PbP Gameday VII - Starfinder Society 1-16 Dreaming of the Future - GM Shaudius (Inactive)

Game Master Shaudius

"Maxamas, balance the shields, Flint, let's boost them! We'll handle the engines as soon as we're not in danger of more damage. Wyvern, continue evasive maneuvers!"

encourage: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 6 + (2) = 24

+2 boost to Science Officer.

Antennae waving rapidly, Chk'tarlsh is jostled as the gunner's chair trembles from tbe impact of the latest shot from the pirate vessel.

Lining up the enemy ship within the targeting recticle and returns fure.

Attack, turret: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 3, 3) = 13

Wyvern continues to evade and manoeuvres to exposes aft shield to potential fire.

Pilot Evasive Manoeuvers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

computers to rebalance shields: 5 + 2 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 + 2 + (10) = 17 added in the +2 aid given to me by the captain

Botting Flint:

Flint attempts to boost the damaged shield

Engineering to Boost Shields: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

You rip through a different shield doing 8 damage to their hull.

16/55 Hull Points.

New Round

Your Piloting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Their Piloting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

You move first again so they can pick the arc of yours they fire on.

Everyone is up again

is that front shield up yet?

Wyvern begins to steer the sip around facing the front and damaged side shields away from fire exposing the aft and left side shield incrementally.

defensive turn: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"How are we farinhk?" Chk'tarlsh clicks over the comms. "They should be done after a couple more good shotsh, if we can hold up." He proceeds to fire upon the enemy vessel once more.

Attack, turret: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 2, 2) = 8

"We can see your ship is badly damaged. Last chance to surrender!" Sorkalazril communicates to their foe.

"Good job on the shields, let's divert some energy to the weapons!"

encourage engineering: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (2) = 11 That's a rare failure. No bonus. Don't forget there's still a bonus from the ship though.

computers to scan ship: 5 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 + (5) = 10 It is almost pointless at this point, their ship is doomed and we are far from dying and scanning does nothing, but might as well do something.

You could do "Target system" too, although at this point it probably wouldn't matter much.

Flint nods and puts the power to the weapons

Engineering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

I am out of pocket most of the weekend so bot as needed.

I'm going to go ahead and call it here as you'll easily be able to dispatch the ship before taking anymore damage.

Combat Over

Once defeated, the crippled River Rat drifts deeper into the Diaspora. Ezra Silverbrew, the Society’s liaison with the Silverbrew clan, quickly contacts you,

"Nice flying, Starfinders. That ought to teach those skulking thieves to keep away from what isn’t theirs! Now then, as promised, we’ll send you the one chunk of the tablet they didn’t get their grubby hands on. And after you get that, we get to sweep the station for any other ‘surprises’ they might have left behind."

The mission complete you head back to Absalom Station. You receive the following from Venture-Captain Arvin:

"One world, two sides apart
Freedom locked ‘neath neon lights
Bad chameleon"

From this, I believe that the "one world, two sides apart" tells us to inspect the Pact World of Verces. The second portion of this
dreamspun tale, plus the information gathered from the previous clues, points us to the verthani club owner, Karelite Bogdin. He
owns a nightclub called Kozmos in the city-state of Vanos. I believe we’ll find the tablet hidden among his famed art collection in
the personal safe in his office."

Culture (Recall Knowledge) or Diplomacy (Gather Information) Checks on Verces

Traveling from Absalom Station to Verces takes a few days, during
which you can collaborate on your cover story and do any things you would like to do to appear less conspicuous in the club. Please let me know what, if any preparation you would like to make, I will start the next part when I hear from everyone.

culture: 5 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 + (11) = 16 What do I know about Verces.

Begins search on the Loremaster computers "Karelite Bogdin" "Kozmos, Vanos" "Art". with shipmaters. Attempting to hack into locked information sites, looking up local new articles, and "What to do in Vanos!" guides for locals and off-worlders.

cultural events and social events and personalities: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

hacking as required: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Verces art specific to starships: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Chk'talsh's antennae waver in agitation at the mention of Verces and he looks decidedly uncomfortable at the thought of visiting the planet.

"I know jusst the ssort of place we are lookinhk for," he announces audibly, mandibles clacking.

He reveals that he is originally from a shirren colony in Fullbright. His profession as a mercenary saw him fulfill numerous security and bodyguard roles, with contracts taking him to the Ring of Nations, Darkside and, eventually, off world. It has been some years since he left and, although he doesn't mention it, you may pick up that he is less than eager to return home.

"I'll try ssome of my old contactsh," he announces.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

You know the following with your Culture/Diplomacy Checks

The city-state of Vanos lies in a perpetual twilight, and the appeal of the city lies mostly in the traditionally nocturnal activities found here. The club is a short distance from the port, down a busy boulevard. Neon lights flash above various storefronts, advertising everything from virtual reality shows to high-end pet shops selling imported animals of dubious legality.

All around, people of various species, dressed in expensive clothing, laugh as they make their way beneath the pulsing lights. Many are accompanied by androids dressed in similar black uniforms, all with red collars around their necks.

When you arrive at Kozmos, a line stretches around the block,
filled with eager concert-goers awaiting admittance. Gaining entry
is easy; the tickets, which Arvin provided to you to enter the club, are legitimate, though the large vesk bouncers do eye you as you pass by. As with most locations in Vanos, weapons are permissible within the club.

The main dance floor of Kozmos extends almost eighty feet from north to south. Two raised bars, tended by clearly augmented verthani, nest within raised platforms in the northwest and northeast corners, while two large vesk guard a door in the middle of the northern wall. Two androids with red collars tend a central bar, which serves as the main drinking station. Throngs of verthani and a handful of other species fill the dance floor, and the 10-foot ceilings barely rise two feet above most of their heads. A large stage covers the southern section of the room, flanked by ramps leading up from the east and west sides. Each ramp leads to a door, with the southern one guarded by an intimidating vesk who stands under a sign marked "Dressing Room." A double door marked “Fire Exit” lies in the middle of the eastern wall, and the club entrance is the sole door along the western side.

What would you like to do?

Check out the female dancers perception: 6 + 1d20 ⇒ 6 + (18) = 24
My HP is still down, did we get a long rest between this and our last on foot fight. I know with Starship combat, we probably got at least a short rest. Or has it been days since our last on foot fight?

Its been days. Traveling from the Diaspora to Absalom Station and then Absalom Station to Verces.

We didn't really formulate what our "angle" or plan of attack were going to be when trying to gain an audience with the club owner. Perhaps one of our more sociable party members (Sorkalazril?) could front as an art collector/dealer who had heard of the owner's collection/wanted to sell some art and the rest of us are an entourage of some sort? Or are we kicking down the door?

Chk'tarlsh runs his multifaceted eyes over the patrons on the dance floor and scopes out the hired muscle for signs of weapons, armour and general impression of competency.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

I like that idea.

Sorkalazril starts schmoozing. He's trying to find someone who knows someone who knows someone... etc. His goal is to get a meeting with this Karelite Bogdin fellow. If it seems to get him traction, he'll suggest that he is an art collector looking to do business or at least have a look.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 6 + (6) = 25

SOrkalazril goes up to the central bar and talks to the bartenders there. The androids give their designations as Kozmos-13 and Kozmos-14. He learns that the red collars are placed on the androids to ensure compliance. While online, the collars can be remotely activated and will render the androids unable to move. Kozmos-13 and Kozmos-14 have both seen androids scrapped after having their collars activated.

He also learns that Bogdin controls the androids via a computer in his office.

Chk'tarlsh and Maxamas Maxamas notice that the dancers come in and out of a room to the southwest, this is likely a dressing room of some sort and may have access to the other areas.

Sorkalazril's eyes widen. "That is just..." he swallows his disgust and anger. "...very efficient. Is there any way I could speak to your boss?"

There, to the right of the stage, Chk'tarlsh announces telepathically to his companions. The dancers come and go through that door, it must lead to their dressing room and access further backstage. There doesn't apear to be any guard posted there.

Flint, not one for being social, just heads over where ever the food is and samples what ever is available. Taking this time to keep an eye out for where the doors may lead.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Kozmos-13 turns to Sorkalazril, "Bogdin is currently out, not sure when he'll be back, I suppose you could wait around for him to return but it might be awhile."

So, what's the plan as Maxamas asks his allies.

Sorka gathers with the others, away from the bar, and shares what the androids told him. "We could wait until he returns, and Sorkalazril could attempt to win him over. Otherwise, we could go attempt to sneak in."

"Do you think the androidsh will help ush if we offer to help free them?" Chk'tarlsh asks Sorkalazril. The shirren then shrugs, "Otherwisse it sseemsh we need to find our own way in. Directly or indirectly."

"They seem quite cowed. Sorkalazril could try, but for all we know they could report it to their boss immediately."

Trying to keep this from getting stalled, if you could all formulate a plan of action that would be awesome.

If you are in doubt, best not to risk tipping our hand, Chk'tarlsh sends to Sorkalazril telepathically, antennae waving. He continues, this time to all his companions, That leaves the indirect or direct approaches.

The door to the dressing room leads backstage, but has high traffic in and out - perhaps we could slip in. There are other doors I have seen, but they may be locked and we don't know where they lead. I have little skill in subterfuge personally but you all seem quite resourceful. Regardless of the approach we choose, I will be ready when it hits the ventilation unit.

Sorkalazril snaps his fingers. "Telepathy! Chk'tarlsh, try communicating with one of the androids using that. They may be more willing to 'speak' freely if no one can hear them. Ask if they want to help us free them from their owner."

At Sorkalazril's words his antennae abruptly cease their moving as he considers.

I can do this, he sends, matter-of-factly.

Should no one voice any objections, he makes his way over to the android bartenders and orders a drink. "A Verthani Double," he announces audibly. "On the rocksh." He continues telepathically, My vesk friend mentioned your current employment situation. We can help fix that for you, but would need some assistance first. My vesk companion thought that communicating this way may be more comfortable for you... given the current state of affairs.

In a whisper to Sorkalazril if we can gain master control of the slave's collars and free the permanently then all the master's secrets will be ours. All slaves resent their masters and elevate their liberators

Wyvern adjusts the holo-badge to scroll "Ace Pilot for sale: Property of Sorkalazril" then proceeds to gather information using an indirect "operative cant" from android sympathisers under the natural guise of obtaining beverages and to see if the undercurrents or android rebellion are present. While will then attempt to move around inconspicuously in the crowd looking for the for Android control room.

sense rebellious motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

android control mechanisms: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12

looking for android central control computer room: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

The android responds telepahtically, "What exactly do you have in mind?"

Wyvern where would you like to stealth to?

Wyvern was wanting to move about inconspicuously scoping out the place using the crowd and dark areas as cover.

We are tracking down some stolen property that we believe has made its way into Bogdin's collection - a fragment of a sandstone tablet. My friends are quite resourceful, if you can help us get what we need, they will be able to handle the computer controlling those collars, he replies telepathically to the android.

Exactly what I was thinking, Chk. This is like an episode of B5 or ST:DS9!

Kozmos-14 responses telepathically, "We would like nothing more to be free, but we're afraid anything we do in public to help will get us killed, these collars will kill us if Bogdin or his minions find out we're helping you.

I think the control module is in Bogdin's office through the east door. That's probably where he also has the tablet, if its here. You can also get there though the southern door and by going around, if you're concerned about going directly east.

Chk'tarlsh thanks the bartender for the drink and lifts it up before his multifaceted eyes as though inspecting it. Telepathically, he sends to Kosmos-14, Information about what lies beyond the doors will be more than enough - the position of any guards, any security measures or surprises we should be aware of, the layout of Bogdin's office...

The shirren hoists the drink as though in toast and lifts it to his mouth, without actually drinking. He telepathically relays what he has learnt to his companions. So, how do you want to do this?

Sounds like we have the choice of the longer indirect path (sneaking through the southwestern doors - possibly needing to talk our way past the dancers - and then all the way around) or the shorter direct approach (the doors to the east). Chk'tarlsh isn't exactly stealthy (+1), but I'll roll with either option. Of course, there's the option of the more sneaky/sociable of us trying that method, with the others waiting on stand-by for a comms message to storm in?

I haven't been back there often, so I'm not really sure what kind of security is about, but I know the only guards around right now are those at the front door of the club.

Wyvern appears from the darkness of the club materialising like a ghost next to Chk'tarlsh.

Whispers south and go around. It is less obvious. I have means to identify and counter security. I am also quite inconspicuous as is Maxamas. We could open the east door for you from within?

Maxamas quietly follows Wyvern and does what she tells him.

Chk'tarlsh nods slightly to Wyvern. Very well. Use the comms if you need us. I will watch the two on the doors, he sends telepathically, lifting the drink to his mouth once more.

Wyvern nods to Maxamas they leave discretely to infiltrate the control office via the southern entrance.

You enter what appears to be a dressing room (as already mentioned.) There doesn't appear to be anything of note in here and it is currently empty but you do find a computer panel.

Maxamus what are you like at assist hacking ?

Wyvern gets to work computer access override: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 plus any assist / aid Maxamas may render.

Lets see what I can do computers aid: 5 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 + (19) = 24

Maxamus and Wyvern are able to access the computer and pull up a layout of the whole area (revealed everything). There doesn't appear to anything else of note in this room.

Maxamas and Wyvern will attempt to travel east through the doors. Are they locked?