GM kuey |
Please ninja-dot, i.e. put up some random post then delete it, so that it would appear in your campaign page but not clutter the gameplay thread.
GM kuey |
As is usual, the Starfinders find themselves in Absalom Station at the Lorespire Complex, where Venture-Captain Arvin has requested they meet. Interestingly though, this time he is not alone. Arvin sits near the head of a large table that glows with images depicting an unfamiliar planet and its tiny moon, all surrounded by data readouts. He speaks with an android who wears a blue military uniform with gold accents. Bright red conduits trace across her bald head. Arvin gestures to the remaining seats. "Join us, Starfinders. This is Major Tower-9 of the Stewards, and we have much to discuss." The android stands—she is nearly eight feet tall—and gives a stiff bow.
"Hello," she says in a deep voice. "The planet you see before you is Tabrid Minor, a Near Space world whose primary sentient inhabitants recently made contact with a Pact Worlds survey vessel. They call themselves copaxis. Having just developed Drift technology, they are only now learning about the galaxy and its many inhabitants and threats. Copaxi leaders have petitioned for protectorate status. It is up to the Stewards to decide if Tabrid Minor is an acceptable candidate. As the supervisor for Tabrid Minor’s petition process, I have asked your venture-captain to organize an independent review of
the planet and its people." The android sits, and Arvin waves his hand across the table. The display zooms in on one of the planet’s largest continents and also put up a display of what a copaxi looks like.
"The copaxis are a terrestrial species numbering two billion, and their petition claims they have a unified government and a peaceful history. Massive floating cities drift over the planet’s largest continent, but they are apparently abandoned. The Major and I have determined that an independent review of one of these sites would provide the Stewards with valuable information for their final decision. Your destination is a city called Tabantria. It is your job to do what Starfinders do best: explore this area, cooperate with the copaxi research team, handle any dangers along the way, and report back to us. Any questions?"
Chk'tarlsh |
Antennae waving, the shirren soldier stands at ease, his full-faced helmet tucked casually under an arm as he listens intently to Arvin and Tower-9 relay the briefing details.
"What'sh thish Tabantria like?" Chk'tarlsh asks aloud, his mandibles clacking and waving. "What ssort of trouble might be expehcted?"
Burnham Kenyon |
A real job! Sounds simple enough. Near space. At least it won't be a long ride cooped up in a ship.
Kenyon is a big human, made bulkier by his heavy armor. A dark crewcut tops a broad face. Even here in the Starfinder headquarters, he carries a heavy reaction cannon slung over his right shoulder.
Archaius Maelstrom |
"Two billion people on a drift capable world and they cannot tell us why the cities have been abandoned? I should think this does not bode well for any of us."
Burnham Kenyon |
"Maybe they were abandoned during the Gap? But why haven't the copaxi gone back? "
Burn turns to the VC and major. " You mentioned a copaxi research team. Are they just now exploring the floating cities?"
"Crazy Ivan" Tulgarst |
A characteristically stout dwarf listens intently. Rather than sit on an offered chair, he slumps against a massive mechanical horse. He carries all manner of tools at his armored belt, with a few weapons mixed in.
"I see th' point of sending a team, either way," Ivan says. "But does that mean you don' know much else about 'em? They haven't communicated that sorta thing to ya?"
Archaius Maelstrom |
Archaius peruses the data provided and begins speaking without waiting to be recognized by either of the presenters. "Also, after reviewing the file here, I have a few more questions. First, these copaxi look...sharp. Is close contact dangerous? Are those antenna or horns? And in either case, do they have some functionality? Lastly, what does "Gravitational Abnormalities" mean exactly?"
Savoy |
A Lashunta wearing dark clothing with a large backpack resting besides him listens to the briefing and the questions asked by his partymembers in silence before adding a few questions of his own.
"Do they know why we are going to be there? I mean, can we mention working for the Stewards? Or are we only known to them as a Starfinder team doing some research?"
"..also I couldn't help but notice you mentioned dangers. I don't suppose you could be a bit more precise and give an indication on what type of dangers we could expect?"
GM kuey |
"What'sh thish Tabantria like?" Chk'tarlsh asks aloud, his mandibles clacking and waving. "What ssort of trouble might be expehcted?"
"Half the planet is covered by oceans. Its atmosphere is fairly standard, but we have had some anomalous gravity readings. Be sure to run a scan of the planet with your ship’s computers when you arrive. Here is some basic information of the planet that we have." Major Tower-9 transmits a set of data to your datapads. (see handouts)
"If you are referring to dangers in the floating abandoned city of Tabantria, I am not even sure the copaxis are certain themselves. It is best if you discuss when them when you meet the research team. And if you are referring to the copaxis themselves... The Stewards are interested in peaceful diplomacy, but that does not mean your team needs to put itself at risk. Handle any danger as best you can and use your discretion if the copaxis themselves are a threat. It seems unlikely as the copaxis seem really keen to be granted Protectorate status, but the galaxy is filled with surprises."
"Two billion people on a drift capable world and they cannot tell us why the cities have been abandoned? I should think this does not bode well for any of us."
"Indeed, this is a mystery, and uncovering it might have implications on our assessment. However, the research team that we have been in contact with seem to be eager uncover their past."
"Maybe they were abandoned during the Gap? But why haven't the copaxi gone back? "
"Apparently, they have only recently developed the technology to safely reach these cities, which float miles above the planet's surface. As far as I understand, that these floating cities have been abandoned for a long time and most of them are in ruins. In fact, Tabantria seems to be the most intact one."
Burn turns to the VC and major. " You mentioned a copaxi research team. Are they just now exploring the floating cities?"
"Yes, they are. The copaxis are also conducting archaeological research in the abandoned cities. Their researchers seem eager to learn from your example, and we hope that you can form a good working relationship with them."
"I see th' point of sending a team, either way," Ivan says. "But does that mean you don' know much else about 'em? They haven't communicated that sorta thing to ya?"
"We have had few official interactions with them. However, nothing beats having a ground team so we hope you can add to our understanding of their society and history. At the same time, I am also wary of revealing too much of what I have learnt for fear of colouring your assessments in case of any unconscious bias on my part. These are what else we know of them. A copaxi is a colonial network of specialized creatures living within a flexible exoskeleton, and each colony behaves and speaks as a single creature. So far, they have been worthy diplomats and shown great interest in Pact Worlds' cultures and technology. Some of their representatives have even learned our common language and used it to write their petition. So you should have no trouble communicating with their research team and any delegates they send."
"Also, after reviewing the file here, I have a few more questions. First, these copaxi look...sharp. Is close contact dangerous? Are those antenna or horns? And in either case, do they have some functionality?
Major Tower-9 pauses here briefly, as if pondering how best to answer. [b]"We decided against probing too deeply on the functions of various bodily parts over the communication channels for fear that they might be ... taboo."
Lastly, what does "Gravitational Abnormalities" mean exactly?"[/b]
She smiles at this. "It means exactly that - our very preliminary scans show unusual gravitational activity around the flying landmasses. Which should not be that surprising considering that something must be keeping them up. And possibly for hundreds of years."
Whew! Anymore questions? Please also slot in your boons, and declare what you've slotted in the discussion thread. There is no special boons you should slot, and there is no starship combat.
GM kuey |
Oops, missed this lot.
"Do they know why we are going to be there? I mean, can we mention working for the Stewards? Or are we only known to them as a Starfinder team doing some research?"
"Yes, of course! You are going on a diplomatic mission, not a covert spy mission. They know that you are part of the process for the assessment of Protectorate status. But also not the only part."
"..also I couldn't help but notice you mentioned dangers. I don't suppose you could be a bit more precise and give an indication on what type of dangers we could expect?"
"As mentioned, I'm afraid I do not know, as the copaxis themselves are uncertain. It's best for the research team to brief you on this when you are onsite."
Zez'ka |
A shirrin with brown colouring clacks her mandibles in excitement during the mission briefing. She wears well worn, practical clothes and armour, and carries a big knife, and a semi-automatic pistol holstered on her hip. A few healing serums poke out from her pockets, but the backpack over her shoulder looks practically empty. Curiously, she has long brown hair growing atop her head. Whether it is a genetic anomaly or a wig is unclear.
"Oh, a mission!" she exclaims as the meeting gets underway. Her massive blue compound eyes glitter. "Exciting!" Her antennae twitch and quiver in anticipation. "Curious!" She hurries over to Venture-Captain Arvin and gives him a big hug! "Greetings, my dearest friend and superior! Happy!"
Then she hurries over to the android gives her hand a shake and strokes her face with her antennae. "Oh, may greetings, Major Tower-9! I am Zez'ka! I am thrilled to be meeting you and desire to befriend you! Hopeful!"
She retakes her seat, gives an enthusiastic wave to her fellow Starfinders, and settles into the mission briefing.
"Oh, wondrous questions, soon-to-be-friends!" she exclaims, clapping her hands in glee and giving her fellow Starfinder an enthusiastic nod. "This mission sounds wonderful! My last four missions were terribly horrifying and heart-wrenching! Sad! Suspenseful! SAD!" Her antenna droop in mourning. "I hope this one involves less death, dismemberment, and tears. Hopeful!" Her antennae perk right back up.
"Are you aware of any cultural customs or taboos that we should follow or be made aware of? Curious!" Zez'ka asks. "How do they perform greetings? Oh, I do hope they enjoy a good hug and an antennae caressing! That's my favourite! Hopeful!" Her mandibles suddenly clack loudly. "Oh! And consumption! Do we know what they gain sustenance from? A visitor should always bring a basket of tasty morsels when welcoming potential neighbours! Polite!"
"I cannot wait to examine the gravitational anomalies and flying cities with our ship sensors! Mysterious!" Her antennae quiver in anticipation. "Excited!"
GM kuey |
"Are you aware of any cultural customs or taboos that we should follow or be made aware of? Curious!" Zez'ka asks. "How do they perform greetings? Oh, I do hope they enjoy a good hug and an antennae caressing! That's my favourite! Hopeful!" Her mandibles suddenly clack loudly. "Oh! And consumption! Do we know what they gain sustenance from? A visitor should always bring a basket of tasty morsels when welcoming potential neighbours! Polite!"
Major Tower-9 perceptibly stiffens when Zez'ka's antennae comes towards her face but doesn't resist the greeting. She is after all a Steward.
"Again, I am afraid I am unable to answer that. Our initial communications have understandably been rather formal. In fact, my experience as a Steward has taught me that very often, many cultures are not even fully aware of their customs or taboos until confronted with other cultures. This is precisely why we are sending a ground team - to get firsthand knowledge of their customs, practices and taboos, to facilitate subsequent communications that we have."
GM kuey |
No more questions? If you do, just go ahead to backpost. I'll move us along.
Drift Travel to Tabrid Minor takes 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 5) = 7 days and the journey is uneventful. Upon emerging from the Drift, as per SOP, you direct your scanners towards Tabrid Minor.
Anyone can attempt this check, not just the science officer. Since we are not in combat, basically anyone can access any system.
Shortly after your arrival, you receive a transmission from the planet’s surface. Four creatures appear on the starship’s video screen; presumably the members of the research team. The faces of these humanoids are featureless masks of smooth coral, distinguished by elegant antler-like growths. One of them has two antlers that form a swooping, symmetrical pattern before meeting nearly two feet above the creature’s head. The other creature’s antlers are shorter, but no less elegant: one has three jagged antlers like lightning bolts, another has two antlers curled like ram horns, and the last has countless antlers that resemble spiked hair.
If you succeeded in the Computers DC18 check above, open the following spoiler
The four creatures stare at the screen for a few moments, muttering to one another, pointing excitedly, and coming in and out of view as they jostle for their comm unit. One of them urges, "Be quiet! Look! It is working! There they are!" The speaker — the one with tall, symmetrical antlers—enters the center of the screen.
"Greetings, esteemed Starfinder Society representatives. I am Therseis, representative of the Yihil regional government, and these are the members of our research team. Thank you for accepting our transmission from our two-way planetary range personal communications device. I hope that your space journey was pleasant, and your Drift travel was of a minimal duration. Welcome to Tabrid Minor. We are using our computational device to share our latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates with your starship’s computational device. We have prepared a landing zone for you. We hope that it is large enough for your orbit-to-ground personnel shuttle." Therseis has a rather stilted accent, with unusual punctuations, but is otherwise understandable.
Burnham Kenyon |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Meeting retro.
...
"Oh, wondrous questions, soon-to-be-friends!" she exclaims, clapping her hands in glee and giving her fellow Starfinder an enthusiastic nod. "This mission sounds wonderful! My last four missions were terribly horrifying and heart-wrenching! Sad! Suspenseful! SAD!" Her antenna droop in mourning. "I hope this one involves less death, dismemberment, and tears. Hopeful!" Her antennae perk right back up.
...
Burnham pats his reaction cannon. "If there's death, dismemberment, and tears, they'll be on the other side. -- Confident."
Burnham Kenyon |
In orbit
Burn watches the exchange on a small side monitor, and stays out of the frame. He knows his blunt approach limits his diplomatic talents.
"Crazy Ivan" Tulgarst |
From his question onward, Ivan doesn't say much more. Still, he is clearly listening and making mental notes.
Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
On the way to Tabrid Minor, though, the dwarf is plenty more talkative, indulging in all manner of speculation about the copaxis. He manages to tweak the sensors until the gravity-altering coral shows up. "If they don' know about this, now we can inform 'em. That way they'll try hard ta keep it around, so they'll have their cities safe. Or tear it out to bring 'em down, I suppose, if they wanna."
Ivan waves and makes his greetings once more important pleasantries are taken care of with Therseis. "Good-seeming fellow, talks nice too," he says of the leader afterwards.
Archaius Maelstrom |
Life Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Yep! It's part of them alright. Wait, does this mean they run around unclothed? Perhaps their anatomy offers them form resistance to temperature or vacuums.
Savoy |
Almost oozing with charm - we are here to make a good impression after all - Savoy tries to convey he's glad to be here in what hopefully won't be misinterpreted in any wrong sort of way. He's not smiling and showing his teeth as he would normally do, just to try to avoid being misinterpreted as being aggressive.
"Greetings Thersis, this is Savoy of the Starfinder Society aboard the SF Pegasus with the rest of the represantatives. We are glad to be here and looking forward to land at our designed destination so we can finish the rest of the introductions in person."
Do we actually have an orbit to ground personal shuttle? Most scenario's I've been on they just put you in the Pegasus or the Drake and have that ship land where ever they want you to land
GM kuey |
Hmm, good question. Since they didn't specify which starship you used, think we can assume you have a orbit to ground shuttle.
"We look forward to meeting the famed Starfinders as well." With a quick nod, that Therseis terminates the transmission. After piling into the ship, the team sets off.
You easily navigate the shuttle to Tabantria using the copaxis’ coordinates. From what you can see, the city is not the largest or most
central of the planet’s floating cities, but it is by far the most intact.
As your shuttle nears though, a sudden jolt runs through the craft and soon it starts vibrating violently! The shuttle's scanners indicate sudden shifts of gravity. This landing might be hard...
Piloting check to land the craft safely! Presumably from whoever has the highest pilot skill.
Burnham Kenyon |
Burn has a piloting mod of 7. In the interests of saving time I'll roll under the spoiler, but if one of you has a higher mod, just supercede this post.
"Gravity's throwing the flight computer off. Switching to full manual."
Piloting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Burn struggles with the controls, trying to feel the shuttle's response and ease it to a landing.
If someone else has a better modifier and rolls, maybe I could aid another?
Zez'ka |
Zez'ka spends the entire trip excitedly attempting to befriend her fellow Starfinders in her over-enthusiastic way. When they exit the drift she claps her hands in excitement. "Oh, it's beautiful! Anticipation!"
Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
---
"Oh, many greetings, Therseis! I look forward to meeting you and visiting your planet! Excited!" Zez'ka clacks her mandibles and quivers her antennae at the transmission.
When the ship gives a jolt she adjusts the various knobs, dials, and read outs in the cockpit in order to help Burn fly easier. "Compensating!"
Piloting to AID (if I can? lol): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
"These gravitational anomalies are very dangerous! Exciting!"
Chk'tarlsh |
During the mission briefing...
With little else to contribute beyond what his companions had already queried, Chk'tarlsh contents himself to watch and listen.
They seem a competent crew. Ask good questions, he looks around at the others, trying to take the measure of his teammates.
He's soon standing with his antennae twitching, head cocked to one side, as he regards the unusual antics of Zez'ka. His multi-faceted eyes shine in the light as he watches the other shirren curiously.
On the trip to Tabrid Minor...
"I'm Chk'tarlsh," the heavily armed and armoured shirren introduces himself once they are aboard their transportation. Many prefer to call me Charles, he adds telepathically, a hint of amusement to the sending.
He spends the trip gladly conversing with any party members who are willing to do so. It quickly becomes apparent that Chk'tarlsh favours speaking audibly using his mandibles, rather than the telepathy most shirrens tend to use. He shows particular interest in Burnham's reaction cannon and Ivan's mechanical horse.
"It'sh good to be here. I look forward to meetinhk you all," he responds politely when the copaxis make contact. He leaves any matters beyond simple pleasantries to his more capable companions, knowing his skills lay elsewhere.
On the landing shuttle...
Chk'tarlsh looks out the view port of the shuttle with great excitement, watching as the unusual landscape of the planet slowly slides past the shuttle's flight path.
He's attention is abruptly brought back to the task at hand by the craft's sudden jolting and vibration. Instinctively, he reaches over trying to help compensate for the gravitational fluctuation.
Piloting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Savoy |
Just in case aid another isn't allowed..but we do have the option of having a Captain on board and him being encouraging and we can use that
Savoy leans back in his chair.
"Take us in, slow and steady. No showing of for the natives with an impressive stunt."
Diplomacy to give the pilot a bonus from being an encouraging captain: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 11 + (2) = 33
GM kuey |
No, you can't aid Piloting for this, but yes you can encourage. I'll use Chk'tarlsh's roll since he has the highest bonus.
With some guidance from Savoy, Chk'tarlsh wrestles with the controls of the shuttle. Although he is unused to the controls, and despite sudden drops and twists, you manage to land the shuttle without incident after about 10 minutes of maneuvering and acclimating to the shifting gravity.
The landing platform occupies most of a small field about 100 feet from the research base. Beyond the landing platform, the jagged edge of the floating landmass is completely open to the sky — the view of the smog-shrouded cities below is staggering. The encampment contains four small structures arrayed around a single larger structure, all temporary but fully enclosed. The copaxis wait outside this structure. Behind them, the dilapidated stone buildings of Tabantria stand in eerie silence.
None of the copaxis carry weapons or wear armor; they are dressed for a day of research and social interaction. (So no, they are not naked but the attire seems to be formed from similar material as their bodies.) They approach the PCs with their arms angled slightly out to the side, empty palms facing forward. When they approach within about stop, as if waiting for something. The formerly talkative copaxis are completely silent.
Savoy |
Sense motive: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 6 + (2) = 22
Since that's what I was planning to do already..nice to have conformation ;)
Savoy telepathically let's the rest of the party know to approach the same way - "Just follow my lead" without speaking out loud himself as he walks forward, his arms slightly out to the side, empty palms facing forward before stopping a few feet away from the copaxis.
Edit: not sure what the sense motive means with the slow spin, but doing that one as well if it copies what they are doing
GM kuey |
Oops! Errata...
They approach the PCs with their arms angled slightly out to the side, empty palms facing forward. When they approach within about 30 feet of the Starfinders, each of them spins in a slow circle and stops, as if waiting for something.
Chk'tarlsh |
Clad in heavy armour, a laser rifle slung across his back, with a pistol and hammer at either hip, Chk'tarlsh makes for a stark contrast to the copaxi delegation
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Sorry, was a Culture check. I had a brain malfunction...
Observing their movements, with Savoy's advice matching his own assessment, the shirren soldier performs the same actions.
Burnham Kenyon |
Burn is very happy to talk shop. "... She's very smooth, almost no recoil considering her throw-weight. The Vesk got the basic design right. If we get a chance planet-side, away from the locals, you can pop off a few rounds..."
He's also interested in the finer points of Chk'tarlsh's arms and armor, and the shirren's experiences. "I haven't been anywhere for the society yet. Still a newbie. I'd welcome any advice you could give."
Tabantria
The big human stands tall in his shimmering, new iridishell armor. Like Chk'tarlsh, he keeps his heavy weapon slung over his shoulder. He follows the others' lead through the greeting evolution.
Zez'ka |
Zez'ka can barely contain her excitement as they are about to disembark. Her mandibles clack! Her antennae quiver and twitch! She claps her hands. "Oh, I am very thrilled to be making the 'first contact'! Happy!"
Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
At the sight of the quiet copaxis and their practised motions, Zez'ka lets out a telepathic squeal -- her first time using telepathic communication with any of you. < "OH! It is the cultural greeting! JOYOUS!" > she thinks at her fellow Starfinders.
Zez'ka does her best to conceal her excitement and calm her twitchy antennae. She steps forward, arms angled slightly out to the side, empty palms facing forward, and spins in a slow circle. Then she waits, not entirely sure what's going to happen next.
< "Anticipation!" > she thinks loudly to her companions.
Archaius Maelstrom |
As he disembarks the shuttle, "Well, this is all very loud within my head now." Archaius does do his best to emulate the ritual, then waits expectantly.
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
"Crazy Ivan" Tulgarst |
Ivan follows along, as silently as is possible in clanking armor. His horse walks alongside him as part of the honor guard.
"Crazy Ivan" Tulgarst |
"I'm doin' it, I'm doin' it," Ivan mutters, executing the movement a bit awkwardly. "Two voices in my head, one tells me to an' the other one soundin' like a breached Drift engine."
GM kuey |
As soon as all the Starfinders complete the ritual, the four copaxis immediately loosen up slightly, and you sense they are pleased. One of them steps forward, the same one you spoke to you earlier on the transmission.
"Thank you, Starfinders, for respecting our custom. As a historian trained in modern techniques, I must admit that such rituals are really quite backward but it has been highly ingrained in our culture." Then, as if he was lecturing to a hall of students, he continues, "Speaking before performing the spinning gesture is a taboo sign of malicious magic. Opening the hands wide and spinning around shows no weapons held nor hidden. It must seem very strange to your cultures though. I understand from some of the Pact World transmissions that bowing is a common custom for many of your races. For us, however, that would be considered highly aggressive due to your antlers. And as for shaking hands, I do have to warn you to be careful with physical contact with copaxi unless it has been specifically invited." Therseis invites you to touch their antlers, and you find that even though they appear smooth, they are actually quite rough, like fine coral or sandpaper. You realise that if you touch a copaxi unwittingly and they draw back suddenly, your delicate skin could be badly scraped. "Come, let's rest and talk in our office." He gestures and welcomes you into the large structure in the centre of the encampment. As you walk towards the structure, you can't help but notice the other three copaxis repeatedly turning to stare at Ivan's drone horse and are keeping a distance from it.
By now, you realise that although the facial features of the copaxis are almost similar, you can easily differentiate them apart by their antlers. Therseis especially has a magnificent set of tall and symmetrical antlers. One by one, the other copaxis introduce themselves.
The first to speak is the copaxi with antlers curled like a ram’s horns. "Greets! Me name Gnaucara! Me physicist and pilot. You who pilot? How long you fly? You ship good? Nice! Nice! Drift Nice! How navigate? Drift and not-Drift?"
The next is the spiky-antlered copaxi. "Welcome to Tabrid Minor. I am team's ... what you call archaeologist and geologist." They pauses here to stare in turn at the Starfinders, each of strange shape and form, as if overwhelmed. "Please, tell me your world? What are they like? How you live?"
Last to speak is the jagged-antlered copaxi. "Huhlo... My name ... are Bryanisis. I biology ... uh ... I biologist." They shift around a bit, probably embarassed by their poor Common, and unlike the rest, does not speak further.
Therseis, clearly with the best Common, speaks up. "I apologise for the bombardment of questions. I am sure you understand how excited we are about meeting visitors from other worlds for the first time face-to-face! But I'm sure you have questions for us as well?" Unlike the other three, Therseis seems relatively stiffer, or perhaps he is trying to maintain some decorum.
Chk'tarlsh |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Chk'tarlsh responds with further pleasantries as the copraxi representatives introduce themselves. He indicates to Gnaucara that he has some limited training as a pilot, but will be happy to share what he kniws.
"No apologiesh needed. We undersstand. We're exssited to be here, too," he says to Therseis.
"Crazy Ivan" Tulgarst |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Ivan, noticing a social cue for once, decides to keep the horse around. He shies it away from the nervous three, but allows it close to the intrigued Therseis should he allow it.
If he can find a discreet way to communicate, such as a shared frequency or datapad, he shares his findings. 'Therseis here is pretty interested in Roll-4. Don't think I mentioned his name, that's my horse. Maybe he likes that sort of advanced tech?'
Upon making introductions to the three, the dwarf resists an initial urge to bow. He is most interested in the spiky, unnamed copaxi. "I'm a geologist too! We have a lotta worlds. Mine was...well, it was in a big simulation chamber. But that was a copy of a huge planet, many diff'rent climates and kinds'a weather. Mostly warm and bright. Though th' place most live, that's a huge space station. Dunno if you know what that is...
"You know, there's a lotta information on this topic," he says, finally slowing down a bit. "I'd love ta talk about it now, but it might do a disservice to your knowledge. But we will discuss, once things make more sense."
GM kuey |
I'm going to bed now so will update tomorrow, but please ask them questions also. Remember you mission!
Savoy |
"It's good to finally meet in person."
"Since you are the research team we are here to meet, what can you tell us about what you've discovered so far?. I'm sure we can answer each others questions. And on a more personal note; how do you like living here? Are any of thinking of moving of planet when you get the chance so you can explore what's out there?'
Chk'tarlsh |
The shirren's antennae tremble and he clacks his mandibles excitedly at Burnham's offer. "I look forward to tryinhk it out."
"Kassathan dessign," Chk'tarlsh indicates the ceramic plating of his hidden soldier armour. "The platesh overlap and sslide ash you move. Thish providesh good protection while allowinhk more mobility than mosst heavy armour."
"Sso far, it'sh been much like merc work, but with ssteadier pay. Need to be prepared," he gestures to the arsenal of weapons he carries. "Know your role. Teamwork ish vital. And be adaptive."
Chk'tarlsh nods, his antennae bobbing, in agreement with Savoy. "How lonhk hash your ressearch team been in operation? What can you tell ush of Tabantria? Are there any dangersh we should be prepared for?"
Burnham Kenyon |
"Mobility. That's partly why I bought the iridishell. It's tougher than my old armor, but way more comfortable. And I can move in it. Jump even. It's incredible compared to ceremonial plate."
"I'd like to use it in action, see what it can do. But I don't want to at the same time. You must know.... "
Burn nods appreciatively at the arsenal. "Can't afford so much myself yet. The cannon's set me back as much as I could afford. I've got a battle glove for close in work. It's not great, but it's flexible with the cannon. Maybe a nice sidearm next...."
Earlier I described the reaction cannon as 'heavy'. That was just a size and weight description. Burn's reaction cannon is a light one.
Burnham edges in on Chk'tarlsh's and Gnaucara's conversation. "Don't let 'Charles' here sell himself short. I'm a pilot too, but I don't think I could have made as smooth a landing with gravity jumping like a wet ysoki like it was. The bottom dropped out and the nav 'puter went nuts."
How high is the city?
Burn will wait to see if any of the copaxi are left out, then talk to them.
GM kuey |
Realised I forgot to include the name of the archaeologist/geologist - Panacula.
"You know, there's a lotta information on this topic," he says, finally slowing down a bit. "I'd love ta talk about it now, but it might do a disservice to your knowledge. But we will discuss, once things make more sense."
The copaxis try to follow along, especially Panacula, but after Ivan finishes, there is a brief awkward silence, as they are clearly completely lost. Panacula attempts to respond, "You can ... make copy of planet? And make station in space?" They turn to look at the other three in amazement.
Chk'tarlsh nods, his antennae bobbing, in agreement with Savoy. "How lonhk hash your ressearch team been in operation? What can you tell ush of Tabantria? Are there any dangersh we should be prepared for?"
"Since you are the research team we are here to meet, what can you tell us about what you've discovered so far?"
Combining these two since quite similar.
Therseis steps forward as he is clearly the team leader. "We have been long here, only 20 days. Not long, and appreciate you coming. We hope to learn much from you. You see, we only recently developed technology that would allow us to explore these gravitationally unstable cities, and Tabantria is the only one we have discovered that is intact and upright enough to visit. Together with the excitement of the discovery of Drift technology, the approval for this expedition only came through one-sixth year ago."
"We do not know much other than they are hundreds of years old, possibly even longer. We believe the ancient magic that lifted the cities from the surface was the same magic that led to the downfall of divergent copaxis - copaxis who have become over-reliant on magic - and were punished by divine intervention."
"The team’s mission is to learn copaxi history, catalog rare flora and fauna, and record any potential threats. However, we are not equipped to handle anything dangerous." At this time, he pauses briefly and transmits to your comm units a map before continuing. (see handsouts) "There have been three major sites that we have fully investigated so far: (1) the Market, (2) the Academy, and (3) the Transport Station. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile for you to also visit them to gather information of our past from your point of view. There are four other areas that we have not been able to explore. At (4) the Gardens and the (6) Observation Tower, we were fired on before we saw who was attacking us. Naturally, we fled. At this point (5), we found a gaping hole excavated in an otherwise mundane residential neighborhood. We detected the presence of dangerous creatures within the tunnels and thus did not enter. Then finally, at the (7) Games Arena, we saw a number of mundane and strange objects floating in the air and quickly retreated." (The numbers I mentioned above correspond to the map.)
"And on a more personal note; how do you like living here? Are any of thinking of moving of planet when you get the chance so you can explore what's out there?'
Gnaucara immediately pipes up here. "Tabrid Minor good! Modern very! More new and more new technology amazing!" Panacula nods in agreement. "We unified government on whole planet. One civilisation!" Bryanisis shuffles their feet somewhat awkwardly, before unexpectedly speaking up. "Planet... uh... a bit ... stretched..." Gnaucara jumps in here though. "Sustain and conserve! Science focus now!" and Bryanisis does nod in agreement.
On Savoy's last question though, none of the copaxis attempt an answer. Did they miss it or was it intentional?
How high is the city?
Lol, I hunted through the scenario and couldn't find it. I personally don't have a good sense of height so I'll say hundreds of miles but don't quote me on it. Just that it is very high... :P
Also, give me a diplomacy check to determine how much the team have broken the ice. As usual, everyone can try or you can aid. And carry on asking questions if you have any.
Zez'ka |
Zez'ka claps her hands. "I adore your cultural greeting! Fascinating! May I show you my favourite?" Zez'ka hurries over to Therseis and holds out her arms. Then she very carefully leans forward and wraps her hands around the copaxis in a non-contact imitation of a hug. She unwraps her arms from Therseis and steps back. With a clack of her mandibles she adds. "HUGS! JOY!"
"Flying cities, divergent groups, and divine punishment? Fascinating!" She listens to more of the copaxis' tale and examines the map. "Interesting! How will we be travelling to the flying city and where will we be landing? Curious!"
Diplomacy to AID: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
"Crazy Ivan" Tulgarst |
"Yeah, there're artificial ways to do that sorta thing," Ivan replies to Panacula, a bit nervously now. Much as he enjoys the conversation, he hopes it isn't complicating things on any level. "But like I said, that should likely be saved for later. I'd like ta know about your planet. How do th' copaxis handle such strange gravity? I bet it all seems so normal, but most wouldn't get it, really."
Diplomacy to Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
Archaius Maelstrom |
Archaius approaches Bryanisis, "So, you are a biologist? I have a degree in bio-engineering myself. Say, what did you mean when you said the planet stretched a bit? By the way, I would like to review you notes. Now that you are one united civilization, it must be easy to maintain a repository for information. Would it be possible to access your database so I could look at other life on your planet?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Life Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
To talk science-y. Also, bio-engineering really is my 'theme knowledge' specialty, so any DC check would be 5 less (to sound science-y) in that area.
GM kuey |
Zez'ka hurries over to Therseis and holds out her arms. Then she very carefully leans forward and wraps her hands around the copaxis in a non-contact imitation of a hug. She unwraps her arms from Therseis and steps back. With a clack of her mandibles she adds. "HUGS! JOY!"
Therseis returns Zez'ka's hug very gingerly. "Be careful. Our rough skin could accidentally injure if not careful."
"Interesting! How will we be travelling to the flying city and where will we be landing? Curious!"
"I believe your shuttle should be able to bring you safely to each of the sites on the map. The gravitational anamoly only starts some distance away from Tabantria, so if you keep low, you should be fine."
"But like I said, that should likely be saved for later. I'd like ta know about your planet. How do th' copaxis handle such strange gravity? I bet it all seems so normal, but most wouldn't get it, really."
Gnaucara quickly corrects Ivan. "No! No! Gravity normal! Good! Only flying cities wrong! Bad!"
Um, you know that you are on Tabantria, one of the flying cities, right? The planet's gravity is normal. It is the flying cities that have the gravitational anamoly. Why? Well, that's what you're here to find out.
"So, you are a biologist? I have a degree in bio-engineering myself. Say, what did you mean when you said the planet stretched a bit?"
Bryanisis pauses briefly before shyly replying, "Less and less of some ... species we find. Less and less eco...system for them."
"By the way, I would like to review you notes. Now that you are one united civilization, it must be easy to maintain a repository for information. Would it be possible to access your database so I could look at other life on your planet?"
Therseis then adds on, "As for this, I'm afraid I was instructed by the Stewards not to do that. They briefed me that you are to be an independent review team, specifically investigating Tabantria the flying city, and to submit your recommendation on your findings related to that. My understanding is that they do not want to corrupt your findings with other information. Whatever information repository we have though, we have submitted to the Stewards, which together with your final recommendations, they would use for the final assessmet." He lets out a strange vibration, similar to a sigh. "Much as we would want your positive recommendations, we were specifically warned not to bias your team in anyway."
Basically, a double-blind experiment. :)
Chk'tarlsh |
Um, you know that you are on Tabantria, one of the flying cities, right?
Oh, i totally missed that. Thought we'd landed on the planet's surface to meet up with the research team and would then to make our way to Tabantria...
Antennae waving, Chk'tarlsh nods at Therseis' reply and snaps his mandibles with a clack! "Don't know muchk about magihk. Or divine intervention. But no need to worry about the handling anythinhk dangeroush part; tha'tsh where we come in."
"What you have told ush is helpful," he continues. "We know to expehkt hosstility."
Diplomacy (Aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Sense Motive, intent in not answering Savoy's question?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Savoy |
Diplomacy to see how well the ice has been broken: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 11 + (4) = 29
"So you are suggesting we go out on our own and look around for ourselves and we do not team up to explore together?"
Savoy asks
"And if you don't mind, could you tell us some more about the downfall of divergent copaxis and the divine intervention? I have an interest in the Divine myself and I would like to hear more about this if you care to share"
Burnham Kenyon |
Burn open his mouth to address the copaxis as a whole, but shuts it again as Savoy anticipates his question.
Keeping an ear out for the reply to that, he sidles toward Bryanisis and Archaius. Quietly he asks, "Bryanisis, please tell us what we can see of the world below.
My hope to cut the biologist out of the pack, (hopefully he takes us closer to the edge) so that Burn can talk to him more privately.
Burn will ask about the sights below, landmarks, the ratio of open and agricultural to developed and urban space. Then "What do youthink about how you use the land and resources?"