conversations.from: system
conversations.value: **Part of the "Games For Beginners" series instituted by @erindubitably**.
  
  The year is 2489.  Mankind has developed poorly-explained FTL technology and taken to the stars, discovering a whole galaxy of adventure, riches and opportunity... and alien races who want to keep all of that for themselves.  
  
  You are a drifter, working odd jobs in exchange for passage and credits, never staying in one place--or on one ship--for very long.  On this particular day, at a spaceport in the Vega system, you see the following notice:
  
  "Extra hands wanted on the light cruiser *Shining Star*.  Applicants must be ready to start immediately.  Be strong, skilled--and, above all, discreet.  Inquire of Cpt. Ash Bourneville at East Dock 6-41."
  
  *Well*, you think.  *I suppose it couldn't hurt to take a look...*
  
  ---
  
  As the above suggests, players will be temporary crew on a small cargo ship called the *Shining Star*.  The captain, an enigmatic woman by the name of Ash--no one quite dares ask what it's short for, or even if it's her real name--runs a tight ship, but somehow even the most routine voyages seem to end in adventure...
  
  As a "Game for Beginners", this game is intended for people who have no--or very little--Storium experience.  Priority will be given to those with no games on their profile.  More experienced players **may** be accepted based on availability.
  
  This is not intended to be a long-running adventure with the same characters.  At the end of each chapter (7-8 scenes) I will be retiring the old characters and recruiting new ones.  This is simply an exercise whereby new Storium users can get a feel for the system and ask any questions they may have about the game.
  
  Feel free to use the Nature, Strength, Weakness and Subplot cards provided, or make your own if nothing fits what you want.  Keep your character description short and focused on who you are and what you can do.
  
  A Googledoc with a collection of helpful Storium links can be found here for your reference: http://bit.ly/11joV6t.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Captain Ash: Ash Bourneville, the stern but fair captain of the *Shining Star*.  Getting on her good side would probably be a good idea.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Miko Taverley: Ship's engineer.  In charge of the FTL drive and other handwaved technical equipment.  Kind of a 'joker', or would be if he were funny.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Doc McAffrey: On-board medical officer.  Generally uninterested in anyone who isn't bleeding or otherwise in need of his skills.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: V.A.L.: The ship's computer is home to a friendly, helpful AI.  No one knows what the acronym stands for, not even V.A.L.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sal Derrick: Communications officer.  Has a sharp tongue but a cheerful attitude.  When it **really** matters, she knows how to do 'the diplomacy thing'.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Find A Flux Capacitor: That... is that even a real thing?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Find Syringe Needles: Doc McAffrey is running low on disposable syringe needles. You never know when you might need some...
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Personal Items: Maybe there's something *you* want to take with you?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Alien Wanderer: Seeing the galaxy on humanity's credits, that's your main goal in life.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Technician: You have some technical knowledge and training, and can fix things when they go wrong.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Wanted Criminal: Galactic law enforcement wants to bring you in.  The only way to avoid them is to keep moving.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Former Soldier: You used to be part of an army.  Now you do any job you can find... but you still remember how to fight.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Interpreter: You know a lot of alien languages, and you travel the galaxy on a quest to learn even more.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Jack of all Trades: You've been travelling for a while now, and you've picked up all sorts of skills along the way.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Medic: You have medical training which, despite your life of drifting, you still know how to put into practice.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Free Robot: Most artificial lifeforms are property, but you belong only to yourself.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Drifter: One of millions of people who travel the galaxy, drifting from job to job.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Educated: You went to good schools and read a lot of books.  You know all sorts of strange and useful facts.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Diplomatic: Even in the most difficult situation, you always seem to know what to say.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Resilient: You are tough enough to deal with the hardships of life in space.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Observant: You notice little details that others might not.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Cunning: Sly and sneaky, you are strangely good at escaping from difficult situations.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Adaptable: You always seem to fit in well, wherever you are.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Intelligent: You have a sharp mind and excel at thinking your way out of problems.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Tech Wizard: If it's broken, there's a good chance you know how to fix it.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Experienced: You've seen so much in your travels that now it's hard to surprise you.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Friendly: You like people, and people tend to like you.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Reckless: You sometimes take chances that put you or others at risk.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cynical: You are slow to trust and always think the worst of everyone you meet.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Emotionless: You just don't feel things the way others do.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Morally Flexible: It's less about what's right, and more about what's right for *you*.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Stubborn: You're always right.  Why should *you* back down?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Naive: Sometimes you trust the wrong people, even if you *should* know better.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sensitive: Pain and stress cut you especially deep.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Socially Awkward: You're not especially comfortable around new people, and it shows.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Arrogant: You don’t wait for others to congratulate you; you’re happy to do it yourself.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Indecisive: An open mind is a good thing, but not if you never make any decision.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Explore: You want to see as much of the galaxy as you can.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Stay One Step Ahead: Someone - or something - is after you.  Don't let them get you.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Let Go Of The Past: You can't live in the past.  It's time to make a new life for yourself.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Meet New People: The best part of travelling is the people you meet on the way.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Make Your Fortune: You'll never get rich doing odd jobs - which is why you're on the look out for something bigger.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Learn Something New: There's a whole galaxy full of information out there, ready to discover.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Build A New Life: It's not what you're running from, it's where you're running to.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Have An Adventure: You just want something exciting to happen.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Indira Spaceport, Vega System: A busy, bustling spaceport.  The perfect place to arrange passage on a ship - or find a new job.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Tryrll: A shadowy alien, affiliated to some underworld organisation.  You don't want to owe him anything.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Keep Your Secrets: You just want to get on with your job and not get drawn into any sort of personal conversation.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Shining Star: A light cruiser run by a trading crew.  Has enough bunks for eight people.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Flight Deck: The most important systems on the *Shining Star* are here, including the ship's computer V.A.L.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Asteroid Belt: Full of rocks.  Not a great place to try to pilot a starship.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Ghost City: Something terrible happened here once.  But that was a long time ago, and now the place is deserted but harmless.  You hope, at least.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: National Data Repository: The true heart of Okarimba and its legendary source of power.  Also the resting place of Tryrll's datasphere.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Refuelling Station: Not really intended as shopping or tourist destinations, though it is not uncommon to find hitchhikers or vagrant workers in such stations.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: First Impressions: A team of strangers has gathered in answer to a job ad.  Introduce yourselves, and try to get along.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Find a Barrel of Vegan Wine: The wine produced in the Vega system is famed across this sector of the galaxy.  Can you find some for an affordable price?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Find a Memory Bank Upgrade: Keeping the ship's computer happy is important.  V.A.L. says it needs a memory upgrade.  See what you can do.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Disintegrator Certification: This document confirms that the Gurundhari Disintegrator on the *Shining Star* is officially licensed, and consequently that carrying it is not, in fact, a war crime.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Make Yourself Useful: Might as well do what you're being paid to do.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Keep Your Head Down: Don't draw any attention and maybe they won't make you do anything.  And, whatever you do, don't *volunteer*.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Get to Know the Crew: This voyage is less about money or work and more about meeting people.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Engine Room: Help Miko keep the ship running smoothly.  And try not to become the victim of any of his 'jokes'.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Med Bay: Doc McAffrey could probably use some help sorting through his records and reorganising his shelves.  Honestly, the med bay is a mess.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Galley & Mess: Kitchen and diner, to the uninitiated.  Not the most glamorous job, but the Captain will be grateful if you keep it clean and well organised.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Flight Deck: Here is where the route is planned and all communications are handled.  It's also home to V.A.L.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Technical Difficulties: V.A.L.'s translation protocol has a malfunction!  Can you manage to fix it or translate the alien's words yourself?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Okarimba: The planet called 'Okarimba' in galactic legend must have a designation.  Find it and figure out how to plot a course.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Optional: The Tale of Tryrll: So what really did happen between the captain and the demanding alien?  Why can't she deny his request?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Meet the New Crew: On this refuelling station, some new crew mates have been found for a dangerous mission.  Make them feel at home.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Supplies: Is there anything that you think either the ship or you need before the *Shining Star* leaves the station?
  
  **Play a Strength or a Weakness only**.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rumours: Stations like this are rife with gossip and rumours.  Most are rubbish, of course, but some might actually have some value.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Research: This place is hardly a mine of academic information, but when it comes to galactic folklore...
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Plasma Grenade: A G1 Plasma Grenade that probably fell off the back of a space freighter.  Good for blowing things up.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Coffee!: That's a lot of coffee.  You know humans like coffee, but robots and other machines usually don't. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Routine: (Newcomers) Learn the ropes.
  
  (Others) Get something done, teach the newcomers, keep the ship moving.  Or don't.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Asteroid Belt: The surrounding space is full of rocks of varying sizes.  One might think it would be a dangerous place to fly a starship...
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Evade the Pirate Cruiser: As the captain said, here be pirates.  You can outfly them or outwit them, but don't let them board the *Shining Star*.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Landing: You're finally here.  Wherever here is.  Now it's just a matter of bringing the ship down easy...
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Find the Data Repository: The sphere is in the "National Data Repository", which is somewhere in this forsaken city.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Landing Gear: What have you landed on?  And, more to the point, what can you *do* about it?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Power Grid: Don't blow everything up--and see if there is any use to be made of this mysterious source of power.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Data Sphere: Your mission is to retrieve it.  But where is it hidden?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Code Red: Make Contact: There are people here. That's surprising.  (Or is it?)  See what you can get out of them.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Find the Truth: There are too many mysteries here.  Figure out what's *really* going on.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Win Their Trust: The crew of the *Shining Star* don't have any reason to trust you right now.  Change that, if you can.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Security: The security system needs to be disabled before it sends deadly SP1-D3R droids to your location.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Data Sphere: Somewhere in this archive is the data sphere you need.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sirius Space Station: Primary spaceport of the Sirius system.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Honorable: You are duty-bound and would be able to keep the promises.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Charisma: I can easily meet and make friends with new people, and they instinctively feel comfortable around me.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Very Educated: Has more degrees than a thermometer.  Generally able to talk about any higher subject with more than a layman's familiarity.  You want this person on your Trivial Pursuit team, or on your team in general.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Uneducated: Your not a medic, the most you have ever done is field dressed soldiers to carry them out of a combat zone, what the heck do you know about hypodermic needles and sani sprays?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Questionable Reasoning: I don't have much care for your moralistic system of reasoning.  I do what I do for my own reasons.  If you don't like it, no skin off my back.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Selfish: Sometimes the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Connected: You know people in high places. Important people.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Efficient: Character can squeeze 25 hours of work into a 24-hour day and still have 8 hours left to sleep.  Very good at tasks like project management, seeing the best way from Point A to Point B in a project.  
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Determination: I can easily set my mind to something and excel.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: In the middle.: Stuck between a bickering rock and hard place.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Socially Awkward: Used to growing up in fairly cloistered, stable environments alongside bookish types like herself.  While she would have lots of interesting things to say at a cocktail party, she's most likely to sit in a corner and play with the cat while drinking Merlot instead. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Right time, right place: Yup, sometimes even a blind squirrel gets a nut... you just so happen to be in the right place at just the right time.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Polyglot: Epsilon6 is an advanced model companion droid, equipped with a comprehensive database of languages and communication protocols.  He can communicate with anyone, or anything.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Embedded Statistical Engine: The Measure-theoretic probability theory engine was added to the cortex of A.E.C early models. Allows them to compute the probability of events based on unit observations.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Compatible Systems: Some of Epsilon's true nature is revealed.  Epsilon is a synergy unit, able to adaptably connect any systems together, to work in concert.  
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sheltered Existence: While Pearl knows a lot about a lot of things, she has learned most of them from behind a book..or a screen...or the protection of a job.  This pirate stuff is scary!
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Science!: Here hold ma beer, and watch this ... I'ma try and Science!
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Fast Thinker: Despite the laid-back pace of most academic work, you can think fast on your feet when you really have to.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Self-Assured: Sometimes believing that you can do something is the first step to success.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Secretive: Sometimes the things you don't want people to know can cause problems.