GM Burd's SFS #1-12: Ashes of Discovery (Inactive)

Game Master Art Burd

Go ahead and make introductory posts for your characters. You have been told to meet in a small conference room, which has a couple of doors, a holo-table (with a large Starfinder insignia in the center), some chairs, and a bank of computers along one wall.

The tall human enters the room. He takes a quick look around before settling into a chair at the table. He begins to go through some reports on his datapad.

A small ysoki dressed in a grease covered set of coveralls walks through the door with his attention focused on a data pad. His hands are the only thing about him that seems clean - perfectly so. As his fingers play over the screen like a master pianist, he looks up nods at everyone while absentedmindedly forgetting to offer his name, before refocusing his attention back on his datapad.

A shuffling, clanking sound proceeds the entry of a tall and quite gangly vesk, draped in a mismatched collection of satchels and bandoliers. Seeing the human and ysoki already in the room, he grins broadly.

"'Ello! This room for Starfinders, yes? I see big badge in table! I is the Doctor Voldkoya, fancypants medical expert! Nobodies will be of dying today!"

Donovan looks upon the greasy ysoki with interest, but chooses to respect his seeming desire to be left alone.

"Greetings Dr Voldkoya, I'm Donovan. It's good to know that I won't die today. I'll save that worry for tomorrow."

Poppilo Moraeme strides into the room like he belongs there. (Which he does of course since he's a Starfinder, but he would have done the same in any other place even if he didn't belong. So you get the idea.) The symbol of Besmara the Pirate Queen hangs openly down his front, and he makes no attempt to hide it.

"Huh, a monkey, a rat and a snake," he mutters under his breath, but loud enough that anyone would have heard him. He raises his eyebrow briefly, looking at the rest of the team then shrugs his shoulders. Putting on the brightest smile ever pulled off by a lashunta, he steps forward and offers his hand. "Poppilo Moraeme, at your service. Favored priest of Besmara, Queen of the Endless Seas. Spiritual guide to the privateers of the Station, and an occasional one me-self. If anyone should die, allow me to guide your soul to its journey beyond." He says the last with a smirk that you are not so sure is serious or not.

A massive shirren stumbles into the room, surprisingly fast but rather clumsy. It wears thick yellow armor that resembles a thorax and bears several guns. "Pleased to begin mission and acquaint," it says in halting tones. "Name is Basalt. No, name is really-" something strange floods into the minds of everyone present, a mix of odd noises and...emotions? It starts with a 'B' sound.

"But Basalt was told this is hard for other species to speak. So another name was given. Basalt enjoys it, is here to protect other...Star-Finders."

"If anyone should die, allow me to guide your soul to its journey beyond." He says the last with a smirk that you are not so sure is serious or not.

"Bah! You is late!" admonishes the vesk, waving one clawed hand in a dismissive gesture. "I was already finished in sayings that nobodies will be of dying today, Bes-ling."

"Name is Basalt. No, name is really-" something strange floods into the minds of everyone present, a mix of odd noises and...emotions? It starts with a 'B' sound.

"But Basalt was told this is hard for other species to speak."

"Many words in Pact are strange to me, товарищ, but I would be liking to see that on nametag!" Vlodkoya grins and looks around, waiting for someone to laugh at his joke.

Donovan extends his hand to Poppilo. "Not my service. I didn't call this gathering. I guess we're still waiting for them to show."

"Welcome, Basalt. If you protect me, I'll protect you."

Just waiting on Pangea-Kappa to report in.

Going to go ahead and start.

A cluster of sleek black computers rests against the far wall of the meeting room, with a Starfinder Society emblem at it's center. The Starfinder Society emblem suddenly begins shining and begins projecting a stream of holographic light. The light takes the form of a 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 flickering hand towards the center of the table, which begins projecting a new hologram consisting of a slowly scrolling stream of data detailing an Outpost made of interconnected circular chambers. "One of the Pact World's 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 this outpost and retrieve as much information about it as possible. You should also salvage any relevant equipment, which the society will take is part of its payment. If you have any questions, now is the time to present them."

Poppilo sniffs loudly before speaking up. "Look, I'm all good for doing favours for others and all ..." (although from his tone, he clearly is not) "... but who exactly is the Society working for? I mean, I signed up, or rather my captain-bishop signed us up, to work for the Starfinders. No one said anything about our contract passing on to another organisation."

A non-sexuated android, with yellow lights under dark synthskin, rushes into the room, walking right through the holographic light: "Oh! Sorry...", before moving to the side.
"I am both late, and am Prototype Android & Nanite Genesis Enterprise - Akiton PANGEA Kappa model serial #101218-707, but you may call me Kappa."
Glancing at the data stream, Kappa asks: "Which organization is requesting our work?"

Very sorry for having missed the call. Please forgive me for delaying you.
Will update my sheet now (am level 4).

"To answer both your questions, the Society has been hired to perform this task by Veylen Enterprises. A sizable corporation, they came into prominence during the post-Drift colonization rush. Originally a tool and equipment manufacturer, Veylen Enterprises became famous for making inexpensive modular building designs, which are still used today by many colonists. This outpost was apparently a sample showpiece for prospective colonists to view."
Shifting their 'gaze' towards Poppilo, Guidance continues. "As for your concerns that your contract is being passed along, Mr. Moraeme, this is a one-time deal between the Society and the contracting organization. The Society has simply been hired to investigate this outpost, and is being paid both by a direct credit transfer from Veylen Enterprises and from whatever equipment can be found on site. You should not be overly worried about which organization you are a member of."

Basalt nods thoughtfully, chows down an option bar in the blink of an eye, and speaks. "Why was outpost evacuated? Some hostile facet of host planet, if any?"

It takes them several seconds to realize this may not have translated well. "Try again. What is known about the planet this is on?"

The good doctor cocks his head with curiosity. "Why is the Veylen hiring the Starfinders to do an investigating? Is it terrible danger or are the Veylens little coward-boys?"

"What is known about the planet this is on?"

"Yes yes!" Vlodkoya choruses, "What is knowing of this planet? Does it have any medical malpractice statutes or extradition treaties?"

"The exact reason as to why remains unknown - and is part of the reason you'll all need to investigate the site. Records indicate that 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."

Waving a hand towards the scrolling stream of data over the table, Guidance pushes it towards the far end of the table. Simultaneously, a orb appears in front of Guidance, with a label above it reading Colony 593. "The planet itself is located in Near Space, with a diameter and mass 2/3 that of the pact standard, and a level of gravity 1/3 that of the pact standard. The main unique point of the environment is that the atmosphere was apparently disruptive to technological devices. According to some of the early reports from the outpost, once any technological device that spent an hour exposed to the atmosphere, each attempt to use that device has a roughly one in six chance of not functioning. However, some of the later reports signify that after a significant period of time, devices can become adapted to this effect. 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." Angling to look towards "Doctor" Vlodkoya, Guidance continues. "As far as we are aware, neither of those are in effect on the planet. However, it used to be owned by a organization that belongs to the Pact Worlds, so it would be best to assume that anything along those lines would be in effect as following the baseline in the Pact."

"As for why Veylen Enterprises has hired the Starfinder Society to do this task, they have deemed this a low-priority endeavor. This is mostly due to its long-time abandonment and its relative lack of impact on the organization's modern enterprises. They offered the Starfinder Society a contract to explore and secure the site, based on our excellent track record in recent months."

"Plus we are notably experienced in investigations of this sort. OK. I'm ready."

Kappa looks at the good Doctor: "They are hiring the Starfinders, because we are the best!"
Meanwhile, it hopes that an environment disruptive to technological devices will not target androids.
"Any way to protect our tech' devices from the atmosphere?"

"Well, so long as we're getting paid, I'm good to go. The rest of you might think about getting some old-fashioned weapons. Just saying." Poppilo shrugs. Well, I've got my mind. That is weapon enough.

And 'cos I don't have enough credits to even get the cheapest semi-auto pistol.

"It is unknown if there is any way to protect your devices from this effect, other than spending a significant period of time on the planet. Some of the reports seem to indicate that any device fully protected from the atmosphere, such as certain technological augmentations, is immune to this effect."

"Now, unless you have any more questions, there is one more thing to address. For this assignment, you I've 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 areas of weakness. However, the final decision is based on your personal preference. Safe travels, Starfinders."

At this point, please finalize your book slots for this adventure, and post them in the discussion tab.

"Team is on mission to find information?" The shirren nods knowingly. "Science is not what Basalt does, but seems more important to main purpose than many guns. Pegasus should have enough to shoot through shoot-based problems anyway."

"More guns is never a bad thing. I like the Drake."

Fixit looks up long enough from his datapad to cast his vote in favour of the Pegasus.

Wondering how it can protect itself from the atmosphere, being part technological, the android looks up: "I vote for the Pegasus also. Because it is faster and has better maneuverability."

Angling to look towards "Doctor" Vlodkoya, Guidance continues. "As far as we are aware, neither of those are in effect on the planet. However, it used to be owned by a organization that belongs to the Pact Worlds, so it would be best to assume that anything along those lines would be in effect as following the baseline in the Pact."

"Yes! True!" Vlodkoya coughs, looking around the room furtively. "If I be of seeings any bad doctors, I will be of reportings right away!"

"For this assignment, you I've been authorized use of a Drake or a Pegasus starship."

The good doctor lights up at the mention of the Drake-class starship. "Big guns is my vote! I is excellent at starship combat!"

Vlodkoya is terrible at starship combat.

"Hmm, so that's 3 for the flying horse and 2 for the fire breathing lizard? Well, considering we don't know what we are facing, a fast and maneuverable craft's got my vote. Shooting up the rear is a favored activity of mine, if you know what I mean, and for that, you need to be quick and nimble." Poppilo says all this with a deadpan face but a twinkle in his eye.

"Oh, that is good. Basalt knows what you mean, and is relieved to have two good ship fighters in you and the Doctor."

Condensing the various holograms around the room into small data-spheres floating over the table, Guidance addresses the group one final time. "So, it sounds as if you have decided to take the Pegasus starship on this mission. Head towards docking bay 57. Along the way, you are free to make any purchases you deem fit. Once you arrive at the dock, the ship will be ready for you. Again, safe travels to you Starfinders." At this, Guidance collapses into a small point of light, which then retreats back into the array of computers against the back wall.

At this point, go ahead and make any last-minute purchases that you want to do. Also, for those who haven't yet done so, remember to fill out your boon slots.

On the way, Kappa purchases an ice cream, with two scoops: vanilla and chocolate.
Eating it, the android lectures: "A sphere of yellow vanilla like the sun and its photons, a sphere of dark matter like graviton, thus are the opposing forces of the Universe..."

Donovan acquires a new sidearm, a static arc pistol.

Fixit cocks his head at the final instructions, mumbles a soft ”Bay 57”, before tottering out the door with his attention focussed on his data pad once more.

Intrigued by the android's words and actions, Basalt also buys an ice cream. "Have never tried before. Will attempt balance," it says before swallowing the lot. The shirren stands stock-still for a bit, completely silent but with jumbled bursts of telepathy radiating in all directions. Recovery takes a bit, but the sweet stuff is all they will speak of for the first leg of the journey.

Kappa will happily engage with Basalt, and discuss sweet stuff, ice cream colors, and deep space.

"A sphere of yellow vanilla like the sun and its photons, a sphere of dark matter like graviton, thus are the opposing forces of the Universe..."

"Huh?" Poppilo's left eyebrow shoots up. The other shoots up when Basalt joins in. "Great, I'm stuck with a bunch of would-be philosophers..." he mutters under his breath, but nonetheless loud enough to be heard.

"Confusion. Is there difference between that and true philosopher?" This is asked with complete innocence, but probably still annoys the lashunta.

"Did all true philosophers start as would-be philosophers?"

Fixit gives his fellow Starfinders a sour look before retrieving a Bluetooth earpiece from his pack and putting it in his ear.

Those who haven't yet done so can still make purchases, just moving the story along. Just indicate whether or not you bought anything in your next post.

Once everyone makes their way to docking bay 57, it doesn't take very long at all for everyone to get onboard, stow their gear in their quarters, and prepare the ship for departure. As your Shirren pilot brings the engines online, station control releases the clamps that had held The Pegasus in place. After that, it is a simple matter to maneuver out to a departure orbit around the station. Once there, the engines are shut off, and the crew is left waiting the required time before the Drift Engine can safely be engaged. Once it is, the ship and everyone inside it are instantly transported to the Drift. Looking out of the viewscreens at the constantly shifting, rainbow-colored yet gray expanse around the ship, you wait for the engines to be brought back online. As you do so, the ships computer beeps softly as a notification appears on everybodys displays.

ESTIMATED 10 DAYS 3 HOURS 13 MINUTES 51 SECONDS OF TRAVEL TIME TO DRIFT EXIT, +/- 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES 17 SECONDS

"Who am I sharing a cabin with?"

Kappa is ready for the trip, and happy to arrive at destination.

Vlodkoya does not need to make any purchases.

On the way, Kappa purchases an ice cream, with two scoops: vanilla and chocolate.

Eating it, the android lectures: "A sphere of yellow vanilla like the sun and its photons, a sphere of dark matter like graviton, thus are the opposing forces of the Universe..."

"'Opposing forces'; bah! Eat bacon-flavor icy cream. Extra lard. Good for joints!" Vlodkoya takes his own advice, getting a triple-scoop bowl of the fatty, sticky mixture and stuffing it down his gullet in an aggressive show of consumption.

During the long journey to their destination, the good doctor spends a substancial amount of time in the science lab, the tech workshop, and the galley, using the resources at hand to prepare his equipment for field service (he's swiping anything small that could have value and isn't nailed down).

Throughout the journey, despite how grating his personality can be sometimes, Poppillo actually spends most of his time to chat up with each of the crew. At least with whoever actually doesn't just slam the door in his face or walk out of the common room when he enters. He still throws around causal insults but seem to forget them the next instant.

Donovan spends the first part of the trip stripping and reassembling his new weapon. He wants to become as familiar with it as he can before any conflict starts.
Donovan has an easy manner. He is a good conversationalist and sympathetic ear. Poppilo's manner does not seem to bother Donovan though he will eventually get up and just leave whatever room Poppilo's in.

When he's not pilfering the science lab optimizing his combat gear, the good doctor spends a great deal of time in the common areas, swapping stories with his fellow crew. He actually seems to warm to Poppilo, either refuting his insults with ridiculous superlatives or taking them as face-value compliments.

Vlodkoya also seems to be chock-full of old wives' tales, doling out bizarre remedies and tinctures for any perceived ailments or shortcomings among the crew members.

Basalt spends almost all of the journey in common rooms, leaving only for occasional looks out a window or a short rest. They happily talk about whatever others are discussing, in halting but interested tones. Their knowledge of such matters is often minuscule, if there is any at all, but the shirren is surprisingly savvy in terms of current events.

Wrappers tend to litter their haunts for almost a day before being thrown into the trash en masse.

After the slightly longer than ten and a half days of Drift travel, the Pegasus breaches back into the Prime Material plane of existence. The Starfinders destination planet is visible as a marble sized sphere on the main viewscreen in the bridge. Once the engines are brought online, it is a simple matter to head closer. As the destination planet grows larger on the starship’s main viewscreen, however, alarms suddenly blare. A slender form emerges from the distant void, slithering from out of the planet’s shadow. It moves directly toward your starship, as if it were drawn to it somehow.

At this point, would the pilot (Basalt, correct?) please make me three piloting checks for initiative. I will also do the same. At the end of each piloting phase you do, it would be good to roll another piloting initiative, so that there are always three rounds of known initiative. I will use them in order for the first three rounds, mainly doing this to speed up the combat. As for action order, anyone who is performing an Engineering or Piloting phase action can post interchangeably. Anything that would have technically applied to a earlier action (ex: Engineering action used to patch the Engines, giving a lower penalty on Piloting actions) will be retroactively applied on my end of things. Again, doing this to speed up the combat somewhat. However, Gunnery checks will have to wait until everything else has been decided.

Additionally, could the Science Officer (Pangea-Kappa) please attempt a Life Science check:

Pangea watches the dot approach: "That is an... that is a?"
Life Science (DC19): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Looks like it's game time folks!"

You can here a metallic thud as Fixit drops his datapad to the ground. This is followed by an audible cracking of his knuckles before the ysoki begins to manipulate the auxiliary power to boost the weapons.

Engineering - Boost Weapons: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

"And so, game faces on! Let's turn this flying toaster to scrap! Give me comms!" Poppillo calls out the last bit but seeing no one responding, turns on external communications himself.

"Whatever misguided crew is flying that flying piece of junk better turn right around right now! You don't want to mess with us!"

taunt: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 vs DC15+1.5xtier, if succeed -2 to gunnery checks for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds

"What is this large object?" Basalt asks no one in particular, already putting the ship on the defensive. "Not a matter, we will fix the posed problem."

Evade: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 = 27

Where do we want to move, friends? I'd say just two squares forward for now to get into particle beam range.

Next Initiative: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 13