LIAM - 1-14 SFS Star Sugar Heartlove - starts 8/14 (Inactive)

Game Master Liam

A Starfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 3-6.

It's finally here; the sugar-pop band sensation, Strawberry Machine Cake, is starting its Pact Worlds tour. Thanks to the Exo-Guardians' leader, Zigvigix, the PCs and Historia-7 have tickets to attend the holo-concert event of the year. As Zigvigix hopes to celebrate and mourn friends lost in the Scoured Stars, Historia-7 enlists the PCs to track down an attendee associated with a conspiracy against the Society. When a stunning revelation endangers the concert, it falls to the PCs to step in and save one of the most hotly anticipated concerts in Pact Worlds history.

Content in Star Sugar Heartlove!!! also contributes to the ongoing goals of the Dataphiles and Exo-Guardians faction.

Written by Eleanor Ferron

Initial set up

The adventure begins with the
PCs traveling to Songbird Station
alongside the Dataphiles faction
head, Historia-7, and the head of the
Exo-Guardians, Zigvigix.

go ahead with character intros and slot
your boons please. The only flags are the
two factions Exo-Guardians and Dataphiles.

Related but not required scenarios:
#1–01: The Commencement
#1–04: Cries from the Drift

An enthusiastic ysoki enters the area and upon seeing Delea and Stiehle, Raatchet exclaims with his arms wide open, "Heeeeeey!!!!"

Raatchet moves in to give Delea, then Stiehle, a hug. If either of them decide not to reciprocate, Raatchet doesn't seem to notice or care as he'll move in to hug their leg anyways, making for an awkward scene that Raatchet doesn't seem to at all mind.

Raatchet turns to the rest of the party and shakes their hands, saying, "Pleased to meet you all! By day, my name is Raatchet, TPS report specialist. And by night, my name is Raatchet (it's the same), tinkerer extraordinaire! I'll be running tech support on this amazing opportunity to... ROCK OUT!!!"

Raatchet then plays air guitar and headbangs!

"No wait... Strawberry Machine Cake?? So, uh... Hmmm... Pop music, not hard rock, eh? Well okay then!"

And with that, Raatchet dances the Thriller instead...

Stiehle grins at the sight of Raatchet, and returns the little ysoki's hug with a laugh and turns to do the same to Delea. "All we need now is to see Grinds come through that door and we'll be set!" When Raatchet begins his usual antics, the operative just shakes his head with a smile. "Well, that'd turn Grinds back around in a heartbeat I..."

"Catch the one and only Abysshead playing next week at Brilliance! Get your tickets..." A sudden loud broadcast erupts from Stiehle's miniaturized computer embedded in his armor, a head-banging riff of heavy metal music overlaid by a shouting, demonic voice. With a muttered oath, he speaks a quick word to kill the transmission then turns apologetically to the others and explains with an embarrassed frown. "Some kind of damned drow-crafted virus that got into my hard drive while I was on a mission in Nightarch. Can't seem to find a way to get rid of it."

Delea kneels down to more easily give Raatchet a big, warm hug. I'm glad to see you again, my dear friend.

She also smiles warmly at Stiehle and gives him a hug, too.

** spoiler omitted **

There are social elements but no starship

A tall muscular lashunta, Thomagar is dressed in a heavy armor of golemforged plating, and clearly appears as a warrior of some kind. Yet other than a starknife hanging from his belt, is otherwise unarmed. That aside, he carries with him a kind of stable serenity, akin to that of a tall oak tree.

He smiles warmly at the antics of the ysoki and stoically accepts the enthusiastic hug from him. "It is good to see you again, Raatchet. I'm sure you would keep this adventure lively, if nothing else." He nods towards the other members in acknowledgement. He winces slightly at the loud noise/music emanating from Stiehle, but otherwise does not comment.

"Thomagar! Happy to see you as well!" exclaims Raatchet while in the middle of spinning around with his dance moves. "With you leading the way, we'll have no trouble pushing our way through the crowds to the concert's VIP area, amirite?!?"

Is there anyone that dear little rat doesn't know? Delea think to herself.

An immaculately dressed Shirren enters the room. After scanning the room, sees familiar faces. "It is good to be in your company again Delea. And it seems that the others have known you as well." They turn to the others. "[B]I am Ba'hob. Although I am an accountant by trade, the Society has found ways to use my skills in more creative matters. "

Delea smiles at Ba'hob. "Glad to see you again. This is my dear friend Raatchet, and this is Stiehle, our companion on several missions. Guys, this is Ba'hob, whose skill with a gun helped keep me alive when I was under attack by corporate goons."

Stiehle grins abashedly at the big lashunta when he casts a look his way. When the Shirren speaks up, the human grins. "Well, I imagine you and Raatchet will both have a lot to chat about, given our ysoki's expertise in TPS reports and whatnot. Glad to hear you know how to handle a gun though, and it's good to meet you all. Anyone have any idea of what's got Ziggy excited about this time?"

"Ah... Accounting?!? Just almost as soul sucking as writing TPS reports! But at least your work gets some public notice during quarterly earnings reports. No one ever pays attention to TPS reports..." Raatchet sighs.

Replying to Stiehle, "I bet it's more rice candy that's gotten Ziggy all fired up! He's got the biggest sweet tooth ever! Amirite?"

Ba'hob nods to Raatchet. "I enjoy reading the TPS reports. The attention to detail important. I find a pleasing comfort of certainty in numbers. They fill the world with order in an otherwise chaotic universe. Though if you ask others of my profession they say you can make the numbers say what you want. But the numbers only say what they are. What we hear is different. And we don't all hear the same things."

Getting this in while we have a chance

Rainbow-colored lights dance around the glittering
asteroid temple known as Songbird Station, one of the premier
performing-arts centers in the Pact Worlds.

Zigvigix nearly presses their eyes against the starship’s
viewscreen as they watch the station come closer, their
antennae vibrating with a visible excitement.

“Look! There it is!” Zigvigix’s telepathic voice
exclaims with a high-pitched psychic punctuation that resembles
a mental squeal.

“I’m so happy that all of you were able to come!
I know this was short notice and that everyone has been so very
busy lately.” The last remark seems sincerely directed toward
the other occupant, the android Historia-7. After a long moment,
Historia-7 nods in acknowledgment of Zigvigix’s words.

“When my friends were trapped in the Scoured Stars, all
I had left were these tickets to remind me of what I and the
Starfinder Society lost,”

the shirren continues, clasping their
hands together to keep them from shaking.

“It means so much to me that those seats didn’t stay empty.
I can’t think of a better memorial for my loyal comrades than
to attend this concert with new friends and new Starfinders,
to show everyone what the Society has gained!

“Wow! I hope that didn’t make everything awkward! Don’t
worry, you haven’t replaced anyone!”

Zigvigix reveals a set of palm-sized discs, which activate
to create 3D images of a diverse group of Starfinder agents.

“It’s the best I can do for them now, but we’ll all
watch the concert together, just like we planned.
Afterward, I’m going to take them to meet the band.
Strawberry Machine Cake always sends holoavatars
out to interview some of their fans after their concerts,
and they post all of the most interesting pictures and
stories on their band page! If I asked, I’m sure they’d
offer a shout-out to my missing friends... and to the
Starfinder Society as a whole, to let everyone know we’re
still here!”

Ziggy looks to the screen, eyeing an alert that has appeared.

“Oh, it looks like it’s our turn to dock. I should get back to
the comm.”

Historia-7 nods in acknowledgement to Ziggy and watches them
return to the bridge and out of hearing range.

“Starfinders,” Historia-7 says, without
preamble. “I understand most of you are here for the revelry
of the concert, but I must confess that it was not my motive
for joining you and Zigvigix. There is a person of interest on
Songbird Station, a human man named Hira Lanzio, whom I
believe to be connected to a conspiracy involving the Scoured
Stars. I require a group of Starfinders to briefly detain Hira
Lanzio so that I can conduct an interrogation on this matter. I
hope that you might be amenable to helping me with this task.
So long as this mission is carried out cleanly and with precision,
I do not foresee this interfering with your presence at the actual
concert. It would also be efficient if Zigvigix remains unaware of
this secondary objective—there’s no reason to ruin their much needed
relaxation time.”

Historia-7 regards you coolly as she lets what she has said sink in

Any questions?

Also slot boons now or after questions please

Stiehle smiles as Ziggy leaves, shaking his head in bemusement. When Historia-7 speaks of their 'true' mission, his grin turns into a smirk. "Well, so long as we aren't late for the... Star... Sugar... Plum... Pie... what's their name again? Anyway, I take it we'll have a description of this Hira Lanzio? What exactly do we know about him? Why is it you suspect him of being connected to the Scoured Star incident?" By this time his smile has faded as the operative begins to get into the spirit of the mission.

My boons are posted in the Discussions tab.

"So lemme get this straight. We kidnap this guy and hold him somewhere until you arrive, at which point you will go all medieval on this guy?!? Y'know, if the target were a bunny rabbit or a dog, I'd have ethical issues around this mission. But since he's human, I'm in!

"So a few questions. Where does he hang out? Do we have a safe place to 'store' him until your arrival? And do you need me to whip up any interrogation gear? I'm particularly good at making scary looking instruments with lots of jagged edges!"

Turning to the party, Raatchet adds, "It probably goes without saying that we're gonna need some non-lethal weapons for this one..."

Delea gives Raatchet a look that probably makes him want to hide. It's a looks of sadness and disappointment in him. "That is not how Starfinders behave, Raatchet."

Raatchet tries to give Delea an innocent look and points at Historia-7, saying the following in clipped chunks, "But... But... Uhhh... That's what android boss lady said... Orders, those are the orders... What did I say...???"

Raatchet turns to Historia-7 with big, round, questioning ysoki ratfolk eyes....

Thomagar is not particularly looking forward to the concert. After his many years of random travel, finding the peace to centre himself and focus on his sculptures has been much welcomed. The last place he wants to be is a room packed with screaming hormones bags and loud pounding music. But it is a request from his faction leader and he accepts with some trepidation.

As such, when Historia-7 introduces the side quest, he loosens somewhat. Nonetheless, he adds on to Stiele's questions. "Indeed, not that I do not trust you, but what evidence do we have? Much as I would like to see the missing Starfinder comrades returned, I would not want innocents to be caught in the way."

He tries very hard not to look at Raatchet's way.

Stiehle tips a wink at Delea and grins at Raatchet. "I think our dear lashunta is referring to the idea that Starfinder interrogations rely less on sharp pointy objects and more toward using psychology and maybe even a few choice drugs to get the information we need. Unless policy has changed, recently?" He raises an eyebrow at Historia-7.

Historia-7 seems to take a moment to process the back and forth
and then replies without much expression.

"I am unaware of his exact location on Songbird
Station. You will likely have to discover that information by
consulting with other people and any other means of investigating
that you deem appropriate.”

“Learn what information you can about his activities and about
any other members that are involved in his secretive meetings.
If possible, search for any evidence you can find of a connection to the
Scoured Stars incident. If you find enough evidence, or find a
means to detain and interrogate him, I will be able to investigate
further into the conspiracy surrounding the Starfinder Society.”

“I will assist you from my remote computer station as
required, as my physical presence would be of little use to
any of us. Please contact me with your comm units if you
discover anything of importance or apprehend Mr. Lanzio.”

"As to your methods, you are Starfinders. I expect you to
be resourceful, but a live person can tell us more than a dead one."

"Also, you are only to speak to me of this mission and not
Zigvigix. Am I clear?"

"Okay, got it boss. You actually mean for us to go with a light touch. And inform you of our progress real-time. Roger Roger!"

I'm slotted and don't have any purchases to make. Ready to go! Any gather information / recall knowledge rolls available?

Funny you should mention that...

CULTURE (RECALL KNOWLEDGE) OR DIPLOMACY (GATHER INFORMATION)

"Okay, got it boss. You actually mean for us to go with a light touch. And inform you of our progress real-time. Roger Roger!"

Historia-7 looks at Raatchet, smirks, and says "That would be both efficient, AND adequate. Thank you."

Stiehle eyes the smirking Historia-7 "Uh... yeah, will do, chief." Is the android mocking them? Do androids have the capacity to engage in mockery? Do they dream of electric sheep? Where had he read that? Somewhere...

Shaking his head to clear out the stray thoughts, he tries to focus on the mission at hand as he leaves with the others.

Culture Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

As they head out, the operative speaks of what he knows, which is quite a bit for someone who professes to know nothing of Strawberry Machine Cake's music. "I'd sure like to get a closer look at that holoavatar projector. I mean, not to steal secrets or anything like that, but it's really supposed to be a piece of technological art."

Stiehle will share everything above with the others. I'm also going to purchase a non-lethal weapon at a discount with my slotted Gunrunner boon (can't remember details, I'll take a look at my chronicle sheet later tonight and post my purchase in the Discussion tab).

Upon hearing Stiehle share with the group that, 'The band has a staggering amount of legal protections in place to keep anyone from accessing or studying their equipment, leaving their performance secrets a mystery.'

....Raatchet responds with, "Challenge accepted!!!"

The door to the lav slides open, and a shirren steps out. His tooth barbs and antennae twitch with excitement. Hello, all! I'm so excited to be here at Songbird Station! I've never been to a concert like this before, so far out in space! This is going to be fun!

Boons are posted in Discussion. Still waiting on a Chronicle from my other session, but otherwise we're completely finished. I posted some boon purchases in Discussion for before this scenario to be listed on this Chronicle, but no credit purchases.

Culture: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Definitely the mission to be on! I LOVE SMC!!!

Hmm, I had a post but seems gone now.

Thomagar notes that Historia-7 did not answer his question, which is answer enough. He follows along but much as he wishes to help bring back the missing Starfinders, it cannot be at the cost of innocents. Of course, if this Hira Lanzio is involved ...

He listens to Stiehle's sharing but does not care much for this pop band. They come and go.

Delea takes a moment to teach her new companions a signal they can use to request that she contact them telepathically.

Stiehle's eyes widen as the newcomer praises the sugar pop music and he grins at Raatchet. "Hey, this guy is the exact opposite of Grinds! Maybe you two can share your playlists." He chuckles as he slaps the ysoki on the shoulder and wanders over to introduce himself to the shirren.

Before they head off-station, Stiehle drops by the local arms dealer and purchases a simple pulsecaster pistol to add to his arsenal.

Purchasing Pulsecaster Pistol for 250 credits. That Gunrunner boon won't be of any help, since the purchase would have to be after the scenario. Which is fine, because I'm hoping to upgrade my main small arms weapon after the scenario, if I have enough credits to do so.

The door to the lav slides open, and a shirren steps out. His tooth barbs and antennae twitch with excitement.

bathroom break in days: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

back from Dragon Con and on with the show :)

Ok from the layout maps slide 6 - you'll see the basic,
simplified layout of this section of Songbird Station.

You can see that there is a central entrance, the Starfinder
insigna marks your current location.

You know that the housing area for this section is through
to the left, but you don't know WHERE in the housing
section your target may be.

Currently the on-station infosphere is too crowded with
Cake-head chatter and heavy duty virus screens to keep out
Abysshead viral infestations to be useful to locate Mr
Lanzio in that manner.

Or, you know, you could do some leg work...

Raatchet shakes his head in frustration. "That Abysshead infection is RAMPANT. Well, as much as I hate to admit it. I can't get nuthin' off the infosphere. Looks like I'll have to hit the streets and resort to my natural charm...." Raatchet attempts a charming wink which comes off creepy.

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Hours later, when the party regroups after everyone has tried to gather information, Raatchet says:

"I got nuthin'"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Delea walks around, talking to people. Many of those she talks to seem to respond well to her soft voice and gentle smile.

When the party gets back together, she shares her results.
spoiler is open, everyone.

"Although the Skittermanders are always helpful, I have found that there help usually leads to some additional paper work. I would suggest we make our way to business person since it seems myself and Raatchet have similar skills in dealing with such personnel"

"Very well! To the business exec! We'll bore him into submission with our knowledge of accounting and TPS reports. Then he'll be sure to spill the beans on this Hira Lanzio guy!!"

In a lower, slightly more hushed voice, Raatchet follows that up with saying, "And when we fail, Delea will just sweet talk him into giving us some info....amirite??"

Delea gives Raatchet an affectionate but exasperated look.

Id chimes in telepathically. I worry that a business executive might not have our best interests at heart. The guard might be a bit easier to knead into giving us intel, no?

so heading towards the business guy you were told about?

Yup, sure. Followed by the guard if it turns out to be a short encounter.

As you are pushing through the crowd to
get to where your think you first mark is...

PEEP!

PEEP! PEEP! PEEP!

something tugs on your clothing

The sound seems to be coming from below if you
are medium sized and slightly below if you are
small sized...

Raatchet looks down to see what's tuggin on his clothes and making peep peep noises. Raatchet will also be sure to check his pockets to ensure nothing is being stolen off of him!

Stiehle groans when Raatchet mentions Abysshead. "You're telling me. It's awful when my comm unit goes off at 3am after a late night of vidgaming."

The operative is in agreement to visit the businessman and then the guards. Something about those skittermanders strikes Stiehle as sorta creepy. They're like walking, talking plush toys favored by children - except they're actually alive!

When he feels the tug, the operative glances down to see what's trying to get his attention...

Ba'hob, slightly confused as this not a typical alert noise looks down to see the source of the PEEP!

Delea looks to see who or what is pulling on her, a gentle smile of greeting hovering on her lips.

Id looks around, somewhat startled. These crowds are throwing off my blindsense! What could be peeping at me?

Chronicle for the last game acquired, should be cleared for takeoff. Purchases for this scenario will have to be listed on this Chronicle.

Thomagar quickly glances down, allowing his hands to start glowing as he infuses them with solar energy.