GD VII: Redelia's Scoured Stars Invasion (SFS, tier 5-6) (Inactive)

Game Master Redelia

Hi, please dot and delete, and we will get started on August 13. Please also stop by the discussion thread and provide the information requested there.

dot

Le dot

sorry I'm behind, trying to figure out my first pbp setup, I have a physical sheet but need to get everything updated here

And so it begins!

First Seeker Elsebo Luwazi clears her throat and makes an announcement to all of the gathered Starfinders as they slowly trickle in. “Starfinders, we stand at the precipice of momentous history, and I want to thank you all for making it possible for us to be here today. The Starfinder Society has spent the last year recovering from the Scoured Stars incident, our greatest defeat in recent history. We are finally ready to return to the Scoured Stars, find out what happened to our missing colleagues and friends, and rescue any survivors we can find. Report to your stations and lend your assistance to our fleet by performing the final preparatory tasks. More instructions will come shortly.”

Table GM's. You are good to go on the introductions and preparation.

As she speaks Tolar takes a knee, Bows, Then stands again.

Justin rubs his beady red eyes while sitting outside of the waiting room. Its hard for those ruby red orbs to appear more bloodshot than they already are, but he seems to manage it somehow. Between that and the bedraggled state of his fur it looks like he slept in front of the meeting room waiting... probably because he did.

"Dad always say idiots study strategy, amateurs study tactics and professionals study logistics. He also usually swore about bean counters so... Not sure if this makes me a professional or an idiot. Professional bean counter?" " despite having the tag from the starfinder gift shop still on it, the dimensional portal strapped to his tail is already showing its first creases. He pokes his head around inside and takes stock checking everything, not that there's a chance of anything being out of place with a numbered and color coded card catalog. "Arrows, for dad. Every battery they had in the store, One mobile hoteler. Enough food for a small army. Some heavy rounds for mom. One potion of... okay that is the LAST time i tell them "send me one of everything" to someone that gets paid on commission

Grav looks around nervously at the number of Starfinders gathered, looks down at his hands and appears to start counting with his fingers one at a time

"Hey guys? How exactly are we planning on getting all of us out there? The Pegasus and Drake can't exactly carry this many of us, can it? Oh hey, hey, hey! We should get closer to the front just in case they got some sweet new rides for us to take out there! wouldn't make a ton of sense to put all our nuts in one basket with a capital ship after all, and I want to make sure we get a GOOD ship for this. You know, one that I can really push the engines on without having to worry about that weird shake I always get with the Pegasus... plus the pilot's chair pinches... "One size fits all" yeah right..."

Grav adjust his backpack strap slung over his shoulder as he starts pushing to the front of the crowd, blocking the view of his shorter allies behind him and accidentally bumping other Starfinders with his Advanced Tactical Doshko, seemingly shimmering with a small force effect as it bumps into people.

"I suppose you can't Just borrow some of Royo's books to sit on. Auntie Fitch's Master of Stars might be an option. And if you need to fit all of your nuts somewhere and you have one large basket, you use one large basket. Oi hey, don't push up. We'll get there at the same time. " he still follows the wake of the bull to a better seat though.

After a long voyage through the Drift, the bulk of the Starfinder fleet has arrived at the outer reaches of the Scoured Stars system. Several immense carriers form the core of the fleet and contain docked transport ships, fighter craft, and scout vessels. Each of the stored ships contains armor, weapons, provisions, and other equipment. There is an almost palpable feeling of tension and excitement as hundreds of Starfinders aboard the central carriers prepare themselves for the mission. Ahead, a shimmering veil of golden energy conceals the three stars known to be within.

Venture-Captain Naiaj, a no-nonsense bleachling gnome, approaches with a datapad in hand. "Do you have all your gear? Are you ready? Good. Now let’s help our fleet get ready for the final journey into the Scoured Stars. But first, tell me your names and what special training you have so we can assign an appropriate task for you to assist with."

During this time, you can try skill checks to gain bonuses later. You will be helping a faction head or other known leader of the Society with various preparation tasks. You may aid another if you would like. You may try various factions if time allows, but may only try once with each faction.

Dataphiles, Diagnostics, Computers, Engineering, Perception, or Profession(Electrician)
Venture Captain Naiaj, Engine Check, Engineering, Piloting, or Profession(Electrician or Maintenance Worker)
Acquisitives, Equipment Check, Engineering, Medicine, Perception, or Survival
Exo-Guardians, Missile Tube Cleanup, Acrobatics, Athletics, or Profession(maintenance worker)
Venture Captain Arvin, Morale Boost, Bluff, Diplomacy, Profession(any relevant), Sense Motive
Wayfinders, Threat Analysis, Engineering, Life Science, or Mysticism

Please choose one and roll your skill. I'll give you the flavor of the request and a bit of story after your roll. After I respond, you can do another check if time allows.

Justin takes a few deep breaths and will Go help Auntie Fitch with engineering

engineering: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37

"Well, you look like you can squeeze in places with a wrench a little better than I can Justin, I'll stay over here and help pass you tools as you need them though!" Oh, and I can hold this flashlight for you too. Such a pain working with wires when I can't tell which colors are which in the dark, amiright? "

Grav will use engineering to help with any engineering task Justin moves forward with

Engineering Assist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Grav would be most interested in next leading the efforts to help clean up the missile tubes leading with Athletics, or leading the engine check with Piloting even thought it looks like smacking everything with Justin leading in Engineering has a higher chance of success. Also is it an issue if the assists come posted out of order like my assist for Justin above?

His face illuminated by the golden barrier ahead, a slightly disheveled human man rubs the stubble on his jaw. "...scope's a lot bigger than I've done before. But so are the stakes, I guess. If there was ever a big break, this would be it."

As Naiaj asks for ID, his face suddenly becomes relaxed and confident. "I would've thought you'd know me by now, V-C. Reynold Malkin, field agent, special training includes getting out alive and remaining dashingly handsome while doing so." Seeing the gnome be utterly unimpressed with his efforts at charm, he smiles sheepishly. "I, uh, will just go make myself useful then."

As he walks, he pats the nuar and ysoki on the shoulders. "Don't get your fur too greasy, friends. We've got a long mission ahead, and I don't want to be smelling engine oil the whole time if we're on a boat together." Meanwhile he connects to his comm unit and puts a single earpiece into his left ear. "...yeah, I can hear you. I downloaded the files, but I'm gonna need you to walk me through some of this. Alright, let's make like eggs and get crackin'." Manifestation of Reynold's Elite Hireling Boon.

Reynold makes his way over to Venture-Captain Arvin's station, and starts telling humorous stories to the crew to set their minds at ease. "I'm telling you, after what I've seen in the field, if this mission doesn't have space ghosts ripping me across the air, flesh-eating larva bursting out of exploding corpses, or unstoppable Drift Storms barreling down on derelict ships we have to escape, I'll honestly be disappointed. The Society has a certain standard for bone-chilling danger to uphold, and I just don't see this assignment living up to snuff."

Venture-Captain Arvin, Boost Morale, Bluff with Expertise: 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 16 + (3) + 1 = 38

nope, that's not a problem. We have to be a little flexible about stuff like that considering our format.

Her nose and whiskers twitching, Fitch, leader of the Wayfinders, reads something on a large screen in the science lab while her children operate other consoles and devices. "Hey, can you help me with something? What we have here is a database built from references to creatures in travelers’ logs and fragments of communication signals that were sent from the Scoured Stars before the force field appeared. Sift through the info and take notes on what kind of threats we might face." Fitch then pats one of her nearby children on the shoulder. "See this red guy here, Kirkath? Your notes should be: This is a balor demon, if you see one… RUN!"

Justin, with a bit of help from Grav, easily fulfills Fitch's request.
I'll list all your rewards together at the end.

Dataphiles, Diagnostics, Computers, Engineering, Perception, or Profession(Electrician)
Venture Captain Naiaj, Engine Check, Engineering, Piloting, or Profession(Electrician or Maintenance Worker)
Acquisitives, Equipment Check, Engineering, Medicine, Perception, or Survival
Exo-Guardians, Missile Tube Cleanup, Acrobatics, Athletics, or Profession(maintenance worker)
Venture Captain Arvin, Morale Boost, Bluff, Diplomacy, Profession(any relevant), Sense Motive

Justin Easily puts the pieces together with a rapid stacatto of satisfying clicks as the database comes together. Once the database is up he puts a small pin sized computer up to it.

"Thoth. Add file. Play it. One last time. One way or another."

A small holo projection of a fluffy, almost spherical black rat with glittering jet eyes grins at the camera, large teeth right up against the lens.

"Hey baby bro. Out here exploring the Universe with mom and dad the camera pans over to the back of a pair of chairs, and small paws wave over the sides "Hope you have fun in Fitches nursery su... " the message ends with a bright golden glow.

Which check next, everyone?

Which check next, everyone?

I rolled a 38 Bluff check for Arvin earlier. Can we as a group only do one at a time, or can we do different checks simultaneously?

Ah, we cross posted, sorry I missed that.[/ppc]

Venture-Captain Arvin briefs the PCs in the access corridor
just outside the bridge. "Many Starfinders, especially newer recruits, fear what might await us in the Scoured Stars. Talk to your colleagues and see if you can lift their spirits. You have my permission to be creative— pep talks, jokes, or playing some music through the comm system are each valid options."

[ooc]Renold, that is the highest level success possible.

Dataphiles, Diagnostics, Computers, Engineering, Perception, or Profession(Electrician)
Venture Captain Naiaj, Engine Check, Engineering, Piloting, or Profession(Electrician or Maintenance Worker)
Acquisitives, Equipment Check, Engineering, Medicine, Perception, or Survival
Exo-Guardians, Missile Tube Cleanup, Acrobatics, Athletics, or Profession(maintenance worker)

Grix wanted to lead an atheletics check to clean the missile tubes so..

Justin looks at Reynold "Really? A species that secretes urea from their skin as a cooling mechanism is going to complain about the smell of engine grease... Okay, missile tube cleaning. All the ramrods Seem to be in use " he grins.. "Don't get too greasy huh? "

With that he starts stripping naked. " The more on my fur the less in the tubes when we get done hold him still I'll give him a hug. "

this is only a d20: 1d20 ⇒ 12

+10 to assist if i can use acrobatics
-1 if I have to use athletics as well

[b]"Better get these weapon ports cleared out, too much scoring and debris jammed up in there could leave us dead in the... well... in the nothing! Looks like these guys haven't exactly been keeping up with their PMCS... let's see if I can get these missile tubes cleaned up and pumping out happy little packages of destruction as intended. Anyone wanna gimme a hand? I can't quite reach the crud all the way in the back..."[b]

athletics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

I was going to try fixing my formatting above with the missing / in front of the b and realized I didn't know if it would also change the roll result, anybody know?

The roll is stuck when you make it so go ahead

Renold, that is the highest level success possible.

Like a moment straight out of D,D,&MD (21:20).

No worries, happens to me all the time. And after all Reynold has invested in Bluff, I certainly hope he'd get the highest success possible ^_^

Reynold flips his hair back as the crew becomes a little more relaxed. He finds his furry friends working on the missile tubes. "Justin, that was more info than I or anyone in the Pact ever wanted to know about human cooling systems. Here, I'll help give you a boost."

Athletics (aid another - Grav): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"After this we should check in with Boss Radaszam."

You meet with Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians, in the missile bay. "Hey! Thanks for showing up! I’ve got a special mission just for you! See those missile tubes? I need them checked to make sure that there’s nothing obstructing missiles from being launched, so could you climb or crawl in and have a look? I’m pretty sure it’s safe and we won’t accidently fire you into space!"

With the whole team working together, you easily get the tubes cleaned.

Dataphiles, Diagnostics, Computers, Engineering, Perception, or Profession(Electrician)
Venture Captain Naiaj, Engine Check, Engineering, Piloting, or Profession(Electrician or Maintenance Worker)
Acquisitives, Equipment Check, Engineering, Medicine, Perception, or Survival

Helping the nuar down from the missile silo, Reynold works his way toward Radaszam's station. "Systemically working through equipment to see if it all works, I take it? Seems boring and only fit for tech nerds who, if otherwise unoccupied, risk assailing laypeople with unrequested knowledge of human bodily functions. Jusitn, you're up!" He winks at the ysoki.

Engineering (aid another - Justin): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"Some of us can multitask you know. Have you ever noticed how the half in half anything is half human? I can't decide if your weird DNA adapted itself to everything because you .... "

He steps out of an airlock for a moment, prestidigitates himself, then puts his armor back on and steps back inside without stopping. Dirt is funny. Except when its in electronics.

".. or if your DNA is somehow aware of that and thats why you " there's the sound of a motorized screwdriver thankfully covers up what was next. The rodent mechanically repeats the same process over and over going right down the starfinder manual checklist. With Ziggy as inspiration he puts on some Star Sugar Heart Love to work to.

engineering: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37

His hands fly on their own, doing the work without his brain getting in the way. Which is probably for the best, as his brain it absolutely frazzled from this mission.

(if we're good for time, should we wait for the people who have lives to pop on and check?)

Grav takes the pilot seat and starts firing up the engines to an idle state to unlock the thruster controls "Hey, don't forget to check the thruster linkages to make sure they can twist freely, if we don't have a full smooth range of motion we won't be able to pull some of the more 'exhilarating' moves!" Grav twists the controls hard to the port pausing to wait on the visual inspection before turning them back to the far starboard

Assist Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Am I too late to help here? If possible, I'd like to assist Historia-7 next."

Keskodai has no Engineering, I'm guessing we can't Aid with the other suggested skills.

Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives, waits for you in the cargo bay. "As you’ve probably surmised, things might get hairy once we’re in the Scoured Stars. Ain’t no glamor in this task, but it’s important—check these weapons, armor, medical supplies, and survival gear, and replace any faulty gear so we all might just make it back home alive."

Malkin and Grav help Justin, and you are quickly able to do all the work Radaszam has for you.

Since you're so close to done, I'm going to post the intro text for the next one before you roll.

Historia-7, leader of the Dataphiles, shows you the carrier ship’s science station on the bridge. "Thank you for your assistance. Once we jump into the Scoured Stars, we will need to scan the system to locate any survivors from the previous expedition. Please check connections and run tests on the ship’s computers to ensure the sensors, comms, and other critical systems are running without glitches."

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31
"From what I can see, I think all the screens and sensors are working correctly now."

"Speaking of the biological weirdness of humans, did you pick up something to help with your night blindness or do you need help with that? " he huhs....

Assist Keskodai. Can't miss

"Did vesk acquire the slang for hairy after invading Vesk III? "

Keskodai, with a bit of help from Justin, is able to test everything Historia-7 asks.

The team then goes to see Venture Captain Naiaj. She takes you to the hangar bay. "All right, let’s get to work. See all these ships here? Work with the chief engineer to check the engines of these transports, fighters, and scout ships, and help her make any necessary adjustments."

as a reminder, you can use Engineering, Piloting, or Profession (electrician or maintenance worker)

Reynold cracks his knuckles. "Alright, let's see how well these little birds fly." He smiles at the nuar. "Probably better with a bull in their heads, right? That makes sense."

@Grav: Did you say you'd like to take the lead on Piloting? I'll assist you.

Piloting (aid another - Grav): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Justin bobs his head slightly and turns around, his tail whipping at Naiaj's ankles as he hurries over to the ships. He checks in and gets to work going through the test protocols with methodical precision.

Engineering: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38

He taps the phlogsten aligner with his wrench three times "Alright grav give him some clophirium"

The conversation with VC Naiaj is broken as Grav noisily drags a large Ammo crate with the stenciled word "MISSILES" across the side in Vesk.(Emergency Resupply Starship Boon) "Oh hey VC Naiaj, you're looking... good? You really need to take a vacation to Akiton sometime, get a little color." He continues dragging the crate towards one of the ships Oh, we totally called dibs on this one, just bringing some extra gear that I... found... on board. Hey Justin, you want a hand doing the engine checks on the other ships? Always easier with one in the cockpit.

Engineering Assist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Tolar helped but seemed a bit sluggish. As if still in awe that the culmination of so much efforts are coming to fruition.

His hireling assists with the Engineering.

"Busy Busy"

Most people avoid him while he works since he is playing loud Dark Elf heavy metal at full blast.

Justin is blown across the flight deck in a white furry ball , rolling to a stop as he smashes into Tolar's feet, prehensile feet danging down over his snout.

"It WORKS! BUT NOW I HAVE THIS GOD AWFUL RINGING IN MY EARS. DID WE HAVE A LIVE CAT STUCK IN TH " ...he pauses and looks at Tolars speakers "Never mind "

Some of the other teams nearby give Tolar dirty looks, but most continue to ignore you.

Soon, you finish all the work Naiaj has for you, so you go to find a place to rest before the rest of the mission starts.

We have over a day before the Overseer will move us on, so I would invite you guys to talk to each other as you rest a little. In specials it sometimes seems like you don't have a chance to get to know the other characters.

When the work finishes Tolar shuts off his music. Mostly. Sometimes it plays odd adverts for upcoming albums or concerts.

"I'm Tolar. My queen bids us to find the missing Starfinders. If it makes her happy then I am happy."

Even for a Kasatha Tolar is tall. And he has clearly had a few enhancements since you rarely see Kasatha with such muscular limbs. His armor looks like a walking advert for the group abbyshead.

Justins foot snags onto Tolars arm and gives it a shake, which he uses to curl himself into a ball and uncurl rightside up.

"Justin Norveg. Sanitation, engineering, and childcare on the Master of Stars . When they say mandatory downtime do you think they mean... " He starts to head back towards some more tools that need inventorying, catches Naiaj's eye and slinks back behind Tolar. "Right. So... what do real field agents do to unwind before a mission? Wait... your queen? Since when do Ksatha have a hive structure. Or a monarchy. "

"We don't. But I swore fealty to her when she saved me. I listen to music to unwind."

Tolar starts to fiddle with his com then changes his mind.

"Oh hey, I like music too! I didn't before, but Ziggy really seems to love this Strawberry Machine Cake stuff and it's sort of growing on me." Grav pops a physical copy of the Star Sugar Heartlove Album into a small player and plugs it into the Ships Announcement PA system, tunes it to Track 5: Sugar Rush and continues his pre-flight checks "S..U..G..A..R Jump into your racing car, Say Sugar Rush. Sugar Rush hey! Tolar what did you bring? It's gonna be a long trip I bet, I'd like to hear some of your fav's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmWnpV8BmcQ

"Grav, do you know long will the trip be? I'm not particular fond of confined spaces, there's only so much new things to show Chk Chk. And any trip without sightseeing may not worth be the trip at all."

Justin is at perfect height to wave to little Chk Chk in his ball and make funny faces , puffing his cheek pouches ALL the way out and lolling his tongue out of his mouth, the ratfolks face even further distorted by the refraction of the ball.

profession babysitter: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

As Grav puts on the Strawberry Machine Cake album, Reynold rolls his eyes. "Everybody and their brother is obsessed with this noise. After that concert in the Diaspora, if I never hear this band again it'll be too soon. At least I'll be able to look out into the vacuum of space and dream of its beautiful silence." Despite his vocal disparaging of the music, Reynold makes no move to leave the room, and observant Starfinders occasionally catch glimpses of him mouthing words or tapping his foot to the beat.

"Its a shame you cannot hear the whoosh of the planets, the delicate notes of their orbits, the twinkling of distant stars, the intricate symphonies of colliding galaxies as they spin through one another. Its very enlightening. "

Justin pontificates on the noise of space without missing a beat on his silly face collection His big finish is "Peekaboo!" and gulping the transparent sphere into his cheek pouch for a moment before returning it.

Grav answers a call and quickly rushes off the ship where he meets up with a burly Vesk carrying a handful of batteries and a large Laser rifle that looks like it got pulled off a small armored craft. After exchanging currencies Grav re-enters the ship with the rifle and batteries and heads towards his quarters to drop them off.

"Heh, normally I prefer getting up close and personal with folks wishing to do harm, but this is just planning ahead. Normally I'd just take one off the first person that got in the way, but this feels worth being better prepared for in advance. Speaking of which you guys got everything you're gonna need before we head out? Last time this journey didn't turn out so well, so who knows what could happen."

"I don't know what else I could buy. I'm prepared to find injured pathfinders low on ammo and supplies so i've got " he leans into his own tail , his head vanishing into the dimensional portal and echoing weirdly "A bunch of healing potions, food, a mobile hoteller, every tool kit in the catalog, a few gems of comprehend languages that I hope someone else can use, enough food for a small army, more than a few drinks... . A little bit of every kind of ammo including arrows for Da..any of those old fashioned pathfinders. 500 UPBs if we need to make something. Pretty much everything but a portable med lab, but they're expensive and ah uhm.. somethingikindadoanyway. I mean, i don't entirely trust magic but its far better at healing people than anything but a full on hosptial. I THINK some of these are the same bullets I first went into the field with, and armors no good unless you get the REALLY good stuff "

Yes, Justin absolutely is a packrat.

Suddenly, every screen aboard the Starfinder fleet switches to show nominated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo standing next to a golden obelisk about two feet in height. Behind her, a large observatory window showcases the Godshield, a shimmering force field surrounding the Scoured Stars system. Luwazi Elsebo slowly lifts her eyes from the artifact and addresses the Society.

“Starfinders, this is the Tear, an ancient artifact some of our most skilled agents recovered during a recent mission. The Tear is our key back to the Scoured Stars—our key to liberating those who were lost a year ago. We are ready, so let’s not waste any more time.”

Luwazi Elsebo speaks a few words in an alien language and the artifact start humming softly. She then traces her finger along the artifact’s surface, and a set of glowing runes appear around the obelisk. The golden field surrounding the Scoured Stars starts twisting upon itself, and massive gashes appear as the force field starts tearing itself apart. As the final shreds of the shimmering field evaporate, Elsebo speaks: “It is time. Good luck, Starfinders. Fleet—activate Drift engines! Go!”

One by one, the ships of the fleet pierce the veil between the Material Plane and others, splashing through space like it was water, and then vanish into the swirling depths of the Drift.

*****

Whisked away through the Drift, the Starfinder Society fleet spreads across the three solar systems that form the Scoured Stars. The ships begin scanning the planets, asteroids, and other objects orbiting the three distinct stars. The fleet’s long-range sensors soon start picking up communication signals, energy signatures, and signs of life. After a quick analysis, the Society has identified a few locations where information on the lost Starfinders is most likely to be found. After nearly a year of waiting, the search for survivors can begin!

Table GM’s conclude your preparation phase and you are now set to start Part 1.