The Spire

[Ghast]

Perception: 1d100: [49] = 49 /55%
Just in Case: 1d20: [3] = 3 ; 1d100: [34] = 34
Conditions: Sixth Sense (Inactive),

360° scanning capability, +3 Initiative, +2 to Parry, +2 to Dodge, +5 to Roll w/, allows user to dodge all attack, even those from behind and/or surprise

H.P.: 33/33
S.D.C.: 70/70
I.S.P.: 249/249
Current Outfit: Clothes (Black T-Shirt, Worn Beige Cargo Pants, Raggedy Gray Sweater, Arm wraps, Combat Boots), Red Scarf, Weapon Harness, ratty overcoat.
Weapons & Armor
Armor: NE-BA-26 Special Body Armor 60/90
Integrated Force Field: 75/75
Weapons: HI-80 Combat Laser Rifle Ammo: 30/15
NE-4 Plasma Cartridge Pistol Ammo: 10/10
Slicer GR-Gun Ammo: 12/12
Phase Sword
Ripper Bayonet
A Variety of explosives.

Ghast leaves the Thraxus meeting with a foul taste in his mouth. I should eat, and grab some extra gear for the trip. Ghast thinks as he hits the teleporter and makes his way to Doodles.

"Was it just me or was he in a fouler mood than usual Doodles?" Ghast asks the colorful merchant of death as he walks through the shop. It's about this time that Ghast spies the Machine Person lurking outside. "You expecting anyone?" Ghast asks, and likely receives a negative. "Hmm..." Ghast vocalizes as he steps out of the shop and walks straight toward the Machine Person.

"You lost? Because if you're planning on robbing Doodles, it's gonna end badly." Ghast says mimicking an explosion with his hands. Ghast then promptly buts his bandaged and gloved hands into the pockets of his ratty overcoat, and stares the Machine Person down, as if by sheer force of will he can read the beings mind.

[Captain Andra Sekona]

Perception: 1d100: [38] = 38 /62%
JIC: 1d20: [16] = 16 / 1d100: [68] = 68

"So the Necrols have two potential targets - the gene splicers and the Splugorth - but Thraxus clearly thinks that the Splugorth are the more likely target. Why's that? Would there be a reason the Necrols wouldn't want to attack the gene splicers?"

"Each of them have technology the Necrols might want. Personally, I'd like to avoid having my genes spliced if I can help it. So let's go to Rynncryyl. Can't send a message out or risk being discovered. Between the two planets Thraxus mentioned, I don't think it's going to get better than a flip of a

." He brings out a cred chip from his belt pouch and

1. Face Up: Plthh
2. Face Down: Koliath

1d2: [2] = 2

. Looks like we're starting with Koliath. We try to make contact with Sir Qu’Orth, so long as its safe to do so. I'll go get the ship checked out if there are no more questions." The last part of his sentence takes a mocking tone, aimed at their benefactor.

After the briefing, the Captain heads back to the DSM to give it the pre-departure checks. "Datephus, please give me a diagnostic report." Once satisfied with the state of the ship, Captain Sekona joins Ghast for some food. When they practically bump into the machine person, the good Captain takes a step back and lets Ghast the Tracker take the lead. One hand ready to unholster his pistol, he keeps a steady stance and awaits a reason from the lurker.

[Ace Berrien, BDH]

Perception: 1d100<25: [15*] = 1
JIC: 1d20: [8] = 8 / 1d100: [26] = 26

Having finally gained a lead to Doodles' Discount Destruction Devices, Ace decided that the best course of action was to stake out the run-down gun shop and let his targets come to him. He had time to spare, after all -- scrap metal was cheap and he wasn't above crashing in his storage unit along with his gear -- so he was prepared to spend as much time in Center as it took to 'casually bump into' either Captain Sekona or his Yhabbayar sidekick.

The algorithms help those who help themselves, he thinks to himself as he settles in to (what he thought at the time would be) an inconspicuous spot for keeping his optics set on the entrance to the shop. Eventually he does spot Sekona walking out with what appears to be a very raggedy human who has seen better days. Many, MANY better days. That 'ganic looks downright homeless. Surely he's not with Sekona. But they're walking out together, so maybe the homeless look is an act of some sort?

And it's all too obvious that they see him as well.

"You lost? Because if you're planning on robbing Doodles, it's gonna end badly." Ghast says mimicking an explosion with his hands. Ghast then promptly buts his bandaged and gloved hands into the pockets of his ratty overcoat, and stares the Machine Person down, as if by sheer force of will he can read the beings mind.

When they practically bump into the machine person, the good Captain takes a step back and lets Ghast the Tracker take the lead. One hand ready to unholster his pistol, he keeps a steady stance and awaits a reason from the lurker.

In spite of himself, Ace raises an eyebrow and chuckles softly. And here I thought making contact would be much harder than this. But like they say, never look at a gift's price tag... He stands up straight, takes his hands out of his jacket's pockets, gives Ghast/Sekona two thumbs up, and flashes his best metallic smile.

Charm/Impress: 1d100<45: [33*] = 1
Invoke Trust/Intimidate: 1d100<65: [19*] = 1

"Neither one at the moment, pal," He shakes his head. "One, this is right where I needed to be... and two, robbing storefronts don't look good on a hero's resume." He lets out another chuckle and turns his attention to Sekona. "I have to say, Captain, for a crew that puts in so little effort into keeping a low profile you're impressively difficult to track down. It's taken me weeks just to filter through enough rumors and bribes to wind up outside this hole-in-the-wall of a weapons shop."

His smile lessens a bit. "Some of the rumors say you're heroes, others say you're anything but. Either way, you're busy folks so I'll make it quick. I'm looking for someone. A Lithon--sorry, a Machine Person like me. About this tall, silver skin, goes by the name of Daedalus. His last known whereabouts are linked to that Arcane Shuttle you call home. I was hoping you or a member of your crew would have data on his current whereabouts, or at the very least your ship's computer logs would have something I could go on. I've been searching for two standard years and you're the best lead I have." He shrugs. "And by 'the best lead I have,' I really mean the ONLY lead I have. So... can you help me? Please?"

He pauses a moment before rolling his eyes. "Oh, but where are my manners protocols?" He offers each of them a handshake with a grin. "The name's Barrien. Ace Barrien. I probably should have said this up front, but Daedalus is my uncle."

[Elvin]

JIC: 1d20: [20] = 20 , 1d100: [26] = 26
Perception: 28% / 1d100: [86] = 86 (FAIL)

Conditions: Cloaking

Elvin, a look of mischief in his chirpy little eyes, saunters into Doodle's Store of Destruction looking for something that might protect him from nasty laser blasts. Alas he is likely to come out empty-handed, but then notices Captain Sekona and the scruffy-looking Ghast, chatting with a machine man. Oh robots are fun! I wish all valuables were guarded by robots, what a wonderful galaxy it would be then for an enterprising faerie!

His stealth abilities, natural to faeries of his kind, may well render him invisible to the machine being. As the metal man babbles on, oblivious to Elvin's presence, the faerie grins.

He pauses a moment before rolling his eyes. "Oh, but where are my manners protocols?" He offers each of them a handshake with a grin. "The name's Barrien. Ace Barrien. I probably should have said this up front, but Daedalus is my uncle."

Seems eager! He really wants to join up? Daedalus ...

"Daedalus?" He asks in a voice Ace is unlikely to hear. The name rolls about in his memory a moment, but he doesn't recall having heard it before. "Anyone know that name?"

Naturally, Elvin's eyes dart towards Ace's utility belt. Two pistols, each unique, sleek and deadly, are nicely secured in holsters. Elvin's lips curl into a knowing smile. Alas he already has a surplus of weaponry, thanks to his little escapade in the armory. And the shopping. No need to flinch those. I'm now fabulously wealthy. Well... maybe later.

His gaze settles on Ace's backpack, a tantalizing enigma. He couldn't see inside, but his curiosity is piqued. My new shiny x-ray vision ring might reveal its secrets... but Elvin decides against using it for now. I can always explore the backpack later, when Ace is distracted or asleep. Does he sleep? Or recharge? Whatever.

[Metri]

-----------------------------------
Perception: d%: [3] = 3 | 67%
JIC: 1d20: [9] = 9 | d%: [70] = 70 %
-----------------------------------

Character Sheet

• Radiate their Nature. Psychics: 100ft. Non-psychics: 12 ft.
• Sense Supernatural Evil and Magical Energy (3rd eye). 900ft (no-magic). 1900ft (if magic used).
  • Base (detect & ID creature): d%: [17] = 17 | 86%.
  • Track by psychic scent: d%: [95] = 95 | 95%.
• Sense Supernatural Evil (mystic). 450ft. 1d100: [18] = 18 | 97%.
• Sense Life. 300ft.

PPE: 171/171
ISP: 242/275
Psionic Crystal Armor MDC: 35/35 (Psi-FF(4/4): 70/70)
MDC: 73/73
MTB1_PPE: 180/180
MTB2_PPE: 180/180
MTB3_PPE: 180/180
SoE_PPE: 80/80
WoS_PPE: 40/40
Saving Throw Bonuses
+1 to all Saving Throws (via rune weapon Skorl)
Coma/Death: +4%
Magic (varies): +1
Lethal Poison (14+): +1
Non-Lethal Poison (16+): +1
Insanity (12+): +1
Psionics (10+): +1 (+2 Crystal Armor FF)
+7 vs Possession
+2 vs Despair
+2 vs Horror Factor
+2 vs Illusions
+1 vs Poison and Disease

Conditions

To Metri, he shrugs ”That’s the problem with alternate futures. The more progress we make, the less useful the warnings from my alternate self. I can tell you that the message your predecessors brought me said nothing about the Necrol fleet or a trip into the heart of the Anvil Galaxy. The situation on Alexandria was mentioned, however- part of a master stroke that decapitated UWW leadership at a crucial moment. You at least appear to have stopped it from hitting other core worlds. This time.”

"Win some, lose some. Got it." Metri says non-commitally. He doesn't claim to know much about intergalactic events even when his personality is overwhelmed by an ancient warrior powering a rune weapon. Now that Skorl is in charge, there seems to be even less he can contribute to the conversation. But it does seem like they have avoided the darkest timeline.

Not much of a planner either, once the meeting is adjourned, Skorl wanders off in search for a meal. After filling his belly, he decides to hit the gym again and work up a sweat.

Best stay in tip-top shape for the oncoming battles.

[Exe]

Perception: 1d100: [26] = 26 /42%
JiC: 1d20: [3] = 3 / 1d100: [15] = 15

Conditions: Sense Rifts [110 miles] | Sense Dimensional Vortex | Res to Cold/Fire (1/2) | Bio-Regen 1d6*5/min | Sixth Sense [Inactive] |

MDC: 142/142
PPE: 291/291
ISP: 60/60
Personal FF, Deactivated: 110/110

|

Skills:

Post:

Exe listens to Thraxus as he speaks and only nods, contemplating what is being told to them with a particular thought lingering in the demi-god's mind. This time... Exe ponders. Was the future we just averted the first or the last, what if we simply can't remember the other attempts? Those relics play too loosely with the laws of space and time. Exe considers, gripping his more wrinkled hand into a strong first. At least I am not decrepit and can still fight. My old ways of pacifism might no longer serve me considering the threat we face, but I will not let fear compromise who I am. If I am to be a peacekeeper, I must strive to fight for peace when necessary. Exe considers internally, then refocusing his mind on Thraxus' words.

When Doodles sends out the text, Exe lifts up his arm and checks his personal computer to read the information on the Kingdom of Rynncryll. Exe reads up on the text while Thraxus continues speaking and, if possible, records Thraxus' words using his personal computer to review later. Exe nods at the last comment. "We haven't exactly been welcome the past few stops, so that's a fair point." Exe comments on not revealing themselves.

When they are dismissed to return to the ship, Exe returns to his new room to check on his minions and finds them right where he left them, nodding in apparent approval. "It seems patience is a virtue of Spirits."
Exe comments to which Kalinda opens her eyes and shakes her head, leaving Matthew room to comment. "Actually, Kalinda has been quite restless and makes it hard to meditate. Her and Corus have become fast friends." Matthew comments and Exe nods, looking to Kalinda. "We have new information and are making ready to leave. I am going to head back out to the Center market to see about aquiring some last minute helpful items. You may join me, but you must swear not to react to minor injustices you see on this world. It is not our mission." Exe states and Kalinda nods, standing. "Understood, anything to stretch my legs." Kalinda confirms then will follow Exe out of the room, leaving Matthew and Corus on the ship. If Exe runs into Elvin on the way out, Exe will pause. "Elvin, I'm going back out into the market and you've proven quite a smooth talker with those in the market. Would you be keen on accompanying me and maybe helping me find them? Just a couple things." Exe says and if Elvin accepts, will explain what he wants.

Exe leaves Doodle's shop in search of some final preparations with Kalinda close in tow. It is unclear if he notices the Machine Person, or if he cares at the moment. If he does see the Machine Person, he will offer a polite bow of his head and continue on. If he sees Ghast/Andra speaking to the Machine Person, he will stop and also listen in without interrupting the conversation.

[Elvin]

((Rolls carried))

If Exe runs into Elvin on the way out, Exe will pause. "Elvin, I'm going back out into the market and you've proven quite a smooth talker with those in the market. Would you be keen on accompanying me and maybe helping me find them? Just a couple things." Exe says and if Elvin accepts, will explain what he wants.

Exe leaves Doodle's shop in search of some final preparations with Kalinda close in tow. It is unclear if he notices the Machine Person, or if he cares at the moment. If he does see the Machine Person, he will offer a polite bow of his head and continue on. If he sees Ghast/Andra speaking to the Machine Person, he will stop and also listen in without interrupting the conversation.

Elvin's eyes light up at Exe's proposal. A shopping spree? With a demigod's credits to spend? The challenge, the thrill of the hunt – is it an opportunity I can refuse? I don't think so!

"A shopping spree? Count me in!" he exclaims, his voice filled with a childlike enthusiasm. "I am a sultan of sales, a maestro of mercantilism. Your credits will be put to good use, I assure you."

He cracks his knuckles, a playful gesture that belies his predatory instincts. Any market, with wondrous array of goods and services, is his playground. He is ready to haggle, to negotiate, to squeeze every last credit's worth out of every transaction. Failing that, one can always steal items of interest!

With a newfound purpose, Elvin follows Exe, his mind already racing with possibilities. While he's at it he peppers Exe with questions about what sorts of items he seeks.

While he's at it, Elvin takes an opportunistic pick pockets rolls on some unsuspecting schmuck he brushes past during his shopping spree.

Pick Pockets 89%: 1d100: [32] = 32 (SUCCESS)

Contingency: If Elvin has a moment before striking, he enhances his pick pocketing skills with Enhance Reflexes for an additional +15% to all Physical skills.

Any item lifted he hides away in a dimensional pocket for later examination away from prying eyes.

[Draggor]

Perception: 1d100: [25] = 25 | 30%
JIC: 1d20: 1d20: [1] = 1 | 1d100: [31] = 31

Post
"Sir Qu'Orth..." Draggor softly repeats, while those other lives present much stronger reactions. A good fight! Not OUR fight. We've been mistaken for both Splugorth and Kreeghor. We've been owned before, he is worth finding. We're really giving ourselves to galactic politics? We understand a warrior with a cause. Hmm, a new friend? That last thought by the pilot causes all the others to scream in unison YOU ARE DANGEROUS!, and shaking the control.

The creature's ever increasing distracted state almost prevents them from hearing Captain Sekona's command: we're headed to Koliath, and we best wrap up our affairs before departure. This of course nudges forward the next set of internal arguments over the shopping list and its priorities.

We can't just rely on our abilities, especially if trying to blend in.
There are ways to protect our mind.
Knives! Blades! Plasma swords! Make it up close and personal!
No, we need more versatile rifles!
Going to need a lot of faerie wine to survive this...
We should be using MORE of our abilities!
We haven't tried opening it since the Relic.
Yes, yes! I never got to know!

The urge to forgo shopping in exchange for the memory, and power, that eluded The Lost One all their life, while strong, succumbs to the wills of those other, much louder voices, especially that of The Merc. Anyone observing Draggor leave the ship might guess they were uncomfortable at best, or suffering from an unknown condition at worst, all while muttering to themselves about potential purchases, often in different accents. The creature doesn't register Ghast, Captain Sekona, and the machine person's presence, let alone existence.

LET'S GO SHOPPING!

Returning from shopping...
Whatever Draggor's haul, the creature's mercurial mood shows through. You wanted this. You had Metri and Kaedras to get us in order. You could resume The Lost One's practice. At some point they will run into fellow crew, and of note, a machine person. "You're new!" The words project out of Draggor in an awkward forward, but ultimately curious tone.

[Dark Lord]

The meeting with Thraxus wraps up, and you all discuss your next move on your way back to the ship. Joan and Metri verbalize a few thoughts beforehand, but most of the rest of you are concentrating on your own tasks. Mostly of the shopping variety, although Andra makes a bit of a show of narrowing down the list of target planets to two, and flipping a credit chip to decide which of the two to hit first. It lands, bottoms up, and so you and the crew will be heading to Koliath next.

After some musings and a bit of an internal multilogue Draggor heads back into the city proper. Exe does similarly after a brief meeting with his minions (new and old). With everyone concentrating on your purchases, Ghast and Andra are the only ones who spot the newcomer lurking outside Doodles’. Rather than attempt a stealthy approach, though, Ace decides some direct communication is in order, so in response to Ghast’s initial (and none-too-friendly) greeting and Andra’s strong but silent backup the machine person introduces himself and gets right to the point after a few remarks about the crew’s character.

The strange alien asks after another Machine Person by the name of Daedalus, who allegedly was a member of the crew at one point. Those of you who’ve interfaced with Datephus directly (i.e., telepathically) will realize that this is the same machine person whose death went into the creation of your unique, techno-wizard AI. Those of you who have just read the ship’s logs conventionally might remember the name if you pass a perception check (add +30% if you possess any psionic abilities, auto-succeed if you use the total recall psi-power). One way or another, someone should remember the name, even if you never met this Daedalus directly. The question is, what do you do with this information?

Elvin tries to interact with Ace himself, only to realize that his anti-machine power apparently works on Machine People as well. After some mildly frustrating (and intriguing) attempts to communicate, Elvin excitedly decides to accompany Exe on his shopping trip instead. Finally, once Andra gets to the ship he asks Datephus for a diagnostic report, to which the AI replies after a few minutes ”BRIEF SURVEY COMPLETE. ALL SYSTEMS OPERATING WITHIN NORMAL PARAMETERS. QUERY: FULL SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTIC WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY 1.84 STANDARD HOURS. BRIDGE CONTROLS WILL BE OFFLINE DURING THIS TIME. PROCEED?”

What are you doing?

[Joan Echo]

Perception (33%) 1d100<33: [14*] = 1
JiC 1d20: [20] = 20 / 1d100: [20] = 20

Armor
Splugorth Talisman of Armor of Ithan (inactive)
Teal tank-top with black floral print
Black skirt with gold fringe
Strappy sandals
HPC bracelet with bejeweled band

Effects and skills
Cook (70%) 1d100<70: [98] = 0 - Snacks?

After shopping, Joan returns back to Doodles and sees her new teammates talking to a machine urqos. She had hardly noticed him when she left the shop. He was just one of many grim faces crowding the damaged streets of Center. She's only one goddess; it's not like she's omnipotent or something. But there he is still, and this time talking to Urqos Andra and Urqos Ghast. Is he a part of the team. I don't recognize him. Could he be a new recruit? There is high turnover with the Adventurers.

She walks up to the three and says, "My good and dear urqos. Why are you chatting with this stranger out here? Come inside!" She looks over at Ace, "You too. All strangers are welcome wherever I go, so come join us. We'd love to hear about your business and any stories that you have."

If she sees Elvin flying around she will snap her fingers, "Fae! We need drinks! If you're going to help with hospitality you need to make sure our guests have beverages!"

If Elvin isn't around, she fetches a pitch of water, grabs whatever fruit juices Icky left in the fridge and puts them into carafes as well. She grabs an assortment of produce and mashes them into a lumpy and sad colored dip that she serves with a box of crackers. With her luck/skill rolls, it is they are the stalest things in the galley.

Once she has a moment to sit down, she leans forward and smiles at Ace. "Hello traveler, I am Joan Echo the Goddess of Hospitality. Why have you come looking for my friends?"