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A Vlaka male slowly treads into the briefing area. Following each step is a click from what looks to be a fidget toy in his hand. Once he reaches somewhere comfortable to sit, he smiles and waits for others to arrive.
His fur is the typical white coat of his species with sharp lines of icy blue patches on his cheeks. His cloudy eyes always face forward except for brief moments they dart around of their own accord.
"Hello. Has anyone arrived before me? Don't be shy...the quiet ones sometimes slip by these ears."
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"I enjoy the sound of that. Zarzucket. Greiki says warmly smiling at a new voice.
He digs around in his backpack before holding out a small chip towards the direction of the gnome.
"My name is Greiki Muginn. I am a traveler and a compiler of stories. Here is a copy of A Hundred Voices in The Void.. It isn't very scholarly but you may enjoy it."
The starship in space has 'Brass Clutch' written across its bow in big, intimidating lettering. The inside of the ship is quite a luxurious setting, with a spa deck, vesk fitness studio (you can't unsee it), holographic cinema and a zero-gravity foosball table. First seeker Ehu hadif is clearly a bit at unease with all this luxury, and spends most of his time gazing at the stars and meditating. Captain and owner Radaszam, the faction leader of the Acquisitives is clerly more at ease, and makes sure to challenge the four Starfinders he's personally selected at the occasional game, or sparring session in the fitness studio. The ship floats, in a leisurely pace, towards the jungle planet of Castrovel.
'The dealmaker', as is Radaszams nickname, has already informed the group that they’re here to help set up a museum display at the Grand Museum of Qabarat, and to enjoy its gala opening. The full briefing is not scheduled until shortly before the arrival.
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As the big, round, green shape of Castrovel comes into view, it's time for the mission briefing.
Ehu swivels his chair to face the group. “I always love seeing Qabarat come into view. You see that glare on the walls there?” he gestures his head toward the windows. “Layers of shells. Decades of them, built up over the years and brought into the foundation of the walls.”
“These aren’t kids on a field trip,” Radaszam calls from the cockpit. “Save the tour for when the cameras can see them, eh? Knowing your history is all well and good, but we’re here to make an impression, not just look at pretty shells.”
“I’m sure they’ll have time for both,” Ehu calls back before turning to the group. “The museum’s gala is tomorrow, but we’ve arrived early to help finalize the exhibition. There will be a robo-taxi waiting for you once we land. Please, head over to the museum and meet with Zovi, the curator. Most importantly, take your time. Explore the museum, learn the history of this place and the people who live in it.”
“Most importantly,” Radaszam adds. “Don’t break anything. You’d be surprised how expensive those little rocks can be. We’re here to make a good impression, not rack up an enormous bill.”
The Brass Clutch makes its final descent into the spaceport with a soft thud. Ehu and Radaszam make their preparations to leave, pausing a moment to answer any questions.
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A slightly grubby young man hastily arrives at the scene, just finished hiding something in his pocket, whatever that may be. Where was the last time he was, no one knows, though his appearance now does not match the fancy things the ship has. Fortunately, he arrives just in time for the briefing.
"Uhhmm, Tetra here. I have a question. Why are we here exactly? Like aside from making an impression or something and learning history and all this stuff, what is the angle here?" Tetra asks Ehu and Radaszam.
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Greiki smiles at the option to take part in games and sparring.
"Ehem...I would join you if you would allow it. It is an interesting way to learn more about someone, they way they move and breathe." he says to Radaszam.
"Yet, do not get the wrong idea. I am no fighter but it will do me well to learn to defend myself."
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"They way you describe it is intriguing. I cannot wait to mingle among the gala attendees."
As Tetra asks his question, Ehu answers: You'll be helping with the exhibit. It's on a very interesting topic: Archaeology of the Vast. Pottery, tools, relics, and who knows what else collected from all sorts of far-flung ancient cultures.
Ehu adds, “We are bringing material from the Scoured Stars, primarily. We’ve discovered information and belongings from numerous ancient and long-destroyed civilizations across the many worlds of the Scoured Stars systems, and we’ve received permission to display some of it here. Nothing related to the izalguuns, of course. Their descendants preferred we keep their history quiet to protect their current lifestyle. But there’s plenty on the mentrasi and a few ancient jinsul civilizations. Some of the other cultures of the Scoured Stars are represented to a lesser extent, as our research on their home worlds is only in its beginning stages. There are belongings from an ancient syngnathrix waystation, a tekian industrial site, a matoh bathing pod, a nelentu farm, and a thyr religious site.”
Radaszam cuts in and says During the gala, we need to make a good showing here. Just assume the people you meet are important and try to make a good impression on them. Allies are worth their weight in credits. You never know when their help may be necessary.
Greiki recalls that stars are the twinkly things in the sky. George knows that the Scoured Stars is a trinary star system located in the Vast. Years ago, First Seeker Jadnura led an expedition into the Scoured Stars which resulted in many agents of the Starfinder Society becoming trapped in the system behind a magical, impenetrable barrier. Jadnura’s successor, First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo, worked tirelessly to lower this barrier and rescue the agents. Unfortunately, their rescue mission brought them into conflict with the jinsuls and their dangerous leader, Dhurus. The ensuing battles were hard won.
The Scoured Stars consists of three star systems: Agillae, Bastiar, and Callion, which revolve around a common barycenter. Agillae is an orange dwarf star with five planets, all of which are terrestrial planets in the star’s habitable zone. Bastiar is the largest, brightest, and most massive of the three stars. It’s a yellow dwarf star with eight planets—five terrestrial planets, a gas giant with more than three dozen moons, and two ice giants. Callion is the smallest of the three stars. It’s a red dwarf star with two small, tidally locked planets whose orbits are synchronized so that they are always on the opposite sides of the star. The protective (some would say possessive) god Kadrical resides within the Scoured Stars.
So far, the Starfinder Society has identified eight major species that lived within the Scoured Stars. One, the mentrasi, are extinct. The others include izalguuns, jinsuls, matohs, nelentus, syngnathrix, tekians, and thyrs. Many of these peoples left the Scoured Stars and emigrated to different planets ages ago, notably to the planets of Rax and Izalraan (known to much of the universe as Icefront) and to the planets of the Saaruq-Ruaan system, forming the multiplanetary federation known as the Kreiholm Freehold.
After landing, a robo-taxi is already waiting. The robo-taxi emerges from the starport into the bright light of Qabarat. The sunlight bounces off the layers of iridescent shells layered inside the city walls, casting a spotlight towards the city center.
The full extent of Qabarat’s architecture rushes past the windows. Ancient universities stand side-by-side with cutting-edge cultural centers. Rows of academic buildings give way to the Grand Museum of Qabarat, a large, ovoid sandstone building that takes up the center of the district, rising out of the ground with a low dome to its right side.
Its exterior resembles the same species of seashell that covers the city walls. The robo-taxi halts and pulls to the side of the entrance, kneeling to the side to allow its passengers to disembark. Sitting outside the entrance is a less-than-patient nelentu, who practically hops in excitement.
Hi! Hi! the nelentu says, perking up my name is Minqalli, I'm also a starfinder, I just joined. I am here, because I was born in the Kreiholm Freehold, and my ancestors are from the Scoured Stars, so my personal connection with the belongings you'll be displaying will be very useful, don't you think? Minqalli adds with excitement as they almost drag the group into the museum, rushing past the entrance security checks to just barge into the galleries.
Minqalli rushes off through the galleries, clambering up the stairs into a cordoned off exhibition space marked by a sign that indicates a new display will soon be opening in this area. “You’ve gotta see this!” they call back. “Come on, come on, come on!” The nelentu scrambles into a large room filled with arrowheads, pottery shards, and other archaeological finds. The far side of the wall is taken up by a floor-to-ceiling diorama of archaeological strata, depicting the various eras on display in the hall. Minqalli climbs up the diorama, eagerly pointing out various pieces of pottery built into the display. “You see this mark here? My ancestor made this one. Oh, and that one, and this one over here!” Their showcase of their ancestors’ belongings is cut short by the stomping footsteps of an incoming vesk, hand on her radio and an angry sneer on her face.
The Vesk approaches breathless, eyes wide as she sees Minqalli hanging from the display. “Get down from there!” she barks at Minqalli, then turns her scrutinizing eyes upon the group....
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Tarrakk, the half-orc, wears a D-Suit and looks like he's always ready to begin an expedition. He is generally serious, and tends to let his actions speak more than his words. He has black hair and blue eyes. Tarrakk carries a static arc pistol at his hip, and wears a sleek diasporan rifle on his back. A single aeon stone orbits his head. Tarrakk is very professional, and takes every job seriously, whether it is the colonization of a new planet or a mission for the Starfinders.
Clearly they shouldn't the security guard barks, and clearly you didn't fill out the correct paperwork required to be here.
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Greiki makes sure to step cautiously, listening to the voice of Minqalli if he gets too far away.
"If you rush too far ahead, I tend to lose you. You do have a wonderful voice though."
As he gets closer he hears the group talking with a guard.
"I do greatly apologize for Minqalli. He has a deep connection to these artifacts and he wanted to explain them to me...I am blind so his voice helps direct me. Would our apologies and expeditious filling out of the forms make amends?" Greiki says smiling, holding out a hand to shake purposefully having it askew facing in the wrong direction.
"While we fill it out I can explain our reason for being here. Perhaps you can help us."
Aargh the Vesk guard snarls alright then. Just don't climb on any further exhibits. You're here to help, so let me help you with this paperwork. If you just gives me your names, I think I can fill in the other details. Vlaka, right?
The name's Amyikesh, she says I'm the head of security. If you need anything in the future, just holler. Amyik will do.
As Amyik leaves, a blue-tinted Lashunta woman arrives.
“Welcome to the Grand Museum of Qabarat! I hear you’ve already met with our head of security, Amyik, and received a comprehensive tour of our dig-site diorama by your little Starfinder friend. Minqalli is quite exuberant! My name is Zovi. I’m a curator here at the museum. And you are?”
Wonderful! Let me give you a short tour, before we move to our exhibit.
Welcome, everyone, to this fascinating exhibit hall. As a curator here at the Grand Museum of Qabarat, it's my pleasure to guide you through this collection. Please keep in mind that the artifacts we're about to see hold great historical and cultural significance.
“This gallery is where we keep and display fragile materials. Things that are important to our people and history but cannot survive with too much light or jostling. As you’ll notice, our museum has no corners. As an institution that must serve a multitude of cultures, we must be mindful of these cultural beliefs. The makers of this dance regalia, for example.” She presses a button beside her, momentarily lighting up a display case holding a dress with faded colors. “They believe that the things they make have an energy, and that energy can become trapped. Not too many sharp edges in nature, you see. While these belongings are in our care, they’re free to glide around the space and flow through the curvatures of the building. And, as the tour guides are fond of saying, it keeps us well rounded.” She gestures for the group to follow her as she steps into the next gallery. Please feel free to ask questions or share your observations as we explore this remarkable exhibition. Let's proceed to the next gallery, where more wonders await us.
As the group enters, they are greeted by a multitude of displays showcasing an array of belongings ranging from everyday items to weaponry. Each object is accompanied by a small button, inviting visitors to interact with the exhibit. When pressed, these buttons project holograms depicting individuals from the respective cultures, showcasing how they used the items on display.
This is the captivating "Life Within the Gap" gallery. Here, we delve into the rich cultures that flourished during the enigmatic Gap era. Our museum's experts have meticulously pieced together their best conjectures to offer glimpses into the daily lives and practices of these remarkable civilizations.
As we explore this gallery, take a moment to engage with the exhibits. Press the buttons beside each artifact to witness holographic projections of people from those cultures, vividly demonstrating how these objects were utilized in their daily routines.
This gallery serves as a bridge connecting us to the past, shedding light on the diverse societies that navigated the mysteries of the Gap. Let us embark on this journey together, unraveling the secrets and embracing the unique stories of those who lived during this intriguing era.
Zovi's voice resonates with enthusiasm and reverence as she guides the Starfinders through the gallery.
We used to have full-scale dioramas, but with our ever-increasing knowledge of the Gap cultures, and our rapidly evolving knowledge, these holograms allows us to swiftly apply new findings.
Feel free to investigate the galleries if you want...
The temporary gallery space is filled with a variety of display cases, platforms, and pedestals, all separated into distinct sections for the exhibitors to utilize. Most displays are empty, but a few already contain belongings and are ready for the public exhibition.
This is the temporary exhibition. You'll soon have your artifacts here, and our conservation staff will assist you will all handling and and physical movement of artifacts. Thank you very much for your interest in our galleries. Zovi says, as she bids the group farewell.
There are two researchers aready in the room, carefully unpacking artifacts assisted by the conservators. There's a male damaya lashunta, and a male half-elf. Two unattended displays have already been completed and are ready for exhibition. One contains beautiful statuettes and the other impressive jewelry.
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After the tour that somewhat bores him, Tetra quickly proceeds to the researchers unpacking the artifacts. "Tetra here. Been wandering around a bit in this museum. Would like to know where those artifacts came from? And what are those statues exactly?" he asks and points out the statues on display already.
Zarzucket pokes around the room a bit, and gets a howing of holograms of people from various cultures: a lashunta weaving on a loom, a ysoki maintaining their gun, and a half-elf using a carved stick to remind them of details as they silently recount a story to a crowd.
Here, Zovi takes a moment to explain that a people and their culture aren’t the same thing—even in our modern world, with countless planets linked in a galactic communication network by the Drift, people aren’t a part of a single monolithic culture. “Why, this museum alone currently displays belongings from over fifty different lashunta-centric cultures that were located on Asana. It’s a fraction of our history. A single tree in the jungle.”
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Greiki is elated as he helps alleviate the trouble of Minqalli.
"It is nice to meet you Amyikesh and you too Zovi!"
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As the group is given the tour, Greiki listens intently patching together the descriptions and the images called forth by his blindsight. His expression shifts to an uncharacteristic melancholy.
He nods when the task before them is to set up their display.
Zarzucket takes interest in the display cases that have been set up already, which are marked as being part of the Grand Museum of Qabarat’s collection. The cases have been elaborately set up to appeal to the eye, and together with their placement close to the entrance, the intention is clearly to draw visitors in.
Tetra walks up to the Lashunta, who is eager to talk when seeing someone in terested in his work. Hi to meet you. My name is Wheloss, and I'm a a postdoctoral student at the Qabarat University of Xenoarchaeology and Xenoanthropology.
Whaloss’ display consists of ancient bone carvings, stone statuettes, and other artwork focused on stars and other celestial bodies. Signage indicates these belongings are from the ancient elven civilization of Oatia.
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Hearing the group begin to disperse, Greiki stays with Zovi a moment longer.
"Curator Zovi, in such a prestigious position would you have any instructions on how you would like us to set up our displays? I do not want us to spoil the flow or organization of this section. My own navigation tends to be different."
Well met the half-elf of somewhat advanced age says to Tarrakk my name is Jeletal, and I'm a disciple of Talavet. You are with the Starfinder group?
Jeletal’s display is eclectic, containing belongings from a multitude of cultures and eras. Most are well-worn household items, some showing obvious signs of replaced parts and amateur attempts at restoration.
You see, each of these objects has a story. If, say, an outside organisation without connection to the original culture were to take these without context, the story told would be meaningless. Jeletal explains with an obvious passive-aggressive stab at the Starfinder group.
Each object in this display was donated by members and clergy of my temple, and holds strong connections to the vast. These items embody the story and history of the donor, and each has a deeply emotional connection to their past. Over here, you see items associated with happy memories, Jeletal explains, connecting with the cheerful past of the objects, then continuing with a frown on the other side, items that brought their owners pain. The story of each item is as much a part of its history as its intended original use. Use and purpose, that's what would evoke the story of your items the best.
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Greiki stays with Zovi, who asks Did you have something to ask? and allows Greiki to come forward with his question I see - yes, do you notice how all of these display cases have been set up to be pleasing to the eye, and to lure visitors in? she says, hoping that indeed Greiki would notice, as Zovi had no small part in setting up the cases You'd probably want to be harmonious with that. I'd recommend choosing a nice flow in your display, since it will attract more visitors. I'd prioritise that over any other form of organisation.
I may have judged you too hastily Jeletal says and indeed, historical themes play a role. Jeletal looks pleased and adds You will choose wisely, I have faith in you. I'll be keen to hear the stories you have to tell.
I'm the local expert on the people of Oatia. Whaloss explains, and adds You know, they have their roots in the city of Loskialua, located on Castrovel’s continent of Ukulam, but they later traveled to distant solar systems using magic. Oatian belongings have thus far been discovered on Astevint, Helfen-Thel, Preluria, the Tabori Cluster, and even the recently explored Weydana-4.
The Oatians were intensely interested in astronomy and distant worlds. They developed supernatural and magical techniques for surveying the sky beyond their own galaxy, discovered countless new constellations and worlds, captured eonsold messages from distant galaxies, made contact with bizarre and powerful aliens, and communed with cosmic demigods. Eventually, Loskialua was abandoned. Whaloss says, and adds with a tone of suspense I would theorize that the Oatians used powerful magic to travel closer to the distant sites that they most desired to study, skipping across the universe in a never-ending quest for astronomical enlightenment!
Tetra notices that the method Whaloss has used to arrange clearly aims to is increase the prestige of the university’s archaeological findings and aid Whaloss in securing funding for future fieldwork. Always be ready to promote your own work...
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The starfinder's own collection of artefacts includes pottery, statuettes, tools, weaponry, technological devices, and magical relics. Most belong to the mentrasi and a variety of jinsul cultures, including the Myhmur theocracy and Cratune tyranny. There’s also a smaller collection of relics representing other species of the Scoured Stars, including belongings from an syngnathrix waystation, a tekian industrial site, a matoh bathing pod, a nelentu farm, and a thyr religious site.
These artifacts were largely collected by people who wanted to bring something flashy and impressive back to the Society rather than being collected purely for their academic value.
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After setting up the display, Ehu comes back and has a look at the result...
The group, under the management leadership of Tarrakk, creates an aesthetically pleasing display in a tactically placed location.
When the display is finished, Ehu comes in to check on the Starfinder. Ah, I see you're finished. Can you tell me about why you have chosen this particular way of displaying items? As he speaks, he seems surprised by the echoing of his word on the display case Ah, Greiki, I see you've had your influence on this arrangement.
We have a collection of very interesting objects, right? I'm curious how the visitors at the gala will react. Great job!
Well, you've worked very hard, and you deserve an evening off. I have booked accommodation in Qabarat, and on Radaszam's recommendation, I have have found something that meets his standard.
The accommodation is indeed high-class luxury, and allows the group ample time to relax, indulge and explore Qabarat.
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The next evening is gala evening. The grand opening of the exhibition draws many guests in elaborate outfits, and it's already possible to catch a glimpse of Jeletal, in elaborate priestly robe, some soldier in dress uniform, academics dressed up (and looking somewhat uncomfortable, it seems) in fine robes.
The museum lobby is filled with guests. Catering staff weave between attendees, carrying drinks and small dishes, some local and some imported from the Vast. Zovi steps to the central podium and, with a practiced, steady voice, begins speaking.
“I would like to welcome you all to the Grand Museum of Qabarat. I am honored to have the privilege of hosting this gala and of gathering some of the brightest minds in the galaxy under one roof. Truly, this event would not have been possible without all of your help. We have gathered here to shed light on the history of the Vast. We curators always feel a personal connection to any exhibition we organize, but there are those in attendance who are sharing the legacy of their ancestors. We thank you for your expertise and your trust in our institution to facilitate your history.
“Spread throughout the galleries of our museum, you will find displays dedicated to various aspects of ancient Vast cultures and people passionate about sharing their stories. Please explore, ask questions, immerse yourself in history. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy your evening.”
There are seven prominent displays spread throughout this wing of the museum, each of which is associated to an important guest.
---[Guest list]---
Captain Alis Sandel (female human soldier): Alis is a member of the Aspis Consortium who has worked with the Starfinders in the past. Alis's display showcases weaponry from a variety of different Vast cultures.
First Seeker Ehu Hadif: Ehu may be your First Seeker, but he's still trying to maintain a presence by himself alongside your display, sharing information about the Scoured Stars with visitors as appropriate. He could probably use some backup here. If you join Ehu, you too should field questions from the crowd of visitors and speak about your display.
Jeletal (male half-elf): You've already conversed with our story-telling, Talavet-worshipping, elf with a display of common and well-worn household items. But now would be your chance to cement a stronger relationship with him.
Professor Muhali (female damaya lashunta): Muhali is head of linguistic anthropology at the Qabarat University of Xenoarchaeology and Xenoanthropology. Muhali's display showcases a variety of texts, from a carved stone stele to fragile scrolls, coupled with a holographic display showcasing linguistic similarities and differences over time and space.
Odesse Nis (female elf): Odesse is an archaeologist from the Tabori Cluster. Odesse's display contains material from over a dozen aquatic and semi-aquatic cultures, including Caravolos and Varretian, and two terrestrial cultures, including Erezitan and Ulumbian. Of particular note are several belongings carved from a delicate gray-green stone, which the placards identify as malachite.
Whaloss (male damaya lashunta): You've already conversed with this Xenoarchaeology grad student from the Unviersity of Qabarat, and learned a bit about his work with Oation cultures. But now is your chance to build the foundations for a deeper alliance.
Zovi (female damaya lashunta): You've already met the Museum's charismatic curator, and seen her very pretty displays of jewelry and statuettes, but here is your chance to really impress her.
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Checking the walk-in closet of their accommodation, Tetra is overwhelmed by the sundry options of apparel to wear for the night. Not accustomed to such events, he is having a hard time choosing for the particular occasion. Nonetheless, he opts for an all-black formal suit that fortunately fits him well.
I hope I am not overdoing this. he tells himself before he gets out back to the museum for the gala evening.
"Hmmm, where to go? What display to check..."
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Captain Sandel standly straight near a display case full of weaponry. She wears the insignia of the Aspis Consortium.
Tarrakk notices the weapons are of Jinsul origin, and must have been obtained in the scoured stars. Well spotted, Alis grins you'd think the starfinders were the only ones with an interest in the Scoured Stars, but that doesn't seem to be the case now, is it?
---(round 1)---
Tarrakk - Alis - check pending
Tetra
Greiki
George
Zarzucket
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