[SFS 1-01] GM Cellion's The Commencement (Inactive)

Game Master Cellion

Mustachio laughs. "Ah, Laboni is pretty worthless, isn't she? But she just got a brand new pit crew, and we know what we are doing. I think. We are going to soup up the speed, weapons, and controls, and could turn Laboni from worthless to a decent competitor. Say, lashunta to lashunta... Interested in a little friendly alliance? How about we don't shoot at each other or get in each other's way until everyone else is taken out? And let's especially target that rat prick. After all, you could easy beat Laboni once the others are out of the way, and we most especially don't want Ratrod to win!"

Diplomacy with expertise: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 7 + (5) = 23

Storyn looks through the scrap heap to see about adding an additional projectile weapon to the craft, and will see what she can learn about Nyizin.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13 To Add a gun
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11 On Nyizin

See! Vesk are terrible at races!

I think it is the soldier class who is terrible!

The soldier class is good at one thing, and skills aren't it!

Breq walks back to the car, unhappy that she lost a potential customer. However, she did learn some useful information. "Ratrod seems to be quite the threat. I am going to see if I can change that... " She grabs a wrench and walks away.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Breq approaches Ratrod's racer from the opposite side this time. If the crew doesn't see her, she kneels beside the racer and loosens a critical bolt holding the engine to the chassis. SABATOGE!!!

Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Mustachio wanders over to Velocity's pit area. This is an android, like Breq. Maybe if I talk to him like I would talk to Breq. I wonder if he likes Strawberry Machine Cake... wait- no! That was a one time thing. I don't think Breq likes them much either. Maybe I should introduce myself as the Green Sniper... no... Not that either. Breq has totally missed the boat on that one and I don't think most people actually have much respect for the Green Sniper. Maybe... I should just talk very logically. Breq likes logic. Yeah, that's the ticket.

Mustachio finds Velocity working on his vehicle. In a monotone voice, he says, "Greetings fellow sentient being. I have determined that the odds of success in winning this race will increase if the two of us form a partnership. Neither shall fire upon or hinder the other until all other competitors are out of the race or far behind. Therefore we will surely make it to the final two and can then feel free to compete directly with each other for the top prize. Do you also feel that such an alliance would be for our mutual benefit?"

Diplomacy with expertise: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 7 + (1) = 27

@Compucast: Compucast wires in the new chip with the ease of someone who has worked on vehicles all their life. A quick check of the racer after the upgrade shows marked improvements in the tightness of its handling. Your scout on Nyizin's vehicle last round was unsuccessful, but you have an open scouting attempt for this round too!

@Mustachio: Orsis looks a bit disappointed when you turn the conversation away from him and his ostentatious vehicle. Upon mention of an alliance he flips his hair and says "Absolutely not. I plan to have a fair race, not some farce where we team up against our host. It would be both impolite and very unpopular among the fans." He puts a hand on your shoulder "Tell you what, you seem to be a good sort. In interest of making this competition a little more interesting, I'll give you some pointers on piloting you can pass on to Laboni. From the look of her, she needs them." After explaining some tips about handling vehicles on the unique track Ratrod has set up, Orsis shoos you out to 'help that girl not embarrass herself'. Orsis' tips give whoever is piloting a +2 insight bonus on piloting checks!

@Mustachio Round 2: Velocity sends their pit crew away and listens to Mustachio's suggestion with interest. "Hm. I would be interested, on one condition. I've always wanted to go extremely fast out there, but I don't have a knack for engines, so I end up having to shoot everyone else and crawl to the finish line. Not a single first or second place finish yet." They approximate a distraught expression "If one of your crew can make my racer faster, I'll keep from targeting your boss and let her do her thing." Anyone on your team can dedicate an improvement action to fulfill this request.

@Storyn: Sadly, the difficulties with finding parts and deducing information about the competition continue again this hour.

@Breq: You approach Ratrod's workshop stealthily, slip past the members of his pit crew lounging about outside, lift a panel to enter through the back of the building, and find the ysoki's racer. As you start loosening the bolt you hear a sharp sniff from behind you. "And here I thought Laboni was going to show off her skill at engineering, not her crew's skills at skulduggery. Hmph." A ysoki stands behind you, a look of disgust across his face. "I expected better. Now, I'm willing to let you off with a warning this time. But if I see you or anyone else from Laboni's team sneaking around trying to mess with other people's masterpieces, that girl is DISQUALIFIED. Got it!?" Ratrod's pit crew throw you out with looks of disdain.

Compucast continues to chat with Nyizin, trying to get an assessment of the vehicle.
scout-mechanics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Hesperrio looks for more ways to improve Laboni's speed. He also tries to get a look at Ratrod's vehicle.

Physical Science: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Speed
Engineering: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14 Ratrod's Vehicle

It appears that news of Breq's attempt to 'investigate' Ratrod's racer has spread like wildfire. The other contestants keep their racers well guarded and don't allow Compucast and Hesperrio close enough to get a good look at them.

Hesperrio does manage to improve the aerodynamics of Laboni's racer!

|||||ROUND 3|||||
Compucast
Hesperrio
Mustachio
Storyn
Breq
Rynner

Having failed to find another projectile weapon, Storyn looks through the scrap heap to see about adding an additional energy weapon to the craft, and will continue to observe Nyizin.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14 To Add a gun
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7 On Nyizin

0/6!!!

Mustachio reports back to the group. "Could someone improve Velocity's racer? If so, they will enter into an alliance with us. Apparently his name is all for show."

Mustachio then heads off to the blue tattooed gnome, and gives the same offer to her that the previous other two had heard-- no shooting or obstructing until everyone else is out of the race.

Diplomacy with expertise: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (2) = 11

”Well, I certainly can’t improve a damn thing!”

"I'll see if there is anything I can do for her" says Compucast.

"It will give me a chance to look for some other bits and pieces that could really help."

improve Velocity's car: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Breq, accompanied by Ratrod's thug, returns to the garage. "Well, I got into a little trouble. But, I have an idea... "

Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Unfortunately, her idea for the targeting array just wasn't up to snuff. Was that Ratrod's scope, or his muffler?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Since being alone hasn't worked out so well, the android follows Mustachio to the gnome pilot's bay. Perhaps I can scout out her capabilities...

@Storyn: Storyn strikes out yet again in her search for relevant components and useful info. The mountains of junk swim in her eyes, every pile looking as irritatingly useless as another.

@Mustachio: Lemgem is hard at work on her racer when you arrive, stapling some fluorescent cabling to the side of the cabin with an industrial power-stapler. She raises her face mask and grins madly at you. "AHA! Come to see some AMAZING ideas in action little guy? This here is a Lemgem special!" She pats the racer enthusiastically.
The racer itself is an unholy abomination of unusual, disparate parts, stapled and duct taped together in what seems to be purely chaotic fashion. Despite the madness, when Lemgem turns the ignition the machine springs to life with a reliable sounding purr. When you mention an alliance, she raises an fluorescent, onyx studded eyebrow and says "Laboni getting desperate? Can't blame her! But I still want to trash her, so no alliances!"

@Compucast: Compucast tunes up Velocity's vehicle, after which the android gets in and takes it for a quick test drive. When they come back, their face is locked in an expression of flushed excitement. "YES. YES. YES. THIS IS WHAT I WANTED. I FEEL THE POWER. THE SPEED!" The android takes a moment to center themselves. "You and the human member of your crew have my sincere thanks. I will uphold my end of the deal. Consider your boss' opponents already eliminated." You can still scout this round if you'd like!

@Breq: Indeed, no luck on improving the targeting array. But while Mustachio chats with Lemgem, you size her up. The highly pierced, tattooed and augmented gnome seems very eccentric. From reading the way she handles her vehicle, you suspect she's a mediocre pilot and gunner, but that she may be prone to unconventional tactics on the racing circuit. Her speed is likely to fluctuate erratically as she attempts stunts or exotic maneuvers. Lemgem also appears to be more interested in making a crazy spectacle than winning the race outright, though Mustachio's poor diplomatic execution has failed to convince her that aiding Laboni would make for a better show.

Compucast will take the time to scout out Ratrod's car as he saunters past. At the very least he hopes his presence will worry the Yoski.

mechanics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
The dice are running hot for me tonight!

"Wow, are they genuine Volu-Pymer tyres you have on? Awesome! No wonder you do so well. Who would have thought someone would dump something so fantastic. I'll have to see if I can rustle up a set of those as well."

Hesperrio goes out in search of plating to improve the kinetic armor of the racer. He also stops to talk with Orsis.

Physical Science: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 KAC
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15 Scout Orsis

For Storyn’s next trick, she will attempt to improve the speed of our racer, as well as see if he can flag the attention of the alcoholic beverage salesman!

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1 to improve speed
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13 on the beer salesman

0/8!!! Is that a new record?

@Compucast: Compucast's stops by to investigate Ratrod's vehicle just as the ysoki is transferring it to a holding area near the track. His compliment leaves the ysoki preening and saying "Good eye! I expect they're the only ones in this whole junkyard! Glad someone appreciates good craftsmanship.". While you're there you notice that Ratrod's racer looks fast, maybe about as fast as Laboni's. It has decent armor plating and a single weapon: a low powered artillery laser.

@Hesperrio: Hesperrio bolts on some additional ablative armor plating to the rig. Once he's done, he takes a stroll around in search of Orsis. The lashunta is found in a group of admiring fans, where he is bragging about his recent conquests and accomplishments (most of them having nothing to do with racing). Listening in to the conversation, he does pick up on some useful information. It seems that Orsis is good pilot and gunner, but maybe not quite as good as Ratrod. Additionally, it's easy to tell that the fellow is extremely vain. In an effort to protect his good looks, he upgrades every racer he's ever used with plenty of additional safeguards and armor. Sounds like the current one is no exception.

@Storyn (round 4): Finally giving up on your attempt to locate anything of use in this hellish wasteland of junk, you flag down a beverage salesman. The slightly gaunt human man says "Looking for a drink before the race... lady?" his tone suggesting that he's doing his best to guess your gender. "You're with one of the pit crew, right? Here, its on me. What'll ya have?" He passes over your beverage of choice. "If your team wins out there, you give a plug for 'Ol Crim's Spirits, OK? I'll treat the lot of ya if you do." Your keen eye reveals that he's worried about the competition this evening from other beverage salesmen working the stands.

Breq returns to the car and shrugs. "Don't shoot the gnome. She's weird, but not a threat. Now let's see what I can do about that targeting sensor. "

Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

" There we go! That should help you hit the other racers better! Now, let's see what that Nyizen is up too. "

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

The android heads over to Nyizen's bay to check out his car.

Gack, I'm failing the group with these alliance attempts. These racers are far more independent minded than I gave them credit for. Perhaps it is time for a new strategy?

Mustachio walks over to look at Ratrod's racer. As Compucast reported, it has a long artillery laser gun attached to it.

"You know, Rat, what they say about long guns. Ah, well... you know, perhaps that you are over compensating?"

Mustachio pauses for a brief second. Hmmm... I really want to make sure this guy gets the point. Better spell it out.

"I mean... Your racer, your BIG gun, the whole race and whole competition that you run here? Tell me, is it all simply because you have a very tiny rat penis and just aren't happy with yourself? After all, you are called Ratrod. Is your rod the size of a rat's? Oh wait a second, I just noticed the size of your tyres! Let's talk about those for a second..."

There is nothing subtle about Mustachio. Trash talking... diplomacy or intimidate? I will roll both and you can choose which it should be.

Diplomacy with expertise: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 7 + (6) = 28

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Storyn accepts the beverage and promises to make the obligatory recommendation should they win.

Hesperrio looks once more for a way to enhance Laboni's speed even more.

Physical Science: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Forgo scouting

For later: +5 Piloting, +3 ranged attack

I am +4 on ranged attack. Unfortunately, we have only one weapon, so only our best gunner should shoot probably.

I have a +6 to piloting. But isn't Laboni driving?

I have a +6 to piloting. But isn't Laboni driving?

You'll see.

Piloting only +4, gunnery +1, I'll be no use in the actual race apart from cheer leading.

I haven't played this part before but...

Piloting +5, +4 to hit.

@Breq: You persist in your efforts to upgrade the racer's targeting and are finally successful! You find Nyizin already at the starting line with her racer, sitting crosslegged on top of it and meditating. As you approach, the scarred ryphorian opens her eyes slightly and watches you like a hawk watching a field mouse. She finally says "You bring honor to your Society by coming to the aid of an ally in such dire need. I have seen you and your team scurrying to and fro in search of components. It is an admirable effort." She hops off the roof of her racer and slips inside it. With one last glance and a "May the one with the greatest need win." she seals the door. In the few glimpses you got of her inside the racer, you saw that she held the weapons systems with great familiarity and the navigation ones less so. Though she attempted to hide it, you could also tell that she's being driven by some kind of passionate desperation. You think she may drive very recklessly out on the track.

@Mustachio: Your taunting initially seems to fall on deaf ears, with Ratrod ignoring you as he does his final pre-race prep. As you persist though, his face grows more and more red until he snaps "You're going to get OUT of my sight or I'll have you THROWN out of it. You hear me? Send a message back to your brat Laboni that she and her obnoxious team are going to pay dearly for their insults. That wreck of a racer is going to be a charred heap when I'm done with it, YOU HEAR ME!" He tosses a power-spanner at you that gets caught by one of his pit crew. In interest of not having a fight break out before the race, they separate the two of you. (Ratrod looks pretty ticked off!)

@Hesperrio: You put the finishing touches on the engine, tuning it for even greater speed.

|||||FINAL ROUND|||||
Compucast
Hesperrio (Improved Speed!)
Mustachio (Taunted Ratrod)
Storyn (Hit up the beverage salesman)
Breq (Improved Targeting, Scouted Nyizin)
Rynner (N/A)

Mustachio reports back to the group. "Whelp, that was pretty fun. "

Since we only have Compucast's last action, I'll add this as well:

In the last half hour before race time, Laboni gathers you all up for a meeting. She circles the racer, oohing and aahing at each of the changes you made, eyes shining with excitement at some of the more creative solutions. "This is amazing! I was a little distracted earlier, but now that I'm seeing some of the additions you made... I can't believe how much faster my little racer is running! The extra armor and the tweaks to the steering and targeting, maybe I could have done one or two, but never all of them together in such a short amount of time!" She pumps her fist "I think this racer can do it! Really, you guys did an amazing job. The only thing it's missing is a name. Since you guys did so much work, I think its only fair that you all name it!"

While you guys discuss the name, Laboni begins to pace, her enthusiasm wilting. Eventually she nervously says "There's just one tiny problem..." She glances at the corners of the room to avoid meeting your gazes "You see, um, I'm a mechanic at heart. Not really a driver, and I've never fired a weapon in my life. So." She gives a sheepish sidelong glance at you all. "I spent the last couple of hours putting together a remote control system for the racer. One that'll connect the racer's systems to the computers here in the pit. Umm... I'm hoping the five of you will be able to help drive the racer and fire its gun while I'm inside." She looks at you all hopefully.

"I'll still be out there, risking my life. Just with a little help. Please! I'm counting on you!"

Indeed the out of character comments were spot on. You guys will be controlling the racer remotely! I'll be going into the rules for the race itself in my next post, but you can switch driver and gunner roles around each round, or stick with whoever you want. Up to you all! Driving is of course a piloting roll. Gunning is a ranged attack roll.

Compucast, having already talked with Ratrod, goes in search of the improved tyres that the rat was using. "There must be some others around here somewhere" he mutters.

engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

His eyes boggle "Oh my. These are even better! Volu-Pymer mark II!"

He hefts the high tech tyres, two to each arm and heads back to the pit, beaming.

"You'll never guess what I found. These are even better than the rats."

Improve speed again. She is going to be smokin!

"How about... Laboni's Folly?"

Breq smirks. "Or perhaps... Good Thing Laboni Has Friends... Well, I suppose we might not be able to fit that on the side. I second Mustachio's suggestion. "

She looks at Laboni. "Of course, the rules of this race are not legally binding. But... won't Ratrod rip out your spinal cord and flat off your skin if he catches you cheating? " She shrugs, as if this option is unfortunate, but worth the risk.

"And Raz will do it if you don't win. But I don't recall anything in the rules about the driver having to be inside the vehicle, just that the vehicle had to carry a person."

"It may surprise you all to know, since I rarely mention it, that I have starred in several high value production films, including "The Adventures of Captain Flash and his Drunken Bros" where I played Starfighter Pilot #6. As prep for that role, I took a few flying and driving classes, and it turns out I am bit of a natural, in fact. I would be more than willing to stretch the old Starfighter Pilot #6 muscles."

Laboni seems pleased that you're going along with the remote control plan until Mustachio mentions the name and Breq gets on board "L-L-Laboni's Folly!? Jeez guys, I'm going to look like an idiot out there with that as my racer name. I mean... if you insist. But wow, I can imagine the jokes already if I lose."

When Breq and Compucast start to provide graphic details Laboni turns pale and stammers "W-well we just have to make sure no one finds out and we win, right? And Ratrod's mean, but he wouldn't do that, right? Radaszam too. I hope?" Your reverse-pep-talk seems to be making her more and more anxious.

I'll put up a post starting the race later today. In the mean time, here are the final stats for the racer and an explanation of how the race works. Feel free to make any last minute preparations or RP in the mean time.

"We could call it 'Gittlehaf,'" Hesperrio suggests to Breq. "That would fit."

Hesperrio shakes his head. "As much as I'd like to drive the controls, I think Marino's racing experience will help us more."

I'm fine sitting out of the dice roll part of it. It's my one criticism of this scenario--even worse at a live table.

I'm currently playing in a 1-01 where we installed FOUR weapons for the racer. That way everyone gets a chance to roll! But otherwise yeah, the race portion usually leaving some people out of participating is a frustrating blemish on the scenario.

Any rolling to aid allowed? Hesperrio the backseat driver, giving advice?

Mustachio has +6 piloting, that's our best right? Who is shooting? My rolls have sucked lately, so someone else is welcome to it!

You and Breq are tied at +4. Maybe you take turns? Who knows, maybe it is time for the pacifist Storyn to have a lucky streak.

Storyn, you should take it! Soldiers gotta shoot stuff! Besides, Breq wouldn't jump at the opportunity.

Laboni's pale faced nervousness barely starts to abate before a blaring announcement pours out of speakers around the pit crew area "Race starts in 10! Anyone not out on the field, at the starting line, and ready to go is disqualified. That means you Laboni!" Ratrod's static-filled voice is teeming with irritation. It seems Mustachio's earlier comments are still working their magic.

-----------

Before long the lot of you are in the track-side pit, looking out at the arrayed racers (including Laboni and Laboni's Folly). Lemgem waves enthusiastically to the crowd, leaps in the air while screaming and clapping, and eventually gets in her vehicle: the seemingly slapped together mess Mustachio viewed earlier. Nyizin stalks over to her bulky looking, bone and rune-covered racer and glares daggers at the crowd before letting out a fierce battle cry! Orsis wraps up a meet and greet at track side and glides elegantly towards his massive sphere of a racer. Velocity gives your group a stealthy nod, raises a hand to greet the crowd's cheers, and enters their own sleek looking racer. Laboni manages to stay admirably straight as a chorus of boos from the stands greets her. She gives a short wave towards the stands, glances wide-eyed at your group, and clambers into her racer.

With everyone other than Ratrod ready to go, the crowd begins to chant for the host and champion to show himself. "RAT-ROD, RAT-ROD, RAT-ROD!" The chorus is deafening! In answer to their call, a red suited ysoki strides out, accompanied by a color coded pyrotechnic display. Ratrod waves and bows to the crowd and strides across the track to get into his hi-tech junkracer. From this distance he looks perfectly composed. The cheers rise to a crescendo and then settle into anticipation.

From the open air announcer's booth, a turquoise haired human girl leans over the railing with a microphone and begins to call out a welcome...

"Hellooooo Absalom Station! Coming to you from Ratrod's famous racing circuit here in Botscrap, it's your favorite junkrace host, LYNN!" Her voice giggles out through the speakers and into the infosphere. "Thanks for inviting me back here to host again Ratrod! And wow we do have an amazing race here for you today boys, girls and hosts!" Her voice resonates with bubbly enthusiasm.

"We have SIX brave racers and their zetta cool rides here today. First, our generous host Ratrod~ This ysoki's a master of magic and tech, a demon behind the wheel, and knows the circuit like its the back of his hand! Heck, he invented this race! Can anyone even hope to beat the master at his own game? Lets find out!"

Lynn takes a deep breath and continues in a rush.

"First off, the gnome who never learned the meaning of too much, LEMGEM! With every upgrade this side of Bretheda, will this gnome and her racer blaze a trail of glory all the way to the finish line, or will she go up in explosions at the starting line? Keep in mind her track record's a little spotty folks!" She softens the harsh words with a laugh and a "You can do it this time! I believe in you!"

"Next, the ryphorian who's all business, and her business is Going Really Fast, its NYIZIN! That sleek fur is gonna have zero drag today, and that racer! It looks like another Nyizin special! Will we see the magical energies of Triaxus at work this evening? I know I want to find out!"

"Lets not forget the lashunta with... OH that IS a lot of fans in the stands! Yes, its your favorite, ORSIS!" Lynn pauses a moment to let the crowd get some cheers out of their systems "Well if his racer could run using the love of his fans, he'd have this one down before they even left the starting line. Let see if that big ball of a junkracer can take him to victory."

"Always a crowdpleaser, its VELOCITY! This sleek android keeps their opponents in their sights and KAZOW!- takes them to pain town!" She giggles at the lame joke "That's right, Velocity is packing guns and a deadly aim, lets just hope they found a way to supercharge that engine this time!"

"And finally, the newbie on the circuit, representing the beaten but not broken Starfinder Society, its LABONI! She may be new, but she's got a lot of guts. And her racer, LABONI'S FOLLY..." Lynn pauses to let the name sink in "Really, you called it Laboni's Folly? Gosh, you've got to believe in yourself to win newbie! Anything can happen out there, and you have to keep your head focused! Right Ratrod?"

Lynn finishes with a flourish "Good luck racers! Race fair and make your fans proud! Hope no-one explodes out there!"

And with the conclusion of that announcement, the countdown starts ticking down. 3, 2, 1... And the racers leap into action!

||||Round 0||||
Lemgem 0/3000 ft
Nyizin 0/3000 ft
Orsis 0/3000 ft
Velocity 0/3000 ft
Laboni 0/3000 ft
Ratrod 0/3000 ft

Please give me your piloting and attack rolls for round 1! Keep in mind your own ranged attack modifier and don't forget to include the bonus/penalty from Laboni's racer, shown below.

"YEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHAAAAAAAHHHHHH! " screams Mustachio, as he slams the controls forward.

Don't forget to leave Velocity alone on the shooting

Piloting Laboni's Folly: 1d20 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 5 = 12

Uh oh... Too much enthusiasm there, Starfighter #6.

Compucast leans over the console.

"I think that button there is the ignition."
pilot(aid): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

I forgot to answer the question earlier, but unfortunately there's no aid another on this particular piloting roll. Much like backseat drivers are rarely helpful :>

That isn't going to stop him pointing out the actors errors!