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Post by Xentus on Sept 17, 2020 13:19:48 GMT -6
First, he did a headcount as the group made their exit from the carriages. He'd counted 13 in addition to the 4 researchers.. And there was also the thundergug, Betsy, to account for. Alright, easy enough.
"Greetings, everyone. This one is Xentus, and he will be the guide up the mountain to a lovely viewing location on a plateau. Stay close and follow the light", the leopard announced, raising his crystal torch into the air. Most of the people in the group had either an oil lamp or a flashlight, thankfully. At least with these lights, it would be easy enough to keep track of everyone. The astronomers seem to gravitate around Betsy, while the rest of the group trailed after them.
The crystal torch was plunged into the top of his backpack, leaving his arms free to cradle Saturn. He figured the golem would appreciate the fresh mountain air over the stuffy messenger bag.
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Post by Xentus on Sept 17, 2020 13:37:52 GMT -6
The sand seedling gripped his arm, taking in its new surroundings with caution. Its inner seed floated carefully about the pores on its head-shell, but after a moment, it seemed to decide opening up would be the better option. The segmented head parted slightly, giving the creature a better view of the world. As much as he wanted to stand there gawking at the strange creature, there was a job to be done here.
His attention was diverted to the path up the mountainside. The slope was on the shallow side, but still enough to give anyone out of shape a decent workout. He figured the hike up would take an hour.. Maybe two, if the group was slow of it they encountered something to set them back. But with a wave of his hand, he beckoned for the researchers and the onlookers to follow after him, walking backwards for the first few steps to ensure everyone got moving.
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Post by Xentus on Sept 17, 2020 13:45:44 GMT -6
The squirrley woman trotted her way up towards him, offering a dorky smile and a friendly wave. "So! Now that we're really moving along here, I've got some things to tell about the comet viewing!", she started, taking the opportunity to spout on about the comet and their research and the stars. Her chatter was welcomed by him, it cut the silent mountain air and gave his ears some entertainment while hiking, a sentiment he was sure would be enjoyed by more than just him.
"Question, if Xentus may?", the leopard piped up after a pause in her rambling, "What kind of information do the astronomers hope to garner from this comet?" He was genuinely interested in what there was to learn. He considered himself a fellow curious mind, though one that favored biology over astronomy. The things he learned about the golems, for example, were useful to him. How was learning about comets useful to them?
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Post by Xentus on Sept 17, 2020 14:08:59 GMT -6
"Glad you asked! We can learn a lot about the material makeup of a comet by examining the kind of dust and gas are present in the tail", The astronomer started, "We have tons of questions, like where it came from, how it formed, assessing its trajectory..."
The simple question was a trigger for a torrent of information. Some of it repeated, some of it new, but all of it fascinating. The leopard nodded along, taking mental notes as he surveyed the mountainous path forward. The barren trail would end soon at one of the public mine shafts, then it would be natural terrain pressing onward. There was still a ways to go, but the rambling astronomer filled the time easily. Xentus listened in on the other questions and comments by those in the group, chiming in himself every so often. His hands were kept entertained by the seedling in his arms, petting the creature delicately as they made their ascent.
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Post by Xentus on Sept 17, 2020 14:28:26 GMT -6
The mountain path was far from treacherous. It turned out to be a rather simple job, escorting a group of people to the plateau. The party did well to stay close, and nobody thought to wander off. Another headcount upon arrival confirmed that much. The plateau was cradled by some tall brush and trees, but the center was flat and clear for the astronomers to set up their equipment and for those camping out to set up their tents. This whole camp comet thing was nicer than he thought.
Xentus took the time to set up his own tent, dropping his pack and toting Saturn with him to the researchers and their set up. It would soon be prime time for the comet viewing. If he squinted hard, he thought he could make out the shape.. But among the starry sky, he wasn't sure what he was looking for exactly. As thanks for his work guiding their group up the mountain, he was given one of the first opportunities to look through the telescope honed in on the comet's path. He was happy to oblige.
And the view was spectacular.
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> Exeunt Xentus and Saturn (20)
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Post by NPC on Sept 18, 2020 10:30:18 GMT -6
Congratulations, you have successfully completed the quest! Your QP will be added to the bank and your reward sent out shortly.
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