Artaius's page

”I have a headache,” the grumpy bear grumbles. ”And everything else hurts, too, since I almost died for… I’m not even certain what. I need a full stomach and to sleep for a few months.”

He looks to the others. ”Are we done here? All of the grandstanding sounds beyond the scope of this night. I said I wasn’t cut out for this mission, and I was right. It was only thanks to you all that I get to walk away now… which I intend to do. Next time, I will trust my instincts and stick to what I’m good at—besides knocking on death’s door.”

Not exactly sure what to say here, so griping at nearly dying and not rolling above a 4 throughout most of the game seems fitting, lol.

The bear raises an expressive brow in question. "The Organization?" he asks.

He looks to his compatriots. "Does that name or the woman on the display mean anything to the rest of you?"

Playing #5-11 in a PbP as we speak, but that description or that word doesn't jog any memories, so I don't think we're there yet.

Frustrated still and losing the battle with his feral instincts, Artaius launches another arc of lightning, but still rattled, his streak of ineffectiveness continues.

Firing at purple.

Adaptive Strike (Ranged 30 ft.) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
Electricity (Lethal): 1d6 ⇒ 2

The bear roars back to life. He rises to his feet, unable to get clear of the vicious attack that felled him as of yet. Just as well, as he wanted blood!

Claws (Melee) vs. KAC: 1d20 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 5 = 16
Slashing (Lethal): 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Using Campaign Coin reroll

Claws (Melee) vs. KAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Slashing (Lethal): 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Unsurprisingly, the large bear is not nimble enough to avoid the blast. "F!%*ing trip wires," he grumbles in protest, only to roar in frustration soon after.

Advancing, he moves to a clear line of sight to his quarry. He wordlessly causes sparks to trickle down his claws as he launches the lightning towards Omen, only to miss as the pain causes him to wince at the last second.

+1 Mutation Point, +5-ft. to speed, -1 to Will saves.

Adaptive Strike (Ranged 30 ft.) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
Electricity (Lethal): 1d6 ⇒ 3

Going to use a Reroll so I at least don't crit fail!

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Artaius doesn't have enough room to squeeze in front of the others to protect them, so he opts for trying a more basic approach and lashing out at the one adjacent to him that had the temerity to attack him.

Attacking Blue:

Claws (Melee) vs. KAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Slashing (Lethal): 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The bear echoes the sentiment into the vesk's thoughts. "There was no actual harm done, lasting or otherwise," he points out. "If Minqalli gets out of hand, I will personally grab them and sit on them."

He can't help but wonder if his attempts at humor will be adequately conveyed, or if he misread the room--again--and tried an approach that the Amyik will not appreciate. He simply cannot tell.

Attempting to Aid only. I know my limitations :)

Sense Motive (Untrained): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Diplomacy (Untrained): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

Having played this previously, I have a pretty good idea what the errata is. At level, we nearly TPK-ed

As he recites his unrehearsed speech, Artaius manages to focus his thoughts enough to relay to the others--hoping to distract the audience--telepathically.

"Our nelentu friend is making his rounds, not just just with the food, but with the exhibit. He is trying to go unnoticed."

Artaius isn't keen on the reporters, but they have a job to do. "The Starfinder Society was founded for the specific focus of discovering the fate and possible location of the lost cradle of humanity in the Pact Worlds system, but in the years that followed, our mission has shifted from investigating the Gap to exploring the galaxy now opened for exploration by the Drift beacons."

"Our purpose is to catalog our experiences so that we can share the wonders of our findings: the planets, the people, their cultures," he begins. "By learning more about our neighbors, where they come from and how they came to be, we can propagate the continued survival of all our species, utilizing the experience of what has biologically and ethnologically come before not just on our own planets and in our own systems but throughout the galaxy."

He continues, "We can use our shared learning to avoid the pitfalls that caused physiologic and anthropologic regression, instead evolving into a better version of ourselves to better our lifespans, our ecosystems, our planets, and our galaxy, avoiding pestilence and famine, along with war and the like, particularly over resources and migratory patterns."

Life Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Forgot about rerolls. I'll use one of mine with my 2 Nova bonus.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21

Figured I would use mine so someone else can use yours, GM.

Despite his great size, Artaius is surprisingly nimble... at least usually. He tries to catch kids and displays alike--whatever is within his reach.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Well, I did say usually

Artaius, not really able to speak to most of the displays, opts to go assist the First Seeker. Since his compatriots didn't want to hear what he had to say, maybe the gala attendees would.

Answering questions, he watched as people listened with actual interest. It gave him renewed purpose, and he found himself struggling not to be unnecessarily verbose in his excitement. "The exploration and settlement of this region was only natural despite the Godshield. A veil of aurum energy was not enough to keep that trinary star system from being one of the most interesting parts of the Vast."

"With five terrestrial planets orbiting Agillae in the Goldilocks zone, five more orbiting Bastiar--not to mention a gas giant with more than 36 moons, as well as two ice giants, and two tidally locked planets on either side of Callion, the ecosystems developed vicious fauna that precipitated dangerous behavior pattern development among its inhabitants," he explained.

"It's little wonder that other than the faction of jinsuls with their fanatic worship of the Covetous Protector under the leadership of his Master of Conquest, Dhurus, most of the other natives of the Scoured Star fled to other areas," he continued. "The izalguuns on Izalraan, the mentrasi of Bastiar-2 who sadly went extinct after moving to Kukanou-2b, and the nelentus, thyrs, and other of the Kreiholm Freehold who colonized several planets in the Saaruq-Ruaan system... can you imagine the evolutionary changes brought on at the physical level by the migration, not just in the settlers but the other organisms in their microcosms? Contained exposure would take millennia or more to produce the mutations that will now be seen in just a few generations--maybe less."

He smiled. "Culturally, there's certain to be impact, but those changes are expected and ultimately minor in significance when compared to what lasting alterations all of this has wrought. You can see in your own lifetime what normally happens so slowly as to be imperceptible except in the hindsight of scientific research."

Life Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Momo's attempts at reconciliation, pacification, or placation were unwarranted and unwelcome. They had made abundantly clear that he was only here to offer muscle, like a common animal, so he would go back to that role. "There is no subjectivity or ambiguity. I received the memo loud and clear. I'm to be seen and hit things, not heard," he told her wordlessly in her thoughts. "Since my voice is unnecessary, that is a problem I can easily rectify. I will stop using it."

"Now, GET... OUT!" he emphasized in her mind.

When the knock came, he wasn't sure whether to admire the girl's temerity or rip her apart for it. Seeing Radaszam, he started to protest, once more, that he wished to be left alone, but he realized that the vesk wasn't responsible for his current distemper. He reluctantly stepped back and motioned for the Dealmaker to enter. Right now, the thought of not having to hold back appealed to him far more than anything else.

"No," he countered. "Disagreement implies dialogue... it implies discourse. There was neither. I'm apparently not here to offer my mind or my ideas, so I'll stick to my other talents. I cannot help but wonder, though, why on Castrovel was I selected for this mission? If you had anything to do with it, I will be sure to go easy on any attacks around your face, as you have obviously suffered too many blows to the head."

He snorted in amusement. "I'm a bear of thoughts and actions, not platitudes and pleasantries. The fact that trouble is expected is the only logical rationale offered by my presence."

Artaius had to bite back the very visceral growl forming at the back of his throat. The Ysoki was the expert, it was true, so he didn't mind being outvoted. He minded very much, however, being ignored. No one even acknowledged his contribution or his ideas, and being summarily dismissed without so much as a "You're an idiot!" or "That's a stupid idea!" That was completely unacceptable. He wanted this mission to end to get as far away from these people as possible.

He said nothing as they made their way to the Queen's rest. "I'm going to the exercise room to blow off some steam... alone!" he emphasized pointedly. "Anything in front of me is getting mauled... anything!"

"Properly representing the world in which these items belong, seeing how they fit into their environs? That is most logical, as it gives context beyond what purpose they serve and explains why they serve that purpose? Cultural artifacts and even art might be subjective in experience," he begins, "but even those such items objectively come from necessity borne of the setting in which the people find themselves."

He turns to Amyikesh. "The Vesk are a prime example of this. The Prime cannot contend with the sustained population growth, so interplanetary expansion, often militaristic in aggression, is a natural means to reduce the swollen numbers. They did not venture to the stars because they were beautiful or made someone feel something, they did it because the natural order dictated it. I propose environment, as it is the principal impetus for change and evolution, both biologically and culturally."

Perception: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

I copied the wrong skill. Didn't realize it until it was too late. Don't know if you want to use the roll result or just have me roll again, so it's either 9 or 18, your choice.

Life Science: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 = 18

Artaius looks at the other two exhibits, but sees nothing relevant or of import. He looses a literal growl of frustration. He knew nothing of any of this. He had nothing to offer, and he was beginning to doubt he had anything to gain. Art? Jewelry? Those were about living... not about life, at least not at the cellular level.

He started to intrude on the conversation by complaining into the thoughts of the others, but as his not-so-silent grumbling had already turned eyes towards him, he opted instead to sigh (more inwardly than outwardly) and continue to look around the exhibit.

Finally, he does speak to the half-elf. "Evocative organization by emotion experienced is subjective. It will be different for every viewer, so your arrangement seems haphazard at best, clumsy more like, and insulting at worst. Archaeology is a science, not an art. To truly understand these pieces, you need to first understand form and function. I would organize them thusly, then let the viewer form their own opinions as to what they feel."

It's clear with his emphasis on the word that the bear has a low opinion of feelings. He preferred the objective. "Oras teaches that existence is best experienced. This is viewing, not experiencing. At least show the experiences of the past so that their usage can be experienced vicariously, since their is no practical relationship to discern without that foundation."

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Artaius raises a brow at Soarin questioningly.

"A few more *useful* Vesk phrases, and we'll all be dead before we finish our next query. Please... don't help," he whispers into the Sarcesian's mind.

The bear had prepared to look menacing in an attempt to maintain Valas' ruse, but the ysoki's diarrhea of the mouth and Momo's constipation of the brain seemed to amuse the vesk as much as it concerned Artaius. Instead, he shrugs to no one in particular and waits to fill in whatever forms are required.

"Is there anything else we need to do to facilitate your efforts on our behalf?" he asked quietly in the vesk's mind.

Artaius can't help but notice that Minqalli all but ignores him. See this? This is the level of discomfort he had experienced all of his short life. He was about to say something when the female vesk started demanding answers. He smiled a fang-filled grin.

"Well? You're in charge, huh? Let's see that leadership magic," he all but laughed into Momo's thoughts.

Artaius nods in agreement. "That was under First Seeker Jadnura. That magical barrier and getting those Starfinders out was the raison d'être for some time with Jadnura's successor, Luwazi Elsebo. The ensuing entanglements with the Dhurus and the jinsuls were a mess not easily cleaned up."

Life Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Artaius shrugs. "Well, then, let's get on with this so that the inevitable disaster might commence."

"I had to again wonder why someone such as myself was here. I'm fascinated by different species on a theoretical level, so perhaps there may be something of interest to me. The likelihood of me having something to contribute to the topic in the face of the presence of experts, or even the exhibitions themselves, however, seems unlikely" Artaius acknowledged.

He snorted. "But if you're expecting trouble? Muscle I can provide. It sounds as though that is truly our function here. So be it, though I must confess that I question the wisdom of carrying arms and armor into the gala if we are expected to blend in. If we are not meant to interact with the guests, so be it, but I cannot imagine our presence, if so geared, will be met with relief."

Holding up a claw, arcs of lightning traveled up and down their length. "While arms are necessary for most, I rely on different means for battle, both conventional and less so, as you can see. As a bear, uplifted or no, many are still ill-at-ease in my company. If I'm being completely honest, that's not always unwarranted, especially in the throes of combat."

"I am not a soldier. My armor is not entirely necessary, as the protections it afford me are hardly comparable to some. Would it be better if I, at least, left my armor behind?" he asked.

Sorry if off-topic: I'm running a game of 5-13 Finding the forgotten, a 7-10 tier game. I currently have three sign-ups. Is anyone up for playing in that game as a 4th player (which could be a not-for-credit-replay if you've already played it). Four player tables tend to work 33% better than three-player tables :-)

Sadly, everyone I have is either too high or too low.

Semi-newbish question since I only get to play Starfinder one time a year usually: On RPG chronicles, when it asks for my Starting Reputation, is that just my slotted champion faction (which is my assumption) or the total of all my reputations?

Artaius isn't accustomed to the finery of the ship. They're nice indulgences, but they aren't strictly necessary. He would just as soon be outdoors. You can take the bear out of the woods or some such. Aside from having been born Castrovel (and leaving it years ago), he could not, for the life of him, figure out why anyone thought he belonged at a museum or at any sort of party.

Artaius understood what made up countless species across the universe, yet he had not the slightest mastery of what made any one of them act the way they do. Social cues and subtlety were all but completely lost on him, and he had a tendency of saying and doing the wrong thing outside of academics and athletics. As such, he had the distinct impression that this party was about to become the latest addition to FUBAR.

He distracted himself with working out, fight simulations, and competitions with Radaszam. Artaius was making an effort, and he was proud of himself for it. He didn't do people. He didn't people at all. That was why he'd left Castrovel in the first place. Even when he moved to Greenview, Fumark became too "metropolitan" for his tastes, so he moved to Ursana. So far, it was home, but was its growth inevitable? Even among others of his kind, he was antisocial. His abilities embraced his feral nature, making him impulsive and all-but-bereft of empathy.

Artaius blamed that for his unease around others, though he knew his lack of efforts to change anything were equally to blame. Even his voice was less growl and more whisper, simply from lack of use. If he needed to convey his thoughts, projecting them into someone else's head was a far easier way of communicating that would not be tainted by language barriers, vocal inflections, or misperception. He liked the cleanliness of it all, but people? People were inherently messy.

Is there something my Bot still needs? I thought mine was done.

Artaius considers the conversation carefully before chiming in. "As far as surviving in space without protection, there is the possibility that she could have been an android," he points out. "I don't have much use for such artificial constructs, but despite likelihood, it remains within the realm of reason."

"Additionally," he continues, "there are certain mystics that seem blessed with some sort of supernatural ability to not only survive in the vacuum of space but thrive. They are able to move about the void with ease, albeit not as quickly as your own kind, Soarin. That being said, they remain immune to its effects without regard for duration, whereas the sarcesians will eventually need to draw breath, causing their lungs to burst, killing them instantly."

He realized he was being unintentionally morbid. "Forgive me, I am a student of the natural workings of other species, not their social limitations. I find the biological processes of organisms more fascinating than tedious banal considerations for their sensibilities, and that applies as much in death as in life. For instance, watching a sarcesian explode is purely theoretical, and while I do not advocate for any member of that race nor any other to suffer such a fate, should such befall them, I would be interested in seeing it for academic purposes."

It really sucks trying to do a bot when the Paizo website wants to log out every 37 seconds :)

Next to walk in is a hulking figure. The massive brown bear is upright, standing over ten feet in height and easily weighing close to a ton. He wears the armor popularized by the Free Captains of the Diaspora, the breastplate light enough to allow mobility and the gloves open at the tips to expose his claws. He carries no obvious weaponry.

He pauses upon entry, looking around at his environs and those within it. A strange group, to be sure. A half-orc, a sarcesian, a human, a pahtra, and himself already. Definitely an interesting--if odd--mix. Looking around for a sturdy place to sit, he doesn't see one that inspires confidence, so he opts to lean against the wall.

"I'm Artaius."