To Conquer a Dragon (Inactive)

Game Master DoubleGold

Be ready.

An overly loud rendition of the latest SMC smash hit can be heard approaching down the corridor of the station. Roughly a minute later a slightly built human bops into view, wearing a rather too-tight t-shirt with the words "SMC #1 fan" emblazoned on the front.

She all but launches herself from the rooms entrance onto the most comfortable looking chair in the room.

"Hi ya'all!" she says with a bright smile.

"I'm Gunnz"

Obazaya stands strong in front of you.

"In Veskarium society, social status is most easily earned through excellence in combat, and I will soon prove to you why I stand where I stand! Obazaya is my name!" the heavily armed female Vesk in battle armor states with little emotion.

"What drives you lot in life?"

"Hey Ozzy, when it comes to driving... I drive myself, and anyone else who wants a lift of course!" sings back Gunns, who in due deference to company has turned the music down to a setting that is merely 'mostly deafening'.

"Or did you mean figuratively? You did, didn't you? I live for my music, and to Dance. Come on, shake those scales, you know you want to! Bone is even a vesk like you. Here, let me forward to her doing a solo on her koto..."
she adds as she fiddles with her wrist com, trying to find the right bit of the track.

Entering the room behind Gunnz,head bobbing slightly to the tune of Strawberry Machine Cake's latest hits blaring from the Human's speakers is a slightly built Shirren, out of armour and in the uniform of the Skyfire Legion out of Triaxus. Xy Xy has clearly been through some rough times, their dark green chitin marred with acid burns and claw marks, with one of their antennae cut off about half way down. They breath heavily through augmented lungs and their eyes and right arm have also been replaced, the arm twitch slightly on occasion.

The Shirren bows at the waist to the rooms occupants before speaking telepathically - their mind-voice clear but soft. "Greetings, I am Xygriggex, but be welcome to call me Xy Xy my friends." they introduce formally whilst straightening from the bow. "My purpose is a Warrior - I fought the Swarm in my youth and joined the Legion of my home planet. I joined the society after seeing their struggles in the Scoured Stars and have lent my aid such as it is. A pleasure to know you all!"

Obozaya is not amused.

"Ozzy?! Ozzy! OZZY?! NO. No. NO." she says with anger and turns around.

Colthan is an android though effort was made to make him look more Human.
He enters and nods at everyone.

"Colthan. I do R&D for Abadarcorp, Though I suspect that is not why my presence was requested."

After a moment he adds "And no I'm not friends with Datch."

Ozzy nods at Colthan and looks at Xy Xy with interest.

"A warrior! Very good. I am honored to battle at your side."

Gunnz offers a high-five to Xyxy. "Glad to see at least one person appreciates the finest things in life."

Offering a smile to the two warriors she adds "Love not war!" in a cheeky manner. "I'm kind of hoping that for once we can get a job done without half a dozen sentient life forms ending up... less sentient."

Xy Xy accepts the high five, using their left un-augmented hand to do so, with a shy smile. "Yes I'm quite fond, Ziggy and I recently sat down to stream their latest hit in the warehouse - much to the annoyance of many of the other Exo-Guardians" they chuckle slightly.

"I too would prefer not to fight sentient life If it can be helped - but sometimes it is regretfully inevitable - and the monsters of the Swarm don't count." Xy xy replies seriously, their tone hardening at the end of their statement. Taking a moment, they take out a flask of sweet smelling tea and take a sip from a cup. "Castrovelian Sweet tea anyone?"

A beeping noise is heard and Colthan checks his com.

"Whoops. Looks like I'm needed elsewhere. Best of luck all."

He then exists stage left.

After hearing the pacifists course of discussion with Xy Xy you see Obozaya react a little agitated.

When the Android leaves she is confused.

”I am still waiting for a worthy companion!“

Ivy Iridone, Battleflower She nods at the music and twirls a plasma ribbon around herself the pink trail becoming entwined with glowing yellow pattern on her armour. I remember that battle dance from the the concert Celeta attended. Now that was one I would have been proud to be part of

I too am a warrior and I am happy to show my skills work just as well without a camera crew present She curtseys bringing the plasma ribbon to graceful stop to both Xy Xy and Obozaya Tilting her head towards Gunz

Another large female Vesk enters, quietly and with no fanfare. She is also well armed and wearing heavy armor but a prominent symbol of Desna is on her chest. She has a row of purple and blue scales starting at the top of her head and apparently ending at the tip of her tail.

As she enters she gives a slight bow, "Greetings. I am called Yith.I am pleased to be joining your group for this mission. I am a humble priest of Desna."

Handout 1:
Society Mission: 318-1LE-19
Destination: Triaxus, the trade port of Cumo in the Skyfire Mandate. Expected travel time is roughly 6 days. Triaxus is currently in the winter season of a long seasonal cycle. Expect surface conditions to be frigid with high winds and low visibility due to snow. Mission Parameters: Agents are to rendezvous with the local lodge administrator, Zafeldrin, and provide public relations support and lodge security for the opening ceremonies of the newly founded lodge. The safety and security of lodge assets, Starfinder agents, and visitors are paramount. Assist Zafeldrin for the duration of the event as long as it doesn’t compromise security.
Liabilities: Cumo is a known black market trade port that deals in every manner of illicit goods and services with the notable exception of slaves. The Skyfire Mandate is a historical hot zone for past planetary conflicts and still serves as a buffer between the Drakelands dragoncorps and the ryphorian Allied Territories. Avoid conflict with the Skyfire Legion mercenaries for practical and political reasons, as they are the primary military and police force in the Mandate. Dragoncorps wield considerable influence and their leadership structure allows for quick, unilateral action. The Society’s entry into the area may disrupt local power structures, but avoid unnecessary conflict or entanglements. Tactically, expect potential adversaries to be adapted to aerial combat and lowtemperature environments.
Compensation: The Society established an incident repair fund for the lodge. Venture-Captain Naiaj will distribute unused credits post-mission.

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 to me 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

Gunnz grins at the gleeming lines of the Pegasus.

"You know, if we wanted to show we were peaceful, rather than a potential threat, that Pegasus would certainly fit the diplomatic bill. Better sensors as well. I think.. .and this has nothing to do with its speed or handling you understand, that really that Pegasus would make a much better impression."

From the gleam in her eyes as she looks at the Pegasus, it is clear that perhaps dancing isn't quite her first love in life. No boy will ever get quite that look from her.

Seeing the enthusiasm, Yith smiles at Gunnz.
"I'm fine with either ship. I think I will go look into some good cold weather gear though. Better to be prepared."

”I will be able to provide security! But what else do you expect?! I can’t check for spying technology or read minds and prevent them from stealing thoughts or prevent them from hacking into the systems!“ Obozaya says unnerved.

Cold weather clothing is good for those who need it. Seeker fusions or other such additions to weapons to enable clearer targeting of those making off into a snow storm is good. Ah but having my eyes done to let me see in the dark has left me short of funds I will need a called fusion for my standard She fetches a tall pole with her name and starfinder symbol on the top as standard

Xy xy reads the briefing with a slight smile, glad that they are returning home for another mission. At the mention of the SKyfire Mandate and Legion within the briefing, they tug their uniform nervously - hoping that nothing should go awry between their two factions, which would cause the SHirren internal strife. Choice was everything to them, but they would not relish making a choice between their two families. Greeting Venture Captain Naiaj with a sharp salute, they listen to the summary with interest, making a few notes on their datapad.

"My Armour will need to be brought aboard, that contains a Capacitor so I will be fine from the cold, but the Fusion and Clothing are good ideas should you not have them." Xy XY agrees with Ivy with a nod, "If you prefer the Pegasus Gunnz that is fine, I doubt the Drake will cow any forces there - but I think you are right in showing our intentions are as explorers, not conquerors."

They make a few mentions on their Comm unit, and soon an Immense suit of Power Armour is hauled into the docks, painted in a soft green, the emblem of the Skyfire Legion embossed upon the left Shoulder guard.

Yith stares at the power armor and looks back at Xy Xy.
"Impressive. Haven't seen much of that during my time with the society."

"Good thinking team!" smiles Gunnz.

"I heard about these thermal capacitors that you can fit into your outfits that means you can dance all day in even the hottest of planets. Rumours have it you can dance all night in the snow too. Maybe I'll pick one of them up."

ka-ching. 3600cr and a mk 1 thermal capacitor on the shopping list.

The dancer herself doesn't seem to be equipped with significant armour at all.

Although someone knowledgeable about armour may note that her "casual" outfit looks like it might well be a set of elite stationware.

Xy Xy smiles and nods to Yith, their chitin darkening slightly in a show of blushing. "Yes, it is rarer - but I like the power and Imposing nature of it,better allows me to protect may allies too." the awe in their Telepathic voice comes close to matching Gunnz's desire for the sleek designs of the Pegasus, and you can tell there are several off the shelf modifications to the armour. "With Aerial Combat foes, I would also suggest everyone is prepared for long range combat. I hope the Captain is impressed with our planning -I think we
are prepared."

They ponder a bit more, taking time to check over their armour to ensure it is in working order. "Oh yes, In my time i served as a Chaplain and Hylax has granted me some healing powers if required." they nod to Yith.

Mystic Inkling feat and can cast Mystic Cure 1 twice per day

She hears you all talk about the Pegasus Great!, I'll go get it fueled up and ready. Expect nothing, but prepare for the worst. Is there any last minute preparations or questions before you go. You look like eager and ready starfinders. Then you will head to Triaxus Now is the time to slot last minute boons and do purchases. Culture checks please.

culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"I dated this guy from Triaxus once. Coldest hands I have ever met I tell you."

Turning to the VC she asks "What more can you tell us about the various factions? Are there any we should actively curry, or just try to keep them all balanced?"

culture: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
"I may have heard something in my travels that could help. Nothing about cold hands though!"

Oh yeah, boons...
Social: Purchasing power
Ally: Duskmire Allegience (Yetis) +1 to Str and Dex based skill checks and +1 to Fort saves
Starship: Defender of the fleet, Finest weapons, reroll any '1's on weapon damage

She will buy some appropriate cold weather gear to supplement her armor and in case she's not in it and a Flash Grenade Mk1

I'm under the assumption you share information with each other. There is one more piece of info under the 30+ section.

10+: Triaxus is known as the Wanderer because of its irregular and eccentric orbit. The planet experiences decades-long summers and winters as it travels from the inner to the outer regions of the Golarion system and back. A full cycle takes 317 Pact Standard years.
15+: Triaxian culture is largely defined by the long conflict between the dragons of the Drakelands and the humanoids of the Allied Territories. Between them is the Skyfire Mandate, home to the famous mercenary company, the Skyfire Legion. The trade port of Cumo sits on a river delta on the southern shore of the Mandate on the Sephorian Sea.
20+: The conflict between the dragons and the humanoids has cooled since interplanetary travel became possible, but some of the dragon-led dragoncorps still look to expand their territory and sow spies and sleeper agents throughout the Allied Territories and the Skyfire Mandate. 25+: The Parapet Mountains stretch along the Skyfire Mandate and serve as a natural barrier to the Drakelands. Abandoned Dragon Legion outposts lie within the twisting passes, unclaimed due to rumors of haunts and curses. While the new lodge is likely to dispatch agents to explore these mountains, only the most experienced can survive such a treacherous region.

Beyond you all encounter with the Void Scholar, their journey to Triaxus passes uneventfully and they receive clearance to land at the Cumo starport. The settlement’s position near the equator keeps Cumo relatively temperate. Surface vessels sail up the river delta and out into the Sephorian Sea, while starship traffic regularly launches from the docks. A labyrinthine market twists in knots around the center of town and bustles with eager crowds. Unassuming doorways open to those in the know and conceal businesses offering all manner of illicit goods and services. Skyfire Legionnaires are a frequent sight, gathering for deployment at the docks or bartering at the markets while off duty. Sky bridges and landing perches for dragons and dragonkin are common as the open market ascends terraces to building rooftops five stories above the street. The lodge has already paid for your docking fees and you land your starship, they receive a cryptic message from Zafeldrin: a brass cylinder with two compartments, each filled with metal shards.

days in drift: 1d6 + 2 - 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 - (4) = 1 yes -1d6, certain things decreased this

Ivy wonders about the cryptic message Taking some time to activate sidereal influence to culture

culture: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 13 + (2) = 34

30+ culture from earlier, go Ivy: The dragoncorp Frozen Trove recently came into conflict with the Starfinder Society and worked behind the scenes to block the construction of the new lodge. Frozen Trove operates under the direction of a white dragon CEO named Aralydio as well as other dragons that occupy leadership roles in the corporation.

which reminds me, physical science check, followed by a diplomacy check to find what you are looking for.

As the Starship lands, Xy Xy heads to the cargo bay where their equipment was stored and take a moment to step inside the suit, going over the start up sequences they check the calibration and then meet up with the team - their integrated Sonic rifle giving a short whine as it too powers up. Soon the lithe, augmented shirren now stands tall and looks dangerous. "I am ready friends - hmm a message from the Lodge representative - is there a cipher somewhere on board the Pegasus? Or is anyone able to identify the metal?"

In case there is a Mystic method to the cipher, Xy Xy takes time to examine the cylinder and shards.

mysticism: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31

Yith points to the cylinder, "Anyone know what his is supposed to mean?"

Gunnz shakes her head while she thinks about what the team is trying to do.

physical science: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Obozaya is glad about the last piece of information.

”Team! If the dragoncorp Frozen Trove recently came into conflict with the Starfinder Society and has really worked behind the scenes to block the construction of the new lodge then we have to expect an intervention by this white dragon’s lackeys!!“ she says while gripping her weapon.

"Yes. A dragon's involvement against the lodge is not the best news but probably not surprising considering where we are. At least a White Dragon is better than a Nightmare Dragon..."

"Hmm, a White Dragon with the power of a large corporation behind them? This could lead to trouble. Thankyou Ivy, we now know to be wary of Frozen Trove." Xy Xy replies as they try to work out what they have been given. "I have had the displeasure of meeting Frozen Trove employees before - they were masquerading as a non-profit organisation, they were very ruthless when challenged."

Unable to assist with the sciences, Xy Xy tries to help with the diplomatic challenge presented by the message.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24

You are unable to figure out the encrypted message, therefore you don't know what questions to ask. You arrive at the White Sands Lodge late, which is where he wanted you to go. This will just increase the DC of some things by 2.

The new lodge curls around the top of a notable hill at the edge of Cumo like a skeletal wyrm clutching a diamond. A series of freshly renovated structures form a half circle around a grown crystal dome enclosure. The outer buildings crawl with communications equipment, humming power coils, and steaming computer-cooling systems. The dome holds a biome from another world, a multi-tiered summer oasis in the midst of the chill Triaxian winter. Walkways wind through patios and past fountains to lounging areas for secluded conversation. A large platform sits prominently near the top of the dome, nestled in an array of holographic data displays.

A young adult brass dragon approaches you. Good evening, the name is Zafeldrin. Good but late Starfinders, tell me about yourselves.

Obozaya stands strong in front of the dragon but is clearly impressed by its strength.

"Hello! In Veskarium society, social status is most easily earned through excellence in combat, and I will soon prove to you why I stand where I stand! Obazaya is my name!" the heavily armed female Vesk in battle armor states with a little exitement.

"What about you? Tell us! We heard you were targeted in the last weeks."

Yith gives a bow to the dragon,"Greetings Zafeldrin, my name is Yith. I am a humble servant of Desna. How may we assist?"

"Mighty Zafeldrin!" gushes Gunnz.

"I am Gunnz, pilot, dancer and #1 SMC fan!.

She offers a quick sidestep and big smile.

"How can we help?"

Ivy Continues to carry her banner declaring her to be Ivy Irirdone Battleflower and Starfinder.

Ivy, Pleasure to meet you

Entering the building, Xy Xy takes a moment to take in their surroundings, marvelling at how far the Society has come to get a Lodge on their home planet. Nodding to the Dragon Xy Xy's telepathic voice greets Zafeldrin. "Greetings, I am Xygriggex but be welcome to call me Xy Xy. I am of the Skyfire legion and native to Triaxus." they take the moment to open the chest plate of their Power Armour and step out. "I have previously fought the Swarm before joining the Society. I have had some dealings with the Frozen Trove - how have they attempted to put a stop to the lodge?"

I'm sorry I don't know the answer to your question Xy XY.
He looks over at Obozya Nothing I can't handle
He then takes a breath, but I will tell you about myself and what else you have to do. He flies down from the top of the dome and on the ground next to the PCs, Sorry, I feel my size intimidates. My family emigrated from Triaxus to Akiton where I was born. Rather than credits, I hoard data, experiences, and relationships. This desire to learn and meet new people inspired me to join the Starfinder Society. My subsequent success as a diplomat and draconic nature made him an easy fit for the Society’s plans on Triaxus. He then scratches his ear like a dog.

Looking around the half-finished preparations for the opening gala, Zafeldrin gives a sheepish grin. “There’s still so much to do! I’ve prepared some material on our guests and current events to help you.” The dragon gestures to a pile of data pads. “I’ll keep working on putting this whole event together while you review the data I’ve prepared.” With that he launches into the air and begins flitting about the dome like a hummingbird from project to project.
Your first test, crack this encryption. Also I'm going to test your cleverness and reflexes Checks: Computers check 34, Survival 26 followed by Sleight of Hand 26, Piloting 26, and sense motive 26

Gunnz offers the dragon a wink. "I heard that some dragons can take on other shapes... can you do that?"

Do we each do those checks, or is it one check for the team? And can we aid-another? And is the first check both computers and survival, or a choice of them?

We look like a party who would rather fight a dragon than do a skill challenge for one

Computers tend to go beep at me Moss grows on the north side of trees in the northern hemispheres and south side in the southern. But reading people I can do

sense motive +10+1d6 from envoy dip Straight wisdom check on survival

"Hmm. Tests. Ones we may be ill equipped to handle. Well, let's do our best."

survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
piloting: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

And some of us can roll dice really well

Heh, my virtual rolls are usually not that good. This means i'll be throwing multiple low single digit numbers in combat. :)

Xy Xy nods to Zafeldrin as they leave them, staying out of their armour for the immediate whilst they work on the encryption with their allies. The armour lent them a great deal of power in combat, but despite the modifications they still felt a little clumsy in the armour and overbearing - as Zafeldrin mentioned about themselves. Knowing little about Computers the Shirren seeks to aid in anyway they can - Zafeldrin was clearly one for testing the agents rather than supporting, infuriating but it could be worth it if something of use comes from the trial.

"Hmm, an eccentric one indeed." Their Telepathic voice informs their companions as they work together. "Odd for an ally to be so - unhelpful"