For a century, the villainous Order of Dawning Fate have operated in the shadows, remaining anonymous and untouched despite extensive criminal activity, political manipulation, and espionage. Thanks to the efforts of countless Starfinders and their allies across the galaxy, the Order of Dawning Fate is crumbling—their members are exposed, their holdings are under investigation, their proxies are moving to cut ties, many of their highest-ranking members are dead or arrested, and their supply of the rare starmetal finitrium has been cut off. Yet a threat remains…
Zhaneni, founder and mastermind of the Order of Dawning Fate, has evaded capture, retreating to her personal demesne on the planet Kax, to wait out the turmoil alongside her closest ally and fellow founder of the Order, Evethriel. As the Stewards, Veskarium, and numerous other galactic bodies move against the Order’s now-exposed agents and holdings within their respective jurisdictions, First Seeker Ehu Hadif and Ixthia the Unbreakable dispatch Starfinders to confront Zhaneni and destroy the last remnants of Project Dawn—the hybrid machine that amplifies Zhaneni’s natural precognitive abilities, enabling her to see and shape the future.
Time is not on your side.
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An elven woman in white toga, lies, lavishly not on a seat, but on a confortable couch.
White vapors floats around her, coming from a hooka installed on the couch and the little sip she takes from it.
The couch itself is well maintained, even if numerous cables, wires and circuits seem to come and go through it, as well as some vines that grows all around. Regularly, two mechanical arms sprout from the couch, making tea, opening cans and serving the elf.
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Following along behind her is a human woman with shoulder length dark hair, a rather serious expression, and looking like a goth girl. She's wearing a formfitting D-Suit III suit and sort of looks like she's been through the wringer and still recovering. She carries her Starfinder backpack by one strap and poking out of the top of it is the head of a dark blue pony plushie.
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Embri hellknight in dark heavy armor arrives next. A murky dot of absolute darkness, like a small black hole, rotates near its left shoulder, endlessly absorbing light. Its mask is hiding the whole face and covered with infernal runes, and there is something frightening and inept in its very manner of movement.
My name is K'ssatak-Sul. I am Hellknight of the Order of the Eclipse and I act according to the precepts of Measure and Chain. I am a melee warrior, diplomat, inquisitor and detective. I specialize on eliminating the propaganda of chaos, uprisings and dangerous sectarian teachings. I am here on a partnership restoration program between Starfinder Society and Hellknights.
It mints these words like a hammer on an anvil. Voice sounds a bit strange, as if the organs under the mask are not intended for a common language. There is no emotion in the way it speaks - it just gives you information without bragging or threatening.
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The furry 11' mountain covered in sand-scoured armour and weapons chomps his cigar and rubs behind an ear as he looks at the assembled group. A small slightly weathered-looking medical bot carrying a medkit accompanies the giant bear, it wanders over to plug itself into the wall and begins charging.
"Ahh, the Space-Admiral. Not a diplomatic mission then" he says pulling out an enormous thermos and some camping cups before pouring a strong black tea with odd leaves floating in it "Anyone else?" he gestures to the cups and waves the thermos.
Well, information was really sparse on this one. Starfinder mission invites tend to be very short, but this one is low on detail even by that standard. Due to your exemplary field record you have been personally selected by First Seeker Ehu Hadif to be members of “Strike Team A” on a mission of the utmost importance. Likely at least one of your will appreciate that.
In a small theater in the Lorespire Complex, two teams of Starfinders have already taken their seats. A holographic projection of an oceanic planet dotted with archipelagos hovers over the theater’s central stage.
First Seeker Ehu Hadif stands near the projection, alongside Ixthia the Unbreakable. The first seeker nods as the last Starfinders take their seats, and gestures toward the holographic planet.
“This is Kax. It’s reachable only through the Drift, as all attempts to discern its location have failed. Exploratory expeditions have repeatedly met with misfortune. What records we have from the survivors speak of a variety of woes. Deadly diseases and poisons, shocking betrayals, unexplained disappearances, and ambushes from flocks of predatory dinosaurs. The planet has built up a reputation for being far more trouble than it’s worth, and now we know that these incidents were no accidents. Now we know who has been pulling the strings to drive everyone away from their secret base.” The hologram shifts to a golden, Y-shaped symbol atop a black background.
You are all here because you’ve played a key role in opposing these villains in the past, and we have need of your expertise once again.
Ehu points to the symbol with his upper arms while crossing his lower ones. “This symbol represents the Order of Dawning Fate, a secretive criminal organization that has been engaged in espionage, sabotage, theft, and assassination across numerous worlds. Over the past year, Starfinder agents have defeated most of their highest-ranking members. Most recently, we stymied their attempt to destroy an entire colony city to cover up the starmetal mining operation they’d been running out of it for decades.” Ehu’s expression grows stormy, a contained fury clear even behind his mask. “Thanks to you, we evacuated all the civilians we could, but many more were massacred, and with them, dozens of good and honorable Starfinders.”
The holographic symbol fades, replaced by an image of a chunk of green metal. “The rare starmetal finitrium plays a key part in the Order’s operations. It fuels a machine they call Project Dawn. Through Project Dawn, the Order’s leader, Zhaneni, has enhanced her innate precognitive powers. With her visions of the future, she’s inspired fanatical loyalty, seized countless hidden opportunities, and evaded the authorities. That’s all about to change. Zhaneni’s running low on finitrium, so her ability to see the future has significantly weakened. It’s the perfect time to shut down Project Dawn and destroy the Order for good.” The holographic symbol disappears, replaced again by the image of Kax.
Ixthia presses a button on their datapad, then speaks, “The data I’ve just transferred to all of you contains a map of the planet Kax, as well as the precise coordinates of the bunker. It also includes maps of the bunker’s interior, with the locations of the three finitrium engines that power Project Dawn marked, as well as the machine’s core. You’ll need to act fast once you reach the base. We’ve assigned each of you to one of three strike teams, so that you can split up to disable the three engines. Once the engines are offline, members of Strike Team A should proceed to the core to challenge Zhaneni, while Strike Teams B and C prevent any reinforcements from reaching their battle. In addition to Zhaneni, you can expect to find her second in command Evethriel somewhere in the base.” The hologram shifts first to a goldattired witchwyrd with a smug countenance, followed by a stern elf in black armor. “Don’t underestimate either of them; they are cunning and remorseless in the best of circumstances, and you represent an existential threat to everything they have worked for decades to build.”
Ehu adds, “While you are on Kax, if you come across any other information about lost expeditions or other potential victims of the Order, try to retrieve it. However, do not forget that survival should be your first priority, followed by stopping the Order. Does anyone have questions?”
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"Are we expected to take them alive or are you fine with dead?"
"Is there any particular information you'd like us to look out for or retrieve?"
"What are Strike Teams B and C equipped with, and can we draw on them if things get rough?"
"Do we have any solid intel on Evethriel or Zahneni?"
"Oh, and what else do we know of the dangers of Kax? Breatheable atmosphere? Normal gravity? Reasonable temperatures?"
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Selene hadn't been on any of the previous missions but she had been helping Rani deal with her nightmares about Kortus IV. She is also enjoying a cup of Blinky's eucalyptus tea as she listens. Plus she had familiarised herself with all the reports from the previous missions.
Psychic huh? It'll be interesting on how they deal with changing realities
She looks over to Gil-Oloth with interest.
I take it no one attempted a stellar survey at the location of the planet sir? she asks.
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Half opening one eye, Gil-Oloth in a dreamy voice speaks
The Stars are speaking, they will guide us to our objective despite the obfuscation of Zhaneni's visions of futures. We will choose the most unexpected path between realities. The darkness between stars will be our ally as Zhaneni will be blinded by the light of the stars themselves.
Kax is a strange planet, only reachable by the drift. It's got normal gravity, and breathable atmosphere, but its su is the only visible celestial body from the planet - the night sky is completely black!
Ehu smiles slightly. “I imagine you remember the trouble we had a couple of years back when Datch led a multimedia attack campaign against us? The Order of Dawning Fate abducted Datch to force her to work for them, and she turned over her intel to us in exchange for assistance in securing her freedom. That was a good gamble of yours
I know what you might be thinking, because I was suspicious of her too, but the Dataphiles have been hard at work independently verifying her intel. Furthermore, it’s clear that the Order now wants her dead. It’s in her best interest to help us.”
Ixthia adds, “Her intel was very valuable, but the biggest danger is to assume that you know exactly what you’re getting into and get overconfident. But beyond that, you’re almost certain to run into traps, ambushes, and people with unusual augmentations that allow them to shrug off harmful effects or even manipulate time. You’ll also likely be exposed to finitrium radiation, which floods the mind with visions at a nausea-inducing rate. I’m certain Zhaneni has contingencies prepared, so don’t expect this mission to be straightforward. Keep in contact with each other and be adaptable.
Ehu chimes in, “On Evethriel, she’s one of the Order’s founders and twin sister to Iroiveth, who was the first Order agent to come to our attention a few years back. Evethriel’s a master of blackmail, infiltration, and emotional manipulation. She uses both magical and mundane skills to terrorize and exploit her victims.”
We'll be providing you with encrypted comms to stay in touch Ehu says as he hands out comm units these will allow you to contact the other strike groups. He also gives each person a mk 3 serum
of healing and a recovery aegis.
We have modified three Drake class vessels for this journey. These ships are equipped with signal ultra Drift engines. Ixthia says, you should couple your Drift engines together to ensure that all ships arrive at the same time.
Brewer and Gryzakaya will be leading team B and C, I suggest you take the opportunity to meet them and their crews
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Alpha raises a hand.
"I don't mean to be a bother, but would it be possible to have a nanite patch instead? If not, it is no big deal. I am sure that we will manage."
They then turn and bow to the others.
"If we run any trauma situations, I will do my best to assist. I have some skill at first aid, and handling triage and stabilisation for PTSD, as well."
They then pat the pistols at their flank.
"Of course, the same courtesy will not be extended to any foes that we encounter."
There's a quick introduction to Strike teams B and C.
Strike team B is led by a barathu called Brewer, who earned their name for their love of tea, which they promptly offer You should try these, special leaves from Castrovel, quite the aftertaste to them. His crew further consists of Johpan, a human with a gloomy, pessimistic outlook on life, Lumina-4, who is in the process of rigging up... something, and Tip, an ysoki who has found a quiet spot in the shadow to lurk on the infosphere.
An imposing dragonkin, Gryxakaya, leads strike team C, partnered with a no-nonsense Vesk named Rakudor, whose gruff exterior is somewhat betrayed by the videos of squoxes they like to watch. Salana, a lashunta, is the techy nerd of the team, as she's constantly looking up a series called 'Here's the now', that showcases latest fashion trends, techno-innovations and current events. The Weydanite Trodok, a nuar, proclaim that the gods have hidden the true meaning of the Gap to create the ultimate puzzle.
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When the Starfinders reach Kax, night has fallen on the islands where Zhaneni’s bunker hides. With no moon or stars to light the sky above, the planet’s surface is pitch-black. The nearest landing site to the bunker is a large grassy clearing a mile to the west. The larger vegetation here was cleared away by researchers on one of the numerous failed expeditions to the planet. Scans indicate that a small research station remains standing nearby to the east, on the way to the Order’s bunker.
The inky black sky above cloaks the humid jungle in a veil of darkness. A quiet susurrus of clicks and calls fills the night air. Suddenly, a roaring screech emerges from deeper in the jungle to the north; in its aftermath, silence reigns.
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Selene has a look a Brewers leaves and takes a sniff. I know that leaf. she exclaims. That's my favourite. Although you should try some of Blinky's Akitonian tea. I think it's eucalyptus and it's quite nice.
She also makes friends with Salana, being used to techy types - after all, her sister is one. Besides, that series looks interesting. Plus she likes squoxes too so she bonds with Rakudor over squoxes.
Once on Kax, she sticks close to Blinky. Yeech ... and I thought the Jinsul planets were bad
She then looks over to Gil-Oloth. I'm sorry, but I have to ask. What's IN that hookah? And are you grounded in this reality?
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J'Shun attunes the camouflage membrane draped over his shoulders so that it dulls the highly polished surface of his Skyfire armor. He then immediately draws his clan's ancient longsword Sun Crusher in one hand, his SMG, plasma lash and Rageshkor shield in his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hands.
Activating the environmental protections on his armor he then says.
"Form a skirmish line. 5 meter spread. Lieutenant K'ssatak-Sul you're on point. Petty Officer Bluegum and Midshipman Scintilla secure our flanks. Commander Oloth, you, your armored vehicle, and Midshipman Prime will linger in the rear of our formation and act as a mobile calvalry element to respond to any threats we encounter. We will advance on my command. Search and destroy, smash any thing that moves. Kommandos move out!
The screech isn't followed up, but as the group gets closer to an overgrown research station, Blinky notices multiple sets of tracks from three clawed creatures; each footprint is almost two feet long. Blinky determines that they come from a six-legged creature that weighs over 50 tons, and also notices numerous tracks from a pack of smaller three-clawed creatures that walk on two feet; these creatures would be roughly three feet tall.
Gil-Oloth inferes that these are the track of gargantuan dinosaur, most likely aurignatuses, and smaller creatures, rachisauruses. From the pattern it looks like they mostly hunt together, something that is soon confirmed as two of the enormous creatures charge at the group while a number of smaller creatures moves to encircle!
Moving to create a corridor! Brewer chatters over the comm, and Gryxakaya's team follows suit We'll holds of this horde of smaller creature and create an escape route.
That leaves the group to deal with the two aurignatuses stampeding towards them...
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Alpha
Selene
Blinky
Jshun
Gil-Oloth
K'Ssatak-Sul
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Aurignatus
Aurignatus
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"Contact!"
J'Shun tosses aside his binoculars and activates his tactical scaffold. The device then brings his oversized pistol to his hand. It's gears and stabilizers whine as they go to work to absorb the excessive recoil of the gun when the space admiral pulls the trigger and a massive explosion erupts from its barrel.
Alpha opens with an accurate zap on the first dino, and in the blink of an eye, a koala claw embeds itself in the tough hide of the creature
The mighty creature scratches itself on the bushes, then takes a hit from J'shun's cannon and Gil-Oloths laser, shaking but not scattering its resolve.
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Alpha
Selene
Blinky
Jshun
Gil-Oloth
K'Ssatak-Sul
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Aurignatus - Blue (128)
Aurignatus
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The lawlessness of nature is still lawlessness despite its natural nature. So it will be brought to order by force! As K'Ssatak-Sul speaks these words in measured tones, a blade of absolute darkness appears in front of him, framed by an indistinct reddish glow - like a black hole in the shape of a sword... Fall down! He rushes forward to the dinosaur and the blade, held by the power of thought, tries to plunge into the animal's carcass.
Do this creatures see in the dark? I can create a zone of darkness. While fighting, the Hellknight manages to ask a scientific question to those who can figure it out.
K'ssatak-Sul wastes no time finishing off the mighty dinosaur, just as the other one rushes in and tramples over the embri and the witchwarper
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Alpha
Selene
Blinky
Jshun
Gil-Oloth
K'Ssatak-Sul
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Aurignatus
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