Dot in here.
High levels of secrecy surrounded you latest journey to the planet Eox. You traveled aboard a starship from the Obsidian Spiders, the private mercenary outfit run by Acqusitives faction leader Radaszam, and upon arrival, you were swiftly escorted deep beneath the surface of the rocky planet to an underground complex owned by the undead elebrian media mogul, Zo! Zo!’s complex is a multistory subterranean facility with floors dedicated to film sets, employee amenities, and cavernous boardrooms. It is in one such boardroom, furnished with a large round table and multiple wall-mounted flat screens, that you find yourselves now.
Zo! rubs his skeletal hands together and turns his rictus grin to Radaszam. “Excellent work, you truly are the Dealmaker. My viewers will love these agents you’ve assembled!” Radaszam nods, briefly showing his teeth, then gestures toward the empty seats across from Zo!.
“Before we get too carried away, I need a moment to explain the situation.” Radaszam sighs wearily as he takes a seat barely appropriate for his large vesk frame. “We thought our troubles were over after the Scoured Stars business. We were wrong.”
“Allow me to elaborate!” Zo! excitedly explains, seizing a remote. The screens behind him flicker to life, and the undead mogul spins around in his chair for a better view. Radaszam buries his head in his hands as the video plays. The Starfinder Society emblem appears on screen as a deep, confident voice narrates: “The Starfinder Society, a group dedicated to the pursuit of truth and knowledge—or so they say.” The music dramatically flares as the voice-over continues. “What does this fraudulent organization really stand for?”
The camera pans over a fleet of Starfinder starships engaged in vicious fleet-to-fleet combat with unseen attackers. “Today, the Scoured Stars; tomorrow, your system. Where exactly will these hells-bent-on-conquest soldiers stop?” The scene then changes to that of a shirren, faction leader Zigvigix, dancing in a crowd, their torso and arms crammed into a Strawberry Machine Cake T-shirt. “While Starfinder operatives carry out secret wars across the galaxy, Society leaders embezzle funds to purchase VIP concert tickets. What is their true agenda?”
The screen transitions to grainy footage of Venture-Captain Arvin emerging from the Lorespire Complex, his hand raised to block the flash of cameras. “Society leadership refuses to elaborate. But the question remains: does this group have any place in the Pact Worlds?” A half-dozen similar ads play as Radaszam shakes his head and Zo! watches intently.
“As you can see,” Radaszam grumbles, “We’re facing a multimedia smear campaign. The First Seeker is working through legal channels while Celita locates the source of the commercials. But there’s a way you can help.” Radaszam catches Zo!’s eye and nods.
“You’re going to turn the tides of public opinion in your Society’s favor,” Zo! gushes, “by competing on my show, Pact World Warriors!”
“Zo! and I believe that a good showing on a prime-time game show might undermine this attempt at slander.” Radaszam explains. “I handpicked you to compete as a team. If you can impress Pact Worlds viewers enough, that’ll be the distraction we need to get the time to figure this whole situation out.”
10+: Pact World Warriors is known system-wide as the foremost display of physically grueling and mentally exhausting trials, pitting two teams against one another in various competitions.
15+: Events on the show frequently change but some recurring themes include obstacle courses, tests of skill, and modified war games. A particularly memorable episode featured a “combat karaoke” challenge in which contestants performed karaoke while battling monstrous aliens.
20+: The show’s film crews supply crates containing useful gear in every challenge, either in plain sight or hidden on the set.
25+: A former host recently leaked plans for future episodes, including a references to “cooking combat” and “capture the flag.”
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When the bit about tickets to Strawberry Machine Cake show up, Talc mutters under his breath "Oh s@~&, they know!" He looks over and punches Harrac's shoulder, pointing at the screen. "Did you see that-"
A monotone voice reminds him "Quiet Talc, I'm trying to listen." as Rei shuts him up.
He waves off her comment looks to Harrac again, raising his eyebrows and nodding at the screen.
When Radaszam says he hand picked them, Talc asks "On purpose you mean? You picked us, on purpose? You want us to win this thing, yeah? Damn right we're going to win."
He clears his throat and says "So. Zo. Hey. It's Talc. You remember me, right? Sure you do. So. What type of ships do I get to pilot on your show? Honestly, I'm getting bored with the Drake and Peggy, so what other juicy things you have for me to show the Pact Worlds what's up?"
"Talc! My man!" Zo! says, clapping the soldier on the shoulder. "Unfortunately, this isn't the kind of show where you fly things around. Pact World Warriors is an action-packed game show that tests physical prowess and skill! Two teams compete in a series of death-defying challenges. The winning team earns eternal adoration from millions of fans—and a cash prize!
"But don't worry, I've got some more ideas in the works for next time! Just cool your jets for now!"
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Karyn stood to one side, fiddling with her nails. She was trying to turn them into micro-injectors for some of her rarer poisons, but he tiny needles were too brittle. Maybe if she went with a capillary loading system?
Her thoughts broke off as Radazsam and Zo! started talking. Did they really pick this group of misfits to improve the Society's image? I mean sure, they had managed a few victories, but she wouldn't want these people representing her, personally. Greentree LTD would have closed its marketing department entirely if even one of them was used in a campaign. Even Talc, though he had a decent face appeared to be slightly stupid, and the moment he opened his mouth, he'd remove any doubt the listener might have had in that regard.
Case in point as the man started interrupting the VC and Zo! with his inanities.
"So, you want this group of misfits to go on a game show, compete before an audience, and somehow win the hearts and minds of the Pact Worlds back in the Starfinders' favor? Are you insane? I mean, the moment Talc opens his mouth about that - no judgement here - relationship he and the android have, or Harrac makes Zigzivix there look like the epitome of restraint, you'll have a PR nightmare to make this smear campaign look like a public restroom tag 'Call Radazsam for a good time'. Unless you're entire strategy is the 'we're too stupid and lovable to be bad people', in which case I think you couldn't have picked a better crew. Myself excluded, of course."
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Talc frowns turnning to Karyn, "What's wrong with Rei being my sexbot? Don't you think that would for our ratings? I bet people would eat that up."
He turns to Harrac and says "And Harrac's rendition of that Starberry song, man, spot on. And skrivvy's, uhm. What is it you do again that's awesome Skrivs? I'm sure there is something. It'll come to me any second now."
Talc squeezes his eyes shut, but gives up a second later. "Oh well. There's probably something you do that's good for show."
"Karyn, don't you worry about a thing. I've got it all figured out already." he says, tapping the side of his head with his finger. "I've got a plan."
Radaszam smiles at Karyn. ”Do not worry. Zo! has assured me that he will use the magic of editing to present you in the best possible light. All you have to do is win the competition, and he and his media team will do the rest.”
”That’s right! A Pact World Warrior can think on the fly, roll with the punches, expect the unexpected!” Zo! gesticulates wildly as he speaks. ”We’ll make sure you come across as the dazzling heroes you almost are!”
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Harrac can barely contain his excitement. He stands bouncing back and forth like a small child that needs to pee. Every so often he raises his hand by his stomach to wave to Zo!. He leans into Talc to whisper, "do you think he remembers me?" The big vesk practically squeals when he learns they'll be on Pact World Warriors, "ohmygodohmygodohmygodZo! youarenotgoingtoregretthiswe'rethebestteamforthejob! Anychancethey'llhavexocteuldywithcheeseIknowyousaidyoulikedittoobutit'smyfa aaaavoritenowIcan'tgetenoughofit!" Harrac pauses briefly to hit a button on his wrist computer before grinning widely at the built in camera, "HARRAC SQUUUAAADDDD! Yours truly is going to be on a special episode of Pact World Warriors! Watch me defy death! See The Talcinator fly absolutely nothing for once! Listen to Skrillivexish mix the hottest new tunes and catch up with the lovelorn Rei and her human boy toy. Finally, catch a preview of our new series Karyn Calls a Manager! The whole gang's here and we want you to come along!"
Harrac looks up and notices the others staring at him, even Karyn is speechless for once, "Uhh, I mean, uhh yeah that's cool. We'll see what we can do." He grunts and adjust his pants, slapping Talc on the shoulder before muttering, "nailed it.
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Rei looks around, barely an emotion on her face. She chirps up once Talc begins speaking, her voice completely monotone. "I posed as your companion for the success of one mission. This does not promote upon you any authority to refer to me as your personal sexbot."
She pulls up her datapad and begins doing what she does - searching and learning.
Her face still points down at her datapad as she speaks up to Zo! and Radaszam. "I have to agree with Karyn here. The decision to humiliate the starfinder's by engaging us in this game show seems completely illogical. If you wanted to improve our image, can you not report on the tales of our successes, or the countless lives we have saved?"
"Unfortunately, the galactic public is easily bored by stories and statistics," Radaszam says. "They need something flashy, loud, and slightly obnoxious to get their attention. I'd say you lot fill the bill perfectly."
The door to the boardroom opens and several ghouls begin to file in. "Well, no time to waste! Filming starts today, people!" Zo! shouts. "Karyn, why don't you coordinate with my crew? The rest of you, come with me for a minute!"
The elebrian leads the rest of the party into a nearby prop room. "Hey, hey! So, truth be told, I don't know Karyn from Sharon, but you guys are my friends! And I've got a vested interest in seeing my friends succeed. As such, I've got a special selection of quality gear provided by my myriad sponsors. Go on, grab a few things!"
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Rei follows in while continuing her research. "Oh no. Combat Karaoke..."
She looks up at Harrac and Talc, for an obnoxiously long pause, then back down again.
Turning to Zo! Rei looks over the gear and states, in a monotone voice. "I will take the corona laser rifle, a Mk2 Serum of Healing, and a Mk2 ring of Resistance"
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"Karyn from Sharon! Sir that's hilarious!" Harrac's laughs overwhelms anything Rei tries to say. "And thank you for the gear. That corona rifle will come in handy and I hope I won't need a serum or the ring but I'll gladly borrow them." He slaps Talc on the back, "I bet Karyn from Sharon is already looking for the crew manager out there." He can't stop grinning as the looks down at his watch, "Harrac Squuuaaaad, I'm here backstage at PWW. Be sure to tune in for a special event when yours truly enters the vaunted arena! Harrac Out!"
"I hope we have sweet death dance-off. Combat Karaoke was my jam, but seeing Harrac shimmy-shiv someone to death would be great for our image. Hey Talc, toss me one of those mind mails. We can be twinsies!"
Skivix picks up a Ring of Resistance and a mk2 serum of healing as well.
Once you have claimed your items, the production staff lead you deeper into the megacomplex. Several flights of stairs and a few elevator rides later, they arrive in a large hexagonal room crawling with camera drones.
Various mini-sets form a mismatched still life. To the west, a raised circular platform housing a comfortable white couch stands in front of several vidscreens. A long newscaster’s desk occupies the area to the south. Two undead chat animatedly in front of a green screen in an open area to the east. A spectral woman turns to a pale, gaunt man with clawed hands. “Are you ready to meet our contestants, Quell?” The woman’s breathy voice echoes through the chamber as a skeleton hoists a microphone in front of her ghostly lips.
“I died already, Lethea! I can already positively taste their excitement, and hesitation, and fear! Ah, and that piquant touch of nerves. Simply exquisite.” Quell winks at a nearby camera.
“Well, here they are!” Lethea announces. “We’ve brought both teams together for an exclusive meet and greet. Be on your best behavior, contestants. Our audience cheers loudest for living challengers, if you catch my drift.”
You size up your opponents. The team's leader is Mia Moxie, a halfling who proudly wields guns nearly as big as she is. Rafelo is a damaya lashunta who favors Karyn and Rei with flirtatious winks. Shonvyzam is a vesk mechanic who is eagerly looking your equipment up and down. Tillik is a pahtra who is trying to escape your notice. And Verity-5 is an android with a cheerful smile.
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"Sure. Matching samsies, bro!" Talc says, tossing the shirren another mind mail.
Looking Mia over, Talc nudges Harrac "Think Mia is trying to compensate for something? Seriously. Look those gun, man."
Talc calls out "So uh, we're going to win. Whatever it is we are going to be doing, we're winning. Just thought you'd like to know that up front."
Winking at Mia, Talc says "So uh, if you're free after this and wanna get a drink. I'm down."
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Harrac looks back and forth between his watch camera and their opponents, whispering loudly "Ok, Harrac Squad, this is it. We're here in the arena to face off against a girl with a gun fetish, a lashunta lothario, a happy version of Rei, and a very handsome young Vesk mechanic. He's checking out Talcs, uhh, equipment. Ready to see some action? Tune in now!" He looks up to see Mia scowling and turns to nod to Snonvyzam, "sup bruh?"
Rei is unable to find any information about the rival team with a quick search.
Mia barks out a short laugh when Talc asks her out. "In your dreams! You look greener than the protein shake I had for lunch! There's no way we're going to lose to you scrubs!"
Verity-5 chuckles and steps forward, hand outstretched. "It's very nice to meet all of you! Are you as excited to be on Pact World Warriors as I am? It's going to be an amazing experience! I look forward to the competition, but I know our team is going to win fair and square--no hard feelings!"
Meanwhile, Shonvyzam steps up to Harrac and offers a traditional vesk salute. "Hail and well met, brother! I see you wear the ceremonial armor of the Imperium. Way to represent! Of course, you recognize the superiority of vesk tech! If only your teammates were as savvy!"
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Harrac returns the salute, "Hail and well met, sister. It's my honor to represent. And I see you're well-acquainted yourself." He indicates her gear before holding his arm to the side as the red light shows up on his camera ... again, "Tell the Harac Squad your name, sister. I'm sure there's a fan out there waiting to be inspired and willing to overlook your imminent loss!" He grins and waits for her to introduce yourself before clasping her arm, "may we both fight hard and do the Veskarium proud!"
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Karyn rolled her eyes at Talc's antics. She pulled out her file and knocked him on the head with it. "Be nice. Your mirror twin over there is at least restricting himself to winks and smiles. Of course, he looks like he's having a stroke, but maybe that's just nerves."
She buffed out the last of the burrs in the micro injectors under the nails in her left hand, and ostentatiously added drops of...something...to each.
Skrivix simply looked back and forth between both groups, chuckling and shaking his head. "Lovely gathering of such unique individuals. Though they do seem to mirror some of us quite well."
"Tell the Harrac Squad your name, sister. I'm sure there's a fan out there waiting to be inspired and willing to overlook your imminent loss!"
The vesk thumps her chest. "I am Shonvyzam! And it will be you who loses, not us!" she declares good-naturedly.
"Lovely gathering of such unique individuals. Though they do seem to mirror some of us quite well."
"Indeed," comes a voice from right behind the shirren! Whirling around, he sees Tillik has sneaked up behind him. The pahtra laughs at Skrivixx's startled reaction before slinking back to join his companions.
Since neither Karyn nor Rei seem inclined to return Rafelo's amorous advances, he turns his charm on the undead show hosts, flirting with reckless abandon.
After a few minutes of interacting, Lethea announces that it's time for the first challenge, an obstacle course that "only a true Pact World Warrior could survive." As the staff hustles you out of hte room and toward the set, Quell fires a parting shot: "Smell you later, contestants. Feel free to be scared—fear is my favorite flavor!"
You and your rivals board separate elevators that lower you down to the obstacle course. You wait in the elevator for a moment while the hosts announce the rules--the obstacle course event ends when either all of you cross the finish line or 15 rounds elapse, whichever comes first. Each of you who reaches the finish line within 10 rounds scores 20 points, and each of you who reaches the finish line within 15 rounds earns 10 points.
"Ninety seconds on the clock. Contestants ready? Steady? GO!!!"
The floor of the elevator suddenly drops away, dumping you down 15 feet! It closes again with a pneumatic hiss. You find yourselves in a windowless, featureless steel chamber that appears to contain no doors or hatches, preventing escape. Searing heat radiates from the floor and walls, suggesting a scorching climate or a raging fire outside the building.
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Harrac holds his arm out, "it's go time Harrac Squad! Remember that old love ballad about the two lonely guys looking for love? Now Talc's a dick in a box! No managers around for Karyn to harangue so let's figure this out!"
Harrac looks around for anything out fo the ordinary - seams, doors, buttons, anything.
Though Karyn and Rei don't notice anything (no magic auras), Harrac and Talc both notice a 2-foot-wide opening that leads to a ventilation shaft about 10 feet up the west wall. Harrac also spots a concealed steel door to the north that is electronically locked.
"Oh, the Starfinders are wasting no time! They've already got the door open!" Lethea declares over the loudspeakers. The camera drones push in to get a good shot of Talc's triumphant grin.
"Now they face the Mires of Misery, and at the end, the Wall of Champions!" Quell declares.
The steel door slides open! Deep lava channels surround the area beyond. A section of hard-packed dirt rises above the lava, protected on its sides by a visible force field of blue-white energy. The bank slopes downward toward an area completely submerged in muddy water. Four narrow wooden planks float along the bog’s surface, offering a dry route through the morass.
A sheer rock face towers above the bog at the far end of the room. Jagged outcroppings jut from the wall to provide handholds and footholds for climbing. Atop the cliff is a metal platform that features a hatch that leads to a metal chute.
Skrivix runs out the door, crossing his fingers that he doesn't trip across the planks.
Once across, he runs face-first into the wall.
"Yeah uhh Harrac I might need to take you up on that."
"And they're off and running! Let's see if they have what it takes to become true Pact World Warriors!" Quell declares as you begin to rush across the Mires of Misery. Karyn and Skrivixx take the lead, maintaning their balance as they begin to traverse the planks.
Rei moves out into the Mires and surveys the terrain.
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Harrac runs to the planks, barely breaking stride as he races across them. He grabs anyone falling behind and tries to carry then with him. Sweeping his camera around the room and then up at the cliff, here exclaims "that was exhilarating Squad! Did you see me navigate those planks like a pro? Next up are the Cliffs! I know what the great bard Eric Johnson was inspired by!" he hits a button on his wrist computer and music fills the room.
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Approaching the planks, Rei looks at everyone attempting their best to maintain their balance. She examines the obstacle, and simply chimes "A starfinder is prepared for any situation"
She takes a leap, activating her jump jets, to easily maneuver herself to the bottom edge of the wall.
Rei has an armor upgrade - Jump Jets
You can activate jump jets as part of a move action in order to fly during your movement. You can fly up to 30 feet (average maneuverability) with a maximum height of 10 feet, or you can fly up to 20 feet straight up. You must land at the end of your move action. Jump jets can’t lift you if you’re encumbered.
Skrivix gives the planks a second go and vaults over the wall.
"C'mon slowpokes! We have to have a lead on them, let's keep it up! Otherwise we'll have to endure smelling sweaty Talc and Harrac AND suffer defeat!"
Karyn crosses the planks but struggles to climb the wall. Talc cautiously starts to make his way across the planks, but Harrac bodily grabs him and hauls him the rest of the way to the base of the wall. Rei leaps into the air, activating her armor's jump jets to fly over the mire. Meanwhile, Skrivvix clambers up the wall, making it halfway up!
"They've conquered the Mires of Misery! Let's see if they can surmount the Wall of Champions!" Lethea cries.