Corco's Villa (IC)

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by TGLS

Wow, this Aram had a laser focus on the near east...

Something like that. The middle and near east, I'd say. Languages could explain it... but he obvious knew more languages than just the local ones there.

A few questions Halycone will either ask or go research before leaving:

What exactly makes the null dimension a "twisted mirror" ? Is it full of like twisted versions of the species that lives in the regular worlds of the skerry, or is it something else?

The books on the subject in the library indicate the dimension does not exist, anymore than the space in a mirror. But when you summon something from there, it becomes real, but an hostile, broken, deranged version of what you summoned. Or what you were expecting.

Do we know anything about the newly created creatures?

They're more organized than these creatures are, and they have a larger portion of the material realm in them. In DF terms, they are all elder things. They don't need sustenance to live. A lack of vital organs is common, though not required. A local expert is recommended. As is staying far away. One of Gurdo's nephews says they suspect some group is experimenting and wants to summon or breed an army. They've noticed the null dimension has been mixed with necromantic magic for a lot of the new creatures.

Do we know anything about the underground portal nexus? Do we have a map or something?

It connects a world dominated by deserts, cliffs, and reptilians to one dominated by human, elves, and dwarves.


The portal nexus has been shaped and refined by its inhabitants for a while, and its full of portals and tunnels, which are hard to map. So no.

Where can we get to near the nexus? Can we appear inside?

You get one drop. It can be right next to the main portal if you want... though Gurdo's nephew suggests that starting nearer to a base of operations might be preferable: the portal to the null dimension is only a piece of the puzzle, the people using it are the real goal.

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Vassarious is quite excited to discover what it is like to be a Djinn or sphinx and studies their forms. They delight in the social engagement and attention.

Of course!

Vassarious will research whatever is available on the skerry and background...

Not sure what to give you other than what I already have!


The nearest town on the Human/Elf/Dwarf side is called "Torlin", the nearest town on the reptilian side is "Talonrise".

[the_matrix_walker]

"Interesting situation... I'm sure the locals will have heard rumblings. Shall we start in one of the nearby settlements and ask around for tales of mysterious happenings and strange creatures? Perhaps we can recruit a guide, or even a delightful band of varied humanoids with diverse skills to accompany us. Do you have a preference for mingling with mammals or reptiles?"

[TGLS]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

"Interesting situation... I'm sure the locals will have heard rumblings. Shall we start in one of the nearby settlements and ask around for tales of mysterious happenings and strange creatures?

"Always seems to be the first step."

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Perhaps we can recruit a guide, or even a delightful band of varied humanoids with diverse skills to accompany us.

"If we had enough time we could even just start spreading rumours of treasure near the portal in question and do recon that way..."

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Do you have a preference for mingling with mammals or reptiles?"

"I've done more practice with humans, though I've seen too many recently."

[ericthered]

So I take it you'll be dropped off in town on the mammalian side?

[TGLS]

I could go either way, but left with no opinion from matrix walker I'd go with Mammalian side

[the_matrix_walker]

Sure! Mammals are keen!

Vassarious will pick a nice woodsy warrior appearance, handsome, but rough around the edges...

We will need "adventurer's gear" and Vassrious will wear his armor of an advanced vest with Titanium chainmail unless something better is offered...

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Sure! Mammals are keen!

Vassarious will pick a nice woodsy warrior appearance, handsome, but rough around the edges...

We will need "adventurer's gear" and Vassrious will wear his armor of an advanced vest with Titanium chainmail unless something better is offered...

Ok.

What about Halcyone's gear? Anything specific to bring?

Blending... walking around with all your limbs showing is actually cool around here, if very distinctive. I'm not sure what actually wouldn't be blending in DF land. I suppose blatant electronics use, but that's easy enough to keep private.


We also need some consideration for how much money you'll be given for this mission: I'm tempted to say $5,000 each.

[TGLS]

Originally Posted by ericthered

Ok.

What about Halcyone's gear? Anything specific to bring?

Could I get a drone hive that I just carry around or something? Construction foam might also be handy. Rifles, vibroblades and armour as usual.

Originally Posted by ericthered

Blending... walking around with all your limbs showing is actually cool around here, if very distinctive. I'm not sure what actually wouldn't be blending in DF land. I suppose blatant electronics use, but that's easy enough to keep private.

I'm honestly not sure how important it is to blend in when you're in DF land.

Originally Posted by ericthered

We also need some consideration for how much money you'll be given for this mission: I'm tempted to say $5,000 each.

Neat.

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by TGLS

Could I get a drone hive that I just carry around or something? Construction foam might also be handy. Rifles, vibroblades and armour as usual.

A single hive? that's doable. How much foam?

I'm honestly not sure how important it is to blend in when you're in DF land.

Yeah, its a weird place.

Oh, languages! you need to map your languages!

*************************************

The portal to drop them off opens near the town of Torlin. Torlin is a busy town, surrounded by 20 foot high stone walls. Outside of its immediate environs, gardens grown unnaturally large and bright vegetables, some of which you've never seen before. a Myriad of different humanoid species walk the road: the majority are humans, dwarves, or some sort of elf, but you can already see a tiny halfing here and a four-armed beetle man over there.

The guards at the gate are tense. As you enter, they hand you a "Pass" and warn you to keep it on you at all times you are in Torlin: not doing so can result in death. The Pass is a square piece of wood with runes carved into it. They're obviously magical. To search is made of your gear, but you notice your passes contain runes for "Warrior" and "Stranger".


The mood in the town seems gloomy.

[TGLS]

Originally Posted by ericthered

A single hive? that's doable. How much foam?

A 5 lb. a gallon, let's say 20 gallons. I think that places me at medium?

Edit: Bump it to 21 for the math. That makes 35 cf.

Originally Posted by ericthered

Oh, languages! you need to map your languages!

OK:
Common
Lizard Common

Can I wait on the rest? If not, I got Intuition, so I'll roll that to decide the other two.

Originally Posted by ericthered

The guards at the gate are tense. As you enter, they hand you a "Pass" and warn you to keep it on you at all times you are in Torlin: not doing so can result in death.

"Death? What on Earth is going on around here?"