"Navasi"Female CG human outlaw envoy 8 | SP 48/48 HP 52/52 | RP 8/8 | EAC 22; KAC 23 | Fort +3; Ref +10; Will +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +12, SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: None. | Starship Combat
Blatta! Blatta! navasi shouts, clearly getting into this whole pulling the trigger thing, though the particle cannon makes more of a low-whoop followed by a crackling fizz.
This time, each of the ships hits you! That is 48 points of damage to the port arc, almost completely depleting your shields there.
We are back at the top of the next round! If anyone wants to change starship roles, please do so. Amariel is up in the engineering round, and can I also get a piloting initiative roll from Grump?
Male Dwarf NG Mystic 10 (Star Shaman) | SP 100/100 HP 66/66 | RP 10/10 | EAC 25; KAC 27 | Fort +7; Ref +5; Will +13 | Init: +2 | Speed 40ft, Fly 70ft | Perception +21 (Darkvision), SM +15
"We're comin' around the platform - get ready to fire as the heavy weapons line up with the drone. And whoever's gunning for the platform, ah'm guessin' it won't take much to take it out."
Male Dwarf NG Mystic 10 (Star Shaman) | SP 100/100 HP 66/66 | RP 10/10 | EAC 25; KAC 27 | Fort +7; Ref +5; Will +13 | Init: +2 | Speed 40ft, Fly 70ft | Perception +21 (Darkvision), SM +15
Not that it matters now, but Grump's Evade action boosted the Drake's AC by +2, to 29, so a very near miss. Though I'm unsure how that Nat-20 factors into the mix.
"Navasi"Female CG human outlaw envoy 8 | SP 48/48 HP 52/52 | RP 8/8 | EAC 22; KAC 23 | Fort +3; Ref +10; Will +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +12, SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: None. | Starship Combat
Attention Kortus IV, this is Starfinder vessel Thunderbolt paying a house visit. We know we're 90 years late, but that's no reason to shoot as us. Navasi says, wondering if she should add 'stand down or we'll nuke you from orbit', but ultimately decides against it.
Oh, thank you for the reminder! I'm not clear on reviewing the rules if the nat 20 makes it a hit anyway, but it's fairly moot at this point, since the enemies are all down.
"Starfinder vessel Thunderbolt, we read you. Our apologies, that was an automated system. You are clear to land at the following coordinates."
You receive a text transmission with detailed coordinates on the planet's surface.
Grump brings the starship in. As you approach, you see a small settlement nestled amid a forest of towering trees with an obvious landing pad on its southern edge. The landing pad is currently empty, save for a few forklifts and some crates at the north end.
Would anyone like to serve as science officer and scan with the ship's sensors? Please make a Computers check, with the +2 from the sensors.
Additionally, anyone can make a Culture or Engineering check as you get your first glimpse of the town.
Navasi scans the town and finds it has a population of around 2,500 people, and that the surrounding forest bears many signs of animal and plant life, signaling a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
She additionally identifies a mine to the north of the town, farmlands to the east of town, and that Kortus IV has no infosphere or active broadcast signals.
It occurs to Amariel that it’s very odd for a settlement of this small size to have an automated defense system like the one you just encountered.
Male Elf Mercenary Mechanic 13 | SP 117/117 HP 82/82 | RP 13/13 | EAC 33; KAC 34 | Fort +11; Ref +14; Will +6 | Init: +6 (Win ties, 1/day reroll) | Perc: +22, SM: +19 | Speed 30ft | Comprehend Languanges 1/1 | Active conditions: none
"We were able to handle it, but how did they afford something like that? That's a Class VI or better weapon platform, and there's what 1500 people down there?"
Male Dwarf NG Mystic 10 (Star Shaman) | SP 100/100 HP 66/66 | RP 10/10 | EAC 25; KAC 27 | Fort +7; Ref +5; Will +13 | Init: +2 | Speed 40ft, Fly 70ft | Perception +21 (Darkvision), SM +15
"Well, we didn't really take the time to check on the age of that platform - could be that it was put in place when they first got here & they've backslid a bit since being forgotten."
You exit the ship and are immediately greeted by a male lashunta and a female kasatha. You see more people starting to crowd around, looking at you curiously.
The lashunta clears his throat and addresses you with a big smile. “Starfinders! Welcome to Braerton! It’s been a long time since we’ve had any contact with the Pact Worlds, and we’re overjoyed to have you here! I’m Mayor Aliorno, and this is my aide, Zatteh.” Behind him, the somber kasatha inclines her head in greeting. “Please, tell us more about your mission here, and we’ll tell you about our town.”
GM screen:
5d20 ⇒ (1, 17, 14, 5, 3) = 40
Grump:
That's a pretty fake smile. He doesn't seem pleased to see you at all.
"Navasi"Female CG human outlaw envoy 8 | SP 48/48 HP 52/52 | RP 8/8 | EAC 22; KAC 23 | Fort +3; Ref +10; Will +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +12, SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: None. | Starship Combat
Well, let's say we haven't heard from you for a while, and we're checking in for a house visit. We even brought some cookies. That, and some other supplies. Is there anything you need urgently?
Male Elf Mercenary Mechanic 13 | SP 117/117 HP 82/82 | RP 13/13 | EAC 33; KAC 34 | Fort +11; Ref +14; Will +6 | Init: +6 (Win ties, 1/day reroll) | Perc: +22, SM: +19 | Speed 30ft | Comprehend Languanges 1/1 | Active conditions: none
"Yeah, we're on a humanitarian mission, we've got supplies, since the Pact Worlds hasn't been in contact," Amariel says, "We found out about your colony and that it fell off the PW registry."
“How thoughtful to bring supplies! We don’t need much, but we’ll happily accept your gifts. Such offerings don’t need to be a regular occurrence, however.” Mayor Aliorno glances at Zatteh, who adds, “Let’s see… You can bring food to the general store, medicine to the hospital, and tools and other materials to the construction site down the road. Anything else you can bring to the town hall at Founder’s Square. I’ll see its sent where its most needed.”
Mayor Aliorno addresses you again. “Well, you won’t have much to do, I’m afraid. We’ve been entirely self-sufficient for ages. Still, you might as well look around before you leave. We’re proud of what we’ve built here. It’ll give folks a chance to show off! Come, Zatteh and I will escort you to Founder’s Square. We can speak on the way.”
Mayor Aliorno leads the way north from the landing pad to a park he calls at the town’s center. Braerton’s streets are lined with restaurants, shops, public buildings, and modest homes, constructed primarily from wood and brick. While there are vehicles present, it’s clear most people walk or cycle in Braerton. Founder’s Square is a small park centered on a lacquered statue of a human woman with one arm outstretched. The streets surrounding the park host several important buildings, including the town hall.
"Navasi"Female CG human outlaw envoy 8 | SP 48/48 HP 52/52 | RP 8/8 | EAC 22; KAC 23 | Fort +3; Ref +10; Will +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +12, SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: None. | Starship Combat
That's quite something you've built up here. Navasi says I think we have a lot of catching up to do. 90 years is a long time. Have you had much contact outside this colony? Otherwise we need to bring you up to speed a bit with the latest events...
You're the mayor here, so I suppose that means you are in charge? How do you organise yourselves around here, anyway? Were you elected?
Mayor Aliorno shakes his head at Navasi's first question. “No. Shortly after Braerton’s founding, the Pact Worlds stopped sending supplies and cut us off completely. They wouldn’t answer our hails. We sent one of our only starships back to the Pact Worlds with a delegation, thinking it must be a mistake, but those messengers never returned. We never did figure out why the Pact Worlds abandoned us, but frankly, we don’t care. We’ve built a home to be proud of all on our own. We’re not looking to make alliances with outsiders. We know the dangers of dependence too well. Occasionally a smuggler stops by looking for a place to lay low, or independent traders or explorers happen along. Some even stay.”
"People mostly take care of themselves around here, but Zatteh and I handle all the administration. I was elected, yes. We also have a sheriff, Jana Rin, who was appointed."
Mayor Aliorno smiles at Amariel's question. “Oh, I can’t take credit for that—smarter minds than I saw to its construction! After we were abandoned by the Pact Worlds, our citizens thought it was important to protect Kortus IV from threats like space pirates. I believe the materials for it came from the original colony ship. It’s come in handy on a few occasions.”
"Iseph" | non-binary NG Android ace pilot operative 8 | SP 0/56 HP 13/52 | RP 8/8 | EAC 23; KAC 24 | Fort +5; Ref +10; Will +6 | Init: +7 | Perc: +14, SM: +1; darkvision, low-light vision | Speed 40 ft, fly 40 ft (avg)| Evasion; Cloaking field 10/10 | Active conditions: None
Iseph scratches their nose awkwardly.
"Yeah, we have no idea why the Pact Worlds lost track of you, either. Just glad to see that you are doing okay, and we want you to know that not *everyone* else in the universe are heartless bastards.
That said, I certainly approve of the virtue of independence!"
"Navasi"Female CG human outlaw envoy 8 | SP 48/48 HP 52/52 | RP 8/8 | EAC 22; KAC 23 | Fort +3; Ref +10; Will +9 | Init: +4 | Perc: +12, SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: None. | Starship Combat
Yeah, I've had my fair share of dealings with pirates. Your setup may require some repairs, though, if you want to further deter pirates. I don't think it's supposed to smoke that much.
Are there a lot of pirates troubling you? Navasi adds on a more serious tone.
We saw a small settlement from orbit. How far did you get to explore the planet? Any interesting plants, or landmarks around here?
"Pirates are very occasional, and the drones usually scare them off. We've explored this area over the years, but it is dangerous. The animals on this planet are aggressive, especially the rock bears. They’ve learned to steer clear of the settlement, but it’s still dangerous for anyone who goes out into the wilderness to hunt. We do have some business we need to attend to at the town hall. You're welcome to take a look around if you'd like, but we would strongly recommend staying out of the woods.”
You can ask any other questions, or decide where you want to go next! You are currently in Founder's Square, and Zatteh mentioned a general store, a hospital, and a construction site. Aliorno and Zatteh are going to the town hall now. Navasi noted a mine and farmlands on her earlier scan, though getting to the mine would require going through the woods.
You head out to the construction site, looking to unload your largest crates. You're in the western part of town, surrounded by homes and a few parks. The workers explain that they are building a community center and direct you to the architect, Reela, a korasha lashunta woman.
"Wow, this will all come in handy! So you're from the Pact Worlds? Tell me everything! Where are you from, where have you been, what's the greatest thing you've seen?"
