PbP Gameday VI: Hmm's Starfinder #1-00: Claim to Salvation (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

Hello All!

I am GM Hmm, Venture Lieutenant of Online Play. I will be running the new Starfinder Special, Claim to Salvation, here on the Paizo Boards on August 25th, 2017.

Description of the Adventure:

** 4th level characters provided.** A Starfinder Society Scenario Special designed for 4th-level pregenerated characters.

Following the disastrous Scoured Stars Incident, the Starfinder Society fights to remain relevant as the rest of the galaxy moves on. With surviving agents stretched to the limit, the First Seeker launches a desperate bid to search the false moon of Salvation’s End. Will the mission reveal a discovery that can stabilize the Society long enough for a new generation of Starfinders to come to the fore? To answer this question, the players play as 4th-level versions of the Starfinder iconic characters in the debut special event of the Starfinder Society Roleplaying Guild. Written by Larry Wilhelm.

This adventure promises to offer key background for the ongoing Starfinder Society storyline! I can't wait for the opportunity to run this in Play-by-Post.

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About me as a GM:

Story, roleplay and pacing are my main strengths. I want an enthusiastic team of players who will have fun with each other and me!

Fair Disclosure: Although I am usually fairly fast-paced, I will also be running a table of Solstice Scar special at the same time. This will slow me down a little. Sometimes I will also take days off for busy times at work, conventions or Venture Lieutenant stuff that I need to do. I will let you know when that happens.

Two of the seats in my game I have held for people who are new to PbP or Organized Play. I will be holding a lottery for those two seats. You can either submit as a pair of players, or individually. If you submit as a pair, and I pull up one of your names in my first roll, I'll take both of you!

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THE LOTTERY

To Submit Yourself in my Lottery, please fill out my form:

1. Player Name:

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both?

3. What excites you most about playing in this game?

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies?

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day?

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with?

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation?

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you?

_____

That's it! Thanks so much for entering my lottery!

1. Player Name: Uktar

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both? Experienced player & GM, in RL, VTT and PbP. (I'm assuming the other four seats are open for signup as well, not just the 2 for newbies...)

3. What excites you most about playing in this game? Problem solving, Roleplaying and most importantly, having fun.

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies?
First played AD&D in '78. Played one session of 2nd Ed, one campaign 3.5, tons of other rpgs (mostly from '80s). Favs: Boot Hill, CHILL, Paranoia, Space Ace. Had a fav character in Earthdawn. I enjoy biking and hiking on occasion. Avid reader

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day? We are allowed to post more than that, I hope...

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with?
Strictly speaking, individually. (And I'll do my best to keep my other personalities under control...)

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation?
As long as you insert girder for bending, 'bot away.

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you?
can do

1. Player Name:
Dennis Colburn

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both?
I am one scenario away from my second GM star in PFS. :) I've played in several PBPs in the past (I just completed Broken Chains and I'm in the middle of Dragon's Demand now.)

3. What excites you most about playing in this game?
I've listened to a few podcasts that describe the Starfinder campaign setting and mechanics. I'm interested to experience them for myself in an actual game.

I also enjoy hard science fiction books. It would be interesting to get a taste of that in a game.

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies?
I've been an avid gamer all my life. As a kid I played lots of board games and card games with my Dad and sibliings. During high school I started playing DnD 2nd edition. It was a blast!

I drifted away from the game for a few years, but got back into it when a friend mentioned the Pathfinder Society games he was playing at a local game store. I joined and had a blast. I started running PFS games for my home group and I've run games at Origins in Columbus, Ohio too.

I enjoy adventure paths as well. I ran one of my home groups all the way through Carrion Crown (we finished about a year ago).

Currently, I am in a couple home games. I also run PFS for my kids. I have 4 that range in age from 11 to 26. It's been fun to share my hobby with my kids. :)

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day?
Yes. I have internet access at work and free time to post during the day.

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with?
Individually

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation?
No problem!

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you?
Cross my heart!

1. Gary Pepper

2. I am new to PbP though i have one game in so far.

3. Excitement is abound. I look forward to playing in a Starfinder game. I can't wait to get a feel as a player do i can start running games at my local store.

4. The answer would be what haven't i played. I started with d&d 3.5 and then continued to learn and play more. Eberron, WoD, Ptolus, Arcana Unearthed, Monte Cooke awesomeness, pathfinder, gurps, Exalted, i think i have missed a few.

4.2 hobbies include legos and video games with my son, spending time with my wife and two kids, role-playing with friends, just getting into the pathfinder ACG,

5. most definitely
6. just by my onesie

7. Bot away

8. Always!

Uktar and Mofiddy, I already have four people signed up for the regular slots. However, I will keep you both in mind as alternates should one of them drop. Gary, with only one PbP under your belt you're still pretty new. You'll be entered in the lottery! Thank you!

Hmm

Uktar and Mofiddy, I already have four people signed up for the regular slots. However, I will keep you both in mind as alternates should one of them drop. Gary, with only one PbP under your belt you're still pretty new. You'll be entered in the lottery! Thank you!

Hmm

Sounds good...thanks!

1. Player Name: FloMo

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both? I am new to both.

3. What excites you most about playing in this game? I have wanted to try out a PBP for quite a while, so this seemed to be the perfect entry point. I am especially looking forward to the science-fantasy mix.

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies? I mostly played Call of Cthulhu, D&D 3rd, Shadowrun and DSA (german roleplaying system), but also tried out Numenera. My other big hobby is boardgames (because of course :) )

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day? Yes, although because of the time zone difference it might be around midday to early evening.

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with? No.

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation? Yes, no problem.

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you? Will do :).

1. Player Name: Choon

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both?
No

3. What excites you most about playing in this game?
It's new and shiny. Secondarily, I'd like a peek at how the changed mechanics work in "real life".

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies?
I've been broadening my horizons recently. I can now claim Pathfinder, Warhammer Only War, Savage worlds, Mistborn, Cthulhu Tech v1, and DnD v5 in the growing list of games I've played. I have a pretty long history on the boards and I don't see myself stopping any time soon.
As far as hobbies PbP is a big one with me rarely falling below 6 games at any time. Life has forced me to give up GMing for a while, but playing takes much less time from me, so here I am. Other hobbies include books (less than I'd like), gaming (occasionally), and playing with my kids (often).

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day?
Yup

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with?
Individually

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation?
Yup

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you?
Yup

Interesting. I can't wait for Starfinder and have never done Organized Play, so I'll toss my hat into the ring here.

1. Player Name: SnowHeart

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both? Organized Play

3. What excites you most about playing in this game? First, Starfinder!!! Woot. Can't wait for this to come out; I'm trying to finalize a group to run the AP in a F2F game but would love a chance to run a character in a different game. Second, I've been thinking about looking into organized play, but online/PbP is probably the only way I'd have time. Never done it so I might need a little guidance on any rules/etiquette/process differences.

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies? Married with a toddler and a dog. I've been GMing 3.5 and then Pathfinder for ten years, and am in a few PbP campaigns here including two I'm GMing. Outside of Pathfinder, when I have the time, video games are my main hobby.

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day? That's all you need? (Sure! Not a problem.)

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with? Individually.

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation? Yup.

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you? Yup. Honestly, even when I'm "busy" I still have my smart phone and can usually post.

Hey there. I'm going to withdraw my submission. Looks like I've landed a spot at another "table" so don't want to potentially take up a spot for someone else. Cheers!

THE LOTTERY

To Submit Yourself in my Lottery, please fill out my form:

1. Player Name:

Great Green God

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both?

Depends. For a head of lettuce, I am old to the game. For a mountain, I have not even begun to roll dice. For a man, I am just right.

3. What excites you most about playing in this game?

The French pastry.

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies?

(My favorite subject) I've been a gamer since I picked up the game based on my favorite series of books when I was 11-ish--Middle-Earth Role Playing. That was over 30 years ago. Since then I have played a number of systems (in roughly my order of discovery): MERP, D&D (colored boxes), Rolemaster, AD&D, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Robotech, Ghostbusters, Teenagers from Outerspace, Doctor Who (FASA), DC Heroes, Star Wars d6, Rifts, Shadowrun (2 ed), Vampire the Masquerade, Werewolf the Apocalypse, Mage the Ascension, Changeling the Dreaming, Wraith the Oblivion (many times these last five concurrently), Call of Cthulhu, GURPS, 7th Sea, Witchcraft, D&D 3.x, Pathfinder, Star Wars SAGA, and a quite a few others I'm probably forgetting.

When Dungeon and Dragon Magazines were in print I and some fellow Pazioians at the time collected together in a bushel to get a three-part mini-adventure path published in its pages. As the bushel grew we got more stuff in print. Then I took a seven-year hiatus and only returned to the messageboards a couple years ago.

Oh and I'm a Pisces.

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day?

90% of the time.

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with?

Does this mean I play two characters?

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation?

Sure. Dwaynebot the Barbarian gives all of his equipment and gold to Ray the Obtuse (for safe keeping of course). This is the reason I only ever play monks. ;)

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you?

Yes, but I lie an awful lot.

Hey there. I'm going to withdraw my submission. Looks like I've landed a spot at another "table" so don't want to potentially take up a spot for someone else. Cheers!

Thanks, SnowHeart!

I should say now that I have an open spot for non-new people since I had a player drop from my starter group.

That means that anyone can enter this lottery, new or not. You're more likely to get in if you're new, but I also have one spot that is open to anyone.

Hmm

Hey there! I would like to be considered for the lottery!

1. My name is Andy!

2. I am currently GMing a PbP Strange Aeons AP. I have only a very little amount of organized play experience, and that is mostly because I have a weird schedule that makes it hard to get involved in PFS stuff, except for the odd convention. I am however very familiar with PFS rules and gameplay, and have reviewed all of the relevant material

HOWEVER! I am in fact attending GenCon 50, and GMing Starfinder there! I will be well acquainted with the rules.

3. Space. I love space. Jedi, Starfleet, Asimov, Heinlen, Scalzi, I devour sci fi! I'm also SUPER excited to start from the ground up with a new system. I love Pathfinder, but it is a bit large and overwhelming to come into so late in the game. Not only that but Paizo has built it's brand on player feedback over the years, which is great, but indicates that the process has involved no small amount of learning for the makers. I think that Starfinder, coming in after over a decade of experience, is being built with the best, clearest ideas the writers have, and will be a more polished game right from the start. Super excited!

4. I'm pretty much a huge dork. I love gaming of all varieties, i currently also GM a Strange Aeons tabletop with my besties, and also co-GM a home brew with my best friend. In my spare time, I computer and board game, and read a lot.

5. Yes I can post multiple times, however I do work nights (7pm-7am CST), which mean I will be most active in the evebing. That said, I check my phone often throughout the day and would have no problem squeezing out some posts in between naps

6. Playing individually.

7, 8. I do not anticipate any absences at this time, my next vacation isn't until December and even then I would still post, albeit at a slightly reduced speed.

I do hope you will consider me! I haven't picked out my character yet obviously but based on the released info to date, it will most likely be a Mystic, Solarion, or Operative.

Little side note: Paizo is filtered at work :( which means I am almost always using my phone to play. Please forgive any typoes, my phone regularly likes humiliate me

Hi!
I would love to be submit my entry into the lottery. To that end, the answers to the question are as follows:

1] Name: Sam

2] I have taken part in a couple of PbP campaigns. One was an old World of Darkness game run on an old Yahoo discussion group. While the other was a PbP run in the Heavy Gear universe via their discussion boards. I am totally new to organised play though.

3] What excites me about playing in this game?
I have always been a fan of the science fantasy genre, and now a game based on a familiar rule set is a great step in the right direction. Having a little less time for face to face games due to a growing family, I am hoping to get my gaming fix partially from a PbP campaign. And finally, it is a chance to jump start my entry into the Starfinder universe and system. What better way to learn than by participating!

4] Myself?
I have been a gamer since forever. My first introduction to gaming was via the old D&D basic box. Yes, I'm unfortunately that old. Since then, my experience in gaming has stretched may settings, genres and systems. Memorable game systems I have spent a fair amount of time gaming include AD&D (stopped about 3.5); FASA Star Trek, GDW Twilight 2000; GDW Traveller 2300AD; Cyberpunk; Shadowrun; The original Deadlands; the first edition of 7th Sea and Pendragon.

My hobbies? As if gaming was not enough, I enjoy reading, dabble in cooking. Currently I'm dabbling with sous vide and adapting the cooking technique to traditional Asian recipes, which tend to be time consuming. About to give home coffee roasting a go :)

Movies, books.

Currently I am trying to involve my kids in gaming, beginning with board games :)

Too many distractions, too little time in a day.

Oh, and did I mention my wife suspects I have a form of focused ADHD? :)

5] Posting frequency.
In my day job, I pretty much have a computer right next to me 90% of the time. At home, while doing paperwork, again I have access to a computer. So, checking posts is not an issue. posting responses, generally will depend on the size of the posts. In the past, I have managed at least a couple, often more posts a day. (in the past, two was considered a slow day)

6] I am submitting as a solo entrant

7] I have no problems having another player bot my character to keep the game momentum flowing. Nothing more irritating than a game slamming to a halt awaiting somebody to post. It is only polite to enable the story to flow on. Just as I would assume that etiquette dictates that whomever bots the character try to stay within the character's basic 'character'

8] No problems keeping the GM and group updated as to my timetable. My staff keep me under control with regards to timetable and trips anyway. So, as they kindly 'remind' me as to where I need to be, I will update the group as to my availability or lack there of over a period of time.

About the only downtime currently in the near future is a week off at the end of July when I am away at a conference. And even then, the biggest down time will be flights.

One slight issue may be time zone though. I am an Australian, so may find my hours the flip side of most of the gamers on here. However on saying that the only time I dont check the net is when I sleep. so that should not be that much of an issue.

1. Player Name:
Eric Collins

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both?
New to PbP w. Paizo (ran a The One Ring campaign for 2 years several years ago)
Been playing PFS for a few years (tabletop)

3. What excites you most about playing in this game?
Very happy to try Starfinder out... as a player
I am going to be running SFS games in France, so probably not playing much

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies?
I am a screenwriter, so my work's my hobby (reading & writing)
Played many games (started w. DnD Basic around 1979 ; then Vampire ; Warhammer ; TOR ; PFS... as main games ; and a bunch of others now and then)

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day?
I can post 2 x day
I live in Paris, France, so would have to see about posting in US time zone

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with?
By myself, alone

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation?
Yes (only if you succeed at all the rolls! xD)

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you?
Yes, I will

Thanks, and good game!

Welcome Lupus and Eric!

Thanks for entering the lottery!

Am I in the lottery too? *puppy dog eyes*

I've been hovering around the fringes of organised play for ages and never really found the time to get my head around it or actually commit. I think the release of Starfinder might be a great catalyst for me to finally do that.

1. Player Name: Jamie T

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both? I'm a very experienced PBP'er. Quite a few long running games as player and GM but I am completely new to organised play.

3. What excites you most about playing in this game?The more I read about Starfinder the more excited I get. The setting seems fantastic and I can't wait to get my teeth into it. Plus some guidance from a very experienced organised GM certainly wouldn't go amiss!

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies? Been playing D&d for about 25 years since I was a kid (I'm 34 now). I've got a couple of very long-running games on these boards and been fortunate enough to play in several more. I am growing a pretty impressive boardgame collection and spend a good deal of time roping people into that, or at the gym or with my dog (although he's recovering from pretty major surgery at the moment - poor guy)

5. Are you able twice a day? Without fail. I post in all my games several times a day. I am in GMT so I know sometimes the time difference can make things a bit wonky.

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? Just me

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation? Definitely. The only thing slower in PBP than combat is when a group is presented with a door and have no SOP for such a thing. So I am always happy to have my actions taken by the GM to keep things moving.

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you? Sure

Am I in the lottery too? *puppy dog eyes*

How can I resist a Mad Poet? Of course you are!

Oh, Jamzilla! We almost played together in Mummy's Mask! In case you don't recognize me, I was/am Harmose. Welcome to my lottery!

Hmm

I'm already in another lottery for this game and will not be playing in two games but since nothing is certain with lotteries, here goes...

Here's my application.

1. Player Name:
Fabian

2. Are you new to PBP, Organized Play, or both?
I am new to organized play. I have been roleplaying for a quite a few years and have been playing online PBP now (PBEM first) since early 2000s. Yes, I've been around the block a few times. :)

3. What excites you most about playing in this game?
I want to try out the new rules and new setting for Starfinder. I'll be GMing my own Starfinder game in the near future and am looking for a chance to also play.

4. Tell me a little about yourself! What other games have you played? What are your hobbies?
I like to take long walks on the beach. Just kidding. :)
Seriously now, I like reading and RPGs in general. I am currently playing in seven other PBPs and am GMing two of my own. I work as a civil engineer and am 'normally' in front of a computer during work.

5. Are you able to post 2 times a day?
Yes, please check my posting history in other games. If I don't post more than once per day, it's because other players and/or GM hasn't posted. My posts also tend to either move the game forward and/or involve other PCs to promote roleplaying.

6. Are you submitting individually or as a pair? If as a pair, who are you paired with?
Individual.

7. I like to keep a game moving. Do you give permission for the party to 'bot' your character as needed in combat or another situation?
Please do. Keeping momentum will be one of your most important duties as a PBP GM and will literally make or break your game.

8. Do you promise to tell me about upcoming vacations, busy times at work, conventions or other absences so we can bot you?
Of course. I'll even tell you if I have a 'field day' at work, meaning I won't be able to post later in evening/night.

Thanks for hosting.

Game on!

The Mad Poet wrote:

Am I in the lottery too? *puppy dog eyes*

How can I resist a Mad Poet? Of course you are!

Oh, Jamzilla! We almost played together in Mummy's Mask! In case you don't recognize me, I was/am Harmose. Welcome to my lottery!

Hmm

Ah, awesome! Shame I couldn't stick around for that game, I was enjoying the character interaction.

Any hint as to when the first stone might be thrown?

I'm going to respectfully bow out of this lottery. There will be too much to read, both setting and rules, for me to be able to start playing right away.

Have fun!

I'm going to respectfully bow out of this lottery. There will be too much to read, both setting and rules, for me to be able to start playing right away.

Have fun!

Fabian, don't worry about that. Starfinder is very intuitive, and these first adventures are pretty good about introducing the setting. I can't think of a better way to introduce the system.

Everyone else, I am closing my lottery at midnight tonight and then actually doing the lottery rolls.

Expect an announcment of who's in by tomorrow!

Hmm

Okay, so let's count who here is new and still in this lottery:

1. Gary Pepper
2. FloMo
3. AndyMan
4. Lupus
5. Eric Collins
6. Jamzilla

New Folks: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Eric Collins and Jamzilla!

Now, for the General Slot:

1. Gary Pepper
2. FloMo
3. AndyMan
4. Lupus
5. Uktar
6. Mo Fiddy
7. Choon
8, Mister Z

General: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Lupus!

Guys, can the three of you check into discussion, please? Thank you!

Everyone else, if there is a no show I will roll again amongst the remaining entrants.

Thanks so much for participating! Sorry that I could not select you all.
Hmm

Thank you HMM for the chance to play at your table. I wish everyone good luck in there adventure in the stars.

HMM would you be kind to confirm for me that claim to Salvation is not replayable.

Claim to Salvation is fourth level. It is not replayable!

Hmm

Claim to Salvation is fourth level. It is not replayable!

Hmm

Thank you HMM

Figured as much ;)

So... Lupus did not show.

1d8 ⇒ 4 Lupus again, let's reroll
1d8 ⇒ 2 Flo Mo -- EDIT: Oh he's in another Claim to Salvation game
1d8 ⇒ 4 The dice LOVE Lupus
1d8 ⇒ 1

Gary Pepper -- I'll go see if he still wants to play.

So... Lupus did not show.

1d8 Lupus again, let's reroll
1d8 Flo Mo -- EDIT: Oh he's in another Claim to Salvation game

I managed to get a spot at another table, after the first dice rolls :).

Happy Gaming all :)!

Thank you HMM for a chance to play. I look forward to be playing at your table.