Outpost 2 - Liam - 1-19 To Conquer the Dragon (Inactive)

Game Master Liam

Getting things set up

A holographic display shows the inky void filled with twinkling
stars and the lingering forms of starships outside Absalom
Station. The images then zooms in from the outside-station
view, transitioning to focus on the Society’s private docks,
which are abuzz with activity as technicians, suppliers, and
contractors perform repairs and prepare Starfinder vessels for
departure. Venture-Captain Naiaj finishes her interactions with
the hologram, making concise finger motions to provide orders
to the dock workers and docked Society starships.

As Naiaj finishes with a few last details, she waves a greeting
from her side of the meeting table. “The Triaxus team. Excellent.
I’ve transmitted a briefing to your comms, but I’ll summarize.
The Society has recently finished renovation of an old building
to construct a new lodge in Cumo, a trade port on the Pact
World of Triaxus. The endeavor took significant negotiation and
the opening ceremony will involve some festivities to celebrate
the accomplishment. The lodge curator, a personal friend named
Zafeldrin, asked for experienced agents to impress several local
representatives. I’m told that it should be a quick meet and
greet mission. So undoubtedly, either a war’s going to break out
or some unexpected disaster is going to happen and I’d like to
have some agents I trust on the field when that happens.

“You’re going there to help ensure sure this opening goes as
smoothly as possible. Help Zafeldrin as the situation permits,
but keeping the lodge safe and secure is your top priority.
Triaxus has numerous factions that oppose one another and
while we’ve made friends with some, others may perceive the
Society as a threat. I’ve requisitioned some additional medical
supplies for your group should aggressive negotiations
prove necessary.”

The venture-captain gestures out toward two
vessels highlighted in the holographic image of
the Society docks. “The Society’s also using
this opportunity to show off its starships. The Drake’s
superior hull and shielding mean you’re more likely to
bring it back tome in one piece, but I’ve authorized you to
use the Pegasus if you think emphasizing
the Society’s exploratory efforts would
make a better impression. If any of you have
access to other hull types, now would also be
an excellent opportunity to show them off.”

Naiaj glances at a blinking light on her data pad.
“I have to deal with some last minute supply issues.
I’ll have to keep this quick. Review your briefing
and choose your starship. I expect an assessment of likely mission
hazards and justification of your starship choice when
I’m done. As she looks to her datapad, your comms all beep
as the briefing arrives... (see link below)”

Map and Doc Link

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

The halfling seems oblivious to... whatever... as he looks through the briefing notes. "Well, that doesn't seem very welcoming." He smiles widely, looking at the rest of the group. "I don't have any starships that would really be much more use than either the Pegasus or the Drake, though I do have a few improvements I can make to the loadout."

He returns to scanning over the information. "Low temperature... I don't suppose anyone can use Life Bubble? That might be useful. I expect we're going to be entangled in exactly what we were told to avoid, but who knows, we might get lucky..."

Perception, can’t succeed: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Neon Ten is a celebrity Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Magic Pundit. He has his own data stream and has been a guest on others when something involving STEMM needs to be explained.

It is a DC 10 Culture check to recognize him by name and a DC 20 Culture check for someone to recognize him out of context from appearance alone.

Neon Ten smiles as he comes up to the meeting table. He listens intently to all Naiaj has to say and nods respectfully when Naiaj has to go take care of the supply problems.

As Brobdingnagian starts talking, Neon Ten spits a small computer out of their mouth. There is a cable connected to the computer that goes back into their cheek.

Talking around the cable, Neon replies to Brobdingnagian “It isn’t a spell that I have learned, but given a spell gem I could certainly activate a Life Bubble. Are you sure we would need it though, I would expect our suits to be able to protect us provided we sealed the environmental systems.”

“I suspect the snow and wind to be more of a problem, especially in combat. Trailblazer fusions and targeting computers would allow us to work around the worst of those conditions.”

Frowning slightly, he notes “Strange that the briefing doesn’t mention what race Zafeldrin is.”

Tapping his computer, he points out “It says the opposition has adapted to aerial combat. I wonder if that means a lot of swooping in to strike and flying away or do they keep their range?”

Looking around the group, he asks “Does anyone have any ideas how we can minimize the chances of disrupting the local power structures without appearing weak?”

“As for ships, I am partial to the Pegasus because of the better scanners, speed and maneuverability. If we have a pilot that can take advantage of that, we might be able to hold our own.”

Twitching his whiskers, he points out “The drake also lacks any sort of science lab. I know there are times when you really need a warship like the Drake, but giving up the science facilities?”

Naylor nods to acknowledge the other team members and listens intently to the briefing. They then review the data provided but notices nothing odd about it.

Perception vs DC 24: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

"I have a mild preference for the Pegasus class ship but either will do."

Naylor then looks at Neon Ten and comments, "Always good to have someone around who is handy with a computer and can access information efficiently."

"Science is fine, but we need to put on a display of strength if we're going to be more focused on security duty." Valikar speaks up from the large chair he's claimed along the side of the meeting table. He's a big, grey scaled vesk whose armor is worn and scarred enough to almost match the wear and tear on his on scales. "It's also good for negotiations. Diplomacy works best when you come from a spot of strength... and then can just headbutt them once or twice to come to an understanding." He chuckles once, a deep and guttural 'heh.'

Culture: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

A small, white Ysoki with a data pad and wearing spectacles is sitting on one of his shoulders. She just rolls her eyes with a sigh when Valikar speaks and goes right back to what she had been reading, though she watches Neon out of the corner of her eye, she seems to have recognized him from the net.

After another moment she shifts in his seat and gives Brobdingnagian a toothy grin. "Me too. I know a guy with some nuclear weapons if we want them." Then his gaze shifts to Neon. "Bring a few of those and we won't feel weak, and as long as we don't fire them it won't disrupt anything." It seemed the most reasonable solution to him.

Finally, after another pause he speaks to the room in general. "My name is Valikar, by the way. I'm here to get hit so you all don't have to."

“Diplomacy...might want to think on that as well. Might need some non-lethal ways of dealing with people. Security details often want to take someone down without killing them.”

"Oooh, hi Neon! Good to see you! Hello everyone! I'm Charli Poshkettle and I've brought some tea for us to enjoy while we talk!" Charli listens to the mission briefing with growing excitement. She smiles and starts handing out cups of Poshkettle Tea.

Due to her Budding Media Celebrity boon, you all recognize her as well. She's the little gnome who charmed everyone with tea on one of Zo's shows recently. It's a DC 10 culture check to recognize her name, and a DC 20 to recognize her out of context from appearance alone.

"I have Akiton Red, some Castrovellian Contemplation, and of course Brethedan Bubble Tea. Would anyone here like some?" The Akiton Red smells strongly of cinnamon, while the Contemplation is more green and minty. The brethedan bubble tea looks like someone stuck a straw in a lava lamp, but it smells fruity.

She places a cup of the Contemplation in front of Naiaj. "Gnome power!" she holds up a hand in front of Naiaj, and then tries to not look disappointed when the other gnome fails to give it a high-five. 'Er, it's good to see you too, Naiaj."

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

She considers the mission briefing. "If we're showing off who we are as a Society, we should bring the Pegasus. Will we be able to give some of the celebrities at the gala tours of our vessel? Perhaps we could even film the tour, so that we can widen the viewing audience?" She also nods to Neon Ten's suggestions about targetting computers and trail blazer fusions. "I haven't filled all my armor upgrade slots. Those sound like great things to purchase. With opponents adapted to cold temperature environments, having something that helps cold resistance on ourselves might be welcome. I don't think that cryo weapons are the best to bring here. It's probably a good idea to make sure you can effect other energy types."

Raatchet enthusiastically shakes everyone's hands if they're willing and says, "Pleased to meet you all! By day, my name is Raatchet, TPS report specialist. And by night, my name is Raatchet (it's the same), tinkerer extraordinaire! I'll be running tech support on this amazing opportunity to... ummm... well.... get frozen into a ysoki-icicle...???"

"Looks like this mission may require some delicate diplomacy. That's me!!! Delicate as a doorknob to the jaw, that is!!! HA! Well, good thing we've got the infamous Charli here as well as the ever charming Cap Brob! If the two of them can't talk down any hotheaded military types, then no one can!!

"I'm happy with either ship. I have a slight preference for the robustness of the Drake but the Pegasus is certainly a beauty as well!"

Looks to me like there are currently more votes for the Pegasus than the Drake.

“Just curious, but who is the best pilot here? I hate to admit it, but in combat the survivability of the Pegasus is highly dependent on the pilot’s skill.”

My character voted for Pegasus, I hadn’t meant for everyone to agree!

Naylor provides a half-smile to Charli as she offers tea, "The Akiton Red, if you would, please."

They listen to the others discuss the merits of either ship and adds, "I must confess, my preference for Pegusas is in part because she is so much speedier and more maneuverable than the Drake. I also like to tinker in the labs when the opportunity arises. The Drake is definitely more robust but do we want to make such an aggressive appearance on a supposedly peaceful and diplomatic mission? As I said, I am good with either. I usually either take the pilot or a gunner position when combat is required though I have other skills as well."

Naylor looks around at the rest of the group, "Actually, looks like this is a fairly skilled group in general if I am not mistaken."

"Delicious!" Naylor adds as they drain the last of the tea and return the empty cup to the table.

"Oh bubble tea for me please. Lava me some tea!!!"

“Alright, so it seems our pilot prefers the maneuverability of the Pegasus.”

“We should search the infosphere, see what we can find there about Triaxus. Should be able to confirm if the environmental systems on normal suits is enough and may be able to get more details on the politics.”

@GM, What sort of skill rolls do you want for this? Even if there isn’t anything on the infosphere, I have Library chips on my computer and should be able to check into some of this.

Culture: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

"Two Akiton red." Valikar rumbles gruffly, then after getting flicked in the ear by his Ysoki he mumbles. "Please." He'll surprisingly delicate with adding honey and cream to both and passing one up to his partner. When he sips his own he lets out a contented sigh, smoke billowing out from his nostrils. "Good stuff, unlike the rest of the swill."

The ysoki on his shoulder speaks up, getting Chari's attention. "Thank you, Miss Poshkettle. Is this the same brew you made for Zo?" When she speaks, it's with far more proper and demure a manner than her companion.

He seems disappointed in the ship choice, but doesn't argue about it, merely leaning back in his chair, letting it groan along with his armor as the topic shifted. "My armor is already modified to handle more extreme temperatures, but I can pick up a fusion to help with beating my way through snow fields if you think we need it." He kicks out one tree trunk of a leg. "I'm not worried about high flying opponents... I jump good." He grinned to a personal joke and then looked to Neon expectantly. "I'm no good with the software side of things, but let me know if you uh... need a claw or two."

With a chuckle, Neon replies to Valikar “I’m not so good at fighting, but let me know if you need any help on the technical side!”

“Looking over things a little more carefully, energy weapons don’t suffer as much in the snow and winds as projectile weapons. The exception to that I suspect is lasers, they will be almost useless through the snow just like they are with fog,”

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Forgot the old perception check.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Forgot this earlier...

Naylor is slightly bemused by the discussion. They haven't been many places yet and have rarely made any special preparations for a mission.

Looking at the variety of small arms strapped for easy access, Naylor chimes in, "So it sounds like my semi-automatic pistol here and my laser pistol won't be much use. But my trusty Arc pistol with its electrical and stun damage may come in handy and possibly this new-fangled Dirge pistol which does sonic damage may also be useful. Do I have that right?"

Anyone paying attention may realise the android is a little uncomfortable perhaps feeling social awkwardness in a new crowd of people. He glances at Charli, wondering if she may recognise them from a previous mission but as they were told never to discuss it there is no way to bring it up.

After a moments pause, Naylor adds "I'm moderately good with grenades as well but don't carry many. If there are any you would like to have along just let me know and I'll see what I can requisition before departure."

Brob feels a bit awestruck by the amount of celebrity power the group is fielding. Even though he's a few short steps from being one in his own right, it's still like being among some of his heroes. He instantly recognizes Charli and Neon, though even Raatchet gives him pause. "Hey, weren't you on Live Action Extreme!? I loved that..."

He looks around as the mission briefing turns into an informal social club. "I suppose a few of you may have heard of me, but for those that haven't, I'm 'Brobdingnagian', which means 'marked by great size' in my language. That's a bit of a mouthful, so you can call me Brob or Captain Brob... the title is really honorary, anyway."

Naiaj chimes in the discussion "So, I've heard some very strong points for both ships. What about the weak points?" And goes back to working on her datapad.

"Alright, Naiaj, here are what I see as the downside of the Pegasus. It doesn't have as much boom, or as much shielding as the Drake would. The Drake is an excellent ship to bring to a fight -- it's a sturdy little ship that does a lot of damage, and can take a hit or two."

Charli considers. "I've taken the Drake often, because of it's ability to hold its own in battle. But... The Pegasus is fast. Instead of hanging there like a brick in space, you can really maneuver it. Also... it's all about what we are as a society. We don't just beat up bad guys. We also make friends, learn things, explore. We're not just going to this gala to be badass, we're going there to sell the society to others."

Looking around she smiles. "And I cannot think of a better team to sell it with. We have old friends," she smiles at Neon, "...and friends with whom we underwent intense, life-changing experiences," she nods to Naylor, "...and friends whose careers we've been following for a long time. Brob, do you remember that orientation meeting you attended, when you considered whether you could join the society? I met you then, and offered to sponsor you, and I'm so happy to see how far you've come!"

She sips her tea. "With this team, I think we can be badass with the Pegasus. We just have to get the drop on any bad guys first."

Goodness, I hope that I'm right about this. The Drake usually is my choice for Starship tagged scenarios.

Valikar snorts. "Almost feel left out, but that's what I get for being the new guy." He does give her a rather large grin to the gnome. "You might not be going there to be badass, but I am and that's going to sell us to a few people. Or at least the local muscle know we're no push-overs. I'll just do it by explaining how to properly dismantle hostile aliens, let them know we're capable of managing ourselves."

He takes another sip of his tea and then sighs quietly. "We can play it your way though, all of you are convincing enough when it comes to the ship. If there's a problem we'll just handle it."

"Ooh, don't feel left out, Valikar! Making new friends is important too! I'm excited to learn more about you and your skills." Then she pauses and considers something that just occured to her. "Speaking of friends, Naiaj, I've never heard you describe anyone as one before. Can you tell us more about Zafeldrin? It might help us if we know a bit more of what to expect."

"Yes, anything more you can tell us about the situation we are heading into will be appreciated. For instance, are there any laws or customs that we should be aware of? It would not make a good impression if we inadvertently do or say something that is taboo."

@GM, What sort of skill rolls do you want for this? Even if there isn’t anything on the infosphere, I have Library chips on my computer and should be able to check into some of this.

I still haven’t seen a reply on what information we can pull from the Infosphere or Library chips about Triaxus.

@Neon - right now you're supposed to be debating ship choice with your fellow crew ;) we'll get tp that part shortly

Naiaj looks up from her clipboard "So, letting Charli decide, huh" Naiaj looks down at her data pad and then pokes a few items. "Done. One Pegasus requisitioned. She'll be at Dock 12 in subsection H." She looks icily at Valikar "Try to bring it back intact. These ships are hard to replace."

"Here's the basics of the mission:" she continues. "You need to make sure the guests are there legitimately and sweep for any listening devices or intrusions onto the lodge grounds. Even our new local friends may take the opportunity to gain some extra access if they have the chance. Also, obvious as it is, you need to do your best to prevent any overt attack on the lodge or its guests.”

Naiaj is momentarily distracted by a flashing light from her datapad. She speaks into her comm cooly "The REPAIRED Pegasus. Fuel the repaired one. And make sure the supplies I requisitioned are on board. Thanks."

She then turns her attention back to the waiting party. "As I mentioned, Zafeldrin is a friend and a good agent. While he doesn’t have any interest in promotion, he has enough experience that we wanted him to manage the new lodge until suitable candidates present themself. I think you’ll get along; after all, I don’t frivolously select my friends.”

For Information on Triaxus

SLOT YOUR BOONS NOW

Culture, library chip: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 16 + 4 = 32

“Checking my library chip, I found a reference to Aralydo, a white dragon and CEO of Frozen Trove. Does anyone have details about what happened between them and the Society?”

As he is saying this, he shares some cultural information he found in his search.

Feel free to read all the above spoilers.

Before leaving on the mission, Neon Ten buys a targeting computer.

Naylor seems to stare off into space as he taps into his memory trying to pull out what he may have learned that would be useful.

Culture: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

When he looks up he asks Naiaj, "So the lodge is in Cumo which is neutral territory. Is that correct? Do we have ties and allegiances on both sides of the dragon/humanoid conflict? Do we have a sense of how active that conflict is? If this is more of an active warzone we really need to know that."

Culture+Library Chip: 1d20 + 17 + 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 17 + (4) + 1 + 4 = 28

"I am concerned about these references to Sleeper Agents... If Frozen Trove actively worked to block the lodge, they could definitely interfere at the Gala. On the other hand, this could be an opportunity to change their minds and form new alliances. Whatever else this party will be, it's bound to be interesting!"

"The dragons don't like us much." Valikar pipes up after finishing off the rest of his tea. He pauses to set down his tea cup, and then deliberately tilts his head until something in his neck cracks. "I was part of a team sent to an uncharted system to examine some of the locals... turned out they were scoured star refuges." He takes another pause to puff out another breath of smoke. "It also turns out that Frozen Trove had a false front non-profit there experimenting on the local wildlife. They weren't happy with us being there and tried to kill the team."

He grins. "Didn't work out for them, and that's probably why they tried to stop us since we shut down their little game."

Turning to Vlikar, Naylor comments, "They certainly don't sound friendly by that description. Hopefully, some of them are more amenable but it sounds like we should exercise caution."

Rising from their chair and looking at Naiaj, Naylor adds, "If you have nothing else relevant for us then perhaps we should head out for last-minute supplies and make our way to the ship." They then turn to look expectantly at each of the other team members.

Brob appears ready to leave, then suddenly turns back to Naiaj. "Is there anything you haven't told us that we might need to know?" He shrugs. "You never know when sometimes important details slip through the mission briefing..."

Charli gives herself a dope slap. "Oh wait. I remember Frozen Trove now! They were developing addictive food to drop on unsuspecting populations!" Charli says, indignantly. "That's... reckless. Yeah, we did interfere with their plans, so we'd best be prepared for the worst behavior from them!"

Naiaj looks at Brob "You'll get another briefing when you arrive. Zafeldrin will be your contact there."

"Naylor, we have allies all over the Pact Worlds. Things will be more clear when you get to Triaxus."

Naiaj listens to her comm and then regards you all "I hand picked you for this mission. Even you, Valikar. Don't let me down. I just got word your ship is ready. Finish your personal business and get underway."

Neon orders his targeting computer for immediate pickup, and adds a couple of serums of healing to the order while he is at it. Sounds like if we get into a fight it is likely to be a bad one.

Looking to the rest of the group, he says “Meet you at the ship!” and pops his computer back into his cheek pouch. With a wave, he scuttles off to pick up the new equipment.

Purchase Targeting Computer, Mk II Serum of Healing, 2x Mk I Serum of Healing.

Arriving at the ship, he unpacks his new targeting computer and prepares to install it during the journey.

"I always prepare for the worst. Means I can be less disappointed when things get messy." Valikar drags himself out of his chair; it, his armor, and his joints all giving their own groans as he stands and stretches. "Right, heading to the docks." He waits for Ysoki on his shoulder to find her balance and then plods out of the briefing room.

On his way out of the Lorespire he'll detour to the quartermaster to pick up a trailblazer fusion which he can fiddle with during the trip. The big lizard arrives shortly after Neon and stares at him working for a moment before speaking in a flat tone. "Dibs on a bottom bunk. Don't want anyone getting crushed."

Neon starts the self-diagnostics, then looks over and says “Sounds fine to me.”

While waiting for the self-diagnostics to run, he asks “So did Naiaj seem even more curt than normal?”

“I had completely forgotten about Frozen Trove and the food additive. I would have missed the connection myself.”

Forgot that this was the character I played it on. :(

Raatchet looks over the ship making sure everything is functioning properly and that she's spaceworthy.

Ready to go! Will decide on that weapon purchase a bit later today!

Just prior to arriving at the ship, Raatchet swings by a weapons shop where a shout rifle catches his eye. After listening to an explanation of its features by the shop owner, Raatchet says, "You mean to say EVERYONE in front of me will hear me? Ohhhh yeeaaaahh! Ain't no one ignoring this ysoki again, amirite!?!? I'll take it!"

Raatchet purchases a shout rifle,leaves the shop and nearly blasts himself with his new acquisition fiddling with it on the way out the door...

Raatchet somehow manages to arrive safely for the rest of the mission.

Travel to Triaxus: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

...as you board the ship, you find Naiaj's care package: a package containing six mk 2 serums of healing.

Along the journey, liberally peppered with Abysshead outbreaks, you encounter very few starships, mostly in transit, but one ship seems adrift.

“Captain, we’ve an adrift Starship ahead. I’ll scan it, but you get to do the talking!” He smiles as he says this.

Computers, node, Pegasus: 10 + 18 + 3 + 4 = 35

Naylor carefully and slowly brings their ship closer to the adrift ship to allow the science crew the best scans possible but keeps a wary distance, waiting for the results of the scans and an idea of what they are facing.

"Hey Neon, is that a better angle for you? What can you tell us about it?"

Raatchet will take one of the mk2 healing serums and pass the rest out, ensuring that everyone receives one.

Valikar has latched the offered serum to a gear clap on the front of his armor. He's currently absently flicking the end of the container with one hand, the other idling on the controls of the Pegasus's largest gun. A gun he currently has pointed at the motionless ship their approaching. "Well. -I- can tell you something. It anything funny? I'm putting a hole in the power core."

He stretched the fingers of the hand over the control panel just to make his point, and gave what he intended to be a reassuring grin. "Had too many weird things happen with abandoned ships."

Scans of the ship show it is in normal operating condition. The ship is an Idaran Vanserai class starship, a Kasathan vessel.

Charli looks to Brob. "Do you want me take this one, Captain? If so, I can have a go at hailing them."

Gunner Charli opens up a hailing frequency. "This Officer Charli of the Pegasus, calling unknown Vanserai vessel. Unknown vessel, do you need aid or any other assistance?"

She then repeats her question in Kasathan, just to make sure they understand her.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 17 + (4) + 1 = 24

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

GM, are sure that is all that Neon Ten got on that roll? The rules for scanning are the following.

"If the ship is in good condition.... why would it be drifting....???"

“I am not sure, I really would expect to be able to tell more even from this distance. We know it is a heavy freighter and that type of ship has a normal crew of ten. As a freighter, the ship is usually mostly cargo hold.”

Right now, I don’t even know why it is derelict.

Neon Ten continues to monitor the scanner, trying to figure out if the scan is being blocked or is somehow malfunctioning.

"Let me do a full circuit around it and see if that helps you get a better picture."

Brob nods to the gnome, letting her take the helm and settling into a gunner station. He'd been there before and likely would be there again as his halfling reflexes made him a decent shot. He runs his hand over the controls, waiting for the inevitable outbreak of violence that such a situation tended to bring. "So... what now?"