This game is part of the convention Bridging the Gap.
If you are signed up for the game on Warhorn, please dot and delete from here and then follow the directions in the discussion thread. We will start when the convention does.
I'm looking forward to a fun game with all of you!
Dotting. This isn't showing up on m dashboard. poke.
Clad in grey and black colours, the operative known as Strike stands in the corner blending in with his surroundings. He awaits the briefing.
A tiny woman, barely a foot tall, enters the room. She is various shades of green and brown, with a comparatively large yellow flower sticking out of its head. She is wearing a white jumpsuit with a black belt and gold accents on the shoulders and arms and is carrying a gold helmet sized for her. Vines extend from her back, one of which is holding a bag with a symbol of Hylax on the side.
She almost walks right past the android before turning and offering a hand. "Call me Dr. S. My full name's too long to bother with." She looks over the gathered Starfinders. "Everyone is coming back from this mission alive, and that includes any sentient creatures we encounter. My job is to make sure that happens."
The android accepts the handshake. "Dr S then. Call me Strike." Strike responds stoically."And my job is to make sure we complete the job, sometimes at the cost of the enemy." The operative makes a show of his pistol and some quick manipulation, before holstering it back.
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A male vlaka walks into the room. He is of medium build with white fur. A sniper rifle is slung across his back and he has a pistol and an infiltrator tool kit on his belt. He wears tempweave armor and has a small pouch on his belt containing a few objects.
He is deaf blind, so does not see or hear anyone else in the room. But he does smell 2 creatures.
A small even by Ysoki standards starfinder Oh, hey. Did I make it? Good...a mission. Somewhere SAFE while he's catching his breath (most of you) can see he's wearing a bedraggled skirt and shirt that seems more patch than cloth covered, while his white fur has made an excelent canvas for finger paintings by multiple artists, scorch marks, oatmeal, babypowder, and something that the chem analyzer just identifies as "no".
"Fitch is REALLY taking advantage of our Ysoki sitting bulk specials but I just got a couple of replacements and they might survi..erm. Do better than the last batch. I hope. Anyone know where they're sending us this time?
The Vlaaka can probably smell .. more of Justin's work environment than they want to. Whatever that chemical is it might almost be enough to smell purple... The Rodent tap taps his foot to try to get the snipers attention then hmmms. He ahhs, runs a brush through his fur a few times in a few of the clean. er. Spots and hands the brush UP to Longum.
Edit "Oh right, we got time for a quick game of Spider's nest?" Justin takes out a set of strings with a few candies in the middle. After thinking for a second, he coats some of the strings with the soot from his skirts so they'll stand out for the Vlaaka. (This is how justin starts a mystic connection with the party ... though it looks like we're going to be connected 3 times over...)
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Longum will accept the object put in his hand and feel and smell it, then hold it back out.
“Hello” he says in Common. “I am deaf and blind, not unusual for my species. My comm unit handle is @SFSLO and it functions to provide me your messages in a Tactile format, so you can communicate with me that way.”
“Nice to meet you three.”
A Vesk strolls in, her appearance not really standing out from other Vesks even with her blue and pink markings dotted over her face and down her neck. She stops and looks over everyone else in the room with her gold, sharp eyes. Standing at 7ft she towers over her new team, her long, thick tail sways slightly behind her.
Her uniform is also rather basic with a revolver at her hips, nothing about her stands out or shows any sort of personality or experience with being a Starfinder.
"I am Atren. We will be victorious in this mission." She states plainly and moves to an empty space within the room and crosses her arms.
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"Victorious and well-compensated, I hope." Adds a kasathan through a bandana covering his mouth. A pair of blades, as well as a pistol, hang by his sides for easy access. The style is reminiscent of one eager to protect one's valuables--or to help himself to those of others.
He turns to the ysoki. "As for a quick game, I am up for it. Care to make a wager on the outcome?"
"With credits? Absolutely not. Despite the tax breaks and doing our own medical care we're barely pulling even after the fire insurance. Doubly so since someone in the party has rhizomes.... Besides, I usually prefer one of the more cooperative set ups where everyone has to move the candy together. "
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"Don't let my biology get in the way of your game. Just don't play anything that will require me to put you back together after it's over, please."
"Don't let my biology get in the way of your game. Just don't play anything that will require me to put you back together after it's over, please."
"It's fine, it's only the kids version it's barely got any... " The ysoki makes a bad move, there's an electric BZZZZZZZT, and his fur PUFFS up, shedding glitter as it does so ...amps.
Your adventure begins at the Lorespire Complex on Absalom Station, the Starfinder Society’s primary base of operations. Venture-Captain Arvin n awaits your arrival in a comfortable meeting room. He beckons you inside, introduces himself politely, and asks you to be seated.
“Thank you for coming, Starfinders,” Venture-Captain Arvin begins. “I’m dispatching you to Castrovel’s largest nature preserve: the continent of Ukulam. We’ve heard persistent reports of a strange tower surrounded by purple mist that appears and disappears without warning in the region. You’re going to find it.”
Arvin slides a datapad across the table, showing imagery of a tall spire extending above the trees, barely visible through a cloud of purple fog.
“None of the witnesses have pinned down the tower’s location, and what positions they have determined are contradictory. However, all the sightings are in the Ikal Expanse, a densely forested region of Ukulam that boasts incredible biodiversity. I’ve booked you passage on a transport heading to Esowath Nexus— it’s the base of operations for the Esowath Conservancy and the nearest landing site to the Ikal Expanse. The conservancy rangers know you’re coming and will guide you along the first step of your journey. About 30 miles into the forest, you’ll come across a yaruk graveyard—dozens of massive skeletons partially submerged in swampy ground. Turn north there until you find a group of ancient stones with holes cut through them—it’s some kind of ancient elven site. All the sightings of the tower have been from north or east of the stones.” Arvin slides a datapad pre-programmed with route information and milestones across the table.
“I’ve convinced the Esowath Conservancy that you’re experienced and careful enough to investigate this unusual sighting without damaging the fragile ecosystems of the Ikal Expanse—don’t make me a liar. Be on your best behavior, don’t litter, and don’t cause unnecessary harm. Access to Ukulam is closely monitored and controlled, and I don’t want the Starfinder Society’s visitor privileges revoked.” Arvin’s eyes narrow for a moment, as he lets his words sink in. “Locate the tower, explore the physical site, and gather what information you can on its transitive or temporal displacement capabilities. Report back with your initial findings before going too far, to ensure you don’t disappear with the tower. I don’t want to launch a rescue mission to haul you
back from wherever this tower disappears to.”
Any questions?
"What do we exactly know about this tower? Who are the ones that have sighted it?"
"Anybody here speak elven?"
"We going to get camping gear or should I swing by Bed roll and beyond?"
"Do we have those sightings mapped on a GIS platform so we can compare it to geology flora fauna and ley lines?"
"What do we know about the fauna of the area? Are there behaviors that would make them more likely to attack, and how can they be placated?"
Atren's tongue flicks out while she listens to the briefing.
"No litter, no unnecessary harm, collect information and don't get disappeared. Bah, Easy! I have a question however, are there any recommendations of weapons or armour to take with us? I am sure we would all want to be prepared."
From the differences in the various reports, the tower appears and disappears over a wide area, but there isn’t a pattern or schedule that we can discern. The purple mist is all that is visible at ground level and seems to appear all at once in a radius of about a half-mile surrounding the tower. The mist appears harmless; our mystics suspect that it is a side-effect of whatever is transporting the tower to and
from the forest.
You have clearance to defend yourself from immediate harm, but the Esowath Conservancy won’t look kindly on any collateral damage or unnecessary violence. You’ve got more leeway if it’s an invasive species or something harmful to the ecosystem, I suppose. Depending upon the tower’s method of vanishing, you might be able to argue its interior isn’t in the Ikal Expanse at all, but that’s speculation at present…
The Ikal Expanse is a dense forest with one of the highest biodiversity
ratings of any known world. Life comes in all sizes and shapes on Castrovel. A good example is the variety of fungi, which range from microscopic spores to the largest fungal ‘trees’ on the planet. Saurian predators, carnivorous plants, moldstorms, parasitic fungi, giant insects… Castrovel has it all.
"It was never my intent to cause harm to any native species. I am prepared to depart whenever the team is."
Strike is at the ready, and has no climbing gear.
Can we all fit in one tent? Justin looks at the party and moves his fingers a bit like he's mentally playing Jenga "By ysoki standards yes. Someone can help me carry it, or we can be sucked dry by the national bird of Uldum: the mosquito. "
Orders a tent and two Scrolls of comp. languages off of Abadar prime.
You can assume the Society will provide you with the camping and survival gear you need, but if it's more what your character would do to buy your own, you are certainly welcome to.
You board a passenger transport bound for Castrovel, landing at Esowath
Nexus on the continent of Ukulam. The journey takes 5 days through Pact Worlds space, giving you plenty of time to get to know one another and the other passengers, which includes a pair of married scientists returning to work after vacation (Tolar Keif and Suluzak), a family of wealthy tourists (headed by family matron Delaphine von Sprouse), and an
investigative journalist named Mack who claims they’re onto something big, but won’t share any details on the story they’re investigating or their reason for visiting Ukulam.
Pausing for any comments or roleplay you wish about the journey...
For most of the journey, Strike keeps to himself, quietly watching the passengers, and the Starfinders, studying their habits, as if calculating every action, the speed of their strides, how observant they are. When asked about himself, he claims to have been part of a special program, designed specifically for the art of espionage and sabotage.
Atren would be restless while travelling, not entirely great at being a social person, she would answer questions and ask her own if the answer may seem interesting or important enough to enquire.
She would also be sure to keep tabs on where everyone was in-between working out to keep herself busy.
The first thing Justin does upon finding a somewhat cushioned horizontal surface is to face plant in it for a good 12-16 hours snoring like a lumberjack. Then clean up the very colorful him shaped impression in the cabins chair.
Most of the time is spent making and looking over the yarn, construction paper and string conspiracy theory board for the towers appearances and timing, astronomical events, flora, fauna, geology, astrology*, weather.... maybe there's something from 300 years ago? This thing could be new or only shows up for amonth every century.
"I've got two gems of comprehend languages. My plan is to video tape everything, then sit down and read off everything while we're still here. the other one is in case we need very specific instructions very quickly. " wouldn't want our reputations ruined by being told to speak friend and enter now would we...
Justin SEEMS really oblivious, as if his mind was elsewhere or he sometimes has his nose buried in a book, but is able to catch falling drinks without looking or duck at the last second right before something goes whizzing by his head. He occasionally does every day tasks like he's teaching one of his students on a Video conference, usually with his eyes glowing purple.
he'll ask strike "So... are you leaving that line of work? I was given to think that the first rule of being in the espionage industry would be to NOT tell people you're in espionage? Or is that a career change from your last host? "
The immense size of the Ikal Expanse is apparent as your starship is on final approach: a sea of verdant, leafy trees stretches into the distance, its canopy of green punctuated by the pale pink and purple of enormous mushrooms that stretch above the trees. The transport lands on one of several elevated platforms built above the forest canopy.
After the sterile and controlled climate of the starship, the warm, moist air of Castrovel is a stark change. The elevated landing platform is surrounded by a sea of green, pink, and purple, as tall trees and taller fungi compete for sunlight. The smell of damp earth and composting vegetation hangs heavy, and the nearly subsonic calls of some impossibly large creature vibrates through the humid air.
A korasha lashunta wearing a green and gray camouflaged uniform nods their head in greeting. “Welcome to the Ikal Expanse!” they intone dramatically, their arms open wide to the forest below. “I’m Major Kendaren of the Esowath Conservancy Ranger Corps.” They lead the way to an open-cage elevator that descends along one of the platform’s spindly legs. The forest is alive with the sounds of birds and insects, nearly drowning out the electrical hum of the lift machinery. “I’ve been briefed on your mission and your arrangement with my superiors,” Major Kendaren begins. “While I don’t like adventure-seekers traipsing around in the Expanse, apparently you know how to take care of yourselves. I hope so, because I hate rescuing idiots who get in over their head.”
Esowath Nexus was once a formian military installation, a warren of claustrophobic tunnels connecting larger caverns. As the Conservancy rangers require extensive supplies for their regular patrols, the settlement is well-stocked. This is your final chance to purchase supplies and gear, if desired, before heading into the Ikal Expanse.
Dr. S makes sure everybody's annual Starfinder physicals are up to date and discusses her findings with the scientists.
To Kendaren, she says, "Don't worry, I have extensive knowledge of both first aid and the care and protection of native species."
Justin will ask for any advice on the local critters. If its red play dead, if its loud stand your ground? If ot flies say goodbye? As much as he doesnt want to feed the local wildlife, hed rather lose lunch than a party member.
Get the number for the ranger station, and with more hope than expextation, ask how the reception is out there.
Strike Noir nods. "We'll stay alive."
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"Admittedly, I am more a starfarer than a ground pounder. Most of my planetside experience has been among the sands of Akiton. But, I've done alright for myself so far. So, unless you have a recommendation on some gear that we seem to be missing, Major," Yjun suggests. "I think my fellow Starfinders and I are ready to go."
You ride with Major Kendaren and a party of Conservancy rangers into the Ikal Expanse in a small hovercraft, traveling across land and water without leaving tracks or disturbing the landscape. The particularly annoying six-winged Ikal fly is kept at bay by a pungent salve that the rangers supply, but the incessant buzzing never ceases, day or night. That evening, the group arrives at the yaruk graveyard. Dozens of enormous, bleached skeletons jut out of the swampy ground, picked clean by predators. Please make a Medicine, Nature, Perception or Survival check to notice something interesting.
Justin tries to just get away with the salve on his nose, but of course that doesn't work. Not that he's a stranger to being covered in gunk but he was hoping for a break from that...
He pauses to consider the lesson here. His eyes glow a bit purple
"The fate of all mortals, even in these modern times where we don't drop dead at the ripe old age of 30 anymore. Such a brief spark in an endless sea to live, to love, to laugh, and then an eternity of ...this. Some say it makes life meaningless. Others think the rarity is what makes it precious. My opinion tends to vary on the mood.. but I'm definitely taking those meds.
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This small creature is distracting.
Strike focuses his optics and scans the horizon.
Dr. S is fascinated by the skeletons.
Atren squints in the sunlight, covering her eyes with a clawed hand as she surveys the ground ahead. She was more comfortable underground but it was still worth doing the usual checks. Crouching down she looks for tracks of any kind that look recent or concerning or anything else outside of that, that would catch her attention too.
The skeletons seem to be arranged in family groups, and something has re-arranged the bones after each creature’s death.
the rangers ask you to disembark, as their path diverges from yours here. The rangers are investigating reports of blighted flora to the south while you will travel north. The rangers ensure that you have everything they need for their exploration and help you set camp for
the night before they depart.
You know it will be about a six hour journey tomorrow to the ruined elven observatory. We are pausing in case anyone is doing anything relevant during this night's rest.
Dr. S will check all the supplies but otherwise has nothing special to do.
"Is there a threat during the night." Strike asks target coldly, he would accept any answer and and do any guard duty.
Seeing they seem to be in family groups and then re arranged, Justin will collect enough samples to do DNA testing to confirm that hypothesis. A few q tip swabs in less obvious places shouldn't disturb it too much.. less than their footprints anyway.
He'll add a few prayers for the dead in along with his musings on life and death. And see if anything talks back today.
Map out the family groups and see if there's a pattern from above. Which could either be done by a pain staking survey or...
Anyone willing to climb up a tree and see what it looks like above? i don't think Ysoki tossing would get high enough.
edit: set up one of his spare com units as a makeshift wildlife cam and see if something comes in the middle of the night to move bodyparts.