"Glad to find a new ally in you, Esta," the savage wanderer reaches out to shake her hand. "I'm Eithne, and yes, I agree, we came to the same conclusion as you. Our best bet is probably to cooperate on this mission."
When the mimir begins giving directions, the lone survivor stays close to Jesa, ready to defend him. The mechanical creature undoubtedly makes her uncomfortable—but considering it represents their hope for help, she still forces herself to see it as something worth protecting.
Once in sight of the line to the portal, Eithne sighs: "So many people... Are there really that many people willing to live in a place where there isn't a single tree?"
"Close you say?" Jesa repeats to the mimir. "Well, it may take some time, but I guess that's something we have plenty of."
Hearing Eithne's remark about trees, she looks over at the woman. "This does seem like a very organized place. I could see why some might like it here," she begins. "We just came from Fortitude, a place I'm a little more familiar with. It certainly has a bit more beauty. And trees!"
(OOC - If the Portal Compass had been left behind, could Jesa have picked that up at some point? I'd think she'd probably have figured out what it was if she'd spent any time looking at it. I saw the post about the other items - she was distracted from that by the new arrivals. If I don't forget, she'll get back to those whenever we get back to the Iedcaru.)
As they wait in line to get close to the portal, Eithne risks a tentative smile at Jesa's words: "I'll gladly see Fortitude, then, if we pass by on the way back".
"Here..." the savage wanderer shudders for a moment "I, on the contrary, just can't see why someone might like it. This doesn't even seem like life to me. In fact, many are automatons. A crystal is organized, perhaps even beautiful, with its geometric shapes and the way it reflects light. But it's not alive. To be alive... is to be like the wind, which blows where it wishes - and it usually wishes to blow through the hairs of the trees, by the way".
Esta clasps Eithne’s hand briefly, her mismatched eyes steady and unreadable. The grip is firm, but she lets go quickly, as if to say the gesture is practical, not sentimental.
“Cooperation is fine. Just don’t mistake it for trust — not yet.”
Her gaze shifts to the endless line snaking toward the portal. She exhales slowly, folding her arms across her cloak.
“A mile of waiting. Figures. I’ve spent enough of my life queuing for scraps in Baldur’s Gate — I don’t care much for doing it again. But if this is the way forward, I’ll walk it. Just don’t expect me to enjoy it.”
She steps into line behind Jessa, eyes scanning the crowd for threats and valuables alike, her posture betraying impatience even as she follows the group’s lead.
(OOC - If the Portal Compass had been left behind, could Jesa have picked that up at some point? I'd think she'd probably have figured out what it was if she'd spent any time looking at it. I saw the post about the other items - she was distracted from that by the new arrivals. If I don't forget, she'll get back to those whenever we get back to the Iedcaru.)
(Yes she could have picked it up for sure. :) )
As Gimble casts mage armor and you all find the back of the long line to the gate, anyone feel free to make an Insight check, DC 12:
It doesn't take too long to see the winding queue wrapping around like a coiled snake in places, and at the snail pace you're moving (worse than NYC at rush hour) you can guesstimate it will be at least 19 hours before you reach the portal in the middle of town.
“Who said anything about trust? A lack of options makes reluctant partners not fools. Leaving that aside I do thank you for letting us join.”
After Gimble’s outburst.
“Good to hear you join the conversation when something is important. What's the plan? I assume we don't want to sit around for a full day. Are there any other portals nearby?”
Eithne had not the slightest idea that so much time was needed... she winces at Gimble's assessment.
"Well..." she whispers to all "I can fly, if needed... I could just fly over the people while holding the mimir, landing near the portal and allowing it to do... whatever it is supposed to do. But maybe that coild enrage someone. I'd prefer one of us to make me invisibile before attempting that".
Jesa curtly shakes her head. "In a city of Order, I am not sure that flying about to circumvent the line is likely to be tolerated." She takes a moment to take in the place and all the beings here. "Eithne, this does seem to be a city of modrons. I cannot say I understand fully what sort of beings they are, but they do seem to be alive. Just because they are different does not mean they are not life." She shrugs. "Perhaps for them this is exactly what they like."
"Precisely because I don't think it would be tolerated," Eithne explains "I'd prefer to do it secretly, while invisible..." she shrugs. "But we can also wait. Or perhaps look for a different portal, as Rogfeer suggested."
Regarding the modrons, the lone survivor admits: "It doesn't seem to me like they're alive... but rather like objects programmed to appear alive. But you could be right—one thing is certain: I don't feel comfortable with them."
Jesa nods to Eithne. "Hmm, yea. They do seem a little odd." She then takes a breath. "The portals that our mimir needs are the main ones from the cities in the Outlands to each of the Outer Planes. Here in Automata the portal goes to Mechanus. We would need to travel to a whole different city to find a portal one of these other portals. Which is a little bit of a distance."
She then considers the suggestion about invisibility. "I suppose that might work. Unfortunately, I do not know how to make someone invisible. I am a paladin of Anu-Akma, and my magic is limited regarding such things. Perhaps one of the others?" She looks around at the newcomers, taking a moment to try to surmise if any of them might be practiced in arcane arts. "What about you Gimble? Can you make someone invisible?"
Gimble flops out a large spellbook from his pack, rifles through the pages for a moment, then shakes his head "Invincible" he nods "invisible?" He puts his thumb down and blows a raspberry *pbbbt*
Rogferr not fully understanding if there is a plan will ask his familiar Hypnos to fly up to get a better view.
“While those of us that are clever come up with a plan I will use my familiar’s senses to check out the situation further.”
Looking through Hypnos’s eyes Rogferr will attempt to understand why things are so slow and if there is a way to speed things up. Also Rogferr will try to count how many guards are watching the portal/line.
Faith suggest, "So the mimir just needs to get close to the portal, not go through it? Would their be any problem if we approached the gate to look at it, as long as we make it clear that we are NOT trying to jump the line? It seems to me that would be less disruptive to their orderly workings than standing in line and then NOT going though the portal..."
Rogferr make a Perception check through your familiar.
Gimable, as you approach a modron, which is carrying a small stack of papers at the moment, another, much larger metallic, robotic creature stilts your way, this one with five large tentacle like appendages around it's body, standing on five legs and feet. It whirs quietly as it approaches you, as numerous cogs and servos in its body work to make it move. In a clear but mildly feminine and authoritative voice, it speaks."R2M45 is not designated for upholding rules. There are 313 rules currently in the city. I can relay all of them, unless you are inquiring a more specific designation."
Esta’s eyes narrow as Gimble rattles off the exact wait time. She exhales sharply through her nose, the sound halfway between amusement and irritation.
“Nineteen hours? No. I’ve wasted enough of my life waiting for scraps in lines that never end..."
She steps slightly out of the line, cloak shifting as she folds her arms, gaze fixed on the distant portal.
“Faith has the right of it. The mimir doesn’t need us to pass through — just to get close. So why not walk to the front, make it clear we’re not cutting, and let the thing do what it needs? That’s less disruptive than clogging their precious order for a day.”
Her tone is calm, but there’s steel beneath it. She glances at Jesa and the others, her cat’s-eye gleaming in the dim light.
“If the modrons object, we’ll deal with it then. But I won’t waste nineteen hours standing in line when the answer is right there.”
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"Glad to find a new ally in you, Esta," the savage wanderer reaches out to shake her hand. "I'm Eithne, and yes, I agree, we came to the same conclusion as you. Our best bet is probably to cooperate on this mission."
When the mimir begins giving directions, the lone survivor stays close to Jesa, ready to defend him. The mechanical creature undoubtedly makes her uncomfortable—but considering it represents their hope for help, she still forces herself to see it as something worth protecting.
Once in sight of the line to the portal, Eithne sighs: "So many people... Are there really that many people willing to live in a place where there isn't a single tree?"
"Close you say?" Jesa repeats to the mimir. "Well, it may take some time, but I guess that's something we have plenty of."
Hearing Eithne's remark about trees, she looks over at the woman. "This does seem like a very organized place. I could see why some might like it here," she begins. "We just came from Fortitude, a place I'm a little more familiar with. It certainly has a bit more beauty. And trees!"
(OOC - If the Portal Compass had been left behind, could Jesa have picked that up at some point? I'd think she'd probably have figured out what it was if she'd spent any time looking at it. I saw the post about the other items - she was distracted from that by the new arrivals. If I don't forget, she'll get back to those whenever we get back to the Iedcaru.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Gimble takes a moment to cast mage armor on himself, he does not want to be jostled in the crowd
As they wait in line to get close to the portal, Eithne risks a tentative smile at Jesa's words: "I'll gladly see Fortitude, then, if we pass by on the way back".
"Here..." the savage wanderer shudders for a moment "I, on the contrary, just can't see why someone might like it. This doesn't even seem like life to me. In fact, many are automatons. A crystal is organized, perhaps even beautiful, with its geometric shapes and the way it reflects light. But it's not alive. To be alive... is to be like the wind, which blows where it wishes - and it usually wishes to blow through the hairs of the trees, by the way".
Esta clasps Eithne’s hand briefly, her mismatched eyes steady and unreadable. The grip is firm, but she lets go quickly, as if to say the gesture is practical, not sentimental.
“Cooperation is fine. Just don’t mistake it for trust — not yet.”
Her gaze shifts to the endless line snaking toward the portal. She exhales slowly, folding her arms across her cloak.
“A mile of waiting. Figures. I’ve spent enough of my life queuing for scraps in Baldur’s Gate — I don’t care much for doing it again. But if this is the way forward, I’ll walk it. Just don’t expect me to enjoy it.”
She steps into line behind Jessa, eyes scanning the crowd for threats and valuables alike, her posture betraying impatience even as she follows the group’s lead.
(Yes she could have picked it up for sure. :) )
As Gimble casts mage armor and you all find the back of the long line to the gate, anyone feel free to make an Insight check, DC 12:
It doesn't take too long to see the winding queue wrapping around like a coiled snake in places, and at the snail pace you're moving (worse than NYC at rush hour) you can guesstimate it will be at least 19 hours before you reach the portal in the middle of town.
"19 hours twenty two minutes at current rate of travel" *Gimble spouts out* (insight 14 rolled in game log)
(Gimble has Warp Sense prepared if seeking other portals is on the agenda)
Eithne's Insight 7
Rogfeer seems confused by Esta’s comments.
“Who said anything about trust? A lack of options makes reluctant partners not fools. Leaving that aside I do thank you for letting us join.”
After Gimble’s outburst.
“Good to hear you join the conversation when something is important. What's the plan? I assume we don't want to sit around for a full day. Are there any other portals nearby?”
Eithne had not the slightest idea that so much time was needed... she winces at Gimble's assessment.
"Well..." she whispers to all "I can fly, if needed... I could just fly over the people while holding the mimir, landing near the portal and allowing it to do... whatever it is supposed to do. But maybe that coild enrage someone. I'd prefer one of us to make me invisibile before attempting that".
Jesa curtly shakes her head. "In a city of Order, I am not sure that flying about to circumvent the line is likely to be tolerated." She takes a moment to take in the place and all the beings here. "Eithne, this does seem to be a city of modrons. I cannot say I understand fully what sort of beings they are, but they do seem to be alive. Just because they are different does not mean they are not life." She shrugs. "Perhaps for them this is exactly what they like."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
"Precisely because I don't think it would be tolerated," Eithne explains "I'd prefer to do it secretly, while invisible..." she shrugs. "But we can also wait. Or perhaps look for a different portal, as Rogfeer suggested."
Regarding the modrons, the lone survivor admits: "It doesn't seem to me like they're alive... but rather like objects programmed to appear alive. But you could be right—one thing is certain: I don't feel comfortable with them."
Jesa nods to Eithne. "Hmm, yea. They do seem a little odd." She then takes a breath. "The portals that our mimir needs are the main ones from the cities in the Outlands to each of the Outer Planes. Here in Automata the portal goes to Mechanus. We would need to travel to a whole different city to find a portal one of these other portals. Which is a little bit of a distance."
She then considers the suggestion about invisibility. "I suppose that might work. Unfortunately, I do not know how to make someone invisible. I am a paladin of Anu-Akma, and my magic is limited regarding such things. Perhaps one of the others?" She looks around at the newcomers, taking a moment to try to surmise if any of them might be practiced in arcane arts. "What about you Gimble? Can you make someone invisible?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Gimble flops out a large spellbook from his pack, rifles through the pages for a moment, then shakes his head "Invincible" he nods "invisible?" He puts his thumb down and blows a raspberry *pbbbt*
Rogferr not fully understanding if there is a plan will ask his familiar Hypnos to fly up to get a better view.
“While those of us that are clever come up with a plan I will use my familiar’s senses to check out the situation further.”
Looking through Hypnos’s eyes Rogferr will attempt to understand why things are so slow and if there is a way to speed things up. Also Rogferr will try to count how many guards are watching the portal/line.
Faith suggest, "So the mimir just needs to get close to the portal, not go through it? Would their be any problem if we approached the gate to look at it, as long as we make it clear that we are NOT trying to jump the line? It seems to me that would be less disruptive to their orderly workings than standing in line and then NOT going though the portal..."
Gimble wanders toward the line and finds a modron "Rules?" He asks, morning toward the line
Rogferr make a Perception check through your familiar.
Gimable, as you approach a modron, which is carrying a small stack of papers at the moment, another, much larger metallic, robotic creature stilts your way, this one with five large tentacle like appendages around it's body, standing on five legs and feet. It whirs quietly as it approaches you, as numerous cogs and servos in its body work to make it move. In a clear but mildly feminine and authoritative voice, it speaks. "R2M45 is not designated for upholding rules. There are 313 rules currently in the city. I can relay all of them, unless you are inquiring a more specific designation."
Rogferr's Perception Roll: 20
Esta’s eyes narrow as Gimble rattles off the exact wait time. She exhales sharply through her nose, the sound halfway between amusement and irritation.
“Nineteen hours? No. I’ve wasted enough of my life waiting for scraps in lines that never end..."
She steps slightly out of the line, cloak shifting as she folds her arms, gaze fixed on the distant portal.
“Faith has the right of it. The mimir doesn’t need us to pass through — just to get close. So why not walk to the front, make it clear we’re not cutting, and let the thing do what it needs? That’s less disruptive than clogging their precious order for a day.”
Her tone is calm, but there’s steel beneath it. She glances at Jesa and the others, her cat’s-eye gleaming in the dim light.
“If the modrons object, we’ll deal with it then. But I won’t waste nineteen hours standing in line when the answer is right there.”