Vignettes (In-Character Roleplay)

Hello esteemed players! In this forum thread, each of you can write vignettes (short episodes) to do role-playing from the point of view of your character, in order to develop relationships with other characters, develop backstories, or simply to expand what is played in the actual weekly sessions. Simple Rules of Forum Roleplay 1. Context: The vignettes written here should be set within a context of time and location in the campaign. For example, the GM might start a vignette telling that it happens in a castle before some event or session. Then you reply taking into account that place and time. If you want to change the context, then simply state it at the beginning of the post. 2. Format: What is written here should be "in-character", from the perspective of your character. If you need to write something "out-of-character", then put it with the following notation: [OOC: Example out-of-character text]. Remember to distinguish actual speech done by your characters by writing it in italics . 3. Checks: In case that the GM asks for any type of check to measure something, then it would be treated as a 'passive roll', meaning that no dice will be rolled but a 10 will be assumed as the result. And of course, bonuses from your character sheet will be added. 4. Campaign Insertion and Possible Awards: The events that are written in this thread are considered to actually happen in the campaign and the continuity of the story. The GM can award a little XP, replenished Conviction points, or special gear, for participation in this thread. 5. Language:  You can post either in English or Spanish as you feel more comfortable (the GM will likely post in English to maintain consistency with other game material).

Vignette 1: At the Foundry Tavern Location: Torch, Foundry Tavern Time: 4711, Calistril 6 (10 days before the campaign started) The town of Torch changed three years ago when a middle-aged man named Konir Blaine and her beautiful daughter Valaris Blaine , or 'Val' for short, arrived from Starfall. Years before, the man lived in the River Kingdoms but got tired of his nomadic ways, deciding to settle down in Starfall, where he rescued and adopted the young kellid orphan Valaris. But violence got more intense in Starfall, and the two moved away to seek a quieter and stabler town, eventually finding Torch: a nice place where Konir could also strengthen Val's education in alchemy and the otherworldly Numerian technology. The first thing that Konir did when arriving to town was to present his skills with metallurgy and advanced technology to the town's council, even using Torch's perpetual violet flame to his advantage. Dolga , a female dwarf and oldest councilor of Torch, put Konir to the test by giving him a temporary job at her foundry. Konir handled his tasks with ease. However, what really impressed everyone in town was when Konir came up with a plan to purify the waters of the Crownfeather Lake and Seven Tears river that ran through the town. With the help of the town's council, plus the local priest of Brigh - Joram Kester -, and a wandering merchant named Silveron , Konir began his plan that culminated in the creation of Crowfeather Palace (not really a palace): a building next to the lake where complex water-purifying mechanism cleared the waters. Thanks to this work with the Crowfeather Palace, and his charitable personality, Konir earned permanent citizenship in Torch and thus he was able to buy three buildings for a good price, establishing his permanent home in the first, a tavern in the second, and then his own foundry in the third. He also was voted for the town's council since the last year. -------------------------------------------------- This brings us to the present, to the sixth day of Calistril - the second month of the year 4711 - near the end of winter. Although cold winds blow outside, inside Konir's tavern you all find comfort near the warmth of several fires, with hot and spicy soups and fine ale served by Valaris, as she timidly goes from table to table attending the few customers of that night. Konir is sitting at the center table with his friends Silveron and Dolga, holding a small pod-shaped device with a red crystal at its top, as they exchange comments in a relaxed manner. On a few occasions, new patrons enter the tavern and Konir greets them, showing the device he is holding to pique their curiosity and inviting them to have some ale and a small chat. (Valaris Blaine)

I observe the device in awe and silently move towards Konirs' table. " Greetings. What is this device you are currently holding? "

Konir and his friends pause for a moment and turn to the half-elf that just made a question to them; they all become quiet. Konir looks at Silveron as if seeking some approval or authorization, and the wandering merchant nods back. Konir then says in a jovial voice that hints to slight inebriation: " Ummm, quite direct in your approaches, aren't you?". He chuckles and continues: "Well, the thing here is what we call an 'emergency beacon'. Now, why do you ask? "

" I am simply intrigued by this technology, what does it do? " Said Daemer rather nervously while looking at the object curiously

(Gorim entra a la taverna y al ver a Konir Blaine decide ir a hablarle sobre una idea que esta teniendo) "Sr. Blaine, podría hablar con usted un momento a solas. Prometo no tomarle mucho tiempo." - dice Gorim con cierta timidez

Just when Konir was going to explain the device to the half-elf, Silveron abruptly interrupts him without worrying about rudeness, and issues a warning disguised amid smiles and affable tones: " Who are you? I haven't seen you in Torch. Are you an agent of the Technic League?" He chuckles too. " They are not welcomed here, you know ". Silence falls around the center table while Silveron continues, but this time in a sincere, softer tone: " Sorry, but we must all be very careful these days. Well, just in case you are really curious, this device emits a light from this red crystal and some so-called 'waves' that let other people know where you are. It's actually more complex than that, but well, I think you won't understand anyway. Interested in buying it? ". [OOC: The red crystal atop the device is really plastic, but the people of Numeria think it's some sort of weak crystal.] Silence still reigns at the center table; Dolga and Konir are quiet as a rock. Just in time, a friend of Konir enters the tavern: a male dwarf called Gorim who is  a native of Torch. He asks Konir to speak with him alone for a moment, and Konir takes that opportunity to leave the awkward tension that Silveron's candid and loud personality created. Konir heads with Gorim to the back of the tavern, near the small kitchen. Behind them, Valaris follows with some dirty dishes and she excuses herself as she walks between the two men and into the kitchen, not after greeting the dwarf: " Hello Gorim ". Konir seizes the moment to tell his daughter: " Val, asks the clients on table five to pay already ". " Ok dad ", replies Valaris, " but let's close soon; it has been slow tonight ". Konir then resumes his conversation: " Hey, Gorim, how's it going? Is Remiliano ok? Tell me what's on your mind ".

Sí, sí, Remiliano está bien. Lo que pasa es que desde usted llegó a la ciudad me tiene intrigado con sus innovaciones. Usted es una de las razones por las cuales me he puesto a estudiar todo lo que tiene que ver con tecnologías, máquinas, y otras muchas cosas. Pero no vine a hablarle de mi sino que a consultar con usted una idea que me ha surgido... Como ha notado, no soy muy bueno hablando con las personas y tomé el atrevimiento de acercarme a usted porque me conoce y quisiera que fuera mi mentor en este proyecto, si es posible. Quiero hacer una máquina que me ayude tanto en los proyectos como en las aventuras que me gustaría tener en el futuro. Ahora mismo no tengo muchas monedas y no piense que quiero dinero, yo solo quiero aprender de usted lo más que pueda para en un futuro cercano poder colaborar en la ciudad como lo ha hecho usted. La idea que tengo es empezar desde 0 con materiales que me encuentre por la ciudad y la gente los haya desperdiciado.

Konir lets out a little 'sigh' as he was expecting something more urgent for being interrupted by Gorim. But he sets aside this small frustration and places a hand on Gorim's shoulder, telling him that he will help whenever he can: " Look, Gorim. Right now my duties as town councilor are taking more time than what I expected, but I will see what I can do ". He starts thinking deeply, as if calculating something in his mind, and then lets out a proposal: " Let's begin with a book that I have which collects tips and secrets from several Brigh worshippers and inventors. I have to go back and attend some things until late tonight, but drop by my home when the tavern has closed, and Val will give you the book. Then, we can meet some time later. This week I'm full of stuff to do, but I'm thinking that on Calistril 15, we can pay a visit to Joram and also to Garin's junkyard and see what we can find ". [OOC: Unfortunately, Konir disappeared on Calistril 14] [OOC: Here is more info on Garin Burwadle and his junkyard (see #23: Junkyard): <a href="https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com" rel="nofollow">https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com</a>... ] [OOC: And here is a picture of Garin:]

Desde la puerta el joven Remiliano observaba lo que sucedía dentro de la taverna. Mientras camina hacia la mesa donde se encuentran Silveron, Dolga y Daemer. " &nbsp;Silveron sabes que si un Technic League entrara aqui ya lo hubiera descubierto. Oye pero algo que siempre he pensado, luego de tantas cosas demostradas por Konir, por que el technic league no ha venido a buscarlo? Que ha hecho para evitarlos?"&nbsp;

Silveron was about to resume conversation with Daemer and Dolga when a patron in the tavern interrupts him: a bleached gnome by the name of Remiliano, native of Torch too and a friend of Gorim and Konir. This time Silveron does not assume a half-friendly, half-serious tone like he did with Daemer; instead he looks insulted and a bit outraged although he tries to hide his discontent: " What are in the Nine Hells are you saying? Are you implying that Konir is an agent? Look, I know Konir likes you, but you better never put those ideas in your head again or in someone's else ". Remiliano cannot help but feel some exaggeration from Silveron. Dolga tells Silveron with a firm but gentler voice: " Silveron, behave, take it easy ", putting the human merchant at ease. Then she looks around the tavern gauging the safety of the moment and speaks to Remiliano in a low voice: " Well, your worry is valid ", she produces a complicit smile, " but what makes you think that agents of the Technic League have not noticed Konir before? The man is safe here thanks to our tight-knit sense of community and camaraderie. Let's leave it like that. Besides, it's not like he has done big-scale projects announced everywhere. We also make sure to keep a low profile for him, watching who interacts with him. " Silveron is very attentive to everything Dolga says and nods several times. Then he adds: " Exactly. So please, keep this topic out of public spaces. And join me in ensuring the safety of everyone here ". With this, Silveron looks around and notices that Valaris and Konir want to close the tavern soon. He stands up from the table, nods to Dolga and Daemer as a farewell gesture, and puts the odd device inside a sack while approaching Remiliano even closer to whisper: " If you ever want to know how to beat Technic League agents, come and visit me at the Evercandle Inn ". [OOC: It's not like Konir has national fame for being an inventor. He has only done small-scale stuff in Torch. Also, the man has pretty much led a secluded and low-profile life. See more info:&nbsp; <a href="https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com" rel="nofollow">https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com</a>... Torch anyway does not get much oversight from Starfall/Technic-League except once every couple of months when they&nbsp; come to collect taxes. Still , your question is valid, interesting, not to be dismissed easily, and your worry can become a reality later. ;) ] [OOC: And with this, the first vignette is closed.]

Vignette 2: Investigations and Errands in Torch Location: The town of Torch Time: 4711, Calistril 17-20 [OOC: GM's comment: This next vignette could actually be a collection of moments in the two sessions we had of 'downtime'. Feel free to narrate other scenes during that downtime. Here is the related 'adventure log': <a href="https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com/</a>... ] -------------------------------------------------- Clarence steps close towards Daemer and Dolga and states: "Im not one for conserving many riches for my own; so in terms of loot im good with the thieves tools, they could come in handy in a near future. As for the rest, i'd say sell everything we don't want and divide the winnings equally. As for what we are to do next, ill follow what the group decides but am inclined to restarting the flame; the people of Torch survive in blacksmithing, the flame is something of high priority." He then turns around and walks away, thinking what to do now... -------------------------------------------------- [OOC: The second vignette is now closed. Enough time and events have passed in-game for this to have relevancy.]

Vignette 3: The Day Konir was Recovered Location: The town of Torch Time: 4711, Calistril 22 [OOC: GM's comment: This third vignette takes place when the PCs emerge from the underground ruins in Torch with Konir. We can play and improve the moment everyone is reunited around Konir, or the moment when the ratfolk corpse is being interrogated, or the burial of Hans One-Eye, or any other errand or investigation. Here is the related 'adventure log': <a href="https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com/adventure-log/recovering-konir" rel="nofollow">https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com/adventure-log/recovering-konir</a> ]

[OOC: My reply takes place in Vignette 3, with Joram, before the earthquake and after Konir was healed.] " Hello Joram, I would like to know if you have any knowledge regarding this liquid ". Daemer carefully takes out the flask from his pocket and shows it to Joram: " This is the very liquid that left Konir nearly braindead back at the dungeon.... Care to help me investigate it? "

Joram Kester, in his temple of Brigh, attends the young Daemer after he attended other citizens. He grabs the sample of the liquid that was injected to Konir's head, still in its ancient flask of dull crystal scavenged from the starship ruins, and raises it against the sunlight. He looks at it, shaking it a bit, and proceeds: " Hmmm, young man, this liquid seems to glow a bit. Yes, yes. Although it's fading ". " Come here with me ". Joram tells Daemer and then moves to a workshop inside the temple. Along the way, Daemer sees a bronze human-sized statue of Brigh holding a small clockwork gear and posing as if presenting the gear to whoever is in front. They both reach a metal table with many tools on it: grippers, hammers, flasks, as well as wires, metal plates, and many other bizarre things. Against the wall, there are layers upon layers of papers with schematics, annotations, a map of Numeria, and near it a portrait of someone who looks a lot like Valaris. Daemer, surprised, takes a careful look but realizes that the blonde woman in the portrait is an elf. The portrait is written with the words: " Someday, Divanya ". As Daemer is looking at this, Joram is placing some tools around the flask with the liquid and then looks up and gives a smile to Daemer, acknowledging that he is aware of Daemer's inspection. He then goes to take a sample of the liquid, to add other ingredients to it, and thus continues for several minutes a complicated process of tests. Fire, magic, devices, he uses them all. Twenty minutes pass (a big clock atop the temple of Brigh tells the hour, and Joram knows the passage of time by the sounds of the clockwork gears). Finally, Joram replies: " This is weird. It is no poison. It is no potion. In fact, it doesn't have magic. But I detect some low levels of radiation in it. Very low ". He thinks for some more seconds and continues: " Go and ask Silveron if he has a nanite canisher around. Tell him to bring it here ".

" Very well " said Daemer. Daemer then made his way back outside and looked for Silveron, once he found where he was, Daemer approached him and said " Joram asks for a- uhhh " Daemer struggled to remember Joram's words, when he finally makes out part of that strange name " a Nanite canie- no, a nanite canifer? I apologize, I lack knowledge in this field, but it was something along those lines ".

Remiliano que por lo general el tiempo libre en Torch se pasa cerca de Silveron ve cuando Daemer se le acerca y le pide un objeto. Mientras Silveron camina a buscarlo Remiliano acelera el paso y le pregunta " Oye Silveron, que crees que estén investigando Daemer y Joram juntos? Me da curiosidad... Maybe les puedo ayudar..." Remiliano vira hacia Daemer y le pregunta: " Hey! Escuché que trabajas con Joram en algo, me gustaría ayudarlos, te molesta si los acompaño?"

" Si, de hecho, entre mas manos en la obra tengamos mejor " dijo Daemer " Por el momento investigamos lo que dejo a Konir medio loco en el dungeon" añadió Daemer " Y.....Sabes que es ese uhh... Namite conifer &nbsp; o como se llame? " Preguntó Daemer curiosamente

" Nanite canister, that is the name that your untrained mind seeks ". Silveron approaches from his market stall with a cylinder of crystal encased in metal, the size of a big tankard. The metal has a lot of dents and scratches and inside the cylinder, there is a small quantity of a viscous gray liquid. He explains the device to Daemer and Remiliano: " This one I have here, it doesn't really work much, but it's all I have, sorry. Maybe Joram can use the little liquid inside. Good canisters are used to power stranger devices like pistols that shoot hot beams of light. " He extends his hand, about to give the canister to Daemer, but looks at him in the eye and changes his mind. He walks back to his stall in the market -- where he tries to sell devices and other oddities and trinkets -- and picks a backpack with metal objects clanking inside. " Let's go to Joram's temple. I will give the canister there, and ask him to repair and clean some of these objects I have" . Crossing the market, they reach a point where there aren't much people, and Silveron tells Daemer and Remiliano: " People say that the Technic League says that the liquid inside is made of very, very small devices -- machines -- the size of grains of sand, that are supposedly alive and can work for a purpose. I don't really know how they can stay alive, but whatever, as long as it fetches a good price in some circles, I don't care ".

Remiliano escucha antentamente lo que Silveron menciona. Mientras van caminando Remiliano decide utilizar su poder de magnetismo con el líquido. Se queda concentrado en el canister mientras esta en la posesión de Silveron buscando notar algún movimiento que él mismo haya creado.

Remiliano stealthily casts the power. Silveron doesn't seem to notice as he is more concentrated on his backpack of clanking objects and Daemer -- the merchant never seems to be relax in public spaces, like somebody wealthy that is cruising a dark street at night. The gnome sees the liquid inside the canister swirl a little in a small whirlpool. [OOC: Assumed a passive 10 between Remiliano's Stealth and Silveron's Perception, with their respective bonuses, and Remiliano wins.]

Remiliano sorprendido del movimiento del líquido pregunta " Silveron para que entiendes que el Technic League utilize ese líquido?" Dice Remiliano antes de que entren al templo de Joram

" Well, Remiliano, were you paying attention at my wise and intelligent answers? " Silveron says with a smile denoting a joke. " They are used to power stuff. Weapons and such. And maybe they have other purposes: like medical or scientific ones. I'm not entirely sure. You might want to consult that with a Technic League agent ," Silveron lets a small chuckle and continues, " but I don't think they advertise themselves in these parts. Starfall is the only place where they can be seen openly in the public ". They continue walking for a bit more time, until they see the Temple of Brigh nearby, with its silver and bronze facade and decorative clockwork gears with little bronze statuettes of termites atop each gear.

Remiliano saluda a Joram al entrar al templo. "Saludos Joram, Daemer fue a buscar un nanite canister donde Silveron y decidi venir a acompaÑarlos ya que me interesa muchisimo lo que podamos descubrir hoy."&nbsp;

Joram greets Silveron, Remiliano, and Daemer when they enter Brigh's temple and walk into the little workshop deeper within it. On the way, Remiliano gets to see some wonders of technology, like how the big clock atop the temple looks from underneath with all its rotating gears and tubes, or other wonders like small replicas of water filtration and irrigation systems. He then sees the table where Joram works in the name of Brigh, with all the tools he was using to test the sample of the liquid and all the papers pinned to the wall showing schematics. Like Daemer, Remiliano is confused too with the picture of a woman that looks like Valaris, but it's written with the phrase: " Someday, Divanya ". Joram tells Silveron about the tests he has done, to investigate if the liquid is a toxin or magical, producing false results. He then asks for the timeworn nanite canister, and carefully opens the metal tube with a small hammer and chisel, looking to not spill any of the contents. He takes a sample of the canister's liquid and compares it with the liquid that Daemer brought, putting it through more tests, and finally concludes: " This is the same substance, but less dense ". He stays silent for a while and proceeds: " My friends, it seems that something down there was injecting our friend Konir with nanites. Now, I'm told he was at some sort of medical or scientific facility, so I suspect the nanites are for medical or research purposes. The thing is, if they were for medical purposes, maybe Konir would not be in such a bad health situation as I found when you brought him here. Something tells me there is more to this ". " Look, I know you all have been through a lot, but it would be wise to descend to that facility again and see if you can discover more. There might be some data around. Even if it's in Androffan, it doesn't matter for Konir can read that ", concludes Joram. [OOC: The third vignette is now closed. The final investigation of seeking more info regarding the nanites was played during regular sessions.]

Vignette 4: Early Days in Scrapwall Location: The junkyard settlement of Scrapwall Time: 4711, Pharast 8 [OOC: GM's comment: This vignette starts when the PCs took refuge in Divanya's chapel, but it can feature other places they visited during their early days in Scrapwall.] Mientras nos quedamos en la capilla de Divanya, Gorim aprovecha la oportunidad y va a hablar con Konir acerca de Valaris. " Konir, perdona que pregunte acerca de esto, pero tú muy bien sabes que todo lo que tenga que ver con la ciencia es cosa de mi interés. Que cosas me puedes decir acerca de la raza de Valaris. Mi intención es protegerla, pero tengo que saber de su raza para así hacerlo sin miedo a que esté haciendo algo mal. ¿Qué tan diferentes son de nosotros? "

With those words, Gorim addresses Konir who is descending the chapel's stairs towards the door that the Torch Bearers broke, but that Gorim just finished repairing. He makes a gesture to pause the conversation for a moment, then takes out a small liquor flask and offers some to Gorim: " Gnome whiskey. It's from Divanya. She gave me some. You want? Don't worry, it's good ". He swallows the rather-mild whiskey (not the strongest that gnomes produce) and then resumes the conversation: " Please, say that as low as possible. She never must know ". " Anyway. You will be surprised to know that they have more similarities than differences with us. They first came from the vessels that crashed onto this planet centuries ago. Nobody knows from which specific ruins, but they emerge anyway, at different times, many times alone and without a clue of where they are. Most are in perfect condition, I mean good health, but a few others might appear with deformed bodies or totally insane, not being able to understand what is going on with them. They also don't hold a good understanding of what we know as emotions, becoming a bit cold and distant, or simply are too overwhelmed by a particular emotion, often fury or sadness. Also, they do have souls. That has been confirmed by mages and priests. Now, the bizarre thing is that an android body can be a vessel for several souls. It can last for centuries, and within that time, one soul inhabits it and then departs, like dying, after some decades. Then another soul enters the body and begins a new existence". "Except for that, android bodies do show a lot of similarity with human bodies. Almost identical except that they do have some shimmering in their eyes and skin, seen upon close inspection. And their bodies, when dissected, reveal that their skin and meat and bones look organic but are really not; they are more like rare chemicals that are in a solid state. It's really hard to explain and grasp, a true wonder. The people and the things in those vessels, they really came from a world that is hard to imagine." He takes another sip of the whiskey, probably his last because there is little, and continues: " Now, Valaris doesn't look like this, I know. And she feels emotions better. This is what really amazed Garthone and me. It was not until Garthone subjected her to an EMP field that he knew he had something unique. Be careful with EMP fields, they damage androids ." He makes another pause, recollecting memories: " Valaris was captured decades ago, outside of Silver Mount by Gearsmen that were being followed and monitored by Technic League agents. Apparently she fell in a comatose state and then was put in a stasis chamber. Decades later, my ex-leader Garthone, was able to wake her up, but without memories. Anyway, he experimented on her and found out her true nature. But he never managed to bring her memories back. She insisted that she has been living for many years in Starfall and always kept repeating a dream, about a valley and a gigantic metal spider. I know that you know. But I doubt that her lack of memories was because she was a new soul. No, she seemed to have like a regular amnesia. She was not a new soul, for she knew how to work, how to do things, and was familiar with everything. But had a blank past anyway. That missing past is what intrigued Garthone and me. Also understand that most androids never remember the memories of past souls. But the things with her repeating dream, made us wonder if that could be memories of a past soul. " " And then Garthone seemed to plan more dire experiments. He never shared the plans with me, but I knew they were cruel. I have to admit that I grew fond of the girl, and I didn't want her to suffer more. Also, it occurred to me that maybe Valaris could mean something bigger. Maybe it's her unknown past, or the fact that she was found outside Silver Mount by those gearsmen. Anyway, I didn't wanted her, or me, to be any longer in the claws of the Technic League, and that's when I set Garthone's lab to explode, hoping to kill him, and took Valaris away to the rest of Numeria. " " While unlocking her memories intrigued me, I decided to leave her at peace, and concentrate on providing a life of more enjoyment. The truth is that I also don't know how to do unlock her mind. Maybe an android itself can tell you more of androids or know how to do that. But again, I don't care much anymore and prefer to leave her alone ". " Gorim. I know you are also fond of the girl... the woman. Just never try to take advantage of her, or to use her as a machine... that's what the League wanted. Let her be happy. And I tell you that never let her fall in the hands of the Technic League or their gearsmen. " [OOC: Here is more info on androids: <a href="https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com/wikis/androids" rel="nofollow">https://ghosts-of-fallen-stars.obsidianportal.com/wikis/androids</a> ] [OOC: Here is a list of alcoholic drinks of Golarion: <a href="http://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Alcoholic_beverage" rel="nofollow">http://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Alcoholic_beverage</a>... ]

Remiliano que se acercaba para verificar como seguia Gorim en la reparacion de la puerta logra escuchar las ultimas palabras de Konir. (&nbsp;Let her be happy. And I tell you that never let her fall in the hands of the Technic League or their gearsmen .)&nbsp; " Entonces exactamente cual es tu plan Konir?" dice Remiliano mientras entra y se sienta en el suelo dejando a entender que la conversacion va para largo. " Puedo suponer que hablan de Valaris, ps mi inquietud siempre ha sido la misma, cual era tu plan?, que deseas que pase?, esconderle la verdad por siempre?, huir de todos lados evitando al technic league? En mi opinion es algo casi inevitable..."

" No empieces con tus cosas Remiliano, no estamos para tener diferencias entre nosotros. Ahora todo es technic league esto, technic league lo otro... tanto odio no te va a dejar nada. " - Dice Gorim molesto por la interrupción de Remiliano en un tema de interés para él. " Hablamos luego Konir, gracias por confiarme tanta información y para que estés más tranquilo haré todo lo posible para que ella sea feliz. " Gorim le dice a Konir mientras se dirige a continuar la reparación de la puerta

Remiliano levanta las manos en gesto de que no hizo nada.&nbsp; " No busco problemas Gorim, pero no te gustaria saber cual va a ser el futuro de ella?" " Sabes que de eso depende nuestro camino a seguir y yo tambien he puesto mi vida en riesgo para esta mision, tanto tu como el resto de los Bearers tenemos nuestros intereses y debemos sobrellevarlos juntos" Remiliano se levanta y camina hacia la salida. " Les voy a dar su tiempo solos, luego me contestas Konir y Gorim recuerda algo: No siempre dar todo por la felicidad de un segundo te hara feliz a ti. Ademas quienes somos para decidir que es felicidad... Eso es algo individual y ella ya esta grande para decidirlo"

With eyes occasionally shifting from side to side, as if looking for words or ideas, Konir moves close to Remiliano and also tells Gorim to not go away and listen carefully: " What's the plan you say? Well, things are moving fast. A couple of days ago, a man - who I trusted to be on my side - wanted to capture me and we became enemies of the Technic League. Lucky us that words travel slowly in Numeria and the Technic League is not as organized as they make believe. And weeks ago, I was in a lab, with my mind gone, messed up by robots. So, excuse me if I don't have a step-by-step plan that would make you feel safe. Yes I am improvising, as we are all here. " Konir then leans a bit towards Remiliano, staring firmly, with a finger raised: " But if there is a thing for which I'm solid is that I want to know who is this Hellion. You heard Redtooth! His Ladies of Rust are amassing a big force to raid settlements, starting with Torch. They want to capture that reactor, by force this time, I'm sure. " " And there is also something that intrigues me. Back in the days when I worked for Garthone, we heard rumors among our peers that a few gearsmen mentioned something about a 'source', a hidden power that they... admire? Obey? Worship? They seemed to respect it a lot. We are not sure on that, but when we wanted to investigate more, the League commander Regnar Kael told us to ignore it. We did. But now with the rumors of a demigod in Scrapwall, I want to investigate if this is all connected. " Konir makes a few seconds of silence to allow the Bearers to soak all in, then continues: " Regarding Valaris, she does want to adventure. And she already is doing it, in the worst manner. But we will be careful to not endanger her. That's why I told Divanya that we two will be staying here for a while. As fugitives. That's part of the plan, Remiliano, behave like the fugitives that we are. The rest of my plan is to return one day to Torch. But that will require that we extend the 'plan' to make Torch safe by eliminating this Hellion. Seek who he is and sabotage him like you did with Meyanda. And, maybe if he has some connection to the gearsmen, maybe that will allow us to damage the Technic League and make them leave Torch at peace ". " There you have it, Remiliano. We are improvising, yes, but what I just said is a goal and a plan to begin with ".

Remiliano se detiene para escuchar a Konir. " Sabes Konir difiero un poco de tu plan, yo no quiero {To damage the Technic League} yo quiero eliminarlos. Tal vez Hellion tambien sea un target al cual debamos acabar pero el enemigo de mi enemigo es mi amigo. Yo creo que debemos utilizar la fuerza de el con la de nosotros y acabar al Technic League de una vez y por todas. Luego determinamos que hacer con el tal Hellion"&nbsp;

"Konir... Que tu quieres que pase con el Technic League?"

Konir continues the momentum of the conversation: " Well, Remiliano, we first have to learn who is this Hellion and what he wants. He might be just a fraudster like Redtooth said. But yes, if he turns out to be someone we can trust against the Technic League, then yeah, I'm fine with making an alliance". He pauses to think for a few seconds: "What we know for sure is that somebody here wants the reactor in Torch. The one who was stealing the reactor, Meyanda, belonged to the Ladies of Rust. And that gang supposedly answers to Hellion. So yeah, there is an obvious connection between Meyanda's mission and Hellion, so don't lose sight that he is probably a treath to Torch". Remiliano then spurts one last direct question, and Konir answers with: " I'm happy if they are gone forever. You have not seen the cruelties that I have seen. And they should not control the Black Sovereign like they do. " " I think we should consult Divanya. You know, she mentioned that she was in contact with rebel groups in Chesed. Although that was like twenty years ago ".

Konir, seizing a moment of silence in the conversation, stands up and goes to Divanya, who is moving to her workshop the piles of junk that used to embody the golem that she built during days of boredom. A couple of minutes pass by, and Konir finally returns with Divanya to the door of the chapel where Remiliano is still waiting. " So, Divanya, this is Remiliano Aunugh, a gnome from Torch. He and his friends have saved me on two occasions, and we recently saved Torch from a dire problem that we had. But now Torch is more threatened than ever by the Technic League. " Konir then briefly explains the problems that Torch faced during the last weeks and continues: " As a councilor of Torch, let me humbly ask for your help. I'm not asking you to join us in our fight, but at least tell us more of those rebel groups that you knew in Chesed. They might be able to provide more help ". Divanya, during all the story that Konir has been telling, is having an expression of doubt and hesitation, almost annoyed at the plea that Konir asked. " You people are quite some saviors. And I admire that, for real. But many are the tales of bold rebels who also dreamed of toppling the Technic League but ended up in a horrific situation, sometimes bringing harm to those around. I cannot trust that this won't be the case with you guys. And trust has been a very rare luxury for many years ". Konir looks at the Torch Bearers present in the room, looking for help in convincing the elf hermit who has been for years alone, content with building devices and researching science in the name of Brigh.

" Mucho gusto Divanya ". dice Remiliano mientras se detiene al lado de Konir. " He escuchado muchas cosas sobre usted, y quiero decirle que es una persona de admirar. Si algún día se ha preguntado si existirá alguien que ser este al Technic League más que usted, hay mucha posibilidad que esa persona le este hablando en estos momentos. He dedicado gran parte de mi vida aprendiendo sobre ellos... Como matarlos, como hablan, como actúan etc etc. Creo que tenemos mucha información que aprender el uno del otro. Tiene razón en lo que dice que este camino de destrucción trae mucho dolor a las personas que lo toman. Eso lo hemos visto con nuestros propios ojos " dice esto ultimo mirando fijamente a Konir. " Pero Konir también tiene razón, nosotros no somos un grupo ordinario, lo demostramos en Torch, lo estamos demostrando en Scrapwall y vamos a demostrarlo contra el Technic League. Tenemos excelentes planes para esta misión y yo traigo el coraje y ganas de llevarla hasta las ultimas consecuencias para acabarlos. En algún momento vamos a necesitar de esos grupos rebeldes en Chesed, y para eso seremos muchos más. Usted no tiene que ayudar o participar de esto. Pero si fuera yo... No dudaría ni un segundo en obtener un chance de derrotar al Technic League de una vez por todas ".

Divanya quickly replies to Remiliano, perhaps in an attempt to end the conversation: " You know what? Maybe you are right. Just telling you where to start probably will not involve me, as long as you all keep quiet regarding me. And I don't see why you would tell anyone, it doesn't make a difference ". The elf recollects her memories and continues: " In Chesed, seek the woman named Pora. She is the owner of the shop 'Boom Alchemics', and she watches that the slave trade doesn't return to Chesed, and is a known anti-Technic-League person. But many years have passed since I last saw her, so maybe her aide, Velesk Bindergorp, is the one managing the shop now. And while you are at it, check who is the current Technic League captain in Chesed ". With this information shared, Divanya wishes good luck to the Torch Bearers and excuses herself back to her room to continue what she was doing. [OOC: The fourth vignette is now closed.]

Vignette 5: Sparks of Rebellion Part 1 Location: Back in Torch after returning from Scrapwall Time: 4711, Pharast 23 [OOC: GM's comment: This vignette starts when the PCs returned from Scrapwall where they dealt with Hellion. Upon returning, Dolga asked them for a debriefing, then scheduled another meeting for later in the day. The vignette happens right after the first short debriefing.] The Torch Bearers left Torch's Town Hall after narrating to councilors Dolga and Seranna most of the things that occurred in Scrapwall with the Ladies of Rust and Hellion. Although a bit tired for traveling from Scrapwall, they wanted to contemplate again the familiar surroundings of Torch, now bustling to life after they restored its vital flame and saved its economy. Many townsfolk recognized their faces as the saviors of Torch and one street artist even asked them to pose for a sketch and be able to sell it. They also saw another familiar face: Garmeth, the ex-leader of the Ropefist criminals, serving his sentence and forced to help the blacksmiths around the violet flame. Continuing their reminiscent walk through the town, they remembered how the whole thing began, the situation that made them the heroes of Torch. How Konir's disappearance unraveled a priceless secret spacecraft below Torch and a plot by an unknown 'demigod' to steal what made Torch special. This memory led them to think about Valaris, who now was in a coma, devoid of memories herself. They thought about paying her a visit to see how she was doing. But then they got interrupted by Marlow Bramblefoot, captain of the Lucky Bastards mercenary, who has been eager to establish business in Numeria. The seasoned halfling told the Torch Bearers that he was ready to bring mercenaries to Torch should they be needed, but at a cost, which they can discuss another day. Marlow bid farewell and, knowing that his friend the ghost Zellara was now accompanying the Torch Bearers, shouted to the air as if the ghost woman was listening: " Zellara, when you are ready, meet me at the Boarding House. We have a lot to talk ". For a moment, the Torch Bearers thought about his offer, sensing that they would eventually need to defend Torch against the Technic League, which paid a threatening visit some weeks ago. This reminded them that two Technic League agents are still in town. The Torch Bearers learned that these agents so far have recruited people to go in three expeditions to the underground spacecraft and that they have sent couriers to Starfall. Gazing at the sun above, now a bit closer to the horizon, the Torch Bearers realize that the next days, and the whole future, are going to be very interesting.

Remiliano aprovecha que estan todos juntos. "Muchachos, tenemoa mucho que hacer, se que estamos agotados pero desde mañana debemos comenzar a prepararnos para lo proximo que vayamos a hacer. Por ahora descansen". Se despide Remiliano antes de salir a la prisa en busca de Joram y Divanya.

Remiliano llega al Templo de Brigh donde justo a la entrada ve dos caras familiares, son Divanya y Joram hablando frente al templo.&nbsp; "Saludos, espero no interrumpir nada importante." Dice Remiliano miemtras le da una palmada amistosa a Joram. " donde esta Valaris?" Pregunta Remiliano " adentro descansando" responde Divanya " tenemos que hacer que mejore y pronto" comenta Remiliano halando a ambos por sus manos hacia dentro del templo. " Joram recuerdas cuando investigastes el liquido que le inyectaron a Konir cuando estaba perdido? Segun lo que recuerdo eran pequeñas maquinas... Nanites si sii nanites. Ese dia dijistes que parecia que las usaban con fines medicos. Maybe eso le puede ayudar."

Old Joram, now looking more jovial since Divanya returned to his side hours ago, smiles at Remiliano in an expression of both gratitude and pride on what Remiliano has become and has done. He stares smiling and silently at Divanya's green -- almost yellow -- eyes, then speaks in his coarse but soft voice: " Yes... yes, I believe it can help. But our knowledge of very advance technology -- and let me say, nanites are very advanced -- escapes me. I do not know anyone who can handle them. Konir maybe? What about you Divanya, do you know someone? ". The elven lover, still looking moderately young despite being alive for 121 years, answers negatively. " It should be someone who has explored technology a lot. Who has lived with it for a long time. Perhaps the most expert technologists of the Technic League. But asking them is to bring trouble. Who else has that knowledge? " He frowns his eyebrows and scratches them a bit and smiles again, speaking: " If we find someone, then it would be good for you to secure a sample of the nanites in the same laboratory where you found Konir. There must be a reserve. But remember that we still have two Technic League agents watching that place. ". Joram is about to say something, but hesitates for a while and finally lets it out: " And tell me Remiliano: you have been hating technology for a long time, but now you first suggestion is to use it. Any change of mind going on? ". He chuckles at the irony.

" Ha! Jamas Joram" dice Remiliano en una carcajada "pense que probablemente a ella en especifico la technologia la ayude más, yo por mi parte le sigo dando cariño a mi manera como a Hellion" termina Remiliano con cara de orgullo. Luego de unos minutos de charlar sobre otras cosas Remiliano se queda quieto con la mirada perdida... " y que tal la alienigena de Hajoth Hakados... Cythrul?? Ninguno de ustedes en todo este tiempo ha tenido contacto con ella?"&nbsp;

Joram opens his eye in surprise and laughs too at the things that Remiliano says with confidence. After conversing for a while, Remiliano lets out a question that mentions Cythrul and piques the curiosity of both Joram and Divanya. Joram is suprised again and says: " Cythrul, yes. Interesting. She might know how to properly use nanites ". Seeing that her companion Divanya doesn't know of who he is talking about -- after all, she has lived alone for 20 years in Scrapwall --, Joram explains to her: " Cythrul is a witch that came from the stars. And is famous for knowing a lot of skymetals and trinkets brought from Numerian ruins. She is the right-arm and confidante of Lady Altouna, ruler of Hajoth Hakados ". Then he turns to Remiliano: " Well, we never had contact with her directly. But as council member, I can try to setup a meeting with her. Perhaps send you to Hajoth Hakados on official business from Torch. What do you think? "

Perfecto, comenzar relacio es con ellos sería genial. Piensas enviarme a mi solo o a los bearers? Pregunta Remiliano con curiosidad. y antes debemos ingeniarnosla para conseguir los nanites sin que los agentes del TL sepan. Hablando de eso, como han sido las cosas con ellos aqui? Que costumbres tienen? Que hacen?

" Oh no no, Remiliano ", Joram replies with the wisdom of his many years. " It would be best if all of you go together to Hajoth Hakados. You have all to be careful from now on. The Technic League is secretly hunting you all. If you travel alone and you are caught, you will probably lose ". Old Joram draws a smile mixed with an expression of concern and continues to reply to the other questions put forth by Remiliano: " Well. Those agents have been several times in the ruins, exploring. They found a door that they cannot open, and have contacted me and a locksmith here in Torch to try to open it. We also couldn't open it. So they suspect that you guys have opened it before, which I'm sure ", Joram winks complicitly. " So now that you have arrived today, they will soon seek you guys and demand to open it ". Divanya interrupts the conversation to tell Joram that she will go to Valaris' side and make sure she is well. The middle-aged elf woman departs and takes some stairs to a basement, where Valaris is resting in a secret alcove. Joram resumes: " The agents have been staying in the Evercandle Inn. They always travel together and try to avoid public places because, well, they know they are not liked here. They also sent a letter to Starfall about a week ago. They waited for couriers to come from Starfall to take back the letter. I understand that these agents need to send reports like that every week, or a bit more. " Joram pauses, awaiting more comments from Remiliano. But then he remembered something important he had to say, and interjected: " Also, Torch Bearers, you have a bounty on your heads. Now that you are here, those agents will probably report that to Starfall. But I believe they will want first to use you to open that door, before they dispose of you all ". [OOC: Joram doesn't know yet about Valaris' true nature as an android.] [OOC: The fifth vignette is now closed.]

Vignette 6: Brief Interrogation of League Agents (and Downtime) Location: Back in Torch after returning from Scrapwall Time: 4711, Pharast 23 [OOC: This vignette continues session 26 and is set hours after vignette 5 above]. The Torch Bearers are back in their newly-acquired homebase of Silverdisk Hall that still has some clutter from its previous purpose as a rundown bar and casino. They bring two Technic League agents, both male humans, bound and unconscious. After the agents wake up, the Torch Bearers interrogate them with threats and displays of torture, brandishing the frightening chainsaw they got from Scrapwall. The agents couldn't tolerate any more and agreed to tell what they knew. The Torch Bearers then gathered around the agents.

Remiliano le pregunta a los agentes de forma agresiva y no disimulando su odio por ellos ni un segundo. "Donde esta Konir?"

Daemer le dice a los agentes con un pequeño smirk: "Bueno saber que son lo suficientemente listos para respondernos" y luego le pregunta:"Nos hemos enterado que ustedes han escrito cartas a Starfall para avisarles de su estado. Hay algun codigo secreto que usen? Algun argot que utilicen?"

Gorim les pregunta que cuál es su misión aquí en Torch y a quién específicamente del Technic League se reportan.

The agents, confused by their fear and the many questions, look at each other and swallow hard, perspiration forming in their foreheads. They start to speak, stuttering: " K-Konir. Konir. Is that the fugitive captured here? ". The stutter continues: " We-We don't know where he is! It was Silveron's mission to capture him. But he was probably taken to Starfall, to captain Garthone ". Daemer interrupts to asks his questions, and the agents respond, alternating: " It was only one letter. I swear! And it was to report general stuff, and a locked door we found in the ruins. " Then, when questioned about some sort of passphrase, the agents hesitated, but Gorim splintered one of the agent's wooden shield with the chainsaw, and got the roaring weapon very close to the agent's eyes, while sipping a bit of whiskey, warning that the alcohol would hinder his precision and stability with the weapon. The agent finally succumbed and told: " Stop! Get that away from me, please! Look, we sign our letters with our fingerprints! And we smuggle a password in the text. Current one is:&nbsp; Wrecked Stars Conquer. Now, let us go, please! We are just employees and not your real enemies! We will flee south, away! We promise! ". But the Torch Bearers were not ready yet to finish their interrogation, and Gorim took his turn with the questions, still brandishing the chainsaw. The most-scared agent answered: " We are just here reporting stuff about Torch. Whatever we find helpful. And we report to Zaitev , who went to Starfall weeks ago with the taxes collected here. He is probably checking other towns, don't know which ones, and should be back to Starfall sometime later. "

Remiliano continua con sus preguntas " Que o quien es Unity? "