Iron Stars - artifice

Artifice , one of hundreds of minds implanted in the Quantum Sphere of Togetherness and Social Inclusion feels a sense of separation and quiet as his mind is bathed in physical sensation. The shell around Artifice comes online, slowly, as the complicated systems spool up for what could generously be called life- not just life- but the apex of it. The chosen shell is beautiful, a plated, many armed construction perfectly suited for the process of mixing, mashing, and combining the wonderous elements of life and the universe itself into bottles.

3

Artifice stands slowly and elegantly, his angular form tall and slender. He takes a deep breath, relishing the sensations of a physical body. I forgot how... quiet it is. Outside the sphere. He takes a step, marveling at the fluidity of motion. Lithe of limb with limber musculature. Lovely. He raises his arms around him and speaks aloud for the first time in his new shell, "Perfection. And yet. This is merely the optimal form capable of being created. Imperfections within perfection. Perfect." His voice has an androgynous, musical quality to it. "How I lived with fewer than six arms before I cannot comprehend. Delicate decanting, assuredly alembic, quality quaffs shall be of no nuisance! Clearly six is the optimal option. Four is hardly better than two and two might as well be none for their usefulness." He begins to walk towards the door but stops, "And yet! Perfection is somehow subjective. But how?! Ah, of course. The subject! Six limbs of graceful movement might mix, stir, and pour most marvelously but so many might manage to mingle incongruously when maiming monsters! Ah, but I pontificate. Brother Pride would be proud. Alas, the silence begs me to fill it so used I am to the chaotic cacophony of my siblings' singing." Artifice finally continues forward and out the door, "Hence to the laboratory! Surely I have one around somewhere. I suppose I should see the sights years of progress have wrought of our cavernous home."

The Children of Joy live in an underground city beneath their featureless planet. It is an indeterminate distance from the L Gate, and close to the abandoned array first discovered by Cayne Neverwinter. The lift descends to a small hilltop raised area. The motorpool is nearby where you can see at least fifty of the hover tanks parked in a neat formation. Warbots plugged neatly into charging cradles wait for their need to either defend the city or defend the aboveground of this world- but they have never been needed for more than scouting before. The city itself is carved into the rock of the planet and most buildings are lit from within by soothing purple lights. The cave roof itself has lights of the same hue embedded in it, though they are more haphazardly placed and remind you of stars. The laboratory is a few streets away from the station where you entered your chosen workform via template download, and your steps take you through quiet streets to the front of the building. Large doors gently rumble open, and a soft purple light matching the rest bathes you from inside.

"I could have sworn we had red lights last I was out. I suppose styles switch on occasion. I am not sure how long it has been—I admittedly was dangerously distracted by my projects and failed to measure the passing time. Ah well, only time will tell." He enters the lab and immediately begins to take stock of the tools and ingredients available. "Hmm. Simply insufficient for naught but the simplest solutions. Ah well, I have plans for procuring more potent agents. For now it is time to test this body!... Admittedly, as well as my alchemical memory." Artifice begins preparing one of the most basic but essential elixirs, pleased to find everything he needs for it here. (Work/int 9v8) "Ah, success! An elixir of sanctified healing! Not the most useful when the majority of Children tend to not get injured, but it is likely I will require occasional mending when I am able to test out my new form!" He inspects the elixirs carefully, "Ah, but this will lose potency quite quickly! Finer and more refined materials matter! Hmph. No matter, I shall not be displeased when this form's performance performed quite more than perfunctory!"

(Threw a few goals up when you've got time)

The ingredients as you've noticed are lacking, and the moon offers little in the way of a biosphere at all. The Children simply decided to stop cultivating a mundane one, one day, and have not decided on a replacement fantastical enough that they could not simulate inside the quantum mind. The gate is always capable of bringing you to the...normal...side, and you shudder in your frame to think of what the mundanes must be doing there

"Ah yes, I remember the Sphere collapsing into chaos when the gate opened. Oh Ecstasy was so smug to have made first contact. I recused myself from the debates at the time of course. Sending shells off to those lands starved of the energy upon which we thrive seemed insignificant next to my projects and simulations. Alas, am I now to starve myself? I think not. Yet, at least. Tragically my dear Siblings have neglected the nurturing of nature, not that I am well dispossessed to garden greenery. Hmph. Perhaps a few choice changes to form could retroactively predispose myself. For now I am dependent on external sources however. Before deigning to descend to walk amongst mortals let us see our options locally." Artifice looks at his compad to see if there is information on any of the surrounding planets. (Also what planet are the CoJ on?)

(they are on Selvone)

00:26

There is little hard data in CoJ networks about what might surround them. The passage of years outside the quantum bubble is just blips in the log, noted as nothing more than a door opening or closing in part of the city. simply put, no one knows, because no one has cared to know. Venturing afar when the utopia and intrigue that comes with it exist with just a thought- the idea of travel or exertion is as alien as the natives of the surrounding regions

Artifice sighs in frustration, "Oh you lazy lackadaisicals! Letting the planet relapse to ruin, regardless of reason! It is apparent the perpetual passage of time has tick-tocked none too timidly during my regretful repast. Where is Vivacity? She always favored flavourful flowers. Has Brother Boredom casually corrupted Children with the dreadful delights of nothingness? I must call myself Artifice no longer and become Disgust if this is so!" He places a hand to his head in weary woe, "I must visit with my Siblings before venturing forth. I must suppose the lively few flew through the gate with their dashing human hero to escape the dreary dulldrums so many are pleased to pursue." Artifice leaves his laboratory to seek out other Children to check on their wellbeing.

(Connect/cha)

(10)

There are three other shells walking about right now, Fancy, Cumbersome, and Melancholy all walk the city. They seem to be the only ones in Easy reach outside the groupmind

"Bah, naturally none of my allies of days past are around. Knowing their nature one can assume those wishing to do something are off doing something. And I am left to be either burdened or depressed by these idiotic idealists. I suppose Fancy will suit my wishes best. I also suppose I should not think aloud when around others. What a bother." Artifice approaches Fancy, sweeping his arms in an appropriately fancy bow. "Fancy my friend! I am fearsomely fresh from the womb and it appears to have been longer than anticipated between past and present appearances. Care to catch me up on the latest fancies of the Children outside?"

Ah Artiface! my friend, for art often goes hand in hand with the delicate and the beautiful!" Fancy reclines on a triple jointed spine , small puffs of air help move the bones into the right places. "sister Gethed is out exploring the physical realm departing with some kind of snake-person on something they call a "Beer run" . How peculiar! "

"Snake people? Positively perplexing! The Quantum Sphere was quite quarrelsome concerning the decision of some Children to leave. It is pleasing to note at least one has survived this long, with the assumption others too have not succumbed to the drought of energy at their disposal. How many left with Gethed and have repercussions been discovered?"

"I did not inventory all the forms leaving (ooc i forgot how many) . There were some complications. I fear those Galatean dogs have scanned one of those who was in danger of succumbing to metaspace depravation, and may now have at least the biological side for the plans for a Terminus. This must not stand"

Artifice gives a slight smile, "Ah, and I see yourself and the others simply jumping at the bit to recover this, yes? With something so important you would not simply wait for one more industrious to come along, yes?"

(You're asking why they haven't done it?)

(Yeah, he's mostly just expressing his frustration at their general complacency concerning the planet/exploration and stuff that their tech and lifestyle has given them.)

Fancy turns, to reveal an ether crack in the shell they are using. "Sadly I have not been able to repair this model, or I would have gone myself"

Artifice's inspects the crack, his jovial manner instantly gone, "Oh you poor dear." He pulls out his healing elixir, "Are you in pain? This is doubtless to weak to repair the crack but might bring some relief." He hands her the elixir. "Try it and see." He watches closely, almost more interested in the results of his potion than fixing Fancy.

Fancy imbibes deeply, their incredibly artful and intricate fingers and arms clicking and whirring musically as they do so. There is a flare of inner light, and some of the wheels in its arms begin spinning faster. A web of connective material begins spreading over the breach. As predicted, not enough to repair the damage enough to fix the condition, but it is a start. "Indeed. This model will have a blemish. A shame. "

A grin lights his face at the elixir's success, "Ah, but there is beauty in imperfection too yes? The best art tells a story, and no story is complete without conflict and resolution. And the best artists cannot become great without a great many mistakes. And if I know anything about you dear, you'll have others marking themselves in imitation, wishing they could be as imperfectly perfect as yourself!"

2

"To fill something with gold was seen as making art of damaged things on Old Earth, perhaps I shall do the same. Thank you for this, Artiface. Your favor will be remembered"

"Mmm, there exists excessive examples of escapades to be had both in service to myself and our city. I had planned on restocking my laboratory and cultivating the beginnings of an alchemical garden. If I may already call upon your favor I will repay in kind. I ask not for you to braves the barrens above the city, merely to find fine sample and seedlings of a local dialect to be delivered to my own laboratory. For particularly aether dense plants I will trade my services for their procurement. If you would willingly aid me thusly, I will leave through the gate and return post haste with the Terminus plans so crudely snatched from our grasp."

"I cannot promise much exists on the surface, but I will see if anything has survived in some corner of the world. In exchange you will ensure they do not get terminus plans?"

"The surface might not contain much. But within the city I do not doubt I am the only one to wish for a garden. Surely a few small cuttings would not be missed. As for the Galateans, while I highly doubt the brutes could replicate our frames I will surely ensure they get naught a chance. Do you know which of their squabbling tribes observed our kin?"

"Arktopia, on the mountains. The False Swiss will not get our plans. I will find what I can to assist your venture"

"Very well. Fare thee well, Fancy dear. Please do alert me if another healing draught is needed as I would happily help." Artifice nods and heads back to his lab to prepare for a journey outside the gate. "Hmm, my war form will likely go untested during these trials but perhaps I can formulate a form better suited for subtlety. Glancing at a map it shall approximate a week of travel which would be plenty of time." Artifice gathers various alchemical tools and other supplies he might need for the journey before heading towards the elevator to the surface.

On the surface, a hover-scout is waiting, a fast vehicle meant to gobble up ground quickly. Two warbots sit hunched in drop cradles if they end up being needed , but the surface has been barren for a very long time aside from the occasional friendly UNW scouting party Far from an alliance or even reliable trade partner, the UNW has none the less proven themselves willing to help when needed- especially in clearing out the infestation from that side of the gate

"I shall need to rely on this UNW for transport on the other side.. I have little in the way of credits, but perchance my services can be offered in exchange." Artifice boards the scout and begins heading toward the gate, keeping an eye on the horizon just in case.

Close to the gate a radar ping is displayed on the scanner signifying a metallic object about the size of your own vehicle

(In the direction of the gate or something else?)

(near the gate yeh)

"Ah, it seems a sentry of either our own or otherwise stands sentinel nearby, at least I assume. Twould be best to show cautiousness despite my doubt of danger." Artifice prepares to release the war bots as he draws closer to the detected object in case of threat.

(program/int)

(4)

You're not able to get a signature back from the vehicle on the horizon. You can see its dust clouds, and its made of a darkened material- similar in pattern to your own hovertank but with some modifications done to it.

"I now admit the need to familiarize myself with the technological advancements manufacturerd during my absence. Alas, caution must needs prove its worth once more. Its lack precipitated the last mistake of lives previous. Thusly an abundance shant be an overabundance." Artifice adjusts the scout to continue towards the mysterious vehicle as he slips out and continues after it on foot, crouched down to watch what happens.

The vehicle as you approach is matte black, and a silver symbol of a howling wolf is painted across the side. There is no transponder traffic coming from the vehicle and you can see that door guns have replaced the robotic cradles that your own model has- no doubt there are several beings aboard.

"Ah, I suspect my suspicion unwarranted. Assuming the data collected correct, these supposed 'wolves' hold the gate and are, in fact, not lupine in nature but human." Artifice instructs his own scout to wait for him as he strides over to the new vehicle, arms clasped behind his back.

The vehicle setss down and a man in pearlescent white power armor emerges from it. Two large pistols sit in holsters on his waist and a large rifle is steapped to his back firmly. The helmet has no features on it, a smooth surface made of the same pearlescent material, though he snaps the neck seals and removes it. Underneath is a mane of spiked blonde hair, and a dazzling white smile. You also notice a flask tucked into a belt pouch next to spare pistol magazines

19:00

"Hello there! Names Cayne Neverwinter. Didn't expect to find anyone, just doing a little testing on a new scout tank model I came up with'

Artifice steps closer to inspect the armor, getting much closer than humans typically do but seeming not to notice any discomfort caused. "Brilliantly beautiful. Dare I say dazzling? One may always anticipate humans making an art of war, Cayne Neverwinter. Artifice is what most call me. You are the keeper of this gate then?"

"I am the keeper of the human side of this gate, yes. I came to an arrangement with your...glowmind, thing. First time I saw it, let me tell you there Artsy, I thought i was accidently drunker than normal. All you guys just hang out in that big sun ball thingy? all day long?'

Artifice pauses in his inspection of the armor, shuddering slightly "Ah. Artful as your armaments might be the utterances I assume to be speech are somewhat lacking. Presumably your query correlates to the Quantum Sphere within which our minds reside? A majority multitude of our members lack either the desire or shell to exist externally, this is true. I imagine it quite quiet and lonely, your lone mind in such spacious sequestration."

"Oh my mind is loud enough" he says, patting the flask on his belt. "Anyway though, glad you werent a foe. Would have hated to blast you. What are you doing out here anyway"

"I am to follow in the footsteps of my siblings, henceforth through the gate with Galatea as the end point. Alas but for transport to transpire a method of transit is required. In return for which I would offer my services. Have you need of assistance perchance within my purview?"

"Well, there is something maybe a little weird that you could help me with, but I suppose it depends on what you know how to do"

"Alchemy is my professed profession, plus I possess plenty of potential pertaining to a plethora of prominent positions. What are you in need of aid for?"

“Well, got some issues with the water supply on my side of the gate. Locals keep getting sick. Doesn’t matter how much we filter it. Nothing working. “

03:47

“Think you’re capable of An antidote?”

"A certain specific solution should solve several problems, the problem then becoming discerning the correct solution. I am able to attempt an alchemical antidote. Shall we traverse the gate?"

Cayne spits, replacing his helmet. The speaker booms. "Mount up, follow me through and park next to me when we pass through to the other side"

"Gladly" Artfice turns and heads back to his own scout and lets Cayne lead the way to the gate.

Heading through the gate, the hovertanks are greeted with a massive earthen ramp that goes from 1km underground, gradually up to the surface- though a fortress within a fortress has been constructed here. A keep watches over the gate, emerging into a massive trade and security complex with walls, towers, encased artillery, and air-space defenses. This place is a bastion for the free peoples of Asgapur, against a countryside riddled with bandits, lingering undead, and rumors of worse.

Artifice closes his eyes as he passes through the gate, closely inspecting any bodily differences. "Ah yes, the aether density is detectably deficient. A diminutive deficifit draws directly, the draining diminishing durability. Duration decides drought, more dramatically, death." Opening his eyes he takes in the defenses, giving Cayne a complimentary nod. "Well you have done to defend your side. We will be without worry of unintentional trespassers. Where is this water supply? Inspection of it and likely a patient will be necessary."

"Patients we have dozens of in the camp infirmary. If you want to stay inside the walls while you get your sea legs that might be a good place to start. If you want to get the hard part out of the way first, we can hop back in the tanks and I can bring you out to the reserve lake we've been pumping from. THere's no other water around here that isnt contaminated, and I don't trust the water table here. Way too much weird shit happened at this site for me to ever feel comfortable drinking it"

"Mmm, undead contaminants would likely be problematic to consume, yes. Though possibly your potential problem therein lies. I admit my affinity for fluids does not thus far include humans despite their majority liquid makeup. As such, with surveying the reserve I have fewer reservations."

"Fewer reservations? Does that mean you're not gonna do it?" Cayne asks, taking a long swig of his drink right after

"Reservation: a qualification to an expression of agreement, or, in simple terms for you, doubt. To have fewer doubts is doubtless better than doubting, yes? As such, I shall observe the reserve. If somehow still you misunderstand, yes I'm gonna do it." Artifice says this last part mockingly imitating Cayne's accent, his face twisted as if speaking that way is painful to him.

Cayne grunts and lights a cigar as he hops back in his vehicle. “Follow me then” he calls out over its inbuilt comms

Artifice remounts his own vehicle and follows after Cayne. "A rather brutish oaf this Cayne. Makes me miss musing magnificent mysteries with my siblings in the Quantum Sphere. Alas, despite what many of them claim, perfection is unreachable without action, without which thought is without purpose. Thus I will endeavor a study of these humans, hopefully having aspects with which to improve my own designs."

The hovertanks streak out over the plains and oyu see the wrecks of many burnt out vehicles as you pass. Most of them were ramshackle even before being gutted by fires. Blackened skeletons hang from many of them.

"Many deceased due to undue destruction. Doubtless could have I used such a sight for my studies. War form needs further examples to experiment with as well as to experience." Artifice continues follows closely behind Cayne.

Cayne’s vehicle speeds on, heading toward a large lake bordered on the western side by a cement dam. It has taken damage from fighting and a detachment of his people are watching over it. The pump houses have been turned into pillboxes and more wrecks litter the valley floor below

21:03

Some of the bodies have too many arms or too many legs. Some have too many heads

"To me it seems entirely expected for a lake in a land like this to contain contaminants. The juxtaposition between this nightmare and my own home is not lost on me." Artifice double checks his pack for his carefully packed alchemical tools as he continues over towards the lake with Cayne.

Cayne is standing there at lake's edge, with the rest of the 3 man crew of his vehicle. One of them is a woman, with similar facial features. Her helmet is off, and you can see the beginnings of a wolf's howling head tattoo behind her left ear

Artifice walks up, giving the woman a curious look, "Given the familial familiarity one can assume you to be... progeny? No, the differential is too close, mating would not have been possible given human maturation rates. Siblings then? Greetings sister of Cayne, I am Artifice."

"Alayna" she says back, offering a hand, but realizing you have too many to try to pinpoint one to shake

Artifice meets her hand with his middle right one and shakes it politely, giving her a nod before unslinging his pack and turning to Cayne, "I shall inspect the water now. I am unsure how long the testing will take so please have patience. If defense is necessary you may release the war bots on my scout to aid and I will offer my own albeit untested combat skills myself." Artifice approaches the lake with his alchemical supplies, carefully pulling on six sterile gloves before taking a water sample and beginning to run various tests on it for impurities and contaminants.

02:49

(Work/int?)

(work or know, your deciision)

(9)

Samples are collected. There is a mutagenic agent in the Dam that is not natural or based on the surrounding corpses. This was artificially introduced into the water by a likely act of sabotage

"Mmm, an intentional effort to sicken subjects it seems. Cayne, what symptoms are exhibited by those who imbibed? The unfortunate unnatural nature of the agent makes my musings minimally accurate lacking further details."

"Fever, throwing up blood, and then their veins turn black. The real unlucky ones begin to change. Extra limbs start to sprout, sharp teeth, all kinds of weird stuff"

14:21

"They look like the bodies we pass"

"Interesting. Two solutions will I need. One to counteract the active agent residing within the waters and another to cure the already afflicted." (Does he have enough information to start on the first part or does he need to check the patients first?)

(You've got the first part, we dont have the second, but the two antidote solution is correct)

Artifice heads back to his vehicle, ready to inspect the patients. "I must assume you have medics attending those afflicted. The workings of the human body are something I have yet to study. As such, aid would not be uncalled for."

"We're pretty thin on that. Couple medics for taking care of my guys, but nothing serious, not even a legit clinic right now"

"Ah, unfortunate. I shall still attempt an antidote, although an expert physician is highly suggested to properly provide treatment." Artifice begins heading back to the base.

"Before we go, what do you make of those bodies out there, t he ones that look wrong. You saw 'em on the way in. I know you did."

"Quite beautiful in their own way. Rapid artificial mutation, possibly greatly maladapting growth hormones to achieve their statuesque if grotesque appearance. I shall hopefully discover a replication to experiment with."

“You just might have one, there’s some sick with the stuff back at camp. Maybe you can make that a part two of your investigation. I can’t figure the shit out”

"Well if fecal matter is involved I shall examine that as well." Artifice nods sharply before boarding his scout and leading the way back to the camp.

3

The two vehicles return and pass through the armored gate. Pulling up next to the clinic, Cayne gets out and allows others to park the vehicle for him. Other humans around the camp cast uneasy looks in your direction, and at the medical tent you're about to go into.

Artifice glances around at those watching him. Ah, these people seem suddenly stunned by my stunning beauty. No doubt previous they thought their own base forms the pinnacle of perfection only to have their conception of artistry utterly obstructed by my own. He gives them a gracious nod before proceeding into the medical tent.

Inside the tent, close to 50 people in various states of sickness lie in cots attached to medical equipment. It's doing little more than keeping track of their vitals right now, the pharms and drugs normally needed here are not, and likely wouldnt be of aid to the mutagenic fever rampaging its way through the sick

Artifice pulls on medical gloves and approaches one of the patients, doing a basic check of vitals before taking a few samples of blood, saliva, and any sorts of discharge/mucus the illness might have caused.

(Heal/int 5 to take the samples since he's untrained)

You collect some fluids. If they're the sort you need, it is hard to be sure, as the baseline human form is so inefficient with far too many holes and leaks. The results are conflicting and lack sense

"Hmph. I apparently need to experiment on human bodies more to fully understand their crude form. I shall run my tests on what I have and hope that it is enough."

"Is there a more... sterile location within your camp for my mobile alchemy laboratory?"

"Sterile? well, i can kick alayna out of her spot for a little bit. Static free and actual walls. That work?"

Artifice nods hesitantly, "Sadly, I suppose that shall surely suffice. Please lead the way."

You are brought into something resembling a lab though the equipment is incredibly outdated, none of it even coming close to running on the flawless quantum spectrum you've become accustomed to always having on hand

05:02

Alayna stands, and begins moving her computer and other portable instruments out of your way

"Young Alayna you poor soul. I profess amazement at human resilience to rubbish resources. If laborious laboratory labor is your profession, do visit the Children's home sometime and make use of my own in hopes of labor less laborious." Artifice begins unpacking his own equipment to supplement the poor quality lab and prepares the samples to be tested and cross referenced with the results of testing the water.

3

After a few hours of testing it becomes clear the people are sick with the mutagenic poison in the water, and you may be able to slow the spread-or stop it, using a derivative of CoJ chem treatments that are used to alter the Termius bodies into their current forms

"I should be able to construct a curative concoction that will at least slow the poison, potentially stop it. I can also counteract the agent within the water. You have a tertiary problem however. Have you any suspicions for suspects who might have contaminated your lake?"

"There's some holdouts on the planet. Not serious enough for UNW attention- not until now anyway. People who were highly placed in the regime before mine. Saw humans working with the zombie hordes, the biters weren't biting them or nothin' , fuckers just hung out in the back with the heavy weapons"

"I see. The Children have a vested interest in investing in the defense of the gate. Once the concoctions are complete I will aid you once more if you wish. Truthfully the exercise examples ample excuse to experience experimentation with my war form. I lack exposure to combat personally, but through my studies within the Sphere I believe I have sufficient data to begin training in the field as they say. And since you egregiously require statements stated simply, what I mean is thusly said: I shall help you combat these malcontents. Galatea is not pressing, those Neanderthals will require years to study the terminus frame before comprehension is nigh."

"Well, I'll tell you what, you help me with this issue here, and if we can hide me helping you for your thing, I will. I don't follow the politicin much, but I know the others would get mad if I did something at the Galateans found out|

"We will find a way to keep you out of suspicion. No need to implicate anyone. We have an agreement then. If you would procure some supplies for me I shall get started on my work here." Artifice hands Cayne a list of the ingredients needed for both the cure and the neutralizing agent for the water before turning back and preparing his equipment. (edited)

It takes several hours before Cayne is able to return what’s needed, but everything is here and ready for your attempt at a cure

Artifice works diligently, already very familiar with the chem treatments the Children use as he studied them in his work when learning how to adapt his own form. Despite his unfamiliarity with human physiology, his natural skill and experience with alchemy help make up for his ignorance as he works. (Work/int 10)

You believe a passable antidote has been created , and all that remains is to try it on one of the sick. The stability of the concoction is within tolerance and the active ingredients had no unexpected interactions with one another in simulated testing

Artifice straightens, turning towards Cayne, "I believe the antidote adequate. I shall proceed with testing, provided subjects are willing. I suspect a majority would prefer an untested curative to a painful, grotesque death." Artifice exits Alayna's humble lab and leads the way back to the medical tent.

(How many people would you want to test it on?)

(Maybe 5-10 of the sick people if enough are willing. Enough to have a decent sample size but not kill everyone if it doesn't work right)

(Yeah that concern is why I even wanted to add some detail there. Okay let’s do that )

02:10

Out of the ten samplers, two are too far gone for the medicine to help them in time. One has a violent allergic reaction and remains ill, but the others begin recovering showing an improvement and a decrease in symptoms within a few hours

"I am pleasantly pleased with the results, situationally satisfied. Although with proper resources in my own laboratory the resulting ratio rationally would be superior. Distribute the drug to your medics Cayne. Those too far into their suffering cannot be helped but most will surely survive."

(3xp, 5000 credits)

15:21

"Alright, I'll make sure my people do that. Help who we can. Alright Fartsy, I'm good for your job then. One good reach around deserves another"

(Goal complete: Leave the L-sector HP: 8->13 Punch -1->1; Program -1->0; Sneak -1->0; Work 1->2 Foci: Waymaker 1 Arts: Pliant Flesh Alchemical Formulae: Congealed Winter; Plasmic Molding) (edited)

".... Correct me if I am mistaken, but have you just constructed a flatulence joke of my name?" Artifice shudders, "Fancy needs must never hear of this. Regardless, shall I also aid you in your endeavors regarding banditry and raiders? Or perhaps can that wait until Galatea has been delt with?"

"you've saved my people and cured the water. Once everyone's on their feet again and we know we can make more of the antidote, we can go bandit huntin. Feels wrong takin advantage of your generosity though, so we can do your gig, and then come back"

Artifice nods sharply, "That shall suffice. If you have room, I would rest as your ship is prepared. Even with a form as efficient as my own I grow weary and require rest in the wake of such taxing work."

The Fang will be ready to go by tonight. I'll make sure all the arrangements are handled. I'll see you aboard, a lighter will be down for you"

00:15

"Shes a cruiser, if we land we're not taking off again"

"It has been many multitudes of years since releasing my terrestrial bonds and transcending to the spaces between. I look upon the journey with anticipation." Artifice spends the time resting, more in quiet meditation than true sleep, before heading to meet the lighter.

(7 days of spike travel to Galatea)

Artifice spends a small amount of his time perfecting two new forms: human form and beast form. The rest is spent in contemplation and composing poetry. (Perform 7/90) The day before arrival Artifice concocts an elixir of plasmic molding and hands it to Cayne for him to disguise himself so as not to implicate himself if he is seen doing anything suspicious.

06:04

(Plasmic Molding: If taken by a living creature, they may reshape their own body to a degree, taking any appearance that a creature of their species might naturally have. This alteration lasts until dispelled or the user ends it, but they can’t recover System Strain while so altered.)

2

Cayne looks at the vial of liquid. “What’s all this then? You been brewing? Love a good brew “

"I have been, as you say, brewing, although perhaps not in the manner you would most prefer. This is an elixir that will allow you to reshape your features into those of another human. You wished to not implicate yourself nor your United Nations of Worlds in what occurs and this shall provide that."

"Oh this is like that polysauce potion. Well, hope you don't have a cat. Ten points for Ravenpuff" he sighs, drinking the draught. "So hows this work? Just think about who I want to be?"

4

"... I understand that what you have uttered is technically language, but I am unsure any sentient being could comprehend such a ludicrously loquacious lack of coherence." Artifice takes a moment to collect himself after the pain of hearing Cayne speak. "As with many metadimensional feats a focus of will shall channel the power within the elixir and shape your form into that which you hold in your mind. So yes, think about who you want to be. And do so attempt an inconspicuous form if you have the ability."

3

He thinks for a moment, adopting the form of the most painfully average human you have ever seen, unremarkable in every way. His tattoos even vanish for a short time

16:33

"Alright I think I'm boring now"

4

Artifice looks over his new form, pleasantly surprised, "The concept of boredom is not one the Children tend to experience, but I am familiar with humanity's love for it. You shall be able to pass unnoticed as long as your behavior can match your exterior." Artifice concentrates for a minute, his own form fluctuating and shifting as it slowly becomes a human male similarly average. "I have cross referenced you and your crew's speech patterns with popular culture media pertaining to sports and athletics to construct a voice and speech pattern of my own to perfect my deception. We shall pose as tourists wishing to enjoy their subtemperate activities to explore and discern where sensitive information would be held."

"Only if we get to actually do some snowboarding too. Gotta sell the recreation part. Right?"

"If, perhaps, the mission is completed successfully without alarm nor suspicion... You may partake of the entertainment." Artifice leaves Cayne to complete his preparations for the morrow.

(if you're good, we'll enter the system and get to kickin)

As their journey comes to an end Artifice adds a new poem to his notes.

A vulgar wolf howls
Echoing throughout the void
I try to ignore

(Yeah I'm good to start)

5

(we can totally do a prose section of Art poetry)

14:47

Arriving on The Fang, a massive and heavily armored cruiser the Winter Wolves claim as their only ship, the cruiser sets course and after several days arrives at Galatea, where each planet settlement below broadcasts the usual welcome codes. Your destination is Arctopia, and Cayne with uncharacteristic smoothness assures the people down below he is doing nothing but visiting for some winter recreation after long months of work elsewhere.

(Crafting some elixirs before getting off the ship: Plasmic Molding 11v9; Congealed Winter 10v9) Artifice finishes his preparations and joins Cayne in the lighter to head down to the surface, each in their respective disguises. "You are quite cunning at times, for one capable of such idiocy. Let us hope the former hold out over the latter on this day."

"Alayna says I'm an idiot Savant, whatever that means" he says with pride. A cargo lighter is prepared for a planetside run to arctopia. You're expected, not as your actual identities but as pleasure seekers of Asgapurs upper class looking for some recreation and a break from their hellish surroundings

Artifice outlines his plan as he waits for the lighter to land. "We shall need to scout out our likely targets first then pinpoint the position of probable entry. You will be most useful as a distraction. I should think this one of the few things you truly excell at aside from violence. Violence which should only be enacted as a final means to avoid capture."

"Oh right. Not out to kill anyone who don't deserve it. I can get drunk n' make an ass o meself though. Would that help?"

"Applied at the proper time that shall suffice, although I warn against imbibing too early else your already questionable judgment become somehow less reliable." Artifice shakes his head at his outlandish companion and waits for the cargo lighter to land.

2

The lighter sets down, ramp opening and the six identical construct forms the Arctopians use as their dignitaries are waiting at the base of the ramp. Each of them are beautiful Nat-forms, pleasing to the eye in every possible way, and bundled up against the cold though you suspect the clothing is simply another layer of ornamentation rather than an actual need against the cold

Artifice adopts his carefully constructed personality based on his meticulous study of Cayne and crew and cross referencing with sports media, "Wussap ma mind groupies!! I'm Tad and this fart bucket is my bro Blaze. We lookin to hit the slopes and hope they don't hit back if you know what I mean haha! Dude! Arctopia sounds kinda like arctic ya know? I totally just got it! And opia must be short for opiates then right? Anyshits, we're down to clown this town to party town if you know what I mean! So where's the best place to chill round here? If you know what I mean, haha!"

7

The group takes a step back, and bows respectfully. "You are welcome to use the facilities here , rooms will be provided for you, along with any sporting equipment you might need. Please proceed inside the lodge and staff will assist you with getting settled."

"Sure thingies my dudes! Or dudettes, ya know? I'm not one to judge, you do you am I right? Or you do each other if you know what I mean haha! So how does your little mind orgy thing work anyhows? Everyone shares the same thoughts? More like, shares the same thots, am I right?" Artifice follows Cayne into the lodge, continuing to spout inane nonsense. (edited)

2

3

The collective greeters do not answer you because they either cannot or will not. The group watches as you enter the lodge and there are other nat forms inside, along with regular sentient guests of all known iron stars races

01:20

A vast spa is the lower level of the facility with endless rooms the floor above this one. The main floor is dominated by a large bar and restaurant , and access outside to the ski slopes

Artifice finds his way to his room, pulling the door closed before turning and dry heaving for a couple minutes, "That was unbelievably unbearable, nigh unacceptable. Uncouth and unfortunately not unnecessary. In extraordinary effort to effectively limit the risk of losing my sanity to the lesser artistry of acting, I shall need to avoid increasing interactions involving ignorant hosts." In hopes of hurrying through his horrid task, Artifice searches for some kind of campus map of the Arctopia facilities and any off limits zones.

The off limits zones dont appear on the maps, but from what you had been told by other CoJ expedition members, the lab where the Terminus form was being worked on is down in the basement near the spa.

"Carefully Cayne I must cautiously conceal myself. From within your pack will I slink to sneak separately past the spa to the basement laboratory. If guarded the basement door is then your distraction shall take place. As I shifted to appear human so now shall I shift once more, alarm is unwarranted." Artifice slowly shrinks, his form contorting and elongating as it becomes something very much not human. The creature is small, just under a foot long, and it scurries over to Cayne and looks up at him. Artifice crafted this form with the vocal chords and mouth flexibility required to speak as humans do but the voice is much higher pitched as he calls up to Cayne. "Within your pack I shall hide. Please do attempt to jostle it minimally."

1

"Shaken, not stirred, or slurred. I got it dude" Cayne says, hefting his pack with some exaggerated care. you hear him making some spa appointments for himself, and it seems like he is willing to undergo some extra pampering if it gives you more time. The pack gently shifts, and he is led down some stairs into what must be some kind of relaxation chamber. There is some noise as the door is closed, and the room begins to softly heat

Artifice waits a minute and then slowly peeks out the top of the pack, looking to make sure the coast is clear.

Cayne seems alone in the room for now, though it surely won't be long before some Arctopian attendant makes their way here to complete the requested relaxation treatments

Artifice slips out of the bag and heads for the door, keeping an eye out for any attendants and looking for stairs down into the basement.

(notice/wis)

(6)

You hear footsteps coming, outside the door. Two sets of them in fact, and have enough time to scurry into a hiding place under a cabinet as the two attendants come in. Cayne mumbles something about a happy ending, already enjoying the heat and comfort of the room

(Oh man, I'm a cheater. Rolled a 5 not a 6 lol. I'll go self flagulate when I get off work) Artifice gives a soft chirp of frustration and watches the attendants to find a moment he can slip out unseen.

(they got a 3 so its still fine)

Artifice waits until Cayne does something properly distracting and then scurries for the door to slip out unseen.

Cayne begins complaining about the lack of service, firmly taking both of their attentions as you slip out into the hallway. A STAFF ONLY door at the end of the hall is locked, but there is enough of a gap at the bottom to attempt a squeeze through

Once again making sure no staff is around Artifice scampers over to the door and tries to slip beneath.

The artificial form collapses somewhat around your back and you make it under the door to a clearly more experimental part of the biological relaxation and treatment suite here. There are six doors, three left, and three right, not labeled but the people working here would know what is where. There is a stairwell leading upstairs at the end of this junction.

(Any windows or gaps under these doors?)

(Gaps you could squeeze into again)

Artifice looks around and then squeezes into the first door on his right.

This looks to be a medical supplies room but there are some ingredients here that you haven't seen on other worlds before, even behind the gate. Surely in a place like this theyre to be rendered down for oils or lotions, but you could easily fathom other uses

Artifice takes a minute to look for any materials either particularly rare or unknown and gathers them, taking longer in his current diminutive size despite his considerable strength and speed. Once gathered he takes a minute to concentrate and the ingredients slowly absorb into his form, joining his pack and other belongings in their extradimentional space, keeping his senses open for any footsteps outside the door. (Taking a full minute to shift so it doesn't cost effort) (edited)

You can hear Cayne shouting even from in here. The words are incoherent but the tone is there. So far he is doing a good job distracting anyone who might otherwise wander in

"His howling proves useful for this at least." Artifice slips back out and heads to the second door on the right.

(Sneak/dex or notice /wis)

(Sneak/dex 6) (edited)

As you step into the room, you notice that the floor is made of pressure plates, almost as soon as you slide under. Pipes and tubes lead into some kind of medical sarchopogus. You can see it is too small for a Terminus frame, but cannot see what might be inside from your position on the floor. A stool is within a short leap from you, and some cabinetry surrounding the room would allow an overlook if you were able to get up to it

Artifice attempts to avoid the pressure plates by climbing the cabinets next to him to see into the sarcophagus.

The leap stretches you to the absolute most horizontal limits of your form but you’re barely able to make it up. A nat body is being constructed in this coffin. Tubes gurgle and hiss. One of them depresses a pump suddenly and a flood of multicolored chemicals spreads across the surface of the normally lime green liquid. The face inside on the body if familiar somehow if only in the vaguest way

"Is this perhaps, possibly, potentially their attempt to replicate the Terminus? Or some other experiment to enhance their crude frame?" Artifice looks around to see if he can reach any sort of computer or control panel.

There is a bio-status monitor on the wall, gently ticking away with the weak vitals of whatever is happening inside the coffin type object. There is no name, but it has a weak heartbeat, and low brain activity

"Without more information I hesitate to proceed with anything untoward. Time is of the essence so into the other rooms shall I search, returning here if time is available." Loathe to leave a mystery unsolved but pressed for time, Artifice exits the room and heads into the final room on the right. (edited)

You get the sense of pressure plates on the floor again before you enter, and this time there is nothing nearby on the floor to spring to. There is another of the coffins in a similar configuration on a table

Noting the similarities Artifice crosses the hall and enters the third room on the left. (He'll check each on the left too but if they're all the same we can skip over it)

(They are not) This room has no pressure plates on the floor but you can see something like flashing lights underneath, as though some kind of photosensitive system, or scanner is being operated in the room

Cautious of the roombeing occupied, Artifice squeezes under the door, just peeking slightly into the room to see without fully entering.

The terminus is in here. You can see most of the exterior shell has been peeled away, and sensors have been stuck into the muscle underneath. Cayne has stopped shouting from in the personal service room. You're not sure why

Artifice enters fully, dropping his beast form to better see the shell. Noting the lack of yelling he quickly makes sure the door is locked and looks for a console he can access. (The shell is empty currently right? No consciousness inside?)

(nothing inside, just studying the body and at this point its been half taken apart)

"If I do anything to the shell probability dictates alarms shall sound. If possible I must remove the collected data from their servers before disallowing further study." Artifice attempts to delete their records of the Terminus shell if he can access them from this room.

(oh are you still the lizard thing, or are you you again?)

21:22

(just so i get an idea of what it takes to do things in here)

(He's him again)

21:23

(Still listening carefully for amy movement in the hallway though)

(program/int)

(Used a reroll for 11)

You're able to see that the data is being stored locally on this machine for now, as the Arktopians did not want this getting out to the rest of the planet until they had a chance to see the information first,

21:27

Deleting it entirely is difficult. You have everything set to do so, but alarms will go off once you do.

Artifice prepares to delete the data, leaving it so one button press is left to confirm. He then takes out his elixir of Plasmic Molding and pours it over the dissected Terminus shell, "Let us return home, perhaps not intact, but the material shall surely supplement a new shell" Artifice carefully molds the flesh, squishing and compressing it down to a ball as small as it can be and attempting to fit into his pack. (He's got 12/18 stowed encumbrance free and is willing to leave some other stuff behind if needed. I figured without air/liquids and with squishy bones and stuff the body would compress down quite a bit but obviously encumbrance isn't an exact measurement so I'll let you decide if it fits lol) (edited)

(I think it would fill the space you have left but not put you over)

15:28

(and i dont think you'd be full long enough for it to matter anyhow0

15:30

The ungainly object is stuffed into your pack, and you prepare to make your way from the room. Cayne is shouting again out in the hallway and there is a loud boom, all while he continues to shout

"Cayne's generous gesticulations generally shall not hold attention once alarms ring forth. Quickness of thought and action shall bring forth success." Artifice completes the deletion of all data related to the Terminus shell. Instantly after, he shrinks down to his beast form once more and scuttles under the door, leaving it locked from the inside. He races down the hallway and slips under the first door he entered to the supply room, waiting silently for footsteps to race past. (His movement is still 10m in his smaller form if it becomes important)

Alarms begin to sound, and there is a series of nozzles that emerge ffrom the ceiling. Mint blue crystal dust begins to emerge, swirling through the upper reaches first, and you see a growing rime of cryogenic ice beginning to form where the gas is settling

16:35

you squeeze under the door with it hot on your tail, and it seems like it won't be stopping once the room is full, but rather is meant to fill the entire wing

Noting the dust continuing Artifice switches up his plan, heading instead for the door leading out to where the spa and Cayne are, slipping back under the door and looking around quickly to see if anyone is already waiting.

Cayne and three of the Arktopian security troopers are in the hallway, and Cayne is either doing his best impression of a drunken brawler, or has actually had too much to drink already and is doing what he does best as a distraction. One trooper blocks off the stairs, facing your direction, while the other two have their backs to you, screening you from easy sight. Cayne is in the center of both groups.

18:45

(and they're about 3m from you)

Using the two facing away as cover Artifice darts forward until he's right behind them then he sends a tendril of arcane energy out to the door behind him, unlocking and opening it to release the freezing crystal dust behind it. (Using the Waymaker foci to open it for 1 strain)

Alarms begin sounding at the containment breach, and the security troopers bundle Cayne along up the stairs, trying to get themselves and their charge to the surface to deal with this when time allows. there are larger alarms going off higher above in the facility, surely interrupting the day of the pleasureseekers there now.

Artifice quickly ducks into one of the adjacent spa rooms, growing and reforming back into the human form of Tad who then stumbles out behind the attendants and Cayne, "What's goin on brahs? All these alarms are seriously heating up my chill! Oh snap, that stuff behind us is way too chill, if you know what I mean haha! Let's get outta here!"

"Everyone, you need to leave Arctopia now until the situation is under control. We are sorry for the inconvenience, and Mr. Rad, You are not permitted back ever, neither is your friend"

Artifice heads back toward the ship with Cayne in tow, calling out to the Arctopians as they go, "Whatever dudes, I'm gonna give you zero stars on Yalp! Come on brochowski, let's blow this popsicle stand. If you know what I mean, haha!"

2

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

05:05

If the Arktopians are aware it was the both of you involved, you’re in space by time the realization hits them. Your assumed identities are no longer allowed on Galatea, and the system patrol follows you all the way out. The Brochowskis will not return to this place. Not as they are, at any rate

(Level 4: hp 13->20 Punch 1->2; Heal -1->0 Arts: Savage Talons Formula: Blood of Boiling Rage Goal completed: Steal secrets from a rival) (edited)

Artifice gladly drops his human guise as they depart, "It appears your Arktopian adventure completed prematurely, your wish to ski unfulfilled. I suggest a formal letter of apology and condemnation of our behavior from Governor Neverwinter shall aid to smooth any future visitation you wish to have with the Arktopians. I admit astonished admiration for your performance, though when your role is indiscernable from yourself performance perhaps plays a minor role in your success. Regardless, your aid was appreciated and I, nay, the Children thank you for it." (edited)

2

Cayne takes a long breath. "I know you think I'm stupid. You don't need to try to smooth things over and tell me I've got it wrong. I know I don't. I do know, that we are neighbors, and when your neighbor needs help- you need to help them because all we have is each other especially with the galaxy the way it is right now. I've worked very hard to make sure we're both going to grow our societies safely. I hope you got what you came for and that The Children won't be in anymore danger"

2

Artifice is quiet for a minute before speaking, "Cayne Neverwinter. Infinite individuals are of both greater and lesser intelligence than yourself but I've met few with your heart. You care of things beyond yourself and that is no small feat for not merely humans but all arrogant races, my own included. My praise and gratitude, backhanded as they may be, are indeed genuine. My initial evaluation of you has been proven irksomely incorrect, an uncommon occurrence. Not of your intellect, of course, but of a quality whose quantity is quite unquantifiable. Come now, we have claimed victory over a foe of somehow lesser sophistication than yourself. As a result, I shall partake in the imbibement of mind altering poisons with you."

"I was just about to offer" he smiles, passing you the flask. Around you, the spike drive rattles the ship, propelling you home to safety

17:29

(8 days of downtime by my count)

(16/90 performance)

As THe Fang enters orbit, its landing craft exit from the expedition bays and you're deposited back on Cayne's surface compound. The sick have been restored for a loss of only one.

Artifice completes his newest poem as they enter the system.

 Intoxication
An exquisite distraction
For subtle action

Lupine distinction
A surprising companion
To perfect neighbors

(edited)

4

(Forgot to add a new formula for alchemy, edited the level up post. Crafting elixirs for the day: Blood of Boiling Rage 13v9; Congealed Winter Failed 7v9)

"To prelude my return home I shall impose my aid upon you once more, Cayne. I seek subjects to subject to experimentation, specifically such as would leave said subjects lacking in life. Stated succinctly, your bandits provide an excellent source of said subjects and my war form is yet untested. I wish to release myself upon them with your forces behind."

21:37

(Oh, I forgot! Art would have looked over the ingredients he found on Galatea to study since he didn't recognize many of them. Would anything he found count for his goal to find rare alchemy ingredients?)

(I think anything that would haver been novel from arctopia would have been grail made, since they've leaned into theirs pretty heavy, so they'd have faded away)

14:56

(and are not with you anymore)

(Yeah that's fair)

"We know someone poisoned the water. THey may not know we cured it, but they'd be withn a drive of the place. We should begin searching, and I'd love t help you take them apart"

"Perhaps a scan for lifeforms in a radius surrounding the lake which they poisoned. If that fails, a mass manual search should prove fruitful. They shall be unable to remain hidden long."

"I've tried from The Fang. Wherever they are, they're dug it deep and pretty well hidden"

"My Scout remains here correct? We shall split several sections of soldiers, searching spiraling out from the lake. An unsuspected ambush is preferable and yet these bandits are unlikely to be caught unawares. A plan of assault must needs wait until defenses are seen and analyzed. Search and discovery shall be our only goal to begin." Artifice heads to where his Scout was stored to join Cayne and his selected soldiers to head out back toward the lake.

(notice/wis or program/int)

(Program/int 10)

A short ping, a Diesel engine, resounds from 10km@away

22:02

To the north, in some foothills

Artifice sends out a quick message to those searching. Coordinated cooperation at stated coordinates. Approach with stealth as possible. Artifice heads towards the ping, keeping an eye out for any higher ground where he could observe unseen.

There is a winding road leading up to a rounded off hilltop where you might be able to observe them but your vehicle will certainly be backlit by the open sky

Artifice heads up the hill, exiting his Scout and leaving it a short ways from the top to reduce chances of being spotted. He lies down prone as he reaches the top, looking out over the area that was pinged.

(Goal completed: complete a practical test of his war form)

06:54

(Lvl 6: HP 31->34 Work 2->3 Formula: The Great and Small Art: Manifest Wings)

(and we back!)

6

(I know you gotta do goals, loked over the sheet, am good to start with whats there if you've got a preference)

Beneath the surface of Selvone, within the city in which the Children of Joy dwell, the peace of a quiet street is interrupted with a muffled bang! Windows open and a fowl smelling smoke pours out. Within, a many armed figure stands, hands on hips, arms crossed, fingers scratching at his chin speculatively. He ignores the dense and likely toxic smog around him, seemingly deep in thought. His musical, androgynous voice cuts through the smoke. "Unfortunate. Unanticipated. Utterly unambiguous. Dispite all efforts and conjecture, ghoul flesh simply refuses to coagulate gelatinously regardless of chemical treatment. Mr. Neverwinter will doubtlessly be disappointed by dubious demonstrations. His request for an epidermal applicant to harden the pathetic softness of humans lacks unreasonability given their vulnerability. Strange for a request of his to be logical. Initial tests simply mutated their genetics to be physically superior but Neverwinter foolishly insisted the target must not only survive the application but remain human. All subsequent assessments resulted in combustion or worse. Alas. Additional alternate assessment proves potentially impotent. Thusly results are demonstrably doomed. Cayne Neverwinter will never winter this news with grace. So to delay displaying disappointment, another project shall I attempt." (edited)

20:59

He moves a hand from his waist, his dataslab clutched in long delicate fingers as he stops scratching his chin to run a few calculations and adjust some settings, a slowly spinning Terminus frame appearing on the screen, shifting minutely as Artifice raises and lowers dials and slides. "Fully functional flight form is theoretically operational. Further assessment to proceed in the field. Ah. The field. I may as well have returned to the Sphere as of late with the infrequency of leaving my laboratory. Though I doubt my Siblings have accomplished much of note in my absence, I must needs retire from my seclusion so at least one of us may be productive." The door opens, releasing more smoke into the cavernous city, Artifice trusting the advanced filters that keep the underground air fresh to clean his mess. His tall, slender form steps out of the smoke and into the city, making his way down the mostly empty street to see who of his Siblings are nearby.

Decadence is nearby. They no longer have legs but choose to be fused at the waist to a slender golden trimmed platform instead. Their flesh is marble in color, as is their means of conveyance, and everything about them is adorned in gold, silver, platinum and gems. Their flesh- what little of it remains, has been bathed in the most fragrant of perfumes as though one took something pure like the orchid or cherry blossom and somehow elevated it to yet higher and lower notes of fragrance.

21:38

Robust is also here. They are a barrel chested also androgynous form and are considered to be one of the most durable and formidable children of Joy. The two are often seen in one another's company though no one is sure what the nature of their bond is. One swollen and armored, the other, a riot of pure sensation.

Artifice approaches gracefully, tipping an imaginary hat at the pair while bowing politely, "Ah! Dearest Decadence and well, robust Robust. Grateful greetings upon this merry meeting. I am shamed to admit I have tended towards a state of alienatingly antisocial aloofness of late. If I might inquire into interesting information, including in particular, particles pertaining to present events both here and Sphere?"

"Still Lady has been defeated" Robust says with only as many words as it takes to convey the information. "Children rest now. No threat from outside. No one from beyond sphere has come to planet, either. Maybe UNW dead."

"Ah, wonderful. The wretched witch was wasted at last. What a wondrously woeful wench. Regarding the humans, I think you shall discover them rather resilient. They may be primarily primitive primates, but dispite feeble frames and malnourished minds they thrive thoroughly throughout the cosmos. The UNW undoubtedly survives." Artifice punctuates his pontificating with perfunctory gesticulations, "Concern is more due to our own. Perhaps children require rest, but Children require robust resolve, right, Robust? Perfection is our aim. Achievement of such surely shan't occur due to inaction. I shall reconnect relations with resident rascals. Mr. Neverwinter never disappoints when in want of conversation, despite his otherwise disappointing disposition." Artifice shakes his head though his tone is affectionate, "Otherwise, no news? Darling Decadence, I have lived bereft of socialization. Any gossip, be it garish, gory, glorious, or gregarious should sooth my soul."

“Pestilence has taken ill with one of the diseases he has been collecting. He is trying to produce the perfect infection using himself as a test bed. The council is probably going to lock him in the crucible and burn his frame should he not relent.

Artifice gives a polite chuckle, "Though unwise, testing oneself is optimal, otherwise others object objectively to being the object of his tests. Perhaps I shall visit with our bothersome Brother before beginning my own objectives."

"That may be unwise, altruistic Artiface, my friend. Pestilence is known to have complied some truly terrible terminal things. You should take great care before dealing with him"

Artifice inclines his head slightly, "We all seek perfection in our own ways. Perhaps the perfection Pestilence prefers should probably preside primarily not in practice but in the theoretical. Possibly I shall petition the council to take possession and protection of his preparations. Those that should not or cannot be safely destroyed that is." Artifice nods slowly to himself as he thinks of furthering his own experiments.

This seems to be a good enough explanation to get them to let the matter drop. "We bid you a delightful day of deviance and distraction, brother Artiface." The two of them say in unison, before entwining their many sets of arms to head to their next destination.

Artifice waves as his siblings depart, speaking aloud to himself as he thinks over his next move, walking aimlessly down the street, "Poor Pestilence. Perhaps a visit would be poorly planned. Though few enough empathize eagerly nor entirely with one whom intentionally self inflicted infection irrelevant of inspired insanity. A note left for him to find should suffice, so sacrificial sickness proves unnecessary and unwise." Artifice quickly sends a message to his less stable Brother as he wanders the city, taking in its state. Brother Pestilence Do please refrain from dying You brilliant, mad fool May I see your work? I, too, wish not to die, friend But I am intrigued

Artifice, I would be honored if you would come see my work and revel in the mastery over all things deadly and microscopic I have obtained. You are a craftsman of the self as much as of the elements. I would be honored to show you and I could use your assistance, if you would be so altruistic

Before heading over to see Pestilence, Artifice heads back to his lap to quickly concoct a few potions. (Work/int 12v8: Sanctified Healing 17v9: Plasmic Molding 11v10: The Great and Small) "No sense not taking precautions despite rather recklessly running headfirst into malignant miasma. Let us see what my Brother has need of." Artifice finishes his potions before leaving once again, this time to find Pestilence.

His shelter is a large one on the edge of the settlement. Dozens of vapor stacks and shuttered windows mar the otherwise sweeping lines of all Children of Joy properties. You can hear fans and air purifiers working almost to the point of overloading inside. The door is a sealed iris, kept closed by a keypad but there is a speaker box and text pad attached.

Artifice approaches the large building, typing into the text pad. It is I, Brother You have taken precautions? I have heard rumors.

Precautions have been taken as much as can be allowed. You are welcome to visit

Artifice sighs with a slight frown, "I very well may regret these actions in the future. Yet if Brother burns without my intrigued intervention, remorse is assured." Artifice braces himself then sends a brief reply.

I am ready now
Open the door if you will
I shall be waiting

There is a loud beep and several moments as a theatrical number of electronic, physical, and tonal locks are disengaged. Air hisses and you feel your body begin to heat up in order to ensure any loose contaminants find your flesh-form an inhospitable place to reproduce. It is uncomfortable but you are far from harm for now. Inside, you can feel the miasma and heat of medical machinery, reagents, and see the corpse thin form of Brother Pestilence hunched over a work table, all six of his arms working on a different project.

Artifice enters, noting that his own six arms are much more graceful than his brother's. He stays near the entrance as he calls to Pestilence. "Greetings and Salutations Brother. I have heard of your intentional illness. Might I inquire as to its infectious efficiency? Aiding you shall be facilitated if we may familiarize without fear of fatal failure."

“Please come in” he says in his raspy and someone damaged voice. “I have been working on something very interesting I think our friends in the more physical world would enjoy , my body had become quite the viral battleground. It still may be”

Artifice steps in closer, still maintaining a bit of distance as he draws out one of his potions, "I have concocted a curative, though generated generously generalized. It shall heal current wounds, although absent of specifically specified substances to neutralize the infection. Perhaps potent enough to protect your physicality to prevent presumptuous combustion, consequences carried out due to the council's conferring. Temporarily at least." Artifice holds the potion of Sanctified Healing out to Pestilence, "Tell me Brother, what is the aim of your infectious creation this time?"

“More altruistic that one may think. By creating the most powerful disease , I shall synthesis the most powerful cure from it, and would use it to further improve upon our own forms. The immunity created will become the baseline for further evolution and steps fo perfection- and it’s by product will be sold to the lessers outside the gated region for whatever price we command “

Artifice tilts his head as he considers Pestilence's plan, "Our base shells are already immune to most forms of illness that plague mortals, but as one also attempting to perfect our physical form, albeit by altering alternate algorithms to suit specific situations, I do see the appeal. I also agree with the council's conclusion that your creation creates more problems than it potentially prevents. I do not believe this to be an unworthy goal however, particularly if you receive additional aid from one whom is likewise looking to learn the limits of efficiently functional forms. Assuming agreement, what aid shall I attempt?"

"You are adept at altering your form, and the forms of others, are you not?" he asks with great interest, seeing a friend and partner in Artifice

Artifice nods slowly, considering Pestilence a kindred spirit dispite his hesitancy in their partnership, "What you say is correct, although more so myself than others. I have four fully functional forms and one yet to be tested."

"Perhaps today is the best to test it, grab those reagents on the counter there, and mix them in the centrifuge. We're going to begin testing at once! and seal the doors behind you!" (work/con)

(13)

Mixing the samples, that he has not labeled but points out to you, you return to him with some kind of milky green solution. "You've mixed this perfectly, and with such speed" he says appreciatively, before popping the stopper and downing the liquid contents all in one swig. "In a few moments my body will begin its ultimate test, the efficient fighting off of this deadly virus thanks to the reagent you have just provided me. To provide some context, this illness would have been terminal within another half hour. I expect to see a recovery within the next five minutes"

22:35

"And if i am right, or dead , we can take my findings to the groupmind"

"Of course. Ideally you need not return to the Sphere just yet. If unfortunately unsuccessful, I shall endeavor to entice the entirety of the council for permission to proceed with pondering your problem. Outside the city of course. Few, Spherebound or corporeal, care much what occurs off planet. Should you survive I shall suggest you utilize the naturally numerous numbers of humanity or, better yet, the lesser transhuman factions as test subjects rather than yourself."

"Your thoughts...Did you have someone in mind? or some group?" he asks. Few have been to the other side of the gate, but you have, and you can almost feel his hunger for your knowledge

"Humans always have enemies and prisoners they care little about, I am certain my contacts beyond the gate would have suggestions. I possess personal preference for the unearned arrogance of the Galatean transhumans as targets, but the humans hold some significance to their planet from a political perspective, providing potential problems if your work were discovered. The crude but brutal battle frames of the Weeping Company would be ideal, they are more likely to simply fine you the cost of the shell and an inconvenience fee, or simply sell you one of their primitive peons for testing purposes." Artifice gives a delicate shrug, "All assessment should occur with significant subtlety to preferably prevent presumed problems."

“The other side of the gate seems the most ideal. There is a planet there yes? The owner, that friend of yours, a bit lax perhaps?”

Artifice gives a light chuckle, "Some should say so. Certainly one such as he has handfuls of humans he would not hesitate to see harmed." Seeing his interest in the world outside the gate, Artifice gives an abbreviated retelling of his and Cayne's exploits as they await the results of Pestilence's plan.

The temperature in the room becomes warm as it struggles to adjust for the dropping temperature of brother Pestillence, and then spikes to incredibly cold as his fever spikes rapild,y up and down again and again over the course of several minutes . His breathing is troubled and ragged, before he coughs up a massive obstruction from his chest. Getting rid of it quickly with a burst of flame from his wrist, he stamps it out, now looking the picture of health. Black oil runs from his pores as byproducts of his body fighting off the infection, and this is what he is trying to collect

Artifice hurries over to help him with collecting the oil once he sees his brother is fine, pulling out an alchemical vial to hold it. "You are fortuitous your cure was entirely effective. One must hope the council will see your success sufficient support to your cause to avoid incineration."

"Will you help me make my case to them, Brother Artifice? You are a craftsman both of reagent and rhetoric, and I am unable to do this on my own"

Artifice tilts his head as if considering, "If I agree to aid I would doubtlessly desire compensation. Simply, your notes, research, and results regarding your conclusions as so I may integrate the information into my own objectives and enhance my forms' resiliency."

"I think that is an equitable exchange. You have helped me thus far and I already am in your debt. I will make you an equal partner, there will be nothing I do not share. We will part ways at the conclusion of the trials to do with the information as we see fit. Do we have an accord, Brother Artifice? "

Artifice nods, "Yes, we do. Come, complete your current collection and let us proceed preemptively, preferably providing professionalism to our cause by not awaiting a summons."

An hour passes as he inventories and cataloges everything. You can understand the delay given your own penchant for potent potables. After it is completed, the council chamber awaits. Most Children do not inhabit their frames for long periods of time, perfecting the formless chaos of the thought matrix, a featureless white bauble of quantum energy, sheathed in rippling black quantum energy fields and sensory equipment so those within can interact with those in the chamber. Only three others are in the room, inhabiting various transhuman shells.

“Welcome honored friends and companions of the Children. State your business before the council!” The voice speaks, musical and disembodied

Artifice stands, nodding to Pestilence before giving a shallow bow to the council, "With great gratitude and gratuitous greetings do I address the council and those within the quantum sphere nosey enough to observe what occurs without. We congregate to consider potential problems pertaining to Pestilence, our Brother. The council has decided to discuss details dealing directly with derelict diseases demonstrated and deployed by the defendant. The council appeals to ethos, citing the debatable danger of deadly disease contaminating the frames activie within the city. Your concern is valid. However, I have examined the safeguards installed within Pestilence's laboratory and can definitively determine, excluding external factors, the only frame in danger due to his experimentation was his own. Moreover, we arrive on the heels of success. Thus my appeal to logos. With functional immortality, should not progress toward our collective goal of perfection supercede individual danger? Due to Pestilence's project, future frames may form functional invulnerability to infectious influences. To conclude: a suggestion for the council. In concession to ethical evaluation, Pestilence must move his laboratory to a non-local location, likely located on the planet surface or a separate subterranean setting some distance from the city. Alternatively, allow an agreement with allies beyond the gate in exchange for his expertise involving inoculations. Additionally, providing Pestilence proffers productive protection to pestilence, all incidents involving incineration of his frame shall be null and void excepting upon breach of agreement. If the council contains further queries I shall now address them." Artifice gives a wave, indicating the floor is open to questions.

"You have mentioned a non-local site" one of the voices within booms. The glowing aura around the quantum orb pulses in time with what would be different syllables of each word. "Has a site been selected? or proposed? What challenges do you foresee needing to overcome in order to move this project? " (edited)