[SFS - PbP] 1-05 The First Mandate - GM bigboom (Inactive)

Game Master bigboom

Please dot in here!

Kallus sighed as he went through the roster of people that the Starfinders were putting him with on this mission. None stood out as worth much of a bounty, but as he knew from his previous runs, even records can lie. That said, he put down his data pad and busied himself stacking paperclips on the table with his mind.

0689 acknowledges the message that scrolled across his data pad. He leaves his apartment, which consist only of a cot, a desk, a single chair and a wall locker, to head to the meeting location.

Varag's studies in the Lorespire are cut short as he responses to a request for a meeting.

A Ysoki strides into the room, tall and lean for his species. He's well dressed, tapping his cane rhythmically as he walks. He looks over those already in the room.

Speaking in quiet, firm voice, "Well met all. I am Smek Skytower of Verces." Smek lets his gaze drift over the group, seeing if any introductions follow, as he makes himself comfortable.

Esar has not yet posted an intro but has dotted in. Go ahead and post up a character intro anytime.

And Elwin hasn't dotted in or posted up a character sheet but as he's new to the forums, It'll probably take a little bit of time to get there which is fine. So we're good to start!!

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 some notes are transmitted to your comm unit.

NPC images revealed in the slides as well as handout #1

You all begin to hear the patter of footsteps running outside of the room, and several surprised shouts. The footsteps get louder and louder, until a kasatha bursts into room, closing the door behind him and panting. He's a bit short for a kasatha, and, over some lightly protective armor, he wears a black t-shirt with the depiction of a flaming stereo on it. He has a pair of headphones around his neck, connected to the comm unit in his pocket. He has a belt containing multiple weapons: two pistols, two knives, and a baton. He quickly sits down. "Sorry I'm late, lost track of time. Name's Esar, nice to meet you." He sees the notification on his comm unit and opens it immediately. After quickly skimming through it, he turns his attention back to Luwazi and Radazam.

Aside from asking Luwazi and Radaszam any questions, everyone also please give me a culture roll to recall information about these five guests.

Esar looks back at his comm unit and reads the list again, pausing at each name.
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
He does not figure out much, and puts the comm unit down still looking confused.

Pulling out his datapad, the witchwyrd starts to read over the information.
Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Don't be stupid. Yes, we do not want to pull a Laboni do we," chuckles Varag as he looks a Radaszam.

"Formal dress or as we are good?"

"Where are my manners? I am Varag of Cyrune. I enjoy studying science, magic and people."

Varag extends a one of his four arms in greeting. As he does, the grey sheen of armor and a semi-auto pistol can be seen under his robes as well as a tattoo of a ring with runes upon the arm he extends. The seven footer drops to a knee to shake Smek's hand.

Kallus simply nods at the others, his reputation for being on a trideo show and an effective bounty hunter preceding any introductions.

He looks over the scans of the VIPs, checking for anything interesting with his 'other' contacts in case he needs leverage with them later.

Cultures: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Looking at Radaszam, he asks, "I presume we will have the comm codes of your people so we don't dance to the wrong tune?"

Esar shakes Varag's outstreched hand. "Nice to meet you."
I hope we don't need formal dress, I don't have any! he thinks to himself.

Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
A tall elf sitting in the back lowers his hood to reveal a surprisingly bald head.

He looks to the group, most of them probably staring at him now, "Greetings. I am called Elwin. Even though I am new to the society I shall do my best to complete the mission"

"Well if they want to see what starfinder agents really look like, might as well show up in what we wear on missions." 0689 responds to Vorag.

He then scans over to the technomnancer, "I am sure you will be fine during the meet and greet."

culture: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

A wry grin creeps over Radaszam's face. "Agreed Varag, we don't want another Laboni incident.

"And no, formal dress is not necessary. Zero-Six-Eight-Nine is correct. You're Starfinders and there's a certain air of excitement that comes along with the armor and gear."

He turns his attention to Kallus and replies, "Yes, we'll all have access to shared comms but make no mistake. Although we will all coordinate with each other, the Obsidian Spiders take their orders from me and Luwazi only."

Luwazi speaks up, "Now, if there are no further questions, the gala will begin in three hours within the Skyreach Room. Remeber, your actions this evening with our guests will have far-reaching long term consequences for the Society. I thank you, each one of you, for representing the Starfinder Society at this event."

Radaszam grunts as he silently mouths, 'Don't be stupid' at you one more time as you depart the meeting room.

With your culture rolls, you collectively uncover additional details on all 5 of the guests you've been tasked with impressing. Additional details revealed on slides and pictures of the 5 guests has been unmasked!

You are now free to slot your boons if you haven't already done so. You may also go ahead with making any purchases before the gala starts. And lastly, feel free to change the marching order on the slides if you wish.

I'll throw up a post for the next scene shortly.

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.

Map of the Skyreach Room along with NPC tokens scattered around has been revealed. However, this is just for you to visualize the room. There's no combat taking place so I haven't put put your character tokens on the map.

And now begins the portion of the evening where you try to earn influence over the 5 NPCs. This will take place over 8 "social rounds" with a break in the middle. So 4 rounds, a break, then 4 last rounds. Each round, your characters may take one of the following actions:

If you still have any questions for the briefing, go ahead and ask them and I'll retroactively RP an answer for them. But otherwise, you're free to slot any boons, make any final purchases, and begin interacting with any of the guests. To kickstart off your interactions with any of the five guests, here is a description of their appearance as you enter to Skyreach Room...

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.

Naiaj makes no concessions to the formality of this event; she wears carbon skin armor, datapad never out of sight and wrist-based comm unit constantly blinking with updates. She wears her gleaming white hair cropped close, and despite her small size, she looks as if she could stare down a team of hardened vesk mercenaries.

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 and 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.

Ykris appears as an iridescent, segmented insect clinging to the scalp of a cleancut, 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.

Zo! has an elegant build with refined features and an extended cranium. His face bears a permanent rictus grin, which adds a level of enthusiasm to his exaggerated interactions.

"I don't think I'll make a good impression on Royo. I'm not very good at small talk but if someone helps point me in the right direction I will do my best to impress."

Varag looks over his notes on his datapad.

"Anyone interested in talking with Zo! with me?"

Scanning the group, Esar turns to Varag. "He seems to be the one most likely to have a sense of humor." He then begins to make his way over to Zo!.

Esar walks up to Zo! and greets him. "Excuse me, Zo!? My name is Esar. It's a pleasure to meet you." He extends a hand. "I'm with the Pathfinder Society, and I just wanted to thank you for your support of the expedition to Salvation's End. Just a quick question, what made you want to investigate the moon?"
It becomes quickly obvious that he has no plan and is completely winging it on the spot.

Sense Motive to determine what would work with him: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Not about Zo! specifically, but would Profession (comedian) be a skill Esar could gain influence with?

Smek remains quiet and focused while the senior Starfinders present the mission. Having no pressing questions he follows after the team as they file out of the room.

"I'm comfortable working Ykris. We have a similar background. I could also work Royo potentially, but I'd need help. Naiaj sounds like she'd take to a coordinated team. If we want to work the full room though, a few of us will need to go one-to-one." Smek glances around the room at all of the guests, "Comm me or send a drink if you need my help, I'll see how Ykris is enjoying the event."

Smek slides through the room, picking up some appetizers and a drink as he comes alongside Ykris. "Greetings, I am Smek Skytower. I believe you would be Ykris." Smek makes a slight bow in greetings, "If I may, I find the concept of symbiotic existence most fascinating. How do both you prefer to be addressed? " Smek begins to engage in small talk with Ykris.

I'll try to gauge what interests Ykris.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

0689 walks up to Naiaj and looks at the disinterest she has with her surroundings. "You seem to hate these things as much as I do. So, who is forcing you to be here?"

sense motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4 Ha nope

Scanning the group, Esar turns to Varag. "He seems to be the one most likely to have a sense of humor." He then begins to make his way over to Zo!.

Esar walks up to Zo! and greets him. "Excuse me, Zo!? My name is Esar. It's a pleasure to meet you." He extends a hand. "I'm with the Pathfinder Society, and I just wanted to thank you for your support of the expedition to Salvation's End. Just a quick question, what made you want to investigate the moon?"
It becomes quickly obvious that he has no plan and is completely winging it on the spot.

[dice=Sense Motive to determine what would work with him]1d20+6

Not about Zo! specifically, but would Profession (comedian) be a skill Esar could gain influence with?

Yes, it would be possible to use profession skills but the interaction would have to be logical and with a guest who is influence-able with profession skills.

Zo!'s reaction is swift and immediate. He demeanor brights up the second you say the words 'Salvation's End.'

"Well hello Esar!!! So you've heard of Salvation's End?!? Isn't it absolutely A-MAZING!????! Find of the century!! Perhaps the millennia!!!

"You know, I'm planning a new upcoming joint venture with you Starfinders... A televised reality show to explore Salvation's End!! Maybe you can be a part of that expedition!! It'll be filled with adventure and action!! The ratings will be TREMENDOUS!!!"

You get the sense that action-oriented skills would impress Zo! Acrobatics or flashy display of weapons handling (i.e. an attack roll against a dummy target)...that sort of thing. Also, do you have a 1-00 Salvation's End chronicle sheet applied to this character?

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Smek remains quiet and focused while the senior Starfinders present the mission. Having no pressing questions he follows after the team as they file out of the room.

"I'm comfortable working Ykris. We have a similar background. I could also work Royo potentially, but I'd need help. Naiaj sounds like she'd take to a coordinated team. If we want to work the full room though, a few of us will need to go one-to-one." Smek glances around the room at all of the guests, "Comm me or send a drink if you need my help, I'll see how Ykris is enjoying the event."

Smek slides through the room, picking up some appetizers and a drink as he comes alongside Ykris. "Greetings, I am Smek Skytower. I believe you would be Ykris." Smek makes a slight bow in greetings, "If I may, I find the concept of symbiotic existence most fascinating. How do both you prefer to be addressed? " Smek begins to engage in small talk with Ykris.

I'll try to gauge what interests Ykris.
[dice=Sense Motive] 1d20 + 5

The half-elf before you smiles warmly and says, "Ah, I appreciate your kind consideration in our symbiotic arrangement. You may refer to me as Ykris and my half-elf host's name is Jhireu. Unless you have something of interest to address directly to Jhireu, you can assume you're speaking to me, Ykris. Despite our relationship being an entirely mutually beneficial one, not everyone understands this.

"So this event is exciting isn't it? A sort of coming out for the Starfinders after the horrible, horrible Scoured Stars incident.

"I rarely tear myself away from our augmentation work at CeriCore but this event is just too good to miss!"

You get the feeling that Ykris is very open about explaining how its symbiotic relationship works. In addition, you sense that it is interested in Starfinder Society gossip (along with a Culture check), or would be happy to talk about its work in cybernetic and biotech augmentations (together with a Life Science or Medicine check).

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0689 walks up to Naiaj and looks at the disinterest she has with her surroundings. "You seem to hate these things as much as I do. So, who is forcing you to be here?"

[dice=sense motive]d20-2 Ha nope

Naiaj looks over at 0689 and says tersely with a disapproving eye, "No one is forcing me to be here. I have chosen to be here because I am a part of the Society and therefore it is my duty to participate in various functions and events. The Society does not move forward when its members act out of self-interest. Quite the opposite. We progress forward only when working together collectively as a team irrespective of whether a single member of that team prefers not to engage in necessary functions or events.

"You would do well to remember this if you are to continue working as a Starfinder. Hmmm....what's your name??"

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Round 1 Actions:
Esar: Sense motive
Smek: Sense motive
0689: Sense motive
Varag: Not yet taken
Kallus: Not yet taken
Elwin: Not yet taken

Everyone is welcome to take as many actions as you wish up to 4 rounds worth.

Kallus joins Varag and Esar to speak with Zo! first as he has history with the Elebrian. Knowing he has a taste for the flashy, Kallus uses his powers to draw a fruit from a passing tray and in one swift motion draws his sword and impales the fruit, taking a bite from it as he approaches. "Zo! Have you found any more recruits for the show? Some of my compatriots here would make fine candidates. I'll even help train the camera crew."

Round 1, Attack the Apple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

RD 1- Varag enters into the conversation with Kallus and Esar. "I have only been a Starfinder briefly but it has been an exciting time so far. I helped engineer and build a junkracer that took first place in a recently race against the favorite to win, Ratrod. Another team, I was part of faced off and defeated a Nightmare Dragon through coordinated shooting and use of my magic."

[oob]He uses token spell to make small figurines of his junkracer and of the nightmare dragon.[/ooc]

Zo! watches as Kallus slices an apple with a sword but doesn't look too impressed with the attempt. "Could you like... oh, I dunno, swing it faster maybe? Or add a little flourish? Something a little flashier?"

Varag, what skill check are you attempting to roll with your display?

Elwin walks up to the group around Royo, quietly and unobtrusively joining the fringe of the group. He will wait patiently until a subject or particular point that he knows a bit about comes up and tries to interject something both thought provoking and witty.

one of 4: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
The above roll will be for Computers, Engineering, Life science or physical science. If the item in question has to do with astronamy, add one more to the result.

Sorry, got pulled away for a bit.

Varag pulls out his pistol and tries to swirl it and smash the dragon figurine. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Laughing Varag states,"fighting with weapons is not my strong point. I rely more on my brains and study of magic. It was a pleasure to meet you."

Varag then makes his way to Ykris.

"Hello, I am Varag. I understand you work for CeriCorp Labs. I love the advancements that have been made in Biotech. I've reviewed many papers on the subject that I found at the Lorespire."

Life Science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Actually, I did that wrong. That roll will be one more for Physical science and 6 more if it has to do with Astronomy. :)

Elwin walks up to the group around Royo, quietly and unobtrusively joining the fringe of the group. He will wait patiently until a subject or particular point that he knows a bit about comes up and tries to interject something both thought provoking and witty.

[dice=one of 4]1d20+8
The above roll will be for Computers, Engineering, Life science or physical science. If the item in question has to do with astronamy, add one more to the result.

Elwin, you'll have to choose exactly which skill you'll apply. Part of the challenge with these social interactions is figuring out which one will impress the guest you're interacting with.

Sorry, got pulled away for a bit.

Varag pulls out his pistol and tries to swirl it and smash the dragon figurine. [dice=Acrobatics]1d20+2

Laughing Varag states,"fighting with weapons is not my strong point. I rely more on my brains and study of magic. It was a pleasure to meet you."

Varag then makes his way to Ykris.

"Hello, I am Varag. I understand you work for CeriCorp Labs. I love the advancements that have been made in Biotech. I've reviewed many papers on the subject that I found at the Lorespire."

[dice=Life Science]1d20+8

Varag tries to follow-up Kallus' sword swing demonstration with a bit of showy pistol butt smashing of his own! But in response, you see an extremely rare occurrence... It appears as though Zo!'s perma-grin actually lessens a bit as he says, "Hmmmmm... Perhaps you boys aren't quite reality TV action hero material...."

As Varag speaks to Ykris, Ykris responds, "Oh? Have you now? Anything that has caught your interest? You know we specialize in direct neural connections research." You appear to have his attention but his demeanor remains neutral towards you.

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Round 1 Actions:
Esar: Sense motive Zo!
Smek: Sense motive Ykris
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Acrobatics Zo!
Kallus: Attack demonstration Zo!
Elwin: not yet specified skill Royo

Round 2 Actions:
Esar: not yet acted
Smek: not yet acted
0689: not yet acted
Varag: Life science Ykris
Kallus: not yet acted
Elwin: not yet acted

No. I don’t even know what Salvation’s End is, Esar is just going to wing it and hope Zo! doesn’t notice.

Esar smiles. ”Well, some of us are out of practice, but...” he says as he flips his pistols with his bottom hand from his holsters backwards over his shoulders and into the opposite top hands.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 If there's a penalty because Varag used it already, just take that into account.

Elwin the Technomancer wrote:

Elwin walks up to the group around Royo, quietly and unobtrusively joining the fringe of the group. He will wait patiently until a subject or particular point that he knows a bit about comes up and tries to interject something both thought provoking and witty.

[dice=one of 4]1d20+8
The above roll will be for Computers, Engineering, Life science or physical science. If the item in question has to do with astronamy, add one more to the result.

Elwin, you'll have to choose exactly which skill you'll apply. Part of the challenge with these social interactions is figuring out which one will impress the guest you're interacting with.

Ah. Apologies. I meant whichever of those skills they happened to be discussing in that short time frame. If that doesn't apply, I'll pick Physical science.

"I do not have a name, but a number, mainly because once this shell is used up, it will most likely be destroyed and entered into a new host." He then shows the four digit ID number on his left arm. His custom rig

"Just so I understand, you want to be here because you are obligated to the mission of the society. But do not like interaction, well then what do you like?" 0689 is slow to pick up he is actually be rude. "and since you are not the sociable type, I believe that you may be the, what do the humans call it, the "muscle" or the "strong silent type".

sense motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9 Well that is two down two to go

Zo! has an almost tired look on his face when Esar speaks but upon seeing Esar's display, Zo!'s grin goes wider back to it's normal width. "Bravo!! I say lead with that next time!! Do you, any of you, have more of where that came from???"

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Elwin approaches Royo and out of the blue starts speaking about the latest studies of geological phenomena. Royo responds, "Ah yes. I too have recently read about the theory of determining a planet's age by measuring the variations of underground pressure flows on various points around the planet with differing crust thicknesses. I find the theory intriguing.

"My name is Royo. What is yours?" With a genuinely earnest and interested demeanor, he extends his hand to Elwin offering a handshake.

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Naiaj responds to 0689, I see, well nice to meet you 0689. I'm sure this is the first of many more meetings as I'll call on field agents from time to time with missions."

She continues matter-of-factly, her attention split between responding to you and looking at her datapad, "I like interaction just fine but there is much work to be done. Always work to be done. I oversee mission planning and logistics, particularly some of our larger missions. Preparation and planning for the worst case is key to successfully completing (and in some cases, surviving) a mission. For example, tell me, how do you prepare for a mission?"

Bad luck on the roll. You don't yet get a sense of what specific skills will impress her... Although you can try and take a guess based upon the background information you know about her. And of course you can always switch and approach other guests at any time.

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Round 1 Actions:
Esar: Sense motive Zo!
Smek: Sense motive Ykris
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Acrobatics Zo!
Kallus: Attack demonstration Zo!
Elwin: Physical science Royo

Round 2 Actions:
Esar: Acrobatics Zo!
Smek: not yet acted
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Life science Ykris
Kallus: not yet acted
Elwin: not yet acted

Smek will continue, What is the process of symbiotic joining like? What the host and symbiot experience? How control is shared?" Smek will pause as he realizes he's asking many questions. "My appolgoies, but the prospect and potential seem quite amazing. I must say I'm quite curious." An intriguing concept, the potential is quite amazing...

Not sure what to roll to talk about the symbiotic relationship... Diplomacy to ask a lot of questions, I don't have Life Science if it falls under that... Smek is both highly interested and trying to make a good impression.

Diplomacy doesn't quite work in this case. However, he does respond as follows...

"Joining is quite simple really. I just detach from one host and reattach to a new host. For the host, there is a bit of momentary discomfort while I join. But it soon passes and is in no way life threatening.

"If you care to experience this first hand, I can join with you. Only with your permission and only for a short moment, of course. But if you prefer not, I will not be offended."

Dare you let this creature take over your body??? Muahahahah!!!

Kallus nods at Zo!. "Perhaps we may be out of practice with our blades, but our other skills.. we can use to full effect." The last bit he imparts to the undead with his mind. "Maybe I can offer you a new reality show. Picture it, bounty hunters chasing down rogue members of society, bringing them in for justice and you and your crew right behind them, right in the middle of the action...", Kallus goes on with his elevator pitch about being in a show about bounty hunters.

Profession Bounty Hunter?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Smek takes a few moments to seriously think about Ykris offer. "I doubt I will get such an opportunity again. If would not cause undue harm to you or Jhireu, then yes." Skem will make any preparations that Ykris recommends.

Go big or go home... If a mind-controlled Skem goes a little shooty-shooty I apologize in advance.

To influence a guest, is one roll enough or is it a multi-success task? Or do we have to guess?

Zo! listens to Kallus' pitch and smiles. "Hmmmm.... Y'know, that idea's got potential my boy!! Most people love nothing more than seeing people other than themselves getting put down!! Yaaaah.... That idea's got potential! Maybe let the audience vote real time whether the criminal gets tased on a live broadcast...

"I'm sure we can come up with a variety of novel twists as well. Celebrity Bounty Hunter! Supermodel Bounty Hunter! And so on... Gotta keep it fresh for the audience, y'know! That's how I kept my previous critically acclaimed, award winning show The Necromancer running for nearly two centuries! Keep it fresh, change up the format now and then and, nowadays, live audience participation is key!"

You can practically see the dollar signs forming in his eyes...

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With your permission given, Ykris detaches from Jhireu who places his hand on your shoulder. The insect Ykris slithers over to you, using Jhireu's arm as a bridge. Ykris moving across your shoulders to the base of your skull and along your spine feels as you would expect a large insect to feel crawling across your skin - creepy and disturbing. Once positioned along your spine, it's spiny legs pierce deeply into your flesh, resulting in a piercing pain!

Take 2 piercing damage

The pain quickly subsides and you find that you are no longer in control of your body. You can see, smell and hear everything but you're acutely aware that you're no longer in control.

'Do not be alarmed and just relax. Here, just to give you the experience, let's have a sip of water.' you hear Ykris talking directly to your mind. Then without you able to control your own body, your arm lifts up a glass of water from a nearby table and you take a sip.

'And now I will release control back to you as I remain implanted.' says Ykris. As it says this, you feel you have control over your body again.

'What do you think? Unique sensation isn't it?'

You can continue chatting as though the two of you are connected via the mindlink spell. But after a minute or so, Ykris says...

'Well, I hope you found the experience enlightening. However, it is time to return to Jhireu for reasons of propriety and familiarity. You understand, yes?' Upon detaching, you feel the presence of Ykris' mind depart from your consciousness and full control of your body returns.

Jhireu again puts his hand on your shoulder as Ykris slithers across and reattaches itself to Jhireu. It then says, "Thank you for maintaining an open mind. It is gratifying to meet others who are open and do not instantly judge my kind negatively."

To influence a guest, multiple successes will be required but you don't know how many although it'll probably be fairly obvious by their reaction once the team has influenced a guest.

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Round 1 Actions:
Esar: Sense motive Zo!
Smek: Sense motive Ykris
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Acrobatics Zo!
Kallus: Attack demonstration Zo!
Elwin: Physical science Royo

Round 2 Actions:
Esar: Acrobatics Zo!
Smek: Joined with Ykris
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Life science Ykris
Kallus: Profession Zo!
Elwin: not yet acted

Everyone feel free to take your third (and fourth) round actions anytime. Elwin is also still entitled to a second round action.

"A truly remarkable experience. I thank you for sharing," Smek gives Ykris a quick bow. Smek will continue to answer any questions and comments Ykris has about the Starfinders.

Gossiping with Ykris, Culture roll. Third social action.
Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Smek will excuse himself from the conversation with Ykris and Jhireu, thanking both for allowing him to share the bonding. As Smek moves through the party goers, he'll share what he's learned about Ykris with the team over the comm.

Elwin shakes his hand, matching his firmness but not exceeding it.

"It is always an honor to meet a true scientist. I am just beginning on my path but hope to make wonderful discoveries in my time here. While I have you, what are your thoughts on the proposed process to change humans at the mitochondrial level to withstand what would normally be a toxic atmosphere to assist in terraforming. I watched a short symposium o it and the science seemed a little immature.."

life science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Will post another action after I see if that succeeds and if he seems impressed and I can try another or stay with him...

Esar chuckles. "Well, in that case, I will leave you to my colleague's more capable hands. Bounty hunting isn't my area of expertise." And with that, he begins to stride off. However, before he fully walks away, he fires his static arc pistol, the electricity bouncing off of a mirror, and ricocheting into the chandelier. All of the lights in the room pulse once, and then turn back to normal.

Attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Ykris responds to Smek, "Oh yes, I'm always curious about latest goings on about the Starfinder Society. I'm a believer in Luwazi's cause, you see. How's Zigvigix doing? I know he's taken the whole Scoured Stars incident quite hard. And Historia-7? Are they as inscrutable as ever? And Fitch? Oh dear Fitch! Always wrestling with the children, yes? I'm curious to know if they're doing well. And if you run into them anytime soon, please do pass on my regards."

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Royo replies to Elwin with a slight look of surprise. "Well, well!! I see you're educated not only in geological sciences but in biological fields as well!! This is certainly a pleasant surprise! There are a few more symposiums in the coming year that you may be interested in. Perhaps that will assist in speeding you along the path towards those discoveries you're chasing after.

"Tell me, what do you know of the field of magic and arcane arts?"

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Esar, gonna give you a little bonus for the nice little visual you put together there!

The guests nearby turn around suddenly in alarm as a weapon is discharged but soon relax when they realize it was just a bit of harmless showmanship. Most express delight with a tiny bit of clapping.

Zo! says, "Woah woah woah! Nice shootin Tex!! We'll certainly be in touch!! More displays like that and we'll certainly have a hit series in no time!!!" He shoots finger guns at you then gives you a hearty handshake and a pat on the back as you walk off.

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Round 1 Actions:
Esar: Sense motive Zo!
Smek: Sense motive Ykris
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Acrobatics Zo!
Kallus: Attack demonstration Zo!
Elwin: Physical science Royo

Round 2 Actions:
Esar: Acrobatics Zo!
Smek: Joined with Ykris
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Life science Ykris
Kallus: Profession Zo!
Elwin: Life science Royo

Round 3 Actions:
Esar: Attack demonstration Zo!
Smek: Culture Ykris
0689: not yet acted
Varag: not yet acted
Kallus: not yet acted
Elwin: not yet acted

Everyone is free to take your third and fourth round actions at anytime.

One more note that I'll point out. When doing a sense motive, depending upon how high your roll is, you may not perceive all the skills that will influence a guest. I will say, however that each guest has 3 to 5 skills that can be used to influence them.

Esar smiles at Zo!’s remark, but leaves feeling mildly confused. A question runs through his mind as he walks away: what is a “tex”?

RD 3
"Ykris did you know that Zigvigix, head of the Exo-Guardians faction, is really big into Star Sugar HeartLove. He had us wait for the new release to pick up copies for him and Historia 7."

Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

RD 4
Varag seeing how well Smeg is doing with Vkris, moves over to Naiaj.

"Good to meet you, I'm Varag," states the witchwyrd extending a hand to the bleachling gnome. "I still fairly new but if you are ever in need of Science Officer fluent in magic I'm your man. I'm sure if you check Radaszam's report on the Lamboni incident you will see how well I work with others."

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Elwin looks at Royo with genuine surprise.
"You are quite well rounded! Magic and the Arcane arts are my current life's work."
He then quickly casts Telepathic Message and thinks to Royo, "One would say it is a calling. I am quite new at it but it is the most fascinating subject I know. In fact, I think Magic can much more easily solve the aforementioned dilemma concerning toxic atmospheres..."

Mysticism: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Varag, gonna give you a bonus there for fun use of Ziggy back ground info!

Ykris responds to you, "Oh is that so? Haha! Can't say I care for that music genre myself but to each their own! I hear from my many (younger) nieces and nephews that they're quite popular nowadays...Star Sugar Heartlove, that is. My corporation is known to sponsor a concert or two each year. Perhaps I can find a way to land a ticket for Zigvigix. Thank you for this little tidbit, Varag!"

You politely excuse yourself as you notice 0689 struggling with the stony faced Naiaj. You speak to her and she responds without looking up from her datapad, "I'm Naiaj. I'm glad to hear you work well with others. Perhaps someday when I find myself with spare time, I'll look over this... What did you call it? Laboni incident?"

Wow, tough sense motive rolls on Naiaj. Looks like she's a tough one to read! You don't get a sense of what skills would impress her.

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Royo replies to Elwin, "Ah, I see you have training in magic. Very good, very good. However, a telepathic message is quite simple. What more do you know of mysticism and magic?"

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Round 1 Actions:
Esar: Sense motive Zo!
Smek: Sense motive Ykris
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Acrobatics Zo!
Kallus: Attack demonstration Zo!
Elwin: Physical science Royo

Round 2 Actions:
Esar: Acrobatics Zo!
Smek: Joined with Ykris
0689: Sense motive Naiaj
Varag: Life science Ykris
Kallus: Profession Zo!
Elwin: Life science Royo

Round 3 Actions:
Esar: Attack demonstration Zo!
Smek: Culture Ykris
0689: not yet acted
Varag: Culture Ykris
Kallus: not yet acted
Elwin: Mysticism Royo

Round 4 Actions:
Esar: not yet acted
Smek: not yet acted
0689: not yet acted
Varag: Sense motive Naiaj
Kallus: not yet acted
Elwin: not yet acted

Skills sensed thus far:
Iteration-177: none yet
Naiaj:
Royo:
Ykris: Culture (about Starfinder Society gossip), Life Science & Medicine (about cybernetic and biotech augmentations)
Zo!: Acrobatics, Attack Demonstrations. If you have a chronicle sheet for 1-00 Salvation's End applied to your current character, let me know

For ease of tracking, I've put all the round actions, skills sensed or deduced, and number of successes on a new slide. Might be slightly meta game-y but its all info you could've tracked anyways so I'm not fussed about it so long as none of you are!