Each of your comm devices begins going off all throughout the day as First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s voice breaks the silence. “Starfinders, if you’re receiving this transmission, I’m requesting that you cease your current missions and return to Absalom Station at once. I have obtained urgent information regarding one of our foe’s activities. If she succeeds, she could tip the balance of corporate power within the Pact Worlds and possibly even destroy the Society. I’ll explain once we convene at the Lorespire Complex.”
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The Lorespire Complex’s familiar grounds are in a boisterous state of flux. Hired workers set up pavilions and booths on the lawns, courier vehicles dart back and forth down the adjacent streets, and janitors hustle to prepare rooms for occupation throughout the compound’s buildings. Dozens of early guests loiter nearby chatting excitedly. The festive, yet chaotic, atmosphere persists in stark contrast to the First Seeker’s ominous announcement.
A lashunta man, Venture-Captain Arvin, strides forward to intercept the newest arrivals. “Welcome back, Starfinders. First Seeker Elsebo plans to meet with the agents involved in her operation shortly. She’ll announce when she’s ready—listen for the code phrase ‘pest control.’ It looks like Luwazi is finally going to have us strike back at Datch, the architect of our past year of credibility woes. Regardless of our foe’s machinations, we’re hosting several weeks of conferences and parties to honor Ehu Hadif, and there’s plenty to do while you wait. Let’s get you checked in, shall we?”
-----
Venture-Captain Naiaj leans despondently against the wall outside the cafeteria. Workers clad in white chef smocks hurry past carrying a covered tray, which Naiaj eyes longingly. She turns to the PCs and snaps, “Have you ever been so hungry you got angry? I’m sure there’s a word for that...Anyway, I came here to get my snack on and found the caterers in a panic. They don’t have enough food prepared to handle the guest list, and they’re struggling to accommodate some attendees’ unique dietary needs. I’d hate to see our new First Seeker’s big day spoiled by an empty buffet line. Get in there, and see what you can do to help. Look alive, Starfinders!”
You meet with Celita, leader of the Dataphiles, in the Archive’s Cortex. “Our esteemed colleague’s elevation to First Seeker is a historic occasion. As such, we must all do our part to foster a celebratory atmosphere—not only to honor Ehu’s nomination but to conceal Luwazi’s activities. Your help with creating a positive buzz across the infosphere would be greatly appreciated.”
Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives, alerts the PCs to a potential security breach on the Lorespire Complex’s front lawn, where a group crowds the main walkway, hoisting signs with anti-Society slogans. “Looks like these people bought in to Datch’s propaganda,” Radaszam grumbles. “They’ve been here all day. We’re not going to make them disperse, but please go talk with them and work out a peaceful resolution.”
Inside the Hall of Discovery, ysoki scuttle about setting up audiovisual equipment while a kindly voice directs them. Fitch, leader of the Wayfinders, waves to the PCs from atop a towering scaffold. “Good to see you! The kiddos and I are sprucing the place up for the big event.” She stops and beams proudly at a scrawny, gray ysoki fiddling with a circuit board. “They’re doing great, but it’s a big job. Mind lending us a hand?”
Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians, chats animatedly with one of the hired event staff, a stocky, brown ysoki dressed in stained coveralls embroidered with the name “Tall Sam.” The two avidly discuss a cluster of haphazardly parked land vehicles. “Hey, you!” The ysoki shouts at you as you approach. “Why are you just standing around, huh? We’ve got a pileup worse than A-Station rush hour over here. Get off your tails, and go park some vehicles!” Zigvigix nods enthusiastically and adds, “Relieving the valet queue might help our fellow Starfinders get to Luwazi’s meeting. Please do whatever you can to help!”
You encounter Venture-Captain Arvin pacing in front of the building’s entrance, clearly overwhelmed by a list of familiar names on his datapad. “Sparklemane and associated weapon permits unaccounted for. Zo!—shuttle delayed. Envar Tam—oh, this is ridiculous.” Arvin relaxes when he notices you. “As you know, we’re expecting an influx of visitors over the next few weeks. Some decided to arrive fashionably early, and we seem to have misplaced a few guests of honor in the confusion. If you can help me locate and corral our more elusive guests, I’d be grateful.”
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A small Ysoki wearing a military uniform is listening to Venture-Captain Arvin. He carries a laser rifle and wears a patch a medic patch on his shoulder. As he listens to the briefing he chews on a dried meat snack.
He looks at his co-agents and speaks up
"They call me Croaker and Stafinder pays me extra when all agents from my team come home. And I like this bonus so don't do anything stupid."
Says smiling with his sharp teeth. After introductions are over he says
"Let me check how can I help with the party."
============ Media Boost
He heads towards Naiaj and attempts to aid with the kitchen
============ Media Control
After doing his best in the kitchen Ysoki tries to craft some mostly true messages for media
============ Sound
He waves to Fitch and borrows some tools to aid with the sound system/
============ Valet
Croaker looks at Tall Sam, "Can't handle the load? Sure let me land you my paw."
============ VIP
Croaker tries to aid Arvin with contacting VIP's and correcting some mistakes made
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A tall, slender android with a crest of auburn hair falling lazily on his shoulders arrives to the briefing, hands in his stained pockets and looking around nonchalantly. Contrary to some androids who try to mimic the features of humans or other species, this one clearly deliberately lets his mechanical nature show: circuitry pulsates with a soft blue glow along his arms and runs down his neck, and mechanical hinges can be made out beneath the pale, translucent skin of his limbs. The android casts a quick circular gaze across the waiting room and waves a curt greeting.
"Sup Arv. Nice to meet ya, Croaker. I'm Helios-4."
The android leans against the wall and listens to the Venture-Captain. He smiles a devilish grin at the mention of Datch. "Ohhh, we finally striking at the dastard? Glad I'm here, then. Lemme see what I can help with."
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An excited-looking young human male arrives, with a camera apparatus floating behind him. He is walking backward, speaking into the camera, even as he walks through the threshold.
"... and here we are, dear viewers, at the center of the Starfinder organization in the universe, the Absalom Station Starfinder center! We've been summoned here by the venerated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo, with a mission that is a bit secretive, but you're going to get the inside scoop on these exciting developments! Stay tuned here as I follow the Starfinders into their next space-faring mission!"
He makes a big show of signing off from the vidstream, then turns and looks around the room for the first time. He hears the announcement from VC Arvin and bows deeply to the officer.
"A pleasure to see you again, oh Captain my Captain! My followers have been clamoring for an interview with you for months!"
At VC Arvin's blank stare, he quickly says "... a followup on our previous interview for my popular vidcast, Seekers of Stars, hosted by yours truly, Sebrir! Of course you remember the last interview..." he trails off as the Venture Captain nods to him and then begins pointing out all the potential tasks to be completed, only a bit crestfallen to once again not be recognized.
He heads over to Ms. Celita, with the hopes of using the media boost to his own advantage, as well as that of the Starfinders.
He taps into his inner gameshow host and delivers a soliloquy on the amazing Starfinders and the good they do for the galaxy into his camera. However, about halfway through he realizes that the din of the room has made it almost impossible to hear him, and he's lost some viewers in the interim. He quickly fixes the problem, but doubts that he has made much headway on spreading the viral message of the Starfinders, thanks to the blunder.
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As his comm goes off and he sees who the caller is Freeman groans ,”Ah, guess vacation’s over!”
He heads down to the complex to see how he can help…
A red headed and bearded dwarf walks in, a small drone flying in right behind him. He looks around at the controlled chaos, shrugs and goes to see where he can help. He is wearing light armor and has a rifle over his back and what appears to be another in a case. He is festooned with small bags, tool kits and a computer pad on top of one wrist.
Buffet Crisis:
Freeman nods at the Venture-Captain, ”Oh aye, that does look good.”
He will then go see if he can whip a few batches of something similar, while surreptitiously bringing a few bites created by the professional chefs over to Niaaj…
Media Boost:
After listening Freeman smiles, ”Oh, this be right up my alley”
He cracks his fingers and gets to work on his computer.
Media Control:
Knowing where his skills most definitely do NOT lie, Freeman grimaces and waits for another Starfinder to interact with the crowd and tries to assist them…
Sound check:
Seeing Fitch, Freeman lets out a big grin. ”Good ta’ see ya! I kin help with this lot..”
Valet Pileup:
After being accosted Freeman mutters ”You’re the one stand-in’ around. I been busy!”
He then goes to try to help.
VIP roundup:
“Ah, well, it ain’t a party til Zo shows up!”
Freeman goes to look for him and any other VIP’s while doing mundane things like parking cars…
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A tall, gaunt looking human walks into the conference room. Weirdly he keeps his helmet on, even while helping with the vignettes. Even with that it is obvious that the 'man' has a severe medical condition.....apparently he is dead.
"I am Eleazar Amasa. I am a 'survivor' of the Scoured Stars Incident. Needless to say I got my....condition there."
With that he does his best to help where he can, though usually in the background.
Buffet Crisis:
Eleazar does his best moving food around from the kitchen to the buffet lines.
Media Boost:
Eleazar will attempt to talk about the celebrities he has been part of in movies...almost always as a stunt man for a celebrity or at least a 2nd line actor.
Media Control:
Eleazar will go out and assist others in calming the crowd.
Sound Check:
Eleazar will just look around and watch the kiddos....
Valet Pileup:
Eleazar does his best to park some of the smaller cars...knowing his skill in moving the tanks is limited....
VIP Roundup:
Eleazar looks for some of the more invisible guests....
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Buffet:
Sebrir attempts to recognize some creatures that some of the less humanoid Starfinders might be able to eat.
Media Control:
Sebrir tries to appeal to the journalists' integrity and interest in a story by telling them about his own work as a Starfinder vidcatser.
Sound Check:
Sebrir attempts to determine the best place to have the speakers for the acoustics of the room.
Valet Pileup:
Sebrir tries to maneuver the cars into an optimal configuration.
VIP Roundup:
Sebrir recognizes many of the names on the list, and goes off to try to get them to the right places.
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"Wow...that is a lot of activity." The android puts down a package he was handed on the way in by a very irate worker "VC Arvin! Good to see you....uh, little bit of a busy day then?"
The bald, slightly violet colored android shakes VC Arvin's hand. The electrical traces in his hand light up on the contact, glowing a sort of pale neon white. A long blue jacket covers a light chest plate, dark pants accented with bits of metal plating and a bit too much loose wiring complete the outfit.
Buffet Crisis:
"Oh Naiaj...Hey...uh yeah, I'll just go help."
Media Boost:
Hearing and seeing the media center, Second-1 is ready to hop to action "On it!"
Media Control:
Second-1 chooses to remain out of the way for this. He's not a people person.
Sound Check:
"Hey boss! Sure thing. Can I get a few of the kiddos to plug in that...and that, oh not that one!!!"
Valet Pileup:
Walking into an organizational nightmare was not expected. Without a word Second-1 hops on a terminal and starts trying to find a more efficient parking scheme
VIP Roundup:
While not terribly good with the talking, the android's eyes work well enough to lend a hand.
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Naiaj gives Freeman a grateful look as he surreptitiously brings her a plate of food. Catching the head caterer’s eye, she tilts her head toward him and nods. He responds with a knowing tap on the side of his nose, and a few moments later a member of his staff delivers a neatly-sealed takeout container, wrapped in foil that has been pressed into the shape of a swan.
------
Media Boosted:
Led by Eleazar’s small but very loyal fan base, you manage to get your hashtag trending on every major platform. Celita barely notices you, as she endlessly scrolls the social media screens projected before her. ”Yes, this will suffice. We have achieved the phenomenon often described as viral. Well done.”
------
Media (Peacefully) Controlled:
Your efforts to control the protesters are not going well, until someone in the crowd shouts ”Wait, is that Sebrir? Sebrir, I love your show! I’m a big fan!”. Their enthusiasm proves to be infections, and the charismatic envoy soon has the whole group won over.
-----
Sound in Check:
”Mama, look! Everything set up!” Fitch’s children beam as she inspects their work. ”Well done kids. Everything in place, and you even remembered to gaffer-tape the cords this time.” As she walks by, she reaches up to pat Freeman on the elbow. ”Thanks for being such capable assistants” she whispers, then smiles as they lead her off to show more of their work.
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Valet Handled:
Tall Sam rolls out from under an enercycle and wipes his hands as he surveys your work. ”Nice job” he nods. ”Very efficiently done. Now, I’ve got a few more of these babies to fix up, so scram. Come on back, though, if you need to get somewhere in a hurry. I’ve got a couple of jalopies in the back that’ll burn yer socks off!”
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VIPs Corralled:
Arvin watches in amazement as the last of the missing VIPs head into the complex. ”Huh. Who would have guessed Envar Tam and Sparklemane would have gotten along so well?” Turning back to you, he continues. ”Well done, Starfinders! You have a knack for people, I can tell.” He walks off to attend to other matters before you can show him the pockets full of trinkets gifted to you by grateful VIPs.
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Helios-4 runs around, trying to help people out, but ultimately the rest of the team is faster than him. "Heh, I'd better step it up, y'all too fast for me." When the preparations are over, he goes over to Eleazar and Freeman, listening to their conversation about the Scoured Stars.
"Yeah, sounds like a rough time. I was part of the rescuing party." The android puts his hands in his pockets. "Though I haven't seen the worst of it for sure. On which planet were you stranded?"
A chime sounds throughout the Lorespire Complex and its surrounding grounds, followed by a broadcast of First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s resonant voice: “Pest-control workers, your presence is kindly requested in the Hall of Discovery.” Spurred by the announcement, junior and experience Starfinders file into the Forum’s meeting space.
As the last of the summoned Starfinders enter the meeting space, Luwazi stands atop a stage at the centre of the hall. Radaszam and Zigvigix position themselves behind the First Seeker, warily surveying the crowd. When the doors shut behind the final Starfinder team, Radaszam steps forward and whispers in Luwazi’s ear. She nods as he offers her a microphone.
“Thanks to your courage and resilience, Starfinders, we have overcome adversity time and again. Two years ago, we embarked on a mission to rescue our lost agents from the Scoured Stars. Last year, we returned to battle the jinsuls and won. Today, I stand before you for the last time as your First Seeker and invite you to accept a very different challenge.
“I trust you are all familiar with the individual called Datch. For the past year, Datch orchestrated a slanderous media war against the Society for reasons incomprehensible to us. We’ve recently learned more about our enemy and realized that the Society is not her only target. As a member of AbadarCorp’s security department, Datch used her connections to manufacture a media smear campaign against us. She did so to gain power within the corporation, and her next target is Executive Archdirector and CEO Iseki-Okaibo. Yesterday, Datch instigated a vote of no-confidence against him. If the motion passes, Datch stands to take advantage of that power vacuum.”
Luwazi frowns at the assembled Starfinders. “We cannot let that happen. We can’t directly challenge Datch—not yet. If we’re going to stop her, we must beat her at her own game. While Datch positions herself to seize power, I plan to use Ehu Hadif’s elevation and the presence of our most veteran agents at the elevation event as a cover to send you on covert missions throughout the Pact Worlds. The missions vary, but your primary goals are to disrupt Datch’s ongoing activities and convince AbadarCorp executives not to support the vote of no-confidence. I’m counting on you, Starfinders.”
Encouraged by the First Seeker’s words, the chosen Starfinder teams prepare to depart the Lorespire Complex for various destinations across the Pact Worlds. Society leaders direct smaller groups of agents into specialized briefings, where they present information about each covert operation. After a year of enduring Datch’s merciless attacks against their organization, the Starfinders finally have the chance to retaliate.
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Venture-Captain Arvin marches down a corridor leading out of the Lorespire Complex several steps ahead of his companions. He pauses as the exit door slides open, and he blinks in the bright lights of the camera crews amassing in preparation for the upcoming gala. He turns and says, “What I’m asking you to do is frankly a bit sordid, and I wish I had a more honest mission to give you.” Arvin produces a datapad. “AbadarCorp’s board is composed mostly of department archdirectors. It’s an exclusive club of less than a dozen individuals, and even one of their votes could sway the outcome. Your target is Archdirector of Finance Denanne Karrsi.” Arvin taps his datapad, and an image of an imposing elven woman with silver hair and a glowering expression appears.
“Denanne is an avid gambler. She’s booked a suite at the Luxx solar casino. If you can defeat her at her game of choice you may be able to influence her. Check in to Luxx as patrons, challenge her to a game, and then use any leverage you can to persuade her to oppose Datch’s vote.”
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Without time for Arvin to arrange VIP passes for you, you travel to the Luxx aboard one of the regular shuttles that ferry guests to the casino. A cylindrical glass elevator carries you down the the entryway, where a lashunta woman greets you (rather halfheartedly) from behind the concierge desk. After asking you to check in and explaining the basic rules and policies of the casino, she hands one of you a small data drive linked to your Luxx Bucks account. "You need Luxx Bucks to play the games. You can add funds to your account at any of the kioskskiosks—not that you look like you can afford it. The rate is one credit to one Luxx Buck. Try starting in the Nova Room—it’s easier for first-timers. Most shuttle riders disappear when they run out of complimentary tokens. NEXT.” With a wave, she calls the next group in line behind you up to the desk, and gives you a look making it clear that you should move along.
Signs clearly guide you to the nearby Nova Room, dimly lit and packed with patrons stooped over automated gambling stations. Flickering slot machines line the walls surrounding a token kiosk. Inside the booth, a halfling man stands on a stool converting credits into Luxx Bucks.
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"Guessing she was busy...but look at this place!" Second-1 follows along to the Nova room, taking in the flashing lights and sounds.
"Though...I doubt Ms Karrsi will be down here based on what VC Arvin told us. I guess we should get some Luxx Bucks and find a table?"
The android takes a look around hoping to find some buy-in prices to know how much he needs.
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Helios looks around with a smirk and whistles.
"Yeah, look at that! Wish we had a place like this back at the Lorespire Complex. Y'know, to blow the creds we earn."
The android acquieses at Second-1's words. "I guess not. And she probably won't play us until we manage to empty the pockets of a few patrons either. We'd better start playing if we wanna get noticed."
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Looking around this room, Second-1 sees per-play prices ranging from 1 to 100 Luxx Bucks. He recalls, however, that this is the low-rollers' room, as it were. There are likely to be higher-stakes games elsewhere in the casino. He also spots that the halfling man seems to be keeping a close eye on the comings and goings of the patrons in this room.
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On the way up, as he sees the extravagant setup for the first time Freeman looks over at Croaker, "So, just how good are ye at this?"
"How good am I? What a question! After a couple of games non of the mercenaries wanted to play with me!"
You may wonder of people didn't want to play die to him cheating or being that good.
Ysoki in a bit better clothes than military uniform is looking around
"This is not a place for us, let us look for more serious games and our target"
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The booth attendant watches as you leave in search of your target. After a few more rooms full of slot machines and low-stakes tables, you come upon a lushly appointed chamber, labeled Refraction Lounge. The furniture is plush, the carpet is luxurious shag, and the whole room is bathed in decadent purple light. Shortly after you enter the lighting shifts, as if on a rotation, to warm orange. While you don’t see Denanne in here, it definitely seems like the kind of place where an avid gambler and high-roller such as she might hang out. For now, the only occupant is a male verthani whose skin changes hues to match the décor, lounging on a settee blowing candy-scented vapor rings. ”Helloooo. The name’s Juta. I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before, and I know everyone in this place. Relax, take a load off.”
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"Why hello, my good man! I believe we will take you up on that... this place looks positively luscious. I hope your time has been decent here. Good luck?"
Sebrir sits on the plush furniture. He makes small talk with the man for a minute or two, and once he has a rapport, he will ask about Denanne.
"Do you know an elven woman, name of Denanne? We're looking to help her out with a decision she needs to make."
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The man, Juta, seems friendly and very mellow...that is, until you mention Denanne. "Ugh, her! Are you helping her decide not to cheat innocent playboys out of their space yachts? 'Cause that's what she's doing! She stole my favorite boat right out from under me at the table the other night. I'm sure she was cheating, though I haven't been able to prove it yet. Ugh. Anyway, she's probably out on the grand floor, playing baksu." He finishes his drink with a gulp and waves for another, his mellow most emphatically harshed.
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"Oh no, I'm not playing her again until I can prove she was cheating. What, you want her to take my second favorite solar yacht, too? She already has the Shades of Green!"
---
Arriving at the grand floor, you see a sweeping, luxurious chamber. Three sets of white marble stairs cascade down to a spcaious marble floor. To the north, a bar lit by fuchsia and indigo neon serves drinks to glamour clients. Besuited waiters dart through crowds of patrons milling about card tables, roulette wheels, and other game stations. Guests lounge beside a sparkling pool set ridiculously into the middle of the casino floor. At the center of the room, a host shirren seated at a grand piano plays a jazzy tune.
A small crowd has gathered around one of the long, rectangular gaming tables to the south where a showdown is unfolding between two individuals, one of which you recognize as Denanne Karrsi, though she is dressed much more vibrantly than in the previous picture you saw in a canary-yellow silk gown, long black gloves, a wide-brimmed velvet hat, and multicolor jewels . Her bare sleeves reveal vibrant geometric tattoos peeking out from beneath her mane of silver hair, and her violet eyes seem to glow with intensity. She smirks as she turns over a final card, and her hapless shobhad opponent groans as it is revealed to be the game-winner.
The crowd disburses after the big showdown, and Denanne reclines, sipping wine from a crystal glass, and she chides her defeated opponent as they walk off. ”I told you to invest your money instead of challenging me! Now you’re all out of funds. How boring.” She scans the crowd for a moment, looking for a new challenge, before her eyes land on you.
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Croaker smiles as they find the lounge and is hesitant to believe the man. Most of the losers try to explain the situation by cheating.
While hitting the grand floor Croaker is smiling from furry ear to ear.
"We found Denanne."
After she won, Croaker comments
"And it seems that she is doing alright here. Ok, I will approach her, keep a close eye if we play. She could be cheating, even that casinos usually are good at spotting that. "
He does not say that this is one of the big reasons why he does not play in such places.
He walks towards the table and
"Madam, I see that the seat is free, may I join you for a game? My name is Spike and I am new in here."
Speaks casually
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Sebrir will follow Spike, unfortunately unable to document the current goings-on, as casinos don't generally like floating cameras following players around.
"Why, Spike my friend, it sounds as if the lady wants to take her winnings and slink off. She is probably afraid to lose it all so quickly after she just won it, methinks."