Iron Stars - marble

The ground shakes in the underground caverns used by Marble and his tribe. This is different than the actual groundquakes frequenting this world. Ever since the surface dwellers left, and their special machinery went with them, the planet has undergone all sorts of strange geologic processes. The fire burns low, early morning in this village, and the small tribe of Geon is not quite all awake. Two other warriors approach Marble, as he warms himself by the embers

Marble groans, stretching as he lays on a bed of soft moss. Too early, tooooo early! He tries to rise, but only makes it a few inches up before falling back down, his willpower fighting a losing battle with the coziness of the fire and moss. Mmmmm I love love sleep.... Marble rolls over, sounding like two boulders grinding together as he accidentally scrapes most of the moss off with his hard body. Hmmm? Yawn He grabs a handful of the moss now on his back and sticks it in his mouth, chewing slowly as he finally sits up. A thin film covers his bulging faceted eyes as he blinks, looking at the approaching warriors as he yawns again, boulder-like teeth covered in partially chewed moss.

"Marble. Let's go. Something hit the surface nearby. Elder Cobalt wants us to check it out. Might have come from the stars he said."

3:29 PM

"Someone on the mountaintop was watching and thinks it was some kind of fireball"

It takes Marble's sleep addled mind a few moments to process, "Surface... Elder.. Fireball....." YAWN Marble blinks a few more times then his eyes somehow grow wider than they already were. "Surface? SURFACE? Cobalt wants me to go to the surface?" Marble jumps up, now fully awake, attempting a flip as he jumps but falling on his head halfway through with a crunch. He stares at the warriors upside down, "Why me? I've never been to the surface before!"

"Your day is upon us. Everyone has to contribute somehow, today its your turn. Grab what you need from your dwelling, we are leaving shortly"

Marble scrambles upright before thumping a fist to his chest in salute, "Right away!" He scurries off to his small but comfortable cave, little more than a hole in the wall of the much larger cavern that makes up the section of his village where the stonesingers dwell. The few other--much more successful--apprentice singers appear to still be sleeping either near the communal fire or in their own living nooks adjacent to his. He grabs his small pack and fastens it around his waist, filled with a few tasty geodes but little else. Then he grabs the only other thing he owns, a crudely hewn stone axe, before rushing back to the warriors. Maybe if I prove myself they'll let me have an iron axe instead of the one I made! I bet the elder singers recommended me so I can get some field experience, they're probably hoping I finally show some real singer abilities... I think talking to dead guys is pretty cool though.

The two warriors you summoned you have been joined by a third, and they watch as you fall in to a loose pack with them. “We do this the usual way. We go carefully. We go slowly. We observe first. We can’t afford to lose anyone. Not with the magma harvest so soon. We don’t know what any of what the scouts saw might mean”

Marble follows along behind, short legs having to scuttle quickly to keep up with the much larger warriors, "Slowly, carefully, got it." He adjusts the large axe on his back to make sure it doesnt trip him as he follows.

The trek up to the surface is long, through winding tunnels filled with traps. Sometimes the ash hounds get down this far into the lower levels, their hardened fangs some of the only things that can pierce Geon skin, or worse, the tunnelers. One is caught on a spiked log as your group passes by, the insectoid body and acidic belching jaws still cliking as it sits in the last stages of life. It is far too weak to pose a threat to you

Marble approaches the dying creature with cautious curiosity, head tilted to the side, "I've never seen one this close before!" He pokes it gently with his axe and then jumps back, before his curiosity gets the best of him and he waddles up close to inspect the beast.

"Not something I'd want to mess with... I don't trust creatures with too many limbs!" Marble hurries back to the group to catch up.

10:43 PM

"Have we ever tried weaponizing the tunneler acid before? Some way to coat a weapon in it without destroying the weapon, or even just throwing a jug of it at something seems it'd be effective!"

"Nothing we've tried to use can contain it without being eaten itself. I don't know how those things keep it inside themselves. You'd think it would eat through them too, right?" the scout leader says, eyeing the creature. His spear lashes out, putting it out of its misery

"Yeah, that makes sense..." Seems maybe we should study their acid sack thing, maybe we could somehow use that. Marble continues following along towards the surface.

(This is why marble is going to change things) The path remains windy but none of the other traps have been sprung. There is great care taken to avoid triggering anything. The surface is dull colored ochre stone, mixed with brown and red swirls. A lighting storm is brewing overhead, a crimson lighting spiderwebbinf between clouds

Marble stares up at the clouds, wobbling slightly with his mouth open, "Wow... The sky is so... high! Is that red stuff up there the fire our scouts saw? It's much brighter than our fire underground!"

"No, that is something else. The Elders call it skylights. Where we need to go is not that far, but there might be more tunnelers on the way. Keep your eyes open" The group moves out from the cave mouth, well hidden at the base of a large mountain range, and moves out into the overland. The skeletons of dead trees are thick, though the wind makes them creak. Branches break with every large gust. The path through the spindling trees is covered in fallen leaves, a combination of parched and crunchy, to mold covered mush where groundwater has bubbled up

Marble holds his axe at the ready as he follows the warriors. His eyes scan the alien environment for movement, and can't help but be drawn back to the sky and the dazzling display of lights, the vast openness of it all making him a little dizzy.

Pale smoke rises from the dead trees about a kilometer away. There isn’t movement in the forest and even the animals have gone to ground in the face of whatever has set down here. The air smells like the underground fires you usually sleep by but the fuel is dirty and far harsher even with the wind carrying it away

Marble points, "Smoke! Must be a big fire to see it so far away!" They said it came from the "stars"... guess I should have asked what that is. Too late now, I don't want them to think I'm stupid or something! Marble sets off towards the smoke with the warriors, trying to seem much more brave than he felt.

“Alright everyone. Eyes open. There’s spitters one the woods but maybe the fire drove them off. Either way we might have to fight”

"Yes sir!" Spitters? Must be a creature from the surface. Sounds like they've got a ranged attack so I'll need to look out for that! Marbles keeps his eyes to the surrounding woods as they go, slowing down slightly so he's near the back of the group.

Entering the trees, the heavy geon tread is loud. Even over it, you can hear sticks breaking underfoot on the trail ahead of you, from behind a place where it goes up a gentle hill

Marble tilts his head to the side at the sound and goes still, "Something's up ahead, think it's a spitter?" He creeps forward slowly, peeking his head just over the top of the hill.

Two figures who are not spitters are walking in the same manner as you, crouched low and some sort of metal pole held on their hands,

Marble turns to the warriors next to him, speaking quietly, "I'm guessing those aren't spitters... Ever seen anything like that before up here?"

"No, nothing like that" the captain says, eyes low and watching them. "What do we think we should do?"

"They're holding some sort of pole, they could be intelligent. But they're also disgusting, I mean, where's their rock skin? Think we should try talking?"

"We can try. Who wants to do it? Everyone else, be ready to protect them if these weird creatures are not friendly"

Marbles looks up at the warriors, looking down on him expectantly, "Oh sure, I guess I can do it. Just make sure I don't die!" Marble steps up over the hill and heads down towards the strange creatures. He gives a friendly wave and they hear a strange sound like tumbling rocks as he greets them politely in his native Geon tongue.

The rest of the group watches on, and the two humans stop, as the rock-thing comes down from its hilltop overlook to stand before them on the path

4:03 PM

One of them holds a rifle high, shouldered, and the other is fishing for something in his bag. When it emerges, it looks like a small golden circlet, and he places it around his throat like a necklace. He tries to say something to you twice, but you still don't understand the words. Both of them look at you, expecting something

Guess they don't understand me, but they don't seem threatening. Not sure what they're doing with that strange stick though. Marble tilts his head, then places his axe on his shoulder, imitating the shouldered rifle, "Hey wingless bat things, I'm Marble!" Oh! Maybe they're expecting a gift like a neighboring tribe or something! Marble sets the axe down then roots around in his fannypack for a particularly tasty (but not the tastiest) geode, then waddles forward holding it up to the one with the necklace, "It's food! Where's my present?"

The one with the strange device on laughs in surprise “It works! Can you understand me now? Banquo quick. Give him a ration or something from your bag”

Marble falls back in surprise, landing heavily on his rocky backside, "Ah! I understand!" He squints suspiciously at the golden necklace, "You have stonesinger magic?"

"We've got this translator Torc, seems to be working! Alright! " The companion tot his human ends up nto having anything in his bag, but takes the tricorner hat off his head, complete with large white feather, and shakily hands it over

8:08 AM

"We are from the New Moon Cooperative. We used to live on this planet. We came to see if there was anything left. Did you crash here? "

Marble sniffs the hat, trying a small nibble of the leather before giving the human a look of disgust, "Your food is bad." He eyes how they seem to wear their food on their heads then places his new food hat upon his so as not to be rude. "I didn't crash here, I walked here. A scout saw a ball of fire over here. Your Baby Moon Cooperation have fire magic?" (edited)

He thinks on this for a moment, trying to understand what you might be talking about "Something like this?" He lowers the laser lock, and fires a single powerful shot through a nearby tree, blowing a fist sized hole in the dense wood

"Ah!" Marble falls back yet again, this time rolling into a backwards somersault, ending up lying on his stomach, newly acquired hat fallen beside him. "Magic fire sticks!" He stands, now wary of the dangerous magic stick, "You have more fire sticks? Geons will trade rare rocks and better food for your magic..." Marble appraises the strange creatures. They haven't attacked and gave me their bad food. Maybe they can help! "Our old caves were overrun by vicious creatures. Most Geons are miners not warriors. We could use more warriors to retake our home."

"We do. We have many on our ship. Can you show us some of the stones you might trade for them?"

3:27 PM

Seeing that the humans are not hostile, and that you are making progress, the rest of the pack begins to slowly come down from their overlooking position

"The elders would have to approve of course, but they'll be happy to show you if you could help get our home back!" Marble turns back to the approaching geon warriors, "The fleshy gross ones have fire sticks and warriors that could help us take back our home! Can we escort them to the elders to trade?"

“We should. Can they bring the fire sticks with them?”

Marble turns to the humans and nods, "You bring fire sticks and we'll take you to the elders. Might be tunnelers or spitters on the way so keep your sticks ready."

“Wait here. We will be back soon with the rest of the weapons. We should show your people how to use them before you go on trying to take your home back

Marble nods and waits for a moment as they head off to get the weapons, but quickly becomes bored and follows them unstealthily to see where their weapons are.

Something like an armored launch ship, long almost like a bluewater coastal raiding vessel , but without a sail. The cabin is armored and a ramp set into the front of its hull where the two men head inside

7:51 PM

(Basically it’s like one of those long launch boats an age of sail ship would have nut scaled up and the open part is domed and sealed for space)

Marble tilts his head at the strange contraption and sits, content to wait and observe from outside for now. What an odd home. I guess if you're not underground you have to build a cave above. Looks secure enough I guess.

After several moments of some scraping and bangs of metal on metal inside the craft the two humans emerge, with a third at the hatch. A small floating sled that follows them has the energy weapons secured down on its short bed

8:51 AM

“We would like to see the stones before we hand the weapons over, but is this enough to arm your tribe?” There looks to be about thirty of them there

Marble stares at the floating sled full of weapons, "Ah, yes! It should be enough for our warriors at least and a few more besides!"

They nod and fall into step near the center of your group, making sure to keep close to the sled and you as guides. “Have your people lived on this planet for a long time? My kind used to have several settlements on the surface of this world but we had to abandon them this last year”

"Planet? We've been here much longer than I've been alive for sure. The elders would know more about our history. Not many of us ever see the surface, this is actually my first time! The elders and a few of our better scouts might know of your kind, but if they do they never mentioned it to me!"

They take the knowledge and say nothing else, following you back to the cave leading down to the village. After carefully negotiating the traps and being shown the safe route in, the mixed group emerges into the cavern claimed by your geon kin

9:53 PM

The elders are already beginning to assemble as the commotion of your return spreads

Marble leads the humans over to the elders, "We found these gross fleshy creatures out where our scouts saw the fire ball. They have magic sticks that shoot fire! They said they're a group of young 'moons', whatever that is. They've agreed to trade their fire sticks for rare stones! With them we can finally reclaim our home!"

The elders sit, and think for a long moment. "Scouts, what is your impression of these strange beings?"

7:37 AM

(like the bio, the decisions are community based)

"Well they didn't attack me when they thought I was alone and we exchanged gifts," Marble shows off his new hat, "They seem very interested in our rare rocks and their fire sticks are very impressive. They're weird but seem friendly enough."

The elders and the strange beings head inside one of the tents and talk for most of the day. Several times the elders ask for rare rocks to be brought to them. Late in the evening , the elders emerge “These newcomers are going to help us retake our home. These weapons are strong and will let us fight hard enough to take it back”

Marble throws a fist up into the air as he cheers, "Woo! How long will it take to learn how to use the weapons? I want to fight!"

"I'd say a week of training. We need to make sure you're all pointing the things in the right direction, and know how to use them, and how to fix them if they break down. You all look like you've seen your share of violence. You understand how important it is to understand your tools"

Marble nods then hesitates before stepping forward with his crude stone axe, "I need to learn the fire sticks, but I've also worked really hard to learn how to hit things. Do you have anything that would work better than this?"

They look at the axe for a moment before one opens the survival kit strapped to the bottom of his rucksack. He takes out a survival axe with a gleaming polished steel blade, and black handle of something like a tough plastek meant to withstand repeated impact. It is a nicer weapon than even the village champion owns.

11:36 AM

"I think this might do. Looks a little small in your hands, but the blade's going to carry you through what that weapon of yours might get stuck in

Marble looks at the axe in awe and his old one drops to the floor forgotten, "Beautiful! Our best smiths can't make metal this fine! And I dont even know what kind of wood this handle is made of!" He gently takes it from the human, giving it a few practice swings, marveling at the weight and balance. He looks up at the humans, suddenly very serious and sticks out a hand, "We're friends now. I can't speak for the whole clan, but if you ever need my help I'll be there for you."

(i'd say medium advanced weapon, if you didn't already have one before)

(Sweet. I put his stone one as large primitive)

(keep the size whatever it is, if its large, the new one is large too, i just intended to boost you from primitive to advanced, not play with your damage dice)

(Sounds good

)

(3xp, 5000 credits as well)

3:52 PM

"The clan will be ready, if the fire sticks work and we take out home. We will all be friendly with one another

3:52 PM

"We don't have any time to lose, we need to begin work right away"

3:52 PM

there is an infections fever about the camp, the first time there has been any real hope in a long time

(Finished a couple goals already too: Make contact with NMC; Obtain a tricorn hat)

(Someone's gaming the system over here

)

2

(Only thing I did was make a bunch of different goals which is fine)

(Take the xp. They all just naturally followed story progression )

(Lvl 3 - HP: 25; Stab-2; Shoot-0) (Foci: Elemental Warrior-1 Arts: Cold Flesh Spells: Velocitous Imbuement; Cognitive Supersession of the Inferior Orders)

Energized by fevered intensity of the crowd, Marble helps distribute the fire sticks and begins the very basics of learning to use them. That night Marble returns to his small hole in the wall of their cave, admiring his shiny new axe for a little bit before lying back to sleep. His eyes are only closed for a few seconds before he opens them again. I'm not tired. At all. Why am I now tired, this has literally been the biggest day of my life, I should be exhausted! Marble sits up, feeling fully energized as if he's had a full night's sleep. Well, not much else to do but practice with my new axe and fire stick! He shrugs and wanders back over to where they were training and continues to whale on dummies and practicing reloading the fire stick until he gets tired.

The next morning, the village warriors, and one of the elders assemble along with the two humans. Everyone has serious expressions on and look to bepreparing for something serious

“Today we take back our home. I hope all of us and even our new friends return. Our ancestral lands will be ours once again”

Marble joins the assembled fighters, standing close to the humans. His fire stick--which he now knows is a rifle--is slung on his back and his new axe resting on a shoulder. His fanny pack now has some battery cells mixed in with his snacks and his trusty tricorn hat sits atop his stony head. He looks up and smiles at his new friends, trying out some of the English he's learned from them over the week of training, "Home be fight good! Happy Marble!"

(what does the home look like, or how was it last time you saw it/how far away? I never asked)

(I picture a series of large connected caverns with small stone dwellings, some glowing lichens for light on the ceiling. Access to an underground stream with some small "farms" for mushrooms, moss, other types of underground plants. Not super far away as their current home was dug out of an old mine, but far enough to be mostly safe.)

(is it reachable all from underground from here? or did you travel overland to get to this temporary home?)

(All underground, they had multiple mining tunnels leading further down and they escaped through one during the attack)

"Alright, well, we're relying on you to get us there,but we'll help fight when we do. Is everyone ready to go?"

Marble thumps a fist to his chest, "Ready! It's not far from here but we'll need to be careful while we're in the tunnels, we dont want them swarming us in close quarters where we can't shoot them!"

"Anything we should know about in the tunnels?" the lead human asks, adjusting the power level on his rifle (edited)

"There could be some tunnelers, but they might steer clear of the other creature's territory. We probably won't need to worry about them. The tunnels could be destabilized since they haven't been maintained by us for a few years, but they were built sturdy and well. If there's one thing Geons know well, it's tunneling!" Marble leads the way out of the cavern into one of the many tunnels leading out, onwards towards their infested home.

small puddles of a strange ochre mucus line some parts of the twisting tunnel, unpleasant to walk through, but harmless- if unavoidable. The team moves in silence, for the better part of a few hours, before finally reaching the hastily sealed exit, that leads into their former home.

Marble pauses with the group, taking a brief moment of silent for those who gave their lives so the others could escape. He looks to the gathered warriors and humans and nods to them. "Let's try to get in quietly so we can take stock of the situation." He begins to shift the stones blocking their way in as quietly as he can.

Three creatures, the first of many, are munching at the glowing mosses hanging from the cavern walls and ceiling, overgrown without their previous careful tending

2:18 PM

3

4

Marble points out the slug creatures to the humans, raising his rifle to fire at one as others do the same to the other targets. "If we can hold them at the tunnel mouth their numbers shouldn't overwhelm us. I'll shoot till they get near then stand out front to keep them from getting to the rest of you. My new axe will be more effective than anyone else's weapons at close range."

(Shoot/con 6 for execution, I figure we'd have multiple people firing at the same ones though)

(Yeah, I think these three would go down pretty quick no matter who hits or misses, but it is going to make a lot of noise)

8:00 AM

The volley of musket fire reduces the three creatures youve seen so far to smoking husks. Steam and blood-mist vent from holes shot through shells and carapace armoring. The munching sounds closeby have stopped, and many hunt-cries sound in the darkness. These creatures move fast, despite their appearance

Marble and a few other of the more stalwart warriors step forward, forming a wall to keep the slugs off of the main group so they can mow them down quickly in a barrage of rifle fire. Marble holds his rifle, watching for a target, ready to switch to his axe once they draw near.

9:33 AM

(So I'm not rolling 30 shots a round Marble can just fight the ones that get close while the others are presumably killing the majority before they get to him--if you want)

(works for me sure!) The NMC quickly instructs everyone into forming a gunline, bayonets out, protecting the entry tunnel with a sharpened wall of steel. Marble, protecting the left flank, has a special job, and is the only one who notices one of the creatures making its way down the vertical wall behind the group

9:49 AM

it roars, mandibles clicking, its double jointed jaws opening to bite the head of one of your human companions, unaware of the danger from above

Before his mind can catch up, Marble's legs are running, suddenly imbued with an unnatural swiftness. He sprints up the wall then leaps at the creature with his axe, its steel edge flashing as he strikes before he lands back on the ground. He blinks as his mind finally catches up. Wha... That was awesome! He looks up to see if he actually hit the slug with all of his acrobatics and to check if any others are encroaching from that direction. (On Turn action: cast Velocitous Imbuement; spell slots used 1/1) (Axe: 14/15)

The snail body, now headless and no longer with a guiding force, bounces across the ground, followed by the body a few seconds later

10:51 AM

A second one approaches the side of the gunline, this time from the ground. They haven;t noticed, most of the Geon too busy either learning their new weapons in the heat of battle, or focusing on more distant threats. The right flank is busy bayonetting one of the creatures that got too close to death

Marble zooms over to the one approaching nearby, almost moving completely past the slug before realizing and swinging out at this one once again. (21/10) He looks around for any more and eyes the right flank to see if they need reinforcements.

The slug is wounded, bleeding heavily from the large gash in its neck. It tries to lash at you with its feeder mandibles, ineffectual with the wound throwing off its coordination (11)

Marble's rocky exterior is too tough for the feeble attack and the mandibles glance off without harming him. He follows up his precious blow with a downward slash, the blade biting deep into squishy flesh. (20/7)

The second attack finished the beast off, its head and eye stalks bounce away and leave a slick trail of gore across the ground. It’s shell is cracked. The gunline is making short work of the rest of the creatures , not losing a single warrior. The fire sticks have done their work well, allowing the creatures to be brought down out of range of their deadly bites

Marble switches to his rifle as he rejoins the line next to the humans, firing shots off at the few remaining slugs, though not quite as skillfully as with his axe.

Within a few more moments, the slug creatures are killed, and the smoke begins to clear from the carbon scoring being burned off in the barrel and atomized. Dead slugs fill the large chamber, though you are now the only living creatures in it. Formation, technology, and discipline saw no Geon fall today.

5

Marble cheers along with his fellow Geons before heading into their old home to see what remains and what is needed to make it fully functional again.

While making the rounds Marble also tests his newfound speed and agility, running along the cave walls and even ceiling.

(3xp, 5000 credits) As the smoke clears, the two humans begin catching their breath. "So, this is home? Do you think you can reclaim this cave?"

Marble inspects one of the nearby stone buildings, noting the rubble and ichor and general disarray, "It'll take some work to clean up and repair, but we should be able to move back slowly. We'll also need to be sure there aren't more of those slugs nearby, but now that we can defend ourselves more easily that's less of an issue." Marble looks back at the humans, smiling with a tilted head, "We traded our stones for your sticks, you didn't have to come help us fight. You're good people." Marble straightens up and salutes with a fist to his chest, "If you'll have me, I'll come with you. To repay our debt and to learn about moons and stars and whatever else is out there. And then I will bring back more new things like the fire sticks to help my people." Marble then looks off to the side a bit sheepishly, scratching his head, "Err, well I'll need to check in with the singers first. There aren't many of us so they can be a bit overprotective."

"Do what you need to do. We will be where our ship landed for another few days. We have some of our own checking in to do, and we will try to trade with your elders one more time before we leave. Let us known your decision when you can. Ensure we do not leave without you"

11:14 AM

(we don't need to RP what you dont want to, but if you wanted to do anytihng before you go this allows you some time)

(I'll RP some stuff with the stonesingers then he'll probably be ready to go)

11:51 AM

(Goal completed: Free their old settlement from the creatures Lvl 4: HP 25->32; AB 2->3; Spell slots 1->2 Cast Magic 0->1; 1 SP banked Spells: Phantasmal Mimesis)

Marble leaves the humans in good spirits, though a little nervous about meeting with the singers. He had always felt not quite accepted by them without their traditional elemental abilities, despite their ancient tests showing his aptitude for the arcane. The unnatural swiftness he felt earlier had left him as he explored their partially ruined old settlement, and he feels sluggish as he waddles back to the temporary dwelling of the stonesingers in search of the elders there.

The elders are waiting around the fire along with a few warriors who stayed behind the ensure the new settlement remained safe- just in case. They look up at the sound of movement

7:12 PM

“Marble. You’ve returned. How is our home? Is everyone alright?”

Marble skips up, happy to report their decisive victory, "The fire sticks proved their worth! Most creatures were shot down before they got close enough to attack and we were able to destroy them with no casualties!" Marble looks over to elder Agate, the eldest of the stonesingers and the one in charge of training their young apprentice mages, "Also, I think I manifested another ability. During the battle I was suddenly able to move so quickly I could walk on the walls without falling! It's worn off by now but it didn't exhaust me as much as speaking with the dead. I think my--what did you call it?--Arcane stamina! has gotten better. Oh, and I probably should have reported this earlier, but I haven't slept in a week but I'm not tired. That's it I think." Marble gives a timid smile, hoping to impress the ancient Geon.

"this is amazing news. More than we ever thought possible. We will need to leave for the new collective right away!" He gathers the remaining villagers, and relays your news to them. There is a flurry of packing and gathering as the group begins getting ready to move, when the elder Stonesinger pulls you aside

Marble follows the elder, glancing back at the excited group of Geons packing up their lives. "There's a lot of work to get it back to what we had before... But I've never known a Geon to shy away from hard work!"

"Can you tell me anything else about the battle? You said you manifested some abilities, and aren't sleeping" the elder says, cutting right to the point

Marble nods, "There was an enemy above me that I couldn't normally reach, then I felt a pull on my energy, kind of like what I speak with the dead. Then my body moved almost faster than I could think and I ran up the wall to reach it! It lasted for... probably about fifteen minutes before fading, but I think I could have done it again before needing to rest. As for the sleeping thing," Marble shrugs, "The first night back from the surface I just couldn't fall asleep! And I haven't slept since then. I still get physically tired of course, but I can just sit down and rest while still doing other things. It's been pretty handy for training for sure, but to be honest I kinda miss sleeping a bit."

"Other speakers have been able to do some of what you can do, but never all together, never all in one place like you are. Marble, we doubted you for a long time. What we did to you was not fair. " He sighs "Stonespeaking is difficult to think about. Even more difficult to write about. The Geon were not always living like we live. So much knowledge has been lost"

8:51 PM

"Then you return, with strange creatures, and strange technology, and our home is our home again. Maybe the gods are marking us out for something greater"

"Elder... Those wingless bats may be disgusting, walking around without a stone shell to protect themselves, but they're good. They fought for our home too, training us and risking their lives when they didn't need to.... I want to go with them. Help them do good in other places, and then bring home more new things to make life better for us. I know you don't have many apprentices, but I think it would be worth the risk." Marble fidgets nervously as he waits for the elder's answer.

1

“After what has happened here today we cannot stand before you and say no. The Geon are about the family. About the clan. Those creatures are family now, and if we can help them too we have to “

Marble gives a wide smile, "Thanks elder, you won't regret it! I'm gonna bring back some amazing things and help so many people!" He glances up at the hat sitting slightly crooked on his head, "Bah, but their food is so bad! I'll need to bring extra and teach them how to properly prepare a nice lichen stew. Do you think they eat bats? Or is that cannibalism since they're basically the same? Then again we eat rocks, so it's probably fine. So much to learn and see! " Marble skips off cheerfully to pack up his meager possessions and make his farewells.

(I heard the NMC got the Rona Virus right off the bat.....get it? okay serious post coming in a second)

3

11:40 AM

It is a heartfelt occasion any time the Geon separate or break up the family pack, and even as a somewhat outsider, Marble is given the farewell due a member of the tribe. Most offer a geode, small trinket, or other piece of minor personal property to help aid you on your journey, especially since it looks like the humans do not prepare food as tasty as gravel stew. Returning to the humans, and warriors in the reclaimed home cavern , the goodbyes go much the same.

Feeling warm and happy from the heartfelt goodbyes, Marble approaches the humans with a smile, an additional pack on his back as well as his trusty fannypack. "Alrighty, I think I'm ready to go! We... we will be able to come back easily right?"

“We will be able to come back easily but it might be some time before we do. We need to make a stop home to Jagrati first. We need to inform parliament of our findings here”

"Jagrati, parliament, so many things I don't know... You'll need to teach me your language better too if I'm gonna meet your clan. I assume they don't all have fancy necklaces."

They laugh. "You'll just have to see for yourself. Take the time you need, but when you are ready to go, our ship is prepared"

Marble smiles, hefting his pack. He takes a last look around his home as his fellow Geons begin the process of cleaning and rebuilding then turns back to the humans, "I'm ready whenever you are!"

They lead the way through the forest, back to their small landing craft. The floor is made of a simple stamped metal, and the cockpit is at the back- pilot seeing out through sensors and a raised section of vision blocks where only the head is capable of seeing out. The ramp shuts, and the outside doors close in front of it, forming a somewhat armored tip. "Alright down there, everyone take a seat, we'll be back in space, and aboard the Sojourn in a few minutes. Marble I really think you are going to like the rest of the crew"

Marble gets settled, waving to the pilot and practicing his greeting in English, "Hello marbles! I am disgusting bat, wingless!"

12:10 PM

He sits happily, looking at everything around him before turning back to the human with an innocent smile, "What's space?"

"Space is beyond the clouds, where it is like night time all the time. There are other worlds in space, new planets to visit, and that's where we are going now"

2:47 PM

You can see they're having trouble trying to explain it as though they would to a child

Marble's smile only fades slightly as even their simplistic explanation uses words he's not familiar with, "Guess it's something I'll need to see for myself. Well, I'm looking forward to it! Let's go to space!"

There is a gentle push as the lighter lifts off into space. The air goes from the azure skies of your home, to a deep ocean blue, to black. Stars twinkle, and off the port side of the small craft, a large sailing ship is in orbit, deck winches lowering to receive your vessel. Sunlight gleams off its oaken iron hull, and its solar sails gently unfurl, showing the stages of the moon in silver against a field of deep navy blue

Marble stares with a wide open mouthed grin in complete unabashed wonder at so many strange and beautiful sights, "Look! Fireflies, stuck up in that big blueish black thing! And... some sort of giant fishing vessel? Swimming through the air! How wonderful!" Marble turns from the windows only for a moment to look at his companions, "I love space! Are we going on the large vessel?"

2

“We are. You’re about to meet the rest of the crew. Sounds like you’ve been practicing down there. Your English is good”

Marble beams at the complement, "I've been practicing every night when everyone is sleeping!" He stands and adjusts his tricorn hat, floofing the feather a bit to make it perk up, "Alright, I'm ready. Let's meet the crew!"

A shadow passes over the small lighter, and you're brought inside the flight bay of the small NMC ship. THe doors winch closed behind you and pressure returns to the bay. Three other figures are waiting there, all dressed in functional, but elegant ship uniforms. One has a hat with a more impressive feather in it than the one you were given as a gift

Marble feels a brief moment of feather envy, but that is quickly overwhelmed by everything else new and amazing. He exits the ship with his human companions, smiling at these new figures. His intonation and word flow is a bit off, but his practice has paid off as be greets them, "Hello! I am! Marble! Nice to meet! You!"

"Hello Marble! It is nice to meet you too! I'm the captain, I see you've met my first mate, and sergeant at arms already down on the surface. They told me a little bit about helping your people get back into their home"

Marble tilts his head, I didn't notice them leaving to come tell them, guess they can come and go pretty quickly! Marble nods with a smile, "They helped us squish some nasty slugs with their fire sticks! We didn't lose a single warrior!"

1

(oh yeah, he probably wouldnt understand radio)

1

10:27 AM

New Moon Cooperative fighting spirit prevails again" the sergeant at arms says. He begins handing the few weapons they still have back "We're going to need to buy some more guns when we get back. We handed most of what we had out to the Geon here, but they gave us these in return" A medium sized bag is gently turned over, and a number of fist sized geodes, encrusted with jewels tumble out onto the deck

10:27 AM

You can see the admiration in all of their eyes

They had a spirit fighting with us? Wow! I wonder if I can learn magics like that! "Geons are mostly miners so we find rocks like that every so often. Pretty! But not very useful or tasty. I'm glad you like them!"

'These are prefect rocks, all of them. Are there a lot like this down on the planet?"

"Our tunnels go long and deep but there's always more rocks to dig up! I think we have enough fire sticks for now, but I'm sure there's other stuff that the Geons would be happy to give you more rocks for! For now though I came to help you! I'm not a very good fishergeon though, so I'm not sure how helpful I'll be on such a large fishing vessel."

He laughs "I am sure we will be making another stop there before long. The New Moon Cooperative is all about working with our neighbors, its in our name! Alright everyone, show Marble his cabin, and we'll get ready for the jump back home"

9:04 AM

Marble's cabin is a small state room located near the back of the ship. A medium sized bed, a desk, and a small panel on the wall where important messages can be displayed, or a compad can be projected sits idle, waiting for commands

Completely unaware what the panel might be for, Mable hops up onto his bed, bouncing a few times to get a feel for it. "Not bad! I wish I could see outside though... Since I don't need to sleep, maybe I can hang out up top and watch people work!" He sets his packs down on the desk, grabbing a geode to munch on, then sets out to explore the ship.

(let me nab a floorplan)

(He's not looking for anything in particular, just trying to learn and absorb as much as he can since everything is so new and overwhelming)

11:27 AM

The drive chamber, housed in the bottom of the ship along with the small hold begins coming to life, preparing for the metadimensional jump out of the system. Crew quarters are arranged on the middle decks, along with a bridge in the rear cabin. The bridge seems to be the source of the most activity right now.

Marble wanders the ship in awe, smiling and greeting the crew members he meets before eventually making it to the bridge where he waddles up to the captain, "So many flashing lights everywhere! Seems like I've got a lot to learn! Just let me know if there's anything I can do to help!"

"First trip? you;re going to feel a little strange if youve never gone under a spike drill before. If you're feeling up for it after that, I'd be happy to show you around. So much of our world must seem so strange to you"

"Yep, this is only my second time above ground at all! Not sure what a spike drill is, but I can talk to dead people so I'm used to strange. I'd love to learn everything!"

"That is...strange. Is this something you can do all the time? are you doing it now?"

Marble tilts his head, inspecting the captain, "You're not dead are you? It's not all the time and for now it only works with kinda fresh dead--more than four days and it doesn't work but with practice I bet it'll get longer! Do humans have stonesingers who can do strange things too?"

"Like psychics? sure. Well, not knowing what stonespeakers can do, I guess that's the closest we can get to something like that, but they can do all sorts of strange things"

"Psychics? Not sure what that is, but it could the the same!" Marble walks around the bridge, watching the people there prepare for spike with a confused interest. "I guess you have different writing than we do too, I'll need to learn that before I can understand much of what's going on. All these flashing symbols being written by ghosts with no chalk or paints is pretty incredible! Good thing I don't need to sleep so I can work extra hard to learn it all!"

The comms officer looks on with compassion as Marble says he does not know how to read. "We'll need to teach you to speak our language too, so we dont need these translators anymore. We'll learn yours too, if you'll show us"

"I'd love to teach you! I'm here to help after all!" Marble smiles widely and continues observing and absorbing all that is happening. (Good to skip ahead a bit)

Marble is a steadfast presence on the bridge, eager to learn all he can on the way back to Jagrati. The NMC capital world, one of the only inhabited ones they have left, greets you after just two days of travel. A handful of other ships are in orbit, undergoing repairs, refitting, and one is on its way out system, exchanging some light messages with your own ship as they pass one another

11:40 AM

Everyone seems relieved to have completed the jump successfully

Marble stares out at the other ships and at the strange new world below, "Everything's so big... To think my life before was just a few caves and tunnels when so much is out here! I don't even know where to begin! What are we going to be doing down there?"

“We have to talk to the King, and his advisors. We need to let him know what we found on our trip”

Marble nods, collecting his things to be ready to leave, "King... is like an elder, right? I'll have to thank him for sending you and your fire sticks!"

"He will be please to hear it. We're moving right now to the planet, so everyone take your seats, and we will explain more on the way" Outside, the ships engines fire hotter, and the solar sails start to take themselves in. the mast begins to fold inward and retract

Marble takes a seat, though it's hard for him to stay in it when there's so much to look at all around him. He bounces excitedly, as they descend, though he begins to feel just slightly nervous at the prospect of such a large new environment with so many strange sights and sounds.

The ship heads through the atmosphere and unfurls its tall mast again as it gently touches down in the water. A cloud of steam forms around the ship as the hull is rapidly cooled. Actual wind begins to fill the Sails and ahead a large city that is built on and surrounding a large hill rises out of the landscape. A wide harbor has several other vessels this size or smaller also docked there

Marble's mouth drops as he witnesses the air to water transition, "That. Was. AMAZING! I definitely need my own vessel, er, ship." He rushes over to the side of the ship, looking out at the harbor and other ships in wonderment, excited to enter the city and meet the king.

There is a ten strong group of soldiers in green wool coats standing on the dock, laser locked polished and held at the shoulders. One of them has a drum instead of a weapon, and another has replaced his weapon with a banner, showing the NMC logo in bright silver against a background of black

Though strange and foreign to him, Marble can clearly recognize warriors when he sees them, especially with their fire sticks. He approaches the group and salutes with a fist to his chest and a smile on his face, deciding to keep his greeting simple so he doesn't make a mistake with the language, "Hello!"

"Hello!" the captain replies, his translator torc clicking as it works to comprehend the Geon spoken language. "Welcome to Jagrati. It is nice to meet you. The King and Parliament are waiting to speak with you when you are ready. We hope your trip in was safe and pleasant"

"I'm excited to meet them, the trip was soo amazing! I'm ready right away, though I hope we get to see some of this amazing giant village... uh, city! on our way."

(Poke)

The guards form up around you and the ship crew and begin escorting you through the wide streets of the capital city. There are many people in period clothing walking the streets and many stare as they have never seen a geon before. The guards seem unconcerned and bring you to a white stone building with more guards around it

Marble stares back at the people with a curious but friendly smile, waving occasionally. Wow, the moon tribe has many more people than I thought even existed! We were right to make friends and allies of such numerous and strong warriors! Marble follows the guards into the white building, a little glad to be going inside as he is still getting used to such wide open spaces.

The columns are thick and support a ceiling covered in mural, showing the cooperative leaving earth, fighting on both sides of some kind of terrible cosmic war between humans , and then finally two elder looking figures shaking hands under the phases of their home planets moon, all displayed at once.

7:49 AM

Art and ceremonial laser rifles hang on the walls, well polished and maintained

Marble appreciates the mural, recognizing it as similar--if more grand--to the art and carvings of geon history on the walls of their own caves. They have so many weapons they can afford to just hang some on the wall like a painting! I want to have that many weapons some day!

The guards make a line on either side of you in this grand stateroom and a heavy set man in elegant dress and a large cap begins making his way out of the room ahead of you. His hands are clasped in front of him. “Welcome to Jagrati , and welcome home to the both of you” he says to marble, and his companions alike. “The parliament is getting together now. This is a light meeting. They just want to hear what you found out there, and for you to introduce your friend. We aren’t planning anything today or passing any laws. This is strictly and informational meeting”

6:28 AM

“The King will also be there but will not be speaking in an official capacity. He is there to listen with everyone else”

A council of elders--even in a place so different, some things are the same! Marble nods with a friendly smile, "I just tell them about my home, yeah? Sounds simple enough, I've talked to many elders before!"

“Good. Don’t be nervous.” The aeolderman intones. “Follow me”. The guard forms up and begins parading you down the central isle of the room, to a raised gallery where clearly the head elder and the lesser ones supporting him are arranged in a row, looking down

Marble follows, looking around at the people in charge. They don't all look very "elder", I guess they have different rules for this uh, parliament? Weird word. That guy must be the king! It'd be good to get on his good side for sure! Marble approaches them with his group, watching the soldiers to try and follow the proper protocol for meeting with their rulers.

The soldiers salute, a fist against their chest and part , allowing Marble and the two explorers to be seen

7:41 PM

“Welcome home” one of the elder says. “You’ve been i. The great star sea for many months and you’re returned with a friend”

Marble steps forward, "Hi, I'm Marble! My new friends helped me and my people reclaim our home! We traded pretty rocks for your fire sticks and then killed a bunch of snails!"

The court looks amused at this, there is some idle chatter, as the statement washes over the room. "Pretty rocks? Do you have any of these pretty rocks to show us?"

"I've just got some of these," Marble pulls out a couple of his geode snacks and shows them off, taking a small nibble of one then points over to the two explorers, "They have the pretty ones. Though we have plenty more at home and way more still in our mines!"

There is a muffled gasp though the room as the geode is produced "That stone is beautiful!" the King exclaims, "And you said you have more of these? Tell us about your people, and what you need. The New Moon Cooperative is built on helping, and we would do what we can to trade with you for these stones

Marble scratches his chin as he thinks a moment, "I've seen tons of amazing things in the short time since I've left home. My people live simply, mostly they just desire safety and comfort. You've already helped a great deal with making them safer with your fire sticks, but there are a bunch of ways things could he improved that I never would have imagined just a few days ago. Your smiths are much more skilled than ours to make such quality steel. I think sending some of your people to help mine learn how to make better equipment and stuff would be a great start! And someone to teach them your language if we're gonna be trading more often!"

Several people around the King are making notes as Marble speaks, no doubt seeing what can be done to get some of these wheels in motion. "what can you tell us about your world? I understand my scouts were there recently. We used to live on the surface there you know, but we never met any of you. Why is that?"

"Geons hardly ever go up to the surface. My first time ever is when we bumped into you people! Our caves are pretty deep down, where it's warm and cozy, but our home was taken over by these giant mean slugs. We have spears, hammers, and axes but they're very dangerous up close. So once we had your fire sticks we were able to take them out with no casualties! These two helped fight too! If you need help rebuilding your clan on the surface I bet geons would help--we're master stone workers! We just don't have as many people good with metal and things, but that's where you and your teachers come in!"

“And sir Geon, if we are to come back to that world and eventually re settle as we had done before, the Geon would not have issue with this?”

"Oh, of course not! We didn't even know you were there before, so as long as you were nice to us there would be no issue! I would bet a few would even be willing to come live on the surface with you to help out since there's so much we can learn from each other!"

“I would like to send another expedition. A larger one. We will try to make another settlement on the planets surface and establish a place where we can trade, and help one another

10:10 PM

He points to the two human explorers. “You two will lead this new endeavor”

10:11 PM

“And you, Geon, will be the official ambassador between the Geon peoples and the new moon cooperative.

Marble beams at the exciting news and his new title, "I have no idea what that is but I sure will do my best at it! I'm sure all of my clan will be happy to have strong new friends! ... Umm, so what do I do next?"

"You're free to explore our capital city for the next few days while we give our brave explorers some time at home. I need to speak with ssome others, and get the plan together for returning to that world "

9:01 AM

"But the New Moon Cooperative will return, in partnership with our new Geon friends"

"Exploring sounds fun! Is there something I can do to help? Some of the crew was talking about how you had to defend your home against monsters too... I'm mostly good at fighting but I can also do psychics! Or something similar? Not exactly sure what a psychics is but they said that's kind of like what our stonesingers do!"

"Ah the shapers. They have luckily been defeated, though the Cooperative lost many warriors fighting them back

2:14 PM

the King is struggling to try to put things in simple terms "The best way to help now, is to trade, to work with us, and to help bring all the people on all our planets back to living a good life, like they had before the shapers appeared "

Marble nods with a smile, "That sounds like something the rest of the Geons and I can help with! I'll explore your giant settlement and see if I can find some neat things to show my clan! Thank you for meeting with me elder-- er, king!"

He nods once, and the meeting seems to be at an end. Nobles and functionaries begin filing out of the room, off to their offices

Marble turns to his explorer friends (who should probably have names if they're sticking around lol), "Well that was fun! Looks like we have a few days to look around before we head back. I've never been to a place even a little like this, so I hope you'll show me around!"

(ill make some)

(Russel Bean, and Martin Benson)

(No specific plans for his couple days here besides visit a weapon shop. If you have any fun ideas for something I'm down)

(We can roll into that!) The King and his exploration team have been granted special access to the Royal foundry, which is located in the depths of the city. Several workers use geothermic power and lava pumped up from the planets outer core to make all manner of weapons for the NMC King,a nd his armies

8:50 AM

(Awesome) Marble sighs contentedly as tension he didn't realize was there is finally released, "Ahh... The sky and space and stuff are great, but being underground just feels like home." He looks around as they approache the Royal foundry, feeling more comfortable here than since he left his home cave system. "So this is where you make your fire sticks and other weapons? Makes sense that you'd need a lot of fire to make fire sticks! Our mines have connected with fire rivers like this before, but we mostly avoid them unless we need stones that only grow there. Maybe we could eventually make something like this there!"

"This is the work of over two hundred years, since the second wave of human expansion into the stars. The place is huge! isnt it!? We can make almost anything down here, and I know you are a mighty warrior. The smiths heard you were somewhat of a craftsman yourself, and wanted to see what we might be able to learn from each other"

"Years? Oh right, that's how you measure time right? Living underground we don't have "days" like you since we can't see the sky getting light or dark, it's more we just sleep when we're tired, which I guess doesn't happen to me anymore! Anyways, this place is amazing! Not sure I have much to teach anyone who works in a place like this! I've mostly just worked with stone and a little with iron. Oh! Speaking of which--Russel, here's your axe back! Thanks for letting me hold onto it, but hopefully I can get something even better here!"

(not sure if the geon have a weapon they prefer. I'd imagine stone and obviously wood/metal would be plentiful here, if you wanted to make somethng new for yourself)

1:20 PM

(under the supervision of their smiths, so it would be an 'advanced' whatever you wanna make)

(Yeah he just has fix-0 so he'd need some help lol. I figure most Geons probably use stone clubs since they wouldnt have much wood. An axe or spear would be somewhat of a luxury and swords probably aren't worth the metal since their metal making is a bit rudimentary and better used for other things.)

Marble looks in awe at the sample weaponry as he tries to make a decision on what to make, "These are all amazing! I already have a good fire stick, uh, rifle, but I'm still most comfortable up close. I've trained mostly with a club or axe, but it'd be awesome to try something a bit new! Maybe like, a big sword! But since I'm most used to an axe how about we give it a wide end this like instead of a point! I haven't trained much with a spear so poking monsters isn't really my style anyway!" Marble gives the craftsmen a crude sketch of what he wants, making sure he listens to all of their advice and watches them closely so he can learn to make things without help.

1:42 PM

(Could I get it mastercrafted and have them help me install a mod? I have the money but not the fix score for it yet lol)

(yeah they're there to help you, so whatever Marble would not be able to do himself they could support him with)

(Alright 2800 for mastercraft large advanced melee weapon with Boosted mod)

2

1

The smithing process takes most of a day where the techs help by providing instruction rather than doing it for Marble. The blade is a gleaming black metal around a silver core. It is balanced and so keen the air hums at the passage of the blade.

Marble hefts the heavy blade, getting a feel for its weight and balance. He gives it a few experimental swings, nearly taking out the nearby tech's ankles as the reach is quite a bit greater than his axe. "Oops, sorry! It'll take some getting used to, but this is truly amazing! Thank you all so so much for helping me!" Marble gives everyone a beaming smile, shaking some hands and saying his goodbyes as he heads over to Martin and Russel, presenting his new blade. "Isn't this incredible! It's pretty different from my axe though, more than I thought it'd be. I know most of your warriors use rifles... Is there anyone who could train me with this?" (Looking to learn Kenjutsu, the sword martial art)

“I think so. I know a couple pioneers who use blades like that. He’s across the planet though, we would need to catch a plane. I don’t think you’ll become a master in a day, but he’s someone you can spend time with between things”

"Sounds good to me! Gotta warn you though, I'm not the fastest with my short legs if we're trying to catch this "plane" or whatever. Do we need a big net or maybe set a trap? Anyway, seems like you know what you're doing so uh I'll leave that to you. I don't expect to master anything right away, but I will always do my best and try really hard!"

2

They laugh and you are brought back up to the surface. A narrow, dagger like plane waits for you at the airport , it’s engines running as the stairs lower. “Marble this is an airplane. Like a metal bird. It’s going to take us to a different part of the planet so you can meet our friend who’s good with swords”

"Oh wow! And a bird is like... a bat with strange fur right? I've heard of those!" Marble hops in the plane after them, observing the similarities and differences between this and the much larger ship he flew in leaving his home. "Doesn't look like the wings are very good for flapping, but at least it looks sturdy if we crash! And I'm very excited to meet a new friend and learn new things, new things are great!" He gives a cheerful smile and settles in for the ride.

(Heading from Jagrati City, to Caldeum on the coasT)

8:05 AM

The plane takes off once everyone is aboard, which ends up being just the three of you, and the small atmojet crosses a wide ocean of endless blue, and a dense forest where thousands of different types of trees all mesh together to create an unbroken canopy in a riot of colors. "I never get tired of seeing it from up here"

"Wow, that's a lot of water! And I have no idea how this metal bat plane is flying without even flapping its wings! This sure is a big planet you have here, I'd like to explore even more of it next time I come!" Marble enjoys the view, marveling at the forest as they near their destination.

The plane sets down outside small city , much smaller than the one you just left. A vehicle that resembles a jeep has been rolled up to the Tarmac for you, and your explorer friends seem familiar with this process, already gathering their gear and heading towards it

Marble grabs his new sword and makes sure his pack is secure before exiting the plane and following along behind his friends.

The group exits the plane and begins heading into the small walled settlement. Two guards by the wooden gate salute your friends and stand aside. They walk in and head down the center avenue toward a large castle like building where a new batch of NMC army recruits are outside sparring with one another, practicing the well drilled nature of their squad tactics

After admiring the castle Marble watches the recruits. Though some things they do are familiar the squad based combat is completely new to him as Geon warriors generally fought as a group of individuals rather than a cohesive team. "I think lots of this stuff will be good to bring home too, not just things and technology!"

“I hope you’ll find plenty of good things here for you master Geon” Russell says after a few moments of walking. The sergeant at arms begins heading over to you, noticing the explorers and their alien counterpart. He pushes his way through mobs of sparring recruits and breaks into a wide smile.

10:29 PM

“I see my explorers have found a friend. An exotic one at that. That’s an impressive sword you have there sir”

"Thanks! I made it myself! Well... with a lot of help, but one day I'll learn to make things like this on my own!" Marble sticks a hand up for the sergeant to shake, "I'm Marble! I haven't fought with a sword before so my friends brought me to you to learn! Most of my experience is with axes, but I've also done a bit with clubs, fists, and now rifles too!"

"Ah so you've come to round out your education. I am an avowed weapon epicurean myself, pleased to have you with us. The sword is an elegant weapon..." he begins, leading you through the practice ground and the sparring infantry out there. "Its not like the bow or the spear, where you can hunt with it, as well as kill. The sword is something more refined, and meant only to kill. That means it takes specialized knowledge to use correctly, and you've come to the right place" The practice room is wood paneled, with several training dummies both stationary and mobile in its confines

"I'm a weapon epi.. sir... thing too! I eat rocks and plants which don't usually run away from me, so I don't really need to hunt. I just want to be able to protect my clan and friends and get really strong!" Marble takes the sword from his back, holding it in two hands and gripping it as he would an axe. "Alright, so do I hit these pretend humans now?"

The drill instructor shows you a mix of thrusts, slashes, and blocks, over the course of the day, and well into the night, giving you a rudimentary but field serviceable knowledge of the skill (lvl 0)

8:38 AM

He seems pleased, and you're invited back for more training when time allows, as the more advanced swordplay he knows is not something you can be trained to do in hours, or even days

Marble trains hard, his experience with other weapons helping despite the clear differences in techniques. When the lesson is over he salutes the sergeant, "Thank you for training me, it's been so much fun! I'll practice really hard and I'll show you how good I am next time I come! I have to head back home now but I promise I'll be back soon for more training!" He goes to find his explorer friends, but notices how late it is, realizing they are probably sleeping, so he decides to get some extra practice in with the dummies until morning.

The garrison sleeps tonight, with the sound of dummies being thwhacked in their ears. The next morning, at first light the explorers rouse themselves, seeing you are still awake. "I bet you're an expert now, all night training like that"

"One of the elder singers once told me "Marble, you've got no talent at all and you disappoint everyone who tries to teach you." So I decided to just work really hard and always do my best! Cause you don't need talent if you try hard enough! Of course, I'm still not very good at magic stuff, but I've gotten good at lots of other things! Like hitting pretend humans with this sword! Now I just have to get good at hitting real things--hopefully not humans though, all of you have been so nice so I shouldn't have to hit any of you!"

"Just like I am sure with Geon, there are good ones, and some can be bad, but we will hopefully not run into any bad ones. Are you ready to go? We have a long trip ahead of us"

"Yep! There's lots to see and do around here, but I'm also excited to get back home and help there too!" Marble grabs his sword and pack and follows Russel and Martin back to the plane.

The trip back up to orbit takes a few hours between the plane and orbital transfer. The ship in orbit has a full crew, this time with a full compliment of NMC marines, their green greatcoats and holstered laser lock pistols on belts. Their long rifles are locked in the ship armories already

7:42 AM

"Welcome back Geon friend!" The captains says. You can see he has gone through the trouble of modifying a seat for you to fit your wider frame

After unloading his pack and sword into his room, Marble hoists his short but stocky body into his new chair, wiggling around to get a feel for it, "Thanks captain! I had lots of fun on your planet! And you guys say there's countless more out there to explore? Amazing! I for sure want to see some others once we've got stuff set up at home!"

"There are many many more out there, and you're going to see a lot. Finding you is kind of a lesson though" he says, leaning back in the chair, "There is so much on the planets we did live on and explore, that we never even saw"

"Ahh! There's just so much to do and see, I don't even know what I want to do more!" Marble sighs with a smile, "But I'd better start with my home and get stuff settled there and help you guys get your new old place set up and all that stuff. Clan always comes first, and now you're part of the clan! Well, kind of, but close enough I'd say!"

"Right, well, we have two days before we make it back to Viggis where we picked you up. Settle in for a short trip master Geon, and we'll be off'

8:18 AM

(2 days of towntime)

(Let's start pilot 2/90)

Back at Viggis, the land below is unchanged since your departure, and the landing craft sets down in the same forest clearing, close to where the Geon were first encountered. "So , do you think its possible some of your people are still at the old cave? it was a long walk through tunnels from here to get to the place we cleared"

"Well it's been like... six days I think? So they've probably mostly moved by now, but you never know! We'll have to make a new bigger tunnel up to the surface so we can trade more easily. I have something that can speed the trip up though!" Marble's stubby fingers go through a quick but complicated gesture, the motions of spellcasting ingrained through meticulous practice. Russel and Martin feel a rush of energy flooding their legs and their movement quicken significantly. "This should make us a lot faster!" (Double movement speed for the scene)

"What is this Marble? I feel so light! "

"Magic! I may not be as good as the other apprentices but I do know some things!" Marble smiles as he skips along, his short legs propelling him much further than they should.

The trip to get to where the Geon have moved is half the time it normally takes, and you are all feeling fairly refreshed when you actually get there, as though you'd only been walking a short time. The Geon have burned the snail corpses though some of the shells have been broken down and repurposed into building materials, such as mortar for binding stones together. Several small dwellings are about halfway through construction, and a large fire burns though dug ventilation shafts and natural air exchangers in the center of the cavern.

Marble smiles as he watches the busy Geons work to reconstruct their home, "Ah, no place like home right? I guess we should meet with the elders to talk about everything that's happened and our plans for the future!" Marble wanders through the cavern, searching for the elders.

The elders are near the fire, looking outwards and admiring the construction. Occasionally, one of them breaks off to help direct a group of villagers get a more delicate part of a project completed

Marble cheerfully waddles over, excited to share his adventure with them. "Hey elders, I'm back! Russel and Martin are too!" Marble gives them an animated retelling of his last week abroad--the wonders of interstellar travel, the amazing technology, and his meeting with the human leaders. "And so they named me ambassador which means I get to help them understand our people and for us to learn about them too! The main things I need approval for is the agreements for trade and for them to be allowed to build a settlement nearby, but there are so many benefits I'm sure everyone will want to go through with it!"

The elders are not as excited about this as you thought they would be. "Humans, once again on our world. They've come for our rocks. humans consume, they do not live with harmony with the world, like we do. The rocks we have will never be enough. We do not think this will happen today, or soon, but we are worried that in time, they will simply take, rather than trade. this is why our ancestors went underground"

Marble's perpetual smile fades slightly at their words, "You... you knew about the humans before? All the ones I have met have been so nice, I can't imagine them just taking things without asking!... They helped us with the fire sticks! And... why would you keep our past a secret? Of course you won't trust humans if you can't even trust our clan! We're stronger than you think!"

“Marble. There are things about them you do not understand” For their part , your companions seem to be restraining themselves, recognizing this is almost like a family issue for you, and are beginning to inch away from the group

"That may be so. But I think there are things you don't understand either." Marble points back to his retreating friends, "Martin and Russel are good people. The humans on the ship are good too. And the smiths and the sergeant. Sure, there may be thousands more I haven't met, but why would we turn away the good ones just because some are bad? What did they do that's so horrible that I should turn my back on my friends?"

"They will begin taking more and more, as they did with our ancestors generations ago. Humans consume, they do not live in peace with the environment they live on. We had hoped helping them, and them helping us, would be the end of the arrangment, but now they are here to stay'

"Then let's teach them! Allow them on our planet, but on our terms. We make sure they don't disrupt the natural balance and they teach us new things. We can make an outpost of our own on the surface for trading and only trusted friends allowed in our caverns. They don't follow our rules then they don't get rare stones."

The elders pause and ponder this for a moment

3:11 PM

"You... They're here now. Nothing will change that. Nothing can fix that, and even if we don't want them here, they will return, and overwhelm us. We try your idea Marble. It's all we have to do now. but if you want to know about the past, you have a gift. Find a skull, and use it"

Marble gives a polite bow, "I hope the humans prove you wrong elders. Thanks for your time." He turns and walks over to his human companions, "I've got something I need to do so make yourselves at home! Sorry that the elders didn't react how I thought they would... They'll come around though!"

“I think so too” Russell says, settling in near the fire. They watch in interest as you head out for your errands

Marble gives them a smile and a nod before leaving the main cavern though a side tunnel, spiraling down at a steep angle, the stone beneath his feet growing slightly warmer as he descends. Marble thinks of the deep cave where the remains of his clan's ancestors lie, picturing the long hallway lined with the stone exteriors of Geons past, hardened against time by an ancient stonesinger ritual. I hope the snail creatures didn't mess with anything down there...

Aside from a trail of slime on the steps, that the Geon have been trying to clean as best they can, the actual carvings and wall art itself seems to have been spared damage, somehow. Perhaps the gods are watching after all.

Marble walks slowly down the hall, fingers tracing the carvings in the wall as he makes his way to the end where the oldest Geons now rest. Reaching the far end of the hallway he takes note of how few they are compared to the vast crowds of humans he saw in the city. If the humans did actually end up being mean... I'm not sure we could stop them. He sits soberly on the stone floor, waiting for a moment to attune to the natural stone surrounding him as well as the stone shells of the dead. A low chant rumbles from his chest, like massive boulders slowly grinding against one another in a syncopated rhythm. Marble's hands rise, thick fingers surprisingly nimble as they trace geometric patterns, a dark energy trailing them as they move as he casts Query the Skull. Eyes still closed he calls out to his ancestors, beseeching them for wisdom and guidance. "What did the humans do that we fled underground? Why do the elders mistrust them so?"

The bones begin to rattle , and a pair of purple flames light in the eyes of one of the skulls there. “My child. You wish to know about the humans. I can tell you. Long ago we also lived in peace with them. We traded for gems and metals and got their technology and friendship in return. Some of us even began to live above ground in their cities. They demanded more. Always more. More goods. More supplies. More gems. It could not be done. When we could not provide them the goods they wanted, they thought we were hoarding them and came into the caves. They killed many geon while looking for riches we had already given away”

"I've met may humans who I know are good people and they would never do something like this! But... when I talked to their leaders they were very interested in our shiny stones. I'll do whatever I can to keep this from happening again but... I'm very new to all this. Ancient one, do you have any advice for how to best deal with these humans? How do I keep them from taking advantage of our clan?"

“The Geon must be a strong people themselves and do what is right for themselves. You cannot stop the humans from being here now. You can learn from them, and use what they teach you to keep the Geon strong. “

Marble smiles and nods, "Thanks for your wisdom, you can go back and rest now." As the energy dissipates Marble heads back down the tunnel and up to the main cavern where his human friends wait.

The skull chatters, and then goes silent. Russel and the others are hunched by the fire. One of them is cooking the meat component of his rations over the open fire

Marble wanders over and sits next to them, mind still preoccupied with all he learned recently. After a moment he looks up and smiles at them, "Well if we're gonna make this work we might as well come up with a plan! I'm gonna need some more assurances from your parlamig. Parlyming? Parliament! Anyway I'll need your help to work out some sort of trade agreement they can't easily take advantage of. Also the human access to our tunnels and caves needs to be restricted. I'll let you guys figure out who gets to come and stuff but we don't want crowds like in your city and we need to be able to trust the ones that come here. Lastly we'll need some defenses, mostly against people who try to sneak in or do bad things without your clan's permission. More guards, better weapons, and some kind of way to tell which humans are supposed to be here. Seems like for most of this stuff we need to talk to your leaders again, but there's been so much talking lately and I really wanna try out my new sword. So! Before we go back to your home planet let's do something fun here first! Maybe scout out a place for your new settlement and kill some bad things while we're at it!"

“A Hunt!” Russell cries in excitement. “A hunt is exactly what we need to break this tension. I want something big though. More than a snail”

8:26 AM

“I saw some lakes nearby here. What do you think? Stake them out and see what comes to visit?”

Marble grins, "I don't know much about the surface here, I bet there's some really big or dangerous things out there to find!"

Russel seems to be listening to the radio worked into the collar of his clothing. “Sounds like another ship just arrived. They’ll probably be deploying scouts around that lake too since we marked it safe. What do you think, should we meet up with them?”

"Sure! Meeting new friends is always nice! Umm... mind if I rest a bit? I don't need to sleep but using magic really wears me out and I'd like to be in top shape if we're going to be fighting!"

(Used 2/2 spell slots, so wanting to recoup those before we go)

(For sure. I think they’d be glad to chill a bit before racing off into danger too) (edited)

Marble finds a spare jug of redmoss ale, the harshly bitter vice of most Geons. He pours each of his friends a healthy amount of the dark brown beverage, raising a clay mug to toast the future friendship of Geon and human. The small Geon throws his ale back, thinking of all the changes the last few weeks have brought. It's only been about a week since I defending my home against those snails but it feels like it's been way longer with how much has happened!

The drinks are passed around several times and it appears the other scouting party has declined merging up. More of a hunt for you, it appears. The group spends some time relaxing and finally you feel refreshed . Supplies are checked. Weapons are cleaned , and the group prepares to head out to the lake to see what might be there right now

"Well, their loss for not joining! Let's go!" Marble happily leads the way through the tunnels to the surface, new blade and rifle both slung over his shoulders.

Exiting the tunnels the group turns south towards the lake, Marble once again taking in all the sights with wonder clear on his face. He pokes around on his newly acquired compad, though most functions are limited by his very basic reading ability. "Wow, so this is my whole planet? Maps are so cool! If this is where the tunnels are looks like the lake is very close!" He happily leads the way, watching the map in excitement as they get closer.

You emerge from the settlement into the crisp forest, the pines crunching underfoot as you step into fresh air. Birds caw from the trees and dozens of rodents and forest reptiles scatter at your sudden appearance. "Something with a skin, or fur" russel says, tihnking to himself. "I want to go back to Jagrati with a new rug for my cabin"

"The only thing in our caves like that are bats and they don't make good rugs. Outside I've mostly just seen humans and I don't think you'd make a very pretty rug either. I'd like to see more furry skin things!" Marble points to some of the small creatures in the surrounding forest, "Ooh, strange wingless bats with bushy tails! They look tastier than bats, though not as good as certain rocks. Too bad you wimpy humans have bad teeth for eating rocks, maybe then you could grow some armor around your frail skin!" Marble gives a mirthful teasing chuckle at the oddities of humans and continues southward through the forest.

a trail of large prints begins leading toward the lake. they're about a meter in size from toe to heel. Some are deep enough to have small puddles of water in them

Marble walks past a few of the tracks before Russell points them out, "Oh! Whatever this is looks pretty big huh? Not sure if it has fur or not but I bet it'll be fun to fight!" Marble follows the tracks, mimicking the humans as they get low and move carefully so as not to alert whatever they are tracking.

(lets get a sneak/dex)

(4

️‍♂️)

3

There is a flash of rainbow feathers from the path ahead, before something drops from the trees 20m away from you

11:07 AM

4

11:08 AM

It growls, dropping the half eaten rodent currently being taken to pieces within its jaws

(Brb gotta respec gaia cause that's the coolest thing ever)

2

Marble jumps in surprise at the creature's sudden appearance, instinctually drawing his sword, "Wow! A giant rainbow bat! It's soo cute! I hope it won't mind if I take a few of its feathers for my hat!"

(initiative)

2:17 PM

It hunches low, bloody fangs bared, and wings flaring out to make it appear much larger than it is

(6 [4+2 from his martial art-0])

(3)

2:41 PM

(you didnt even need your bonus

)

Too far to reach the beast quickly Marble first fires with his rifle before rushing forward with his blade, choosing to close the distance target than bothering to reload the gun. (20/12)

The shot is clean, even though the rifle was discarded in haste. (22/8,) Russel also makes a hit, though the other misses, and they have elected to hang back and reload, hurriedely preparing another volley. The wolf is wounded, twice, and dozens of its blood streaked rainbow feathers carpet the forest path. It lunges forward, triyng to close its jaws around marbles arm (25/3)

The wolf's teeth crunch solidly around his arm, though Marble's stony exterior is hard enough to avoid greater damage. He pushes the beast off before swinging his heavy sword at an exposed shoulder. (24/9)

As the sword makes contact an almost invisible red cloud of energy streams down the blade and into Marble. He shivers slightly as it enters him and the hairline cracks on his arm where the beast struck him begin to close. (Heal 4 from Consume Life Energy)

The wolf lunges for you from above, but the dive is too deep, and it angles down behind you, unable to make contact

Marble throws a wide swing behind him, using the momentum to turn and power the blow while the beast is off balance. (23/17)

There is a strangled yelp, as the blade catches the beast in the neck, the cut and gushing blood turning the white fur a deep crimson. The heavy sword pins the weakening beast to the ground, and it stops thrashing after a few seconds

"Wow, it's so beautiful! Alright, let's skin and clean it! Yeah, you gotta help! I'm supposed to teach you humans how to live with nature instead of against it. The first rule of hunting is you use every bit of your prey. Nothing wrong with taking life, but you have to honor that life by making it useful after death--no hunting just for sport. So, let's get cleaning! This'll taste better than bat for sure!"

(so we will get some meat, 100 rainbow feathers remaining in a condition you can do something with, the pelt, and the bones)

2:46 PM

(everyones combined survival skills are good, so no roll there, but if we want to make stuff, we will need to figure that portion of it out later when time allows)

(Sounds good. Does that take up most of our pack space or could we go after the big foot thing too?)

(thats about half the space you have on you, between everyone)

Marble finishes packing away their goods then looks towards the large tracks they were following, "Well that bat wasn't big enough to make these prints, so we've still got some game to catch!" Happy with their progress so far Marble skips along the path, once again trailing the large footprints.

Heading to the edge of the water, on the opposite bank, a terrifying creature has its face in the cool liquid, drinking noisily

7:45 AM

3

(How far across is the lake?)

(200m)

(Judging by its size is this what was making the tracks? And do they lead into the water or around?)

(into the water, he must have gone under and come out the other side , and yes hes about the size)

"Woah that weird creature is huge! Looks kinda like it's made from roots or something! We can hit it from here with our rifles but then we probably would just have to wait till it got out if the water over here to hit it again. Unless you guys have a better plan?"

"It doesn't look like its noticed us yet. We could try for a clean shot, we just need to take our time and set ourselves up here"

"Oh! Good idea! Guess I'm not used to fighting at range or bring sneaky yet. Glad I have you two with me!" Marble smiles before unslinging his rifle and taking careful aim at the beast, Russell and Martin doing the same with theirs.

3:15 PM

(Shoot/con 6 for execution)

(i think a ranged execution is with dex )

(He has the weapon Unity focus that makes it with con)

The shot goes wide at this medium range, blasting a section of branch out from a tree behind the beast. It jumps up, if something that big can be described as jumping up, and dives into the water, a trail of bubbles making its way closer to you. Your two companions fire, but their shots are hard to gauge as the beams hit the water, throwing up twin microgeysers of steam

8:19 AM

(its action was to double move toward you, you reckon it has another round to do that before its out of the water on your side, and on you)

Marble reslings his rifle on his back, pulling out his sword. He holds it defensively and motions back to his friends, "Stand back so you can support with your rifles. We don't want your flimsy human skin getting broken!" (Using the Total Defense action till it appears, +2 to AC)

Several clods of mud and sediment from the bottom are hurled by the vines from the beasts back, as it scrambles to move close to you, missing by wide margins as it emerges from the water, roaring

9:24 AM

(double move to close, as martin and the other explorer reposition)

Marble swings a heavy blow toward the beast's closest leg, cutting deeply into vine and root. (25/17)

(physical effect save)

(Success 12v10)

The clinging sap bursting from the wound does not manage to accumulate on you for now

1:20 PM

(23/12 for Russel) Russel manages a clean shot, blowing some of the vines from the beasts side, as it rages. Martin fires a hair too late, cursing himself for doing so

1:21 PM

THe beast stomps down, lashing Marble with its vines and thorns like whips

1:21 PM

(24/8)

Marble shakes off the sap just in time to be walloped by the beast, leaving small cracks and scratch marks on his stones. His sword slashes out at the creature's flank, extending his reach to try and avoid the bursting sap. Another translucent stream of energy flows from the beast's wounds into Marble, sealing a few of his cracks. (22/13; heal 3)

(Physical effect save ahain)

(Save 10v10)

The clinging sap avoids sticking to you and bogging you down. Your companions are involved with reloading their weapons. (23/6) the lashing vines strike back out again at marble as the beast tries to the the fight

The vines knock Marble off balance so his next swing is merely a glancing blow as he tries to regain his footing. (6 shock v AC15)

(19/4) Martin scores a hit this time as Russell does not. Smoke curls from the muzzles of each of their weapons. The beast howls as an eye is blown out

2:01 PM

It responds this time at the two companions, and Russel is knocked to the ground, ribs breaking and bones snapping as a hulk of vine takes his feet and dashes him against a tree. (Non nat 20/9. Hes got 1 left)

(Did it have to move to hit Russell since they were further back? Would Marble get an attack of opportunity?)

(It’s using a ranged attack, essentially. I gave it a -4 penalty for also being engaged in melee)

(Oh gotcha

)

Marble cries out as his friend is hurt, striking at the beast and hoping to draw its attention back to him. (15/14)

The beast is Not injured but is now fully paying attention to you ahain. Martin opens the first aid kit on his leg and begins fishing around for something within (21/8) the vines lash at marble In a stinging tide of thorns and dense wood

A thick, dark fluid begins to seep through the cracks in Marble's skin as he takes the blows to defend his friends. Its attention fully on Marble allows him to counter with a direct hit, smacking the side of its head with the flat of his blade. (21/15; heal 4)

The creature bellows as its teeth are cracked, and more of the skull beyond as well. It staggers left, on struggling legs, blood pumping from severe and deep wounds, before falling over, crushing smaller branches and pinecones under its bulk. It gives another two deep breaths before the last of its life trickles away

As soon as Marble realizes the fight is over he rushes over to his friend, "Russell, are you ok?!" He places a hand on Russell's chest, unconcerned about his own wounds, watching Martin prepare the first aid kit. Suddenly a rush of the same translucent red energy he absorbed from the beast flows out of Marble and into his friend. Russell's wounds slowly close and his bones creak as they realign and heal. Suddenly dizzy, Marble sits heavily beside him, the flow of dark earth brown blood increases from his cracked stone as the energy leaves him. (Life Bridge - transferring 9 health from Marble to Rus)

(is marble critically injured now?)

(Not critically no, he's got 8 health left)

(

)

Russel breathes a little more freely, as he begins taking in air without the wracking pain of his crushed ribs. He pulls himself up under his own weight after a minute, happy to be somewhat stepped back from the verge of death

Marble smiles, breathing heavily as the adrenaline of battle leaves him. "Well that was fun! Glad you're alright Rus, I'd hate to see you hurt like that again!"

"I'd hate to be hurt like that again" he says, spitting up the last of now clotting blood

Marble stands, wobbling slightly before steadying himself. "Alright, let's see what this beastie has to offer us then head back home! I wouldn't want to get caught by something even bigger if we linger too long!" He goes over to the strange plant creature to see what kind of being it is and what they could take from it.

Vines from its back could be cut away, and the jaw looks to be intact. It’s hard to tell what else the body might be used for. The meat smells rancid this close to the beast

Marble grimaces at the smell, "Let's leave the meat for something that would enjoy it more... But we can take these vines and other bits back." He begins the harvesting process, leaving unusable pieces behind for nature to consume at its own pace. "You don't have to use everything to honor the beast, you just can't only kill it for sport and use nothing, that would just be rude!"

They both help with your work as best they're able, and after a few hours the beast is field stripped of anything that looks remotely useful or valuable

"Looks like we have everything! Now we need to get back home before it gets dark up here!" Marble shoulders his now heavy pack and leads the way back to the tunnels and their cave.

(I am going to have Levi link up with you before we push on to Groa)

(Sounds good)

(so in total we have the materials taken from the wolf, the materials gathered from the vine monster, a plan for the construction of a human outpost here, the details of their interactions with Marble Tribe to be meeted out at a later date 9xp, and 50,000 credits for the arc)

(Sweet! Yeah he can meet with parliament again after Groa to work stuff out. Just saving most of the materials for now besides a few feathers for his hat and the rug he promised Russell. Is there enough fur/skin from the wolf for more than that or will the rug use most of it?)

(The rug will use most of it, aside from using the legs as like trim for a coat or cape)

(Sounds good. Just the rug for now, I'll hop into Levi's thread when he gets to Viggis and I'll post my level up when I get to it)

(Level 5: HP->46 Arcane Physique - Con Kenjutsu 0->1 Spell learned - Enfeebling Wave)

(Would Groa count for Marble's Explore a new planet goal? Or not since there wasn't a ton of exploring?)

(It counts

2

(16/90 for pilot)

Returning to Jagrati, orbital tugs and the other countless small boats needed to make a shipyard run take over the towing of the vessel, and swarms of shiprights, artisans, and other workers are eager to get aboard and begin the process of getting the ship back into service. Two other vessels are also being constructed in adjacent bays, more evidence that the NMC is on the rise again

(Goal bumped Marble to 8. HP: 70 Fix 0->1; 2 SP banked (one was already banked) Spell learned: Mantle of Disjecting Dissection)

(Unnamed Terminus Est blade)

4

(HOT)

(37/90 for pilot, forgot to post that lol)

(did we want to move marble hear for his trip back/summarY)

(Yeah we can finish off the RP here)

8:47 PM

(Havent been in my own thread for 3 months lol)

Marble returns to Jagrati, after spending several days, closer to weeks in spike space leapfrogging home along explored routes. King Deeveers is waiting, as word of the meeting was sent ahead as the crow flies, and he has had some days to prepare. Large stacks of data pads, hardcopy papers, and even a few scrolls are left on the large work desk of his, and its clear he has been reviewing as many prisoner files as his other duties would allow him time to look at.

Marble enters wearing the tricorn hat Martin gave him what seems like years ago now, a plume of rainbow feathers sprouting above him and a new Void Wardens pin attached to the front. "Hi King Deeveers! It's me, Marble! Looks like you've been pretty busy lately huh? Alrighty, so here's the deal. None of the prisoners we'd be bringing back have hurt anyone, not when they did whatever bad thing that got them locked up, and more importantly not when things went crazy and NMC abandoned them. The ones who killed their guards and stuff and are really bad we for sure just want to leave there. So whatever their crimes were, they've been locked up a while and then forced to survive without our help, so in a way we owe them a debt. Thankfully it's a really easy one to pay off! All we have to do is let them come home! And I know you've got a big list of bad things these people did so I have one more suggestion! Any of the prisoners that make you nervous about releasing here you can send to me on Viggis! Russell and Martin have been working hard with my clan getting stuff set up for our little trading post town and we'd be happy to have them there with us! They'd be watched closely by the geon guards for a while but once they've proven we can trust them then they'll just be citizens of the town!"

"I am reviewing some files here, i see the low security prisoners like you said, are mostly debtors or accused of non violent crimes. There are a few who would be remanded to custody here on Jagrati, but they would be near surviving family again. Many of these people have no other worlds to go back to, sadly" He sighs. "And that is my failing. You are right, my Geon friend, we do owe them something. They have paid their debt to society, and now we need as many people as we can to rebuild the Cooperative"

Marble waddles over, reaching up to place a hand on the king's shoulder. "All we can do is our best! And I know these people are ready to help as long as you're willing to help them right back! That's what a clan is for right? If everyone does their best to help each other, then everyone can be their best self!" Marble smiles then walks towards the door, "I'll be heading home now, you send me some people who think they can live the Geon way and we'll fix this nation together!"

“We will fix this nation together. I’ll send them to work with you and learn what it means to be a family again. That’s what this Cooperative was always meant to be, and I know many of us forgot that fact as we continued expanding. This is a chance to start again, and try to do this right”

Marble simply smiles and nods before leaving, heading back to his planet to help create a new home for these people to have a second chance at life. He turns back for one last glance at the city before boarding the ship, taking in the bustling crowds of people, "Silly wingless bats with their credits and crime. We'll get you living like Geons eventually! They'll still be hideous with their fleshy weird skin and fur, not much we can do about that, but most of them are good people just trying their best to get by! All they need to do is to form some connections and learn to help each other instead of themselves! That's a pretty easy fix, right?" Marble smiles happily and skips up the ramp to the ship, excited to begin this next new adventure.