The Tion Cluster Gambit (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Harry

Confrontation with the CSA

Stand Against the Swoop Gang

CSA Administrative Building

Overview CSA Compound

Popara the Hutt has navigated safe passage through the Indexu Spiral a mass of protomatter, cometary debris, and asteroid fields that snake through the Tion Cluster.

Popara is willing to sell this information in exchange for a “favor”.

Roan Fel

Darth Wyyrlock

Jedi Master Wolf Sazen

Imperial Initiative:

Garrett [dice]1d20+14[/dice]
Errin [dice]1d20+12[/dice]
Gunnar [dice]1d20+11[/dice]
Kaldo [dice]1d20+12[/dice]
Rennah [dice]1d20+12[/dice]

Imperial Perception:

Garrett [dice]1d20+11[/dice]
Errin [dice]1d20+12[/dice]
Gunnar [dice]1d20+13[/dice]
Kaldo [dice]1d20+12[/dice]
Rennah [dice]1d20+9[/dice]

Sith Initiative:

Cardis [dice]1d20+11[/dice]
Noss [dice]1d20+13[/dice]
Taras [dice]1d20+13[/dice]

Sith Perception:

Cardis [dice]1d20+9[/dice]
Noss [dice]1d20+12[/dice]
Taras [dice]1d20+12[/dice]


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Shadow's Status

Droxu – The Cignet System - The Fate's Emissary

During the trip, Mika sings your praises and ensures you that he will tell his father about the aid you have given to him. He is especially interested in Rennah and Gunnar as Force wielding beings and asks general questions about the nature of the Force and your philosophy behind its use. He even goes as far as to make a credit offer for either of your lightsabers and is in no way belligerent at your flat out refusal to sell. At no time does he ever switch to Huttese in your conversations with him.

After several days in hyper-space, the predetermined rendezvous coordinates in the navigation computer brings the Imperials, along with Gunnar, to into the orbit of Droxu, a ringed moon in the Cignet system, not far from Hutt space in the outer rim. As Droxu comes into orbit, Mika smiles broadly, ”There’s a refitted space station orbiting the dark side of the moon. Popara should be waiting for us there”.

I’ll give you all an opportunity to RP between yourselves or with Mika before I move us forward to the meeting with your employer.

Scarab Sages

Male Human Paladin 2(Knight of Coins), F +6 R +4 W+6 Max Hp 18 AC 15, touch 11, FF 14

Mika, the force is the thing that binds us all and is in everything around us. We do not ask the rock nor the tree how to live because they do not answer in ways we might understand, but in the force they do answer and they say "proceed to live, proceed to do so." In this answer there is a balance and a way which we if we listen may answer in return. Therefore in a way the force is as a conversation between us. I am then not so much as you say a user of the force, more I am in a greater conversation with all that is around me.


Female Togruta Soldier 3 / Jedi 4 / Imperial Knight 2 - Hit Points: 103 (103)

Rennah cannot help but scoff when she hears the explanation given by Gunnar.
"Well, that is certainly an interesting interpretation. Make no mistake, the Force is a tool and just like every other tool, it is best used with control, restraint and precision. There is no mystical conversation between me and the flower, what there is, is a heightened sensitivity and ability to observe on my part. The Jedi say that the Force guides them, I say that it gives me advice. I choose to act upon the advice or not. To do, or do not. Trying has no place, and the Force rewards action over inaction."

Rennah takes a deep breath and then continues.
"The Force can be a harsh mistress and adviser though. Opening yourself to the Force when you're not in control of your emotions is a dangerous path, and one that the Sith, in their ignorance, embrace. They say it is more powerful. I say, they are wrong. Their power burns like a bright light, it is true. But it burns bright because it is easy for them to connect to it, not because it is more powerful. And like all bright lights, it burns out faster. There IS such a time where opening yourself to your emotions is a good thing. Love and passion are thing that most sentients would agree are good things, but both the Sith and the Jedi deny them. The Sith turn to anger and hate, the Jedi to abstinence and serenity."

Rennah seems to be talking more to herself as this point than anyone in particular.
"But why would any sentient being deny themselves positive emotions? Sure, they can be turned against me, but that is where my restraint comes in. Every tool is dangerous in the right or wrong hands. And this tool is costly to those who misuse it."

As Rennah refocuses on Mika once more, she looks at him, her head askew.
"Mika, I cannot help but notice that you do not appear to act like other Hutts, if you'll pardon me. You're articulate as all Hutts, but you do not choose to speak only in Huttese. May I ask why that is?"


Female Echani (Near-Human) Soldier 4/Scout 3/Bounty Hunter 1/Gunslinger 1

Errin kept quiet as Rennah and the (former?) Jedi, Gunnar, debated the nature of the Force. The Hutt hadn't pegged her as a Force user, which was just as well. Errin still wasn't sure if her awareness was a tool to be harnessed, or a curse that might one day be lifted.

The Force is fear, one way or the other, she thought to herself, shuddering as it brought back memories of being chased through the derelict ship, her sisters falling until she alone was left.

Haunted by voices, overwhelming anger and fear, she'd sought out the Imperial Knights, hoping to find some solution. She'd learned to keep it in check, if nothing else, and taken the first steps toward honing it into a weapon she could use.

She'd learned to control and shape her fear before, as a young hunter. Used it to stay aware, always aware, and to run faster and farther. The Force would be the same.

It's just fear on a larger scale. Fear that connects us, she thought, before returning to the maintenance tasks with which she busied herself during the journey meet Popara.


Garrett sits in the corner performing maintenance on both himself and his equipment. "You ask me, it's a crutch. It solves your problems for you instead of fixing them yourself. I mean, look at me." He gives a smug grin as he looks up from his rifle, which is currently in pieces on the floor. "I'm completely divorced from it. It does nothing for me, and I'm quite happy with that. What I do, I do under my own power. It's easy to solve your problems with your mystic bullsh*t than it is to figure out how to solve it for yourself. What happens when you hit an obstacle The Force won't save you from? Like a droid assassin, for example." He doesn't look up from his work this time, but it's clear he's talking about himself. "You can't sense me. I'm a kilometer away with crosshairs trained on your skull. With The Force, you never have to choose whether to adapt or die. Once you have to, well... I think you get the point."

Garrett just gives a drawn out sigh as he pieces his rifle back together. "Of course, what do I know? I'm just a droid. An impatient droid, at that. How long until we're ready to dock?"

Scarab Sages

Male Human Paladin 2(Knight of Coins), F +6 R +4 W+6 Max Hp 18 AC 15, touch 11, FF 14

its not wrong to feel, its wrong to give in to those feelings and let them dominate your fate. Being moderate and temperate and walking a path of enlightenment toward a goal of understanding is hardly the path of a fool. The force is not the tool, we are the tool. A tool that with choices of use. The force simply is. Each step I take is an effort then to join what is.


Shadow's Status

Droxu – The Cignet System - The Fate's Emissary

Mika absorbs all you tell him of the Force with rapt attention.

After those who wished to speak finish Mika addresses Rennah's question, "It is partially due to the influence of my Father. A notorious cutthroat business Hutt and ruthless when crossed but he honors bargains and treats most creatures, the ones who show aptitude at any rate, with respect.

I have taken his philosophy a step further and engage with all beings in the language which suits them best to put them at ease. This makes negotiations much more fruitful. Vis a vis other Hutts I always appear to be the most reasonable and understanding even when I am not. A lesson I learned from humans. While we Hutts may be the most evolved of all creatures from a mental capacity, humans are clearly the dominant species of the galaxy. I believe that is due to their social prowess. As I wish to increase my own power should I not learn from one of the species that has already acquired so very much of it?"

Kaldo patches back from the cockpit, "We have been given clearance to land. Be ready".

As the ship glides in to dock the landing is as smooth as can be. The hatch is lowered and awaiting your group is a force of Nikto dressed in heavy suits with rebreathers. They hold up their hands signaling you to await within the ship to disembark. A green colored protocol droid is with them, "Greetings Master Mika! Your father, his esteemed majesty, is overjoyed at your safe return. And greetings to you heroes, before any of you can see Mighty Popara, you must go through the decontamination process. I am H3PO, Hutt cyborg relations".

The decontamination process takes nearly an hour, you are all forced to change clothes and be sprayed down by a substance that H3PO claims will ensure you are not carrying any of the virus but at the same time will not be harmful to you. The ship is also cleaned and decontaminated and finally you are all allowed to disembark.

On the far side of the landing platform is Popara's space yacht. As you observe the platform, you see that heavy duty deflector shield generators have been installed here. This place could withstand a siege to be sure.

As you approach, the Hutt known as Vago approaches and speaks in Huttese, which H3PO translates. "Mika, what a pleasant surprise. Thank you brave heroes for rescuing him. N doubt later we can meet once more where I shall deliver unto you, your just rewards". Vago then shuffles out of the way.

Remember, Vago was the one that hired you to perform a different task...

Mika shuffles past Vago giving a greeting in Huttese but does not slow down much as he makes his way onto the Yacht. H3PO accompanies you onto the Yacht.

This large damp, dimly lit chamber smells vaguely of mold and spoiled meat. The richly furnished room sports three deep alcoves. One alcove is directly ahead, and the two others to both sides of the first. Each alcove has a wide raised dais in it.

Only the center alcove is presently occupied by an enormous Hutt with gray patches along his head and body. He has wide alert eyes and he observes your approach with interest. The platform is festooned with rich tapestries and silk pillows. Three dark blue Twi'lek females dressed in stylish robes stand nearby, running soft sponges over the Hutt's wrinkled hide. Two Nikto guards flank the alcove.

You assume this to be Popara who lets out a hoot of joy when he sees Mika enter the room. Mika smiles a wide devoted grin and he approaches his father.

Father and son engage in Huttese exchanging pleasantries and thereafter, Mika assume a place in one of the two unoccupied dais'.

Popara speaks to you all in Huttese which H3PO translates, "You are not the group of mercenaries that I hired to rescue my son. Tell me who you are and give me an accounting of what transpired".


Male Duros Lvl 8 Scout / Lvl 1 Ace Pilot | Moved -1 on condition track (-1 to defense, attacks, skill, and ability checks) |

We are..uhh... Kaldo turns back to the group, and whispers Fake names...or, do we reveal our identities


"I'll take care of it." Garrett steps up, bowing his head slightly out of respect to the Hutt. The last thing they need is to piss him off after they just got into his good graces.

"You're correct, we aren't the mercenaries you hired. We were hired by Vago, actually. We were intended to smuggle a shipment of medical spice onto the planet for sale on the black market—as much of one as there still is, anyway—but before we landed on the planet, Vago learned of Mika's disappearance. Since we were already on our way, we received additional instructions to aid the mercenaries you hired to find Mika if we were able. I never saw anything of those you hired, but when we found Mika he was soon after under fire by a swoop gang. With the help of his guards, we drove the assailants off and escorted them here on our ship." Garrett spins the lie with ease, the words rolling off his tongue. When he's done, he moves to step back before bowing his head again.

"My apologies, I forgot my introductions. My name is Dengar."

Deception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

Had to go back and check our original fake name.


Female Togruta Soldier 3 / Jedi 4 / Imperial Knight 2 - Hit Points: 103 (103)

Rennah only barely holds back a snort and thinks to herself "Well that should be interesting. Let's hope Vago is willing to wait until we've got a chance to recover HIS crate from the Emissary.

She then centers herself and reaches out with the Force, trying to see if the Force User they sensed is still present. (I seem to recall there being someone who could use the Force here, when we visited Vago. Not sure about that though.)

Use the Force: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Rubbish roll, but oh well. :)


Male Duros Lvl 8 Scout / Lvl 1 Ace Pilot | Moved -1 on condition track (-1 to defense, attacks, skill, and ability checks) |

Kaldo tries to fade into the background, and simply let the others sort it out.


Female Echani (Near-Human) Soldier 4/Scout 3/Bounty Hunter 1/Gunslinger 1

Errin raises an eyebrow when Garrett rolls out his "Dengar" alias again.

Let's hope this Hutt isn't old enough to have known the real Dengar. Based on the stories, Garrett doesn't smell bad enough to pull that off.

Keeping her mouth shut, she tries to look imposing while keeping an eye out for any sign of trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26


Shadow's Status

Droxu – The Cignet System - The Fate's Emissary

GM tLF ONLY:
Popara Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Mika Perception 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38

The Hutt speaks and H3PO translates once more, despite most of you understanding the language, "Mighty Popara then thanks you for your service and wonders what reward Vago promised you for this task you accomplished?

Wise Popara also wonders if you have any relation to the Bounty Hunter named Dengar who was active during the period known by Humans as the Dark Times but known to the Hutt's as the time of Great Fortune".

Rennah:
The three dark blue Twi'lek females are all Force wielders.

Errin:
Mika perks up at the mention of your group being hired by Vago.


Now that I think about it, does Deception have an opposed check? I thought it ran against the target's Will defense, but it might not be. That... may have been a less smart move than I originally thought. I ought to check that.

"No relation, but the name just struck me. It certainly gets people's attention, and attention is how you get a job." Garrett shrugs. "That, and being good at what you do. As for payment? We agreed upon 900,000 with Vago to move the cargo, but no additional reward was discussed in regards to when or if we found Mika. I would guess that was because there was no guarantee that we would be the ones to find him, considering you had hired others as well. That's just my assumption though, I can't say for certain."

Scarab Sages

Male Human Paladin 2(Knight of Coins), F +6 R +4 W+6 Max Hp 18 AC 15, touch 11, FF 14

safe passage through the Tion Cluster woyld be the reward I am looking for lol


Female Togruta Soldier 3 / Jedi 4 / Imperial Knight 2 - Hit Points: 103 (103)

OOooh... Bugger... DAMN am I glad I bought that hands-free commlink now. The question is if Errin is wearing her helmet? And I don't think anyone else has an unobtrusive commlink...

Rennah very quietly activates her hands-free commlink and changes to the private channel with Errin and whispers. "Heads-up. Those Twi'leks are Force Users. They could be trouble. Be on your toes."

Rennah then very surreptitiously begins lowering her hand and walks up right behind Garret, sort of "thumbs-in-belt" at ease, but with her hand right next to the lightsaber in case of trouble.

"My glib friend here is correct, those were the terms given. But we would be happy to take the reward that you, mighty Popara, offered for the return of Mika."


Rennah, Garrett's commlink is presumably installed somewhere in his body considering he's a droid.


Female Togruta Soldier 3 / Jedi 4 / Imperial Knight 2 - Hit Points: 103 (103)

You have it listed as equipment, so I wouldn't necessarily assume so. If it is, sure, you'll be in on it too.


Oops, that's a mistake. I spent the money for an internal commlink at character creation. I'll edit that on my sheet.


Shadow's Status

Droxu – The Cignet System - The Fate's Emissary

Popara's eyes bulge at the number of credits that are mentioned by Garrett.

Mika interjects, "Indeed a substantial rewards but unfortunately, one your group did not earn. After all, you only retrieved a handful of the crates of spice..."

Popara relaxes at that and continues in Huttese which H-3PO translates, "Mighty Popara has stated that the original agreement with the first group of mercenaries was an interstellar map that allowed for free hyperspace movement through the Indrexu Spiral.

However, Popara is both Mighty, Generous, and Wise. IN addition to this hyperspace map, for the safe return of his son Popara agrees to provide you with the following rewards. A payment of 50,000 credits in untraceable but negotiable currency. A holotransceiver that will allow for real time communication with Popara through the use of this transceiver, you may connect with Popara if you ever need a favor from his Eminence, each of you shall gain one such favor. Finally, the greatest boon of all that any being can hope to attain! The gratitude of a Hutt Lord".

H-3PO stops translating and Popara actually breaks into Basic! "I appreciate your efforts on my family's behalf and will think of you in the future for matters that require tact, swiftness, and competence".


Garrett hides the twitch in his face when Popara effectively stiffs them on their payment, but he knows better than to argue with the Hutt. He'd found the initial payment offered to be higher than he'd expected, but he certainly wasn't thinking they'd short change them as much as they did. "The favor and gratitude of a Hutt is more valuable than any monetary reward. We thank you for the reward, mighty Popara. More importantly, we thank you for thinking of us should you require further work be done that could require our talents." Garrett gives a short bow, doing his best to be respectful. Assuming the Hutt has nothing further to tell them, Garrett leaves shortly after to find Vago, hoping to perhaps recoup some of their lost funds.

"We were promised 900,000 credits, Vago. Popara paid us 50,000. I understand I'm a mercenary and not a mathematician, but those seem to be very different sums of money."

Scarab Sages

Male Human Paladin 2(Knight of Coins), F +6 R +4 W+6 Max Hp 18 AC 15, touch 11, FF 14

Spoiler:
Gunner will excitedly take a look at the charts and try to find the lost Jedi temple


Female Echani (Near-Human) Soldier 4/Scout 3/Bounty Hunter 1/Gunslinger 1

Errin steps up alongside Garrett as he confronts Vago.

"You know, math problems like that make me wonder how the numbers might change if Popara knew just how uninterested you were in Mika's safe recovery. I bet they might change a lot."


"You know, that's true. I even lied, just for you! I told him you gave us a different mission to cover for your deals with Mika hauling the contraband, and I told him that when you learned of Mika's disappearance you requested we aid the bounty hunters that he hired to find him. Can you imagine if he learned that not only were you and Mika working behind his back, that you didn't even ask us to look for his son? I feel like that wouldn't be favorable for you, would it?"

Scarab Sages

Male Human Paladin 2(Knight of Coins), F +6 R +4 W+6 Max Hp 18 AC 15, touch 11, FF 14

hey group, my Jedi has his objective and will be using his favor and share to move to it alone. This is the end for him, but I would like to continue with you all in a more fitting role. What would the group need? I am still interested in force sensitive and something the group doesnt have like a skill monkey or hard core tank just let me know what you think


Female Togruta Soldier 3 / Jedi 4 / Imperial Knight 2 - Hit Points: 103 (103)

I think you'll find that I tank pretty well. At least, I'm fairly capable of absorbing punishment. I just got a tad unlucky on the hit point rolls :P - Honestly, just roll up what you'd like to play instead. As for my money, we need something cute in the group :P

"Hold on a minute guys. Popara paid us 50,000. I'm sure that Vago is still interested in paying us the full, agreed-upon amount of credits. He's a very reasonable Hutt after all, and this is just business. Right Vago?"

Rennah quietly activates her throat mike to the Imperial Channel and whispers:

"Don't press this too hard. We're have what our actual objective from the Emperor was. The credits are icing on the cake, but let us not piss off an entire Hutt Clan. I'd accept a reasonable deduction from him, after all, we're working with a Hutt. Just enough to convince him that we ARE the mercenaries that we claim to be."


Rennah Mars wrote:
"Don't press this too hard. We're have what our actual objective from the Emperor was. The credits are icing on the cake, but let us not piss off an entire Hutt Clan. I'd accept a reasonable deduction from him, after all, we're working with a Hutt. Just enough to convince him that we ARE the mercenaries that we claim to be."

<<"Don't worry, that's the plan. It'd be suspicious if we did just walk away with the 50,000. I was never expecting the full payment, but if we don't push, well... what self-respecting mercenaries are walking away from that kind of pay day? Besides, the Emissary can always use more upgrades. So can I, now that I think about it.">>

Garrett just stands with his arms folded across his chest, his head cocked as the group addresses Vago.


Shadow's Status

Star Wars Legacy Era - Tempest Feud - Empire in Exile

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