[PBP Gameday VII - SFS] GM Poblano's Scoured Stars Incident (Tier 3-4) (Inactive)

Game Master Gary Pepper

Back in the library...

Arratoi gleefully looks around and finding a pedestal obviously used to prominently display a book of interest, he places his novel there.

Engineering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
After looking around, Arratoi says, "Yes, as Lynn said, not only are they advanced, I've seen them before! They are a now reclusive species called izalguuns. Interesting... I wonder why they abandoned this place...

"And look here! I've found a data log entry that indicates Starfinders did actually come here to this city. Unfortunately, no information about what has happened to them..."

Arratoi will continue to follow the group to the various locations.

Engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

{Ah yes the izalguuns. Bugface wonders this as well}

Upon heating about being watched Bugface keeps an eye out.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

AS the Team marches through the Residential Area its eerily quiet as there are are no living inhabitants in the residential area; the team encounters only robots making repairs and cleaning the residences. The bots flee at top speed as you approach them.

Looking around as your team is walking through the eerily deserted cityscape, Perception Rolls used you are able to determine that the city was abandoned long ago—likely millennia ago—and the original inhabitants left the machines to take care of the city. There seems to be no other Humanoids around this area.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-=-=-=-

As it was mentioned and in an attempt to move forward will move us to the Shopping Mall

In the shopping mall, the weird elevator music is louder than elsewhere. Robots place useless and deteriorated products on display, but no one is around to buy anything. As you start making your way out of the Shopping Mall the Humanoid figure can be seen approaching your group and waving its arms. The humanoid wavers slightly as if blinking like a hologram! It continues to approach awkwardly smiling as you would guess any hologram to do.

The intelligent and soft-spoken hologram calls out "I am A-1 and welcome to Callion-2. What business do you have on Callion-2?"

Huckle ends his arm as he says welcome First a proper handshake
cause if it is a hologram, then in theory, I'd go right through it, unless it mimics touch too.

Lynn skips over and clicks her heels together as she stops in front of A-1 Steak Sauce. She raises a hand to wave in response. "Hi hi A-1! We're on a super desperate mission to find if there are any lost Starfinders here! They probably came not all that long ago, a group like us most likely, or more than one! Did you or any of the other robots here see them?"

"Oh, and, I'm really curious! What happened here?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Hudathan flinches as Huckle Jim reaches out towards the watcher. If he touches that ghost, he might lose his soul. Well, my cannon will take him too. The vesk frowns and doesn't say anything, his skills not being appropriate for nice conversation.

Kess stands still watching to see what happens. She keeps an eye on the robots.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Greetings sir." A-1 attempts to mimic Huckles arm movements in an attempt to 'handshake' but as Huckle has guessed the holograms hand and his do not make contact but rather the image flickers as it crosses the solid surface of his palm.

Cellion that was good, haha Steak Sauce

As Lynn bubly approaches the hologram it stares expressionless listening to your Queries. Once the 'human' finishes her exuberant recitation A-1 responds "I'm Sorry that information is classified and I cannot help you without the proper Clearance." A-1 Dismisses the question about the Starfinders previously here.

In answer to Lynn's other question about this planet the Hologram seems to go into a pre-programmed response. "For over a Millennia now this planet has been left in my care. The previous inhabitants, to which little is known about them, left without giving a reason why. Most of this city is fully automated from the automated defense systems down to the cleaning units in operation in the cities many areas. We wait for the previous inhabitants of this planets return."

"The security bots are watching us closely. Be careful." Kess lets the group know. She takes a step away just in case things get hairy.

Lynn puts a finger on her chin "Hmmmm! How could we get "clearance", A-1? We really need to know what happened to any Starfinders that might've arrived here. And you're our only hope on that front!"

Computers; attempt to work out a programming logic loophole that might allow us to get Clearance without resorting to threatening the hologram: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Hudathan frowns, then relaxes, as Huckle touches the being but is unharmed. Good. A hologram, not a ghost. Holograms can't hurt us. Though, automated defense turrets might. He frowns again, spinning in a full circle. "Tell us more about these automated defenses. Sound interesting."

"The security bots are watching us closely. Be careful."

Bugface isn't very concerned about causing offense, in fact Bugface is annoyed that the hologram is withholding information, so Bugface unstraps their sonic rifle and holds it at the ready.

intimidate: 5 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 + (9) = 14 as Huckle stares down A1.

Arratoi holds up a small, tiny, balled fist and yells, "See here Mr. A-1! We've got a lot of friends and colleagues who have gone missing. These people have their own families back home! We're on a mission to save lives!

"I fear they might decide your programming has become flawed and would thus decommission you!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Seeing A-1 having been taken aback a bit, Arratoi tries to be more conciliatory and says, "I apologize for the strong tone. We're just worried as emotions are running high and time is of the essence. Can you see it in you to help us out with whatever you know?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 10 + (2) = 28

I believe this reveals the A-1 spoilers for everyone?

Arratoi You are correct. Lynn I love your gumption to find another way but Computers cannot be used in this instance. Feel Free to keep that roll for your next computers check.

Arratoi Easily cows the Hologram into cooperating by being both Cruel in his intentions yet calm with a rebuttal to the threat of decommissioning.

A-1 addresses the team "A group of Starfinders visited the city nearly a year ago. The defense bots, A-1 Steak Sauce points to the defense bots that Kess mentioned killed them; in our subsequent investigation, the bots found information about a group of Starfinders trapped on the desert planet Callion-1." A-1 also continues to say "We have detected weak signals coming from that planet within the last 24 hours." This may mean some of the Starfinders are likely still alive!

Mission 5 Accomplished Where to next? First two common votes takes us there.

"A signal from Callion-1? We've gotta go there then! Especially if there are still Starfinders there after a year of being trapped!" Lynn's voice quavers with concern for the lost group.

That being said, Callion-1 isn't on the list of available missions. Does it get added to it now that we've learned about it?

Callion-1 it is then

"Agreed! Bastiar-4, here we come!"

I believe we cannot yet move on to Callion-1. So from the list of available missions, Bastiar-4, "Lifeless Spaces" sounds good to me!! Of course if we ARE allowed to go to Callion-1, then let's go!!

Hudathan shakes his head. "We have not yet been authorized for a rescue mission. Only recon. " The vesk sighs and puts away his weapon. Sometimes I miss the regimented life of the Veskarium. People followed orders there. He turns towards the shuttle. "I believe we are done here. Bastiar-4 sounds like a good place to head next."

Kess continues to keep an eye on the bots. "What did you do with their remains?"

If she gets an answer, she'll ask to bring back their gear. "Bastiar-4 is as good a place as any."

{Let's get transport then. Bastiar-4 is waiting.}

Alright, Bastiar 4 it is Maybe the GM is busy, or the site is crashing when he tries to post.

Everytime I have a chance to post the site crashes on me. Plus where I work I dont have ready access to post during business hours. Yay for being a Gov employee.

Arriving back at base command you hand over what Intel you have to the lead mission coordinator then head off in search of Naiaj.

RECON MISSION 3: LIFELESS SPACES
Venture-Captain Naiaj looks up with tired eyes. “Ah, there you are. Our scans detected a lone Starfinder starship, the Aeon Horizon, orbiting Bastiar-4. The ship looks fully operational, but we haven’t detected any communication signals. Nonetheless, the ship likely contains hints as to what happened here, so I’m sending you to investigate. See if you can find any survivors, or at least any data logs about the ship’s mission.”
The journey out to the lone ship orbiting Bastiar-4 is quick. As the ship slowly limps through space it gives you a chance to scan the vessel.

Computers to scan: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Life Science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Lynn gives Naiaj a jaunty salute, followed by a thumbs up. "Don't worry Naiaj, we'll find them!"

As the team approaches, she gives the ship a quick scan. "Hmm, some life signs, but I can't tell what exactly. Anyone able to tell?"

Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"I'm not getting anything on sensors. Anyone else want to give it a try?"

Hudathan looks at the life signs on the monitor and frowns. "Nope. No clue."

"I can work on computers, but I know nothing about Life Science." Kess looks frustrated she isn't able to help get information on what is going on.

Try hailing them. Hey StarTrek NXT came to mind. Sir, life forms on board, attempting to identify, Warf.

Oh hey, look at that, I didn't realize Lynn and I ninja'd!

"Those readings look nice and strong, Lynn. Here, let me see if I can interpret them further...."
Life Sciences: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"Uh...guys...? These life signs are definitely NOT humanoid!"

"Oh no! If they're not humanoid... does that mean all the Starfinders are already dead? We've got to get in there to investigate!" Lynn switches her scans to try to evaluate how best to dock and enter the vessel.

"We've got to be positive guys! I bet the agents on that ship managed to get in escape pods and got to safety!" Her voice bouys the spirits with its optimism.

Hudathan frowns. "I once went on a mission with a Barathu. Not all Starfinders are humanoid." He cocks his head, thinking hard. "Perhaps the barathus were the only survivors. Unlikely, but possible." The vesk checks the safety on his cannon, just in case.

{Only one way to find out it seems. We're just going to have to board her.}

"Let's try to hail them, and then board if we get no response. If they answer and not Starfinders, we know what to expect." Kess suggests to the group.

"Hail, then board. Sounds like a plan to me!"

{Naiaj stated that they haven't been detecting any comm signals so they may not be able to send anything. Or maybe they're ignoring everyone. It is worth a try though. Who likes to talk?}

Arratoi hits the comms button and says, "Gooooooooooood mooooooooooooorning Aeon Hooooooooooo-Raaaaaaaaaaaaiiiii-Zuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhnnn!!!! My name is Arratoi and we're Starfinder reinforcements who've arrived to back you up!! Please report your status, medical condition, and any immediate emergencies! We'll soon be boarding and would like to be prepared to assist in any way possible! Looking forward to meeting you and I'm sure you're looking forward to heading back home with us!!!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 10 + (2) = 29

I'm gonna assume there will be no response....at which point Arratoi says...

"Welp, time to board her and see firsthand what's goin on!! Let's go!"

Arratoi will board with weapon already drawn and in hand....

Lynn giggles at Arratoi's hailing, adding her own "And if you're some bad guys, we're going to come and say hi to you too!"

Hudathan nods, smiling grimly. "Yes. We say hi very loudly."

Relax, they might not understand common, we may still have a chance to stealth on board

You dock your ship to the Aeon Horison without any issue. Being smart Starfinders, you download the schematics for the ship, so you know at least what you are searching.

I've moved the slide to the top of the map deck for ease of access. If you could all add yourself to the airlock that would be helpful.

Nervously you open the airlock. The chamber beyond is in disarray, spacesuits and other equipoment lie strewn about the floor.

Lynn steps into the airlock cautiously, one hand on the wall to keep herself steady in case there's some kind of strange reaction from the ship. She had activated the environmental seals on her armor before the team docked, but she checks them again now.

"Kinda seems a bit spooky! Like everyone was trying to leave and then they just disappeared with a poof!" She provides a visual aid with her hands.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Seeing nothing unusual, she starts inspecting the equipment for any clues about what mightve happened.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"A bit disorganized, aren't they....?"

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"Someone searched this place in a hurry. We should be careful. We have no idea if it was the Starfinders getting out quickly or enemies getting in." she draws her pistol and waits for the others to be ready.

{Could be a little of both.} Bugface draws a rifle as well.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

survival: 6 + 1d20 ⇒ 6 + (15) = 21

First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo addresses the Society through communication devices across the Scoured Stars: ​“Starfinders, thanks to your efforts, we have gathered a large amount of data about the whereabouts of several groups of survivors from the first mission to the Scoured Stars. We have analyzed the data and now know enough to start locating and evacuating our friends and allies. We still need more intelligence on other groups of survivors, however, and we must continue to run reconnaissance missions at the same time.”​

Table GM’s- You are now set to start Part 2, but remember Part 1 missions that are still open still need to be accomplished.

First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo pings each of your comm devices. ​” Starfinders have recovered a signal beacon from a steamy swamp on Agillae-2. Our analysis of the data indicates there is a large group of survivors on another planet in the same system, and we will soon be ready to commence the evacuation mission.”​

Planet of the Dinosaurs location is now closed and Last Outpost is now open.

Starfinders are filled with confidence. All Starfinders receive a +1 Morale bonus to attack rolls, saving throws and skill checks until the end of the current mission.

"You all heard that from Luwazi? Well, that's good news! But anyways, back to the matter at hand. Let's see what we can find on this ship..."

Arratoi searches around the room and if nothing is found, he'll fall back into formation, static arc pistol in hand as the group prepares to move forward.

I've re-arranged the tokens on the map so that the two soldiers are up front, followed by the mechanic and operative, then the envoy and technomancer bringing up the rear. If anyone wants to adjust our formation, please feel free!!

Going to hit the fast forward button and just do some narative here to speed us along[

Leaving the airlock you enter the cargo bay. The two doors leading
to the access corridor have been barricaded with containers and other heavy items. Noticeable dark stains mar the floor here.

The stronger starfinders start to remove the barricade while the others look into the labratory.

The lab contains medical and scientific equipment, computers, and glass containers holding scientific samples. One of the containers holds what looks a shed skin.

A second container contains a gelatinous egg the size of a human’s head.

A third container is broken... and it looks like it was broken from the inside.

An audio recorder sits on the table.

It takes a while but you manage to finish removing the crates blocking entry to the rest of the ship.

There are two elevators in the access corridor. Signs and schematics show they go up to another level, but they are badly broken, and there is extensive damage to the elevants supporting structures.[spoiler=Engineering DC 17 or Perception DC20]The damage has been inflicted on purpose with heavy duty tools. It would take hours and hours work to fix this enough to be able to access the upper levels.

That just leaves the bridge...

Lynn moves through the ship inspecting the obvious signs of a struggle and worse, the obvious signs of some kind of dangerous creature getting loose.

Life Science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Life Science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

"Ah, theres some Vesk blood here. And over here, some kind of shed skin, like human skin, but shed... wow that's super weird. Maybe some sort of shape shifter that shed its human guise to spring a super scary surprise attack!"

When she listens to the message, her bottom lip starts to wobble "That's... so horrible! If something dangerous' still hiding here, we've got to make sure it doesn't get out! Lets get to the bridge!"

Engineering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

"Hmmm... I guess the bridge is our only option. Let's go!" Lynn heads down towards the bridge, making a show of being wary for any shape shifters, creepy egg-hatched alien monsters, and anything else that might jump out from around the corner.