[Private] LoreMaster GM Dead Suns AP

Game Master vlaovich88

Ahhh. You heard about that lecture. I guess there is no need introduce myself Well, are you hear to discuss the conclusion I have come to? Or just fans of logic? his atrophied eyes glance at your gun, Or are you here to "punish" me for saying what no one else had the will do say?

"Our weapons are mearly for self-defence, you have nothing to fear from us if you intend no harm. I would indeed be interested in hearing the conclusion of your thought process." Dahlia says with little discernable emotion in her voice.

Me bring harm? Unless you are one of the narrow minded that hearing the unfiltered truth hurts you, you will find no harm here. Now about my lecture, I analyzed ancient lashunta armies’ strategies against their formian neighbors and concluded that the former’s conditioned sentimentality inhibited more effectively destructive actions against their long-time enemies. The audience found my conclusion upsetting. Ailabiens 21:2 bobs thoughtfully before adding, Other species are endlessly fascinating. He then looks at you as if that makes complete sense and sound logic.

Alim takes a moment to carefully dissect what Ailabiens 21:2 has said. He nods slowly as he speaks. "Yes, other species most definitely are." He glances over his shoulder at his comrades before continuing, choosing his words carefully as he does. "I know that you are well-known for your research here at this university, and that you have published many papers. Tell me, what were you hoping to accomplish by making the statement that you did?"

What was I trying to accomplish? I was trying to educate my students of course! I was asked to teach a graduate level class that examined the history of Castrovel. I had a lecture on the long history between the lashunta and formian. I had assumed that my graduate students would be professional enough to set aside their personal objections to look at this from a logical stand point. Clearly teaching logic is too much for the current students because it "hurts their feelings". Do they not teach objectivity anymore? But I digress.

"I think that I am following your logic, and I can see how you might draw that conclusion. But I'm afraid I must disagree with your conclusion. I am well traveled, and my own opinions are tempered by my experiences, but it seems to me that societies that value sentiment and mercy gain a benefit from those qualities. The measure of a people is not only in their ability to make war." Dahlia says, taking a deep breath.
"As to the feelings and tenderness of most in media and ivory towers, I very much agree with your assessment."

I believe you misunderstand. I forgive you for that as I believe I assumed to much of your ability to understand. I am not judging the value based on war. What I am saying is that the lashunta were conditioned for generations to believe that the formian were nothing more than a nuisance to be squashed. Generation after generation was told that the other race was a chaotic blight on the world. It is purely logical that this sort of conditioning would lead to such efforts of attempting to exterminate the entirety of the formian. How can we say the lashunta who fought to eradicate the formian were evil or did something wrong? We simply can not do it. They did the most logical action according to their believes. Ailabiens 21:2 looks toward Dahlia, with hope that he simplified it enough for her to understand without simplifying it too much that it lost it's meaning.

As to a measure of the people, both races have done amazing things in their times. But my point is towards our current society likes to think little of the ancient lashunta because of their battle tactics. They write them off as monsters who did an atrocity. I am simply saying, if you step back from your emotions of killing is wrong, and look at this in context, they did what was the most logical.

Alim listens to the conversation, and, again, is careful with his wording. "So... you believe that the lashunta people were right in their actions based on how they had been trained and raised..."

Alim ponders for a moment. "... If that is the case, then you would be right that their tactics and reasoning would have been correct, at least to them. But that was so long ago... Why would you bother to bring it up now? The two kinds have only recently come to finally make attempts at putting this horrid past behind them... Do you not think that by making such a statement would rekindle some sort of animosity between the two? Of what benefit would this bring? I understand that you are trying to educate those around you... But I struggle to understand how bringing up such a painful part of the past that the two species clearly still feel tension over can be of any true use..."

Alim pauses, and then continues, with a slight tinge of hope in his voice. "Do you have other interests, Professor?"

You once again misunderstand. I know it is really hard for smaller minds to grasp, but I am not arguing right from wrong or moral standpoint at all. Morality means nothing as what we consider moral now will be judged barbaric in 50 years. We can not apply modern morals to historical situations. I am making the point that when you remove the idea of modern morals, you see that their actions make sense. I am arguing that their conclusion to exterminate the other race was logical, not "right" or "wrong".

Why bring this up? Because it is my job? Should I not teach true history because it might upset people? Should we go back and rewrite the books on history and remove any murder because that might offend someone? These are grad students. If their feeling get hurt by learning the truth, they don't belong here. I am not the one who made the statement public. I am not to blame for a student getting their feeling hurt over learn history in the context of history. That student made it public rather that discussing it. Who ever they are, they do not belong in this field. My job is not to keep peace between races, my job is to teach. I did exactly that.

Alim's final question seems out of no where and Ailabiens 21:2 looks puzzled at what Alim means by the question. Could you be more specific with your question, Alim the Pilgrim?

"... I understand that I am young and have much to learn about the ways of those different from myself. However, I wonder if you have taken into consideration whether or not your 'truth' was discussed among your colleagues before you disclosed this to your students. And what you believe to be true... well. That is one side of it. Could we not find someone else who might argue otherwise? But I digress...

While you may believe that student who disclosed this statement does not belong in your class, or in graduate school in general, it does not change the fact that what you have said has been brought to light. And while you may have feelings about those that you teach, the fact is that your statement is now out there, for all the pubic to see. And while you believe that logic is the way to go, the problem is that isn't how everyone thinks... or feels. Not even close. And now that others know where you stand, do you think they will take your work seriously? While you may not believe that being sentimental has a place, the truth is that the majority of the Pact Worlds do function on some level of feeling... And that is your typical audience. By coming out and saying things as you have, you have put a bad name out there for yourself, your colleagues, and the college that you work for... Do you really want all that you have worked for, all that you have accomplished to have been for naught?"

There is only one truth. There are not sides to truth. If you remove yourself and all emotions from your analysis, you find the unfiltered truth. And arguing with someone who brings emotions into the argument as the basis of their debate is pointless. And the only counter argument to my statement is from an emotional place. You can feel it is wrong all you want, that doesn't change reality. So I am not sure it would matter if I brought someone else in. Plus this was a small piece of a larger lecture. I am not going to start a pointless debate about every conclusion I make. If a student wants to challenge my conclusion, I encourage it... they just often choose not to as they end up looking like fools in front of the class. But that is how professionals deal with their issues. They will bring counter arguments up and dialog is started. Instead, this student took a snip of a lecture, removing all context and puts it out to the public. The whole point of the lecture is to say that context is more important than morals. And this "student", if you want to call them that since it is clear they have no interest in learning, posts a video with no context and appeals to the public's view of morality. The whole time he sends this telepathically, his voice stays level and it is the tone of someone trying to explain or educate rather than someone getting angry. He sighs, knowing that explaining this to you will not solve the problem.

I couldn't care less how the public sees me. They can write off the truth with their ignorance all they want. Any true scholar will recognize the my teachings for what they are. I am not here to tell people the things that makes them feel good or what they want to here. If teaching the truth invalidates my writings and teachings, then this society is already father gone than I realized. I would rather not teach at all than to teach the lies that it seems other want me to.

Honestly, I do not see this fiasco as a problem for my career besides the fact that our intolerant and stubborn chair has not let me teach or continue studies. She won't even listen to me.

"You are probably right that I do not fully understand the situation. But it seems that you valued teaching and researching. Would it not be logical to release a statement to the press that would make it possible for you to return to those activities? I would be happy to help craft such a statement in a way that would be truthful and sincere, without cowing to those of fragile mind." Dahlia offers.

That is a logical statement and truthful. I like the way you think, Dahlia the Starfinder. I believe you would make a wonderful student. I would happily sign that statement, under a few conditions. I tried to talk to Professor Muhali but she would not listen to a word I would say... she lets emotions cloud her judgment too much. For me to sign that, I need promise of three things; cancel my academic suspension, restore my access to the university’s restricted collections, and pardon the whole incident in my official record. I have a tenure review meeting coming up and would like this debacle to not follow me around. Do you think you could talk to her and get her to agree?

"I will speak with her on your behalf. She is eager to put this behind her and the institution. I will do my best."

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Taking the statement and conditions back to Professor Muhali, Dahlia does her best to convince the schools leader to agree, arguing that this is a good first step to ending an unpleasant situation.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

His first two demands, not that he is any place to make them, are okay. If he gives the statement, I will gladly let things go back to normal. But his last demand is too much. I don't think I could let this go without it being on his record.

You are able to make a second diplomacy check. The DC is higher if the same person makes both attempts. But Dahlia can aid someone else with no penalty.

"Would it be possible to remove the blemish, with the condition that if there is another incident within one year the matter will be permanently added to his record? That might encourage better behavior." Dahlia offers.

gonna post another diplomacy check, but as an assist (to Alim hopefully)

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

should I take a crack at assisting myself?

Alim gives a try at talking to Professor Muhali. Not really sure what he's saying, he's hopeful that between Dahlia's suggestion and his own words, the Professor will be moved to the conditions Dahlia has suggested...

Once Alim explains in detail what Dahlia is suggesting, Professor Muhali seems to lighten up. I don't like this, but I guess it is best to put this behind us. I like the idea of giving him a probation of sorts.

So the result of this would be running back and forth relaying messages and such a couple of time, something that would take minutes at a table and could take a week here. I am going to pretty summarize that process. Feel free to retcon if you want to do something like ask a question.

The gang returns to Ailabiens 21:2 telling him that Professor Muhali agreed to the conditions. I will gladly give this statement in front of a camera to finally clear this up. For all your help in this, I do have something for you. I believe labor should always be rewarded. [/b A cred stick flies up from the messy desk and floats towards you. [b]This is the payment I got for a recent guest lecture I did. Please take it.

With Ailabiens 21:2 agreed to give the statement, the group sees Professor Muhali again. That is delightful. I will have his resources restored. Also, to thank you for helping me out of that pickle, take this. She hands Alim a mk 1 ring of resistance. Just a left over trinket from a recent grant. Now on to the more important stuff, you came here for a reason. Zan's adventure is what drew you here correct? Well Ailabiens 21:2 may be able to help you with some of the research as he is probably one of the few people here who has read Zan's original notes before the edits by the government. But we also have an expert on Ukulam working here who might also be of use. I will look into setting a meeting up with her while you meet with Ailabiens 21:2 again.

Going back to Ailabiens 21:2, he is able to provide you more details about Zan's notebook. This imparts a mechanical benefit I will discuss when later.

Getting back to Professor Muhali, you see she is clearly distraught. It seems that Doctor Olmehya Solstarni has left two days ago for a sabbatical. She shouldn't of left for that for another couple of months. And I never approved of an early leave. This is unlike her, so I tried reaching out to her family and friends and no one seems to know where she is. This truly worrisome. I know you have already done a lot for us here, but may I ask another favor of you? I am going to report her missing to the police, but can you have a look around Dr. Solstarni office, she reaches out to hand you a key card, maybe you can find something here. I only ask because you have been useful so far and I have a hunch that this mystery may be related to your mission.

Like I said before, feel free to post about anything in that big post and we will go from there.

"You have been most accommodating so far, we would be happy to look into this matter for you." Dahlia ssys, taking the card. "We will address this presently and report our findings.

----

The crew heads right to the office, gaining access with the card and making a thorough search. taking 20

While they search, Dahlia slips the key card to Hux, whispering "see if you can replicate this, we may have use for one in the future"

It being a key card rather than a physical key makes it a lot harder to replicate without proper equipment. The easiest way to do it would either find the machine that created the key the first place or take the key off campus and hope you can find someone shady who has the right equipment and pay to have it replicated. The other way I could think would be buying the machine for yourself as this may not be the only time you come to this problem, but that is an expensive route and it may take a lot of time to find get a hold of the machine. On the other hand, Hux is pretty sure he could use an engineering check to physically mess with the locking mechanism to open it.

The key pops the door right open. This office is in disarray, with cabinet doors ajar, several stone artifacts scattered across the floor from open archival drawers, and a traveling bag open and half-packed. The computer on the desk at the far end of the room is dark, but a diode at its base blinks regularly.

Just looking around, it appears that someone was packing quickly and erratically—perhaps even ransacking the room.

With Dahlia's search she finds, One of the cabinets is ajar and contains a set of basic lashunta tempweave fitted for a kasatha, though it has fallen from its hanger as if someone tried to grab it in a hurry.

She also notices a slight dent in the carbon fiber cabinet where it appears that someone collided violently with the furniture.

Dahlia also finds under a cabinet, a printed out invitation. It was to Solstarni to meet with someone named Dr. Eyrub Paqual at a cafe called the Five Arches in Qabarat’s Gateway District 2 days ago to appraise several artifacts he had recovered. If Dahlia had to guess, it seems this paper was hidden there intentionally, not dropped.

Lastly, she finds some printed scans of Halkueem Zan’s notebooks marked in red pen. Having seen the full notebook, you know that this is only a portion of her notes. Even so, these notes include both some duplicates of the stolen research and some unique conclusions that are sufficient to allow you to chart a course from Turhalu Point to, as Zan described it, the “accursed pyramid city of Loskialua.” The notes helpfully writes that this regards what’s now known as the Oatia culture, a poorly understood dynasty of elven immigrants to Ukulam. These notes also give a mechanical benefit that I will discuss later. They also give you enough information that you can leave the college now and find your way to the ruins you are looking for. The biggest hurdle is that travel is still restricted to Ukulam so you would either need to go illegally, or find a way to get permission. On the other hand, you can stay here and finish the investigation.

"We should return to the headmasters office and discuss what we have discovered here. Prof. Muhali should know that her friend is likely in danger."

is it possible to hire an Ukulam to escort us?

We go back and report to Muhali first, re-securing the room before we leave.

You would be able to look around, but Ukulam is not inhabited, at least not by any modern civilization that people know of.

You meet Muhali in the hall way as she is heading to you. I already called the police, they should be here shortly. You explain what you find. This is very odd. Dr. Solstarni is very organized and has never been into trouble before. I wonder if this has to do with your mission as well. Maybe someone else had the same idea as you to investigate the language using our resources. Who knows? I knew I could count on the Starfinder's to help. I really do appreciate what you are doing here.

Within a few moments, (Feel free to ask any questions of her before this happens) a campus officer shows up. Assuming you fill him in, Ahh this is interesting... and way out of the league of the parking infractions or "bullying" I normally get called about... He looks a bit concerned. Show me what you found in the office, please.

He looks over the room for any further evidence you may of missed. You seemed to of gathered all the physical details but he sits down at the computer and types away. Ahh, apprently she has a planned sabbatical in a few months but that doesn't explain her disappearance... He keep typing. Well this is interesting... there is a letter from Muhali, dated two days ago giving Dr. Solstarni permission to leave for sabbatical early. Come take a look.

The letter is signed from Professor Muhali giving Dr. Solstarni permission to leave two months early signed two days ago. That would put Solstarni on sabbatical now. The reason given is to take advantage of special conditions in the field. Make a computers check.

The detective continues to search the computer. He find a series of 15 messages exchanged between Dr. Solstarni and a person named Dr. Eyrub Paqual regarding Solstarni’s research into the ancient elven settlements of Ukulam. The exchanges begin fairly cordially as Paqual and Solstarni discussed minor details of interest from the minimal research published about these sites. As the discussion continued, however, Paqual grew more insistent and attempted to cajole the kasatha to meet with him at a cafe called the Five Arches in Qabarat’s Gateway District 2 days ago to appraise several artifacts he had recovered. Solstarni refused, citing a busy schedule. You recognize the invitation to be the same that was printed out and left under a cabinet. Make a sense motive check

Hey, Starfinders, want to do me a favor while I start up a report on this? Can you go down to see the receptionist and ask about access to the security cameras? There should cameras in all the hallways and stairways, but we do not put any in the offices. Just go fast forward through the video to see if there is anything suspicious.

sorry, I thought ukulam was a people and a place. Not just a place.

"If your associate was abducted by those seeking to abuse her knowledge, they are most likely headed to the temple in Ukulam. Would you like us to investigate? "

Elves lived there at one point, but the tree major races of this planet all agreed to leave Ukulam alone and now is a protected environmental area enforced by the governments. Besides researchers, there shouldn't be anyone living there.

I am assuming you are talking to Muhali. I have a hunch you are correct but there is a lot of loose ends here. We do not really have any evidence that what happened is related to Ukulam. Don't you think we should finish investigating here before going on a wild hunt in Ukulam?

"Of course, that does seem more prudent. How soon can we get access to the security videos? Did Dr. Solstarni have family in the area? Is there any record of correspondence that may give us clues as to who she might be with? Did she have a residence nearby?"

Sorry if my post on thursday was confusing. Pretty much, the detective asked you to go talk to the receptionist (who you already met during the whole journalist frescoes downstairs) for access to the security camera and to watch for anything unusual. He also asked you to look at the conversation found on the computer. Make a sense motive and a computer check.

Muhali seems seriously concerned for her colleague and does not have any information she isn't sharing. Ikimsi, the receptionist should be able to help you with the cameras. Dr. Solstarni has family on this planet but not in this city. She never married or anything like that. My post on thursday explained the messages back and for between her and someone else... Muhali wouldn't know anything about that.

sense motive : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18computer check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

When Tool reads over the messages between Dr. Solstarni and Dr. Eyrub Paqual. As he reads over them, he thinks Dr. Solstarni's message conveys she was feeling increasingly skeptical about Paqual’s motives.

When Tool looks over the signed form saying that Dr. Solstarni is allowed to leave early for her sabbatical, he notices a few inconsistencies making him believe it is a forgery.

"Well, this is more evidence that Dr. Solstarni was taken against her will. Perhaps we could take a look at Dr. Paquals office as well?"

Muhali responds to Dahlia. I have never heard the name Dr. Paqual before. I know for sure he is not a professor here. Maybe you can look into information about him on the infosphere.

computers: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30 to search the infosphere.

Hux is a wiz on the computer and quickly digs up info on Eyrub Paqual. He find a series of articles about elven ruins he has published over the past 6 years. At first blush, he appears to be a moderately well-established academic. However, most of his articles appear in poorly vetted journals or cite him as one of numerous secondary authors. He also notices a few inconsistencies in his online bios and records, suggesting he might be entirely fictitious. But you are unable to tie him to any real identity.

"This 'Paqual' fellow seems unlikely to even exist. Shall we attempt to search Solstarni's home for more clues? I'm not sure where else to go from here. Detectiving isn't my strong suit."

You are still asked to talk to the receptionist about the video cameras.

Katara heads down to the receptionist and asks to look through the video footage around Dr. Solstarni office while Hux tries to search up this mysterious person.

The receptionist is very happy to see the group who saved him from the mob a couple hours ago. When Katara asks for the tapes, he gladly leads you in to the room with a TV and a computer. He shows you how to play back and all the functions needed to watch the security camera. I hope everything is okay... No one ever asks to come in here!

After watching for a bit, you notice a trio of korasha lashuntas carrying heavy backpacks and wearing uniforms entered the building 2 days ago in the late evening—after all reception personnel had left. They then took the stairs up, but there seems to be no footage of them on other floors or even leaving the building. That seems to be the only suspicious event that you found besides the mob this morning.

Make a culture check to recognize the uniform. Also go ahead and make a computer check or perception (I am assuming you all are together so anyone can make these checks.

computers: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"We should search the buildings roof, they may still be there."

Hux is on his A game. As he is watching, he is able to point out tons of inconsistencies in video as starting as soon as the people enter the stair well. It appears like the footage is looped for a couple of hours before returning to normal. After looking at the meta data, he is able to confirm that a skilled hacker managed to get into the system and mess with the video. The IP was being bounced around so much that it becomes impossible to trace the origin of the hack, so you do learn that this person is clearly someone who knows computers and has money at their disposal. The other thing to note is that since the video didn't get altered until the three people showed up, it seems like the hacker was on site and was unable to alter already recorded data.

Dahlia is able to get access to the roof of the building, but nothing appears to be out of the norm up there. There does not appear to be any recent activity, besides there is one spot that gives a great view of the city, and that seems to be a common hangout of students between classes.

I need a culture check to recognize the uniforms. Once that is done, I will make a post summarize all the evidence you have collected thus far.

Hux snaps the best picture of the three men off the footage he can find with his com unit and while they are investigating the roof he approaches several of the students and showing them the picture asks if any of them have seen the men around or recognize where the uniform came from. 

Like the creative solution here. Make me a diplomacy check to convince others to help you.

culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Dahlia recognizes the uniform as belonging to the Gateway District’s Port Authority.

After asking around for a few minutes, Hux comes to the same conclusion.

I will summarize the details of the investigation so far.

We go to the port authority with the video, show it to them and ask if we can talk to those officers.

It is not hard to find the Port Authority of the Gateway District. This district gets it's name from the fact that it hosts many portals to many locations. The details are kept pretty well under wraps. The public knows that this is the fastest and most convenient way to travel, but that it is highly regulated by the government and normally expensive. The Port Authority are the ones in charge of regulating the portals as there are no traditional ports in this district.

Once you arrive, you can easily flag down an employee. Once Dahlia starts talking, the worker looks confused. Here let me get my manager, I am not sure I am allowed to give away any information. I is clear that he is a low level worker who has almost no authority. It may be a bit though. Management is swamped around here... He scrambles off to collect his manager. Feel free to ask him any more questions before he runs off.

It talks about an hour before someone comes up to you. It is a female damaya lashunta. She looks at the group, The name is Raiyiri, and I am a Gate Controller here. What do you need from me? She is dressed very professionally and seems to take her job very seriously.

"Thank you for your time, Raiyiri, We know you are busy and will try to be brief. A few days ago a professor went missing from the University. # Lashuntas can be seen entering her building at the time of her disappearance, but the rest of the video is compromised. The Lashuntas were wearing port authority uniforms, so we are trying to track them down for questioning. Can you look at this video and tell us where to find them?"

I am dubious of any of my employees abusing their uniforms to break into the school. I run a tight shift around here. Let me see the video.

She watches the video, thought the camera doesn't get the most clear shot of any faces. None of them look like my guys. I think we got some impostors on our hands. Give me one moment, I will look up the assignment logs. She spends a few moments looking at her computer. No one was tasked with going to the school that night, so we shouldn't of been there. Everyone on shift was accounted for, as the record for their work seems to be in order.

Sorry, this one seems to not be my guys. I am not sure why they would use this disguise, but I am pretty sure that is what happened. Seems like if you are going to impersonate some officer, it would make sense to be someone with a bit more authority than what we get! She lets out a laugh. Our jurisdiction is pretty much limited to this building.

I am more than happy to offer any assistance in this case, but I am not sure there is much more I can do without more info. Any questions?

"Thank you for your help. I was afraid this might be the case. We will keep you postrd and return or destroy the uniforms if we are able to track them down."

what do we know about this '5 arches' place? Can we go there? Or look for it on the web?