[SFS/Shifty] #3-02 The Subterranean Safari (A) (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

/dot in

A shy little ysoki peeks in to see who her new friends will be...

A red and grey furred skittermander is already waiting. He waves an arm at the ysoki.

Come on in nu-friend. My name is Scottermander Tracy but you can call me Scott or Scotty if you're okay with that

He;s also wearing a blue sash with the initials I.R on it as well as a matching cap

"Hi, Scotty. I'm Twich. I'm an expert in magic and technology. What do you like to do?" asks Twich, with a shy but warm smile.

I work as a First Responder. When there's some sort of disaster or accident, I'm one of the ones first on the scene to assist. Since Skittermanders like to help, it seemed to be the best thing to do ... although I did attempt to rescue a halfling from drowning who didn't need rescuing. How did I know she was practising an escape act

He then points at his sash. I.R. Stands for International Rescue. Pleased to meet you Twich, and good to have a magic expert on the team

You sit in orbit around Vesk-3 aboard the Brass Clutch, a private transport owned by Radaszam “The Dealmaker”, leader of the Obsidian Spiders mercenaries and the Starfinders’ Acquisitives faction.

***

Radaszam, waits on the bridge of his luxurious personal transport, the Brass Clutch, and stares out a viewport toward a colorful planet. He turns, parting his scaly lips in a sharp-toothed grin, and points at sleek leather chairs arrayed around the bridge. “You’re here. Have a seat.” He pauses, allowing everyone to settle, then gestures grandly to the planet behind him. “Welcome to Vesk-3, home of the skittermanders and continual pain in the Veskarium’s backside. The skittermanders called it Oeddertchonk, but that mouthful’s gone the way of the Gap–forgotten.”

Radaszam crosses his arms and frowns. “The Starfinder Society holds little sway in the Veskarium. Unfortunate, but understandable. We’re a foreign enterprise, prone to meddling, and the Veskarium keeps a tight grip on their territories. We’re rarely granted exploration rights in Veskarium-held space and, the few times we have been, we can’t scratch an itch without the government sending soldiers to watch. They don’t trust us. With your help, we’re going to change that.” Radaszam gestures again to the colorful planet outside. “Which brings us here. Vesk-3 is a lush planet. Plenty of water, rich soil, helpful locals–but it’s not without danger. The planet suffers from constant low-key tectonic activity–gas seeps, geysers, tremors–that sort of thing. It’s a valuable world, but difficult to control. Military personnel stationed here tend to consider it punishment and most vesk don’t visit if they can avoid it–except to go on safari, that is.”

“It’s taken me months of negotiations, but I’ve arranged a meeting with Brigadier Teshgari, a prominent member of the Veskarium military. She’s got enough standing to grant us exploration rights to a few Veskarium holdings I’d like to dig my claws into– if she can be convinced of our competence, trustworthiness, and value.” Radaszam pauses to make eye contact with everyone, crossing his arms. “You’re scheduled to have dinner with Brigadier Teshgari tonight at Hunt, a restaurant in the city of Ewagadravona. If you impress her, she’ll invite you on a safari expedition into the subterranean tunnels of Gadraveech tomorrow morning. Prove yourselves competent down there and you’ll help build a promising future for the Society. Mess it up and I’ll know exactly whose career to ruin. Understood?”

Culture (Recall knowledge)

Scott looked down at the planet they were orbiting. Our Ancient Mother's Name cannot be that forgotten if you know it sir. he replies. One can even hear the respectful capital letters in his voice. If our ancestors were said to have a religion, it would be to the world which gave us birth.

Besides, the Vesk there still need to learn. The help that we give them on Oeddertchonk, may not be the help that they want, but it is the help that they need

culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"I look forward to seeing how this goes - no doubt you'll be giving allsix" Radz smiles.

You all know him - the handsome, charismatic, philosophical warrior poet, Azara Thenason.

And if you didn't know him before, the trip here gave you plenty of opportunity to. It began with one of the crewmembers recognizing him. Then, he was giving out autographs (not always solicited) and readings of his works (also not always solicited.) The highlight was when he gave a full reading of his latest Castrovellian Epic Poem Saga "To Save a Lost God" during dinner (and several hours after.)

"Not dead which eternal lie."
"It's a stranger aeon."
"It's possible death may die."

The reviews were...mixed, but he only seemed to hear the good ones.

Now, he lounges in one of the leather chairs, a leg hooked over one arm, temple supported by two fingers as he braces his elbow on the other arm.

"A shame the Veskarium is not more enlightened. I understand their hesitance in dealing with the Pact Worlds in general, but we're Stafinders. We make things better wherever we go," he says.

"But don't worry, I'm an expert at making a good impression," he says, though memories of his interactions with a certain undead vid show host cause his brow to furrow.

"She wouldn't happen to be a fan of epic poetry would she? Oh, what am I saying? Everyone loves epic poetry."

Appreciating the creature comforts of the Brass Clutch, Conrad finds himself at home with the briefing.

He chuckles at Azara's words, "Sounds like a good verse to put on a tombstone. I can picture it now, struck by lightning. Hehe... that'll give you life after death!"

Culture: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 Conrad then adds what he suspects might be a little known fact, "Stridermanders reemerged in the regions of Gadraveech below Ewagadravona. Called strovions by vesk, stridermanders are vicious and cunning subterranean predators distantly related to skittermanders. They can alter the appearance of their fur to blend into their surroundings. Brigadier Teshgari has yet to add an adequate stridermander to her trophy collection."

A sizable izalguun, with a backpack-shaped hover drone strapped to his shoulders, listens to the briefing in silence. His voice is unexpectedly soft when he does speak. ”So we have to flex for a vesk warrior and, in all likelihood, hunt a giant stridermander. Does this help the locals in any way?”

“Probably not, but that isn't the driving purpose of this mission either - if you see a chance to help the locals you have the freedom to do so. Brigadier Teshgari’s an upstanding military officer with enough influence to get us an in with Veskarium bigwigs. She’s a capable combatant and strategist, known for her fondness for big game hunting. Of late, she’s been stationed around Vesk-3 by choice. Word is she’s looking to add some local predators to her trophy collection. I’m not sure what she’s hoping to hunt in Gadraveech, but I expect you to help her bag it and transport it topside. She’ll be accompanied by her skittermander assistants. I’m sure they’ll be exasperating but be patient. Brigadier Teshgari won’t appreciate you bullying her subordinates.”

"Life after death? We'd have so many tales to tell it would have to be a double album"

"We'd have to buy multiple copies on account of wearing the tape thin!"

Conrad laughs a bit more before returning to the mission. "We'll play nice. Anything else that might surprise us or that we should know? Otherwise, I'm ready to get to work."

"Perhaps getting rid of an excessively large predator will help the natives."

Azara casts a glance at the skittermander in their group. "I don't think anyone is going to be bullying anyone. I'll treat the brigadier with the respect she's due but that doesn't men I have to treat her subordinates poorly."

"Good to hear there will be no bullying, even if there's so much helping going on you can't deal with any more helpig"

"Sure Conrad. Ewagadravona is a town in northern Aberanderen–the largest continent on Vesk-3. It’s a dangerous little dot on the map notable for its permanent entrance to the subterranean realm of Gadraveech, which is a maze of tunnels and caverns that stretch below most of the planet. Beasts from belowground scrabble up to the surface to terrorize locals, so the Veskarium has a strong presence there. Citizens avoid going underground, but many vesk venture there to test their mettle. A number of hunting lodges in Ewagadravona organize safari expeditions into Gadraveech. You’ll be going to one of them.”

"Shuttle to planet side leaves in an hour, recommend you get packed"

All-six ... hopefully all-seven Scott replies pointing to his head with a grin. Don't worry sir. If her skittermanders get too .... helpful. I'll just have a quiet word to them. Think of me as your skittermander liason officer.[/b]

Gadraveech huh? I better make sure my climbing gear is up to date Scott then makes a mental list of all the survival gear required and stocks up on anything missing, light sources, climbing ropes, pitons etc etc ... ((I'll make sure I spend the necessary credits))

And yeah ... Stridermanders can be rather nasty. One less would be ... extremely helpful.

He heads off to make necessary preparations.

The next time you see him he's dressed like a well prepared caver, including a hi-vis vest and a hard hat with a light on it, both with the IR emblem on them. Both also look, well used.

Ewagadravona is a fortified town more vesk than skittermander in aesthetics. Encircled by high walls patrolled by vesk soldiers, its impressive gun turrets are aimed inward to fight off internal threats. Blocky buildings with thick doors and steel-shuttered windows line the winding streets. Half the buildings–clearly those inhabited by the resident skittermanders are festooned with fluttering banners and painted a riotous jumble of colors.

"NuFriends!" is a term you hear a lot as an endless stream of Skittermanders spot you and come tearing over to help you find your destination. They provide directions to the 'Hunt' restaurant and then form a parade to escort you to the place.

You arrive outside what is clearly a high-end vesk restaurant and your Skittermander carnival escort leaves you to it, but only after some long hugs goodbye and teary-eyed farewells from your new best friends (whom you have now known for all of five minutes).

Scottamander Tracy takes it all in his stride, attempting to liase with all the other skittermanders, and also to ensure that the others are not overwhelmed.

He does try to swap contact details with some of them ... especially the cute female ones.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
plus expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"I didn't realize I had so many fans so far away," Azara says. He shakes hands and hands and hands, signs autographs (not necessarily ones requested) and answers any questions that can remotely be interpreted as being about his work as though they are about his work.

E.G. - Random Skittermander: "Where are you going, nufriend?"

Azara: "Well, my Work has always been intensely personal, of course. No true artist can generate anything of any meaning without making it personal. So, I suppose the question of where my Work is going is a question of where I'm going and, you know, I'm growing as a person and an artist and a Starfinder, so you'll continue to see that in my Work as I go forward but I think there are some surprises in store for you and all my fans."

Normally he doesn't hug his fans but...Skittermanders...who can not hug a Skittermander?

"This is not 'good-bye' it's 'farewell for now'" he says to his "fans" as the party breaks up at their destination.

Daata mostly proceeds silently, but his eyes light up as the skittermanders swarm the party. He treads carefully so as not to accidentally squish one. As the skittermanders bid their farewells, he "hugs" two at a time in his massive midsection hands.

Twich listens carefully as her new friends ask questions. When the skittermanders hug her, she awkwardly pats them on the back. She hopes that this leader does not ask anything morally questionable of them...

Tracy and Azara find the pinging of the (nu)friend requests arriving via their social media accounts coming in thick and fast as the party strides into Hunt.

As you arrive at the door and look in you can see that Hunt is a high-end vesk-owned restaurant that serves communal platters of meat, cooked on a central fire pit. Although fresh rolls and vegetables are available, few vesk appear to be partaking.

A yellow furred female Skittermander comes bounding forward "I'm Mimzy, one of Brigadier Teshgari’s aides!" she exclaims with boundless enthusiasm whilst adjusting a colorful fashion scarf looped around her neck. "I'm also Brigadier Teshgari’s ‘mobile nutritionist,’ but I also enjoys baking hearty rolls and hand-held pies, so maybe that doesn't align so well. Anyhow, thrilled to meet you all!"

"Not so sure about this restaurant though, a real lack of pies...and hearty rolls" Mimzy explains as she leads you through the restaurant to the brigadier’s table.

"This is Jomp" Mimzy gestures to an aquamarine skittermander with thick-framed glasses and a comically long, waxed mustache he clearly thinks is incredibly dapper. "Jomp is the brigadier’s ‘artillery aide' Jomp has piled five guns behind his chair. Jomp gives an overly dramatic bow.

"And this is Brigadier Teshgari" A green scaled, serious vesk with a trio of frilled horns crowning her head, she has a stoic, regal countenance and wears a Veskarium dress uniform rises to her full height. "Greetings Starfinders, welcome, take a seat" she gestures to your chairs.

"So, tell me about yourselves - try not to be boring"

Pic in slides
Throw in an Intimidate, Diplomacy, or profession check that might make an impression :)

After checking that Twich isn't too uncomfortable with the attention Scott turns to the female Skittermander.

And I'm Scottamander Tracy ... Scott for short. I guess I'm this group's skittermander liason. Pleased to meet you nu-friend Mimzy. And you too nu-friend Jomp. Wouldn't mind trying some of your baked goods sometime Mimzy

He then bows politely to the Brigadier. Scottamander Tracy at your service Brigadier. I'm a disaster first responder and search and rescue expert. Figured beings in distress always need helping so that's what I do.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
plus expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"I'll try my level best not to be boring! Ha! Conrad Castamir Kerbouchard, owner and proprietor of Castamir's Station. I've been a Starfinder after the call went out a few years back to ....fill in the holes. I'll tell you, being a bartender has served me surprisingly well in this line of work. In fact, one time, on Akiton...." Conrad gives a thrilling tale of adventure, far better than I can compose. He follows it up with, "But if you want a place with plenty of pies and hearty rolls, I'll save you a table at my place." Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 18 + (1) + 1 = 27

Azara sets Dougar, the taciturn, gray skinned dwarf who follows in his wake to accepting and responding to the friend requests that come in. He does it with the same stoic resolve and efficiency he would shoveling manure from an animal pen.

"Who doesn't like pie? Have you offered him hunter's pie? Traditionally, its made out of game meat and wild vegetables, but it became popular among Castrovellian house tenders and is more commonly made with store bought, domestic items now," Azara says to Mimzy.

He bows in return to Jomp. "At your service, sir."

With the Brigadier's staff out of the way, he turns his attention to her, flashing her a dazzling smile as he takes a seat.

"Azara Thenason, perhaps you've heard of me. Perhaps you find poetry boring, however so I will tell you of my more thrilling exploits," he says.

"Other than being to the scoured stars twice and helping to subdue a rogue deific avatar on one of those occasions, I've also participated in a number of urban adventures that are also likely not to the taste of a rugged outdoorswoman such as yourself."

"Let me instead tell you about how I got this," he says, raising his right hand to display the bone cestus he wears there and tapping it with the forefinger of his other hand.

"We were on a mission to investigate odd activity on a distant planet and ran into a pair of crest eaters. Totally invasive species and standing between us and our goal, so of course my team dealt with them. There's nothing quite so thrilling as go toe-to-toe with a dangerous creature, is there?"

"But, of course, the most interesting part of that was the world eating creature we found gestating there. We let it live, for now, but when it gets bigger, I'll be going back."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

Daata positions himself off the side of the table, letting the chatty Starfinders take the lead. ”Forgive me standing, most chairs are not suited for my stature.” The izalguun looks to Mimzy. ”Salad bowl with bean fry, please.”

Waiting on Twich intro :)

Mimzy looks at Daata with a look that suggests 'I wish I could help, but...'

BRIG Teshgari looks mildly impressed by the first three introductions, less so at Daata who doesn't seem to be forthcoming and asking about salads, and completely ignores Twich.

"A first responder is very good, suggests bravery and the willingness to go into harms way for others. A bartender, well I suppose it is an honest job, gives you some insight into people behaving at their worst, could be advantageous. Fighting crest eaters and taking a trophy? Now there's a worthwhile and noble pursuit - this I like!"

"I also like a good dinner, I have ordered for you in advance, you'll thank me later"

Stern-looking vesk servers arrive out of nowhere carrying heaping platters of fire-cooked meats. The servers provide no sides or drinks, only the heaped piles of meat, and then begin to rapidly disappear as rapidly as they arrived.

Upon the food’s arrival, Mimzy makes a face that displays her displeasure, Jomp looks at you all curiously, and Brigadier Teshgari regards you with stony silence.

It might seem to be an odd thing for a skittermander to do .... but I believe it is the ultimate way to help .... and to be able to do it properly

sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
plus expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"I'm Twich, and I travel to try to learn more about magic. I also help others with their quests to learn." Twich softly introduces herself.

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
life science: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

"Do you find that the meat of creatures with eight legs like these is different from the meat of six legged creatures?"

"It was quite an adventure," Azara says.

Speaking of adventures, it seems that eating unusual food is a part of many when you're a Starfinder.

He pauses long enough to ensure that he's not breaking any taboos by going before anyone else then begins to eat. It almost literally can't be worse than some of the other things he's had while in service.

Fort 1d20 ⇒ 7

Azara finds the meat wildly over spiced and way too hot to be actually 'enjoyed'. The immediate redness of face is noted by Teshgari who raises an eyebrow "Overly used to soft living and creature comforts I see"

"Well Twich, I think that six or eight is less the issue - the quality is often in the cooking. Perhaps after the hunt you will have a few varieties of local meats to enjoy"

Teshgari picks up a fork full of meat and begins to eat in stony silence. Mimzy eats little, but with impeccable manners, while Jomp eats like a slob, getting more food in his mustache than his mouth. You spot that he has a jug of water under the table, poorly concealed.

Teshgari watches you all carefully.

Scott also has a go at the food, using his diplomacy etc to cover any flaws, as well as displaying proper etiquette.

fortitude: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12

A ... bit more spicy than I usually have it Brigadier he comments, having to give up after a few mouthfuls. And I suspect the addition of a cream cheese sauce would actually complement this

He looks around for something creamy, knowing that the best way to deal with capsaicin, assuming that is the spice involved, is to dissolve it in fats - such as cream.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14plus expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The Brigadier looks a touch disappointed, but in that patronising way that suggests they didn't expect too much from a Skittermander "Used to your comforts I see. I suppose some may enjoy the addition of such extravagances" then casts an eye around the rest of you.

"Yes, I suppose so," Azara says, his eyes and nose watering and his antennae twitching.

"It's a good thing we're going to be getting back to a more rugged way of life on this expedition, isn't it?"

He eats very slowly to counteract the spice as much as possible.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + (2) + 1 = 17

Conrad knows a test when he sees one, though he was barely paying attention to the food. Still, better to give it a go than to seem unwilling.

FORT: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 ....The spice surprises him, but he holds his own!

Life Science: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Daata stares at the meat for about 20 seconds. He sucks in a large breath of air, and slowly releases it with a sigh. He takes a small portion of the dish on his fork, his vertical mouth parting into rows of small pointed teeth.

Fortitude (less spicy): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

He gags on the over-spiced chunk of meat, raising a napkin to the bony protrusions below his mouth. "Brigadier, but my people lived off the land for generations following our settlement on Izalraan. I spent my formative years hunting megafauna that towered over even me, feeding on their carcasses and wearing their disembodied skins. Though large, the beasts were peaceful, and I was always disquieted by our compulsion to hunt them for 'comforts'. When the Starfinder Society offered me a new way of life, one where thoughtful vegetarian diets could meet my nutritional needs and my comforts could come from advanced technology rather than predation, I took it."

He looks the vesk in the eye. "I mean no disrespect, Brigadier, but we all enjoy soft living and creature comforts. The only difference is how much suffering we sow attaining it. I like to consider myself creative enough to live and let live, whenever possible."

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Azara gets through the meal without incident, as does Conrad.

The Brigadier raises an eye at Daata "Yes, I can see how a softer life with more refined tastes might seem attractive to some. It would be nice if we all had the opportunity to live and let live" the Brigadier wipes her mouth for a moment "But the reality is you live in a universe of kill or be killed, and the Starfinder Society and its members should be highly cognizant of that after encountering the Jinsul threat. They weren't defeated with love and tofu - they were defeated with steel, and when we hunt it is partly for pleasure, but also to be comfortable with killing so we don't hesitate when the time comes. Try being a little honest with yourself, look how many weapons you have on you and you are all seasoned Starfinders used to combat, your motives for killing might be different but you do it for a living and to make coin, you're no different." The Brigadier shovels another fork full of meat.

Giving others the chance to chime in :)

Scott eyeballs the Brigadier. All you've proven is that some species are not as tolerant to hot and spicy foods as a Vesk is. I eat what I get - and if I have to subsist on K-rations and MREs for a month as well as foraging off the land, then that's what I'm gonna do. As for kill or be killed, sure I've had to .. but only when they start it first, or they threatening those I am trying to save, or even innocent civilians. The Jinsul held many of us captive and our mission was to bring them home ... so that's what we did. Any Jinsul that tried to stop us ... well. We do what we have to do to look after our nu-friends - and we give it all-six.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 = 31plus expertise: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

((Into the Veskarium slotted))

The dinner is coming to an end. Brigadier Teshgari tilts her scaled snout imperiously. “At dawn you will accompany me on a hunting expedition into Gadraveech. A new tunnel system was discovered by skittermanders from Nakonechkin Salvage, who returned with wounded hunters and tales of fierce predators. I’ve earned the privilege of exploring these tunnels.” She smiles, clearly satisfied. “It’s my hope strovions lair there – you might know them as stridermanders. They’re cunning beasts, which I’ve yet to have the pleasure of hunting. I’d like to add a large specimen to my trophy collection. You will aid me, if you can.” Refocusing on her guests, she sneers. “Tell me Starfinders, what assistance do you believe you can provide me?”

"I have heard a fair amount of impressive talk from the Skittermander here, but what of the rest of you?"

You may attempt a DC 18 Diplomacy, Intimidate, or relevant Profession check to convince Brigadier Teshgari of your competence.

Taking Tracy's result as this one

"I must admit, I am a little saddened Brigadier. The fact that you have to ask that question means that you must not have read my work. If you had, you would know what I can bring to your hunt," Azara says, mouth still stinging from the food.

"As you no doubt know from this," he points to the tiny bit of a sun hovering between his antennae. "I am a conduit for the very power of the stars. I have stood toe to toe with Crest Eaters, Jinsuls on two occassions, zombies, half-orc mercenaries and some sort of nanotech creature that doesn't even have a name, as far as I know. And not only have I survived but also I have come away victorious each time."

"I may not be much help in finding what you're looking for, but I'll be invaluable in helping to take it down when we do."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

fort save to eat, picks out less spicy bit: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17

Twich appears to enjoy the meat.

She answers the question by explaining "I know about various creatures, and can often provide information about a creature's habits and anatomy that will help in hunting it."

Daata, bows his head. "I could certainly rig a system of scouting devices and illumination to make subterranean tracking less treacherous. Mikey here is programmed to run without batteries for several days."

Profession (electrician): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

The confident claims by the Starfinders seem to hit the mark though the vesk looks rather uninterested in reading Azaras books - "It seems I have the right people for the hunt after all" the Brigadier finally looks impressed. She snaps her fingers to summon her minions, then departs.

***

The next morning, you meet Brigadier Teshgari, Mimzy, and Jomp at the entrance to Gadraveech. Brigadier Teshgari’s outfitted for battle in defrex hide, with a tactical doshakari and tactical rotating pistol holstered at her hip. Jomp carries four different guns and a polishing cloth. Mimzy wears a backpack bristling with baked goods and a belt lined with bottles of water.

Brigadier Teshgari leads you into the dark, well-travelled subterranean tunnels of Gadraveech. After a few minutes she hands over a small device and says, “Prove your worth.” The device emits a holographic map of the safari tunnels, with your destination highlighted, though the map doesn’t track your location.

Survival check by the person who takes the gadget, Only one can roll but everyone else can aid :)

Conrad peaks over his comrade's shoulder to check out the device.
"Huh." Survival (Aid Another): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Twich pokes her little nose in to help, too.

survival, aid another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Scott takes the gadget

survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Four hands have fingers crossed.

Daata is not much for spelunking navigation, but he tries to tweak the device to make it a little clearer.

Engineering?: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

Daata - in the strictest sense, no, but from a tech/rp perspective I'm running that it would be an assist by ensuring the device was calibrated and had a firmware update = assist

As a group effort Scott manages to jag the right direction after all - the Brigadier was about to start admonishing but the party pulled it off.

***

After an hour, the group arrives in a large cavern with multiple branching tunnels. Brigadier Teshgari retrieves and deactivates the projector, gestures at the cavern, “What do you see? I’m curious on how skilled you Starfinders truly are at these sorts of things.”

"Take your time, then tell me which of the paths lead to the largest predators - preferably stridermanders"

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13