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A cluster of sleek black computers rests against the far wall of the meeting room. The Starfinder Society emblem at the center of the server cluster shines and begins projecting a stream of holographic light. The light takes the form of humanoid figure bereft of any definition, standing at the end of the meeting table closest to the servers.
“Greetings, I am Guidance. I have a new assignment for you. Please observe.”
The projection gestures a flicking hand to its side, and a stream of data detailing an outpost made of interconnected circular chambers scrolls beside it. “One of the Pact Worlds’ most prestigious organizations, The Church of Desna, recently discovered a dataset detailing the location of an outpost abandoned over two hundred years ago. The organization has requested that the Starfinder Society dispatch a team of agents to secure the site, along with any remaining equipment or data. Your team will travel to this outpost and retrieve as much information about it as possible. You should also salvage any relevant equipment, which the Society will take as part of its payment. If you have questions, now is the time to present them.”
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A tall, armored android sporting a red and blue motif eyes the holographic form closely through his helmet visor. After a moment's time, Aegis-9's deep, commanding voice bellows, "Greetings, Guidance. Just what equipment is it that you expect us to find? And do you have any further intelligence on this... outpost? When was it last heard from? And why was it abandoned?"
Aegis-9's voice remains professional, but those who know him may sense that it is almost accusatory in tone.
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Kal Kinggunner is a tall, even by Vesk standards. He carries a very large gun.
"I would not expect you to be able to pronounce my name, so you may call me Kal the Kinggunner. They call me this because of my gun. But of this outpost- who lived there before? Is this a Desnan outpost, or something else?
"Sir, I think my diagnostics can wait. This hologram is telling us our orders." The little bot then turns to the rest of the party. "I'm sorry for my masters rudeness. My name is Extension and this is my master..."
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Guidance responds. "The planet itself is of low-gravity, but standard atmosphere. The outpost itself is a prefabricated modular outpost made by Veylen Enterprises. These outpost models used to be quite common. However, the presence of unfamiliar modifications is very possible."
The hologram turns to Aegis-9. “The exact reason remains unknown—and part of the reason you’re all needed to investigate the site. Records indicate the outpost confirmed its arrival and establishment with the hiring organization, but since then there have been limited communications. No reports or responses have been received in over two hundred years.”
Guidance address Gizzmo-5. “There is limited data on the planet’s inhabitants, if any. As always, endeavor for a peaceful first contact, and keep the reputation of the Starfinder Society and the Pact Worlds in mind. Beyond the environment of the planet, it is unknown what threats may exist at the outpost. You should prepare for many possibilities, such as pirates, large predators, hostile native cultures, or supernatural events.”
“For this assignment, you have been authorized use of a Drake or a Pegasus starship. Both starship frames can complete this assignment. Please consider the following advantages when making your decision: Drake frames have greater firepower, whereas Pegasus starships are equipped with advanced science labs and sensors. As always, to optimize the chances of completing the assignment, it is recommended that each Starfinder team choose a ship that covers any area of weakness. However, the final decision is based on your personal preference. Safe travels.”
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Vylet pipes up for the first time from the back of the room. "Oh, we definitely should definitely take the Pegasus. They're much faster ships. A lot more fun to fly, you know?"
After a brief pause she speaks again "Oh, yes, sorry! Where are my manners? I'm Vylit! Desna is my deity so I'm really looking forward to this mission wit you all!"
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Vylet pipes up for the first time from the back of the room. "Oh, we definitely should definitely take the Pegasus. They're much faster ships. A lot more fun to fly, you know?"
After a brief pause she speaks again "Oh, yes, sorry! Where are my manners? I'm Vylit! Desna is my deity so I'm really looking forward to this mission wit you all!"
"Salutations, Vylit." Aegis-9 responds. "If you are to serve as the pilot for this intrepid crew, then I will defer to your preference in choosing a vessel."
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Drift travel takes about a week and you arrive at the system. As the destination planet appears on the starship’s main viewscreen, alarms suddenly blare. A slender form emerges from the distant void, slithering from out of the planet’s shadow. It moves directly toward the starship, as if drawn to it.
You identify the initial scans of the creature coming toward the ship as a spacer legend known as a Besmaran whelp. The name is a catchall title for a wildly diverse group of immense space-dwelling aliens, which scientists are still researching if they are one species or several. For the most part, Besmaran whelps have a long wormlike body, two appendages, and a narrowed tail, and they typically feed on energy—their favorite meal being the power cores of starships. Otherwise, they vary wildly in appearance.
See MAP for starting positions. You are the red token. Also the slide deck has all the updated DC for Starship combat.
As you do your initial scans and prep, the creature moves with unnatural speed towards your ship.
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"I've never seen a starship like this! And it's charging straight at us"
Vylit attempts to evade.
Little unclear on whether we started facing left or right, but either way our ships will end port arc to port arc (if we started facing left, we'll get to the further left position on the map, if we started facing right, we'll get to the other marked position).
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When last we left our adenturers...
You have been sent out to investigate a lost colony for the Church of Desnea. After an uneventful trip though the drift you have neared the planet of the colony only to be beset upon by some space creature. The open position and volleys were a miss, but with a recent maneuver, one of the guns land on the left flank of the creature, but it seems to have had some type of energy barrier that flashes
"Let's try to see what we are dealing with." says Aegis-9.
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After a few rounds of out maneuvering the creature, the starfinders are able to force the creature to retreat.
As the party approach the planet in their starship, you notice a dangerous storm that interferes with the ship’s sensors. The storm’s erratic movements and intensity make it too dangerous to land inside.
The storm seems to be consisting of some type of hellfire. Fire imbued hail pelts the landscape.
Landing the ship in a safe location you make your way on foot towards the coordinates. As you travel you notice to humanoid (two arms, two legs and a head) and their softly glowing luminescent skin watching you from a distance.
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"Hold!" Aegis-9 notes. "It appears that we are being watched. Stand back. I will use the universal greeting."
The android steps forward with a friendly gesture. He says in a slow, calculated manner, "Bah-weep-graaaaagnah wheep nini bong."
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"I am better with animals than people, but I will try to help." Sliver tries the languages that he knows to communicate with the pair of spectators. If that doesn't work, he'll start using techniques he would employ in placating a wild animal. Eventually, he'll move into trying to convey actual thoughts: I am True Silver. Who are you?; What is your species?; Take us to your leader.
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The figures cautiously approach. The seem to not be takan aback by Aegis's greeting, but more confused. They are more at ease with True Silver and he is able to sense a similar curiosity from the beings.
They turn to each other and speak quickly, then the two approach the Mystic. Their bodies glow and softly strobe. As if to beckon you to follow them.
Gizzmo and Vylit can see signs of smoke and faint lights in the direction that the beings want to lead you.
The two are very curious and also somewhat in awe of True Silver. They keep seem to be asking questions about who, what, and where.