Objection![i]
[i]For years, Zo (the city) and Zo! (the bombastic undead media mogul) have been engaged in a legal dispute over their shared name. Finally, both parties have agreed to a trial on the planet of Triaxus to put the matter to rest for good. In a bold move, Zo! calls in a favor from the Starfinder Society, requisitioning a team of Starfinders to represent him in the trial. Make your case to the jury, ready your counterargument, participate in a trial by combat against a team of crack combat-lawyers, and smile for the camera in the live broadcast of the decade!
|
A male Verthani in business attires, holding a black briefcase, arrives and turns to the group before saying is a honey voice.
Greetings! I'm Malaak Goodman. If you need a Corporate Lawyer I'm your Verthani!
He opens his briefcase, then draws a small boxe from which he takes several business cards and gives them to Trober and Solis.
Keep them in case. I can send you my holoCard if you want to connect.
Every screen around the Lorespire Complex is tuned in to the latest scandal: Zo! the media icon and a city called Zo on Triaxus are fighting a legal battle over their shared name.
Zo! grins at the camera, gesturing stiffly but enthusiastically at the viewer, as a lashunta reporter interviews him about the upcoming trial. He quickly turns the exchange into a smooth sales pitch: “Hello there, Pact World people! Do you have what it takes to represent Zo!—that’s me—in court? I bet you do!
Come join my systemwide search for legal representation and test your combat skills in a mock trial on Absalom Station! The winner gets a cash prize and a trip to scenic Triaxus, where you’ll represent Zo! Media in trial by combat!”
A holographic text bubble sparkles over Zo!, filled with scrolling text explaining that various terms and conditions that apply to the cash prize. The reporter nods and asks a follow-up question, but it’s difficult to hear anything over the excited chatter flaring up around the room. Just then, a confident vesk saunters over, a smug grin on his face. It’s Radaszam the Dealmaker.
“Starfinders, I have a proposition for you.”
|
|
A male drow in Vesk overplate with a certain 'Apostae flair', wanders in with the well practiced arrogance of a person that firmly belongs there. A spider-drone the size of a large dog follows behind him, an imposing plasma weapon incorporated into its frame.
"Seldszar of house Erelhei-Cinlu of Apostae, you seem familiar Trober" he asides distractedly ashe scrolls through the infosphere "For the rest of you, I do corporate negotiations for our Houses sales - mostly munitions and small arms, and the odd suit of designer armour. I'm also a scientist."
"Let's see what the 'Sphere has"
Culture+Chip = Take 20 = DC 30.
The infosphere is abuzz with the case of Zo! vs Zo.
The undead superstar famously known as Zo! is the founder and CEO of Zo! Media, one of the most popular and outlandish production houses in the known galaxy. Zo! Media is famous for producing hundreds of successful reality shows devoured by audiences anywhere they can get the signal. Zo! founded his enterprise immediately after the Gap, meaning there’s not much information about the media mogul’s identity and life before he achieved universal fame; records about all events during the Gap have all been magically scrambled, and even fewer reliable sources exist from before that time. Rumors and conspiracies swirl around the person behind the brand, but the only ones who might know the truth are Zo!’s most trusted staff—and they’re not telling.
The mystery shrouding Zo!’s personal history has also opened him to an unprecedented accusation from the city of Zo on Triaxus. Zo, the city that shares the entertainer’s name (minus the exclamation point) is a glittering coastal metropolis, home to an elite flight school known for training many galaxy-renowned ace pilots. Ace Mayor Sindeo is proud of Zo’s reputation and hopes to end old rumors that spycraft funded its many luxuries. To that end, he’s launching new programs to attract tourists, including opening a new wing of the spaceport, debuting a city mascot, and releasing a series of branded merchandise. After a conversation over the infosphere turned heated, Sindeo accused Zo! of “misusing” the city’s name in a recent ad campaign on Triaxus.
Zo!’s legal team countered swiftly and ruthlessly by filing a lawsuit against the city, claiming the mayor’s office knowingly used the Zo! brand name without paying the required licensing fees.
Ace Judge Axiennex is the judge presiding over the case. Ace Judge is a title given to esteemed justices in Zo, and Axiennex is the judge’s personal name. She’s a staunch traditionalist who appreciates strength in deed and word. She has no tolerance for disrespect. She often decides cases through trial by combat using traditional Triaxian methods.
Estrikkon and Raysel are minor celebrities on Triaxus. They’re specialized combat lawyers who fight using teamwork tactics made stronger by their mystical partner bond, favoring a dramatic finisher that ritually summons a draconic spirit to crush their opponents. The duo are representing the city of Zo in the trial.
Ace Mayor Sindeo, mayor of Zo, started the conflict with accusations made on his social media accounts. The argument started over Zo! Media’s rumored plans to release a new dating show called Unbonded. Unbonded follows a bondless dragonkin’s search for a partner using a dating show format. Unbonded was filmed on location in the city of Zo, allegedly without permission.
In the Pact Worlds, when serious (or highly publicized) legal disputes arise the people, organizations, or governments involved can choose to seek a resolution outside the complex web of planetary laws. The highest court in the system is overseen by a rotating trio of judges appointed by the Pact Council. In the past, the high Pact court has ruled in favor of neither (or both) parties involved in copyright disputes over operations on different planets.
I need a lawyer... "
And so does Zo! the Dealmaker explains and I can hook you up if you want to join the audition
|
The drow woman, wearing an expensive formal corporate suit, only occasionally breaks away from her several phones at once, continually bursting with calls and texts.
From the snippets of words you understand that she is negotiating the promotion of various artists to various events, organizing filmed performances, looking for camera operators for a documentary about one of her clients, and so on. Also you understand that in addition to working in Starfinders, she remains a manager in the House Misraria from the planet Apostae. A quick search allows you to establish that this House specializes in the production of any kind of content with themes of eroticism and violence. Dozens of channels belonging to this house on the adult video hosting StarHab form an almost complete monopoly in this sector, the recently released virtual game "Succubus: Ascension" shows good sales, and regular streams with scenes of violence and murders from the operations of various elite units are especially popular among the youth of paramilitary cultures, like the Vesk Empire. Regarding the latter, your new companion is a producer for of several Starfinders, and videos with combats of these Starfinders (usually filmed right during their missions for the Society) can be found very easily on the web, and monetization through subscription make this business quite profitable.
Eventually she turns off her phone and turns her attention to the other agents of the Society around. Greetings. Shari Misraria of House Misraria. Here is my business card. She nods at the other drow. Seldzar. The eyes express sympathy, but the usual mask of arrogance adopted for a female drow in relation to a male drow tries to carefully hide it. Trober. She looks at the dromada with a kind but mocking smile.
The phone rings again. Oh, I need to answer, I've been waiting for this one. Hello, yes...
Zo! Media has rented out the Hamisfore Theatorium for the audition, making use of its theater for interviews and the outer grounds for the tryouts. The theater is bustling with producers, camera crews, and handlers preparing teams of finalists for their auditions.
To register for the audition, there is a hefty stack of paperwork to fill out including a disclaimer that contains a 'no-harm clause'
Any use of violence will be conducted with weapons properly outfitted with merciful fusions, so as to not cause lethal harm. Use of non-modified weaponry is prohibited. Merciful fusions will be provided free of charge for the duration of filming.
Curious enough, this is not a live show. One of the producers, We plan to release the audition footage as a 4-part megashow, and we'll air it just before the trial for maximum engagement! In the meantime, you can tease and play to your social media audience all you like, just to create hype for the show! The more the better!
The corwd is full of press, curious gawkers, and Zo! fanatics, clogging the streets and walkways outside the Hamisfore Theatorium in Absalom Station’s picturesque Eye district. When the group makes the slog through the crowd to the theaters, courteous skeletons and grinning ghasts roll out the red carpet for them, settling the group down in a plush dressing room fully stocked with refreshments.
There's wardrobe staff to help the group with any last-minute gear purchases and a sheer army of stylists is ready with a kits of expert cosmetics and fashions accessories Oh, fabulous, fabulous. These we can work with, but you do need a makeover. A gruff drow? A sleek businesswoman? Dromada, human? Just tell me what suits your style, and we'll make it happen!
|
Solis frowns at the paperwork.
Oh COME ON! she complains. Paperwork .... more fecking paperwork. Maybe this is why she wants to beat up lawyers.
I SWEAR it was more painful filling out the paperwork for my gill implant than actually getting it she grouses as she works.
To the wardrobe staff. I suppose I could wear my superhero outfit that I wore during the last Sparkler Parade
|
|
After happily going through all the pages of the contract and reading even the tiniest characters, 3 times, Malaak signs the contracts.
Then Malaak gives his business card to the stylist. In case you need a lawyer, better call Malaak!
Gray, I need a gray costume, a white shirt and a black tie. Or I could try a purple tie?! I will be toooooo isn't it?
While he choose the most extravagant business costume he could get for a lawyer, he tries to know everything about the show and the other contestant!
|
|
"Always a privilege to see you on a mission Shari Misraria of House Misraria" the male drow offers in a very respectful tone, mindful of the social hierarchy at play.
"Papers huh?" The drow equally digs through the minutiae, looking for any traps and opportunities to exploit.
"Costuming? Apostae corporate please. Something that says we will corporate raid you to within an inch of your life, then burn your business to the ground... possibly literally"
Diplomacy
|
"Mistress Shari," Trober squeaks. "I'm so glad you are on this mission, so you can tell me what to do. You know how much trouble I have making decisions."
"Oh god, I have enough trouble picking an outfit from the clothes I own!. Just pick something for me that is appropriate, but try not to make me look fat. Can I get some sunglasses too, so I won't be able to see the crowd?"
|
|
Solis does some research and discovers that a tauon crystal can be set to non-lethal. However she then discovers that she only has the funds for the cheapest model, the least crystal, costing 235 credits. Hopefully it'll also make her supernovas non-lethal as well. And, since her girlfriend is away, she can't smooch off her either.
So, with a sigh, she orders one and selects express delivery.
In that case, don't wear pinstripe suits she quips to Trober. And I've been on a Zo! show before. Trust me - you won't NEED sunglasses to not see the crowd. All those overhead spotlights are going to dim them out.
Once the crystal arrives, she'll swap out her graviton from her mote and replace it with the tauon.
That is... fabulous the stylists say as Solis comes up with her outfit concept we'll make you look like the sun herself! Everything will revolve around you... get it?
When Malaak mentions being a lawyer, the staff collecting the signatures instinctively back away a bit. That's what lawyers do around here.
Black and white and gray... a very objectionable costume the stylist remarks. Though a purple tie might fix that.
Apostae necktie? the stylist says, referring to the very gruesome Apostae pratice No thank you, but we can do black with red flares?
What to do with you. The stylist looks at Trober Sunglasses, skinny-tight holo-suit. How spindly do you want to look? We'll make you look as sharp and dangerous as those monsters outside. Did you see them? No, I suppose they should be a surprise - Zo! plans to randomly pair all of you groups with some monster for the audition.
Just don't get blood on my outfits, ok? It doesn't match the color well
---
When the stylists are done, the group is posed on the stage, wearing their new outfits. Sitting on the front row are none other than Wazasha Kevir and Radat Sendu, the famous elebrian hosts.
Starfinders Wazasha asks with her interviewing voice such a famous and elaborate organisation you are part of. What do you hope to gain from this opportunity? Let's hear about your motivations for being here!
Yes! And don't forget to tell us about your personal achievements! Tell us how your training got you here!
Or the support of your families, friends, loved ones!
|
|
Physical Science
"The Society has helped give my scientific skills a steady stream of stimuli that has really broadened my horizons. As much as I loved getting into chemical engineering in a weapons lab on Apostae and designing boutique or niche products in support of the galactic arms trade with a profit-driven motive and few questions other than the base regulatory requirements from the buyers, I now get to experience some new, different motives"
It comes across as a little more brutal than the drow realises.
|
|
Shari feels great at the Zo! show. It seems that once again she has a rare opportunity to be not the person behind the scenes, but the star herself. A rare chance and she won't miss it!
With a hint of arrogance, yet at the same time, hypnotizing charm and perfect politeness, she explains in detail how to create a formal look for a Drow Matron using black, purple, and dark pink colors.
Trober, pay attention to this red poncho. It will suit you.
------
My home planet Apostae is full of mysteries, it is changeable and can show you both the incredible elf-made beauty created by the hands of our masters, as well as terrible scenes of violence... And it attracts your eyes, doesn't it? Something like that can be said about all drow. And something like that can be said about me personally.
She obviously got into the role of matron.
I'm an expert. In building a media career. In creating the perfect content. In negotiations. And, like a true noble drow, in magic. My skills, honed by decades of experience and training in my famous Misraria family, plus my perfect genetics of a noble drow, plus the vast experience I have gained in the Starfinder Society... All this gives the perfect combination that everyone will dream of watching on any show. Someone with envy, someone with adoration, but I will not let the ratings sink.
Domineering and intimidating, but in a way that is also sexual, a stream of confidence pours out from this woman with a light aggression.
You asked me what I want to get out of this opportunity. The answer of a real noble female drow is... everything. I want to get absolutely everything, and even a little more.
|
|
Solis frowns, and looks sideways at Shari, not sure what to make of her.
On stage, wearing her 'superhero outfit' she activates her solarion weapon and poses.
I am SOLIS! Solar warrior for Sarenrae. She then lets the sword collapse back into her mote.
I am here to see Justice done! I have dealt with Cultists, Pirates, and Monsters. And now I seek Revenge ... Revenge on those who would use the Law to their own Advantage
She then turns to the Starfinder next to her and in a stage whisper Am I laying it on too thick?
|
|
Thank you for taking the time to ask me this question. I have agreed to participate in this holoTV show. Given my background as a corporate lawyer, this may seem like an odd choice, and I wanted to take this opportunity to explain my reasoning.
First and foremost, let me address the elephant in the room: Why would a corporate lawyer, who typically operates in the realms of boardrooms and legal briefs, choose to step into the limelight of reality television? The answer lies in the unique opportunity to bridge two very distinct worlds and bring about a greater understanding of what it means to be a corporate lawyer.
In my daily practice, I navigate complex legal landscapes, negotiate intricate deals, and strive to resolve conflicts in a way that serves the best interests of my clients. This role requires a unique set of skills: analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These same skills, I believe, can bring a fresh perspective to the reality holoTV format. By participating, I hope to demystify the legal profession, showcasing the verthani side of corporate law that is often overlooked.
Another compelling reason for my participation is the platform it provides to address important issues. Reality holoTV reaches a broad and diverse audience, far beyond the confines of our legal community. This visibility presents a rare opportunity to highlight key topics such as corporate ethics, the importance of integrity in business, and the role of law in shaping a fair and just society. By sharing my experiences and insights, I aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the ethical considerations and social responsibilities that accompany corporate decision-making.
Additionally, this venture into reality holoTV is a personal challenge and an opportunity for growth. Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new experiences is something I encourage in my clients and colleagues, and it is time I practiced what I preach. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of reality holoTV will test my adaptability and resilience, qualities that are just as crucial in the courtroom as they are in life.
It is also important to acknowledge the power of storytelling. Legal dramas and corporate thrillers have long captivated audiences, but they often miss the nuanced reality of our profession. Through this reality show, I have the chance to tell our story accurately, with all its challenges and triumphs, and to inspire a new generation of aspiring lawyers who see the potential to make a difference through law.
Lastly, there is an element of fun and adventure. Life is too short to be confined to a single path. By participating in this holoshow, I am embracing the unpredictable, the exciting, and the unknown. It is a reminder that while our careers define us, they should not limit us. We can be multifaceted individuals with a range of interests and passions, as is the Society.
In conclusion, my decision to join a reality is driven by a desire to give a new face to the legal profession, address important societal issues, challenge myself, and, quite simply, to embrace a new adventure. I hope that through this journey, I can shed light on the invaluable role of corporate lawyers and inspire others to view our profession through a more empathetic and understanding lens.
Thank you for your support and for joining me on this exciting new chapter. I look forward to sharing this experience with all of you
I'm Malaak Goodman, Corporate Lawyer. You better call me!
Says Malaak
...and cut! Wonderful, wonderful, such great stage personalities Wazasha says, clearly assuming this all for show.
The whole recording is edited up into bytesize sequences, quite soon providing a first glance of a trailer with snappy quotes SOLIS! Warrior for Sarenrae... I want to get absolutely everything... chemical engineering in a weapons lab... you better call me!
---
Great. Now, let's get to the monster selection box!
There's a black cardboard box with a hole in the top. I need a volunteer to feel inside the box and grab the creature inside. This will decide which creature you will face in trial by combat!
Contestants! Reveal!
Shari puts her hand into the box. Inside the box is... pain. When she pulls her hand out, a tiny little arthropod is pincing her finger. A rime of frost
glistening over its chitinous plates.
...and cut! Great footage, well done. I loved that reaction you gave there, so let's leave it at this take.
The stylists rush in to check on Shari's manicure, and apply a little rubbing alcohol to the finger.
---
Out on the sprawling Hamisfore Theatorium grounds, a climate controlled set has been prepared for the audition battle. Camera crews follow the group to the site, where ghouls and skeletons bundled up in arctic gear mill around a transparent dome, going in and out through an airlock door.
Climate control and artificial terrain features make the area inside the dome look like an Akitonian icefield. Low, barely audible clicking sounds and heavy scraping erupt from a tarp covered containment pen next to the domed set. The dome rises to a height of 24 feet at its highest point (in the middle), tapering down to 8 feet high along the outer edges. An airlock door leads inside the dome, which is sealed shut during the audition.
Let the audition battle begin the announcer says as the camera start to roll.
---
Shari
Malaak
Seldszar
---
Thing
Thing
Thing
Thing
---
Solis
Trober
Seldszar identifies the creatures as Khefaks (ones particularly hardened by ice), which is basically an akitonian cockroach attuned to the arctic cold. They are small vermin, that can spit ice, burrow, and have a nasty claw attack. They're immune to cold and radiation.
---
Shari
Malaak
Seldszar
---
Thing
Thing
Thing
Thing
---
Solis
Trober
|
|
His magic being not merciful and the creature being too far for his power, Malaak delays his actions until the creature came to reach.
Nevertheless turning to the camera, he explains what the creatures are.
These creatures are called Khefaks, which is basically an akitonian cockroach attuned to the arctic cold. They are small vermin, that can spit ice, burrow, and have a nasty claw attack. They're immune to cold and radiation.
Seldszar opens fire first, and burns the chitinous hide of the creature in hiding, though his second shot just melts some ice.
Arachne blasts the same creature with plasma.
Malaak makes a good show of explaining the creature's capabilities, while Shari matter-of-factly blasts the creature on the other end of the row.
The insectile creatures move closer, all the way up to the icy barrier.
---(Round 1)--
Solis
Trober
---(Round 2)--
Shari
Malaak
Seldszar
---
Thing - Red (23)
Thing - Purple (6)
Thing
Thing