[SFS] 1-26 Truth of the Seeker (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

Hello everybody! This is bright and sparkly Zoey, and I'm here to announce the very festive occassion of another DM Kludde gameplay thread. Please wait here until we announce the start of the main program. In the meantime, there are snacks in the back, and we'll be playing a few of your favourite songs! Feel free to clap, cheer, dance or sing along!

DM Kludde's gameplay thread for 1-13 on the trail of history. Feel free to dot in, and we'll start introductions as soon as we have a complete table.

We start our adventure in in Restaurant Lashav, one of Absalom Station’s most expensive and exclusive restaurant.

A trio of lashunta waitstaff deliver several trays of exotic, spiced foods and pour drinks into intricate, crystal goblets.

A small, blue-furred skittermander missing most of his left ear sits at the opposite end of the table. His left eye and three of his six limbs are cybernetic replacements, and he wears the tooth of a large creature as a necklace around his neck. As he waits for the restaurant staff to finish setting the table, one of his prosthetic hands detaches itself, crawls halfway across the table, grabs a date from one of the dishes, and returns to the skittermander, reattaching itself to his wrist. Munching absently on the date, he examines the group he’s assembled with a calculating stare.

The graying tips of his grizzled fur and occasional twitches in his cybernetic limbs give the impression that he has seen some serious and perilous action.

As the staff finish their final table placements and depart, the skittermander waves a clawed, prosthetic limb toward the food and speaks, “Please, eat your fill. This is the best kasathan cuisine in the system. It seems fitting for the job I have for you. I am glad to see helpful Starfinders, such as yourselves, have responded to my invitation. I like those who are helpful. My name is Eshki. I am not much for long conversations. First Seeker Jadnura’s return has caused many political ripples within the Starfinder Society. Worse yet, now that First Seeker Jadnura has gone off to the Idari to meditate in solitude, these ripples have started to grow into waves. I need you all to go to the Idari, find First Seeker Jadnura, and convince him to get back here before his absence permanently damages the Society.”

After taking a moment’s pause to eat a handful of vegetable stalks dipped into a spicy, orange sauce and washing it down with strong tea, Eshki continues, “I have arranged and paid for your transport to and from the Idari. Your transport leaves tomorrow morning.” As he hands out the travel credentials, he says, “Remember, the kasathas on the Idari are rules followers. If you follow their rules and customs, this will go a lot easier. However, sometimes their customs can be frustratingly slow. Find First Seeker Jadnura and get him back here as quick as you can. Any questions?”

Feel free to ask your questions, or see what you recall with a Culture (knowledge) or Diplomacy check

Opening crawl

Prelude

In a small apartment on Absalom Station sits a figure. The long grey head is looking into a mirror watching it tattoo of a spider covering his neck. His face looks tired as he went out with his colleagues and today in the morning needs to board a ship to some small moon.

One of his hands reaches for his disguise kit. "Catsial will have no use of this." speaks with a calm voice as he begins to cover his tattoo. Things around him are position in order fashion and his movements are precise and limited to what is necessary.

After being happy with the outcome Catsial takes his cane, he does not really need it but it matches his clothing, dark red tunic with few purple elements. He turns his cane and removes a sword from within in, he inspects the blade and hides it back. He opens his hand and a pistol materializes in it, he makes sure it is loaded and the weapon is in good shape. Then he hides it behind his belt and covers it with a piece of clothing.

Then he grabs his sniper rifle and concentrates on its image. It transforms into a cylindrical bag that is hanging through his back.

After inspecting all of his weapons Catsial grabs his bags and heads towards the shuttle that is supposed to take them to their destination.

Briefing

"Do we have any contact on idari? I don't think i ever been there"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

"Oh boy. This food is something else and I thought they would be sending me out somewhere dangerous again. Guess getting ol' Jadnura back got me a coz-" Altorin says also sampling the table before their contact starts talking. He nods along while continuing to eat...letting out a sigh when strict rules are mentioned.

He stands up and pulls out a vacuum sealed pouch and adds a few food items while he discusses out loud.

"Yeah--*monch*--I do believe a bit of direction would help. I can see my way around the wilds but the Idari might be a bit out of my depth searching for the First Seeker." he says between bites.

The transitional Ryphorian has amber fur that is braided and curled into an impressive mustache...perhaps more impressive if it wasn't full of crumbs at the moment. He brushes more food items off of a shimmering golden ringwear that emits a warm glow. At his waist a living vine of autumn leaves dances around making a mess of the nearby place setting.

He clears his voice and stands up straight.

"Oh yes! My name is Altorin Cyrido, an Exo-Guardian." he says bowing to each in attendance.

The serving staff look a bit distressed at Altorin making a mess, and one of them discreetly comes over Sir, is everything according to taste?

"Do we have any contact on idari? I don't think i ever been there"

"Yeah--*monch*--I do believe a bit of direction would help. I can see my way around the wilds but the Idari might be a bit out of my depth searching for the First Seeker." he says between bites.

The skittermander points to the glass dome giving an excellent view of the surround starscape. You know where it is, right? You see that bright blip over there? That's the Idari, a ship big enough to be considered it's own pact world.

The transport taking you to the Idari should dock near the Crucibles— the Idari’s shipyard. The Outland Markets aren’t too far from there and probably has someone who knows or has heard something. People in that area tend to be friendlier to outsiders. You can start asking around for information there. Otherwise, how you find him is up to you.

Catsial, through his network, manages to quite quickly pull up a travel guide to the Idari, which gives him the basic layout of the vessel.

Which is on page 68 of Pact Worlds, of which I unfortunately do not have a copy

Even though most establishments on Absalom Station take into account the needs of beings of various sizes, a dragonkin still takes up a lot of space.

The one sitting at the table is no exception, even though he keeps his wings tucked in. His golden scales have a distinctly red undertone to them and close examination shows what appears to be a layer of smaller, almost transparent scales growing over the main layer.

"And what if he doesn't want to come back?" Sturmvanger asks.

A *crunch* from near the back of the room draws some attention to a small pale woman nibbling away on a riftwing. Exactly when she slipped in is a bit unclear, but the black armor she wears certainly blends into the dim corner of the space.

Stepping forwards to put the stripped-clean bone on a plate, some small *clinks* echo from a few chains draped across and linked to her battlesuit in an ornamental style. "Jadnura just by time-wimey defintions of 'just' got back from a long stretch of isolation, struggle, and a year-long battle coming to grips with the sense that his heart's truest goal may have sent not only him but those who trusted him to be forever cut off from those they care for as they slowly fade away one by one with no rescue coming on the horizon."

"So...maybe he just wants a vacation? It would seem deserved." she says nodding towards the dragon in agreement. "If Jadnura was gone for over a year, how many more 'ripples' could his absence for another few weeks cause?"

The gnome leans over the table to grab some fruit. At the rhyphorian's nod, she awkwardly bends back. "Ah, Mizix. I suppose good to meet you before we all are parted."

As soon as she got the memo about where the meeting was going to be taking place, Seggas's eyes light up. She dragged both herself and Strum to a tailor to get proper outfits for the best kasathan cuisine, possibly period. "Sturm, I've had my name on the wait-list for this place since I was 18. The fact we get to go, much less together, AND not have to pay for it is a dream come true. We are doing this RIGHT."

She shows up to the place in a slim red dress with a balck and red shawl over her shoulders, the color complimenting the red in her eyes and red lipstick she chose for the meal. She sits down, brimming excitement barely under wraps as she waits for the meal. Throughout most of the meal she's in her own world, a low level hiss of pleasure radiating out from her verbally and mentally. It takes Sturm's strong mental bond and comment to break through her shell of pure bliss. She stops and blinks at everyone around the table, as if seeing them for the first time. "Huh, what?"

After a moment of what looks like Seggas nodding to a non-existant lecture, she looks back at her bonded companion and then the skittermander who was gracious enough to get them a spot here in the first place. "Right, go and try bring back the absent First Seeker... There are systems in place for a First Seeker to willingly abdicate power, right? This is only be attempted because it seems he still wanted to be First Seeker, or he hasn't properly completed the tasks to pass on power to the next person leaving a leadership vacuum that... First Seeker Elsebo can't fill? But, to be perfectly honest, I'd be willing to do just about anything for a meal at the Restaurant Lashav."

After a moment she realizes that almost no one at the table knows her name. "Ah, right, I'm Seggas Yakan, Doctor of *cough*Vetrinary*cough* Medicine and Doctor of Medical *cough*Dentistry. Feel free to call me Dr. Yakan or Mistress Seggas if you're feeling forward. I'll be keeping everyone here alive and as content as I can. Oh and, knowing how much he hates to introduce himself, the large golden dragonkin in the dapper evening coat is Strumvanger."

"And what if he doesn't want to come back?" Sturmvanger asks.

"So...maybe he just wants a vacation? It would seem deserved." she says nodding towards the dragon in agreement. "If Jadnura was gone for over a year, how many more 'ripples' could his absence for another few weeks cause?"

Look, the Skittermander says, I'm not asking you to abduct Jednura. I don't get involved into politics all that much, but I can see that First Seeker Jadnura’s absence has become a bigger problem. Right now, we just need to worry about getting him back. Just convince him he needs to return as soon as possible.

The skittermander nods at Seggas' remarks on transition of power and finally says I'll leave the higher-ups to sort out the mess, but I am convinced things will be easier if we can get Jednura to step in. He is really needed right now.

You can still ask further question or roll culture (recall) or diplomacy (gather info). There's also time to make purchases

Also, it's boon slotting time. Let me know what you've selected and we'll move on to the first part.

"If the First Seeker sees us heading towards him they might just run back on their own...hah! Well let me see if I have any pals that can give old Altorin some information. Other than that let us get this thing moving." he adds with a hearty laugh.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

All right, all right the gnome says as the skittermander snps back forcefully. Understood.

Do you happen to at least know what rules and custom's the kasathas on that ship follow that would be bad if we break?

Culture in case she knows herself what those are: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

The skittermander shrugs: The Kasathans have their ways, and tends to be closed-off to outsiders. Like I said, your best chances are with the Outland Market, people tend to be a bit more open-minded due to the large numbers of non-kasathans. Jadnura mentioned something to do with solarian meditation on the balance of the universe stuff. I’ll be honest, I know these solarians like their force armor and gravitational sword doohickeys but, give me a good blaster any day.

Altorins old pal Kultainen manages to procure a very nice piece of information: The Idari's Outland Market district boats the Idari's largest population of non-kasathas and is something of a local melting pot. Explorers can find almost anything from one of the stalls littering the market. Jadnura was known to often visit this particular district.

Mizix then recalls something about the Idari as a spiritual site: Solarians often come to the Idari to find spiritual enlightenment and peace. There are several sites onboard the Idari that cater to solarians, but none are more notorious than the Pradulex Monastery. Outsiders seeking to enter the Monastery must have a prior rapport with one of the masters.

Catsial looks at his allies and listens to their questions. He takes out his comm unit and displays Idari's map:

Map of Idari

"I've never been to Idari, but I know of it. This is the map, look where the Outland Market is."

"I'm willing to go talk to him and let him know the state of the society without him, but, as you said, we're not kidnapping him," Sturmvanger replies.

He takes a final bite of a sugary confection that is burning with a faint green flame before standing up, flicking the two tails of his jacket from his actual tail as he does so.

He leans over the map. "At least the likely locations where he might be are close together. We won't have to wander over the whole ship."

"We'll meet you at the transport," he says to the group.

Welcome to Abadarcorp Flight 1601 to Idari a voice on the intercom sounds just after the party has crammed itself into the seats assigned to each of them. In defense of the spaceline, the onboard equipment includes seats of correct size and form for all types of species - which in this case means providing similar levels of discomfort.

The flight takes Days!: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 to be precise. Fortunately, the good-spirited captains manages to point out freighters, space yachts and other oddities, as well keeping the passengers informed on the latest sportsball results. While the food is nothing compared to Restaurant Lashav, it is still not a stretch to see how AbadarCorp Spacelines maintains a five-star rating in business branch rankings. Which are run by AbadarCorp, of course.

The ship finally arrives at the Idari, showing the magnificent sight of the huge ship. As it approaches the crucibles, a large umbilical cord is extended, allowing passengers to off-board.

While passing through the umbilical cord, all kinds of ongoing construction occurring throughout the Crucibles is visible; ships of
dizzying designs undergo retrofit while other mechanics apply repairs to larger starship components and the Idari itself. The tunnel ends in a pressurized airlock chamber that connects to an entry point onto the Idari’s main interior. A cluster of small vehicles offer transport throughout the ship, among which a black robotaxi, which awaits the group. The transport is an automated vehicle that drives itself to the Outland Markets before departing to accommodate another customer.

---

A sprawling mix of small buildings, stalls, and pavilion tents stretches as far as can be seen. This area, clearly the Idari’s famous Outland Markets, boasts a vibrant mix of species interacting in tightly crammed stalls and wide-open bazaars.

The cacophony of merchants and exotic scents tempt and beckon new arrivals into the more open stretches of the markets, and it’s clear that this space caters to a dizzying array of different customers. Myriad unusual spices and other less-obvious goods form a kaleidoscope of sensations aural, visual, and olfactory. Merchants draw the attention of the crowds by calling out in several languages, though Common remains the most prominent language here. Goods like rare, edible glowing mushrooms from Eox to items as mundane as knives forged by the thousands of Pact Worlds factories seem available at every turn. The calls of the numerous merchants come from all directions.

“Welcome to Idari. May I interest you in some fine lashunta tempweave? For you, a special price.”

In a distance, a merchant can be heard saying, “Hello there, you look like you could use a new a prehensile tail?”

From another direction, “Perhaps some cable line made of adamantine alloy; the strongest cable credits can buy!”

Catsial enters Idari as a last of Starfinder agents, as he passes the cord he touches to wall of the ship pausing for a moment. He did not remember the times when he was there. The years when he was captured by pirates and then joined them, left a huge mark on him. His previous personality was dead and left behind, Catsial was working with House Khadil but he knew that he is not welcome to visit them.

After all that he did was acquire illegal items to their collection making sure that no one can track them. He was a tool and a necessity for some.

He closes his eyes and breath the air giving himself a moment of dreaming how his life could have been... Then he follows the others.

When on the market he begins to chat with people trying to learn where Jadnura could have been

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

"We are looking for Jadnura, great fans you know, and we have a reported interested to speak with them."

Seggas gives Sturm a raised eye as the dinner finishes.

On the way over to the Idari, Seggas hands out a series of waivers of liability to everyone but Sturm. "Right, due to certain ... uh.. reasons I need anyone who wants to benefit from my medical care to sign one of these. In effect you agree to not sue me over any complications that might happen due to unforseen circumstances. Of course, if there was clear negligence it doesn't cover that. Also you might be subject to light, exceedingly temporary, and purely cosmetic genetic testing."
This is Seggas' way of ensuring that you are okay with her using biohacker class features on your PC.

On the Idari she gives the group a look as they get into the Outlands Market. "There's a masterful genetics augmentations specialist here I've been DYING to meet. They might be the only people in the Pact Worlds to have the only genetic samples I need for a few projects I'm working on. I'll meet you back up here in an hour or so? If that works."

I made a few purchases, and am flavoring it as her getting them here. Seggas is picking up a Synaptic Symbiote mk 1 for Dex, an Applied Knowledge species graft and a Electrolocation species graft as well.

55 minutes later she shows up with a small scar on behind one ear and some modified boots, but otherwise seems rather unchanged. "Right, let's get to looking for this kasathan... Can't be too hard here right?"

Even in a civilized place like this, Sturmvanger is on his guard. There are just too many people around and people are generally untrustworthy.

Where the others might see wonders for sale and exciting hustle and bustle, he just sees the potential to be cheated and too much chaos.

He gives a nod to the rest of the group as he and Seggas peel off so she can get some enhancements.

While there, he can't help but show off her work, borrowing someone's igniter and holding his hand over it until the finer layer of scales on his palm peel away painlessly. Pulling his hand away he holds it up as fresh scales grow in.

"At least he's famous," Sturmvanger points out as they start to look for a four armed straw in a four armed haystack.

The DVM DMD and the dragonkin go shopping for enhancements, and it quickly becomes clear the Idari is a tightly run place. Peace enforcement is everywhere, being tightly run by the Idari's crew. There is little hope for bribing anyone either, and doing so would be ill-advised. From some quick interactions, it is clear that violence and criminal activity onboard the colony ship are rare, though some younger hot-blooded kasathas can cause problems. Foreign visitors, known locally as “outlanders,” are welcomed by most kasathas onboard the Idari but are also often the target of younger kasatha aggression.

Catsial is quickly pointed to the existence of Alsuka, a Lashunta running a tea shop, and a common first stop for visitors. Alsuka is the outlands Makret's proprietor, and not only tends to most visitors passing through the Idari, but she’s also known to be on cordial terms with several of the Pradulex Monastery’s ranking masters.

Catsial also managed to pry loose some information on Jandura, with several vendors confirming witnessing a kasatha matching Jadnura’s appearance entering Alsuka’s tea house several weeks ago.

Finally, from his own memories, Catsial recalls that Kasathas have always maintained a strong belief in their philosophy known as the Cycle — a belief they share with many solarians. Whether kasatha or not, solarian visitors regularly come to the Idari in hopes of learning more about the Cycle or visiting one of the world ship’s many monasteries. The Pradulex Monastery is the Idari’s most iconic site for solarians, though visitors require some advanced approval in order to enter

"A bit cramped for my taste but boisterous enough! Did you say something about a tea house? I do love a good cup. As soon as your Dr. friend returns perhaps we treat ourselves." Altorin says with a nod of appreciation to the work of Catsial.

If Jadnura's looking to reset after gettgin back, one of those monasteries would make sense as a place to do it. And if this tea shop's got someone on good terms with them its as good a place as any to go. Mizix agrees.

Hey Catsial, what is this 'Cycle' about? That about how eventually we all go to death and back to nothingness again? Our atoms broken down and recycled to form parts of new beings who then go and live then die themselves?

Cycle? Huh I would love to know that myself, so let me spin off a tale that may or may not be true :D

Catsial turns towards Mizix and look her in the eyes, he moves towards a well kept grass and picks up some earth

"Kasathas look into the stars and the way they change and develop. The solar energies allow life to grow as much as black holes consuming everything including life, matter, and light." he release the earth

"My people believe that understanding where we came from is important, as much as knowing where you are heading." he looks back at Mizix

"It is hard to explain the Cycle in a couple of minutes."

He looks around "Let us check that teashop now" he grasp his cane and heads towards

"That is what I've heard about the Cycle, too so it is good to hear from a native," Sturmvanger says.

And it is a pretty good description of what little they say about it in the Solarian description.

He falls in line with the group as they head to the tea shop to follow a lead. Notably taller than most of the other people in the market, it allows him to sweep his head back and forth, looking for threats.

Discussing the secrets of the universe, the group moves toward the center of the Outland Market. The buildings in this part almost uniformly show signs of recent renovations and enhancements in the form of updated lighting and new paint, but a single, circular, building sticks out, looking as though it hasn’t been changed for years.

A scrolling digital sign that reads “Alsuka’s Tea House” rests firmly above the open doors of the circular metal structure within the bustle of the Idari’s markets. Inside, several customers sit on elaborate cushions spaced in small groups around the clean, open space. Other customers sit on cushions at three bars that rise only two feet from the floor. An android, a kasatha woman, and a young lashunta girl preparing tea and food stand behind the bar. All three of these employees wear simple dresses of fine-quality linens. The aromas of tea and spice intermingle with those of sweets and breads.

A tall damaya lashunta woman garbed in green robes and wearing a fashionably tall hat greets those entering the store.

“Welcome! I am Alsuka, and this is my tea shop. Have you come to partake or just to converse?”

Motioning toward several sitting pillows on the far side of the room, Alsuka continues, “Please sit and enjoy what hospitality I can offer. I hear you are seeking a lost friend.”

"I always partake...at least once! Somethings are best left at once though, ahaha. I like this place already!" Altorin chuckles as he find a large pillow to sit down cross-legged.

He starts to talk then tilts his head, "Wait you already know? I was probably being too loud again. Well have you seen..."

Before continuing he stops to look to his companions, letting one of the better socialites take the lead.

Thank you, miss Mizix says. The gnome sits on one of the pillows and looks at the lashunta.

There is a colleague we're looking for, who we think is on the ship or at least passed through. But I don't want to be a pushy ingrate: love to purchase some of your tea. Do you have any recs? I'll admit i don't know much about the different tea-types.

Alsuka smiles at the positive attitude of the Ryphorian and the thoughtful expressions of the Gnome, and makes a gesture towards the back of the shop. An android server steps up. He holds a silver tray full of cups, sweets, and small fruits. He places the tray in an open area in the center of the sitting cushions. Alsuka pours more tea from a tall, metal pitcher into each of the cups and passes them out. She smiles warmly. “Please, enjoy the tea and refreshments on the tray. Jadnura is an old friend of mine. I am pleased to welcome some of his fellow Starfinders into my humble shop. These refreshments are free today. On the Idari, it is considered rather crass not to offer hospitality. If you are offered hospitality or drink, do not refuse it. Kasathas come from a desert world where resources were often scarce. To not accept at least a token of hospitality is considered not only rude but also wasteful. If you do not enjoy tea, we also have water and milk.”

After an initial round of drinks is poured she says, I would really like to know more about the friends and colleagues of Jadnura. What is the role each of you play in the Society?

Catsial taps his finger twice on the table when the tea is being poured. At least this is what they do in China in teahouses ;) Learned by watching Space Force, and in HK :P

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Catsial sits straight with his feet folded, his cane lies nearby and his hands are resting while only one is holding a cup of tea. Rarely but he brings it closer and puts it under his face cloth to take a sip

"I am Catsial Drun, and I serve as a negotiator for the most part. I haven't been to Idari for a really long time, but I do hold some business contacts with some of the houses here."

He looks at Alsuka when he answers the question, constantly keeping an impeccable posture.

"I'll have Duke Tan, hot," Sturmvanger says, rather proudly.

The dragonkin sits with his legs folded under him, his long neck bent to keep his head about on a level with everyone else as they talk.

"I am Sturmvanger. I am her research assistant in the laboratory and her guard during fieldwork," he says, tilting his head toward Seggas to indicate who he is talking about.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Altorin takes the cup carefully holding it with both hands, he makes to move to add or change the order of anything as he holds it.

"Being rude is the last thing I want. Thank you. My name is Altorin. I am a scholar of solar lifecycles and more recently a healer for the Exo-Guardians. My stomach turns seeing the injured so started training to prevent my companions injuries in the first place." he says with a strong sense of pride, the gruff voice and usual laughs pushed aside for something calmer.

Tea will be fine. Whatever is the house favorite. Thanks. Mizix says, in response to their host refusing payment.

Mizix Chorastrum. I suppose I help out the Society a bit similar to him she looks at the rhyporian keeping the rest of the agents from getting cut up too bad. Though my methods are a bit more skewed towards making sure those burns and slices focus this way instead.

And don't worry, I'm a lot sturdier than I look. Besides, even the best of us die some day. Taking blows, absorbing that pain - and then recovering back from it - I find it helps give some insight into how close everything is to breaking down. But you know, before I'm too old to see that naturally.

She sips the tea. Mmm, that's quite good.

Such a fine mix of skills and roles. The negotiator strives for balance between parties. Words and customs are important. They can keep the
peace and preserve the people. The research team strives for progress. None of our modern conveniences or medicines would be possible without the keen minds of those who can unravel the secrets of the universe. Health is important to all people. Those who heal are among the most welcomed in society.

Alsuka smiles, and is keen to continue the discussion.

You can keep on trying to impress the Lashunta with your knowledge. Can you each roll one of the following checks: Bluff, Culture, Diplomacy, Engineering, Life Science, Medicine, Mysticism, Piloting, Profession

I've heard the people on this ship generally follow 'The Cycle' Mizix says as she sips her tea. I understand that the matter that makes life is eventually brought back into the wells of gravity that are black holes. But isn't that the end of it? Those holes aren't the type to shoot matter back - isn't instead of being a true 'cycle' it merely being a slow progression of existence into broken down nothingness?

Mysticism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

"Yes, we are all great supporters of recovery and health. As much as diplomacy and exploration. I am working with House Khadil for whom I acquire artifacts that they need, and if I learned something in that matter is that persistence and honesty are the key ((that is the lie)). So let me be honest here, we are at the moment of time when Jadnura is needed. We need to find him and present our case."

"While much of what we do as part of the Starfinders is treating emergencies, we also often have the chance to transfer that knowledge to helping people live longer, happier, more comfortable lives," Sturmvanger says.

Medicine): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Mysticism: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

"Cycles, makes me think of home and shifting of the seasons. Each star, sun, burns right and eventually cools. Many similarities in the vast and all of our beliefs." Altorin says, enjoying the opportunity to wax on about his philosophies.

I think your understanding of the cycle is perhaps a bit too... shall I say... linear? Isn't time itself defined oddly in the confines of black hole?

She nods at Altorin Yes, every end has a beginning, every light has a darkness to balance it. Perhaps your views fit in this picture as well, Mizix?

Alsuka doesn't agree with the gnome, but is friendly enough to allow for a counterargument.

Mizix gets a reroll because of Alsuka's friendly attitute

I see that you have good intentions, and are ready to help to increase the wellbeing of all... beings. Can you elaborate more, Sturmvanger?

Sturmvanger also gets a reroll

I'm still missing the dentist...

Alsuka finally nods to Catsial I see that the matter is urgent. My old friend Jadnura mentioned wanting to visit a long-time mentor of his, Master Boojan. You can find Master Boojan at the Pradulex Monastery not far from here. I can let him know you’re coming and get you inside the monastery grounds

Boojan is an elder at the Pradulex Monastery. When you first meet him, do not speak or ask questions of him about business until he asks you to. As I tried to warn you, impatience is very rude.

Rerolling the checks is still worthwhile. If you are interested, you may still buy tea here, which may also have an impact. It's pricy, though. 200 credits for a box...

Catsial nods his head and buys a box of tea. It is not certain if he does it in gratitude or is he expecting to use in the future. Or maybe he liked the drink

"Thank you for your aid." Catsial nods his head politely keeping one of his hands on his chest

Sturmvanger stops and thinks when he is asked to elaborate. "We find ourselves facing a lot of environmental, bacterial, viral and physical dangers in our tasks. While we, unfortunately, often seem to be dealing with the repercussions of those threats, we are also able to use those solutions and expand them into other areas of life. From better anti-virals to more effective pain management to things as simple as keeping a home environment comfortable efficiently."

Medicine: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

I think your understanding of the cycle is perhaps a bit too... shall I say... linear? Isn't time itself defined oddly in the confines of black hole?

She nods at Altorin Yes, every end has a beginning, every light has a darkness to balance it. Perhaps your views fit in this picture as well, Mizix?

Alsuka doesn't agree with the gnome, but is friendly enough to allow for a counterargument.

I suppose it could be - I’ll admit I don’t know that much about the full science of singularities. Mizix admits. Maybe their rim is just another type of boundary. The matter does still exist I suppose. It would be in a different form - and those who knew what was’ll mourn it. But it could turn into something new on a plane we here aren’t even aware of.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Altorin beams as Alsuka confirms some of his thoughts.

"Oh, I would love to take a bit of tea to go. A memento I can share with others when we are done with our mission." Altorin asks graciously to purchase his own box.

Seggas takes her time to enjoy the tea, trying to practice what she heard was the tea ceremony style of the kasathan with turning the bowl before drinking.
Sense Motive, don't think anyone made that DC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
She mostly stays silent, her occasionally overpowering social awkwardness rearing its head as she doesn't quite know how to respond to the delicate and elegant social situation and the very friendly woman. After a short moment, she sets down her cup and suggests, "There have been some reliable studies recently on how cedamron bark brewed in hot water can be good for most sentients to relax. It blends well with most other flavors and might be a good addition to your tea here... assuming that you are open to such a suggestion."

Medicine: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

She does pick up a box of tea on the way out, opting for a box of Duke Tan as Sturm seemed very happy to try it.

Alsuka is particularly content with selling so many luxury boxes of tea. She adds a little special item to the group's order and says “Please bring our mutual friend back safe so we can enjoy tea together. The galaxy can be a dangerous place.”

You have received a MK II serum of healing

----

The Pradulex Monastery is an imposing structure resting atop a tan desert hill. The structure rises well over a hundred feet above the vast desert terrain. Columns of marble-like stone stretch to the height of the building’s roof, while ancient statues of armored and robed kasathas stare down as if scrutinizing all who enter. The great gates of the monastery’s interior grind open as newcomers approach, interior light flickering through the widening gap.

A trio of robed kasatha moved through the door to greet the adventurers. These seem to be younger kasathas, and the type of elaborate courtesy that Alsuka seemed to display is entirely missing here. They bow, and escort the group into the monastary, which is signaled by a curt Come with us. How rude.

You can roll a sense motive check

The trio guide the group through the monastery’s somber halls to a circular room. A crystal dome covers the ceiling here, and it reflects back patterns of stars and stellar phenomena like nebulas and comets with stunning trails. A venerable kasatha, sits in the center of the chamber, meditating atop a single pillow atop a black and white carpet.

There's a long, stony silence...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Mizix thanks Alsuka for her help before the group makes its way towards the Pardulex. Not a cheery place. she thinks to herself as the ominous and looming architecture greets them. Or a cheery people she mentally adds to her own notes as their kasathan escort gets straight to the point.

When they are finally deposited before the old kasathan, the gnome gives a bow but stands silent, remembering what Alsuka had advised.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Catsial looks at the monastery, this is the first that he visit it, and it brings some calm to him to see the architecture and walk down the rooms. Seeing the old one meditate, Catsial tries to find a place for himself. It's been years since he meditated, but he decided to give it a try.

He sits on a pillow and looks at the wall. He thinks about the stars... for whole 2 seconds. Then his thoughts venture about the mission, unfinished business, his apartment and all other things.

He recalls that he was never good at meditations.

On the way in, Catsial gets a particular vibe from one of the trio of Kasathans: one of the kasathans definitely seems to be annoyed to be dealing with outsiders...

---

The kasathan keeps his eyes closed, but does seem to be aware of Mizix standing there. He utters a brief Have a seat, or remain standing if you prefer in a soft voice. He then resumes meditation, remaining still for another few minutes. The kasatha master then raises his wizened hand and points. Without opening his eyes, he asks, "Light or Darkness?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Altorin looks around in curiosity as they are walked into the monastery. Something about the rigidity of it all was draining in a way but his ears twitched and he perked up as the prominent of the Kasathans spoke.

He remained standing but did not pause when the question was posed to the group.

"Light, for me. I prefer to be under the warmth of a nearby solar body."

Is he pointing at us generally, or something specifically?

Taking a seat, she hears the kasathan's question and answers herself. Darkness. After a beat: Our group is of many people, and different minds.

The kasatha is pointing at the dome with patterns of stars and nebulas

Boojan contemplates the answers for a moment, nods, and says, The stellar energy which supports life. Flame both brings life and destroys it. One aspect; two sides of the Cycle.

The stellar force which compresses the mass of the universe so that even galaxies may rise from it. It both destroys stars and builds them anew. One aspect; two sides of the Cycle.

The master then finally opens his eyes Your group is of many people and of many minds. You came to this place in space and time. What timeline have you travelled? What events have you met along the way? The manner in which he asks is these questions seems more casual, more willing to hear the group's stories. Not entirely unlike the way Alsuka asked her own questions.

If you talk to master Boojan, please make a culture of diplomacy check to see how well your knowledge of Kasatha etiquette translates