A scenario for levels 3-6.
The adventure begins in a massive cafeteria located at the heart of the Lorespire Complex, which has long served as a meeting place for Starfinders. Countless food stations present options that can satisfy even the pickiest of diets and give space-weary agents a taste of home, regardless of how far away home might be. As numerous popular holidays approach, galactic treats have been added to the cafeteria’s offerings and the walls have been plastered with festive decorations, including handmade garlands courtesy of Fitch’s grandchildren, floating lanterns, and holo-photos of Starfinders no longer with the Society.
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In dire need of a shower - but mostly food - Stiehle plopped himself down at one of the tables, and heaved a sigh. Another purse lost... It was becoming downright depressing. How was he going to pay this month's rent if he couldn't even win at one of the lesser vidgame tourneys? He'd figured the odds were on his side going in, but somehow everything had gone sideways. Again.
Not even the impending holidays and all the decorations could cheer him up. Especially with the cheap food sitting in front of him, which had been all he'd been able to afford. Maybe he should sell some of his equipment... But no. If another Starfinder mission came across his datapad, his equipment was all that stood between him and death. Real death, not the brief, strangled scream that echoed through his headphones.
Wrenching his mind away from his plight, he picked at his food and glanced up at the holo-photos flickering across the walls. Great. More reminders of real death...
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The young human is dressed in light armor that gives him the appearance of a pirate - fashionable, and yet quite sensible. A pair of blasters hangs at either hip, and a semi-auto is slung across his right thigh, gunslinger-style. Clean-shaven with long dark hair (that looks a bit greasy and unkempt at the moment), he also has a very small computer screen thrusting out from his beneath his hair, apparently secured to his ear and in position to sweep down in front of his left eye when a computer readout is needed at a moment's notice. Very techy. A tactical sniper rifle lays across his backpack next to his feet.
Stiehle gives the vesk a smile, trying to work his way out of his funk. No sense bringing others down to his level for the holidays, after all. "Hey there." He responds, nodding at the fried beetles on the vesk's plate. "I think those look more appetizing than the gruel I've got. But hey, you make do, right? I'm Stiehle Darkwing." He reaches out, offering his hand by way of greeting.
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Bleary eyed, unshaven and slightly smelly (not that he can tell) a disheveled halfing enters the cafeteria.
He starts toward the food counter, but at the sight of the greasy fries turns a distinctly un-halfling shade of green. Instead he heads toward the "all-you-can-drink" coffee drip and pours himself a very long one.
Red eyes turn, squinting in the dim light, scanning the room for a table with which to share his misery. Slowly he works his way toward his unfortunate target.
"Uh... hi..." is all he can get out before his first, very necessary, sip of coffee.
"I'm never drinking again."
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A formian warrior marches into the cafeteria, decked out in heavy armor emblazoned with the sigil of the Hellknight Order of the Scourge. She looks about, then approaches one of the counters adorned with festive treats. "Imperator Fexia, reporting for mandatory recreational duty. I have been informed by Queen Jadnura that I am required to partake in festive food and/or drink, and experience an indeterminate amount of 'festive cheer.' Is this the correct location to fulfill these objectives?"
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Stiehle nods at the vesk's question. "Yeah... I got the call and figured I could use the credits. Uh... and you know, help out." He mumbles lamely as the halfling approaches. He gives the fellow's sniper rifle a nod of approval, then grins. "You look how I feel. And probably how I look for that matter. My particular poison is vidgaming though, not drinking so much. Though I've been known to do that as well. I'm Stiehle Darkwing."
When the heavily armored formian marches into the cafeteria, the operative glances over as the soldier announces her presence and intentions in a rather formal manner. "She looks serious. Not exactly the partying-type. But hey, I'm not sure whether any of us are in a partying mood either." He says, then shouts and waves at the formian. "HEY! Imperator Fexia! You're welcome to join us, if you want! We certainly have an indeterminate amount of festive cheer at this table!" Stiehle chuckles at the last, winking at the vesk and the halfling.
A jolly little raxilite garbed in festive attire settles into an open seat at the table, placing down a tray piled high with cookies, candied fruit, and other sweet treats. They smile, offering the tray out to share. “Hi! I’m Camellia! I adore the holidays, don’t you? First Choices, Newspark, Reunion—there’s so many celebrations this month I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite. How about you? Do you have plans to celebrate?”
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The halfling looks up from his coffee. It's magical restorative effects already working their way through his veins.
"Shokil." he says, half extending a hand, but turning it into a wave.
"The Yeti were on station last night, and came around for a visit. Or maybe it was last weekend. What day is it again? " he peers at his wrist-com.
"Oh &$$! It was last weekend." Another gulp of coffee steadies his nerves a bit. "They party had that lot. Still, I had this great idea for a new novel..." A momently look of panic crosses his face.
"BUT I can't remember it."
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"Uh... hi, Camelia. I'm Stiehle. Hey, thanks." The operative isn't bashful about taking a handful of treats that the raxilite is willing to share. Anything to take his mind off the food congealing on his tray. "Yeah, sure the holidays are pretty great. No plans yet, which is probably why I'm spending tonight in this cafeteria." Stiehle chuckles self-deprecatingly as he take a bite of one of the cookies.
He turns to Shokil, raising one eyebrow. "You're a writer, huh? Anything I may have heard of?"
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"Well..." says the halfling, his voice croaky with smoke and loud singing.
"I'm most famous for the St Smith series. But my latest which you have more probably read was 'Twice Dead, three times the charm?'"
He gestures to his wrist-com. "I've got a couple of others in here, but the publishers don't want me flooding the fan base and peaking too early. "
A lanky brakim in a pair of work overalls makes his way into the hall. He takes a brief look around before his attention centers on the food stations. He loads up two plates to near spilling before pausing to sit down.
He nods to the others already seated, "Evenin' all" and start digging into his collection of foods from around the vast.
"Ooh, books," Camellia gushes. "Reading is such a pleasure, though I don't think I've seen any of yours yet. I'll pick one up next time I am on the infosphere. What are they about? I tries to write a book once, but I got stuck... well, I got stuck on a blank screen. But that's okay! We all have our own talents.
"I think I heard that yeti party too. They sure know how to celebrate! I wonder if there are any yeti holidays? I bet we could fit some yeti decorations up there," they say, pointing to a small patch of ceiling that had been missed by the decorators.
"So what about the rest of you? Are you all authors? Can I read what you did on the infosphere? Are you all sitting together because you're family? I love my family. We have the best roots. Not that there's anything wrong with yours, of course... not that you have roots, per se, but we all have families, right?"
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"Oh... a festive book... What a fantastic idea. 'One bazooka, one rifle and one beer for Victory day'. It almost writes itself. I guess I should add you to the credits Camellia." says the suddenly enthused Shokil.
It's not clear if it is Shokill or the rapid-acting coffee talking now. But fingers fly over his wrist-com unit and notes and ideas start to fly.
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Soon another agent joins you, obviously late to whatever is happening. He is an android, with a gently blueish 'skin' covering as much flesh as circuits. He is rather short and always has a cigarette in his mouth however for the most part not lighted. His clothes have more patches and marks than natural clear material, on his back he carries possibly the only piece of equipment that is cared for and frequently cleaned, his rifle. It is a highly customized corona laser rifle, with an extra battery slot, interface to change the laser beam with and power.
"Holidays? I remember in pipetown we had the scare of the ghosts day. Families would light a lamp and for an hour everyone would hit at the pumps with a wrench. Later on I heard that they did it to stir rodents, anyways I am Hellih. "
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Fexia contemplates her words, clearly unsure about the entirety of the situation. "This concept is not of my hive. I have been dispatched to this facility to learn and 'experience festive cheer' of which I am still seeking to understand."
She pauses as Shokil goes over his list of works then adds. "I have performed much reading to immerse myself in the local culture. One moment."
Her eyes defocus and roll back for a moment, then she snaps back. "I have found a list of your publications, however there appears to be an irregularity in the list. It appears as though there is a gap of approximately one year without any releases listed on your wikisphere entry. You may wish to consider re-"
She stops short when hearing Hellih's voice. "I was not aware that I would be working with a hive-mate. It will be an honor to serve with you once again!"
Turning back to Camelia she gets back to the questions at hand. "I am apart from my hive to learn the ways of the hive-of-many-queens. I consider all who have shared toil and shed blood by my side to be family. Including mission-specialist Hellih who fought by my side to purge corruption from the lands of the Izalguun."
“Wonderful!” Camellia exclaims, clapping their hands in glee. “While many people are excited for the upcoming festivities, my friend Kinnik is more anxious than ever! Tonight is his First Choices party, and he’s desperately trying to make everything perfect.”
“First Choices is a shirren-innovated holiday which centers around the exchange of gifts, specifically, creations that epitomize the personal style, favorite hobby, or interests of the giver. Groups of friends, and sometimes even strangers, gather for a show-and-tell of these items. Usually, these gifts are shared in grand choice-buffets accompanied by games to decide who ends up with which gift. Some celebrants also give individually selected gifts to those they care for most.”
“Kinnik’s in need of aid, and I know you’re just the folks to help him!”
"We don' have any o' these festivals back in'a empire, so they all new ta me." chimes in Rex. "Be glad ta help out though."
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"Yeah... Twice Dead. I think I saw that once somewhere. Pretty cool, I've only ever met a published author once - a poet, actually. What was his name... Azara, I think. I don't read much myself, too busy gaming." He grins.
Nodding in greeting to the others that soon join them, the idea of joining in a 'grand choice-buffet' sets Stiehle's stomach to rumbling, and he pushes the plate of dubious-looking food he'd originally taken away from him with a firm shove. "Sure, I've got nothing better going. Let's visit your friend Kinnik." He says to the excitable Camellia.
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Hellih looks at Fexia for a moment "Imperator Fexia? Is that you, sorry I did not recognize you, your mandibles look somehow different, and your chitinous skeleton seems stronger. Great to see you!"
Hellih listens to their job and nods his head "Go, chat with Kinnik, are we supposed to help him organize this give-away? "
The Raxilite answers simply, “I suspect Kinnik’s having trouble selecting a gift for his dearest friend. He’s been so busy preparing for the party, he hasn’t had time. If you want more information, you should ask Kinnik! I’ll send you his address shortly.”
Sure enough, your datapads receive a note from Camellia and an address in a high-rise a short walk from the Lorespire Complex, in a small park on the border between the Eye and the Ring. Outside, Kinnik is overburdened by shopping bags and struggles to get the foyer door open. He’s grateful for your aid and welcomes you up to his apartment. Kinnik’s home is modest, clean, and festively decorated. While Kinnik puts away his groceries and gifts, you can look around.
When Kinnik returns to the room, he says, "Again, thank you for your help! I was so excited to host this First Choices party, but the anxiety is starting to get to me. I adore the holiday, but I haven’t had time to track down the perfect gift for my best friend, Celeed I wants Celeed’s gift to be perfect, because... well, I plan to confess his feelings at the party but I don't know if Celeed feels the same way. Would help me decide on a gift for Celeed, then purchase it on my behalf? I would love to go looking myself, but don’t have time to both shop and finish preparations for
the party this evening."
Rex helps carry some bags into the apartment and and looks around.
He points out the various music memorabilia to the others. "Our guy here quite the music fan."
Studying a small poster he asks, "You a Sonic Tumult fan, Kinnik? I heard a them, but not heard em yet."
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Stiehle chuckles to himself as he assists Kinnik into his apartment. Apparently the guns won't be necessary tonight! Maybe he can decorate them a bit to appear as something other than weapons...
Glancing around the apartment, he nods distractedly as Kinnik tells them of his plans. "So I take it Celeed is this little shirren with you in these pictures, eh? She's adorable. Sure, why not play matchmaker today? Hey, I like your taste in music, big guy. I listen to a lot of these while vidgaming. Gets the blood flowing, you know? Does your Celeed share your taste in music too? Does she like Sonic Tumult? Maybe concert tickets would make a nice gift? If they're playing anywhere, that is. I suppose we could find out easily enough, if you like the idea."
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"Pleased to be of assistance." says the author. "You know us halflings, almost as good as a Skittermander. But with only half the hands..."
He looks around the room, admiming all the pictures. "How many other people are you inviting to the party?" he asks.
"Just sayin that putting it all out there in front of a crowd... well... puts pressure on you know?"
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Fexia is completely at a loss. "Confess... feelings? Is she clergy of a sort? I have heard of some confessional traditions, but I do not believe I have heard of any involving personalized gift-giving."
She pulls up her computer to search the infosphere for Sonic Tumult and checks out a few vids for reference.
T DJENT... DJENT DJENT**
For some reason Abysshead plays no matter what she tries to pull up, and she quickly turns the volume down as quick as she can. Fexia finally gives up and turns off her audio, at which point the nearby speakers in the apartment begin playing Abysshead instead. Finally she asks, "Is she perhaps a fan of Abysshead?"
She finally turns her own computer back on to play it as quietly as possible, leaving their hosts devices safe from the sonic assault. Shrugging she mumbles to the party, "If acquisition of music-related objects is ideal, I recommend against devices with automatic playing functionality unless Abysshead is the desired output."
"I planned the party on my own, and now I'm regretting it, but it's just a few hours off, so nothing I can do about it now!" Kinnik smiles awkwardly.
Kinnik gestures at a few images on the vidscreens depicting Kinnik alongside another shirren at a rock concert in a dingy bar, explaining, "Celeed has been his dearest friend for a decade. We often visit dive bars in the Spike together to watch up-and-coming bands perform. In fact, our favorite band is Sonic Tumult, who we've seen perform 47 times!"
When you suggest band merch, Kinnik proclaims, "No gift could be better! Though finding merchandise for our favorite bands, like Sonic Tumult, will be difficult, as they’re not well-known. Maybe you clould start your search at a thrift shop?" After a moment’s thought, Kinnik adds, "Celeed’s favorite Sonic Tumult hoodie disappeared from his bag during a late-night trip home after a concert. I wish I could replace the hoodie, but since it was a limited run item, that would be almost impossible. Still, if you could find Sonic Tumult apparel, I would be incredibly grateful."
"Just sayin that putting it all out there in front of a crowd... well... puts pressure on you know?"
"I... should start making... the appetizers... yeah." he responds with more than a hint of panic.
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Hellih nods his head, 'disappearing' hoodie "Things do disappear in Spike, alines as well, if they are not careful"
Hellih makes few touches on his custom rig which turns on his diplomatic AI that he uses to search for any items related to Sonic Tumult
Hellih knows a thing or two about Spike after all he lived through it, and still his arms shop is in Downlow, the safest part of the slums.
Sonic Tumult does not count as scum, but Hellie learns that bands who perform at the dive bars in the Spike typically have merch tables setup for their shows, but none are open during the day. Some secondhand shops in the Freemarkets carry local band merchandise. Second Time Around is a thrift shop in the Freemarkets that occasionally buys out extra erchandise from bands when they update to new items. Second Time Around acquired some Sonic Tumult merchandise when the band changed their logo to something more “galactic” 3 months ago.
"I been learnin' my way 'round da Spike. Might be able ta find some stuff."
You visit the Freemarkets, a convenient, multistory shopping center operated by AbadarCorp that contains countless independently run shops and stalls. A gleaming statue of Abadar presides over the entrance, near a
store directory that lists 12 secondhand shops. You can head directly to Second Time Around.
The shop is packed with an eclectic collection of products, from apparel and home furnishings to vintage toys and instruments. The most useful equipment is on display behind the counter. A Ysoki woman greets you with a grin. "Welcome to Second Time Around. I'm Dot! Are you here to browse, or are you looking for something specific?"
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Shokill looks around the place. "ahhh yes. We are looking for band fan memorabilia. Sonic Tumult to be precise. Do you have any? Ideally we'd like stuff to wear - and sized for a shirren would be perfect..." he lists.
His eyes however keep darting to the shelves, where no less than three copies of 'Trip.. to murder' lie, unread and unwanted.
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Stiehle is game, starting to get into the holiday spirit despite his original bad mood. Well, not bad exactly, more... glum. He lets Shokil do the talking and takes a look around the store, looking at the merchandise and wondering how far he could stretch his remaining credits here. Probably not very far at all, even in a thrift store...
Dot directs the group to where she keeps band merchandise. The shelves are full of apparel for Abysshead, Lita Starr, or Strawberry Machine Cake, plus one crumpled shirt of Neon & Noqual, but nothing with the Sonic Tumult logo.
"Sonic Tumult, huh?" she says, disappointed that you are not taking any of these items off her hands. "I'd have to check my records. Maybe you can help out a bit while I do that? I'll waive the surcharge if you do. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until closing."
Considering when the store closes, you would probably have to pick from what is on display if you do so. If you are willing to help, she asks you to clean the top shelves she has trouble reaching (Acrobatics, Athletics or Sleight of Hand) and assemble shelving units (Athletics or Engineering).
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"Assemble shelves? Sure, on daily basis I assemble laser rifle, rocket launchers, plasma bolters, I am sure assembling shelving unit can't be that hard."
He takes his tools and opens the box
"Great! Another do-it-yourself regal from ysoki operating store Ykea. Manual is in castrovelan and screws are loose in the box. Connect A123 element with Gib231 using screws D432 as in the picture..."
Rex's eyes light up at Hellih's description of the shelving. "I tried t' get a job their once. Got lost in da place tryin' to find da office..."
He gets right to work on the shelves.
The team has no problem getting the shelves together once they find a 5/17" hept wrench, but the inventory won't dust itself.
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Fexia looks at the merch and carefully selects an Abysshead tshirt. "I would like to procure this item of apparel for myself."
An old analog turntable somehow begins playing Abysshead as she approaches...
"I had best adjust my equipment to facilitate the present assignment Queen Dot."
She bows, then takes a moment to change out of her heavy armor and into her new t-shirt, then climbs up to help the dusting.