"Ready over here, Mr. Taylor. Though I suppose I would also appreciate something in return, much like our mercantile friends here." Renata nodded at the knight. Whatever moved them along would be good for her. And whether that 'something' was a Tome of Water Purification or information on his killer, this job would be worth it.

Her gaze shifted down to Xan, sympathy bleeding in. The others hadn't said much to her, but Tor seemed keen on treating her as little more than Renata's tool, and she did not appreciate that. Xan seemed to be looking back at her, but she wasn't sure if the kid was looking for support or trying to see if she herself was doing alright. Renata had been moderately okay with people in the Vault, but the Wasteland was strange and his paranoia over every other person made it difficult to get other people.

Either way, Renata tried to brighten her eyes and quirk her lips into another smile in an effort to reassure Xan. Adding to that, she asked, "What about you, Xan? Are you ready?" It was only right to include the kid in the proceedings.

The featherlike spread around Xan's ears folded then expanded and she nodded up to Renata.
"I will happily go where you go." Xan's smile brightened.

In reply to Xan (msg # 30):

Telric looked at Xan, and shook his head. "I have seen a lot of rogue automata out there. None that where designed like her. Here, I have something miss Xan might like..."

He digs through the cart, and presents the child sized construct with a ratty old small book. On the cover it has a young girl in royal garb with the title 'I am a magic princess, vol XV' series.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Sat 20 Nov 2021.

"A perfectly reasonable request. The Brotherhood of Steel is ready to repay you well in gold coin... or in other trade, if you prefer.

The purpose of this mission-- as with almost everything the Brotherhood does-- involves reclaiming military magic from before Cursefall. But this time it's very... tactical as well. There were portals that could teleport people and supplies from city to city... they now no longer work. But our Scribes are certain that they can again. There's one hidden here in Port Thornwood... It was a prototype, for emergency evacuation from the coast in case of hurricanes or other dangers. It was never used for that purpose, though, so we think it's been forgotten. But we have a key-- a crystal that will unlock the portals in other cities.

The Brotherhood of Steel has many enemy factions in the Wasteland right now that would love to see us destroyed. But the gift of fast travel from one place to another without having to take the time or risk to cross the miles in-between would give us a huge tactical advantage-- muster in one place, and then appear in another, ready to attack-- and to send wounded back to be taken care of, or retreat if need be, without the enemy able to follow? It could allow us to finally ensure the safety of all who live in the Wasteland.

However, there are new automata that have been appearing lately... they're powered by air elementals like the 'Handy' or 'Gutsy' models, but these are smaller... just little round orbs with one eye in front, and a few sort of antennae... They're spies, that are watching for any sort of Brotherhood of Steel movement. They've even got our faces and names recorded for that purpose."

Knight Taylor pauses. "None of you, however, are Brotherhood of Steel, at least not for some years. You will be seen as just another group of scavengers... until it's too late."

"The mission is to go to one of the four major cities, find that city's fast-travel portal, and use the key to activate the portal and allow you to return here instantly. Then the Brotherhood of Steel can establish a presence at the site at the other end, and protect it."

"In addition to payment from us... you will each be allowed to use the fast-travel portal whenever you want in the future-- as a group, or as individuals."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Sat 20 Nov 2021.

Xan looks to Telric then the offered book looking at it. She blinks and her expressive eyes look up at him again.

Beep Bop Boop - "Thank you, very much, it is most kind of you." She tilts her head back and forth there is a slight whirring sound from it. As long as Renata seems ok with it she accepts the offered book.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Sat 20 Nov 2021.

Clearly not a talker Big Eye lets his little ghoul buddy do almost all the talking, but as the briefing concludes he proves that he was at least able to follow the basic theme of the plan and speaks in very low rumbling voice, clearly intended to be quiet and failing miserably.

”Big Eye like Travel.”

While not particularly detailed the positive tone and nodding of his head speak strongly to his intent to follow through with the requested actions.

A painless fast travel system? Even if the Brotherhood didn't have any spare Tomes of Water Purification, the ability to get across this strange landscape so quickly would be invaluable on her quest! Still, she had a question.

"Would we be able to, say, lead another group of people through the portal later? If, for instance, others from Vault 365 wanted to move a great distance. Or is that privilege limited to us and us alone?"

Noting the approaching Telric and his exchange with Xan, it took some shuffling away from the ghoul and a good bit of straining, but Renata was able to choke out a "Thank you for giving her such a kind gift, Telric." He'd managed to slip through briefly there, forcing her voice down to a low growl for that one word, but it was easier to push the dead man away again as Telric was only really interacting with Xan. And Renata was not going to get in the way of anyone treating her right, no matter what he thought of them.

"Hm. A very good question. I would say that the odds would be good that you would be allowed to lead such a group through... especially if not moving involved the group's safety... You and your group would need to have a talk with a Brotherhood member of high rank at the departure location... but I think it would probably be allowed, if they seemed like stable, peaceable people..."

Torbald listened quietly, taking in the information, then he spoke up, "hmm, I see now why you're requesting individuals outside the Brotherhood for this task, but it does bring up several questions. How did these 'eye-automata' acquire the information on the Brotherhood? And then how was that information disseminated? Do these 'eye-automata' hold meetings or do they have handlers that spread information and assign them tasks? Are you sure their information that they've gathered on the Brotherhood didn't include information on retired Brotherhood members, myself included?

"I assume outsiders are being chosen because as of yet these 'eye-automata' have not yet shown aggression to just any passersby and only Brotherhood members? And speaking of aggression, what methods have you noticed them employing when they have shown aggression? While they might not prioritize us as targets because we're not current members of the Brotherhood, they might attack should anyone venture to far into areas that they're scouting or protecting so it would be good for us to know of their offensive capabilities.

"Have you uncovered any weaknesses or vulnerabilities of these things? And along the same lines, have you noticed any limitations they might have? For example, have you noticed any of them submerging themselves to pursue a target? If not, water might be an avenue we could utilize if things get froggy for us, not that water doesn't present its own hazards, but if push comes to shove its good to know our options." Torbald seemed to think for a moment, then nodded his head once as if to say 'yes, that's it'.

"Well, alright. I don't know if I'm the best person to speak on behalf of the Vault, but we're good farmers for the most part." Gesturing to her hand crossbow, she continued, "This is actually only one of ten crossbows in the Vault. I've got it on account of my quest's import. Beyond all that, the Mab festivals can get a little hectic, but when has that ever gone wrong for Mab and her followers?"

(Roll Charming to get an answer to this one, please...)



"Just miniature lightning bolts. They hurt, but even an average combatant with a sword can deactivate the 'mata before they become lethal..."



"Not really, just damage them until they stop trying to zap you."




"Not really... They float about six feet above the ground, and they seem to be willing to do that over water hazards..."

"That, I'm afraid, is classified information, citizen Vorath..." A pause. "But yes, we're sure you're not on their list."

Telric nodded at Xan and Renata's thanks, but then heard something he did not expect.



Telric shrugged. "Well that settles it for the merchants then. We are in. We still want a fair price for our work. Not to mention a token of passage showing we are favored by the Brotherhood of course. I dont want us getting shot due to a...misunderstanding because of appearance, yes?"

The Brotherhood of Steel where known to treat Ghouls and Ogres a bit on the hostile side. Telric always wanted soemthing he could flash at one of their patrols and go on by. Not to mention the potential trades that could be had...
This message was last edited by the player at 04:57, Mon 22 Nov 2021.

"Ah. Yes. I can accept that. You shall have your token of passage that you're working for us. But... since there are some who are spying around with eyes and ears looking for those associated with the Brotherhood, please keep it hidden unless those that you feel are threatening you are actually bearing the Brotherhood of Steel symbol, specifically. Even raiders can find Power Armor, sometimes... Which reminds me, if you find any Power Armor on your way, you're allowed to use it-- but if it bears the Brotherhood symbol, cover it up to fool the eyemata, as we're calling them."

---

https://www.pinclipart.com/pic...d-of-brotherhood.png

"The gears of justice grind slowly, but they grind exceeding fine" --Brotherhood of Steel

In reply to Knight Taylor (msg # 42):

"Excellent! I know just where to put it. The token I mean. I have yet to meet a human who likes to search ghouls for hidden things." He seemed like he was about to elaborate, but then decided against it when he saw the humans around him trying to keep the visceral nature of Ghoul hygiene out of their minds.

However, it always gave Telric a chuckle to see their faces when they tired to avoid the mental image. 'Once seen, it cannot be...unseen.' Telric thought to himself. He then laughed out loud, unable to help it.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:28, Mon 22 Nov 2021.

Xan looks to Renata then Sir Taylor and back.

Beep Bop Boop - "Why are the automata being mean?" She tilts her head slightly.

"They're working for enemies of the Brotherhood," Knight Taylor says. "I can't tell you who, but the biggest danger is them spying on you and hearing that you're working with us. If that happens, they'll report where you are, and then you'll be in da-- well, more danger than even travelling in the Wasteland usually offers. So don't talk to each other about being on this mission for us except in whispers, or unless you can see that there are no eyemata nearby that could be listening. The eyemata won't attack unless you get close to them, and make them think that you're about to attack them."

Xan nods.

Beep Bop Boop - "Understood."

Eyes narrowing, Renata spoke up. "You say you 'can't' tell us who they're working for. Out of pure curiosity, is that out of lack of knowledge on your end or lack of clearance on our end?"

In the end, Renata supposed it shouldn't make too much of a difference, but an enemy that was even a mystery to this odd knight organization was somewhat more intimidating than a group that the Brotherhood knew about, but didn't want to speak of.

"The second thing you said."

"Good to know. Thank you, Mr. Taylor."

"Knight Taylor," he corrects.

Even though he doesn't literally have the word JERK written on his forehead, Knight Taylor is still Brotherhood of Steel...

"Whatever you say, Mr. Knight Taylor."

Clearly, Renata either doesn't seem to understand the importance of the title or is now deliberately messing with the knight.

"Well, if there are no other questions... which of the four big cities do you think you might head for? Each has advantages... And the Brotherhood of Steel would be very pleased to have an instant way to move between here and any of the four..."

In reply to Knight Taylor (msg # 52):

"Sounds like the Brotherhood would like a easy way to get to Trevisi from Fort Viglance." Telric recommended.

"Once the route is established, we can try to forge a connection to the Capital. Assuming the Capital still stands that is..."