Cwethan's Last Bite (Inactive)

Game Master Cwethan

Seeing the ursine accountant toss the goo grenade and catch Charlie, Rally winces. "Glad we're back here, huh?" she calls to Quentin and Pamatea before aiming and lining up another shot.

attack roll vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
fire damage, if that hits: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Rally peers across the landscape at the bear, trying to determine if she scored a hit. "Well, at least I'm out getting fresh air and exercise. Probably good for me, eh, Doctor?" she says to Pamatea. The elvish girl then glances over at Quentin and shrugs apologetically. "I'd find a better spot, but it'd take me forever in this terrain."

Pamatea inches up closer and replies to Rally, "I can help with that!"

She turns back and shoots Rally with a dart. It does no damage, but gives her a +10-foot enhancement bonus to her speed for the next four rounds.

Rally's blast comes close but reflects off the makeshift barricade!

Finding out that the plants he's stepping through are a bit higher and denser then they looked from a distance Charlie is caught of guard as something explodes under his feet.

Reflex: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Luckily it explodes after he passed by and doesn't seem to have damaged him

Looking at his feet to find out what happened there he sees a grenade fly in his direction

Reflex vs Grenade: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

and his limbs are stuck together even further reducing his forward momentum as he's covered head to toe in sticky goo

Rethinking his actions of moving further forward and looking behind him to see where his companions are Charlie opts for a different tactic

"Hey! You, come out here and "dance" with me!"

Charlie then wonders about the sanity of proverbially poking the bear.....

Botting Quentin
Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 4 + 1 = 1
Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 4 + 1 = 10

Quentin snaps off a pair of shots in Suzi's general direction, but they fly wide as she suddenly surges around the cover!

"That some kinda crack about dancing bears?" Her roar is savage, but her telepathic voice is oddly playful.

The swoop hammer? Less so.

Swoop hammer: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Bludgeoning: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

She catches Charlie's return swing in a meaty paw, with teeth broadly bared. "Ha! Nice duck, Tiny!"

Quick reminder of nonlethal in Starfinder. It's really just damage unless it happens to be what knocks you below 0, so nonlethalling Suze early isn't strictly necessary

**Everything** is difficult terrain. The wall Suzi's behind is 30' tall
Now that mines are known to be around, please put a line of your movement path on the map
The bold may go!
Charlie Entangled (7)
Pamatea
Suzi - Get 'er! (+1 on attack rolls vs. her)
Rally Rose
Quentin

**Edit** Forgot that Quentin would probably keep up Get 'Em. Assume that happened :-p

Pamatea darts in closer, and shoots at Suzi again!

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
needler rifle: 1d6 ⇒ 2 P and biohack (-2 to AC)

Rally winces again as the hammer comes crashing down. At least her target finally came out to play. Using the added vigor from Pamatea's bioboost, the elvish girl surges forward, taking a stance along the side of the muddy path with one foot high in the greenery and leveling her sniper rifle at the immense accountant.

attack roll vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Rally huffs in annoyance as she twitches her gun aside to avoid hitting Charlie. "Charlie! Clear line of fire, please!" she barks at the sturdy ferran. On a whim, Rally then boots up her custom rig and posts a brief lament on 'the lost art of tanking' to her social media accounts.

Quentin curses, setting aside plans to use a grenade. "C'mon folks, you can do it! Get 'em!"
Until the start of your next turn, you and your allies gain a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls made against Suzi

He follows that encouragement with a shot from his pistol.
Laser pistol: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

He is not used to firing a weapon.

Side stepping the huge hammer that swings by just an inch from his head Charlie thanks the gods that he didn't get hit by that.

That 1 is almost the only thing that could make her miss me while I'm covered in goo

Charlie roars defiantly in the face...well, more likely at her belly..of Suzi before counter attacking with both fists wailing away as best as he can before he gets hit and won't be of much use any longer
Arrrrggghhh!!

to hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 - 2 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 2 - 4 + 1 = 19 (full round attack, entangle, get ém
damage if hit: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
to hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 - 2 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 2 - 4 + 1 = 10
damage if hit: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

I think we have an aid token? If we do I kinda want to use it for allied offense now and get a bonus to hit for flanking till the end of my next turn and dealing +1d8 damage with my first attack so we've used it and we can pass it on
Extra damage?: 1d8 ⇒ 3

"I would like to get a bit furrther away, but she's big enough that you should be able to just firrre over my head, I'm not that tall!"

Charlie seems to realize he might just have called a corporate director "large" and adds under his breath
...no offense..

Suzi waits until Charlie's chagrined aside is finished, with an expectant smirk, "Why the big pause?!"

A Big Paw: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Slashing: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

"I love being tall! Good hit though short-stuff!"

**Everything** is difficult terrain.
Now that mines are known to be around, please put a line of your movement path on the map
The bold may go!
Charlie - 3/16 SP Entangled (6)
Pamatea
Suzi -13 Get 'er! (+1 on attack rolls vs. her, -2 AC)
Rally Rose
Quentin

Quentin gulps, starting to feel like they may have bitten off more than they can chew. Still, he's hopeful when Charlie lands a blow. "See? We got this, keep at it!"
Renewing Get 'em

He then takes a deep breath, aims, and fires!
Laser pistol: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

"You got this, Charlie!"

Pamatea shoots Charlie with a Mk 1 serum of healing.

heals!: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Sad trombone noise.

I only got hit once right? So I still have 3 SP left. I don't think that serum of healing does anything right now. But thanks for caring.

As his ears ring from the knock to the side of his head Charlie tries to focus

"Hah! The only thing that hit did is made me see 2 of you...morrre to hit!"

Charlie continues his assault hoping for the best before he drops to the ground.

to hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 - 4 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 5
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
to hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 - 4 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 8
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"...or morrre to miss. I never payed much attention in school"

Charlie stands firmly on his legs as his upper body sways a bit from left to right

"..I don't suppose we can talk about this?"

Good point Charlie - Pamatea, feel free to toss an extra standard in for your next go.
Botting Rally

Rally Rose sends a searing bolt for Suzi who roars with surprise at the sudden burning in her flank!

Sniper Rifle: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 1 = 15
Fire Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

"Grrowww! That's got more zap to it than a normal defiance-series!"

Suzi grips her hammer in both surprisingly dexterous paws and belts Charlie with another tremendous blow to the solar plexus - and much of the rest of his torso!

Swoop Hammer: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Bludgeoning: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"Oooh sssorrry... Do you need to go to the medic?"

**Everything** is difficult terrain.
Now that mines are known to be around, please put a line of your movement path on the map
The bold may go!
Charlie - 0/16 SP, 11/18 HP Entangled (5)
Pamatea (Two Standards)
Suzi -19 Get 'er! (+1 on attack rolls vs. her, -2 AC(6))
Rally Rose
Quentin

Rally pumps a fist in exultation. Finally! Freshly energized, she levels the rifle again and snaps off another shot.

attack roll vs. EAC: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 1 = 23
CRITICAL FIRE DAMAGE: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 1) = 9

Rally Rose grins. "See? What did I tell you guys? Army of One."

Then, all too cognizant of the dangers of (somewhat literally) poking the bear, Rally has her custom rig analyze the accountant's attack patterns and the angle of her swings, using that data to fortify the most vulnerable points of her armor. (Rally Rose gains a +1 to AC against Suzi's next attack before the end of her next turn.)

Thanks for the botting! I had a dentist appointment that put me out of commission for the day. Clearly the temporary change of control helped my luck! ^_^

"Grrreeeoowww!" Suzi bellows in pain and surprise - though clearly still a powerful, vital presence, it does look like Suzi's finally starting to slow down! "Was that gun really HR approved?!"

She is now below half health. Doesn't mean you have to start taking the -4s but... well, do you.
I will allow an emergency Medicine check or similar to stabilize her if need be.

**Everything** is difficult terrain.
Now that mines are known to be around, please put a line of your movement path on the map
The bold may go!
Charlie - 0/16 SP, 11/18 HP Entangled (5)
Pamatea (Two Standards)
Suzi -28 Get 'er! (+1 on attack rolls vs. her, -2 AC(6))
Rally Rose
Quentin

"She's on the ropes guys! Get 'er!" Quentin calls to the others. He takes a shot that he hopes will finally connect...
Laser pistol: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11

He is now suspecting his pistol needs recalibration.

Oops, sorry, misread!
Last round!

Pamatea sends a plain dart at Suzi.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
needler rifle: 1d6 ⇒ 3 P

This round!
Seeing that Charlie is now into hit points, Pamatea shoots a serum of healing at him.

heal: 1d8 ⇒ 7

"Yeah, I actually could use a doctor....." Charlie comments as he's hit again

Charlie jumps a bit as he's hit in the buttocks with a needle

"...thankfully we one on the team"

To hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 20
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Charlie swings once hoping to hit
I keep forgetting, can you take a careful step back in this systeem even in difficult terrain? If so I'll start to slowly back away ...

Starfinder doesn't allow it without an ability like Nimble Moves

Suzi's ursine jaws somehow stretch into a broad grin as Charlie clocks her a good one. That's so smart! I should bring one for everyone else next year too!"

Despite her bravado, it seems like she's trying at least a little bit not to kill or maim Charlie now.

Swoop Hammer: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 13 - 4 = 18
Nonlethal Bludgeoning: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

A little bit.

**Everything** is difficult terrain.
Now that mines are known to be around, please put a line of your movement path on the map
The bold may go!
Charlie - 0/16 SP, 4/18 HP Entangled (4)
Pamatea
Suzi -38 Get 'er! (+1 on attack rolls vs. her, -2 AC(5))
Rally Rose
Quentin

Quentin holds back his frustrations and, like a good CEO, keeps up a positive face. "Ignore the chatter! We've got 'er!"
Keeping Get 'Em up

Aiming his weapon to compensate for the poorly calibrated sights, he once more fires upon Suzi.
Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Rally hesitates, observing the way Suzi sways and the slowness creeping into her gait. "Hey, Pam? Be ready to provide emergency aid. I don't wanna kill someone on my very first day without a good reason." The elvish girl's voice is still confident, but a shaky note has crept in.

As Rally edges forward, she reaches down to her belt, patting the two healing serums she'd gotten from guests at the Lorespire Complex. Worst case, she can run up and try to resuscitate the accountant... or Charlie. Taking a deep breath of the steaming jungle air, Rally raises her rifle and fires again.

attack vs. EAC: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Unfortunately, the muddy terrain shifts under Rally's weight just as she fires, and the laser cuts a thin line through the foliage a couple feet in front of her. "Noijit!" Rally curses. "...really glad I didn't start streaming for this little safari," the elvish girl adds with a sigh as she checks her rifle's remaining charge.

"No problem, I can keep her alive." Pamatea creeps closer and shoots Charlie with another serum.

heals!: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Staggering back under the assault, sticky and hurt Charlie decides to give it one last hurray before doing a face plant

" Raaaaarrrghhhh!!!!"

Charlie pummels away with his fists

to hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 20
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
to hit KAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 19
B damage if hit: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

' Someone please be ready to catch me after this...."

Suzi flinches towards Quentin's blast, but drops her guard as she does so, and Charlie takes advantage of her distraction with brutal bodyblows that knock the wind right out of her! The towering CPA sprawls out across the jungle floor, tongue lolling out between her fangs.

"Ha! I can't believe it!" Yalus makes it clear that despite his ghillie suit, stealth was never really going to be his strong suit. "I just thought you'd clear out some of her mines and-" A sudden blast of compressed air sends him rocketing back to slam into a nearby tree with a loud groan of his own.

"**nngh** You didn't get to, ah, clearing out the mines then?" Laboriously the advertising archdirector gets back to his feet before adding, "Still, a job very well done. So, I assume you'll be wanting some letters of recommendation for your permanent files?"

Alright! We're nearly wrapped up with Corporate Culture - Winner Takes All will be next.

Rally Rose hustles over to help the archdirector up, grinning. "Told you you could count on us, sir!" Her grin fades a little as she thinks about what comes next. The elvish girl hesitates for a moment, bringing up her mission notes in her custom rig and scanning the text overlaid on her vision. Oh, right. Vote of no-confidence.

"Well, Archdirector... if you want to do us a real favor, um." Rally rubs the back of her neck, smiling a little nervously. She glances around at the others, especially Quentin. Back me up here, please, Rally thinks nervously.

"We've all been really worried about the rumors of a shift in company leadership. The current executive archdirector's leadership has meant a great deal to us, and this sudden change has been worrying us a lot. I'm sure we'd all really appreciate it if you could put your support behind Iseki-Okaibo, against whoever's trying to unseat him." Rally Rose smiles her most winning smile, hoping she doesn't sound as awkward as she feels.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

I am amazed that Rally's been managing to face so well. That racial trait is doing work. Might need to figure out how to class skill that sometime...

Charlie sits down and lets his head hang between his knees.

"I'm going to need a minute...or 10 to catch my brrreath"

before addressing his adversary
"Grrreat fight Suzi, let's not do it again"

"Exactly as Rally said, Archdirector. It's not just a question of a desire to stay the course, but also many people, including us, feel that Iseki-Okaibo is the right choice. So we hope you are taking that into consideration."
Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

He then walks over to Archdirector Suzi, carefully following the route Charlie took. "That was incredible, Archdirector. You're a veritable wrecking crew. I hope that was as much fun for you as it was terrifying for me. And I admit I'd like to make the same ask of you regarding company leadership. Iseki-Okaibo is the right leader, and we hope you'll continue to support them."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
I'm not sure if Suzi is even willing to consider this (or is in a condition to talk), but if so I would like to use my reroll here...
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

K, marking off Quentin's Social Media boost...

Both of the Archdirectors seems surprised at the sudden conversational turn, but they're both surprisingly amenable to the request. "I think you might be right... the case against Iseki-Okaibo is almost too strong. I assume that pressure has a source? Well, proxies are of course, acceptable, but anyone who does business with AbadarCorp has to be willing to put their own face forward too.

"You've got my vote."

**ngrrng**"Mine too."

***

Days in transit: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 With bedrest Charlie will heal 16, so back to full!
Fully optional, but I always love to see some starship vignettes - what do your characters get up to on voyages like this?

Once you've returned to the Lorespire Complex, Venture-Captain Arvin is again the one to brief you. He seems quite harried - all around are the bright lights of camera crews amassing in preparation for the upcoming gala so he quickly leads you into a side room. He turns to you with a small frown and begins, "What I’m asking you to do is frankly a bit sordid, and I wish I had a more honest mission to give you." Arvin produces a datapad. "As you know, AbadarCorp’s board is composed mostly of department archdirectors. It’s an exclusive club of less than a dozen individuals, and every one of their votes could sway the outcome. Your new target is Archdirector of Finance Denanne Karrsi." Arvin taps his datapad, and an image of an imposing elven woman with silver hair and a glowering expression appears.

"Ms. Karrsi is an avid gambler. She’s booked a suite at the Luxx solar casino. If you can defeat her at her game of choice you may be able to influence her. Check in to Luxx as patrons, challenge her to a game, and then use any leverage you can to persuade her to oppose Datch’s vote.

"Any questions?"

Are we flying our own ship, or is this a passenger transport situation? Will happily drop a flashback based on that

"I'm going to assume that this archdirector isn't ursine in shape? And this isn't how I've handled most negotiations, but I regretfully can't say that this is the first time I've handled an executive meeting in a casino. At least it's not a brothel," Quentin makes a face, clearly recalling an unpleasant memory.

"Is Karrsi any good at gambling? Is there a game of choice that we should veer towards? Something where the odds can be in our favour?"

Your own, which we should probably decide between Pegasus and Drake in case you do end up in a Starship Battle

"She's only ursine in temperament I'm afraid; from what I understand the only time you're likely to find her in a good mood is at the card table. She's good, but not unbeatable..." He trails off, looking like he'd just bitten into a lemon, "I suppose if you don't have any gamblers among you, you might be able to use underhanded means to tilt the odds in your favor..."

***

You aren't permitted to approach the Luxx in your ship, instead leaving it docked at a nearby waystation and shuttling in amidst the hoi polloi - only VIPs are allowed berths within the Luxx's hangar bays. As you file through a long series of escalators and cylindrical glass lifts, you eventually arrive at a concierge desk, where a profoundly rude female lashunta greets you with a long litany of disclaimers in a dull greyed out voice:

"At Luxx Interactive Entertainment (the “Company” or “we”), we want all of our customers to enjoy Luxx Bucks gambling as a planned and budgeted entertainment option - like an evening out for dinner, the theater, or a sporting event. But, as with many other things in life, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Moderation is the key for all who gamble.

"Look here's 50 Luxx Buxx. When you lose those you can add funds at any of the kiosks if you're not a total deadbeat who's gonna cry about it. Try starting out in the Nova Room - it's easier for first-timing shuttle riders."

LORESPIRE COMPLEX

"No questions, sir!" Rally Rose grins. "And sordid doesn't bother me too much... you should see what it's like in voice chat." Her attitude fades a little at the mention of underhanded means, though. "You mean, like... cheating? I'd rather not—it's against the Gamer's Code—but if it's for a good cause..."

The elvish girl brightens up a little. "Still, I'm a pretty good gamer in other fields, so maybe I'll be ahead of the game here!"

IN TRANSIT

Pegasus has my vote. It's got a cooler name. ^_^

Rally Rose spends her time en route getting in some streaming and gaming, managing her social media presence, and editing footage from the jungle battle into a prepared video for her fans to watch and share. In addition, if one or more of her fellow Starfinders are amicable, she does a couple of live interviews with them, giving her fans a chance to ask questions and learn more about the Society's members.

Rally might even sleep sometime during all that.

LUXX

Something about the way the lashunta concierge ends her speech makes Rally blush as red as her namesake. The elvish girl nods quickly, taking her 'free sample' with a murmured "'nk you miss..." and hurrying on to the Nova Room.

Poor Rally. Maybe she can come back in a couple levels, once she's got her confidence up.

The first day of travel Charlie mostly stays in bed only getting up for food and a nice warm shower to relax his bruised body. The days after that he spends doing some increasingly more difficult physical exercise to get back into shape.

----------------------------------------------

"So does anyone have any idea on how we'rrre going to win in a game? Because unless I get verry lucky or it's a game based on throwing heavy balls at things I'm not going to be that grrreat at it"

Skillful card playing can be accomplished most easily by a Profession (gambler) check, but you can throw Perception at it in a pinch. If you have an opportunity to cheat then Bluff or Sleight of Hand might play a role as well.

Despite the name, the Nova Room is dimly lit, and packed with patrons stooped over automated gambling stations. Flickering slot machines line the walls surrounding a token kiosk where a male halfling stands on a stool converting credits into Luxx Bucks.

Unfortunately, you don't see Denanne Karrsi anywhere in here...

Pamatea spends the voyage tinkering with her biomedical research in between catching up on epsiodes of Akitonian soap operas.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Maybe we should talk to that halfling over there? He seems to know what's up!"

Okay I **must** know what an Akitonian soap is like.

The halfling, Bert by his nametag, eyes you all shrewdly as you approach. "Didn't even stop to play your free fifty, huh? Looking for a game with higher stakes?"

BEFORE
Used to leadership, Quentin finds himself sitting in the captain's chair on the bridge of the Pegasus. He spends a good portion of the first day learning the controls though, as he's more accustomed to having a pilot fly ships for him.

When Rally comes by looking for an interview with the former CEO, he declines. "No offence, but if the press didn't want my side of the story before, I doubt anyone wants to hear it now."

NOW
Quentin collects his credits and, when accosted by Bert, says, "We're looking for a specific person at a game. A friend of ours named Drennnae Karrsi. I'm betting you know them... Hah, 'betting'!" He says the last bit with a friendly smile.

"Ohhhh. Herrrrr. I'll tell you what, if you want to sit down at her table, you're gonna need to pick up some more chips..."

He looks down at his cred-slot meaningfully.

Quentin eyes the halfling, trying to get a read on whether he's being taken for a ride or not.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

He seems to be legitimately asking for a bribe in exchange for his information, but you get the sense it probably wouldn't take all that much.

Quentin sighs, then slides 10 credits into the slot. "What do you know?"
Hopefully that's enough, as it's all the credits I have!

Bert gives a broad smile, "Yeah, yeah, that should do it. She's got a private booth in the Refraction Lounge. Try there."

***

Ms. Karrsi's booth is artfully furnished with plush furniture and shag carpeting all decorated in shades of purple. Rather than the elf you seek however, you only see a male verthani, his skin currently matching the lilac settee he's lounging on.

He blinks slowly as you enter and blows out a broad, candy-scented vapor ring and gestures expansively at the many surrounding seats. "Taking a break? Crack the minibar open. Denanne's buying," he adds with a bitter twist to his mouth.

Rally follows the others' lead, particularly that of Quentin. Ever since his rebuff of her interview, she's been deeply curious about the man's past... but Rally Rose knows better than many how painful the past can be, how many secrets it can shroud, and so she does not pry.

"Wow..." the elvish girl breathes as she enters the private booth. "I've gotta get my own suite like this sometime, you guys." Rally enters a quick note into her custom rig as she peeks into the minibar, analyzing the beverages and selecting a lethal-looking cherry concoction.

Rally Rose glances around at the others, including the verthani man. "You guys want anything while I'm in here? You, Mr...?"

Charlie knowing from past experiences that most of the time in delicate situations like this that opening his mouth to "help" does more wrong then good follows allow silently.

Rally wouldn't have much trouble finding a flurry of
articles from two years ago. Headlines with 'New Wonder Drug with Disastrous Side Effects', 'Clinical Trials Should Catch This: Kintan Pharmaceutical Fails its Stakeholders', 'Genetic Correction in Medicine - Where are the Ethics Watchdogs?'. The last article is simply titled, 'Kintan CEO Steps Down'.

Quentin nods, comfortable around all the creature comforts. "It's okay Rally, I can make my own." He pulls a small bottle with a brown liquid in it, a can with a dark, syrupy and fizzy liquid, and pours both into a short glass with ice.

To the verthani man he says, "Do you have Denanne's schedule? Will she be back soon, or is she in a game right now?"

Pamatea grabs three different drinks that don't seem like they should go together, mixes into a larger glass, followed by the mixture bubbling up almost to the top of the glass and then settling down again. There is a faint aroma of bubble gum.

"I have to say, these accommodations are much nicer than my last mission. We were on a spire of rock in the middle of an ocean!"

The room's colors gradually shimmer over until everything is in blue instead of violet; the verthani briefly turns bright red before bringing himself back into concert with the rest of the room. "Who cares. She's probably out on the Grand Casino Floor, cheating some other poor sap out of their ship. I had her! I know I had her, but then somehow she had the exact cards she needed and- and- She's a cheater - I'm sure of it - I just couldn't figure out how she was doing it, but when she got to deal-" He bursts out into sobs, "She took my Minnow!! A 500m solar yacht and she just took it! I'm just waiting here to hand over the keys and try to give her a liquor tab that'd make her choke!"

Rally Rose almost chokes on her cherry concoction. "A cheater? And her a servant of Abadar, too!" She sweeps her gaze across the others, a fire in her eyes, and brings her fist down on the table. "All right, if it's true what this gentleman says, we have to catch her at her game and make her change her ways."

The elvish girl thinks for a moment. "Plus, if we can prove it... it might give us some leverage for the other thing." Rally sets about checking her recsuite for ways to record the potential sharper.

You are all kept current of real time events as First Seeker Elsebo sends a message. ”Agents sent to a corporate retreat managed to influence high-ranking members of AbadarCorp. These agents survived some unorthodox workshop activities and persuaded an executive to oppose Datch’s vote. The cooperation of these AbadarCorp staff members may be enough to tip the scales in favour of Iseki- Okaibo.”

Table GMs, covert mission four is now closed and action mission four is now available for selection.

The Grand Casino Floor is the clearly the largest public area on Luxx. Three sets of white marble stairs cascade down to a spacious marble floor. To the north, a bar lit by fuchsia and indigo neon serves drinks to glamorous clients. Besuited waiters dart through crowds of patrons milling about card tables, roulette wheels, and other game stations.

Guests lounge beside a sparkling pool set ridiculously into the middle of the casino floor. At the center of the room, a host shirren seated at a grand piano plays a jazzy tune, but all eyes gather around a long, rectangular gaming table to the south as a showdown unfolds between two individuals - a hulking shobhad whose extra arms keep twitching towards her empty holsters and a tall elf woman in an exquisitely cut gown of canary-yellow silk, long black gloves, a wide-brimmed velvet hat, and multicolored jewels. Vibrant geometric tattoos peek from beneath her mane of silver hair, and her violet eyes seem to glow with intensity. Denanne Karrsi smirks as she executes her final play.

The hapless shobhad groans as Denanne flips over a winning card. As the shobhad shoves over her Luxx Bucks with the only arm her head isn't buried in, Denanne sighs and sips wine from her crystal glass. "I warned you that challenging me was a bad investment!” She scolds her opponent. "But now you’re all out of funds. How boring." She casts her eyes around the crowd for a moment before her gaze lands on Rally. "Well now. Don't you and your friends look interesting...

"Care for a game? Let's say.. five thousand a hand?"