An adventure for characters of levels 3-6. Will begin on May 27, 2022.
You start out in a Society ship on your way to the Grand Mezzanine.
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Blartle Doss sits on the ship, somehow sweating slightly despite the climate controlled confines of the ship.
He has the pieces set up for a game of Imperial Conquest and his fingers absently stroke his thick black mustache. He is a portly damaya Lashunta, his orangish tan skin and thick upright antennae poking out of a Blue and Orange Uniform that reads: Blartle Doss, Star Cop.
He appears to work for the Starfinder Society's fledgling local security forces and has both a segue (ok so its an enercycle but shhh) and a hauler bot.
He huffs hoping someone will join him for a game. ((This is a DC 20 Intelligence check to get some tactical bonuses))
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Varuthalla looks like an unusually tall and gangly vesk, with vivid blue and purple whorl colourations on her scales. After a few days together you notice that her whorls slowly move and change, reminiscent of storms on gas giants seen from afar, and her steps are oddly airy - almost like she's moon-walking in low grav rather than in the Standard Gs of the ship.
Over the course of your trip together she explains her father is a storm giant and her mother a vesk, who fell in love over their shared passion of explosive weaponry on the planet Pholskar. "The mystics and planar biologists say that hatching under the Plane of Air in a sky city to storm giant parentage makes me more Outsider than Material Planer, but...I never put much stock in that. Having shock-resistant scales - a gift from my father's side - has come in handy while manually rewiring, though. The exact breakdown of my planar genetics has never seemed very important for me to know who I am." She'd share a glance with any Veskarium crew while touching the three-blades symbol of Damoritosh around her neck.
During the starship journey, Varuthalla is most often found flitting from station to station, checking the readouts and engines, making sure the ship is in tip-top shape. Outside of that, she's probably spending long hours talking with other techies about weaponry: space-ohm-to-power ratios and overcoming Valmallos's Space-Law in technomagical circuitry (aka talkin' nerd shop.)
She'd look with interest at Blartle Doss's game and move to sit down and play, but then gets a ping on her wrist comm unit. "...hold me a seat? I need to take care of something first!"
Culture or Profession (Historian or Politician)
As your ship exits the Drift, you arrive near the Grand Mezzanine, a famous theater ship known for its opulent interior and fantastic acoustics. Floating near the Grand Mezzanine is an enormous dreadnought, the Talon’s Razor, captained by Tassada Kor. A comm from Tassada appears on your viewscreen.
“Starfinders! Good to see you. I’m glad you could make it! It’s not every day that the Veskarium celebrates such a powerful victory!” Tassada seems genuinely pleased, but her face soon grows serious.
“While this is a joyful celebration of vesk might, I have some concerns. I have reason to believe that the Pulonis Liberation Front has infiltrated this event and is planning some sort of attack to further their political goals. Why they can’t just accept the grace of the empire is beyond me. I’d have my military forces go in and put a stop to it, but I’m concerned that they’ll either set everything off early, or that the rebels will flee, and we won’t be able get any information about their next steps or leadership.
“That’s where I’m hoping I can depend on you. I know the Starfinder Society is interested in preventing a loss of life, so I want you to investigate and find evidence of the rebels’ plots. Prevent whatever disaster they’re planning and then report back to me. Will you help me? Do you have any questions?”
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Blartle Doss nods vigourously excited to have such a security related mission even as beads of sweat roll down his face
Yes! Yes sir. We will keep those crazy cats from knocking over a glass of water all over this event. Figuratively. And Literally too if that turns out to be their plan of attack.
He twitches his mustache and then...salutes unsure what to do with his hands.
Umm...What tactics do these cats usually employ anyway?
"We don't know what they're planning, but I am sure you will be able to get to the bottom of it."
Navasi greets the rest of the crew with all the underserved confidence of a young human. "No problems, Tassada Kor! We'll give this our utmost attention," she lies.
After Tassada’s answered all your questions, she provides them with her contact information before ending the call. Your ship docks with the Grand Mezzanine, and after presenting your invitations to the staff, you are led into the main ballroom.
The ballroom of the Grand Mezzanine is expansive and elegant, with a black ceiling covered in twinkling lights and soaring arches designed to look like ornate wooden structures. The soft, maroon carpet gently muffles the noise of the conversations between the event’s attendees. In the center is a massive buffet line, serving delicacies from across the galaxy. Double doors lead into the auditorium where the final show will be held.
Three people in particular seem to be centers of attention—a tall pahtra man who is clearly armed and wearing armor under his suit, a muscular vesk man in a suit with a prominent facial scar, and a pahtra woman dressed in the latest fashions accented with glimmering lights. Some of the attendees seem to be enjoying the complimentary beverages a little too exuberantly, stumbling and clutching at their respective partners for balance.
Phase 1
VIPs
Teret (0 successes, no information)
Kavadroz (0 successes, no information)
Miiyu (0 successes, no information)
Investigation
Auditorium (Computers or Engineering, not investigated)
Backroom (Diplomacy and Perception, not investigated)
Buffet Line (Sense Motive or Life Science, not investigated)
Security Office (Perception or Computers, not investigated)
In the center of the room is the massive buffet line, staffed exclusively by pahtra waiters except for one very tall, bald human man. Samples of various delicacies from across Near Space occupy the line, and you are free to enjoy the refreshments and mingle with the crowd.
Frinke notices that attendees who drink the green punch are acting unusual. A bit of investigating around the buffet line turns up empty packages of mild sedatives.
Tassada has already made arrangements for the Starfinders to be able to access the security office, and a pathra named Jex escorts Blartle in. He is able to determine that the security camera in the kitchen and loading dock areas are on a loop, rather than a live feed, meaning that security hasn’t been monitoring activity in those areas.
Navasi, looking sharp in her formal wear, sidles up Teret, who she thinks she recalls reading about as being one of the High Despots? She'll engage in all of the social niceties, in Vesk, hoping to get a read of him and his entourage.
High Despot Teret Cahan is the current leader of Vesk-3 and has been openly working to restructure the order of government to allow for more autonomy among the skittermanders he governs. Despite his progressive style of governance, he’s a loyal Veskarium soldier, known for his quick decisions in battle and willingness to lead by example. He stands apart from the crowd to the north, surrounded by his honor guard.
Navasi guesses that "High Despot" is as good a way to address him as any, and tries to get a read on him. It becomes clear that Teret is fond of his current base of operations, and skittermanders remind him of home. He also responds well to details and stories of personal ambition or feats of strength and prowess . Teret respects the sight of a team helping each other.
Varuthalla, remembering a performer from that time Starfinders shot up a bar, dons a disco ball tail and mingles with the guests. She sneaks a peek at the auditorium, and notices unusual wiring attached to the lights and speakers.
Phase 2
VIPs
Teret (0 successes, Influence with Acrobatics, Athletics, Bluff, or relevant Profession; skittermanders get +2; aid another grants +4)
Kavadroz (0 successes, no information)
Miiyu (0 successes, no information)
Investigation
Auditorium (investigated)
Backroom (Diplomacy and Perception, not investigated)
Buffet Line (investigated)
Security Office (investigated)
Like a graceful (social) butterfly, Navasi excuses herself, and moves on to introduce herself to Kavadroz and his group, trying to be friendly and likeable, but not make a huge impression. She'll try and get a read on him, too.
To the east, High Despot Kavadroz is currently being interviewed by the evening’s emcee, Twee-23, a femal android. Her drone is floating around his head, snapping pictures constantly. He seems to be holding up under the intense scrutiny of the interview.
Kavadroz is a storied vesk soldier known for both his brutality in combat and his experimental leadership style. When governing Vesk-6 he mimics the
leadership styles used on other planets and works to ensure that pahtra citizens are considered equals in the Veskarium. The citizens of Vesk-6 respect Kavadroz and recognize his efforts to improve their world’s political standing and create new opportunities for pahtra youth.
Kavadroz is interested in how various augmentations can help soldiers achieve their maximum potential. Kavadroz loves hiking and camping and eagerly swaps tips and stories with other enthusiasts. He is interested in scientific research and will engage in conversation with anyone with augmentations or drones.
Frinke tries to snoop around the back room, but is caught and gently guided back to the reception area before he can learn anything.
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Varuthalla joins Kavadroz's group, hoping to impress him with her augmentations. "High Despot, I have heard you are interested in combat augmentation performance for soldiers? I've had my natural weapons graft for several months now, and the way that it enables my weapons research is fascinating..." She'll go on about weapons R&D and it's in-field uses as long as anyone's listening.
Varuthalla shows off her shiny claws, nearly startling the drink out of her skittermander companion's hand, and the high despot is duly impressed. During the conversation, you also realize that Teret is used to being respected.
Blartle tells Kavadroz a story of some fancy flying he did, and demonstrates how his darkvision implant helped him on the run.
The vesk loves the tale, and adds a few of his own. Blartle also gleans that the high despot does not enjoy idle chitchat.
Phase 3
VIPs
Teret (1 success, Influence with Acrobatics, Athletics, Bluff, or relevant Profession; skittermanders get +2; aid another grants +4; disrespect adds -2 penalty)
Kavadroz (1 success, Influnce with Survival, Computers, Engineering, Piloting or Diplomacy)
Miiyu (0 successes, no information)
Investigation
Auditorium (investigated)
Backroom (Diplomacy and Perception, not investigated)
Buffet Line (investigated)
Security Office (investigated)
Navasi will continue her grand tour of the VIP section, laughing amiably at all the right moments as the joins the group around Miiyu.
Miiyu is a young and newly debuted pop star, most widely known for appearing alongside Strawberry Machine Cake on their recent single “Magical Ribbon.” She carefully conceals details of her personal life, but she has mentioned in interviews that she was born and raised on Vesk-6 by a huge extended family, where she traveled around learning to play several instruments while also developing her singing and songwriting talents.
Miiyu is very proud of her home, and not because of the Vesk. She takes genuine interest in others and loves to hear personal anecdotes or stories about achievements
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Varuthalla mingles from Teret over to Kavadroz to talk mechanized warfare. "I hear the Veskarium is doing wonderful things with mechs on Vesk-6 these days - I'd love the chance to see some of your blessèd battle cores!" She makes sure to show off her combat natural weeapon graft augmentation as well.
Varuthalla has a discussion about mech combat with the vesk high despot, who seems very interested in the soldier's insights.
Frinke's tricks don't seem to impress Teret much.
Blartle sidles up to Miyuu and shares an amusing story about life on the beat.
It's not the best he's ever told, but he finds an enthusiastic audience regardless.
Phase 4
VIPs
Teret (1 success, Influence with Acrobatics, Athletics, Bluff, or relevant Profession; skittermanders get +2; aid another grants +4; disrespect adds -2 penalty)
Kavadroz (2 successes, Influnce with Survival, Computers, Engineering, Piloting or Diplomacy)
Miiyu (1 success, Influence with Bluff, Diplomacy, and Profession; +2 or -2 for how you name her home planet)
Investigation
Auditorium (investigated)
Backroom (Diplomacy and Perception, not investigated)
Buffet Line (investigated)
Security Office (investigated)
Navasi will do her best to sweet-talk her way into the Backroom, flashing whatever credentials from Tassada Kor we have, and then scope out the place.
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Varuthalla knows the odds aren't in her favour, but she'll try and get to know Miiyu anyways. In deference to her wishes, she'll avoid saying "Vesk-6." With Navasi's info, Varuthalla thinks she has something in common with Miiyu, and will try that approach.
After polite introductions and trying to explain that although she looks like a vesk, Varuthalla is actually a Sylph - owing to storm giant parentage and her clutch of eggs being reared coterminous with the Plane of Air, she's as much elemental as she is vesk.
"I have heard that you come from a large extended family on, ah, Pulonis, Miiyu, and that your musical talents were inspired by them? That is wonderful to hear - I too am following in the career path of my parents!" And then she'll talk about how her parents' love of destructive weaponry inspired her own career, really trying to hit the "wholesome, familial" notes more than the "kaboom explosions pachoo pachooooo!" notes :D
A small door to the west leads to the staff areas of the Grand Mezzanine. Normally these rooms are off-limits, but Navasi encourages the waitstaff to gossip about the VIPs, primarily focusing on Miiyu. The staff is eager to report that she’s truly kind and gracious, and stubbornly refuses to stop calling Vesk-6 Pulonis, even going so far as to correct Kavadroz during a conversation.
The envoy spots a discarded keycard that looks different from the other staff badges. She takes a closer look at the card and confirms that it’s a hastily made copy of the master keycard, meaning someone with this card could access any door on the ship.
Navasi is 100% going to use Bluff to try and cause a Diversion, so she can grab that copy of the master keycard.
"OHEMGEE Miiyu is going to do an impromptu a capella version of her Strawberry Machine Cake single?!?"
Miiyu is a bit taken aback at Varuthalla's descriptions of the pew pew at first, but the story of Cousin Billy invading the chicken coop with a tactical assault tree branch draws a smile. Eventually, she lets down her guard and admits how important this show is to her hopes of greater unity between Pulonis and the Veskarium.
Blartle somehow convinces Kavadroz that using technology to do as little work as possible could be of use tothe high despot.
Frinke makes another attempt, and now that he is warmed up, Teret appreciates his nimbleness and grace.
Navasi liberates the fake keycard.
End of Influence Phase
VIPs
Teret (2 successes)
Kavadroz (3 successes)
Miiyu (2 successes)
Investigation
Auditorium (investigated)
Backroom (investigated)
Buffet Line (investigated)
Security Office (investigated)
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the story of Cousin Billy invading the chicken coop with a tactical assault tree branch draws a smile.
"...and by then, of course, the only way the S.W.A.T. Team could disarm the hyperchicken was with a cavalcade of gravity grenades! Oh ho ho ho! Everywhere its entrails went, in little antigrav floating blobules! Ah ha ha ho...So anyways, tell me about your kitty grandma."
Oh - speaking of grenades - at some point in the past, Varuthalla used her grenade mastery class feature to make a Mk. 2 Mindspike grenade.
Lastly - should we report back to Tassada Kor, or the ship's security, about what we found? Hacked security feeds, copied master keycards, spiked punch, faulty stage wiring? Sounds like something's afoot.
“Hey, Starfinder team? This is Jex from security. Tassada forwarded me through to you. Listen, I don’t have much time to talk, but we need your team down in the starboard staff area as soon as possible. The ship’s crawling with wolves, of all blasted things. My team is busy keeping the guests calm and evacuating staff from the area, so we could really use your help. Ping me when it’s all clear. Good luck!”
The staff area is starkly different in appearance from the main part of the ship, with the soft carpeting and draped walls replaced by polished metal flooring and holographic reminders about food safety. The hallway past the automatic double doors is wide enough to allow for large carts and groups of staff to efficiently move around. This area is well-lit with a 20-foot-wide hallway, allowing you to glimpse the empty cages at the end. An overturned cart blocks the center of the hall, the sumptuous meat and cheese boards it once held strewn over the floor.
Round 1 - bolded may go!
Varuthalla
Frinke
Blue
Blartle
Navasi
Red
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Varuthalla jogs over to the security check to throw on her armour and other gear. As she rendezvouses with the rest of the Starfinders, she hops onto comms: "Jex, Varuthalla - say again: did you say wolves?" She shares a look with Blartle, Frinke, and Navasi as she talks. After the initial incredulity, she'll also tip Jex off to the other security concerns we've uncovered. "And don't let anyone get on the auditorium stage - the wiring has been tampered with!"
Entering into the Wolfhall, Varuthalla brings her new toy to bear on the wolves. "Someone is going to be real upset about these charcuterie boards, but I am so excited to try out this new cannon in live fire!" There is an unmistakble glee in Varuthalla's eyes as she hefts her shiny new singularity cannon. Everyone can hear a deep bass thrum as much as feel it in their chests as the gravity projectors in her cannon hum online.
The stunt fails, and Varuthalla destroys a nice cheese to go with the nice wine she destroyed on Vorlath. The explosion engulfs the creature, though.
It ducks behind an overturned cart.
Round 1 - bolded may go!
Varuthalla
Frinke
Blue (-4 HP)
Blartle
Navasi
Red
Life Science to identify.
Frinke takes a shot at the nearer wolf, but only manages to hit a nearby piece of salami.
The wolf, finding it too dangerous to eat the stationary food, goes after the meal with the guns.
plus Grab
It takes a bite out of Frinke, but can't maintain a grip.
Round 1 - bolded may go!
Varuthalla
Frinke (-4 SP)
Blue (-4 HP)
Blartle
Navasi
Red
Navasi hits the Blue Wolf with a Get 'Em (+1 to hit) and then steps into a covered firing position for next round, drawing both pistols as she goes.
"We can't let these beasts ruin the VIPs' experience - think of the olive cart!