You have all been summoned to the Lore Spire Complex to meet with Venture-Captain Arvin.
A large vesk in a muscle shirt sits at a table in the small reception room, messily consuming the various laid-out refreshments. Venture-Captain Arvin stands on the opposite side of the table, visibly annoyed at the vesk, and turns toward the arriving Starfinders with some relief. “Thank you for your quick response. Some new technology has come to the Society’s attention”—the vesk clears his throat loudly, and Arvin’s eyebrow twitches in irritation—“from our… contact Julzakama. If you would…”
The vesk, Julzakama, stands, pulling a battered gym bag out from under the table. “Feast your eyes on this little gemling.” He reaches into the bag and removes what appears to be a severed human hand. Julzakama waves the limb then offers it to Arvin to shake.
Arvin declines the offered limb, rubbing his temples, and explains. “As you might have guessed, this is a prosthetic limb. It’s a standard cybernetic augmentation, but this one was made with a new type of biotech, so well grafted that it’s almost undetectable without magic. Its special features are just as well hidden.” Arvin takes the hand from Julzakama to demonstrate a nearly invisible compartment large enough to conceal a knife, several data drives, or a small toolkit. “Such technology would be invaluable for covert and diplomatic operations, and the Society would like to find the specialist who crafted and installed it. But therein lies the difficulty. Julzakama, if you could explain the… circumstances of this discovery?”
Julzakama holds up his hands, saying, “Now, I wasn’t personally involved. Some vesk workers known to some of my customers got in a territorial dispute with some manlings. Stuff happened, one of these guys turned his winnings over to my customer to settle a bet, and here we are.” Julzakama gestures at the hand, smiling ingratiatingly, and continues, “I thought you Starfinders might be interested.”
“Indeed, we are.” Arvin folds his hands behind his back. “Julzakama tells me that his acquaintances’ rivals had been known to acquire their gear from gray-market operations in the Freemarkets. As that is our only lead so far, I’d like you to investigate the area; even if none of the listed clinics are the source, they may have more information on who is.”
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An impeccably dressed halfling with perfectly coiffed hair approaches each of you, one by one, offering a business card each time.
"Hello, Stephen Vladimir, Vladimir Synthetics. Yes, hello, Stephen Vladimir, Vladimir Synthetics. Ohhh, a doctor, I see--hello, Stephen Vladimir, Vladimir synthetics. Nice to meet you, Stephen Vladimir, Vladimir Synthetics."
Considering the strange piece of technology revealed by Arvin and the Vesk, Stephen adds "this appears to be fine work. Have your Starfinder experts looked at this with a fine eye? Such nice work must have some sort of maker's mark that could be tracked. An artist who makes such things would want to proudly leave their mark on something like this."
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A young and very muscular half-elf is sitting back in his chair, relaxed. There’s a holographic sign atop him, with the words MODERN BODY written in glowing neon colors, alternating between purple, green and pink. Sometimes they are replaced by a moving sign that says modernbodymodernbodymodernbody, repeating itself a couple of times before going back to the original.
He stands up and points at himself with both thumbs “Hello, companions. I am Modern Body. You might have seen some of my magical fitness holovids - they used to be very popular some 5 to 10 years back, in at least a third of the Pact Worlds. It is nice to be here.” He gives his best smile, and sits back. His armor is carefully tailored to reveal his impressive chest muscles.
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“Is this a shopping mission, venture-captain Arvin - should we grab another hand to complete a pair - or do you just want us to pick up a “catalog” of sorts? Compile a little intel on what this mysterious augment crafter can come up with, listing products and prices. Perhaps add some pictures, a nice cover…”
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A Kasatha older than most Starfinders usually are enters the room with a calm demeanor. The traditional garb he wears from head to toe, blue and purple with hints of silver, is impeccably cared for. Multiple hunting weapons are hung on his belt, and while they are similar to those used by the Kasatha of the Idari, they seem to be less close to Pact Worlds technology.
The Kasatha greets Stephen and Modern Body with a short "Greetings." pronounced with a heavy accent that is seldom heard among the Pact Worlds.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all. I am Vyankar."
The Kasatha listens to the briefing without uttering a word, then to his fellow Starfinders' queries, waiting for a response from the Venture-Captain.
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A vesk not overly muscular walks into the briefing room dressed in red Lashunta Ringwear holding a Tactical Pike. All of his gear seems to be precisely made and adjusted for speed. He looks around the room, listens to introductions, nods at each and simply states, "Kargarama or just Karg for short."
He listens to the briefing and asks, "So we are to locate this Specialist who created the aug and recruit him for the Society. Understood."
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The vesk, Julzakama, stands, pulling a battered gym bag out from under the table. “Feast your eyes on this little gemling.” He reaches into the bag and removes what appears to be a severed human hand. Julzakama waves the limb then offers it to Arvin to shake.Arvin declines the offered limb, rubbing his temples, and explains. “As you might have guessed, this is a prosthetic limb.
Didn't want to assume. a tall shirren broadcasts into your heads. He steps towards the hand to examine it with a clanging sound. Closer inspection shows that its not coming from his armor, but the large briefcase bolted to the freebooter wear and slapping against it as he walks. Several tubes and circuits spill out from the case up the shirren's side until they terminate in a device on his left wrist. Never know what items are brought to us as leads.
And yes, the detail is impressive. he agrees with Stephen Vladimir. Unobtrusive to basic visual scans. Would need to examine the materials to determine if creation process is cost-effective, but even only for high-value target work...
He trails off as if lost in thought. It is several seconds before it occurs to him to add. Oh, D'yzliit M'shkenka. M.D. 'Diz' is a briefer simpler method of address if needed.
The shirren turns to Arvin. Have you examined this yet? Pure biotech, or hybridized with cyberware?
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Prelude
At dawn, the streets in the spike are half empty. A single figure closes the doors to the small shop that serves as well as an apartment. The walls here are covered in graffiti and are not particularly clean. The figure begins to move walking slowly. They are dressed in a dark trousers with side pockets, t-shirt and a jacket that are all worn out. On their head is no hair but a crest of led tubes emitting colorful light, at this moment blue but every now and then the color changes. Their light blue skin is lightened by the circuits underneath it.
Hellih, as this is his name, reaches to his pocket and gets a cigarette. It could be unusual as androids don't breath but he puts it in his mouth and keeps on walking. With his other hand he lights up the lighter and now one can clearly see that Hellih has two different hands. His right hand is normal humanoid hand with five fingers. His left hand is made of some steel-like material and four thick fingers with short claws. Without much effort, he lights the cigarette.
It was good that I got the invite to Lorespine, I need to change my routine for a bit thinks to himself. Earlier this week he got a customer in his gun shop. The alien had the majority of the human gene pool, mixed with at least 5 other races. Hellih felt that he would caused troubles just as he entered. He asked for very uniquely built bomb. After Hellih lost his arm and got his prosthetic he stopped doing such orders. The customer didn't take the rejection easily and Hellih now was concerned for his safety. In the spike accidents happened on the regular basis. And if one wants to use a custom made bomb, he should limit the amount of trails that he leaves behind. That alien either was dumb as a pile of rocks or was especially trying to get him involved in something. One way or another Hellih was not intered.
Android stopped and looked at the alley upfront, he decided to take a longer route as it didn't look safe.
At the Complex
The android sits there with an unlit cigarette and says
"Julz it is good to see you. You look healthy. " then turning to others he says
"My name is Hellih, I own a gunsmith shop in the spike." On that he puts a device on the table.
From the device, an image emerges showing a gray and a bit rundown building with graffiti on its walls. A neon sign says: 'Hellih will fix your gun to light up any party'.
"This is mine 'card' if you touch the image it will project straight into your mind. It is following the Absalom regulation and its perfectly safe."
You can hear music playing with a 3rd image of the store as the camera enter its doors. Inside is a tidy small establishment where in the corner Hellih is working on a heavy laser cannon. Then the camera turns towards a wall, where there are all sorts of weapon. Some of them are disassembled. Then the narrative kicks in, telling you the location and advertising the gunmaker shop for good quality and cheap prices.
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Vyankar examines Hellih with a blank expression, his gaze stopping at the LEDs protruding out of his head. Curious, he finally lifts his hand slowly to interact with Hellih's card. After a few moments looking at the mental adevrtisement, he retracts his arm.
"Interesting technology. Business going good, yes?" the Kasatha asks, finding his words with difficulty.
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Stephen ponders this android's business card. "I'll have to ask him where he had these created. . . .Vladimir Synthetics could use this sort of marketing approach. . . ."
-BACK TO THE BUSINESS AT HAND-
Stephen considers his experience with the Freemarkets.
"We don't do a lot of business in the Freemarkets, our clientele is somewhat more. . . .high end. . . .than those who frequent the Freemarket. Still, perhaps I might know a few people. . . ."
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"My business is in downlow, not that far from where Julz has his pawnbroker shop. I hope to one day move to the Sparks." responds Hellih to the asked question. Apparently information provided was supposed to respond if the business is going well ;)
"Discount, oh yes. As soon as I am back from the mission come right in. "
Have your Starfinder experts looked at this with a fine eye? Such nice work must have some sort of maker's mark that could be tracked.
Have you examined this yet? Pure biotech, or hybridized with cyberware?
“Yes we did,” begins Arvin, “but we didn't find any maker's marks. The design is very ingenious, they work by modifying DNA and integrating biological components to improve existing functions or add entirely new abilities. They’re similar to cybernetics that you’ve likely seen used throughout the Pact Worlds and some can mimic standard technological enhancements. I’ve never seen any as well concealed as this, however. Unfortunately, each biotech implant is customized to its recipient’s physiology and genetic structure, so we can’t simply transfer this one to someone else. This customization also makes it extremely difficult to reverse-engineer. If we want Starfinders to have access to such augmentations, we need to find whoever created them.”
"Recruiting the designer or designers would be a great boon to the Society, but failing that we need to identify and locate them."
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Freemarkets... Diz broadcasts his thoughts out. Unfortunately an unstable business hub. Vendors cycling in and out, and sometimes back and forth between multiple aliases. How long ago did your 'customers' acquire this Julzakama?
The shirren listens to Arvin, then asks Customized to the new host's DNA? Longshot, but was this run through any archives? If the Society or any databases we can access has the recipient on file, they could be reached to discover their source.
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With the cigarette in his mouth Hellih adds:
"Yeah, I heard of some scam artists doing business there. Good place, when they are caught they buy new permits under fake id and keep on doing business. Meaning good for them. The place is sponsored by AbadarCorp." adds to what Diz broadcasts
The android is not used to use telepathy it most certainly feels odd to him
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Vyankar shakes his head. "Yes, honor of serving Starfinder Society lost on some. Will need to be convincing."
It has been too long since I have been to Absalom Station. I don't know anything about this Freemarkets place or anyone that may be connected to this augment. Though if we managed to contact the human who acquired it directly...
The Kasatha pauses for a moment, then adds: "Julzakama, do you know how we can contact this... Umm... "Manling", as you say, directly? Maybe he tell us more about augmentation."
"Nah, don't know him," says Julzakama, "Like I said, I got it from some folks who got it from some other folks."
"Oh, and I doubt the original owner is around to answer questions if you know what I mean," he adds with a grin.
Arvin frowns and shakes his head slightly, before continuing "We're going to hold onto the sample for now, the lab guys want to take a closer look at a few things. As for recruiting the creators, that is less import right now than just identifying and finding them."
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Hellih looks at the lot gather here.
A half-elf and Kasatha that both seemed to go through more stress and suffering than most during their lifetime. A young vesk full of honor and ideals, business-focused halfling and a doc shirren. Colorful bunch. thinks to himself
"Yeah, let us move out. Thanks, Julz, I will see you later. Venture-Captain." He nods and heads towards the exit.
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The shirren reluctantly lets go of the hand and prepares to depart.
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Vyankar follow the group out of the Lorespire Complex.
You make your way down to the Freemarkets without incident.
Gilded doors separate the Freemarkets from the previous station sector. The entrance area contains a sizable shrine to Abadar to the right; to the left, an office issues permits, takes complaints, and receives petitions. Through the entry zone, a giant signboard with a directory of businesses offers onlookers a way to locate their desired merchandise.
The walkways are laid out in an orderly manner, with lifts and staircases at regular intervals leading to the Markets’ three retail levels. Kiosks sporting AbadarCorp logos offer carts for rent and advertise delivery services. Other businesses promote themselves in a riot of lights, music, and recorded ad pitches. Businesses are not grouped by type; food stalls operate next to jewelry stores, and specialists repair high-end electronics next to secondhand clothing racks.
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Through the entry zone, a giant signboard with a directory of businesses offers onlookers a way to locate their desired merchandise.
“Alright, Starfinders, let’s make a list of all biotech specialized stores first - it's unlikely we’ll find our artisan there, but they might have information, recognize the style we are looking for. But before we start sniffing around, we’ll look for the Abadar Church representative in charge around here, pay our respects and hear their advice. Don’t worry about anything, we’ll get this over with in a jiffy”, decides Modern Body.
He starts walking toward the signboard, opening up his comm unit to make notes.
“What a sight! Reminds me of home, but cleaner, and less rowdy”.
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Sound plan. agrees D'zyliit. He taps on his datapad to try and access the localized infosphere.
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Hellih follow the others to the Freemarkets. He looks at the entrance and a few stalls that are visible from where they stand.
"This place looks fancier to what I am used to." says android as his blue eyes scan the surrounding. He moves a bit his rifle on his back as he goes to the nearest stall and buys something to eat. He comes back with a portion of fried meat on the sticky with a spicy sauce.
"That is really good! I can't recognize the type of meat, but it is spicy, a bit salty. "
As he takes next bite, android listens to what Modern Body is saying
"Sounds like a plan. The artisan might not be here, but there might be people that know him or collect orders for him." says with a steady voice.
"If you haven't noticed, I am not much of a talker, so I will stick to observing and producing hypothesis."
As he lifts the food for another byte, his left hand begins to shake, Hellih grabs the food with his other hand and continue eating.
There isn't anything on the infosphere with a current list or ratings of the Freemarkets business.
The main avenue follows the curve of the station, with four other walkways on the base level. Most goods and larger items of merchandise are on this level. The second level has a grid of aerial walkways and contains mostly service businesses: cosmeticians, spellcasters, tax preparers, and the like. Aside from street-food stalls, most eateries are on the third level, where patrons can observe the hustle and bustle from above.
On the directory you find five business names that appear to be biotech-related: BioBoost, the Cytech Clinic, Metagenesis, Renew-You, and Synthathesia. All are located on the second level of the market.
The nearest Abadar representative will be at the office to the left.
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Modern Body takes notes of all the names and locations, messages it to his group. “Only five? That’ll be quite the easy task, indeed”.
He moves towards the office, never doubting the rest of the group will follow, so he doesn’t look back to check. He approaches a clerk or equivalent employee. “Greetings! I am Modern Body, from the Starfinder Society, and I’m here in official business with my fellow starfinders. I’d like to speak with the local manager, if they are available. It won’t be but a few minutes.”
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Vyankar takes a moment to look at the Freemarkets, slowly moving his gaze across the stalls. Looking at Modern Body and Stephen heading to the office, he adds:
"Let's split up. Work be faster that way." He takes a moment to look at the directory while listening to Diz. "Renew-You sounds good place to start."
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Kargarama stays outside and responds, "Sounds good to me. Maybe we should also find and question the vesk involved in the original dispute that Julzakama mentioned. Maybe even go to where the altercation happened."
He does a quick scan to see what businesses if any cater to vesk other than Julzakama's.
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Hellih follows Stephen to hear how Moder Body is coping. The android walks in when Modern Body is attempting to communicate with the clerk. Hellih leans towards halfling and shares:
"Wow, this pile of muscles is scaring that poor clerk, he is almost as bad with talking to people as I am. You might want to help him." says to Stephen
Modern Body, Stephen and Hellih head the office, where they are greeted by a cheerful ysoki in a Abadar uniform. "Welcome to the Freemarkets", she says, "How can I help you?"
At Modern Body's request, she replies "Well, the manager isn't available right now, but I'm authorized to handle any customer or business issues. What is it you need?"
Kargarama scans the board looking for Vesk businesses and spots a vesk barbershop called Hard as Nails. It is located not far away on the second level.
D'zyliit and Vyankar wait for Kargarama to either join them in heading off to Renew-You or let them head out on their own.
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Stephen makes a gesture, and and it seems that the most subtle stream of light falls upon him, accenting both the color and lines of his face as he gently addresses the ysoki.
"Well, you see, this is a rather delicate situation. As a devout consumer of Abadar myself, I believe it would be most efficient and profitable were you to see to it that we could speak to someone in charge of the management of the Freemarkets, and who might know a little about the history of this place. You see, we're looking for something, and there could be long term profits and stability for some of your Freemarket vendors in the works if we could manage to sort this out." Stephen ends by flashing a bright smile at the ysoki.
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“No problem, you will do just fine! We are here on a research assignment: to locate a new and possibly experimental type of biotech augmentation, notably for being almost indistinct from an original body part, without strict examination. Could you provide any information to us that might assist in our completing such a task? We already have a list of biotech stores, from the board outside, but perhaps there’s more - and not on display so openly. We wish to establish commercial relations with the creator of such technology, if possible.” he blatters on, all smiles.
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Side note - Julzakama's business is not here in the Freemarkets. He has a more permanent location in the Downlow.
Karagrama heads out to Renew-You with D'zyliit and Vyankar. "There is also a Vesk barbershop called Hard as Nails that we may be able to check out and question anyone there as witnesses to the altercation."
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Kargarama chuckles at the question from D'zyliit, "Barber is just a common term and they don't just cut hair. For Vesk, they have teeth and talons to keep crack-free, trimmed and sharp. They have their scales which can become chapped and need oiled. There are oils which can bring out and enhance the various colors and sheen of ones skin. I have a personal hygene kit for such and have never gone to a barbershop."
He looks over at the Shirren and questioningly asks, "Do you not take care of your antennae? Do you not like to have them massaged? I'm sure you have such places for that as well, no?"
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"Interesting" Vyankar chimes in. "Is body care purely cosmetic or does it tie in with Vesk penchant for combat also? Perhaps scale colors related to traditional biological hunter-prey mechanisms? Or teeth and claw care enhance combat prowess?" The Kasatha seems deeply intrigued by the roots of this behaviour. He waits silently for Diz to answer the question as well.
Vyankar
Kargarama
Modern Body
D'zyliit M'shkenka, M.D.