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The First Seeker’s meeting room is a lavish space, with several
lush couches and armchairs surrounding a wide, low table.
First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo appears uncharacteristically
extravagant, having exchanged her typical stationwear for a
sleek, fashionable suit in a shade of copper that matches the
Starfinder Society logo emblazoned on the table. Behind her
stands the towering vesk leader of the Acquisitives faction,
wearing a suit of ceremonial armor.
Luwazi smiles and gestures to the seats. “A pleasure to
see you all. I trust you’ve heard about tonight’s gala? I have a
rather important announcement to make, so we’ve decided to
use the opportunity to entertain and impress representatives
of the various interests who have helped the Starfinder Society
through our setbacks with the Scoured Stars Incident.
“That’s where you come in. As some of the shining
stars of the newest Starfinder Society agents, I’d like
to have you mingle with the guests so they can see
for themselves what we’ve been able to accomplish.
It’s nothing too fancy; I’d just like you all to be polite
and talk about some of your experiences with the
Society so far. We’re expecting some government
dignitaries, investors, corporate interests, and the
like, so be sure to stay on your best behavior. Also,
don’t be afraid to brag a bit—it’s
our goal to impress them.”
“But don’t be stupid,” the
armored vesk breaks in.
Luwazi Elsebo glances over
her shoulder and grins. “Have you
all met Radaszam? He’s certainly
someone else you should be trying
to impress.”
Radaszam scowls. “Events like
this never go as planned. Luwazi’s
contracted one of my merc outfits,
the Obsidian Spiders, to provide security
for the night. I want to make sure that if
anything goes down, you’re working with
my agents, rather than us all tripping over
one another. So stay alert, but if anything
happens, make sure you’re talking to me about
it rather than jumping in blindly.”
The First Seeker nods and picks up the
datapad. “I’ve singled out five guests
who I would really like to make a good
impression with. These folks should be“But don’t be stupid,” the
armored vesk breaks in.
Luwazi Elsebo glances over
her shoulder and grins. “Have you
all met Radaszam? He’s certainly
someone else you should be trying
to impress.”
Radaszam scowls. “Events like
this never go as planned. Luwazi’s
contracted one of my merc outfits,
the Obsidian Spiders, to provide security
for the night. I want to make sure that if
anything goes down, you’re working with
my agents, rather than us all tripping over
one another. So stay alert, but if anything
happens, make sure you’re talking to me about
it rather than jumping in blindly.”
The First Seeker nods and picks up the
datapad. “I’ve singled out five guests
who I would really like to make a good
impression with. These folks should be
your priority tonight, so I’ve compiled basic information about each of them here. Things will start up in about an hour in the Skyreach Room. Any questions before we go?”
What is the Scoured Stars incident?
and Luwazi sighs. “Not even a year ago, the Starfinder Society sent
most of our agents and ships in a ground-breaking endeavor to
a region known as the Scoured Stars, but once they arrived, we
lost all communication with them. We haven’t been able to contact
them since, and the entire region has been sealed off behind some
kind of force field. It was a disaster for the Society; we lost most of
our agents and our assets, and we made it through only thanks to
support from the people who we’re entertaining at tonight’s gala.”
Do we need to dress up?
You’re Starfinders, and there’s a certain air of excitement that
comes along with the armor and gear.”
What’s the big announcement?
all the fun if I told you now, wouldn’t it? Sorry, you’ll have
to wait a few hours like everyone else.”
Are you expecting trouble?
expecting trouble,” Radaszam says, but a
moment later he shrugs. “I don’t know of any
plans specifically targeting this event, but my
team and I have our eyes and ears open.”
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Cettara is a lovely young redheaded human with pale skin, wrapped in desert robes. A set of tinted goggles is pushed up on her forehead, and she's gone a little overboard with her makeup. "That's quite an honor, clanleader" she begins, before remember she is not dealing with the Yisbo and correcting herself to "First Seeker. This is sort of my specialty, so I'll do everything I can to help!" she finishes enthusiastically. She does not ask if they need to dress up, since she plans to anyways. She got little opportunity to dress up with the Yisbo clans, so she's excited for the chance
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A biomechanical tendril snakes over the table toward th fruit bowl.
In a moment, a deep red cluster of small berries lift over the bowl’s side and smoothly travel toward a tiny plant wearing black armor with gold and light blue highlights.
The yellow and amber petals of the flower over its head rustle as the raxilite happily snacks and listens to the briefing.
When they speak, their airy voice sounds drenched in cheery enthusiasm.
“Thank you for this opportunity, First Seeker, and for your advice, Radaszam. I’m new to the Society, so your summons was a pleasant, if unexpected, surprise. You needn’t worry. Our team will work together to make you both proud.”
They mentally review the briefing's highlights. Make an impression. Not a bad impression, a good one. Not like with that half elf who clearly didn't understand plants. And there was something else... uhhh... and not be stupid. Yes! That was it. Good impression and not be stupid. Got it.
When the briefing ends, Kessela looks to the team members.
“Hi! I’m Kessela PKAX from Raxil. You can call me Sela since PKAX refers to a biotechnology unique to my growing area for which most species have no direct analogue. This makes explaining my full name’s meaning particularly difficult to the point of, well, pointlessness.”
They smile brightly and their tendrils move in an approximation of a shrug.
“I’m familiar with security and data systems, as well as online research. I’ll hit the infosphere and try to prepare some quick background dossiers on those we are to meet and impress at the event. Good information makes every mission easier, doesn’t it?”
They pause and think a moment, then brighten.
“Oh, and I am not currently caffeinated. Some of those I met here on Absalom Station asked me that. I found the question curious but apparently regular ingestion of caffeine is a local custom. I now make a point to proactively share data on my current caffeine level as a sign of trust and cooperation, and to demonstrate my understanding of local society.”
After introductions, Kessela pulls out their datapad and begins the search.
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A cloaked figure kobold dressed in a finely embroidered cloak, removes his hood to reveal a set of red-hued scales.
"BEHOLD!" cries the kobold. "You are now in the presence of Wikzarr the Witchwarper, Doyen of Dragons and Wisest of Wyrms!"
He turns to the present First Seeker, "If you seek one who impresses then you need seek no further."
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Entering the room, a Lashunta wearing golemforged armor with a pistol strapped to his side looked around at his surroundings. Nodding in greeting to the assembled, he paused a bit at the First Seeker, "Greetings, I am Helkilos, First Seeker. It is a pleasure to meet you" he said.
"The list of guests is interesting, is there any that we should be extra careful around?" he asked, as he tried to present himself as best as possible.
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"Any questions?" asks the First Seeker.
- - - -
The lift doors open into the Skyreach Room, a classy space
made breathtaking by large windows set into the vaulted
ceiling, providing a shining view of the Armada orbiting
Absalom Station and the galaxy beyond. A low stage with black
skirting and a sleek podium overlooks the room from the far
end of the hall. A dozen or so guests, representing a surprising
array of races, mingle in twos and threes, while servers in sharp
vests bring around a variety of bizarre snacks and drinks. A
curly-haired AV technician arranges the wiring along one side
of the stage, and Luwazi stands at the other side speaking with
a damaya lashunta man.
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Kessela transfers the Guests of Note info to their data pad, then checks their flower petals in the mirror. When they're satisfied that they look adorable, they walk with the team into the Skyreach room.
When they pass by a full length mirror in the room's entrance, they catch a glimpse of themselves.
Kessela smiles. It's true -- I look adorable.
“Let’s start impressing the people. Who do you want to talk to first?”
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The party knows about
Zo!: Zo! is an undead media mogul well known
throughout the Pact Worlds, always looking for
an idea for a new show, strategies to improve
his ratings, or other lucrative entertainment deals. His organization
funded the recent Society expedition to Salvation’s End, and he is
keenly interested in further exploration of the false moon.
Iteration-177: Iteration-177 is a relative newcomer to the Aspis
Consortium. In addition to making waves by urging Consortium
support of the Starfinders, they have an interest in religious
artifacts and connections.
Ykris: The alien symbiote
Ykris represents CeriCore Labs.
Business-wise, the corporation
has very little to gain from the
Starfinder Society’s endeavors, but
it nevertheless made a substantial
donation; rumors suggest the
- - -
The Starfinders move about the party.
Zol approaches Cettara
"I'm looking for new stars for upcoming vid shows? Are you interested?"
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"Oh, certainly! That's so exciting!" Cettara says, delighted. She curtsies to Zol. "I'm Cettara, of the Ysbo clans. What a pleasure to meet you. What would you like me to do? I can sing and dance!" She is clearly very enthusiastic about this meeting.
"Yeah let me see quickly what you got?" says the undead.
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Using her LFAN to lift her body to conversation level, Kessela slides up to Zo! and Cettara.
“Cettara’s got great moves. You’ll love her, Zo! And I can really shake my flower.” They toss a bright smile to Zo! before continuing.
”You know, maybe we could do a ‘dance-ploration’ show where a group of talented Starfinders explore dangerous locations like Salvation’s End while competing in dance challenges inspired by the area they’re in. That would be exciting and fun and interactive, with ways for the audience to vote in real time. What do you think?”
Kessela moves to the music, matching their motion with Cettara.
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Cettara twirls about in a dance while singing one of the war songs of the Ysbo.
[dice=Acrobatics]1d20+6
"Needs work kid!" cries Zo!
Heliklos joined the others trying to influence the people. Hearing that Zo! was looking for talent, he tried his best using brute strength. It was impressive watching him doing push-ups, in heavy armor.
[dice=Athletics]d20+7-3
"Great job sir!"
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"Behold, I am Wikzarr the Witchwarper, Shogun of Showmanship and Thaumaturge of Theater!" The kobold goes for an impressive feint.
[dice=Bluff to Feint]1d20+8
"Nice we could use a Showman in the act!" cries Zol. He points his index finger out and thumb up like a "gun" "I'll catch you kids soon!"
---
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Cettara blushes, embarrassed that her dancing did not go as well as she had hoped. "Well, Royo's a scholar... knowledge might impress him. Unless he wants to know something about the Verthani, though, it's not my specialty."
The group heads over to Royo. The older ysoki sits sipping some tea. He has hints of gray around his temple.
"Greetings all. How can I help you?"
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The group heads over to Royo. The older ysoki sits sipping some tea. He has hints of gray around his temple.
"Greetings all. How can I help you?"
The draconic Starfinder considers the ysoki, licking his lips if he had any.
"It is I, who can help you!" declares Wikzarr. "I am Wikzarr, Superior Among Scholars and Hoarder of the Historic!"
"My knowledge in general is extensive, it is what I know of the single most imporant creatures across the universes that you will find most illuminating, for I know all there is to know about dragons and I never forget a detail, whether it’s about draconic culture, traditions, and abilities, or the personal information of the system’s oldest dragons." There is no hint of modesty within his tone as Wikzarr refers to what he believes to be the most vital of historical fields.
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Kessela refills their glass at the bar, then joins the rest of the team with Iteration-177. They listen to ’ stories of time with the Organization, fascinated with this view into another world.
When the story winds down, they join the conversation more actively.
“Like my teammate, Helkilos, I came to the Starfinder Society by way of my early experiences. Mine involved security work on the flying cities above Raxil. Have you ever seen the view from there? It's stunning.”
They try to ride the conversation's flow to match Iteration-177's interests...
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Cettara spins some wild tales about her adventures with the Starfinders that are mostly true, if a bit exaggerated. Otherwise, what's the point of telling stories? "I saved the day on a frozen prison plant, and we rescued a town on a red planet. Let me tell you the story..."
"That's very interesting how did you do that? says Iteration-177
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Kessela salutes the venture captain with one tiny green arm while maneuvering the drink in one of their LFAN claws out of sight behind their back.
“We’re doing both.”
Moving away from the android and leaning in toward Naiaj for a degree of privacy, Kessela softly adds, “The First Seeker said we should engage and entertain the guests, while also watching for any potential trouble. We’re on it!”
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Naiaj taps her foot "Well...I guess the party does have it's uses even if you're just enjoying yourself. I still
think you need to be on the watch" She looks around the room. "I'm sure others need to be reminded to be on watch" She turns and abruptly walks off.
You see a segmented insect clinging to the scalp of a cleancut,
immaculately dressed half-elf man approach you.
"Greeting starfinders how are you? I am Ykris. I have supported the
explorations of the Starfinder Society and have lobbied
its company to back Luwazi Elsebo’s efforts. Just so you know.
If my host and I aren't being too forward, what news do you have?"
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"We have found those assembled to be most receptive to our efforts on behalf of the acting First Speaker," acknowledges the kobold. "Though, one would expect no less of Wikzarr the Weighty, Potentate of Persuasion and Innovator of Impressedness!"
[dice=Culture]1d20+6
Ykris scratches his head but doesn't seem impressed with Wikzarr. "Ah yeah"
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Kessela joins the conversation with Ykris.
So this is what a symbiote and their host is like.
“Hi! I’m Kessela PKAX. I never met someone like… uh… you? You both? How do I refer to you? You two work together like a biological version of my LFAN.” They wave a couple of tendrils in a friendly gesture.
“You’re probably familiar with the biotech work we do on Raxil or the biomechanical starship we built as a joint venture with the Xenowardens. I wasn’t part of that project but my seed-father was. He had such stories about it...”
They share the most recent science news they remember from home.
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Radaszam waives you over.
The burly vesk doesn’t mince words. “We’ve got a situation on
our hands. I’ve been following rumors of a somewhat notorious
assassin who only recently showed up on Absalom Station. I
just heard from one of my contacts that signs point to the First
Seeker as the assassin’s next target—and if that’s the case, the
assassin will almost certainly make a move tonight.
“Now here’s the thing. I’ve got enough security here that no
one’s really in any danger; and besides, Luwazi’s no stranger
to a fight. But it’d look really bad for the Society if someone
took at shot at her in front of all these high-ups, you know
what I mean?
“On the other hand, if a team of crack Starfinders were to
investigate the rumors and unmask the assassin, we’d be able to
show that we can still hold our own and add some, oh, let’s say,
gravitas to the First Seeker’s announcement tonight. Defeat this
assassin in style, impress the investors, make yourselves look
good in the process... What do you say?”