OOC: A lot of people will come in talking about their deities. I have a different story, one that doesn’t fit neatly into a Google Form. It’s a story shaped by lived experience, by years of roleplaying a character who grew and changed alongside the evolving universe of Starfinder. This is Dr. Grunyar Nobel’s story. It’s not about ascension. It’s about choice.
Dr. Grunyar Nobel, a humble servant of Sarenrae and respected Forum mystic, stood apart from many Starfinders. A 70-year-old dwarf with sun-kissed skin, maple-brown eyes, and a jet-black beard, he bore an unusually lithe build for his kind. Angelic, ultralight wings shimmered from his back—a divine mark of the healing mercy he offered in Sarenrae’s name. Though gentle in manner, he was a formidable mystic. Hellknights, demigods, and serial killers alike fell to his mind thrusts, miasmas, and psychic holds, their own eldritch tricks often turned against them.
He mentored powerful Starfinders—Vaba Yaga, Kriinos, Kazani, Rakakama—throughout his long career. His journey spanned from liberating Pulonis, combating the Data Scourge, navigating the perils of Azlanti space, to ultimately thwarting Datch before returning to the Scoured Stars.
The Scoured Stars were more than a mission; they were a memory. Before he ever bore the glyph, Dr. Nobel was a counselor in the Burning Archipelago, guiding the lost and returning wayward Redeemed cultists to Sarenrae’s light. When the call came to join Jadnura’s bold expedition into the Scoured Stars, he hesitated. He warned his students, especially Vaba, to be prepared for things to go awry. As usual, his instincts proved correct.
Trapped for years within that forsaken system, Dr. Nobel and his companions—Kazani and Kriinos—survived only through their faith, resilience, and the heroism of others. Though they eventually escaped, a deep wound of betrayal remained. Dr. Nobel, despite his forbearing nature, never forgave Jadnura for the reckless gamble. Any mention of the First Seeker soured his usually radiant demeanor. Behind closed doors, he was Jadnura’s harshest critic on the Forum.
Years later, now an elder on the Forum and mentor to a new generation, Dr. Nobel received a summons: Kadrical was to be reborn, and he was invited to witness the Final Assessment. After checking in on Vaba — recently returned from Aucturn’s hatching — he joined his fellow Starfinders for one last mission. Together, they faced cosmic horrors, and in the end, it was Dr. Nobel who struck down Dhurus, sending the corrupt herald to face Pharasma’s judgment.
Then came the offer.
The heralds of Kadrical stood before the gathered champions—beings of radiant presence, shaped by divine rebirth. With solemn voices that resonated like ancient songs, they extended a singular choice: ascend as demigods, guardians of the reborn Scoured Stars, eternally bound to its stars, its fate, its people.
Dr. Grunyar Nobel stood among them, wings of softly glowing celestial light gently folded behind his back, his eyes cast not upward, but outward, toward Desna’s Path, the galaxy under his care.
He listened as his companions accepted the call, one by one, each stepping forward to take their place in the cosmos anew.
Then, the sagely mystic stepped forward, not hesitant, but sure.
“I am humbled by your offer, truly. The power you grant could inspire others to rise, to become better people across the galaxy.
But I’ve seen firsthand the recklessness of Jadnura’s expedition. I’ve lived with the tragic consequences, watching good people die for Jadnura’s hunch, to save me, to save so many others.
I’ve also seen the good I can do beyond this system, from helping a lover escape a traitor’s grasp, to standing against threats that would engulf all of Desna’s Path.
I’ve taught. I’ve healed. I’ve led. I’ve endured.
And so, with deep respect, I must decline.
My place lies elsewhere. My work continues.”
There was a moment of silence.
Then, one of the heralds stepped forward. Their voice, like starlight made sound, rang out across the chamber:
“A choice made freely, in service to others, is no less divine than one made in pursuit of apotheosis.”
No rebuke followed. No judgment lingered, only understanding and profound respect.
Then came the Tear of Kadrical—luminous, solemn.
Its crystalline vessel was brought forth and, with reverent precision, shattered. The green, glowing fluid within flowed into an ancient basin, its light pulsing like a living star, verdant and sacred.
One by one, his companions drank, transforming in body, mind, and spirit.
Dr. Nobel remained still, watching. His wise brown eyes gleamed not with bitterness or sorrow, but with peace and purpose.
He turned from the chamber, his wings folding gently behind him. In that moment, he knew his place.
For gods do not act alone. They work through the hands and hearts of their followers.
And Dr. Nobel? He would continue to be those hands. That heart.
Unlike his companions, now bound eternally to the Scoured Stars, he would remain free—free to serve in the Pact Worlds, to heal, to guide, and to lead the Starfinder Society across Desna’s Path.
He left the Scoured Stars that day still mortal. Still merciful. Still a servant of Sarenrae. Forever a Starfinder.
But more than that, he left as a living reminder:
That divinity is not measured by ascension alone. Sometimes, it’s the choice to stay that echoes the loudest. And across Desna’s Path, that echo carried hope.
Let others rise as gods, beings shackled by prayers, bound by fate.
Grunyar Nobel would keep them alive.
OOC: Dr. Grunyar Nobel’s story continues. Whether as a Forum elder, mentor, or perhaps even a future First Seeker, his work is far from done. If Paizo ever wishes to include Dr. Grunyar Nobel in future Starfinder content—be it scenarios, lore references, or otherwise—they are welcome to do so. I’d be honored to see him continue guiding others, whether as a Forum elder, a mentor, or even a future First Seeker. His story doesn’t end here, only this chapter. Wherever the Starfinder Society goes next, he’ll be helping light the way.
