"Good, good. I trust that your group of Starfinders will once again deal with the threat head on. Space Admiral, I trust you will do a thorough job, especially with that newly promoted Intelligence Officer of yours"
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"There hasn't been a liberation front that has survived contact with a unit commanded by me Admiral Kor. Rest assured we will use maximum force to deal with them. I look forward to the formal reception, in my honor, when I arrive at the Grand Mezzanine"
He then turns to the rest of Kommandos. "Dress uniforms everyone. Dr. Helix, since you have chosen to remain a civilian advisor, your finest formal wear will be acceptable. Private Third Class Rastar I expect there will be no stains of unknown origin on your dinner dress blues this time. Captain Chorizal, as a new fifth son of Clan Summersword you can now wear our livery on the left breast of your dinner jacket along with your rank and merit awards. Display it prominently. First Lieutenant Isafira, you will serve as my steward for this formal event. You will carry my holographic sashimono and make sure it is prominently displaying my battle history wherever I go at the gala."
"Uniform inspection in 30 minute Kommandos. THIS I COMMAND!"
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"Wait, is this another 'disperse the rebels' job? I thought we agreed no more of those. It's one thing to stop violence against innocents, but how are we to know that this isn't just one repressive government using outside resources to control a vocal subset of the populace with legitimate grievances?"
Rastar looked at the faces staring at him and blushed under his kideche. "What? I read books. I'm not just dumb muscle. I'm just saying I don't mind being the muscle, but I hate to think that I'm being used to wipe out people with legitimate issues."
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Eventually, there may come a time when Chorizal's various loyalties will be tested and he'll have to make a tough choice between Clan Summersword, the Order of the Pike and the Starfinders.
For the moment however, it just means that he looks impressive when he shows up in full regalia, his chest covered in various insignia.
And so he does, today, the Clan Summersword insignia on his left breast, his Order of the Pike insignia on the right. A patch with the Starfinder logo is on one arm while one with the Acquisitives logo is on the other.
His suit is surprisingly well pressed and kept given his usual lackadaisical opinion about personal appearance.
The ballroom of the Grand Mezzanine is expansive and elegant, with a black ceiling covered in twinkling lights and soaring arches designed to look like ornate wooden structures. The soft, maroon carpet gently muffles the noise of the conversations between the event’s attendees. In the center is a massive buffet line, serving delicacies from across the galaxy. Double doors lead into the auditorium where the final show will be held.
Three people in particular seem to be centers of attention—a tall pahtra man who is clearly armed and wearing armor under his suit, a muscular vesk man in a suit with a prominent facial scar, and a pahtra woman dressed in the latest fashions accented with glimmering lights. Some of the attendees seem to be enjoying the complimentary beverages a little too exuberantly, stumbling and clutching at their respective partners for balance.
***
We are moving into an investigation challenge. There will be an unknown number of phases and in each phase you have two options:
IMPRESS THE VIPS
When a PC chooses to spend their phase interacting with one of the VIPs, they can either try to directly influence the VIP by attempting an influence check or try to learn more about the VIP with a discovery check. Instead of attempting their own check, PCs can spend their phase attempting to Aid another PC’s influence or discovery check.
Biases: The first time each PC interacts with a VIP, whether for an influence check or a discovery check, they can attempt a DC 20 Sense Motive check. On a success, they learn that VIP’s biases.
Influence Check: A PC can attempt a skill check to influence one of the VIPs. The approach and the skill used will have varying results based on that personalities biases.
Discovery Check: Instead of attempting to influence a VIP, a PC can attempt an Easy Sense Motive check to learn more about them. PCs who succeed can choose one of the following pieces of information to learn: the NPC’s Strengths, the NPC’s Weaknesses, or one of the skills that can influence the NPC (starting with skills with Easy DCs). For every 5 by which a PC exceeds the DC of the discovery check, they earn one additional piece of information. After the first success, all PCs gain a +4 bonus on their discovery checks against that NPC.
INVESTIGATE AN AREA
On your turn you can investigate an area rather than interact with one of the personalities.
There are four areas you can investigate.
* Auditorium
* Back room
* Buffet line
* Security Office.
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Despite the quality of his clothes and posture, Chorizal is clearly not particularly comfortable in a social situation like this. It seems just the sort of place where you can only make things worse by threatening or actually performing violence.
As it becomes clear that he's going to be expected to mingle on this mission, he does what he does second best.
He goes to "investigate" the Buffet Line.
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Accompanied by First Lieutenant Vyviane Isafira." The attendant at the entrance to the ballroom announces as J'Shun and Vyviane arrive at the gala.
J'Shun, is resplendent in his Starfinder Navy dinner dress uniform. As he enters the ballroom he tucks his bicorne hat under his arm. He frowns as he sees Captain Chorizal heading for the buffet line. Always thinking with his stomach. He then begins moving down the line of dignitaries arranged to greet all the guests at the gala, shaking hands and saluting military officials.
Once he passes through the line he heads straight for the armored pahtra. He makes sure that all the rank insignia, battle decorations, and service medals on his dress uniform are on prominent display.
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Vyviane, glad she chose a pretty face for this planet, bedecks herself in a stretchy slim formal gown of green and white, with her Lieutenant's badge in a place of prominence. "If it's a ball, I want to dress up for it, but rank also matters here."
She cocks an eyebrow at J'Shun when he suggests they get announced together. "Dear, you KNOW I have at least 20 years on you right?" but she doesn't actually protest going together.
In the event, she glances around the room and spots tonight's entertainment, curious as to what motivates her, Vyv moves over, her white hair glinting in the light. "It will be an absolute pleasure to hear you perform live tonight. I have to admit I've bought a copy of all of your albums and have enjoyed listening to them..."
While she makes small talki Vyv tries to get a sense of what makes this woman tick.
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Rastar wasn't exactly dressed for high society, though his did at least wear a semi-formal poncho over his armor. For this event, he left he heavy weapons in a locker, but did have his pistol and new fangblade attached with the appropriate "peace cords". That was an odd custom for such a militaristic society, but he figured that when in the Veskarium and all that.
He spotted the heavily armed pahtra from across the room and smiled to him self. There was a sophont after his own heart. A weapons enthusiast. He made a beeline straight for the pahtra and said, "Nice hardware you've got there. The others wouldn't let me bring the heavy pieces in tonight. Something about not wanting to set the wrong tone. Glad to see someone here doesn't have minders like that. Name's Rastar. You are...?" He held out a hand to shake.
Kavadroz
Unknown.
***
Miyuu - Vyv, Helix.
"...It was so great performing alongside Strawberry Machine Cake on their recent single “Magical Ribbon.” It was like being part of my large family back home. Travelling with the extended family on Pulonis was so magical, the trees, the stars, I learnt so many instruments by the fire side, trading songs and stories. It was such a spiritual experience!"
Vyv notes one particular sentence...
"Travelling the universe on tour is a bit the same, I get to meet people from so many cultures - and I get to learn all about them and explore their cultures, particularly their music - it is super important to me"
Helix watches her carefully as she speaks.
Though she remains polite, theres a slight glaze in her eye when a vesk walks past, she also seems very particular about 'Pulonis', stressing that word.
Influence - 0
***
Teret - J'Shun, Rastar
The pathra greets Rastar with a firm handshake "High Despot Teret Cahan, Vesk 3"
The pathra seems to warm to J'Shun and Rastar and includes in a conversation with a few guests.
"...it was looking pretty grim for a while, no one anticipated that many Stridermanders rolling into our position and we were firing in all directions, would have been hard for most people to hold their nerve and not just try and flee or go every man for themselves, but these Skittermanders I was with stood rock solid kept saying they were 'helping no matter what' - when they went All-Six it was great to behold, they dug deep, stood solid, and we shot our way out. They were hard as nails. Earned my respect. And is there anything more important than that? Anyone that can reload a gun whilst firing another and also perform a handstand at the same time has my vote. Vesk 6 and Vesk 3, that is where the action is at"
Likes - unknown
Dislikes - unknown
Biases - unknown
Influence - 1 success.
***
Buffet Line - Chorizal.
In the center of the room is the massive buffet line, staffed exclusively by pahtra waiters except for one very tall, bald human man. Samples of various delicacies from across Near Space occupy the line, and you are free to enjoy the refreshments and mingle with the crowd.
People around you have clearly been drinking rather heavily. Something does seem odd, though you can't quite place it.
***
Security Office
Unexplored.
***
Auditorium
Unexplored.
***
Back room
Unexplored.
***
And whilst enjoying the quality voltusk, he can't quite shake something nagging at the edge of his mind, maybe a fresh set of eyes might pick up something he feels he is missing.
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Chorizal grabs three skewers of katalpas, holding one between each of his fingers on his right hand and wanders toward the auditorium. He looks around for some good seats and tries to figure out how to call dibs as he munches on the wiggling invertebrates.
Someone really knows how to prepare food and he can tell that these have been fed on a custom mixture of food that gives them a sweet, gingery taste.
J'Shun continues the storytelling with Teret.
Chorizal heads to the auditorium.
Dr Helix starts up a conversation with Miyuu
J'Shun continues the storytelling with Teret.
Chorizal heads to the auditorium.
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[]b]"Well, I don't know about the handstand, but I have been known to fire a gun with one hand, reload while firing, and disembowel a stridermander with my sword. We've even taken a few bounties, pirates for the most part, with a combination of well-crafted stories, smooth coordination, and overwhelming personal violence."[/b] Rastar gauged the pahtra to see how well teh conversation was going.
Kavadroz
Unknown.
Influence - 0
***
Miyuu - Dr Helix, Vyv.
"The inspiration was the brave struggle of the people in the face of a group that don't have the same sense of reverence in nature and deep spirituality like we do, the Veskarium seeks to rule, but I hope to inspire them to instead find peace and share the Pulonis as a commune, not to be ruled, but to be loved - are you very spiritual Dr?"
She asides to Vyv, "That is a really sweet offer, I can have my people call your people and see if there are any collab opportunities"
Likes - (Culture and Mysticism)(easy), (Bluff, Diplomacy, or Profession)(average).
Dislikes - unknown
Biases - unknown
Influence - 1
***
Teret - J'Shun, Rastar.
Rastar drops a pretty good anecdote, but the blooming bromance between J'Shun and the High Despot is clearly the main conversation, you are both pretty sure things are going swimmingly though and if this keeps up you may well be invited on a hunting expedition.
Likes - unknown
Dislikes - unknown
Biases - unknown
Influence - 2 success.
***
Buffet Line
Something seemed odd to Chorizal, but he couldn't quite place it.
***
Security Office
Unexplored.
***
Auditorium - Chorizal
Chorizal wanders through the propped-open doors to the auditorium. It is pretty quiet inside as the next show isn't for a while yet. Poking around, Chorizal notices unusual wiring attached to the lights and speakers. It doesn't appear to be hooked up to anything though.
***
Back room
Unexplored.
***
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Vyviane nods and hands over about 12 different company contact cards, some of them for smaller tiny corporations but there's a few larger, well known ones mixed in. "Make sure to give these to your people, I'm sure any one fo these groups would be overjoyed to work with you." Business settled she decides to shift the conversation to a different track. "How would you like to hear about the time I recruited a ghoul, yes a unliving ghoul, to work for a manufacturing company..."
Vyv keeps working on Miyuu.
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"Did you know the Mk. VI version of the standard Starfinder Space Navy plasma torpedo now has an updated internal guidance system that can overcome all but the absolute best ECM systems available. I can't give you the exact specifications, but what I can tell you is..."
J'Shun, might have forgotten about the mission as he's having such a good time talking with Teret.
Vyv keeps working on Miyuu.
J'Shun is working Teret further.
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"That's strange," Chorizal mutters then quickly grabs the katalpa that managed to wiggle out of his mouth before it can hit the floor. He shoves it back between his lips and rolls it around in there for a bit before swallowing. The ones with some fight were always better to savor.
He doesn't so much go to the Back Room as he just wanders out of the Auditorium and ends up there. Though, he also doesn't so much leave as poke around when he realizes it's an interesting place.
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"You know, why don't I get us some drinks?" Rastar is certain that J'Shun fully has the pahtra's ear. So much so that his best stories are going unheard. It was time to fall back and regroup. He turned and saw Chorizal holding down the buffet, so he went for some place where he had some experience...the security office.
Vyv keeps working on Miyuu.
J'Shun is working Teret further.
Chorizal heads to the back room.
Rastar heads to the security office.
Kavadroz
Unknown.
Influence - 0
***
Miyuu - Dr Helix, Vyv.
The twin approach from Vyv and Dr Helix pays off - there is definite progress in both getting her people to talk to Vyvs people, as well as the measured conversation from Dr Helix
"Probably not in the Veskarium, well not as it all stands right now - perhaps in the future if the place isn't so oppressive"
Both Vyv and Dr Helix really feel they are almost fully ingratiated.
Likes - (Culture and Mysticism)(easy), (Bluff, Diplomacy, or Profession)(average).
Dislikes - unknown
Biases - unknown
Influence - 3 successes
***
Teret - J'Shun
"Hmmm, secrets are secrets, I can respect that, but the unclassified information is interesting... tell me more"
Likewise, J'Shun only seems to get more interesting in the Despots eyes.
Likes - unknown
Dislikes - unknown
Biases - unknown
Influence - 3 successes.
***
Buffet Line
Something seemed odd to Chorizal, but he couldn't quite place it.
***
Security Office - Rastar
A small door leads into the security office. The guards stop you for a moment, but then listen to their earpieces and wave you through.
As you enter the security room a smiling pathra rises to meet you "Jex, I'm your primary security liaison. Starfinders huh? Welcome to the 'Mezzanine, great ship, friendly crew, good passengers. Strange questions. 'What time is the midnight buffet?', we got called to a passengers room because their microwave was faulty, they were trying to warm a snack in the cabin safe"
Looking around the room there isn't a lot of note, but there is a bank of screens with live feeds from all around the ship.
***
Auditorium
Chorizal noticed unusual wiring attached to the lights and speakers. It doesn't appear to be hooked up to anything though.
***
Back room - Chorizal
A small door leads to the staff areas of the Grand Mezzanine. Normally these rooms are off-limits, but thanks to Tassada’s influence you are allowed to wander freely without alarming the staff.
Several waitstaff are taking their breaks, chatting idly to pass the time before they have to get back to work.
***
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"Hey Jex. Name's Rastar. I get you on the questions. When I was going through training, it seems half the trainees from the outworlds kept trying to rehydrate their sandwich discs in the data ports. Got used to having to go with minimal data while the techies rebuilt the systems. Good times." he rolled his eyes.
"Oh, is that a HikVision 2600? I used the 2300 back when I was doing some low-end security on a tour ship."
"It isn't a bad system, does its job, we're a recreational vessel and don't really get many problems. Not like were tracking wild Jinsul - pretty sure your Starfinder ships would be top tech!"
Rastar doesn't note anything out of the ordinary.
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Chorizal isn't much one for small talk, so he largely just nods at the waitstaff and has a little look around.
How's it going? Admirals and High Despots, amIright? If they're not conquering somebody they're talking about how they conquered somebody.
Anyone know where I can find some more of these?" he asks before popping the last of this snacks into his mouth.
Chorizal gets a friendly response, but is clearly treated more like a 'guest' than one of the crew, and he can tell that tongues were wagging prior to his arrival, and will probably be wagging again once he leaves.
One of the Housekeeping staff take him over to an small industrial kitchen and load him up with leftover snacks. "Admirals and High Despots indeed, tomorrow it will be some minor nobles and company execs, but for us... well same thing every day, someone needs to make the beds" the housekeeper chuckles, leaving Chorizal to his own devices with a mountiain of hors d'oeuvres.
***
Party up again.
J'Shun is trying to 'close the deal' on Teret.
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Vyviane gives Dr. Helix a nod as if to say 'She's all yours.' and then moves off to talk to the last VIP the group hasn't talked to.
She gives the pathra man a smile as she gets closer, "I can see why you suggested Miyuu for this party! She's an excellent conversation partner and if she sings half as well as she can talk, this will be a night to remember."
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With no place else left to explore, Chorizal heads back out to the main chamber. He has a little difficulty balancing his food containers and comes close to losing them more than once.
He is just catching a sphere full of tarature larva when he almost bumps into Kavadroz.
"My utmost apologies, High Despot. A soldier's got to eat, though," he says.
He looks across the room at Teret and indicates him with a subtle motion of his tail.
"I'll bet he wishes he had your job," he says.
Kavadroz
Vyv arrives late into a fairly well-progressed conversation that seems to be about the use of electronics, especially drones, in mapping unknown areas and identifying potential sites of interest (including hunting grounds, light agricultural etc) - he bluntly brushes off the 'small talk'
He equally moves past Chorizals attempt to engage.
Likes - Survival (Easy) Computers, Engineering, or Piloting (Normal). Diplomacy (Hard)
Influence - 0
***
Miyuu
The conversation continues swimmingly, and a musical note softly ringing out is her sign to end the conversation and go get ready for her show, as she does though she turns to Dr Helix, her guard and 'showbiz' personality clearly put aside for a moment "This show is so important to my hopes of greater unity between Pulonis and the Veskarium. I don't know what more I can do" - she seems very vulnerable for just a moment, then departs, returning to her usual stage persona.
***
Teret
J'Shun almost gets things across the line, but the Despot gets distracted and the moment is lost.
***
Security Office
Rastar notes nothing out of the ordinary, Jex seems like a friendly converationalist but has to get back to work.
***
Most of the guests are now filtering in for the next show, the housekeeping staff are moving in to clean up ahead of the next intermission.
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Chorizal is just about to open his mouth and spout all the knowledge about drones, both remotely controlled and self-guided, that he learned in his correspondence course when the chimes sound and interrupt them.
He walks with Vyv toward the doors, cutting a path through the crowd to join the rest of Chorizal's Chosen.
"There's something weird going on here. I couldn't figure out what exactly but at the buffet line the conversation wasn't just about food or small talk. And there are spare wires in the set up in the auditorium. Maybe it's just clumsy work, but it's probably at least a fire hazard and incompetence or maybe intentional and more dangerous," he says quietly to the group.
About ten minutes after the show begins and you have been left to your own devices your comms light up “Hey, Starfinder team? This is Jex from security. Tassada forwarded me through to you. Listen, I don’t have much time to talk, but we need your team down in the starboard staff area as soon as possible. The ship’s crawling with wolves, of all blasted things. My team is busy keeping the guests calm and evacuating staff from the area, so we could really use your help. Ping me when it’s all clear. Good luck!”