Eschton [mature] IC - Calling Arabesu

[Vertexx69]

OOC: Maybe give the noncoms some suggestions for alternate bodies/drones and things?

As they are leaving the party, Serraphina thinks to Jenner, - Have the markotians sent the standard reparation payments yet for their over-reaction? Perhaps we should organize a fundraiser for this little investigative expidition we are planning ... for supplies and such."I will look into it miss."

In the days that follow before the meet Serraphina will be available to speak with the others. Including suggestions like: "Make sure you have a way to breath...or not, in a vacuum." or "...And having a way avoid simple detection methods, such as invisibility couldn't hurt."

 

[Voidrazor]

The gala continues timelessly, with fascinating conversation, strange euphoric drugs, intriguing sexual experiences, glorious combat, and a plethora of various other treats, to be had by those that seek them. But eventually each member of the newly forged party retires to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead. Fund-raising efforts for the mission meet with significant success, but the resources raised are earmarked for specific things deemed by seers to increase the mission's prospects.

'Mercury IX' Mecha for Melanoce's Pilot bot (Teleoperated)
HP 100 (plus the bot's 64 HP)
AC 33
Move 20' ground 190' air (poor)
Size: Large - 10' reach
Attack: Artemis Particle Cannon +16 to hit (touch) 10d6 damage (force)
SV Fort +4, Ref +10(4+6), Will +
Str 18, Dex 24, Con —, Int 23, Wis 10, Cha 18
Allows Melanoce to cast spells through it.

Lord Karnak receives a horned helm that a) acts as a Belt of Battle with 30 charges b) provides protection from vacuum and removes any penalties for Zero-G activities c) provides continuous flight (as the spell).

Serraphina receives a blue diamond (matches her eyes perfectly) that attaches to her circlet. It a) raises the save DC on Read Thoughts to 30 b) acts as a Cube of Force that cn also create 1HP walls (to push off of) for 0 charges c) gives her any one feat she meets the pre-reqs for (1 min to change feats).

Sigil only gets a Glammered Spacesuit but Kaydia infuses her with the power of the fey. This boon gives her a +8 Luck bonus to Dex, ups the usages of Empowered Elfbolts to 9, and lets her use any enchantment or illusion sorceror spell in the PHb up to 3rd at will.

In addition, Karnak's ship is temporarily retrofitted with moderate weaponry, a cloaking device, and a Star Trek style teleporter.


Eventually you arrive in a ruined solar system. The sun has long ago fallen in on itself, becoming a black hole, unseen except as a deeper darkness and a set of perilous readings on the sensors. All that remains of the planets that once orbited the collapsed star is an enormous asteroid field. Sensors reveal no life among the millions of weightlessly tumbling rocks. As the reality of what is worse than a needle in a haystack search sinks in, Serraphina notices the impossible. Something is rising away from the event horizon. At present it is too distant to make out any of its features and only a visual search, as opposed to a sensor sweep, reveals its presence.

 

[Nephtys]

After leaving the party Melanoce sets up a secure connection and contacts Sigil. Speaking confidently she delivers her peculiar suggestion.

"It's a pleasure, as always, Queen Sigil, but today I'll get straight to the point. I know how busy you must be.
You recall the conversation we had at the party, our talk about our possible trading-relationship and the future of your world. I've already begun to set these matters in motion. I mentioned to you that I had an offer, of a somewhat unusual kind, but delayed the matter to a more appropriate time. Well, that time is now.
I've been in contact with one Xonorious of Tzaturreng, a weapons-manufacturer of some note, and it has expressed an interest in opening negotiations with the World-spirit of Kaydia. It has requested me to secure your active support in these negotiations, because though it could certainly undertake them without your knowlege it wishes to make a show of good faith.
It will not tell me what those negotiations will entail, but Kaydia herself would never agree to anything detrimental to your world. Kaydia is divine and Xonorious most certainly is not, there is nothing to fear on that point. The planet's loyalty towards yourself is also beyond its ability to disturb. I do not know what it seeks to accomplish but I'm convinced it's quite harmless, at least to us. If you will allow me to speculate it probably involves some sort of refinement of techno-magical integration that will allow it to improve the effectiveness of some of its products. And in this time of chrisis Eschaton is in dire need of improvement in our military technologies, I think we can agree.
If Xonorius' negotiations with Kaydia are successful, and if my subsequent negotiations with Xonorius reach a satisfactory conclusion, you can look forwards to a handsome compensation for your efforts."

ooc: Diplomacy 80+d20 (worship me )
-

Meanwhile Melanoce continues organizing the foundation of the tourism industries on Kaydia, investing an initial 30000 gp and setting up a Gate on the most beautiful spot on the planet (away from the regular worldgate).

 

[Shayuri]

(On the mission)

On hearing Seraphina's report, Sigil asks, "Can you estimate it's location relative to something I can see? I have a device that should let us get a much closer look."

(To Melanonce)

Sigil considers the communication for a moment, then replies, "I trust the world-spirit...but she also trusts me. I am inclined to allow the contact, if I am present to lend my aid and counsel, should she require it." She pauses, then adds, "As long as we're speculating though, I'm curious. It seems unusual to contact the world-spirit directly. Why would that be necessary for them?"

 

[Nephtys]

(To Melanonce)

Sigil considers the communication for a moment, then replies, "I trust the world-spirit...but she also trusts me. I am inclined to allow the contact, if I am present to lend my aid and counsel, should she require it." She pauses, then adds, "As long as we're speculating though, I'm curious. It seems unusual to contact the world-spirit directly. Why would that be necessary for them?"

"Your presence would be welcomed by all, I'm sure." Melanoce agrees, "I would expect nothing less."
"It is a most unusual request, I agree, and I've been unable to find a truly plausible reason for it. Xonorios is an electro-mechanical life form though, and their motives can sometimes be difficult to fathom. If I would put myself in its position I would assume it had something to do with increasing profits by improving research and technology. The reason why Kaydia would be needed doubtless lies in Her own nature, of which you know more than I. Kaydia seems to me a fay world, a world of natural and subtle yet pervasive magics, while Xonorius represents the exact opposite. A fusion of the two viewpoints would be interesting, if nothing else..."

 

[Voidrazor]

Melanoce & Sigil - I assume you consult with each other in picking a spot to set up. The 15 most beautiful spots on Kaydia are currently inhabited by various fey that are likely to try to cause trouble for intruders. There are plenty of unoccupied locations that extremely lovely, just none in the top 15.

All - Its difficult to get an exact position on the object. But after some experimentation using Sigil's mirror you get a look at it.

 

[Shayuri]

(With Melanonce)

After some scouting, and some thought, Sigil suggests to Melanonce a spot that's in a human-dominated area, but not far from the boundaries of the enchanted woods of the fey. The gateway location is lovely...a glade near a river waterfall surrounded by rich pines and towering redwoods. Picturesque on any world, though Kaydia has much more to offer. Her reasoning is simple enough.

First - We don't want to just give the reward away at the beginning. If the gate was to the best location, then we'd have nothing to induce people to stay and look around for.

Second - Human lands tend to be...safer than fey. Plus, there's more amenities. Inns, smithies, shops and farms...things most visitors will be interested in, but that fey have little need for.

Third - Visitors need a safe haven where they can be informed of what Kaydia has...and the risks that are involved in sightseeing. It's Sigil's view that the faint of heart will be content to stay in human lands, and fey lands where human interaction is common. The more adventurous souls might wish to venture deeper in, and see the crystal sylph caves, or dance with the fauns under the Mushroom Towers of Jin Lake.

Thus, the gate site is pretty, but not unearthly...it's relatively centrally located, so that many areas of interest are nearby, it's human-operated so it has things a visitor would want and need, and it's safe for people to stay, learn and plan in. Not to mention, the area's Autarch is friendly to Sigil...a big plus.

 

[Vertexx69]

"Hmmm, looks vaguely reminiscent of a bleckblub anemeny from the Carsus Sea...a bit larger though." Serraphina says with a reassuring wink to the others.

OOC- Any way to discern ballpark dimensions?

 

[Voidrazor]

OOC: Its pretty hard to tell how large it is without a nearby frame of reference. But your best guess is that its anywhere between a couple of hundred feet to a mile in diameter.

 

[Voidrazor]

Melanoce&Sigil - Initial progress on the Kaydian resort goes smoothly. The basic construction takes only a matter of hours, but it will take a few weeks to get everything ready for guests.

On the ship - Citizen Arhaux, who arranged with Serraphina to join you just as you all left the IAO system says, "So are we going to watch were it goes and follow it or teleport over and investigate?"