"Wonderful!" the half-elf says smiling. "I'll have a car brought around."
Tioran makes some quick calls and shortly an official-looking vehicle arrives. Tioran piles into the spacious backseat while the driver takes you towards Kizmatta University. The ride is smooth, though you can see that you are forced to detour around a student protest as you get close to the school. While small — consisting only of a few dozen students — the protest makes considerable noise, waving signs and chanting anti-war slogans. A small drum circle performs nearby, while a handful of bystanders look on but do not interfere; there do not appear to be any police on hand.
"I hope the small delay isn't an issue" Tioran says as your vehicle diverts down some side streets. The functionary seems unphased by the development. "These do occur from time to time. Last week the the rally was against the very weather-control technology that made the planet habitable in the first place!" They give a light shrug. "Such displays are the price of democracy and a broad society, but just a small one."
"It is never the first solution." Tioran agrees. "Still, the proposal has only recently been forwarded by a minority party in the upper house of the legislature. It actually being enacted would involve it passing through several committees and being approved by the lower house — it could be years before such a draft would actually occur."
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Riding through the neighborhoods, Mahari keeps an eye out for interesting-looking corporate or military-industrial facilities as well as any escape routes back to the hotel or the space port. One can never be too prepared for when one gets caught where one isn't allowed to be.
"Is the Republic doing that badly in the conflict, Tioran? Seems like it's not a full-blown war right now, just occasional skirmishes at the fringes, right?"
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"Everyone should have the right to have their voice heard. A few extra minutes of our time is a small price to pay for someone else to have that freedom," Azara comments as they drive by the protest.
"A draft seems...wrong. If you can't convince people to fight for your cause naturally, perhaps your cause is not worth fighting for."
Conflict is a strong description of it. The half-elf says as your vehicle begins to slow down. There are some tensions certainly, but no shooting yet. I myself would personally refer that a nonviolent resolution will be able to be found. Though like many of our citizens they nod in the direction of the protest off in the distance. I do fear that may not be possible. Hence certain coalitions within the government beginning to take necessary precautions, just in case the aggression increases.
Your car stops and Tioran exits. They begin leading you towards a large building on the campus while continuing their conversation with Mahari. Some of the envoys on the ship you came here with were likely dealing with just this topic. In the event the Gideron Authority gives an official declaration of hostilities, the support of the Pact Worlds would not go amiss. Your system has protectorate worlds throughout Near Space does it not? I would imagine your Stewards might have a shared interested in dissuading expansionist thrusts before they continue to grow. Ah, but you came to hear the performance, not blather. Let us enjoy the show.
Tioran brings you into the building and to a large auditorium space. On the stage are a dozen musicians – mostly half-orcs but with a couple of elves and a human. Their instruments are a mix of large drums and a pair of instruments that have multiple strings curving out and back from a central tube almost like a vase. Shortly after you sit (along with others also observing the performance) the students begin playing. The song is deep, almost mournful, but while the music rings out a hobgoblin comes onto the stage in front of them and performs and elaborate lively dance in sharp contrast to the tune’s tone. The clash of energy between the musicians and the dancer is unusual, but both halves seem to be quite accomplished on a technical level.
The group on stage finishes their first song, and then several more, before breaking and leaving their instruments to go over feedback and notes with a conductor. Tioran turns to you at that point, smiling wide. that was…quite nice. they say with a content sigh. To myself at least. Hopefully you enjoyed it too, or if not at least got a taste of some of the local art. And this isn’t even the grand performance; I’m sure it will be even more polished for the final recital next week.
Now, I believe we still have a short time before Heartfire’s event. Are any of you still interested in seeing the Settlement Hall?
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"Everyone should have the right to have their voice heard. A few extra minutes of our time is a small price to pay for someone else to have that freedom," Azara comments as they drive by the protest.
"A draft seems...wrong. If you can't convince people to fight for your cause naturally, perhaps your cause is not worth fighting for."
"While I found a successful and positive life change through conflict, it was my choice to make. I feel for these students who may already have promising futures being pressed into service."
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Kat watches the performance, her face visibly confused. "Maybe not the choices I would have made, but I was never a very good dancer. she whispers to her crewmates as the performance is going on.
"It was a ... unique performance." she tells Tioran. "Kind of an interpretive piece. 'Just keep dancing' while the world around you burns was how I saw it. I wonder if that was their intention"
"I think settlement hall would be worth our time to check out. I'd like to learn a much about your society as I can while I am here."
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Azara half rises when the hobgoblin comes on the stage, thinking they are staging some sort of protest in the middle of the performance. He sits as the musicians make no change in their own efforts, though it still takes him a bit to understand what is going on.
"A commentary on the dichotomy between the two societies but also how they can be correlated," he says when it is over.
He nods. "Yes. I would definitely like to see Settlement Hall."
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Shortly after the hob begins dancing, Mahari closes her eyes and just focuses on the music. She's never really understood interpretive dance, but music transcends all.
"A commentary on the dichotomy between the two societies but also how they can be correlated," he says when it is over.
"Suuure... I guess, she replies hesitantly, grateful that someone is able to provide some context. "Sorry, I just didn't get it," she adds with a shrug. "Not my thing, but the music was lovely."
She stands and stretches. "I think we could learn a lot about the culture and the history of your people from the Hall. And hopefully that'll help us put things in perspective at the reception. Let's check that out," she concludes echoing Kat and the boys.
Tioran smiles as you all seem to have different takes on the piece. That is the nature of art, isn't it. Everyone is struck by it a bit differently.
You all head back into your car and are driven a short bit away to reach the Settlement Hall. Your half-elf guide leads you into the museum which includes exhibits on the earliest settlers of Kizmatta, from the time before Heartfire ameliorated the frigid climate. The displays show that in those early days, most colonists lived underground, close to geothermal heat sources, and only a few brave souls ventured aboveground. One new exhibit features artifacts from the ancient hobgoblin empire that spanned several nearby systems. These newer displays present the intriguing but controversial theory that the ancient hobgoblin empire may have left the area voluntarily: most sites show no signs of violence or a population in distress, and few contain items used for daily life, as though the people packed up their necessities before leaving.
One section of the museum also holds an interactive exhibit featuring cold-weather clothing, gear, and survival strategies. Currently within it is a small group of uniformed cadets. As you approach, a uniformed elven sergeant steps out to meet you. Sorry, if you could just hold off here for a minute. We're conducting research for a field exercise.
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"Interesting and perhaps a bit...generous to say they left voluntarily. I don't know of anyone who leaves a place of safety and prosperity voluntarily. Though, perhaps there was a cataclysm coming that they knew of and left to avoid," Azara says at the first display.
"We would love to join you, if you wouldn't mind. Either we can learn something, or you can. I don't want to brag but we just came from an artic moon on our last mission," he says to the sergeant.
Part of the task is seeing if our cadets can ID to relevant information useful to know and retain. The elf says. Would be better for them to do it on their own without distraction, if you don't mind.
She looks at Azara, then the rest of you, up and down. But a mission huh? Are you off-worlders just visiting, or mercs looking to ply your services. Republic's enlistment rates are way up, but it'd be some relief to get more experienced hands rather than raw recruits.
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Mahari's first instinct is to change her clothes to match the Sergeant's and try to pull off an elaborate ruse. But then she glances at Tioran and realizes that might not be feasible with a Protocol Officer standing right there.
"Like he said, yes, we're offworlders, but we're not just on a pleasure trip." She peers into the room with the interactive display, and looks at the cadets who've all stopped to ogle the strangers.
"You know, maybe we could provide an offworld perspective and give your students some tips from our own experiences. Croaker here was a merc and fought for the Corpse Fleet at one point, Kat's an ex-bouncer at some of the toughest clubs in the Pact Worlds, and Azara's a renowned mystical-warrior-poet. Wanna take five and let us teach 'em for a bit?" she asks with her most charming smile.
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"You know, maybe we could provide an offworld perspective and give your students some tips from our own experiences. Croaker here was a merc and fought for the Corpse Fleet at one point, Kat's an ex-bouncer at some of the toughest clubs in the Pact Worlds, and Azara's a renowned mystical-warrior-poet. Wanna take five and let us teach 'em for a bit?" she asks with her most charming smile.
Teleemo flies up, does a twirl, and sings out "...and I can provide entertainment later!"
Of course Teleemo looks over the situation with a more critical eye, and he knows he much more to off than a song and dance routine. Not everyone needs to know that, though...
Well, you do seem experienced. the sergeant says impressed as you go over your records. She looks you over with a more appreciative eye. Yeah, if you'd like to go ahead. our Repub's standing military's a bit strained traing this growing new crop. Might be good to give them some extra perspectives. I'm a career-er myself, but infantry specialist. And with any luck the Gid's'll stick to some starship blasting and not risk a ground assault. Still she nods towards the cadets. If you aren't too put out, teach away for a bit. Better to have some prep and not need it, then need it and not've had it.
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Croaker nods his head he heads among the cadets and gathers a small group of them around
"Ok show me the medical equipment that you have?" he looks at them and keeps on saying
"Ok, I will not talk about tactical aspects, fear of being on the battlefield and ways how to take care of your guns. But I will tell you how to save your own life or one of the others when you will get hit. As this is a question of when and not if."
He quickly speaks about stopping the bleeding, stabilizing joints, and making sure of tracking the vitals of a wounded.
Then he would head to check the exhibit
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Nimh will give a quick lecture on traps and other hazards the enemy may set up to control the battlefield.
Avoiding injuries is one of the best ways to survive in combat. Tripwires such as these can be spotted if you look carefully, but notice that just cutting a tripwire may trigger the trap anyway.
And hopefully, these tips may save your lives one day.
After which he will go look at the other exhibit areas.
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Kat tries to share some of her trade secrets but quickly gets in her own way.
"Being a soldier or mercenary is one of the greatest professions you can undertake, well, except for the paperwork. So much paperwork. Theres your license application, permits for weaponry, for locations, and don't get me started on the bounty paperwork. I can't tell you how many times I've filled out a target's ID-10t form and left something out, and have to go back and fill out a supplemental ID-10ts......"
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"Hiiiyyy-Yaah!" Mahari shouts as she suddenly appears from out of thin air and play-attacks Kat. She thoroughly disrupts the android's ramblings and gives the cadets something else to think about other than paperwork.
"The Gids can't hit what they can't see. Have a sniper, set up ambushes, or at least get some cover to hide behind."
"And always have your buddies' backs," she adds with a warm smile to the taller tattooed merc-girl.
The cadets listen intently as you go over some of your own hard-earned lessons about conflict and combat Eventually the elf sergeant thanks you but calls her charges to move on, but she seems thankful for your brief presentations. So does Tioran: the half-elf has a curious smile on their face as the cadets depart. You Starfinders certainly are quite magnanimous with your assistance. the functionary says as they walk with you through the hall’s exhibits. And quite experienced I can see. May I ask, have any of your been in a military battle yourselves? I know your Society intervened in some multi-species conflict in the Scoured Stars some time ago.
The half-elf looks down at their watch. Ah, but the reception you’re here for will be starting shortly. Come, we should head over to the headquarters. They bring you back to your vehicle, where one last time you are driven through the city streets before arriving at Heartfire’s corporate office. The décor of the grand room you’re brought to is subtle but elegant, with a dark green and pale red color scheme and art objects from various cultures and time periods on display in clear protective cases. A spotlight illuminates a small stage in one corner; the opposite corner has a small bar offering various drinks, bottled scents, and other mild intoxicants. Between the bar and the stage there are clusters of tables, each large enough to seat four to six people.
On one side of the room, long tables display trays of snacks, each clearly labeled with ingredients for those with dietary restrictions. Small sample plates demonstrate possible pairings of vegetable skewers, miniature quiches, and rarer delicacies. Two waitstaff wearing black circulate through the crowd, offering drinks and collecting discarded plates.
Tioran turns to the six of you. The reception proper will be beginning soon, and guests will be streaming in shortly. I do need to take leave of you now, but on behalf of Heartfire I hope you enjoyed this afternoon’s sights, and enjoy the event to come! They then excuse themselves and head off down a hallway.
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Croaker looks at the half-elf then he turns towards Mahari and says "I haven't seen that ring, come on show it to me for a moment." when she raises her hand for him to see he grasp her fingers and images begin to flash in Mahari's eyes.
"I actually was able to avoid the full-blown battle, too deadly, too uncertain. My mercenary teams tried to avoid such massacres. How about you Tioran?"
When they have a bit of time away to talk Croaker shares with the others
"I suspect Tioran to be Intelligence Officer to learn about us. It was quiet obvious that he would if I think of it..."
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"I was actually at both of the latest encounters in the Scoured Stars. In fact, the prior one was my first mission with the Starfinders. I learned a great deal in both and gained 3 times as much experience participating in them than in any other missions I've gone on," Azara comments.
Azara waits for the moment, allowing others to get drinks and food before he does so.
He keeps an eye out for anyone who looks like they would be influential.
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Just as I thought. A minder from some internal security apparatus, Mahari gloats to herself. But that means they know more than they've been telling us, too.
In the car, she shifts her clothes to a nice business outfit, with accents and details taken from what she saw worn on the liner. She makes sure to sit next to Tioran, planning to gather intel from them, rather than being the source.
"I think most of us have seen some action of one sort or another," she begins by following up on Azara's answer. "I was also part of the final assault against the jinsuls. And I personally helped fight off a Gideron explorer-class ship near Sansorgis. It's really all part of the Starfinder gig at some point," she concludes casually.
"But, Tioran, you've given us some nice cultural intro's to the Republic, and we've gotten a very good impression of your culture. Now we're getting down to brass fittings. What can you tell us about the other folks that will be at the reception? And what can you tell us that might help us make as good an impression on them as you have on us?"
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She watches Tioran head down the hall and briefly considers going invisible to tail them, but decides to stick with her team. For now...
"I suggest we split up and don't clump together at one table like a bunch of nerdy wallflowers. Solos, two's, or three's would help us cover more ground. Anyone got one of those telepathy spells for the team?" she asks the boys. She then heads over to the food and grabs a plate with some of the rarer local delicacies and orders a local non-alcoholic drink so as to keep her mind clear.
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"And always have your buddies' backs," she adds with a warm smile to the taller tattooed merc-girl.
Kat gives Mahari a smile and a discreet thumbs up for bailing her out.
"I also worked with a unit in the final operations against the jinsuls, as well as a few other smaller engagements leading up to it. Kat offers Tioran, but keeps the details light. Not because she is aware yet of Croaker's suspicions, instead just her usual operational security concerns.
"I suspect Tioran to be Intelligence Officer to learn about us. It was quiet obvious that he would if I think of it..."
"You might be right. It only makes sense to keep an eye on a specialized off world team. The question is, is he a corporate agent, or something even higher from the Republic."
As to not appear to out of place, Kat looks over the food for anything that appears to be high-protein and collects a small plate.
"Let's keep an eye open for the V.I.P's we've been briefed on."
"But, Tioran, you've given us some nice cultural intro's to the Republic, and we've gotten a very good impression of your culture. Now we're getting down to brass fittings. What can you tell us about the other folks that will be at the reception? And what can you tell us that might help us make as good an impression on them as you have on us?"
Tioran waves a dismissive hand while in transit at questions about their own combat experience. I've never been on the front lines, or back ones myself. We are blessed that the Marizah Republic has been quite peaceful for so long, and hopefully will remain so.
The elf does listen to Mahari's question shortly before they excuse themselves. Oh, there are plenty of interesting people who will be joining you at the event I'm sure. But Director D'Salaz did mention you were looking for access to a historical site, yes? Well, in that case it would be important to make friends with those in charge of permitting I would imagine. Let's see...I beleive the Public Works Department is sending one of their civil engineers to press the flesh. A half-orc name Kanaxa D'Khaan if I recall. Oh! And the Kizmatta Universtiy's own Camily Mason should be there as well. Not only does she have a university post but she was a contractor for Heartfire before that: some sort of modelling specialist from what I understand. And there is Director D'Salaz himself of course: the site is in a territory owned by him after all!
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As the food and drinks are passed around and the place begins to fill, you look around and do spy all three of the people Tioran mentioned.
Over in a corner a young human woman with her brown hair in a loose bun is talking to various people Her attire seems a bit underdressed for the occasion - her slacks and a long sweater with a loose cowl standing out against the suits and dresses of many of the other guests. Elsewhere a tall and muscular half-orc woman heartily eats hor d'oeurves despite the cast and sling on her left right arm. Acid burns cover the left side of her face.
Finally, your 'host' Vekkhad d'Salaz stands by a table in similar attire to what her was wearing in his holo-message. The aged hobgoblin is in deep conversation with someone as you notice him - someone quite familiar as he's talking to Tioran! The half-elf is still wearing a phoenix half-mask, though it is an even more elaborate version than the one they bore while showing you around, and they seem to have returned to the gala in a much more formal dress, wearing an impeccably draped gown of dark gold fabric with elaborate red embroidery at the hem, sleeves, and high collar.
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Teleemo does insist on a quick stop back at the hotel. He has his more formal performance clothes there, and it seems appropriate to put them on before the reception.
After enjoying a small plate of food and some good wine, he sees director D'Salaz across the room.
"Oh Director D'Salaz! Hello! I am Teleemo from the Starfinder Society! I thought we might have a bit of a chat. As you might know, we are interested in doing some research at one of your properties." Teleemo takes a sip of his wine and continues. "This is a fine reception. This wine is indeed some of the finest I have ever had. Back on Absalom, there is a wine bar I often perform at as a singer, and they have a wide variety of spirits there that are imported from across the galaxy. Perhaps they would be interested in acquiring this."
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Croaker also stops by the room and change to his suit. It is nothing fancy and is a bit old for that matter, but would do for that occasion.
He goes towards director Vekkhad and introduces himself
"Direktor D'Salaz? It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Spike and I am one of the starfinders, we spend a very interesting day with Tioran as our guide. What a day, we saw an amazing concert with a dance performance, we've been in the Settlement Hall. How is your day going Direktor?"
After receiving any information Croaker sends them to others via comm unit.
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As the rest of the group approach the others, Azara heads toward Kanaxa D'khaan. He grabs a drink along the way and uses it to gesture toward her wounds.
"And I thought being a Starfinder was dangerous. Public Works must be much more hazardous than I thought. There has to be a story behind this," he says.
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Mahari hands the empty plate off to a waiter and takes the proffered drink. She holds it carefully in one tiny hand while giving a slow clap of appreciation as she approaches Tioran.
"Bravo, Tioran," she says with complete sincerity and an honest smile. "I have to say, I never suspected that you were one of the important people that we'd have to impress tonight. Your performance as a lowly functionary was quite sublime. I could learn a thing or two from you, I'm sure," she finishes with a playful wink.
In more ways than one, I bet.
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Kat approaches Kanaxa D'khaan with Azara.
...There has to be a story behind this,"[/b] he says.
"I'm glad you were still able to attend. We've been touring your city, and taking in the local architecture and design, like the university and the settlement hall. I'm sure the public works benefits from the weather control technology here. Does your department have any responsibility with the weather control or is that a seperate department?"
Craoker and Teleemo pay their respects to your host, while Mahari re-introduces herself to Tioran nearby.
The hobgoblin Director nods respectfully to the ysoki and ghibrani. Ah, welcome Starfinders. I'm glad you were able to arrive without incident. And yes, have all the wine you wish. The caterign should hopefully be top notch. He looks down at 'Spike'. And I'm sure you can understand how it can go. Meetings, merger analysis, examining reports of r&d's latest mystic augment to our storm-guiders. He smiles a bit at this last point, the gives a faint shrug. Unlike you - since, and I mean no offense by this but I do not recall seeing your names on any of your Society's major boards or org charts - I've long since left the field Vekkhad give his cane a light tap yet the boardrooms tend to be just as much work. Speaking of: Erica! Who let you off-moon? I thought you were still tied up with that fire issue. The hobgoblin excuses himself for a moment to speak with another figure.
Nearby, Tioran bows at Mahari. Yes, 'Cultural Ambassador' Tioran I must admit. My apologizes for being somewhat misleading you this morning, but your the nonaggression pact your Society has already arranged with the Gideron Authority has left some elements of our foreign policy groups a bit disturbed. I wanted to observe you firsthand to make my own judgements, rather than make an assessment of you all based on just a single policy decision. As they speak, the half-elf's eyes fixate on something behind Mahari. Turning, the halfling can see a small band setting up on a stage in one corner of the room. Ah, the Zilberschlag Quarter will be playing tonight. You'll like them, they are quite good. Though I do think their old cellist was slightly superior.
In another corner, Nimh waits for a lull in Camily's conversations before approaching her. He doesn't need to wait too long: the professor seems for the moment more interested in the food than the company. She looks up as the ratfolk approaches, but when you begin discussing modelling she looks at you with keen interest. Oh, yes. Particularly those models running on long-term change across multiple environmental - natural or influenced - variables. Do you tend to use a Davrian regression analysis? Or does the Pact Worlds still favor a Causican curve model; I tend to find that has a larger margin for error, though I'll admit it's allowance for more variable can make it more applicable for biological studies. Is that your modelling specialization?
Finally, Kat and Azara walk up to the half-orc engineer. Oh, hi! Lashunta, android: you're Pact Worlders right? Pleasure to meet you! Kanaxa says with a smile. And no, normally not too dangerous. At least if you all the steps get followed right. Just cut a few safety protocols got shortcut on a recent expedition to an old site and this is a good lesson as to why NOT to do that. She shrugs. But I'm not much one for delegating. And the site got saved. Some good old structures there, plus its right in the right climate zone for a potential bonsnagger nest. You all have Bonsnaggers in the Pact Worlds? Rare as hell, but I think that's just because the climate tech's caused them to adapt for underground living. Of course there's some speculation that...
Kanaxa goes on a lengthy tangent about Bonsnagger habitats - peppered with enough 'in theories' and 'according to some's that you're not sure how much if any is accurate - before Kat's questions seem to draw her back to focus. Oh, yes. Settlement Hall's got a fantastic design. Great blend of the original settler building fashions with a antegapian style. But weather tech isn't really my teams' thing. You'd want to talk to someone at Heartfire or She gestures expansively with her sling-ed arm, seeming heedless of it, to where Camily Mason and Nimh are talking Cammy Kanaxa frowns a bit as she says the professor's name.
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Well Camilly, I tend to work more with the Causican curve, as I tend to work with Biological Studies, as opposed to physical sciences. If you will excuse me, I need to make the rounds. Obligations, much as I hate them are obligations. Maybe we can chat again later?
He wanders over to Director Vekkhad.
Oh, good Sir, one of my colleagues mentioned you might have an interest in the Mystical Arts? I am always looking for a good discussion of the practical aspects of magic.
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Teleemo grabs a veritable armload of cups, saucers, and a small tray of olives. As he nears Tioran, he mentions "you know, while your quartet is setting up, I thought I might do a little number I like to perform back on Absalom Station at my day job."
With that, he beg humming a tune as he stacks each cup and saucer, placing a single olive in each cup. With the cups and saucers in two stacks, he begins singing an old Vercite polka he learned on his Absalom music circuit. At the height of the performance, his wings extend, he grabs the cups and saucers, and tosses the olives one by one into the air. As each olive begins its downward turn, Teleemo dives under it in such a way that the olive ends up in his mouth.
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Kat continues with Kanaxa. "I've never come across bonsnaggers...oh... Yes..... I see... Uh huh.... Well in any case, I'll sure that the weather control is an advantage for your structures here, and allows for your unique designs. Not having to engineering the roof systems for snow and ice loads, as well as some of the flat roof designs I've see might not have been possible...."
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He wanders over to Director Vekkhad.
Oh, good Sir, one of my colleagues mentioned you might have an interest in the Mystical Arts? I am always looking for a good discussion of the practical aspects of magic.
Vekkhad looks down at Nimh with a grin. Well, you would fit right in at Heartfire. The first iterations of our weather-stabilizing technology was primarily mechanical, but when I moved into the research and development department I made a point to allocate further resources to augmenting the baseline equipment with magic. The hyrbid elements have so far made it far easier to cover wider areas at lower costs. He proudly adds In fact I have a granddaughter who just joined my old division. She's a techmage like yourself, though one of those new-fangled 'drone' types. Which I suppose itself really does highlight technology and magic working in concert!
With that, he beg humming a tune as he stacks each cup and saucer, placing a single olive in each cup. With the cups and saucers in two stacks, he begins singing an old Vercite polka he learned on his Absalom music circuit. At the height of the performance, his wings extend, he grabs the cups and saucers, and tosses the olives one by one into the air. As each olive begins its downward turn, Teleemo dives under it in such a way that the olive ends up in his mouth.
Tioran looks on at the mystic's elaborate performance. Unfortunately the ghibrani discovers too late that the local olives have a significantly different size and heft to them than those grown in the Pact Worlds or on Elytrio, and the change throws off his aim and leaves all of the olives to splat onto the ground. Despite this, the half-elf ambassador gives a thin smile. Sliehgt of hand tricks can always be complex they console Teleemo But that tune was quite unique. It added a nice fun flavor to the attempt.
Kat continues with Kanaxa. "I've never come across bonsnaggers...oh... Yes..... I see... Uh huh.... Well in any case, I'll sure that the weather control is an advantage for your structures here, and allows for your unique designs. Not having to engineering the roof systems for snow and ice loads, as well as some of the flat roof designs I've see might not have been possible...."
It certainly makes things easier, tell ya that much! Kanaxa agrees. Now we still get some surprise storms of course - your rains, your snows, you know the drill. The terraform and weather tech's not perfectly sealing the whole world in a bubble on a schedule. And who would even want that? A bit of unexpected variety's a fun part of life. But it does quell the worst of it, and before Kizmatta get really developed we'd see some really massive squalls that made building anything large a losing proposition. Now the weather tech stabilzing the situation's what actually allows for us to get real power and water supply systems built out to support a planet of this size. Still gotta upkeep em though of course. Tell me, you or any of your crew she gestures at the other Starfinders she sees around the room, again with her injured right arm as though she has forgotten its healing live on AbState? Gotta imagine keeping those support systems up is a nightmare: no weather to deal with, but no margin for error in space either.
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Croaker heads to Camily Mason and begins with some small talk
"Hi, how are you doing today? Quiet a party, huh. My name is Spike, but people call me Croaker, I am part of the Starfinder team. We spend some nice day with Tioran" he makes a simple gesture with his head towards the half-elf
"And if I heard correctly you are from Kizmatta University, could you explain what are you doing there? I am far from being a scientist but I have some grasp on technical matters."
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"I'm afraid I would only dumb down this conversation, ladies so I will leave you to it," Azara says to Kanaxa and Kat.
"Though I reserve the right to return to learn some more."
He heads over to Tioran, wincing a bit as Teleemo has some troubles.
"It is always a shame when an artist has peaked but continues. But then, one never knows when one has peaked. I for one, know that my greatest work is the one that I have not yet written. And it must be even worse for ensembles where one person may be on the decline but others are still rising," he comments to Tioran as they voice their displeasure with the new addition to the group.
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He heads over to Tioran, wincing a bit as Teleemo has some troubles."It is always a shame when an artist has peaked but continues. But then, one never knows when one has peaked. I for one, know that my greatest work is the one that I have not yet written. And it must be even worse for ensembles where one person may be on the decline but others are still rising," he comments to Tioran as they voice their displeasure with the new addition to the group.
I agree: 'peak's can't be determined until the whole thing is over though, can it? Tioran muses back It could be that after a period of adjustment the new standard is even higher than it was before. That doesn't help with the shows during that transition though... In either case, Zilberschlag is hardly the only ones making changes recently. Many Republic citizens are trying to pick up new skills in this...current situation. Sadly the techniques being prioritized are understandably more conflict-based than musical. Of course so many of the citizenry has little enough background in that that many could sorely use or welcome some assistance from other interested parties.
The half-elf leans back towards Mahari and gives a smirk at that last bit. They also engage quite a bit with Azara on the subject or art, engaged with a fellow afficianado.
Croaker heads to Camily Mason and begins with some small talk
"Hi, how are you doing today? Quiet a party, huh. My name is Spike, but people call me Croaker, I am part of the Starfinder team. We spend some nice day with Tioran" he makes a simple gesture with his head towards the half-elf
"And if I heard correctly you are from Kizmatta University, could you explain what are you doing there? I am far from being a scientist but I have some grasp on technical matters."
The woman starts a bit as the ysoki sees she seems to have been reading from a tablet hidden under the table when he approached.
Oh, hi. And yes, I'm Camily Mason. Assistant Department Head of the computer division. She speaks softly but with a bit more verve at that part, taking pride at reaching that post at such a young age. It's mostly teaching and managing the department resources, but I still get to do a bit of field work too. Honestly the some of the most refreshing work is when I get to fly out the survey planes and gather more imagery data. So, the opposite of here. But I used to contract for Heartfire and several of our graduates find positions here so its good to keep those connections alive.
She looks at Croaker. But you and your friends are Starfinders? You must have gone all over then; I've heard your little explorer group roams all the way out into the Vast. So many of those are unexplored and uninhabited right? I wonder how many could be feasibly terraformed or the percentage at whihc the terrain and solar positioning wouldn't make it feasible on a technical level...