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In strides a tall, four-armed kasatha, a small orb of utter blackness and a clear spindle aeon stone orbiting his elongated head like small moons. He wears a mask that covers his entire face, instead of just his mouth like most others of his race. He wears a variety of weapons and a pulsecaster pistol on his belt, and a standard issue backpack that doesn't even look half-full.
"Greetings, fellow Starfinders. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Chirrk Do'Tak, and I am, of course, a solarian." He makes an absent-minded motion towards the graviton orb above his head.
"I am recently returned from Akiton - the town of Tasch, to be precise - on Society business. Now I am here, awaiting my next mission. But enough about me. Tell me about yourself..."
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A thoroughly glammed up halfling woman bounds into the room, hair bouncing wildly around her as she beams at the Kasatha with a holo-enhanced smile, Hiya Chirrk! Glad to work a gig with you! She turns to the others, I'm Vixi Trixen, yes that Vixi Trixen, autographs after the briefing please; anyone know what the show is today?
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A human with an visible augmentation on the side of his face steps in trying to tinker with his customized rig. He spots Vixi and feels glad to see his fellow Dataphiles member once again.
"Greetings, Vixi. That was one invigorating mission we just finished up in Tasch, wasn't it? How are you catching up?"
He turns to the Kasatha and introduces himself. "Greetings to you too. I'm Mobius Caslan and this is my Modular Interface Conducting Hyperintelligence, or as I like to call her, M.I.C.H." He gestures to his augmentation.
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Lynn is sitting on a plastic couch, swinging her feet up and down in front of her, when she spots Chirrk coming in. Her face breaks into a grin and she bounces to her feet to skip on over to the kasatha. "Hey there Chirrk! You look a lot better than when I left you!" She leans down to look at the spot where Chirrk was brutally stabbed on their last adventure. She purses her lips as she inspects the area, humming a little to herself. "Wow, it's like it never happened." She slaps the spot lightly with one hand, looks up at Chirrk's mask with a mischievous grin, and giggles "You sir are made of some stern stuff!"
Lynn has the appearance of a young human girl of about 15 or 16 years of age, with pale skin and finely defined features. She has a skinny build with long and delicate limbs, and her bright green eyes shine with boisterous enthusiasm. Her long turquoise hair is currently tied back into a loose trellis of ribbons and silvery beads, positively laid back by her standards (in comparison to what Chirrk saw last time) and she's wearing a long glossy dress of electric blue, covered in yet more ribbons. Her outfit looks entirely impractical for adventuring.
Upon noticing the other two Starfinders, Lynn raises a hand and gives them a cheery wave. Her eyes grow wide at spotting Vixi and she scampers over to greet the halfling first. "Oh my gosh! Vixi! I'm a huge fan!" She grabs the halfling's hands in both of hers "I look up to you so much!" She looms over the halfling "Or should I say, I look down on you so much! You look a lot taller in your vids." A giggle makes it clear that her comment is lighthearted.
You get the feeling that she's well aware of the insult.
With a final squeeze of the halfling's hands, Lynn pulls back and gives Vixi a sunny smile. "I'm really looking forward to working with you! This is going to be great!"
She looks over the halfling at Mobius and then rushes over to shake one of his hands in both of hers. "Nice to meet you Mobius! Your little MICH looks really cool, really elegant! She's an AI then? Can she talk?" Lynn leans in towards Mobius and makes a tiny, cute wave at the augmentation "Hi there MICHY!"
"Oh, gosh I got a bit carried away." Her grin turns sheepish "I'm Lynn, nice to meet you all. Although I've been on a mission or two, I'm still a newbie here. I hope I can rely on your support!"
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Vixi waves excitedly at Mobius, Hiya Moby, glad to see we've got a reunion tour going on!
The beaming halfling decides to lean into Lynn's greeting, laughing along with her short joke, which Vixi's definitely never heard before.
Well you know how it is, a good performance should leave everyone thinking you're larger than life. Just imagine if the most exciting thing about you were your outfit! Who does handle your wardrobe by the way?
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"Yes, Lynn, the medi-bots and my superior physiology patched me up quite nicely. It is good to travel with you again. Your ability to really connect with the inner strengths and fears of your audience is almost legendary - and sure to become so if I have any say in the matter!" Chirrk hugs Lynn with all four of his arms, literally wrapping her up!
He turns to Vixi and Mobius, offering a hand to each. "I look forward to getting to know you and working together. Lynn and I were also recently in Tasch - an interesting spot. Although I do prefer the climate and geography there...much more to my liking with the open skies, dry air, and the natural beauty of the never-ending dunes of red."
He then stands aside as Lynn and Vixi start their noodling. If you could actually see Chirrk's face, his eyes would be rolling at the seemingly inane love-fest going on between Lynn and Vixi...but luckily for him, the lenses of his mask block the sight.
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Mobius gets a firm grip on the Kasatha's extended hand and shakes it appreciatively. "Looking forward to working with you too. Always a pleasure to be of service to everyone."
He then turns to Lynn. "Yes, she is my AI. Her speech is still in the works so for now she can only communicate directly to my cerebral cortex. There is good progress though and with a few more resources, I might be able to make her speak A.S.A.P."
A soft code-like sound can be heard from the augmentation and Mobius smiles. "She is grateful for your compliment and is excited to work with everybody."
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Lynn beckons the newcomer over to the group with another wave "Nice to meet you Bixbie! No need to be so serious, none of us bite! I think?" She looks over her shoulder at Vixi and Mobius "MICHY doesn't have bite functionality yet, does she?" She gives Mobius a brief mischievous grin before taking and shaking one of Bixbie's furry hands energetically.
"I'm Lynn! Is Bix OK?"
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With a slow but steady pace a nearly non-descript human man enters the room, his figure hidden in traveling robes and a hood. He silently looks around until he finaly lowers the hood with both hands, showing his weathered face with deep blue eyes in which tiny sparks seem to glow like stars.
Greetings, my name is Hyong Yeon Yeol, savant of the stars and the void in between, sent here to support this mission.
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 our 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?”
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Chirrk bows to Luwazi Elsebo, saying, "An honor to meet you in person, First Seeker. I am yours. We will succeed in this task!"
He turns to the Acquisitives faction leader and nods solemnly. "Will your Obsidian Spiders be in a uniform, or otherwise tagged so that we may know them if things get shiny? I would fight to protect the guests and do not wish a fratricide, either. Of course, I will defer to your command authority tonight unless we are in extremis."
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Lynn pulls her datapad out and starts typing as she waits for the last of their team to arrive. When he finally does, she waits until Chirrk is done, and then pockets her datapad and comes forward.
She takes a couple of steps around Hyong to look at the newcomer from some different angles. She looks a bit puzzled, but says "Nice to meet you Hyong. I'm..." She seems to be at a loss for words. "I'm Lynn."
She reaches over to clasp his hand. While holding it, she leans in and whispers "I really like your Ol' Ben Canoli cosplay! And you're so committed to role play! I liked that line about stars and void, it was really cool! I didn't think many people were still fans of the old Stellar Strife holodramas." She gives him a big grin and a conspiratorial wink.
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Standing in front of the two Starfinder leaders, Lynn's energy is toned down just a little. "Hi there Luwazi, Radaszam! Laboni not causing trouble anymore hopefully?"
Once the briefing begins in earnest, she listens with interest at the description of the event. She hums questioningly at Radaszam's announcement that he's providing security but doesn't follow it up with a question. She clasps her hands together in excitement at the announcement that the party is to provide a good impression to some of the guests. "Nice! Not the normal kind of society work, that's for sure. Sounds exciting!" She grins at Luwazi "And perfect for me and Vixi here! Could you send me the files on those guys?" Lynn pulls out her own datapad to take a look at the info in more detail.
As she reads the names she tries to supplement the data with any of her own knowledge.
After thinking about the list for a bit, Lynn chimes in with "So, what's the big announcement Luwazi? Something that'll affect these five? Something... controversial enough that Radaszam had to bring his 'spiders' onto the job?" She taps the tip of her datapad to her chin "If you'd like, we could do a show or something. Help break the ice with these guys." Lynn glances at Vixi "Together?"
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Hyong Yeon looks surprised as Lynn whispers to him and replies.
Lynn. I think i saw you before. You´re a wayfinder as well. PLease accept my apologies, but i don´t know the references you made.
He looks a bit uncomfortable.
Did i really say something about stars and the void? Ah you know, that´s where i draw my mystical powers from. Similar to a, ehm, Solarian a bit.
But i´m also really interested in exploration and unvoncering ancient secrets. Especially ancient arcane mysteries, the forbidden knowledge of the past. That´s why i became a wayfinder and joined the Starfinder Society.
He smiles back, a bit less uncomfortable now.
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I´m probably not the best talker, but i think i can help with some knowledge and i´m really good at understanding persons.
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Lynn giggles at Hyong's confusion and whispers "Oh never mind. I just saw the look and thought... Well, maybe after this mission you could pull up an old episode of Stellar Strife and you'd know what I mean?"
Out loud she responds "Its great to have another Wayfinder with us!" and pats him delicately on the back while giving the slightly uncomfortable looking fellow a welcoming smile.
Luwazi laughs when Lynn asks about the announcement “It would spoil all the fun if I told you now, wouldn’t it? Sorry, you’ll have to wait a few hours like everyone else.”
Iteration-177: 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: 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.
Royo: 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.
Ykris: 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!: 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.
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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.
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Bix listens quietly to the briefing and his fellow, obviously more experienced, companions as the details are made clear. Feeling a gut-wrenching mix of exhilaration and nervous terror he edges closer to Hyong, who seems just as new as himself. Radaszam is here!? I have to find a way to impress the leader of my faction...
Following his companions to the soiree, he peers nervously around the room, looking for the five guests, as the door opens to the Skyreach Room.
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Mobius peers nervously around the room. He's really not used to mingling with large groups of people. He turns to his ysoki companion. "Hey there! You alright, Bix? Look, uh...I'm not really that comfortable conversing with people. Could we team up for a bit so that we could make sure that we have each other's backs? As for impressing the guests, who do you think should we go to first?"
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Hyong Yeon looked Lynn up and down, his face an unreadable mask.
You´re an android right? You look pretty young. If you insist perhaps we could do some Stellar Strife together, with you explaining me the cultural notions. I´m not sure i would understand them on my own. I´ts indeed great not to be the only Wayfinder.
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Clever move to ask about the announcement Lynn. I wonder what it will be that they need such security. Obsidian Spiders and us as a back-up. Interesting. In terms of bragging and impressing, perhaps i can interest Iteration-177 into some details about my, ehm, a certain faith and the miracles of the void. Might be better if someone else helps with the talking though, i have some social anxieties sometimes.
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Noticing the Ysoki edging closer, Hyong Yeon asks him:
Are you nervous? Is anything wrong? If you need some help, just ask!
He looks around as well.
Might be best if we stay together, just in case. I have a feeling... and if it´s just to give each other backup with talking.
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Chirrk surveys the room and identifies their five "targets," where they are, and who they are talking with. He also scopes out the tactical layout of the room, including entry and exit points, defensible positions, and potential hidden areas in the walls or ceiling. And, of course, he samples the food and drinks as they circulate.
After several minutes, he is ready to begin mingling...
With regards to the performance, Luwasi says Look, you don't need my permission for anything. It's a gala dinner, though, not a Strawberry Machine Cake concert. Do whatever you deem appropriate, just don't alienate the guests.
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Bixbie, Hyong and Mobius seem to gravitate towards one particular inconspicuous corner of the room, while Chirrk easily spots the five guests-of-interest.
The venue is a long hall, which a stage sets up with a lectern at the far end.
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Mustering enough courage, Mobius joins Chirrk through the hall and starts mingling. CeriCore Labs? I haven't heard of the institution but the name is of great interest of mine.
He greets those whom he meets as he searches for Ykris. Finally, he sees the half-elf in one corner of the room. "Err, excuse me. Mr. Ykris...sir. I'm Mobius Caslan of the Starfinder Society. I've heard that your corporation, CeriCore Labs, has made great donations to the Society and I, myself, am interested as to what your corporation is all about. I'm a biologist myself and I would really like to know more about your projects, if you don't mind."
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Lynn ends up joining Vixi, taking a seat at the edge of the stage. She takes a long minute to look around the room to take stock of the audience. Once she spots each of the key guests she points them out to Vixi and starts to flick through files on her datapad.
"Hey Vixi, let's alternate so that we both get a chance to talk to the guests as well. Oh and, I think I have the perfect song for this kind of mood... something nice and relaxed." Lynn pulls an old-timey microphone out of her pack, heads on over the amps, and plugs everything together. She leans over and whispers to Vixi "I'll go first if you don't mind? I'll be your opening act." She grins and winks at Vixi.
With a quick tap of her hooked-up datapad, some backing music begins to flow. Lynn elegantly steps forward on stage and ♫♪begins to sing♫♪.
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Looking around if Bixbie joins or not, Hyong Yeon searches Iteration-177 and tries to involve him into a conversation.
Ahem. Iteration-177, nice to meet you! I´m Hyong Yeon Yeol of the Starfinder Society. I hope you are enjoying this gala! I was made aware that you are interested in religious artifacts and connections, which is a lucky coincidence, because i once was on Aucturn and happen to have some acquaintances there in the church of the Dark Pharao, who heroishly fight off the Dark Dominion there under the great leadership of his greatness Carsai!
If willing to listen, Hyong Yeol continues to tell stories about services and practices of the church of the Dark Pharao.
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Vixi thinks hard, trying to figure out a way for being an opening act to be the better one, but instead decides that Lynn's probably not trying to trick her.
Figuring that Hyong Yeon, Chirrk, and Mobius can handle Iteration-177, she heads over to the media mogul. Even if he's not a Starfinder fan, he's gotta hear from Vixi T!
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Yeon Yeol and Iteration-177
Iteration-177 wears their sleek dark hair pulled back, in a sharp contrast to their silvery skin and the android’s signature circuitry pattern shining nearly white. They wear Absalom Station’s latest fashions in shades of black, white, and gray.
The pleasure is all mine, Iteration-177 responds, you see, this is why I value the Society so much, their ability to recognise talented and interesting individuals like yourself. Tell me, have you been a member for long? You must stories of you missions to share! I wonder what their next big discovery will be...
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Mobiuss, Chirrk and Ykris
Ykris appears as an iridescent, segmented insect clinging to the scalp of a clean- cut, immaculately dressed half-elf man. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that many of Ykris’s spiny legs pierce the man’s skin and deeply into his flesh, particularly along the base of the man’s skull and down the back of his neck.
A biologist, we mploy many of your kind in our company. You see, Cericorp specialises in in implants, direct neurological implants to be precise. They truly are the technology of the future!
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Vixi and Zo!, Lynn and the Stage
Originally one of Eox’s native elebrians, Zo! retains the characteristic appearance of that race even in undeath: an elegant build with refined features and an extended cranium. His face now bears a permanent rictus grin, which adds another level of enthusiasm to his exaggerated interactions.
Oh, hey there, Vixi Trixen! You've got a good show there, he says, pointing at the stage where Lynn is singing. I must admit that I have come to expect something from the Starfinder Society, but I am Buh-Loh-Wun away.
You for instance, you've got potential. I can see you have the entire music thing, bright smile and moxie, but with SMC dominating the charts as they do, I see something different in you. You see, I've got great vision. That moon you discovered, what was its name again? I'm saying ACTION SURVIVAL REALITY!
The makes a gesture around his head Kaboosh! Mind blown! So here I am, and I've got my eye out for talent. I'm thinking lots of action scenes, explosions here and there, goblins... So show me what you got!
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Bix and the dark corner of the room
--- (Round 1) ---
Hyong Yeon Yeol (Myst 17 vs It177)
Trixi (Prof 29 vs Zo!)
Lynn (Prof 19 vs Zo!)
Mobius (pending)
Chirrk (pending)
Bix (pending)
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Mobius listens intently and seems amazed at the technology being introduced by Ykris. "That sounds amazing! I myself have programmed an artificial intelligence and decided to implant it on my cerebral cortex. It has helped me enhance my memory and has even helped me during my adventures."
He gets his custom rig and shows him recent piloting guides that he uploaded in his AI. "As of now, I have uploaded piloting guides in my module to help me fly one of the Society's starships. If you don't mind me asking, how does your company go about in attaching your implants to the nervous system?"
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Bix battles with his inner struggle for a moment more, then with a sigh, he moves into the crowd and searches out one of his own kind, Royo.
Once found, he politely bows to the Ysoki and says. "Greetings sir. I am called Bixbie and am a newer member of the Society. It is comforting to meet another ysoki at an event such as this. I understand you are a scholar of.....things not so technologically involved. Fascinating and a point of view I can appreciate as I am trained in the martial side of things. If tech weapons or equipment fail, one has to rely on what you have at hand."
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Lynn continues her performance, but keeps an ear open for what Vixi and Zo! are talking about. Zo!'s mention of abandoning music in favor of some kind of action survival reality show sets her mouth into a momentarily dissatisfied twist before she regains her composure. Seeing more or less nothing of interest in the undead mogul, she focuses instead on picking up the gist of other conversations across the room.
"♫--Moments of calm
Nothing left to be found
A mirror right in front of me
That's where I find...--♪"
--- Mobius, Chirrk and Ykris ---
It's a direct interface. Bio-inspired, I might, by my own symbiosis. You see, my species requires a host for most complex functions. The half-elf looks at Chirrk, with the insect-like creature stirring ever so slightly are you talking about the impants we produce, or the nature of my symbiotic relationship? The two are every similar. As a symbiot, I share one mind with my host, the end result being a sum of motoric skills and thought that is more than the sum of its parts.
The concept is not easy to explain, experiencing first hand is far more insightful. If you wish, I would offer that you act as my host for a minute. That would be sufficient to grant you some insight into how the symbiosis works.
---Bixbie and Royo---
Royo wears immaculate formalwear about 20 years out of date; his tawny fur is beginning to go silver around his whiskers and paws. He wears elegant spectacles, having refused corrective surgeries due to the hours or even days in which he would be unable to read following such a procedure. Tucked beneath one arm is a small folio of physical paper. He stands among a circle of scholars engaged in an exuberant discussion of esoteric topics.
As Bixbie approaches him, Royo responds, somewhat dismissively yes? Interesting... then turns back to his discussion partners ..as I was saying, I firmly hold the belief that information should be freely accessible...
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--- (Round 1) ---
Hyong Yeon Yeol (Myst 17 vs It177)
Trixi (Prof 29 vs Zo!)
Lynn (Prof 19 vs Zo!)
Mobius (pending)
Chirrk (dip 22 vs Ykris
Bix (pending)
---(round 2) ---
HYY
Trixi
Lynn (performance)
Mobius
Chirrk
Bix
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