[SFS] The Commencement (Inactive)

Game Master Matthais777

You've done it. Weeks of hard, intense training in the basics of the Starfinder Society have lead to this day. Your commencement! The instructors had been open and honest... after the Scoured Stars wiped out most of the Starfinders, the Starfinders are desperate to rebuild their numbers, and your training may have been... abridged slightly.

But you've done it, and now it's time to earn your Starfinder Society Symbol. You've been summoned to the Lorespire Complex's Central chamber, and you wait patiently for all your new comrades to arrive before you receive your first mission, and begin your commencement into the Starfinder Society.

Introduce yourself and interact with your fellows! Once your all here, we'll officially begin.

Flenn sits in a chair, waiting. He wears some heavily modified hidden soldier armor. The breastplate has been adjusted to accommodate Flenn's two armors, with the locations of the other arms sealed off. The helmet has also been modified, increasing the size of the eye slit to allow for greater visibility.

His face is exposed now, his helmet and rebreather dangling over his right shoulder. His face has a faint green coloration to it, and is heavily traced with circuitry, alternating between a darker shade of green and a silver metallic color. For a moment, he might even be taken as an android, but his facial expressions are not the muted ones of the androids, and closer inspection makes it clear that this circuitry are merely tattoos. His ears and cheeks are both heavily pierced with metal studs.

He is currently holding a set of tools, making adjustments to the used pulsecaster rifle that sits across his lap. These appear to be mostly cosmetic adjustments, affixing some intimidating spikes along the side of the rifle.

The breastplate is modified to accommodate Flenn's two ARMS, not two armors. This was posted at basically the moment of a site crash - honestly, I didn't even think that it had gotten submitted correctly, because it immediately crashed - so I couldn't make the edit.

Orianna sits cross legged on the floor in the corner. She has her calloused hands clasped in her lap and seems to be praying fervently. Her clothes are incredibly old fashioned, in faded shades of green and gold. Her dark brown hair is pulled into thick braids, each of which winds around a golden disk etched with dwarven sigils. She's squat and sturdy, even for a dwarf. Around her neck is a chain with two more golden disks upon it: one is the holy symbol of Angradd, a guardian of dwarves, and the other is of Torag, a dwarven deity no one has heard of since the Gap. Both holy symbols look old and crudely forged.

After a short time she opens her eyes, stands up, and brushes off her clothes. She squints, seeming unused to the bright lights of the room. She cocks her head at Flenn's unusual appearance, then stares for a while. She seems to be thinking about something. Eventually she walks up to him.

"You look strange. Explain." She says in a serious voice. After a moment she adds a "Please." Her words are heavily accented. Clearly common is not her primary language.

Flenn finishes adhering a spike to his rifle, then turns his eye toward Orianna. He chuckles and replies, in Dwarven,

He shrugs, then says in common, speaking slowly. "Just some orc blood mixed with some tats and some piercings, and too much time on my hands, that's all, love." He extends a hand with work gloves that have the fingertips removed, revealing fingers that are similarly tattooed. "Name's Flenn. New recruit to the Starfinder Society ... like yourself, I'd wager, eh?" He smiles a smile of jagged , yellowed teeth, a couple with metal replacements. "What rock you fall off of? Or did you jump?"

A dwarf arrives adorned in a finely-tailored suit. He speaks into a comm link as he enters.

"Look, just tell the tenants that they should just get used to the smell. Why would they expect me to do anything about it? I'm just an archaic dwarf. I was trapped in a simulation all my life until I was rescued by some scientists..."

As he speaks, Keyrock looks up and spots Orianna. He seems to freeze for a moment, then quickly adds, "I've arrived at the meeting--very important--already started. Got to go." He hurriedly shuts off the comm link and pockets it.

Turning away from the other dwarf for a moment, Keyrock extends out a hand to Flenn. "Greetings! Hi! The name's Keyrock... Keyrock Marbleheart--Attorney at Law. Yeah, that one--from Salvation's End. Perhaps, you've seen my ads?" He reaches into a pocket and produces a card.

The entryway darkens as it is filled by the large form of a Nuar. Standing over seven feet tell, he ducks a little to enter. His snow white fur stands in stark contrast to his dark armor. He carries a pike nearly as tall as he is, and has a gear bag and rifle slung over his shoulder.

He speaks in common, "I hope I am not late." He scans the room, nodding to those present. "I am Asterion." Doing a double-take he looks back at Flenn

Flenn shakes Keyrock's hand, then takes the card and glances at it briefly before slipping it into a pouch on his tool belt. "Never met a dwarf lawyer before. On Apostae, all the lawyers are Drow."

Orianna smiles in relief and shakes Flenn's hand.

She pauses and purses her lips. After a moment she adds,

At the sight of Keyrock Orianna stops talking abruptly. She purses her lips at his words, then crosses her arms as she waits for a lull in the conversation. She reaches out a hand to Keyrock, shakes his hand, then pulls him in for a hug.

How did he adapt so quickly! Angradd give me strength...

At the sight of Asterion, Orianna cocks her head at him and stares. Eventually she strides forward and returns his nod of greeting. "Greetings, Asterion. I am Orianna Marbleheart. I have never met your kind. What are you?" Her common is heavily accented.

At the sound of the orc tongue she can't help but recoil in shock. It takes her a moment, but she forces herself to relax. She says nothing to explain her behaviour.

Keyrock nods to Flenn. "And now that you sre on Absalom Station, you're looking for new counsel?" the dwarf inquires, seeking to solicit a potential retainer.

He next turns to Asterion, offering another card. "Legal woes, My Friend? Need representation?" he asks. "A mishap in a china shop, perhaps?"

Noting Orianna's shock, Asterion turns to her. "Well met, Orianna. My kind are called Nuar, and like your people we come from lost Golarion. While our numbers are few, I am surprised you are unfamiliar with us."

When offered, Asterion refuses Keyrock's card, frowning at his joke. "Thank you, but no."

"I am..." Orianna purses her lips and searches for the right words. "I have a lot to learn. Can you teach me of your people?"

Radokama arrives at the Lorespire Complex and looks around. Although slightly small for a vesk, he is still much larger than the average human on Absalom Station, and the bulky golemforged plating he wears over his faded yellow mechanic's jumpsuit causes him to appear even larger. All of his gear appears worn but functional, especially the standard-issue plasma bolter that marks him as a member of the Veskarium who took the Soldier's Due. Nodding politely to the other graduating Starfinders, he takes a relaxed stance and waits for the Commencement to begin.

Radokama raises an eye-ridge while the other Starfinders get acquainted. Finally, with a thick vesk accent, he says, "Am Radokama. Is good to meet fellow Starfinders. Tell me, we will be speaking Common tongue while working together, yes? Am relatively new to Pact Worlds, and unfamiliar with regional dialects."

"I would be most pleased to teach you of my people. Perhaps after our commencement we will have time to speak more?"

Turning to the vesk, "Well met Radokama, and yes, Common is preferred for our work."

Orianna greets Radokama. "Greetings. Common is good."

She clearly does not understand Vesk.

Radokama directs a toothy grin at Asterion and tilts his head in Orianna's direction, "Is alright. We speak your Pact tongue and everyone understands what others are saying. You speak many languages, where do you learn of them?"

Indicating the group as a whole, Radokama asks "Why is you each to become Starfinders?" Gesturing at himself, he says "Was posted on innermost Pact planet. Guided robots into old crashed spaceship, waited while they looked around, and guided them back to robot city. Don't really understand why. Enduring, was called the city. Was boring post, but learned lots about machines. Learned lots about archaeology, too, so came here for work."

Flenn shakes his head to Keyrock. "No, I'm good. But I'll keep the card, if needed." He glances toward the two larger new arrivals and nods.

"Knowledge," Orianna replies immediately. "I am here to learn all I can."

"Knowledge," Orianna replies immediately. "I am here to learn all I can."

"Ummmm....sure. What she said." Keyrock responds, rather unconvincingly. After what feel like a few awkward moments, he adds,"We're cousins." He acts as if he has offered a more than sufficient an explanation.

A mousy looking Yosoki comes in, looking frazzeled. Coveralls seem to have a hundred pockets, And a tool belt hands at his waist.

"I am sorry for being so late, I seem to have broken my watch. I thought I could sync it to the stations master time unit

He looks beck up slides his goggles up on his forehead.

"I am Quig, Problem solver. I am new here He looks for an open seat

As the team finishes assembling in the room, a glowing hologram of a faceless figure appears in front of them, seemingly shifting between different people as you look.

It begins to speak and provide instructions for all of you

As it advises to place your hand on the terminal, a glowing panel rises up to allow you to place your respective appendages upon it.

If anyone can't watch the vid for some reason, let me know, and I'll post the text. Using you guys as Guinea pigs for a few things, so feel free to offer critique or suggestions in the discussion section.

Orianna listens intently to Guidance, watching in fascination. She does as instructed, giving a cheek swab and then placing her hand on the panel.

"Knowing Orcish is quite common among my people, as we have no native language of our own. I studied Vesk to better communicate with my teachers."

"I became a Starfinder to be able to leave this station and see the vastness of the universe."

==

Asterion settles against a wall and listens to Guidance. When the time comes, he provides the swab and presents his hand.

"Knowing Orcish is quite common among my people, as we have no native language of our own. I studied Vesk to better communicate with my teachers."

"I know a little orc, too." Keyrock notes. "He still owes me money."

Keyrock provides the cheek swab and presents his hand.

Radokama nods, evidently satisfied by the dwarves' terse explanations. He tilts his head quizzically at Asterion, and asks "Have never left Absalom Station? Never been to true planet?" He looks somewhat unsettled at the prospect.

Addressing Quig, he says "Hello, Quig-Problem-Solver. Have the time, if you need to set your clock."

At the ceremony:
Radokama looks suspiciously at the receptacle and panel, but shrugs and says "Is why we are here, yes?"

He provides a cheek swab and accepts the implant.

Flenn shrugs and offers the sample as requested, offering his hand.

As each Starfinder places their hand on the panel, you don't even feel a twitch or moment of pain, but find by just thinking about the starfinder symbol, the glyph begins to glow on your hand, shedding light around you like a faint star.

You will need to choose who you wish to visit first.

Guidance continues.

There are several faction heads who have requested assistance.

A small hologram of each faction leader appears as their names are read.

The Acquisitives Leader is Radaszam “The Dealmaker”; You can find him in the nyori palisades.

The acquisitives represent the result of luwazi elsebo’s efforts to hold the society together by hiring mercenaries to fill the role Of missing starfinders. Many mercenaries realized that the society was a far more lucrative venture—both monetarily and in terms Of popularity—than their old line of work. The faction’s current leader, radaszam, is concerned with maintaining the organization’s Public-facing reputation, as well as the reputation and fame of those starfinders directly serving the acquisitives’ interests.

Next, the Dataphiles. Their Leader is Historia-7, you can find her here, lorespire complex.

The dataphiles cherish information above all else, seeing themselves as the guardians of any knowledge obtained by the starfinder Society. Their leader, historia-7, promotes a belief in superiority through the acquisition and controlled dispersal of information. While cataloguing and data searching are necessities in this faction, the dataphiles are known to employ less technologically savvy Combat experts to procure information.

Third, the Exo-guardians. Their Leader Zigvigix; They currently have no hoome base. You will meet Zigvigix at their home.

The exo-guardians are made up of pact worlds citizens who are concerned for the safety of their home, and who act to ensure that Safety. They believe that the best defense is a strong offense, and they work to build up a stockpile of magic and technology to deter External threats. Most of the faction’s operatives were lost in the scoured stars. The exo-guardians utilize lower-grade installations Within the pact worlds, having lost their headquarters and many of their operations in the aftermath of the disaster.

Finally, The Wayfinders. Their Leader is Fitch, who can be found on the Master of Stars in the Starfinder's Armanda.

The wayfinders are starfinders who adhere to the society’s primary mission of exploration. The most transitory of the society’s Membership, the wayfinders are dedicated to exploring the vast and maintain few direct ties to the pact worlds. Wayfinders Specialize in both exploration and first-contact scenarios, thriving on the thrill of the unknown and the monumental task of meeting New species.

"I vote we start with this Historia-7, since we're already at the Lorespire. Seems the most convenient." He motions toward Orianna. "Plus, we already know that the dwarf girl is here for knowledge, so finding out more about the Dataphiles may be up her alley."

Radokama nods. "Good idea. Would mean less walking,"

Radokama nods. "Good idea. Would mean less walking,"

The short-legged Keyrock nods in agreement.

"Right, best to be efficient, besides I want to take a look at the Dataphiles HQ."

The mouse jumps up and follows, absently taking apart his pistol as they walk.

"Dataphiles..." Orianna nods at Flenn and the others. "Yes. Thank you. I desire to meet these Dataphiles first."

With the majority decided, the team heads down to the archives compound of the Lorespire Complex.

The Lorespire Complex, home and heart of the Starfinder Society, is a striking campus dedicated to knowledge. Communal labs and historical departments study the Archives’ massive collection of artifacts and texts, gathered by generations of agents from across the galaxy. A quick search of the directory indicates Historia-7 frequents the Archives’ Cortex, a computerized matrix containing digital records of the Starfinder Society’s most prominent discoveries.

The android reclines on a raised chair and is plugged into the local infosphere when the doors open. The neural cables detach themselves from her neck as she swivels in her seat to address the new arrivals. “Greetings, Starfinders,” she says calmly. “I am Historia-7. If you are seeking a mission from me, please be aware that my request requires both discretion and speed. Do not accept it if you feel incapable of working within these parameters.

She pauses for only a moment before continuing, as if not really expecting anyone to object.

“I discovered someone recently hacked into Bluerise Tower’s computer systems and stole a large amount of sensitive data from the resident corporations. I wish to be privy to this information. I managed to trace the hacker’s location through many proxies and erased the trail so that station and corporate security should be delayed in their pursuit. This deception will not fool them for long, so you must move quickly to retrieve the data before they can recover it. I will leave you to decide what to do with the hacker afterward, but should it be feasible, I believe that person would be an asset to the Society.”

Before leaving Guidance
"This plan suits me." Asterion gets up from the wall and prepares to travel.

"To answer your question, Radokama. I've been off station many times." He looks slightly embarrassed. "Though only to The Armada. I have not be able to afford travel to even the Pact World planets."

With Historia-7
"Where will we find this hacker?"

"Sure thing, Historia." Keyrock remarks. "If you have a location for this hacker, we'll be on our way."

He pauses for a moment, then notes, "If the location is a bit far from here--and time is of the essence--perhaps you could spring for a limo service to take us there--or a cab at least?"

Flenn nods. "Sounds time sensitive, alright. Where's this bloke at?"

I can also make a roll, if you tell me which skill, to see if I know anything about this Bluerise Tower.

Orianna bows respectfully at Historia-7. "Greetings. I am Orianna Marbleheart."

She listens to the mission briefing, intensely focused on trying to follow the language of the Pact Worlds and modern technology. She nods a few times, thinks a bit, then nods again. "Understood, ma'am."

"What kind of resistance can we expect from station and corporate security? For such crimes do they usually respond with a small force or large unit? Do they use these deceptive 'assassins' I have heard tell about?" She speaks slowly and deliberately in an effort to minimize her accent.

Other than location and potential enemies she has no more questions.

You can give me a culture to know more about BlueRise Tower Corp, or an appropriate profession skill.

Historia folds her hands.

I've already ordered a lift. They'll drop you off a block away from the address...

She waves a hand to bring up a map of Absalom Station.

You'll find them here. She points to a specific ring.

It's known as Drifter's End... mostly cause the rent is exceedingly cheap, and the background checks are more... lenient.

The last bit makes it sound more like "Non-existent" would be more correct.

Bluerise will undoubtedly employ their own military forces... how strong the response will frankly depend on how good the data is. For lack of a better way of saying it, I will be disappointed if you don't have to deal with at least some toughs, though hopefully speed will prevent them from assembling a stronger force. BlueRise makes it difficult for even the Stewards to inspect and check their property, and I believe their up to something... and I want to know what.

A small beep pings from the map.

Your ride is waiting.

----------------------------------------------

The team is dropped off from the skycab and they follow the map to the point Historia-7 gave them. The map point to an apartment that resembles a cement cube, with several tomato plants in plastic barrels sitting on an otherwise barren porch. Boxes of nutrient broth, gardening tools, and various cultural knickknacks clutter the floor of the flat, leaving barely any room for visitors to sit down.

Outside the apartment, a young man kneels in front of pots of tomato plants that he is very carefully hand pollinating and watering them. As the team approaches, the young male human stands and motions as if to tip his hat, despite a lack of said hat.

Uh... howdy folks. Names Jubair. Sorry, but if your selling, we haven't got really any money to buy with... same if your looking to rob us!

The last bit he says as a joke... but your not sure how much of a joke it is. It's definitely a rougher neighborhood.

At the briefing:
Radokama returns Historia-7's greeting and listens quietly and intently to both the briefing and her answers to the others' questions.

At the apartment:
"Howdy," Radokama replies as though it were a formal greeting. "Not to worry. Is not here to sell, or to rob. Was wondering if you might have time to answer few questions. May we enter domicile to talk?"

"Hoi,names Quig. Pleasure to meet Ya."

Orianna focuses on the man's words. Howdy was not a term she knew. Was it a greeting? A warning? She guages her companions reactions then nods.

"Greetings. I am Orianna Marbleheart. I am neither salesman nor thief." She examines the plants with interest. Greenery was a sight she'd seen little of in her life. But, horticulture would have to wait. She had a mission to complete. "Yes. We desire to speak in private. May we enter? It is important."

Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

En route to the designated location, Keyrock considers what he knows of the Bluerise Corporation.

After his colleagues ask Jubair to take them someplace private, the dwarf adds, "Look, Kid. I don't think you want to draw any more attention to yourself than you already have. Just let us inside already."

Following up the dwarf's comment, Asterion adds "Yes, we have reasons to be concerned for your safety."

Know Stuff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Without knowing the answer, I am not sure what the appropriate profession roll would be ... but that would be my roll for either Life Science, Physical Science, or Profession(cyberneticist), if it's a company that focuses in any of those areas ... another +2 on Computers and +3 on Engineering, if either of those will help.

Flenn, completely encased in his hidden soldier armor, appears to be surveying the boy's tomato plants. He glances over and says, his voice muffled by the rebreather, "You set this rig up yourself? What are you using for fertilizer?"

Life Science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Checking if there's anything particularly unusual about the plants or the set-up or anything.

I'll say you can use computers on the way to do some basic research on the infosphere, though only basic information about the company that would be available. (Think Wikipedia level knowledge)

Flenn knows that BlueTower is a mega security data corporation. Info and financials are their bread and butter, and they are good at it. Information from within the corporation is a very closely guarded secret, and key to their success. Loosing that data is bound to make them... irate.

Jubair looks a little uncomfortable as the team bunches about, especially when they start talking about "Private" and "Life in danger".

Now what in the blazes you talking about? I don't make trouble for nobody, now...

Flenn's interruption seems to derail his line of thought.

Oh... well... I followed grandma's instructions... just scraps of meal and leavings from animals...

Flenn looks at the setup and sees that, while impressive for finding it on Absalom station, there is nothing particularly unusual about the tomatoes, other than there is a LOT of love and care to them. It would take a fair amount of daily work just to keep them living, let alone thriving. They are clearly a prized possession. A old voice calls out from inside.

Jubair? Jubair are you alright?

He looks at the crew and calls back...

Yes Gran... got some visitors though... I might be a moment okay?

Ask them if they want tea! We can make tea!

The boy sighs and looks at the crew again, clearly thinking hard, before motioning them inside.

There is barely any room inside the tiny apartment, and the only other occupant is a rather old woman sitting in a rocking chair. She's dressed in a simple blue-and-white Abaya and smiles as the others enter. Jubair walks forward and kisses the old woman on the cheek.

This is my grandmother, Ceren. Grandma, some visitors have stopped by... they said they needed to talk to me.

The old woman gives a nearly toothless smile.

Oh my... we so rarely get visitors... let me brew up some tea... and cookies...

She stands out of her chair, and begins to bustle about the tiny apartment. Jubair gives the group a look that very clearly says "Do NOT cause trouble for the grandma."

Okay. This is as private as we get. What are you going on about?

"Look," Keyrock explains. "I'm just an archaic dwarf. I lived my entire life in a simulation of ancient Golarion until I was rescued by some of your scientists. Your strange and terrifying technology scares me."

"When I see an image broadcast from one of your holo-emitters, I say to myself, 'Oh, no! Has that device brought for some kind of a spirit'?" The dwarf holds up his hands and contorts his face to imitate an appearance of fear. "I don't know. I'm just an archaic dwarf."

"But I do know that bypassing a series of protective fire-walls and encryption codes in order to retrieve sensitive data is, at a minimum, a criminal action that could subject the hacker to prosecution."

A broad smile forms across Keyrock's face. "Fortunately, for you. I happen to be a lawyer."

The dwarf looks around, hoping to get a bite of one of the cookies that the woman had mentioned earlier.

Jubair blinks in shock.

What... What do you mean bypassing firewalls? Encryption codes? Hacking?! I'm not a hacker! I can barely operate a infosphere access point!

The old woman todders over to keyrock and passes him a small plate and teacup, the plate containing a very delicious smelling snickerdoodle cookie. She starts passing teacups and snickerdoodles on tiny plates to everyone, though it takes her a bit. As soon as she does, you notice Jubair wolf his down and slug the tea like it's whisky and set the plate and cup next to him.

Flenn loosens his rebreather mask, so his voice comes out more naturally, though not so much that his unnerving dental work is visible. As he enters the house, he says, "Gran, dear, we'd love some tea and cookies. Can I help you get them?" He walks back and helps Jubair's grandmother get the cookies and distribute them.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Scoping the place out as best I can while helping in the kitchen. Looking for any high-tech gear, hacking rigs, etc. Anything that looks like it's out of place.

Edit: This was in response to Jubair's response to Keyrock.

Radokama frowns at Jubair. "No? Is unfortunate. We have lucrative job opportunity for skilled hacker at this address. Benefits are nice, include protection from hypothetical Bluerise assassins heavily implied to be on way."

He smiles apologetically and looks at the tea and cookies, "Not to be rude, but must refuse food in case hypothetical assassins decide to try poison."

Flenn doesn't see any high tech gear really, just some standard ports into the infosphere, the kinda thing you'd expect a teenage kid on low income to have. Jubair blinks again, his face growing pale. The old granny is very happy to have his help, and dotes as he helps her.

Thank you deary... these old bones aren't what they used to be!

She swiftly has the cookies passed out to everyone with Flenn's help.

Assassins?! But I didn't... I couldn't... I don't even know how...

As he speaks, Gran appears behind Flenn again with more tea and cookies passing him a tiny teacup and tiny plate with a cookie on it. She seems oblivious to the fact that he already has one... and begins to do the same for the others, passing them all teacup and cookies, despite already having one. Jubair takes the second cup and cookie, wolfs it down, and shoots the teacup before setting it down next o the first set.

Ya gotta believe me, I don't know the first thing about hacking!

Granny calls out from over near the teapot, where she seems to be arranging another set of cookies and teacups.

Poor boy doesn't even know how to wipe his search history! Hehehehe!

The boy goes from pale to red.

GRANDMA!.... He moans out.