University of Kintan, 1st class: Adaptive Biology

 

Ok, on to the next morning.....

The remnants of the star M'dweshuu rise on the K.R.I.S.S




The party begins to assemble in the courtyard.  Several Nikto are returning from the nearby dunes carrying condensed dew-snow which forms in the desert overnight due to the rapid temperature changes and evaporation of the nearby streams.



Helian's lab is carved out of an old underground supply storage room.  It is technologically advanced, with its computer and scanners, but it has a medieval feel.  There are large durasteel cages, bloody examination tables and various limbs, organs and unidentifiable parts of Kintanian creatures scattered about the lab.



Dr. Helian and Kai Sol are inspecting a fresh body in a nearby table.  They pay no attention to the party when you enter.  Thana notices your arrival and says loudly, "Doctor, the Republic ROX agents have arrived.  Perhaps you should explain what the Nikto found last night?"   (remember the Nikto on the dewback last night??)



Helian shoots Kai Sol a frustrated look at the interruption.  





Kai Sol makes a welcoming gesture with his long graceful arms, "Welcome Republic friends, come closer, you will find this most interesting.  This is a typical Whiptail."  Kai gestures to a corpse in the durasteel cage.  



Kai Sol continues, "And this is one that the Nikto recovered after your daring rescue yesterday.  They were scavenging the Tuskbeast remains.  Notice how it is 23% larger, even though it is a younger specimen, as you can see it's tail nobs are not fully developed, this is an adolescent.  However also note how it has the some of the same purple crystals, much like the Spine Dragon?  At first we thought they were embedded in it's hide, but they are in fact, growing off the skin of the Whiptail, most remarkable!"



Helian flashes Thana a smug grin, "You see?  I was right all these years!  The Force is actively altering the evolutionary path of the creatures on Kintan through these crystals."  Helian looks at the party directly for the first time, his voices rises to near fever pitches, "I was laughed out of Coruscant, but my theory is correct.  There is an intelligence to the Force.  The Force manifests in the material world through microscopic organisms that reside in all cells.  I need your help to uncover the connection between the crystals, the radiation from M'dweshuu and the accelerated evolution of the Spine Dragons, Tuskbeats, Whiptails....."



Kai politely interrupts, "The Kamino Science Counsel is most interested in the Tuskbeasts for.... commercial applications.  Perhaps we should begin with the den the Nikto found?"



Thana adds, "That was the den I found, remember doctor?  I told you there were some crystal formations in the cave.  Let me go with them, I can.... preserve any samples they find for you."

Dr. Helian is clearly annoyed with his assistant, "Fine, go with them."  He mutters something under his breath, it is hard to make out, but it sounded like, "maybe they will eat you and rid me of your stupidity."

Sharn steps forward.
"Garrooo rarall rarrkin nashvaringarnin mashtafor."
{It would be wise for us all to investigate the den.}

(what is the connection between these crystals and the Sith relics?) considers Tson as he listens...

Midiclorians!!! 

MAS wrote:(what is the connection between these crystals and the Sith relics?) considers Tson as he listens...

just a reminder, from the prologue which was back in June.....  I know the picture isn't great, but it IS the same kind of dark purple crystal you saw in the desert and on the Spine Dragon and now on the Whiptail - that you can see in the Sith Relic.

Chris wrote:



Master Duros holds up a hologram of what looks like a tribal totem with a dark crystal embedded in it.  



"I have only gotten my hands on a couple of these, but the sellers said they came from Pale Nikto seeking weapons in trade.  They pulse with a strong Dark Side energy.  If they have come to our attention, then the Sith have most certainly also noticed that some of their artifacts are in circulation.  My padawan, Dax Tay-nari, should be able to analyze and collect more for the Jedi to study.  Agent Ash Falcata?"

navyik wrote:Midiclorians!!! 

hehe, I always wanted to explore the origin of Midichlorian theory, which for the record, I thought was dumb.

To have someone like Dr Helian come up with the theory and then see that several thousand years later it is still being taken seriously by the Jedi is my own personal comment on how crazy ideas persist and actually gain credibility over time.

NPC speeches are finished. If anyone has any questions for Helian or Kai Sol - now would be the time.

If not, make any preparations you want to go with Thana to the Tuskbeast den.

"These are very fascinating Dr, where would say the best concentration of these crystals are found? Does the fauna in that area show more potent traits?"

For the record, I thought midclorians were beyond dumb. It felt like Lucas tried to inject Star Trek type stuff into space-fantasy

"Den?!" Rakhu blurts out abruptly. "That WOULD be the place to start..."

Sharn is ready to go whenever.

"Crikey, Boss! You hoping for some action and adventure soon?"

whit10 wrote:"These are very fascinating Dr, where would say the best concentration of these crystals are found?  Does the fauna in that area show more potent traits?"

Dr. Helian glares at Daxx, "If I knew that, I wouldn't be sending you to collect specimens. Look for the most aggressive and intelligent Tuskbeasts or any that are spawning crystals. Perhaps there is an Progenitor, a first mutation that is spawning the rest."

Chris wrote:

whit10 wrote:"These are very fascinating Dr, where would say the best concentration of these crystals are found?  Does the fauna in that area show more potent traits?"

Dr. Helian glares at Daxx, "If I knew that, I wouldn't be sending you to collect specimens.  Look for the most aggressive and intelligent Tuskbeasts or any that are spawning crystals.  Perhaps there is an Progenitor, a first mutation that is spawning the rest."

"A queen..."

navyik wrote:
"A queen..."

a QUEEN?



too bad Sasha Baren Cohen got kicked from the movie, he would have been perfect

As a long-time Queen fanatic.. I have to agree. But maybe it's best that the movie isn't made anyway.

oh and... "sir, is this a stand-up fight or a bug-hunt?"  

(Watching this Dr Helian very closely, soaking up the psychic vibes)

sense motive

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +14" :

15 + 14 = 29

MAS wrote:(Watching this Dr Helian very closely, soaking up the psychic vibes)

sense motive

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +14" :

15 + 14 = 29

Helian appears to be speaking truthfully, but T'son gets the sense the good doctor is not telling the party everything.


*sorry for the delay, 1 of our trials, for wed got postponed! but the major one, possible 5 day trial is still starting on Thur.*

Any further questions?

If not, the party should prepare to set out by Dewback for the Tuskbeast den with Thana. The Mitochondria will need heavy repairs after yesterday's encounter with the Spine Dragon and the Nikto's sand sail was smashed to pieces.

please note anything unusual or specific you are carrying or leaving behind.

Full loadout - stun grenadaes have been shifted to explosives as per GM permission when he nerfed the stun rules.

MAS wrote:Full loadout - stun grenadaes have been shifted to explosives as per GM permission when he nerfed the stun rules.

stun grenades, check

now where did those Thermal Detonators go?

hehehe!  

... and Daxx will bring his trusty thermal detonator sling shot.  

Sharn grabs his usual adventuring/expedition gear, which is everything. He makes sure his canteen is full.

When he approaches the stable, he pulls out a blanket. It will be useful to help cushion his bottom on the dewback's saddle. Dreadful, smelly creatures. Sharn will feel right at home!

"please tell me there's something available that has engines."

whit10 wrote:"please tell me there's something available that has engines."

Chris wrote:
If not, the party should prepare to set out by Dewback for the Tuskbeast den with Thana. The Mitochondria will need heavy repairs after yesterday's encounter with the Spine Dragon and the Nikto's sand sail was smashed to pieces.

not really, no. besides you saw what the "hum" from repulsorlift engines attracts in the desert

"why is it that every time I leave home, I end up on a backwater dustball planet having to ride a smelly beast?" Daxx wonders aloud to no one in particular

Thana provides anyone that needs it with a thermal-reflective poncho (to reflect and reduce desert heat) and "still suit" type mask that keeps the moisture from your breath and recycles it for drinking.

Everyone give me a ride check (GM chuckles to himself) to handle mounting and initial control of your Dewback.

"Thank you Thana, I am certain this equipment will be of great help." says Tson as he accepts the offered gear.

Ride check -
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +2" :

16 + 2 = 18

MAS wrote:"Thank you Thana, I am certain this equipment will be of great help." says Tson as he accepts the offered gear.

Ride check -
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +2" :

16 + 2 = 18

T'son hops up easily into the large saddle. His Dewback sits at ease until directed to move. It plods forwards or turns as directed with a slow, careful gait. (I picture this more like riding an elephant than a horse)

yeah, real funny you SOB. Freakin' Dewbacks... I tell ya

Ride is what, Dex based or something?

Roll(1d20)+3:
2,+3
Total:5

pfft... nevermind. Daxx might sit this one out

whit10 wrote:yeah, real funny you SOB.  Freakin' Dewbacks... I tell ya

Ride is what, Dex based or something?

Roll(1d20)+3:
2,+3
Total:5

pfft... nevermind.  Daxx might sit this one out

Daxx cautiously climbs onto his Dewback.  It sits motionless, awaiting direction.  Daxx tries to follow the Nikto's instructions about guiding it with his knees, but when he does the beast uses its head and long tail as a lever to arch it's body violently from 1 side to the other, launching Daxx laterally into the dust.   The Dewback snorts contently and scratches its head on a nearby post.  



One of the Nikto comes to offer Daxx support, "Dol, dol.  Toowonna chutsa Dewwa?"  (it's ok, it's ok.  You want to try Dewback again?)

Tson watches with a neutral expression, laughing manically inside...

oh yeah, REFLEX save for Daxx please

Reflex save:

Roll(1d20)+8:
12,+8
Total:20

"anybody want some dewback shish-kabobs?" lightsaber out but not lit..

To the Nikto... "you don't have ONE speeder here somewhere instead of these smelly, soon-to-be handbags?"

"Petulance does not suit you, Dax. You REALLY must draw a weapon because you fell off of a mount? REALLY?"

"ah, go back to the crapper and see if your rumbly tummy is really feeling all better"

whit10 wrote:Reflex save:

Roll(1d20)+8:
12,+8
Total:20

"anybody want some dewback shish-kabobs?"  lightsaber out but not lit..

To the Nikto... "you don't have ONE speeder here somewhere instead of these smelly, soon-to-be handbags?"

Nothing hurt except your pride, it appears.

One Nikto hand looks to the other with optimism, "Dewwa mange?" (we can eat them?)

The boss Nikto wrangler closes his eyes and shakes his head no.

Thana addresses Daxx, "The repulsor engines attract the Spine Dragons, my dear Jedi. I thought your order provided some emotional control techniques, but your behavior seems more.... liberated."

"yeah, they keep telling me to control my emotions... eh, sooner or later I might listen. So these flea-bags are the only way to get there eh?" Daxx walks away shaking his head, muttering about just going back to swoop racing

In huttese ti the wranglers, " have you an older mare for my friend?  He is a city boy."
Take 10=15

The Nikto wrangler chuckles, "Dewwa transido Kaminos, dey.... Clonsa"  (the dewbacks were brought by the Kaminoains, they.... clones)

He adds, "Jeedi wapwap?" (Jedi ride bitch?)

Chris wrote:

The Nikto wrangler chuckles, "Dewwa transido Kaminos, dey.... Clonsa"  (the dewbacks were brought by the Kaminoains, they.... clones)

He adds, "Jeedi wapwap?"   (Jedi ride bitch?)

Rakhu laughs with him, "yonna nogo jin joyo dua." (Lets not break up the happy couple).

"Daxx, you can ride with t'son."

Rakhu hefts his force pike and clicks his tongue at his mount, scratching his ass on the way out.

glad I could be here to amuse you all...

navyik wrote:In huttese ti the wranglers, " have you an older mare for my friend?  He is a city boy."
Take 10=15

Rakhu controls his mount with ease.

"Perhaps the jedi can just...try again?"


(do not want that unstable laser sword wielding time-bomb on my back!!!)

MAS wrote:"Perhaps the jedi can just...try again?"
(do not want that unstable  laser sword wielding time-bomb on my back!!!)

sure, Ride rules are pg 97, doesn't say you can't retry, it is just a move action with a really low DC

Ride:

Roll(1d20)+3:
10,+3
Total:13

whit10 wrote:Ride:

Roll(1d20)+3:
10,+3
Total:13

The Dewback eyes Daxx lazily as he approaches, perhaps it sees a determination not present last time or perhaps it has grown bored with jerk-the-jedi.... either way, Daxx successfully mounts and controls his Dewback.

That's good... Daxx was starting to get hungry for Dewback spare ribs

Sharn's ride check:
0+19=19

Robyo wrote:Sharn's ride check:
0+19=19

The dewback makes a sound of contentment deep in its throat, somewhere between a purr and croak.


As the party is getting acclimated to their dewbacks, several of the Nikto wranglers are checking saddle straps and securing saddle bags. The young Nikto working on T'son's dewback says casually, "I hear Hoth is nice this time of year." He wipes some sweat from his brow and adds, "I frozen Taun Taun is no use in the desert." He pats the left side pocket of the saddle bag for emphasis.