Following the instructions sent to your comms or datapads, you've made your way to a meeting room deep within the Lorespire Complex. This small room contains a simple set of dusty, rainbow colored bean bag chairs, all arranged in a circle. In the center of the circle is a beautifully rustic looking picnic hamper. An inspection of it's contents reveals an assortment of baked goods to meet many different alien palates, plus a small assortment of bottled drinks. A bottle of "Zo Refreshing!", a Zo!-branded soft drink, catches your eye amidst the other options.
A cluster of sleek black computer servers rests against the far wall, emblazoned in the center with the Starfinder Society emblem.
A small notecard affixed to the basket states "Please be seated and relax until all are here."
Altronus takes a look at the array of snacks but chooses not to reveal his face to try any. He instead chooses to stand to the side with his lower arms clasped behind his back and his upper crossed over his chest.
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Gear grins and grabs some Zo!, tipping it up and drinking it down. She turns to her bot standing next to her with it's face screen and strikes a pose.
My Favorite Drink! #Not-a-Sponsorship #Could-be-a-Sponsorship #Call-me-Zo!
She turns and projects a data stream into the air from her wrist mounted rig. A voice sounding reminiscent of a butler says.
That generated a few thousand hits ma'am. Your popularity seems to be holding steady ever since your appearance on Live Explore Extreme!, though I do wonder if you might have better things you can be doing than posting photos to the infosphere.
Gear snorts.
Old man, I have never been this popular in my multiple lives. Let me enjoy it.
Everyone’s favorite Starfinder, Keskodai, enters the room, procures some refreshments, and moves towards an odd shaped chair that accommodates his peculiar leg and lower body structures. Before he sits, Keskodai spots an old friend, ”Altronus! Old friend of ours. Not long ago was our Commencement!”
Soon after Keskodai enters, 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 a shimmering, green humanoid figure bereft of any definition, standing right next to the picnic basket in the center of the beanbag chairs.
“It seems that we await only one more agent, who we must assume will be along shortly. To most of you, there is hardly need for any introductions. But for you, Master Longbottom, greetings, I am Guidance. You are in the company of an assortment of distinguished official Starfinder Society Agents. I can only encourage you to complete your own Commencement and obtain the same official status.” The hologram seems to fold it's arms together and nod, though it is hard to tell with the rough flickering form.
"As for the assignment, please observe." The projection gestures a flickering hand to its side, and a stream of data fills the air to its side. The datastream describes in patchy detail the founding of an outpost on one of the myriad semi-hospitable planets in Near Space. “Ulrikka Clanholdings recently discovered a dataset detailing the location of a lost outpost, one they founded and lost contact with over two hundred years ago. The Clanholdings have come to us with this news in hopes of contracting the Starfinder Society to secure and explore the site. As they have promised the Society an equitable share of any information and resources discovered, your Venture Captains have agreed."
The hologram sweeps its hand and brings up a grainy image of a planet. "Your team will travel to the planet that holds this outpost, Colony-752. Once there, locate the 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.”
”Are there any competitioning agencies that are awarenessed of this opportunity?”
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An incredibly plump ysoki runs into the room as the hologram appears. "SORRYSORRYSORRYSORRY! I'm so sorry I'm late!" He leaps and collapses into a beanbag chair, hands propped up on his large belly. He seems equal parts embarrassed, comfortable and excited. When Guidance calls him out, he looks at the ground with flushed cheeks. Those nearby can hear him mutter, "It was a field commission, I'm a real Starfinder, I swear."
After the presentation, he pulls a full size chocolate bar from his pocket and starts munching. "What can you tell us about this Ulrikka Clanholdings?" He looks around, embarrassed again. "I don't think I know them..."
"And I agree with 0689. Do you have more information about why they lost contact with the outpost? Or anything from the dataset?" He looks down at his datapad. Last time the Society sent me to somewhere they lost contact with, it didn't end up well. Those poor Kasathan sailors..." After his questions are answered, the ysoki introduces himself. "My name is Piggy. And this is my pal, Porker! Get in here, boy!" Into the room clanks a rather large drone. This oddity is quite memorable, with the body of a beer barrel, entirely painted pink. The front is fashioned into a head resembling that of a pig, a species native to the lost Golarion. Within the mouth can be seen the muzzle of a very large gun. "Say hi, little guy."
The drone's mouth drops open, fully showing the tip of a heavy azimuth artillery laser. A mechanic voice, nearly a drone, leaves a hidden speaker. "OINK."
"Good to see you again Keskodai," Altronus replies with a small bow.
After Guidance's speech he asks, "Just how hospitable is this semi-hospitable world?"
"Is it also then semi-inhospitable?"
Guidance answers each question as it gets it, starting with 0689. "The dataset recovered by Ulrikka Clanholdings contained the coordinates of the lost outpost and records of its sparse communications with the Clanholdings main headquarters. All such contact ceased 200 years ago. The Clanholdings have not seen fit to explain how they have rediscovered this dataset, but Historia-7 has submitted a theory that poor data management led to its loss and a lucky check of their own archives resulted in the find."
"According to the data provided, the outpost housed fewer than forty individuals, likely most of them employees of Ulrikka. They have stated that this outpost was a sponsored prospecting site searching for deposits of rare minerals. Ulrikka Clanholdings sponsored many such tiny outposts on the outlying worlds of Near Space."
To Keskodai, Guidance answers "By the best available information, the Starfinder Society is the only organization that has been hired to explore this site on Colony-752."
Guidance's hologram wavers a little, glitching into the picnic basket before correcting itself. It turns to face Piggy and Altronus "As mentioned, the dataset contains records of communications between the Clanholdings and the outpost. We have parsed these records, and unfortunately the exact reason for the loss of contact has remained unclear. This is part of the reason you have been chosen to explore the site. The last remaining communications confirm that exploratory mining operations had begun in earnest and that the planet had some promising results."
Guidance's voice changes to a more masculine tone as it continues "Colony-752 is a low gravity world, approximately 1/3 Pact Standard, covered in a Pact Standard breathable atmosphere with minimal harmful volatile species. Environment logs suggest most of the surface rocky and dry, and records indicate that lighter-than-air lithic species are common ." The hologram seems to nod at Keskodai's assertion "The provided dataset does mention one very dangerous localized magical phenomenon. Magical storms build and roll across the surface of the planet, dragging the lighter earthen elements out of the world's crust and into its atmosphere. Within these storms, a hail of rocks of all sizes is possible. Despite this harsh environment, the logs indicate a wide variety of local life forms, including a single intelligent species. Unfortunately, no detailed information on any of these aliens is available."
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"Wow. Sounds exciting! I mean, mildly dangerous but hey! That's the Society." The ysoki manages to remove himself from the bean bag's clutches and stand. "Hopefully they didn't mine to deep and unleash some ancient evil. Or disease." Piggy shivers then crumples up his finished chocolate wrapper. Taking a shot at the garbage can, he tosses the trash. "Well, does anybody need to make a stop before we hit the ship? By the way, Guidance, which ship are we using today?" That being said, he hops atop his drone, patting the robot on it's pig-like head.
Guidance turns to Piggy. "The Drake and Pegasus frame starships are always available. The Drake's firepower may prove useful if you encounter resistance, but the Pegasus is equipped with advanced science labs and sensors. Our records indicate that you have access to another ship as well. As experienced agents, this choice is fully up to your own preferences."
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Gear nods and stands.
Alright team... let's do this!
Hero of the Stars [Starship Boon] When put to 0 hull, recover 5x ship level, max 30, cross out boon afterwards.
▫ ▫ ▫ Faction’s Friend (Social Boon; Limited Use): By assisting various factions of the Starfinder Society, you have proven yourself as a dependable asset. By slotting this boon, if you would fail to earn Fame at the end of an adventure by failing to fulfill a success condition, you can check one of the boxes on this boon. Doing so reminds your current championed faction of your past exploits, and you still earn 1 Reputation (but no Fame) with that faction as if you had successfully fulfilled the condition. You can use this boon only if you would also gain at least 1 XP for completing the adventure.
Starfinder [Slotless] Gain Starfinder Icon with hidden tier 1 datapad, DC 20 to find
Marked Field Agent (Slotless Boon): Having met the amalgam of intelligences known as Guidance, you have successfully completed your induction into the Starfinder Society. The Society offered you a subdermal implant as part of your commencement. You receive this augmentation for free.
SOCIETY SUBDERMAL GRAFT
SYSTEMHand
MODEL LEVEL PRICE
Single 1 150
This implant rests underneath the skin of the palm of one hand, or at the end of a tentacle or similar appendage in species that lack hands. The augmentation can be activated or deactivated mentally as a swift action. Activating the implant causes a rendition of the Starfinder Society’s symbol to glow underneath the skin. This augmentation acts as a mark, letting others know you are a member of the Starfinder Society. It also increases the light level within 5 feet by one step while active.
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"I've ridden on the Sunrise before. It's an excellent ship. That would be my vote! " The plump Ysoki smiles and nods. "When we get settled in, I don't really care where I sit. My favorite spot is the Engineering bay, but the Science lab and the Pilot's chair aren't bad either! I've even fired the guns a few times! " He looks around, happy to wait till others lay claim and take what's left over.
"I am not the most usefulness of my species aboard a ship, however, I am not completely without familiarness in a couple areas. Science, or gunnery are likely my most usefulness roles."
"With an intelligent species out there, and no real records, this could rapidly turn into a first contact situation. Are any of you familiarity with such?"
"My experiences at piloting have been successful, but not overly impressive."
"My leadershipness is not bad."
Guidance flickers and dissipates as you begin discussing your virtues and weaknesses around starships. 0689 keys into his communicator and contacts his allies, discussion the need to borrow the Sunrise Maiden for an important mission. Soon enough, your team leaves the Lorespire Complex, heads to the Society-reserved section of the star dock, and sees the Sunrise Maiden in all her glory. With Guidance clearing everything with station security beforehand, you're out of the Station and into open space in no time.
"I've found that the only position I'm very helpful at is gunnery. Fortunately I may be of more service in a first contact situation."
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Lucky's already on board the Sunrise Maiden as the rest of the Starfinders arrive, "Did I miss anything interesting in the briefing? Seemed like it was going to be pretty standard so I thought I'd get to know Sunny here instead." She reaches up to pat the hull with a slight chime of metal on metal.
"I'm happy to crew the turret since we've got plenty of people for the engines and computer. "
”Captain Keskodai! I like the sound of that! Let’s see, it goes like this.” He acts like he is clearing his throat, which seems rather comical given his insectoid biology. ”Now hearing this. The Captain is speaking. I am wanting us to up-ship in 10 minutes. There are to be floggings!”
As Colony-753 lies in Near Space, Piggy locks in the co-ordinates and engages the Drift drive. Once in the iridescent kaleidoscopic landscape of the Drift, there's nothing to it but to get cozy and wait. days later, the Sunrise Maiden emerges into conventional space, Colony-753 within less than a day of sub-Drift flight.
Your long range scanners reveal a brownish-red world covered in turbulent clouds, exactly where the co-ordinates said it would be. At this distance however, even the fairly effective scanners of the Sunrise Maiden can't pick up specifics.
As Piggy starts moving the Sunrise Maiden closer, 0689 spots something peculiar on the scanners. A large mass, drifting out from behind the shadow of the planet, and heading straight for the ship! Something... BIG.
To facilitate that, I'll be rolling the piloting checks for 'initiative' each round for both parties. Once those are done, each player should declare their crew action (order doesn't matter: helm, engineering and gunnery phases can be done simultaneously) and I'll try to decode them in a way that makes sense. After 24 hours are up, I'll resolve the actions that both sides have taken + provide 'initiative' piloting rolls for the next round. As in normal combat, I'll skip anyone who doesn't post within 24 hours of the round starting, unless they've specifically given me botting instructions.
When you move the Sunrise Maiden across the map, please copy the GREEN arrows provided on the map to show the path of the starship's movement for that round.
Round 1 Initiative:
The Sunrise Maiden has won initiative, so I've moved the whelp first. Please remember to indicate your ship's path with the green arrows.
Note that you can sub someone in to temporarily take 0689's role (as Science Officer) for the round if you want to be able to roll Life Science to ID the creature. Making this Life Science check doesn't take any additional crew actions (you can still take a Science Officer action as normal for the round). If you beat the DC by 5, you can ask for information about an additional category: Offenses, Defenses, Special Abilities.
If you have questions about Starship combat and what actions you can take, check the 3rd party Starfinder SRD. Also keep in mind that the DCs for many actions have been adjusted in the official Starfinder FAQ
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"IT'S A FRICKIN SPACE SHARK! SPACE SHARK OF DEATH!" Piggy starts hyperventilating in the pilot's chair, holding onto the armrests. "Porker! Chocolate!" The drone waddles over with a king size chocolate bar in it's mouth. A few bites later, and the ysoki is calm once again. Determined, even. "Alright, well, let's kill this thing."
He taps the intercom and shouts at the science lab. "Yo, Oh-Six-Ate-Nine! What can you tell me about Jaws over here? I'm guessing I should stay away from those teeth..." He changes the com to direct to the gunnery. "Our rear gun is the best, so I'll get him in view for ya!"
Piggy smoothly slides the ship past the space-monster, ending up behind the beast. Ooh... I hope that tail doesn't shoot lightning. That would be bad... He throws a little juke out, just in case.
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"Well. That's one off the bucket list..."
Staring in disbelief, Lucky jerks back into action as she tries to catch the Shark in her crosshairs as they slide past.
"Hey Piggy, rear arc is good, but if we keep him in the sides we can open up with the front Gyrolaser too! Guess we'll see how tough its hide is..."
Altronus isn't completely sure what a shark is but this creature is interesting in any case. A shame he has to kill it.
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"I was RIGHT! It's a freaking space shark!" Piggy looks a little closer at the monitors and sighs. "Well, a Besmaran whelp, to be more precise. They typically feed on energy. LIKE OUR SHIP!" He smashes his fist against the pilot's chair, accidentally crushing, and melting, the remainder of his chocolate bar. "SHOOT IT SHOOT IT SHOOT IT!"
Keskodai is so excited, both for seeing such a creature in space, as well as for commanding his vessel in combat. "Lay those guns on it, and fire!!!"
Round 1 Results (spoilered for readability):
Gear successfully diverts power to the weapons systems, supercharging them!
Piggy engages some evasive maneuvers with ease, weaving the ship back and forth in case the whelp has some kind of projectiles.
The Whelp successfully does the same!
The whelp thrashes about, frustrated by the speed and evasiveness of its prey!
Current Sunrise Maiden Status:
HP: 55/55
Shields (F/P/S/A): 15/15/15/15
Current Whelp Status:
No damage taken.
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Round 2 Initiative:
Whelp wins initiative. Go ahead and move the Sunrise Maiden first!
"Lucky, are you listened to me? Keep trying Starfinder!"
Round 2 Results (spoilered for readability):
Gear once again diverts power to the weapons systems, supercharging them!
Piggy sits back and relaxes, confident that the whelp has been left in the Sunrise Maiden's space dust.
The Whelp executes a tight turn, spinning to follow the Sunrise Maiden as fast as it can. Soon it's right on the ship's tail!
A sudden surge of plasma emerges from the creature's starship-sized gullet and pours in a poorly directed wave at the Sunrise Maiden. Piggy snaps out of his complacency and dives the ship down to avoid the attack!
Current Sunrise Maiden Status:
HP: 55/55
Shields (F/P/S/A): 15/15/15/15
Current Whelp Status:
No damage taken.
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Round 3 Initiative:
Whelp wins initiative. Go ahead and move the Sunrise Maiden first!
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Piggy grits his teeth as the whelp gets closer. Melted chocolate coats his hands, and then the intercom as he speaks to the whole ship. "Hold onto your butts! "
Piggy WHIPS the ship around in a tight circle, fully taking advantage of the small ship's maneuverability. "YEEHAW! " The Ysoki turns in his chair a little to address the captain. "Bossman, have you heard anything from Zero? I'd love to know if this was the stupidest thing I could have done. " Looking out the window, it quickly becomes apparent that the ship is now directly behind the tail of the death-shark-in-space.