GM Jhaeman's "Dawn of Flame, Chapter 1: Fire Starters" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

Now recruiting for 4 to 5 brand-new, Level 1 PCs for the first book in the Starfinder adventure path, Dawn of Flame. This will be run via PbP here on Paizo. The commitment we're making to each other is just for Chapter 1 of the AP ("Fire Starters"), but I really hope we all have enough fun to continue on beyond that.

We'll be starting off with a twist: all the PCs will be hailing from somewhere in Near Space, and the assumption is that none of the PCs have been to the Pact Worlds before. Recommended races include Damais, Embri, Ghoans, Hobgoblins, Ijtikris, Osharus, Pahtras, Skittermanders, and Vesk (all major races in Near Space), though other races specifically mentioned as originating in Near Space will be considered.

The group is a scientific expedition sent to study Mataras, the Pact Worlds' sun. The team needs research scholars, tech support, security, and perhaps a cultural attaché to smooth things over. In game terms, I'll try to select a good balance of classes/roles from applicants to fill out the group.

If you're interested in the campaign, I need you to do two things. First, engage in some in-character role-playing in response to the next post (expedition applicant interviews). Second, include your character sheet in your profile (preferable) or at least a link to a PDF hosted on something like Google Drives.

I know it takes time to make up a new character, and so I'll keep recruitment open for at least a week before making any decisions on the final crew.

If you have any questions, just ask away!

The advertisement on that infosphere site sounded intriguing: Applicants wanted for scientific research expedition. Only candidates with backgrounds in physics, engineering, information technology, interpersonal relations, or small-group security will be considered. Extensive, prolonged travel required. Click the info-link to complete a preliminary questionnaire. It was all a bit mysterious, but perhaps that only added to the allure.

After filling out the questionnaire, and a few follow-up forms, the notification came: you passed the initial screening! The message was accompanied by a free ticket to Pabaq, the university planet of the sluglike osahrus. And, for the first time, you finally learned what the expedition was all about. Several academic and government research institutions were going to jointly fund the first Near Space expedition to study the Pact Worlds’ sun!

But now, the hard part. Here you are in Jhavom (Pabaq’s capital), sitting in a chair in the middle of a conference room in the research facilities of the Advanced Institute of Heliodic Studies. Facing you, seated at a long table, are a panel of esteemed academics, project managers, budget experts, and more. Although several of the interviewers are osharus, a sprinkling of others—even a Vesk—are here as well. There were several other applicants in the waiting room before you were called in, so it’s clear the competition to become an expedition member is high.

”Ahem,” begins one of the panel members, a frail-looking elderly damais with greying hair. ”Applicant, would you please state your name, qualifications, and experience relevant to fieldwork of this nature?”

Query: Would an aasimar be ok.

Query: Nanocyte playtest allowed?

Because others might find this useful, too, the other races I found that originate in Near Space are:
- Phentomite (Alien Archive 2)
- Brenneri (Alien Archive 3)
- Dromada (Alien Archive 3)
- Espraksa (Alien Archive 3)
- Telia (Alien Archive 3)

@Dax: I think aasimar could come from pretty much anywhere in the galaxy and don't have particular ties to Near Space, so it wouldn't be a perfect fit for the theme I'm shooting for. But I guess if you tied the character in well to a Near Space culture, I'd consider it. No nanocytes though (only official, published classes in final form).

@YoricksRequiem: Excellent, thanks for the research!

Are you fine with people who have less experience with Starfinder? I have been wanting to get into the system, but my gaming group never really had much interest in it.

@Caoimhe Aisling: Yes, definitely! I'm happy with people new to Starfinder, new to PbP, or both. I love having new players in my games, as often they're the most creative problem-solvers (because they haven't been exposed to years of how the game's adventure-writers assume things should go). With a good group, we can teach the game as we play.

I'm not new to PBP or gaming in general, just Starfinder. I've been a tabletop roleplayer for almost twenty years- about 3/4 of which has been as a GM- so I'm pretty well versed in both common RPG tropes and creative solutions that avoid the well-trodden path most PCs take.

In case you're wondering why I'm talking out-of-character, it's to keep my actual in-character response you are looking for distinct from my actual questions when I declare my character. If it bothers you or is distinctly out of place and/or unnecessary, please let me know.

This sounds awesome. I became the unofficial Starfinder GM since it came out, and haven't been able to play in a game yet, so I'm definitely tossing my hat in the ring.

Quick question, how would you like us to generate stats?

I'm super interested I'll have something made in the next day or two!

Haven't played Starfinder since the first few games I played fell apart, but this looks interesting... maybe a good opportunity to get back into it. I'll work on putting something together.

@Veltent: Good question. Normal point-buy method, starting credits, etc. Paizo material only.

Dotting

dotting

Dot. Been interested in Starfinder since it was announced but never got around to playing it. A party full of normally oddball races certainly increases the appeal.

Dotting.

”Ahem,” begins one of the panel members, a frail-looking elderly damais with greying hair. ”Applicant, would you please state your name, qualifications, and experience relevant to fieldwork of this nature?”

”Oh, yes! Hi!” A short skittermander with blue fur detaches himself from an enthusiastic conversation with a hobgoblin bearing a slightly overwhelmed look on her face and bounces into the interview chamber. ”Hihihi, you can call me Cabizo if you want. And as for what I want - why, that’s to help you!” The skittermander holds all six arms open almost as wide as the smile on his face, then notices the empty chair in front of him. Quickly clambering atop it, he stands and makes eye contact with each of the interviewers.

”My name is Cabizo - sorry, I don’t mean to imply you’re forgetful, but sometimes you don’t have a pencil ready and you turn on your audio recorder just a second too late to catch someone’s name and then it’s awkward, so let’s avoid that if we can! So! Name’s Cabizo, qualifications are a medical license from the biggest hospital in my home city, a therapist license from the biggerest hospital on Prime, and this!” He proudly brandishes a holographic projector that he sets on the table and activates.

The grainy image of a grey-scaled vesk with a carefully neutral expression appears above the table. ”To Whom It May Concern - Please be assured that the skittermander bearing this message is highly qualified for the task he is interviewing for. I am quite certain he will perform his tasks for you as dutifully as he has for me. - Regards, Commander Vishkagor III“ The short message is quite damning with its faint praise, but the beaming skittermander doesn’t seem to notice as he takes back the projector.

”Isn’t she nice? She was one of my most frequent patients - she needed someone to talk to, see, and nobody would really listen to what she said because they thought everything was an order. But she put in extra effort and wrote a journal and punched things alot and talked about her dreams and made a really beautiful painting exploring her inner conflicts!” Cabizo pauses to wipe away a tear at the memory. ”But she said she couldn’t keep me to herself anymore and I had to go find other people to help - though I think she might not have been telling the whole truth.” The skittermander wrinkles his nose, then leans in close to whisper loudly to the damai. ”I think she didn’t really want to let me go, but someone made her and she couldn’t argue back. Don’t tell her I said so though!”

Cabizo straightens back up, and his voice likewise returns to its energetic volume. ”So, name is Cabizo, quantification is very much so, and experience is helping! The Commander wasn’t my only client, see - I helped scientists and doctors and patients and that one guy who called me names and threw things at me and said he never wanted to see my face again, but it turned out he just had some pent-up aggression he needed to find a positive channel for after losing his arm.” He pauses to stroke his chin-fur thoughtfully. ”You’d be surprised how many people don’t like to talk about their feelings. It makes it difficult for them to work together sometimes, because they say one thing and mean another and don’t even know that they’re saying one thing and meaning another and then they get mad and sad and cranky when people do what they say rather than what they mean, you know? But when they know what they actually want and they have time to think about what they’re feeling and stop running away from those feelings, then they like working with other people again and they smile more and laugh and even bake cookies because they’re so happy!”

Cabizo beams, two pairs of hands folded behind his back while the third give thumbs-up signs to the panel of interviewers. He then starts pulling papers and small vials of thick colorful liquids from his pockets. ”Oh! I even brought some finger paints and paper if anybody wants a quick session as a demonstration - or I can do group therapy too! Anyone?” He looks around the room hopefully.

You can also find Cabizo's character sheet here and his planned progression here. I'd be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have over his character or build, and best of luck with the interviews GM!

The panel members look a bit taken aback, but many of them start to nod as Cabizo speaks. A few of them whisper to one another, and you catch fragments like "Highly voluble--good for morale!", "A medical professional? Outside designated parameters, but a useful contingency.", and "Would surely deescalate tense situations with the locals.

The elderly damais clears his throat and announces. "Interesting--very interesting. Thank you for that. . . presentation, Cabizo. Please return to the waiting room and await our decision."

That's a great start to the recruitment thread, Hathwile! You've set a high bar. Please keep an eye on the thread for future announcements.

”Ahem,” begins one of the panel members, a frail-looking elderly damais with greying hair. ”Applicant, would you please state your name, qualifications, and experience relevant to fieldwork of this nature?”

A damais woman steps forward after the Skittermander moves aside. Chuckling a little bit at the small one's antics and efforts, she squares her shoulders and nods respectfully to the elderly damais.

"Strength to you as it is in me, Elder," she begins. Still standing straight, hands clasped behind her back, she continues. "I am Vilo Berusi of the Korikuli Enclave of Daimalko. My qualifications lie primarily in interpersonal communications and small-group security. I have fulfilled numerous responsibilities, including successfully assisting in the transport of groups and individuals to and from the surface of Daimalko and between the enclaves of my people."

Vilo clears her throat a bit before continuing. "My security recommendations can be verified by any who wish to contact the Korikuli Enclave. I was referred to enter this expedition by Escobar Korikul, the Guardian of the Korikuli enclave, and he has offered himself as a point of reference to any who wish to speak with him, unless a demonstration of my combat ability is requested." A mischevious glint appears in Vilo's eyes. "Or I can send you a vid-link? I did a short stint on Pact World's Gladiators. Non-lethal of course, but it should show some of my abilities."

"As to my interpersonal abilities, that also comes from my security work," Vilo continues, loosening up as she speaks to her audience. "Traveling underground with the fear of a colossi breaking through to eat you caused many of my charges to...lose...it..." Vilo trails off for a moment before coming back. "That is to say, there would be much weeping and wailing and begging to turn back and return home, which was never an option."

Vilo begins pacing a little bit in front of the table. "Have you ever tried to talk someone out of jumping off a cliff? Have you had to keep someone from running madly into the darkness of an unknown tunnel? In many of these situations, you can restrain someone physically, but it was communication that they craved. They wanted someone to tell them everything would be alright whether it was true or not."

Vilo stops pacing and turns to face the panel. "In short, this expedition is going into dangerous territory. You need someone who can support your scholars and balance them out, keep them calm when the going gets rough and protect them as they need it. I can do all those things and more," she finishes enthusiastically. Nodding towards the Skittermander, she adds "I can also confirm what he said about fingerpainting. It helps some of the flightier ones to get their minds relaxed."

Crunch is in the profile, let me know if there's anything missing.

Young Damaya Lashunta begins to speak very confidently and loudly.
"Hi! My name is Roggi. Am I qualified for this? Well, I think so. Colleagues call me a Doctor Science. I think I excel in every form of science: Computers, Engineering, Medicine, Mysticism, Physical and Life science even medicine.
I have worked on all kinds of researches. New animal and plant species, making devices to make it easier to work on researches and even programming those devices.
My hobby has been mysticism for many years.
I am also a good pilot. My father was a military pilot, so he taught me those skills as well.
You can test me in any area you want. No problem."

Vilo and Roggi, thanks for the submissions--I ran out of time tonight, but will read and reply tomorrow.

A short light purple osharu with blood-red leopard stripes begins to move towards the room after Vilo exits but loses what small bit of confidence she had and moves back to where she was standing. A small drone modeled to look like another osharu seems to have materialized next to her, they murmured to each other quietly as Roggi went into the interview room. After Roggi came out the drone began moving towards the room and after falling behind for a moment the osharu moved up to the drone's side.

after breaching the entrance of the room the osharu waits a moment looking towards a few of the more academically minded osharu on the pannel and smiling before beginning "Good morning, I'm Shujae. I am an engineer and technician who shares the dreams of many on this panel of spreading and obtaining knowledge for my patron Yaraesa" she takes a breath and looks up for a moment before regaining her composure. ""I think I can be of assistance on this endeavor because I have expertise in a number of disciplines, I can do physical repairs as well as technological repairs should the need arise. as well as helping with more psychological issues, some of you may recognize me from my philosophical writing such as "On practical religious endeavors" or "Cosmetic Consumption in a Cybernetic world".

in addition...

Contined by Staim-Mk3 Below

In addition I will convert the Mythweavers sheets to a standard profile form in the next few days

A robot that looks like an exceptionally short metallic osharu picks up naturally from Shujae "As Shujae was going on to say, I have a reasonable ability to defend her and others as well as support her or other osharu who may become worried by the difficulty of their task in combination with their own frailness." the osharu drone begans "I was given the name Staim by Shujae. She made me to function as a reminder of the gifts that we hope to bring back for Yaraesa should this mission be successful. and of the benefits the osharus gifts of the mind can bring."

Continued by Shujae below

Shujae steps forward and slightly over attempting to upstage Staim. "So, I can bring some technical expertise and help the recordkeeping of Yaraesa well Staim can help to defend the expedition. Thank you for your consideration." She finishes holding her chin high. She pauses there for a second as though she is going to add something but then that look disappears as she nods slightly and turns to exit.

Xylian Xuuvats is somewhat surprised by the number of damai in the waiting room as well as the conference room. They weren’t exactly a numerically prolific people. Hopefully they aren’t hiring only one of each flavor. He thinks as his turn to present himself to the board comes around. While the free ride to pabaq might have indicated that the university had already decided to accept the present applicants, Xylian had lived on pabaq most of his life. It hadn’t cost the university anything to get him there. As he stands to enter the conference room, he is revealed to be noticeably shorter than is typical of his people; a result of growing up on the higher gravity home of the osharu.

”Uhm. Hello,” Xylian begins awkwardly. He lacks what you might call the interpersonal communication skills his people are known for, having spent the entirety of his early life on academia. ”I am Xylian Xuuvats. I have a PHD in computer and robotic engineering from the School of Mines from, well, here.” He makes an awkward gesture with one arm to indicate the capitol city, and continues to mechanically list his qualifications, lacking any sort of salesmanship. ”I have a bachelor’s degree in physics and an associates degree in biology from the same university. The subject of my PHD thesis was non-magical means of protection of delicate robotic joints that needed to retain high flexibility in extreme environments. It’s a fascinating read, I assure you.” He had rehearsed the last line, intending it to be a joke, but his delivery was monotonous and poorly timed. ”While there may not be an enormous amount of need for that specific application in this endeavor, I can assure you that the technology can be expanded to protect delicate scientific equipment.” He slips his hand into a pocket, intent on showing the board a prototype of a shield projector he had built that could magnetically attach to any piece of metallic equipment and be wirelessly powered to protect said equipment. There would be no way to demonstrate it in the climate-controlled boardroom, but he hoped it would grant some sort of validity to his claims. Where there should have been a small metal disk, there was only a fist-sized lump of warm jelly. He had pocketed his shapeshifting proog instead of the shield projector.

Xylian sighs and withdraws an empty hand from his pocket. It made no real difference to his presentation. ”I can calibrate, maintain, repair, and – given adequate facilities and resources – fabricate equipment in the field. With my qualifications in physics I can also assist in the actual research. I am fluent in eight languages, a certified paramedic, and have a space vehicle pilot’s license.” He concludes the list of his qualifications, just as mechanically as he had started. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any notable field experience to list. He had only recently finished his academic pursuits and this was his first attempt at finding a job. Studying the sun wasn’t immediately related to his primary field of interest beyond an opportunity to test his shielding on a larger scale, but it was difficult to find such well-funded and supported projects. ”Uhm. Thank you.” He finishes awkwardly.

Statsheet is HERE. I'll work on a forum profile tonight.

The Vesk member of the panel looks sceptical as Vilo speaks. "You speak well, but battles are not won with words. Can you think quickly and make the right decision in a stressful situation?" He looks pensive for a second, and then dramatically jumps to his feet, knocking over his chair and startling the academics. "Exigent situation hypothetical test!" he shouts. "While escorting your team through the crowded streets of a slum, a pickpocket steals a mission-critical datapad from your absent-minded colleague and dashes into the winding alleyways. As operational security, what do you do?" The vesk touches a finger to his wrist, a holographic display of a stopwatch appears overhead.

Good intro, Vilo!

@Roggi: Do you have any other character concepts? Lashunta are common on Castrovel, and I'm trying to go with a theme that's about Near Space-born characters coming to the Pact Worlds for their first time.

The panel members seem impressed by Shujae's presentation. One of the osharus murmurs to the elderly damais "It would seem fitting to have an osharu representative of Pabaq on the mission", while at the far side of the table, a skittermander squeals rather loudly "Two for the price of one! Hard to beat!" However, the vesk snorts "Philosophy and religion? We need serious thinkers, not ivory tower academics on this mission!" The comment earns several scowls from those sitting next to him.

Excellent, thanks Shujae.

As they listen to Xylian Xuuvats' slightly-awkward presentation, several of the panel members suddenly perk up when they hear the reference to expertise in shielding. They begin to nod at each other enthusiastically. "That could show the Deep Cultures Institute why they should work with us!" the skittermander shouts, before covering her mouth and apologizing for the outburst.

I really liked the role-playing, Crisischild--it's great to see PCs with some flaws portrayed so well. Thanks!

Vilo pauses for a moment to consider the scenario and takes a breath to calm her nerves before looking at the Vesk. "Without our bonds, we have nothing. I would not pursue the pickpocket immediately. The safety of my team is always my first priority. Data can be regathered, equipment can be replaced."

Vilo ponders for a moment and shrugs. "And if I know that my colleague is chronically absent-minded, I'd have an extra copy of all their data on my person at all times, even if I had to thump them for it. Common protocol when transferring information between enclaves on Daimalko is to create multiple copies. This can be used to verify accuracy of information and also ensures that, should a member of the team perish, another can still deliver what was intended."

Vilo stays quiet for a moment to make sure the panel understands that is her final answer. "I agree with you sir," she adds, addressing the Vesk, "that battles are not won with words. They are won with lives, and I do not gamble them easily."

Thank you! And thank you for presenting a truly difficult question for me to answer.

The vesk nods slowly. He looks over at his fellow panel members "That was an excellent answer. I like this one! She is not vesk, but that is not her fault."

Great, thanks Vilo! Please keep an eye on this thread.

I really liked the role-playing, Crisischild--it's great to see PCs with some flaws portrayed so well. Thanks!

Thanks =) I thought Vilo was very eloquent and personable, so I figured since they're the same species and the alt-racial I took for Xylian lost the charisma bonus that I'd go the opposite direction.

Oooh! It's not too late to throw my hat in the ring is it?

Excellent, thanks Shujae.

Thank you

This is my (Doctor Mono's) Brenneri Envoy, Reginalld Rulodf Errichs Raspe IV. I'll be building his background tonight, but I wanted to get the interview up there ASAP.

The advertisement on that infosphere site sounded intriguing: Applicants wanted for scientific research expedition. Only candidates with backgrounds in physics, engineering, information technology, interpersonal relations, or small-group security will be considered. Extensive, prolonged travel required. Click the info-link to complete a preliminary questionnaire. It was all a bit mysterious, but perhaps that only added to the allure.

After filling out the questionnaire, and a few follow-up forms, the notification came: you passed the initial screening! The message was accompanied by a free ticket to Pabaq, the university planet of the sluglike osahrus. And, for the first time, you finally learned what the expedition was all about. Several academic and government research institutions were going to jointly fund the first Near Space expedition to study the Pact Worlds’ sun!

But now, the hard part. Here you are in Jhavom (Pabaq’s capital), sitting in a chair in the middle of a conference room in the research facilities of the Advanced Institute of Heliodic Studies. Facing you, seated at a long table, are a panel of esteemed academics, project managers, budget experts, and more. Although several of the interviewers are osharus, a sprinkling of others—even a Vesk—are here as well. There were several other applicants in the waiting room before you were called in, so it’s clear the competition to become an expedition member is high.

”Ahem,” begins one of the panel members, a frail-looking elderly damais with greying hair. ”Applicant, would you please state your name, qualifications, and experience relevant to fwho has some strong Andoran ieldwork of this nature?”

"Ah, yes." For a moment, Reginalld marveled at how his voice echoed in conference room. He'd been in this room before, of course, but never in the capacity of an interviewee. "As you know, I am Reginalld Rulodf Errichs Raspe IV, secondary attache to Commodore D'molay and senior analyst for the CISC: Continental Inter-species Commission."

Raspe takes a moment to hand out datapads to each of his interviewers in turn, even giving a curt "hem-hem" to a vlaka that was disregarding the paperwork.

"As I work for both corporation and state, you will need to make your mark, or whatever species appropriate ident note you can make, on the datapad before you to access my dossier." Without even looking over to the Embri on the far right, the brennari shakes his furry head and adjusts his monocle. "And no, Master Tch'ktelago, you do not get to avoid signing the form because of our previous negotiations representing our respective people on the comission. You know as well as I do that regulation 118-2047.12A requires documentation- in triplicate no less." Satisfied that the embri diplomat had acquiesced, Reginalld turns back to the elderly damai leading the interviewing council- though he does steal a glance at his datapad to be sure that regulations had been followed before he would be allowed to speak per regulations.

"Madam," a deep and respectful bow. "Thank you for this opportunity. It is my understanding that this trip will need a diplomatic arm, or at least that is what the Commodore has explained. The pact worlds are diverse- primitive and somewhat barbaric at times- but diverse. That requires an experienced hand, someone with a history of inter-species and cross culture diplomatic acumen. Someone not afraid to learn from the Pact World cultures themselves instead of watching repeats of old holovids on the Zo! or the Harrow network. As you'll see if you scroll down to page 283 of my dossier-" Reggie checks his datapad, "Forgive me councilwoman. Your access hasn't updated, let me forward the proper paperwork to get- ah. Yes. There it is." He looks back up at the council. "As you can see on page 283, I have experience with both the Known World and Veskarum military as liaison officer handling mostly allied deployments and acted along Captain Frinallic of the Red Fleet in first contact missions along the Eastern Rim worlds. Please disregard references to the Rim World massacre, Lord Ch'klasla. That was eight years after we had left the Rim. Now, where was I? Ah. yes- experience. You need someone that understands diplomacy and cultural distinction. By my records alone, you won't find anyone this side of Varturan more qualified."

Reggie give a sidelong glance up at the embri. Sorry, Master Tch'ktelago, but yes. That includes you, or we would have had very different dealings over the mining rights to asteroid CW-88 two years back, my good man."

”Ahem,” begins one of the panel members, a frail-looking elderly damais with greying hair. ”Applicant, would you please state your name, qualifications, and experience relevant to fieldwork of this nature?”

Certainly. purrs Zharis, every inch of her nearly 7 foot frame posed perfectly to impress (and also quite beautiful if you admire the feline form).

Your advertisement mentioned both engineering and computer skills, which I am naturally talented in, skill with small-group security, which plays well to my proficiency with several kinds of weapons. If you do not know, on our home planet two things are most highly valued, and one of them is skill in battle. I am confident that I could help in that regard as well.

She continues ticking off the points one by one with her claws.

Lastly, and most impressively (pardon my boasting, but in an interview such as this it seems appropriate), My skills in interpersonal relations are likely unmatched in your talent pool. I have basically been on stage my entire life because of my well-known parents, and dealing with alien diplomats is as easy as breathing for me.

It isn't only experience though. I am well-trained as a mediator, and understand how to help people and groups come to understand each other and work together.

In addition, I have many contacts in the upper echelons of society and no small reputation myself. I am certain that I could get the results of this expedition the attention, and the future funding, that they most certainly deserve.

Zharis places some emphasis on the word funding, but not unduly so. She knows that in a group such as this, funding would be important, and that she can help them in ways that were not listed on the application. In fact, some of them may recognize her, and realize that her parents are on the boards of some of the research institutions that are funding the project already.

Oh, and one moment. I figured by this point in the interviews you would all be getting a little hungry, so I thought we could eat while we talk further.

She walks back to the door and motions to someone, who with her team of caterers quickly sets up a table with a variety of light delicacies and finger foods specifically intended to be appropriate for a wide variety of species' dietary needs, so as not to leave anyone out.

After they leave, Zharis smiles warmly at the group.

Now, what questions do you have for me? I don't want to bore you by going over my qualifications that you most certainly have already seen, or I would have never gotten to this stage in the interviews. What you are looking for here is personality and how each of us would fit together as a group, correct? What can I do to assuage your concerns or doubts?

Everything is in the profile. Still tweaking background, but I think everything else is done. Haven't played Pathfinder since it first came out though, and those games both feel apart as soon as we hit ship combat, so honestly, just tell me if I got anything wrong or left anything out. I would be happy to revise as needed. :)

@Sha'ir: Nope, not too late--I'll keep recruitment open until Tuesday. I can tell already I've got some tough decisions ahead!

The scholars look intimidated and impressed in equal measure by Reginalld's presentation. The embri, Master Tch'ktelago, indicates subtly to the others that having the brenneri diplomat in another star system could be personally advantageous to many of the panel members. "Well, he sure doesn't lack confidence," someone murmurs. "A natural leader!" whispers another.

Nice writing, that made me laugh twice!

The panel members listen to Zharis attentively, but really perk up when the food is brought in. It's been a long day for them! The sole vesk on the panel announces sternly to the others "As security consultant, I should interview this applicant personally. Carry on." He leads Zharis to the side of the conference room and whispers, "I saw every episode of As the Black Hole Turns. You were absolutely brilliant! I'm a big fan! Is D'hoffin Zzelbeck really so slimy in real life? Do you mind if we take a selfie?" Seeing some of the other panel members looking over as he holds up the holo-cam, he growls at them "Facial recognition security background check."

Thanks Zharis, an interesting, all-around well-written PC!

Zharis, speaking in a low voice so as to not embarrass the Vesk, says with a brilliant smile

Always good to meet a fan, thank you for watching! ... Oh, no D'hoff is actually quite nice in real life, kind of like how his character was way back in season two, you remember, before the brain surgery.

She happily poses with him for the selfie and then pulls out her personal comm unit and says

... Here, I'll send you an eCertified official autographed vid of us both.

Thanks for the compliment on the character, by the way. :) (Also, just for the record, in my final paragraph in my last post I meant Starfinder rather than Pathfinder and "fell apart" rather than "feel apart." Yikes. Must have been really tired.)

The scholars look intimidated and impressed in equal measure by Reginalld's presentation. The embri, Master Tch'ktelago, indicates subtly to the others that having the brenneri diplomat in another star system could be personally advantageous to many of the panel members. "Well, he sure doesn't lack confidence," someone murmurs. "A natural leader!" whispers another.

Nice writing, that made me laugh twice!

Thanks! I was shooting for a mix of Baron Munchausen and Hitchiker's Guide Vogons in the body of a typical english bureaucrat. IT's what the brenneri seem to inspire in me:)

If there's any last applications, you've got about 48 hours to get them in.

Viridien’s petals are pink instead of the more common blue. Their frame is tall and slender the green strands bearing a mass of soft leaves forming a delicate cloud-like crest. They place their hands inside a glass of water and the water level visibly lowers. They are congenial and professional… and they forged every single document and reference applying for this position. The advanced degrees in Intertellar Relations and Xeno anthropology? Fake! Certification in 7 distinct computer programming languages? Phony! Escape and evasion training? Fiction!

bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

“My specialty is project management, negotiation, and de-escalation. Wherever possible, I avoid conflict but also provide tactical support when needed. The Pact Worlds System is a very tricky place to navigate. People go there expecting the consistency of the Veskarium and find… Well, I don’t need to tell you how bizarre their ways are!”

Did I have to lie about my age? Yes! Vertebrates don’t understand that I can be this young and still know what I’m doing. I possess ancestral memories going back at least 200 years. That accounts for the wide range of skills that I possess. My ancestors have travelled all over the Veskarium and nearby star systems. This expedition would be my first, but they don’t need to know that.

“I like being around people,” understatement of the era! A surprise mutation gives Viridien telepathy but leaves them unnourished by sunlight. Instead, they need to be around living sapient minds to gain nutrition. "Ultra-extroversion" or simply "ultravert" as one Ghoran Botanist put it.

So far, it looks like we have:
1 Mystic (Skittermander)
2 Mechanics (Osharu, Damai)
1 Solarian (Damai)
3 Envoys (Brenneri, Pahtra, Ghoran)

Great characters so far!

Much as I love my otterfolk bureaucrat, I almost want to make a martial character just to fill the gap. Or arcane. But I don't have any concepts right now that I like nearly as much as Reggie.

I'm very interested in this. Time will tell if I can get an application in in time. Deadlines do not slow down for the overwhelmed.

Nuskobin, a powerfully built Vesk mercenary who was there just looking for his next pay-day, stood when addressed by the panel, "Nuskobin, Thunderchaser, my previous employer shortened it to T.C. you may as well if you wish. For the last four years I was employed as part of a mercenary company providing security and other services to similar expeditionary studies as this, however, those were on a much shorter basis." His eyes looked at each panel member as he spoke but it was clear by his stance that he was facing the Vesk in the group. "My personal qualifications, " he continued, "I have experience with vehicles of the land, space, air, and sea; I have knowledge of or hands on experience with most weapon systems and explosives, with an emphasis on close quarters combat; and possess a moderate amount of survival skills... oh and I am not a half bad cook. Everyone's got to eat right."

Working in hammering out the character sheet

Viridien's appearance before the panel is perhaps the most divisive one yet. Some panel members seem quite impressed by Viridien's CV, with audible murmurs of "most impressive!" and "perhaps over-qualified!" Others, however, seem dubious, with one panel member voicing concern over the reportedly poor reception of ghorans by Pact Worlders (based only on some sort of far-fetched conspiracy theory). Still, with those qualifications . . .

Thanks Viridien, that was a fun and fresh approach.

The vesk member of the panel nods appreciatively as Nuskobin speaks, and then says to the others "Yes, this is what we need! The Pact Worlder scientists will respect us only if they know we bring quality Veskarium know-how to every endeavour--even research expeditions." Did the elderly damais chairperson just roll their eyes, or was that a trick of the light?

Thanks Nuskobin, a classic concept is attractive among the more exotic aliens.

A fantastic response, my thanks to everyone who applied. Recruitment is officially closed. I'll read through the choices tomorrow and post the five who are in as well as a list of alternates. I'll have my work cut out for me!