Failing to note the syringe in Zaré's hand, the Starfinder gives the fey a good jab!
K'ssatak-Sul, however, just manages to rip up more of the ship.
Showers of sparks and debris spill onto the floor from the key sensor array components.
Area of red-dotted difficult terrain is now further expanded.
Soarin continues squeezing down the corridor. With all the debris on the floor, it's even more difficult going so it takes him a while to get to the point where the corridor widens out. ((double move, quarter speed))
Stupid pronking ship he mutters.
TOUR DE FORCE MAJEURE? - Round Eight Cont'd/Round Nine Cont'd!
Derris -4 SP | -1 HP
Grimace of Gwar -8 SP | -4 HP
K'ssatak-Su
Soarin
Rilynn Rae
Zar’é -5 SP | -2 HP
Ship glitch gremlin (red) -10 HP
Grimace will attempt to clobber red with his shield again.
With a solid hit, the vesk drops the final fey.
Peering through an open door, Nugblub surveys the damage that lines the floor of the corridor at the majority of the party's feet. "Oh my! That is quite the mess1 Whatever occurred here?"
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Rilynn arrives just in time to see Grimace dispose of the last pest.
"Nothing to be concerned with, Nugblub. These little critters consume technology and are attracted to faults. The damage to the ship was unavoidable, but I doubt seriously that the Periphery Stars will notice. We may continue the tour now, although I recommend a speedy return to dock."
"Nothing to be concerned with, Nugblub. These little critters consume technology and are attracted to faults. The damage to the ship was unavoidable, but I doubt seriously that the Periphery Stars will notice. We may continue the tour now, although I recommend a speedy return to dock."
"Well, yes, I suppose. In light of the damage, that would be the proper thing to do." Nugblub concedes.
Although the sensors of the tour vessel are severely damaged and the interior now needs quite a bit of touching up, you were able to prevent any true incident for occurring.
Upon your return to the dock, you are met my a man in a finely-tailored suit. "Greetings! On behalf of Periphery Stars, I would like to welcome you back from what was, no doubt, a most pleasant and relaxing tour."
"While all of our tours offer quality experiences, we have learned that your vessel may have encountered a slight disturbance during your time aboard. Please execute this standard waiver and in return we would like to offer you a small amount of compensation for any discomfort you may have felt during your voyage."
The corporate representative holds out a datapad and stylus in anticipation of signature.
In consideration of the above-aforementioned agreement, quid pro quo and sine qua non, the executor of said agreement shall receive as monetary remuneration in fully-negotiable currency an amount in the order of 180 credits (save for such time as those for which there is a prima facie showing that said sentient being is "out-of-subtier", then and only then under such circumstance, said sentient being shall receive an amount with the value of 272 credits nunc pro tunc).
Like a snail drawn to beer, Nugblub begins to reach out an appendage to receive the offered stylus.
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Rilynn snatches the datapad and stylus and reviews the legalese. She underscores "starship glitch gremlin" and then adds zeroes onto the 180 and 272 to make it 1800 and 2720 credits. She hands the altered agreement back to the representative for review prior to signing. Her raised eyebrow and firm chin speaking her intent.
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Zaré has grown on Apostae and is wary of any contract. Some could contain closes like giving up one’s soul… He gives it a good read.
Replying to Deris, he tells “About as big as an Ysoki?” and chuckles at his own bad humour.
Then he asks the others, “Does anyone know a good lawyer? We could sue them and be able to get more.”
Rilynn snatches the datapad and stylus and reviews the legalese. She underscores "starship glitch gremlin" and then adds zeroes onto the 180 and 272 to make it 1800 and 2720 credits. She hands the altered agreement back to the representative for review prior to signing. Her raised eyebrow and firm chin speaking her intent.
"Very well, we can, of course, agree to these revisions if that is really what you want." The corporate agent glances at the numbers and makes a few notations. "By the way, I see that while this tour was paid for in advance, I have no record of your patron having yet paid the mandatory cleaning deposit."
The representative pulls up a copy of the initial contract bearing Nugblub's signature on another datapad, then points to a small, black square at the base of the page.
"Computer, enhance magnification by 800." In response, the screen enlarges the image of the black square until it is clear that the following words can be seen upon it:
"THE SIGNATORY TO THIS CONTRACT HEREBY AGREES TO PROVIDE, IN ADVANCE, A CLEANING DEPOSIT IN THE AMOUNT OF 50 CREDITS. IN THE EVENT THAT SUCH CLEANING DEPOSIT WAS NOT MADE IN FULL PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TOUR, THE SIGNATORY OF THIS CONTRACT DOES HEREBY AGREE TO RENDER IN FULL A PAYMENT OF A POST-TOUR CLEANING FEE UPON REQUEST IN AN AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED UPON BY THE OFFEROR UPON THE CONCLUSION OF THE TOUR AS DETERMINED BY THE OFFEREE."
"Since your tour may not have been entirely to your satisfaction, we are asking only 3,500 credits for the post-tour cleaning fee. Will you be paying the amount in full now or should we simply deduct it from the account information that we have on file for one, 'Mister Nugblub'?" inquires the agent, before he adds, "Of course, as we do so value your patronage, we could save ourselves all some additional paper work with a pair of mutual waivers. What do you say?"
"As one who values formality, I recognize the value of paperwork." notes Nugblub. "However, I am eager to get onto the next step on our exploration of Absalom Station--the Hamisfore Theatorium!"
"Perhaps," the embri continues excitedly, "I might even have the chance to meet with Jebodah Hamisfore, himself!"
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Zaré was about to threaten the representative, the ambassador answer reminds him he’s supposed to make the society look honest.
Before going, he asks the team to make a short break, so he can catch his breath.
He discreetly calls the Theatorium when the team is on route, trying to secure a meeting for the ambassador. He tries a mix of lies, trying to seduce the person answering or Jebodah Hamisfore’s secretary, a bribe, and a mention of the Society if the rest does not go too bad.
He discreetly calls the Theatorium when the team is on route, trying to secure a meeting for the ambassador. He tries a mix of lies, trying to seduce the person answering or Jebodah Hamisfore’s secretary, a bribe, and a mention of the Society if the rest does not go too bad.
With Zar’é securing a meeting and he and the rest of the party providing introductions, Jebodah Hamisfore appears almost as eager to meet Nugblub as the dignitary is to me him.
"What can I do for you?" the gnome inquires of the embri.
"I am making a formal request to be permitted to perform at your famed Theatorium," Nugblub responds. "It is a performance piece related to my culture on Wymdd."
"I am constantly on the lookout for new art forms!" Hamisfore replies. "Follow me this instant!"
Jebodah ushers you and Nugblub through the theater. "I had previously secured a group of avid 'test fans' who I employ specifically to gauge the effect of new presentations," the gnome explains. "I had assembled them for some masked something-or-other, but you--you are something special my mollusky mate!"
“Welcome, right this way,” the spry gnome ushers you all through a set of doors and into a large round theatre with plush seats. On the stage, a troupe of masked actors look up in surprise as guests enter during their rehearsal.
“Not now, you lot,” Jebodah cries to the actors, waving his hands dismissively. “Out! Out! I have something NEW here!”
As the actors file out the stage door, Jebodah moves to a large booth containing a series of levers and dials. He waves into the booth and begins to pull levers and flip switches. With a whir of machinery the entire room begins to reconfigure itself. The seats retract into slots in the floor, and the stage folds up and slides into the wall. A series of stadium-like bleachers extrudes from the corners, slowly building up seating for several hundred people. The floor seems to grow a carpet of thick padding as the room finishes its rearrangement into an arena-like space.
“Now,” he continues, addressing the dignitary. “Just what sort of art did you wish to demonstrate? I assure you, if you impress me, I can launch your career in show business!”
"I call it, 'A Moment in Slime'." Nugblub replies.
The gnome looks at the gathered Starfinders and insists, "Go out and join the crowd. Filling seats with a few allies among their assembled numbers can always improve a presentation’s reception."
Moving slowly, Nugblub takes the central stage to put on their performance. For a moment, the dignitary appears simply to stand under the spotlight, completely motionless. However, within a few moments, it becomes evident that Nugblub is exuding slime through small pores all of their body. From time to time, the embri's body appears to momentarily sparkle and glisten during short instances when the light happens to reflect just so off of the thin film of slimy substance.
The crowd, however, appears unmoved.
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That is... unpleasant, Rilynn thinks to herself. Still, she has a job to do, even if it borders on sanitation. She tries to boost the effectiveness of Nugblub's performance though her skill at perception.
"See there, how that particular pore appears inflamed and leaks copiously?" She cannot hide her revulsion, and her attempt backfires spectacularly.
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Grimace spends a few moments stretching his vocal chords (And his voice amplifier).
Remember, he tells himself, the Starfinder Society says everyone is supposed to like this...Art. Yes. These poor saps here just need some encouragement.
"Even in the Veskarium, the nuance of this being is considerered to have sublime relevance. I can only imagine how such effort cannot but heartily received here, in the cultured Pact Worlds" Grimace remarks, encouragingly to those around him.
Soarin tries diplomacy
The sarcesian convinces some fans about the virtues of the slime.
"See there, how that particular pore appears inflamed and leaks copiously?" She cannot hide her revulsion, and her attempt backfires spectacularly.
"Woow," Deris mutters and leans over to the stranger to his left. "I saw this on Castrovel once. It really is the newest fad. Imagine being in on it from the start. We are indeed some of the luckiest beings on the station right now."
"Even in the Veskarium, the nuance of this being is considerered to have sublime relevance. I can only imagine how such effort cannot but heartily received here, in the cultured Pact Worlds" Grimace remarks, encouragingly to those around him.
he starts manipulating the lighting using various filters, UV and polarising effects to light up the slime to provide additional effects. Angling the lights might also help.
"Permission granted!" Jebodah Hamisfore says eagerly with a gleeful squeal.
NOT READY FOR SLIME TIME PLAYERS - Continues
Derris
Grimace of Gwar
K'ssatak-Su
Rilynn Rae
Soarin
Zar’é
Deris mutters under his breath, while subtly trying to move his arms, casting Ghost Sound making it sound like cacophonous cheering from the stands.
Many members of the audience seems confused as to the source of the noise. Looking around, they don't see many looking like they are cheering.
Soarin does a search through his music collection to find something appropriate to play under the performance. He then tries playing it subtlely
The subtle music draws forth of depth of emotion, feelings of both inspiring awe and profound insignificance, held in tension until they come together to form a bridge over the precipice that divides the mountains of spirituality and reason. The moment of keen sight and earnest self-reflection is encapsulated within words by one of the patrons.
"We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever." quietly reflects one patron as her mind struggles to find meaning within a contemplation of the very nature existence.
"More like a snail!" shouts a man sitting next to her. "Look! The shell, the slime--that's more snail than butterfly. And, its funny to watch 'cause he's really, really slow. I bet I could pin him in a fight within like twelves seconds--maybe eight!"
"Oh, yeah," the patron responds, tilting her head for another look. "They are really slow. So, is anyone up for some escargot after this?"
Grimace will continue to try to impress upon the citizens watching the subslime art to wholeheartedly and enthusiastically to support it.
Despite being used to the tactic, the patrons around Grimace now they need to be impressed.
Rilynn attempts a different tack, leveraging her expertise in xenobiology to explain the nuances of the purpose of slime.
"Fascinating," a pointed-eared patron--probably an elf of some sort--says in response.
NOT READY FOR SLIME TIME PLAYERS - Still Continues
Derris
Grimace of Gwar
K'ssatak-Su
Rilynn Rae
Soarin
Zar’é
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Zaré seats amid a group of folk, plainly aware that whatever the ambassador pulls out might not be appreciated.
He tries to avoid laughing too much when he realizes what kind of performance is happening. Then he wonders is this related to how they have physical relations? and seems to be a little interested.
Still the crowd is unmoved and need encouragement he wispers casually to the person in front of him, using his communit as if it was a gun and point it at the person’s back “I can’t miss you at this distance and I would hit you right in the spinal column. You would not feel a thing and no one will hear it. You’d better show some appreciation fast.”
As the patron might roar in protest, he just shows his comm unit. “Can’t you see I was joking. I’m working on my own performance !”
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A little later, trying to convince someone else, he starts “I bet you never saw them have sex do you? And that’s just the start!”
“I can’t miss you at this distance and I would hit you right in the spinal column. You would not feel a thing and no one will hear it. You’d better show some appreciation fast.”
The patron turns and roars in protest.
“Can’t you see I was joking. I’m working on my own performance !”
The patron shakes his head. "I don't get it," he mumbles as he goes back to watching the dignitary exude slime.
A little later, trying to convince someone else, he starts “I bet you never saw them have sex do you? And that’s just the start!”
"Really? How utterly inappropriate and yet luridly interesting!" another patron replies.
NOT READY FOR SLIME TIME PLAYERS - Still Ongoing
Derris
Grimace of
K'ssatak-Su
Rilynn Rae
Soarin
Zar’é
Rilynn attempts to moderate negative patron reactions. "High art is often misunderstood, yet one understands that it is art despite comprehension of its meaning. So it is with this performance. We are all slightly less imperfect for having witnessed it."
"Yes, what she said." chimes a patron in affirmation.
Seeing his magical tactic misfire, he returns to his first attempt, leaning over to the person at his side. "Wouldn't want to return to my contemporaries and say I don't understand this masterpiece," he begins going into a detailed explanation about why this is high art.
Unfortunately, the patron becomes confused, believing "high art" to involve the use of drugs.
"Is this not just mesmerizing? I am speechless.."
"Well, I'm not!" declares Jebodah Hamisfore. "This is an artistic triumph! It just OOZES sophistication and really GELS with our vibes here!"
The crowd reacts favorably to the performance, prompting Nugblub to politely nod--their most open display of emotion to date. The gnome provides each of you with a credstick to show his gratitude and offers you each a job working for the theater.
With all of the dignitary’s requested tasks now completed, you are free to return the dignitary to the Lorespire Complex to meet with Chiskisk. The dignitary details the events of their journey with you to Chiskisk.
"From collecting a pet and talking to gardening volunteers, to spilling a drink and talking to night club patrons, to whatever it was that happened on that starship tour, to performing before a room filled with appreciative theater goers," recounts Nugblub. "It was quite the proper adventure indeed."
"I am prepared to sign a formal agreement immediately, in the presence of these agents," continues the dignitary, without any further complaint or concern. "Each of whom has shown your Starfinder Society to be an organization worth trusting."