Kintobor

I am personally going to rule that Yelana is present with the group in order to not have any issues going forward. I hope C_S's power situation is resolved in a timely manner, but until then there is more to do.

Stay safe. Hopefully your power comes back soon.

Zaria remains silent at Merei's response, but it's clear that the two ITA officers rub her the wrong way. Her mind focused on them and the reason they were aboard. How they could follow them and what they were doing here all bothered her. She follows the group to the Crew's Quarters.

MM Note: Waiting on actions. Are you guys still wanting to speak to anyone here, or catch your shuttle bus?

Zaria looked down the hall. "I have a feeling staying on this ship longer than necessary is going to be bad for our well being. We should try and find more survivors, if there are any, and see if we can get a clearer picture of what happened." As Zaria steps back into the hall she whispers under her breath to the group. "I do not trust these two ITA officers. They have been more than interested in this ship. When we were at the station, they seemed interested in knowing more about this freighter."

I'll throw up a few of my own NPC icons in a bit.

Bers Perception Check (DC: 1/3): (3,4,4) Two Successes Yelana Perception Check: (DC: 1/3): (1,3,4,5 +1 Success) Three Successes While it takes Bers a moment to spot the two groups Polaris spotted in the crowd, Yelana does and directs Bers attention to them. Yelana notes that the two figures in green cloaks are wearing worn leather armour and warm layers of clothing, including vests and boots for hiking. The rifle on the back of one of them is indicative of the bolt action laser rifles commonly used by hunters.

Zaria wiped the blood from her blade with a cloth from her pouch and raises her empty hand up to her face to provide a rite. "Varuth, Father of Wisdom, Companion in Travels, Shower of the Ways, deliver this wayward soul from this life and unto the next. Guide his spirit away from damnation and suffering, and to the place where all journey's end. Ro uk fouso. Be at peace." She sheaths her blade closes Gail's eyelids respectfully. "What if it spreads beyond a ship?" Zaria punctuates, looking to Varen. "I think this ship is beyond salvaging without putting others at risk. Spaceports are the lifeblood of cities and frequent stops for travellers. If this ship reaches Cosmopoli this Hydra could do untold amounts of harm."

The attendant taps in a few commands into the keyboard and turns to the ticket machine as it prints out two more tickets. "Thank you, and enjoy your trip! The bus is just outside through the main entrance in Bus Station Two. Next in line, please step forward!" The attendant motions for a group of dwarves to step forward as the heroes move to the side. Keva looks over the photo and scratches her chin with her leather gloved hand. "Well, magic and science can do some pretty impressive stuff, but both methods are costly. These types of situations aren't your average medical procedures, either. I've heard of some doctors turning to prosthesis to help soldiers acclimate back into civilian life after some truly grizzly injuries regarding the face, and magical glamours can disguise some injuries, but a full recovery is a fairly expensive process regarding rebuilding a nose, believe it or not." "Well, if you would like I can send a message to our central church and see if I can get someone to speak to you later if you're in a hurry. Where are you from?" The priest nods at the question being asked. "I have all the time in the world... well, no, not really, but I have enough time to answer any questions you may have. If it is regarding the faiths in the galaxy I can try my best to give you an answer, so please, ask away." Polaris Perception Check (DC: 1/3): (4,5,6) Three Successes There is a lot of activity happening in the space port, enough to make some dizzy. Looking through the crowds, Polaris can see a few notable persons of interest. Heading in the direction of Bus Station Two is a man in a dark red cloak and a stuffy look suit being followed by two figures in similar garb as the attendant selling tickets. The two spaceport workers carry with them a large wooden trunk. Behind them, far less noticeable are two figures in unassuming traveller's cloaks. One has a rifle slung around their back, the other carries a walking stick. Beneath their cloaks, the green hues of their clothes stick out like torches in the dark.

Zaria solemnly steps forward, past Kirwin, and readies her stance briefly before a swift stroke of her sword attempts to remove Gail's head from her shoulders. She hoped this would be a quick and painless end to the poor woman's suffering.

Zaria took to her breathing regimens as she tried to tune out the noise and listen. As much as she wished to find someone on this ship with more medical knowledge, she was not sure if said people were even alive still. Even then, a wound like the one Gail had was not something one recovered from. This was nothing but pain at this point, and to leave Gail like this while they searched the ship was to leave her to suffer. "I wish to save what crew we can, Merei, but I do not believe that Gail is capable of being saved. To give her a quick, painless death is the small amount of kindness we can provide her." Zaria turns from Gail quietly and makes room for Kirwin. "In my heart of hearts, either I take her head, or we burn the creature out of her. As much as it pains me, she dies either way. I merely do not wish to prolong the inevitable."

"Well... hmm..." The attendant types away on her keyboard again, looking to see what options might be available. "I am sorry, but I am not seeing anything that might be to your liking. Bus fares have already been adjusted to match holiday rates. Hmm..." The two priests of Lorgothol take note of Polaris as she speaks with the attendant. Polaris Medical Check (DC: 2): (1,3,5,6 +1 Success) Three Successes Polaris' brief medical check provides her with some grim information. The green clad priest's cough is caused by a terminal illness, one which is eating away at his body's ability to pump blood through it and stay warm. Casting Healing light on the priest has an effect on him as his breath is less wheezy and sharp, but it is obvious that this is but a mere reprieve. "Ah, bless, child. May the Kindly Plague bring you warmth and renew bonds of charity this season. I appreciate the reprieve, even if momentary. You seem to know a thing or two about medicine. Has anyone ever sat you down for a discussion about Lorgothol? I believe you might find some higher calling within our church. Tell me, are you in need of credits?" The attendant takes Bers' credits and begins typing on the computer. She turns to the machine on her left and waits as a sturdy paper ticket is printed out. She hands it to the adamite. "One bus ticket to Knothole, two way. Please do not lose this, and enjoy your trip!"

At the start of Mission 7, I thought maybe Zepher and I would have different PC dynamics, but it seems as if I better just get straight to putting on white face paint and a red-haired wig.

Zaria turns from Merei to Gail. She levels her sword in preparation to strike it through Gail's neck. "This will be as painless as I can deliver it." OoC: I'll allow people to express interest in stopping Zaria before I go through with it if there's any opposition.

No check needed. MM Note: So, almost everything you're asking for in terms of checks can be easily handed over to you without the need for one, as Ezra is more than willing to hand you over the datapad with Harrigan's picture to use as you see fit. Yelana Perception Check (DC: 1/2): (1,2,2,5 +1 Success) Two Successes Yelana can determine that the large chunk of metal sticking out of the left side of Harrigan's head is part of a metal cap covering his cranium. He isn't so much wearing a metal cap so much as one has been implanted onto the side of his head to cover a spot where his skull was damaged. The hair on his head therefore covers this cap and is thin here due to the cap covering the wound. Yelana also takes note that his left nostril has been crushed slightly, giving it a mashed in look. "Heading to the Fharwundi prefecture are we? Give me a moment." The attendant begins typing on the keyboard in front of her, looking at the clear monitor and parsing through a few options. "Well, the next shuttle bus out of Zatharal heading towards Knothole leaves in a half hour. I can book you three tickets for the shuttle and you three should arrive in Knothole within two hours. The fare for a two-way ticket is five credits." She looks to Polaris and the group expectantly. "Oh, no. It is winter time here on Aluriel so various diseases and viruses are spreading as people huddle in doors, but nothing nearly constituting a plague is spreading across the land." The robed woman replies as the pale man in the back chuckles. "Priestess Keva is quite right. We are here to collect charity and donations to give to the poor, the sick, and the needy during this Harvest Week. Not all among us have much time before their Embrace with Lorgothol, and we are here to ease their suffering and remind everyone of Lorgothol's teachings: the only certainty in life is that no one makes it out alive!" He laughs at his comment, ending in a wheezing cough, causing him to momentarily stop stirring the cauldron. "Apologies. Harvest Week and Yol'Yum are times of giving and charity, and Lorgothol reminds us that we are stronger of spirit and mind when we remember those less fortunate among us, especially during these festive times. Perhaps you have a coin to spare or an item you wish to donate?" "Well, that's one way to donate, I guess. You could've just tapped." Keva comments as the man stirring the cauldron laughs, his response in a quiet, wheezy voice. "Ah, blessed be, my child! May Lorgothol's merriment and kindness go with you this season!" A soft, green glow illuminates the old priests gnarled, bony fingers as he waves to Yelana. She feels a brief feeling of calm and the smell of dirt before Priestess Keva steps forward from her spot, setting down the collections pad and lantern next to the cauldron. "Lorgothol is the creator of pestilence and disease, not out of malice but as a reminder to be charitable and to live life to its fullest. Charity and good will to all beings is Lorgothol's main teachings, and his priests are to tend to the sick when need be, but the poor and downtrodden are also to be looked after." "Indeed. As of right now, Priestess Keva and myself are here dressed as Resti and Lorgothol himself, respectively. Resti is one of Lorgothol's two heralds and it is she who is responsible for collecting the ingredients to the research necessary for finding cures for the various diseases and maladies Lorgothol cooks up as a reminder to be kind to one another. Although, to be granted, I am not quite as able as I used to be: I had to leave the giant tome that rests on Lorgothol's back behind. The prop has gotten a bit too taxing on my back." -The Heroes- Polaris Ursaring [with M.I.L.E.S.] (samurai-turtle) -PARTY LEADER- 15 cycle old female "Chimeran" Character Points: 0 / 22 Vitality: 8 / 8 Velocity: 2 Strength: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 2 Spirit: 2 / 2 Proficiencies: Coding 1*, Engineering 1 (+1, tool), Medicine 1 (+1, tool), Melee Weapons 2, Nature 2, Short Range Weapons 1, Long Range Weapons 1, Spells: Healing Light, Spirit Ally, Credits: 32 Equipment: Mecha Strike (Standard, Kinetic, Melee Range Weapon), Utility Belt (tool) Grants +1 Engineering or Medicine Check Success, Inventory: Whirlwind Boomerang (Standard, Elemental, Short Range Weapon), Plasma Potion (x5), Pulse Cannon (Calibrated, Energy, Long Range Weapon), Designation: B3R5 - 3rk (Dutch Thriceman) Age: Unknown, Gender: Mechanical, Race: Adamite Character Points: 0 / 14 Vitality: 6 / 6 Velocity: 2 Strength: 3 Skill: 2 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 1 Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 2, Intimidation 2, Athletics 2 Known Spells: None Credits: 85 Equipment: Chain-Greatsword (Standard Kinetic Weapon) Mecha-Plate (Standard Kinetic Armour) Inventory: Shield Booster, Energy Cell, Nanite Elixer, 2 Plasma Potions, Sawn-Off Shotgun (Standard Short Range Kinetic Weapon) Yelana Fennix (Classic_Spaceman) Unknown age Female Human Character Points: 1/15 Vitality: 6 Velocity: 3 Strength: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 4 Spirit: 0 Proficiencies: Artillery Weapons 1, Perception 1, Insight 1, Stealth 1, Sleight of Hand 1 Known Spells: N/A Equipment: Modular Sniper Rifle (Calibrated Energy Artillery Weapon), Radiation Gauntlet (Standard Energy Armour), Farsight Goggles Inventory: Cloaking Generator, Hacking Chip, Translator Cube, Plasma Potion 2x Other: Minor Blessing of Lorgothol (+1 Success to the next Medicine Check made by this character. This blessing disappears after the check is made.) Credits: 70 MM Note: If you have any questions regarding the blessing, please let me know.

"Based on my observation, this Hydra creature is keeping Gail alive. If we remove it, we are killing Gail." Zaria could not imagine the amount of pain Gail was in. It would be best to merely end her suffering and send her to the peace of the place where all journeys end. "And, I want it known that if given the opportunity to, yes, I would eliminate every Hydra on this ship. Creatures like this take away our agency. It was clearly warping Ilbery's memories, and it would do the same to us if given the chance. Some creatures must be put down to ensure our safety."

Zaria turns to Merei, grimacing. "I do not think we can just "remove" this... creature from Andrea without leaving her full of holes, Merei." Zaria uncomfortably grabs the gun from Andrea.

Harvest Week was original supposed to coincide with Thanksgiving, but I kind of like the idea that within this elven and dwarf week of observance Yol'Yum is also celebrated, and, as cultures are want to do, it got co-opted into Harvest Week observances.

"That will be up for you to determine, Polaris. Remember: you are not here to kill Harrigan. I merely want you three to investigate and return to me with a report." Ezra leads the trio through the ship the hold, the cargo access lowered as crew members hurry about unloading and loading on goods. The presence of frost and a blow of cold air alerts the heroes to the cold outside. "Best of luck, and may the gods show you their favour." Ezra says as the heroes exit the Satyr's Song and out into Docking Bay 3. They quickly find their way into the spaceport's interior and out of the cold. The scent of fresh breads and homemade meals wafts through the mezzanine as travellers of all sizes and shapes usher about, some bundling up and others loosening hats and scarves. Vendors sell Yol'Yum treats and pipping hot stews while the sounds of a country band echo through the building, their cheery music causing some to stop and listen. "And there was plums and prunes and cherries, There were citrons and raisins and cinnamon, too. There were nuts and cloves and berries, And a shell that was nailed on with glue. There were caraway seeds in abundance, sure to work up a fine stomach ache. It would kill a man twice after eating a slice Of Miss Ogarty's Yol'Yum cake!" The heroes quickly come to a bus terminal manned by a woman with thick rimmed glasses. Her uniform is neatly pressed and her gloves spotless of stains. Next to the terminal a duo linger around a cauldron overflowing with breads, fruits, and bottles of alcohol. The man in dark green robes is as pale as winter's snow, his fingers gnarled and thin. The woman wears a tattered, stained robe and carries a lantern in one hand and a datapad in another. "Yol'Yum tidings to all! Donate to the poor, the sick, and the needy!" "Harvest Week is here and upon us! Donate to those less fortunate! The Kindly Plague embraces us all!" The man slowly churns the cauldron as the elven woman looks up and motions for the heroes to step forward. "This terminal is open!"

Mission 8: Apologies for the delay. I've been doing some house cleaning and attending to a few other things. With the holidays behind me, I will have an update for you tomorrow. Thank you for your patience.

"Kirwin, I'll help you get to the terminal." Zaria moves to inspect the body slouched against the table.

Mission 8, I'll have an update for you tomorrow. I wound up being busy doing some housework and getting stuff ready for tomorrow.

--- The Satyr's Song rocks slightly as it's thrusters tilt in order to land at Docking Bay 3 in Zatharal. The porthole gives a glistening view of the city as ships lift and land among the shining spires and towers of the trade city. Beyond it, pristine lakes and great, grassy plains stretch into the horizon. A few lazy clouds roll through the pristine blue sky. Aluriel was the picture of beauty and serenity. The sound of the cabin door opening alerts the heroes of someone entering their temporary chambers. "Beautiful, isn't she? As much as I have seen, and as much done, Aluriel, sweet Aluriel, I find my way back to thee." Ezra looks out the porthole longingly, a sense of calm washing over him. "It may be hard to imagine this, but this planet wasn't always so beautiful, so pristine. It... is a scar on our civilization." Ezra looks down at the floor, thinking on something before his attention returns to the heroes. "I have what you three asked for: here's a picture of Harrigan from his wanted poster." He hands the group a holopad with Harrigan's likeness on it. He is dressed for combat in oily and menacing power armour; rivets, spikes and pointy edges have been modified into the armour to make him look more intimidating. His beard, unkempt and ragged, gives him more mass than he already had. Even in picture form, he oozed an intimidating aura. "Use this information however you will. Now then, if you will allow me, I will escort you down to the docking bay. Shall we?"

"I do not know how these two can be both the most unexpected and yet also the worst possible outcome, but Varuth is... certainly testing us." Zaria whispers to her comrades. She turns to the two officers. "I think we are all familiar with each other, so I think it is in our best interests to be amicable to one another. What are you two doing aboard here?" Zaria asks Duncan and Dean.

"This grudge has been present since the founding of the pantheon by the Republic, perhaps before that. History has not been too kind to certain historical records. It has led to incidents in the past, but I assure you, the church of Belaros was the instigator in every incident." Vielight assures the group. "This is the outcome when you have radicals in your midst. I would not be too concerned at the moment. There is unrest everywhere, but Irvator's light shines brighter than it has in some time." "I could!" Vielight responds with a smile. "If you continue to train and hone your mind, you could send me messages, too. Our devotion to the gods is what gives us these boons: her gifts given form to protect the beacon of civilization. It may seem odd that I am present on a ship full of privateers and spies, but their work is to ensure that shipping lanes are clear and that commerce and goods make it from port to port. The trade routes are the life blood of a healthy, prosperous civilization, and I am here fulfilling my vows as a priest of Irvator seeing that order and prosperity can be maintained in wild space." At the mention of Varuth, Vielight's tense shoulders relax. "Varuth's priesthood are... eccentric, to say the least. Irvator and Varuth tend to get along: Irvator builds the roads which Varuth travels down, after all! It is quite hard to have a joyful hotelier without measures put in place to keep that hotel up and running! You three should understand: your organization is situated in an old hotel if I recall." Vielight looks out one of the portholes, looking at the stars pass by. "We should be in Aluriel's atmosphere within the next hour or two. I will leave the three of you to sort out your gear and prepare for your mission." Priestess Vielight gestures with her hands respectfully before curtsying, her ceremonial jewellery jangling as she does so. "May Irvator's light guide you in times of darkness, and be a beacon of strength and resolve. May the sun's warmth be at your backs to blind those who would harrow the gates of peace and order." With one final smile, she departs the heroes, leaving them to prepare. Mission Master Note: Next update tomorrow will have you landing in Aluriel. Feel free to chat until then.