[Game Thread] Round 3 -- Room 2 (Games 5-8)

[bananabadger]

Round 3

The great plane spins as you now have probably learned to expect it to. The Invigilator stands above, watching your reaction and nodding in your direction as both of you wait for the plane to settle into a new position.

High above, the spectators remain. You see them holding conversations among themselves and munching on snacks. Who would have thought to bring snacks to a battle? Whoever did is a genius.

There is a faint sound of wind. The last echo of The Chairman? A seagull? Or memory?

The Invigilator who seems to be waiting for a voice, remains frozen in position or a good 10 seconds, before speaking.

"Well, then. We are halfway through our four games. You have played admirably, rising to each challenge and showing your skills. There is, yes, a progression to this contest--but the essence of it is here and now. It is what we make of it with each shift of the plane and with each new fellow player who sits in the room with us."

The Invigilator directs you and your opponent to your table. There is a glass pitcher of water and some freshly sliced carrots beside each game table.

The Invigilator gives an almost apologetic shrug. "I asked for game-snacks, but ... the kitchen is staffed by harengons, so perhaps I should have been a bit more precise in my request. Next round, I promise."

He picks up one of the carrots, a purple one, and begins biting into it. Whether he is feigning pleasure or not is hard to tell, but the Invigilator is certainly giving the impression that this is a carrot worthy of champion GMs.

"Del ..." crunch, crunch "... icious!" he remarks. His mouth full, he points to a signboard which has magically appeared behind him.

 

Pairs
RoBi vs. Auron3991
Begon Ugo vs. Dworin
Azathool vs. Briar
O2cxt3 vs. Boss Nadar

Judges
Another Dragoon
Bhelogan
Fillyjonk
LostCheerio

Reserve Judge
Savoylen

Gesturing to the tables with his staff as each pair of challengers faces off, one against the other according to the Great Pairings Wall set by the Chairman, The Invigilator is finally able to proclaim: "You know the routine by now ... as it has happened many times before, and must happen again, you will now face off against each other! I set before you these four ingredients to mix into your creation ... let's see what you do with these," he says, handing you a box containing four scrolls, each with a line of writing on them.

a big shot
a strange sea
a ring of lost purpose
a sometimes shining star

"Of course, those are only words ... once you read them and give your breath to their life, they will appear as you imagine them to be ... for the purposes you intend."

He then steps back, fading from sight as he does ...

"Oh wait!" he remarks, the words causing him to fully materialize again. "I almost forgot!"

A harengon approaches, replenishes the tray of carrots, and hands over two more scrolls.

"The bonus elements!" The Invigilator explains. "Adroit use of these can give you an edge in your match, though awkwardly including them into your creation might only harm your efforts. The decision is yours to use them or not."

the peril which cannot be overcome
OR
the pearl which must be by a lover won

He looks down at the tray of carrots, eyebrows raised, as he takes one and begins to fade: "A blue one? Well fancy that ..."


There is no voice calling out over the skies, just a silence broken by the faint sound of crunching.

The harengon looks around and then whispers timidly, since somerabbit has got to do it: "Ok, so is everyone clear on everything? Blue carrots are the bomb, and y'all got to write a 1,000 word submission of a scene that takes place in a hostile environment, using the four ingredients. You also have the option of including one of the bonus ingredients."

The harengon checks your expression, and realizes that at least some of you are hearing this for the first time. Geez, you telling me nobody told you that before they went off with my carrot? Well, now I'm telling you. So ... umm, now you know. So ... you get to your writing thing, and I'll get back to chopping carrots. OK? What? Why are you all just sitting around? Oh, right ... how's it go? Like this, right? ... Let the Game Mastering ... BEGIN!!"

Rules You are to write a key adventure scene that takes place in a hostile environment; you must use all 4 items; you have the option to include 1 of the additional bonus items--including a bonus item could tilt the judgment in your favor if the judges feel the bonus item contributes significantly or interestingly to the story. But if the judges decide that the bonus item adds little or detracts from the story, then including the item could harm your prospects of winning. All rules found here are to be followed. The guidelines for the Judges' scoring can be found here. A "key adventure scene" can be one or a few encounters, but the concept of "a hostile environment" should be at the center or throughout all aspects of the submission. The entry is to be no longer than 1,000 words, which includes *everything* you put into the post. Judges are instructed to stop reading at that time, or to deduct points if you go over. The use of a spell check and word counter is highly recommended. Please make a simple post in this thread when you first read it, to let the judges know have seen it, and that you are on board. It doesn't have to be anything more than "read!" or something like that, though roleplaying it is also perfectly acceptable! Do not edit this post after making it; when it comes time to post your entry, do that in a second, separate post. You have a limited time from the time this post is made to complete and submit your entry (in a new post; so don't edit your first post!). It is not expected that you use all this time - the extra time has been given to ensure that, no matter what your timezone, your schedule, your sleep habits, your work or student life, or emergencies that could crop up, you should have ample time to complete your entry. Posting when you are done, and not waiting until the end, is also recommended. You should post your entry into this thread within the generous time frame, and ensure it is secreted (to the above judges) and spoilerbuttoned. If your post is not made within the time limit, you will be automatically disqualified for this round. If you have issues, be sure to PM Savoylen *before* your round is closed. Editing is allowed after posting; but all posts will be closed at deadline and edits are not allowed at that point.

[Boss Nadar]

The ingredients have been received, and the brewing has already commenced. See you all at submission!

[Dworin]

Signing in to say I have seen the challenge. Good luck to all, especially my this round's partner, Begon Ugo.

[Auron3991]

Present

[Dworin]

 

PCs and system This is a FATE adventure set on a farm in colonial Java. Players can chose their character from the son and daughter of Herbert Achterberg and Njai Susanti (both Indo), the son in law (native) or personnel of the farm(native. Javanese or Madurese.)

GM info Colonialism, religion and racism can be sensitive. Make sure to agree on lines, veils and safety tools before the game. A handful of villagers against the colonial system; the setup is such that the PCs can't win this. The purpose of this scene is to build an oppressive atmosphere and to create investment in a subsequent campaign againt the coloniser; lead it accordingly. If despite that the players give signals that they're getting frustrated with the game, nudge them towards conceding the conflict to end this encounter. The text in blue describe the Javanese view of knighthood, taken from Pramoedya Ananta Toer's Bumi Manusia. Explain them through Njai's words.

Game aspects A land under foreign rule, Their morals are not our morals, Everyone is unequal before the law, Local nobles in the shadow of foreign masters

Scene aspects A farm, the owner of which passed away, A son from an earlier marriage, An innocent celebration?

Readaloud text Life in the kampong is hard. Long hours of toil on the field under the sun or in the boiling hot shed that is called the factory. Yet, it is also secure and Toean Herbert Achterberg, while still a Dutchman, seems no worse than the rest of them, treating those who work for him if not with respect than at least with decency. Or I should say, those who worked for him, past tense, since the Toean passed away last week. Since then, his Njai Susanti, who had always done her share of the work, has kept the business running with their son, daughter who just got married and son in law. Since Achterberg had recognised his son, it is assumed he will inherit the business.

The scene It is the yearly wajang koelit performance that Njai and the PCs have organised for their employees. While all are watching Garoeda swoop onto the scene with Vishnu on his back, ready to smite the evildoers, there is a loud noise in the back as Haji Ismail enters. He approaches the PCs The things that are going on here are unislamic. He will argue with the PCs (images are forbidden, diversions keep people from their prayers). When the PCs are trying to send him away, he will easily concede but with the promise that they will get their just desserts. Humans have need of beauty (bird) in their life (wajang) and of a means of travel (horse) if they are to go far (Garoeda). As soon as the play is over, doctor Hantzsch comes to tell he received a telegram. It reads: Heard of Father's demise STOP Will come to inspect property STOP Ship will arrive tomorrow STOP Gijs Achterberg. Njai knew that Herbert had been married before but she was not aware that he had a son. As the eldest son (and a Pure) Gijs inherits all under colonial law. Doctor Hantzsch is pleasant, brilliant and on the side of Njai but is only useful when his laudanum addiction allows him. Let the PCs lobby Doctor Hantzsch (mediocre, +0) and the assistent-resident Crone (Fantastic, +6) for help. They can also prepare physical defenses using the farm's employees. When the strange sea spits out another hateful Pure, play Gijs as a hard-headed man who naturally assumes his rights. He is not open to any suggestions and is scornful of everything native, including Njai. He sees himself as fair and just. He will immediately make changes in the business that are very detrimental for the employees. Gijs announces he has no more use of the services of Njai and her son (who is adult). Besides, the Islamic wedding of the daughter, who is a minor, is not recognised and as her guardian, Gijs claims the right to send her to an aunt in the Netherlands for a proper upbringing. Without a home, man cannot be a knight, only a tramp If the daughter is an NPC, make her freak out at the suggestion of separation from her husband; she and Njai will beg the PCs in any way they can to help them prevent this. Allow the PCs plenty of chance for discussion but let them run against a brick wall; Gijs truly cannot comprehend them. At departure time, Gijs shows up with enough military support to make it clear that any resistance can be overcome. Play it out if the players enjoy that. In the end the daughter is dragged away (if NPC) but allow her to flee to the mountains if she is a PC or if the players make an exceptionally good plan for that but make sure this doesn't break the oppressive mood. Woman is the centre and origin of life. Without her, man goes against nature. It is foreseen the PCs set up some form of resistance in the subsequent campaign. In it, introduce more multi-dimensional characters. The parting words of Njai: I have taught you four elements of knighthood. The fifth is the keris. Use it to protect the other four.

NPCs Gijs Achterberg high aspect: Unbending colonial trouble: Unpopular with the natives Njai Susanti high aspect: An independent minded njai Haji Ismail high aspect: zealous muslim Doctor Hantzsch high aspect: A brilliant European friend of the family trouble: Dull-witted after taking laudanum Assistent-resident Crone high aspect: A successful governor trouble: Too much heart (initially hidden from PCs)

a big shot	Gijs Achterhuis
a strange sea	separating Netherlands and colonies
a ring of lost purpose	daughter's wedding ring
a sometimes shining star	Doctor Hantzsch
hostile environment	colonial rule

Native	Javanese
Indo	offspring of a colonial master and his njai
Pure	European
njai	native concubine
wajang koelit	shadow pupper play
Garoeda	Giant bird, mount of Vishnu
Toean	colonial master
keris	traditional weapon

[O2CXt3]

I'm here When the room finally stops spinning the challenger stumbles to his chair. He puts his head on the table and listens vaguely to the discussion of carrots. He's too bruised and dizzy to think about food. He looks up and slowly realizes that his opponent is sitting across from him. He Good luck, Boss Nadar!smiles weakly. A tooth is missing. How did that happen?

[Begon Ugo]

Present… mostly unaccounted for… but present nonetheless.

[Azathool]

Azathool Declines Azathool bows to the Invigilator, his opponent, RoBi, and the judges. "I left my work and retired to the country to enjoy life, wife and hobbies, eat raw carrots I have grown in my garden and drink fresh water from my own well. Your snacks reminded me of what is important. When hobbies become work, it is time to realize I am better off keeping my hobbies as hobbies." He then bows again and leaves the stage.

OOC Thanks all, I find I just like playing more than writing, was interesting & fun but the effort for me was monumental to write like that, within the time and words, and the next round is... Good luck remaining competitors.

[RoBi]

Here!!

[Boss Nadar]

 

Sea of Darkness, a PF2e encounter

. The party has been tasked with finding Captain Vince “Bigshot” by his old crew. They claimed that he had become increasingly despondent and withdrawn, until one day he took the Hermes and sailed out into the sea alone. The crew tried to chase after him, but were forced back by a shadowy apparition. Despite being a pirate, the captain was considered a champion of the people, and they’ve managed to collect a sizable reward for his safe return, as well as loaning another ship, the Pan, to traverse the dangerous sea. If the party lacks the skills to pilot the ship, they will offer some of their own crew, but they lost too many to the apparition, so they won’t be able to help fight it. The crew have a Sailing Lore of +15.

Finding the Hermes

. Searching for the Hermes requires a DC 25 Survival check or a DC 23 Sailing Lore check. Success means they’ve made progress searching for signs of the Hermes, while a failure means they got lost or suffered some other mishap, and made no progress that day. On a critical failure, the party realizes they’ve made a mistake, and loses a day of progress. It takes three successes to find the Hermes, but after two successes, they are close enough to be noticed by the will-o-wisps feasting on the captain’s misery. They will fly above the ship at night, using their light to either imitate stars or to obscure actual stars. This trick makes navigating by star charts difficult, increasing the DC of the checks by 4. A DC 26 perception check reveals the strange stars for what they are. Once exposed, the wisps only increase the DC by 2, unless the party decides to travel only during the day, though this will require two days for each check.

Fighting the Darkness
. As the sun begins to set, you finally spot what you are looking for-a speck of brown on the sea of silver. With a groan, your ship begins to turn towards the shape in the water. As the ship starts to come into view, a shadowy figure manifests upon the bow of the other ship, contrasted by several bright lights orbiting the figure. With an unearthly howl, the creature raises a pistol towards you and fires, the round growing to the size of a cannonball before nearly missing your ship!
. Bigshot's Shadow: The shadow manifestation is an exact copy of the captain, an 8th level human gunslinger, except that it has fast healing 10, and if killed, will remanifest after 1 minute. The only way to defeat the manifestation for good is to break the curse, as detailed below. The bright lights are the will-o-wisps, determined to keep the party away from their meal ticket. If the party managed to find the Hermes in 3 days, there will only be two wisps, otherwise, the captain’s pain attracts an additional wisp for each full 3 days spent searching, to a maximum of five wisps. . Breaking the Curse: Captain Bigshot will be found curled up in the corner of the Hermes’ cabin. Seemingly catatonic and staring off into the distance, it will immediately become clear something is wrong. If the players are able to detect the curse, they can attempt to remove it with a remove curse spell, but a minute of affirmations and positive words can also shatter the curse, requiring a DC 34 diplomacy check. Each defeat of the shadowy apparition temporarily weakens its hold over the captain, decreasing the DC required by 2. Once the curse is broken via either method, the ring shatters, releasing a Seething Spirit. Now free of the curse, Captain Bigshot will lend his aid to the party in this final confrontation. . Mercury Poisoning: The fumes given off by the Quicksilver Sea are toxic, and direct contact with it is even worse. In any round in which a player is either not holding their breath outside the protected cabin, or in direct contact with the sea, they must save against Mercury Poisoning as below, with a -5 to their save if they are in contact. The players can acquire air crystals at port for 5 gold each, which provide a minute of air each while chewn. Note that the will-o-wisps are unaffected by mercury poisoning. . Mercury Poisoning (poison): Saving Throw Fortitude DC 25; Maximum Duration 6 rounds; Stage 1 1d6 poison and stupefied 1 (1 round); Stage 2 2d6 poison, stupefied 2, and clumsy 1 (1 minute); Stage 3 3d6 poison, stupefied 3, clumsy 2, and weakened 1 (1 minute)

People, Places, and Things
The Quicksilver Sea: This strange sea is composed of liquid mercury, and requires specialized equipment to navigate safely due to the toxic fumes it emits. However, crossing it is otherwise actually safer and faster than traveling by land-few pirates can afford such a specialized vessel. Both the Hermes and the Pan are examples of such ships, having the helm enclosed by a larger cabin to keep the crew inside.
Captain Vince “Bigshot” Theristein: Named after his infamous pistol, Captain Bigshot was one of the few successful pirates on the Quicksilver Sea. Despite his fearsome reputation, he is actually an honorable man, and is very much a ‘Robin Hood’ like figure.
Bigshot: This +1 striking dueling pistol is famed for its ability to magically enlarge rounds it fires to the size of cannon balls. When attacking with Bigshot, the wielder can spend one or two additional actions to increase the damage by 2d6 per additional action spent.
Ring of Lost Purpose: This cursed ring appears to be a ring of sustenance, but once worn, it drains the bearer’s confidence and motivation, until they fall into a depressive withdrawal. The drained emotions are manifested into a shadowy doppelganger that attacks anyone that tries to approach the nearly catatonic victim. It was planted on a merchant ship by one of Bigshot’s enemies, and the captain has taken the bait.

[Auron3991]

 

Cesek's Lure
D&D 3.5 Encounter for 3-5 level 8 characters

Captain Flint: Master of the Waves, The Ethereal Sailor, Charter of the Astral Sea. Now he seeks to explore one of the grand mysteries: The hidden star Cesek. It is one of the few lights within the Plane of Shadows, but can only be seen by those of great purpose. A few legends circle of people who have even gone to the star itself and, while none are confirmed, all the stories speak of a ring of islands referred to by the name Yeos and a guardian of darkness itself. Flint has found a map of the Sea of Slalim plotting these islands (won from a devil in a game of poker if he's to be believed) and has recruited the party as some extra muscle on the voyage.

Captain Flint A man in a strong blue outfit with a matching tricorn hat approaches you. A fire burns in his eyes as he makes an offer: “Want to sail the planer seas?” A well renowned captain. An explorer for fun and hire, the maps of his journeys have proven both detailed and accurate. His vessel, the Seeker, is equipped with a planar sensor, which allows him to find and use temporary weaknesses in planar boundaries to sail into other planes. He's always had an eye for adventure, but he almost seems obsessed with his current find. Level 5 Bard/2 Horizon Walker. Max ranks in Profession (Sailing)

Cesek The hidden star. Light to the dedicated. Guiding Beacon. This star always seems to appear above an object of desire for the observer. However, it's older names better describe it: Blind Zeal, Fool's Devotion and Ensnarer. It is actually a malevolent entity, tricking people into seeking their own demise. The Plane of Shadow is its prison, but also its dominion. Every day within it, the star attempts to exert its influence over people (DC 15 Will to resist). The star remains invisible to any who succeed by more than 2. All who fail will pursue the star at detriment to themselves for one day, causing them to be fatigued the next day.

Sea of Slalim A vast ocean of darkness within the Plane of Shadow. While it can be sailed on like normal water, it almost seems to resent it. Every 3D4+1 hours a large wave crashes over the deck, from which appears a mix of undead totaling CR 7.

The Guardian
As you can see the peaks of the Islands you've spent weeks searching for, the sea increases in ferocity but the winds die. A wave obscures your view for only a moment but, as it falls, a pitch-black giant blocks your path forward. A name escapes the lips of the terrified captain: “Reshalnot”.

As the Islands of Yeos appear over the horizen, Reshalnot attacks the boat, appearing to walk on the shadows that make up the sea. As it appears, the wind dies and the boat slows to the creature's speed. Use a Nightwalker's stats (MM 196) increased to Colossal size without the 1/day Spell-Like Abilities, can only summon 3 Shadows with Summon Undead. Reshalnot will use magic and supernatural abilities to prevent anything it deems a nuisance from acting and use physical attacks on the ship itself. It will not attempt to kill anyone on board during this encounter. Once it breaks four holes in the hull, the boat begins sinking and it leaves.

Yeos
You wash ashore on a dreary beach. A wave of hopelessness rolls over you as you touch the sand. Even the nearby plant-life almost seems despondent.

All party members should be placed on one of the Islands of Yeos. Whether they choose to explore the island or work towards leaving, the Islands seem to drain the drive from them (DC 15 Will to resist, 1 save/day). Failing the save results in the following progressive penalties:

1st Failure: You can't seem to muster the concentration for tasks. -2 morale penalty on skill checks
2nd Failure: You seem exhausted all the time. -2 morale penalty to saves
3rd Failure: You can't remember why you're doing things. 50% chance to fail to perform actions

The spells Good Hope and Remove Curse reset the penalties and provide a +2 bonus on the next check.

Ingredient List A Big Shot: Captain Flint A Strange Sea: Sea of Slalim A Ring of Lost Purpose: Islands of Yeos A Sometimes Shining Star: Cesek The Peril Which Cannot be Overcome: Reshlanot Hostile Environment: Sea of Slalim

[Begon Ugo]

 

The Maelstrom: This scenario is designed to be used with the Delta Green ruleset The bow of the RV Atlantis, a Thomas G. Thompson-class oceanographic research ship, breaks through the crest of the towering wave and then, like a roller coaster, races down the backside of the wave into a deep trough that leads directly to the next rapidly approaching wall of water. The ocean is alive and angry with howling, hurricane force winds threatening to capsize the boat. From sea level, the massive waves come at regular intervals, outward pulses that ripple across the vast ocean. A Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin hovering above confirms the periodicity of the pulses. Reports had reached The United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) of a massive maelstrom forming in the center of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantis had been tasked with approaching the whirlpool. Reaching the Center The Atlantis reaching its destination safely is not a foregone conclusion. Agents with relevant skills must roll to help navigate the boat safely through the waves towards the calm near the center of the maelstrom. Agents without relevant skills will make a stat test. Rolling a critical failure results in the exhausted condition for that agent. For every two failed skill checks a wave will break over the Atlantis and all agents will make a sanity check against helplessness (1/1d4). Upon reaching the calmer waters surrounding the maelstrom, the agents see a massive stone ring, one mile wide in diameter lying just below the surface of the ocean. The surrounding water falls within this ring with a deafening roar and then unseen forces whip the water into a powerful whirlpool leading deep into the ocean beyond the agent's view. Staring into the heart of Maelstrom, a faint, pulsating light can be seen from down below. Follow the Light Agents with scientific knowledge above 60% will notice 7 distinct patterns of periodicity in the pulses of light and the corresponding waves. Scientific knowledge above 80% connects these 7 patterns with a recently discovered pulsar that was considered quite odd as it has the slowest recorded pulse period ever recorded, a period that had 7 different and distinct periods. PSR J0250+5854 rotates at a rate that is beyond the conventional pulsar death line. The pulsar lies in the Vela Constellation which itself is part of the larger constellation Argo Navis. History above 60% will connect Argo Navis with the story of Jason and the Argonauts and the search for the Golden Fleece. The waters surrounding the mysterious ring are calm, the waves growing as they travel away from the artificial whirlpool. The immense stone ring is constructed of deep oceanic basalt but a closer inspection reveals fist sized ruby red gems embedded in the center of each face of the stone. Each stone easily weighing over 100 tons. Rolling Stones Agents with geologic knowledge above 40% will know that basalt is a very hard material (Level 8 according to Mohs scale, where diamond is at Level 10) therefore it has to be cut using a diamond wheel intended for cutting hard materials. Geologic knowledge above 60% will recognize the gems, not as rubies, but painite, one of the rarest gemstones on earth and one found only in the Mogok region of Myanmar. The light below is a beacon calling to the agents above. With the Human Occupied Vehicle (HOV) Alvin aboard the Atlantis, the agents have the means to travel towards the light. Using the onboard crane, the submersible can be placed within the stone ring. As Alvin descends through the whirlpool the crew will notice ephemeral shadows that seep through the titanium walls of the submarine. As a shadow comes in contact with an agent, that agent is transported in time and space back to the last contact that they had with their Bond. The agent is somehow aware that they will never again see their Bond and they are being given a chance to find closure. End of the Road Each agent has a Bond which can be a loved family member, coworker or anyone else that they have a strong emotional connection with. They can use this moment as a way to strengthen that relationship which will give mechanical benefits later in the adventure. The amount of award given will be subjective according to the Handler's discretion. Agent's should have their reward scaled according to their roleplay attempts. Agents will suffer sanity loss from exposure to the supernatural (0/1)

[RoBi]

 

This Starfinder encounter is written for 4-5 level 8 players.

READ With the help of the Shintari Codex you have decrypted the artifacts message. It has led you to a planet on the edge of the galaxy. Here a long abandoned orbital mining operation is located. It was originally meant to pull water, iron, and other valuable elements out of the planet’s ring system. Also included with the message was a constellation map. For some reason the Coqnell want you here looking out into the edge of the known universe.

If the players go to the mining station

READ As you approach the station it appears to be offline the inside is dark and the only lights currently active are the ones meant to prevent spacecraft collisions. You Dock without incident and easily make your way into the station through the airlock. The station senses your presence and activates the lights around you. You make your way to the bridge. Once there the door opens automatically revealing the hum of sleeping control panels and instrument consoles. Just as you approach the main terminal a grizzled voice calls out from behind you. What are you lot doing on my space station

The human confronting the players is wearing a grey pair of overalls. He introduces himself as Captain Charlie McCoy and explains that he and his crew have been at the station preparing it for a proper decommissioning as space command has become increasingly worried the station had become a fuel and resupply depot for pirates. He also explains that he doesn’t appreciate the players sneaking into the station while he and his crew slept. He demands to know why the players are here and players that players notice 4 additional crew appear behind the captain all are armed. The captain implies that he may consider the players pirates and act accordingly if they refuse to explain.


Once the players have completed the above station section or if they choose to not go to the station

READ You’ve spent quite a while scanning the sector of space the artifact instructed you to watch. Suddenly as if out of nowhere a light flashes, then dissipates and then flashes again.

A use computer check DC 20 reveals that the flashing light is a pulsar possibly newly formed. Though the scans also indicate that it is atypical and further scans with better equipment are needed.

If players are not currently on the mining station, they will need to go there to use it’s equipment to scan the pulsar. If they are on the station or once they make to the command bridge a DC 27 engineering, check allows the players to repurpose the mining sensors to perform deep spectrum analysis of the pulsar. Once completed the new scans reveal that the pulsar admitting light and radio waves in a very abnormal manor in fact, they are sweeping across the surface of the planet below at angles that intersect like a giant X in one very specific location below.

While the players are scanning the pulsar, Captain McCoy seems very interested in their work and is very helpful if asked. If needed he will suggest that the mining sensor can be used to scan the pulsar. When the players decide to leave. He will escort them back to their ship and even cheerfully wishes them good luck.

READ As you approach the planets scan of the surface indicates two things of note. The planet’s rotation is dead, so you know for a fact that X does indeed mark the spot. Second, the entire planet is covered in a liquid methane sea. The moon is currently on the other side of the planet and tidal forces reveal a small island at the X.

Once the players land on the island they can see a ring-like structure partially buried in the ground. It is going to take them several hours to free the ring from where it’s earthen tomb, since they will not be able to use any laser-based mining technology for fear of igniting methane. Shovels and picks only. 3 DC 30 Earth Science checks are needed to free the ring from the ground. Each successful check reduces the following check by 5.
As the players free the ring and begin moving it to their ship…

READ READ: With little notice another ship enters the atmosphere above the island and lands next to your ship. The bay door opens and out steps the grizzled Captain from the space station except now instead of maintenance overalls, he is wearing a bright purple and pink EV suit and walking with a distinct swagger. The rest of the crew from the station follows him off the ship. I’m Captain Neblosar of the famed Star-swarm pirates. Frankly I’m a little hurt that you didn’t recognize me. I’m kind of a big deal. His face turns stern. Looks like X did mark the spot that usually means treasure. I’m gonna need it.

Captain Neblosar (level 9 envoy) and his crew (4 level 7 Soldiers) will attack if not given the ring. He will continue until he is at 30% hp then he will order his crew to retreat. Any energy weapon that is fired has a 50% chance of igniting a random pool of methane around the intended target. The fire is 1d4 squares for 1d6 rounds. Anything inside the area of effect is considered on fire. The Captain and crew use this to their advantage by trying to surround the players with fire. During the encounter Neblosar will continue to rant about his fame. He explains that they were refueling their ship at the mining station. When he leaves, he will shout that they should remember Captain Neblosar and The Star-swarm Pirates

Once the players get the ring onto their ship, they determine that it is some kind of portal though they know not to where it goes or how to power it.