As Historia-7 uncovers information that points to acts of data tampering within the Society's halls, a set of Starfinder agents are tasked with corporate espionage to find the source of this plot and safeguard other Starfinder lives.
The party is all provided a mission request from Historia-7, leader of the Dataphiles faction. The message was limited on details indicating that all would be provided with an meeting within the Archive's Cortex, the core of the vast vaults of data at the heart of the Society's digital assets.
That call has all brought you together as you move through the active Archives as various researchers review various esoteric artifacts and ancient computers banks. Your direction is clear, forward into the heart of the complex and the Cortex to meet Historia-7.
As you enter you find yourself surrounded by the efficient hum of machinery fills the Archive’s Cortex. Projected images and text flit across multiple screens positioned around a raised swivel chair occupied by Historia-7, the android leader of the Dataphiles. She takes only a few moments to swipe a finger to clear the feed and speaks without preamble.
"My sources indicate that you are the most efficient and capable team the Starfinder Society currently has for my mission. I sincerely hope you do not prove this claim erroneous. I recently detected a discrepancy in the Society’s data logs. As you may be aware, my primary objective has been decoding information regarding the Scoured Stars incident. Before the incident, my predecessor, Historia-6, and other Society members extensively investigated several corporations as well as the Scoured Stars system. Much of their knowledge was lost to us. A recent ally, a skilled hacker named Ceren, uncovered multiple data links from what remains of my predecessor's research leading back to a corporation known as the Arch Energy Consortium. When I compared these findings to our records, I found no mention of this corporation, and all data related to Arch Energy Consortium was somehow deleted from our records. My worst-case scenario is being realized: our data has been tampered with."
Historia-7 unhooks the neural cables from her neck and massages the attachment sites. "I require additional information about this corporation. Arch Energy’s CEO, Ilia Tamm, has enough security resources and paranoia at her disposal to make a direct infiltration inadvisable. The weak link in this proverbial firewall is her son, Envar Tamm. His proclivities make him very suggestible, and I hypothesize that resourceful individuals could convince him to provide the information I seek."
"Envar routinely attends gladiatorial fights on Arch Energy’s corporate space station, Brilliance. It will take you some time to reach Brilliance from here. During your journey, I want you to create false identities. Meanwhile, I'll make sure that you’re entered into one of these gladiatorial matches as contestants. From there, you'll need to get Envar to grant you access to his mother’s computer records. Acquire any data related to the corporation’s board of directors. Above all, this mission demands subtlety, as Envar has quite the media presence."
She takes another moment to appraise the party monitoring each of your faces for confusion or hesitation as she asks, "Any questions about the requirements and nature of your mission?"
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A tall, lean Lashunta saunters into the room whistling quietly to himself. As the others enter he casually takes note nodding or giving a slight wave to each. As the room fills and before Historia-7 begins, "Greetings and salutations all, name's Soryn. Lover of life and seeker of excitement. Hope this day finds you all well!." He smirks lightly, and continues to hum as Historia provides the briefing.
"What do you know about Envar's proclivities? Anything that we get use in the door? What about Brilliance? Never been there personally."
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As you enter you find yourself surrounded by the efficient hum of machinery fills the Archive’s Cortex. Projected images and text flit across multiple screens positioned around a raised swivel chair occupied by Historia-7, the android leader of the Dataphiles. She takes only a few moments to swipe a finger to clear the feed and speaks without preamble.
"My sources indicate that you are the most efficient and capable team the Starfinder Society currently has for my mission.
Krara beams as the android accurately recognizes her greatness, shifting to stand even taller in her armor. The burly vesk’s Smile then becomes positively radiant when she learns of Enver’s hobby.
Gladiatorial Combat! Krara laughs. Then you have picked the perfect crew for this mission! I hadn’t thought that the All Elite Gladiator league matches of Vesk 5 had become so known in these Pact Worlds, but I am honored that you have seen some of my matches!
She turns to Soryn. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you! You seem spry enough to be a worthy combatant yourself! Krara says as she eyes the lashunta over.
To Historia-7, she’s asks: I presume from the name Arch Energy is an energy company. Do we at least know of what sort?
Historia-7 has a long pause as she contemplates Soryn's question about Envar. After the moment of processing she states, "My research led me to discover that Envar has an addiction to transdimensional pesh and, while he's impaired, he may be highly suggestible. His info feed has a number of significant edits by Arch Energy PR. I've been able to gather limited useful information from the remaining data, but it indicates that he may already be prone to leaking sensitive information to the infosphere."
"This is an unenviable task, and I fully intend to ensure that Envar receives the help he needs." There is only a slight pause before she adds, "After we get our data."
She brings up an image of a space station on one of her screens. "Brillance is a station that closely orbits the Pact Worlds's sun. It is owned by Arch Energy and serves as a research point focused on solar activity and solar energy. The station has several thousand employees on site at any one time."
"You will be authorized access to a starship for this mission. I would recommend you carefully choose your ship to help avoid discovery." She presents you data on the Drake and the Pegasus ships. The Drake ships are clearly much more clearly armed for a fight while the Pegasus has better computer systems and science stations.
She nods with affirmation to Krara. "I concur. I've reviewed a number of your matches and found that your skill set would be most useful for this mission. However your matches are entirely well known within the Pact as of yet. That will likely change in the future, but for the moment that serves as an advantage. The station would immediately suspect any known Starfinders for espionage. You will all need to make certain to obscure your identities going into this mission. You should have time en-route to the station to perform this."
"As for Arch Energy, beyond your own understanding of their connections to the study of solar energy, it is a minor subsidiary of Resurgent Technologies, which is a larger Aballon-based corporation. Analysis of Arch Energy's finances suggests its CEO wants to keep it that way. Ilia Tamm has made multiple business decisions over past fiscal cycles that stunt company growth. I therefore conclude that the company is a front—for what, exactly, I don’t know. I suspect that Resurgent Technologies is still unaware of this."
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A broad smile dances across Soryn's face, "Why thank you Krara, high praise from someone whose won me more than few Creds. I'm no stranger to a fight, but prefer less aggressive methods. You're prowess in the arena will see you famous across the Pact Worlds one day!"
Soryn takes in Historia's words, "An addict... Unfortunate. I'm not comfortable taking advantage of such a weakness, but if there is help for him... I suppose."
Soryn accesses his computer AI, and begins working out the details of a false identy. "I'm not the best at this, but I have done it more than once. I can try to help anyone who needs."
"Tamms… Tamms, where have I heard that name before..."
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Nodding to the others in the room in greeting, with a wider smile at seeing a fellow Lashunta in Soryn, Damius listens to Historia-7 with a comment of "The gladiatorial matches sounds like an easy in, though subtlety is going to be an interesting dance if the matches are at all notorious." Then offering Krara a hand in greeting, already looking forward to watching the boisterous Vesks back in a fight. "Damius, pleasure to meet the team."
Qwyn gets a nod as well, his lack of heavier armor having him already pegged as a support or specialist in Damius's mind.
The news of how they're going to be getting the information gets a nod from Damius, along with a mutter of "Might learn his lesson himself if this blows up in his face."
Looking to Soryn with a wry little smile "Best I could manage for a fake for myself would be dying my hair, I'll take that help if you could."
Soryn is only able to recall limited information on Arch Energy CEO Ilia Tamm. Even the little he knows is through her only child, Envar Tamm.
Envar Tamm is the chief procurement officer of the Arch Energy Consortium,
a corporation that manufactures and distributes solar batteries. He is a minor celebrity who relies on his money and connections rather than actual talent to remain in the spotlight. He dislikes being bored and seeks the company of exotic or famous individuals.
Envar owes his position within the company entirely to nepotism, and while he has an elevated level of security clearance and a matching salary, his mother employs a host of assistants to limit his influence on the corporation—and her bank account.
On Brilliance, however, Envar usually travels unsupervised. Ilia Tamm and her public-relations team try to cover up Envar’s addiction to transdimensional pesh, but leaked videos of Envar’s drug-fueled antics occasionally slip through the cracks.
One of the more popular videos Soryn has seen showed Envar nearly crashing a solar yacht in an attempt to impress the shirren icon Magisterial Chef Ghornak Ryzcech during his visit to Brilliance.
Medium transport
Speed 8; Maneuverability average (turn 2); Drift 1
AC 12; TL 12
HP 70; DT —; CT 14
Shields light 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Forward) gyrolaser (1d8)
Attack (Turret) coilgun (4d4), high explosive missile launcher
(4d8)
Power Core Arcus Heavy (130 PCU); Drift Engine Signal Basic;
Systems budget medium-range sensors, crew quarters (good), mk 1 trinode computer, mk 2 armor, mk 2 defenses;
Expansion Bays cargo hold, escape pods
Modifiers +1 to any three checks per round;
Complement 4–7
Medium explorer
Speed 10; Maneuverability good (turn 1); Drift 1
AC 12; TL 12
HP 55; DT —; CT 11
Shields basic 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Forward) light laser cannon (2d4)
Attack (Port) light laser cannon (2d4)
Attack (Starboard) light laser cannon (2d4)
Attack (Turret) coilgun (4d4)
Power Core Pulse Green (150 PCU); Drift Engine Signal Basic; Systems basic medium-range sensors, crew quarters (good), mk 1 duonode computer, mk 2 armor, mk 2 defenses; Expansion Bays cargo hold, escape pods, science lab, tech workshop
Modifiers +1 to any two checks per round, +2 Computers, +1 Piloting; Complement 4–7
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In the back Allut sits a small Ikeshti with green and red skin. Slowly absorbing the mission briefing from Historia 7. He stays quiet trying to avoid calling attention to himself more used to the quiet of a magicomp lab and less to active field research.
He smiles a little as he pulls up his system the holograms in front of him showing his ui. He finally pipes up, "Things based on our real Ids would be easier to fake. Um.. I'm Allut."
A few clicks and his ID shows up now hiding all Starfinder affiliation.
"Hopefully that will make it through a background check. I can help someone else if needed? Damius I can work on yours if Soryn dose not have it. As for the ship I always think speed is better than the heavy shields as it's easier to run."
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Soryn watches Allut work on the fake id while talking, letting out a low whistle, "Nope, I think you're better suited to this than me! If you don't mind me watching, I think I could learn a trick or two..." Soryn watches Allut work, pitching in where he can.
"so we get to pick a ship? I've flown a Pegasus, nice ship. Nimble and versatile. Since we're not looking for a fight the extra support systems might be better than extra weaponry? Thoughts..."
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Looking between Soryn and Allut, Damius smiles with a "You two are the experts here, I'll defer to you on that."
"Ship wise, for something like this I'm in agreement with Soryn, if we end up needing to outgun something it's probably because we made a mistake that the stronger systems on the Pegasus could have helped us avoid."
With your ship chosen Historia-7 quickly begins planning your flight data. You have some times to purchase final gear before boarding the ship and heading for the center of the system at a rapid pace. It takes about three days of travel through space to get from Absalom Station to the near sun station.
This gives the group enough time to create their alternate identities before arrival.
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Krara frowns slightly as the party discusses starships - the imposing Drake seems to her a fitting vessel for strong fighting competitors. But as those more experienced with starship piloting point out the benefits of the subtler Pegasus the vesk concedes they have a good point.
Well then, she says. This should be fun! A chance to do work for the Society while being able to proudly display our skills! Even if they must be under false titles and names.
The vesk looks to the others. Should we coordinate our backstories? Craft a theme for our gladiatorial group? Or would that draw too many questions? A themed team would be more likely to have already been heard about...
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Allut looks up at Soryn at his comment on picking up some tips. "Um Yea..." not really used to being the center of attention he focuses on the fake ID.
The small lizard takes Daimus' Starfinder profile and starts to disect it, flip it, and obscure details. "Okay it's set."
A small smile appears on his face as he looks at the work, "Yea I'm ready." as he shuts down the computer rig and grabs his gear.
After a few more days polishing the alternate identities the party moves in to dock with Brilliance. There are a few security fighters flitting about the station but they give you the barest bit of attention. Along side you is wide tanker attached to the station.
Your ship is guided to a landing bay and as you step out a stocky lashunta customs officer steps out to meet you outside your ship. "Welcome to Brilliance," she announces in a customer service tone, "What is the purpose of your visit here today? Do you have business upon the station, refueling, or is this a trip for pleasure?"
As she talks she holds her tablet scanning the personal information you provide her into the system along with pictures of each of you.
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Business, for the pleasure of others! the vesk woman says as she steps forwards and presents her ID. You don’t recognize Arark? One of the greatest fighters in seven systems? Get some tickets for the coming games and you will!
My friends and I hear that there’s actually a challenge in the fighting pits here. It will be a good change from the rest of the ‘arenas’ your Pact Worlds claim to have!
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Soryn picking up on Allut's discomfort jokes, "No worries, it's not illegal when you're Starfindering!" With a chuckle, he helps put the finishing polish on the id's and disguises the team are using.
"That's right," he gives Krara Arark a pat on the back, "Strongest fighters across six systems right here. Going to prove it too!" Soryn Nyros shares his id, "Manger, promoter, and train - Nyros, at your services."
She gives you all a look while dutifully records your names. "Arark. Nyros. Visiting entertainers."
As she continues questioning you and keying in information, within a few minutes three members station security are approaching you. A vesk, human and a lashunta who eye you carefully as the come close.
"We were alerted to your arrival. You are the gladiatorial team correct? The schedule is being moved up. The chief procurement officer wishes to hold the event ASAP and we have been instructed to bring you immediately to the venue. Any issues with that?"
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Soryn Nyros looks over the team before responding, "Well we're a little Drift tired... But if the Creds and crowd are right, we're ready!" Soryn Nyros reaches out a hand, half to shake and half expecting contracts "So where's our contracts? Pay rates? Promotional right agreements?" He pauses to see if anything is offered, "Or least the rules of engagement to make sure it's a good, clean fight..."
The security seems to be honest in their purpose, but although some are frustrated with their management and their current orders. They don't hold any will toward the party and see them as standard contractors.
The vesk shakes his head with the mention of contracts. "Normally that stuff would be passing through HR. Mr. Tamm has overridden to start the fight ASAP." The security grumbles a bit and before he grouses too much another of the personal takes over the explanation.
"Payments beyond us, but we understand you are to get a prize if you win. Other promotional stuff would be other departments beyond the listing you got pulled in under. You are set up to fight an alien creature brought in by the CPO. Can't tell you much about it aside that it is killer beast. Don't hold anything back on it. If things turn sideways for you, we will move in and put an end to the fight."
They continue to lead you through more corridors past a gate into a wide arena. The nearby sun blazes against a backdrop of inky space through the transparent ceiling of the arena. The glare obscures the faces of the roaring crowd crammed into bleachers towering above the floor. Overhead, six suspended holoscreens loop images of the arena. Metal pillars rise like jagged teeth from the bloodstained arena floor, and an announcer’s voice booms, "Are you ready for some carnage?" The crowd echoes the refrain as the silver metal door to the east grinds open.
A team of three lashunta and vesk personal with stun guns guide a harnessed and chained creature into the arena. It is massive lizard-like creature with a bound jaw, a plethora of horns, and six limbs.
You security detail continues giving quick instructions to your team. "You will have some time as the creature's restraints are released. Put on a good show and hold off until it gets free. Maybe play up to the crowd a bit during that bit before jumping into the fight."
They don't give much time for questions as both sets of station personal fall back before releasing the harness clips holding the creature in place. It bellows as it begins to slowly tear apart the restraints and free itself.
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Soryn Nyros nods to their escorts, "Any chance one of you could put 100 Creds down on us to win for me?" He grins broad as the team steps into the arena.
Soryn reaches out to the team telepathically, "Alright, we can do this. Supports keep back, combatants step up. Remember whatever you do, make it flashy! I'll keep this link up as long as your all close enough, in case we need to talk privately." He begins gently whistling a tune in his mind and projecting it, letting the team know the mental link is present.
As he finishes, he continues walking into the center of the arena. "HELLO BRILLANCE!", he draws and raises his sword and Arc pistol in a salute to the crowd. "ONCE THEY'VE CLEARED OUT THAT KITTEN,"he gestures grandly to the beast, "WE'LL BEGIN THE ENTERTAINMENT!" With a flourished, dramatic squinting gesture, "WAIT, THAT'S THE GRAND CHALLENGE? I SUPPOSE WE CAN MAKE SOME SPORT OF IT!" He does mock-dejected walk toward the beast.
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As the bizarre creature is guided into the arena, Krara strides towards the center of the pit with slow confidence. She gazes at the alien before her, then turns up at the crowd. That's a big beast. But it should be bigger!
The vesk beats her chest with her fist and roars If this is the type of challenge you have, then we'll do our best to keep you entertained! Maybe I will fight with my best hand behind me. To show you Arark's true skills!
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Following along as he listens, Daimus nods and moves to be at a safe 25' from Soryn while still near other party members "Ready to relay that if we get spread out a bit."
Once out in the arena he spends a moment lamenting that he never did get around to all of the study that he meant to, always finding the time to be better spent tinkering with explosives, but that's a problem for another day.
"Might be a few too many of us for the little fella, think we should take turns? Who calls first?" he taunts while making a show of lining up his rifle sights, then slinging it back over his shoulder to crack his knuckles and check the quick release on his grenade.
Well that was anti-climatic
The crowd of station personal, all in casual and business attire, cheer when they hear Krara's declartion. Within moments the crowd is chanting and calling out all around the party, "Arark! Arark! Arark!"
It is to the point that the volume of their response overwhelms Daimus's call to action.
"We hear you folks," calls out the announcer. "It seems like this group has the guts to stand in this field of battle! They can talk and boast, but can they take town the Killer from kasath? But, wait, weren't their five gladiators, I only count four!"
As the announcer fills in the dead air the creature breaks free of the remaining restraints on the creature break free as it roars and begins charging at the party.
Qwyn
Krara
Soryn
Allut
Damius
Beast
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Tries to put a look on his face like the small lizard is a seasoned warrior. It's more comical than anything, but he is a starfinder and he knows how to fight.
He first looks at the creature and tries to figure out what it is and what they all should be concerned about. He mutters, No couldn't be something natural had to be magic based."
For a second he thinks he has no idea what it is but then he remembers it. He thinks across the mind link, "Got it. It's a crest-eater. They feed on bone. They either just rip off limbs to eat the bone or use their venom to dissolve the bone inside the body."
He then looks at the crowd and decides to impress the crowd. He does a couple of flips and quick movements while using token spell to shed light around him colored to make him.
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Reaching to heft his hammer in one hand, he can't help a moment of snark back across the link of "And here we are with all these handsome bones for it."
Of course, that moment distracts him enough that he's last to rush in, trying to move into a flanking position with one of the team if possible before taking a swing.
Normally he'd be staying back from such a beast and just shooting it, but when in an arena like this with a crowd, you've got to give the people what they paid for.
The crowd hoots and hollers as Soryn continues to boast. His lines and quips are met with applause and cheers and the same goes for Allut's acrobatic movements.
The creature though isn't impressed as it rushes forward in a frenzied, hungry rage. It snaps at Damius, but the the attack is took quick and doesn't have the force necessary to break through his armor.
The volley of attacks upon it are devastating and tear through the creature. It is left with greivious wounds, but is more than capable of tearing into the party again.
Qwyn
Krara
Soryn
Allut
Damius
Crest-Eater (14 damage)