Dot in here. First in game post on or about 4-10 or 4-11-21.
Note that you won't be starting in the usual Lorespire Complex boardroom. You'll be out in the field on Vesk-2.
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A slightly nervous looking halfling slides into the seat in the briefing room. Haunted eyes look at a wall monitor that shows the Vesk system with an icon surrounding Vesk-2.
Hands, that should have no tremor to them at his apparently young age, quaver as he covertly eats a snack from his pocket. From the hollows of his cheeks it appears be has been badly malnourished recently, either that or he is snacking on anti-cal - one of the great new snack food sensations favored by the newly-famous-and-beautiful of the info-sphere.
"Where is everyone...." he murmurs to himself. "Where are they?" he adds a moment later, looking around the room.
You receive a communication from Venture-Captain Naiaj over your ship’s holoscreen.
Naiaj is sending you to Vesk-2 to rendezvous with a
local archaeologist and survey Trafodi’s ruins, gathering as much
data as possible while there.
After landing on Vesk-2, you navigate to an administrative
complex within Command 2. Inside, an ijtikri receptionist asks you to wait while their escort finishes her current meeting. Eventually, Jelbnerjeckti “Jel” Sqidtich emerges from a meeting room, frowning. After signing a multitude of forms at the reception desk, Jel ushers you outside to her roomy hover vehicle.
As the hovercraft glides over the clear water, the vesk visibly
relaxes and finally speaks her mind. “I hate all the bureaucratic
garbage they force on me—especially meetings and paperwork.
I’d rather be out in the field.” She gestures towards islands in
the distance. “Welcome to the real Vesk-2. Beautiful views
as far as you can see and a climate perfect for days spent on
the beach, rather than in an office. Ruins practically cover the
planet, some in better shape than others, and they all hold
mysteries of the past.” Jel smiles and looks to the horizon. “I remember once I was surveying on Kilti when—”
Jel curses as the hovercraft bumps against a sandbar just under
water’s surface. She refocuses and steers around the obstruction.
“Sorry about that. I get to telling stories, and sometimes they get me! So, about the ruins on Trafodi—I’ve spent years exploring
them, but there’s so much I haven’t discovered. They’re
structurally similar to other sites, but nearby radiation levels
are unusually high. I’d love to get my hands on the technology
you Starfinders have access to and take another crack at those
ruins!” Jel excitedly punches a few buttons to set the hovercraft into autopilot, then turns to fully face her passengers and grins. “Now we can chat without wrecking our ride.”
Jel chats amiably with the you as you speed towards the
looming Trafodi beachhead. While passing a sandy archipelago,
a chime signals an incoming comm. Jel frowns as she reads the
message, then informs you that they need to make a pit stop.
She explains that a local farmer put out an
advisory about escaped livestock. She changes course for Zorbolo Ranch.
Ghavaniska. It’s a largely oceanic world, and vesk leadership
split the planet into 7 administrative zones, including its capital,
Command 2.
military are located here. All requests for touring Vesk-2’s ruins
must be approved through the city’s bureaucratic channels.
Young defrexes’ hides are less thick but possess sharp spines that
extend when they’re cornered or threatened.
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Oddly enough, Shokil looks considerably calmer and more relaxed as he enters the bustling beurocratic and heavily armed station.
"Nothing quite so reassuring as a heavily armed Vesk. Nothing bad is likely to happen while we are on *this* planet" he adds happily. Before heading off to the hovercraft he stops by at no less than three different food shops to ensure he has enough supplies for the mission.
"I don't know much about Vesk-2" he admits to Jel.
"I mean, obviously it is the second planet from the Ghavaniska. And the hovercraft makes sense as it is mostly aquatic. I understand there are seven administrative zones.. Can you tell me more about them?"
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Abistar-4 garbs himself in fashionable clothing with a number of accents of color that swirl across his armor with a minor animation. His android markings across his face have been accented with stylized dragon tattoos along their length.
He takes his time for a moment to take in the sights and temprament of the bustling port before deactivating the more gaudy animations of his armor and joining the group. "Apologies for any apparent tardiness. I've been practicing a precise values of 'fashionbly late' and may have let that subroutined into other aspects of my work. I'm Abistar-4, holo-sculpter."
Abistar looks around the sites of the planet for a few moments but settles his attention on Jel after a time.
"Your various statements draw several questions and reactions," states Abistar. "At the forefront though is to ask about this farm. Is the escaped lifestock a group of defrex? It would make sense due to the value of their hides, but that would make securing them difficult if they escaped. I assume you would need and desire our assistance."
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Shokil eyes up the android. "Fashionable AND late. That is a good combination." He extends a packet of something highly processed and with bright yellow food colouring all through it.
"You want to try one of these? Sheze-its! Taste like... well, spicy cheese."
Then, as Abistar-4 puts on his game face joins in with the direct question. "What has escaped?"
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When the mission to Vesk-2 was posted in the the Lorespire Complex, Gamuzali was quick to accept the job. After his recent experiences, he is glad for the chance to take a mission in a location that is virtually a paradise, or at least as much of one as Vesk society allows to persist.
Throughout much of the trip to Vesk-2, Gamuzali remains in his quarters. If asked about his reclusion throughout the trip, he simply explains that he is meditating on his place in the universe, and especially upon the balance between the energies that give shape and meaning to all that exist.
During the ride with Jel aboard the hovercraft, Gamuzali remains alert, constantly scanning the horizon for threats, even though his Enforcer armor makes it difficult to tell where he is actually looking. A deep purple mote hovers just over his shoulder, and his right hand twitches occasionally.
"Whatever has escaped from this ranch, we'll be glad to assist," he assures Jel. "I don't suppose this will cut into the time we have been given to explore Trafodi, though?"
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Zargothrax is awakened from a catnap at the helm by the comms. "Er yup! Hay! Not sleepin on the job or nothin... plenty 'o time to sleep when ahm dead."
He grimaces at his own joke and adds, "Erm... kay... nah really that restful ah guess, but anywho...
"Erm... yeah... Vesk-2... yeah it's um... the... number 2 planet... so like... Vesk poo.... amirite?" He grins sheepishly then shakes his head. "Sorry... nah quite up ta snuff yet. A bit rusty... been a year since mah last mission ann figured a little trip 'home' would be a good way ta dip mah big toe back inta the 'venturin waters."
He pulls a beach towel adorned with stars and moons, along with a similar looking paper hat. They both appear to be brand new, and the towel seems to have some extra stars stitched on with clearly incompetent stitching skills.
"Will be nice ta go to a farm... been a long time since I got ta work at mah grandpappy's farm. Was hopin ta catch up with him last year... turns out he's been pretty happy with retirement 'n all ann we juss couldn't quite get our paths ta cross."
He attaches the towel to his shoulder plates and puts on his new paper hat. "LIZARD WIZARD IS BACK IN TOWN!"
Looking around with shifty eyes he finally asks Abistar-4, "...erm... which town we in anyways Abistarfourholosculptor?"
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Shokil eyes up the android. "Fashionable AND late. That is a good combination." He extends a packet of something highly processed and with bright yellow food colouring all through it.
"You want to try one of these? Sheze-its! Taste like... well, spicy cheese."
Abistar studies the product for a moment before nodding and sampling it as he mulls it over. After a long moment trying to place process the texture and taste he asks, "food tends to be a method to evoke emotion. What emotion is this meant to evoke?" He tilts his head back and forth as he fails to comprehend the meaning of Sheze-its.
Looking around with shifty eyes he finally asks Abistar-4, "...erm... which town we in anyways Abistarfourholosculptor?"
Woken from his culinary musings Abistar-4 responds, "I'm uncertain as to the name of our current location. We just left Command 2, the center of the planet's military assets and governing bodies. I have minimal details on the surrounding suburbs. You indicate with boisterousness that you have returned. Is your ancestor's farm also on this planet? I'm curious if that is the reason to your exuberance."
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A light returns to Shokil's eyes, almost a gleam as he gets to talk about food.
"Excitement![b]" he replies. "[b]Crunchy, spicy and cheesy! All the basic food groups!"
He eyes up the extra stars on the lizard-wizard's bath towel, shudders once, and then starts to offer around the Sheze-it's to everyone else as well.
"You never know when it might be your last meal. For a long time. Eat up."
"I mean, obviously it is the second planet from the Ghavaniska. And the hovercraft makes sense as it is mostly aquatic. I understand there are seven administrative zones.. Can you tell me more about them?"
Jel looks at Shokil as if he is depraved. "You want to know about the administrative zones? You've got to be kidding me? No...no, I'm sorry. I shouldn't judge. I know there are those who enjoy that sort of thing. Not me, and I'm afraid I can't fill in too many blanks for you. I try to be out in the wild as much as I can."
"Your various statements draw several questions and reactions," states Abistar. "At the forefront though is to ask about this farm. Is the escaped lifestock a group of defrex? It would make sense due to the value of their hides, but that would make securing them difficult if they escaped. I assume you would need and desire our assistance."
Jel responds to Abistar-4's queries. "Aye, it's probably defrex. The Zorobolo ranch, just ahead. Old Bozam's a friend of mine. This could look real good for the Starfinders if you would help with this." Jel looks toward Gamuzali. "If this goes well, I'm sure we can arrange for EXTRA time in the ruins."
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Shokil sighs. "It is not so much being interested in the zones themselves, and knowing about rivalries and where we might get support, if it were required. And why were seven zones even required?" he shrugs.
"There is a story back there waiting to be told.." His fingers twitch a little, as if wanting to stroke a keyboard to write something down.
After a half hour of driving full throttle around a chain
of islands, Jel slows the vehicle and parks at a rickety
wooden dock. A strip of sandy beach gives way to
rolling hills. On the crest of a large hill stands
a cottage with fenced fields all around it.
A lone ijtikri squats in the yard, repairing a gate with
synthetic ropes.
As the ijtikri catches sight of Jel, he shouts
happily: “Big sis! Thank gods you came—
and brought friends! As you can see, my
fence is busted. Coral—that’s the little
one—charged me this morning at feeding
time and broke clean through the gate. I
couldn’t run after her and leave the fence
like this.” Two of his tentacles gesture
to the damage. “One of them getting
loose is bad, but the entire herd? I’d
never risk it. But now I can’t figure out
which way Coral went. Can you help
track her down?”
Jel introduces his friend Bozamn Zorbolo to all of you. "Luckily, Bozamn, these are highly qualified Starfinder agents, and they'll have no problem finding little Coral!"
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A heavily armed and armoured shirren boards the transport, flashing clearance documents signed by Venture-Captain Naiaj.
Clad in a suit of heavy matte grey armour, he carries a matching helmet casually under an arm. The hilt of a longsword pokes above a shoulder and he carries an array of rifles, along with a pistol and hammer holstered at his hips.
"Away to the Vessskarium once again," he says aloud, mandibles clicking. "Haven't even had time to unpack and they're ssendinhk me on a return journey."
"I'm Chk'tarlsh," he introduces himself. Although many prefer to call me Charles, he adds telepathically, a hint of amusement evident in the sending.
During the voyage, he is quite friendly and open to conversation and stories with any who should seek such.
Chk'tarlsh remains silent throughout the journey. Antennae twitching, he nurses his rifle, multifaceted eyes taking in the scenery as it zips by.
Upon reaching the farm, he leaps from the craft, hesitates briefly on seeing the ijtikri, before making his way over to inspect the broken fence.
He gives a little chirrup at the damage, nodding agreement with Shokil.
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To Abistar's comments Zarg shrugs sheepishly. "Returned is a bit o' a loose term. Ain't been ta Veskarium space inna while since ah went freelance 'n all. Grandpappy's farm got blown up when the Swarm showed up... but ya are right 'bout food and e-motion. He used ta scrape the pink slime offa the butchery floor and fill it with oats an muck, then pack it inta a little disk and cook it up. Soldiers were so used to mush that a little slab 'o meat made their day. Called em 'happy meals.'"
Hearing that his compatriots and he are being enlisted for some wrangling he elbows Shokil firmly in the ribs. "Ya know... ahm a thinkin' that startin a new book with the proto-gone-ist livin' life on the farm ta escape the horrors o' war before gettin' pulled back inta it all might not be a bad intro ya know?"
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A dwarf boards the transport, looks everyone over. He's wearing some light armor, is festooned with various tools and a wrist mounted computer. Along with a pistol and knife at his belt he has a carbine slung over his shoulder and what looks to be a longer rifle on his back. His reddish hair is spiked up on top with a single braid going down his neck and a few inches down his back. His beard is neat and short, only going down about three inches.
"Hullo all. Freeman be my name. Nice ta' meet you all. Good day fer a boat ride!"
A flying drone enters behind him, making an almost rude sounding noise
Ah, tha's jsut drone, he hath no manners. Just ignore him."
Drone makes another sound that seems even more rude than the first.
"Defrex? I hear they be a wee bit testy. And dangerous. Also good grilled."
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Shokil nods enthusiastically to Zarg.
"[b]Needs to have his quiet life disrupted in an irretrievable way. Evil dude kills his animals, and then BBQs then over his burning farm-house before turning their hides into his blankets for the night. Or heck, replace animals with family members. Sure to get on someone's goat that./b]"
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Abistar ponders the nature of the suggested plot by his party members, but discards that in attempt to engage with Bozamn.
"A exceptional bond in many ways. I would be grateful to be allowed to aid in Coral's recovery. When we find Coral, is there any way we could draw them back? The description of them would indicate she is very energetic and rambunctious."
Bozamn explains that Coral is a young defrex, and he needs her back alive and in one piece. He gives you a specialized defrex harness and explains how to use it to restrain Coral once they find her.
DEFREX PURSUIT
When you embark on your hunt, the weather is calm. The still air
is tinged with a faint smell of salt coming off the water. Shokil notices a line of tracks in the sand lead north past the broken gate but disappear after a few yards into a grassy field.
Shokil spots bent blades of grass and flattened
vegetation that mark her passing. Coral’s trail leads through the field to a marshy clearing. The water is 2 feet deep and dotted with small clumps of grass and sediment.
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Abistar-4 looks upon the tracks delving into the water and ponders. "This is interesting. I think I'm feeling inadequacy comparing your ease of movement to my own motor control."
The leaps being a bit too wide Abistar uses the tree trunks in an effort to make progress along with his jump jets to keep up with the party.
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"Don't worry - Carol ish in good handsh," Chk'tarlsh assures Bozamn. "We'll brinhk her back ssafe and ssound."
Reaching the marsh, Chk'tarlsh pauses, antennae twitching as he considers his options.
Fully armoured and carrying all his gear, he shirren then carefully scales the fallen tree, carefully making his way along the trunk to the other side.
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"Ah. Hope this wee tree is still in good shape.."
Freeman tries to balance along the tree trunk...
He nimbly races across.
Drone hovers along behind him, spitting out some almost amused sounding noises. Freeman laughs and looks back at it.
"Oh, ye wanted me ta' fall in, eh? What if'n I dunk you instead?"
Drone blurts out a quick note and flies another five feet from Freeman...
The marsh leads to a dune-covered
beach. A set of defrex tracks is clearly visible in the sand,
but as you follow them across the beach,
the sky darkens as distant sand
clouds obscure the late afternoon
sun.
on Vesk-2. The group can take shelter
to wait out the worst of the storm if you wish.
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Through healthy use of augmentations Abistar is able to cross the marsh with a relatively minimal amount of muck tracking across his tailored armor. Once on the firmer beach Abistar is distracted as he tries to wipe off the worst of it before looking toward the tracks.
"The dunes are very prevalent in most works depicting beaches. I wasn't certain how sprawling they might be though."
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"It'sh not unheard of for whole ssettlementsh to vanish durinhk the big dusst sstormsh back on Fullbright," Chk'tarlsh announces, snapping his mandibles in irritation. "Won't do anyone any good if we die. Of coursse, there won't be any trail to follow if we wait."
"Reckon we can find the beasst and get ssome where ssafe to wait out the sstorm? Then brinhk it back once thingsh have cleared."
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"I feel more confident going with your advice. This world is far new to me, and while it would be a completely unique experience to struggle against the storm, for the overall success of our efforts I think we should 'hunker down'. If the storm is that close, then I doubt we would be able to tame the creature and return ourselves to safety before the storm passed."
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Gamuzali looks at Zargothrax, but doesn't reply directly to his fellow vesk's apprehension. "I agree Abistar. And while waiting out the storm might mean we lose the trail for the time being, I don't doubt that we'd have a hard time of it even if we did manage to catch up to Coral in the midst of this storm. Let's find shelter."
You all find shelter in a small rocky grotto on a hillside until the storm passes. There is much discussion regarding the contents of your R2E's, vesk cuisine, and how aggressive and violent even young defrex's can be.
Later, the grassy marshland recedes as low
hillocks rise from the sodden ground,
leading to a white sand beach. The dunes
covering the beach shift as the wind blows
sand into gusts and whirlwinds in the air,
creating an ever-changing landscape.
Up on a dune it appears you have found Coral. She snoozes peacefully.
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"I've got some titanium cable," Gamuzali offers. "The biggest trouble is going to be approaching her, and then figuring out how to convince her to come along. Any of you know anything about driving defrex? Sounds like you at least have family who farm Zarg."
While thinking about how to bring Coral back to the ranch, Gamuzali holds out his hand. His mote floats down and comes to rest in his palm. He delicately reaches into the center of his mote and plucks out the crystal inside it. He replaces the crystal with a second one he pulls from a small pouch at his hip, and the mote begins to shimmer and crackle with electricity.
You do have the harness that Jel gave you.
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Stuck on planet Zorang, his spacecraft just a smoking wreck, the Sergeant cursed the late night poker game and drinking session. His weapons were on zero charge after the session degenerated into 'who can bag the most undead' in the shooting gallery. He'd won, of course.
Looking around, he spied herds of large dinosaurs roaming the plains. 'Guess one of them is going to have to be my ride out of here.' he sighed, pulling a roll of rappelling wire from the steaming hold. Stalking toward them he formed a loose noose in his hands.
TheFreeman approaches little Coral as quietly as can be--so quietly that Zarg isn't even sure where he went!
As he gets near Coral, he dangles the harness up above her, and with a quick action, he has it on Coral!
Though the defrex is at first not happy, she quickly calms down. Perhaps she knows she is usually fed not long after being put in a harness. She'll happily go with whoever holds the harness.
When you return Coral to the ranch alive, Bozamn cheerfully
thanks you and promises to pass on his gratitude to the
governor’s office at Command 2. He prepares you a picnic lunch of
homemade biscuits, fish sausage, and aged defrex cheese.
Afterwards, you accompany Jel to Trafodi for an informative but uneventful survey of the local ruins.