Intermission

foxtrot636 · July 12, 2023

Bhalgurn Frostmead - Dwarf Barbarian

Branek's entrance and introduction were memorable to say the least. At least his beard made up for the lack of Grommash's. And his armor and armaments clearly showed he was ready for action. "'Order o' the Radiant Dawn,' eh? Not sure I've heard much about 'em, but at least yer driven," Bhalgurn said in response. To his specific questions, The young dwarf wasn't quite as confident in his answers and was grateful for Kutaeg stepping in. The dwarf was always there in a pinch and now was no different. His eloquent gave Bhalgurn the encouragement to respond in kind. "I wouldn't call my past so much o' a tapestry as much as it is a lad's stick scratchin' in the dirt. I'm from the Frostmead fortress, on a pilgrimage ta earn my place as a Defender. This whole demon war got me a bit sidetracked. As fer the question about my 'honor and virtue,' I guess it depends on yer definition. I try ta help those in need, don't take tha' which isn't mine, and support my friends as if they're my clan. But these past months I've been challenged in ways I never imagined. My hands aren't all clean." Bhalgurn took a regretful sigh at that. "But what about this mission of yours? We're plannin' on findin' the legendary celestial ship called the 'Dawnbringer.' That match yer Order's wishes? "

Mechanics

Main Hand: Adamantine Axe

Off Hand: shield

Action: None
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Guardian3404 · July 12, 2023

Grommash - Dwarf Artificer

AC: 16 | HP: 59/59 | HD: 7/7d8 | Initiative: +1 | PP: 10 | Magical Tinkering: 2/2 | Flash of Genius: 3/3 | Bullets: 40/40 | DM Inspiration: 0/1

As the others shared their stories, Grommash met each gaze with a steady look. His voice, gruff yet earnest, broke the silence. "I Grommash. Grommash fix ship..." he trailed off, feeling an unfamiliar sense of vulnerability. Engaging in conversations with other beings was a rarity for him, and the weight of this exchange settled upon his slumped shoulders.

For the past decade, Grommash's primary interactions had been with Gundin, his silent mechanical companion whom he had constructed with his own hands. The absence of spoken words in their companionship had shielded Grommash from the need to delve into his own untold past. However, Branek's arched eyebrow and inquisitive lean demanded more from him.

"Grommash hails from the Technocracy, a lineage that spans generations. The Artificers Guild runs through the veins of Grommash's father, his father's father, and his father's father's father," Grommash shared, momentarily forgetting the specifics of Branek's initial inquiry. His weathered hand instinctively reached up to scratch his head, his gaze drifting towards the intricate details adorning Branek's armor.

As Grommash observed the superfluous emblems and attachments that served no practical purpose, his thoughts wandered. "Grommash simply yearns to build," he continued, almost to himself. His voice carried a tinge of longing, a desire to return to the simple joy of crafting and constructing, untethered from the weight of personal histories and expectations.

In that moment, Grommash realized the profound significance of this encounter. Amidst the realm of vast space and raging battles, he discovered a kindred spirit in Branek—a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, albeit channeled differently. The conversation, however brief, had kindled a spark within Grommash's heart, a reminder of the passions that lay dormant within him.

With newfound purpose, Grommash straightened his posture, his deep purple eyes gleaming with determination. "Grommash may not be a warrior like you Bhalgurn, an artist like you Kutaeg, or a defender of the faith as Branek but Grommash will continue to fix, to build, and to honor the legacy of this crew."

And with those words, Grommash's silence yielded to the promise of a shared journey, where the power of creation intertwined with the pursuit of noble ideals.

Mechanics

Main Hand: Radiant Musket

Off Hand: None

Spell DC: 15, Spell Attack: +7

Level 1 Spells: 4/4

Level 2: 3/3

Action: None

Bonus Action: None

Move: None

Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Edited July 12, 2023 by Guardian3404 (see edit history)

foxtrot636 · July 18, 2023

Bhalgurn Frostmead - Dwarf Barbarian

As Branek contemplated their words, Bhalgurn turned to Grommash, intrigued. "I've never met anyone from the technocracy b'fore," he said a bit wide-eyed. "Is't true yer all given a starsailor at the age o' nine, ya eat sulfur as par' o' yer regular diet, and the fiends refuse ta attack yer systems cause ya kicked their arses across the galaxy in the last war?" Bhalgurn was a bit excitable, regardless how much actual knowledge he had of other cultures.

Mechanics

Main Hand: Adamantine Axe

Off Hand: shield

Action: None
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Guardian3404 · July 19, 2023

Grommash listened attentively to Bhalgurn's enthusiastic inquiries, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his beardless face. With a hearty chuckle, he responded in his gruff high pitched voice:

"Yes, yes, yes there's a fair bit o' truth and a touch o' exaggeration in them tales about the Technocracy. Its is a place of grand invention, no doubt! But as for starsailors at the age o' nine, not quite. We do train young ones to take to the skies, though, honin' their skills to become adept pilots and mechanics."

"As for sulfur, it is not an optimal use of that resource, but we've been known to use it in some concoctions to give a fiery kick to our engines. Keeps things runnin' smooth, ye know!" Grommash added, his eyes sparkling with a hint of pride in his people's resourcefulness as he points to Gundin.

"As fer the fiends, *spat*, we've had our share of scuffles across the cosmos, but callin' it a war might be a stretch. We're a stout folk, not ones to shy away from a fight, but we also value the craft of creation. It's through buildin' and repairin' that we show our strength and resilience." Grommash wiped the spit off his mouth after the mentioning of fiends.

With a thoughtful nod, Grommash turned his attention back to Bhalgurn, his eyes warm with rememberance of the family he left behind. For many years Grommash had been so focused on his work he had forgot the feeling personal interactions would create. "If ya ever find yerself in the Technocracy, I'll be glad to show ye around, teach ye a thing or two 'bout our workin's. Just mind not to get caught in the gears!" he added with a grin, faded to a as he began to realize how long its been since he was last home and the changes that must have accord since then. He quickly flashed another fake grin to comfort himself in that he will soon be back to work.

Morph3us · July 23, 2023

Segun is pleased to see the old and new dwarves spark such interest in each other. When a lull finally arrives, he fills in a bit more information.

"Bhalgurn has it right. We are working with an Ignan genie who has repair crews preparing an Elader gate for its first use since being abandoned ages ago. Supposedly, the Dawnbringer fled through this gate after its famous confrontation at the binary star Lament. If we can find it..."

Kutaeg has told this story to Bhalgurn and Olkirn; if the newcomers don't know it, he can fill them in as well. Dawnbringer was the sole major vessel to survive a large battle against a fiendish capital ship A Thousand Suns. Mercifully, that terror, along with its infamous escorts Rain of Ruin and Slaughterhouse, have also since disappeared.

The party helped clear the gate of danger and prepare the way for work crews to bring it back online. The hope is retracing Dawnbringer's steps will discover the legendary celestial ship. It may lie dormant on some forgotten world, waiting to be reawakened in the galaxy's hour of need.

Tara and Ross arrive during this conversation having completed their latest shopping trip. There are the remaining torpedoes promised earlier. There are also several small boxes of expensive components to replace those that blew out during the recent repair setback on the Elader station.

Ross is immediately fascinated by the mechanical assistant. It takes a great deal of self-restraint for him not to get out some tools and poke and prod as curiously as Grommash had done with Meridian.

"This one will be useful." Ross says. "We have two ships to take care of now. It was getting to be a lot of work. Happy to have more hands aboard for that."

Tara, meanwhile, is drawn to Branek. She seems less interested (although not disinterested) in the holy symbols and his tasking from The Order of the Radiant Dawn. Instead she is particularly intrigued by his armor, weapons, and training.

"Meridian is a dear friend but I think you will prefer the Claw Hammer." Tara declares to the paladin after Ross mentions the second ship. "Especially once we give her some fangs." She thumps the new batch of torpedoes, eager to see them loaded into their proper place.

OOC: I'm getting a bug where I can't post in anything but the preset colors. Based on the Discord channel it sounds like I'm not alone. So, slightly different "voices" than usual

Guardian3404 · July 25, 2023

Grommash's eyes widened with excitement at the prospect of maintaining not just one, but two ships. A broad smile spread across his face as he began to daydream about the myriad of complex mechanical problems he could solve and the countless inventions he could bring to life. The challenges ahead thrilled him, and he could hardly wait to immerse himself in the intricate workings of both vessels.

However, Grommash's reverie was interrupted as he noticed Ross inspecting Gundin, the mechanical humanoid he had crafted with his own hands. As Ross's curious gaze roamed over Gundin's metal form, the automaton responded in kind, showcasing its agile movements and the craftsmanship that had gone into its creation.

A sense of pride swelled within Grommash as he watched Gundin's graceful display. The mechanical being was a testament to his skills as a skilled artificer, a living embodiment of the wonders he could achieve through his craft. The look of appreciation on Ross's face further validated his craftsmanship, making Grommash feel like a maestro of gears and steel.

With a glint of enthusiasm in his eyes, Grommash turned to Ross and exclaimed, "Ain't he a marvel? Gundin here is more than just cogs and bolts. He's a piece of me soul, a masterpiece of engineering! Grommash put his heart into buildin' him, and he's been a trusty companion ever since!"

As he spoke, Grommash couldn't help but run his fingers affectionately over Gundin's metal surface. The bond between creator and creation was strong, and he cherished the kinship he shared with the mechanical being. Together, they were a duo of invention and adventure, ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead in this fantastical world of ships, mechanical wonders, and grand voyages.

BugLooks like I am having the same issue for text colors.

Edited July 25, 2023 by Guardian3404 (see edit history)

foxtrot636 · July 27, 2023

Bhalgurn Frostmead - Dwarf Barbarian

Bhalgurn was intrigued with Grommash's details on life in the Technocracy. It was a very different life than his own, which he appreciated. There were countless worlds, filled with many different ways of life. Bhalgurn was just excited to be exposed to more of it.

When Tara showed them their new weapons, Bhalgurn was excited. They were going into the unknown, and knowing they would be able to protect themselves more effectively made him less frightened and allowed his excitement anticipation build. He was ready to get to work. He glanced at Kutaeg, and once he got approval, he spoke to the two (or two plus one) newcomers. "Well, if yer both willin' ta come with us, I'd be happy ta have ya. There's no interview like a practical tryout, so we'd best just head out together and hope it works. If ya find yerselves not enjoyin' our company, o' vice versa, we can part ways when practical. We tend ta split special loot based on need, but split coin and other treasure evenly. What do ya say? Ya want ta go find a legend?"

Mechanics

Main Hand: Adamantine Axe

Off Hand: shield

Action: None
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Guardian3404 · July 27, 2023

Grommash - Dwarf Artificer

AC: 16 | HP: 59/59 | HD: 7/7d8 | Initiative: +1 | PP: 10 | Magical Tinkering: 2/2 | Flash of Genius: 3/3 | Bullets: 40/40 | DM Inspiration: 0/1

Grommash nodded in agreement with Bhalgurn's pragmatic approach. "yes, yes, yes, the best path is to forge, tinker, and test, and if it proves unworthy, cast it aside like an old scrap."

His hands, used to the constant touch of tools and projects, felt idle for the moment, and Grommash couldn't help but fidget. He cast his eyes once more upon the extravagant excess of material that adorned Branek's armor, and his mind swirled with thoughts of all the ingenious creations he could have fashioned with it. In his mind's eye, he envisioned a myriad of contraptions and enhancements that would make the ships soar like mythical creatures through the skies.

A sense of tranquility washed over Grommash as he let his imagination wander freely. "Aye, lavish trinkets and grandeur are not what drives Grommash," he admitted, his features softening with a newfound calmness. "All that matters to me is building and crafting, finding ways to make the ships more efficient and powerful. To see them soar through the solar system, guided by my hands, that be the true fulfillment for me." In that moment, Grommash realized that the grandeur of Branek's armor, though impressive, could never truly replace the joy he derived from his creations.

Mechanics

Main Hand: Radiant Musket

Off Hand: None

Spell DC: 15, Spell Attack: +7

Level 1 Spells: 4/4

Level 2: 3/3

Action: None

Bonus Action: None

Move: None

Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Edited July 27, 2023 by Guardian3404 (see edit history)

andersone81 · July 28, 2023

Kutaeg Lightbrow - Dwarf Bard- College of Lore

AC: 13 | HP: 65/65 | HD: 7/7d8 | Initiative: +1 | PP: 10 | Bardic Inspiration: 4/4d8 | DM Inspiration: 0/1 |

As they watched the crew take a shining to Grommash and Gundin, Kutaeg turned his attention to the glorious golden beard standing beside him. "Dranek, yeah? Now I don't think I've heard tale of the Goldbeards, and I've been in more than a few warriors' barracks. Though the pride you have for your clan, I have no doubt I'll have heard of them soon, had you not come along. Now tell me, are there any songs out there? Radiant melodies about a a great Goldbeard victory that I may have heard? " Kutaeg awaited his response, but assumed Dranek was as taken by the torpedoes as the rest of them.....

Mechanics

Main Hand: Longsword

Off Hand: shield

Level 1 Spells: 4/4

Level 2: 3/3

Level 3 3/3

Level 4: 1/1

Spell DC: 15

Spell Attack: +7

Action: None
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

RobGoldbeard · July 28, 2023

Branek Goldbeard - Dwarf Paladin

As the other Dwarves continue their conversation, they notice that Branek is unmoving and unblinking, save for the censer gently swinging to and fro. His eyes, staring off light-years into the distance directly at their ship.

Branek's unyielding focus on the ship and the distant stare in his eyes gave the other dwarves a moment of uncertainty. They exchanged glances, wondering if their words had truly reached the Paladin or if something else had captured his attention.

However, as the censer's gentle swing came to a halt, Branek blinked, snapping back to the present moment. He took a long drag from his cigar, the fragrant smoke surrounding him once more. The uneasy feeling that had briefly taken hold dissipated, replaced by the sight of their inquisitor once again fully engaged. Apologizing for his momentary lapse, Branek explains that many of the threats around are not seen by just the eyes, and require vigilance to detect their subtle corruption.

His brief detachment seemed like a mere ripple in the pool of their conversation, for Branek remained steadfast in his duty and commitment. The golden aura of divine protection, which adorned his armor, was a testament to the power he wielded in the face of fiendish threats.

As the other dwarves conversed, Branek began to paint the symbols onto the new torpedoes. While painting, Branek occasionally added insights about the Order's encounters with fiends and the measures they had taken to protect against their malevolence.

Throughout the discussion, the golden beard of the Paladin glimmered as if it, too, held a spark of the divine. The sight of him, adorned with symbols of protection and a cigar between his lips, painted a picture of a guardian ever watchful, dedicated to the safety of his crew and their ship.

As Branek continued to paint the symbols on the torpedoes, his voice took on a melodic tone as he began to sing the Goldbeard family's ballad. The words resonated with a rich history and deep connection to their ancestry, weaving a tale of strength, honor, and resilience through the ages. The other dwarves couldn't help but feel drawn in by the power of his voice, even as the symbols he painted were infused with protective energies against the fiends.

As the ballad reached its crescendo, Branek paused for a moment, his eyes glancing to each of his newfound companions. "The Goldbeard lineage has always been bound by the sacred ties of our ancestors," he said with a hint of pride. "We carry the legacy of our kind wherever we go, and it is our duty to honor our heritage by standing firm against the darkness that seeks to consume the galaxy."

He turned his attention back to the ship and the torpedoes, his expression serious. "You have a capable team of engineers, that is true," he acknowledged, "but the fiends we face are cunning and relentless. With the power of divine protection, we shall be better equipped to face the unseen dangers that lurk beyond the stars."

With a practiced hand, Branek continued painting the sacred symbols, infusing the torpedoes with the protective essence. "These sigils will weaken the fiends' defenses, giving us a fighting chance when we encounter their malevolence," he explained. "And should we ever come face-to-face with their dark forces, these symbols will serve as a shield to keep us safe."

Once the task was complete, Branek stepped back, observing his work with a sense of satisfaction. "There, it is done," he said, taking another drag from his cigar. "Our ship is now guarded by the strength of the Order of the Radiant Dawn. Together, we shall face whatever challenges the galaxy throws our way, and with the grace of the divine, we shall emerge victorious."

His golden beard shimmered in the light as he gave a firm nod to his companions, silently conveying his commitment to their shared mission. The uneasy feeling the dwarves had experienced earlier now waned, replaced by a sense of confidence and determination. Branek, the steadfast inquisitor of the holy institution, had joined their crew, and with him came the protection of ages past, guiding them towards their destiny among the stars.

Mechanics

Main Hand: Maul

Off Hand: None

Action: None
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Guardian3404 · July 28, 2023

Grommash - Dwarf Artificer

AC: 16 | HP: 59/59 | HD: 7/7d8 | Initiative: +1 | PP: 10 | Magical Tinkering: 2/2 | Flash of Genius: 3/3 | Bullets: 40/40 | DM Inspiration: 0/1

In the midst of their enchanting endeavors, Brenak was meticulously adorning the torpedoes with holy symbols, channeling divine power into the paint strokes. Meanwhile, Grommash, ever the enigmatic artificer, vanished into thin air, leaving behind a faint cloud of swirling blue myst.

Before anyone could comprehend what had transpired, Grommash reappeared with surprising swiftness, materializing right behind Brenak, who was so engrossed in his sacred task that he hadn't noticed the Dwarf's stealthy approach. In his weathered hands, Grommash held a small vial, into which he deftly extracted a sample of the paint from one of the torpedoes.

With a hint of curiosity, the gruff Dwarf brought the vial to his lips and tasted the sacred paint. His eyes squinted as he savored the unique mixture, and then he turned his attention to Gundin's mechanical eye. Holding the vial up to the light, he examined the paint's composition, the hues blending with the glow of the mechanical eye in an almost hypnotic dance.

"Protective paint, you say?" Grommash spoke softly, more to himself than to the others, though his voice carried a sense of wonder. "Fascinating indeed."

The Dwarf's actions and demeanor might have seemed peculiar to some, but his fellow craftsmen had learned long ago not to question Grommash's unconventional methods. For hidden beneath his rough exterior was a mind that saw enchantment and wonder in every corner of their fantastical world.

As Grommash continued his inspection, he began to mutter to himself, thoughts and ideas taking shape in the labyrinth of his mind. Perhaps this protective paint held hidden properties, waiting to be unlocked and woven into new spells or safeguards for their fleet of wondrous vessels.

With newfound inspiration, the artificer's eyes sparkled with an inner fire, and he exchanged a knowing glance with his companions. Together, they would uncover the secrets of this sacred paint and unleash its full potential in ways that none could foresee, for in the realm of fantasy, the possibilities were boundless, and the power of creation knew no limits.

Mechanics

Main Hand: Radiant Musket

Off Hand: None

Spell DC: 15, Spell Attack: +7

Level 1 Spells: 4/4

Level 2: 3/3

Action: None

Bonus Action: None

Move: None

Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Edited July 28, 2023 by Guardian3404 (see edit history)

foxtrot636 · July 28, 2023

Bhalgurn Frostmead - Dwarf Barbarian

Bhalgurn shook Grommash's forearm when the tinkerer agreed to join them and then looked to Branek, a bit confused by his silence. He raised an eyebrow to Kutaeg, who had asked him a question, but the dwarf seemed rooted in place. Then, from out of nowhere, the magnificent dwarf snapped back to the present, explaining his odd pause.

Bhalgun was curious about the religious symbols Branek was pairing in their new weaponry. He looked at Tara, worried that the paint might interfere with their operation, but she shook her head. He was just painting on the launch cylinder. Bhalgurn relaxed and was rewarded with a truly marvelous song concerning the Goldbeard lineage. Smiling, he looked at Kutaeg, who must be having a field day after being presented with an actual ballad for his request. The old bard was never this lucky.

The moment was slightly marred as Grommash somehow disappeared. There must be much more to the dwarf than Bhalgurn had initially figured. Perhaps he have some mage training like Barradon? Regardless, Bhalgurn stood at respectful attention as Branek finished his painting, assuming this was a weighty moment for the holy dwarf. Bhalgurn himself was not sure how a thin layer of paint would protect them, but then again, he never expected to be setting out in search of the legendary Dawnbringer either. At this point, is anything impossible?

With both Grommash and Branek willing to join them, Bhalgurn felt excitement rising in his heart. They were really going to do it. "Well, guess tha's tha'!" he exclaimed happily. "Were off inta the great unknown. It'll be a pleasure ta get ta know ya both on our way ta the station. I even packed a wee barrel o' my my family's mead ta share after our duties. Welcome aboard!"

Mechanics

Main Hand: Adamantine Axe

Off Hand: shield

Action: None
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

andersone81 · July 28, 2023

Kutaeg Lightbrow - Dwarf Bard- College of Lore

AC: 13 | HP: 65/65 | HD: 7/7d8 | Initiative: +1 | PP: 10 | Bardic Inspiration: 4/4d8 | DM Inspiration: 0/1 |

As the Golden Dwarf sang his ballad, and generously satisfied the bard's reuest, Kutaeg jotted some notes down in his mini-scroll...a pad of small parchment squares that he kept in his inner coat pocket. Kutaeg replied, "My goodness, what a song, sire. I've got to say, I have heard people try to pull off the "Minor-4th, to the Major-3rd" chord change...but never my days have I heard someone pull it off before. You performed it masterfully." Kutaeg put his scroll pad away and followed the others.

Mechanics

Main Hand: Longsword

Off Hand: shield

Level 1 Spells: 4/4

Level 2: 3/3

Level 3 3/3

Level 4: 1/1

Spell DC: 15

Spell Attack: +7

Action: None
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Morph3us · August 6, 2023

Journey

They crew finish loading Meridian and then prepare to depart from the volcanic moon. The new arrivals find the interior of the ship better organized than when Bhalgurn and Kutaeg first saw it. Ross' project to rework the engine to better fit in the available space has been successful. That said, while there are fewer random protrusions of equipment, the star of the show has not changed much. The central powerplant occupies space that was once a luxurious seating area for wealthy passengers. It now consists of banks of crystals and glassware facing each other spanning from floor to ceiling. Sturdy scaffolding allows access to numerous dials, levers, and other doodads for monitoring and adjusting the magical resonance between all of them.

The activation process is complex but the existing crew are well-versed in it. Soon the crystals flash with sparks and produce an impatient buzz that swells as more come online. Once fully powered up, Meridian leaps into orbit. The ship breaks free soon after: first of the moon, then of the gas giant, before letting the throttle open wide.

Then the engine gives a mighty roar and sends the vessel hurtling into the void. With time, the mighty blue giant star shrinks to a pinpoint indistinguishable from all others.

Arrival

The return trip is uneventful. The recruited crewmembers continue forging their connections with the existing party during the journey. Meridian arrives at the station and settles in to the same hanger which houses the Claw Hammer. It's long since been cleared of debris to make room for the additional visitor.

Claw Hammer

The squat, stubby vessel is less than half the size of Meridian. Its armored hull is a deep shade of lusterless, no-nonsense gray.

Inside is just as simple. The crew quarters are a barracks-style room with six bunks. It seems a full complement has a pilot and co-pilot, three staffing the weapons, and one tending to the engine on longer journeys.

Speaking of, the Claw Hammer can't go interstellar by itself. Thankfully, Meridian has more than enough power to haul both ships across the galaxy when docked together.

The engine the gunship does have is well-suited to it. Where the Iron Dragon produced tremendous power from the resonance of a large and complex array of magical crystals, this one is much more compact. It's also low maintenance, simple to operate... and more than a little dangerous!

The core contains a pair of concentric metal rings, with one able to rotate inside of the other. It's heavy and needs manual labor to spin up via an external crank. Once at speed, a jolt of magic opens intersecting rifts to the domains of positive and negative energy.

The results are spectacular. A river of raw power forms in an entirely indescribable color. It is contained in a vertical steel column and then piped off to the various systems onboard.

Chief among those are the weapons. Port and starboard each have a station controlling banks of spiky protrusions that unleash what they have siphoned directly from the core. The result is either an endless stream of force darts, or periodic, violent barrages of them all at once.

Down below, a third gunner can launch pellets of concentrated energy that eventually blossom into fireball-like explosions. Less useful for punching through armor, but devastating if they can exploit a gap already made. At the same station are eight empty racks where even more powerful, single-use torpedoes could be loaded.

Upon arrival, Segun and Ross leave to bring supplies to the workers fixing the power junction. Tara is eager to stay and help load all the torpedoes onto the gunship.

Pre-Activation

The work teams meet with success on their second attempt. The nexus of power couplings which had violently rejected the first repair job now gives a contented hum when engaged. This gives them renewed confidence to activate several more that were previously fixed and tested in isolation. When all is done, the second station segment is now mostly active and fully stable. Gone are the flickering lights and dangerous exposed conduits. The emptiness of this place now feels bright and sterile instead of grim and foreboding.

Everyone takes the next day off for rest and celebration of the milestone. If a new batch of Bhalgurn's brew is available, the genie's crew happily enjoys it. Work resumes soon after and speeds towards its conclusion.

Although the blown-out third section is very far gone, it seems redundant. Thorough investigation indicates the gate is meant to be operable with just two of them functional. That makes a full station renovation a long-term project which won't delay seeking out the Dawnbringer.

Segun returns to the hangar late the next morning with a spring in his step.

"It is time." He declares, relaying the news from the repair teams. "We will all be in one of the control posts to help fire it up. Assuming it works, we head through once its proven stable."

After a moment of thought, he adds:

"Best make sure you have everything you want on hand. We do not know where it leads and may not come back this way for a while. Ready?"

foxtrot636 · August 14, 2023

Bhalgurn Frostmead - Dwarf Barbarian

The flight back was uneventful which was good for for allowing time to get to know Grommash and Branek. The newcomers got to see a bit Bhalgurn's personality as well. Despite his size and gruff appearance, the barbarian was surprisingly averse to confrontation, always trying to settle disagreements with conversation. He seemed to put others needs before his own and was quick with laughter. He enjoyed playing the drums to back up Kutaeg whenever he was able to perform, even though he wasn't classically trained like the bard. The others realized his true passion was the in the brewing of mead. He had a whole set up on the Claw Hammer, the other ship they will likely be operating together. He was very excited to show off his mead to the new comers, knowing how rare a cask of good Frostmead can be to those outside the home flying fortress.

When they arrive at the Elader station, Bhalgurn offered to show Grommash and Branek around, explaining how they had to fight through these halls when they first got there, marveling at how far they have come in repairing the ancient construction. When they finally get busy again, they make quick work of the remaining repairs and it's time for celebration. Finally, Bhalgurn is able to crack open a couple casks of his mead for all and pours the first two honorary mugs for Grommash and Branek, wanting to show he was welcoming them into the team. Gods knew they needed their help for what was to come next.

Bhalgurn was ecstatic when Segun reported the good news. He hadn't minded taking it easy for the last few months... well, easy wasn't really the right way ti describe it. The work restoring the station had been hard, but it wasn't as dangerous as his usual line of work. Regardless, he was happy to be heading out again and exploring. This time with Segun, Kutaeg, and the others had shown Bhalgurn that he was indeed an explorer, happy to be traversing the stars, helping those in need, and unlocking the truth behind long forgotten mysteries. He nodded to Segun, ready to help. "Show the way, I'll be ready ta help however I can."

Mechanics

Main Hand: Adamantine Axe

Off Hand: shield

Action: None
Bonus Action: None
Move: None
Manipulate: None.

Free: Speech.

Text_1	Text_2	Text_3	Bold_1	Accent_1	Mood_1
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Intermission

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