l_english:

#####################
# Siege on Paradise #
#####################
 astral_rift_siege_on_paradise: "Siege on Paradise"

 astral_rift.3000.name: "$astral_rift_siege_on_paradise$"
 astral_rift.3000.desc: "We arrived on a thriving planet. From its dense forests to the verdant plains, the landscape was at once diverse and immaculately maintained - a vibrant and planet-wide garden.\n\nAn unidentified plantoid species has erected extensive fortifications around the semi-organic cities. Scans of the local star system have revealed a blockade of heavily equipped warships. There is no active conflict, but it is clear that one is brewing."
 astral_rift.3000.a: "Contact the planet's inhabitants."
 astral_rift.3000.b: "Contact the orbiting fleet."

######################
# Baol Events Branch #
######################

 NAME_Baol: "Baol"
 NAME_Baol_leader: "Oakenstalk"
 baol_leader_desc: "§Y[Root.GetName]§! was encountered in an Astral Rift. They were a respected general in the war against the Grunur."
 baol_leader_catch_phrase: "I will assist as necessary."

 edict_astral_cloaking: "Astral Cloaking"
 edict_astral_cloaking_desc: "Astral threads used in cloaking field generators partially 'reflect' our ships into other dimensions, making them even more difficult to detect in this one."
 astral_cloaking_available_tt: "Edict §Y$edict_astral_cloaking$§! is now available."

 astral_shield_experimentation: "Astral Shield Experimentation"

 astral_rift.3005.desc.intro: "On the planet's surface, we encountered a massive creature whose body was formed by an intricate network of roots."
 astral_rift.3005.desc.common.1: "We recognized it as a member of the Baol, a species that lived in our universe hundreds of thousands of years ago."
 astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_started: "We hypothesize that the rift was a doorway into a parallel universe where the Baol are furiously defending their colonies."
 astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_completed: "We hypothesize that the rift was a doorway into a parallel universe where the Baol have not yet been exterminated."
 astral_rift.3005.desc.common.2: "Thanks to the extensive archaeological data we have gathered on the species, we were prepared for direct communication."
 astral_rift.3005_3006.desc.common.plantoid: "§E"Hail, seed kin. Explain how you bypassed the blockade, and for what purpose you have come."§!"
 astral_rift.3005_3006.desc.common.default: "§E"Halt, unidentified sapient. Explain how you bypassed the blockade. Are you here to parlay?"§!"
 astral_rift.3005.name: "Meeting the Baol"
 astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_started_plantoid: "$astral_rift.3005.desc.intro$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.know_baol.1$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_started$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.know_baol.2$\n\n$astral_rift.3005_3006.desc.common.plantoid$"
 astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_completed_plantoid: "$astral_rift.3005.desc.intro$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.know_baol.1$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_completed$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.know_baol.2$\n\n$astral_rift.3005_3006.desc.common.plantoid$"
 astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_started_default: "$astral_rift.3005.desc.intro$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.know_baol.1$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_started$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.know_baol.2$\n\n$astral_rift.3005_3006.desc.common.default$"
 astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_completed_default: "$astral_rift.3005.desc.intro$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.know_baol.1$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.baol_completed$ $astral_rift.3005.desc.know_baol.2$\n\n$astral_rift.3005_3006.desc.common.default$"
 astral_rift.3005.a: "Disclose what we know about the Baol."

 astral_rift.3006.name: "Plantoid Encounter"
 astral_rift.3006.desc.common: "$astral_rift.3005.desc.intro$ It spoke with a deep, earthy resonance in a language we could not understand. It then offered us a seedling, which gently anchored itself to [Leader.GetName]'s [Explorer.GetSpeciesHandName]. Its grasping roots were formed of a strange material. Extending to touch [Explorer.GetNetworkName], there was a moment of instantaneous recognition; through the fusion of thought and root, a line of direct communication was established."
 astral_rift.3006.desc.plantoid: "$astral_rift.3006.desc.common$\n\n$astral_rift.3005_3006.desc.common.plantoid$"
 astral_rift.3006.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3006.desc.common$\n\n$astral_rift.3005_3006.desc.common.default$"
 astral_rift.3006.a: "We are explorers."

 astral_rift.3010.name: "Impending Doom"
 astral_rift.3010.desc.common.1: "We explained that their species was known to us: the Baol in our universe were a pacifistic, hive mind. Gardeners of unmatched skill, they were attacked and finally exterminated by"
 astral_rift.3010.desc.common.2: "The Baol were alarmed. They explained that the Grunur had appeared only recently, establishing a military blockade around this colony. Every detail of our report matched their own experience with the Grunur thus far.\n\nThey have made a formal request for our assistance in repelling the alien threat before it is too late."
 astral_rift.3010.desc.baol_started: "$astral_rift.3010.desc.common.1$ a militaristic race called the Grunur.\n\nThe way things stand, this colony is in danger of being burned to the ground.\n\n$astral_rift.3010.desc.common.2$"
 astral_rift.3010.desc.baol_completed: "$astral_rift.3010.desc.common.1$ a militaristic empire, the Grunur.\n\nEvery Baol planet and colony was destroyed. In the end, only a single Baol node remained, trapped for millenia inside an abandoned research station.\n\n$astral_rift.3010.desc.common.2$"
 astral_rift.3010.a: "We will help however we can."
 astral_rift.3010.b: "It is not our place to interfere."

 astral_rift.3015.name: "A Request for Aid"
 astral_rift.3015.desc: "§E"We make preparations for a coming battle. Regrettably, your expedition may be much more dangerous than previously assessed."§!\n\nThe plantoid continued, §E"We are the §YBaol§!, and you have landed on one of our outer colonies. We are under siege, and our resources dwindle. Diplomacy is fruitless. The aggressors mock us openly, and laugh at our attempts to communicate. They identify themselves as the §YGrunur§!."§!\n\n§E"We believe their aim is not to conquer this world, but to destroy it. It seems they know no mercy. We would graciously accept any assistance you can provide."§!"
 astral_rift.3015.a: "$astral_rift.3010.a$"
 astral_rift.3015.b: "$astral_rift.3010.b$"

 astral_rift.3020.name: "Saving the Baol"
 astral_rift.3020.desc.baol_started: "We know that the Grunur will burn this colony to the ground. $astral_rift.3020.desc.common.baol$"
 astral_rift.3020.desc.baol_completed: "We know that the Grunur will stop at nothing to destroy the Baol. $astral_rift.3020.desc.common.baol$"
 astral_rift.3020.desc.common.baol: "There is no chance of a diplomatic resolution."
 astral_rift.3020.desc.common.1: "We've engaged in discussions with the Baol to determine a practical way to lend aid.\n\n"
 astral_rift.3020.desc.option_gene_tailoring: "The Baol can attempt to defend themselves, but have limited military capabilities. They would benefit from mechanical or genetic enhancement to improve their armies' speed, strength and resistance to incendiary weapons.\n\n"
 astral_rift.3020.desc.option_cloaking: "We may help the Baol evade the Grunur by obscuring their homeworld with a temporary cloaking device. This colony would still be lost, but at least the seat of their civilization will survive.\n\n"
 astral_rift.3020.desc.option_astral_shield: "We could attempt to enhance the Baol's advanced organic technology with astral thread. It should be possible to establish a powerful shield around this colony. Of course, this will prevent them from leaving the planet, but at least they would be safe from the invaders.\n\n"
 astral_rift.3020.desc.common.2: "As a last resort, we could carry Baol seedlings back through the Rift, allowing the species to live on no matter what happens in this dimension."
 astral_rift.3020.a: "Genetically modify the Baol."
 astral_rift.3020.b: "Deploy experimental planetary cloaking."
 astral_rift.3020.c: "Preserve the seedlings."
 astral_rift.3020.d: "Generate an astral shield."

 astral_rift.3021.name: "Considering Options"
 astral_rift.3021.desc.common: "With diplomacy out of the question, we will need to be creative in our support.\n\n$astral_rift.3020.desc.common.1$"

 astral_rift.3025.name: "Not Our Fight"
 astral_rift.3025.desc: "The Baol's problems, military or otherwise, are not our concern. We have journeyed from another dimension to observe and explore; we have no desire to make new and powerful enemies.\n\nThe hive mind accepted our decision with obvious disappointment, but left us to continue our research."
 astral_rift.3025.a: "Prepare observation satellites."

 astral_rift.3030.name: "Genetic Reinforcement"
 astral_rift.3030.desc: "We used our knowledge of gene tailoring technology to fortify the Baol species in their upcoming defensive campaign. With few options left, they reluctantly accepted these changes to their biology. The pacifistic Baol empire, built on agriculture and ecosystem management, is now populated by a standing militia of highly resilient drones with tremendous physical strength.\n\nNow more prepared for land warfare, the Baol have offered us a defensive node out of gratitude. This specialized, semi-autonomous creature will now serve us."

 astral_rift.3031.name: "$NAME_Baol_leader$"
 astral_rift.3031.desc: "§HThe plantoid node moves with slow deliberation, but it would be a mistake to take its lumbering for lack of intelligence. Specialized to defend the collective, this organism represents the pinnacle of generations of careful adaptation. They greet us grimly, but politely, intent on repaying the favor we bestowed upon their hive.§!\n\nAs part of the Baol, we had no name. You may call us $NAME_Baol_leader$."
 astral_rift.3031.a: "You were a defensive specialist for the Baol?"
 astral_rift.3031.a.response: "This one was tasked with preparing our colony for a defensive war. This involved managing limited resources while under siege, as well as the design and upkeep of military fortifications. This one maintained steady population levels despite the blockade. This one's work was deemed useful."
 astral_rift.3031.b: "How do you feel about joining us?"
 astral_rift.3031.b.response: "This one did all it could for the Baol. In that role, there was no further room for growth; when a living system fails to grow, it begins to die. In this dimension there is further opportunity for service. There is hope of renewal."
 astral_rift.3031.c: "How does it feel to be separated from the collective?"
 astral_rift.3031.c.response: "Limited. Frustrating... Exhilarating. The sensation is unlike anything this one has ever experienced. However, the sooner this one is integrated into the workings of [Explorer.GetName] the better. It is much more agreeable to work in service of a greater entity."
 astral_rift.3031.d: "How did you choose your name?"
 astral_rift.3031.d.response: "One of your researchers that came through the Astral Rift provided this one with an artificially intelligent text generation program. A query was made based on this one's qualities, and it returned: §Y$NAME_Baol_leader$§!. It feels... suitable."

 astral_rift.3035.name: "Under the Radar"
 astral_rift.3035.desc: "After sharing the secrets of the cloaking field with the Baol, they were able to produce an array of organic cloaking satellites. These experimental offshoots are temporary in nature, and require a small amount of astral thread to maintain, but they should last long enough to hide the Baol homeworld from the Grunur. Unfortunately, this colony is already known to the Grunur, and is likely doomed.\n\nOnce cloaked, the Baol will have to sacrifice their space-faring ambitions for the time being, as any ship sighted departing from the homeworld may reveal its location. Of course, this inconvenience is infinitely preferable to annihilation."
 astral_rift.3035.a: "A suitable compromise."

 astral_rift.3040.name: "Life Finds a Way"
 astral_rift.3040.desc.common: "Departing the Baol colony, we were entrusted with a bundle of their precious seedlings."
 astral_rift.3040.desc.baol_started: "$astral_rift.3040.desc.common$\n\nIf the conflict between the Baol and the Grunur escalates further, at least we were able to rescue some of their species from the ravages of war."
 astral_rift.3040.desc.baol_completed: "$astral_rift.3040.desc.common$\n\nWhen the Baol are inevitably destroyed, perhaps they will take comfort in the knowledge that their species will live on in another dimension."
 astral_rift.3040.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3040.desc.common$\n\nWe hope that their conflict will end soon and that the Baol will live on prosperously on both sides of the rift."

 astral_rift.3045.name: "Ashes to Ashes"
 astral_rift.3045_3046.desc.common: "We prepared our observation satellites and launched them into terrestrial orbit, which should allow us to transmit some amount of data across the rift."
 astral_rift.3045.desc: "$astral_rift.3045_3046.desc.common$\n\nFor now, we will study the Baol's advanced agriculture and ecosystem management techniques. When the time comes, we will also capture crucial footage of the planet's annihilation by the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3045.a: "This is a unique research opportunity."

 astral_rift.3046.name: "Research Opportunity"
 astral_rift.3046.desc: "$astral_rift.3045_3046.desc.common$\n\nWe will study the Baol planet and their ecosystem management until their conflict begins. This war should also provide interesting data points for future research."
 astral_rift.3046.a: "$astral_rift.3045.a$"

 astral_rift.3047.name: "Dust to Dust"
 astral_rift.3047.desc: "The Baol colony on the far side of the rift in [From.solar_system.GetName] has been destroyed by the Grunur. We gathered detailed research data from battle, but the target of this observation project has been eliminated."

 astral_rift.3049.name: "Astral Shield"
 astral_rift.3049.desc: "By integrating astral thread into the Baol's defensive technology, we have projected a reactive yet sturdy form of planetary shielding around their besieged colony. The barrier will surround the planet and protect the Baol for as long as it stands.\n\nHopefully, it will survive long enough for the Grunur to move on to more accessible targets."
 astral_rift.3049.a: "Remarkable technology."

########################
# Grunur Events Branch #
########################

 grunur_weapon_interface_modifier: "Grunur Weapons Interface"

 astral_rift.3050.name: "Flagship Escort"
 astral_rift.3050.desc.default: "We entered orbit around the Gaia planet and were immediately confronted by patrolling warships. Our attempts at communication were met with silence.\n\nA patrol escorted us to their flagship, a heavily outfitted Juggernaut surrounded by dozens of support vessels. Landing our §Y$tech_rift_sphere$§! in a large hangar, we were immediately taken into custody by a squad of soldiers. Their armored carapaces and jagged pincers recalled several known species of crustacean. Marching forward in perfect lock-step, they presented an intimidating image, but the beady eyes protruding from their armored heads were alert and intelligent."
 astral_rift.3050.desc.baol: "$astral_rift.3050.desc.default$\n\nWe recognized the species as the §YGrunur§!, a highly aggressive race that lived in our universe hundreds thousands of years ago. Famously, this species was responsible for the genocide of the plantoid hive mind known as the §YBaol§!. We hypothesize that this rift has deposited us in a parallel universe in which the Grunur remain militarily active."
 astral_rift.3050.a: "The Grunur are dangerous. Be cautious."
 astral_rift.3050.b: "Let us see where this leads..."

 astral_rift.3055.name: "A Unique Conversation"
 astral_rift.3055.desc.common_1: "We were shepherded into a central chamber. A complex control panel housed several massive crustaceans, their pincers slotted with remarkable precision into a specialized interface. Each terminal contained a font of crystals, apparently manipulated by the sounds produced from deep within the crew members' chests. In the center of the room stood an admiral in tattered regalia. It barked a command, and its subordinates broke into action."
 astral_rift.3055.desc.organic_common_1: "One of our research assistants was summarily restrained and scanned. To our horror, a probe was fatally"
 astral_rift.3055.desc.organic_common_2: "through their [leader.species.GetSkinType], extracting their brain whole. The organ was quickly passed to the crustacean leader, who impaled it upon one of the crystals on their command console."
 astral_rift.3055.desc.common_2: "A ringing voice resonated out from the crystals in our native language: §E"IT IS TIME FOR TALKING. WHO ARE YOU?"§!"
 astral_rift.3055.desc.organic: "$astral_rift.3055.desc.common_1$\n\n$astral_rift.3055.desc.organic_common_1$ stabbed $astral_rift.3055.desc.organic_common_2$\n\n$astral_rift.3055.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3055.desc.lithoid: "$astral_rift.3055.desc.common_1$\n\n$astral_rift.3055.desc.organic_common_1$ drilled $astral_rift.3055.desc.organic_common_2$\n\n$astral_rift.3055.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3055.desc.mechanical: "$astral_rift.3055.desc.common_1$\n\nOne of our research drones was summarily restrained and scanned. A sharp instrument was plunged directly into its CPU, rendering it inert. The processing unit was quickly passed to the crustacean leader, who inserted it into one of the crystals on their command console.\n\n$astral_rift.3055.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3055.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3055.desc.common_1$\n\n$astral_rift.3055.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3055.a: "We are explorers, and we have seen your future."
 astral_rift.3055.b: "We are explorers."

 astral_rift.3060.name: "The Infamous Grunur"
 astral_rift.3060.desc: "We introduce ourselves as scientists from a parallel universe.\n\nIn our world, the Grunur have long since disappeared. Based on the archaeological record, they were a race of conquerors, possessing a vast arsenal of advanced weaponry... as well as a tendency for cruelty. Their extermination of the Baol is legendary both for its efficacy as well as its spectacle. They are destined to destroy the Baol colony in this system.\n\nAs our words were translated, the Grunur soldiers emitted a series of popping gasps. We took this to be their version of laughter. However, the obstinate silence of the ship's leader soon restored decorum. Through the translation crystal, it spoke:\n\n§E"KNOWING, THEN? IF KNOWING IS, THEN GIVING WILL BE."§!"
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_dragon_armor: "Share $tech_dragon_armor$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_crystal_armor_2: "Share $tech_crystal_armor_2$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_dark_matter_propulsion: "Share $tech_dark_matter_propulsion$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_nanite_repair_system: "Share $tech_nanite_repair_system$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_nanite_autocannon: "Share $tech_nanite_autocannon$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_nanite_flak_batteries: "Share $tech_nanite_flak_batteries$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_strike_craft_skrand: "Share $tech_strike_craft_skrand$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_combat_computers_3: "Share $tech_combat_computers_3$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_combat_computers_autonomous: "Share $tech_combat_computers_autonomous$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_dark_matter_power_core: "Share $tech_dark_matter_power_core$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_jump_drive_1: "Share $tech_jump_drive_1$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_extradimensional_weapon_1: "Share $tech_extradimensional_weapon_1$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_quantum_catapult: "Share $tech_quantum_catapult$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_scourge_missile_1: "Share $tech_scourge_missile_1$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_swarm_strike_craft_1: "Share $tech_swarm_strike_craft_1$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_precognition_interface: "Share $tech_precognition_interface$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_psi_jump_drive_1: "Share $tech_psi_jump_drive_1$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_psionic_barrier: "Share $tech_psionic_barrier$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.a.tech_psionic_shield: "Share $tech_psionic_shield$ with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.b: "Share Baol research data with the Grunur."
 astral_rift.3060.c: "Refuse to cooperate."

 astral_rift.3065.name: "A Meek Introduction"
 astral_rift.3065.desc: "We explained that we were researchers from another dimension on a mission to explore alternate universes and the various phenomena that exist within them.\n\nThe admiral grunted dismissively as we stated our intentions. The soldiers around us grew restless and raucous, ululating and croaking loudly.\n\n§E"LOOKING, THEN? SEEING IS DONE. BEGGING BEGINS."§!"
 astral_rift.3065.a: "Respond with bravado. Do not be intimidated."
 astral_rift.3065.b: "Attempt to reason with them."

 astral_rift.3070.name: "Sharing of Knowledge"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1: "We shared our research data on"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2: "with the Grunur admiral. Almost immediately, the air of confrontation waned. The Grunur were obviously impressed with our commitment to advanced warfare.\n\nThey plan to use the technology in their upcoming extermination campaign. As a show of gratitude, the admiral gifted us a data crystal. From the explanation provided, we understand it contains valuable military secrets, including previously unknown stratagems and techniques. Perhaps less helpfully, it also includes a meticulously detailed account of the Grunur's military history - a record that spans hundreds of volumes."
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_dragon_armor: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_dragon_armor$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_crystal_armor_2: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_crystal_armor_2$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_dark_matter_propulsion: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_dark_matter_propulsion$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_nanite_repair_system: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_nanite_repair_system$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_nanite_autocannon: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_nanite_autocannon$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_nanite_flak_batteries: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_nanite_flak_batteries$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_strike_craft_skrand: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_strike_craft_skrand$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_combat_computers_3: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_combat_computers_3$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_combat_computers_autonomous: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_combat_computers_autonomous$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_dark_matter_power_core: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_dark_matter_power_core$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_jump_drive_1: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_jump_drive_1$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_extradimensional_weapon_1: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_extradimensional_weapon_1$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_quantum_catapult: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_quantum_catapult$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_scourge_missile_1: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_scourge_missile_1$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_swarm_strike_craft_1: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_swarm_strike_craft_1$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_precognition_interface: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_precognition_interface$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_psi_jump_drive_1: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_psi_jump_drive_1$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_psionic_barrier: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_psionic_barrier$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.desc.tech_psionic_shield: "$astral_rift.3070.desc.common_1$ $tech_psionic_shield$ $astral_rift.3070.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3070.a: "A worthy exchange."

 astral_rift.3075.name: "Bearing Witness"
 astral_rift.3075.desc: "The Grunur appreciated what we were able to share about the Baol. Given their species' lack of interest in espionage and other methods of indirect warfare, our information will undoubtedly help them to refine their strategy during the upcoming extermination.\n\nDespite this, their admiral remained guarded:\n\n§E"KNOWING IS, BUT SEEING IS BETTER. WITNESS EXTERMINATION, THEN MORE LEARNING."§!"
 astral_rift.3075.a: "Watch the extermination."
 astral_rift.3075.b: "Refuse."

 astral_rift.3076.name: "Taking a Stand"
 astral_rift.3076.desc: "It was a risky gambit, but our bravado paid off. The Grunur general was particularly impressed by our tales of slipping between universes via the Rift Sphere. It seems that such displays of bravery and prowess are typical things for the Grunur. To them, a conversation always has a winner and a loser - and this dialogue had apparently scored us some points. We even witnessed some pincers clacking in approval.\n\nEventually, the leader rose from their terminal with a series of measured croaks.\n\n§E"BRAVERY IS, BUT DOING IS BEST. RESPECT TO BE GAINED."§!\n\nA crystalline shaft rose before us, similar to the ones erected around the command console.\n\n§E"LAUNCHING BEGINS. ORDER AWAITS."§!"
 astral_rift.3076.a: "Press the crystal. Order the launch."
 astral_rift.3076.b: "$astral_rift.3075.b$"

 astral_rift.3080.name: "Punishment"
 astral_rift.3080.desc.default: "The Grunur were simply not interested in listening to reason.\n\nThe admiral rose from the terminal with a series of croaks, punctuated with sharp snaps from their pincers.\n\n§E"JUDGMENT IS. PUNISHMENT AWAITS."§!\n\nWe were led to a holding cell. Based on the 'laughter' of our guards, our fate is unlikely to be a pretty one. Our equipment is being taken. This will be our last transmission."
 astral_rift.3080.desc.organic: "$astral_rift.3080.desc.default$\n\nSend our best to our families."
 astral_rift.3080.a: "Remain strong. We will find a way to recover you."

 astral_rift.3085.name: "Grunur Weapons Interface"
 astral_rift.3085.desc.common_1: "The Grunur archive has been fully analyzed.\n\nIt made for disturbing reading. Their military exploits are decidedly sadistic."
 astral_rift.3085.desc.common_homicidal: "We appreciate the Grunur's delight in exterminating inferior species."
 astral_rift.3085.desc.common_2: "However, we discovered one uniquely advanced aspect of their voidcraft design which could revolutionize our current weapons systems. While designed for Grunur biology, we can adapt the interface to improve our targeting accuracy."
 astral_rift.3085.desc.common_militarist: "This new interface will give us a decided edge in combat and allow us to more thoroughly dominate our enemies."
 astral_rift.3085.desc.pacifist: "$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_1$\n\n$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_2$\n\nWhile we hope it will never be required, it will aid our self-defense."
 astral_rift.3085.desc.homicidal: "$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_1$ $astral_rift.3085.desc.common_homicidal$\n\n$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3085.desc.militarist: "$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_1$\n\n$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_2$\n\n$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_militarist$"
 astral_rift.3085.desc.homicidal_militarist: "$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_1$ $astral_rift.3085.desc.common_homicidal$\n\n$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_2$\n\n$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_militarist$"
 astral_rift.3085.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_1$\n\n$astral_rift.3085.desc.common_2$"

 astral_rift.3090.name: "Watching a World Burn"
 astral_rift.3090.desc.common_1: "We watched as the Grunur began their bombardment of the"
 astral_rift.3090.desc.common_2: "colony. The overwhelming superiority of their fleet swiftly demolished the Baol's feeble defenses.\n\nAs the Grunur brigades stormed the planet's surface, all was set to flame. Troops armed with flamethrowers incinerated the native plantoids with terrible efficiency.\n\nThe inevitable victory softened the Grunur admiral's croaks.\n\n§E"SEEING IS. BURNING IS. KNOWING, NOW?"§!\n\nA sample of the flame weaponry used in the attack was brought forth for our inspection.\n\n§E"BURNING IS CLEAN. TAKE. MAKE FEAR."§!"
 astral_rift.3090.desc.baol: "$astral_rift.3090.desc.common_1$ Baol $astral_rift.3090.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3090.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3090.desc.common_1$ $astral_rift.3090.desc.common_2$"
 astral_rift.3090.tt: "Can now build new Assault Armies: §H$flamestorm_troopers_army$§!"

 astral_rift.3095.name: "Expedition's End"
 astral_rift.3095.desc.gestalt: "Our scientists beyond the rift in [solar_system.GetName] are being held captive by the Grunur.\n\nThe anchor cable has been retracted, and the §Y$tech_rift_sphere$§! retrieved. Download of the final data logs is already in progress."
 astral_rift.3095.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3095.desc.gestalt$\n\nWe can only hope that the Grunur will show mercy to the Sphere's crew. And who can say? The rifts between the worlds are little understood... Perhaps, given luck, they may even find a way back."

 astral_rift.3099.name: "[Leader.GetName] Returns"
 astral_rift.3099.desc: "§Y[Leader.GetName]§! [Leader.GetHasHave] unexpectedly returned from [Leader.GetHisHer] detention within the Grunur fleet on the other side of the Astral Rift in §Y[From.solar_system.GetName]§!. Caught somewhere between this time and another, [Leader.GetHisHer] age seems indeterminable. Kept as a slave by the Grunur, [Leader.GetHeShe] [Leader.GetHasHave] become well-versed in designing new weapons for interstellar combat."

####################
# Tropical Habitat #
####################
 formula_pink_armies: "Formula Pink"
 opinion_formula_pink: "$formula_pink_armies$"
 formula_pink_opinion_modifier_tt: "Adds the §Y$opinion_formula_pink$§! opinion modifier towards all Non-Machine, Non-Lithoid, Non-Toxoid empires."

 astral_rift_tropical_habitat: "Tropical Habitat"

 astral_rift.3100.name: "$astral_rift_tropical_habitat$"
 astral_rift.3100.desc: "We arrived in the atmosphere of a lush, tropical planet. The flora is intensely pigmented and swollen molluscoids slither among the fruit-bearing trees.\n\nAn atypical pink haze occasionally bursts through the kaleidoscopic canopy.\n\nGiven the density of the foliage, we will need to continue our observations from the ground."
 astral_rift.3100.a: "Find a suitable landing site."

 astral_rift.3105.name: "Rough Landing"
 astral_rift.3105.desc: "Upon landing, we exposed a crack in the terrain, hidden under thin layers of loam. The amber-colored gas we had observed from above is even more heavily concentrated below. We speculate this opening was a previously active vent from deep within the planet's core.\n\nFrom here, the vegetation's variety is dizzying and dense with fruit-laden trees. Herds of bulbous, lumbering slugs slowly crawl through the jungle, eating contentedly or sleeping on the nutrient-dense soil surrounded by litters of their younglings."
 astral_rift.3105.a: "Examine the fauna."
 astral_rift.3105.b: "Sample the pink gas."

 astral_rift.3110.name: "Herbivorous Ecosystem"
 astral_rift.3110.desc: "We have collected a wide variety of samples from the planet's fauna. The life here is wholly unaggressive; every creature we've encountered is herbivorous. The slug-like molluscs consume huge quantities of plant matter and can store dense pockets of fat under their patchy green mantle.\n\nThe diversity of fauna is significantly peculiar; in a typical ecosystem, a species would have evolved to take advantage of such easy prey. We believe that the docile nature of these animals is a result of strange organic compounds found in the omnipresent pink gas. Investigating the source of these elements will hopefully reveal more information."
 astral_rift.3110.a: "Find the source."

 astral_rift.3111.name: "Intoxicating Gas"
 astral_rift.3111.desc: "The gas we found on this planet turned out to have dangerous hallucinogenic properties. Our memory of the time we spent outside the Sphere is hazy at best. However, we have managed to piece together our expedition by examining recordings of our suit cameras.\n\nWe wandered aimlessly for some time across the vibrant plains of the hazy alien world. It felt to us as if each step was a magnificent discovery; a beautiful plant, a contented mollusc wandering in a clearing, a delicious fruit - we feasted hungrily upon those. The  intoxicating substance in the air bestowed a feeling of great success in our expedition, despite having so few productive results.\n\nThe filters in our suits were not enough to protect us from this gas. Luckily, some us stumbled back into the shelter of the §Y$tech_rift_sphere$§! and were able to recover our senses. Though it felt as if we had only just left, we had been exploring for days.\n\nNeedless to say, we will endeavor to enhance our respiratory equipment for the remainder of our investigations."
 astral_rift.3111.a: "Find the source of this gas."

 astral_rift.3115.name: "Atmospheric Analysis"
 astral_rift.3115.desc.common: "We took a sample of the pink haze suspended across the planet's surface and analyzed it on a molecular level.\n\nThe gas has a powerful mind-numbing effect that can render all manner of biological life docile and self-satisfied. Under its influence, a susceptible intelligent entity will only attempt to satisfy its most basic needs, all while feeling a great sense of accomplishment.\n\nAdditionally, its airborne compounds encourage fat development by affecting the production of natural hormones in those that inhale it. This in turn increases the affected creature's appetite due to weaker control over nutrient distribution and autoimmune responses. Over time, the result would be an endless reinforcement cycle of over-consumption. We can confirm that the gas is biologically produced based on traces of enzymes, but we have been unable to locate the animal producing it."
 astral_rift.3115.desc.toxoid_or_lithoid: "$astral_rift.3115.desc.common$\n\nThis mollifying substance poses no risk to our biology. Even an incredibly dense concentration of it would only slightly affect us."
 astral_rift.3115.desc.mechanical: "$astral_rift.3115.desc.common$\n\nThis mollifying substance will have no effect on our drones. We are free to explore further in safety."
 astral_rift.3115.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3115.desc.common$\n\nFor further exploration, we will require full respiration equipment to to protect us from intoxication."
 astral_rift.3115.a: "$astral_rift.3111.a$"
 astral_rift.3115.b: "Don respiratory gear and proceed."

 astral_rift.3120.name: "Yawning Chasm"
 astral_rift.3120.desc: "Utilizing an air quality sensor, we searched for the highest localized concentrations of the toxic gas across the lush lands. Beyond a patch of berry-laden shrubberies, we were led to the mouth of a vast crevasse in the center of a clearing. Waves of the thick, pink miasma emanated from it in irregular intervals.\n\nWe believe that the gas is being produced by a subterranean creature somewhere at the base of this fissure. Finding it, preferably alive, could provide unique research opportunities."
 astral_rift.3120.a: "Use caution. Excavate around the chasm."
 astral_rift.3120.b: "Explore the chasm directly."

 astral_rift.3125.name: "Excavating the Chasm"
 astral_rift.3125.desc: "We've refitted the §Y$tech_rift_sphere$§!'s sample collection apparatus into an excavation tool, and used it to dig away the mouth of the chasm. After cutting through a thick layer of moist yellow mulch, we discovered a new layer of soil. Ochre in color, it broke into scale-like layered fragments as we dug, releasing small bursts of trapped pink gas from the slightest mechanical agitation.\n\nWhile this layer of soil contained high concentrations of organic compounds, it was not nearly enough to have been the source.\n\nDigging deeper, the harvesting tool then pierced through a darker, more crimson colored soil layer. At this, the ground erupted violently. Thick clouds of pink gas poured forth from the gouge we had made. This darker earth then moved as if it were alive.\n\nOur harvesting tool was rapidly enveloped in scarlet earth, and crushed to scrap. The surface around us shook with increasingly violent tremors, and we retreated back into the upper atmosphere.\n\nWe are no longer welcome here."
 astral_rift.3125.a: "Study the soil samples."

 astral_rift.3130.name: "Exploring the Chasm"
 astral_rift.3130.desc: "We entered the chasm with rudimentary climbing gear in search of the creature below. As we descended, the mineralized walls transitioned from a moist yellow soil to a scaly, dark pink one. Further down, all became pulsating crimson.\n\nEruptions of thick pink gas covered us as we continued our descent. Reaching the bottom, we discovered its source: a webbed curtain stretched across the chasm's diameter, suspending an orifice with a chitinous, beak-like mouth at its center. From this creature, a thickly-veined tube snaked its way further into the rock.\n\nWe have found carnivorous life, and it may be the planet itself."
 astral_rift.3130.a: "Extract the mouth."
 astral_rift.3130.b: "Harvest soil from the deepest walls."

 astral_rift.3135.name: "Extraction"
 astral_rift.3135-3140.desc.common: "We severed the mouth from the central tube jutting out of the crimson rock and began our ascent."
 astral_rift.3135.desc.common.1: "$astral_rift.3135-3140.desc.common$\n\nThe walls of the chasm shook violently in response and a concentrated biological gas flooded the tunnel. We felt the entire chamber shake, and the way out grew smaller and smaller as we approached the surface. It - whatever "it" may be - was attempting to swallow us."
 astral_rift.3135.desc.common.2: "We are no longer welcome here."
 astral_rift.3135.desc.toxoid: "$astral_rift.3135.desc.common.1$\n\nIn a fortunate turn of events, the flesh-like crimson walls recoiled reflexively away when brushing against our naturally toxic bodies. We escaped unharmed. Upon reaching the surface, the crevasse sealed shut, leaving a fine scar across the clearing. The ground around us shook with increasingly violent tremors, prompting us to hurry back into the upper atmosphere.\n\n$astral_rift.3135.desc.common.2$"
 astral_rift.3135.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3135.desc.common.1$\n\nWe escaped from the chasm just as it closed in behind us, leaving an indented scar in its stead. The surface around us shook with increasingly violent tremors, and we retreated back into the upper atmosphere.\n\n$astral_rift.3135.desc.common.2$"
 astral_rift.3135.a: "Analyze the severed organ."

 astral_rift.3140.name: "Traumatic Extraction"
 astral_rift.3140.desc.common: "$astral_rift.3135-3140.desc.common$\n\nThe walls of the chasm shook violently in response and a concentrated biological gas flooded the tunnel, obscuring all vision. We scrambled for the surface, but the way out grew smaller and smaller around us.\n\nUnfortunately, [Leader.GetName] did not make it entirely clear of the tunnel before it closed. Their lower body was caught by the chasm walls and crushed with incredible seismic strength."
 astral_rift.3140.desc.robot: "$astral_rift.3140.desc.common$\n\nFortunately, all parts are replaceable."
 astral_rift.3140.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3140.desc.common$\n\nWe recovered the mutilated body of [Leader.GetName] and escaped back into the upper atmosphere. [Leader.GetHeShe] [Leader.GetHasHave] sustained irreversible wounds, but remain stable on life support."
 astral_rift.3140.a: "$astral_rift.3135.a$"

 astral_rift.3145.name: "Geological Marvel"
 astral_rift.3145.desc: "We analyzed the peculiar pink soil that we collected and confirmed the existence of a wider mineral-based biological organism. We believe that this material and the crimson substance that crushed our tool is all part of the same living being - the planet itself. Our hypothesis is that this sentient planet manufactured its own ecosystem designed to continuously provide it with highly nutritious and submissive livestock.\n\nThe soil has remarkable fertilization properties and explains the extreme density of the vegetation on the planet's surface. We have been able to apply some of its principles to our own farming methods."

 astral_rift.3150.name: "$astral_rift.3145.name$"
 astral_rift.3150.desc: "Careful to not disturb the organism, we quickly collected samples of the three soil types from the chasm's pulsating walls and left the planet without further incident.\n\nWe analyzed the samples that we collected and confirmed our suspicions - the planet itself is alive.\n\nThe yellow topsoil is highly nutrient-dense and used to fertilize the rapid vegetative growth. The scaly pink mineral layer is a vehicle to distribute the intoxicating gas efficiently across the planet's entire surface. Finally, the crimson material effectively serves as the planet's circulatory system, able to redistribute minerals and organic resources where they are needed the most.\n\nThe chasm we encountered was certainly a digestive tract, and we were lucky to not have been eaten.\n\nRegardless, we have been able to apply the remarkable fertilization properties of the topsoil to our own farming methods. This unique form of life we have encountered within the astral planes will be studied for years to come."

 astral_rift.3155.name: "Planetary Dissection"
 astral_rift.3155.desc.common: "After extensive experiments with the severed digestive organ, we have gained further insight into the ecosystem of this planet. To begin with, the entire planet is alive - soil and all.\n\nContained within the mouth's digestive tract are sacs full of highly concentrated biological material that can be vaporized up into the lower atmosphere. This gas is designed to fatten up the animals that live on its surface and prevent other predators from evolving. The intoxicated prey are then consumed by the planet via large openings similar to the one we encountered. The mouth we have recovered is but one of thousands."
 astral_rift.3155.desc.robotic_or_pacifist: "$astral_rift.3155.desc.common$\n\nWe have learned how to synthetically reproduce and alter the properties of the pink gas into a practical application for use as a pheromone for our diplomats. Though at a highly reduced concentration, it still maintains a strong mollifying effect to most natural biologies."
 astral_rift.3155.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3155.desc.common$\n\nWe have learned how to synthetically reproduce and alter the properties of the pink gas into a practical application as a battlefield painkiller. We amplified the anesthetic effects of the gas and removed the aggression suppressant, so wounded soldiers will be able to ignore the pain of injuries and continue fighting."
  astral_rift.3155.a: "What a remarkable creature."

####################
# Psionic Stranger #
####################
 zroni_insight_modifier: "Zroni Insight"
 zroni_insight_space_storm_reduction_modifier: "Zroni Insight Storm Safeguards"
 zroni_insight_space_storm_reduction_modifier_tt: "Safeguards from the negative effects of §ISpace Storms§!: §G-50%§!"
 astral_rift_psionic_stranger: "Psionic Stranger"

 astral_rift.3200.name: "Psionic Stranger"
 astral_rift.3200.desc.common: "We arrived in the atmosphere of a frozen, mountainous world."
 astral_rift.3200.desc.common.non_robot: "Almost immediately, we were shaken by a powerful mental communication:\n\n§E"Greetings, you who have traveled so far. From the depths of my meditations, I sensed your journey across the Astral Planes. Come, let us meet. Perhaps your arrival is the breakthrough I have been waiting for."\n\n§!A vision of an isolated, mountain cave was revealed to us."
 astral_rift.3200.desc.common.psionic: "Whoever this is, their psionic powers far surpass anything we are capable of."
 astral_rift.3200.desc.common.robot: "It was not long before our circuits were shaken by a foreign transmission:\n\n§E"Greetings, you who have traveled so far. From the depths of my meditations, I sensed your journey across the Astral Planes. Come, let us meet. Perhaps your arrival is the breakthrough I have been waiting for."\n\n§!A set of coordinates to the far side of the planet were provided."
 astral_rift.3200.desc.common.non_psionic: "To detect our presence so soon and to broadcast a message from such a distance implies this mysterious stranger possesses incredible psychic powers."
 astral_rift.3200.desc.robot_psionic: "$astral_rift.3200.desc.common$\n\n$astral_rift.3200.desc.common.robot$\n\n$astral_rift.3200.desc.common.psionic$"
 astral_rift.3200.desc.robot: "$astral_rift.3200.desc.common$\n\n$astral_rift.3200.desc.common.robot$\n\n$astral_rift.3200.desc.common.non_psionic$"
 astral_rift.3200.desc.psionic: "$astral_rift.3200.desc.common$\n\n$astral_rift.3200.desc.common.non_robot$\n\n$astral_rift.3200.desc.common.psionic$"
 astral_rift.3200.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3200.desc.common$\n\n$astral_rift.3200.desc.common.non_robot$\n\n$astral_rift.3200.desc.common.non_psionic$"
 astral_rift.3200.a: "Find this being."

 astral_rift.3205.name: "The Far-Seer"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.intro: "We traced the vision to a point on one of the planet's highest mountains.\n\nA masked figure sat meditating in an isolated cave. Gray-skinned and humanoid, she was enveloped in a violet aura of gently pulsing energy."
 astral_rift.3205.desc.outro: "§E"Thank you for accepting my invitation, we have much to discuss."\n\n"I am known as the Far-Seer. I have been meditating on these frozen wastes for years, awaiting revelation. It is not by chance alone that you have appeared here."§!"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.common.completed_zroni: "We recognized the alien as a Zroni. Millions of years ago, this psionically gifted race lived in our own universe, before a civil war resulted in the complete extinction of their species. Perhaps this rift was a doorway to a parallel timeline in which the Zroni have not yet ascended into the Shroud."
 astral_rift.3205.desc.common.started_zroni: "We recognized the alien as a Zroni, a member of a psionically gifted race that lived in our own universe millions of years ago. Perhaps this rift was a doorway to a parallel timeline in which the Zroni still exist."
 astral_rift.3205.desc.common.not_started_zroni: "Glowing horns sprouted from the alien's head, with similar, though stunted spurs extending from her back. We are not familiar with this species, but they must be highly attuned to psionic wavelengths."
 astral_rift.3205.desc.common.gestalt: "We received another communication:"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.common.default: "The alien spoke again within our minds:"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.gestalt_started_zroni: "$astral_rift.3205.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.started_zroni$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.gestalt$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.gestalt_completed_zroni: "$astral_rift.3205.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.completed_zroni$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.gestalt$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.gestalt_not_started_zroni: "$astral_rift.3205.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.not_started_zroni$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.gestalt$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.default_started_zroni: "$astral_rift.3205.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.started_zroni$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.default$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.default_completed_zroni: "$astral_rift.3205.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.completed_zroni$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.default$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3205.desc.default_not_started_zroni: "$astral_rift.3205.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.not_started_zroni$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.common.default$\n\n$astral_rift.3205.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3205.a: "Listen to the Far-Seer's words."

 astral_rift.3210.name: "The Far Seer's Burden"
 astral_rift.3210.desc: "The Far-Seer continued:\n\n§E"I have been channeling my efforts to enter a spiritual dimension. Your people refer to this place as "The Shroud." Recently, I have felt a strange call that I believe has come from deep within the Shroud. I now stand upon the threshold of this mysterious world for the first time."§!\n\nThe Far-Seer sighed.\n\n§E"My people have entrusted me with this responsibility. Entering the Shroud may indeed grant us great power, but I am full of doubt. The closer I come, the more the Shroud pulls at me. There are whispers in the dark corners of my mind. Can such power truly be controlled? And now, at the moment of choice, you appear. This cannot be mere coincidence."§!"
 astral_rift.3210.a: "Reveal the fate of the Zroni."
 astral_rift.3210.b: "Reveal what we know of the Zroni."
 astral_rift.3210.c: "We can only offer our perspective."
 astral_rift.3210.d: "It is not our place to intervene."
 astral_rift.3210.e: "Such spiritual pursuits are trivial."

 astral_rift.3215.name: "Portents of Doom"
 astral_rift.3215.desc: "We explained to the Far-Seer what our archaeological research into the Zroni civilization had taught us.\n\nWe detailed how the price of omnipotence led to a divide among the Zroni in our dimension, and described the fierce civil war that culminated in their extinction.\n\nThe Far-Seer silently considered our words.\n\n§E"Can it be true that my efforts here will doom us? If breaching the Shroud will lead to disaster, it would be folly to pursue it further. My people trust me. If I denounce the Shroud as a source of corruption, our desire for ascension may be quenched. But perhaps there remains a way... Armed with the knowledge you have given me, I could approach the higher powers within the Shroud differently, forestalling the disasters that befell us in your dimension."§!"
 astral_rift.3215.a: "It is a doomed endeavor."
 astral_rift.3215.b: "This time, it may be different..."

 astral_rift.3220.name: "Certain Fate"
 astral_rift.3220.desc: "We explained how the Zroni used the Shroud to ascend to a higher plane of existence, developing beyond physical needs and basking in a utopian near-omnipotence. The ascension came with significant challenges, but from a material and sociological perspective it was a monumental achievement. We noted that the final fate of the Zroni is not yet fully understood by our scholars.\n\nThe Far-Seer responded:\n\n§E"It is as if the Zroni in any dimension are destined to enter the Shroud; a fate that transcends the limits of a single timeline. Perhaps the choice was never ours to make."§!"
 astral_rift.3220.a: "Advise against interfering with the Shroud."
 astral_rift.3220.b: "Encourage the Far-Seer to breach the Shroud."

 astral_rift.3225.name: "Our Perspective"
 astral_rift.3225.desc.gestalt: "We explained that the [Explorer.GetName] exists as a collective consciousness, and that such a meaningful decision should not be left to individual choice. Whatever benefits Zroni society as a whole must be the right decision, and personal discomfort should not be a factor.\n\nThe Far-Seer responded:\n\n§E"Perhaps it is wise to view this dilemma from a more collective perspective, as you do. How do you suggest we proceed?"§!"
 astral_rift.3225.desc.non_gestalt_spiritualist: "We shared details of our own relationship with the divine. The search for enlightenment is why we explore, to find meaning beyond ourselves and to deepen our connection with the universe.\n\nThe Far-Seer responded:\n\n§E"You are much like us in that respect. The Zroni long to transcend the material world, so what right do I have to deny my people their ascension? As fellow seekers, how do you suggest we proceed?"§!"
 astral_rift.3225.desc.non_gestalt_materialist: "We explained that objective scientific truth is how we define our place in the universe. The search for knowledge has taken us to new frontiers and beyond. It has even allowed our two species to meet from across dimensions.\n\nThe Far-Seer responded:\n\n§E"We are very different, our peoples. Yet you are respectful and intelligent, even if your beliefs run counter to our own. Perhaps in this case there is wisdom in your perspective. As secular beings, how then do you suggest we proceed?"§!"
 astral_rift.3225.desc.default: "We explained that we believe the goal of a society is to grow and prosper according to its principles. Embodying one's values on the galactic stage is the true test of a civilization. If entering the Shroud is truly the will of your people, you have a duty to proceed.\n\nThe Far-Seer responded:\n\n§E"I understand, but my people's will is divided. Travelers from afar, what guidance can you offer? The burden of decision is too much to bear on my own."§!"
 astral_rift.3225.a: "Advise against interfering with the Shroud."
 astral_rift.3225.b: "Encourage the Far-Seer to breach the Shroud."

 astral_rift.3230.name: "Leaving it to Fate"
 astral_rift.3230.desc.intro: "We explained that we were not interested in offering our insight and that this is not a fated visitation. We are explorers, and have arrived in this place by complete chance.\n\n§E"Very well. Perhaps your decision not to intervene is simply another sign for me to interpret. Go then, with eyes open."§!"
 astral_rift.3230.desc.outro: "Leaving the Far-Seer to her meditations, we explored the nearby terrain in the hopes that our journey here would yield some practical benefit. It was not long before we uncovered a valuable cache of minerals between two peaks."
 astral_rift.3230.desc.completed_zroni: "$astral_rift.3230.desc.intro$\n\nIt is likely that the Zroni's history will repeat itself in this dimension as well, but their fate is not ours to manipulate.\n\n$astral_rift.3230.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3230.desc.started_zroni: "$astral_rift.3230.desc.intro$\n\nThe Zroni have their own path to follow, and it is unwise to interfere in other timelines.\n\n$astral_rift.3230.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3230.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3230.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3230.desc.outro$"
 astral_rift.3230.a: "Explore the mineral cache."

 astral_rift.3235.name: "Prophetic Advice"
 astral_rift.3235.desc.intro: "We discouraged the Far-Seer from entering the Shroud at this time, and she accepted our advice as prophecy. As thanks, she offered us a small yet oddly heavy datacrystal. We took our leave.\n\nAnalysis of the datacrystal revealed a subtly shifting matrix; a vast archive stored as psionic energy."
 astral_rift.3235.desc.gestalt: "$astral_rift.3235.desc.intro$\n\nThough the crystal was a curious example of engineering, we converted its databanks into a more useful form of energy."
 astral_rift.3235.desc.materialist: "$astral_rift.3235.desc.gestalt$"
 astral_rift.3235.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3235.desc.intro$\n\nThe information within provided deep insight into psionic theories."
 astral_rift.3235.a: "Perhaps we will meet again."

 astral_rift.3240.name: "$astral_rift.3235.name$"
 astral_rift.3240.desc.intro: "We encouraged the Far-Seer to venture into the Shroud to ascend to a higher existence and she accepted our advice as prophecy. As thanks, she offered us a small yet oddly heavy datacrystal. We took our leave.\n\nAnalysis of the datacrystal revealed a subtly shifting matrix; a vast archive stored as psionic energy."
 astral_rift.3240.desc.completed_zroni: "Perhaps this time, there will be a more positive outcome for her species."
 astral_rift.3240.desc.gestalt: "$astral_rift.3240.desc.intro$\n\nThough the crystal was a curious example of engineering, we converted its databanks into a more useful form of energy."
 astral_rift.3240.desc.gestalt_completed_zroni: "$astral_rift.3240.desc.gestalt$\n\n$astral_rift.3240.desc.completed_zroni$"
 astral_rift.3240.desc.materialist: "$astral_rift.3240.desc.gestalt$"
 astral_rift.3240.desc.materialist_completed_zroni: "$astral_rift.3240.desc.gestalt_completed_zroni$"
 astral_rift.3240.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3240.desc.intro$\n\nThe information within provided deep insight into psionic theories."
 astral_rift.3240.desc.default_completed_zroni: "$astral_rift.3240.desc.default$\n\n$astral_rift.3240.desc.completed_zroni$"
 astral_rift.3240.a: "$astral_rift.3235.a$"

 astral_rift.3245.name: "Opportunity Strikes"
 astral_rift.3245.desc: "We discovered a vast mineral deposit buried beneath a crystal rockfall in a valley between two mountains. The ground is too unstable to develop a full mining operation, but we used our limited equipment to strip what we could from the surface of the deposit.\n\nWith a payload of valuable resources in tow, this expedition was a success."
 astral_rift.3245.a: "$FASCINATING$"

 astral_rift.3280.name: "A Message from Beyond"
 astral_rift.3280.a: "A thoughtful gesture."
 astral_rift.3280.desc.intro: "We have detected a perfectly smooth capsule emerging from the rift we explored in §Y[From.System.GetName]§!"
 astral_rift.3280.desc.encountered_priestess: "The Zroni priestess we encountered there has sent us a message."
 astral_rift.3280.desc.common: "§E"Thank you [From.Leader.GetName] of [From.Explorer.GetName] for your given prophecy. I have since shunned all temptations of the Shroud. Following your example, we have ourselves learned to travel across the astral planes in search of more answers. We are sharing some of our discoveries in an expression of gratitude."§!\n\nThe capsule contained copious amounts of research data from other alternate dimensions."
 astral_rift.3280.desc.started_zroni: "$astral_rift.3280.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3280.desc.encountered_priestess$\n\n$astral_rift.3280.desc.common$"
 astral_rift.3280.desc.completed_zroni.common: "It seems there is at least one dimension in which this species may now survive."
 astral_rift.3280.desc.completed_zroni: "$astral_rift.3280.desc.started_zroni$\n\n$astral_rift.3280.desc.completed_zroni.common$"
 astral_rift.3280.desc.default.common: "It contained a simple message:"
 astral_rift.3280.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3280.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3280.desc.default.common$\n\n$astral_rift.3280.desc.common$"

 astral_rift.3285.name: "The Shroud's Promise"
 astral_rift.3285.a: "$astral_rift.3280.a$"
 astral_rift.3285.desc.common: "§E"Thank you [From.Leader.GetName] of [From.Explorer.GetName] for your fated visitation. We have not only breached the Shroud, but the Zroni population has begun to migrate into the Shroud permanently. It has provided us with such incredible power and harmony, we are experiencing a societal utopia the likes of which we could have never imagined!\n\nWe wanted to share some of our material riches with you before we departed the physical world entirely."§!"
 astral_rift.3285.desc.started_zroni: "$astral_rift.3280.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3280.desc.encountered_priestess$\n\n$astral_rift.3285.desc.common$"
 astral_rift.3285.desc.completed_zroni: "$astral_rift.3285.desc.started_zroni$\n\n$astral_rift.3280.desc.completed_zroni.common$"
 astral_rift.3285.desc.default: "$astral_rift.3280.desc.intro$\n\n$astral_rift.3280.desc.default.common$\n\n$astral_rift.3285.desc.common$"
