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Back outside Perfexion, Elisan feels as bewildered as Kokulul looks. What exactly happened back there? he wonders as he looks at each of his companions.
"I think Charlie had the right idea in visiting the park. From what I could tell from the view in the restaurant, it isn't too far off." He turns to the diplomat, "How are you feeling? Would you like to visit the park to see the wild squoxes?"
"The park sounds lovely, I think I could do with the fresh air and to get away from any crowds"
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"I think it's that way"
Charlie points in a direction while still holding a piece of food he swiped from the table before leaving the restaurant before stuffing said food item into his mouth.
After having done that Charlie sets up in the direction of the park
As he's joined by the others he turns his head to the closest Starfinder and quietly inquires
" ....this is the way to the park right?"
The lush trees and fields of Jatembe Park are open to all citizens and constantly full of young lovers and artists enjoying their splendour under the watchful eyes of the druidic caretakers. Flitting in and out of sight occasionally is the odd wild Squox
Shrani appears overjoyed at the sight of them "Those are beautiful! One of those would be ideal to take home"
On the Infosphere you learn that wild squoxes are plentiful in Jatembe Park and there’s no law about taking squoxes from the park since the squoxes came to the park via unsecure transports. Shranis homeworld doesn't have any laws against her importing one.
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"That actually may be possible, Guardian. The squoxes are wild and there are no laws against exporting them from the park nor importing them on your world. However, I suggest that if you are interested, we speak to one of the druidic caretakers who may be able to tell us more about their habits and how to care for one."
If Shrani seems to agree, then Elle will attempt to find a caretaker to ask.
SQUOX
Squoxes gained their popular moniker from humans who thought the creatures resembled a cross between a fox and a squirrel, with useful qualities from both animals. Squoxes are furry, vulpine animals roughly 2 feet in length and weighing around 15 pounds. They are quadrupedal, with five-fingered prehensile paws that have rotating wrists and ankles, allowing them to climb down surfaces headfirst like a squirrel. The creature’s other features are fox-like, including a flattened head with triangular ears, a pointed snout, and a bushy tail. Squox fur can come in hues of red orange, gray, fulvous, white, or brown, with white on the belly, neck, and tail tip. The species also has an array of fur patterns and environmental adaptations, such as long ears that allow desert-dwelling squoxes to disperse heat and thick seasonal fur and coloration for those accustomed to arctic regions.
Squoxes are among the most intelligent animal species, exhibiting social behaviors and hierarchies along with a vast vocal repertoire. When confronted, squoxes are devious tacticians, especially in groups. They are clever enough to poke eyes, bite sensitive regions, and steal objects to bait enemies away from a den.
Squoxes gained popularity for their adorable features and ability to adapt to new environments. The people happily exported squoxes, which lashuntas see as pests.
Xenowardens have tried to preserve squoxes while simultaneously curbing the incursion of the species into other ecologies. The group fears the invasive critters might irrevocably damage invaded ecosystems if left unchecked. Therefore, Xenowardens actively promote squox hunting on numerous worlds, as well as legal controls against importing the animals and releasing them into the wild.
SQUOX PET
Squoxes are abundant, breeding quickly and living for up to 10 years, or double that in captivity. Their intelligence and delightful appearance make them desirable companion animals, and they’re intelligent enough to be easily trained. Squoxes are also loyal, protective, charming, and entertaining, making them great companions for children. As clever and fun as they are, squoxes are also notorious for mischief, such as figuring out how to open cabinets and work simple machinery with the same aptitude as a very young sapient. They’ve even been known to clean up after themselves to hide thefts or accidents from their owners. Nevertheless, squoxes make great pets.
"Well one of these Squox sounds like exactly what I would like, I trust you can source one for me - surely Starfinders can get this sorted out"
Elle heads off looking for a warden...
Elisan starts checking around for a nest,Charlie gets distracted, but lo and behold, Elisan finds a likely spot - and from it a wave of Squoxes attempt to flee and scatter, screeching loudly!
R1
Squoxes - Acted
Amosu
Charlie
Delta
Elisan
Ella
Rahdo
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AMOSU tries to recall what it can about Squoxes, it begins rattling off information out load in an absent-minded fashion as it begins moving slowly and calmly towards a particularly fluffy squox.
With some appropriate bits of food taken from its pack, AMOSU tries to soothe the creature. "Hello small furry mammal, would you like a nutrient laden morsel? Who is a good arboreal mammal, you are. Yes you are..."
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Charlie moves a bit closer to one of the critters before he sits down hoping that being calm - not to mention smelling like food - will attract a curious (or hungry) Squox
...but possibly he just had fried Squox for dinner and him belching that back up might be of putting for it's distant relatives...
R1
Squoxes - Acted
Amosu - acted
Charlie -acted
Delta -acted
Elisan
Ella
Rahdo
AMOSU and Delta seem to have surprising success following some of the fleeing Squox, and manage to calm a few of the fleeing creatures who remain out of arms reach but cautiously curious.
Charlie finds that the squox keep scattering...was it something he ate, or maybe everything he ate?
Ella also manages to get a Squox to pause and watch, skittish, but not fleeing...
R1
Squoxes - Acted
Amosu - acted
Charlie -acted
Delta -acted
Elisan
Ella - acted
Rahdo
Elisan backs up Ella, and things look positive!
Rahdo has poor luck, the things mistaking the vesk for a predator, and they scatter further. Rahdo spots two people coming towards the noise along the southern path, but are they made of...wood?
R2
Squoxes - Acted
Amosu
Charlie
Delta
Elisan
Ella
Rahdo
AMOSU seems to keep the squox attention and it grows noticeably calmer and more interested.
Ella and Elisan also find their squox is curious and starting to look like engagging.
Delta can almost reach the squox in front of him!
Rahdo finds they just keep moving away, communication being difficult as they don't understand what the vesk is doing.
Charlie finds the throwing of sticks does not encourage them to play fetch, but rather keep running.
The two tree-people keep moving closer, they are carrying pruning tools and don't look particularly happy.
R3
Amosu
Charlie
Delta
Elisan
Ella
Rahdo
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"Perhaps those having less success in engaging the squox could delay the approaching beings? Before they startle the squox." AMOSU motions slowly to the approaching tree-beings.
"It would appear Guardian you may have your choice of squox to return with, or perhaps you'd like several? I understand it is very easy to set-up breeding populations of these creatures," turning back to its squox, "Yes, who is physically appealing furry mammal with large litter capacity and quick breeding cycles. You are, you are a rapid breeder." AMOSU continues offering bits of food.
Amosu, Elisan, and Delta continue to make good progress bonding.
Charlie has no luck with his stick and game of fetch.
The wooden men look a bit perplexed at Rahdo - "Why do you disturb the squox so?" - they appear to have pruning tools and other groundskeeper gear...
R4
Groundskeepers - acted
Amosu
Charlie
Delta
Elisan
Ella
Rahdo
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Seeing Charlie approach, he relaxes a little. Oh thank god, back up! Turning back towards the groundkeepers, "Our team are entertaining a guest from off-station. We are on a sensitive mission on behalf of the Starfinder Society. You know these creatures? Would you care to give us any suggestion on how to get them to play with our friends?"
You keep working on the Squox, but the Ghoran look very unimpressed
"We'd give our suggestion that you leave them alone, we don't like them being fed strange foods by park dwellers, nor do we like you playing with them. Leave them alone and move on" One of the Ghorans asserts "You look more like you intend absconding with one"
"They would make ideal pets, but they are free animals enjoying the park - not to be taken away by everybody who feels like they are there for the taking "
The groundskeepers seems pretty set to interfere, and your 'guest' seems quite interested in how you handle this...
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"Intriguing, if they are free to enjoy the park are they not free to leave with us if they wish?" AMOSU seems to be pondering its own question. "If they are free to stay, it does imply freedom to leave. Unless you are their owners?" AMOSU turns to the tree-people with an earnest look, as it continues to play with and befriend the squox.
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Looking at Amosu with a concerned look, "I think these grounds keepers mean to say that these creatures live here, and make it their home." He then subtly rubs the back of his neck, indicating his lesser position in this conversation in acknowledgement. "We merely wish ask for your blessings, groundkeepers. If you are adamant that we cannot simply procure one here for the day, then would you point us in the direction of a place we can purchase one from? Are there any in your care which you'd like some help taking care of? A young one, perhaps? We don't mean to intrude, but we would love your help."
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Elisan turns at the sound of the groundskeeper's voice. "We meant no harm," he says from his seat on the ground where he was playing with the squox.
"We were led to believe that it was permissible to catch squox within the park. If not, perhaps you can suggest a more agreeable means of acquiring one for our friend here?" he asks, indicating the Guardian.
Delta and Amosu are making great inroads... the squox are almost coming towards them...!