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Hey Dirk! Long time no see. Looks like you recovered from our last adventure. That dragonkin was a real tough cookie. Good to work with you again. Stell is a human female with red hair, blue eyes, light skin with some freckles, wearing a tight-fitting cat-suit with a belt loaded with small arms and operative weapons, as well as a sniper rifle in a suitcase ready to be assembled. She also has a synth-violin
She is young, attractive, and easy to talk to. She'll chat with any Starfinders she has not already worked with to get to know them a bit before the meeting starts. If there are fans, she'll oblige with a signature and and out credsticks with some of her greatest hits for those who don't know her music.
As an operative, she specializes in spy stuff. Her strongest skills are acrobatics, bluff, diplomacy, disguise, intimidation, sleight-of-hand, and stealth. She has an advanced medkit and moderate medicine skills and has an Envoy improvisation that can restore SP in battle. In a fight she is best at ranged attacks but can hold her own in melee, using feints to make opponents flat-footed against everyone for a turn.
It started a few days ago when message hit your comms that you just couldn't deny. It also came with a sweet invitation.
Now, together you are gathered on the deck of a ship sailing to Ukulam on Castrovel. You are accompanied by the leader of the [b Acquisitives faction, Radaszam[/b]
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Volitare's sponsor had been born and raised on Castroval and was also a keen supporter of the 'Save the Rekondas' cause. Volitare was actually carrying her monetary donation as well of their own as well as being her representative - forum business was such a chore.
They weren't looking forward to the black tie event though. That meant socialising.
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”Wll met, everyone! Zynn Megavoom at your service!” The red headed lashunta greets his newly arrived companions. ”I don’t often get to go to social functions like this. This will be a pleasant change after so many of the other dangerous missions they’ve sent me on. Just the food itself sounds fantastic!”
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While getting to know the other Starfinders, Stell shows off a few new purchases. She upgraded her armor to a Ysoki refractor suit, a body-hugging suit with a dark Teal reflective tint. Over the suit, she's wearing reconfigurable clothing, currently showing a comfortable traveling ensemble. If she swivels her hips a certain way, the clothing shifts into a chic evening gown. Another swivel and it changes to clothing designed to keep cool in hot climates.
She has her synth violin and plays music to while away the time before the events begin.
"I'm really looking forward to hearing the different musical groups. Maybe after their sets, we can jam a bit."
Even though the event is likely going to be without conflict, Stell is ready for a fight with some of her lighter weapons stored in hidden compartments in her armor. She has also swapped out the light projector armor upgrade for hydrojets, just in case someone goes overboard and needs rescuing.
The morning sea air whips past as Radaszam leans over the edge of the yacht’s top deck to stare into the water. “I hope you’re enjoying Castrovel. We should land on Ukulam soon, several miles south of main headquarters of the Esowath Conservancy on the continent. I wanted to thank you all personally for attending the gala with me.
“Charity events like this are important to preserving the beauty of the galaxy. ‘Save the Renkrodas’ has really caught on. Enormous carnosaurs like renkrodas tend to feature in gruesome tales, but they are majestic and inspiring animals. Unfortunately, some renkroda subspecies are quite near to extinction. The Esowath Conservancy usually hosts one or two of these upscale fundraisers every orbit to draw attention to endangered wildlife; I try to attend when I can.” The vesk pauses uncomfortably.
“Oh, I know; I’m usually all ‘guns and glory’ or ‘safety and security.’ Look, what’s the point of fighting if you’re not fighting for something? Glory and honor grant influence; influence can change the galaxy. Wealth gives you the comforts you’ve worked hard for, but it also allows you to help others who haven’t had the best luck. I try to funnel a generous portion of my income to charities like the Esowath Conservancy, which is trying to keep the natural beauty of their planet intact.”
Radaszam clears his throat. “So, your mission is simple: mingle, dance, enjoy the food, and talk up the Starfinder Society. We’re one of the sponsoring partners for this event, so it’s a chance to make a good impression on some of the socialites and corporate elites who attend these functions. See if you can make some new connections for the Society, perhaps even a few new allies.
“Oh, and the Conservancy pays well for security, so the only concern you need to worry about are corporate sharks, lawyers, and any aggressive wildlife we see on the safari tour this afternoon. I’ve negotiated special passes for you. You’re permitted to carry any gear you’d like, but I recommend checking your bulky pieces with a valet: heavy weapons, power armor, that sort of thing.
“This event will be broadcast live across Castrovel and then rebroadcast to other Pact Worlds, so be on your best behavior. Just relax and enjoy the gala. That said, when does everything ever go as planned?”
Volitare puts on a masterclass: Renkrodas are bipedal reptiles with a pair of smaller forelimbs, long necks, elongated snouts, and long tails. They’re hypercarnivores who can chase down prey with deadly speed. Most renkroda species are highly territorial, using terrifying calls to maintain boundaries and scare off scavengers. Many visitors to Castrovel have heard their recognizable roars echoing from the Castrovelian wilds. Feathered renkrodas are larger than their far more common cousins, the whiskered renkrodas. Feathered renkrodas get their names from the multicolored feathers that cover their bodies, forming patterns unique to each renkroda. They use the feathers to help regulate body temperature and puff them out to scare off competing predators or strike their prey with paralyzing fear. Though typically solitary creatures, feathered renkrodas choose mates every few years. Mated renkrodas protect their nest for a few months, then abandon each other and leave their young to fend for themselves.
Her voice is so small next to the big vesks, but he regards her warmly, "There's no pressure for an individual donation, but its appreciated. I'm sure there will be someone. Ha! I have clearly chosen well for this mission!"
Stell chimes in with a fair bit of details. The Esowath Conservancy has been spearheading efforts to keep the continent of Ukulam free from the influences of technology and politics. They’ve been struggling financially for several years, but their latest campaign, “Save the Renkrodas,” has sparked renewed interest in Castrovel’s wildlife across the Pact Worlds. Due to the Esowath Conservancy’s financial and political struggles, the success or failure of this gala will likely dictate the future of conservancy efforts on Ukulam. Some corporate interests would like to shut down conservation efforts to harvest resources, while extremist ecological groups don’t think the Conservancy goes far enough.
"If everyone is ready, let's get you there!"
The ship docks at a natural harbor near a secluded beach crisscrossed by flower-lined paths. Faintly shimmering energy fields surround the entire area in an enormous half-dome, while tents and other temporary structures provide a pleasant-looking provisional settlement. The gala site is in a clearing with a large animal pen and an even larger stage.
Radaszam accompanies you to the security checkpoint. "Remember, this is a gala, make good impressions!"
A small kiosk with portable barriers acts as security control for the gala. Security guards wearing Esowath Conservancy uniforms check invitations of arriving guests and monitor several small vidscreens.
Conservancy security forces check in guests here, but their review of invitations is perfunctory; you were already checked in when you boarded the boat. These guards will also take any bulky equipment you wish to store prior to the safari later in the day.
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Stell checks her coil rifle. She'll keep her wave modulator at her side unless they ask her to check it. It is a small arm and its high tech features make a good accessory for a Starfinder, in her opinion.
Stell has adjusted her clothing to her travel outfit, accented with a scarf and a stylish hat to shade her eyes. If it is sunny, she has some sunglasses. She carries her violin and bow as she mingles, hoping some of the attendees might be fans.
The party checks in and takes in the scene. There are plenty of places to check out to mingle.
Interlocked panels of polycarbon plate comprise this large square pen, which is crested with an elaborate ivy trellis. Small grates in the polycarbon panels allow a view inside. An information kiosk stands nearby. Volitare checks it out, and learns nothing new, but that's not surprising.
There's a male feathered Renkroda inside. A nameplate indicates that he's called Vossi. Although Vossi occasionally slams his tail into the polycarbon pen in agitation, the durable panels keep the renkroda effectively contained.
The ivy trellis is a hologram projected over an electrified wire coil.
Although several gala attendees mill about the pen, the most distinctive is a tough looking female kasatha in security garb. She’s checking on the pen and Vossi’s disposition.
She looks Zynn up and down before answering. Muldoi is professional but distant, [b]"There isn’t any danger from the renkroda. He’ll be released back into the wild tomorrow.
Stell checks out the stage. This modular stage sits 5 feet above ground level, with stairs on both sides. Several transmitters are built into the edges of the stage. A broad dance floor spreads out in front of the stage.
Bretheda Celestial Orchestra has sent a string quartet to play during the cocktail meet-and-greet; they currently play a subtle Eoxian piece while overseen by their stage manager whofloats nearby with a datapad, nervously watching the performance for slip-ups or dangers.
Dirk sees that they have exactly what he needs, though he'll need to pay...
Volitaire ignores the kasatha and talks directly to Vossi I do not like it here. I know it's short. I'll be out soon. I want to use my legs.
Stell looks over the impressive set up. The experimental transmitters amplify sounds to deliver a superior acoustic performance, but creatures on the stage could get seriously hurt if there was additional amplification on the stage....
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Stell will try to talk to anyone monitoring the sound system and ask, "I notice this system seems capable of some mega-decibels. Seems like overkill for a string quartet. ... or is it for the Dreadnaught Overdriver later on? I hope there is a program to lock the speakers out of the maximum power, as that could be bad for performers."
If possible, she'll locate the controls that could shut down the system if it went into dangerous overdrive.
Fair enough. I guess you are here so people know what a renkrodas is. And you are a magnificent looking creature. I can stay here and keep you company if you like, if that will ease the burden. I just hope you are being well looked after. Is there anything you would like to request?
Yes, you can stay. It seems Volitare has made a friend.
Stell grabs a barathu named Ulurio, who seems to be in charge. [i "Overkill? Overkill? The spy drones whir too loudly, the haan over at the banquet table is eyeing the string quartet unusually critically, and the renkroda pen might not be strong enough to contain the creature. You're worried about volume?"
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A male halfling in outdoor gear scurries into the room, looking a bit disheveled. He nods to Radaszam. "Sorry, I was scouting out in the jungles when I got the call to report and meet you here ... took a bit of time." He nods around to everyone. "Ashtif Cloudskipper, at your service."
He seems to barely notice that Vossi is even in the room at first, clearly flustered by being late to a gala, and perhaps by not being appropriately dressed.
He does, however, notice the barathu having a meltdown. He looks over the banquet table, trying to figure out what a "haan" is, while absently grabbing some appetizers. (He is a halfling, after all.)
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Stell says, "Fyrirgefðu að ég trufli þig. Ég skal athuga nokkrar af þessum spurningum þínum ef það hjálpar," and strolls over toward the renkrota pen.
Seeing Volitare and Zynn at the pen, Stell says, "The barathu sound technician seems to think this pen is not strong enough to contain the creature. Also that sound system could produce some very loud sounds. How do renkrotas respond to sudden loud noises?"
As Volitare answers, Stell eyes the security guard, making a note of her mannerisms to judge her state of mind.
Vossi seems ....fine to Zynn's eyes. Stell's command of the language impresses the barathu. "Þarf ekki að biðjast afsökunar!"
The party starts to gather by the pen. Through a little bit of translation, it seems Vossi has little interest in breaking out. He knows his handler will let him go back to freedom later.
Ashtif gets the vesk equivalent of a "harumpf" but it's no big deal, "Just make sure to MINGLE. I see your teammates gathering at the pen."
Ashtif grabs some food and mingles. An elaborate ice sculpture of a feathered renkroda stands over a table covered with hors d’oeuvres, including formian-style barbecued mountain eel, aparian caviar, bacon wrapped caypin stalks, and roasted ksarik poutine. Several corporate executives and dignitaries mingle around the banquet table. The haan sees the halfling catch his eye (well all 6 eyes) and approaches. He introduces himself as "Ipsoth" and starts engaging in gala-related small talk.