GM Tyranius The Solar Sortie Tier 1-2 (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Dot in here

Dot ;-)

Dot!

dawt!

The efficient hum of machinery fills the Archive’s Cortex. Projected images and text flit across multiple screens positioned around a raised swivel chair occupied by Historia-7, leader of the Dataphiles. Historia-7 swipes a finger to clear the feed and speaks without preamble.

“My sources indicate that you are the most efficient and capable team the Starfinder Society currently has for my mission. I sincerely hope you do not prove this claim erroneous. I recently detected a discrepancy in the Society’s data logs. As you may be aware, my primary objective has been decoding information regarding the Scoured Stars incident. Before the incident, my predecessor, Historia-6, and other Society members extensively investigated several corporations as well as the Scoured Stars system. Much of their knowledge was lost to us. A recent ally, a skilled hacker named Ceren, uncovered multiple data links from what remains of my predecessor’s research leading back to a corporation known as the Arch Energy Consortium. When I compared these findings to our records, I found no mention of this corporation, and all data related to Arch Energy Consortium was somehow deleted from our records. My worst-case scenario is being realized: our data has been tampered with.”

Historia-7 unhooks the neural cables from her neck and massages the attachment sites. “I require additional information about this corporation. Arch Energy’s CEO, Ilia Tamm, has enough security resources and paranoia at her disposal to make a direct infiltration inadvisable. The weak link in this proverbial firewall is her son, Envar Tamm. His proclivities make him very suggestible, and I hypothesize that resourceful individuals could convince him to provide the information I seek."

“Envar routinely attends gladiatorial fights on Arch Energy’s corporate space station, Brilliance. It will take you some time to reach Brilliance from here. During your journey, I want you to create false identities. Meanwhile, I’ll make sure that you’re entered into one of these gladiatorial matches as contestants. From there, you’ll need to get Envar to grant you access to his mother’s computer records. Acquire any data related to the corporation’s board of directors. Above all, this mission demands subtlety, as Envar has quite the media presence.”

Historia-& looks over each over you to make sure you understand. "Do you have any questions? If not then make final preparations and choose a spacecraft for your journey."

Either the Drake or the Pegasus from the Starfinder Society Guide. Now would also be a good time to choose a starship role as well.

***

Below are tiered checks concerning what you know about Envar Tamm.

Alejandro enters the briefing and takes a seat, soaking in the information. An older gentleman with brown skin in contrast to his white hair and beard, he gives off an aura of confidence and friendliness. He merely asks, "what does the mark look like and do you have any intel on his guards?"

He later attempts to gather some information for their mission as they prepare to leave.

Gather Information Diplomacy + Expertise: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + (3) = 17

He shares the things he has found with his teamates, (see DC 15/20 spoilers for all details) but focuses on the fact that their target has a drug addiction and there could easily be some blackmail material they could use.

It appears Alejandro would be best suited to take an Engineer or Captain role on the ship. He has engineering and all three social skills. However, he is a bit spread out into being a jack of all trades so would be happy to defer to someone who might be specialized.

Alejandro would prefer the Pegasus based upon his preference for exploratory type missions, but doesn't care which ship is used.

Astrator enters, making a slight mechanical 'whirl' as he walks by. While some androids have very human appearances, Astrator looks much more vaguely humanoid. Several pulsing circuits can be seen on his metal skin and oblong face. Two bright blue eyes flank a blinking/glowing/pulsating light on the center of his forehead.

He listens to the briefing, already preparing himself for the travel ahead. He knows nothing of this human or his antics, and cares little more. However, the idea of deleted or altered data makes his electrons twitch.

"This angers me. Data is sacred and should not be disturbed. These humans will realize their errors."

He turns, and heads whirling towards the door

Only role that Astrator can't fill is Captain. Everything else he is well above average. Pegasus is OK with me

"what does the mark look like and do you have any intel on his guards?"

Your com devices all vibrate as a new message roles in. "Attached are their most recent photos. I know little of any guards as the files concerning everything on them is obviously getting deleted."

Pictures are in tactical Map in link at top of Campaign.

Zimsi walks in and stands at the back, surveying the scene. At first he seeks like a typical kasatha, but the way he holds himself and the large gun on his back (along with the conspicuous absence of a melee weapon of note) seem to suggest something different.

He joins Alejandro later to gather information.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

I imagine Zimsi's best role is captain, but let me know if you think otherwise.

The Ysoki in the back seems to have waited in the shadows.

stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

He steps forward with a calm stance rarely seen when Ysokis are observed.

"Hmmmm ... excuse my silence dear gentleman and respected Historia-7. I am Darqen Taabestuun and very pleased to make your acquaintance. I just recently joined the Starfinder Society and was assigned as a hacker and engineer to this mission."

culture check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"I happen to have some information on Envar due to my Ysoki contacts that might be relevant. Envar owes a substantial amount of credits to the ysoki gangster Razor, the leader of a crime organization funded largely by the drug trade. Razor is known for her brutal methods of extracting credits from those reluctant to pay. Razor often uses gladiatorial matches to recruit hired muscle, and she plans to attend the event on Brilliance. She intends to collect Envar’s debt after the fight."

Darqen pauses a moment to let the information sink in. "I would thus suggest to consider an optional route of action in our planning that also involves impressing Razor in the arena so that we can be near her when she finds Envar."

Alejandro smiles, "ah excellent, that will significantly help us prepare a plan, good work Darqen. I am Alejandro Carlos, at you service. I look forward to working with such competent pathfinders as you all."

Okay, I have zero experience with starship combat. But it looks like there are 5 roles and only 4 of us. Captain, Pilot, Gunner, Engineer and Science Officer. Zimsi and I are equal at Captain it appears. Zimsi could also function as a Pilot or Gunner. I could also function as an Engineer. However, both those positions are also much higher for Astrator and/or Darqen. How do we wish to break this all down?

Basically you guys choose whatever role you wish to play as. you don't have to be too typecast into anything, though there can only be 1 pilot and 1 Captain. If not all roles are filled that is fine as Pilot and Gunner will still happen if the seats are empty. I have a nice cheatsheet for actions to choose from when the time comes. We have a small bit of time before that happens but will need who is taking what seat sorted soon to help facilitate the PbP and not bog down too much.

You are encouraged to slot the Dataphiles faction Boon and AbadarCorp Annoyance boon if you have access to them though I believe you are all brand new characters so it won't matter much.

The Starfinder choose the Pegasus-Class Starship. Traveling from Absalom Station to Brilliance takes 1d6 ⇒ 2 days of Drift travel or 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 days of normal space transit. During the journey your comm unit flashes aboard the Pegasus. It is Historia-7! "Be sure to obscure your identities before reaching Brilliance. You can use the Infosphere to create false identities or even alter your appearances."

You have no trouble traveling to Brilliance and docking your ship in time for the gladiatorial fight.

You can each attempt a Computers check to create a false identity or a Disguise check to alter your appearance, and you can use equipment or spells to bolster their deception. You can even have someone else perform the skill check for you if you want, though at a -2 penalty for each person they do this for.

GM, would it be okay if I trade out the pregen gear 'toolkit (hacking)' for something more useful like 'toolkit (disguise)'? That way I could actually attempt the disguise check instead of hoping an ally can nail a skill check for me. Plus I don't think I can even use the hacking kit untrained.

edit: I would even be willing to sell it for 10g and then would have enough credits to buy a disguise toolkit for 20g at the station before we left if that was my only option at this point.

Astrator will likely take the role of Science Officer. It really depends on how Darquen plays since he is the strongest character across 3 different areas (Pilot, Engineer, Science).

Astrator makes sure to spend some time creating a new identity prior to arrival, opting to update his available records as opposed to donning a disguise.

Computer, False Identity: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Those who interact or question Astrator during the travel find him abrupt, but not rude. His personality borders more on the line of robot than human, even compared to many other androids. Still, he doesn't necessarily shy away from communication or interaction with the other team members.

"Who will enter the gladiatorial contest? I do not believe that it suits my strengths."

That is fine Alejandro.

Darqen is quite silent for an Ysoki and listens to the discussion.

"Astrator, it is a good idea to start with the false identities."

Computers check to create false identities for us: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

@GM: One check or one for each person?

"Astrator, I am normally on the engineering position but if you believe me to be the best pilot I will take that role."

Here is a cheat sheet for space combat: https://www.cheatography.com/bluesoda/cheat-sheets/starfinder-ship-combat/ To be honest I am also a novice at this game so GM you have to be patient with us. ;-)

"I like it that you are prepared Alejandro - a little disguising will help the crew."

When the discussion revolves around the arena fights Darqen is quite reserved "Well, I believe nobody here is a fighter ... so we have to be creative!

Alejandro spends some time before they arrive changing around a few minor details, but it mainly comes with a full shave including removing his hair. He adds to his allies, "I'll dress simply and with this hopefully I will be confused with some obscure ascetic monk order or something."

Disguise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

_______________________________________________________________

He agrees with Darqen, "I think we will all have to enter as a team, plus it would be the best way to stick together as we are introduced to Envar or Razor."

_______________________________________________________________

That is a nice guide! I think with Astrator as science officer and Darqen as engineer that I would like to take Captain. If Zimsi wants that instead of Pilot or Gunner I'm willing to roll for it.

Aye Aye Captain! Science officer it is!

@GM: One check or one for each person?

Yes each character will end up needing 1 of the checks associated with them through the adventure. Where they make it themselves or someone else does it for them.

That is a nice guide! I think with Astrator as science officer and Darqen as engineer that I would like to take Captain. If Zimsi wants that instead of Pilot or Gunner I'm willing to roll for it.

I might be mistaken but Piloting is one of the most crucial tasks if we have to engage in a space ship battle. We need the person with the highest Piloting modifier at the helm as not achieving the right DC can cripple the team in battle. Thus, in my opinion Darqen should be the pilot. Engineering is also very important but you cannot f*** up. ;-) I have never piloted before but I would give it a try. :-D

Alejandro spends some time before they arrive changing around a few minor details, but it mainly comes with a full shave including removing his hair. He adds to his allies, "I'll dress simply and with this hopefully I will be confused with some obscure ascetic monk order or something."

Disguise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Darqen watches Alejandro disguise himself and has a slightly concerned look on his face when the disguise is less than satisfactory. He politely turns around and starts to find clothing and other accessories to disguise himself.

disguise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Darqen wrote:

@GM: One check or one for each person?

Yes each character will end up needing 1 of the checks associated with them through the adventure. Where they make it themselves or someone else does it for them.

"It is necessary to create a false identity for all of you. Astrator has already created his identity and I created my own. It is now time to create yours and I will provide you with the details while I process the information - please memorize everything!"

Computers check to create false identity for Alejandro: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Computers check to create false identity for Zimsi: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

OMG THANK YOU!!! I was quite worried.

Alejandro smiles as he scans the information, "ah yes, excellent work! I shall commit it to memory immediately."

I'm happy swapping to engineer especially as it is less of a concern if I fail. That would leave Captain (who appears to just buff his crew or debuff the enemy) and Gunner slots open for Zimsi. I'm guessing Gunner is more important? He would be solid at either it appears.

Darqen (Computers 23) (Pilot)
Alejandro (Computers 19) (Engineer)
Astrator (Computers 21)(Science Officer)
Zimsi (Computers 25)

The group all works together as they create false identities for the group of Starfinders. And with a few days worth of work the identities are nearly flawless! Though Darqen and Alejandro's physical disguises could use a bit more work as Alejandro ends up looking more like a homeless Melissa McCarthy and Darqen attempts to recolor his fur with dyes and clippers.

Brilliance is a solar satellite owned by the Arch Energy Consortium. Brilliance is a hub for corporate activity. Brilliance is a sizable space station closely orbiting the Pact Worlds’ sun. Its upper level boasts retractable shields that allow safe observation of solar activity and the absorption of solar energy, while its lower levels contain laboratories, offices, workstations, and recreational areas including an auditorium, cafeteria, and gymnasium. Brilliance’s lowest tier provides docking for craft ranging from tankers to solar yachts. Picture in Maps.

The ship receives it's docking bay authorization and docks securely in the bay where the Starfinders are greeted by a customs agent. A female korasha lashunta customs officer approaches. "Welcome to Brilliance. State your business?" She looks up, recording your names and photos into the computer system.

GM Roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Alejandro steps up with a big smile, "ah yes hello. We are here to 'compete' in a certain 'local event'." Emphasizing the words but keeping things vague in case the arena activities aren't exactly legit.

He introduces the group according to the memorized identities and with a wink adds, "so how you are doing today?"

Diplomacy + Expertise: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 6 + (5) = 29

I hope I understood Historia-7 correctly: "Meanwhile, I’ll make sure that you’re entered into one of these gladiatorial matches as contestants."

Darqen steps forward "We are contestants in the gladiatorial matches! Let us pass."

"Our arrival should have been anticipated" Astrator adds matter of factly. He grabs his gear and prepares for disembarkment, sliding his rifle over his shoulder.

"Yes indeed. We are competitors; would you kindly direct us?" He smiles, though only in his face. His eyes dart around, taking in the scene around him.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"We are contestants in the gladiatorial matches! Let us pass."

The Customs agent looks a bit annoyed but hands you all back your ID's. Walking down the passageway a security guard stops for a quick moment at Alejandro. "Wait a minute... Don't I know you?"

Alejandro smiles, "I get that a lot my dear. I'm certain you don't know me though."

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

he snaps his fingers. "No. I know you. You guys are signed up and supposed to be in the Gladitorial Bout right? Hurry up and follow me it is about to start." The Security guard hops on a powered cart. "Come on. Stack on. I'll get you there quick."

***

This immense auditorium broadcasts entertainment and training transmissions to Arch Energy employees. One of Envar Tamm’s few tangible company actions was to convert this area into an arena for gladiatorial bouts. Envar—more accurately, his staff—cited the growing prominence of Akitonian gladiatorial combat and how it could be used to improve station morale. Giddy to host his favorite blood sport, Envar spared no expense in furnishing the auditorium for the matches. The ceiling of the auditorium is made of artificial transparent sapphire, providing a stunning view of space. Tiered stands rise to provide seating, and six suspended holoscreens provide close-up views of the action. Two heavy metal doors to the north and south allow the contestants entrance to the arena floor. Four 30-foot-tall metal pillars rest in the center of the arena.

The Arena guards direct you to the southern entrance of the arena. "You are set to fight an alien creature imported at Envar’s request. You have a couple minutes. Did you need anything before going in?"

Whoops! I missed the part this was a male security guard! I probably wouldn't have said 'my dear'... maybe!

Alejandro agrees quickly when the guard mentions the Gladitorial Arena and hops onto the cart.

At the arena, he says he is good to go while checking over his gear. As they get ready to begin, he pulls out his laser pistol and knife, flipping the safety to 'off' on his pistol.

"I do not believe we will have an opportunity to avoid this" Astrator stiffly observes. "This is not the advised course of action based on our skill sets"

Looking around, he attempts to see observe any additional strategies- including exit ways, computers, or additional sources of information that may tip the starfinders off to the creature they are about to face.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9

Darqen is very concerned but takes out his pistol and his knife.

”Ah, we probably passed that bridge back in the briefing when the boss set us up as contestants. I’m not to worried though, probably put us in as weak newbies.”

He adds quickly, ”plus they probably have safeguards in place in case the critter gets a lucky hit or two.” I hope...

Zimsi looks around as well, while dropping his hand to his hunting rifle.

Did they really sign us up for this?

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Nodding that you are ready the Security officer opens the gates into the Arena.

The nearby sun blazes against a backdrop of inky space through the transparent ceiling of the arena. The glare obscures the faces of the roaring crowd crammed into bleachers towering above the floor. Overhead, six suspended holoscreens loop images of the arena. Metal pillars rise like jagged teeth from the
bloodstained arena floor, and an announcer’s voice booms, “Are you ready for some carnage?” The crowd echoes the refrain as the silver metal door to the east grinds open.

A team of two male korasha lashuntas and a female vesk armed with stun guns guides a harnessed and chained cresteater through the metal door at the north end of the arena. The group latches the harness clips onto either side of the door before hastily retreating. Once far enough away, the handlers remotely unlock the clips, The creature roars as the clips fall to the dirt and it works on shaking the harness loose.

You can showboat a bit and play up your strengths during the encounter. You can attempt either one Acrobatics or Athletics check to interact with features of the arena or one Charisma-based check to perform or make a speech to elicit, or anything else creative.

Shaking the harness free the Crest Eater sniffs in the air and leaps to the center of the arena. It's massive horns raking troughs into the dirt.

Round 1
--------------------------------
Crest Eater
--------------------------------
Astrator
Darqen
Zimsi
Alejandro

What knowledges can I roll to identify the creature? Also, can we assume that we already had weapons drawn as we entered into the gladiator pit?

Seeing the giant creature leap into the arena, Astrator immediately begins to calculate probabilities of survival. He moves up to the left pillar, and reaches out his hand toward the beast- the air in front of Astrator 'glitches' and a thick, oily substance springs into existence onto the monstrosity.

30ft move, Cast grease. Reflex DC 10+4+1 immediately. DC 10 acrobatics to leave space, move at half speed.

Yup- You had plenty of time to prepare and DC 13 Mysticism to ID beast.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Darqen is silent but it is clear that he is slightly afraid. He wants to leave an impression nonetheless.

Acrobatic s: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Darqen is trying to understand the capabilities of the beast.

Mysticism : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Computers for trick attack (DC20+target CR): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19
Trick attack damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

azimuth laser pistol attack (weapon focus): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

attack damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

DC 15 Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Astrator coats the entire ground area in a thick film of grease. The large beast stands firm in the slippery grease, as it actually pays it little mind, having stood in worse before.

@Darqen- The showboating would be your standard action during the round to impress Envar. Do you wish to do that or attack this round?

Round 1
--------------------------------
Crest Eater
--------------------------------
Astrator
Darqen
Zimsi
Alejandro

@GM:Well, if Darqen can only do one then it is the attack as he is afraid.

Alejandro dashed up to the other pillar, forcing the enemy to divide its attention. He lets out a guttural yell, attempting to make the twitchy creature a little fearful.

Move 25 ft, Standard to Demoralize

Demoralize: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Zimsi is up.

Zimsi feels the pressure to perform for the crowd, but the nerves of the situation get the best of him. He draws his hunting rifle from his belt and takes aim. Just before he fires, though, he looks into the crowd toward Envar, trying to distract the creature in the pit, and then moves toward a nearby column.

I'm guessing that I can't actually do Clever Feint and a check to impress Envar, so if forced to choose I'll use Clever Feint, and the look at him can be flavor.

Standard Action: Clever Feint: Make a Bluff check as if making a feint. If it fails, the creature if flat-footed against me until the end of my next turn. If it succeeds, the creature is flat-footed against me and all my allies until the end of my next turn.
Move Action: Move behind southwest pillar

Bluff (+ expertise): 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (3) = 12

Darqen recognizes the large beast as a Crest-Eater. Terrifying predators that roam the deserts and canyons of Kasath, crest-eaters earned their moniker thanks to their highly specialized diets: the hulking beasts feed almost exclusively on bone, and when attacking kasathas, they usually tear the humanoids’ heads from their bodies and then quickly and messily devour the bony crests within. Crest eaters are known to be able to spit venom from a distance that can liquefy bones. In fact they are so attuned to the smell of the mineral that they can sniff out calcium in blinding conditions.

Darqen tries a maneuver he say on the holoscreen once to use a computer program to hack into his laser pistol and overload it. He ends up botching the syntax and causes the beam to miss completely.

@Zimsi- I am fine as long as it is creative.

Drawing his hunting rifle Zimsi scans the crowd and rushes the pillar instead. The Crest eater attempts to follow but gets all jumbled up in the harness. reaching the pillar Zimsi looks up at the private viewing box, but doesn't notice Envar being too impressed by the display. It was a fail so only FF to Zimsi.

Alejandro squares up against the Crest Eater and yells at the top of his lungs. Unfortunately for the robust man the crowd's cheers seem to drown out his out scream.

The Crest Eater turns and spits a small glob of caustic spittle at Alejandro.

Venom Spit vs Alejandro KAC 13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
DC 11 Fort Save or take 1 con damage

Round 2
--------------------------------
Crest Eater
--------------------------------
Astrator
Darqen
Zimsi
Alejandro

Darqen remembers the terrible stories about this beast and tries to hurt it!
Computers for trick attack (DC20+target CR): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 4 = 24
Trick attack damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
azimuth laser pistol attack (weapon focus): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23
azimuth laser pistol flame damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Fort Save DC 11: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Alejandro shrugs off the spittle and laughs, "GET EM BOYS!"

He gives a quick look around the arena and taunts the beast, "what is this, a joke? Stupid animal acts all tough and all it can do is spit at us?"

Move Action to use Get 'Em Envoy Improvisation which gives all allies a +1 morale bonus on attacks vs. the Crest Eater for 1 round. Standard to play up how tough the group is compared to this wimpy creature.

Intimidate for the CHA check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

The air around Astrator crackles again, but this time a bright glow of energy twitches and pulses up and down his laser rifle. Astrator looks to move further up the side of the pit, spreading out the potential targets for the Crest-Eater.

As he starts to move, he uses his left foot to push off against the pillar, attempting to tuck into a tumbling roll in front of the box with Envar

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Cast: Supercharge, Move: 15ft, acrobatics (half speed)