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Originally a tactical frame, the android you see has remnants of military purpose, but many components (legs, portion of torso, tactical HUD, etc) have been either replaced or hacked into at some point in the past. What was once an android built for defusing or laying down bombs now appears to lack any functionality in that area. Cables and wires drape from various access ports and a variety of input jacks are present on its forearms and chest. While some androids seek to appear as organic as possible, this android has taken no effort to hide his mechanical background. Remnants of carbon fiber "flesh" are present over portions of the body, including the face, but the majority is an unadorned metallic chassis. Various sections have been sliced into and re-wired or grafted with various hardware. Overall, its look is not unpleasant, but has more of a practical look to it. Certainly no one would mistake this android for a human. As with most androids, his expression and tone of voice are absolutely flat and nearly impossible to read.
Greetings, I am J-class ordinance drone, model one-two. You may find that it is more efficient to utilize the designation Jord-1-2 and are welcome to use it. The prospect of exploring an abandoned station is intriguing. I have detailed files on computer programing and ship's systems prepared in my memory storage. Unfortunately my ordinance and most small arms sub-routines have been deleted and many of my more robust servos in my limbs have been removed to make space for data storage and access junctions , so I cannot offer much in the way of martial support. I will endeavor to support those of you with more...physical prowess by gaining access to any computer systems that we may encounter. End transmission.
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An unusually short and clean kasatha enters the room. She carries utilitarian armor and gear, save a thin caduceus staff. "Dr. Buse, reporting," she says briskly, turning to the android. "I see sufficient defense has been provided. But what does the mission call for? I made my way over as soon as I heard of an assignment."
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Patter, patter, wiiiiiiish...!
Her little clawed-feet resonate on the floor, before she slides into the room in a rush, leaving a little line of red Akitonian dust in her wake.
"Hullo hullo, everyone, Sparks, here!"
The young, small, delicate, and immaculately white - except for the rust-colored dust on her rear paws - Ysoki salutes.
She looks around, sniffing the air, her beady black eyes glistening eagerly as she checks out the Lashunta ; the robot-- err, android ; and the kasatha.
"Greetings! Are you the passengers? I'm here to pilot some ship... I think?"
She carries nothing at all, not one piece of equipment on her furry body.
"Oh, I'm Sparks, by the way!"
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Uli Mawborn saunters in a little after the meeting time, stretching his oddly proportioned limbs with a series of pops. He's a ball of compacted muscle, shaped like a somehow more squashed dwarf, but with hairless skin the color of a banana that hasn't quite gone bad yet. He's dressed in some sort of skin-tight gear designed to cut down wind-resistance that cycles between a series of colors that don't so much clash as declare all out war.
He fiddles with his walking stick as he gives the rest of the agents a skeptical look.
"Huh. Buncha weird aliens in the Society now I guess? The name's Uli Mawborn. I just made it back from the Scoured Stars, and I'm looking to get back into the swing of things. Seems like we've kinda fallen on hard times though, right?"
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You are on Absalom Station at the Lorespire Complex, just as Uli asks about the hard times, and before anyone can answer you are ushered in the office housing Guidance, an amalgam of uploaded Starfinder consciousnesses. 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 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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Just as Sparks was going to greet Uli, she moves with everyone into the office... backtracking out to wipe her feet.
"Sorry!"
Before zipping back inside with the others.
She follows the whole presentation with awe, thinking: Isn't this something!
Though she is burning to ask questions, she looks around to the others in the room, realizing these will be her colleagues on some... adventure!
And she waits for these more learned people to ask the questions.
She oggles Uli, just back from the Scoured Stars no less, thinking that: He must know what to ask...
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A large and muscular Vesk walks in with an equally large artillery weapon slung over his shoulder.
Sorry I'm late, got a little lost making my way around this station. I'm Drogo.
He looks around the assembled pathfinders and whistles in an oddly reptilian way, I'm always amazed at the variety of life, or robots, the pathfinder society collects together. Impressive and so different from my upbringing. So much to learn from..... I'm honored to do battle with you!
So, what did I miss? If something needs blown up, I'm your guy!
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Buse surveys the group a bit dispassionately overall. Still, she looks at Uli with some interest. I've never seen anything like him in person. Is he...no, he can't be a dwarf.
Aloud, she asks, "I assume we're in the the dark regarding the cause of loss for contact. Is there anything we should know about the planet it lies on?"
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A Male Damaya Lashunta walks calmly into the room with the others and restrains a large grin on his face.
Hello, my fellow travelers. Sorry for my delay in getting here. A little misunderstanding caused a delay. My name is Caldar and I am glad to meet you. I'm glad to see a good assortment of our finest gathered today and feel that regardless of our requested task, that we will be successful. I look forward to working beside you all.
He then gives a bow and awaits further discussion of the briefing.
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Guidance addresses Drogo, At this time the data is inconclusive whether demolition will be required, however your size and frame should aid in savage efforts.
Then to Dr. Buse, 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. The records indicate the site is locate on temperate grasslands, and that Colony-753, has a fairly standard breathable atmosphere and normal gravity level. So the planetary environment should not provide much adversity. But 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 even supernatural events. We simply do not have data to accurately predict what you may encounter.
Do you require additional information?
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Sparks looks up at the large and muscular Vesk, and his large weapon.
I'd be more honored if he did battle with others, she thinks.
"Greetings, Drogo. I'll drive you to whatever you want to blow up!"
Sparks bows in return to the Lashunta : "I too look forward to working beside you, Caldar."
Having listened intently to Guidance, Sparks looks around... before raising her paw: "Well, if I may..."
Then she counts various points with her little clawed fingers:
"I imagine the name of the 'most prestigious organization' is classified?
"Is there anything important as to where the dataset was discovered?
"What do you mean by large, in regards to predators?
"How are we to travel to Colony-753?"
Having arrived at her fourth and last finger, she stops.
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Guidance addresses Spark first question first, Not at all, the organization in question are the Knights of Golarion. This is a religious order that protects Pact World races. The outpost was intended to give them a monitoring station to guard the colonies established in the area. Apparently, an archivist within the organization was investigating a set of files that had been designated low priority around two hundred years ago to identify if they could be purged from their data cloud. However, a long abandoned outpost with little to no explanation raised a concern with her, and soon thereafter they brought it to us in to assist. As to large predators, the dataset contains no record of predators at all, however several recent missions to under explored plants has indicated it is something all Starfinders should be ready to deal with.
Guidance then produces two holograms of starships side by side, 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. Now unless you have other inquires, I’ll provide you with a customary farewell at this time. Safe travels.
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"Thank you, Guidance."
Looking at her companions, Sparks smiles: "We're setting off on an adventure together! So long as there are no predators, it'll be exciting. We're off exploring, which is what us Wayfinders do. That's my fam... faction."
Sparks looks over the information on the Drake and Pegasus: "We want the fastest one, right?"
Promotional: Promotional Record Keeper (SFS Player Character Folio) 1/session to either:
• reduce the Resolve Point cost of resting to regain Stamina by 1 (down to 0 RP), or
• reduce the DC of 1 starship combat check (including gunnery) by 4
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Jord-1-2 watches in a detached manner as the other alien creatures enter, at most he returns a nod if anyone actually greets him. As an android, he is (unfortunately) used to being ignored. However, as soon as the party enters the room and Guidance buzzes to life, Jord-1-2 stares transfixed at the hologram and, even more, at the cluster of computers. Even though his face is poorly designed to express emotions, it is difficult to miss his open awe at what he sees. By the maker, this creature is consciousness in it's purest form. How I would desire to attain her level of perfection. She is nearly pure information without any burden of a physical form. I should return after this assignment and learn as much as I can from her. He thinks. Then composing himself he addresses the bank of computers (ignoring the hologram).
Guidance, Jord-1-2. For what purpose do you send us to this outpost. I can not conclude any rational goal for uncovering the cause of the demise of a colony after loss of contact for over 200 years. Is there greater justification for the Starfinder Society to utilize the resources of these agents? If none exists, I will still comply in order to obtain the knowledge of this lost sector. The pursuit of information is justification in itself. End transmission.
After hearing the party discuss the selection of the ship, Jord looks to Dr Buse, nods and says simply: Knowledge is power.
Social: Faction's Friend
Slotless: Starfinder Society Care Package, Marked Field Agent, Star Sugar Heartlove!!!
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Guidance, have any other outposts in the are of this missing one been attacked or have lost contact? Do we have any info on the Knights of Golarion that would give an idea of enemies they have, competing organizations, changes in leadership or things along that line? As for the ship, whatever you guys want is fine by me.
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Jord 1-2, the reason for the mission is multi-faceted. First, it may provide the society with useful resources salvaged from the outpost. Next, success will enhance our standing with the Knights of Golarion, good allies are always useful. Finally, exploration and discovery are at the heart of our organization and this fits that objective.
The Hologram turns toward Drogo, I am unaware of any other outposts near Colony-753. The Knight of Golarion are a military organization with strong ties to the Pact Worlds, the church of Iomedae, and the children of the missing planet Golarion. They are dedicated to promoting justice and righteousness in all its forms, spreading their goddess-granted understanding of morality throughout the Pact Worlds and beyond. I am unaware of any specific enemies or competing organizations. As far as, I'm aware the Knights are a very structured organization and definitive hierarchy. I do not believe they have experienced any significant disruption to the current leadership.
Starship Roles
Captain - Uli (Intimidate +6, other aid skills)
Pilot - Sparks +12, Uli +10, Caldar +6
Engineer - Jord +8 , Calder +7, Uli +7
Science Officer - Jord +10, Caldar +9, Dr. Buse +5
1st Gunner - Uli +6, Sparks +5, Drogo +3, Jord +3
2nd Gunner/extra Science Officer - Dr. Buse +0 guns
STARFINDER SOCIETY PEGASUS TIER 2
Medium explorer
Speed 10; Maneuverability good (turn 1); Drift 1
AC 12; TL 12
HP 55; DT —; CT 11
Shields basic 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Forward) light laser cannon (2d4)
Attack (Port) light laser cannon (2d4)
Attack (Starboard) light laser cannon (2d4)
Attack (Turret) coilgun (4d4)
Power Core Pulse Green (150 PCU); Drift Engine Signal Basic;
Systems basic medium-range sensors, crew quarters
(good), mk 1 duonode computer, mk 2 armor, mk 2 defenses;
Expansion Bays cargo hold, escape pods, science lab,
tech workshop
Modifiers +1 to any two checks per round, +2
Computers, +1 Piloting; Complement 4–7
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You board the your Pegasus class starship and begin your journey to the abandon outpost on Colony-753. After spending 16 days in the drift, the sensors inform you you have arrived at the destination system. As the colony 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.
Following the excellent lead of my GM from the SFS PbP special (our very own Uli!), that was passed on by other excellent SFS GMs. I'll be condensing Starship combat a little to get it running more smoothly.
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 everyone has posted, 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 a reasonable timeframe (usually 24ish hours of the round starting), unless they've specifically given me botting instructions.
As the form approaches the Science Officer performs some initial scans.
It's a space monster of 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!
Piloting Initative
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As the journey is very close to the maximum possible time it could take, the crew might wonder if the pilot is not trying to milk this and make it last as much as she can in order to spend as much time as possible at the helm of a Drift ship.
You see that Sparks also is used to weaving her little paws in the air and mumbling words, to cast a spell, in order to create a small flimsy crash helmet, that she wears while piloting - the helmet disappearing after an hour or so...
"What the?!... by Ibra's mysteries, that is one great looking spaceship! Let's go check it out", Sparks squeals, totally slipping in her duties, and letting the incoming "vessel" gain the upper hand.
"Forward at half-speed!", Sparks calls out, and proceeds to move closer to the inbound object.
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As Uli spies the beast in his viewfinder, his face splits open into an unpleasant grin.
With a meaty hand, he grabs his helmet from where he has it clasped to his belt and slaps it on his head. "Game time!"
**thmp thmp thmp** The rhythmic sounds of the coilgun don't sound particularly defective, but you'd never guess that from Uli's response.
"What the hell is the UI on this new targeting software?! When did we switch to AbCorp Vista, and who do I kill for it?!"
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You can encourage another member of the crew to give her a bonus to her action. This works like aid another, granting a +2 bonus to the check required by a crew action if you succeed at a DC 10 check using the same skill. Alternatively, you can grant this same bonus by succeeding at a Diplomacy check (DC 15). You can’t encourage yourself.
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During the trip, Caldar continues reading his large assortment of books and didn't even notice that the trip took as long as it did. However, when the alarms starting going off, he ran to his computer terminal to see what the fuss was about.
As he notices the "ship" he performs a Scan of it
Attempting to scan the "ship"
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Seeing the scans, Jord-1-2 tries to recall what this might be.
Over the ship's comm, he calmly states: That appears to be a Besmaran whelp. I believe it will attempt to consume our ship and likely us with it. I will pull up the information on the ship's computers if anyone else would like to learn more about this creature. Might I suggest evasive action? Captain, I'm diverting auxiliary power to the ship's engine. You should now have increased thrusters.
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"Oh, it is only a creature?", says a disappointed Sparks, before realizing: "That eats ships?! Now that is bad..." Sparks looks at the screen: "Bad creature!"
She grins when the thrusters are boosted - "Thank you, Jord!" - and prepares for evasive maneuvers... thinking: If this is a whelp, I hope the momma's not around.
• Piloting to try and grab the initiative:
• rolling for Evade (to get +2 circumstance bonus to AC and TL until the start of the next round):
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rnd 1
Captain - Dr. Buse - Encourage guns
Pilot - Sparks - move ship
Engineer - Jord - divert to engines
Science Officer - Caldar - scan
1st Gunner - Uli - fire coilgun
2nd Gunner - Drogo
Besmaran Whelp
Jord 1-2 correctly identifies this is a legendary and deadly space monster! As he funnels more power into the engines. Caldar works some technomagic with the sensors and pulls in a complete analysis of the creature.
N Medium starship aberration
Speed 10; Maneuverability good (+1 Piloting, turn 2)
AC 13; TL 11
HP 55; DT —; CT 11; Crystalline Skin (takes ½ dmg from lasers)
Attack (Forward) Pulsing Bite +3 (bite deal 2d4 + EMP)
Attack (Port) claws +3 (3d4)
Attack (Starboard) claws +3 (3d4)
Attack (Aft) tail slap +3 (2d4)
Skills Engineering +5, Piloting +10, Cybernetics - Computers +5
Power Core Besmaran whelp heart (150 PCU);
Systems mk 2 armor
Other Abilities living starship, no breath
As you draw closer you notice the creatures skin seems to brightly reflect the local suns rays, bouncing the rays back in all directions. Dr. Buse gives Uli some encouragement, but the Uli's coilgun aim is a bit off. Drogo likewise fires the forward cannon, but he misses as well.
rnd 2
The Whelp closes in moving dangerously close to the Pegasus!
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Caldar relays the information he received from the scan to the rest of the crew.
Uli, is there a specific area you want to target or hit?
Caldar attempts to target the area for Uli
Uli, I believe I have a lock. As much as I dislike taking the life of another sentient creature, sometimes it is necessary to save others. Take that thing out!
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Seeing the enormous Whelp right outside the ship on the sensors, Jord 1-2's eyes widen, but his voice remains steady as he speaks into the comms, fingers hovering over the engineering panel. Sparks, I can continue to boost your thrusters, but if we are going to remain at this distance from the creature, I will divert power to the weapons.
To himself: This ship has amazing systems, he thinks dreamily, If we survive this, I will have to analyze the root system and perhaps do a data dump.
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"Seems sad shooting at this creature without trying to talk to it, I mean, this might be some First Encounter, and me a Wayfinder and all ! Oh, well..."
Sparks sighs, and then, seeing the extra power given to the vessel - "Thanks again, Jord!", she moves the Pegasus so it is hopefully out of range of the flying monster... all the while moving the ship around to make it harder to hit.
"Seems it can only claw and bite at us, I'll try to keep out of fang reach..."
• Piloting to try and grab the initiative:
• rolling for Evade (to get +2 circumstance bonus to AC and TL until the start of the next round):
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rnd 2
Pegasus -
Captain - Dr. Buse - Encourage guns (Uli)
Pilot - Sparks - move ship/evade
Engineer - Jord - divert to engines
Science Officer - Caldar - Target Lock (tbd)
1st Gunner - Uli - fire coilgun
2nd Gunner - Drogo -fire forward laser cannon
Besmaran Whelp - flyby attack - dmg 14
The Whelp flies dangerously close to the ship and attempts to bite the Pegasus in it's enormous jaws. But Sparks evasion flying makes the creature miss.
As Sparks pulls you as far away from the beast as possible, lamenting about the opportunity to make first contact, it clear the Whelp is only interest in a meal. Jord 1-2 gives the engines more power, Calder successfully helps the weapons target in on the critical parts of the monster . Dr. Buse encourages Uli, and it pays off as the coilgun rips holes in the Whelps skull. Drogo follows suit on the laser cannon and also hits, but some of the lasers potency is reflected back into space by the beast's crystalline skin. The creature flies a little funny for a few moments.
rnd 3
Pegasus -
Captain - Dr. Buse -
Pilot - Sparks - move ship/evade
Engineer - Jord -
Science Officer - Caldar - Target Lock (fail)
1st Gunner - Uli -
2nd Gunner - Drogo -
Besmaran Whelp - dmg 14 (critical to brain)
The creature turns around and begins to move toward the Pegasus once more. It tries to speed up, doesn't seem to be able to. As Sparks continues to fly evasively. Caldar tries to get a target lock, but can't get locked in.
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Hearing Caldar grunt in frustration, Jord 1-2's finger fly over his station's input device and boosts the sensory arrays. Over the comms, he intones: Propulsion systems returning to normal operation. Enhancing sensory arrays.
Unfortunately, as Jord makes the adjustments, he mis-keys some commands and accidentally vents plasma residue. A slight narrowing of his eyes is the only noticeable change in his facial expression.
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Sparks is quite distraught that some beast is trying to... eat the Pegasus!
She moves the ship forward, turning it, in a half circle, to move it away from the gluttonous space-shark, before swinging it back around again to face it so the gunners can have at it... but not as fast without Jord's boost.
Sparks is moving the ship to and fro, to make it harder for the teeth to lock on.
"Maybe we can try talking to it? Or toss some batteries out into its maw?"
• Piloting to try and grab the initiative:
• rolling for Evade (to get +2 circumstance bonus to AC and TL until the start of the next round):
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rnd 3
Pegasus -
Captain - Dr. Buse - Encourage Drogo
Pilot - Sparks - move ship/evade
Engineer - Jord - Enhance sensors (fail)
Science Officer - Caldar - Target Lock (fail)
1st Gunner - Uli -
2nd Gunner - Drogo -
Besmaran Whelp - dmg 14 (critical to brain)
Dr. Buse encourages Drogo, as Jord 1-2 fat fingers the engineering station. Sparks deftly maneuvers the Pegasus staying out of the creatures reach but giving the gunners a good look at it.