You all meet in the halls of the Lorespire Complex, scheduled to meet Venture-Captain Arvin in a corridor just outside a private hangar bay. Several Starfinder spaceships are docked inside, visible through the bay's translucent plastic windows.
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An izalguun is bent over, polishing a metallic skull that moves around on four spider-like legs. "There, all finished! Why, hello colleagues! I'm Vaal Noor, professional artist - if you can call art a profession - and this is my fourth assignment with the Starfinder Society - or fifth? I lost track! So far they have all been a marvelous source of inspiration for my master pieces! The Bone Drone here is based on eoxian technology, more precisely on a corpse fleet starship I’ve had the pleasure to do battle in! What an exciting time! I hope we also run into astonishing things this time around!” he summarizes.
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A graceful, smiling android walks down the hall toward the kasatha and izalguun, waving while she does. She's dressed well, in tailored robes that flow with her as she moves. When she gets nearer she looks down at the drone and smiles back at Vaal Noor.
"Impressive, I'm sure you've given the Eoxians a run for their credits. I'm eager to see what you fashion from whatever adventure they send us on."
She nods a respectful hello at Vecro as well.
"I'm Raelis. I've been focused on my duties as a diplomat over, I haven't taken any missions with the society in some time, I'm eager to get back to work."
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An android enters, followed closely by a large burly vesk warrior.
After adjusting his arcane and technological gear, he addresses those assembled.
Greetings team. We were sent here to assist on this mission. I am Lexicor and this is my bodyguard, Laanok. We are eager to get started.
Turning back to the vesk, Lexicor says Say hello, Laanok.
Soft artificial lighting illuminates the hangar bay just on the other side of the translucent plastic window and the industrial-sized double door. Sounds of clanking or heavy objects being loaded faintly rings through the door. The lashunta Venture-Captain Arvin waits nearby, his hands clasped behind his back in a professional manner.
“Thank you for meeting me here.” he says, motioning to the industrial surroundings. “We have a historic opportunity to partake in a cultural event known as the Meeting of Queens. It’s a ceremony reenacting the history of Castrovel’s formian hives and a key peacemaking council in their distant past. This was before their long war with my people, the lashuntas, that ended only a few decades ago thanks to shirren-led mediation. Until now, no outside parties have been allowed to view this ceremony. Soon, a lashunta delegation from the continent of Asana will participate in this ceremony, and I’ve secured permission for you to join them to represent the Starfinder Society. Your primary objectives are to make a positive impression and learn as much as you can about the reenactment, formian society, and any current political intrigues.
“One important note: You’ll be making an overland journey that is representative of the same journey the formian queens made. They do not allow the use of modern weapons and equipment on the trail. The quartermaster Armidal-Oct across the hall knows to lend you archaic kits; be sure to return these afterward. Also, be aware that this event is sponsored by Qabarat University and other private parties interesting in maintaining formian-lashunta peace.
“I don’t have a much information; the formians are rather cagey about this whole process, but I’ll answer what questions I can. Afterward, pick out a starship to make the journey.”
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Raelis widens her eyes and cracks a smile.
"What an honor, to be selected to represent the Starfinders in such a monumental task!" She stops to consider what Arvin has said, replaying it in her head. "Well, tight lipped they may be, but if they're handing out weapons, archaic or otherwise, we should certainly expect a little trouble, though I'm sure my companions here are up to the task."
"Do we know what sort of terrain we might traverse? The temperature? Any environmental concerns we should know about? Are their any groups upset about the inclusion of new parties to the ceremony?"
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“No modern technology allowed? I might be the worst possible agent for this mission, I’m afraid. I can’t do barely anything without my technological devices! How do they expect me to paint, using my fingers? Or how should I sculpt without my cutters? What should I do if inspiration strikes during the event? What an opportunity I could miss! What about my drone! Should I cover him with rocks or planks of wood? What a ghastly situation!” the izalguun despairs.
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Lexicor listens intently to the briefing.
Very interesting. Does the term 'modern technology' include us synthetic persons as well? I am certain I speak for Raelis as well as myself that while it is an honor to make the trek, I would not want to be shunned or abused based upon my wiring.
He looks to the vesk.
Do you hear that, Laanok? No fancy weapons for this journey.
After a moment.
Sorry to interrupt, but what about environmental suits? Allowed? I am assuming that arcane arts of the ancients are not considered taboo.
“You can bring your effects on board your ship of course, however once you depart to meet the delegation you'll need to adjust your equipment accordingly. Armidal-Oct is the onduty quartermaster across the hall. They will be able to advise you. You'll be meeting at The Queen’s Camp, on the eastern edge of the Colonies. There’s a scheduled get-together where all the delegates can introduce themselves. Curtail your excesses during this event; you’re representing the Starfinders, and you will have to be up bright and early to begin your journey the following day. I am unfamiliar with the terrain, but you can expect a long journey. The reenactment is seven days after the end of the get-together at the Queen's camp. The journey from the Queen’s Camp is expected to take five days. Do not be late.”
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Raelis bows to Arvin and follows Vaal toward the quartermaster.
"Perhaps you just need to change your perspective Vaal," She says peacefully, "maybe this is a chance to perfect your skills in a new medium. If you can find a way to create a new masterpiece using ancient technology, perhaps you can use those techniques in new and interesting ways when we get back?"
Either way, Raelis is glad she uploaded Star Sugar Heartlove directly into her own interface so she'll have something to listen to during the long journey.
"What sort of kits do you have for us?" She asks Armidal-Oct.
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Lexicor will follow the others to the station of Armidal-Oct.
I too believe it would be prudent to obtain some sort of mundane and primitive equipment or kit to best fit into the entourage. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
He turns to Laanok.
You better check to see if they have supplies you could use as well. But be polite this time. No growling.
Quartermaster Armidal-Oct looks each of you over. "Your armor should be acceptable so long as all advanced functions are disengaged, and respectable clothing is worn to cover it. As for weaponry..."
He hands Laanok an ancient looking axe. "This should suffice for you weapon."
He produces a array of bows and arrows for the bulk of the party. "Those of you who normally utilize firearms will need to make do with these."
He opens a cabinet containing an array of clubs and simple knives. "And these should suffice for your smaller melee weaponry."
He then looks at Vaal's drone. "Your drone will need to remain by your side and act as though it is a pet of sorts."
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"Hopefully I'll be able to talk us out any fights that might happen." Raelis says holding her bow and simple knife. "I certainly never expected to be practicing archery."
She checks over the rest of her belongings to make sure nothing will be amiss. "Well I guess I'm ready whenever the rest of you are. I don't have a ship preference, I'll manage with whatever we travel in."
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"Actually, no. I'm afraid I just feel quite silly holding these toys of old. I might as well find some confort in food, like our friend vesk - though I could never compete with such an appetite! But I believe we are done getting our archaic costumes, and can be on our way. I might create some clothes made out of leaves to disguise the Bone Drone. How dreadful!"
With your new equipment in tow, you all board a Drake-class vessel and depart for Castrovel. The voyage takes 3 days and is relatively uneventful. You don't cross paths with any other vessels, however the occasional vidcast message comes through broadcasting slanderous messages about the Starfinder Society's recent "military buildsuip" coming from numerous media outsets. The only piece of other news comes in the form of an Absalom Talks panel, in which the hosts discuss rumors about AbadarCorp's executive archdirector, Gevrant Iseki-Okaibo, retiring within the coming year.
En route the Castrovel, you have plenty of time to research the Asana delegation party by reviewing local infosphere data.
The emissary Jontane Whipsfix (a formian) worked in the Broken Minds colony prior to becoming a taskmaster. Due to their incredible efficiency, even for a formian, Jontane was quickly promoted to lead several different work groups for various corporations. Eventually they decided they preferred the autocratic society of the traditional formian hive and returned after an industrial acid accident that left their chitin blotchy.
Qabarat undergrad Felzhen Urarry (a male phentomite) acts as an assistant for professor Euiuyou. Felzhen is the leader of the student organization at Qabarat that lobbies for reduced costs and increased scholarship opportunities.
Qabarat undergrad Woowl (a female osharu) is studying microcultural variances among similar species in varying urban conditions. Woowl joined the delegation at special request of some of high backers who have been keeping an eye on Woowl’s research at Qabarat.
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Lexicor looks surprised at Laanok
”Well Laanok I am most impressed. I seem to have underestimated your ability to absorb matters involving anything beyond weapons and food. Strong work, my friend. “
”What you may have missed is Qabarat undergrad Ulkhat Crawrt (a female trox) studies both crystal growth and choral orchestration in an attempt to research “
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"frequencies of crystal growths used to reinforce buildings. And information about Qabarat undergrad Woowl (a female osharu) studying microcultural variances among similar species in varying urban conditions. Woowl joined the delegation at special request of some of high backers who have been keeping an eye on Woowl’s research at Qabarat."
Raelis says finishing Lexicor's statement. "The more we know about the delegates the more we can tell the society, and if we can make a good impression by speaking with them on their subjects we may make a few allies as well."
She smiles, eager to see that her diplomatic skills may be of use in the future.
"I'm very excited to meet all of them. I wonder if any of them can provide archery lessons as well."
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Vecro aims at the wall with his bow
"Let us hope that we meet them before we have to use those weapons. I am impressed by the amount of information that you were able to gather."
Speaks putting down his bow and reviewing the data at his datapad.
"Is datapad archaic enough to be carried? Or should I print that information? "
Your ship lands on the eastern edge of the Colonies, near a small encampment already set up for the delegation. An oasis replete with exotic fruit trees, a fountain of crystal clear water, and large domed tents sprawls just beyond the landing zone. To the southwest, curious and delicious smells waft from buffet tables containing delicacies of the various cultures represented by the delegation. To the west, a thrumming sound system plays music from across the galactic core. Near the eastern edge of the oasis camp where the desert truly begins, crystalline formations seem to grow directly out of the desert sands. Domed tents occupy the oasis’ southeastern quadrant.
As you approach the buffet, you see a pair of delegates chatting with each other. A damaya lashunta shakes her head. "I know right? And they said it would be easy..." The formian laughs. "Such poor organization... ah! Welcome!" He beckons towards the party. "Please, join, eat, you will not likely find such formian delicacies back on absalom station!"
The lashunta nods emphatically. "The eels are perfectly prepared, you should try them before they go rubbery. Look for one that is still a deep chartreuse."
The delegates seem a little disappointed that Raelis doesn't show any interest in the food, but happily engage with Vaal. "Yes, a bit of a last gathering with all of the perks of modern life before we forsake it all to begin the long walk. The organizers certainly did not skimp on the good stuff."
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Lexicor smiles as he sees the banquet and buffet.
Well, this does not seem so bad, right guys? Laanok...are you ok?
He looks over to see the vesk in almost a full body shudder at the sight of so much food.
Prudence, good Laanok! We are guests here, true. But we have a mission. So PLEASE control yourself!
He accepts a skewer of some sort of roasted vegetables (or so he thinks).
+2 vs poisons not specifically targeting constructs.
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Laanok licks his lips as his eyes widen, pondering what he should eat first.
Mmmmmmm
Laanok takes a bite of fruit
vs fruit
Before he even knows if it agrees with him, he devours the fruit and then starts to gnaw on a piece of chartreuse eel from the tray Speaker for the Dead sampled earlier.
vs eel
Where has this been all my life?
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Vecro follows his allies, bowing politely to the delegates.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. Unfortunately, I was not aware that such a feast would take place and I already ate on the board of our ship. But I would gladly listen to your experience with this food here."
He looks a bit worried about Laanok, Vaal Noor and Speaker of the Dead.
The diplomats nod understandingly as Vecro and Raelis excuse themselves and instead spend more time chatting with Laanok who seems to be gorging himself
The Lashunta introduces herself. "You seem to have quite an affinity for tasting exotic cuisine! I am Zusurra, and this is my coworker Fontane." He motions towards the Formian.
"It is quite a privilege to take part in such a ceremony, and I look forward to sharing the journey with others outside of the hive. I myself have spent much time with the hive, so much so that my partner here has even suggested I be inducted into it! But to see it opened to the wider audiences of the pact world is quite interesting indeed. Please, don't hesitate to come to me if you require assistance in speaking with the Formians."
Jontane nods, "Or I if you have any questions on handling yourselves on our planet."
Laanok, Vaal, and Speaker for the Dead all manage to smile and finish pleasantries before their stomachs all begin to churn. Vecro seems to tolerate the food fine, but the others are feeling awfully queasy.
You all move off to catch up with Raelis at the dance floor. In the northwest corner of the party area, a sound system projects music that combines high, clear vocals with an energetic, digital beat. The sound system is flanked by an open area for dancing as well as a bar serving drinks of all types. Currently, the osharu Woowl is swaying, flailing around, and loudly engaging anyone who approaches the bar or dance floor.
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You have all been very gracious hosts. We appreciate the offer of assistance should we deem it necessary. Thank you.
Lexicor tries to determine if the were any extra meanings in their comments as he is generally a poor judge in social interactions.
If you have any recommendations on what to see or do or what would be prudent to avoid, those would be most helpful.