University of Kintan, 1st class: Adaptive Biology

The Mitochondria limps onto a landing pad at the Kaminoian Research & Integrated Science Station: K.R.I.S.S.  


Waiting on the landing pad are the following beings:

A pair of tall slender aliens (non of you have ever seen a Kaminoian) with pale skin, named Orun Ne and Kai Sol





Orun bows his long neck, "Welcome to KRISS, Republic friends.  We thank you for timely arrival and aid in returning the Dr. to safety.  PA-2K here will see to your needs.  Feel free to explore KRISS or ask my assistant Kai Sol any questions after you are settled."

An archaic looking protocol droid sequence PA-2K  (Patu-kay) addresses the party next



"I am PA-2K, I am fluent in over 2 million forms of communication.  As part of the Gree-Kaminoian science exchange, I am at your service.  I am ready to show you to your quarters, by your command."

There are also several Nikto porters, who look distraught over the loss of their comrades.  



Dr. Helian complains to Thana, "Blast it, I can't believe I dropped my holorecorder.  All that footage of the Tuskbeasts is lost and to see a Spine Dragon and not get 1 millesecond on film is unbelievable!"  he pauses as he sees the party come down the ship's ramp, "But where are my manners?  Thank you so very much for your aid today.  Those rabid tuskbeasts would have eaten us alive if you hadn't showed up.  But maybe next time.... let's leave the repulsor powered craft at home, eh?  The energy emitted by repulsor engines and shields in particular drive the Spine Dragons into a frenzy.  Come and see my research after you get some well deserved rest.  I would love to show you my work and we can discuss your first specimen collections."

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Irwin squawks quietly to Sharn, "Crickey, wait until you see the footage I captured, boss."

"Uh... thanks... um, doc?... tor... We may be able to replace some of your footage," rakhu says, indicating sharn.

Daxx would like to find a decent comm system to see if he can talk to his master. (unless that's another problem of being on this planet)

navyik wrote:"Uh... thanks... um, doc?... tor... We may be able to replace some of your footage," rakhu says, indicating sharn.

Helian raises an eyebrow at the wookie, "I am most interested in your footage. Let's review it before you make an broadcasts, shall we? We wouldn't want to attract undo attention."

whit10 wrote:Daxx would like to find a decent comm system to see if he can talk to his master.  (unless that's another problem of being on this planet)

Immediately or after you are shown to your quarters by PA-2K?

And who do you ask about that request?

Sharn growls low and deep, baring teeth.

"Crikey, doc! The boss says you would need to sign a NDA, a non-disclosure agreement, before we can show you anything raw or uncut."

After seeing his quarters... to the droid. "do you have a comm system I could use?"

"I can see quarters later, i'd like to see your defenses."

***trying to resolve these in chronological order, not order posted****sorry, crazy busy day yesterday*****

Robyo wrote:Sharn growls low and deep, baring teeth.

"Crikey, doc! The boss says you would need to sign a NDA, a non-disclosure agreement, before we can show you anything raw or uncut."

Dr. Helian is clearly excited, "Yes, yes, of course, whatever you desire.  Thana, see the droid to the lab, sign its forms and copy the footage."

navyik wrote:"I can see quarters later, i'd like to see your defenses."

"Certainly, Master N'butu.  The KRISS is fully shielded 28hrs per cycle to resist all radiation from both the remants of the star M'dweshuu and of course the desert winds.  Our primary defense is the natural boundary of the Apagoran Mountain range you see here (he gestures around to the mtns).  Does that satisfy your request?"

PA-2K shows everyone to small, dorm-room style quarters.  Everyone has their own room, with a view of the valley and nearby mountains.

whit10 wrote:After seeing his quarters...  to the droid.  "do you have a comm system I could use?"

"Certainly, Master Tay-nari.  The main commons room and mess hall are located on the eastern side of the courtyard.  There is a holo-terminal there for all your intergalactic communication needs.  You can view the holo-news feeds, watch the Rotwurms take on the Frogdogs in Huttball or contact loved ones.  Please note that the holo-terminal is only usable at night, due to the atmospheric radiation from M'dweshuu.  Does that satisfy your request?"

"That'll do."

What time of day is it?

whit10 wrote:"That'll do."

What time of day is it?

It is evening, nothing is planned until morning, when you can all meet with Dr. Helian and Thana in their lab, to see their research and talk about the assignment.

People can do whatever they want overnight, though I would recommend getting some sleep too  

"Not so fast, the shield and the mountains? Thats it? Are the tusk beasts attacking this facility, or just your away teams? What happens if they track someone back here?"

navyik wrote:"Not so fast, the shield and the mountains?  Thats it?  Are the tusk beasts attacking this facility, or just your away teams?  What happens if they track someone back here?"

"That is correct, master N'butu. There have been no attacks on the facility. The odds of a tuskbeast tracking someone over the mountains is approximately 473 to 1. Does that satisfy your request?"

Chris wrote:

navyik wrote:"Not so fast, the shield and the mountains?  Thats it?  Are the tusk beasts attacking this facility, or just your away teams?  What happens if they track someone back here?"

"That is correct, master N'butu.  There have been no attacks on the facility.  The odds of a tuskbeast tracking someone over the mountains is approximately 473 to 1.  Does that satisfy your request?"

"Maybe, are there more than 473 tuskbeasts out there?"

navyik wrote:

Chris wrote:

navyik wrote:"Not so fast, the shield and the mountains?  Thats it?  Are the tusk beasts attacking this facility, or just your away teams?  What happens if they track someone back here?"

"That is correct, master N'butu.  There have been no attacks on the facility.  The odds of a tuskbeast tracking someone over the mountains is approximately 473 to 1.  Does that satisfy your request?"

"Maybe, are there more than 473 tuskbeasts out there?"

"The population of Tuskbeasts on Kintan is unknown. Does that satisfy your request?"

"Nope." Rakhu walks away to organize his gear for the mission.

Chris wrote:Dr. Helian is clearly excited, "Yes, yes, of course, whatever you desire.  Thana, see the droid to the lab, sign its forms and copy the footage."

Sharn isn't letting Irwin out of his sight. He doesn't trust the "good doctor." There's no way he's giving anyone a copy of the footage either.


Seriously, is it just me, or does something not seem right??? Nevermind that the doctor's picture looks like a Sith lord dressed like Dracula, he just seems odd... For one thing, he callously threw-away the lives of his Nikto assistants.

meh, they're just Nikto... most humans in the Republic are a tad racist. Could just be his scientific drive, or maybe you're onto something.

Daxx could really care less in all honesty.

Well TBH, I'm not sure how Rakhu could even know that Irwin was a camera. But whatever.

Sharn is trying to asses the doc's trustworthiness. He studies him for awhile. He'll watch him all evening, if that's what it takes to form an opinion. Sense Motive check:
3+5=8
Spend a Force Point: +10= 18

Good point, Rob. Hasnt everyone seen his show, though? Plus he understands shrywook and overhears things. I also noted his disregard for his Own safety too.

Still, the whole thing smacks of a trip up the mi-kong delta to visit col. Kurtz...

whit10 wrote:meh, they're just Nikto... most humans in the Republic are a tad racist.  Could just be his scientific drive, or maybe you're onto something.

That could certainly be Daxx's interpretation of the Republic, but generally speaking it is not accurate.  Humans in the Sith Empire or the Galactic Empire (circa the movies) were definitely racist and pro-human.  The Old Republic was very egalitarian and the Senate is clearly filled with more non-humans than humans.

Robyo wrote:
Sharn is trying to asses the doc's trustworthiness. He studies him for awhile. He'll watch him all evening, if that's what it takes to form an opinion. Sense Motive check:
3+5=8
Spend a Force Point: +10= 18

Up to you if you want to spend the FP or not, you won't really have much chance to interact with the Dr. tonight.  Remember the plan is for you all to go to your rooms (or do whatever) and meet up with the Dr. and Thana in the morning at the lab.

navyik wrote:
Still, the whole thing smacks of a trip up the mi-kong delta to visit col. Kurtz...

  the horror, the HORROR! hmmmm.... you might be on to something

Btw; did anyone else catch the "by your command" from the poindexter droid?

Yeah, I spent the Force Point... Sharn isn't going to bed until he has an accurate assessment of the doc. But if the doc goes retires and Sharn can't observe any more that evening, well, he still doesn't trust him. He will stay up, listening and alert, alternate watches with Irwin.

navyik wrote:Good point, Rob.  Hasnt everyone seen his show, though?  Plus he understands shrywook and overhears things.  I also noted his disregard for his Own safety too.

Still, the whole thing smacks of a trip up the mi-kong delta to visit col. Kurtz...

Well, yes, Sharn is brave (reckless?) and was in rescue mode. I really don't think that's the same thing as how Dr. Helian treats his crew.

Sharn is surprised that Rakhu has seen his low-budget nature show. It generally plays on Public Holonet in the after-school time slot.

Sharn is humbled at being recognized as a minor celebrity.

Sorry for the unclear statement. Dr. Helian was ignoring his own safety as well, recording while he was being attacked.

navyik wrote:Btw; did anyone else catch the "by your command" from the poindexter droid?

I love that you catch so many of my 80s sci-fi nods !

Robyo wrote:Yeah, I spent the Force Point... Sharn isn't going to bed until he has an accurate assessment of the doc. But if the doc goes retires and Sharn can't observe any more that evening, well, he still doesn't trust him. He will stay up, listening and alert, alternate watches with Irwin.

Ok, if you read pg 98 with the skill description of Sense Motive, besides a counter-skill to bluff, it can certainly be used as you desire, however the DC is stated as 20 for a hunch on trustworthiness or if someone is an imposter.  Sharn does not get a gut-feeling that anything is wrong with Dr. Helian, though he is of course free to make his own assessment based on the doctor's behavior.


Since you are discussing the doctor, I would remind you of how he reacted to the Force Lightning, which was like Sharn, not like Rakhu\nikto.  food for thought.

Chris wrote:
Since Rakhu is not Force Sensitive, but made his save he takes half damage, 43 pts of damage (minus any DR) and temporarily gains the Feat: Force Sensitive.

Sharn is Force Sensitive and made his save - he temporarily gains the feat Dissipate Energy, absorbs the lightning, takes no damage, but feels the urge to use that absorbed energy immediately.... or he is not sure what will happen. The absorbed energy can be used to power a 1 time Force Mastery use (use a force skill\ability as an immediate action).

Helian also seems to have absorbed the lightning energy. In a blinding flash of speed, he dashes to the open hatch and unleashes a wave of energy that shatters a large patch of crystals beneath the ship. He looks relieved to have released the absorbed energy.

Sharn has the ability to release the energy he absorbed in an immediate action, if he wants, otherwise the round will end.

for the night's activities, I have the following:

Sharn - stay awake on vigil with Irwin

Daxx - wait for the atmosphere to clear and try to holo-call Master Duros

T'son - is still suffering from Mantellian Giardia and is confined to his commode

Rakhu - any plans?

I always knew T'son was full of shit (sorry, couldn't resist)

Is there time for a brief stroll around this place before catching some zzzs and then contacting Daxx's master?

whit10 wrote:I always knew T'son was full of shit (sorry, couldn't resist)

Is there time for a brief stroll around this place before catching some zzzs and then contacting Daxx's master?

Rakhu may join u if invited...

"What the frak WAS that. The lightning struck and stayed inside me... i still feel it a little. Weird..."

I have been unsuccessful in finding a map I like, but there are about 15 small barracks, each with anywhere from 1 to 10 sleeping quarters.  The Nikto are all housed in the larger ones and Helian, Thana, Orun and Kai each have their own.  The party each has their own quarters as well.

There is a main communications building, with a large dish on top, it is open access.  It is attached to the mess hall and commons room.  In the common room, there are many comfy chairs and some mounted heads






There is a large lab structure, which is locked.

You also find a Dewback stable with Nikto attendants

To Rakhu... "I've never seen anything like that.. that's question number 1 for my master. There's something not quite right here."

When he gets the chance, Daxx will use See Force around this complex if that is possible (tell me when to roll)

sure, go ahead and roll

and Daxx can call master duros anytime as well

I'll call him after some looking around

See Force: I'd like to use this on the Doc if possible, then on the place itself (I think I can do that)

Roll(1d20)+7:
16,+7
Total:23

Vitality 63/66

Indicating the nikto stable hands, "why dont we talk to some locals?"

"sounds good"

Lots of good posts! Josh made me LOL with his T'son jab. Those pix of the trophy heads is off the hook!

Okay, so Sharn fails his Sense Motive skill check. Is anyone here familiar with failing forward? I'm not trying to harp on and on about whiffing my check. Failing forward is a concept in some of the modern story-oriented games. And use of fail forward can give the d20 skill system a bit more realism.  So yeah, he blew it this time, but maybe next time he gets a bonus? Sharn isn't allowed to make another skill check anyways, unless it's to counter Bluff.

I see that GM is giving us hints anyways, and the other PCs are starting to be suspicious as well. If this is like Apocalypse Now, as Alan alluded to, then Rakhu needs to go all Martin Sheen on the good doctor.

whit10 wrote:I'll call him after some looking around

See Force: I'd like to use this on the Doc if possible, then on the place itself (I think I can do that)

Roll(1d20)+7:
16,+7
Total:23

Vitality 63/66

That would be 2 uses of the skill, but regardless, you guys are now walking around the complex,  you haven't seen the doc since you landed.  Remember, you talked on the landing pad for a while, then you were all shown to your quarters by PA-2K, now the 2 of you are walking around KRISS.

There are no discernible emanations in the Force from the KRISS itself or the sand\rocks.

navyik wrote:Indicating the nikto stable hands, "why dont we talk to some locals?"

There is a young looking Nitko (shorter facial horns) mucking out the Dewback stables.  He has some kind of small plug in his ear-buds and seems to be humming as he works.  He doesn't notice your approach.

Robyo wrote:Those pix of the trophy heads is off the hook!

I found those by accident searching for images of Dewbacks and I couldn't resist adding them to the scene.

As for "failing forward", I am not opposed to using something like that in general, but I really do prefer players to make their own "value based" or "character-based" (what's his character like? good\evil\greedy\trustyworthy) for themselves. Would it really make a big difference for me to say, "Yes, Sharn has a gut feeling that the Doctor is not telling you everything." I think you all came to at least that point in your own minds without dice.

And you are right, you have seen his behavior towards the Nikto (his hosts on this world), what he is interested in regardless the risk to himself or others and how he reacted to the Force Lightning Storm from the Spine Dragon\crystal field interaction.

About 2 hours after you all land, while Daxx and Rakhu are walking around the stables.... there comes a soft knock on Sharn's door.

Chris wrote:
About 2 hours after you all land, while Daxx and Rakhu are walking around the stables.... there comes a soft knock on Sharn's door.

Thana wants to get some shaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrnnnnnn!!! 

"Gruffrar?" {Who's there?}

"It's Thana. I have been waiting for you.... er.... to bring the video of the Spine Dragon. When you didn't meet me at the lab, I got worr.... I wondered what happened. Any chance I can see that footage? I brought some hot tea"

Open the door and then go sit on the couch.

"Grrrawwwll varrr aghourl. Derr doulda oudellin chravenn? Graawwarrr rallin. Kenkay nelojha grayyen veru. Shandi roarin dokkellin dojuel. Lojds rawrrr!"

{Thank you, that is most kind. I don't suppose there are any cigars around? Okay, we can watch the footage. It should prove interesting. Don't expect a copy, though. Roll it bird!}

"Faarrh-shay" (thank you) Thana says, as she enters. She is wearing a light casual dress, think Mediterranean style, carrying a tea tray with a small kettle, a wooden box and 2 mugs. She sets the tray down on a small table and pours 2 glasses. She sits in one of two chairs (think hotel room with table, chairs, tv).

"I have never seen a Spine Dragon in person before.... I can't recall as many details as I would like, I think the shock of the experience must have limited my senses. How did you stay so calm, hanging by the cable outside the ship, rescuing all the Nikto?"

Bamp ckicka bam-wam!

Nice, josh! 

I'm a man of many minor talents.  

Sharn leans back, looking at the ceiling, trying to play it cool.

"Grawwl vendorrin. Vladishinna rarrin vroogus monsho."
{I try not to think about the danger. Only let the Force guide my actions.}

Sharn is unused to female companionship, so he doesn't want to look dumb. He casually takes a swig of hot tea. And nearly pukes. He quickly spits it out, making choking sounds. Tea and spittle fly in Thana's direction.

"Graffin! Vargis maoshai rorrrarrgin mandar? Nangorian vashkyn mordoria?"
{By the gods! Are you trying to poison me, woman? What is this stuff?}

Thana (like the GM) is in total shock. Her head-tails droop down and she blinks her eyes widely as she tries to think of a response. "I.... er..... well.... um.... I assure you the tea is not poison." She timidly takes a sip of her own tea, "See?" and hopes that Sharn doesn't rip any of her limbs from their sockets.

"Vangorrin wawarrrooo mashkarrambin!"
{If it isn't Earl Grey, then it's crap!}

Then Sharn starts to feel embarrassed for himself. He tries to change the subject.

"Warrringo vandomoor rawwarrr?"
{Why is the doctor so interested in tuskbeasts?}

Daxx will contact his master on the comm system as soon as it can be done.