[GAME THREAD] Pick And Mix Play By Post Adventure IC Thread

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
(Hello there. This is the game thread for the Pick And Mix adventure! Please see the linked out of character thread if you would like to join or comment on the ongoing game! You can make a character at any point and stumbling upon the area or falling through space can be arranged as needed. I am your Captain of Gaming, [STATIONARY_FRICTION], and I am in charge of the setting and non-player characters and whatnot.

Anyhow, the starting area is a pretty standard forest. I don't have every single possible life-form for the forest plotted out, so if you're looking for something in particular feel free to let me know.

I'll be doing this introductory post, then let everyone do a response to that. And then I'll do one more reply that's meant to lead people towards the meeting area. Then you do one more, and then we transition to doing things as a group. So basically, you'll be doing around two posts before you meet everyone.)

The sky is overcast, but calm. It is about mid-day, though between the clouds and the dense foliage, this area is reminiscent of night. Luckily, the local wildlife help some with this problem. There are quite a few pieces of wildlife which supplement the light, from some of the fruits on shrubbery, to warning marks on some poisonous bugs, to some of the markings on birds. Hopefully though, any adventurers present haven't forgotten to bring a source of light. You could very well stub your toe on a root or trip on a vine if you're not careful.

Speaking of adventurers, we'll begin with Maxim, who has yet to enter the forest. They're accompanied by the wandering knight, Cliche, who wields around a glaive featuring a large gem. Their traveling companion, a small lizard creature nicknamed Shard, is a mischievous little creature. Cliche is surprisingly decent at navigation and has explored these woods a couple times. They're planning on departing from the nearby town of around seven Beacons (not counting visitors like Maxim or themself) as they believe it's time to continue their ever-meandering journey without end. Luckily, Cliche seems to be able to emit light from their helmet so even if Maxim forgot to bring a flashlight, there'll be enough to see by.

As far as interesting things about the forest of note that Maxim may have heard of...probably ingredients would stand out the most. There's quite a few,from the glowing bittersweet purple fruits on various shrubbery, to the array of small game available ranging from the non-poisonous bugs to some small gliding salamanders that feed on nectar and pollinate plants, there are many opportunities for ingredients. There are a few options for larger game, though they mostly avoid Beacons and would put up a fight. All in all, this should be a relatively safe trip.

Kara on the other hand, likely has no bearings on this situation, as it's yet another unknown exit from The Connection, leaving her once again in an unfamiliar part of Ascent. Notably, a large orange flower with glowing petals is atop a massive thorny shrub. It's light allows you to see a metal hatch, though you would have to find a way to wrest it free from the roots covering a roughly half of the hatch.

Do has likely stumbled out of the Connection at another point in the forest. There, a large, lavender deer-like creature watches carefully. It's roughly four times the size of the average beacon and it seems interested by the odd little creature that just popped into existence. It glows brightly enough that you can see the immediately surroundings decently well. The forest is calm and silent enough you could hear the shadow of a pin drop. No other animals are nearby.

Vembrace....has stumbled upon an interesting little clearing, where the light does actually reach in the forest. There are various small lizards traipsing about an array of oddly shaped flowers. There's also a small piece of metal sticking out of the ground. It seems to be the corner of something. It'd take a bit of work, but one could try to dislodge it. (If you had to make a guess, it's probably a crate.)

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: (hi this is my first rp so forgive me if i screw something up)

Vembrace quietly hovers in place, observing the lizards for a few moments. It's... relaxing almost, watching the little reptiles scurrying about, doing... whatever it is small lizards do. The flowers are nice, too. It never took the time to notice these things before.

Once Vembrace gets bored of that, it takes notice of the metal chunk and sets to work uncovering it. It hovers in place directly above the exposed corner and descends, armor pieces whirling into the ground and dislodging the dirt and grass.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara tumbles out of the Connection with about as much grace as someone who was leaning on a wall that suddenly gave way. She quickly stands up and dusts herself off after landing, checking her amulet, sword, grappling hook, and the lyre tied to her back for any damage. Upon finding them all in pristine condition, she puts her hood over her head (a comfort in unfamiliar places, she found) and takes in her surroundings.
She doesn't take long to spot the hatch, and quickly takes hold of her sword and slashes at the roots encapsulating it to try to find a way through.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
(I'll reply to Kara's actions first, because this actually leads into the next event fairly well.)
Kara hacks at the root. They are swiftly severed. A high pitched screech comes out of the plant as its roots begin to stretch and pull themselves out of the ground. Unfortunately, it seems that plant is alive. It unravels into a mass of writhing roots and thorny brambles. The petals of the flower protrude small spines and twist to form something resembling a great maw.

It takes in its surrounding for a bit, giving a good chance to either move in to try to get a solid strike in...
or to flee. The hatch is now uncovered, if one wishes to try to slip in quickly.


(There's no issues at all Star. Everything is alright.)
The reptiles take notice of the commotion and keep their distance, still busy with their duty of feasting on flowers.

The crater is removed from the earth. It's about as large as you are. It is effectively unlocked. The markings are rather unsettling, given it's one of the less polite ancient factions that your creator liberally stole from. They were followers of the god slain by pinnacle. It seems the case's lock has been damaged by age. One could open it easily. If they dare. (Open the spoiler if you actually do open this. Or if you don't and are just curious.)

Show ContentSpoiler:

If despite this grim origin, one were to open it they would find a massive axe of immense heft, incredibly ornate with detail put into every part of it. The head is widely large, and sports some sort of odd opening on the top of the pole, above the massive axe head. On the other side of the axe head is a fairly solid pick end. The weapon seems a bit ominous.

Regardless of what one does with the crate, the howling screech of some grand creature is quite audible from the clearing. It seems something is going on. Vembrace could easily head that direction if desired.

(Maxim and Do will likely be able to hear the commotion after they finish their initial post. So, for the moment the commotion has only reached Vembrace [and Kara, given the. immediate presence of danger.].)

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara reels back with the plant's piercing screech, and glances around warily weighing her options. She would normally make a break for it in this situation, but she hadn't gotten a good haul from one of her trips for a good while now... ah screw it.

She sticks her sword in the gap between the panels of the hatch and does her best to pry it open. If it doesn't work immediately, she's going to run. If she could open it and hide within it though, that might give the beast a chance to settle down again, which might work better seeing as she wasn't entirely sure if it's the sort that can take chase or not.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace rushes towards the noise immediately, acting on deep-seated instinct- or perhaps programming. It's hard to say. It stops a few feet short of Kara and the plant creature, seemingly assessing the situation. After a moment, a cold, monotonous voice emerges from somewhere within the whirling mass of metal.

"PROTECTION OR SUPPORT?"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
The hatch can be opened without issue.
You have enough time to have a quick exchange and then swiftly go down the hatch, run, or otherwise do something else.
(Or you can wait out of character for the others to start up, and then hear the commotion.)

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara lets out a short yelp the minute Vembrace enters the scene, and hops through the hatch shortly after opening it.

"I don't care WHAT you do, just be QUIET! I don't know if that thing has eyes!"

She composes herself after a moment, but her tail is still swishing back and forth as if irritated.

"Just please get in the hole first and we can talk after. Unless you WANT to be fertilizer for that plant thing. I'll say...Support, I guess, if you need to hear one or the other for your programming."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim prepares herself for the journey ahead...she's nervous about setting off, but she wants to see what this forest has to offer. She doesn't know much about this Cliche person- but they do seem to have a good head on their shoulders!

After checking through all of her things twice and making sure all of her spices are good to go, she straps a knife to one leg and a flashlight to the other. Ready for adventure!

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:

What a beast, this thing! thinks Do, wincing to see the purplish deer past the bright light. It tries not to tremble, as if it were necessary to assert some kind of power over this thing to avert its judgment through that stare. It knows better than to turn its back to this thing, but for some reason it feels like this thing will lurch towards it like a mantis if it broke eye contact. A mantis with hooves. It fails to hold together and trembles before the beast.

(Do finds itself, it realizes, at the mercy of an unfamiliar ecosystem. It knows it has no idea what kind of role this staring contest adversary takes. Better safe than sorry.)

Do scuttles sideways in a large, elliptical half-orbit around the deer like an awkward party guest watching their friend-that-invited-them talk to much cooler strangers, eye(s?) still locked with the deer's. It weighs in its ball-shaped head whether or not it should break off and leave.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Cliche doesn't particularly have much to say at the moment, as they look over their equipment a couple more times while they lead the way forward. This continues until a distant immense shriek is heard. "...ah hell. What in blazes...I'll have to check that out. I don't think that's a sign of anything good." They tense up and stretch, presumably preparing themselves to charge into the woods at breakneck pace.

The deer carefully watches Do, taking note of the odd being's movement. The intent in its eyes is blurred by the light and it also being a weird deer. The awkward scuttle occurs and it stays still, watching carefully until a violent shriek is heard in the distance. It quickly breaks eye contact and dashes away towards the distant sounds. It seems it's found something more apt to take interest in. Do can of course, also hear the shriek.

Kara gets through the hatch. There's a ladder to grab onto if she's quick enough, otherwise taking a short tumble down into a room that seems to have some sort of bulkhead. That seems to have a little doorbell and panel with a screen and a speaker. There's also a small table and a pair of chairs. Otherwise, the ladder back up is present. If desired, one could try to bar the hatch from this side.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]:
[ASTRAL_ABBERATION] wrote:
Just please get in the hole first

Support, I guess,

"UNDERSTOOD."

Vembrace swiftly breaks apart into its component sections, flying one by one down the hole. Each section rotates quickly in place as it goes, and some of them slash the plant monster on the way down. It reconstitutes near the bottom of the hole and takes on a new form, sharp edges poised to strike upwards at the hatch, should the vines attempt to pursue.

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"Alrighty! We got this!" Maxim's already taking off, unsheathing her knife with a bit of fumbling. 

Subtlety is not her strong suit.

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:

The shriek makes Do jump a bit higher than one would expect for such stubby legs. But it sighs in relief as its opponent seems to have scrambled off...

...then it weighs its curiosity against its dread. Whatever made that scream couldn't possibly make pleasant company... but something compels it. Against its better judgment, Do skitters towards the source of the noise.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
After recomposing itself, the plant in fact does attempt to pry open the hatch and reach tendrils in...which Vembrace swiftly takes care of after entering. The terrifying megadeer is the next on the scene, trampling shrubberies, small trees, and more on its search for a worthy foe. It reaches the scene a few moments after Cliche and Maxim are within range to see what's going down outside the hatch.

Specifically, the ginormous cervine launches the plant with immense force, knocking over about five trees before the plant lands. there are many major wounds on the plant-creature, but it seems to recover decently quickly, attempting to use nearby shrubbery to heal some. It backs off as the deer slowly walks toward it, menacingly, waiting to begin some sort of odd duel.

Do arrives on the scene shortly after, able to see the deer still slowly approaching the plant while the plant continues to backpedal while composing itself. Do can also of course, see the hatch, Maxim, and Cliche.

Cliche just sort of looks over at that mess, and then at the hatch, before pointing at the hatch. "...I don't remember anything like those creatures being in the forest. Perhaps we should uh. Pay a visit to whoever lives there. I'm not certain I know what's going on with those creatures and they could probably snap me in two."

They then look over at Do. "Oh, uh, hello there."

(The deer and plant are still slowly getting further and further away, as they prepare for a duel.)

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara watches as Vembrace makes quick work of the pursuing vines, and gives it an appreciative nod. "Glad you tagged along, that could've been brutal. Nice work."

She walks over to the screen and speaker, and the doorbell beside them. "If that thing doesn't let up, I can bar it with my sword. Normally I wouldn't think it'd hold, but it's gone through worse, without a scratch. It's weird."

She takes a step back and takes in the setup as a whole. She pauses.

"If it DOES let up, though... would you happen to know about how anything here works? I'd assume you press the button...but I'm not sure. It could very well be a trap."

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace turns towards the panels and buttons lining the walls and speaks again, noticeably gentler and less monotonous this time.

"This is only a guess, but it appears to be some form of audiovisual technology. Given its location, I assume it's meant for communication with visitors in order to determine whether they should be allowed access. Essentially, a fancy doorbell. I believe it's safe, but I'll allow you to decide whether to attempt to operate it or not."

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:

(( I think I'll use colors to denote Do making an Educated Guess. Again feel free to ignore it if you have your own plot in mind. Also Do is kind of self-centered do not take it as affecting the plot ))

Do quickly scramples towards the hatch, next to Cliche. It may not know what the lavender creature is, but Do definitely knows what a Beacon is. It doesn't have the neck to look into the hatch, so it looks up at Cliche.

"Aaahhhh, Beacons, I surmise? Yes yes yes yes, I can spare my infinite wisdom. The purple beast you saw, it pays no mind to us - it seems quite docile to us Little Guys. We engaged face-to-face earlier, and it didn't want to hurt me at all..."

Do seems pleased with itself. How highly these Beacons would think of its intelligence when they realize Do is correct! It continues.

"I'm sure if there is anyone in there, they'll be pleased to know we've saved them from the beast. We ought to pass them the message."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim's already hopping down the hatch, not waiting to hear for further confirmation. "I'm on it, then!"

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
"I think I'll go for it, then. Could you protect me if things go-"
Kara cuts herself off as Maxim enters the hatch, clearly taken aback. It takes her a few moments to understand that it's another Beacon.
"...Wrong."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Cliche responds to Do before, actually heading down the hatch too. "Yeah, it seems to be going away chasing something else. Has a fierce warrior vibe. Glows like I can too...anyhow, I think what you said makes sense. It probably wasn't interested in dueling an orb. So uh. You not a Beacon? Anyhow I think really the uh, deer is the one who saved anything, if that was an issue. I'd rather not take credit."

(Fun fact: Do was in fact, almost entirely correct already.)

...and Cliche is down the hatch. "Alright. Hello there. Hi. So, giant shrieking plant. It's been hit by a deer at immense speed and is leaving the area as they have a slowly going further and further away standoff. Also you have another guest. And uh...do you all own this place or are you also wandering about?"

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara takes a few steps back as Cliche enters the hatch. Her fingers hover over the hilt of her blade for a moment...but she composes herself as best she can.
"Just fellow wanderers. Or at least, I am. I can't speak for my compatriot here."
She looks between the two of them, and the door.
"Now, do you two... need something? Or..."

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]:

Vembrace shifts into its aggressive, spiky form for a moment when Cliche and Maxim enter, but it calms down once it realizes there's no immediate danger. It stays silent and hovers by Kara, letting her do the talking.

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"There's a plant monster and a deer-looking thing out there fighting! We came this way because we heard some kind of shriek, and that usually means trouble in my experience. Was that either of you?"

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:

"Thaaat would be the plant. Tried to clear some roots around this hatch and they turned out to be connected. It didn't really take well to getting stabbed. This would be my first time hearing about that deer, though."

Kara shuffles uncomfortably.

"But we're alright, thank you. Just...checking out what's in this thing. Was just about to press the doorbell before you guys came in."

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"Doorbell...what's it connected to?" Maxim peers around at it, the fabric around her forehead wrinkling as if to squint.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Cliche points at the bulkhead. "Oh, I know this one. That's a bulkhead, it's a type of door used in places where you need a very sturdy entrance that's watertight, airtight, or even voidtight. It's basically like a really big sliding door or doors. Pairs of them can be used for airlocks and similar mechanisms. I once came across a crashed voidcraft in the desert and had a lovely chat with the sole inhabitant, so I actually know a little bit about them."

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:
Do drops down the hatch as well, barely managing to successfully land and Not Bounce like a Fucking basketball.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" it asks, wobbling unsteadily on its feet for a second. "Someone push the doorbell!"

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: An unnaturally short time after Do finishes its sentence, Vembrace immediately shifts in Do's direction and replies, its tone shifting to the lower, harsher version.

"UNDERSTOOD."

It gently extends one of its plates, the pointy end pushing the doorbell in.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
The doorbell begins to ring. <DING DONG DING DING DING DONG DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING BEEP BWOOP BWORP BEEP BWOOOOOOP BEEP BEEP DA BEEPEDY BEEP BOOP DING BEEP BOOP BEEP.> It's still ringing. <BEEP BEEP BOOP BEEP DING DING DING BEEP.>
And then, a figure appears on the screen. Some sort of goatlike figure with safety goggles on. Their voice is kind of like really quiet enthusiastic screaming.

"Hello there! I see you have came upon my LAIR. What doth bring thouest into mine LAIR ENTRANCE? The lair of I, the one and only BWELLOTHORN THE FORBIDDEN ONE and also some other people. I have come up with concoctions most VILE and POTENT. I am a MASTER OF POTIONS and the coworker OF THE GREATEST PLANT-ANIMAL-FUNGUS-AND-OTHER-LIFE-OLOGIST IN HISTORY who is also here."

They clear their throat and cough a touch after talking, because talking like a quiet scream is not good for your throat.

...
Cliche appears to be cringing, either from the noise or a feeling of cringe so powerful that it cannot help but be stunned, and thus is unable to formulate a quick response.

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Again, Vembrace is content to let others do the talking, although it regards the screen with some interest.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara, unable to protest before the button is pressed, covers her ear-nubs during the long beeping segment.

"Well, certainly seems like it's still in service..."

She walks up to the screen, trying to decipher if it's a prerecorded message or not.

"...Hello?"

She looks to everyone in the room and shrugs.

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:

"Ah yes, HELLO? Can thou HEAREST ME? Is this working? Do I need to instill the FEAR OF DOOM unto the SPEAKER SYSTEM"

Bwellothorn backs up for a moment to make a dramatic pose pointing at...nothing, really, as they do a weird bow, revealing that they're in a caped black lab coat with a red tie. Their face looks like they're incredibly excited. They also of course have gloves on. Unfortunately whatever continued diatribe was going to occur is cut off by...a dark grey and neon orange dog robot person stepping into frame, looming over Bwellothorn. Their voice is soft and calm, with an air of electricity to it.

"...Bwello...are you scaring off visitors? The courier won't deliver my packages if you keep talking about doom every time you answer the door."
It takes a peek at the screen and waves, its tail softly bopping up and down as it gives a small smirk.
"Anyhow...who are these folk?"

Cliche is still unsure what the fuck is going on. And is just kind of doing equivalent of an idle animation.

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:

Seeing as no one else is springing into immediate action, Do loudly pipes up from the floor.

"Hello! Yes, we can hear you. I apologize for my compatriots' silence, we are quite jarred after what just occurred! You may be pleased to learn that we have saved you from being permanently sealed beneath the earth... as a colossal beast of evil was (I think) holding the door shut, but I brought a colossal beast of good to chase it off!

I-- we are quite interested in this fancy bunker and learning more about these woods."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
The dog robot person looks over at Bwellothorn again, before looking back at the intercom..
"Good that this is working...anyhow uh, we have other ways out in a pinch, but thanks? I guess Yeah, anyway, uh...it's good to see that you are alright as well. A run-in like that was likely a touch harrowing. This explains where the missing floral subject went...odd, it was a rather docile thing...and...if that other colossal creature was persay, a glowing cervine...then that means our temporary guest from the Connection is still doing fine. Anyhow, as far as we're aware the wo-"

They are cut off by Bwellothorn.
"The WOODS. They PROVIDE. SAMPLES. That aren't just the OLD STOCK. This bunker is A LAIR. A LAIR OF SCIENCE. A SCAIR, if you will."

The mystery robodog continues.
"...yeah. That's good enough of an explaination. Anyhow, uh. Introductions? I'm Scarcity. That's Bwellothorn...and yeah. Oh also, do you want a tour?"

Bwellothorn cuts in again.
"A tour......OF DOOM."

The dog snickers.
"Yeah, yeah. A dour, if you will."


...Cliche actually decides to respond, doing a quick bow.
"I'm Cliche. It's a pleasure to meet the rest of you. Uh, yeah. A tour of doom sounds interesting, what do you all think?"
They turn to observe the others' opinions.

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara glances to Vembrace, and decided not to elaborate on why the plant became aggressive.
She wasn't really sure what to say in this situation, if she were to be entirely honest with herself. She'd do her best.
"A...dour would be fine, sure. You mentioned that the cervine came from the Connection...after you do your tour- sorry, your dour, could you show me that?"

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"I'm down for a tour! How much doom are we talking?"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn explains.
"Ah yes. THE DOUR. DOOM TOUR. It shall encompass enough DOOOOOOOOOM to keep a small settlement of four sated for FOUR AND SEVEN EIGHTS of a day. Presuming average DOOM dosage. Um. If you REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DOOM. Let me know. THERE IS BOUNDLESS DOOM POTENTIAL upon request."

Scarcity pipes up after that.
"Anyhow, the Connection connects to some part of the facility with decent regularity. It varies where it shows up, but given the entrance is generally something which wasn't present before, I can point it out to you without issue. You're welcome to take that way out of the facility if you're so inclined."

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara nods.
"I'd like that. After the Dour, of course. Speaking of which, could we start that now?"

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace shifts slightly, speaking in its softer tone again.

"I feel obligated to point out that the term 'doom' as I'm familiar with it implies certain death for all parties involved. Of course, I'll escort any or all of you on the... dour... if you request that of me, but I may be insufficient protection for the task as I understand it."

(i think from now on im just gonna skip mentioning tone if thats okay? it gets a bit tedious typing that bit out every time lol. for future reference bold text is the lower, harsher tone vembrace takes when its obeying commands)

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

Maxim looks excited, hands on her hips. "I'd love to try the Dour! A little bit of doom never hurt anybody!"

[Ignispark]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Bwellothorn replies:
"Wonderful, great, amazing. I promise the Dour will be great. Also, like, Doom as in the cool doom. To be clear. This isn't a murder tour. That'd be a mour. Completely different. Anyhow uh,"

The intercom turns off. The large bulkhead begins to lift. Bwellothorn and Scarcity are just sort of. Standing behind it.

"...where should I show you first. Uh. Botany?"

Scarcity tilts its head. "Botany is probably a good option on the right. Most samples are docile and the ones that aren't are cordoned off. We could also probably start off and show off the robotics lab, as its to the left. What do our guests want to see first?"

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara is a bit surprised to see them right behind the door as they were, but she doesn't give that away save for a twitch in one of her ear nubs.
"Robotics, maybe?"

[sarcovyn]

[3D]:
Do nods along with Kara's words. "Robotics for sure! Especially if you two have anything interesting that needs a good test run With Guests?"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Scarcity replies "Ah. Hm. Well, if I was still working at the portal testing facility I'd probably have some test chambers. But, we aren't. And I don't, unless you want to play rock paper scissors with a robot arm. Or duel a vacuum cleaner. Anyhow, let me show you the way."

They begin leading the way left, before a door with no handles which slides apart to the sides. There's caution tape colors on the doors. The first room has a vacuum scooting around aimlessly. This particular vacuum does not possess weaponry. Future vacuums may or may not possess weaponry. Anyhow, the room has various computer terminals, chairs, various countertops. Flasks. Bottles. Boxes. And more! There are also some filing cabinets and a robot arm sits next to a desk lamp.

[skinstealer]

[TASTY_TREAT]:

"So...what kind of things do you make here? Weapons? Tools? Toys?"

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Bwellothorn immediately replies in an excited screech. "YES. ALL OF IT. ALL OF THE THINGS"

...Scarcity then follows up. "Well, there was a queue early on but uh. We've already done all the planned experiment so. We mostly make whatever we need, as far as tools and maintenance. And from there we just make what seems interesting. Sometimes tools to help with making interesting things. Sometimes things which serve no practical purpose. Sometimes drink containers that can be sealed so you can toss them across the room.

Cliche actually speaks up. "...do you have any boomerangs?"

Scarcity pauses, the lights on their head changing hues as they try to figure out if they do. "Uh. I think so? That'd be in storage though. The last boomerang was one that lights up and makes sounds. It has wireless connection so you can like, program sequences on the computer, and then toss it and watch it spin around. We haven't used it in a while."

[knux400]

[GENTLE_STAR]: Vembrace hovers through the room silently. It's hard to tell since it has no face... or any other features that would be conducive to traditional body language, for that matter, but it seems to be glancing at each new machine as it hovers past. The robotic vacuum cleaner in particular gets its attention, and Vembrace points the spiky side of its plates at it briefly before calming down again.

"These are fascinating machines. Are they of your own design?"

[King-Clod]

[ASTRAL_ABERRATION]:
Kara's ears turn towards Cliche when she hears him mention the boomerangs, and she glances to her grappling hook. It was in pretty rough shape at this point, wasn't it...

"If you have any grappling hooks, too, I'm overdue for a replacement or...repair."

She hesitates. She didn't want to just take their things without giving anything back, yet, this could be a wonderful opportunity to get some good tech for exploring... plus, it wouldn't be the first time she'd taken things without being able to offer anything in return. Still, it'd probably be best to stay within their good graces.

"I'd also be willing to take on any tech that needs fine-tuning if you're in need of that. Some field-testing, if you will. And I've got a few pieces of ancient tech if you want to take a look at that. Not sure how much you've been dabbling in the old works."

[Ignispark]

[STATIONARY_FRICTION]:
Scarcity pauses. "Yeah. These are of our design, aside from the equipment in the room that's standard issue from our...technically no longer existent backing organization. I...think we have a spare grappling hook somewhere. If not a basic one shouldn't be too hard to make. As for field testing...it usually is unwise to uh. Use people for our work.  Bwello can you show what can happen if people do that. "

Bwellothorn proceeds to mime falling onto the floor and dying slowly and dramatically making vague imitations of dying sounds. At least part of this kinda resembles them mumbling the word 'DOOOOOOOOOOM'.

Scarcity continues talking through this act. "We probably have some finished stuff that has been tested you could take a look at though. There's a lot of stuff in storage that we wouldn't mind parting with...especially if what you have on you is from, another organization's work. It could be quite interesting."