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TO my mind socially based checks are diplomacy, intimidation and bluff.
"I bet ya don't. You guys are looking almost as sharp as those knives in your boots and packing some heat, too."
"I'm pretty fresh to it, myself. It takes all sorts, just like anywhere else, I suppose. This big guy you mention? Does he have a name?"
"Huh." Mercy looks over her shoulder. Somehow in her mind the Respite had been a bit more of a walk away from the Lorespire Complex. In retrospect, guessing the group were Starfinders wasn't that much of a stretch.
She nods to Reynar's question "We know a few big chill dudes. Even some that'd probably be interested in your flyers."
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The two Uniters look at each other. One flashes an ephemeral scowl; the other blanches a bit. He pauses with an uncertain downward glance before raising his head to respond.
"Hurondo's his name. Look, you seem pretty chill. Maybe you can help us out. The big dude came poking around into our business and we jumped him. -- Wait! Just let me talk. Anyway, he thrashed a bunch of us. About broke Jed's ribs. We beat on him. And now we've got a damaged shobhad nursing at our HQ. It's a delicate situation. Even Bargai isn't sure what to do. Some of our guys who got hit would like to put his lights out, but like I said, he is pretty chill and some of us think we should cut him loose. Others think he should pay for the property damage plus some consideration.
Since you're Starfinders, and all, maybe you could help us negotiate an end to this?"
”Injured human, assessing,” says Attenuate when Jed shows the bruising.
"A Starfinder went poking into your business and you jumped him? While you were handing out flyers?" Mercy raises an eyebrow and looks the Uniters up and down "You sure about that?"
"Well, if you don't want this to be a huge mess with the Society, you should probably hand him over before someone higher up hears you've been doing this. How about you take us to your place? We can try help smooth it over."
Mercy suppresses her surprise as best she can. Hurondo just dropping into the group's lap before the search has even really begun seems too good to be true.
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"Not while we were handing out fliers. He was poking around our crib."
Not-Jed flashes a triumphant smile at his companion. "Yeah, smooth it over. Like milk, or silk. That's what I'm hoping for."
Somehow you're sure he's never seen real silk, or possibly even milk.
Reynar's ears raise at the Uniter's revelation. Tilting his head, the pahtra regards the pair and weighs the credibility of their tale.
"Sounds like you're in a bit of a tight spot. And she's right," he says, nodding toward Mercy. "It'll get much worse for your crew if it gets out that you've injured a Starfinder and is being held prisoner. Let us help you."
Not to mention helping ourselves. And Hurondo and the others.
Mercy grins at the Uniters "You heard Reynar. I'm sure we can clean this little misunderstanding up smooth as milk." She shrugs "Lead the way."
Reynar nods, mirroring Mercy's grin. "Smooth as milk," he echoes. "Turn your sorrow into silk."
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...
Mercy suppresses her surprise as best she can. Hurondo just dropping into the group's lap before the search has even really begun seems too good to be true.
**
I edited my last post but it didn't take. Not-Jed is called Daria.
Neither the Uniters, nor Bargai meet that bar.
When you get to the HQ, peeking from beneath the boards over the windows, is the corner of a distinctive poisonous green paper. It's a color you see occasionally in the Downlow on notices that structural units have been condemned and are slated for destruction and extensive renovation by Station Authorities.
Daria and Jed lead you lower and lower through the station and through descending social classes all the way to the least desirable sector, the Spike. The smell of sewage intermittently wafts throughout the area. Finally they turn into a corridor and proclaim, "Home sweet Unity."
The “headquarters” is a rundown single-story apartment house. (While the Eye sports buildings like the Lorespire Complex, the lower decks' "buildings" are modules that are more integrated into the station's structure.) The apartment house has windows fronting the corridor. The windows have been haphazardly boarded up with recycled plastic planks. The front entrance door hangs crookedly in its frame, and graffiti—both fresh and half-scrubbed—adorns the walls.
Two humans in clothing and gear with themes similarly to Jed's and Daria's occupy the area near the entrance. They are reaching toward someone in the shadowed entrance, talking and gesturing.
Rounding the corner, Daria's confidence evaporates and he slows down. Jed looks over, "We're in it now. Come on." Jed takes the lead walking toward the doorway and waves to announce his presence.
grate that requires a successful DC 20 Engineering check (DC
23 in Subtier 3–4) to open. The door is otherwise made of plastic
(hardness 8, 30 Hit Points). The ceiling within the structure is 15
feet high and is entirely enclosed with no overhead access points.
Creatures: Bargai is a deaf vlaka who travelled to Absalom
Station in response to her home world’s impending doom. The
vlaka was something of an outcast within her community after
she killed a prominent vlaka leader’s son in self-defense. While
Bargai was not imprisoned or exiled as her actions were lawful,
the community at large shunned her because the slain vlaka was
well-liked. Bargai left for Absalom Station to begin a new life.
She formed another community in the poorer parts of the Spike
in hopes to discover new meaning and purpose. Unfortunately,
competing gangs injured, killed, or recruited most of the allies she
had accumulated. Bargai soon realized that to attain her goal, she
must outmuscle and outsmart other gangs enough to garner the
general support of the populace. If the PCs approach, Bargai tells
the other Uniters to get inside and attempts to close the doors
behind them. If the PCs initiate combat, Bargai and the two Uniters
attempt to disengage and move inside the headquarters to shut
the door. If the PCs try to talk to Bargai, note that she’s deaf and
communicates with a tactile version of Common shared with her
Uniter allies. The PCs must succeed at a DC 25 Diplomacy check
(DC 27 in Subtier 3–4) in order to convince Bargai not to attack.
Even then, Bargai isn’t willing to part with Hurondo without some
form of recompense, and unless the PCs make another DC 25
Diplomacy or Intimidate check (DC 27 in Subtier 3–4) they must
Mercy has no hesitation and strides right up to stand beside Jed. With the windows boarded up, there's no way to confirm the story without getting inside, and getting inside means talking to these people. She's not particularly pleased to see Jed and Daria looking a little nervous. Nevertheless she nods to the two guards and lets Jed do introductions.
Attenuate follows along meekly with no objections.
Reynar hadn't heard of the Uniters before, nor this Bargai. Word of them had not yet reached the Downlow; they must be new, unremarkable, or both.
Approaching the HQ, the pahtra notices the corner of distinctive green paper peeking from beneath the boards over the building's windows. He'd seen it occasionally in the Downlow - on notices from Station Authorities that structural units had been condemned and were slated for destruction and extensive renovation.
"They might be squatting here or been evicted," he explains to his companions. "Either way, this building could be in bad shape. Something else to keep an eye on."
Reynar follows on the heels of Mercy and the two Uniters as they approach the HQ. He watches the two guards, peering into the shadows of the entrance for a better look ay their interactions with the mystery being.
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Jed steps forward and gestures broadly while talking. "Bargai, these are some Starfinders we were talking to. Daria thinks they might be able to help us out with Hurondo."
The two Uniters in the doorway step inside.
A silvery grey dog-like humanoid, a vlaka steps out of the doorway. She's dressed casually, but a subtle stiffness to the fabric indicates the clothes probably double as armor. She also wears a long sword and a bulky sidearm.
Jed goes to her side and they take each other's hand. Daria leans against the wall, out of the way.
"Starfinders, what do you have to say?" The bargai's voice is thick and the sounds are oddly modulated.
Daria whispers to Kyzin, "She's deaf."
Reynar steps forward to address the Uniter leader, the inky orb gliding along slightly behind his head.
"I see you, Bargai. I'm Reyn," he introduces himself with a bow of his head, the level of formal politeness customary when addressing one of higher status back on his homeworld of Pulonis. "Thank you for speaking with us."
"Jed's right. Attenuate is a medic and can tend to Hurondo." He turns and gestures to his mechanical companion. "We can also help to diffuse this situation for you before it gains further attention with the Starfinder command."
Attenuate dips his head in a nod when he is mentioned. Keeping his scans going, he assesses what medical intervention might be helpful with Bargai’s deafness. Also, if there are hidden dangers, he will keep a sensor out for those too.
(Life Science check on the vlaka counts as a 32 per biohacker special ability)
Mercy runs a hand roughly through her glowing hair "Plus I'm sure Attenuate won't mind giving a look to any of your own that got hurt in the... misunderstanding. We'd like to see Hurondo first though."
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In response to Reynar's offer for alternative communication methods. Jed says, "I'll translate."
The pahtra's courtesy and tact seem to be working.
"Fair enough and a generous offer. But we've suffered some property loss, personnel damage, and have incurred expenses caring for Hurondo. Throw in 1200 credits and we have a deal. " The vlaka's steely light blue eyes flick from Starfinder to Starfinder.
Jed watches you to see if you've understood the vlaka's speech. She repeats Bargai's words if anyone seems thrown by the accent.
Mercy crosses her arms and starts tapping her foot "Hold on. It sounds to me like you attacked a Starfinder, maybe six on one. You then kidnapped him, and are holding him here, presumably against his will. We're here offering you free healing and the opportunity to not get half of the Society down on your heads. And you want to be paid for the pleasure of us not holding it against you and helping you out?"
"I'd say any property and personnel damage are your own damn fault. If anything, you should be paying the Society for the distress your little escapade has had on the poor traumatized people back topside. Hurondo's patients are there suffering without him. And you're here trying to make a dirty buck." She snorts "Disgusting."
"Your points are valid, Bargai," Reynar responds to the Uniter boss. Following his companion's lead he adds, "I think Mercy is illustrating that all parties involved have suffered losses. The Starfinder Society and the Respite have also incurred expenses and spent resources as a result of Hurondo's... recovery."
"We will do everything we can for your injured people - and we can clear things with the higher ups - but there's unlikely to be any credits coming."
"I saw the green papers," he nods toward the boarded up windows. "It may be more than we can help with, but why don't you tell us about it?" The pahtra cocks his head as another thought comes to mind. "Couldn't you have gone to the Clinic you're affiliated with for some help with your injured?"
”Agreement pending? I offer healing to any injured,” chimes in Attenuate.
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Mercy crosses her arms and starts tapping her foot "Hold on. It sounds to me like you attacked a Starfinder, maybe six on one. You then kidnapped him, and are holding him here, presumably against his will. We're here offering you free healing and the opportunity to not get half of the Society down on your heads. And you want to be paid for the pleasure of us not holding it against you and helping you out?"
"I'd say any property and personnel damage are your own damn fault. If anything, you should be paying the Society for the distress your little escapade has had on the poor traumatized people back topside. Hurondo's patients are there suffering without him. And you're here trying to make a dirty buck." She snorts "Disgusting."
"We defended our home from an intruder. If we went poking around inside the Lorespire Complex, would we be met with a smile and friendly drink, or would we be facing armed security?
You walk around everywhere openly armed. How many gunfights have there been in Absalom Station involving Starfinders? The only difference between you and the gangs of Downlow and the Spike is that you're better financed and better connected so that the Station authorities look the other way.But your kind doesn't scare me. We're going to build something better down here, where everyone shares in prosperity. Our message is growing and people are starting to listen. "
"Defended your home from an intruder? From Hurondo? The guy who runs a clinic for helping people recover from their traumatic experiences?" Mercy laughs, full and rich. "Yeah yeah, sure thing."
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"Your points are valid, Bargai," Reynar responds to the Uniter boss. Following his companion's lead he adds, "I think Mercy is illustrating that all parties involved have suffered losses. The Starfinder Society and the Respite have also incurred expenses and spent resources as a result of Hurondo's... recovery."
"We will do everything we can for your injured people - and we can clear things with the higher ups - but there's unlikely to be any credits coming."
"I saw the green papers," he nods toward the boarded up windows. "It may be more than we can help with, but why don't you tell us about it?" The pahtra cocks his head as another thought comes to mind. "Couldn't you have gone to the Clinic you're affiliated with for some help with your injured?"
...
The vlaka nods. "Look, despite the redhead's belief that we must have randomly attacked Hurondo, there was no reason to. We're doing all right as community builders. Now I've got to have something to show my people -- fairness in action. Weregild, if you like. If you hear it from HUrondo himself that he broke into our crib will you pay? 1000's as low as I can go."
"How about we talk to Hurondo first and see what he's got to say? If he's interested in giving you an apology payment, then maybe we'll see." Mercy feels this whole exchange is extremely sketchy.
"Uh, all of us? Why would it be just one?" Mercy frowns.
”My designated skills do not include negotiation, but if Hurondo is injured, I can provide medical attention,” Attenuate offers.
Mercy snorts "I'm starting, very much, to not care for your weaseling. Whether its one of us or all of us, I guarantee your place isn't going to get damaged unless you do it to yourselves." She raises her hands "Or no, how about this for an idea? Why don't you bring him out here. We don't need to go inside if you're so scared of us mucking the place up."
Reynar looks to each of hia companions and shrugs.
"It seems the best place to start is by checking in with Hurondo," he says, nodding. "If he can come out here, that'd be great. If not.." He stops, takes a breath and starts again.
"I get the tension, I do. And I'm sure you get our reluctance to go in alone," he says to Bargai. "What if we check our weapons at the door? Like for the clubs and what-not. Would that help ease your concerns?
The pahtra takes a careful step forward, slowly unfastening his sword belt and gently slipping his backpack amd instrument from his shoulders. He pauses, holding his gear before him like an offering.
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After a moment Bargai nods. "Check your weapons with Daria, then. I will lead you to Hurondo."
After your weapons are deposited with Daria, Bargai leads you into the headquarters.
Inside the front door is a large open room with doors on all the walls. The two Uniters who had been talking to Bargai when you arrived are lounging on two large couche in the middle of the room. Two corridors branch to the left and right along the far wall.
The door to the left has been removed from its hinges. The room beyond has been gutted. Debris from the walls lies on the floor. From the door to your right comes a faint odor, that can only be bathroom and shower. From somewhere ahead comes the smell of cooking.
Bargai leads you down the right hand corridor. Two deep voices speak animatedly, then break into chuckles. Bargai stops beside a door. "Hurondo, you have visitors." She waves you inside.
A couch and a bed are the only furniture in Hurondo's spacious room. The walls are broken open in several places and thin sheets of plastic cover two windows to the north and east. A massive shobhad that must be Hurondo sits on the bed. Across from him a large nuar sprawls on the couch. A set of open manacles hangs limply from a bolt in the wall behind Hurondo.
The two stop laughing and turn to look at you.
Attenuate immediately scans the two beings in this room for any hint of injury or debilitation.
Mercy raises a hand "I see you're getting along here. Better than us out front. Hurondo, I'd guess?" She glances at the manacles "They let you loose on good behavior? We've been hearing quite the colorful stories about how a single unruly Starfinder has brought these hardworking souls to the brink of financial ruin. And instead it seems like you've been making friends." She offers the last part with a sour twist, then moves to introduce the group to Hurondo and his guest in the room.
Reynar raises his hand for a small wave at Mercy's introduction.
"A couple of friends of yours were worried you hadn't returned their calls and sent out a search party," he vaguely explains, hoping Hurondo will understand. "Can you tell us what happened?"
Kyzin leaves his gun with Daria and follows the group inside.
This almost feels unfair since my body is my weapon, but they didn’t ask…
The large room begins feeling full as everyone piles into it. Kyzin notes the manacles hanging on the wall, then takes in the rest of the space.
He gives his fellow shobhad a traditional greeting, then listens to the conversation.
So much talking… I’m starting to miss the quiet we had in the pastures.
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The shobhad smiles at Mercy. If you're not used to the oversized lower canines, a shobhad smile can look quite menacing. "Yes, I am Hurondo. And there is no reason an unruly starfinder can't do both. Especially one with my curiousity, bad luck, and personal charm."
From the couch the nuar tosses his head . "Orghuun. I can vouch for the unruly, but maybe not the charming." He touches his ribcage at 'unruly', and gestures broadly back at Hurondo for the 'charming.'
Reynar raises his hand for a small wave at Mercy's introduction.
"A couple of friends of yours were worried you hadn't returned their calls and sent out a search party," he vaguely explains, hoping Hurondo will understand. "Can you tell us what happened?"
"I came looking for some absent Respite clients. My investigation put me in the wrong place, at the wrong time. After a - fractious introduction in which all concerned demonstrated a proper warrior spirit that would not shame our ancestors - I have spent several days continuing my investigation surreptitiously from the hospitable confines of this cot." He cocks his head. "HOw's Jiwalla and the Respite?"
"Terrible." Mercy shakes her head "World's falling apart for some of those patients. Jiwalla's keeping things together mostly, but the place could use you back."
"Speaking of-" She jabs a finger at the cuffs "- since you're free more or less, what was keeping you here specifically? I can't imagine this cot's a better place to look for missing patients."
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"Terrible." Mercy shakes her head "World's falling apart for some of those patients. Jiwalla's keeping things together mostly, but the place could use you back."
"I'm glad to hear it's still functioning, and somewhat sad that I am needed. The world we live in.... I think you can help me get back there today. "
"Speaking of-" She jabs a finger at the cuffs "- since you're free more or less, what was keeping you here specifically? I can't imagine this cot's a better place to look for missing patients."
Hurondo unleashes another toothy smile. "Unfortunately my charm isn't instant, especially when sedated. I wasn't free of those shackles until this morning, and then talking to Orghuun seemed important. He's a good sort and I've almost convinced him to join us at the Respite."
Bargai interjects. "Can you tell these four that you were trespassing here, and that we didn't randomly attack and kidnap you?"
A strange quirk turns the shobhad's lips S-shaped while he shakes his head and his gaze drifts to the floor. "This is true. Can you pay her? The Uniters feel much aggrieved, and with some reason. I'd prefer to chalk this episode up to stupidity and leave without further rancor."
Mercy gives an exasperated shake of the head "Really Hurondo? You really punched a bunch of these people for no reason? Wow... how about you pay out of your own pocket rather than begging." With one hand on her hip she stabs the other at Bargai and the other Uniters "Sorry I didn't believe you. I was SURE he'd know better."
Looking at the party she says "I think we're done here. He's in no real danger and just needs to make amends. More importantly, it sounds like the missing patients never got tracked all the way down." She eyes Hurondo "I reckon its better we take over from you. What kind of leads were you following?"
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Hurondo lurches up off the cot. He looms over Moira, but his tone remains mild. "Who told you I threw the first punch? What I did was break into the building because I thought some missing Respite clients might be here. The Uniters tried to defend their home. We couldn't resolve our differences civilly before the situation escalated and I lost the fight. Tell me it might not have gone down the same way if you were in my place. I was stupid and unlucky. So please pay the lady if you can and let's draw a curtain over this whole incident. The Respite will be good for your out of pocket. "
Orghuun and Bargai nod while Hurondo relates his story. After a short pause he continues. "I am glad you want to take over the investigation, because I don't have the stomach for it now. However, after talking nicely with Orghuun this morning, I think the missing Starfinders went to The Open Collective. It seems to be some kind of shady clinic that has been poaching clients with unrealistic promises. Some of their patients have suffered memory loss and mental disorientation. Apparently the Collective stopped paying the Uniters last week and have cut off communications."
Mercy's a stocky sort of woman, so she's very used to people looming over her both in the ring and outside it. "Wow, sucks to be you. And these Uniters are out of a job too, huh?"
”I have few credits, but I can heal you of any wounds you may have,” offers Attenuate. He also considers if their wounded pride might accept double or nothing for a contest of skill or combat prowess…
Reynar nods agreement with Mercy's description of the Respite's status. "Your patients are worried about you. Some have really been shaken by your sudden disappearance," he adds.
After Hurondo recount of the events, he asks, "So you came in through the window, and were met with the sounds of a crescendo? You broke into their apartment, hence the bloodstains on the carpet."
The pahtra's earlier offer of Starfinder compensation is less enthusiastic once it becomes apparent he'll have to dig into his personal credits. "I'll give what I can," he reluctantly agrees. "It won't come close to covering what you're asking, though," he adds, a touch defensive in embarrassment.
"The Open Collective? We keep hearing about this miracle clinic," Reynar looks around at the group. "It seems a good place to go next."
"What else can you tell us about them?" he asks if Hurondo and the Uniters.
"Right, this Open Collective comes first. What else you got on them?"
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...Mercy's a stocky sort of woman, so she's very used to people looming over her both in the ring and outside it. "Wow, sucks to be you. And these Uniters are out of a job too, huh?"
...
"Today is looking up actually." Hurondo rumbles.
Bargai jumps in. "Yeah. The Collective cut us off last week. We're still advertising for them in hopes we can smooth over whatever the issue is."
”I have few credits, but I can heal you of any wounds you may have,” offers Attenuate. He also considers if their wounded pride might accept double or nothing for a contest of skill or combat prowess…
Bargai, apparently confident of getting paid now that Hurondo confessed. "We may take you up on that now that we're all friends. I'll ask some of the crew if they'd like that, they're not all here right now. Maybe you could come back in a few hours?"
Reynar nods agreement with Mercy's description of the Respite's status. "Your patients are worried about you. Some have really been shaken by your sudden disappearance," he adds.
After Hurondo recount of the events, he asks, "So you came in through the window, and were met with the sounds of a crescendo? You broke into their apartment, hence the bloodstains on the carpet."
"I came in through the bathroom window. -- Without protection. Not even a silver spoon."
The pahtra's earlier offer of Starfinder compensation is less enthusiastic once it becomes apparent he'll have to dig into his personal credits. "I'll give what I can," he reluctantly agrees. "It won't come close to covering what you're asking, though," he adds, a touch defensive in embarrassment. ...
Bargai looks sharply at the pahtra.
"The Open Collective? We keep hearing about this miracle clinic," Reynar looks around at the group. "It seems a good place to go next."
"What else can you tell us about them?" he asks if Hurondo and the Uniters.
...
"Right, this Open Collective comes first. What else you got on them?"
Hurondo: "Not much more. Look at their leaflets. They're promising cures that sound too good to be true. The hallmark of charlatans and cheats."
Bargai: "And they don't stick to a deal.
But we've never been inside the place. We don't know what actually goes on in there. Daria can lead you there, but she isn't going in. "
Finally remembering that Jiwalla prepared the group for this eventuality (conveniently), Mercy fishes out the whole credstick and slaps it into Bargai's hand. "Straight from Hurondo's pocket to yours. More or less. Now I'm sure he's going to insist on giving you some more help somewhere or other, while we handle investigating the Open Collective." She smirks "We'll start by jumping through a window and starting to punch any staff we see."
She looks to Daria "Sounds like that's all the lead we have, so take us away."
Along the way to the Open Collective, Mercy will ask people to see if there are any other worthwhile rumors about the place.