[SFS 1-09] GM Cellion's Live Exploration Extreme! (Inactive)

Game Master Cellion

Ouvre-toi!

The operative walks in and offers the room a quick scan. Relieved at being the first to arrive, she nearly let's her guard down. No! I can never break cover. She finds a place to be unobtrusive without looking like she's trying to hide. Just like someone who is a little shy. She takes out her datapad and scrolls through her alerts to see if there is anything new she needs to be aware of.

An android enters the room, making a calculated assessment of the room. It's gaze pauses for an uncomfortable time on the Lashunta studying her datapad. It moves to wall not far from the door. Standing back to the wall, the android addresses the Lashunta in a flat, bass voice "Greetings, I am identified as AMOSU. I am please to assist with any technical needs you may require." It then stares, unlbinking at the door waiting for any others to arrive.

Standing and offering a polite hand in greeting, "Oh, hello. I'm Kiv." The lashunta quickly sits back down.

Shortly after the first lashunta enters and finds a quiet spot to be out of the way, a second lashunta, this one a korasha, bounds into the room in a flurry of excited conversation.

"...so I told the shirren, 'This is what it looks like to have fans!' And the whole crowd, all the people waiting in line for the SMC album, just went berserk! Ah, good times, good times."

A halfling wearing a grubby set of stationwear and a thick set of goggles on his forehead enters behind the korasha, nodding enthusiastically as he takes in everything he hears. "That's incredible, Mr. Star-Jumper! Tell me again about that time you won the Absalom Station Pro-Am Pact Worlds Grav-Run Championship! I simply have to know more about how you got through all those amazing obstacles!"

The lashunta looks eager to share the tale with the halfling, apparently a fanboy-turned-assistant, but he spots the damaya standing in the corner. "Not now, Kip! We've got company! Hi there, I'm Faraeon Star-Jumper! Glad to meet you." He strides toward the lashunta in the corner with his hand extended for a handshake.

A short, blonde human female enters, looking up from the piece of paper in her hand, as if to confirm she's at the right place. She gives a brief wave to each person in the room before sitting on the floor in a corner of her room. At first her blank expression and thousand-yard stare suggest some form of trauma, but as the odor of industrial chemicals waifs off her into your olfactory senses you wonder if she's been working in a chemical plant without a respirator.

She pulls a bag from a pocket on her black flight suit, a cartoon picture of a bipedal insect of some sort upon it. She opens up the bag and begins eating what seems to be small bugs. As the rancid odor of the snack reaches you you wonder if perhaps she suffers from anosmia.

-----
To the tune of Faraeon's theme song echoing from the speakers, the modest Starfinder starship that picked you all up from Absalom Station finally arrives at its destination. That destination? The Exemplarion, the personal starship and luxury space-yacht of undead Pact Worlds media mogul Zo!. The airlocks unseal, and the six of you have a brief hour of free reign to explore the extravagantly appointed craft and its six decks. Casino, spa, a trio of restaurants, and more, can be found as you wander the halls along with hundreds of other guests.

Just a few days earlier, you'd received a message from First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo herself on your comms devices. She'd spoken of an opportunity to follow up on the initial foray made into the mysterious artificial moon Salvation's End, but had also warned that this particular mission would be far from ordinary. While the message had not been specific on the details, the summons was clear: to take one of the Starfinder Society shuttles to Zo!'s personal starship currently in orbit around the moon.

It doesn't take long aboard the Exemplarion before you work out why the other guests are here. The buzz among the various alien species is palpable. They're all here for a live recording of Zo!'s exclusive new show, LIVE EXPLORATION EXTREME!!!. A show that promises to be a live streamed adventure featuring real danger, real thrills, and 500% more backstabbing than similar shows (or so the excited passerby say).

With your upcoming meeting with Luwazi in an upper floor of the ship still half an hour away, you're left touring the ship for now, giving you plenty of time to get to know the other members of your new team.
-----

He meant it, didn't he? I mean, he directly told me that I was going to be the Red Ranger in 'Star Rangers Ultra Paradox`. I showed him my moves. I told a few jokes that didn't totally suck. My people called his people. But they didn't call back!

The tall, handsome lashunta parades about the Exemplarion, lost in his thoughts, and uncharacteristically doesn't strike up a conversation with his new colleagues. Zo! had promised him a great new role in a new show, but nothing had happened yet, and the Starfinder and aspiring actor was beyond worried.

I'm sure he'll see my acting chops in LIVE EXPLORATION EXTREME!!!, and make the Red Ranger bit stick with just a snap of his bony fingers. But... oh no! Did the First Seeker say we would be the actors here? Or just... horrors... security!?! Oh no! I must be the leading man. I must!

Kiv quickly makes certain Faraeon doesn't have a camera drone following him before shaking his hand in greeting. Great! Another glory hound. What don't these people understand about the importance of keeping a low profile.?

As they make their way about the Exemplarion, the operative starts to get a bad feeling. A live streamed investigation? By the stars I hate the media!

Nim crossed paths with Zo! on her last mission. She recalls his little flying camdrones recording her abysmal attempts to find and deactivate some explosives. She is disappointed but not surprise that in the video Zo! released on the incident there was a small segment devoted to her incompetence, but feels the sad trombone sound added to the times she attempted to destroy the explosives devices by hitting them with her knife is a little over-the-top.

OK, I'm gonna get us started and we can continue with introductions as we move forward.

When the appointed time comes, you ascend to Deck 4 and approach what you initially think will be a simple conference room. You knock on the door and are admitted by a skeletal servant, you ushers you in to a large, multi-tiered auditorium that looks out over Salvation's End. Dozens of professionals rush about the space, adjusting lights, testing holographic displays, pulling clothes from wheeled wardrobes, cleaning hundreds of multi-tiered seats and more.

The elebrian media mogul known as Zo! sits on stage in a comfortable armchair with Luwazi. He's in the midst of animatedly telling a story to an amused First Seeker when Luwazi notices the group of you having arrived. She beckons you to the stage as undead assistants rush over with additional armchairs for every member of your group.

"Yes. Yes! You’re everything I was hoping for," exclaims the undead showman while looking over your group. "Oh, and some familiar faces! My leading man, Mustachio! And everyone's favorite explosives expert, Nim! Welcome, welcome, take a seat, all of you!"

(For pics of these folks, take a look at the Maps and Handouts link for 1-09 in this alias' stat line.)

He continues "Oh, Luwazi, you have outdone yourself. This team! So EXCITING, so ENERGETIC, so positively-" he strains for the right word, only to be interrupted by a blue-skinned female ghast approaching from the side of the stage.

"-Alive?" The ghast peers at Zo! from over her clipboard "Is that what you were looking for, sir?" Zo! frowns at the blunt observation and begins to responds with something far, far more extravagant before Luwazi intervenes.

She locks eyes with each of you and says "Starfinders, no doubt this is all happening a little fast, so let me explain. After the Scoured Stars incident, the Society struggled to support new expeditions. I reached out to numerous people and organizations for grant money, and our host was eager to help. He financed more than a dozen missions, including the one to Salvation’s End. There was one big catch." Zo! settles into his seat, clearly pleased with himself, as Luwazi continues. "If we found anything especially exciting, we’d need to cease exploration long enough for him to get a film crew out there to document whatever we found next. Well, Salvation’s End may look like a moon, but our initial survey of it found there’s something built inside—the whole thing might be artificial. That qualifies as especially exciting, but that was also several months ago."

The skeletal mogul waves his hands. "Oh, but Luwazi, I couldn’t just send a single crew. No, the Starfinder Society’s greatest triumph deserves far more production value." He hops up from his chair and gazes out at the moon as he paces and gesticulates. "Imagine: Heroes from all across the Pact Worlds, a mysterious planetoid, untold secrets, limitless adventure—all broadcast before a live audience in our greatest production yet!" He spins to look back at the group and extends his hands in a grand gesture of scale.

"Live EXPLORATION EXTREME!!!"

The ghast claps politely before adding. "To translate, you’re scheduled to explore part of Salvation’s End accompanied by a professional camera crew and production team. You will find exciting things and be thoroughly entertaining for our audience. Any questions?"

(As we go through initial questions, please make sure to slot in your boons. I prefer to have boons listed in discussion as they're easier to find there. Of note, both the "High Society Influence (Zo!)" boon and the "Claimant to Salvation" boon should be slotted if you have them.)

(I think Claimant is both slotless and shared across your characters, so if you have it at all, just point that out when you select boons)

Seeing Zo!, Mustachio shakes himself out of his internal monologue funk. He straightens, walks forward, and shakes Zo!'s hand, and then salutes the First Seeker.

"Zo!, sir! Mustachio Marino at your service. You may remember me as the future star of 'Star Rangers Ultra Paradox'! I am all too pleased to be working with you again, sir. I am sure that his group of Starfinders..." he gestures behind him..."... of whom I have met already and already engaged in multiple conversations about improving their acting abilities..."... he seems oblivous to the complete lie..."...will be nothing but pure entertainment for your audience! You remember my acting chops, right?"

profession acting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 Mustachio whips out a series of choreographed punches and kicks that are flashy but lack any substance.

This is so great! This could be my SECOND big break!

An intriguing scenario. The vitality of the undead creatutes is, disturbing... Media broadcast of an initial expedition, disturbing... A constructed, hollow satelite, fascinating. The one called Mustachio seems aware of the situation but has incorrect data, endeavor to correct.

The android moves forward awkwardly staring at the interactions between the Lashunta and undead. It pauses briefly to bow before the First Seeker. "Greetings, I am identified as AMOSU. I am please to assist with any technical needs you may require." AMOSU steps beside ZO! and Mustachio, "I believe there is an error, I have not engaged in any theatrical discourses or chops? I am regretful if I missed a briefing." A confused expression moves across its face.

"The satellite in question was created. Is it permitted to review the findings of the initial survey?" AMOSU looks hopefully between ZO! and Luwazi. Then pensively requests, "Is it also possible to clarify Live EXPLORATION EXTREME ?"

"Yes. Yes! You’re everything I was hoping for," exclaims the undead showman while looking over your group. "Oh, and some familiar faces! My leading man, Mustachio! And everyone's favorite explosives expert, Nim! Welcome, welcome, take a seat, all of you!"

.

Aazanar bows deeply in his crisp tuxedo. The solar mote at his shoulder flares for a moment as he looks at the undead host.

"Thank you sir... ah, may I call you Zo? Aazanar Kroi at your service. I'm a fan of your work, as no doubt many are. I'm in show business myself... I've done a bit of stage work back home though never the screen. I'd say my best performance was as Henrak in Henrak V. Our show was held over... ran for four months. But I never wanted to have to compete on the screen with all those digital actors with their perfect looks."

"Which leads me to an important question, Zo: Will your production be using the actual images of us? Or will you be using a digital rotoscope to 'map' a digital charaacter over our image? Nothing personal, but if I'm going to be on the screen I'd want it to be me on the screen, if you understand me. I'm not just a stuntman."

Diplomacy +1d6 Sidereal influence: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 7 + (1) = 24

"Zo-ey ba-by," Faraeon calls as he walks onto the stage, his arms flung wide. "What a treat to meet the big head man behind the Pact Worlds' greatest hits! The name's Faraeon Star-Jumper. You may have seen me in some of the broadcast Grav-Run championships on PWSN. I'm the guy who won it all, my friend! Let me tell you something, though. This broadcast? It's gonna be big! It's gonna be your biggest show...EVER! With your creative genius, and my pure star power? It's a sure-fire thing!"

Profession (video personality): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Mustachio watches as Faraeon makes a spectacle of himself. He mutters to the others around him, "If there's one thing I can't stand, it is a lashunta who thinks too much of himself."

"Hey, Zo!" Nim says in her usual monotone, while still stressing the exclamation point. "I still haven't bought an engineering kit, so you may see me improvising again. I also still don't have a comm, so if a firefight breaks out behind me and I don't notice again, please let me know."

Nim pivots toward Luwazi, and continues in her monotone. "Hey, Second Seeker. Sorry you almost died, and your would-be killer got away. In my defense, the rest of the team was as incompetent as me, as Zo!'s videos clearly show."

Nim turns toward the ghast that spoke. "Hello, I haven't humiliated myself in front of you...yet. What's your name?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Zo! looks eminently pleased as the group of Starfinders start to show off (or brag about) their acting chops. "Yes yes! Excellent! Star-Jumper, now that's a name destined for SHOWBIZ! And Mustachio, I like your spunk, but you've got to put a little more life into those moves! Really sell them to me! You're all going to be STARS after all!"

"Aazanar, Henrak V? Forget all about that old fashioned stage production! What we're going for here is REAL, AUTHENTIC, ADVENTURING ACTION! No digital actors, no special effects, well, maybe a few, just Starfinders doing what they do best!"

As Zo! engages the more acting-inclined members of the party, Luwazi shakes her head in disbelief at their antics and then regards AMOSU and Nim. "Though you have quite the multitalented group here, there's no requirement to bring any kind of acting prowess. For all the pomp that Zo! is adding to the proceedings, this is still a real Society mission. We have no idea what exists deeper within that moon, so you'll have to be ready for any manner of dangers."

She brings up a datapad and taps away at it for a moment, sending a file towards your own devices. "There are some details regarding the first expedition on the file I just sent you. To provide you with some background, I hired an external team for the initial surface survey of the moon, and it was they who discovered a hatch that led much deeper into the interior. In their investigation, they came across a tribe of goblins on the surface of the moon calling themselves the Exhaust Drinkers. Crazier than most goblins, they skirmished with the first group and were dispersed. Most recently, we've sent another task force to clear out the remaining goblins from our landing facility on the moon’s surface. The moon’s gravity will feel about normal, but we’ve detected that the gravity is artificially maintained and even seems to reorient itself in some areas."

(The real story of the first expedition is contained within SFS#1-00! If you haven't played it, you're missing out :>)

Luwazi shakes her head at Nim, as if trying to disperse her apology. "There is nothing to apologize for, the Spiders kept me safe and you all did as well as you could. That was a tough situation to be in, especially for a more junior agent."

And when Nim turns to talk to the ghast, the ghast responds by offering a hand to shake. "Wazasha Kevir, associate producer for this event. I'll be with you down on the moon, working with the production crew to make sure things run smoothly. Pleasure to meet you." Her grip is firm but icy cold.

(Any other questions? I also need people to announce their boon selections in discussion if they haven't, as they'll be relevant very shortly)

Mustachio recoils a bit at the thought of voluntarily shaking hands with a ghast...Gods he smells bad..., but he gets a hold of himself and smiles at Kevir and shakes his hand after Nim.

"Have no fear, Zo! and esteemed First Seeker. As a captain of a starship vessel, an experienced Starfinder, and an top-rated world class leading man actor, this mission will be successful and provide unlimited entertainment value. I will personally see to it that all of us provide top panache, top spunkiness, and unlimited personality to this production!"

As Mustachio proclaims himself the leading man, he glances at Star-Jumper to get a sense of his reaction.

I haven't played yet with another Icon, who is also quite similar to me, so I am looking forward to a little friendly rivalry, Faraeon! Bring it!

Faraeon also shakes the associate producer's hand, a friendly smile on his face as he greets her in Eoxian. "Ms. Kevir! Excellent to meet you! I wanted to speak with you anyway, as my contacts with the Xenowardens said they had some equipment sent out for me. They said I should come to you to retrieve it? Great, thanks!"

As Mustachio steps up and declares himself the lead, Faraeon falls in behind him and backs him up. "That's right, ma'am. Sir," he says, addressing both the First Seeker and Zo! "You've got a great lead man here, with Mr. Marino. I've seen his work on the holovids before and he knows how to put on a good show. Better yet, with me on the team, we'll even get the job done right! And you bet we'll know how to make it look good."

@Mustachio: You're on, my friend! I played Gamuzali in our game of Half-Alive Streets, so I'm definitely ready for some payback on the ribbing here. ;D
I will say that Faraeon is a korasha, so I'm playing him as recognizing a slight bit of superior rank in you as a damaya, but he definitely knows the front man doesn't always get the most spotlight.
To put it another way, sure Frodo is the "hero", but everybody loves Sam!

thankfully these two will be falling over themselves to steal the spotlight. Ideally I can stay off camera and out of the way.

Kiv shakes hands with the producer. She asks, "Has there been anything 'out of the ordinary' as your and your crew have been preparing?"

Trying to play an undercover operative who eschews being on camera and avoids it as much as possible.

"Aazanar, Henrak V? Forget all about that old fashioned stage production! What we're going for here is REAL, AUTHENTIC, ADVENTURING ACTION! No digital actors, no special effects, well, maybe a few, just Starfinders doing what they do best!"

Aazanar smiles and nods. "Good! Good. Oh, I've done plenty of real adventuring too, don't worry. When we were getting ready for Abanio Mork's Knights of the Octagonal Table I studied with solarians to prepare for my part as Sir Gavan. Turned out I could really do it." he winks. "So I decided to put that talent to constructive use with the Starfinders."

I haven't played yet with another Icon, who is also quite similar to me, so I am looking forward to a little friendly rivalry, Faraeon! Bring it!

Aazanar is also an Icon and an actor. :)

Mustachio turns to Aazanar. "Ah! Another actor! Of the classics, no less. You have my respect, sir. I personally prefer to be in well viewed, popular films, such as when I played the Badly Burned Mentor in 'Drifters Heaven' or Corpse #10 in "Arms and Loaded". Surely you have seen that one? The reviews did not even mention the corpses in the film, which proves I played my role perfectly! Not a twitch."

Lol Kiv, there is critical mass of camera-hogging folks in this one. I don't think you're gonna have much trouble with your goal.

Zo! beams at Aazanar once the lashunta explains his practical skills. "Excellent! I hope we'll see that solar weapon out and DAZZLING for our cameras! I'm sure the audience will be looking forward to it."

The producer, Wazasha, exchanges a firm handshake with Faraeon and Aazanar. "If the Xenowardens send you something, it'll be waiting for you in the dressing room, Mr. Star-jumper. And Ms. Kivulia, I would say that much of this production has been out of the ordinary." She casts a glance at Zo! "He likes it that way. Makes for a good show, he says."

"We've cleared a small staging area down on the moon, but not even I have seen what might be in store for my production team. And yourselves, of course." Her frustration and irritation at not being able to plan out the show in advance is clear on her face.

---

As you finish with your questions and introductions, Wazasha looks down at her datapad and raises her voice. "We are behind schedule. To the dressing room with all of you. We'll be heading down to the moon in 15." And a few skeletal aides clatter forward to direct you towards and area to the side of the stage.

Once you guys have asked any final questions and Nim and Mustachio have made their selections, I'll move us onward.

ASOMU begins pouring through the file provided by the First Seeker, so intently it neglects to accessorize its armor. Theory, advanced goblinoid tribe creating artificial satellite. Unlikely. Further research necessary.
Is there any more information about the gravity anomalies? Am I able to recall any additional information about this moon?
"Simply amazing... Pardon, First Seeker, are there any prohibitions in place due to the live transmission? Are there additional protocols for first contact scenarios or discovery of unique technologies?" Continuing to review the data but turning slightly to the ghast, "Further the consistent presence of drones or theatrical supports could inhibit effective use of team skills. Will we be provided any authority over such personnel? Is there an optimal time frame for conclusion in order to maximize audience entertainment?" After this ASOMU halts its research and moves its gazes between the ghast and First Seeker.
As the remainder of the group enters, AMOSU directs its attention to each. "Greetings, I am AMOSU - Automated Maintenance & Operations Support Unit. I hope to provide superior technological, scientific, cultural, and piloting assistance during this expedition. I have not been designed for combat or social interactions, but can offer assistance should the need arise. I am pleased to initiate this expedition with you all."

Before letting the producer race off, Kiv asks, "The camera's coming with us, are they able to record full spectrum? Are you worried about interference blocking the transmission? Will there be members of your crew physically present with us, or just drones? I only ask so I can try to keep your personnel safe. If it's just the drones, am I correct in assuming they are fully autonomous?"

If need be, I'm hoping AMOSU can 'commandeer' your unit and give us a disposable scout without having to put any 'lives' at stake, Starfinder or otherwise.

Mustachio turns to Aazanar. "...I personally prefer to be in well viewed, popular films, ..."

"That was you? Really!" Aazanar smiles. "They must have had quite a budget if they were using actors for the corpses! Most of the productions I auditioned for were using digital actors for most of the characters, and they digitally re-touched the actors they did have. I got sick of it, so it was the stage for me. But it's gratifying being able to see your audience. At least, if the show is good." Aazanar grins.

"Excellent! I hope we'll see that solar weapon out and DAZZLING for our cameras! I'm sure the audience will be looking forward to it."

Aazanar reaches up and grips the solar mote floating over his shoulder. It expands into a burning sphere a good teen inches in diameter. He hets it fall to reveal that it is connected to his hand by a glowing golden cord. He raises it over his head and swings it around several times, faster and faster until it becomes a golden blur above his head.

Then in the blink of an eye the ball returns to Aazanar's hand, and he releases it back into the air, where it transforms into the peacefully glowing mote floating leisurely above his shoulder once again.

"How's that?"

Inside your designated dressing rooms, you find a selection of clothing suitable for anyone wearing light armor to spruce up their outfit, along with some instant sprays to make heavy armor more striking.

Aazanar picks out a golden sash to go with a royal blue tabard. He puts them on and then adds some glow-in-the-dark decals to the tabard and his forearm guards, gloves, pants, and boots. The one on his tabard he arranges in the shape of the Starfinder logo.

He emerges from the dressing room. "Ready when you are," he says confidently.

"Ah my very own dressing room. I've never had one before. Ah, you are making it, Muztazio, you are making it!"

Mustachio gushes to himself while trying on some very expensive looking station businessware armor... Good protection, and look good at the same time.

He also picks up the flamethrower. Never used one, have no idea how to use one, but this baby has... PANACHE! STYLE! Sure to draw every eye!

Turns out the armor option isn't any better than what I have on, which is crazy because I am wearing level 2 armor and this stuff is level 5. It does have a high dex cap but that doesn't affect me.

Inside the dressing room, Faraeon is surprised to find that, instead of anything really useful, the Xenowardens sent him a decal to put on his armor to help spread word about the organization. "Huh! Not what I was expecting, but alright. They're a good enough bunch." In addition to the Xenowardens decal, he also finds decals for the Starfinders and the various factions associated with them. "Excellent! Now I can really pump up my friends and make the bosses see how valuable a guy with my star power can be!"

He grabs a set of golden-plated pauldrons, shin guards, and bracers that snap into place over his armor, then tops it all off with a headset that looks like a targeting system to all appearances, but which has no actual targeting components.

After taking the full allowed 15 minutes, he emerges from the dressing room and bounds back to the launching site. "Let's give 'em a good show!"

@AMOSU: While there are a few more details about the moon in SFS#1-00, none of those are critical to the adventure ahead (and are spoilers for 1-00, in any case). There's no further specifics regarding gravitic anomalies. All anyone knows at this point is that gravity could be wacky in there.

Luwazi shakes her head in response to AMOSU's question. "No special prohibitions. Beyond our obligation to Zo!, this is a chance for us to show the Pact Worlds what the Starfinder Society is made of. So use your best judgement as a Starfinder and keep our tenets in mind."

Wazasha answers his flurry of questions with "The camera crew and support staff will do their best to not obstruct any 'adventuring' you might be attempting. However, they will be under MY control for this production." And from her tone, that's not up for debate. She also nods sharply at Kiv's followup "The crew joining us on the moon consists of professionals that have filmed all manner of hostile creatures in even more hostile environments. Do not be concerned for them. Focus on providing a good show and they will stay out of your way." She inspects her datapad and frowns.

As Zo! applauds Aazanar's impromptu show, Wazasha sternly announces that the crew is to assemble for immediate departure.

(Nim, feel free to make your equipment selections in your next post. I'll move us forward in the mean time)

---------

Soon enough, Wazasha has all six of you securely seated in a clean shuttle for the 15 minute journey to the moon's surface. From the shuttle's viewport, you see that you're heading to a cluster of crashed spaceships at the edge of a crater. As you come closer, you notice a few prefab buildings have been set up, and the area is lit with floodlights.

The shuttle settles down in an open area near what appears to be a ruined starship dock, clearly a relic of the moon's mysterious earlier days. You notice that the dock is currently swarming with Society-affiliated repair crews. You recall that depending on the results of this mission, the Society is considering installing a temporary (or permanent) lodge on the moon to help organize future missions. This dock refurbishment must be the first step to that!

After you engage the environmental seals on your armor to protect against the lack of air on the moon, Wazasha leads you out of the shuttle and towards a staging area. (The outer surface of the moon has low gravity) At the staging area, two groups of Zo! Productions specialists are waiting for you. One group consists of a pair of androids and a pair of ghouls accompanied by a hexapodal robot. They appear to be in charge of refreshments, portable seats, makeup, and carrying an electronic banner that serves as a LIVE ticker of audience reactions.

(The LIVE ticker with audience reactions will be included as a quote at the bottom of many of my posts. You can use audience reaction info to gauge how well your skills and persona are resonating with them.)

A second group of ten ghouls are bristling with holocord cameras, boom microphones, reflective screens to amplify natural lighting, and other equipment to properly record your exploits in several multimedia broadcast formats. When they see your team, they all snap to attention. Wazasha nods once to both groups and begins a quick checklist of final preparations.

A few of the aides cast interested glances in your direction, while they're not being harassed by Wazasha for some perceived incompetence.

If you'd like to make any final preparations, now's the time. With my next post, the production begins and there's no backing out for supplies :>

------

#LEE! Gettin turb popcorn. Dis gon be gud!

#LEE! Hope they shoot some zombies lol.
#LEE! Raise your Ziggies!!! ヽ༼*ຈل͜ຈ༽ﾉ ヽ༼*ຈل͜ຈ༽ﾉ ヽ༼*ຈل͜ຈ༽ﾉ ヽ༼*ຈل͜ຈ༽ﾉ
#LEE! Starfinders suck bigtime. Fite me.
#LEE! Where's SMC!?

(I was going to ask if we could make purchases before getting too deep... If the options stands, I'd like to purchase a Pulsecaster Rifle. Are the manufacturer rules open for Society play?)

As AMOSU disembarks the shuttle, it allows its gaze to slow take in the scene before it. A mysterious artificial moon, and the frantic organized chaos of the production crews last minute preparations. This opportunity for study is astounding... The fervor of the media is, less desirable.

A few of the aides cast interested glances in your direction, while they're not being harassed by Wazasha for some perceived incompetence.

AMOSU moves to engage the less active androids and film crew ghouls near the seats and makeup. "Greetings, I am AMOSU." It extends a hand in greeting as it continues, "This is all a bit... Overwhelming." Glancing at the ghouls and their equipment, "The cameras are exemplary, the individual modifications for picture enhancement and clarity are insightful. I'm happy to assist with any further modifications if you need assistance." Nodding to the androids, "I would assume that the personal beautification supplies are of similar quality.. Though I an lack adequate frame of reference for this."

Before disembarking the shuttle, the operative double checks her equipment. She confirms her weapon is loaded and baton is within easy reach. With practiced ease, a perfunctory smile appears on her face as she comes up to one of the crew. "Here, let me help you with that." She lifts the bag of cables and gear and props it on her shoulder. As it turns out, it is the same side as the closest running camera. She casually switches shoulders whenever necessary when approaching a camera from a different direction.

Kiv moves behind the glory hounds distractions "talent" (any and/or all of the icons), maintaining a low profile and attempting to stay out of the camera's eye as best she can. Knowing she cannot avoid them completely, she still tries to make her screen time presence kept to a minimum. This may look like standing behind boxes of equipment, kneeling to 'check her suit' or any other number of innocuous looking activities.

stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Aazanar looks around expectantly. Everyone seems to be busy... except us. Wonder what we're waiting for?

Eventually he approaches Wazasha.

"So... what's our cue gonna be? And where do we go in?"

This is so great!

Mustachio loves the set, loves the crew, loves the whole setup.

After getting oriented, he pulls out his comm unit and logs into the LIVE feed.

"Starfinders suck bigtime? Gonna have to change that guy's mind..."

@AMOSU: Yep, you guys can make purchases on the Exemplarion. Legality/illegality is defined at this link. Seems like most of the manufacturers from Armory are OK, but Ringworks is banned.

Faraeon takes advantage of the low gravity of the moon's surface to do some final warm-ups and to practice some maneuvers. He crouches, launches himself forward in a motion like a jungle cat's pounce, then tucks and rolls to a kneeling position and draws his pistol from its quick-release sheath at the last moment.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

The practiced ease of Faraeon's maneuver clearly shows, and he stands and nods in approval that he's ready to go.

I'm all set on equipment. Gotta save up for some of those higher level guns and what not.

With a last minute idea, Mustachio grabs a eyepatch and puts it on. "Change of plans. When we go live, everyone, call me Captain Mustache. I am going to be the rootinest, tootenist, bad asserist space pirate these folks have ever seen. Who uses a flame thrower. Of course."

I'm not sure what happened to my last post, but I picked the flamethrower and the Iridshell. It feels kind of meta that my post disappeared, since it had Nim making a witty remark and feeling bad because no one was around to witness it. Anyway, I updated my character sheet to reflect stat changes for the armor.

Nim approaches Mustachio, tapping one hand on the grip of her flamethrower. "I'll call you 'Captain Mustache' if you promise I have dibs on saying 'Recon by fire' for the duration of this mission." She shrugs. "I feel like I might need a catch phrase for the show."

"Deal. I claim all pirate puns, sayings, and troupes."

The ghouls look about as embarrassed as it is possible for an undead creature to be as AMOSU praises their recording equipment. One of the androids steps forward to shake his hand. "Lookin forward to working with you. There's a few Starfinder Society fans that managed to get on the crew for this." The android looks over at the ghouls "We'll be doing our best to make you look good out there. That said, if you get a chance to pull some kind of cool stunt or strike a slick pose, take it. The audience loves that stuff. Oh and, for shows like this, people like to see 'characters'. Cool, funny, insightful, skilled. Don't matter what, but it does help to be consistent." He android nods enthusiastically. "Ain't nothing else you need to worry about. Except I guess whatever kind of nasties might be down there."

"Oh, and make sure you're giving your impressions out loud. The audience can't see inside your head after all. A bit of narration won't hurt either." The android winks at AMOSU, then calls out "The rest of you Starfinders heard that too, right?"

Faraeon's stunts and Mustachio's last minute switch to pirate theming each earn a round of appreciative applause from the crew.

Just as Aazanar approaches Wazasha, she puts a finger up to the comms device in her ear. With a nod, she raises her hand to get the crew's attention. "Let's move. Cameras start rolling as soon as we breach the inner tunnel. Remember- Natural- Stunning- Stellar! Let's make Zo! proud."

----

Wazasha leads the way for both yourselves and the crew back towards the half-repaired starship dock. Nestled into a corner of the dock lies the remains of an ancient control or maintenance room, and in the back of that room, an elevator that beyond all logic is still functional.

It takes a few trips, but your team, the production crew, and all the equipment take the elevator down into the interior of the moon.

The space the elevator has deposited all of you is initially dark, a fact that doesn't bother Wazasha, the ghouls, or any of the androids, but certainly might prove an obstacle to your crew. Furthermore, the gravity in this interior chamber is approximately Pact Worlds normal. Finally, the sensors on your armor detect that there is atmosphere down here, and breathable atmosphere at that!

At Wazasha's prompting, you get whatever light sources you need turned on. As soon as you've done so, Wazasha drops her raised hand and the cameras begin rolling!

-----

The light from your flashlights washes over the steel clad floor, walls and ceiling of a massive hallway. In places, the wall panels have detached to fall upon the floor, exposing ancient wiring and melted conduits. In some places, it seems that signage must have once hung, but someone seems to have purposefully defaced or removed any analog signs and torn out any digital displays. Piping and ductwork criss-crosses the surface of the 15ft high ceiling.

The hallway ahead stretches out into distant darkness.

#LEE! It's STARTING! HYYYYYYPE!

#LEE! 2 Creds they die in the first minute.
#LEE! That intro had the cheesiest special effects ever. So dumb!!!
#LEE! Where's SMC???

As cameras get ready to roll, Faraeon keeps his lights off for a moment. As soon as they start up, though, and one of the crew pans to him, he taps the subnormal graft embedded in his left hand and raises it up, revealing the glowing emblem of the Starfinder Society in his palm.

With the flashy entrance complete, he uses the small amount of light from his graft to grab his personal comm unit and activate the flashlight function. He holds up the flashlight in his left hand, while he braces the static arc pistol in his right hand on his forearm.

Moving forward along the walls, Faraeon sweeps the cone of light from his flashlight across the exposed wiring and conduits. "Atmospheric readings look good, Captain Mustache," he says over the comms. "Seems like we've got air! For now at least."

He lowers the helmet extension of his carbon graphite armor and flashes a smile for the camera. "Might as well catch a fresh breath while we've got the chance."

As long as they keep playing up to the camera, maybe the professionals can get some work done. Kiv stalks forward, peering into the gloom.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

60' Darkvision

Mustachio starts hobbling forward. "Yarrr! Duly noted, Star-Jumper. The air here may be a breathable, but it surely do stink like a rotten whale hanging on o rusty hook."

"Kiv! Where you be goin', lad? Here, why doont you be a remindin' us why we be down here with a nice mission recap summary, eh?"

Mustachio also activates his Starfinder symbol. With the erie glow coming out, he holds it up to his face to reveal his purposely contorted face peering into the dark.

prof actor to pull off a convincing pirate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

With a private eye-roll, the operative decides how she wants to play this. Well, they want a catch phrase? I can think of a few. Without looking back, she only offers, "That's not why I'm here."

She then sends a telepathic message to the lashuntan envoy...Look here Sergeant 'Stache, call me 'lad' again and see what happens. You want to get famous? Fine, leave me out of it.

Just to be clear, I am having a great time and love all the role play. Any grumpiness you perceive is in character. Being a 'ghost' operative, Kiv has an aversion to the limelight and really wants nothing to do with being on camera.

"Yeah... right. Let's get a move on. Kiv... looks like you know how to scout. Why don't you take point... I'll back you up. I can dim my solar mote if you'd prefer not to be lit up. We can switch to infrared."

Kiv, being that you are the only 4th level character and you have a great armor class, AND you have the best perception skill, it makes sense that you are in front. Hope you don't mind. :) Aazanar can throw spears or charge past you once combat begins.

Aazanar lowers his armor's infrared sensor visor down over his eyes.

"All right... let's DO this!"

Nim looks at the ticker with the messages from #LEE, and she decides to mess with him/her/it. She pulls out her flashlight, then makes a big show of looking through her gear bag. Pretending to fumble through it, she pulls her copy out of Strawberry Machine Cake's album Star Sugar Heartlove!!! and makes a point of it getting caught by the camdrones.

Forgot I had this, she mutters loudly so the camdrones pick up her voice, then turns to one of them. Be a shame if we all died in the first minute like you said, Lee, and this collector's item got lost here forever.. She rattles the album in her hand, flashlight trained on the album.

Nim is hoping a little Intimidation on Lee, in that he'll become terrified for the safety of the album for the rest of the mission, and his commentary will turn to the safety of the album, rather than insulting us. More that likely I'll roll poorly, and Lee and I will be trolling one another the rest of this mission

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

And Nim's luck is as good as ever

Of course, you have just made Kiv a target.:D :D. No one says no to Captain Mustache!

"Arrrr! Whoops! Sorry, there lassie. Didn't mean ta mess up yer gender. Alright then...Here we arrrr, famous Starfinders dontcha know, traversin this deadly moon in search o those infamous space goblins, thar that be callin' themselves the Exhaust Drinkers. With arrr top secretive Ilsia Kivulia, one o Starfinder's best and most unknown secret agents, on this here case, we will surely be solvin it fast and back home to arrrr ship for a mug o gog in record time or me name ain't Captain Mustache."

AMOSU will purchase an AbadarCorp Defender Pulserifle then, I’ll update my sheet later tonight. Could someone check my alias sheet? When I view several areas appear to overlap, not sure if it’s a formatting issue or my laptop.

AMOSU thanks the crew for their help and advice before helping to carry any of their supplies to the staging area.

After exiting the elevator, AMOSU scans the hall and surroundings cycling through optical modes. (low-light visions and darkvision 60ft) . ”Are there any members… Er… Crewmates…?, as it casts a curious glance at Mustachio, ”…that are unable to see in limited light or darkness? I would suggest we move forward with the lowest light level possible to allow for stealth and concealment, and to aid Ms. Kiv. We should also designate a comm channel for secured discourse.”

AMOSU then whispers into its comm unit for the team and Wazasha to hear, ”Would it be possible to set a command phrase for the camera crew to switch from low light use to maximum lighting immediately? I believe this may provide our team with an added element of blinding surprise, as well as a dramatic flash point for filming as this could…, a quick glance to Faraeon, …allow our team to show their chops at a pivotal moment? Perhaps 'FIRE THE CANNONS' as this motif seems to entertain Mr. Mustachio.”

While waiting for a response to its question, AMOSU moves to examine the elevator and hall. Having little frame of reference for dramatical theatre, AMOSU attempts to implement the film crews advice and falls back on what it knows… Intoning with its best (British) documentary narrator voice… “It would appear that this structure…” I’ll share any information I can gather about the construction, atmosphere, physics or other interesting facts my skills can garner. My theme knowledge may lower the Physical Science DC by 5.
Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Life Science: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Physical Science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Then, attempting to building suspense ”An incredibly dangerous combination of perilous circumstances for the team.” AMOSU, pleased with itself for following the advice of the film crew, turns to the cameras with a serious expression as if to emphasize the dangers. ”Further suggestions on how to proceed team? Er… Crewmates…?”