Just saw the post, Jabaxa isn't at the party, but you did get a name. How would you like to spin it?
That Diplomacy is enough to get the last bit of info available.
My diplomacy's not great, might as well try intimidate?
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For the record, a bodega is more like a 7-11 than a restaurant, but yeah. VERY much an east-coast NYC thing.
FROM GOOGLE
A bodega is a small corner store or market that sells groceries, wine, and other items. Bodegas are often found in Spanish-speaking neighborhoods of large cities. They are similar to convenience stores, but are more convenient than supermarkets.
Here are some characteristics of bodegas:
Size: Bodegas are usually under 300 square meters.
Cash registers: Bodegas have no more than two cash registers.
Food: Bodegas sell mostly food, but don't specialize in one item. They may sell milk, meat, eggs, and bread.
Services: Bodegas may also offer services like money transfers, lottery tickets, and prepaid phone cards.
Community centers: Bodegas can serve as community centers and supply stores.
The word "bodega" comes from Spanish and means "wine shop". It shares a root with the French word "boutique", which comes from the Greek word "apotheke", meaning "store".
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Paul Simon lyric:
And she said, "Honey take me dancing"
But they ended up by sleeping
In a doorway
By the bodegas and the lights on
Upper Broadway
Wearing diamonds on the soles of their shoes
Checking in, hope everyone is doing well with the weather and staying safe.
All of the information that you have managed to get has been conveyed, if you are seeking any more about the Level 21 Crew, you'll have to drop a message at the bodega, and wait for them to get back to you.
For the record, a bodega is more like a 7-11 than a restaurant, but yeah. VERY much an east-coast NYC thing.
FROM GOOGLE
A bodega is a small corner store or market that sells groceries, wine, and other items. Bodegas are often found in Spanish-speaking neighborhoods of large cities. They are similar to convenience stores, but are more convenient than supermarkets.Here are some characteristics of bodegas:
Size: Bodegas are usually under 300 square meters.
Cash registers: Bodegas have no more than two cash registers.
Food: Bodegas sell mostly food, but don't specialize in one item. They may sell milk, meat, eggs, and bread.
Services: Bodegas may also offer services like money transfers, lottery tickets, and prepaid phone cards.
Community centers: Bodegas can serve as community centers and supply stores.The word "bodega" comes from Spanish and means "wine shop". It shares a root with the French word "boutique", which comes from the Greek word "apotheke", meaning "store".
It's basically a gas station, but without the pumps, isn't it?
It's basically a gas station, but without the pumps, isn't it?
As gas stations tend to have food, drink, and other helpful items for sale, yes. Once upon a time, gas station just meant a place to get gas for your car and usually help from a mechanic if needed. I'm showing my age here.
Checking in, hope everyone is doing well with the weather and staying safe.
All of the information that you have managed to get has been conveyed, if you are seeking any more about the Level 21 Crew, you'll have to drop a message at the bodega, and wait for them to get back to you.
Does the message need to delivered in person or are we talking something like an instant message or e-mail?
Since were there in the gameplay thread, we can deliver it in person. It sounds like we should hang around the bodega to be available for someone to respond to it or we could leave a contact email or comlink number and wait for them to arrange a meet.
Everyone ok?
Totally okay ... and super thankful not to have had to evacuate last week.
Thank goodness for that. Watching them get bigger and bigger over the years, it was never a pleasant sight.
Tours aren't necessarily the only thing available, I was just using that as an example. You can do nearly anything on Absalom Station-- you just have to find it if it's uncommon.
Gotten a bit bogged down lately. Should have asked sooner, but what was the significance of our "motes" and whether we have them "visible" or not?
In this case, just another characteristic of your appearance. I imagine those of you with electrical attunement may have another sort of identifier.
...The base form of your solar manifestation, when not actively in use, is a mote of stellar energy slightly smaller than your fist that hovers near your head... Only you can interact with your solar manifestation, whether in mote, armor, or weapon form. No other creature or effect can affect your solar manifestation in any way, including disarming or sundering it... You also choose whether your solar manifestation (in any form) either glows brightly with one color common to stars (including blue, red, white, or yellow) or is the perfect darkness of a black hole. A glowing solar manifestation, regardless of its form, sheds dim light in a 20-foot radius.
I envision lightning randomly sparking off him.
Sparks will keep his mote visible (as a soft glow that gives off occasional sparks, from which he got his nickname).
I'm living in central Virginia, so no threats from fires and snow storms have mostly passed our area by with only light snow and (now) cold temperatures. I used to live in LA (in the 80s) and still have a lot of friends there, but so far all them them have been out of the path of the fires.
Now it is the Gulf Coast getting a heavy snowstorm and several inches of snow in Louisiana of all places. Global warming is making such events more likely, sad to say.
Sparks will keep his mote visible (as a soft glow that gives off occasional sparks, from which he got his nickname).
I'm living in central Virginia, so no threats from fires and snow storms have mostly passed our area by with only light snow and (now) cold temperatures. I used to live in LA (in the 80s) and still have a lot of friends there, but so far all them them have been out of the path of the fires.
Now it is the Gulf Coast getting a heavy snowstorm and several inches of snow in Louisiana of all places. Global warming is making such events more likely, sad to say.
Today of course, we have a new fire which has started, out by Magic Mountain :(
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It's such a cool concept, I had to try to get something to expound on it, as not much was able to be gathered casually.
The Environment
The atmosphere within the Puddles is humid, with the air infused with a faint scent of salt and mineral-rich water. Pools, canals, and reservoirs of various salinity levels dominate the landscape, providing suitable habitats for species from countless aquatic worlds. The water is illuminated with bioluminescent strips embedded in the walls and floors, casting a serene, rippling glow that mimics the natural light of ocean depths. Overhead, holographic projections of sea life and gentle waves enhance the ambiance, creating an immersive underwater experience.
The neighborhood is divided into zones, each tailored to the specific needs of its inhabitants. Freshwater and saltwater sections flow seamlessly into one another through advanced filtration systems, ensuring that all residents have access to their preferred environments. There are even specialized brackish zones for species that thrive in transitional waters. To accommodate the various temperature requirements, some sections are warm and tropical, while others are cool and shadowy, simulating deep-sea conditions.
Infrastructure
Instead of traditional streets, the Puddles relies on a network of transparent, water-filled tubes and channels that wind through the district like arteries. These conveyance systems, often referred to as "aqua-ways," allow aquatic residents to swim freely from one location to another. For non-aquatic visitors, dry walkways run parallel to these aqua-ways, complete with railings and viewing panels that offer a close-up look at the underwater activity. Transport pods, resembling miniature submarines, travel along the tubes, enabling non-aquatic species to traverse the neighborhood without requiring special breathing apparatuses.
At intersections, open plazas feature large communal pools surrounded by dry seating areas, serving as gathering spots for both aquatic and non-aquatic residents. Vendors float on platforms or set up along the edges, offering goods ranging from exotic seafood to waterproof electronics. The sound of flowing water and the occasional splash of movement creates a lively, if tranquil, atmosphere.
Culture and Daily Life
The Puddles is a melting pot of aquatic cultures, with traditions and cuisines from a myriad of water-dwelling species interwoven into its daily life. Restaurants and eateries line the walkways, offering everything from raw, coral-encrusted delicacies to hearty, kelp-based stews. Markets teem with goods harvested from distant oceans, including bioluminescent jewelry, woven seaweed textiles, and rare marine spices.
Religious and spiritual practices are also a vital part of life in the Puddles. Temples dedicated to water deities or aquatic philosophies are scattered throughout the district, often built into grotto-like structures where worshippers can immerse themselves in prayer—literally. The soft, echoing chants of rituals occasionally drift through the water, adding a mystical layer to the environment.
Challenges and Adaptations
While the Puddles is a marvel of engineering, it’s not without its challenges. Maintaining the delicate balance of so many different aquatic ecosystems requires constant oversight by environmental engineers and specialized maintenance crews. Algae blooms, waterborne diseases, and the occasional breach in a tube are ever-present concerns, addressed swiftly by teams of experts.
The neighborhood’s design also accounts for emergencies, with evacuation pods and airlocks stationed throughout. In case of system failures, the Puddles can be isolated from the rest of the station, preserving its aquatic habitats while ensuring the safety of the broader station population.
Conclusion
The Puddles is more than a residential area; it’s a living, breathing example of Absalom Station’s ingenuity and dedication to inclusivity. Its blend of naturalistic design, advanced technology, and rich cultural diversity makes it a standout neighborhood—a place where species from across the galaxy can find a little piece of home beneath the waves, even in the vastness of space.
It's such a cool concept, I had to try to get something to expound on it, as not much was able to be gathered casually.
** spoiler omitted **...
WHOA - if that were part of Zephyr's tour, he would marvel at it for sure!
EDIT - but I gather that Zeph saying he would totally be up for a tour didn't make the cut as an action/plan. Sorry about that.
Goodness, my apologies, I completely missed the "any tour" bit. I honestly did not expect nearly everyone to latch onto the idea of a tour like that— I was just using it as an example, considering that everyone was new to the station and all of you really have not had much time to look around, and are not initially from the station.
From the writing, it seems like Zephyr needs to decompress, a chance to set everything down and escape. Hmm... I may have just the thing.
I'd think that if there is a Brennari quarter, it would be in the Puddles, probably in a section for air breathing water loving creatures such as the Brennari.
If Absalom Station is going to become a kind of base of operations for this adventure and if having a residence would be feasible, Sparks would definitely look for something he could rent in such as area. If they have areas stocked with fish that can be caught and eaten, that would be something he'd love.
But for now, I'm grateful for the atmospheric information and ready to move the adventure along.
If someone accidentally messed up the map, it's ok. We forgive you...
Hey folks, I'm going to drop out. I'm probably a bit overloaded (eyes bigger than my mouth, so to speak) and I've just never really clicked with this campaign, or really with playing a solarian, honestly. Happy gaming! I'm sure we'll see each other around.
Hey folks, I'm going to drop out. I'm probably a bit overloaded (eyes bigger than my mouth, so to speak) and I've just never really clicked with this campaign, or really with playing a solarian, honestly. Happy gaming! I'm sure we'll see each other around.
Happy to have you for the time you were here. :)
Zem - AE is an acronym which stands for Astral Extractions, the company which is in contention with the Starfinders regarding rights to salvage for the Aceron.
See "News Headlines" on Sept 12th
An inquiry was made towards next steps. Any progression that would like to be handled on or off-screen? Should I advance to the scouting of the Fusion Queen?
Not too certain of available funds, but, yes after any purchases perhaps we scout out the club.
Zem wants to check in with the Director, at least to let them know we suspect the Kings and might be going into combat.
Dirk agreed but his feet and body went in two different directions...
Sparks wants to get a secret compartment armor upgrade if there are group funds for that, so he can hide a conventional weapon or two when visiting the Fusion Queen. Otherwise, he's ready to go.
Are we going to bypass the whole splitting funds thing? I feel like I have to discuss this a lot these days, like "shares" are no longer a thing.
Do we know our allotted budget? If Sparks' share of the budget exceeds 150 credits, he'll forego the armor upgrade.
I know it is probably in a post somewhere, but it could take some time to find.
I have not been keeping track of the funds awarded.
I have not been keeping track of the funds awarded.
This is the only post that ever mentioned funding, to my recollection.
I have not been keeping track of the funds awarded.This is the only post that ever mentioned funding, to my recollection.
Can never remember how to do that, but that was the post I found as well.
So if each of us started with 1000, and each was given 200, and Zephyr is the only person who has spent money on the team's takeout at Kreel's apartment, everyone should have 150 credits for an armor upgrade if they want one ;)
That seems appropriate, as I do not recall any funds being... "repurposed" from the fallen in the docking bay encounter. The hotel has covered your room and board needs (and will for one more day, I believe), and it has been a lot of Diplomancy from everyone.
It is plausible that Sparks has just about 150 credits alongside what may not have gotten spent in character creation.
With any luck, Zeph will get a sign-on bonus with his new job too!
Zem had 50 credits left over from character creation. Can someone make a suggestion as to what would be a good upgrade?
150 credits! That's a new suit with a really cool hat...hmmm ..
These are Dirk's original purchases if that helps.
Credits 1000/ 22
Worn Industrial Backpack, Environmental Clothing, Personal Comm Unit, Fire extinguisher , Scuba gear, Portable Speaker, pocket, Voice Amplifier , Apocalypse Crystal, Shard, Towel
Current Bulk 3, Encumbered 8, Maximum 12
Tool Kit
Source Starfinder Core Rulebook pg. 219
Level 1; Price 20
Hands —; Bulk L
Description
A tool kit is a set of specialized tools and devices not worth purchasing individually, but which as a collection are required for a given task or provide a circumstance bonus to certain skill checks. The types of tool kits are:
disguise kit (required for Disguise checks to change appearance)
engineering kit (Engineering checks without one take a –2 penalty)
hacking kit (required for most Computer checks; see page 137 for more information)
trapsmith’s tools (provides a +4 bonus to Engineering or Mysticism checks to arm or disarm traps).
Data pad (appropriated from dwarf place)
So let's forget about purchases for now and plot our visit to the Fusion Queen.
That's not a bad idea: shouldn't be a problem to just go there either, like just to get the lay of the land. We can even go back the next night to engage.
At the conclusion of the meeting with Jabaxa, you still have the afternoon and evening to act before later that night. If I am understanding correctly, there are purchases to be made, and then a club to visit as patrons?
That can work. Provided you are not carrying any physical weapons on you— the videos and site point out that you will be searched before being allowed in– we can work with that.
Please note how long you'll be staying at the club, and a roll for the relevant skill that you'll be using to scout things out. Every 40c spent can get you a +1 to your roll as you buy drinks, give tips, or make under-table purchases to blend in (if you're trying to be subtle).
I'll summarize what was learned in a post, spoilered for your character, and we will advance time to the next morning and checkout time.
Sound good? Any other actions that want to be taken?
Dirk has nothing he wants to purchase at this time. He will leave his small arm in the car.
We should rent a car for this...
I guess in general we should be supressing our stellar motes, going in all candestine like ...
Since having some credits to spread around will be helpful and as he has not used his Assault Hammer yet, could I retcon the purchase of the assault hammer and replace it with the cost of a new one (95 cr)?
If this is okay, he will spend some of that money in tips during his visit. If not, ignore the information about spending credits.
Since having some credits to spread around will be helpful and as he has not used his Assault Hammer yet, could I retcon the purchase of the assault hammer and replace it with the cost of a new one (95 cr)?
If this is okay, he will spend some of that money in tips during his visit. If not, ignore the information about spending credits.
This is a great question and a great strategy.
Could just be me but I wanted to check in and level set that we do NOT work for the Starfinders; we seem to keep coming back to that. The Director was like super clear that they were personally asking us to "take a look" - in the post I think they said "for a friend"
Just seems like we keep coming back to impersonating Starfinders or acting as if we work for them which is weird for me
As I understood it, we are officially Starfinders. We just aren't carrying out the investigation on behalf of the Starfinder Society, because they don't really have the authority to do that and/or they want plausible deniability in case we go all murder-hobo in our pursuit of the truth, lol.
So yes, we are Starfinders, but currently acting independently on the personal request "for a friend".
I actually thought it the reverse of what Zemfira just stated?
I am under the impression that we are, perhaps, aspiring Starfinders, but not officially, yet?
It's been awhile since that scene, so my memory definitely suffers...lol.
Either way, Dirk is fine. He has plans. (He is technically a Secret Agent)...
I have not been keeping track of the funds awarded.This is the only post that ever mentioned funding, to my recollection.
Can never remember how to do that, but that was the post I found as well.
So if each of us started with 1000, and each was given 200, and Zephyr is the only person who has spent money on the team's takeout at Kreel's apartment, everyone should have 150 credits for an armor upgrade if they want one ;)
I think this is just a need for clarification on the same post that we cited earlier about the 200 credits. The post specifically says "prepared to grant" and doesn't actually say that we become Starfinders. While I think it's a fair inferrence given the term Signing Bonus, it's hard to say.
I think in my head I felt this was presented to us like an audition; do this job for me persoanlly and you will have earned my recognition by way of me granting you admission to the Starfinders.
I'm sure GM can clear it up for us.
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In this investigation you are not acting on behalf of the Starfinders.
You are acting on behalf of Chiskiak, who had a good friend murdered for reasons unknown (at the time).
Since then, all of you have helped uncover the involvements of two gangs in relation to the death of Durevor Kreel. Rumors say that Astral Extractions is involved, but nothing solid in the way of evidence had been found.
It could be inferred that Durevor was intending to interview you as prospective Starfinders, and as Chiskiak has no experience interviewing for that sort of thing, they saw the opportunity to get closure and see whether all of you could be good members.
Zem is right in that you potentially ~are~ Starfinders-- just not in this investigation. Zeph is correct in that the investigation is being used as vetting.