Recovering from its recent trials in the Scoured Stars, the Starfinder Society finds itself the target of a vicious media smear campaign. To combat this unexpected threat, the Society sends a group of agents to build up some standing in the Pact Worlds by taking part in a series of televised events orchestrated by the undead media mogul, Zo!. What these heroic agents don't know, is that their competition is willing to do whatever it takes to stop them from restoring the Society's tattered image.
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A tall muscular-looking Shobhad wearing what looks like something you would see in an X.T.R.E.M.! wrestling video. From GRIM*!'s belt hangs several grim trophies and a large arm bone used as a club, making for a very grim appearance. As GRIM*! enters he flexes all four arms and in a booming voice says.
GRIM*! turns off his Voice Amplifier augmentation and in a much softer and timid voice says.
"Good Day? Nice to meet you all, hope I can be a helpful member of this team. Sorry, my assistant tech support and camera person hireling Xylavol Intellectual Cinema Verite Visionary can't make it, she had some vacation time saved up, not sure where she is right now but I hope it's fun. I hope we all can be friends, do any of you like to wrestle?"
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Vega consults her datapad, intrigued by Grimm's comment.
Ah. Here we are. According to this, in ancient times, pre-Gap, the original contests were fought inside a roughly drawn ring scratched into the ground. I believe the sumo-wrestlers still use a ring rather than a square. I guess these days, it's easier to build a square rather than a circle.
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A tall female kasathan waves at everyone with three of her four hands. "I am Xoni Scarlex. Nice to meet you all." Xoni has sturdy hidden warrior kathasan armor and is armed with doshko, starknife, a tremor boomer rifle, and some grenades. She is tall, sturdy, and graceful. Her appearance would be a bit more intimidating if it were not for some whimsical decorations on her armor, some of which appear to have been made by children.
Deep within the bowels of Eox, undergound and hidden out of sight, is a production facility. It's here tha Zo!, the fabled Eoxian show host, has his boardrooms, film sets, employee amenities, soundstages and production facilities. In one of these meeting areas we find our Starfinders, hushed away and transported to Exo in secrecy by Radaszam (infosphere handle ). The boardroom has a large, round tables and is surrounded by viewscreens showing clips and snippets of some variety show production featuring a live stage of the Carrion Crooners.
Zo! The Pact World's Show Host. Undead elebrian. Does he need further introduction? The famous media mogul 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 Carrion Crooners wink from view as 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.”
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As the smear campaign video plays, Xoni clenches all four fists and shakes her head at the slander contained, but keeps her comments to herself. As any good soldier would, she accepts the assignment, although internally she questions whether this entertainment show contributes to the Society's good name or just brings it down to the tawdry level of such shows.
She plans to try to keep her participation on the show a secret from her kids; she had to program her family entertainment system to block the show, since they wanted to watch it. "Warriors are not competitors in a game," she insisted to them when they complained at the censorship. "We fight only when there is just cause, not to achieve popularity among the game watching public."
"What are the rules," she asks, "and who is the competition?"
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Society leaders embezzle funds to purchase VIP concert tickets. What is their true agenda?”
GRIM*! interrupts to answer the question.
"To see the show? I would crush someone to see Strawberry Machine Cake."“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.”
GRIM*! stands upon visibly angry by what he has heard.
"I don't like smear campaigns, if you're going to beat someone's rating you should do it in a fair fight.GRIM*!'s voice amplifies as he slams his fist into the chair next to him.
GRIM*! tries to figure out what is really going on here.
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At Zo!’s proclamation that the team will compete in his new show, a bright purple kiirinta with shining wing stripes of pink and electric blue flutters excitedly from under the table and begins doing laps around the room.
“WOW! Zo! says we’ll be on his show! We’ll be famous!! And we’ll travel!! How awesome is all that!??!”
When she slows down enough for you to see her armor, it looks like either a flying junk pile or some sort of mobile recycling project. But the longer you look at it, the more the colors and shapes work together in their own peculiar way.
She finally settles into a chair and smiles to everyone in the room.
“Um, sorry… I got here early so I started watching some vids but then I fell asleep waiting for everyone and I thought you were lost or maybe I was in the wrong room, but now I found you and I found Zo! too!! I’m Miink, and I’m really excited to be here!!”
Zo! beams when the group aks their questions about the game and the rules “The show is called Pact World Warriors! It is an action-packed game show filmed here in my megastudio. Two teams compete in a series of death-defying challenges. The winning team earns eternal adoration from millions of fans—and a cash prize!”[/b]
The challenges are a surprise. A Pact World Warrior can think on the fly, roll with the punches, expect the unexpected!” Zo! gesticulates wildly as he speaks, And do we allow armor? Of course we allow armor! The flashier the better!
As GRIM*! can probably tell you, 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.
As it turns out, Vega has actually watched some episodes. There were several with obstacle courses in them, and tests of skill, and sometimes modified war game. It's not hard to find one of the highest rated episodes, which featured a segment called “combat karaoke” in which contestants performed karaoke while battling monstrous aliens, with special celebrity guest Cheesy-D (from Naughti Whiska) freestyle rapping while his team was fighting a Xill, leading to many good rhymes (chill, kill, still, windmill).
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"Does one team of contestants every have to fight another team or do both teams fight a third threat? Is it a fight to the death or just to incapacitation or surrender? Is there a referee?"
Xoni's face is covered so her expression cannot be read. She keeps her voice steady, perhaps with some effort.
"Also, can we be assured that the other contestants are participating of their own free will?"
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A tall nuar in a suit stretched over armor takes a seat, leaning his briefcase against his chair.
On his shoulder sits a dark blue ball of nanites, a pseudopod holding up a mirror as it scrutinizes its look, an expression seemingly projected onto the surface.
"I know we're going on TV, but I don't think you need to worry about your look that much. Besides, you can change it at will."
The ball turns to the nuar and sticks its tongue out.
He shrugs. "Fair enough, not my call."
He produces an ID and shows it to the other agents. "Oshari Soteria, Health & Safety. This is Ariadne."
Oshari eyes Zo! through his rose-tinted glasses. "What are the safety protocols in place on set?"
Society leaders embezzle funds to purchase VIP concert tickets. What is their true agenda?”GRIM*! interrupts to answer the question.
"To see the show? I would crush someone to see Strawberry Machine Cake."
Ariadne, much to the nuar's frustration, excitedly turns to GRIM*, nodding.
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"Beating another team at physically grueling and mentally exhausting things is easy, the tricky part is looking good doing it, that's how you get lots of views on your videos, so if Vega thinks not wearing armor looks good then it's good, just like using this arm bone as a club looks good too."
GRIM*! holds up a large arm bone.
"We're doing this on Zo!'s show so everyone will be watching, so got to look our best doing whatever we have to do to the other team, could get messy."
Oshari eyes Zo! through his rose-tinted glasses. "What are the safety protocols in place on set?"
Zo! stares blankly at OSHS, though it's not clear if he's truly perplexed, or if it's just years of being deceased looking. He finally breaks into his rictor mortis grin and says to Radaszam Wow, you haven't disappointed! These guys are funny, I can work with them!
Radaszam later mutters under his breath Don't expect too much... Zo! is one of those people who think accidents make good entertainment.
After the briefing, the production staff comes in to take the group away for some styling and coloring, in a backstage area outfitted to make even corpses seem lively (which is probably what happens a lot here). Once everybody is ready, the staff lead them 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.”
Mia Moxie: (female halfling): Mia hates being underestimated because of her size, and proudly wields guns nearly as big as she is
Rafelo: (male damaya lashunta): Rafelo is relentlessly charming and a first-class braggart
Verity-5: (agender android): Verity-5 is excited to appear on the program, and cheerfully introduces themself.
Shonvyzam: (female vesk): Shonvyzam relies on her intellect and stealth drone to gain an advantage in the competition..
Tillik: (male pahtra): Tillik excels at dexterous and stealth-related tasks
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Oshari eyes Zo! through his rose-tinted glasses. "What are the safety protocols in place on set?"
Zo! stares blankly at OSHS, though it's not clear if he's truly perplexed, or if it's just years of being deceased looking. He finally breaks into his rictor mortis grin and says to Radaszam Wow, you haven't disappointed! These guys are funny, I can work with them!
Radaszam later mutters under his breath Don't expect too much... Zo! is one of those people who think accidents make good entertainment.
Oshari's expression remains unchanged, evidently disappointed but unsurprised.
The nuar largely resists any styling attempts, only accepting the bare minimum of television makeup. Ariadne, on the other hand, gleefully accepts it, absorbing modifications to change colors rather than remain her usual dark blue.
Oshari approaches Mia, extending a hand. "Those are very impressive weapons." he says, expression unchanged but gruff voice softening somewhat to convey respect.
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GRIM*! walks over to Mia Moxie
"Don't worry I like to pick my teach with someone my own size."
GRIM*! holds up his large arm bone he uses as a club. Then GRIM*! looks Shonvyzam up and down looking for a fair fight. GRIM*! flexes all four arms and shouts.
What's your name, never mind I'll just read it from your tombstone!"
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Miink smiles and flies over to Verity-5.
“Hi there! I’m Miink. Like you, I’m very excited to be here. Let me show you!”
Miink casts Electric Light Show into the space behind her. A bright sign in colors that match her wings sizzles to life, framing her for the cameras. Across the top, it reads, “I’m So Excited.”
She points up to the sign. “See?”
Hmpf Mia snorts as OSHS and GRIM comes up to talk to her I'm surprised you can read. She then mock-shouts to Rafaelo Oy, Rafaelo, looks at these scrbus. They're greener than the protein shake I had for lunch.
Rafaelo, on his part, looks to be too busy being flirtateous with the hosts. That is a very charming feller...
Verity-5 is altogether more approachable Pleased to meet you, Miink! Are you a Kiirinta? Where are you from? I'm also really excited to be on this show. Let's have a fair game, shall we? I know Mia came a gruff, but we always fight fairly!
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”Miink ah nice display. Perhaps I should read some poetry?”
“Definitely, Zarzucket! Poetry always helps people come together in times of stress.”
”Pleased to meet you, Miink! Are you a Kiirinta? Where are you from? I'm also really excited to be on this show. Let's have a fair game, shall we? I know Mia came a gruff, but we always fight fairly!”
Miink brightens and flies closer to Verity-5.
“Some of our team are a little rough around the edges too but they mean well. We’re Starfinders and we always play fair because that’s the kind of people who join the Starfinders. You’d probably make a good Starfinder. Want to join us? Not now, I mean, but after this? We’re always looking for new recruits. I can help you join if you want because someone helped me join and I want help other people join like I did!”
She pauses, pulls out her data pad, and comes in closer to Verity-5.
“Here, let’s take a photo. Smile! I love pictures of people I meet. Yes, I’m a kiirinta! Have you ever been to my homeworld, Stabrisis-14? It’s beautiful. Lots of jungle, not many recharging stations. I left because technology is so amazing! I make my art from junk — stuff that others just throw away! I don’t know why they’d do that because this is really cool and useful, but they do. It makes me crazy, but some people just think I’m crazy because I like recycling so much and go a little overboard to rescue interesting stuff so I can make art with it, like this chest plate on my armor that came from a robot we blew apart a couple of missions ago. Here’s my card.”
She hands Verity-5 a recycled piece of plastic with a smudge of something orange-yellow on it.
“I made it myself from… well, you know…” She smiles again. “This will be great fun, won’t it? I’m really excited to be here!” She points again to the sign.
While Miink is making friendly with the android, a stealthy drone is secretly filming the two. Oi, Shonvyzam, knock it off! the android says I'm just being friendly. It's a competition, not a war!
Yes! I'd love to hear more about the Starfinders once we're done here.
The friendliness of Verity doesn't seem to be too widespread: the stealthy drone is buzzing around, and Tillik is trying to sneak up on Zarzucket.
Fortunately, time is up, and the staff hustles the teams out of the room. Quell fires a parting shot: “Smell you later, contestants. Feel free to be scared—fear is my favorite flavor!”
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Time for the Obstacle Course! Lethel chimes
An elevator drops the group through the ceiling, which promptly closes with a pneumatic hiss. This windowless, featureless steel chamber 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.
Will the Starfinders make it out in time before they boil?
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GRIM*!
Xoni
Oshari
Miink
Vega
Zarzucket
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The group looks to be in trouble, none finding any obvious exits from the boiling room until Zarzucket spots something. First, ten feet up the west wall, a 2-foot-wide opening leads to a ventilation shaft. It would take a bit of squeezing for a medium or large creature to fit in, but it is definitely an option. Second, there looks to be a hidden door that is currently locked.
---(Round 1)---
GRIM*!
Xoni
Oshari
Miink
Vega
Zarzucket
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Oshari looks at the shaft, scowling. "That'd be a pain for me to get through, let alone GRIM*." He shakes his head. "Nothing in here is up to code, figures. Right. At least one person should try going through there, at least to see if there's a way to open it from the other side. I'm not the best mechanic in the world, but I can try to help get through the door."
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"Green hair is fine, I just don't think she meant greener than the protein shake in a nice way. I hope she wasn't planning on using your green hair for a protein shake, that would make me madder than I am."
Seeing Xoni going for the shaft GRIM*! starts to realize what's going on.
If Vega is not able to open the door GRUM*! will start helping others up to the shaft opening, lifting them up to his shoulders to use him as a stepping lader.
Xoni takes the route less well traveled, but all the more adventurous. Looks like one of them is dying to get out. Lether comments, though it seems like the green one isn't so green after all, she's got that lock open already!
Ah, but it pays off to take an odd route! Quell says, look at that crate Xoni found!
There's a metal metal crate lodged in the ventilation shaft, which contains two basic medpatches, a brown nanite hypopen, two commando serums, a grappler, a mk 1 ring of resistance and 100 feet of titanium alloy cable line.
Well, I hope you brought marshmellows, because that chasm looks glowing!
Beyond the entry room's door, deep lava channels surround the area. 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.
The planks connect to a patch of solid ground beneath the rock wall. A sheer rock face towers above the bog. 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.
---(Round 2)---
GRIM*!
Xoni
Oshari
Miink
Vega
Zarzucket
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