a little busy

) Dr. Truffles nods to Knock who chitteres excitedly, rolling up into a ball and slamming into the front door.

The second set of pounds on the door likewise go unanswered. You cannot hear anything from within.

Dr. Truffles looks at Knock worriedly. "Reckon that ain't good, let's break it on down." Dr. Truffles helps Knock this time, both throwing themselves into the door to try and get it off of its hinges.

(exert/str)

(5. Any little helpers from having Knock help?

)

(His being very smol and not a lot of mass no haha)

8:09 AM

The door is sturdy and firm, and it does not budge.

Dr. Truffles tries the door knob.

2

It is jammed. Now that you have spent a moment or two here you catch the faint cinnamon reek of decay as the breeze changes direction. You think you might know why the door isn't working now.

Dr. Truffles frowns sadly and looks around the edge of the cottage for windows big enough for Knock to get through.

You can see a window looking out into the backyard that it seems can be big enough for Knock to work his way through

Dr. Truffles scratches Knock behind the ears. Go on through there and see if you ain't able to get that door open. And I'm real sorry in advance, I reckon this might be sad. I'll give you a whole mess of shellfish when you come on out.

Knock is ready and heads inside. Your fears are confirmed as he makes his way to the front of the home. THere is evidence some kind of flu had passed over, either from contact with the birds or from the bird sellers. The family has succumbed to the flu that came from it, and as Knock takes this in, he begins working on the door. There is a click a moment later as he manages to scamper up to the latch.

Dr. Truffles opens the door and views the scene, whispering a quick prayer to the ancestors before going to find a shovel to bury the bodies of the family of piggen.

You get the sense whatever ancestor spirits are out there are happy with your efforts, and the sun begins to set as the family is laid to a quiet rest in their fields. You can see for sure now that the meat came from the mainland, and everything they bought was kept on the premises. No one seems to have traveled, so for the moment, on this farmstead, the disease is confined.

Dr. Truffles and Knock bow their head in a brief final moment of silence and move on to look for any other farms in this part of the island.

There are two others that mapping and orbital images are able to find for your. Each is close by.

Dr. Truffles informs the former bandits as to what he plans and instructs them to stay with the T.R.U.F.L.E. before heading to the first of the cabins.

Darkness is about to fall as you get there. There is a fire inside of this one and the window glows a faint orange from within

Dr. Truffles moves to the door and knocks before calling out loudly. "Howdy. Y'all alright in there, everyone doing ok?"

You hear weak groans in reply from inside. Someone, or many someones are alive inside, but they're having trouble doing much to make your task here easier.

Dr. Truffles worriedly scratches his chin as he tries the door handle before attempting to break the door down at this cottage.

This time the handle turns gently, and you;re let into the small home where you almost at once see four sick Piggen huddled around the fireplace, wrapped under heavy but almost threadbare blankets

Dr. Truffles approaches them immediately and takes out his medical kit. "Y'all don't worry, we're here to help y'all." Knock begins to lick their faces as Dr. Truffles busies himself with the medkit.

With your own knowledge and what you have on hand it looks like you can get them some remedies and meds to take care of their symptoms. It's not a complete cure, but it will allow them some breathing room so their bodies can handle the rest.

Dr. Truffles takes a few minutes to make sure they're comfortable before moving to the next cottage.

They think they’ll be okay for the moment.

Dr. Truffles returns to the T.R.U.F.L.E. and gives a distraught Knock a scratch behind the ears. I know this is rough buddy, but I reckon it's the job. Gotta do what we can do for the piggen here. He moves on to the next cottage.

It is very dark by the time you make your way there and as you close in toa half kilometer from the homestead. The woods are dark and hostile looking around you and there is a complete absence of light.

Dr. Truffles adjusts his panspectral optics to accommodate for the darkness and surveys the area around the T.R.U.F.L.E.

The region is dark but you can see several boars within the woods attempting to make a push out toward the street

(Other piggen or non-sapient boars?)

(Non sapient boars )

Dr. Truffles approaches the boars and reaches out through his connection to the planet towards them, attempting to establish a link. (If Tongue of the Beasts isn't still up I'll commit the scene effort to put it back up.)

(It would still be up i think we're close to 10 hours but not enough to split hairs over for this scene)

Dr. Truffles sends soothing impulses to the board, and images of the surrounding forest that communicate he is curious about their destination.

The boars believe this is their wood. They’re hostile due to being hunted frequently and they’re willing to fight on sight anyone who comes close to their wood

Dr. Truffles sends them a message of understanding and steers wide of them, heading towards the cabin.

The cabin also has fires burning within. The fireplaces have been piled high with wood and you can hear low conversation inside. They seem like they’re doing a bit better but a wooden cart out front shows they might have visitors

Dr. Truffles knocks on the cabin door. "Howdy y'all. Everyone alright in there?"

There is some commotion inside as a piggen who looks like a trader opens the door. “Hail there. Come in out of the cold”

Dr. Truffles nods gratefully. "Thank you kindly. There's a bit of a sickness going round. Y'all mind if I scan y'all to make sure everything's alright?"

“Scan? It gonna hurt ?” The trader asks.

Dr. Truffles smiles and shows him the bioscanner. "Nope, just gotta wave the wand from this here machine over y'all and it'll tell me if you need medicine or anything."

Upon scanning you can see that the trader is sick. He wasn’t showing it yet but the virus is within him

Dr. Truffles shows them the results of the scan. "Y'all got another building he can stay in. I got some medicine so he'll be alright, but that'd keep him from getting y'all sick too."

The rest seem to also be sick or on the way toward it based on your scans after spending a few more minutes

Dr. Truffles begins to administer from his medkit to the piggen. "That should make you better I reckon. Y'all ok with hunkering down here for a few days till we can get medical supplies in from Gudrun for the whole island?"

They have a barn the traders can stay in and now that they know about the danger they agree to stay in place. There’s no choice for them and their condition is going to keep them from walking a bit

Dr. Truffles spends a bit of time making sure they are comfortable before heading back to the T.R.U.F.L.E. and beginning to make the arrangements to have the medical supplies delivered from Gudrun. (AFAIK it was three cabins up this way right?)

(Yes , the traders hadn’t made their way there yet so process of elimination they should be fine)

(Sorry, saw this and just haven't been able to sit down and see how many medical supplies I could fit in the UNS Hauler.)

9:03 PM

Happy with the progress on dealing with the infection, Dr. Truffles sets the navigation for the T.R.U.F.L.E. to continue scouting the path for the planned train-line bridging the two islands. (Putting in an order for 2,800 tons of medical supplies from Gudrun. Should I roll buying it remote like this or would it be more of a set price?)

(It would be just the set price. I don’t mind that since you’re not making money here it’s just to help prevent a crisis)

(Sounds good! Deducting 70mil for 2,800 tons of postech medical supplies.) Dr. Truffles finishes the paperwork for delivery of the medical supplies on the way to pick up the former bandits for the next stage of exploration.

(3xp, 5000 credits )

(Goal check for "Help with an infrastructure improvement on Shalini using the new UNW fund." and "Find or train a piggen shaman to manage magical projects on Shalini.")

(complete and complete)

2

(I think head down to Piglantis to work on raising it next, but I'd like to get my shaman and his VI working on a working first. I was thinking since the fishing village is sort of our main production facility, doing the working to repair minor wear and tear, which is minor so 4-8 difficulty depending on what you think, multiplied by a modifier of 16 for an effect area of a village. So that means a total difficulty of between 64 and 128 depending on how difficult you think it should be. I can start a project of up to difficulty 104 and then I think the shaman can maintain it if that sounds good?)

(Given the minor scope of the project I would say 64)

(Sounds good. If I'm mathing right, and we're doing a 1:1 silver pieces to credit conversion, it should cost cr128,000 to double the speed, giving it a build time of 8.4 weeks.)

(1 silver is 25 credits i believe. I know there's a note in WWN about it)(

(Yep, that's it, so cr3,200,000.)

10:46 AM

Dr. Truffles bids farewell to the former bandits, giving them the contact information for the local elders to report any construction issues with, before turning to Knock. Ready to head back underwater lil buddy?

Knock is ready to head undersea again. The projects coming are exciting and he is eager to see his friends down there again at the small mage campus with the forest.

Dr. Truffles smiles and gives him a loving scratch behind the ears before taking the T.R.U.F.L.E. back to the Gransow Lichen and setting a course for the Piglantis docks.

The docks are a familiar site by now and the city is sleepy as the vehicle comes in for a halt. Tying on the mooring lines you finally come to a halt and take in the somehow fresh air of this beautiful undersea city. One day it will rise to the surface again - a crown jewel in an emergent piggen reinsessence

Dr. Truffles checks in with the historians working in the city before sitting down with a map and looking for a utilities facility.

(connect/ cha)

(A shockingly high 10 given my skills in that area.)

(I am as surprised as you!) The historians have not entered many buildings given their lack of security training and general ease they would have in biting off more than they can chew if it came down to a gunfight. They did notice a large building close to the docks where ships put in that only has one door and looks to be very heavily machined in place. Power trunk lines go undersea from well insulated berths in its side, though they haven't followed the cables to their terminus, lacking the specialized equipment to do so.

Dr. Truffles nods in thanks as Knock bounds off to explore the surrounding area. "How have y'all been doing here. I reckon you've found some cool stuff, but is there anything I can do to help y'all work easier?"

They understand the high level of trust needed for a project like this. More manpower would of course be a good thing, or even automated security or workers if you want to keep things here quiet- but there is a growing list of things to do and few Piggen able to do it.

Dr. Truffles smiles and checks his datapad. "We done a few sanctums for the surface, reckon we can get one set up down here too. Maybe get some of those robots y'all have been asking for and a garage so y'all can get back and forth easier?"

They think that would be something incredibly helpful ,and would love to see some of those improvements coming here if its not something that more people getting involved with is prudent to do.

Dr. Truffles lets Knock solicit another round of belly scratches before bidding farewell to the historians and heading towards the building at the docks.

The docks remain the same as you saw them last and the building is as they described it. A single heavy door keeps casual passersby from walking in.

Dr. Truffles examines the edges of the door, looking for any sort of rhunic guards or panels that would indicate the purpose of the building.

There is a rhun carved into the door- it looks to be some kind of blinding or blocking rhun keeping the door locked unless the key is provided.

Dr. Truffles sits down to study the rhun, looking to find any areas of the design where it can be modified to be circumvented.

(know magic/int)

(12)

You can carve an isolating circle around it to stop its monitoring. The door should open after that.

Dr. Truffles uses the knowledge of rhuncrafting he has gained during his previous explorations of Piglantis to etch new patterns such that the rhun no longer monitors the door, takes a breath, and pushes on the door.

It opens to reveal some kind of large mechanical control space. There are large gears here made of bronze and brass , each of them heavily scripted in thin rhun work and otherwise connected to a large power generator of some kind. This looks like one of the many workings around the city that needs to be puzzled out to get the city to rise again

Dr. Truffles begins his investigation by more carefully studying the rhunwork around the large gears.

These symbols have never been seen by you or any of your exploration parties before. Their meaning and function can be guessed at, but is hard to discern for certain.

Dr. Truffles pets Knock on the head. Reckon I'll look for documents, maybe you can see if you can't find something interesting in a nook or cranny. Dr. Truffles searches around for a desk or office that might lend a clue to the operation of the facility.

This room looks to be on its own and dominated by the immense machinery within. A small control panel looks to need something etched on it to set the machines whirring. There looks to have been an instruction manual once, but the chain is broken and the book attached is nowhere to be found.

Dr. Truffles examines the control panel to see if he can determine the rhun from the etching.

pm1988

(So let's say completely non-theoretically that I was a big dumb dumb and forgot to list the spells I prepared before we started. Can I take the same kit I brought to Piglantis last time? For reference, it was Energetic Construct Evocation * 1, Personal Shielding Field * 1, Void Slip * 1, Universal Translator Rubric * 1, Ghost Field Emission * 1, Arcane Grounding * 1. If the answer is "remember your spells next time dummy" that is also fine

) (As for the scene, when you say smaller, do you mean like motorcycle size or like drone/roomba size?)

(Also, I was stupid again. Can I pack the usual Piglantis kit?)

(sure thing!)

2

Dr. Truffles continues his examination at the engine, searching it for any clues as to the nature of the power that it would require to run it.

1

The cables go under the sea from what you can tell based on where they seem to go. Finding another one, or finding the book that belongs here somewhere in the city might yield more clues

Dr. Truffles messages the Piglantis VI on his datapad.

Howdy. I know y'all are busy with the workings on the mainland, but I had a quick question I reckon might be able to help with. You know of any city facilities what might have the plans for the civic utilities?

Town hall is one place. One of the larger academies may also have plans or technical drawings. Security at both is anticipated to be high.

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin in consideration. Having not visited any of the governmental offices yet, he decides to make for the town hall.

(did you want any of the NPCs to meet you there? )

(Yeah, maybe the historians would be interested? I figured pulling the shaman and the VI away would futz up my progress on the working.)

(sure thing) The historians arrive a block away just a few moments after you do. The VI has this entire block radius marked off on your map as some kind of exclusion zone. Heavy security is said to be in this area, combinations of magical wards, possibly still patrolling security bots, and other forms of automated defenses. The town hall itself is also heavily defended if you do not possess some sort of security key upon entering that might be found in the zone

Dr. Truffles signals to the security to stay back as he begins to investigate the perimeter to inventory the wards and defenses.

You can see a thin line at street level as someone walking would enter the block. This looks to be the first line of magical sensors. No Rhuns have been carved into it from what you can tell, but the lines continue back toward the town hall creating a micro leyline where rhunic power inside can be shunted out to the sensory wall here Past that, you can see a camera on the west and east side of the block looking at the street, cameras behind them cover the other sides of the corners, but it looks like there might be a coverage gap if you enter in the exact middle, where each is positioned just a bit too low

Dr. Truffles studies the magical sensor, attempting to determine if using magic to dispel it here will propogate through the leyline to the rhuns inside.

The most educated guess you can make seems to indicate it will travel, since the energy is also meant to flow outward

Dr. Truffles squats down next to the line, holding his cybernetic, rhun-incscribed arm over it. The rhuns glow for a moment before appearing to short out, as the short jumps into the leyline. Dr. Truffles lets Knock scramble up on his back and then quickly crosses the line in the gap between where the cameras are pointing. (Casting Arcane Grounding, since it's a permanent effect it's only a temporary disable, 1 round / caster level at your discretion.)

(how many rounds we looking at?, this works though)

(13 if we'r not capping at level 10 like other spell effects.)

(10 then, but plenty of time to pass oveR)

7:51 AM

You feel the arcane current has been grounded for now, allowing you to pass this layer of defenses to get deeper within the warded area around city hall.

Dr. Truffles looks around for anything that might resemble a guard station where the information on the security might be housed.

Across the ward lines there is a large structure that looks more military and blocked off than a normal building- it is imposing and looms over the block with crenellated roofs and iron bars over the windows. Its street facing door looks more like a gate.

Dr. Truffles inspects around the door for rhunic inscriptions and sends Knock scurrying to look for any gaps in the windows that might not fit a piggen but could still accommodate a rotund otter-like creature.

1

(Notice/wis for knock)

(Does he straight roll skill checks or use mine?)

(yours)

(5)

Knock isn't able to find any hidden openings or small spaces to sneak into. It seems you'll have to use your limited time to try a door or break a window.

(Any rhuns on the door itself?) (edited)

(none on the door itself)

Dr. Truffles calls Knock back and scratches him on the top of the head. Good job there buddy. And thanks for looking, I know you ain't a fan of tight spaces. Dr. Truffles tries the main door of the security office.

You're able to open it and see something that instead of a computer screen resembles a vanity with many small mirrors. Focuses are engraved into the borders and this allows the security officer to use this as a real-time scry between this rroom and where the nodes are connected

Dr. Truffles examines the vanity, looking for a way to connect to and use the device.

It seems any mage or psychic can, and the machine begins powering up sensing your approach.

Dr. Truffles tentatively reaches out and connects to the machine, beginning to explore the MES pathways coded into it to try and get a better idea of what security systems he might encounter further into the district.

Looking into the machine you can see this room works like looking into a security camera. There is no latency. The quality is clear and you’re able to get it to zoom in on small details without losing any kind of clarity

(Does it seem like the cameras are the only security?)

(Yes, sort of their version of looking at different security cameras, but the magic has outstripped current technology)

Dr. Truffles takes a moment to survey the city streets, looking for any other buildings besides the main town hall that look like they may have held important functionaries.

There is a well appointed dormitory to the west on this block. It looks like some of the expensive taros hotels in Carinhold you’ve heard about before but never got the chance to visit

Dr. Truffles makes note of the dormitory before sending a message to the historians. Looks like the security's mostly observational in nature, y'all can keep on coming. He heads out of the guard station and towards the town hall.

The double doors of the town hall are locked and you can see a large treatise, rolled into a scroll, has been nailed to the doors. No one has disturbed it, and the paper is yellowing on the edges from age.

(Sorry, haven't been getting notifications for my channel the last day or two for some reason.) Dr. Truffles carefully removes the treatise and begins to read it.

The commoner piggen here have delivered a series of statements. 102 grudges have been lodged against the mages and psychics here relating to all manner of poor treatment and the development of a piggen underclass even in a place as advanced as this.

4

Dr. Truffles winces a bit, reading over the statements self-consciously in an effort to make sure the society being re-built on Shalini isn't making the same mistakes. He scans the document into his dataslab before putting it away, and examines the lock on the door of the town hall.

The Town Hall is a public building and the ethos seemed to be if you're able to make it through the wards and through the security that at the time would have been watching, you probably are supposed to be here. The doors are unlocked, but heavy.

Dr. Truffles calls over knock and a few of the historians to help him and puts his shoulder into the door, pushing it open and entering the atrium.

4

2:13 PM

The door opens revealing a large room, where something like the Piggen magical anagram of a teleport pad has been paid out. There are eight in total, representing various Piggen schools or understandings of the world

Dr. Truffles's expression changes from concern over the treatise nailed to the door to absolute glee. The historians appear equally overjoyed, and Knock seems happy everyone else is happy as they spread out around the hall and begin to cross-reference the eight symbols against the database of earlier explorations of Shalini.

2

This must be either some lower or higher form of the piggen language. The symbols don’t relate to anything you’ve got a database about

Dr. Truffles notes the symbols and begins to inspect the teleport pad on the floor, looking for anything that would obviously correspond to stellar coordinates.

Each pad has a single glyph on it, not enough to communicate something complex like interstellar or even planetary coordinates.

Dr. Truffles pats Knock on the head. Let's check around this room. Corners and all that. See if we can't find nothing they may of left behind when they set this up. After a quick scratch on the belly, Dr. Truffles joins Knock to search the rest of the room.

(the map is all there is, not to be too on the nose but the pads are all we've got)

Not finding anything, Dr. Truffles looks at Knock. Ready to go for a ride little buddy? Think we may be able to activate this here thing. Picking up Knock, Dr. Truffles checks for his return crystal to the academy on Gudrun and looks at the historians. "Reckon I'm gonna give this here circle a try. If I disappear, don't y'all get alarmed." Dr. Truffles kneels by the circle and begins to channel MES energy into it.

(Trying to activate one of the circles here? Or are we going to Shangra la?)

(Trying to activate a circle here, I was just establishing I have my way to get back to a known planet where I can catch a ride before I yeet myself across the galaxy

)

2

(which circle were we trying /I should have asked)

(Oooh no that's my bad, I misread the original description, I thought 8 symbols giving juice to 1 pad. If there's any that have like noticeable scuff marks indicating increased foot traffic or something like that, I'll pick that one, but if not we can just do rainbow order and start with red!)

(8 symbols each going to their own place, so RED it is!)

4

2:38 PM

The red pad fires and you are teleported to another location within the city. The interior of the glass pyramid is colored red, and it seems the more primal nature of the natural world was being studied here. For a lack of a better term, everything within this building reminds you of blood magic. You're on the ground floor, and you do not see access to the street anywhere here - the pad being the only way in or out. Dark iron stairs lead up to other floors, and more red mood lighting continues coming on now that someone is in the building.

Dr. Truffles scratches Knock behind the ear. Feel that energy lil buddy? We might learn more about our connection today in one of these places. I wonder if we can figure out where we are in the city. Dr. Truffles pulls out his datapad and messages APIggen, the Piglantis VI.

Hope everything is going well with the working. Found some teleportation pads on down in the city, and the first one took me and Knock to an arcane lab of some sort. Reckon you could pinpoint my datapad's location so we can start mapping out where these are? I can send the data on to you as I get it to see if anything jogs your circuits.

(❤️)

(This didn’t light up. Thank you

10:59 AM

The robot would like the navigation data as it cannot currently find you itself. It has some ideas of where you might be but would like to confirm

(No worries!) Dr. Truffles sends APIggen the last few minutes of coordinate data from his datapad, as well as the output from his panoptics. He also sends him the relative position of the Gransow Lichen and the T.R.U.F.L.E. to assist with triangulation.

It looks as though you’re at the Extreme north of the city. There aren’t any maps of the blocks around you but at least you know where you are now

Dr. Truffles notes the location with satisfaction and then beckons Knock to follow him up the staircase.

Knock heads up the staircase with you to what looks like a level of labs and classrooms. The room is large and continues the circular shape of the floor below, the rooms worked into the outer side of the floor so they benefit from having windows.

9:00 AM

The doors are closed right now and there look to be six labs here with a classroom attached to each,

Dr. Truffles scratches the excited Knock on the head before trying the first door, keeping an eye out for any security rhuns.

1

The general remoteness and no conventional way in seems to be the main defense of the facility. Upon entering the first door you can see this is a lab and looks more like a thane or sacrificial site than a classroom or lab of science. Patterns have been drawn into the floor and you can see workspaces have been made so students can practice drawing into the floor here. A small brass bowl for collecting small amounts of whatever they used to write with occupies a spot near each work area- 12 in total, and you can guess what they might have used as ink.

Dr. Truffles shudders and holds Knock close. I ain't so much liking the look of this place. Just stay close little buddy. He examines the patterns on the floor, looking to see if there are similarities to any schools of arcana he is familiar with.

This reminds you of nothing in current Piggen understandings of magic or psionics, or anything the current academy has been able to recover and widely circulate.

Dr. Truffles hurriedly makes a note of everything, upset with the implications of this.... place being so important there was a portal from the city's center. He reassures Knock again, sending him out to the antechamber to wait, before moving into the next room.

The next room looks to be an office. The trappings here are more what you're used to and more mundane. There is a desk, an empty book case aside from a Piggen skull , and a small work bench. There is an absence of Rhuns but the room is very clean.

Dr. Truffles passes a nervous glance towards the piggen skull before moving behind the desk and beginning to search the drawers.

(know/int)

(11, or 13 if you want to give me the Know Magic / INT

)

1

The flow of life is one of the types of energy endemic to the universe. The Piggen originally had a different understanding of how to harness magic. To draw power from the universe something has to be given back to maintain the balance. Although there is no evidence that the sacrifice of fellow piggen was being done here there are tribal cultures on fallen worlds that no doubt have done so.

7:32 PM

Current understandings of MES have turned more into harnessing it into works of craft and artifact, or now lately following the human psionic academy techniques to bind the mind and prevent torching.

7:32 PM

(Basically they’d use sacrifice and whatnot as an exchange of energy so they’d avoid torching since they didn’t have the techniques to prevent it , if that makes sense )

(Totally makes sense, same basic principle behind Sil's brain farm?) Dr. Truffles sighs with a bit of relief, realizing from the notes that they weren't sacrificing their fellow citizens, but still disturbed by the fact given the connections to gaiapsionics and biopsionics from elsewhere in the city. Shaking his head to clear it again, he moves on to the next room.

(similar idea)

8:13 AM

The next room has you leaving the office and passing out back through the classroom, to come to another classroom where you see a similar set up on display. There do not seem to be differences in how they were laid out on this level.

Dr. Truffles returns to the main antechamber and pokes his head into the remaining four doors to confirm the similarities in the first two, before walking over to an anxious Knock and scratching him behind the ears.

There are floors above this one that seem to gradually get smaller. Stairs on this level lead up to the other floors in this place.

Dr. Truffles lets Knock scurry back up on his shoulders again before ascending the stairs to the next level.

(olets get another know magic!)

(Snake eyes but still a 7 haha.)

1

Heading upstairs you can see things condense into a more narrow work space. The rooms here are only two, one to the west and one to the east. You can see designs that look like ivy and leaves etched into the floor but you're not able to make out any wider significance here. This floor has been permitted to grow a bit more wild, with small gardens boxed into the floor, indoor trees planted in pots, and a small school of tender eyebots have kept them healthy this entire time. The trees are flowering now and look like they will bear fruit soon, what kind you cannot be sure.

Dr. Truffles catalogs the plants to forward to the historians, and chuckles as Knock begins to play with the eyebots. Leaving him to his fun, he looks into the room to the west.

higher concepts in natural energy transference were being explored here. An altar has been set up to allow blood or other forms of energy to pour into the ground, metaphysically charged with a matrix of inlaid conductive materials similar to the workings of the psionic forge on Rawhani. The cannels go right into the dirt. Right now the seedlings here are dead- this room was maintained as some kind of experiment space and a map on the walls shows eyebots are allowed into the east room to use conventional farming methods as an experimental control.

(Sorry, this never lit up.) Dr. Truffles examines the matrix to try to determine if the seedlings were a component of the ritual or grew as a result of the energies channeled here.

The seedlings were planted here, but were meant to grow with the assistance of attempted rituals or applied MES arts. The experimental group was given soil without much in the way of nutrients and is not rigged for irrigation.

Dr. Truffles calls Knock in from the other room. He uses a bit of shellfish from his pocket to get him to sit on the other side of the circle, and concentrates on the ritual circle. Weaving gaiapsionic and biopsionic energy together, he attempts to weave it through the altar and into the plants.

(probably a use magic, or a check on one of those two psychic skills, with wis)

(8, think they're all +2, so I went with gaiapsi since Knock is helping

)

1

You're able to imbue life into the plants here for now. They begin to revive and poke through the surface, sprouting and growing into seedlings.

Dr. Truffles smiles at Knock and gives him a rub on the belly before taking note of the ritual circle. He then examines the eyebots to see if he can instruct them to tend for the plants.

The eye bots can easily be instructed to tend to the plants. It’s only basic programming and you’ve got enough help between yourself and the API down here to do it

Dr. Truffles smiles at the initiation of the eyebots before heading into the east room.

The eastern room is the control for this experiment. The plants in here have been cared for and are growing according to how nature has intended. The room is a bit overgrown as weeding is outside the function of the eyebots but things here have been running as Normal for all this time

Dr. Truffles catalogs the room on his datapad for the file on the experiment before scooping Knock up and putting him on his shoulder. Ready to check out another floor buddy? This'un got me a bit more excited I reckon. Dr. Truffles heads up the stairs to the next level.

(at 3 of a total of 4)

9:14 AM

This level reminds you of a weather forecasting center and it looks like upon investigating all the rooms that this sacrificial energy was being looked into as something that could be a catalyst for changing some weather conditions. The Piggen here only had a vague understanding of the barest mechanics of it, and had not successfully changed anything just yet- unable to find a worthy sacrifice that would not have doomed them to outright barbarism. you're reminded of notes regarding the ancient human Aztec civilization and their sacrifices of war slaves to ensure the sun would rise tomorrow.

Dr. Truffles begins to scan the rhuning and makes note of the sigils and ritual circles, trying to determine the amount of MES energy that would be required to actually operate it.

You believe a full ritual coven would be needed here, approximately the size and requirements of a life seeding ritual.

12:51 PM

It is difficult to get the full measure of what might be needed until it is attempted. This seems to be the best ballpark estimate you can make

(Gotcha, so similar to what we were working with on Aliah.) Satisfied with his notes, Dr. Truffles absentmindedly feeds Knock another oyster from the pocket of his robes before heading up to the top level of the structures.

(Yeah similar to that )

7:06 PM

The top level is dominated by a single large office belonging to what must have been the highest ranking person within the organization or temple here. A large whale skull occupies the back of the room. There is also a desk and two glass display cabinets showing sacrificial knives , harpoons , oil lanterns and other items of the priest or shaman and the sailor

Dr. Truffles excitedly catalogs everything as Knock immediately starts climbing and playing on the whale skull. After recording the visible paraphernalia, Dr. Truffles examines the display cabinet and desk for security rhuns.

(d100)

(56)

There are no security rhuns, but you do find a large scroll in a scroll case with several beads and corded feathers tied onto it on leather cords. Opening the scroll you see a diagram is printed inside for construction of a metaspace preservation rubric, one that would hypothetically have an additional charge or use within the bounds of Piglantis.

Dr. Truffles excitedly scans the plans for the device into his datapad and spreads it out on the table. Bet Reza'd love this thing. Reckon I'll have to send him the plans. I wonder... (Could I build it in this facility?)

(No we would need the use of one of our many sanctums somewhere)

(Right on!) Dr. Truffles takes a few minutes to collate his notes on the complex before sending the report to APIggen.

I've included everything from the first complex. Reckon it was a place where they were focused on harnessing and manipulating life energies. I'll send you reports from each so you can maybe start to fill in some of the blanks in those memory banks.

Dr. Truffles smiles while taking one last look around the office before extracting an excited Knock from the whale skull and descending the stairs to the teleporter.

(When I was adding my taxes, realized I forgot to do ship upkeep after month 6. I'm just going to pay everything through Y9M12 to avoid any issues, especially with how much I'm going to be away. Also, I've had weirdness with Roll20 lately, so I'm going to start posting transactions in my channel.)

11:53 PM

(TRANSACTION: [Previous Balance: 69,758,950] [Credit/Debit: +10,780,300 (Taxes)] [Current Balance: 80,539,250])

11:54 PM

(TRANSACTION: [Previous Balance: 80,539,250] [Credit/Debit: -1,396,575 (Grandsow Lichen Wages / Maintenance through Y9M12)] [Current Balance: 79,142,675])

11:56 PM

(TRANSACTION: [Previous Balance: 79,142,675] [Credit/Debit: -12,807,000 (Shepherd's Plenty Wages / Maintenance through Y9M12)] [Current Balance: 66,335,675])

11:57 PM

(TRANSACTION: [Previous Balance: 66,335,675] [Credit/Debit: -12,475,125 (Shepherd's Harvest Wages / Maintenance through Y9M12)] [Current Balance: 53,860,550])

The teleporter flashes once you step on, and you're brought back to the chambers where the original array is located

7:42 AM

(i should probably label the teleporters as we jump into them, and make a Piglantis world anvil article)

pm1988 pinned a message to this channel. 2/2/2022 10:36 AM

(Yeah, I've been keeping notes as well. Gonna try my hand at writing up the first bit this week as like a Jules Verne style science adventure thing, see how it turns out.) Dr. Truffles re-enters the town hall and fills the historians in on what he found. He then heads over to the orange teleporter, steps into the circle, takes a deep breath, grabs Knock's hand, and channels MES energy into the rhuns.

(sure, we'll do that! )

2:04 PM

(D100, but otherwise lets gooo)

(32!)

Where red represented primal sacrifice orange seems to represent a more mellow side of nature. You emerge in a specialized workspace on the north side of the city ten blocks away from the red teleported destination. There is a steady sound of tides crashing on shore being piped in through speakers and aside from a reception desk you can see that this building is some kind of aquarium or aquaculture study center

9:45 PM

Eight large touch tanks lie empty now, the automated eyebots removing the poor specimens inside who starved to death , and a pod like elevator descends to levels below this ground floor

Dr. Truffles turns to Knock sternly. No eating nothing out of the touch tanks. We ain't sure how long it's been dead. He approaches the working eyebots to examine the deceased specimens they are removing and attempt to ID them.

Picking them up or otherwise handling them has them rotting away into a dust or sticky goo in the case of the more slug like specimens. It otherwise looks like the eyebots got done handling the last of the disposals a long time ago.

Dr. Truffles looks down sadly, thinking of all of the potentially lost biological data. Cleaning the goo off of Knock's paws, he heads towards the pod to descend further into the building.

There are three floors- -Main Lab -Aquarium -Visitor Level. The elevator can reach any of them.

Dr. Truffles considers for a moment and then hits the button for the visitor level.

The doors begin to shut and the elevator begins moving coming to the first of the underground levels. You emerge into something like an aquatic themed recreational park where several rides, carnival games and other attractions begin powering up, sensing the presence of life within the gargantuan self contained floor.

Dr. Truffles smiles and helps Knock down off his shoulders. Now I reckon this is more like it! You go on and have fun while I take me a look around, reckon you'll be able to find something to get into. Dr. Truffles begins by examining the carnival games.

The games are not that inconsistent from the ones you’ve seen in human or Taros carnivals. There is the water guns to fill a balloon and make a piggen stomach pop, there are darts to throw at wooden targets , rings to throw around empty bottles of various sizes and even a game where pedaling bikes faster makes sea creatures swim along a track faster to reach a goal on the other side

Dr. Truffles smiles and takes pictures of the games for replication in some of the surface educational facilities. He then moves on to examining the rides and other attractions.

There is a Ferris wheel here, Piggen log run coasters, and some kind of tilting tea cup like ride that seems to draw the biggest attraction

Curious about the tilting tea cup ride, Dr. Truffles beckons Knock over. He turns it on as they sit in one of the teacups to try the ride.

3

There are controls and Knock hits the button to activate the ride before scampering over to you just as power begins to build. He settles in as the discordant music begins playing, and the ride begins to spin

Dr. Truffles and Knock hang on to the teacups as the music gets faster and faster. Dr. Truffles loses himself in the memory of the time a fair with rides like this came from Central to Delphos, one of his first experiences with Terran technology. His reverie is broken only somewhat when Knock pukes a stomach full of partially digested shellfish into his lap. That's ok there lil buddy. Takes all of us some time to get our sea-legs sometimes. After the ride finishes, Dr. Truffles checks around for a managers office before heading back to the elevator.

There is a small trailer at the edge of the park with a ramp built onto its front. It looks like a few of the people who worked at the park might have lived directly on site for the most part once.

Dr. Truffles walks up the ramp and tries the door of the trailer.

The handle jiggles just a little, but the door is locked.

Dr. Truffles looks around sheepishly and apologetically, takes out his metatool, and begins to remove the door handle and lock. (Assuming it's something that can be unscrewed.)

There is a ring of metal as the lock is taken apart and the broken pieces fall onto the floor. You're able to get into the small trailer and see the amusement park office. There is a small computer here, some paper logbooks, and the master keys for the prize sheds of the park.

Dr. Truffles grabs the master key for the prize shed, intending to give it to the historians to they can move some of the merchandise into the museum in the underwater shrine. He gathers Knock and heads back to the elevator, pressing the button for the Aquarium.

(one more d100!)

(44)

This floor is very large and is open to the wider ocean. There are no creatures here right now but you can see bait and other food is still being regularly dispensed, a mixture of synthetic meat byproduct and osme sort of kelp pellet to attract all manner of animals. (edited)

Dr. Truffles looks breathily out at the ocean, watching Knock fly by as he canonballs in. Reckon you could explore the area a bit lil buddy? Report back on what you see out by where it sluices out to the wider ocean?

Knock agrees to scour the area and will report back soon. You also see several large research rooms here that look to have all manner of instruments within when it comes to cataloging animals

While Knock is exploring, Dr. Truffles begins to investigate the lab space, checking to see if the instruments and databanks are still operational.

The instruments look to be working and the databanks are powered off but structurally intact.

Dr. Truffles begins to copy the databanks to his dataslab, browsing the biological files as the transfer processes to compare the known wildlife against what's been surveyed on the planet so far.

The data here eclipses what has been known about Shalini. It is all unorganized as you download the data from one type of organizaition system to your own, and an army of programmers are going to need to be hired to extract and organize it all.

Dr. Truffles smiles. Reckon we'll be working at it for years, but we'll get everything back eventually, better than before even. Dr. Truffles moves back out to the main aquarium area and waits for Knock to come back from his scouting.

(I think some wildlife codex reserch project is something we can pitch)

(Oh nice, like an ISF one?)

(yeah, i think it wouild probably take a lot of RP to decode this)

(Right on! We'll head on down to the final level after Knock returns then.)

Knock sees no creatures in the waters around us right now. The reefs around the city seem to be dying and otherwise are not being cared for. The small fish have left and the bigger fish that eat the small fish have gone with them. Aside from some passing specimens thst don’t seem keen on sticking around it seems this far down the biosphere is collapsing due to the city being present here and the former Piggen not caring for the environment they sunk their home into

Dr. Truffles soothes Knock as he comes back. No worries buddy. We'll get the city back up and the tasty snacks will come back. Don't you worry none at all. Dr. Truffles lets Knock scramble back on his shoulders before returning to the elevator and heading down to the main lab.

Heading down to the lab it opens to a floor where most of the power is off. A handful of labs are on standby power and you can see there are six of them within eyesight, some of them quite large. They look like they could have housed some of the larger specimens of creature found in the depths via holding tanks worked into the floors.

Dr. Truffles looks around the main area, checking to see if there's a console from which he could try to get the power back on.

It seems like restarting the power elsewhere in the city will solve the faults here. For now things are as good as they will get

Dr. Truffles begins to explore the labs, checking around for paper logs or private offices.

There is a private office attached to each lab and entering the first one you see it’s a similar layout to some of the other administrative offices you’ve been through

Dr. Truffles distracts Knock with a few of the snacks in his pocket as he begins to search the desk drawers and bookshelves of the offices.

A number of compads and journals have been left behind. It is evident that the researchers here planned to come back to the offices and continue their work before the event that made everyone vanish occured.

Dr. Truffles scans the materials, focusing on the last days before the disappearance, and looking for any notes on the political climate of the city or strange metaphysical events that would give more clue to the disappearance.

There were many protests in the city. A list of grievances was nailed to the town hall door and overall it seems there is a growing disconnect between the "magical" classes, and the skilled and general labor classes that actually made the city run. For all the advancements and finery in the city there was a problem with crime, mysterious vanishings, and enough charges against the mage classes for abuse of power to fill several books. The city had not yet reached the point of violence aside from some damaged properties and vehicles, but tensions were growing and there was no sign of a coming thaw in attitude by the mage classes.

Dr. Truffles reads through the documents sadly while he scans them into his datapad. After he finishes in the offices, he begins to search the main areas of the labs to see if anything remains of their experiments.

Something sinister was happening here. You're not able to piece together the full details on a preliminary read-through but it seems like some sort of biomechanical, or bio-hybrid type life was being experimented with here.

2:46 PM

You find plans for something called "The Phantom Reef"

2:47 PM

4

2:48 PM

A whale was to be used as the base, bred to be much larger than anything native to this planet. From there, the metal and pressure glass of the warship would be anchored to its back. Part beast, part war machine, with a living crew of Piggen sorcerers to keep it together. It was hoped this would be one weapon among many to strike back at the mainland for their horrible treatment of Shaman and others of learned or magical descent.

Dr. Truffles sighs, and looks sadly at Knock, reflecting on their psionic bond and saddened by how something so beautiful, something that's been a cause for so much joy for both of them, could be abused in this manner. Cycles of revenge ain't ever good for no one. Glad the folks on the mainland have lost a lot of their prejudice of shamans, here's to hoping if I'm finding the shamans they'll have cooled in the same way. As Knock comes up, he scratches him behind the ears. You ready to go little buddy? Reckon we can get you a refill on snacks while I'm going through some of this data back on the Gransow Lichen, plus you can do some swimming, meet some of the locals. Maybe... find one of these whale fellas and apologize for us. Invite em over for clams. Dr. Truffles finishes scanning the data into his dataslab. He let's Knock scramble back up onto his shoulders, and returns to the elevator, and subsequently the teleporter, already thinking of his plans for further research, and for investigating the other six facilities.

3

(6xp, 50,000 credits )

4

(Woohoo! Putting this here to remind myself that I haven't added this and to process my level up when I get home. Awesome break point Neko, can't wait for the rest

)

5

(Safe travels my friend! )

6

(RESPEC: 1-11 Partial Arcanist -> 1-11 Partial High Mage. Arts learned: Arcane Lexicon, Sense Magic, Suppress Magic, Counter Magic, & Psychic Conversion. Spells learned: Energetic Construct Evocation, Personal Shielding Field, The Excellent Transpicuous Transformation, Cognitive Supersession of the Inferior Orders, Velocitious Imbuement, Wardpact Invocation, Void Slip, The Long Amber Moment, Phantasmal Mimesis, The Verdant Vallation, Resounding Temporal Echo, Mantle of Disjecting Dissection, Aversive Impulse Projection, Casting Forth the Inner Eye, Conjunction of the Inexorable Step, Prudentially Transient Abnegation of Life, Scorn the Fetters of Earth, Foresightful Apprehension, Kinetic Siphon, Touch of Elucidating Intangibility, Conjunct the Vital Viscera, & Phobic Storm.)

(Level 14: HP to 48 from 43. Biopsionics from 1 to 2 using 3 skill points. Learned technique Major Organ Restoration.)

(Did that previous mission count for PA like the others? If so, I think I am also AquaPig, Lord of Piglantis now with the boons.)

2

(I am gonna have to re read previous mission because I entirely forgot what we did )

1

(I think it does)

2

(Gifts gained from final PA reward: Stonespeaker and Lord of the Waters.)

11:51 AM

(Spells prepared unless otherwise noted: Energetic Construct Evocation, Personal Shielding Field, The Excellent Transpicuous Transformation, Velocitious Imbuement, Void Slip, Casting Forth the Inner Eye, Scorn the Fetters of Earth, Touch of Elucidating Intangibility, Conjunct the Vital Viscera)

11:56 AM

The T.R.U.F.L.E. pulls up to the Town Hall in Piglantis, and Dr. Truffles exits the pilot's seat. Knock was riding on top to catch the wind as they sped through Piglantis, but plods along behind silently, catching his bond companion's mood. Truffles's dreams have been haunted by the schematics of The Phantom Reef, the horrors visited on another sentient creature by shaman driven by fear, paranoia, and anger. He pauses at the door of the town hall, the desire to discover more secrets, to put them to use in a more positive way for his people, fighting with revulsion at what he might find beyond the other six portals. He takes a breath, and pushes open the door to the town hall.

The town hall was the nerve center of the city and you were able to find ways around the security previously. The master engineering office, sea floor catogrsphy office, admin nerve center, and a small magical workshop are the main features of the building.

(I'm guessing the admin nerve center is the teleporter room?) Dr. Truffles moves deliberately towards the main nerve center. He stares for a moment at the yellow teleporter before grabbing Knock's hand for comfort, stepping on it, and channeling a small amount of psychic energy into it.

(yes)

12:38 PM

(so you can get to any site quickly in the event of an emergency)

(Sounds good! I think Yellow was next in the order.)

(I believe so, lets get a D100a s we step off!)

!roll 1d100 ! yellow teleporter!

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [14] Result: 14 Reason: yellow teleporter!

The yellow teleporter fails to fire. You get the sense that it is trying to connect somewhere, like most teleporters do, but the anchor on the other end is no longer connected.

Dr. Truffles steps back and scratches his chin, giving Knock some clams to eat as he regards the teleporter, focusing on the magical energies around it to see if he can diagnose the problem. (Committing Effort for Sense Magic, 2/3 High Mage Effort remaining.)

The site that this was supposed to teleport to is damaged, out of reach, or otherwise has suffered some sort of condition where the other teleport pad cannot be reached.

Dr. Truffles harrumphs and scratches Knock on the head as he walks by, taking a good look around the room for the first time to see if there are any data banks or files paired with the nerve center.

(there would be a lot, is there something specific you'd be looking for? )

(Any indication of the physical locations of the end points of the teleporters within the city. Shipping manifests of equipment too big to fit on the pad, etc.)

There is a single shipping manifest detailing several tons of magical components sent to the master engineering office on the southern side of the city, close to the docks where you first entered this place.

Dr. Truffles sketches out the coordinates, rounds up Knock, and returns to the T.R.U.F.L.E., heading towards the office.

(We saw this when you guys very first found it here but we bypassed it, its down near the docks , I'll try to hunt the descrpiton down)

(Didn’t forget. Have to finish my deep dive on this)

1

(Yeah, tried looking as well but I was coming up empty.)

(it should be in this channel i believe)

Nekosmash

You can see the lightshow rise, as the vessel is drawn closer. There is nothing on the communication frequencies, though most of the trappings, like this bridge, seem to have been created on site. Someone, or something, lived here once. The light-screen ripples into existence as you approach, invisible up until the submarine gets to the opposite end of the bridge.

(here is where we first entered Piglantis)

You remember the old sea themed dock office and the engineering station nearby it- close to where the ships come in. The pumps run often and keeps water from coming into the dome in the micro places where cracks may have appeared over the years. It also keeps the city firmly anchored to the sea bed- both it, and seven other stations like it work round the clock on magical energies of some kind to handle the engineering functions of the city. The building was an array of cogs, pipes, and steam from the outside, with a single reinforced entry door providing authorized city workers a way in and out. Rhunwork was not examined or scouted for upon first seeing the building with the promise of the massive unexplored city before you at the time. (edited)

Dr. Truffles arrives at the building, magical vision still active. He has Knock keep a lookout by the entrance as he circles the building to evaluate its security.

You see cameras on its corners, and a Rhun depicting a series of bound chains on the door coming into the building.

Dr. Truffles gives Knock a pat on the head and moves him gently backwards before laying a hand on the rhun and channeling metaspace energy into it to temporarily disrupt it. He takes a deep breath and pushes open the door. (Committing effort for the day to Suppress Magic, 1/3 High Mage effort remaining, the rhun should be disrupted for 10 rounds.)

The chains begin to dim. Their imprint into the door is still there and they make a dull looking after-image, but the magic is still here. There is a click as the door is disengaged.

Dr. Truffles grabs Knock's paw and helps him up onto his shoulders, and pushes the door open, stepping into the building.

Inside there is a dazzling array of machinery and you hear the noise that the construction of the building suppresses from the outside. There is a chugging series of pipes and gears controlled from a small office above, reachable by a rusting metal later with peeling yellow safety paint.

Dr. Truffles and Knock split up, looking for the place that the other end of the teleporter might have been anchored so that they can fix it before traveling deeper.

(notice/wis )

!roll 1d20-1 ! Notice / WIS

1

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [7] Result: 6 Reason: Notice / WIS

(2d6 proseffff)

(Lol, hurp a derp.)

2:08 PM

!roll 2d6-1 ! Notice / WIS

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [4, 2] Result: 5 Reason: Notice / WIS

You don not see the teleport pad here but you do find one of the eight nodes needed to maintain the depth of the city, as well as a location for the master control node- which may be where the yellow pad failed to connect. News reports indicated some fighting on the north side of the city shortly before the event that caused everyone to vanish, and the master node is located almost in the heart of the fighting - possibly damaged during it.

Dr. Truffles records the locations of all eight nodes and the master control node in his datapad, and returns to the T.R.U.F.L.E. with Knock, setting a course for the north side of the city where the main node is located.

(Truffs doesnt need to sleep does he? )

(He does still. Has it been a day?)

(About so )

8:58 AM

(from what I can tell)

(Right on, sounds good!) Dr. Truffles looks over at Knock and sees how tired he is. Reckon I got a bit over excited there buddy. Let's head on back to the ship and have us some dinner and a rest. Dr. Truffles heads back to the Gransow Lichen to rest for the night before getting ready to continue on to the main node in the morning.

Overnight, news of the trouble on Chloe and the military operation to liberate the platform begins to be broadcast in. You can see Proceus even came out of retirement to assist with this, happening to be in the area at the time. The Protectorate's involvement in the affair has become known, and the explorer sent north by the UNW to gain forgiveness seems to have vanished

Dr. Truffles sighs and schedules a meeting of the Unity Council before retiring to his quarters.

By morning there are a flurry of messages here and there, before you return to the morning's light, and a return to exploration of this mystical underground city.

Dr. Truffles spends sometime cooking a hearty breakfast for himself, Knock, and the crew, before loading up the T.R.U.F.L.E. and heading towards the indicated point in the north of the city.

The north side of the city shows signs of damage. Two buildings have entirely pancaked and you would guess the larger of the two sites is the place where your teleport pad would have connected to.

1:27 PM

Wreckage, wood, metal, and stone have collapsed into the street and made something of a flood of debris. Signs of battle are everywhere, and most buildings ar enot immune from some sort of small arms damage. You see no bodies here however, though the civil unrest gripping the city started here.

Dr. Truffles takes out his survey scanner and scans for any intact rooms or facilities under the debris.

From what the scanner can tell, there is a basement trapped under the wreckage of the entire building. Tons of debris rest on top of it, and there is no indication of what might be under it, other than it is a large industrial sized chamber.

(How far down is the basement. I may actually have something for this

)

(about 10ish m below street level )

(Touch of Elucidating Intangibility: The caster touches a solid non-magical barrier when casting this spell. A 10 foot cube of the barrier then becomes perfectly transparent on the caster’s side, allowing them to see and hear whatever lies on the other side as if it were well-lit and visible. Optionally, the caster may make the barrier insubstantial for one round per caster level, allowing anyone to pass or shoot through it from either side. The barrier always appears solid and opaque from the other side, even while the caster is peering through. If someone is caught within the barrier when it becomes solid again, they’re spat out on the nearest clear side and suffer 2d10 damage. The spell ends when the caster ceases to touch the barrier or immediately after it has been made insubstantial.) (Would you say this meets the requirements for a "solid non-magical barrier"?)

(I would but ten feet is like a third of the depth here compared to ten meters )

4:09 PM

(So we could use it but we would see@more wreckage when you do)

(Yes, those are different units of measure. I'm very smart and totally knew that.) Dr. Truffles more closely examines the wreckage, trying to determine if removing part would cause the whole thing to collapse.

You think that the basement is fairly well compacted and there might be some shifting in the wreckage but you can’t make things much worse than they already are

Dr. Truffles pats Knock and leads him to stand back while launching his two stalker drones and instructing them to fire a few shots from their shear rifles into the top of the wreckage to see how much it clears away.

The shots burn away small bits of wood and metal, but overall it is just a drop in the bucket of debris to clear before you.

Dr. Truffles scratches Knock behind the ears. Reckon we better come back later, I ain't sure we're gonna get through this with the stuff we got on us. Let's head back and try another one of them teleporter pads lil bud. Dr. Truffles takes Knock by the paw, leading him back to the T.R.U.F.L.E. and heading towards the town hall and the teleporter room. Upon entering the building, he walks up and examines the green teleportation pad.

There is some kind of broad winged moth stamped onto the teleport pad. You get the sweet smell of cinnamon as you approach the teleport pad and it seems like fireflies dance within the containment field as you approach.

Dr. Truffles smiles at the homey smells, and chuckles a bit as Knock dry-washes his paws at the prospect of treats. They step onto the pad, and Dr. Truffles channels a small amount of arcane energy to power it.

Entering the green teleporter you feel the familiar tug of teleport energy, and as you find your way back to yourself once again on the other side, you hear the splash of water and feel the wetness of muck around your boots. The space around you is entirely dark, experiencing a complete absence of light. You're unable telll what exactly is around you but hear rustling, coming from high places above you. There is no clear rhythm to it.

Dr. Truffles soothes a nervous Knock and hands him a shrimp from his pocket. There there lil buddy, I know it's dark. Just stick on by me. Dr. Truffles switches his panspectral optics to thermal vision and looks around the room.

Rot. Decay. Putrification. The concepts race through your mind as you look at the dead garden around you. This was once a large garden, city block sized at least where specific varieties of medicinal and arcane plants were being kept in precise conditions. The loss of the responsible containment mechanisms and power plunged this garden into darkness and disfunction. Moths gather in the upper branches, feasting on the dying plant material and growing what seems to be exponentially.

Sighing with relief at the lack of danger, Dr. Truffles helps Knock onto his shoulders and begins to look around for the machinery or arcana that controlled the containment mechanisms.

(notice/wis)

!roll 2d6-1 ! Notice / WIS

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [3, 2] Result: 4 Reason: Notice / WIS

You do not see anything down here that immediately looks like lights or a control mechanism. The compad is a very weak amount of light compared to the all consuming darkness around you and the moths seem to be closing further and further in- slowly encroaching on you with every moment you spend down here.

Dr. Truffles concentrates and reaches out to the moths. How long have y'all been here? Reckon there's rooms y'all know of where folks like me worked? (Committing 1 effort for the scene for Tongue of the Beasts, 3/4 effort remaining.)

The forest turned gold, and then rotted. This grove was the only place we ever saw your kind You get the sense of the creatures closing in around you even closer now, staying outside the range of your light, for the moment.

(Does Tongue of the Beasts give me any indication of their intent or disposition towards us?)

(You are an object of interest, but I think one short statement is probably not enough to determine what that interest would be , so far)

(Got it, mostly just checking to see if they were hungry for bacon

) Dr. Truffles nods. Where do you come from? Do you ever leave this place, or do you spend your lives here?

We were born here, but we came from the outside. We do not leave. It is dark, and there is food for us to eat here the moths repeat. The words are delayed, all of them saying the same thing but not quite at the same time, making this a repeating chorus rather than a sudden reverberating vocalization.

Dr. Truffles does his best to communicate gratitude to the moths. Thank you for the help and information. Enjoy y'all's food. He takes Knock by the paw and begins to explore around, looking for other rooms outside of the main garden area.

The rustling continues getting closer. Yes. Food. We will enjoy...food

2

Dr. Truffles grits his tusks and squeezes Knock's paw. Hang on there buddy, we may have to show these fellers there's easier things to eat. The rhuns on Dr. Truffles robes glow as spines erupt from his back, arms, and legs, and he takes a defensive positions in front of Knock. (Activating the Hedgehoggen Spines rhun worked into my robes.)

(initiative)

!roll 1d8-1 ! initiative

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [7] Result: 6 Reason: initiative

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [5] Result: 5

(you are first)

The rhuns on Dr. Truffles cybernetic arm glows as a blue field envelops him before collapsing around him. His two drones launch off his backpack and take up guard positions. (Casting Personal Shielding Field with the Main Action, 3/4 Spells remaining. Launching drones with the Move Action.) Knock, protective in turn, rolls forward and bites at the closest moth.

11:37 AM

!roll 1d20+5 ! Knock's attack

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [12] Result: 17 Reason: Knock's attack

!roll 1d6 ! Knock's damage

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [3] Result: 3 Reason: Knock's damage

(17/3 for Knock.)

Knock manages to swat a few of the closest ones down, gobbling them up with ferocious hunger as he always does- and the moths close in. (Evasion save)

!roll 1d20 ! Evasion - Truff - vs 5

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [4] Result: 4 Reason: Evasion - Truff - vs 5

!roll 1d20 ! Evasion - Knock - vs 6

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [19] Result: 19 Reason: Evasion - Knock - vs 6

(Fail for Truff, success for Knock, and if they're attacking they need to make an Evasion save for my spines.)

!roll 2d8

Nekosmash Roll: [6, 2] Result: 8

!roll d20

Nekosmash Roll: [2] Result: 2

(8 damage to you, knock wasn't being targeted by the swarm this round, they failed their evasion)

!roll 1d6 ! spine damage

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [1] Result: 1 Reason: spine damage

(HP at 40/48, and the swarm takes 1 damage from the spines.) Dr. Truffles shields his eyes and lashes out at the swarm with his wrench, as Knock wheels around to take another chomp out of the gathered moths and the drones above them fire into the oncoming swarm.

2:19 PM

!roll 1d20+6 ! Attack - Truff

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [7] Result: 13 Reason: Attack - Truff

!roll 1d8+2 ! Damage - Truff

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [6] Result: 8 Reason: Damage - Truff

!roll 1d20+5 ! Attack - Knock

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [20] Result: 25 Reason: Attack - Knock

!roll 1d6 ! Damage - Knock

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [3] Result: 3 Reason: Damage - Knock

!roll 1d20+10 ! Attack - Burst - Drone 1

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [19] Result: 29 Reason: Attack - Burst - Drone 1

!roll 2d8+3 ! Damage - Burst - Drone 1

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [6, 1] Result: 10 Reason: Damage - Burst - Drone 1

!roll 1d20+10 ! Attack - Burst - Drone 2

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [16] Result: 26 Reason: Attack - Burst - Drone 2

!roll 2d8+3 ! Damage - Burst - Drone 2

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [7, 5] Result: 15 Reason: Damage - Burst - Drone 2

(Truff 13/8, Knock Crit/6, First Drone 29/10, Second Drone 26/15) (edited)

(double the roll of your damage dice or double the number of dice rolled. Don't double modifiers)

1

(Thanks, edited.)

(Can't you only attack with one drone unless you've got the special gun mod that makes all of them fire?

3:29 PM

(I'm fairly sure this is the case, I will have to look)

(I have the Drone Control Link, which AFAIK let's me issue a single command to 1+Program drones per round as a move action, and my Program is +1 so that's why I've always stuck to two drones. Not sure if I've been doing that wrong.)

(okay got it, I read that again now and you're correct)

3:38 PM

The moth swarm is depleted by about 17% as many of them are blown out of the air in clouds of wing dust, insect guts, and burning exoskeletons.

3:40 PM

The bugs move in closer, trying to continue feasting despite their losses. Fresh food in this garden of decay seems to be worth the risk

3:40 PM

!roll d20+7

Nekosmash Roll: [17] Result: 24

!roll d12

Nekosmash Roll: [12] Result: 12

(24/12 on Truffs)

Dr. Truffles pulls up short, his eyes emitting a green glow as the mental pathways unlocked by the psionic forge begin to knit his wounds back together. Knock and the drones continue their assault on the attacking swarm.

5:23 PM

!roll 1d20+5 ! Attack - Knock

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [2] Result: 7 Reason: Attack - Knock

!roll 1d6 ! Damage - Knock

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [3] Result: 3 Reason: Damage - Knock

!roll 1d20+8 ! Attack - Drone 1

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [15] Result: 23 Reason: Attack - Drone 1

!roll 2d8+1 ! Damage - Drone 1

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [6, 4] Result: 11 Reason: Damage - Drone 1

!roll 1d20+8 ! Attack - Drone 2

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [13] Result: 21 Reason: Attack - Drone 2

!roll 2d8+1 ! Damage - Drone 2

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [1, 1] Result: 3 Reason: Damage - Drone 2

!roll 2d6+2 ! Psychic Succor - Truff

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [4, 3] Result: 9 Reason: Psychic Succor - Truff

(Truff heals 9. Knock 7/3, First Drone 23/11, Second Drone 21/3)

Their meal not being as easy as they thought, the moths begin to retreat to the higher branches.

9:36 AM

(They're disengaging)

Dr. Truffles let's them go, and checks Knock over for wounds. You ok there lil buddy? They didn't get you did they? After insuring Knock's safety, Dr. Truffles continues to search for other chambers in the complex.

You don't seem to find any as you wander in darkness, this entire city block sized area given over to house a once pristine, well controlled and monitored garden. The disaster here has turned this into a place of rot and spoiled potential- food only for the carrion eaters that have come to feast since the fall of the enlightened Piggen society that once existed here.

Dr. Truffles keeps Knock close as he concentrates on any potential magic in the area, his eyes glowing softly as he looks around. (Committing 1 High Mage effort for Sense Magic. Seems like this wasn't technologically maintained, so just trying to see if it was magically maintained or self sustaining through ecological knowledge.)

You sense nothing here now, magical or otherwise. It seems there was an exacting ecological ballet on display here once, and would have been a marvel to see in its glory.

Dr. Truffles looks down sadly and scratches Knock behind the ears. Woulda been wonderful to see this in its prime, but I reckon we might again. You mind watching my back while I take some samples lil buddy? Dr. Truffles gathers samples of as many of the plants as possible, hoping to find the species on the surface to repopulate this garden when Piglantis is raised from the depths.

(survive/wis, since we're doing this in the dark )

!roll 2d6-1 ! Survive/WIS

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [6, 2] Result: 7 Reason: Survive/WIS

(Sense Magic says "The ambient magical energies in most areas allow you to see clearly even in conditions of perfect darkness" but I'm not sure that that applies since we ported the class out of a fantasy setting. 7 if it doesn't!)

(This is a tough one , I would say this is probably a place where there might be magical energies but that might not be true in the overworld

(Sounds good, whatever works for you. I figured I'd ask since perfect darkvision seems a little more OP in a sci-fi setting.)

(I think it does as well)

8:14 AM

You're able to get a few samples of water and the cuttings close to you, but the garden is vast and distant rustling has it seeming like more bugs might be on their way to try their own hand at a feast.

Dr. Truffles takes Knock by the paw again. Reckon it's time to mosey on out of here lil buddy. We can come on back when the city's above the surface again to see bout replanting. Dr. Truffles and Knock head back to the teleporter pad and to the town hall.

(Seen ,just trying to figure out what we're doing next)

(Sorry, just didn't want to go too fast in case leaving got complicated.) Dr. Truffles makes sure Knock is with him before continuing. Come in lil buddy, let's see what's through the next one! Dr. Truffles takes Knock's paw and heads to the teal teleporter.

The teal teleporter has you high above the city at the top floor of what looks to be some kind of silver/ivory tower. You've seen this before near the heart of the city but survey teams had not found a way to get into it quite yet.

Dr. Truffles excitedly scratches Knock behind the ears. I'd been hoping to get into this here place lil buddy! Let's go on ahead and check it out! Dr. Truffles and Knock spread out and explore the floor the teleporter brought them to.

This looks to be an observation level over the entire city,and from here you can see the scars of some of the civil unrest that engulfed the city shortly before the event that caused everyone to vanish. There is a door leading to an elevator that descends into the tower from this observation deck.

Dr. Truffles takes a few photos to document the unrest, then rounds up Knock and heads towards the elevator.

There are three rhuns worked into buttons, showing floors below this one. There are not labels, the runic markers passing for the place of actual text, it seems.

Dr. Truffles keeps an eye on the ambient MES energies around him as he presses the first button and picks up Knock to protect him from any jostling in the elevator. (Sense Magic should still be up since I haven't uncommitted the effort yet.)

You sense nothing magical here aside from the teleporter, and the first button brings you to the floor just below where this lack of magic remains. You enter a large library, with hundreds of thousands of books wedged into annexes, piled onto carts, scattered across tables, and otherwise distributed around the room in various states of disorganization. This looks to be a large research area where most of the Piggen scholars of note read, wrote, edited, and copied important books and scholarly works from their society. It would take an academic legion and entire lifetime to catalogue everything in here, and two lifetimes to get a rudimentary understanding of any of it.

Dr. Truffles jaw goes slack as he stops outside of the elevator and stares. Knock pulls worriedly at him, and starts running around anxiously. I'm... I'm ok lil buddy. This is just a whole mess of stuff. Reckon the Academy is gonna be real excited about this once we manage to raise the city. Dr. Truffles wanders around the library for a bit, unsure even on where to begin, and knowing he could never make a meaningful dent in it. He settles on pulling a book at random from the section on arcanotech, and settles into one of the reading chairs for a bit to peruse it before moving on.

(D100)

!roll 1d100

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [14] Result: 14

The book is titled “smoke and mirrors, simple magical effects to make you the hit at parties , funerals, and everything in between” and seems to discuss clever applications of what the author calls “petty sorceries”

2

Dr. Truffles reads though the book chuckling, before sticking it in his holdout cavity with his grimoire-datapad for later use. Reza and Venser'r gonna get a real kick outta that. Dr. Truffles heads back to the elevator with Knock and presses the next button down.

The next level down opens to reveal a much smaller floor. This is a place where damaged books and damaged pads were lovingly taken apart and repaired once more for wider circulation. You see work benches set aside for binding books, and for carefully data scraping pads, while repairing their inner components. There are eight benches here, with space where two more temporary ones can be set out to cope with periods of high demand. For the moment, those two stations have been retracted.

Dr. Truffles gives Knock some snacks to distract him from the expensive electronics, and examines the stations, checking to see how they compare to what's typically available on other TL4 worlds.

They look to be equivalent to TL4 technology, but better in the sense they were cottage made and did not come from some mass metal or wood stamping plant somewhere.

Dr. Truffles makes a note of the design, and continues to examine the data-scrapers to see if anything can be easily downloaded.

It does not look like anything was inloaded to any of the scrapers, but it looks like this equipment could be used to salvage found data pads or books that are not functioning or working

Dr. Truffles makes a note of the functionality of the equipment before rounding up Knock and returning to the elevator. He presses the third button to travel to the final floor.

There is a rumble within the elevator as you hit the third button before the downward motion abruptly stops, and the small overhead light at the top of the elevator car shorts out with a shower of sparks and amberglass.

Dr. Truffles checks to make sure Knock is ok. There there lil buddy. Happens sometimes with old electronics. Dr. Truffles examines the elevator to see if he can find the problem, using his cybernetic optics to aid his magically enhanced vision.

This seems to be intentional. You see nothing with your magically enhanced vision and the cable car begins to plunge toward the bottom of the shaft, screeching as you feel the momentum lift you off the floor. (Evaison save)

!roll 1d20 ! Evasion save vs 5

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [10] Result: 10 Reason: Evasion save vs 5

(Success. Do I have the ability to cast a spell?)

(we we plummet to the bottom I think we could as long as the spell does not need deep focus)

(I was going to try to cast a flying spell on Knock and I and try to stay centered in the falling elevator. It's not the fall that kills you, it's the impact, etc. etc. Does that seem reasonable?)

(I think so, that makes complete sense to me)

Dr. Truffles rolls over and grabs Knock. The rhuns on his cybernetic arm begin to glow as a gust of wind surrounds the two of them. A lightness and breeze surrounds them, and Dr. Truffles concentrates on trying to stay centered in the elevator as they fall. (Casting Scorn the Fetters of Earth, 2/4 spell slots remaining.)

You manage to float in the middle of the rapidly descending elevator before it smashes into the ground, crushing around you before the doors splinter apart, revealing the combat stained lobby before you. There are no bodies here, but you can see where Piggen stormed the building through some kind of wall access. There is no door leading out to the street but it looks as though they were able to gain access through a side passage.

Dr. Truffles checks over Knock to make sure he's uninjured. You're ok lil buddy. Have a scallop and enjoy that there flying spell while it lasts. Dr. Truffles begins to search the lobby for evidence of what happened when the unrest began.

YOu're unsure how the locals knew about this, and without bodies you're unable to track the flow of the fight but it seems that a decision was made by those above to tamper with the elevator, and delay the ascent of those hoping to storm the upper levels of the building. You can see grooves and scrapes in the floor signifying hand weapons were used, and there is no evidence of firearms use within the room. the side passage out of the building was cleverly concealed as part of a mural depicting the psionic enlightening of the Piggen, the tiles and paints used to cleverly disguise the grooves of a door threshold.

Noticing the clever architecture, Dr. Truffles examines the room for any other murals that might be hiding other secrets.

It looks like this clever trick is one use only, hidden in the side of the roomby someone who wanted to guarantee access to this tower that did not involve teleporting.

Dr. Truffles scoops up Knock and gives him a gentle pat on the head. What happened here lil fella... it was real bad. We gotta get to the bottom of it so we can make sure it don't happen again. Dr. Truffles leaves through the side passage and examines the street outside, trying to identify the other buildings around the tower.

The other buildings look to be similarly damaged by some uprising that happened nearby. You can see a square where discarded signs decry the avarice and greed of the scholarly class and a desire to go back to the surface where the laborers would not longer be trapped.

(Is there any exposed stone here, or is it all metal, etc?)

(It would be all metal. )

Dr. Truffles spends a few minutes looking sadly at the surrounding area, before rounding Knock up and hoisting him onto his back. With the elevator out of commission, he spends some time flying back to town hall and observing the city from the air.

The city looks to have experienced the mass psionic event shortly after the uprising began. There is evidence of some light fighting and light vandalism as unrest began to spread, but everyone seems to have vanished mid social movement, and evidence of the resentment of the working classes among the ivory tower pigelectuals is well documented from across the other portions of the city you have seen. Piglantis is a city of glamor and majesty, but it has been built on the blood and bones of a class slowly eroding from trusted partners to a captive labor force due to their non magical natures. Society here existed in a literal bubble and it was about to pop shortly before the psionic event.

Dr. Truffles enters town hall with a heavy heart, but he's brightened when he gets there to see the mundane historians still happily working away, while Knock frolics around him in a way none of the gaiapsionic companions in the Piglantis of old ever did. He scratches Knock behind the ears and smiles down at him. History is for learning from mistakes I reckon, we ain't going to do the same here. Dr. Truffles and Knock enter the town hall, walking over to the blue teleporter pad and stepping on it before channeling energy into it to activate it.

The blue teleporter pad fails to connect, but you get the impression of there once being a former site on the shore, near where boats had departed to come to this underwater city initially. You get a glimpse of tumbled ruins tucked deep within a nearby forest, before the teleporter fizzles out, leaving you firmly within the bounds of Piglantis.

Dr. Truffles sighs and gives Knock a belly rub. Reckon a lot of these positions have changed over the years. Let's see if we can't find no evidence of where this was. Dr. Truffles returns to the archive at the town hall and begins to search for any mention of an on-shore supply location or research facility.

After about a day of looking you find evidence of a small lsitening post on the surface where wild animals were captured and studied, as well as sometimes brought down to the farms here to ensure new DNA made its way into the herds. It was also a place where experiments too dangerous to perform within the bubble - as to not risk the safety of the entire city.

Dr. Truffles rounds up Knock and heads back to the Grandsow Lichen, cooking his crew a hearty meal and settling down with the book he got from the library. The next morning, he sets course for the location of the listening post.

With the insight given to you by the failed teleportation lock, you are quickly able to find the otherwise well concealed ruin from orbit. The forest has moved in to claim the wreckage, and civilization has been forgotten in the surrounding region. There is a ruined watchtower, and the tumbled down stone remains of what was once a large barn type building that had high ceilings.

Dr. Truffles hoists Knock up onto his shoulders and asks Karst and the others to stay on the ship. He makes his way down the ramp and heads towards the watchtower.

1:02 PM

(orbital map)

(Let's head to one of the two circular structures of they're the watch towers.)

2:19 PM

(1 or 2 I'm guessing?)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 5/18/2022 7:26 PM

(1 is correct! I got interrupted during this, my bad!)

(Rad! Let's head there first then.)

The watchtower has been pancaked , in the sense the dome has managed to straddle the rest of the crumbled masonry beneath it, giving you the impression of a deflated masonry mushroom, presiding over a field of ruin. Stone has crumbled and ivy has begun overtakingit, and whatever happened inside was powerful enough to implode the structure and fill the internal spaces with rocks.

Dr. Truffles sits down with Knock in his lap, and concentrates on their bond and in the natural world around them it is a part of. He casts back through the stone to the time Piglantis fell, hoping to know more of what happened here back then. (Committing effort for the Stonespeaker gift.)

Commit Effort. You can communicate with earth or stone, seeing and perceiving everything it has witnessed at a certain time of your choice. Stones have no thought as humans recognize it, but they can perfectly relay all the sounds and sights that took place in their presence. You must specify a particular time to focus on, however.

(know/int, for some context to the events)

!roll 2d6+3 ! Know / INT

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [5, 5] Result: 13 Reason: Know / INT

You beloeve the experiment that transformed the people and caused them to vanish took place here. There is a gathering of magical energies from the surrounding region, all concentrated to a fixed point in space before containment is lost, and things suddenly become quiet from a lack of life. Animals were not exempt from this process.

Dr. Truffles shudders in horror and gives Knock a reassuring pat. He slowly gets up and moves over to the collapsed barn area to examine it.

The barn area was a barn once and looks to have been converted to a lab later. You can’t see much given the complete collapse of the facility but you can tell the implosion was powerful and severe.

Dr. Truffles hangs his head and mumbles a short benediction to the ancestors for the piggen and animals lost in the explosion. He rounds up Knock and begins to search the area around the buildings to see if anything survived the incident.

It does not seem like anything on the surrounds of the building has survived, and some kind of major reconstruction effort would be needed to try to recover the insides of the facility to obtain more information about what might have happened here. There is no doubt the site is important to what happened down below the waves.

1:35 PM

(would be an expedition)

1

Dr. Truffles finds Knock down by the shore cracking mussels. Ready to go lil buddy? We should head on back to the city and explore them other teleporters. Dr. Truffles heads back to the Gransow Lichen and dials in the coordinates for the Piglantis docks. After a hearty meal and a good night's sleep, he returns to the town hall and approaches the indigo teleportation pad.

(d100)

!roll 1d100

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [4] Result: 4

The lavender teleporter brings you into a massive set of domes where some sort of massive vehicle bay dominates the space. You see all manner of life form shaped craft here similar to the TRIUFFLE, all in various states of assembly or disassembly.

(I meant to go to 7, the darker blue one, not 8, the purple one. If I goofed because I don't know colors, NBD, not super picky about the order, just want to make sure I have straight which ones I've been to and haven't.)

(Oh i thought you meant purple, what you're seeing is right, I just thought you went to the wrong pad. So they match)

Dr. Truffles chews at his lip with his tusk excitedly. Reza and Venser'd get a kick out of this. He does a sweep of the vehicles in the room, checking their general state of repair and to see if any are in working condition.

Only one of them, something that looks like a mantis shrimp looks to be in working condition- everything else has been taken apart almost entirely, or scavenged for pieces to fund other strange locomotion projects.

Dr. Truffles excitedly runs over to the mantis shrimp and begins to check it over, trying to determine its abilities.

It looks as though there is a railgun mounted within each claw, as well as providing a sealed passenger compartment for six people to ride comfortably underwater.

8:46 AM

An advanced set of sensors allows the combat vehicle to have an awareness over its surroundings.

(Would I be correct in assuming that this is the kind of thing that could form the backbone of a certain armored batallion if more adventures were taken to scale up production?

)

(I'd need to build out some hard stats but I think an existing vehicle chassis can accommodate its fittings, I think it could be)

1

Dr. Truffles lifts Knock up inside to explore the vehicle with him. Ain't this here a beauty! Hmmm, let's see, we could call this one the the Kinetic Nautical Offensive Crustacean Kettle, or K.N.O.C.K. for short. How do you like that buddy? Dr. Truffles scratches Knock on the stomach and looks around the building for any offices that might hold schematics.

)admin/int)

!roll 2d6+0 ! Admin / INT

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [3, 1] Result: 4 Reason: Admin / INT

A look around the large vehicle bay yields no hardcopy schematics either on paper or on any kind of removable electronic device

(Any offshoot rooms or anything?)

(large vehicle bay with a couple glass type small offices , think almost like a car dealership where they're basically just 3/4 walled off little cells from the main showroom)

Dr. Truffles leaves Knock to frolic in his new namesake and explores the offices to see what type of documents are stored inside.

From what you can tell in your searching it looks as though most of these documents are military procurement documents. Preparations were being made for some kind of operation against the surface world , and there were already rumblings of unrest within the city, and options for non-lethal variants of these vehicles to keep the population in line were being explored.

Dr. Truffles files the papers back after scanning them, hoping to use the procurement documents to guide his own logistics later. He rounds up Knock and returns to the teleporter in city hall, making his way to the final teleportation pad.

(Is it the not indigo one left? )

(Yep!)

(okay, one last d100 and we'll kick off!)

!roll 1d100

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [73] Result: 73

Entering the final portal, you emerge into something like the nerve center for the entire city, not the public facing side, but the place where those who were truly in charge of things operated. You cannot tell where within the city you are, and looking at the hundreds of patterns written into the sprawling encoding on the teleport pad its entirely possible that different offices might be the destination every time you step on. This looks to primarily be a workspace, emphasizing function rather than ornamentation and form.

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin and his eyes begin to glow as he examines the more complex teleport pad more carefully, trying to determine more information about it's functionality. (Committing effort for Sense Magic.)

This teleporter goes to many different burner offices , all about the same In design and looks to be part of a network that kept officials safe even if one office was discovered or a public building somewhere fell. It’s also the last teleport network to have come online

Dr. Truffles jots down a few notes and moves away from the teleport pad, and begins to explore the main workspace.

There is a small computer, the desk, and a book case with a few volumes on it in this room, but it does not seem this particular space has been well lived in or was long used before the city and its residents met their ultimate fate.

Dr. Truffles attempts to boot up the computer and checks if it's unlocked.

The computer looks to be unlocked, access to this office looking to be the main security feature.

Dr. Truffles browses through the documents folder looking for any relevant reports to the day the city fell.

You find much the same here, a different perspective or different words, but unrest was spreading, and there was some sort of temporal displacement experiment scheduled to take place on the mainland that day as well. There was concern about the safety of the site, but once it was deemed secure, attention turned back on the city.

Dr. Truffles transfers the information to his datapad and browses the books on the shelf.

The books look to be mostly empty, waiting for someone trying to write in them to keep day logs, records, or some other documentation of the passage of time. There isn't anything within them now that you did not glean from exploring other parts of the city and its administration centers.

Dr. Truffles puts away the book and rounds up Knock, who's joyfully poking things in the office. C'mon lil buddy, let's see if we can't get the debris out from over the controls to get the city back on up to the surface. Dr. Truffles returns through the teleporter to the town hall and the waiting T.R.U.F.L.E.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

1

(I know we talked about a scene to raise the city, did you have something in mind? I didn't want to frame your moment from you)

(Yeah, I was going to write something tonight. We were packing boxes until midnight last night and I ran out of spoons.)

(Oh no worries, I never actually asked you who was supposed to do what.)

1

Dr. Truffles returns to the location of the master control node to find that one of the work crews has managed to excavate the debris covering it. What remains has seen better days. The rhunwork is scuffed and scarred, and the mechanical components of the fusion of magic and technology are bent and broken. Dr. Truffles sighs deeply, adjusts his hardhat on his hat, and looks over at Knock. Let's get to it lil buddy. The hours pass as Dr. Truffles works to repair the machine, with Knock periodically handing him tools, though not always the right ones. After a long day of mechanical repair and rhuncrafting, Dr. Truffles sits back to admire his work. The master control node is a marvel, the apotheosis of the piggens' methods of fusing the arcane, the natural, and the technical. The area is cleared as Dr. Truffles sits down next to the device, Knock in his lap. They place hands and paws on it and concentrate, weaving flows of metaspace energy through the conduit and into the other eight control nodes spread around the city. The expanded awareness is staggering. The city itself was built almost as if to be an artificial organism, and Dr. Truffles shudders as new neural pathways open to accommodate the sensory input. After a moment to adjust, he reaches out and activates the eight control nodes.

10:20 AM

The city shudders and begins to rise off the seabed. It's heavy, somehow even moreso than he was expecting. Even with the assistance of a city's worth of arcanotech it takes every bit of energy Dr. Truffles has to keep it moving, higher and higher through the depths of the ocean. He strains. He falters. He grits his tusks. He thinks about Knock, the trust between them in contrast to the horrors visited by the shamans of old on their animal companions. He thinks of the hard-won peace in the world above, in contrast to the unrest and violence that plagued Shalini in years past. He thinks of all the piggen that died far from their homes, those who followed him into war, and those the war wasn't soon enough to save from the horrors of a life of slavery. He thinks of the vision he had in the forge, a dream of a Shalini safe and protected, a beacon of light where his people can grow and prosper, learning from the mistakes of the past to forge a bright future. He reaches out, scratches Knock on the belly, feels the creature beside him, sharing his dream for a better world, if one with more shellfish and less philosophy, and they pour their combined strength into the device. The city lurches and raises. Faster and faster. Sunlight appears. First as a pinprick at the top of the dome. Then a a flood as the city erupts from the water. Dr. Truffles sags as exhaustion grips him and pulls him towards unconsciousness. The last thing he sees before fainting is the sun glinting off the towers and dappling against the street in front of where he sits.

1

(I think we had a fairly big XP personal goal applied to this)

12:11 PM

I will update the Shalini map to show the location of the city.

(Yup! That was a 12er.)

2

Dr. Truffles jerks awake to find himself in the cabin of the Grandsow Lichen. He looks out of the window and smiles, seeing Piglantis stretched out before him, ocean in the distance and sky above. His datapad beeps and he's excited to see a message from Reza. (@Eisheru, et al.)

To: Truffles 
From: Reza

Truff!

Finally back in Shalini and figured I would drop by! You are here right? Damn I really hope I didn't miss you... You didn't go off to fight in another war did you?

Anyway, the High Mage's Respite is coming in orbit over Shalini. 

See you soon?

R

Several hours later the Ground Control on Shalini gets a broadcast from the High Mage's Repository. Reza requests permission to land and meet with the Lord Governor of Shalini. "Hey Folks... Yeah this is Reza Collins... Yeah that Reza Collins... Uh huh.... Uh huh... Okay that's really fascinating but I need to see the Lord Governor... So... Can I land? ... Great thanks!" After twenty or so minutes the Secretorum descends from orbit and reenters the atmosphere. He lands at the Governor's compound and walks down the ramp looking for Truffles (edited)

Dr. Truffles is standing outside the landing pad next to a parked T.R.U.F.L.E. with a broad grin on his face and a rotund blue otter-like creature bouncing around beside him. When he sees Reza, he hurries forward and wraps him in a giant boar-hug. "Welcome back buddy, done missed you so much." He holds him out at arms length. "Wait, something here's different..."

As Reza comes down the ramp to see his best friend, a smile appears on his face and he runs forward to embrace Truffles. All three arms wrapping up the larger Piggen, "And I have missed you too buddy! Look at you with this fancy gettup! Lookin' like a fine Shaman indeed!" Truffles studious and magically enhanced vision isn't able to find anything in particular that is different about the High Mage. Other than a few extra magical accoutrement Reza just shrugs, "I... don't really know what you mean? It's just me, good old Reza! ... So! Tell me how have you been? What have you been up to? When did all this..." He says gesturing to the updated outfit and to Knock. "... happen? Oh and isn't this guy the cutest thing ever! What's his name?"

Dr. Truffles starts jabbering in excitement. "This here's Knock! He's our new travelling buddy. Venser and I went on down to the forge after Brizeno, and I had the most dern wonderful vision of what Shalini could be when we're done bringing back the arcanotech the shamans of old had. Been learning the gaiapsionic and biopsionic techniques they used to use ever since." He looks downcast for a moment. "... though I reckon I been putting em to better use." He brightens up and gives Reza a big smile showing both tusks. "As for what I been up to... I reckon showing's better." He gestures towards the T.R.U.F.L.E. "Wanna go fer a ride?"

"Whoa! You went to the forge? I had only heard of the Tidecaller Primus using it to successfully awaken their psychic potential... That's..." Reza's eyes go white in his tell-tale sign that he is looking into the metadimensional spectrum of light. Reza catches his breath momentarily before smiling and reverting his eyes, ".... incredible Truffles! A mind that is a force to be reckoned with..." Reza places a hand on Truffle shoulder and gives it a squeeze and a pat, "Truff, I am sure you are doing amazing things with your newfound powers. I see the news, Shalini is thriving under your leadership. Don't doubt yourself, I certainly don't" Seeing the T.R.U.F.L.E. Reza gets excited and runs over, "Of course I do! Shotgun!" he shouts as he jumps into the passenger seat of the Piglantis Vehicle "Have you figured out more of the rhunwork? What about any new Rhuns? Need to work on a translation rubric for all these new ones! Master Grupp only had a dozen or so in his library and almost none of the ones found in Piglantis..."

Dr. Truffles smiles warmly at the compliment as they take off in the T.R.U.F.L.E. and he sets a course for Piglantis. He scratches his chin while he thinks about the topic of rhunwork. "Bits and pieces I reckon, though I did find a big ol' library in Piglantis. Reckon it's gonna take an army of scholars a lifetime to unlock. But we'll get there. I'm hopeful. There's been some downright amazing progress since you were last here." His eyes twinkle as he says this, and he hits the throttle on the T.R.U.F.L.E. After a few more minutes of catching up, the first towers of Piglantis, recently risen from the ocean, begin to sparkle in the sunlight on the horizon.

"I am sure! We only went to like... what? 4 buildings when we were there? I was absolutely amazed by what we found, and if you have spent more time there then I can only imagine what was discovered!" Reza talks a little bit about going to meet the Children of Joy as they speed across the surface of Shalini, "And that's when Artifice introduced me to this 'Brother Clever' guy... Very strange, talked in riddles and other such nonsense... Well he said he could get me plans for the spatial extension support and..." Reza then finally becomes aware of their surroundings and how they haven't yet gone under water. "Hey... Truff... Why aren't we going under water- ... Whoa..." Reza just stares at the majesty of Piglantis, now sitting beautifully on the surface. "You didnt... You didn't... By the Meta-spring, You did it! You did it you magnificent Piggen!"

Dr. Truffles looks down a bit bashfully. "Found all the control nodes for the city's flotation. Activated em myself just yesterday." He grins over at Reza and chuckles. "Reckon I shoulda waited for you to get here. Hadn't done a big ritual like this without y'all before. Mighta passed out just a bit channeling all that metaspace energy myself." He looks down at the control mechanisms of the T.R.U.F.L.E. again. "Not everything was all good that I found. The shamans... they didn't do right by this planet or the piggen here. I reckon that, more than anything, is gonna take the longest to fix."

Reza gives a dismissive gesture of Truffles' concern about handling so much energy, "You experienced Aliah, I am sure if you felt like it was to the point of dangerous you would have known. I am sure you had it perfectly under control..." Reza turns to the side to speak to no one, "Probably didn't even break a sweat!" Turning his gaze back to Truffles, he gives a small frown, "What do you mean? I thought The Shaman were supposed to be the wise stewards of the Piggen? Do we have the histories wrong? ... Or... What?"

Dr. Truffles smiles over his friend's... eccentricity, not wanting to call attention to the scars from Aliah that he suffered from as well before the forge.

10:03 PM

"We... uh... didn't have us the whole picture. They was doing horrible experiments to the wildlife. Turning innocent critters like Knock here into horrible weapons. Worse, they was turning them on their own piggen. There was unrest in the city cause they weren't just to the non-magical piggen. There was fighting. The sinking... the mass teleportation event... everything... it was all so they could maintain their grip over the 'commoners' I reckon."

"What? You're joking! ... You aren't joking... What-... But why-... Everything was so in tune with nature and while I know nature has its violent sides... I just didn't think The Shaman were capable of such... baseness... I am sorry you had to discover this all on your own Truff... So what is your plan to write a new history going forward?"

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Well, reckon we'll keep doing the things we have been. Make sure the magic's working for everyone and all that. Beyond that... Venser and I got a good idea of about where the piggen homeworld was. And it seems like these leylines was used for the teleportation that cleaned out this city, maybe for more. Reckon I'll take a few months to travel the leyline and see if I can't find no more piggen. We been scattered for so long... make sure they all know they got a home to come back to. And... make sure that the shamans that did this, if the scream didn't get em all, know things have changed round these parts, and they gotta play by the new rules if they wanna come back."

"Oh yeah? You found a lead?! That's amazing news! Something I am sure Master Grupp would love to hear about... Especially once we know more and find the place!" Reza rubs the back of his neck and smiles nervously, "Since my time on Galatea... In close proximity to such a massive leyline... I feel far more connected to them in a way I didn't think possible... Like..." Reza looks about for a minute before pointing to the gravitational core of Shalini, "I can feel the leyline beneath our feet. Can sense its beating nature as energy flows from within to the planet and her people..." "Sorry what I guess I mean to say is that yes following the Leylines is going to be the best route forward and hopefully we can identify the path instead of shooting darts at a board in the dark."

Dr. Truffles nods enthusiastically. "Reckon it'll be nice heading out that far too. If the insane snake god is to be believed, and I reckon that do sound ridiculous but he didn't have no reason to lie to us, it's way further than any of us has gone before." Dr. Truffles lands the T.R.U.F.L.E. in front of the town hall and points to it. "In there there's a bunch of teleporters that go all over the city." His eyes twinkle. "Including to the biggest dern library I ever seen."

"We know that the homeworld has to be close. Gudrun and Shalini seems to be about as far north as the Piggen have managed to colonize. At least as far as any of us have found." Reza points back up into space, "The High Mage's Repository has undergone some upgrades that I think you will like quite a bit. My own massive library is included in that but I am excited to see this other library you mentioned!"

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly. "Reckon we'll get a lot of use out of it. The homeworld's two sectors to the south of Brizeno, along the leyline. Be a few months down there and back I reckon. Let's grab us some reading material for the road!" Dr. Truffles takes Reza to the teleportation pad that leads to the main wing of the library. There's a flash, and they enter into a large research area with books and scrolls piled helter-skelter into every possible nook and cranny.

Reza goes slackjaw as he looks around, "Whoooooaaaaa... You weren't kidding! This place is huge..." Reza quickly turns to the side camera to retort, "That's what she said..." He refocuses back on Truffles. "Okay this is a serious place... So... How important is the Piggen homeworld anyway? ... ... I kid! But man... We could spend lifetimes reading what is here!" (edited)

Dr. Truffles gives a hearty laugh. "Reckon we could, and the shamans on the mainland's already queueing up to do just that. I reckon it'll take hundreds of years to get a good handle on everything. We can grab us a few books for the road though!"

Reza steps up to the first jam packed book case and pulls the first book off the shelf that he can grab, "Hey look! A book on Magic Rituals! This should be good!" Reza flips the first page, blank. Then he flips another. Also blank. Then another and another, "Well... this has to be some sort of joke..." Reza then flips the cover to read the spine, "A Beginner's Guide to Unknown Rituals" is written in gold lettering. "Should have known! These rituals are certainly unknown!"

Dr. Truffles looks at the book. "Maybe... ya reckon..." His eyes begin to glow as he starts to sense magic. "No, they done still blank. We got goofed on." He grins at Reza and begins to fit a few more books in his satchel for the trip down to the galactic south." "Afore we got to the city you were talking about going to visit the Children, but that was a bit ago I reckon. What've you been up to since?"

Reza makes a motion to open a zipper in mid air. A small tear in reality begins following the High Mage as he begins grabbing various books at random to throw them in (Casting Extradimensional Pocket, 4/5 HM Spells remain) "Oh yes! Well we left Brother Clever and he wanted me to go and steal some things from the various polities on Galatea. The objects in and of themselves are rather mundane and not remarkable. However their connection to the Galatean Leyline was their true value. I had guessed that Brother Clever was going to attempt to make a Grail on their own world through the L-Gate..." Reza would spend the next 15-20 minutes recounting the details of his adventures. Stealing a piece of an ancient Grail, Acquiring a special Dabloonscape item and pulling the water from an abandoned cryostasis pod in the middle of the desert, "And I can't believe the shell was there all along. Just sitting there in the desert. Forgotten! It looked to be the perfect combination of all the people of Galatea. And soon after that is when I got to meet The Game Master... Truffles you wouldn't believe! A handsome fellow, seemingly pulling all the strings on Galatea. Managing the "Great Game" that they love to play amongst themselves. He saw it all, witnessed all of my trials getting the various forgotten objects of Galatea..." "Apparently I impressed him and well... He wanted to shake the game up on Galatea. Said it was too boring in it's current state... So... Well... He made me a Grail and had a city sprout up!" (edited)

Dr. Truffles stops in his tracks as Reza walks a few steps ahead of him. "Reza... that's... that's downright incredible. What're you planning to do with it? What's it like having access to that kinda power?" He pauses for a moment and gives Reza a tusk-filled grin. "You know, playing the Great Game and all that, you ain't got no excuse to be a mover and shaker in the Federation politics no more."

"A good friend once told me that we are not humans experiencing the universe... but the universe having a human, or in your case Piggen, experience. And my goal is to advance the Human, or Piggen, condition in a way that only Metaspace can. The way only the stuff that makes up the very fabric of the universe can. I have seen it. Felt it, Truffles... The Conjunction opened my eyes to so much more... It not just about quibbling for scraps of power on dying worlds, but to transcend that to something greater... At one with the universe..." Reza refocuses back on his friend. A sheepish grin appears, "Sorry. Got on my soap box for a bit... And you know damn well that I keep out of politics... Unless you are telling me Golden Boy has some brilliant plan to create more AI or some other such nonsense. When's the last time you have seen my name on a roll call vote? Pfft. Mover and shaker... If that's what we call someone who puts his foot down when idiocy rears its dumb head, then I am guilty as charged..."

Dr. Truffles grins and pats his friend on the shoulder. "Reckon in this day and age every politician is just the idiot willing to put their foot down. The fact you and Billy got different ideas of what idiocy rearing its dumb head looks like's what makes it politics." Dr. Truffles continues more thoughtfully. "The experience I had at the forge... the vision I done saw. The path forward for Shalini lays that way too I reckon. And if we're being right honest, it ain't that radical a notion ain't it? Weren't what we call TL5 today just psionics masquerading as technology? The shaman here did things different but used similar principles. I just ain't sure how we go about it. The Academy's done so much, but there ain't more than a handful of us all told, leastways compared to how it used to be. Reckon there's things I got the technical, or I guess magical know-how to do on Shalini, I just ain't got the magi for it."

"And that's what we hope to accomplish at New Xianus... Pushing the boundaries of what we know to be true and seeking to take our understanding of Metaspace to the next level... And with the power of a Major Grail? Could you imagine the experiments simulate and the calculations we could run?"

Dr. Truffles nods along excitedly. "Just what you done did with one when we was prepping for the conjunction. Reckon there's so many metaspace anomalies that you won't have no shortage. Got any you got your eye on to start?"

"As you said... We lack the Mages and Psions to aid in my endeavors. Best way to find potentials is to follow the Leyline. At least that's my thinking. We will be stopping at many worlds as we venture South. Plenty of opportunities!"

Dr. Truffles looks a bit sheepish for a moment, and then types a few commands in his datapad. "I reckon I found something... complementary to more mages and psychics. Now... promise me you won't fuss at me! I found em, I didn't build em..." As Dr. Truffles continues to stammer, a large hovering drone, older, but of obvious piggen design, rounds the corner and approaches the two. Text flashes up on the monitor.

Greetings Mr. Collins. I am APIggen, the Piglantis VI assistant. My primary function since Dr. Truffles reactivated me has been to assist the shamans in their work here. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Reza raises his eyebrows before grinning in excitement as the advanced drone hovers into view, "Well aren't you a curious thing! APIggen, is it? A pleasure to meet you as well! You found this one here in Piglantis, Truff?"

Dr. Truffles smiles and nods, awkwardly patting the chassis. "Yup, just milling about. Had a little scuffle with em then fixed em right up. Their memory banks's still pretty degraded, but they been a huge help to the shaman I got working on magical workings here."

"Wish I could help you with the memory banks. Never been much of a computer mage..." Reza lights up when Truffles mentions the working, "Oh you are undertaking a working?! What you got planned?"

Dr. Truffles looks down at his datapad. "Most recent thing they was working on was an enchantment to reduce minor wear and tear in the fishing village yonder off the coast. Looking like they just finished up recently, so I reckon I should get em started on something else, maybe here in the city?"

"I think anything that improves the quality of life for as many as possible. Keeping vermin out of food stores... Fresh drinking water... Something like that"

Dr. Truffles snaps his fingers. "Both them make a lotta sense. Reckon they'd both be more difficult mundanely out here in the ocean." (Neko, is it ok if we rhuncraft before we leave? I wanted to make us stuff for the trip.)

(Sure can)

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin and looks out at the ocean. "I reckon I got one more thing to do afore we head on out. What kinda weapon you using when you get into scrapes these days? I was figuring we could bond a bit of Shalini to em, take some of the planet with us to help us out, ya know?"

Reza pulls his heavily modified Tempest and removes the magically enchanted energy cell, "Mostly this guy, that is when I'm not close enough to hit them with the Glaive of Arcane Authority. Whatcha thinking, Truff? Anything new from Piglantis?"

Dr. Truffles takes the gun and looks over it. "Was thinking of fusing elements into our weapons if you're alright with that, but we gotta be at a place with strong significance." He reaches down and scratches Knock behind the ears. "Reckon I know just the place though, where earth's meeting water."

"I will follow your lead! Master Grupp would never let me watch the rhun scribing... He would always mumble something about 'Piggen Secrets' or some such nonsense..." Reza lowers his voice so only Truffles can hear. Even though they are the only two present and Master Grupp is worlds away, "... But between you and me, I think he didn't know what he was doing and was making it up every time." Reza speaks at a more normal volume again, "Show me the way!"

Dr. Truffles laughs and leads Reza back to the T.R.U.F.L.E. After flying for a while over the ocean, they set down by a rocky outcropping where a number of creatures that look like Knock are frolicking and playing. As Knock gets out to join them, Dr. Truffles heads to the top of the outcropping and sits down, placing both of his palms on the stone. A green light begins to glow around him as he communes with the stone, casting the memory of the planet back to the day he and Knock were bonded here. His cybernetic arm weaves arcane forms in the air and Reza is shown an illusory version of what the stone remembers, of Truffles arriving here, meeting Knock, and befriending him, forming a bond determined to set a good example for future shaman, in contrast to the horrors delivered by the old. As the visions fade, rock begins to crumble away from an area in front of Dr. Truffles, leaving a large stone block in the shape of a wrench. Seaweed snakes up the side of the rock and begins to wrap around the wrench, forming a grip for the large weapon. Dr. Truffles smiles warmly down at Knock, and then up at Reza, and reaches out for his rifle. "You want me to imbue it with water or earth? Reckon I can do both here." (Using my Stonespeaker gift, along with a combination of Phantasmal Mimesis and Petty Sorceries to make the visions, and Transmute and Metaflora to make the weapon. Being a bit loosey goosey with the techniques so deducting the cr30 for the Large Primitive Weapon, but making it here while we did this seemed cooler than going to the club store

)

(its almost a shileighlegh!)

(I really like your vision of the piggen shaman as sort of Celtic Druid-Chiefs

)

Reza watches the visions with rapt attention. He smiles as he sees the metaspace force that is Shalini and her leyline connection accept the Piggen as the leader and protector of the land. He had always been proud of his friend, this moment only reinforced the feeling While Truffles goes about summoning his implement of creation, Reza works behind him to create a space suitable for inscribing magical rhuns into another object. With blinding speed, the High Mage goes to work. He carves an intricate magical circle. Next he lays out a variety of stones that he managed to find in the area in various arcane patterns that are inspired by the Piggen Shaman. Finally he pulls out incense and begins lighting them in the space that he has prepared for the Shaman to inscribe the various Rhuns he has in mind. In the space of minutes a fully functional ritual space has been prepared for the Piggen's needs. (Using Scientific Method to prepare a ritual space for the rhun crafting lickity split) (edited)

Dr. Truffles smiles at the work Reza has done and places Reza's rifle down next to his new wrench, arraying his rhuncrafting tools along the ground next to them. He hands a hammer and chisel to Reza and takes a set for himself. He points to a spot along the barrel of the rifle. "You gotta start every rhuncraft with a symbol for the planet you're on. It done connects you to the elements, to the leyline if there is one, it's the anchor for everything piggen do with our magic I reckon..." As Dr. Truffles points out each rhun in succession to his friend, the elements kick up around them, earth and water colliding with the edges of the ritual space Reza set up. And as they chisel the last rhuns into the weapons, they are bathed in a warm light, as if standing in the sun on the warmest afternoon the planet has ever experienced. The glow dissipates, but that feeling remains in the items at their feet. Weapons of war, but crafted not for conquest, but to keep two friends safe on a long journey to re-unite a species and delve further into the mysteries of the universe. (Rhuncrafting our weapons with Bound Element. I'll pick earth for the wrench, and whichever of earth or water for Reza's rifle.)

(I'll take Earth for the Tempest also)

Reza nods emphatically and watches every small detail that Truffles' makes. He grows a third arm to take notes with the help of his mechanical arm. Once the instruction is over Reza follows along and takes the same steps exactly as they were shown to him by his mentor. Starting with the symbol to represent Shalini and her leyline connection. There are some differences in the rhuns, mostly attributed to artistic style. Reza's approach is more mathematical and formulaic where as Truffles' has a distinct shamanistic approach, but in the end they accomplish the same goal. To channel the intrinsic power of Shalini's rock and stone through the weapon placed before him. Reza enjoys being bathed in the warm light that comes as result of the successful inscription. He can feel the leyline connection through the weapon even without turning on his enhanced senses, "Thank you for the instruction and mentorship Truff! Looking forward to you teaching me more as we journey south... Wish Venny could come, miss that kid... What do you think he is up to these days?" (edited)

Dr. Truffles nods and chuckles. "It ain't no problem. You done taught me magic in the first place." He pauses. "I miss Venser too. Last I heard he was off on Mariam. I reckon I get that, governing a planet's a lotta work, reckon it's probably good he spends some time there. Heck, it took me months just to get to a spot where'n we could take this here trip."

Reza nods as he thinks of his second home, "Yeah that's true... Probably signing lots of papers and stuff... Wonder how Mariam is doing... Haven't been back in a long time... Couple years now..." Reza looks out over the ocean and sighs, "Feel like a bad son at times... I send my mom messages, but haven't seen her in a bit... She says she is proud of me and what I'm doing, but still... Feels like there is always something pulling me... Something on the inside pulling me in new directions..."

Dr. Truffles sags a bit and nods. "Yeah, I reckon I get what you mean. Got my folks a villa here, bought em a spaceship with my first paycheck from RCOE so they could travel and see the stars and whatnot. But I reckon they'd rather see me than the stars, you know?"

"How about this... After we find the Piggen homeworld we come back and we go visit our parents? Deal?" Reza says with an eager grin

Dr. Truffles slaps a meaty hand into his friends. "Reckon that's a deal. Should we get to it? There's a war bout to start the way we're headed. Figure we can swing by and help out on our way..."

"Another war? What now? Another maltech cult? Or did the Etxaurren start acting up again?"

Dr. Truffles hangs his head. "The Chimeran Ascendancy's about to bring some battleships online. Reckon we maybe shoulda gone after them earlier what with the stories the mosk and the noctua been telling, but we're going now." He looks apologetically at Reza. "I know that ain't your favorite environment."

"Ah! I remember seeing that name recently! Now I know why..." Reza shrugs and gives almost a bit of a smile, "I am a bit more prepared this time around! Spent a lot of the last three months working on project after project. Even though no one has yet joined the Metaspace Excursion & Observation Workforce at New Xianus, yet... But I'll be ready soon!" Reza points to hardware on his belt and then he holds open his hand. Suddenly a simple grey and purple bag appears in his open palm. "You would be amazed at what you could create with the help of the Grail... The dreams you can make reality... " Reza holds it out for Truffles to take, "It's a slipsheath... Can put a few things in it but leave it say... On your ship in orbit. You could focus on the metaspace signature and it will appear in your hand." (edited)

Dr. Truffles takes it and looks down at it in wonder. "This... this is downright amazing. Thank you so much buddy. You was able to make this with the grail?"

"In a way. Obviously I couldn't be directly created by the Grail or else I couldn't take it with me. But the theoretical model and calculations necessary to even derive the formulation of the piece... Yes that came from the Grail, but the physical manifestation of the object came from my own two hands and with my own occult components."

Dr. Truffles tucks it into his belt and smiles at Reza. "That makes it all the more meaningful. It'll feel like you're up and handing me something every time I get it off the ship. I got just the place on the Gransow Lichen for it." He looks suddenly excited. "We're gonna have so much time for making arcanotech on that flight! I been doing too much politics and not enough experiments. This'll be fun!"

"Well that is if you have some occult components of your own..." Reza smiles nervously, "I'm fresh out now... Heh..."

Dr. Truffles grins. "I got me a few. Benefits of exploring a bunch of magical ruins and all that. More than happy to share. The most interesting stuff I've made we've made together!"

"Looking forward to it! I am sure we will find inspiration for new plans along the way!" (edited)

After a few moments of quiet, a tiny blip appears on the horizon. At first you think you might be imagining it, but after another several seconds, the blip begins to grow, larger and larger, a fiery halo surrounding it as if breaking through the atmosphere. A meteor? Falling debris? No... far too small for that. There's comes a moment where the burning all of a sudden seems to cease, leaving this UFO in total free fall... Right as it should hit the ocean, it sharply curves to the perpendicular, narrowly skating the surface. You can now see what appears to be a head mounted on shoulders rushing towards the shoreline, as a voice begins to echo in your minds. "BETTER FORM A TESTU-" The telepathic communication is abruptly cut off as the figure shoots past and slams into a raised portion of the outcropping behind you. This arch-psion may have mastered the art of how to start flying, but clearly needs to put in some work on how to stop. Venser peels himself off the newly form him-shaped dent and takes a moment to groan in agony before seeming to shrug it off entirely and walk towards where Truff and Reza have settled, his arms stretched out wide. "HEYYYYY! I came as soon as I could!" (edited)

4

2

Truffles wraps the smaller man in a huge boar hug and lifts him off the ground. "Venser! We was just talking about you! How you been? Get everything done you need to on Miriam? Dang, we got so much to fill you in on too!"

Venser audibly "oof"s as the boar hug squeezes some already battered bones, but returns the embrace with delight. "Haha! Oh fine, just fine. Encountered a few issues, but nothing I couldn't handle..." He gets noticeably distant for a moment. "Uh- how's everything here?! Please! Fill me in!"

Reza joins the bear hug and squeezes the shit out of Venser, "Venny!! How's it going buddy! Nice entrance but you gotta work on your landing! Haha" Reza let's go to give Venser a chance to breathe, "Oh you know... Just playing the great game of Galatea. Magical creations. The usual!"

Dr. Truffles attempts to match Reza's nonchalance, but generally fails to contain his excitement. "I brought Piglantis back! On up to the surface I mean! Reckon we can pay a visit if you like afore we ship out."

"WHAT?!? That's amazing! Brilliant! Genius! I'd love to see it! Any particular discoveries either of you made I should know about?"

Dr. Truffles fills him in on the history of Piglantis before its fall, and the techniques the shamans used, some of it approaching maltech if not meeting the definition. "There's a lot there, but I reckon it's gonna take more'an our lifetime to separate the good from the bad, and try to put it towards the good of the piggen and creatures of this planet."

Reza then takes his time to recount his adventures on Galatea and his new position as leader of New Xianus and M.E.O.W. "Reckon there's some details we missed but we will have enough time to cover it all when we go find the Piggen homeworld... You are coming with us, right Venny?"

Venser reacts with delight to all the stories and good news. "Sounds wonderfully exciting! Uh- yes... If you'll have me?" (Can either Truff or Reza sense the presence of Durukti? Sorry, been a while.)

(I don't know what would detect him but Reza doesn't have sense magic up. His staff would glow at the presence of unseen magic, but I'm sure between what he carries on himself and what Truffles or you have on your person it wouldn't stand out as abnormal. ) (edited)

(Yeah, Truff doesn't have Sense Magic up either. I'm not sure how that would interact with shadows since I'm assuming it will come up during our adventures?)

(also don't you have IPOW telepathy? I don't know if we could realistically tell without some sort of external manifestation or behavior change)

"What is this 'if you'll have me' nonsense? Of course you're coming! Get your stuff on the Secretorum and we can link up with my cruiser in orbit"

Venser lights up with a beaming smile. "You got it! Give me a couple hours and I'll teleport my stuff across from the Wildstar." (Idk, more a question for Neko, IPOW metapsionics might protect me, but I'm not sure about telepathy.) (edited)

(I have not been following what's being asked, admittedly)

(He wants to know if Durukti, the shadow that is sharing his body, can be detected if he has Impervious Pavis of Will [Telepathy or Metapsionics])

(I don't think it would be detected if he has IPOW in one of those, but if they did not, or chose not to use it, then we would be able to detect)

3

Dr. Truffles smiles at the other two. "I ain't never been so happy to see the group back together. Reckon we can take us a quick pit-stop to deal with the Ascendancy, and then got a whole road trip ahead of us!"

(want to go check out the High Mage's Repository and have some more RP?)

(That sounds good to me!)

Several hour later... Reza is waiting at the base of Truffle's ship for his friends to arrive. He smiles broadly when they finally show up and they are able to begin the transit from Shalini's surface to orbit. Out the front view screen they see a sleek looking cruiser painted mostly white with the occasional yellow and purple accent. The vessel has four fins that extend off the back of the ship. Docking lights begin flashing to help guide in the frigate into the single bay on the underside of the larger ship. "High Mage's Repository... This is going to be her maiden voyage aside from her shakedown cruise. Can't wait to show you guys the inside!" (edited)

8:38 PM

Dr. Truffles gasps. "Reza, it's downright gorgeous! I assume you got a whole mess of labs and whatnot for us to work in? There ain't nothing like this in the whole academy fleet! Reckon we got time for a tour afore we ship on out?"

"Oh boy do I have a lab for you to see! And a library that is second only to your Piglantis one..." The trio disembark from a Truffles ship into the climate controlled frigate bay of the Repository. Passing through the halls there is a feeling of ancient Greek astronomy meets 27th century sleek sci-fi. Engineered tile lines the floors and on the walls is artwork from various cultures and their myths relating to constellations. Eventually they come upon a door deep in the heart of the ship adjacent to the high tech reactor. Reza stops and turns to his friends, "Ok so you might get a weird feeling when you go through this door. Feels like a combination between teleportation and being compressed. I swear it's perfectly normal and expected with spatial extension technology! No negative health effects have been observed, I promise!"

As the doors slides open it reveals a shimmering and distorted image of the inside. Crossing through the threshold reveals a huge half filled library full of books, dataslabs, scrolls and instruments fill about 60% of the shelves. You get the sense that there is no way that all these shelves and library space should fit into this section of the ship not to mention that you can see that there are more corridors that lead further in

(edited)

Dr. Truffles stumbles a bit and then rights himself. "It's... bigger on the inside. How'd you do this Reza? The applications of this sorta technology's just unreal." Dr. Truffles begins strolling down the corridors as they talk, examining the books and tools Reza has collected.

(it's got storage for 500 RP

) "It's a bit strange... It's more space but also not? The space within this sanctum is expanded about 4 times it's real space allotment. Another discovery courtesy of the strength of a Major Grail. Unfortunately such technology required a great deal of computing power as it had to be custom designed to the exact parameters of the specific ship." (edited)

1

(i have some layout pictures for it too just need to get to a computer)

Dr. Truffles shakes his head. "Not sure I can wrap my head round that. You were always better at the spatial stuff than I was I reckon. How often you reckon you can use the grail to solve a problem like that? Is it slow going or can you get research projects knocked on out pretty quick?"

"I don't know when the MEOW Grail could be used again for such a computation. I had... A lot of help from another on Galatea." "If I have the Grail focus on nothing else, I'm sure it could accomplish a great many things. I got lucky that no one is really living in New Xianus. Nothing was utilizing its output. I want NX to be a place where every soul is creating experiments that will push the limit of what it means to be Human or Piggen or any other creature... That's gonna take a lot of Grail energy in time"

Dr. Truffles smiles. "I sure as heck can't wait to visit. We'll have to swing on by Galatea on our way back. You got any folks living there now? I'm sure some of the piggen here in training to be shamans'd love to go, for a while at least."

"None yet. Well none to speak of. Maybe a handful of random folks, but no one who has sought permanent residence. I'm hoping that I may meet a few such individuals on our journey and then convince them to come back to Galatea."

7:09 AM

(Ignore the labels. this whole first several rooms are just libraries. there are 20 library fittings

) (edited)

1

Dr. Truffles nods thoughtfully. "Reckon we will. We'll be travelling mostly down the leyline, and it seems like we see us a lot of MES-centric planets when we're near em. I spose that makes sense. We'll also be travelling into unknown political situations I reckon, so it ain't out of the question we find us some refugees."

"That's certainly my hope! ... C'mon! There is more this way!" Reza leads Dr. Truffles through another hallway at the end of the massive library. There are three other doorways that branch off. 'Vault', 'Laboratory' and 'Spell Design Facility' are written in Piggen rhuns above each doorway. Reza heads down the pathway that says 'Laboratory'. After a short walk the two friends walk into another large space.

Blue magical flames light the interior of this space. The first portion of the room has several storage cases with various arcane apparatus and instruments for the creation of Arcanotech. Each are neatly labeled and organized for their apparent purpose. The second room contains a sprawling work bench, pages of notes and sketches, books and other various tools of the trade used to make arcane implements. The third room is far neater and has what look to be diagnostic and analysis equipment affixed to the workbench at specific points. Truffles is able to guess that this is a highly advanced arcanotech laboratory, research laboratory and assay facility all in one.

8:39 AM

Dr. Truffles whistles through his tusks. "Dang Reza. Remind me to send you a message when we get around to renovating Piglantis. Is this here part of the spatial warp too?"

Reza nods, "All of the sanctum is within the confines of the spatial extension field. I think based on distance walked, we would be approaching the exterior bulkhead. Anything you could think of to craft, could be done here. Assuming you have the blueprint for it. And any idea for a blueprint could be worked out here as well!"

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Reckon we'll come up with a few ideas on the way for sure." He looks up suddenly. "You tried setting up any magical workings on here? Never thought about putting em on a ship before, but what you got here's as good as. Maybe we could work on something on the way down."

"None yet... These have taken up most of my time as it were. And this undertaking alone is probably equivalent to one. If you have some ideas I am definitely open to hearing them!" Reza leads the way back and out into the hallway. Heading towards the "Spell Design Facility" they enter a room that is dimly lit. Arcane circles and other equations are etched permanently into the floor. Truffles immediately recognizes it them for what they are, bases forms to a spell. From which more intricate weavings can be laid on top of it. An orrery sits near the northern part of the room. A smaller version of the one that lives in Reza's office at Khmarna Metascience Center. There is also an ornate telescope that points out a window into realspace

3:24 PM

Dr. Truffles smiles. "This here's amazing too. I recognize the orrery from your office. Is the telescope for looking at anything magical, or more for a hobby? Either way, reckon we'll get a lot of use out of it."

"Hobby. Just a plain old telescope. Always fascinated me that what we see up in the sky with our eyes is not where we are travelling to when we enter metaspace. Travelling to all parts of the universe and who knows what is happening in the solar system that is physically closest to the one we are in..." Reza shrugs. "Well there you have it. Your biometrics are configured to access the sanctum portion of the ship at any time. We also have a fully functional workshop onboard and the cabins are quite luxurious, if I do say so myself. As soon as you are ready we can head off!"

Dr. Truffles takes a few minutes to peer through the telescope at the planet that's become his home over the past couple of years, taking some time to look at it for the last time in a while. "Reckon I'm ready. Dang, we really are going to be exploring ain't we?"

"I'm ready too! We will have to be careful as we don't have much in the way of firepower, but a reactor that doesn't need refueling should make it a bit easier to keep moving and out of danger." Reza claps Truffles' shoulder as he too looks out at Shalini, "Don't worry Truff. Shalini will be just fine while you are gone. And when you return with news of the homeworld, I am sure your people will rejoice!"

Dr. Truffles smiles gratefully. "Reckon they will. And who knows, maybe some folks'll wanna come back with us. Be a big melting pot for piggen cultures and all that. You ready to hit the spike lanes? We can meet up with the navy on the way down and help free those folks under the thumb of the Ascendancy. Reckon that'd be a good start to the trip."

"You dragging me into another war? Fine. Just to keep you safe... What's your plan? See the whole thing through or are we just helping with the initial push?"

Dr. Truffles smiles and pats his friend on the shoulder. "Thanks buddy. I reckon we should see this one through. The Ascendancy's about as bad as anyone we've fought before, and I reckon it's mostly on the way. Hope once they're realizing their fleet is outmatched they ain't gonna be up for an extended ground siege."

"I trust you judgement, Doc... Besides! I have some new weavings and forms that I have learned since we last saw each other! Can't wait to show you. And on the way you can show me more about those fancy Rhuns you encountered in Piglantis! Knowing you, you have unlocked all their secrets already!"

Dr. Truffles grins. "I got a few new things on the technological side as well. I got these new drones that worked mighty well for taking care of these carnivorous moths down in Piglantis. I'm real proud of the design, reckon they're going to make things a lot easier for us there!"

"Carniverous... moths? Now that's a story you have to tell me over a drink... Come our cabins are quite luxurious and Jimmy doesn't need me breathing down his neck for the transit to the edge of the gravity well..." Reza leads the way to the luxury living quarters of Truffles to listen to the rest of the story.

Dr. Truffles fills Reza in further on his explorations of Piglantis as they go to explore the rest of the ship. "It was this downright cool enclosed ecosystem. But uhh, hadn't been maintained in a bit, so the local wildlife was getting a bit hungry I reckon. They done tried to eat me and Knock and we scared em off. Dang Reza, these cabins are real nice. Where'd you get them drapes? Might have to contact your supplier."

Reza listens attentively on their walk through the crew and officer quarters of the ship. Easily half of the rooms were empty, but there was a bit of an expectation to find expats and refugees and other asylum seekers on their way south. "I'm telling you. Stop wasting your time with the shipyard over Gudrun. Sumati-1 is the place to get a ship made! And those moths sound absolutely bonkers... Amazing how creatures can evolve given a unique situation... Glad you and Knock are safe... Yes little guy, well big guy now! Man what are you feeding him?!" Reza spends a moment to play wrestle with Knock and ruffle his fur

Dr. Truffles laughs and pulls a handful of shellfish out of his robe pocket. "I swear the lil feller's gullet is a portal to a black hole. He got loose on the docks one day and I had to pay for a fisherpiggen's entire catch. I reckon it's part of how the bonding process affects their physiology, you think?"

"I would imagine that... as Knock is a manifestation of part of your psyche in animal form... that Knock shares your appetite"

Dr. Truffles laughs heartily. "I reckon that may be the case at that, though he seems to prefer raw food to cooked. Speaking of, I'm guessing you got a nice galley set up? We need to stock up on any specialties afore we head out?"

"We have a garden onboard and the reactor won't need refueling for at least... Oh I don't know... a hundred years, give or take ten? So it's really whatever you want special for the trip... We have a couple hundreds tons of cargo space available plus some vault space for anything special or delicate"

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly. "Dandy! Reckon I can have my usual stores on the Gransow Lichen expanded. I've been working real hard on learning to cook vittles like my folks, and I think I got it about figured."

"Ooo that's one you haven't made for me yet! And that's the best part of these cabins!" Reza walks over to a wall panel and in the living space of the luxury quarters. A full kitchen and prep space extends out from various panels and doors. "I'm telling you, S.A.R.A.H. is something else when it comes to design!"

Dr. Truffles gasps. "Reckon I'll have a lot of time to practice! We got a dining room we can get the whole crew in? I still got that chef bot from Urreturre to help me out. Cleaned it real good, don't you worry."

"Of course we have a mess hall! Only the twenty or so luxury suites have these kitchens in them. If you are looking to cook for the whole crew, I'll let the mess chief know and he can schedule you in."

Dr. Truffles smiles broadly. "Reckon we can pick up ingredients on the way down too! Try some local foods and all that. What've we got next on the tour of the ship?"

"We have a workshop that can handle anything up to the size of a grav tank... Other than that we can go look at the Arcane Reactor powering the ship. The rest is the weapons battery, but Farrus gets grumpy when someone bothers him during calibrations."

Dr. Truffles perks up with interest. "Recently put an eternal reactor on the Gransow Lichen myself! Reckon you wanna compare designs?"

(I have been unsuccessfully trying to find an arcane generator that fits what I like. Going with Theatre of the Mind) Reza nods enthusiastically while he leads Truffles to the main turbolift that takes them down and to the stern of the ship. Upon entering the engineering bay they immediately see the massive reactor that powers the cruiser. As the two get closer it becomes readily apparent that this is no normal fusion reactor that powers most TL4 ships. Finely carved runes, equations and metadimensional symbols replace what would normally be heavy duty conduit and cable lines. Various radiation shields are inscribed with similar equations and symbols to reinforce the protections that surround the reactor. "You know how a normal reactor functions... but this... This is more like... a Metadimensional Tap that pulls energy from metaspace directly at a constant trickle. Instead of the normal fusion reaction that takes place, a controlled bleed of metaspace takes place within the heart of the reactor. Then from there various structures and systems work to convert that energy into regular electricity. Which, honestly, those parts take up more space than the core itself."

(forgot about DallE!) (edited)

Dr. Truffles follows along excitedly, pulling up his notes on the reactor for the Gransow Lichen. "This here is amazing Reza. Reckon we came to similar concepts through different research avenues. I reckon the Metadimensional Tap is a good way to describe the general principle. See these rhuns I worked in here, here, and here? I reckon that does more or less the same thing to what you did, but it pierces that metadimensional boundary in a completely different way. This here's downright fascinating."

"Yes! Its like those rhuns create a boundary to contain metaspace in a small area that allows you to draw from the power that it would normally bleed out into space... Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant Truffles! I am still always in awe of the power that rhuns can create and harness... I can't wait to study from what you have learned while in Piglantis! Which reminds me... Is that the name you are settled on for that city?"

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "You know... in all the times I done spent in the administrative areas, I didn't ever note what they called the city. I reckon though... I want a new start for it. Don't want it tied to its... less savory history or nothing like that. So I think we'll go with that for now, though I reckon the city council might outvote me after the elections."

!roll 15d6+0 ! Hit Point Roll

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Roll: [6, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2] Result: 61 Reason: Hit Point Roll

(Level 15: HP to 61 from 48. Transmogrification from 0 to 1 using 2 skill points. 1 skill point banked. Learned technique Purify the Bonds.)

4:23 PM

(Sorry, didn't realize the 3XP I got from the listening post mission was enough to push me over the edge

)

1

(can we go on our adventure now? Are we done with truffles dragging reza into wars?)

2

(I think so)

(Yeah, even if the talks fall through I don't want to hold up a group mission if I'm stuck out in the forest so I'll bow out after the Idas Assault regardless.) (Grim wouldn't have succeeded on the uplift until long after we left Shalini, right? Just figuring out where we are in the timeline.)

(Yeah I’d say after we left. It’s just been going on in the background while we did other things

(Sounds good!) Dr. Truffles follows Reza to the bridge of the ship. "Reckon it's time to head on out. Where to first after the war you reckon? Brizeno to pick up the trail?"

(We taking the High Mage's Repository + Gransow Lichen, right?) Reza is looking fresh in his usual asymmetrical tunic and trouser combination, "Brizeno would certainly be a good spot! We can see if their Academy ruins have any information regarding worlds with increased latent metadimensional energy! Or... We can be daring explorers and head out into the unknown!" "Thora, Hiegantu or Svallga are due south of us... We could just, you know, see what's there!"

(Yep!) Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Reckon striking out could be right interesting. If we lose the trail it ain't too much trouble to backtrack to the Academy, and worst case scenario we find us something new!" (I'm good with any of those three. Maybe try to max our spike jumps and only backtrack if we lose the leyline?)

(yeah all are within Spike 4. Our other option is Etxaurren which might make more sense given what you know about the war leader and their metaspace connection) "Hmm... So many choices! ... Didn't you say that the leader of the Etxaurren was some kind of metaspace demi-god Slyth? Maybe their world would hold the answer to where we should go next?"

(If we want to meet Moff, we could go on a bit of a side quest there as well)

(sure why not, if you are cool with it Truff!) (edited)

(Up to @Moff Cvk-Tarilli (Lemming), I don't want to hold them up from their only character I'm out of commission for a few days. Moff, I'm heading to the field tomorrow so my internet is going to be spotty for the next little while. Going to try to post at least once a day but there may be periodic days when I can't or several day stretches when I'm at one of the camps. Totally your call!)

(I don't mind Truffles and Moff meeting up at all and it doesn't have to be for the whole time. Moff was going to be a good little arthropod and encouraged their shuttle to announce their arrival and intentions so there's premise that their premise is known, but I was primarily having them start out in the agricultural zones.)

(i think being in nature would really help us find the metadimensional heart of the world and see if we are on the right path for the leyline)

1

(Sounds good, let's do it!) Dr. Truffles nods with excitement. "Reckon he'd be right familiar with the leylines of the area. It's why he went on and conquered Brizeno. That there's a great idea for a first stop."

"Then let's get going!" Reza turns to an imaginary camera behind the "fourth wall" and begins speaking, "Hopefully we can meet the Etxaurren leader! He didn't stop talking about this overgrown Slyth the whole ride down here!" Refocusing back on Truffles, "Should be a quick two day trip. Let me know if you want any help in the workshop!" (Brizeno > Etxaurren. 2 days. If truffles wants to do any gear modification Reza could help with that. 1 day per fix level instead of 1 week per!) (edited)

Dr. Truffles does his best to politely ignore his friend's discussion with thin air, no stranger himself to the effect that the ritual on Aliah had on their minds. He smiles back at Reza as the ship moves towards the spike point. "The first of a few I reckon! Sure is good to travel with a friend again!" (I think I'm good on gear mods. I didn't do my downtime from Shalini to Brizeno so I'll do that when I have a chance to sit with the map.)

(Downtime from Shalini -> Brizeno -> Extaurren, 20 days. Work to 90/90, Lead to 16/90.) Dr. Truffles spends the trip cooking a hearty meal for the crews each night, and reassuring them about the length of the trip. He tries to keep their spirits up by taking special care to make sure everyone has a fair chance to spend time on the comms decks and send messages home.

(lets do it, we have 8 days of downtime with two unexplored worlds on the way, if you both want to investigate we can, if we want to just get to the rest of the mission down here, we can do that too)

(I think just straight there is my vote. We've got a long trip.)

(my vote too!)

7:43 AM

You have an image of the world Ahmar (1846, south of Etxaurren). You do not get much of an impression of what the world is like, only that it is important to the Piggen, and the next link in the chain.

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 12/4/2022 7:43 AM

(sounds good to me, 8 days of downtime, I'll get a proper map and report put together)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/ahmar-location

Ahmar

9:18 AM

(if this gives you a 404 let me know, I know sometimes world anvil gets spicy about links for new articles)

1

(works for me!)

(Lead 24/90.) Dr. Truffles looks at his datapad flabbergasted. "Reza... are you seeing these here readings. This... this is downright unreal."

Reza pokes the view screen, "Am I reading this right? An Ark ship?! We gotta get over there! Piggen could still be in cold sleep..."

Dr. Truffles grins. "You sure are! Reckon we should get over there quick as we can? I know just the place to send em if there are."

(the Ark ship is very big, and in space like this we could probably fit your vessel right inside given the lack of gravity if we decide we want all our resources on hand)

Reza has Jimmy pilot the the cruiser in carefully towards the Ark Ship, "We should probably observe some safety protocols... Maybe take over the Gransow Lichen just to make sure everything is alright enough before bringin' in the Repository?" In the time between Reza's question and Truffle's reply, the High Mage shifts their appearance to that of a Piggen. Of similar height to his usual form with a short pair of tusks that protrude from lower lips. He now wears the traditional robes of a Shaman and seems to have aged some. To all of Truffles' senses, mundane or otherwise, a venerable wisepiggen stands before him in the flesh and blood.

Dr. Truffles nods. "That there sounds good to me. We'll have my crew wait here, just the two of us till we make sure it's safe and all." Dr. Truffles instructs Karst and the others to wait on the Repository, and prepares to detach the Gransow Lichen.

The Lichen is made ready, and the crew estimates it will be an hour to make the burn from here to the ark ship. Its central dome structure where the habitat would have been constructed over the long flight to safety is breached with a hole large enough to anchor the ship inside. It looks as though there might be some kind of atmosphere on the ark ship, as gas mixture continues to bleed from smaller rents in the hull.

"While we are onboard with the Lichen, I'll have the team here circumnavigate the ark ship continuously to get a better understanding on the totality of external hull damage to the Ark." Reza spends a few minutes casting various spells in preparation for their foray into the Ark Ship. He also makes sure to pick up a pair of Argus Webs from the ship's locker so they can document their journey. He hands one to Truffles, "Ready whenever you are buddy! Let's get to the Lichen!" (edited)

(there is also a data drive item if we want to take those, in the event we're on board for more than a game day. You can back the argus web data up into it, clearing the web for more use without losing what you've recorded already)

(yes definitely will do that. Just double checking equipment)

(Going to bring along a floater ruck. On it:)

30 Spare Parts, 
6 Storage Units, 
5 medpaks, 
6 type A cells, 
15 days rations 

50 total enc approx = 200kg  
12-ish enc // 50kg-ish space remaining

(Edit to add rations; Additional Spare Parts; Additional Storage Units; Additional Rations) (edited)

(sounds good, caught up with ya so far)

(I don't have easy access to the book right now so I'll trust Reza for extra equipment. If he doesn't have anything else, maybe double the number of spare parts and storage units so we can fix more stuff we find over there?) Dr. Truffles eyes begin to glow, and a familiar field shimmers around him and closes in. He's palpably excited as he moves towards the airlock of the Lichen, pushing the floater ruck ahead of him. "Let's get a move on! Imagine if we find us a whole colony of piggen! Maybe shamans in cold sleep?" (Casting Personal Shielding Field, and activating Sense Magic and Arcane Lexicon with 2 High Mage effort.)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 12/8/2022 7:11 AM

(truffs if you want to decide in the mission we had a few things I'm ok with that. I know you've been traveling and you're not going to use the latitude for evil)

8:32 AM

(or if you do use it for evil it will probably at least be funny)

(Sounds good! The extra spare parts should mostly do me with the Fix-4, but I'll try to keep other stuff in mind.)

(lets get a d100 from each of you and lets make a landing zone! )

pm1988

used /roll

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Request: [1d100] Roll: [93] Result: 93

Eisheru, et al.

used /r

Eisheru | Reza [Jack] Request: [1d100] Roll: [51] Result: 51

The locals must have forseen this doom coming. The vessel was not something thrown together as a shot in the dark, but something planned ,and all signs point to planned by the magical ruling class you have seen examples of in other Piggen societies on other Piggen worlds. The Gransow anchors over what was supposed to be a large green space. Dead trees, their large leaves flash frozen weakly rise to claw at the distant system sun, look like silent sentinels, keeping the living from entering this haunted place. Around the park there are the remains of several strip like shopping centers, little more than stalls with fixed roofs, tightly packed together so several of them fit into one building. There is no obvious outward signs of Rhunwork on them from this distance.

2:34 PM

You do not see any remains in the park, or on the streets surrounding it.

Reza admires the craftsmanship of this magnificent ship before them, "Holy Biscuits Truffles... This... Looks like Piglantia in space! I hope intolerance did not prevail here like it did on Shalini." "I think you can set her down there..." Reza says pointing to a spot near the tree. "Everything looks untouched. Maybe they didn't finish the project? Sabotage?! Intrigue!? We have to figure out what in good heavens happened here!"

Dr. Truffles looks somber for the first time since the discovery of the ship. "Hope you're right. Reckon we won't find out till we figure out how many people lived on the planet, if this here ship was for everyone, or..." His voice trails off as he sets the Gransow Lichen down where Reza indicated.

Setting down in the park you don't see much more in the immediate area. There is a frozen water feature on the south side of the area, showing two shaman pouring from jugs into a pool. It is a broad sheet of nonreflective ice now.

Dr. Truffles motions to Reza and moves over towards the fountain, keeping an eye out for any rhuns or magical residues as they walk.

Reza scans there surroundings for more 'mundane' items of interest. Trying to get a feel for the architecture as well as keeping an eye out for any sign as to what might have caused the catastrophic damage on the ship

(we can tell based on the hull condition/scouting report that they must have been hit by a big chunk of rock)

"We have to find a computer system somewhere... See when this thing tried flying off. Looks like massive rock collisions caused the damage, but you would think that if the ship was fully operational it would have point defense for that reason..." Reza looks over to see if Truffles has found anything on the way to the frozen fountain (edited)

There is some magical residue around the water feature itself. Some kind of shielding spell was attempted here, though the casting of it was interrupted.

Dr. Truffles points out the area of the casting to Reza. "Looks like they tried to make a shield here. Reckon when they figured the rock was coming? Wonder why there sensors ain't picked it up before. Rocks don't move that fast in the grand scheme of things. Intentional sabotage you reckon?"

Reza pulls at his beard as he tries to will himself to understand what happened here, "Perhaps another metadimensional event happened like at Piglantis? Or perhaps the Scream caused a cascade of failures around the ship?" Reza looks around the green space to see if there is a way to get further into the station.

(The bridge would be south of us toward the prow of the vessel, engineering and the population areas/bunker decks would be north of us near the back of the vessel and its engine section/thebelt of the ship)

Dr. Truffles nods in agreement. "Reckon the ship's log would have info on that as well if it were the case. You wanna head on over to the bridge first?"

Reza points in the direction of a hallway that looked to lead towards the prow of the vessel, "I think the bridge was that way based on what we could see on our approach. I agree that would be the best place to start... Plus would have the best opportunity for us to find any information about what might still be on the ship..." Reza heads southward with Truffles by his side. The young man looks around for rhuns or other magical creations or workings while they walk.

After passing through the park and the mercantile areas surrounding it, you come to a large blast door worked into what looks like the side of any city street you'd see on land. Two smashed security bots once stood outside. They are hunched, with thick shoulders and arms, each carrying a thundergun on a low charge. The thunderguns will need refurbishment to ever work again, and their tusked head sections each show damage, like someone smashed them over the head with a rock or dense lumpof metal.

Reza frowns as he looks as the smashed in security bots, "Truff... I am beginning to think that the unrest we found evidence of on Shalini was not limited to that world..." Reza points to the impact points on each of the bots, "I don't see any asteroids around and something managed to completely cave in this guy's head..."

(so far, we've seen a lot of things poking holes in the story that people were running from the home cluster due to a sickness)

Dr. Truffles looks crestfallen for the first time since the discovery of the ark ship. "Reckon it was too much to hope Shalini was an isolated incident. You... you reckon we should even bring folks outta stasis if we find em? Or leastways not all together."

Reza places a hand on his friends shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze, "I'm sorry buddy... I-... Shit-... We'll get to the bottom of this... Promise!" Looking around at the bots some more, "I don't think we are equipped for a mass exodus from cold-sleep. Individuals here and there, sure. But a place this massive could house an entire generation of Piggen. None or some or-... hell maybe even all of them could have knowledge of what was going on. We can't know what 'side' they might have been on..."

Dr. Truffles nods in agreement as they continue to walk towards the bridge. "Reckon the best thing is to get the records first. Then we can maybe suss out what was going on and wake up the right folks first."

(are the Thunder Guns attached? Or could they be removed from the bot)

(they could be removed, but it would be complicated, I know truffs has a pretty beastly fix, but we'd still need a check here given the complexity)

1

"Hey Truff... Get a load of those arm cannons... Some high tech shit... Can I convince you to let me have them? ... Please... I'll help!" Reza says with a pleading look on his face (edited)

Dr. Truffles chuckles and nods. "Sure thing, they're all yours. You need help getting em off? I reckon I can see how they're all wired in there."

(fix/int for truffs! I believe these are TL5 as well)

pm1988

used /roll

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Request: [2d6+5] Roll: [3, 3] Result: 11 Reason: Fix / INT

(+2 if Reza is allowed to help.)

(Yeah reza has Fix-3 so should get the +2 bonus)

(13 then)

8:16 AM

Each removal takes the better part of a half an hour to accomplish given the complex array of wires, stabilizers, and servos needed to keep the high tech weapons running. The thunderguns come free, each of them with a bit of the security bot's trailing arm coming with it. The weapons themselves look to be in good condition, as there was no air or moisture to corrode or rot them. A power cell socket on each weapon is empty.

8:17 AM

Thunder guns are named for the basso vibrations caused by their operation, a sound that can be felt as far as thirty meters away from an operator. This two-handed weapon uses grav plates to create rapid, randomized disruptions in a target that increase the chance of complete structural collapse. If a thunder gun hits a target with an unmodified hit roll of 16 or higher an extra 1d10 damage is rolled. This bonus damage always applies to inanimate targets.

8:17 AM

(I think we'd get an idea of what they do/how they work as well based on the disassembly, or at least could make a very educated guess)

8:18 AM

(it's not a heavy weapon, so should be a Type A, since it's not noted special )

Dr. Truffles wipes his brow and pulls out some power cells to click into the guns before handing one to Reza. "Reckon you'll have to give me some shooting lessons when we're in a safer spot, I ain't never been too good with guns. These sure look like heavy hitters though."

"Indeed! We will have to test them in a more controlled environment. Besides we have to get these robot arms off!" Reza makes a motion like pulling a zipper down and a small tear in reality appears. He throws his Thunder Gun into the pocket dimension (Casting Disjunctive Shift; 2 of 3 Rectifier L2 spells remain) Closing the pocket dimension, Reza motions to the door "I think the Bridge is just through there... See a manual override for the door anywhere?" (edited)

Dr. Truffles begins to check around the door. "Lemme see. Might be there's something rhunic?"

(Know magic/int Truffs!)

pm1988

used /roll

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Request: [2d6+5] Roll: [6, 6] Result: 17 Reason: Know Magic / INT

(Lmao with another +2 from Reza hahaha such a baller roll)

There is a new rhun at work here worked into the material that forms the outer layer on the door. It reminds you of a piercing sun , and you sense harmful intent on it.

Dr. Truffles screws up his face in concentration as he traces the counter-rhuns in the air with his finger. "I... I reckon that's got it. We should hurry on through afore it comes back on." (Committing 1 effort for the day for Suppress Arcana. 2/4 High Mage Effort remaining.)

pm1988

used /roll

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Request: [1d6+11] Roll: [5] Result: 16 Reason: Suppress Arcana Duration

Commit Effort for the day as an On Turn action and target a visible or known magical effect within one hundred feet. The effect is suppressed as if by the Extirpate Arcana spell for 1d6 rounds plus the caster’s character level. Spells cast by more powerful casters may not be successfully suppressed, as noted in the spell description. The caster can attempt to suppress an effect only once.

(You are a very powerful caster, so you have beaten this which was also made by a very powerful caster. )

Reza would take several close up pictures of the rhun for later study and then spend another 10 seconds to try and commit the shape to memory before following truffles through the door and into the next area.

inside the bunker deck you find the first cryobank. A handful of Piggen still look to be living inside their cryopods, though decreasing power on the ship has forced the subroutine responsible for monitoring the health of the Piggen inside to make some tough choices. Out of the thousands that once occupied this large vaulted space, only a low hundreds remain.

Dr. Truffles looks grimly at the empty pods before beginning to look for a console. "Reckon if we find out who these folks are we might find who'd be good to have a talk with first."

The pods are laid out in banks of 100, with 600 to a floor, three bank on the right and left of a long metal catwalk on branching hallways. A large cargo elevator at the end of the industrial sized room brings you up to the other levels above you where the layout is the same. A computer on it also looks to be searchable, letting you find a pod based on name, profession, or citizen ID from whatever planetary records were fed into this sustem.

Reza turns about looking up and down off the long metal catwalks. He lets out a low whistle into the cavernous interior of the cryopod storage area, "I wonder if this is the only set of cryopods or if there are more... Looks like easily a couple thousand just in this area alone..." Reza then points to a computer, "Looks like we can do some searching from there. Still got some power... Let's see if we can find a Shaman or someone else in leadership..." Reza steps up to the computer and starts searching by profession. He tries variations of 'Shaman', 'Shaman Apprentice', and 'mage' for the search terms (edited)

(Admin/int Reza)

Eisheru, et al.

used /roll

Eisheru | Reza [Jack] Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [1, 1] Result: 3

3

You're not able to read some of the ancient Piggen script here, and think you find someone that looks to be a "lorebrarian" from what you can make out. Their pod is working properly and they should be in good health when revived. Their pod is located on the central bank of the third tier of pods. An automated crash cart will be waiting for you upon your ascent to that level.

"Ah yes! I think I found one" Reza says with an air of false confidence. "The... Lorebrarian is up over... That way!" he says as he points to the central bank of pods. "Looks like a medical crash cart will be waiting for us. I think between the two of us we should be able to keep the Lorebrarian alive!"

Dr. Truffles nods and hurries along after Reza. "Reckon we can stabilize em with psionics even if'n something goes wrong with the cart. Let's hurry up on over!"

There is a blinking blue light above the tube bank as the machinery moves the specific pod to the front of the group for you to directly work on. The cart has deployed from the other side of the walkway , and looks to be a medical drone worked into the shape of a wheeled gurney with defibrillator paddles and several suites of drugs worked into its frame. Even someone with rudimentary skill in first aid would have a chance at stabilizing serious issues so long as they were correctly diagnosed and the right drug program was selected

Dr. Truffles moves over to the pod and takes time to examine it, familiarizing himself with all the bio-monitoring. He looks back to Reza at the computer and gives him a thumbs up.

"Okay let's give this a shot, Lorebrarian... I mean they have to be decently important since the computer didn't... you know... They made it this long..." Reza looks at the computer to begin the awakening process

There is a loud beep and the sounds of air mixture pressurizing and depressurizing inside. A timer from two hours begins counting down as the wreck of this ship groans and creaks around you. Atmosphere in this bunker level is minimal, and though both of you can breathe, the Lorebrarian is going to have no such protection of their own upon awakening. The medical computer on the cart also chimes once. The Lorebrarian's heart is weak, a symptom of an aliment they had while alive.

"Oh oxygen... Right... The Lorebrarian might need that... Huh? The cold and radiation might be a problem too... You got the heart problem taken care of, Truff?" Reza brings his hands together and begins gesticulating in the air. Energy begins to gather over a few seconds before it discharges in the direction of the Lorebrarian. (Casting Adaptive Modification on the Lorebrarian. He can survive in Deep Space and doesn't need to Eat/Drink/Breathe. 6/8 changes remain. 5/6 Rectifier L1 spells remain)

"Yup, that ain't no problem, I'll get it taken care of now." Dr. Truffles lays his hands on the lorebrarian, concentrating on repairing the damage to the heart. (Using Psychic Succor with Major Organ Restoration.)

The lights and readouts on the machine go green and stop making their alert tones. The amount of time to the capsule opening has also been lowered to ten minutes as the pod no longer has to compensate for the health problems of the Piggen within. As the countdown reaches zero, the pod opens and the Lorebrian stumbles out , looking confused and disoriented.

Reza, appearing as a venerable Piggen Shaman, moves to catch the Lorebrarian, "Easy there. Take a moment to catch your breath, we aren't goin' anywhere for a spell." Reza lets the piggen rest for a moment before peppering him with questions, "I am sure you got many of questions, but just want to know where your gaps are so we don't go about repeatin' anythin' you already know. What's the last thing you remember?"

Dr. Truffles catches the elderly piggen by his other arm and motions Knock over to nuzzle him, delving for any additional physical ailments as the cryostasis wears off.

You've solved what can be solved, or what would be a hazard to health outside of a few scrapes and cuts incurred before the Piggen was put into the pod. "A shaman? Here?! One of you survived?" he coughs, a trail of blue slide coming from the corner of his mouth as his lungs eject the last of the fluid that once was responsible for keeping the sensitive tissues there insulated and alive.

Reza scratches their piggen chin, "Not exactly, but I think the nuance is a detail that can be explained later when the danger has passed. We are not from this system and are trying to figure out what happened here. What was the plan with this Ark Ship? Do you know where it was headed? What happened prior to The Scream?"

"The what? What are....oh my pantheon" he says looking around at the ship, at least as much as he can see of it amid you. "What year is it?" there is wide eyed shock on his face. Sweat begins to glisten on his forehead and the medical monitors keeping track of his (now healed!) heart begin beeping as they register the increased heartbeat and the secretion of stress hormones.

"Why don't you sit down..." Reza uses Truffles help to gently but firmly lower the stressed Piggen to the ground. "Do you want the honors, Doctor?" Reza says looking to Truffles.

Dr. Truffles laughs nervously and pats the lorebrarian on the shoulder. "It's... uhhh... it's 2670 by the Terran calendar. I reckon from your surprise at our shamanic abilities that whatever happened to this ship happened round about six years ago?"

He shakes his head no. "Gods, its been...so long. The shaman all vanished. At least the ones the revolution didn't get. We escaped the homeworld, and came here, but the revolution had already spread. We were about to leave the system with survivors, but then there was an event. Debris hit the ship, some of the surviving shaman went mad"

While Doctor Truffles continues to talk to the recovering Lorebrarian, Reza turns to the computer and attempts to find which pod was in cryo for the longest and for how long. (edited)

There is a sick Piggen child who has been in cryo the longest. Their condition and injuries would not have let them live for long outside of cold sleep, and medical attention was in short supply.

Dr. Truffles nods and continues to support the lorebrarian as he speaks to him. "I'm from a colony, we ain't never had contact in the homeworld in our lifetime. My friend here and I, we only recently done figured out where it might be, and we set off to find it. Most of the piggen planets we found have had a similar story to yours I reckon. On that note, I ain't like one of those shamans. What they was doing, at least from the archives we've uncovered, it weren't right. The event you mentioned, folks have started calling it the Scream. MES users all around the galaxy done went mad. We're just getting now to where we're starting to pick up the pieces."

"And I guess now it matters little, what side you were on back then... What can you tell us about the events leading up to the revolution? We discovered evidence of this mass teleportation event when all the Shaman disappeared... but nothing about the impetus for it." (edited)

The ship creaks and groans around you as it settles in the void against another wave of micro fragment impacts. "Is there somewhere safer we could talk? And records? I need records, any information you can give me. I can piece things together from there. "

"Sure, we could head on back to one of our ships. I can give you access to what we done found on Shalini, it ain't much but hopefully you can work with it." Dr. Truffles pauses for a minute and looks at the child's file that Reza has pulled up on the computer. "... let's get this poor piglet out first though, eh Reza. Reckon he's been sick long enough and could use some fresh air."

Reza looks to all the currently still active cryopods before giving a look to Truffles, "We have to do something for these other folk... The Respite only has room for maybe another 75... Think there is anything we can do to get the ship at least operational enough to keep the rest of them alive albeit in stasis?"

Dr. Truffles nods. "Reckon we've prolly got enough in the workshop to fix things up. We don't need to get the thing flying again, just get basic life support up and make sure it ain't gonna come crashing out of orbit."

"Asteroids will still be a problem also... Might need to figure out a way to get it towed or piloted out of the field..."

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "You ain't wrong about that. Reckon we should be able to tow it a bit, lack of friction in space and all that, though getting it in stable orbit could be a problem."

"That would be a problem for weeks from now. Ensuring we don't lose this amazing craft and the people aboard..." Reza leaves off the rest of the thought as his voice trails off. Reza then looks around, "Let's find the bridge and get a status on the whole ship. Then we can find a solution to keeping the ship intact."

Dr. Truffles nods. "That there's a good plan." He turns back to the lorebrarian. "Reckon you could come with us and give us a hand? Then we can get you somewhere a heck of a lot more comfortable."

(he can show you the way so we don't need checks or anything, but we might have some difficulties there tog et through )

The bridge of the vessel is located toward the center of the ship at the top of a spire of rock and supporting metal cables. A large series of elevators from different parts of the cities follow the paths of ridged cables in the ship walls and ceiling to arrive at the bridge level, a ponderous metal structure, rectangular in shape, suspended from the ceiling of this city-ship.

Dr. Truffles wonders at the architecture inside the ship as they make their way up to the bridge. When they arrive, he busies himself checking the computers, hoping to see what systems are still online.

(program/int)

(reza has program 1 if you want the assistance!)

pm1988

used /roll

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Request: [2d6+4] Roll: [3, 1] Result: 8 Reason: Program / INT +2

(We get three questions, and there is nothing secure that you won't be able to wrest from the system before firewalls get ya, so we can do a lot here)

Dr. Truffles quickly moves from the panel to the main console. He queues up a report on the engine and thruster systems. "Alright, let's see if this big feller can still move."

Thrusters have enough fuel in them for some light maneuvering side to side, or up and down, but there is not enough in the tank to move the vessel forward out of the gravity well. Gravity is also still working in most of the vessel, but the reactors have been shattered beyond any hope of meaningful repair outside of the vessel being drydocked for years.

"Well, looks like we ain't going anywhere, reckon maybe we can get a look at where it came from?" Dr. Truffles queries the database for the ship's navigational log.

Reza claps Truffles on the back in encouragement, "Good thinkin' Doctor! Unfortunate that we can't get this ship outta the asteroid field... Perhaps society survived on the planet and we can ferry survivors there instead..."

Dr. Truffles nods. "That there's a good idea, we can run us some scans before we get folks out of cryo."

(I gotta reference it against the draft of the new map, because it would be from off that, but I'll get you a name. We'll just assume for now IC we know the world. and we knwo its south)

(Sounds good!) Dr. Truffles downloads the navigation logs to his datapad and turns to Reza. "I reckon we can get one more query in afore it locks us out. Maybe see if there's a rhun dictionary, or you got any other good ideas for magical knowledge we need?"

"Maybe there is a mage's library aboard?!" Reza suggests excitedly. Reza leans in closer to Truffles so the Lorebrarian can't hear, "Need some arcane components for new projects!"

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "They ain't using them I reckon." He queries the computer for the location of any onboard libraries.

There is a large library located in the center of the ship , below the “town” level and situated between two of the largest banks of cryo vaults.

Dr. Truffles points out the location of the library to Reza. "We can head on over after we get the lorebrarian settled on the ship. Reckon it'll be good to fill in a few gaps in our knowledge."

Reza nods in agreement, "Lets get that piglet out and the Lorebrarian to the Repository, medical staff can look after them while we check out more of this ship."

(for effort purposes or possibly needing to re-commit anything it would be a two hour trek from here back to a place where the ship could pick us up. )

(Mine is committed until non-committed, so I'm good!) Dr. Truffles nods and leads the way back to where the piglet was in cryo.

(all my stuff is either light focus or a change)

The trek back is quiet. This is a big moment for everyone here and is epoch changing for all in some way or another. The ship creaks and groans around the party and many meters are walked in absolute darkness before reaching the boarding tube of the Gransow Lichen.

7:21 AM

There is light at the other end of the tube, and crew members in ship suits standby to assist in whatever way is needed. Their suit lamps cut through the inky darkness as they move.

(I think we were going to head back to the piglet in cryo first. Should we just say we brought the cryo tube with us to thaw them in the medbay on the ship?)

(Yeah that is w here I was going with it to the point where I convinced myself that was already happening. I was the problem all along!)

(Sounds good!) Dr. Truffles greets the crew hastily and continues to cart the cryo-tube towards the medbay. As they enter, he calls for the head of medical. "Howdy, we're going to be bringing a real sick piglet out of cryo here. I can take care of most of it psionically, but you reckon you could get a surgical pod ready for us so we can keep some of their vitals stable while we work?"

"We got the life support cap of the ship to keep in mind, but the medbay is empty aside from a deck hand who had a slip and fall. I'll discharge them to recover in their cabin so they're not in the way. The medical team is standing by. Get anyone who needs help to us, and we'll do our best to take care of them from there"

(Should probably set that now. This is what I was thinking neko. Lmk if there are any issues with this):

Repository's base crew = 30
Repository backup crew = 30 (backups for all stations and security)
Gransow Lichen base crew = 3
Total Crew = 63 of 160

(edited)

(I think that looks good to me. 10% extra is usually what Skyward Steel recommends as like an absolute minimum safe crew compliment and we've gone beyond that, so I am satisfied so long as you both feel that is also fair) (edited)

(Yeah with knowing we would be going out for a long time and would need to be self sufficient, it made sense to carry double the min crew needed. Just in case of losses or other shenanigans)

Dr. Truffles nods at Reza. "You reckon you can work the machines while I get the healing done?"

Reza nods enthusiastically, "Let's get this little one out and feelin' better!" Reza steps up to the pod and checks the onboard systems for any errors or faults that might complicate the awakening process

The system looks to have preserved itself well. There are no faults or complications that you can detect, though suddenly reviving someone from cold sleep always carries a risk ,even when the system is working perfectly and as designed.

Reza finishes his diagnostics of the machine, "Well the pod looks to be in tip-top condition. Do we potentially want the piglet to go through the normal awakening process? I would hate for the little guy to make it all this time to die suddenly in a crash awakening..." "We can hook up the pod to the Repository's power grid and let the process play out... Can't think of a good reason that we need to rush the process..." (edited)

Dr. Truffles shakes his head. "Me neither, I ain't in a rush, and the little'un's health is the most important thing. Reckon we go ahead with the normal awakening, and I'll be on direct comms with the medbay in case anything goes wrong." He turns to the head of medical. "Don't be afraid to call us on back if anything at all goes wrong, no matter what we're doing." (Edited, didn't realize the process took a month.) (edited)

(I didn't either until Jake asked that question a couple weeks ago. It's been some time since we had to think about this) The chief promises he will do that, and will look after anyone coming through in the meantime. The medbay turns into a flurry of activity as beds are prepared, drugs are portioned out, and crash services are made ready for instant transport and use in the event someone unfortunate needs them.

Dr. Truffles smiles down at the piglet and then clasps Reza on the shoulder. "You ready to go on to your favorite room on any ship? Reckon that was one of the biggest libraries I ever saw."

"Aye! Let's go! I can't imagine what a Pre-Scream shaman's library would look like! So exciting!!"

The library is a massive structure in the center of the ship with several viewports looking out through the bottom and top of the ship. The walls are heavily armored and there are signs of violence scarring many of them in the form of gunshots and laser burns. A legion of destroyed protector robots litters the hallways and in one case has even been strung from a ceiling gantry with a thick power cable. The devastation ends abruptly outside the library, where a shimmering protective field kept the fighting out. Although there are dozens of robot corpses, you do not see any Piggen ones amid the detritus of battle,

Reza eyes turn a milky white as he steps up an inspects the barrier (Committing Effort for Sense Magic) "Wonder if this is from the revolution or from the Scream..." Reza pulls out his grimoire and consults some of his notes as he continues the study the barrier and its magical construction

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin as he looks over the rhuns as well. "Reckon so. Think it could be some sorta automated defense?"

The barrier is rigged to dissolve anyone who comes through it that is not MES sensitive.

Dr. Truffles takes his grimoire out of his holdout cavity and thumbs through it. "Hmm, I reckon I could get us in but not out again. You got anything Reza?" (I can Suppress Magic one more time but we'd need a different way out.)

Reza nods in agreement with Truffles as they compare notes in their respective grimoires, "I can get us out... Assuming we don't stay longer than 12 hours, I can get us back to the Grandsow with an incantation. Otherwise it would depend if I have the reserves to suppress it later." (I have Ochre Sigil of Juxtaposition up that can get us back to your ship's cargo bay. I thought we might have a need to transport something large back. ) (Also dropping Adaptive Modification on the Lorebrarian now that they are safe on the ship. 7/8 Changes)

(That works, now that I'm thinking about it too, if we want to save that I can turn off my special eyes and recover an effort to get us out.) Dr. Truffles nods. "That'll do just fine. Let me take care of these rhuns right quick." Dr. Truffles locates the rhuns on the edge of the doorway. His cybernetic arm glows with a light sheen of metaspace energy as he presses into the rhun. (Suppress Magic, 0/3 High Mage effort remaining. Commit Effort for the day as an On Turn action and target a visible or known magical effect within one hundred feet. The effect is suppressed as if by the Extirpate Arcana spell for 1d6 rounds plus the caster’s character level. Spells cast by more powerful casters may not be successfully suppressed, as noted in the spell description. The caster can attempt to suppress an effect only once.)

The field is suppressed and allows you to pass through it without trouble. Since you are each metaspace sensitive you would have been permitted to pass through, you sense, as you come through the barrier and into the spacious and untouched library.

11:04 AM

There is a pleasant chime as you enter, and incense dispensers begin coughing to life.

"We probably could have made it through... but piggen... what a way to find out if the rhuns were malfunctioning!" Reza steps clear of the entrance and smells the sweet incense being dispersed into the air, "Hello?! Anyone home!?" Reza shouts into the massive library

Your own voice echoes back to you as you call out into the vast library. There is no one here but the two of you and this vast collection of lost knowledge.

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "Yeah, reckon we could have. Better safe than sorry I guess. The incense is a real nice touch though. Makes it all homey for reading. Let's see if we can find us an index or something." Dr. Truffles begins to look around for an administrative computer or card catalog. (edited)

There is one lectern in the center of the giant room that serves as something of an index or research catalogue. There is a small keyboard of ivory and jet set into the lectern along with a display screen

Dr. Truffles approaches the catalog and touches the artful keyboard reverently before turning it on and attempting to access the index.

(This will serve like a normal database but since you're inside this room and presumed allowed to be here, you get infinite questions)

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin. "Reckon we got a good handle on the homeworld, maybe we see if we can't find us some other colonies." Dr. Truffles queries for the destination of any other ark ships, or for any other known colonies.

(A lot is going to light up and we're going to need the new map for a lot of this, especially since we might not be 100% firm on planet names yet depending on duplicates, but we can basically say in lore, Truffs has a map)

1

Reza watches as names of systems and planets fly by. He lets out a low whistle, "That's... a lot of worlds. I mean... Should have known the Piggen Empire had expanded quite a bit... but wasn't expecting this..." "That's going to take some effort to sift through to find the path that leads to the core worlds... What about searching the database for anything about a mass teleportation event... Like what we found back at Piglantis... Perhaps it was a coordinated event across all Piggen worlds?"

Dr. Truffles nods. "That there's a right good idea. Maybe we can cross reference it with the leylines?" Dr. Truffles enters the query into the console.

Aside from a handful of far scattered settlements to the galactic north and west , virtually all worlds with traces of Piggen culture on it follow leylines from the "source" . The worlds look to be an almost directly straight line- as much as such a thing can exist in three dimensions.

"Do you think... Do you think the teleportation was more like a... mass recall? Shamans and mages in far-flung colonies coming back to the core world?" Reza asks his long time friend and adventure partner.

Dr. Truffles scratches his chin in thought. "Makes sense. Reckon it might have been a way to get everyone back in case of some sorta unrest. Protect the core knowledge repositories and the seat of their power. Coulda been used before this unrest? Maybe they got a record." Dr. Truffles queries the database for any records of a protocol like the one Reza hypothesized, or any record of a mass recall of shamans to the home world.

There is no mass recall plan on file, but there is a file entitled "Ascension" which looks to have been kept secure from everyone but the head mage on the ship. The Piggen were also working on understanding the mysteries of the leylines and believed they were close to finding a way to tap into a higher state of being where they no longer had physical needs, and could transcend into a being made of pure, infinite, metaspace power.

2:05 PM

There is a device being constructed on the capital in secret, amid the now known to be falsified sickness and death , called the Rubicon , which was nearing completion at the time of this long.

"Oo! Plot twist! It wasn't intersystem teleportation... It was Transhumanism- wait no... Transswine-ism... Transpiggenism? Exceeding the bounds of their material corpus so that they can explore concepts without having to stop and care for physical needs... Incredible!" "Either the Rubicon was successfully completed or there was an accident that caused it to ignite too soon..." Reza scratches his elder Piggen beard. "Either way I think we have found enough to upend the reigning historical paradigm of the Piggen..."

Dr. Truffles chuckles. "Let's go with transpiggenism. That's got the best ring to it I reckon." He pauses to look over the plans for the Rubicon. "Reckon this here might change how we approach the homeworld a bit. If they did make them a big transpiggen matrix, I reckon they ain't going to be too thrilled us showing up having started to dismantle the social order on their colonies."

(seen, just didn't wanna cut this off)

(My b. Sorry for the delay) "Transpiggenism it is!" Reza says with a strange sort of happiness. "I agree with that assessment. Hell, getting into the system itself might be a challenging task let alone approaching the home-world. Who knows what a transpiggen matrix comprised of the most powerful mages and shaman would be able to accomplish. We should be on the lookout for something that might allow us to either spoof our ship as one they are expecting or to hide it completely from detection..." Reza's eyes light up as if he has an idea, "They have rhuns all over this place... Ones we have never seen or dreamed of! Perhaps they have something that might help that? Like a rhun of hiding? We can blow that up and put all over your ship? See what the database says!" (edited)

Dr. Truffles nods emphatically. "That there's a real good idea. Reckon I'd like to see some of the metadata on the rhun database too, just to get an idea where the gaps in our knowledge is." Dr. Truffles queries the library computer for information on rhuns, looking specifically for rhuns that would allow the hiding of a large object like a ship. He also looks for statistics on the quantity of rhunic lore in the database, to compare to what they've found on Piglantis and find out where the gaps in knowledge are.

(oh boy yesss! Know/int)

(+2 for reza helping!!!)

(Yep!)

pm1988

used /roll

Dr. Truffles | Wump Wump Request: [2d6+5] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 14 Reason: Know / INT + 2

1

There are over 2,000 combinations that may yield an effect. You now have context for the Piggen Rhunic language based on what is described here in this vast, almost indigestible trove of data. Rhunwork is made up of several steps no matter how it was used. Source -Where does the power come from? What aspect of metaspace is being invoked to in order to form the 'battery' for the effect Quality- With the raw power being harnessed from the correct place as laid out in the previous step, what is the desired end result of the energy being harnessed? Delivery- Is the power being imbued onto an item like a book or weapon ? Or is it meant to be effective over an area such as inscribing something on a door or walls? With these three basic tenets in mind, Piggen Shaman experimentation looks to expand what is known about applications for their powers. Where can new sources be found and developed? How can this energy be manipulated and given new qualities? and what are interesting new ways to deliver said harnessed power for the desired effect? Most of the books in this library deal with questions such as these.

Dr. Truffles beckons Reza over excitedly to the screen. "Look here at this Reza! I never reckoned the rhunwork could be so dern flexible given what we've seen of it so far. Being able to route a specific source like this... and then the ability to choose how it's confined. This here's way beyond any application of metaspace energy I've seen before, short of them big rituals like the one we did on Aliah."

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 2/4/2023 1:49 PM

Reza's mouth drops open as he reads the screen. The memory cores of Reza's shell begin the arduous task of copying the data to their banks. "This is amazing Truff! This is our 'Rosetta Stone' as it were for Rhuns! Can you imagine what this means for what we can create, modify and maintain now?!" Reza can barely contain his boyish excitement. Some things just cannot be taken by the transferrence process. "This can be a completely new way of thinking about arcanotech, Truff! Current paradigm is object-oriented... A source-oriented creation?! Its so simple, yet something so profound..." Reza scratches the back of his head as the data continues to stream down the screen. Diagrams and instructions and the titles of reference books constantly scrolling by, "Its like everything is a ritual... but to accomplish every day common tasks... Not massive universe changing events..." (edited)

Dr. Truffles nods excitedly. "And infinitely extendable I reckon. If we could find us some way to harness the source without... I mean, heck Reza, this here could be a step to get us on back to a TL5 standard of living. Ain't going to be today or tomorrow, but someday... rhunic powered tech to make folks' life easier all over the galaxy."

Upon further reading it looks as though the leyline connections was a favored source to harvest this material from, as it was almost inexhaustible. On some worlds where there was a thin separation to metaspace or some other type of psionic phenomena, those sources were prioritized- similar to the pool of boons on Sumati, as it had later become known.

"At least bring worlds that have a strong connection to a Leyline to a more advanced state. It wouldn't be perfect but its better than nothin!" Reza tugs at his beard as he continues to read. Reza continues to watch text, diagrams, instructions and treatises scroll by on the screen "Man we could sit here all day... Let's get that specific query data copied and we can worry about sifting through it later. Can you see what the system knew about the 'Rubicon' project happening on the homeworld?"

(I didn't want to cut anything off but I'll put the Rubicon information here) The Rubicon was being constructed as an artificial source of metaspace power. There are few details here for how it was supposed to be powered, but the Piggen were hoping to use it as both a source and a delivery, with the intention of transferring all their physical forms to beings of pure metaspace, where they would no longer be bound by the metaspace inefficiencies of working in the physical universe. It was thought that without the inherent loss of energy crossing from metaspasce over to physical space, the Piggen could be propelled to higher and higher levels of psionic mastery.