GM Valen's The Commencement - January 2019 (TABLE 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Ceren smiles broadly at Elina's suggestion. "A woman after my own heart." she says. "It will be an adventure!"

"Just like in your 'stories' on the vids, Nuna!" Jubair exclaims.

"To convince the station systems that I am dead." Ceren suggests. "would likely require some skillful manipulation of data. No doubt you will need a convincing corpse and accompanying death certificate. You would also need to provide new identities for me and possibly Jubair to assume. Nothing degrading or overly dangerous, please. The cover stories you create will have to be sufficiently convincing to throw the corporate authorities off our scent."

Contemplating her past and now a future life, she and Jubair gather a few, precious belongings. "If the corporate security team has our address, then there is no sense in us remaining here." Ceren notes. The old woman then looks around the apartment. "It isn't much." she sighs. "But it was home for a while."

"Don't forget the plants, Nuna!" Jubair cries out.

"Please see that the tomato plants are taken care of." Ceren says to you all pleadingly.

Once satisfied, that the plants will be well-maintained, Ceren takes the young man by the hand and heads for the door. "I will leave you all to your work, then." she says. "I have jotted down a location in Jatembe Park. On paper--no chance of it being traced. We will meet you there in six hours."

GM Transparency Time - The scenario gives some guidelines on possible approaches to complete Ceren's "death", but (at least as I read it) any reasonable approach that the party wants to attempt has the possibility to contribute to success. I intend to be pretty liberal in allowing different approaches as I believe this: 1) encourages creativity and 2) makes this replayable scenario more interesting when repeated.

Ceren suggested the party needs to obtain/create/provide, at a minimum, two things: 1) a dead body and 2) fake death certificate.

Skill checks may be made to contribute to these goals, which may, in turn present opportunities to use other skills/tools. For instance, successful Culture check could reveal the locations of places likely to have dead bodies. Just tell me in the post the type of place you are looking for with your Culture check (such as a graveyard, hospital, coroner's office, etc.). I may vary the DCs for skill checks depending on the use. If you have a plan, but aren't sure what skill would apply, describe what your PC is doing and I will try to decide what skill check to call for.

"We could go to a coroner's office for the body. Just need one that they can not identify. With Zip and Zap, and with Elina. They could distract the coroner, while the rest of us swaps the records or create certificate's."

Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Elina nods.

Yes, I'm in town to appear on Zip's radio program, and.... and my poor dear friend has passed away... and I just have to find her...

She smiles as she waves the fan.

I will of course, be inconsolable and absolutely of no help during the entire proceedings. And you folk are so tiny, I doubt he'll be able to tell what's going on otherwise.

In advance bluff check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
In advance diplomacy check: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 10 + (6) = 25

Zip rubs his chin again. ”You said you need to support Jubair? Well, just so happens we are looking for a part time Infosphere technician at the radio station. You’d be working with Doug, who’s a bit of a character, but if you have the skills to do what you did, you should be able to help us manage our space-webpage and maintain our servers. Want me to schedule an interview for you? Under a false name, of course.”

"We're playing the dead now? My, my..." Hach mutters to himself, and for the first time, you sense some emotions from him, as if he is faintly disturbed.

"Perhaps I could... persuade the coroner to lose a body or two."

"We could go to a coroner's office for the body. Just need one that they can not identify. With Zip and Zap, and with Elina. They could distract the coroner, while the rest of us swaps the records or create certificate's."

Deloran locates a morgue with a suitable body.

I will of course, be inconsolable and absolutely of no help during the entire proceedings. And you folk are so tiny, I doubt he'll be able to tell what's going on otherwise.

"You don't exactly look like a grieving family member of the deceased here." says the coroner as he looks at the body that the mormalaw seeks to claim. "But then, what do I know?"

”Want me to schedule an interview for you? Under a false name, of course.”

"I'd be delighted! I've always wanted to break into showbiz. I can almost picture my own show now, 'Tomato Talk!'" Jubair replies.

As the gnome makes inquiries, Doug responds, "We could always use a good tech! Just make sure that you're not sending me someone's drone."
Third success.

Still need a two more successes in order to adequately set up the false identity.

With his phone call completed, he sends a spacetext message to 'not Ceren' that she has a job interview.

"Man, I hate all the social networking whatchamawhosits, but I think I can set Jubair up with a list of online friends that might help him settle into a new life."
Culture check? I guess?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
If you would rather computers it would be 1 less at 28

"Now that she's dead, she'll need a new identity." Tchisk tries to forge her some new papers.

Computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

That is probably enough but just in case...

Hach leans over his tall lanky figure over the coroner, his pale and deathly face looming large. "Yes, indeed, you know nothing."
intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Never mind.

The gnome gnows how to hobgnob and gnets an interview for Ceren through his gnetwork.
Whether Computers or Culture, it is a success.

The ysoki easily forges some credentials.
Final success!

The half-orc half-heartedly half-scares the half-witted coroner, who was a half-ling.
Unsuccess, but no matter!

Having completed the necessary steps to secure a body and a death certificate for Ceren, as well as having establish new identities (with lucrative jobs!) for her and Jubair, you head to 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. The meeting point that Ceren provided to you is one such forested portion of the park, specifically a spot often ignored by citizens due to the winding path required to reach it.

As you approach the meeting point, you see Ceren on the bridge, apparently awaiting your arrival.

”Uh, guys? We might want to get over to Ceren like, soon. I see some. . . Shady? Shady looking characters eyeing our new friends.” Zip says to everyone in a low whisper.

Apparently unaware of your presence, the gangers begin moving toward the old woman. Collectively, they begin reaching into their jackets to retrieve items concealed within.

Tactical map now on Maps

I am putting us in rounds, but that does not mean that PCs are precluded from attempting non-combat actions/resolutions.

Surprise Round

Zip or Zap (may take a single standard or move action)

Round One Initiative

PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Elina
Deloran
Hach
Tchisk
Gangers
Zip & Zap

(Surprise round, Zip and Zap move forward a bit and draw their weapons.)

"Try to make them think they have the wrong person." Tchisk suggests as he hurries up to Ceren. He calls out to her in with the name of her new identity, "Ms. Vanderpool! Ms. Vanderpool! You're needed back at the station. There's some trouble that only you can solve."
Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Hach raises an eyebrow and Tchisk's attempt, but sure whatever. He does however gets ready to fire off a shot should the three goons turn hostile.

azimuth artillery laser vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 F dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 3

I judge Tchisk's Bluff a full round action (Lie, CRB, pg. 137). I will resolve its effect, if any, on the gangers' turn. However, I will allow one or more PCs top spend a move action (gangers are thus far silent and have yet not engaged in combat banter) to attempt a Sense Motive check in an effort to determine the effect before the gangers' turn. (Discern Deception, CRB, pg. 146).

Otherwise, I am waiting for Elina and Deloran to post any attempted action, readied action, or statement that one or the other is delaying.

Elina catches on to Tchisk's help.

Ah, DARLING, Gina DARLING this park is absolutely DARLING..

Elina tries then smiles with her big tusky teeth at the gangers.

Are these friends of yours? They're rather SCRUMPTIOUS young men aren't they?

Bluff aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

"We have brought the crew for filming. We can get some nice shots of you in the park with others enjoying it as well like those three fellows. Excuse me, Excuse me you three. Yes you three would you like to be on the Zip and Zap show that we are shooting?"

Deloran quickens his pace to get in between Ceren and the thugs.

Double move
Bluff aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

The three ganger stop and look at each other, then look at Tchisk and the team.

"Did you hear what d'em guys are sayin'?" one of the gangers says. "Quick, Sned, grab that vidpic again and lets have a look see."

"Again?" another ganger replies as he reaches for a datapad that he had just recently stowed. "I thought we had just finished confirming the identity of this 'Ceren' woman and were ready to move to confront her."

"Whatever you two decide, better do it fast!" notes the third ganger, nervously. "D'eres more of d'em newcomers d'an d'ere is of us!" He draws a pistol.

Round One Cont'd/Round Two Begins

Each PC may make a Sense Motive check as a free action, before posting actions for the round.

All PCs may take a full round of actions.

sense motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
"They look rather shaken. Who wouldn't be? What with 5 of us. And this really big weapon in my hand." Hach speaks aloud intentionally, loud enough for the gangers to hear.

intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Zip double moves up to the pair while Zap (the drone) stays behind.

”Yes yes, lots to do,” he’ll say as he pretends to push them along but is really getting in between Ceren and the thugs.

Elina turns and rounds on the gangers.

Excuse me, but do you not know who I am?!

She fans herself.

I am Elina Matzenauer, the greatest opera diva in the pact worlds! So you can put that in your little holo and stuff it.

She flounces... which causes a sizable rumble as her bulk hits the ground.

Oh my darling Gina, what has become of me that these Cretans don't recognize STARDOM When they see me?

She waves her flipper at them.

Go away, go away before I start to cry, Oh Gina the insentience of it!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 10 + (5) = 34

With that, Elina begins to dramatically cry. Very. VERY. Loudly.

You ever feel uncomfortable when a woman cries? Try when that woman is the size of a automobile.

Tchisk and Deloran can still take actions before the gangers.

"Elina, Elina these nice fellows I am sure knows who you are."

Deloran moves closer to the thugs to get in between them and Ceren.

"You three would you be so kind to find Elina a drink of water or perhaps something sweet. It's the only thing that calms her down you know."

Tchisk gets up to Ceren and starts to lead her back towards the group. He ignores the thugs. "Here, Ms Vanderpool. I'll take you back. We've much to do and we need to get started."

Hearing the human's words and the cries of the large, diva, two of the gangers (purple and orange) are moved to action. Each grabs a piece of low-lying fruit from one of the park's trees and moves forward to provide it to Deloran.

"Here. Give da lady dis and tell 'er dat we didn't means ta make her cry." says one of the gangers (purple) as he offers the fruit to the human operative.

"Guys!" says the third ganger (red), who had just finished retrieving his datapad and activating it, so that it displays a three-dimensional image of the profile of the woman, Ceren. "It is her! That old lady with the metal bits is our mark! We need to nab her!"

Ceren puts her head down and walks hastily to the ysoki's side.

All PCs may take a full round of actions.

Elina sobs stop as she stops and points at purple.

Get the ruffians!

She then moves up to the edge of the bridge and calls out.

Darling, behind me if you please?

Hach growls deep within his throat that the three foolish goons just won't take the hint. He swings his large weapon menancingly as he stomps forward, "Since you won't take a hint, let's be more direct. Get out while you can still work. The woman is under our protection." Hach's transformation from his usual deadpan mannerism is quite startling.

intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

The Gnome and drone both open fire on White (no clear shot on purple)
Move action to give my drone a move action, who moves up
My attack vs Kac: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Drone attack vs Kac: 1d20 ⇒ 18
if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 1

"What did he say is on that data pad?"

When the thugs turn to look, Deloran tries steal the power clips out of the thugs pistols.

slight of hand purple: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
slight of hand orange: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Not sure if I can do this action, but it was worth a try.

Tchisk will try to usher Ceren away, if the thugs pull weapons, he'll cast Grease (DC 16) on the closest one's gun.

When the thugs turn to look, Deloran tries steal the power clips out of the thugs pistols.

Not sure if I can do this action, but it was worth a try.

Pick Pocket is a standard action, so you would only get an attempt on one of them. generally can't be attempted in combat, but in any event the DC is 20, so neither roll would be a success. (CBR, pg. 147)

Ganger, Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

The ganger does not seem to notice Deloran's attempt, but he notices the growling half-orc, which the gangers find disturbing but not intimidating, and the shots fired at his fellow ganger.

@ Zip - "White" is Deloran's token, so I will apply your shots to purple, modified for "Get'em" from Elina and for cover unfortunately provided by Deloran.

The gnome's shot misses, but one of the gangers (purple) is struck by the drone's attack.

The surprised ganger (purple) steps back and reaches for his pistol. Guarded step
Ganger, Reflex v. grease (DC 16): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Managing to keep ahold of his greasy gun, he fires a shot at the gnome.
Ranged (pulsecaster pistol) v. Zip EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22Damage (NL/E): 1d4 ⇒ 4

The ganger that was next to him (orange), also backs off, drawing his pistol, before firing at the drone.
Guarded step
Ranged (pulsecaster pistol) v. Zap EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8Damage (NL/E): 1d4 ⇒ 2

The shot goes wide.

The third ganger (red) seeks cover and fires on the nearest Starfinder brandishing a weapon.
Ranged (pulsecaster pistol) v. Zap EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19Damage (NL/E): 1d4 ⇒ 3

Ceren makes haste away from the gangers to the cover of trees on the other side of the bridge.

First Round of Shootin'

All PCs may now act

Ganger (red)
Ganger (purple) -1 HP
Ganger (orange)
Zip -7 SP (not sure whether Zip was restored to full after last faction task, but there was time for rest, so I am assuming Zip did and that spend RP to get full SP)
Zap
Elina
Deloran
Hach
Tchisk

Elina waddles forward a bit further and points at purple again.

DOWN! DOWN WITH THE RUUUUFFIAN! Get'em

Deloran draws his pulsecaster and fires at yellow.

EAC Attack, Pulsecaster: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Tchisk tries Grease (DC 16) against red. He draws his pistol.

Hach frowns ever so slightly, finding the large bulk of a marlomaw blocking his view. He rushes past to get a good view and fires!

vs purple: azimuth artillery laser vs EAC, get'em: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12 F dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Waiting on Zip and Zap.

Both me and my drone continue firing on purple guy
My attack vs Kac: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Drone attack vs Kac: 1d20 ⇒ 3
if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 3

The gnome places a shot into one of the gangers (purple), though his metal counterpart misses.

The human and half-orc each place fire into separate gangers (purple and yellow).

Spells cast by the ysoki have coated two of the ganger's guns.

The more injured ganger (purple) runs for cover, attempting to fire back on the human.
Ganger, Reflex v. grease (DC 16): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

He curses as his gun slips from his hand.

His fellow ganger, already in cover, attempts to shoot at the gnome.
Ganger, Reflex v. grease (DC 16): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

With the pistol slipping from his grasp, he reaches for a tactical baton.

The third ganger (yellow), struck by the human's fire, shoots back, before moving into cover.
Ranged (pulsecaster pistol) v. Deloran EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage (NL/E): 1d4 ⇒ 3

His shot sends volts of energy through the Starfinder.

Ceren hides in the trees.

Second Round of Shootin'

All PCs may now act

Ganger (red)
Ganger (purple) -9 HP
Ganger (yellow) -3 HP
Zip -7 SP
Zap
Elina
Deloran -3 SP
Hach
Tchisk

Hach waits for Elina to again provide guidance before firing.

Delay until Elina, and shoot whoever she wants us to get'em!
vs purple: azimuth artillery laser vs EAC, get'em, full attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 - 4 = 19 F dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 8
vs purple: azimuth artillery laser vs EAC, get'em, full attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 - 4 = 16 F dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 8

Elina points a flipper at purple again.

Get'em

She calls out to them.

[b]It's not to late to surrender! Just walk away![/ooc]

Tchisk moves to the end of the bridge and targets purple.

Semi-Auto Pistol: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 1 = 15 Pierceing Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6

"Please I don't want to hurt you, just run."

EAC Attack, Pulsecaster on yellow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

At the urging of the mormalaw, the half-orc's fire brings down one of the gangers (purple) with single shot, despite his efforts to find cover. His second brings misses due to the ganger having cover.

The shots from the human and ysoki also strike the vegetation providing cover to the remaining gangers.

Second Round of Shootin'

All PCs may now act

Ganger (red)
Ganger (purple) -17 HP
Ganger (yellow) -3 HP
Zip -7 SP
Zap
Elina
Deloran -3 SP
Hach
Tchisk

I’ll use my move action to give my drone a move action to move up, then we’ll both fire at Red
My attack vs Kac: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Drone attack vs Kac: 1d20 ⇒ 19
if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The Zappit Brothers readily put a pair of shots into the uninjured ganger [/ooc](red)[/ooc].

Gripping his tactical baton, the ganger (red)[ooc] heads towards the firing gnome, but strikes at the ysoki that is in his way.
Melee (baton, tactical) v. Tchisk KAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage (B): 1d6 ⇒ 2

The weapon slams against Tchisk's cheek pouch!

The other ganger still standing [ooc](yellow) rushes through the undergrowth, looking for a clear shot against one of the armed Starfinders. He settles for Deloran.
Melee (pulsecaster pistol) v. Deloran EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage (E/NL): 1d4 ⇒ 1

The shot sends another unpleasant jolt into the human Starfinder!

Third Round of Shootin'

All PCs may now act

Ganger (red) -6 HP
Ganger (purple) -17 HP
Ganger (yellow) -3 HP
Zip -7 SP
Zap
Elina
Deloran -4 SP
Hach
Tchisk

"Just leave now, I said."

EAC Attack, Pulsecaster on yellow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8+1 if 'Get em' is active
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Hach moves up to get a clear shot at the ganger who is in the open. But he might as well as just fired his gun into the sky.

vs red: azimuth artillery laser vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 F dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Tchisk takes a guarded step back and fires at red.

Semi-Auto Pistol: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 Pierceing Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6