PbP GD VI: Starfinder #1-00: Claim to Salvation by GM Poblano Pepper - Re-dux (Inactive)

Game Master Gary Pepper

SFS 1-00: Claim to Salvation

Your mercenary group has recently received a holographic invite to talk with Luwazi Elsebo, the First Seeker Elect of the Starfinder Society. Speaking of an opportunity to make a few creds and possibly opening up opportunities for even more accolades.  

You arrived to Absalom station early, and decided to procure some additional provisions, recharge your blaster batteries and explore the inner districts of the station.  It's great for slipping in with out notice as there's such a large mix of races that come to sell and reside in the station.

The ring segment known as Drifter's End is one of the most diverse and raucous parts of Absalom Station. The district caters to alien ambassadors from newly discovered worlds, explorers, long-haul cargo crews, and spacefaring vagabonds of all sorts. Housing is cheap and temporary, bars are noisy and full of stories, and patrons looking to hire experienced scouts and first-contact specialists clog notorious “Drifter” hangouts such as the Hard Burn, Kristoff's, and the Last Good Run.

Here is where you come across a peculiar sight.  Unlike all the other shops and bars along the path you see a sign that is of carved wood looking as if it was gently and caringly taken from the prow of a sailing ship of old.  Scralled across it you see the name "Maiden's Redoubt". The sign hangs over the door of a bar it stands across from the Starfinder Society's soaring Lorespire Complex.

Upon entry you notice it is neatly decorated to look like the galley of a sailing ship.  Old wood and what you guess are replicas of nautical tools adorn the walls.  The place is empty however save for a sole person behind the large bar. Seeing you enter the man immediately perks up and heads your way "Greetings!!! Welcome to me fine establishment here.  The names Captain Garren Sundale the VIII. Pleasure ta make ur' acquaintance's." making a gracious bow pulling the very old tricorn hat from his head sweeping low.  Pulling back up affixing the hat once again to his head he continues "Please take a seat. First round is on me if ye be willing to tell a tale or two. 'Biggs!!!!' Fetch a tray o' 6 o' the good stuffs for me friends here." a little combat drone falls of the bar comically scrabbling into the back returning with a tray of what appears to be a well aged mead placing a pint in front of everyone then hurtles back to his charging port on the wall. "What brings ya in ta day?"

It has begun!!! Feel free to introduce yourself in character.

Victory brings me today, Captain. I am Obozaya, Former Left Claw of the Mistweavers, but ever since they caught the bad end of a particularly nasty Necrovite I've been earning my credits as a solo act.

You may call me Iseph an androgynous looking Android introduces themself, sitting down a little awkwardly at the end of the bar.

Do the iconics know each other at the start of this?

Obozaya looks levelly at the Android, Iseph... Iseph... Are you the 'droid who left those Corpse Fleet rotters stranded in an asteroid field? Pretty fancy flying the way I heard it told.

I figure by level 4 everyone's got at least one "wait, aren't you the one who____"

*beeb* *boop*

Approaching the table where Scout just arrived to, a mumbling Quig is heard. "Don't be so rude you damn tin can, these are our friends, you are supposed to recognize them by now! Pardon the flying anchovy, it's being overly sarcastic because it wants a bigger gun. Not that I can afford it right now, but you know how emotional this drones can get with their wants and desires... Always droning on about brand new shinies. As if they pitched in their credits! Unbelievable... I'll have two drinks, none for the bot. Not you Iseph, you can get whatever you want, as long as you're paying."

-Posted with Wayfinder

I assumed you all would be part of the same mercenary group, but you all could be assigned (like Starfinders) by a higherup :)

"Ah! Obozaya was it? Victory is a wonderufl thing is it not. And the Booty! Never a doubt when money is involved. Welcome Iseph feel free to enjoy a drink and these seats happen to be a little worse for the wear sorry about that. Don't get many patrons much anymore.

Biggs notices the little flying drone and hops down the bar *beep* *boop* *bzzz*

Garren yells after Biggs "Hey, hey alright alright stop harrasin the patrons. So ye here fer work or pleasure? If the later I know a place ran by a very... Vicarious Lashunta.

Obozaya does her level best to blink at that description. A... Vicarious? Lashunta?

She shakes her head, Work, at any rate.

Altronus is eager to taste the mead, but even if he's adventured with most of the people around, he doesn't consider any of them are close enough for him to lower the cloth covering his mouth.

I thank you for the beverage, captain, and will thank you further still if you could provide a container to take it with me when we leave. My name is Altronus, he takes a seat. What kind of stories would you like to hear? Our anthology covers anything from vicarious Lashuntas to calm Ysoki.

Navaso rushes in, knowing he's running late as he always is. "You the Starfinders? Whew! I thought I was gonna miss out on all the fun." he breathes heavily as he sits down and snatches up one of the free pints of ale and starts guzzling it down, stupidly trying to still catch his breath as he's drowning himself in the ale and coughs into the glass just as he finishes. "Ugh, that hit the spot. So where we headed?"

Garren smiles wide as Obozaya shakes her head.
"Ah work indeed. Well if you be needing any information let me know." seeing the new comers walking in he continues "Ah... umm... well ill see if i have a to-go-cup for ya. Pleasure to be making ur acquaintance Altronus." Garren eyes go wide at the question of the Starfinders "Oh those poor folks across from me bar here. The Starfinders had a bit of bad luck recently but thier leader, Luwazi Elsebo, has been hold'n it together. Word is she has been looking for some mercenary types to go on a mission. If you happen ta be headed that way don't be alarmed if the buildin' seems empty. They are recruiting and training a lot of people to fill the ranks of there little club." at the mention of the First Seeker Elect you all remember that was your main business arriving on Absalom Station today.

I'm going to give Madchappy (raia) until the end of the day and then I will continue, possibly finding another.
Just using this bar as a check in and a meet n' greet before we really start

-Posted with Wayfinder

Altronus nods at Navaso and chuckles, greeting him. Then, he turns to the captain. Can you tell us anything about Elsebo, Garren? I've heard about Starfinders. Unfortunately, nothing of it has come from reliable sources

Altronus gets out a data pad and starts recording. I'll keep a record of this, if you don't mind of course.

"You the Starfinders?

"Me? A starfinder? I wish, well... I can certainly find a few stars from the Station's dome, and I can see stars when not in the Drift, such a beautiful place, but does that make ME a Starfinder? Watcha thinkin' Scout?"

Scout *beeps* three times.

"OHH! SHUT UP! I'll tell you where you'll find THAT later if you keep up with this attitude."

"Ah Altronus that is a good question. Well let me help shed some light on that and give ya some reliable information. The Starfinders are an organization of explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers dedicated to discovering and chronicling all corners of the galaxy for everyone's betterment. Many of us..." he shows you his shoulder and on it you see a faded emblem signifying that Garren is a member of the Starfinders. "... have that itch to explorer and if it weren't for our elected leader Luwazi Elsebo, the first seeker, our group would have dissolved afterward the Scoured Stars Incident. Took place just after the 'Gap'. If you want too know more about tha incident ye best speak with The First Seeker yerself."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Navaso nods along with the conversation, "Yeah I've worked with a few Starfinders before. Good people. Not like most of the scum out there. It's hard to find people that won't shoot you in the back as soon as it profits them." he leans back in his chair and locks his fingers behind his head, eyeing up each of the other adventurers with his mismatched blue and brown eyes.

Raia walks calmly into the room and sits down. "My apologies for being late. I was studying data about some aliens in this area. Did I hear someone mention a vicarious lashunta?"

Blushing at the sudden appearance and questioning of the Vicarious Lashunta Garren stumbles through saying "Well... umm... yes... you see she has a very nice establishment though i recomend it is not for the feint of heart. If you must visit she about 5 door down the corridor on the left. But something tells me that you lot are headed over to the Lorespire Complex to go talk with ol' Luwazi Elsebo urseves."

"She doesn't like tardiness," He chuckles "She can be fickle. O Altronus, here is that to-go-cup for later. Just don't flaunt it in front of the patrols." he winks.

Your group realizes the time and heads across the quad to The Spire where a computerized voice at the entrance says *Bzzz* "Identity verified.. Obozaya, Altronus, Quig, Raia, Navaso and Ispeh..... Entrance granted." the entry way door wooshes open aloowing your party entrance. *Bzzz* "Drone 'Scout' Recognized... Power down weapon load out upon entry or holding measures will be activated" *Bzz*

When you enter you see most of the complex appears to be deserted except for some younger faces rushing by babbling about being late for class or certain professor being to strict.

You make your way up the spire with basic directions provided on the Holo-Invite to a lavish meeting room with several plush couches and a grand central table with the Starfinder Emblem emblazoned across its surface.

Scrolling across the vid-screen on the wall is a message from Luwazi Elsebo stating she will be be in shortly.

--------

After a few minutes a short hiss precedes the opening of an adjacent door. A woman with a determined look steps through the opening, holding a datapad in one hand as she sits down at the nearby table, takes a calm breath, and begins to speak, “Ah good, you made it. All of you come highly recommended. You have skills, and the Starfinder Society has credits.”

She pauses, looks over the group she has assembled, and continues, “How rude of me—introductions. I am Luwazi Elsebo,
the elected First Seeker of the Starfinder Society, and I have an exceptionally fair sum of credits available in return for your specialized services. For this mission, each of you will represent the Starfinder Society, but hold no official title within our organization. As you can probably tell by the empty halls around us, I need to use mercenaries to act as temporary agents. If you agree to the terms, I would like to offer you all a job."

“The Starfinder Society endured a staggering setback several months ago when our previous First Seeker led a mission into a region of space known as the Scoured Stars. We lost almost all our experienced field agents and assets in that endeavor. What the Starfinder Society really needs right now is something to entice outside interest and investment. In short, we need to make a major discovery."

“Prior to the Scoured Stars incident, the Society acquired exclusive rights to explore a rather unique moon. The inhabitants of the nearby planet call it Salvation’s End and see it as a ‘false moon’ due to its visible metal components and underlying superstructure. There’s the potential that it’s nothing more than a mangled hunk of stellar debris on the remains of a moon, but there’s also the chance that the entire object could be one inconceivably large structure.” Luwazi lets loose a devilish smile. “This is where you come in. I want you to go to Salvation’s End and explore the surface. First, you’ll need to make a quick trip to the moon of Varos, which orbits the nearby gas giant, Bretheda. There’s a highlevel security complex on Varos that has a survivor from a rogue prospecting mission to Salvation’s End. I want you to question the prisoner, find out what you can about the so-called ‘false moon,’ and then make way to Salvation’s End. Once there, you will need to see if the moon is worthless, or something valuable enough for the Society to announce."

"Understood?”

You can ask questions of Luwazi Elsebo at this point before you set off for Varos

Altonus laughs sincerely at Raia's remak. "I'm going to enjoy my time with you, people. Can't wait to get to know you well. For now, I think we should listen to Garren. Joining the Starfinders might be worthwhile for some of us here."

Makes sense, anything that could prove to be nothing's a good target for mercs.

What do you know about this prisoner?

"Why not send whatever 'Finders you've got left? If you need them some field experience, not that I'm complainin'. Me an'Scout are happy to take your creds."

Raia smiles and nods in agreement at Altronus.

"I am most intrigued at providing assistance to the Starfinder Society and the thought of exploration is definitely appealing. "

"You mention the prisoner was on a rogue prospecting mission. Do you know what happened to the rest of the mission personnel?"

"Who's in control of this security complex that we are visiting? Do they know we're coming and will we have full access to the prisoner without difficulty?"

Notes: Go to Varos, moon that orbits Bretheda, hit up the security complex/prison and talk to the prisoner about Savlation's End and then make our way to Salvation's End.

Altronus keeps his datapad recording through the mission briefing, the questions, and answers.

"You mention he's a survivor, and that he's imprisoned? Why is he behind bars? Was he infringing on your exclusivity to explore that moon?"

"Who did the Society obtain the rights from to explore Salvation's End and are there any parameters or expectations from them around out exploration?"

At the bar Iseph responds to Obazya I do not understand what it means for flying to be 'fancy'. But my maneuvers were efficient and effective

At the meeting the android speaks up There are two issues that I will bring up. The answers to which will determine if I will aid you in this endeavour. First, human Elsebo, I am aware of the propaganda of your organization but what is your true opinion of android slavery? Secondly, how much does this mission pay?

As you all ask your questions The First Seeker nods her head while typing out your queries so she doesn't forget.  She then says ”You have quite a few fantastic questions.” she says with excitement that looks as if she hasn't seen in some time. She turns and starts to walk back the way she arrived saying over her shoulder ”Follow me and let me answer your questions as we walk.” as you follow her you notice the spire is quietly still.  She speaks with a bit of an echo resounding of the empty walls. “We need you to seek out a pilot named Livewire, who is interred at the ‘Sauna’—a prison colony on the volcanic moon Varos watched over by a Barathu known as the Warden.”

“The warden denied our requests to meet with Livewire. They indicated that our presence would rub salt in a fresh wound. So, whatever you do, do not let the warden or Livewire know that you are working for the Starfinder Society. I have set up a front to explain your meeting with Livewire: you are all investigators hired by an unnamed corporation looking to remain anonymous. You’re researching a rash of disappeared spacecraft that have gone missing when their flight path took them too close to Salvation’s End.”

”Contact this prisoner, as she is the soul survivor of an expedition that trespassed on Salvation’s End.”

”That false moon orbits a world whose people recently turned it into a means of launching their culture into the stars. They offered exploration rights for Salvation’s End to the first group that would grant them the ability to navigate the plane known as the Drift, guess who answered their call.” she says with a sly wink.

”Once you establish contact, it’s a matter of gathering intelligence. We doubt this information is cheap, so we authorized a spending account for you to encourage Livewire to talk. We need to know why her team’s illegal salvage on the moon failed. Once you get this information, we need you to travel to the false moon. Touchdown, scout for hostiles, and look for any indications that it’s more than a moon with crashed starships piled atop it.”

“The spending account will max at 2,500 credits for mission expenditures; this does not include expenses for personal use, but instead for dealing with Livewire and the other occupants at the Sauna to help in your mission. Upon completion of your greater mission to Salvation’s End, you will each receive 3,000 credits. In addition, you have use of a brand-new Pegasus-class starship for the mission. If we end on agreeable terms, you can count on the Starfinder Society for more work in the near future. Trust me when I say an ongoing partnership would be quite… lucrative, for both parties.”

“We’re stretched thin on other fronts. It’s no secret we recently lost a large contingent of agents and ships in the Scoured Stars incident, but don’t worry; we are not without resources.  Are the terms of the job agreeable?”

She pulls Iseph aside and says "Android slavery is cruel and should be abolished."

She stops in front of the starship you have been given the use of.  

Check the link at the top of the page to get a look at Luwazi Elsebo and the starship ready for take off. Please feel free to make sure I entered your Perc and Init in the second slide correctly.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Altronus nods, puts his four hands behind his back, one of them still holding his data pad, and walks to stand near the ship, waiting for any other members that decide to accept the mission as well.

My numbers seem alright.

"Ah, a new culture to study. I shall be joining on this mission."

Raia goes to retrieve her gear and heads to the ship.

Navaso follows and nods along, taking in the information, smiling at the end. "So we need to lie our way through this? Well I guess you hired the right guy. I'll take point when we get to the prison and smooth talk our way to the prisoner. Unless anyone objects?" he looks around to see if anyone else thinks they can bluff better than he can.

+9 bluff, +9 diplomacy, +7 sense motive, if anyone has better let me know and you can be the face of the group. :)

Sure, sure, talk all you like, manling. Just get out of the way of that particle beam turret!

"A brand new ship? Can we name her? Or does she have a name already? Yes, yes, I'll join you in this expedition.
Can I get in the ship now?"

"If no one has a better name, I propose Seiya, I'm told it's translated into something like 'Indestructible' or 'A warrior that comes back from the dead'"

All the pun intended

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ispeh nods at the First Seeker curtly Both answers are acceptable. My skills are at your disposal for this mission

At the ship Iseph looks it over carefully.

Untrained Culture to know about ship with DC reduced by 5: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Whatever it may be called Iseph says with an note of satisfaction coming into their voice I shall be the one to pilot it. I trust there will not be any discussion on this matter

Piloting +14, woot! Initiative and Perception look fine.

"Navaso, you are such an able liar....just do not get us into trouble or Cwethan may have to take care of the guards and you!" Raia smirks, a suppressed smile flitting across her face and then turns to Quig. " Perhaps jIHvaD bach wa'DIch would be less obtrusive." . Raia blinks and laughs at her own joke. Stepping onto the ship to claim her space and hopefully a research and workshop area.

Altronus laughs at Raia's playfulness and starts to follow after her. "Perhaps Navaso would also make a fine captain for this vessel?" he stops and says over his shoulder. "I'll man one of the guns, if that's alright with all of you."

The kasatha continues walking onto the ship. "We might also have to decide on how to share rooms, depending on how many there are."

"Sounds good to me, I'm not bad at piloting or handling the computers either but it seems we've definitely got our pilot and I do make a good Captain. I accept this position." he grins and strikes a leadership-like pose with both fists on his hips with his chin raised high to emulate a pompous ship captain. "Let's hurry up and board our ship, I want to get nice and comfy in my new Captain's chair."

"So miss Elsebo, was it? We get your money to spend in the Sauna, get Livewire to talk, go to this false moon Salvation's End? Then we come back to be paid again? I'm good with that!

Come on in Scout, before we can't find a proper bed!!"

"Quig, are you already dreaming of how you will spend your money?"

Luwazi Elsebo lets out a sigh of relief as she listens to your groups enthusiasm and want to help, even though your also getting paid to help. She says “Wonderful! I am so excited to conduct business with you. Feel free once you are all on board to make it comfortable. Change the name if you will but remember to make no connection to the Starfinders, I went through a great deal to get this ship 'scrubbed' from all sectors of any attachment to the Society."

With a renewed energy, Luwazi steps up to the pristine ship with a stylized symbol of a Pegasus along its hull. Several engineers, laborers, and mechanics buzz about the hangar running diagnostics, polishing the vessel’s unspoiled hull, and finishing the last touches for a maiden launch.

Luwazi looks up to the ship with beaming pride, reaches into the folds of her clothing, and pulls out an expensive vintage of champagne, and extends the bottle outward as she exclaims with a wide grin, “The ship is yours for the mission, it is only right you christen it! Tonight, we celebrate; tomorrow you sail off into the stars.”

"Quig, are you already dreaming of how you will spend your money?"

"Dreaming on how to spend my money? Whatever this bot allows me to keep, I already owe. When bounty hunting you get used to a certain lifestyle, that's hard to keep when there aren't enough crooks to catch. Besides, Scout isn't exactly a low maintenance drone."

After Luwasi's short speech.

"WHOOO!! Free booze! WAIT... Is this champagne for us or to christen the ship? I'm fine either way =)"

Human customs are irritants to me as well as inefficient. I would advise we set out on our task as soon as possible. But Iseph complains I know that this suggestion will not be followed. So be it

While the others celebrate Iseph, instead, converses with the engineers and mechanics working on the ship; learning as much as they can about its capabilities. It's an incredibly rude thing to be doing but Iseph doesn't care about such things.

Note: Iseph in the fluff is very strongly gender neutral. So using 'they' instead of 'he' or 'she'

Obozaya isn't in the habit of drinking to excess, especially while she's on the job, but she knows there's more to this world than what you can see straight out. Traditions do mean something, even if she doesn't always stick to them.

Alright kids, a toast to the victories to come, and to The New Dawn.

Once everyone's gotten a swig (except maybe Iseph), she passes the bottle over to Navaso for the last part.

Smash the damn bottle, manling. Time to go.

Altronus toasts, but refuses to take a drink if offered.

Navaso takes a big swig and breaks the bottle on the side of the ship before running to board it and get into his comfy new seat.

Sorry I just did two back to back Starfinder games with my level 1 and I'm burnt out, so much space battling! Even more excited to play this pregen now since our group didn't have a proper Captain to really play this role to the fullest. ;)

Raia sips the drink, tipping it to her comrades . "Here is to our mission, may it be successful.". She leaves to unpack and study anything she can discover about Salvation's End and the prison so to be well prepared.

Your group unpacks for the night and enjoys the festivities that continue on until the wee hours of the morning.

Insert Party Montage

The next morning you are woken up early by Luwazi smiling at each of you. Especially those who continued with the festivities into the morning hours. She says "I am pleased to let you all know that the ship is ready for departure. You are free to leave at your leisure, but I recommend you make your way to Varos soon. Your ship has a state of the art Drift Drive but since Varos is less than a few days journey by this starship. I highly recommend you do not use it as you could rip a hole in the plane and cause some undo encounter you may not be able to handle." She finishes to a wink.

This is the Normal point where you slot which Boons you will be using during this mission. However this scenario does not allow you to slot any boons, except for rep boons, as you are all not full fledge members of the Starfinder Society... Yet. I will collect which Faction Boon you are using at the conclusion of the Scenario

You group waves there farewells as you you speed off towards Varos. You pass the 'Armada' surrounding Abasalom Station and barely nicking the large ship known as The Master of Stars, the main base of operations for the Faction known as The Wayfinders.

You trip is uneventful making your way to Varos locking into a synchronized orbit about the moon you receive a communications request from the surface.

psshhh...ttzzzz
A gruff voice states over the open come link "Submit your Ident codes and state your reason for visiting The Sauna"

Navaso leans back in his chair and turns on the comm systems, "We are the investigators you're expecting, here to see the prisoner Livewire. The corporation that hired us said they spoke to you about our visit and made proper arrangements for us. Requesting permission to land."

Altronus nodges Navaso with his elbow. "Perhpas they expect to receive some sort of information identifying us? If Raia is in charge of our computers, perhaps she should transmit said information," he whispers.

Raia nods in understanding and transmits identification packets showing their investigation contracts and IDs. "Ask them to confirm receipt. Everything is in order.

Good idea, all I can transmit from here are particle beams.

"We can't send real information about us because they will know we are with the Society, our contact said we were investigating with anonymity. Maybe if Raia can hack us together some fake IDs."