Shifty |
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)
Kultainen Vaimo |
"Is there any more you can tell us about Teshgari, the tunnels or normal Safari protocols?" asks the lovely golden android.
Can happily take ten for 25 on that culture
"For example, I know that the tunnels change frequently due to seismic activity. What are the normal protocols for evacuation? Or is that part of the 'fun'" she asks.
"I also heard some new tunnels opened up recently near Ewagadravona. Are they likely to be the ones we go on Safari to?"
"I also know there are some skittermander type creatures that hunters quite like. Rumour tells that the Brigadier hasn't got one in her collection yet. Can you tell us any more about the Stridermadners? Are they intelligent? How closely related ti Skitermanders are they?"
Shifty |
"Sounds like you are the right person for the job"
“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.”
“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.”
"Can't tell you much about Stridermanders or if they are the target,or even if the new tunnels are where she wants to go, but that would be a good conversation to have with Teshgari"
Mich Igan |
Using my Library Chip to take 20 on the recall knowledge
Happy to be home after so much years outside!
Says a small bluish furry creature with six arms, numerous scars on him and several cybernetic augmentations. Despite his condition, a wide smile can be seen across his face. Two of their hands are occupied using a datapad to code something.
With a high pitch voice they say Hi everyone! I'm Mich and I'm happy to help Radaszam.
After listening to Kultainen they add I confirm what said Kultainen. But don't go near a Stridermadners, they are AW-FUL and never tries to help... just kill and destroy.
We're not annoying Chief, we're happy to help! says Mich enthusiastically.
Kultainen Vaimo |
"Oh hello Mich! I'm Kultanien. Actually, I think we may have met on a mission some time ago." says the android.
"While I'm not keen on hunting for the sake of hunting... it sounds like these Stridermanders numbers may need to be kept in check for the safety of the population."
Mr. Bison |
An early stage barathu floats languidly at the opposite end of the bridge from Radaszam. He broadcasts telepathically so everyone can hear his voice in their minds, "Is this another bug hunt you're sending us on Venture Captain?"
If any of the team have ever watched the gladiatorial matches broadcasted from the fighting pits of Akiton they would recognize Mr. Bison. Normally seated on top of his combat drone, Zangief the Red Cyclone, Bison is the reigning intercontinental champion in the mounted combat division of the most lucrative fighting promotion on Akiton.
Maxamas Maxamas |
Wow, thanks for the info on Skittermander and Vesk three stuff, somebody really studies up on their culture. As he says to his two party members getting the info to him quickly. I'm ready to go to Vesk 3 when you all are. Almost feel like I should be a Jet pack to be hovering above ground all the time in case the Earthquakes to slow me whole, but I'll just wing it.
Kultainen Vaimo |
Kultanien spends a bit of time sitting down with Jopsie, covering things that might come up on the planet. Both snack on variety of nuts and berries as they pour over a tablet.
Mr. Bison |
Mr. Bison heads to the hangar bay to retrieve his adventuring gear and to prep Zangief for the mission.
Shifty |
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).
Kultainen Vaimo |
Kultanien revels in the parade and carnival atmosphere.
She happily chats with the skittermander escort and just enjoys the friendly vibe of the place.
"I think I would like living here" she comments.
"Shall we go in?"
Mich Igan |
Mich smiles all the way long, happy to find back some friends, even if they are best friends for less than 5mn!
It's so refreshing! I like to help and I like the help! they say in a joyful voice.
Isn't it? they answers to Kultainen Sometimes I almost regreat to have left this place, but there is SO MUCH help to give outside!
Yes, let's go im.
Despite his small size, Mich is able to easily push the door to help his comrades get inside the restaurant.
Mr. Bison |
"I wonder what kind of food they serve here?"
Mr. Bison floats lazily along with the rest the team while Zangief, his hulking combat drone, follows close behind him.
Shifty |
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
Kultainen Vaimo |
"Fried Stridermander?" wonders Kultanien, a degree of distaste in her voice.
She then mounts the steps and looks for someone to guide them to their host.
Ninjaed
Kultanien steps forward.
"Kultanien Vaimo. Starfinder liaison officer. Explorer of moons. I was recently on a mission to the Gideron authority, and met a number of their commanders and leaders. If you have some time later Brigadier, I'd be happy to discuss my impressions of them.
I was also involved with the early efforts to reclaim Sangoro's Bulwark, where I encountered some very interesting opponents..."
Which I'll avoid writing about to prevent giving away spoilers.
Maxamas Maxamas |
The well dressed man introduces himself I am Maxamas Maxamas, and they call me that, cause I maximize my effectiveness. I have many skills and can get in and out of places just about anywhere without being seen.
Mich Igan |
Mich smile broaden as they meet other skittermanders and they hug them as old friends.
In front of the brigadier, they deeply bow.
Brigadier Teshgari, it's an honor to meet you. I'll be honored to help you! I'm Mich, Mich Igan! On my first mission, I was trapped in the Scoured Stars with First Seeker Jadnura! What a great Kasatha!!!! Thanks to him, I was able to survive, despite the need for chirurgical modifications. they say showing one of their numerous cyber modifications.
Anyhow, I also saved people from hired killers, meet new species, helped find a cure for a disease and fight my way back to the Scoured Stars and met a God!
Mr. Bison |
Mr. Bison orders Zangief to stand guard outside the restaurant.
Introducing himself to the Brigadier he says, "Too hot to handle, too cold to hold. I'm the tower or power, too sweet to be sour. Best there is past, present, and future. The intercontinental champion of the world, MR.BISON! Ohhhhh yeahhhh!"
For the first time everyone notices that Mr. Bison and Zangief have been accompanied by a dwarf this entire time. He stands at attention next to Bison with the intercontinental championship belt slung over his shoulder.
Mich Igan |
Glowing brightly, Mich tries to impress the Brigadier.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 9 + (1) = 21 Sideral Influence, Photon
Kultainen Vaimo |
And while Mich does his thing, Kultanien continues to work on the brigadier in her own way, swapping bits of 'court gossip' from the Gideron authority.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 14 + (2) + 1 = 31
Mr. Bison |
Mr. Bison goes on and on about his victories in the fighting pits of Akiton. His dwarf assistant, Gotdreal Gravelbelly, just stands at attention next to him nodding his head in agreement with whatever Bison says and displaying the intercontinental championship belt over his shoulder.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
_Rocket_ |
Rocket walks to a seat and after sitting down looks up, sticks a finger in his right ear and scratches the inside
"Try not to be boring you say?"
Pointing a finger to his back where a jetpack is situated
"Well, with a name like Rocket and having that strapped on it would be a tad embarrassing if I managed to tell a boring story...to be honest, it's going to be difficult to pick one out of all the stories I could tell"
Rocket's nose wrinkles as he thinks before he perks up
"But I think I've got just the one....even though it doesn't even involve a jetpack"
"Once we we're on a jungle planet and we had a chase a giant dinosaur while driving buggies..dodging left and right, trying to not get stomped by it, avoiding cliff, trees...both stationary and falling, it was _Crazy_ with a capital C."
Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Shifty |
BRIG Teshgari looks mildly impressed by the introductions but also mildly bored.
"A liaison officer, sounds like it might come in handy for diplomatic missions, less useful on a hunt. Getting into and out of places without being seen is an advantage, but your skill at doing so is yet to be seen. An adventurer with extensive modifications, you seem pleasant enough and could be handy. A pit fighter from Akiton, helpful - I hope you fight better than you talk. Lastly, we have a driver and someone who ran away from the dinosaurs, I suppose some are hunters - some are the hunted, I guess you now know which you are, although as they say - wisdom is the beginning of fear."
"Well I liked the stories but 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.
You recognize the meal is a test.
You recognize the meat as monouxe and achabril — two eight-legged domesticated species native to Vesk-3—though excessively spiced.
Kultainen Vaimo |
SM: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + (4) + 1 = 30
culture: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
"Yummm.. Monouxe and Achabril. I've heard they can be fantastic!" says Kultanien.
"Have you hunted these yourself Brigadier?" she asks, as she helps herself to some of the meal.
Shifty |
Teshgari almost smiles "You know your beasts, that is good. Sadly not, but we will have plenty of opportunities to cook some hunted meat shortly - I think you'll find these well prepared to satisfy the discerning palate"
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.
To eat without showing signs of discomfort, you must succeed at a DC 14 Fortitude save. Those who identified the meat as spicy can consume the mildest pieces, granting them a +2 circumstance bonus to this saving throw.
_Rocket_ |
"Thank you for ordering"
Rocket reaches for some of the meat and takes a bite
"..food is food.."
Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Culture: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
"..even if I have no idea what it is.."
Rocket chews his food
Mr. Bison |
Mr. Bison consults with Gotdreal, telepathically so no one can hear them, on what they've just been served.
Life Science: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
He then decides to give the meal a try.
Kultainen Vaimo |
Kultanien does indeed eat. Not doing so would be most rude, and if one thing is to be said, Kultanien is not rude.
fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
"I love the spices you have arranged. This is fantastic." she says.
While she enjoys the meal, she doesn't heap her plate high, that is just not her style.
She does work the table a bit, ensuring that the water jug is left near the easy reach of Jomp.
"I do suppose it is not everyone's taste though. Tell me Jomp, what do you recommend as a good meal to try?" She pours the skittermander a glass of water to ease his parched throat and help his reply.
Shifty |
The carafe of water appearing in clear sight immediately draws a harsh look from Teshgari, and Kultainen can see the respect she just earned vanish in near an instant, replaced with the sligth look of derision currently only enjoyed by Maxamas.
"Err the meat here is delicious, I recommend eating what the wonderful Brigadier recommends" the Skittermander unsure which way to go with the conversation.
Maxamas Maxamas |
edit, okay you rolled for me, I missed the fort save]
Maxamas has to eat it though, that or suffer starvation.
It's hot, but I'm hungry.
Kultainen Vaimo |
I should be clear, Kultanien isn't drinking, just making sure the thirsty skittermander has it nearby. She realised this was a test and just wanted to make sure Jomp was okay. She certainly doesn't ask for water, I was just assuming there was some water on the table.
Shifty |
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?”
You may attempt a DC 18 Diplomacy, Intimidate, or relevant Profession check to convince Brigadier Teshgari of your competence.
Mr. Bison |
"I've hunted and killed every imaginable species of being in this galaxy in the fighting pits of Akiton. Just point me in the direction of these stridermanders and I'll bring you their heads."
Profession Gladiator: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Maxamas Maxamas |
I can draw out the maps and the beauty of the situation. I can even draw you vivid pictures of the creature you are facing and bring it back to town. Maybe others have seen these creatures, as pictures help and can help tell you about it. And if you don't catch it, a drawing will give others a clear picture as to what they are looking for when you try again. profession artist: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Kultainen Vaimo |
"As mentioned earlier Brigadier, I have some experience in the hunt, and my ability to see in the dark may also prove helpful. Jopsie here, my assistant, is a skilled doctor, in case any of your expedition prove less skilled than yourself in avoiding strovion claws."
diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 14 + (5) + 1 = 39
Mich Igan |
Sorry, went to see a lot of friends this weekend!
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Mich almost choked on the meat, too hot for their taste!
They takes several minutes to recover from eating but they says proudly,
Before going to the Scoured Stars brigadier, I will have said that I wasn’t competent enough to fight such a predator. But after surviving the Scoured Stars and having returning once again, meeting the god that created the Gold Shield I think I’m ready for anything.
I will be of great help to you!
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 9 + (3) = 25
_Rocket_ |
"Well I have some recent experience in exploring caves.."
"...which didn't go so great..."
"..and I have a lot experience fighting a great variety of creatures and bringing them down by using the correct amount of firepower, which my or may not include the use of explosives"
"...so the combination of those should qualify me as being a useful member of the team for this mission"
Rocket comments with a grin.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Shifty |
"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 :)
Mich Igan |
I like to help! Let me help!
Survival (aid): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Mr. Bison |
Mr. Bison reaches out his tentacle for the device.
"Allow me.
Survival: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 28 I added all the aid rolls to my roll and if possible add a +4 to this roll if he can use his navigator's tool kit also.
Kultainen Vaimo |
Kultanien looks on, pretty confident that Mr Bison knows his way around the image.
"Oh look at that interesting side cave... it matches up perfectly with the one we are just passing."
survival(aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 Looks like another aid