Hello! a gregarious human says upon entering the room. I'm Navasi! And you're not!
The First Seeker’s meeting room is a lavish space, with several lush couches and armchairs surrounding a wide, low table. First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo appears uncharacteristically extravagant, having exchanged her typical stationwear for a sleek, fashionable suit in a shade of copper that matches the Starfinder Society logo emblazoned on the table. Behind her stands the towering vesk leader of the Acquisitives faction, wearing a suit of ceremonial armor.
Luwazi smiles and gestures to the seats. “A pleasure to see you all. I trust you’ve heard about tonight’s gala? I have a rather important announcement to make, so we’ve decided to use the opportunity to entertain and impress representatives of the various interests who have helped the Starfinder Society through our setbacks with the Scoured Stars Incident"
“That’s where you come in. As some of the shining stars of the newest Starfinder Society agents, I’d like to have you mingle with the guests so they can see for themselves what we’ve been able to accomplish. It’s nothing too fancy; I’d just like you all to be polite and talk about some of your experiences with the Society so far. We’re expecting some government dignitaries, investors, corporate interests, and the like, so be sure to stay on your best behavior. Also, don’t be afraid to brag a bit—it’s our goal to impress them.”
“But don’t be stupid,” the armored vesk breaks in.
Luwazi Elsebo glances over her shoulder and grins. “Have you all met Radaszam? He’s certainly someone else you should be trying to impress.”
Radaszam scowls. “Events like this never go as planned. Luwazi’s contracted one of my merc outfits, the Obsidian Spiders, to provide security for the night. I want to make sure that if anything goes down, you’re working with my agents, rather than us all tripping over one another. So stay alert, but if anything happens, make sure you’re talking to me about it rather than jumping in blindly.”
The First Seeker nods and picks up the datapad. “I’ve singled out five guests who I would really like to make a good impression with. These folks should be your priority tonight, so I’ve compiled basic information about each of them here. Things will start up in about an hour in the Skyreach Room. Any questions before we go?”
Luwazi taps the datapad a few times and transmits a file to each of your comms.
The First Seeker looks at you expectantly, "Any Questions?"
Iteration-177 is a relative newcomer to the Aspis Consortium. In addition to making waves by urging Consortium support of the Starfinders, they have an interest in religious artifacts and connections.
Naiaj is a bleachling gnome with a fierce protectiveness of the Starfinders who encourages—some say demands— competence and teamwork from Society agents. She’s a venture-captain who served long before the Scoured Stars incident.
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Take 10 Culture = 18
Ykris & Zo are my targets.
Noble-44 deftly puts his Starfinder Insignia on his regalia (Slotless Boon, can store data like a tier 1 data pad). "Glad-handing people, talking of our recent exploits, and handing off security? After the mess I cleaned off myself from the last mission this sound like a welcome change. Though, calling in a merc group gives a slight concern about safety Anything of note? Opposition groups or known hostilities between attendees?"
He glances down at himself "I shall have to find my official church garments as ... maybe."
()
"You'll see can't ruin the surprise!" Her smile is disarming, but it's impossible to see if Gideon buys it.
The ysoki Royo has something of a rivalry with Historia-7 and the Dataphiles faction, and he tends to snub individuals who he perceives to rely overmuch on technological “crutches.” He’s also an elected member of the Forum, the Starfinder Society’s governing council.
Welcome to hob-nobbing with the rich and famous! Navasi says, with a hint of sarcasm.
Zo! is an undead media mogul well known throughout the Pact Worlds, always looking for an idea for a new show, strategies to improve his ratings, or other lucrative entertainment deals. His organization funded the recent Society expedition to Salvation’s End, and he is keenly interested in further exploration of the false moon.
Navasi exclaims. Oh, I'm such a fan! I have seen all of his stuff! He's the best, the absolute best! Navasi is practically gushing. I wonder if he'll autograph something for me...
The alien symbiote Ykris represents CeriCore Labs. Business-wise, the corporation has very little to gain from the Starfinder Society’s endeavors, but it nevertheless made a substantial donation; rumors suggest the contribution was someone’s pet project
Zo! is an undead media mogul well known throughout the Pact Worlds, always looking for an idea for a new show, strategies to improve his ratings, or other lucrative entertainment deals. His organization funded the recent Society expedition to Salvation’s End, and he is keenly interested in further exploration of the false moon.
Naiaj is a bleachling gnome with a fierce protectiveness of the Starfinders who encourages—some say demands— competence and teamwork from Society agents. She’s a venture-captain who served long before the Scoured Stars incident.
Before you leave the First Seeker reminds you, "your mission is to make as good an impression as possible on as many of the people of note as possible. Do us proud!"
It's a short trip to the gala itself. The lift doors open into the Skyreach Room, a classy space made breathtaking by large windows set into the vaulted ceiling, providing a shining view of the Armada orbiting Absalom Station and the galaxy beyond. A low stage with black skirting and a sleek podium overlooks the room from the far end of the hall. A dozen or so guests, representing a surprising array of races, mingle in twos and threes, while servers in sharp vests bring around a variety of bizarre snacks and drinks. A curly-haired AV technician arranges the wiring along one side of the stage, and Luwazi stands at the other side speaking with a damaya lashunta man.
Round 1:
The Knight of Tides: Go
Noble-44: Go
Zed: Go
Spacey: Go
Smikk: Go
Navasi: Go
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Noble-44, before engaging his target (Ykris), arms himself... manipulating people means knowing as much as you can about them.
First spends a moment observing Ykris, looking for anything informative or interesting.
Then he tries to recall what he know of symbiotic relationship.
Then he tries to recall what he know CeriCore Labs (what they research, produce, history, etc).
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Gideon carries his heavy helmet under his arm for an occasion such as this. He knows that showing his face is more polite, but having the thick helm nearby in the crook of his elbow is a comfort.
He wends his way to Royo, first asking here and there about his election and the current machinations of the Forum. When the Dataphiles comes up, he plies as best he can. "I hope you will not be too hard on Historia-7," he rumbles, "for there is much to know about the Universe. Information is the lifeblood of understanding, and she has an exquisite skill in managing information. She, like you, is an asset to the Starfinder organization."
Spacey opts for the classic "Rabbit's Foot Gambit" on the androgynous android. and it works like a charm. The android breaks into an easy smile. "Really? Fascinating. The amount of interesting trivia that you pick up on missions must be astonishing! And that says nothing about the deeper insights and knowledge out there!"
Smikk gives a meeting with Zo! a go, and only when mentioning the Salvation's End does he get anywhere. Zo! quickly drains Smikk of all his knowledge on the topic, and just like that he smiles, snaps his fingers, and moves on. Before going, he does insist you try an appetizer which is disgusting. It tastes like an anchovy and Vegemite sandwich.
Noble-44 recalls that his social target is the parasite not the host and addresses accordingly. The high level talk about his work seems boring, like the annoyance of explaining to a child what an adult does at work. Still, Noble-44 seems knowledgeable about a variety of cultural topics. The conversation turns towards the latest rumors and discoveries.
Gideon's approach seems to fall flat. The rather anachronistic looking ysoki even sniffs a bit at all the technology around the Knight of Tides. "Excuse me, I don't recall asking for a Datafile apologist to join me in conversation."
Round 1:
The Knight of Tides: Fail v. Royo
Noble-44: Success on Ykris
Zed: Go
Spacey: Discovery v. Iteration
Smikk: Success v. Zo!
Navasi: Go
Zed approaches Naiaj. As he approaches he gets a feel of the no nonsense Venture Captain. She's currently discussing the importance of computer skills in the the Starfinder Corps and how it can lead to safer missions and more complete data collection....
Round 1:
The Knight of Tides: Fail v. Royo
Noble-44: Success on Ykris
Zed: Discovery v. Naiaj
Spacey: Discovery v. Iteration
Smikk: Success v. Zo!
Navasi: Go
Navasi simply wanders the crowd, looking to catch snippets of conversation. She watches as Gideon crashes and burns. Right after she goes over and simply gets a feel for what the ysoki is really interested in. T10+6 for 20.
Round 2:
The Knight of Tides: Go
Noble-44: Go
Zed: Go
Spacey: Go
Smikk: Go
Navasi: Go
Iteration-177 blinks at Spacey. The blinking continues long enough that the shirren begins to think there might be a glitch in his programming. "Fascinating! And I mean this, tell me everything you know..." The conversation keeps the android wrapped up.
Round 2:
The Knight of Tides: Go
Noble-44: Go
Zed: Go
Spacey: Success v. Iteration-177
Smikk: Go
Navasi: Go
Noble-44 presses the conversation into deep territory, and while he speaks competently, the subject quickly begins to bore the parasite.
Round 2:
The Knight of Tides: Go
Noble-44: Fail v.Ykris
Zed: Go
Spacey: Success v. Iteration-177
Smikk: Go
Navasi: Go
Smikk's smooth intro works like a charm. Naiaj immediately responds, striking up a conversation about how an AI could improve nutrition, and therefore efficiency and productivity on a ship or mission. She stays deeply engrossed in the conversation with Smikk.
Round 2:
The Knight of Tides: Go
Noble-44: Fail v.Ykris
Zed: Go
Spacey: Success v. Iteration-177
Smikk: Success v. Naiaj
Navasi: Go
Navasi glides on over to Zo! with as much nonchalance as her little heart, all a pitter-patter, can allow.
She tries to schmooze the media mogul.
I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed your work, Navasi begins, trying to appear eager but not fangirl-y. You've got insight that the Pact Worlds needs! Tell me, this "false moon" I've heard so much about — what's up with that? Amirite?!?
Despite Naiaj's resistance to the approach, Gideon cuts into a topic of interest to the gnome. She engages him for some time, asking plenty of questions, and even taking a few notes.
Navasi keys into Zo's m.o. He's on a scouting mission, looking for the next big celebrity. Zo! is almost interviewing people.
Round 2:
The Knight of Tides: Success v. Naiaj
Noble-44: Fail v.Ykris
Zed: Go
Spacey: Success v. Iteration-177
Smikk: Success v. Naiaj
Navasi: Discover
Zed's approach doesn't seem to add anything to Naiaj's engagement. The no nonsense gnome seems to have bled this conversation dry...
Round 3:
The Knight of Tides: Go
Noble-44: Go
Zed: Go
Spacey: Go
Smikk: Go
Navasi: Go
Spacey opens with some obscure history, and Royo takes that as a challenge to his knowledge. Challenges like this, Royo clearly thrives on. He then begins to engage Spacey in a duel of whetted wits. "Did you know that in ancient times The Red Raven wasn't one person, but many different people?"
Round 3:
The Knight of Tides: Go
Noble-44: Go
Zed: Go
Spacey: Success v. Royo
Smikk: Go
Navasi: Go
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Not wanting to leave a bad taste in Ykirs’s mouth about either Noble-44 or the Starfinder after his last failure, he attempts to recount a story, but pumps it up by using some hors d’oeuvers, silverware, table decorations as props. He using his slight of hand to catch attentions and making more exciting.