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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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I need to make a call.

Once back to Remiel's house, Kephales steps aside while the rest clean up or head to the kitchen for dinner.

He dials into his pad and puts a small pod to his near invisible earhole.

The phone rings at the precinct in a suburb on Akiton, Keph's old workplace. It rings longer than usual, things are in disarray, but he expected that.

Finally a voice picks up.

"Olanti?"

"Stolle, yeah, is the chief there?"

"Well sure, but... man we're kinda swamped down here. No chance you can spare a moment, huh? Nah, I expect you've got big bad Steward stuff to do." A sense of relief and familiarity seemed to wash over the officers tone.

"Stolle, theres nothing I'd rather do than be there to help Akiton, you know that," the detective lied, "But... I'm actually calling to ask for *your* help."

"Mine??"

"No, the precinct. Can I talk to the chief?"

Stolle, a medium sized ysoki with a beat in the southern part of their suburb where the border abutted the the norther part of the city proper, was a good cop, honest, one of the few, but not the brightest bulb. It worked in his favor most of the time, because he wasnt the type to scheme for bigger busts or sneak away with confiscated goods or play the politicking game with local lawmakers. He was just a Good Guy.

"Sure, Olanti, just gimme a sec."

Keph could hear the noise on the other end. They had to be stretched thin filling in for branches that got hit. But it didnt take long. Soon enough, the tired raspy voice of the chief who clearly hadnt slept in a week greeted him. Ruk had not slept in a week, and if she was being honest, she didn't intend to sleep for another two at least. Undead armies prowled the cities of Akiton, an invading force that seemed both willing and able to pour as many bodies at a problem as necessary to solve it with no mind to how many were lost. Mostly, the precinct had been working at keeping civilians safe and providing what little protection they could. Half the force hadn't shown up to work since the attack, and she didn't know if it was because they were dead, trapped, or simply felt they had more important things to do than attempt to keep peace in the middle of a war.

Still, it was not every day Keph called in, and considering what he'd given-- and lost-- on her watch, well, she wasn't going to not take the call.

"Keph?" She winced at how hoarse her voice sounded; she'd always been gruff, but the complete lack of sleep combined with the smoke weren't doing her any favors.

"Chief, I know this isn't a good time, but I got a big favor to ask you.." he knew it was a bad time, and he knew it wasnt fair; that's the part that bothered him the most. What rivaled that in guikt was the knowledge that there was a selfish aspect to his impending request, and that is to alleviate potential inefficiencies in Fisk's work by removing the distraction of his missing brother. It was mutually beneficial to everyone except the officers at the precinct...and well...anyone who doesnt receive help because bodies have been diverted to a personal request.

Still, what was the point of working for clout and reputation if you never called it in? All of these moral and ethical quandaries circled through Keph's mind in the few beating seconds that passed after his last words.

He leaned against a wall as much as one could when their head protruded so much further than their back.

"A colleague of mine in the field... his brother's not checked in since Akiton went dark. I know what that means, I'm pretty sure he does too, so I'm not calling asking for miracles... but if you could dedicate a few guys to finding him... either way it turns up... it might help his focus. The guy is named Fisk, his missing brother is Twib. The rest of his family is accounted for, I'm sure they can provide you with photos and such...."

He felt worse and worse, but knew he had to try.

"Can you... do that for me?"

The sigh that came over the line was the definition of weary. Ruk knew she didn't have the time or manpower to devote to such a request, but at the same time, she wasn't going to refuse Keph and it was likely he knew that.

"Last known location? Part of a warren? Names of family members I could contact who remain on Akiton? Any other pertinent information?" The ysoki sounded as exhausted as she felt, and the idea of diverting two men to try and find a missing boy in the midst of everything else that was happening certainly didn't help matters. How much more paperwork was going to be needed to get this overlooked by superiors? She could probably finagle a good reason, if she worked hard enough. And if she only diverted one person instead of two and then put herself on the case... Her mind swirled with possibilities, but she needed more information before she could reasonably begin.

"He's from a warren in the Kephak Depot area. I know it's not particularly convenient. I'll forward you details when I...." he broke off, something occurring to him or perhaps the privacy of the call threatened or more likely it was just a hard ask, "I didn't want to tell him I was making this call. I'd prefer this stay between us. Let me see what I can dig up on him and his brother. If I get that information, you'll put someone on it though?"

It felt like he was making a deal. Maybe he was. Shit, Ruk deserved better, but what's done is done.

"Understood, Olanti," she said, coughing slightly. The switch to his last name indicated she was treating this as business. "Send me whatever you can get, but I'll get someone on it now. Kephak Depot? We can spare... We can spare someone, I think. I'll do it myself if I have to."

Unseen by Keph, the older ysoki was shaking her head, one paw pressed to her temples in an attempt at dismissing the headache that was building behind her eyes.

There was a considerable pause. When it came to Keph, he usually already had his next statements pre-planned, but in this case, he was clearly debating how to reply. These were unprecedented times and he knew that.

"Can I do anything for you..?" he tried.

"Not unless you're planning to run the blockade around Akiton just to turn up for the next beat shift," Ruk huffed, "I've lost have the precinct in the last week, we're understaffed as hell and the ones who are still showing up, well. I don't know how much longer they'll be useful. Keph, they've got undead bodies on every corner and--"

There was a choking noise, something akin to holding back tears.

"They're reanimating fallen corpses. I saw Kort two days ago, a hole straight through his chest, wandering the streets." Kort was one of the precinct's "muscles", a massive red-skinned Hylki with few words and an eye for trouble. He'd been Ruk's right hand man, a regular presence at the station and a neighborhood favorite. The mental image of him dead and still walking was no small part of why Ruk wasn't even trying to sleep anymore.

Keph's secondary arms twitched angrily, the equivalent of a clenched jaw and deeply furrowed brow.

"I didn't realize," he said, "I knew Eoxians *could* raise the dead. I didn't realize they were using it as an offensive strategy." He recalled the times he'd checked the news since Akiton fell. It seemed that Pact news was keeping this detail minimized if not hushed all together. It wouldn't matter for long as communications reopen. Everyone will know.

And that meant panic.

"It's effective psychologically as well, isn't it? It's working on you," he took a breath through a number of invisible spiracles, "Ruk, you need to sleep. I know it's hard, but you *will* feel better with a fresh head. This is a long game, and the sooner we start playing, the sooner we stop losing. I promise nothing will happen in the next 6 hours that won't be better dealt with after you've had some rest."

There it is, the guilt. He felt terrible for asking anything. The memory of the day after losing Pad played through his head like a highlight reel of nightmares. It felt like any small favor, even an inquiry, was going to make him snap.

"God, I sound like you," he admitted, knowing he did a pretty poor job of following instructions when the roles were reversed. That was all before the Stewards and The Job.

That garnered a chuckle, barely audible over the line.

"You're not wrong, on either count. I'll... try. To get some rest." Ruk sighed. She knew this had to be dredging up uncomfortable memories for Keph and she hated to put him through that. Guilt plagued her, the knowledge that she was, in part, responsible for the loss of his partner. Hell, she'd partnered them up to begin with, so long ago. She wondered if the contemplative knew her willingness to acquiesce to his personal favor requests was rooted in a pit of shame and self-hatred that she hadn't felt for the loss of any of the other men or women on her squad

"Thanks, Chief. I'll be in touch soon." He reached out a little and felt the humming minds of his nearby colleagues. These little lights were beginning to feel familiar to him and that was a comfort in the end.

"Keph? Stay safe, okay?" It was a request, but it had the tone of an order, the tone she'd use when he worked for her. "I'll keep an eye on my pad for any communiques from you."

The reply would have been a detached acknowledging smile, but from the Chief's side, it was just silence. Now he just had to get through dinner and he could finally be alone.

Alone.

He didnt want to be alone, no Contemplatives did, and for the first time in years, he wasnt. Ever since hed made the decision to bond with the group, there was this static in his mind reminding him of their presence. There is no alone like this, and that's the way it's supposed to be.

Everyone seemed to be adjusting well enough except....*right. Jeredith.*

He did feel a little bad for snapping at him, though the feeling still felt oddly justified. It occurred to him he ought to ask someone else, just to verify he wasbt the only one who thought the mysterious shapeshifter was a little *too* private.

After all, they're supposed to be a team.

He left the wall and floated over to the table, taking a seat across from Taroyn.

((Compilation of a text-based RP))

#starfinder #starfindercampaign #cosmic chronicles #cosmicchronicles #kephales #taryon #akiton

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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E2 The Gala Heist finale

(4/29/21)

With Zida cuffed on the ground, we could finally get some answers. The RIGHT thing to do would be to haul him in and interrogate him properly, but I’m not the only one on this missions, and I would hazard a guess the rest of the team doesn’t abide by those rules. This is one of those times where being a Steward offers me a little more flexibility than an ordinary beat cop. As we were about to start the interrogation, another guest poked in -- an android. I ordered them to stop, but they tried to flee. I was forced to immobilize them -- it isn’t right, but it’s what makes me good at my job. Forced compliance saves lives. As it turns out, the android was more helpful than Zida. Our interrogation revealed they were both loyal members of the Cult of the Devourer. Our employment by the fake Remiel served two goals: (1) to get us killed and therefore no longer investigating the cult, (2) to sow chaos in our wake. The former obviously failed, but the latter... I am loathe to admit, may be partially successful. Unfortunately, no further contacts or connections could be gained, but we have the data from the computer and we were able to get intel that the next meeting with the Cult superiors would be in 3 days via the terminal in Remiel’s office (the office Remiel’s impersonator has been operating out of). Assuming we can continue the ruse, our shapeshifting comrade Jeredith might be our key to insider information. Steward HQ on the station requested both purps be brought in -- don’t blame them -- so Fisk and I rode together in the van back to HQ. It was then that Fisk inquired after a statement I’d made earlier... apparently I’d mistakenly referred to him as “Pad” and he wanted to know who that was.

It might have been a mistake to tell him about my late husband, and I can feel the sick uneasiness of regret bubble up in my stomach, but what’s done is done. I slipped up for the same reason I spilled my guts in the car-- he just reminds me of him. It’s not just a ysoki thing, I mean...we just work together well. Maybe it’s me and the mindlink -- I haven’t been connected to anyone in so long, maybe I’ve gotten sentimental. Either way, Fisk listened, offered advice (typical) and swore his secrecy on the matter -- lest he be a quivering drooling vegetable on the floor when I’m through with him -- but I trust him.

He told me it wasn’t my fault. They all do.

Oh well, at least I found someone I could con into doing paperwork for me.

((Meanwhile, the rest go to a pub, and Taroyn accompanies the real Remiel to the hospital))

TO BE CONTINUED...

#starfinder #starfinder campaign #cosmicchronicles #cosmic chronicles #ttrpg #tabletop #recap #the gala heist finale

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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“Just be good, Keph.”

I try.

#starfinder #cosmic chronicles #cosmicchronicles #keph #contemplative #tabletop gaming #ttrpg #kephales #scifi #animated gif

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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When someone says they think you’re cool.

#starfinder #cosmic chronicles #cosmicchronicles #keph #contemplative #ttrpg #tabletop gaming #kephales #scifi

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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E1 The Gala Heist pt 4

(4/22/21) Note: This is not true Episode 1. We’ve been playing several years, but this is the first session we’ve had since this blog was created from which to begin summarizing. Hopefully over time I will get to fill in more backstory. This recap will be a bit long, just to help catch up a little. The Mission: Retrieve vital data from a suspected insider involved with the newly sparked war with Eox. Access is most easily achieved via the suspect’s (Zida Ihbe) home during a self-hosted gala for local celebrities and public figures on Absalom Station.

LAST SESSION(S):

Each party member was assigned a role.

Ergon: Fake security team, given a false identity. Smuggling in party weaponry

Fisk: Fake security team, etc. Will disable security on property and hack into private terminal to retrieve information.

Keph: Fake security team. Door monitor and indoor guard.

Gritz: Fake caterer. Will create distraction if necessary and serve as a lookout.

Taroyn: Guest. Ditto above.

Jeredith: Guest, disguised as a well known politician. Ditto above.

----------------------

Taroyn and Jeredith spent a good deal of the time schmoozing with guests to learn more about opinions regarding the war. To see what Zida could be hiding, I completed a sweep of the upstairs and discovered an inhumane collection of illegal/contraband organisms he seems to be keeping as pets or on display. Later, Ergon keeps guests from going downstairs while Fisk and I swept the basement level. This is where we found the private locked office of our suspect. Upstairs, Gritz continued to serve food with powerful laxatives at the ready to cause chaos (this was a terrible idea, real lawsuit material, but I’m going to turn a blind eye to that for the sake of paperwork).

While Fisk was hacking into the terminal, we ran across a video feed of someone being held prisoner in a windowless cell. It was clear this was in the same building, as the cameras were on a single circuit that didn’t connect to anything off property. I reached out my thoughts and sure enough, detected faintly, thoughts behind a wall. With Fisk’s help we managed to get it open and found...none other than a man who seems to be our benefactor Remiel! (Remiel sent them on this mission, so someone is impersonating him!).

To no one’s surprise, at this point Zida was getting suspicious. Apparently this cued the use of the laxatives (good god). We thought people were on their way down, so to hide, I shut myself in the cell with Remiel and Fisk ran to hide in a bathroom. That’s... when Remiel got scared. He pointed at the wall, and out from the shadows appeared... a Stridermander.

THIS SESSION:

Chaos ensued upstairs as what I can only assume was the laxatives beginning to take effect. Meanwhile, I’m locked in a cell with the Stridermander and a too-weak-to-fight Remiel. I managed to paralyze him (Hold Person for two rounds), which gave us a chance for help to come and re-open the door. Fisk found us, and for a time, only the two of us held out against the monster, with Fisk...my poor comrade...taking the brunt of the assault.

Soon, I began to notice the rest of the party arriving. Taroyn attempted to distract Zida on the stairs, but fails, and in return he attempted to Charm her into leaving, but her newfound Borai state barely managed to help her resist his magic. At this point, I’m pretty sure she considered just icing the guy. (To which her player suggests ‘bonking’ him, but this ultimately does not occur. Nonetheless, art did.)

At this point, our entire team was engaged with the Stridermander. I ordered Remiel to run at his nearest safe opportunity, but he was too weak to risk the creature attacking him and stayed put. Ergon and Fisk continued to batter the monster with attacks granting me covering fire to escape the cell. But our troubles only got worse when I looked to see who’d joined us in the basement: fucking Zida.

Gritz, the trigger happy bastard, wasted absolutely no time and threw a powerful grenade which destroyed part of the house and hit Zida. Jeredith shot him with his poison gun and I could see him visibly suffer some kind of weakening effect. At this point, I knew... there was no going back.

If I didn’t act soon, Zida would be killed. Not only is this a bad look for me and unlawful given he hasn’t officially done anything wrong, but he is an even better chance at getting the information we need. The secrets stored on his computer were safely in Fisk’s possession...but the secrets in his mind belong to me. If only I can get him out of here in custody. I had no choice. Approaching him, I revealed my badge and explained that I am a Pact Steward and he was under arrest for the possession of illegal goods, trading of dangerous banned fauna, and kidnapping. I...may have overstepped in employing some minor mind control to compel him into compliance, but in this case...it probably saved his life. He complied, and as he fell to his knees, the static shield of Fisk’s armor terminated the Stridermander where it stood. For now the immediate threat is over...but our troubles have only just begun. TO BE CONTINUED...

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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Sadly no session AGAIN. It’s an important part so we want to make sure everyone can make it. I will try to do some art in the meantime. T_T We should pick back up this week.

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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Try to get my good side at least.

((Keph doodles during Starfinder))

#originalcharacter #oc #scifi #rpg #starfinder #keph #kephales #space cop #roleplayinggames #ttrpg #cosmic chronicles

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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I keep saying carrying a blender in your bag isn't weird!

-Keph

Slurries and Other Semi-Liquid Favorites, Better Homes and Gardens (1975)

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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No session this week (4/8/2021) due to scheduling conflicts, so sadly no new material. I will post some doodles of Keph I haven't shared yet though.

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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Thanks for always being there to help me pick out my outfits, Pad. I still do not get the point of colored ties. ((Little flashback to Keph’s late husband and their morning routine. It was handy having a normally sighted partner to help with things that mattered--like colors.))

#starfinder #keph #cosmicchronicles #cosmic chronicles #contemplative #ysoki #pad #roleplaying #dumb art #oc #player character #aliens #husbandos #keph cant see colors

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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((Sketches done during sessions. Ft. Taroyn the drow, Keph the contemplative, Fisk the ysoki, Ergon the dragonkin, and Gritz the goblin.))

#starfinder doodles #starfinder #starfinder campaign #cosmic chronicles #cosmicchronicles #drow #goblin #dragonkin #ysoki #contemplative #big brain #rpg #ttprg #tabletop gaming

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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Pad always had a way with words. Among other things.

((Human!Keph and Human!Pad because I'm a romantic sap.))

#starfinder doodles #starfinder #aliens #humanform #lgbtq #keph #kephales #cosmic chronicles #cosmicchronicles

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cosmicchronicles · 3 years

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En route to Absalom pt.4

"And if you ever want to talk, about your partner, religion, anything, really, I'm always here." She looked at Kephales and smiled for the first time since she'd died.

Keph nodded once, and it would feel like he returned the smile.

He closed the door behind him and floated down to his own quarters. He couldn't shake the feeling that it felt... good...to talk to someone again, even someone who was practically a stranger, and to close the gulf between himself and others. He let his mind stretch out to the ship, not listening to thoughts as much as noting where everyone was, feeling them go about their business. He tried to get a bead on overall morale.

As he reached the door to his own quarters -- tall doors with inconvenient buttons -- he stopped. Ever so briefly, a faint feeling of dread washed over him, like shutting the door behind him would cut him off from everyone entirely, he'd be alone. He felt his heart beat fast for one moment. But what were the alternatives? He looked back down the hall. No, he didn't have the stomach for sociability. It was too much pressure and inconvenience and awkwardness. He preferred one on one anyway, with all the time and attention in the world.

"I have all the time in the world," he said to the creature strapped to the chair, "And I can make it last for you. Stretch every second into eons of agony. Is that what you want?"

The creature shook its head, tight-lipped.

"You know.... this makes my job reealllly complicated on the paperwork side when I can't just get a confession the easy way. And that always puts me in a bad mood. No one likes it when I'm in a bad mood."

The creature spat at the brain. It knew if it opened its mouth, any words it spoke would be truth, no matter how hard it tried to hide it. It glared at him.

The so-called detective probed a little more, "You would rather die? Really? If that's so, then say so. Tell me the words, and I'll grant you that sweet release, then the truth dies with you, you're friends are safe."

Fear and pain wracked the figure's face as beads of sweat dripped down.

"Can't say it can you? Because the truth is... you'd rather not die. And you'd rather sell them out if it means you get to go free, huh?"

The restrained figure stopped thrashing and looked at Keph, tears in its eyes.

"Your choice..." the brain said.

The creature opened its mouth to speak.

Keph shut the door behind him. No, he wasn't in the mood for social fancies. There was a job to do, and now the lives of entire worlds hung in the balance. Nothing else matters anymore.

END

((A compilation of text-based RP between Keph and Taroyn))

#starfinder #cosmic chronicles #cosmicchronicles #keph #taroyn #contemplative #drow #aliens #scifi #rpg #roleplaying #ttrpg #tabletop gaming

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