PbP Gameday VI; Starfinder 1-01: The Commencement [lvl 1-2] (Inactive)

Game Master Revvy Bitterleaf

"In danger? What do you mean? I haven't seen anyone. Let me ask grandma"

"GRAAAANNNDDDDMAAAAA!!!"

An a wizened old woman in a blue-and white abaya joins you on the porch as she exits another room inside the house

She sees you and says; "What is it Jubilar, who are those people? And what do they want"

"I am Ceren, how can I help you?"

Bowing before the old woman Vargouzal intones. "Greetings elder. There are dangerous people heading here. We are a group of those who have expertise in computers and looking to help a fellow in return for a copy of the data if the term Bluerise means anything to you?"

"Bluerise you say? Doesn't ring a bell...Blue..rise? No, no, no...doesn't sound familiar. Something to do with computers you mentioned? Oh, but where are my manners..why don't you come inside for a cup of tea and a biscuit and we can continue our conversation inside"

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Bowing again Vargouzal accepts the offer. "Best not to cause more attention here abouts." Entering the house he will have a quick glance around.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Vargouzal leads the way into the house and other then having to sidestep the occasional rake or other gardening implement on your way to the living room there isn't anything dangerous inside.

After she heats up some water and makes everyone who wants it a cup of tea and sets out a tin filled with plain biscuits she asks you

"So what are you doing here exactly? You mentioned something about Bluerise and having expertise in computers?"

The Prof accepts the tea and biscuits eagerly. "Oh my, this is very good, I must say. Is it Earl Grey...or perhaps a Verces Caravan blend? And the bisc...oh, what's that you say? Computers? Oh yes, we know all about computers. Discretion not so much, and speed well not much of that either, but perhaps by chance have you had any new equipment installed recently? Anything unusual, or perhaps not even that unusual. We'd be happy to take a look...ah, make sure it's in working order and not you know...ah, not working." The Prof takes another healthy nibble of the tasty biscuit and washes it down with a noisy slurp of some tea.

"Unusual..not that I remember, but my memory isn't what it used to be. Give me a moment and I'll check"

---------------------------

A few seconds of a blank stare as she checks her neural implants

The woman blushes and coughs

"Well..this is embarrassing. It seems I do have some files fron Bluerise which I'm not supposed to have.."

Jubilar her grandson looks shocked as she tells you this

"Please allow me to explain"

"I once indeed have been a hacker in my earlier years—one of the best of the best in the field. However, old age brought on a degenerative brain disease, which forced me into retirement.
Augmentations in my brain halted the damage and keep me functional, but I still have large lapses in my memory and I'm no longer as capable as I once was."

Ceren concludes that she must have slipped into a younger mindset, performed the hack, and forgotten about it. Since she cannot recall the circumstances, she is happy to give the files to you in exchange for your aid. Since she is guilty of stealing from Bluerise Tower, it is only a matter of time before corporate security hunts her down. Ceren has no realistic hope of evading agents in her current state.

"If you could help fake my death to get me out of the hot water I have managed to land myself in and please place Jubair under Society protection, then I'd hand over the files to you."

Despite the circumstances, she seems quite enthusiastic, even noting that these events remind her of her “younger days.”

"Vell, the place is a fire trap, but vee vill need a body."

"Well, we may have fast covered and no firefight. Yet." Vargouzal chuckles. Pondering for a while he nods towards Onda. "Yes. Low tech might be best. If security expects an old hacker we find a solution that is out of that character. But that is not our strength either."

I'll give you guys some time to come up with possible creative ways to do this on your own - like how'd you get a body as a stand in for Ceren. I'll post suggestions on how to handle this sometime tomorrow if you still need them by then.

The Prof considers Onda's words. "A body? hmmm, yes but a dead one of course...now where would one find a dead body? Well one can make a dead body...no, no not like that, although one can indeed make a live body dead although that does seem rather extreme. I mean mechanical means, androids of course, although not particularly convincing upon closer examination and well not exactly dead either. What was it I was saying? Ah, yes perhaps the morgue might be a good place to find what we are after...although there is the matter of our missing variable of interest. This is perhaps where some discretion could come in handy. Alas!"

"Oo oo oo! A bolt of der lightning has just hit mine head! Za answer is staring us in der face! Der granny is a hacker!"

“Hmm, Pharasma would not approve. But do we actually need a body? Maybe Historia-7 could help us spread false information. As collector of information she might be able to help us spin the story. And if the fire is hot enough, maybe jarred remains would do. Do not have to be real either if the replica is good enough.“

You can still come up with your own solutions to this but to keep things moving I'll post some things you could do

Ceren has Jubair collect their most precious belongings while she goes into temporary hiding. She provides you with a location where they will meet in 6 hours: a bridge she enjoys in Jatembe Park.

So you have 6 hours to succeed at the following:

In order to fool any pursuers, Ceren needs to be declared dead.
For example, but not limited too;
You can fake her body by obtaining a cadaver (you can just buy one for 60 credits or you can get creative) and using a Disguise or Medicine check to alter the corpse to match Ceren’s records. If you want to go with fake remains, like something made from ash and fake a fire I'll take an slightly higher Life science check to create fake dna or something.
Ceren needs a new identity if she wants to survive her false death.
For example, but not limited too;
You can help set up a solid new alias for Ceren with a successful Bluff, Culture, or Disguise check. Computers skill can be used to forge
Ceren different identification papers. (you need 3 successes for this)

Onda looks at Lola and says in a louder and slower voice "Der lady... is... a hacker... dummkopf. Vee don't need Hysteria-7. She can alter her own records. Vee just have to figure out how to activate zose neurons in her head.... Zough you are right der place iz still a fire trap."

Those are Onda's plans, get the old lady's hidden hacker side to fix her records or burn the entire one-door apartment complex to the ground hopefully causing enough death and mayhem to cover up the fact the old lady's still alive (assuming that her survival is actually one of the goals of our plan).

Chirrk ponders the situation, and then offers what he can to the discussion. "I have certain contacts that I may be able to persuade to help us fake her death and establish a new identity. I will meet you in a few hours to let you know what I can do."

"And I must go alone. All my friends are heathens, and I must take it slow..."

He then collects some additional details from Ceren and Jubair, scribbles some sketches of the apartment, and disappears into the seedy parts of the station.

Using his Outlaw theme, Chirrk will contact the criminal elements who helped him escape from the kasatha worldship and change his identity.
Culture (criminal underworld): 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 5 = 18

I vunder, vat if any price dere is on zis woman's head now?

The Prof start pottering around for bits and pieces which he could use to doctor up some fake DNA to make it look like Ceren died in the fire We're still burning the house down, right?. "Hmm, it doesn't take much, maybe just a piece of her hair...some bits of dry skin, oh and any other...ahem...fluids or other excretions. We all have it you know...in fact in many ways we are it. Now, it's not my primary field but I do love to dabble..."

Life Sciences - take 10: 10 + 7 = 17

"Oh, and of course she'll need a new life now that she's dead...well not actually dead but we hope sufficiently apparently dead that she will need a new life as the old one is...ah, yes well perhaps she might like a few years removed, what member of the fairer sex wouldn't. In fact I could lose a few extra years myself if given the chance, but there's no time for that...oh yes and a new name, now let me see..anyone have any ideas...ah, and new identification number, the authorities do love their numbers."

Computers - take 10: 10 + 7 = 17

Having found a path that requires physical action Vargouzal smiles happily as he works at the tasks at hand. Firstly aiding Lenik's creation of the new identity and the surveying the building, finding where a fire would look non-suspicious to the authorities while also hopefully not growing large enough to threaten a neighborhood.

Aid Another:Lenik Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Fire Starting:Physical Science: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Lola joins the professor and goes over some of the details regarding the needed DNA strains and other samples that might be needed.

Aid another Life Science: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

The Prof start pottering around for bits and pieces which he could use to doctor up some fake DNA to make it look like Ceren died in the fire We're still burning the house down, right?.

:) Onda's game, but apparently burning down an occupied apartment building with only one entrance is frowned upon by the PathStarfinder Society for some reason.

Onda checks his favorite online source to see how much the old lady might be worth, while aiding with the group's identity data subversion plan.

computers (aid): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

*Sigh* If only za Radical Edvard was here.

...meanwhile, in a grimy corridor on subfloor level Omicron 4...

"Look, I know you can get this done." Chirrk says in a low-pitched voice, soft enough that only the other person can hear. "I need a cadaver. Soon. The 'why' is unimportant. The details are what you need to focus on. Human. Female. Elderly. About this tall. Slender. Some wet-ware. Pretty standard deal. I'll owe you..."

Onda's game, but apparently burning down an occupied apartment building with only one entrance is frowned upon by the PathStarfinder Society for some reason.[/ooc]

Well if you do it so it's contained and it doesn't burn down anything/anyone other then "Ceren" and her apartment it's fine by me as a possible way of her "dying" ..and with Vargouzal's check that should be fine

While Chirrk procures some ...let's call it "starter protein" for a fake body Lenik with the aid of Lola manages to make a convincing duplicate of Ceren which is then placed somewhere in the kitchen area next to an unfortunate very flammable portable cooking stove which was expertly rigged by Vargouzal

After that is done Lenik works on some new identity papers but almost forgets to check a very important box in one of the forms until Onda points it out as Vargouzal goes over the check list

You need another 2 success at doing something to provide a new cover identity..you could just hack some other data base and get her a library card or drivers license (computer skill)..or you can talk to some people who will swear that they've know her from way back when (diplomacy) or you can disguise her (disguise); something along those lines

Lola thinks about potential „fake“ connections that could give the new identity some background. Maybe Laboni would be okay with a new acquaintance.

If anyone wants to try a diplomacy check, here is a assist.

Aid another: diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Chirrk tries his hand(s) at disguising Ceren for her new identity. "It can't be too intricate, otherwise you may get caught without it. Let's change your hair a bit, perhaps with some color, and contact lenses to start. I can arrange more drastic alterations, but they are likely to hurt quite a bit more..." he says matter-of-factly as he works.
Disguise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Lola, I think your +4 is the parties best by the way

Knowing that helping with more people related skills are not his forte, and also computers and machines make much more sense; Vargouzal looks into hacking some other low security databases to create more trails of false identification.

Computers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Assuming Lola's Diplomacy check is actually the primary one as the rest of us are all a bit geeky.

The Prof helps Lola try and convince some strangers that they are in fact close friends of Ceren. "Ahh, you know the old lady...er, the one with the ah...you know the hair and the distinct lack of fur...the um, well you know what she's like, humany and not very chatty...oh, what am I telling you for, you've known her for years!"

He also helps Chirrk pick out a disguise. "Hmmm, yes very stylish, perhaps a nice shawl and a cardigan...oh, and a hat. Big hats never go out of fashion."

Diplomacy (aid):: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Disguise (aid):: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Looks like Vargouzal has the computers all covered, so won't bother helping him there.

disguise (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 5

"Are you sure zis is for za best? I still say it would be easier to burn za place to za ground. I mean look at her hair. It is like za rat's nest." Onda says combing Ceren's gray hair.

Looking around after coming out of his hacking session and stretching his back he sees the group trying to finish off the loose ends. He nods and tries to help despite lack of any real talent.

Disguise (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 18
Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 14

Working together you come up with a detailed plan on how an elderly woman with minimum income could appear younger, more fashionable and change her hair on a budget...which seems to involve a lot of covering with various head gear and you buy her some contact lenses which she can use once you meet up with her again.

I just remembered that she isn't actually present for you guys to give her an make-over at the moment..so, improvising a bit ;)

You convince Laboni to vouch for her if anyone comes asking about her about her being her baby sitter from back in the day

And you manage to add her new look into the system ahead of her actually looking that in a few easily checked locations in case someone starts poking around for her new identity.

Satisfied that your efforts will provide Ceren with a new way of life you head out to meet up with her to give her the disguise kit at the rendez-vouz location at the designated meeting place in Jatembe Park.
Open to all citizens, Jatembe Park occupies a wide portion of the Eye of Absalom Station. Filled with lush trees and open grass fields, the park offers some natural terrain to the otherwise metalclad station. Ceren’s meeting point is one such forested portion of the park, specifically a spot often ignored by citizens due to the winding path required to reach it.

On a bridge you notice that Ceren is surrounded by 3 human males wielding tactical batons who are beating up the old woman. On their belts that have pulsecaster pistols.

What do you do?

Burn down the apartment building? ;)

Is there a map for the scene?

Vargouzal looks at the beings actually attacking the elder they are supposed to be helping and calls out while walking forward. "Hey! You cannot assault others in such a way! Halt or there shall be authorities involved!" He strides forward in his height and armor, but leaving his weapons sheathed.

Burn down the apartment building? ;)

Is there a map for the scene?

There might be one ;), I try to avoid putting a map up if it's not needed - until it's needed - since it seems to trigger a we must fight responses in players as soon as they see a map in my experience (not saying you can't fight..or try to burn down the bridge if you want though ;)

As Vargouzal steps forward the men look up and one of them turns around and faces Vargouzal directly

"This does not concern you, move along"

Intimidate check if you want; I'll put up a map just in case.
You are on the left side of the bridge with Vargouzal standing in front of the bridge and Ceren and the humans are in the middle of it

Due to their actions and response I am guessing these are not obvious law enforcement...

Glancing to see which of his companions will back up his gambit Vargouzal stands up to his full height and growling. "It seems that it does concern me. Move along. You are outnumbered and outgunned!" With the final word he invokes the seal embedded upon his artillery laser making it teleport from his back and into his hands, letting the thugs look down the length of the massive gun.

Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Lola steps up as well positioning herself behind and to the left of Vargouzal.

The Semi Automatic Pistol on her belt suddenly seems to glow appearing in her hand only splitseconds later.

“You seem to be outnumbered and outgunned. It would be wise to choose a different tone.“

There might be one ;), I try to avoid putting a map up if it's not needed - until it's needed - since it seems to trigger a we must fight responses in players as soon as they see a map in my experience (not saying you can't fight..or try to burn down the bridge if you want though ;)

I feel you. I'll often put up maps where all the characters need to do is walk around and talk to other people, or in the case of First Steps I: In Service to Lore open boxes and solve riddles. Have you considered Google Slides? I was a Draw user for a while until I found Slides. It is a free app, does everything your current app is doing and you can stack and shuffle your maps and layer on opaque covers over them until you need them, and it works on phones. First Steps I: In Service to Lore Sample feel free to look through the slides (heck steal them if you want to), but please don't touch the top map. It is active right now.

Onda moves CRUD into position.

Chirrk moves into a tactical position, and the orb of darkness that usually circles his head slowly drifts down and covers his body in an inky black armor! Each of his four arms draws a different weapon, and he adds in his atonal voice, "Do as the nice vesk says and run along before you regret something..."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Unfortunately, his mask is not as intimidating as he thought it would be...

"A couple of wise guys huh..we know how to deal with those"

The men start to turn your way lifting their stun batons and drawing their guns as Ceren scrambles to the side and curls up into a ball on the side of the bridge

Init Chirrk: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Init Onda: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Init Lola: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Init Vargouzal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Init Lenik: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Init enemy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Before you can respond they move closer to you and start to deliver a beating while one of them hangs back a bit and fires his gun at Lola

To hit EAC Lola: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 3 Non-lethal
Extra damage from the crit: 1d4 ⇒ 4 Non-lethal

To hit KAC Vargouzal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage if hit: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Bludgeon
To hit KAC Vargouzal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage if hit: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Bludgeon

Lola gets solidly hit in the chest but Vargouzal seems like he's been in a bit of scrap before and easily sidesteps a hit as he deflects the other one.

init
You guys
Enemies

Lenik watches on as Vesk tries to deal with the thugs. "Yes, ah let's not resort to physical violence now shall we. Do as my friend says and leave the nice lady alone. We are very discrete and speedy individuals who you would be better off not messing with!"

Intimidate (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 15

EDIT: Ok, jumped (or missed) the gun on combat starting.

As the fight breaks out, The Prof reacts by casting a Grease spell underneath the nearest two men. "Friction! The correct application of a lubricating substance, can produce beneficial results...er, combat-wise that is, although there are other equally useful applications as well."

Grease (DC14) on red and blue and the two squares behind them.

Snorting as the blows fail to penetrate his armor. "Wrong choice." he rumbles as he steps back and shoots.

Guarded Step back. Shooting at Red or Blue they make the saves or to the Green if both fail (shooting at upright foes)

Artillery Laser: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 versus EAC for 1d10 ⇒ 1 damage.

Lola cringes. The sudden pain almost overwhelming her. She grips her gun even tighter and takes aim.

Ranged Attack with semi automatic pistol on green.

Ranged attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d6 ⇒ 1

Out of core range. I missed the -2 modifier, but it probably does not matter.

The kasatha, now clad in the inky-black of deep space, steps forward towards the bridge and unleashes a quick attack with his own tactical baton on the nearest foe (red).
Tac baton: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Gaah! The low-roller continues :/

Can I place CRUD "into position"? There weren't actual people on the map when last I looked so placement would have been problematic.

Intimidate (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 19
EDIT: Ok, jumped (or missed) the gun on combat starting.

Your intimidate wasn't high enough..and they sort of get aggressive when you try to intimidate them and fail, which is happend with Vargouzal and even if you made an assist it wouldn't have been enough for a succes

The Prof reacts by casting a Grease spell underneath the nearest two men

Reflex save Red: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Reflex save Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

One of them goes prone but the other seems unaffected by the slippery ground

Vargouzal takes a step back and fires at the one left standing hitting him square in the chest for minimal impact

Lola cringes. The sudden pain almost overwhelming her. She grips her gun even tighter and takes aim...but her aim if of and she fails to hit her target

The kasatha, now clad in the inky-black of deep space, steps forward towards the bridge and unleashes a quick attack with his own tactical baton on the nearest foe but he easily side steps the attack

@Onda; as long as it's not on the bridge I'm fine with it. As soon as you would have gotten that close they'd trigger combat already

init
Onda+Crud

Damage:
Red: 1
Blue: Prone