[SFS] GM Zoomba's 3-07 Strike at Zone 78 (High) (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Since first encountering the copaxis of Tabrid Minor, the Starfinder Society's Exo-Guardians faction has aided in reclaiming dangerous portions of the world. But with one of the copaxi's outposts gone silent, are the Starfinders ready for what they might find?...

Feel free to introduce yourselves, or just dot and delete for now. We'll be launching off on Friday 10/30

A sweaty looking youngish woman with a skimpy "SMC" branded t-shirt hurtles into the room. Taking a flying leap, she makes for one of the chairs, gracefully somersaulting in the air as she does so to land with a soft "thud".

"Hi-ya!" she says enthusiastically to the room.

"I'm Gunnz. Dancer, SMC#1 fan and calling dibs on the pilots seat if we are going off station!"

Eselar is a male kasatha with a shining armor, painted in gold and red. The holy symbol of Iomedae clearly visible on the plastron of his armor. On his back an old reaction canon light and at his side a Longsword with a hilt decorated to look like Iomedae representation.

With a baryton voice, the Kasatha presents himself to his comrades Greetings, I’m Eselar, actually on my third year of the Tempering. I’m a Knight Errant for the Knights of Golarion and I hope to that my presence will uphold the tenants of the Society, Explore Report and Cooperate.

A white-haired, ancient looking ysoki wearing a loose cloak with a dusty, tattered hem hobbles into the room leaning on a gnarled wooden staff. He wears a sleek, slate-gray sniper rifle across his back, and a small, glowing pendant with the universal symbol for medical services hangs around his neck.

As he enters the room and sees the Starfinders who have already arrived, he nods a greeting to each of them and gives them a "How d'ya do?" but doesn't say anything further until he reaches a seat at the table, rests he staff beside his chair, and hauls himself up. Once settled, he looks around again, and breathlessly asks, "Well now, which one o' you young'uns is gonna offer to get an old feller a glass of water?"

Gunnz eyes up the ancient looking yoski with a hint of suspicion. Finally however good graces give out and she offers the comfortable seat to him as she saunters over to the water cooler.

"There you go old one."

"Ah! Yer a polite young lady, ain't ya?" Chikasa gives Gunnz a charming smile, as he thanks her for the drink. "The name's Chikasa, or Chik-Chik if ya wanted to ask some of the ol' gang. Course, you'd have to dig most of em up first, and the others you'd have to find in whatever hole the Stewards threw em in, so I s'pose Chikasa's probably the safer name to use, eh? HeeHEE!" The ysoki wheezes out a laugh, then sips at his water.

Name's Maxamas Maxamas, gentleman at your service You notice his clothes as clean as can be, standing up and staying away from any dirt, including those on chairs. In fact when he opens the door, he barely touches the knob or whatever with the tips of his fingers, then finds soap to rub the tips of his finders together.

"Glad to see none of our parents bothered us with normal names. Or we managed to leave them behind as soon as we left home."

She shudders "Mary-Jane still sends a chill down my spine."

A candy sends a chill down your spine? Mary-Jane is a good carmel candy, just remember that it sticks to your teeth and to get it all out before speaking publicly. And brush your teeth really well after eating any candy that sticks to your teeth, got to look your best.

Speaking of looking his best, a lashunta enters just after Maxamas gives his advice.

He seems a bit underarmed with only a laser pistol on his hip and a cestus on his hand that looks more for show than use.

But then, the tiny speck of a star that hovers between his antennae suggest that he doesn't need man made weapons.

His hair is carefully swept back from his face and his armor, even though it has clearly seen use is still shiny and a golden color just a shade darker than that mote floating over his head.

"I made it in time introductions? I'm sure I don't need one, but in case any of you are not fans of Castrovellian Epic Poetry...well, first, that's a shame. Second, I'm Azara Thenason," he says, coming in and taking a seat.

Following closely behind the lashunta is a male elf dressed in a charcoal gray wool business suit, light blue summer weight cotton shirt, and knotted silk navy blue tie. His long blonde hair is perfectly coifed and sits lightly over his high cheekbones and practically statuesque facial features. As the ambassador to Absalom Station from the elf nation of Sovyrian and senator representing the station's 3rd district, Cavaler Traleth is no stranger to most of you because of his frequent public appearances. He takes a seat at the conference table and nods his head at the others arranged around it.

While each of you introduce yourselves and chat about recent missions, your eyes occasionally sweep around to take in your surroundings. The Starfinder Society had reached out to you and the others to head to Tabrid Minor, a world in Near Space, to assist the local government - though with what the Forum's instructions neglected to say. Upon arriving in the system, the native copaxi - Tabrid Minor's predominant sentient species, complex colonies of coral-like polyps that have developed into anthropomorphic forms - had steered your ship to land in the coastal region of Yihil on the planet.

The copaxi theat greeted you when you disembarked had been polite, but had asked you to wait nearby until your 'leading officer' arrived to brief you. What they meant becomes a bit more clearer as a large a military transport truck suddenly screeches around a corner moving towards you, only to skid to a stop just in front of you six. Beneath the canopy of the truck’s covered bed stands the Exo-guardian faction's current leader the host shirren Zigvigix, as well as another copaxi. Who those of you who have played, or 'read the chronicle reports about' 1-24 The Protectorate Petition would recognize as Therseis

With a happy twitch of their antennae, 'Ziggy' eagerly greets you. Hello freidns! And welcome to the world of Tabrid Minor!Please, come aboard. Get comfortable. Therseis and I are excited to see you!

"Well Ziggy, what have you got in store for us this time," Cavaler says as he boards the transport.

No longer dressed in his custom tailed suit, Cavaler is resplendent in a sleek suit of freebooter armor colored bone white and gold. His conical helm's faceplate is currently open so everyone can see the warm smile he gives to Ziggy when he greets the venture captain. Over his shoulder is slung a rocket rifle. Not usually a weapon known for its elegance or subtly; this version of the rifle is clearly of elven manufacture with clean lines and a slimmed down profile. Several grenades are attached to his armor's utility belt along with an arsenal of other weapons.

Gunnz jumps into the truck. "Alright..." she smiles, aiming for the front seat where she can get a look at the scenery.

"Are we here on a social trip, or should we we be dressed for expecting trouble?" she asks.

Unclear. But more likely trouble than not. they admit a bit sheepishly. Our friend Thersisu came to us with another sensitive request for Society help

For those who haven’t kept up with the latest news in the Pact Worlds, Tabrid Minor applied for protectorate status about two years ago. Since then, their application has been running around the bureaucratic hamster wheel.

The copaxi Thersius speaks up from where they're braced against a bench on top of the truck as the vehicle begins moving again.

The fact our application process is still ongoing wouldn’t typically be a barrier to requesting needed assistance from other worlds,[b] they state. [b]However, the Coenocopi Foundation received information from the Yihil regional government that requires discretion. A military zone off the coast here, Zone 78, has been radiating environmental anomalies. Originally, the zone’s border contained these anomalies, but now, these borders contain only the worst effects and the destruction continues to spread. As one of the newer members of the Coenocopi Foundation, I determined it appropriate to investigate the region.

Within range of Zone 78 is an island that hosts a military installation and a beacon to monitor the zone’s interior. This beacon ceased sending information several months ago. Without this data, it is no longer safe to navigate to and within the zone. This is the task I request of you: determine what happened to the beacon and complete any necessary repairs.

At this time, the Yihil governing council does not want to reveal the existence of Zone 78 to the Pact Worlds. They are worried about negative repercussions on our protectorate application. Given that your Society proved itself capable and honest in the past, I determined that contacting you would be the best option. It’s unclear what dangers you’ll face, so prepare yourselves to be as flexible as possible. If you can reactivate the beacon, you’ll be able to use its data to make the return journey easier

"Can you tell us more about the anomalies within Zone 78?"

"Probably not the best policy to try to enter the Pact Worlds under false pretenses. None of the planets, even Castrovel, is without its problems. Maybe showing your need in this regard and working with them to resolve it would demonstrate to the Pact that you're ready to work in the spirit of cooperation on which it was founded," Azara points out.

"Burdens are lightened when shared."
"Dangers are smaller."
"Understanding gets larger."

"What more can you tell us about the anomolies, and the military zone to begin with?" asks Gunnz.

"I mean, like was it is testing site for Nukes? Or a magical targeting range, or..." she gestures her hands in the air, leaving options open.

"Probably not the best policy to try to enter the Pact Worlds under false pretenses. None of the planets, even Castrovel, is without its problems. Maybe showing your need in this regard and working with them to resolve it would demonstrate to the Pact that you're ready to work in the spirit of cooperation on which it was founded," Azara points out.

The general status of our world has been well documented in our submissions to the Pact Worlds. Thersius responds. Including reports of less than flattering historical events your own Society was allowed to present. Yet I am certain even the worlds in your system are allowed their own autonomous judgements for sensitive military and security matters. Further, protectorate status is generally considered to be one imposing more obligations on the Pact Worlds system than the petitioning protectorate itself. There is significant concern details as to the anomalous Zone may cause the officials considering our petition to think it more trouble than it is worth to grant Tabrid Minor Protectorate status. Even as Thersius explains their government's reasoning, their tone and posture nonetheless hints that they are personally more sympathetic to Azara's argument for transparency.

Ziggy butts in to try and give the copaxi some relief. As for Zone 78 itself, from what Thersius and the Coenocopi Foundation have provided us, the area is less a testing site and more space marked off for containment. The copi levels have been significantly reduced around that part of the planet. And since the copi of Tabrid Minor naturally regulate much of our environment, their large-scale destruction in the region has affected nearly every aspect of the ecosystem and caused wide-scale physical and environmental anomalies. The copaxi government has observed gravitational shifts, rapidly changing weather patterns, mutated animals and plants, and even stranger things. there's been sporadic anomalies all across Tabrid Minor, but within the borders of this 'Zone 78' they are a lot more severe and common! So the military has sealed off and secured the sector to prevent people from getting caught in it unawares.

The good news is that the installation and beacon that has gone dark is on an island near the edge of Zone 78. Thersius adds. Given that the area often experiences storms, it is safest to approach below the surface of the water - our government has agreed to provide a submersible for you to travel there and back in. Or, if some of you would prefer to pilot your own individual vehicles, minisubs could be lent to your disposal as well. Based on current pattern I would expect that you will likely encounter at least one anomaly wave during your excursion, but hopefully no more if you can investigate efficiently.

Greetings Zigvigix! May the blessing of the Inheritor be upon you my friend.

Says Eselar as he meets the Leader of the Exo-Guardian.

Turning to Thersius he bows and says Greetings Thersius. I'm Eselar Knight Errant for the Knights of Golarion , a Starfinder, but also a follower of the Inheritor, the goddess Iomedae.
May Her blessing be upon you and her Valors, help you find the truth.

After listening to the Copaxi and Zigvigix, Eselar agrees strongly with Azara's thought but stays silent.

I will do my best to help you. My knowledge is more esoteric than mechanic but it could be of help if something is tied to non mechanical things.

"If we have to make our approach in submersibles I suggest we take one large vessel as our command ship and at least two outriders to give us flexibility."

"Ohhh.. I've never driven a submarine!" gushes Gunnz.

"But how hard can it be?"

"Has zone-78 always had this type of weird reputation? In ages past did ships or aircraft mysteriously vanish there? Or is the zone... a more recent happening?"

That can be arranged Therseis replies to Cavaler's suggestion. Though if you are approaching the base with 'outriding' minisubs, be certain those of you in them can command the craft. Only our larger submersibles possess an automated piloting system.

They are offering you a Pump-Jet sub, which can hold 8 people and has an auto-piloting skill of +13 if needed/none of you are good pilots. You could also take any number of Reinforced Torpedo Minisubs (each of which can hold 2 people), but those don't have an autopilot - someone in each would need to take manual control.

Turning to Gunnz, they explain: Zone 78 has always had a higher than standard amount of physical anomalies within it. It is the reason our government's military seeks to monitor it and divert travel and citizens away from the region. But the fluctuations have been increasing in the last several years. And with this monitoring beacon no longer broadcasting, we are currently blind to if there is any ominous new developments.

Zigvigix’s telepathic voice returns. Which is why an all-star squad like you going in to fix that is so good!

Now, because we're coming close to a secret military zone means you’ll have to play by their rules. I have identification badges for each of you. These badges confirm that you’re authorized to enter Zone 78. Keep them displayed on your armor at all times. Since this is potentially our only chance to see inside Zone 78, try to collect samples of any anomalies you find. It’ll help us determine what
danger Zone 78 poses.

I know this is a lot, so I’ll repeat what Therseis said. Find out what happened to the beacon and do whatever you need to repair it. Bring back samples of any weird stuff you find. Questions?

In addition to any more questions you may have and want to ask Zigvigix or Therseis, some of you may have been able to pick up info about Tabrid Minor already by poring over the infosphere during your journey (Computers check) or through conversations with the copaxi after you got planetside (Diplomacy to Gather Information)

"Well... we could be boring and use the auto pilot... but where is hte fun in that?" giggles Gunnz.

"Now, the important questions. Where are the controls for the sound system? There is this awesome SMC number that will just Go Down a treat underwater."

She does relax for a minute to consider the mission itself. "Can you download the schematics of the beacon you want us to fix? And I assume the sub has a toolkit and all the spare parts we could possibly need?"

She thinks back to the night before and what she learned while singing karaoke in the bar.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Oh that's right. Don't try to out drink coral.

Idly she passes some time checking up on the latest news from the infosphere.

computers: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Maxamas will help with the computers computers: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

"We'll take the Pump-Jet sub for our less skilled vehicle pilots. However, for our more skilled pilots, they will use the Torpedo minisubs."

Cavaler will ride in the Pump-Jet sub.

Cavaler recalls all he heard while shaking hands and exchanging diplomatic pleasantries with all the copaxi dignitaries he's met so far.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

He takes out his comm unit and begins to jot down notes on what he heard while simultaneously checking the infosphere for more information.

Computers: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Azara is dubious about Therseis explanation but he also senses that the other entity agrees with him on some level and realizes that they're not making the decisions here.

Putting aside politics for the moment, he considers the mission and what he has been able to find out.

"I don't have any skill at driving things so I'll ride in the big sub," he says.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

"Do you have a spec sheet on the mini-subs?" asks Gunnz, who is always keen to keep abreast of new vehicle technology.

"Are they.. armed?"

Better to be safe and taking the Pump-Jet

Says Eselar who don't seems very kin to pilot something.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

But being a pilgrim himself, he had time to discuss a lot of things about Tabrid Minor with the people he met.

Of course. Therseis replies to Gunnz. They pull out a datapad and begin typing away. The specifications to the submersibles and to the beacon - with some redactions that should not impair any repair attempts - can be sent to you now. The vehicles are not armed, but the novel polymer design should prove to your liking.

There is a *ping* as each of you see the copaxi has sent a data packet out detailing the Yihil submarine details. The beacon as well, though 'some' redactions is certainly one way of putting pages and pages of blacked out data. A lot of the beacon's specific tech details are being withheld but the information Therseis sent you should be enough to let you know how it is meant to function, and hope to repair it if you find it is damaged. He also send you full specs on the two sub models (which are on the Google Slides link I've just added to my profile and to the top of the page)

---

Between dialing into the infosphere and making friends with your copaxi escorts, between you the six of you have gotten a solid grounding in Tabrid Minor's current situation.

Tabrid Minor’s use of Drift travel began a few decades ago. The planetary government has begun focusing on off-planet diplomacy in recent years. Despite this recent appearance in Pact Worlds politics, copaxis began industrial development centuries ago and have advanced
technological infrastructure. However, industrialization damaged much of Tabrid Minor’s ecosystem and the planet continues to degrade. The coral-like copi, which copaxis have a symbiotic relationship with, have been
hit hard by overharvesting and the changing planetary temperature, oceanic currents, and wind systems. In the past several months, animal corpses with additional limbs, strangely patterned scales, and other mutations have washed up on the Yihil coastline.

While discussing the planet with some copaxi earlier in the day both Eselar and Cavaler also found themselves handed a pamphlet at on point by a nervous copaxi, who excused themselves and departed soon thereafter. The material opens with a bold header asking, “Do you want Tabrid Minor to survive?” and invites anyone interested to join
the Fallen Hand and help heal the planet. Maxamas had seen similar recuritment material posted on the local infosphere here and there.

---

Zigvigix claps their hands together. Excellent! So Starfinders, you have your data, your mission - find the beacon, find what happened, repair if needed, document anomalies with samples if possible - and your identification badges! Oh, wait, not that last part yet! The host shirren digs around in their armor and produces six ID badges, handing one to each of you. Made of smooth polymer, the badges each display the words "Affiliation: Coenocopi Foundation" along with your name and a photo of you Pulled from your Starfinder initiation/yearbook datafile

These badges should not only grant you access into the Zone Therseis explains, but there are tracking chips embedded within each of them.I In case of significant trouble, this will allow the Yihil military to be able to rescue you if extraction is needed.

"Do we expect radiation to be a problem?" asks Gunnz, her frivolous persona starting to melt away as she gets get game-face on.

She is dressed in a rather casual manner still, wearing a light business suit. Her small purse is slung over her shoulder, the strap being able to withdraw into it turning the handy bag into a clutch purse.

Her only obvious concession to the mission is to strap a blaster onto her thigh.

Can we get the specs for the submarines? I'm not sure if there is likely to be any real advantage to us splitting up into multiple craft, especially if the smaller ones are a lot more vulnerable than one big sub.

Stats for the subs are on the slides.

"I don't have any other questions venture captain. We'll get the job done, no matter what it takes."

Right!

"If you want, I could take one of the one person subs, they look sweet. But I'm a little worried that overall their speed may slow us down if we have a long way to go."

Radiation is thankfully not yet one of the issues we have recorded in Zone 78 Therseis relieves Gunnz.

And that's the spirit! Ziggy thinks to Cavaler as the truck begins to slow as it approaches a checkpoint before several large buildings by the coast.

Any last questions before you head out? Also, if you are taking multiple vehicles, I'll just need to knwo how many/who is in which

Also also:

Cavaler will ride the pump-jet sub.

engineering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 Sweet, tracking bug, so if we get lost, we will know where each other is at all times.

Azara is already in his armor so he goes ahead and dons the badge.

"My vote is for the big sub," he says as they make plans. "If one of us sinks, we all sink."

Once they're on their way and away from the Copaxi, he divulges the information he's learned.

Gunnz checks out the subs as they arrive at the port.
engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

She nods to Maxamas. "That will help if we need a retrieval."

Question, does the -4 to piloting for the pump sub apply to the auto pilot as well, or is that already factored in?

Engineering: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

"There a reason this here bug's got a bug," Chikasa pipes up at last, after riding silently the whole way from the landing site. "I mean, if ya wanted to catch our singin' voices, ya coulda come to karaoke last night. So what're these here microphones for?"

The ysoki turns to his crew, "Oh, and save me a seat on that there pump sub. I ain't much for confined spaces like them mini-subs, despite what ya mighta heard about us ysoki."

Question, does the -4 to piloting for the pump sub apply to the auto pilot as well, or is that already factored in?

Already factored into the auto-pilot. Still included/relevant if one of you would prefer to use your own mod instead (less clear about this group, but some characters might still be a better pilot even after that penalty with the right builds).

Microphones? Therseis asks in response to Chikasa's own question. The copaxi seems as surprised about that function as you are.

Cavaler raises an eyebrow when he hears Therseis's response to Chikasa's question and says, "Would the microphones allow us to communicate with the Yihil military perhaps?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + (1) + 1 = 24

"Well... I might be slightly better than that autopilot." agrees Gunnz.

"Certainly running that will be more fun than sitting cramped up with nothing else to do."

I'm net +1 better off than the auto pilot with a -4 penalty, but I do give some speed advantages.

Cavaler raises an eyebrow when he hears Therseis's response to Chikasa's question and says, "Would the microphones allow us to communicate with the Yihil military perhaps?

That would be a possible function, yes the copaxi replies. Tough if the intent was to allow for calls for rescue it would only make sense if you were informed of the possibility. Therseis's head lowers slightly. Apologies: this may be a signifier that some in our military do not fully trust your Society. Despite the good work you have done for Tabrid Minor in the past.

Therseis seems apologetic and a bit ashamed at the revelation of the mic'd badges.
If you would like, it is possible you could figure out how to disable that function with a Engineering (Disable Device) check.

Chikasa clicks his tongue and gives Therseis a long look, but finally gives a shrug and flips over his badge in his hands, looking for a way to disable the microphone.

Engineering: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

That's not very trustworthy of your people Therseis. says Eselar pain in his voice.

I have nothing to hide, they could have ask us to wear microphone and I will have done it.

Turning to his comrades he says I'm not good with machine, so I will be inside the Pump-Jet submarine.

"I have to agree. It seems that those in power here want to keep secrets but do not have respect for other people's secrets. It is not a very good way to operate. It doesn't instill trust or a spirit of assistance in others," Azara comments while the microphone is still active.

"But it seems that I am talking to one who agrees with me," he continues, waiting until they have all been deactivated.

"I am pleased that someone reasonable has been assigned to our group."

"Trust no one, Starfinder agent Eselar," Cavaler says as he hands his badge to Chik-Chik to be deactivated.

"I think I'll keep mine active..." smiles Gunnz.

She does however active her "Best of SMC" playlist and then routs it toward the badge...

"It's only fair that the best music is the Pact worlds is shared."

Happy to do an engineering check if required.

Chikasa is able to deactivate the mic function of their badge without obviously destroying the insignia. Once the ysoki has the knack of it, they're able to do the same for the rest of you if you like.

Will launch you guys out tomorrow morning/mid-day. Is anyone:
~notturning off the mike in their badges (besides Gunnz, who is instead having it connected to her space-Spotify)?
~Going in a minisub instead of the pump-jet?

I want to be able to hollar for help if required, but by default, Gunnz wants to educate them about what Real Music sounds like.