[Outpost II][SFS] 1-16 Dreaming of the Future -- GM Gustavef (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Harasty

Game start to Dot and delete

Part 1: MEGAPLEX

The Lorespire Complex bustles with activity as the doors to Venture-Captain Arvin’s private office slide quickly. The lashunta man jots down some quick notes on his datapad, and then he glances up and motions to sit down.

“Welcome, Starfinders. We have just finished compiling some intriguing news. The Society’s magical archive for divining potential new finds, the Communion Vaults, houses a perpetually sleeping Liavaran Dreamer named Whisperer of Solar Winds. The Dreamer rarely rouses from its torpor, but when it does, it spins interwoven dream stories that point us to promising finds. It awoke earlier this week and has given us an elegant story about a fractured sandstone tablet that could point the Society to a great treasure.

“Unfortunately, the three fragments of the tablet appear to be in very different locales based on the tales we’ve recorded. Luckily, each of these locations appears to be within the Pact Worlds. It’s your job to track each piece down and report back here so we can get everything pieced together and figure this dream out. Your first destination is the machine-driven world of Aballon. Based on the details of the first dreamspun tale, you’re likely to be looking for an android in a less-than-reputable city. We’re sending you via shuttle to Towershadow, where you’ll have to figure out for yourselves what awaits. Time is of the essence, as things can change quite quickly. Any questions before you depart?”

Feel free to introduce yourselves as you ask questions?

A wiry Ysoki stands listening to VC Arvin lay out the mission briefing. "So the lead came from a dream? Any other vague or cryptic pieces you can share? Anything that seemed trivial now might make more sense as we search. Is there anything to suggest that the tablet is magical in nature?"

After asking his questions, he introduces himself to the others in the room, " Smek Skytower, corporate freelancer specializing in acquisitions and returns. If you lost, I return it. If you want it, I can get it." He hands a business card to each as he shakes hands.

As the others ask questions and introduce themselves, Smek tries to recall anything useful about Aballon...

Cultures: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
And just in case...
Prof(Corp Agent): 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 4 = 13 Using toolkit if I can, that's the +4

That rolling does not bode well... No, not at all...

Covered in heavy armor plates, Solenopsi is an imposing creature. She stands on four of her six limbs and listens to the Venture-Captain in both silence and stillness.

She remains still even as she aggressively forces her words into your minds, ">>food<< Venture-Captain, this android possesses a fragment or has knowledge of its location? Do we have a name? A description?"

The 'words' come as a coarse combination of images, feelings, and words in either Common or Castrovellian, whichever is most natural for you. Most disturbing is the sensation of mouth watering hunger that comes with her address of Venture-Captain Arvin.

Ratatat bows to all in the room and says, "Hello everyone. I'm a warrior pursuing studies in the philosophical art of war. At this point in my career, I'm most interested in the doctrine of shock and awe."

Ratatat pulls out a pulsecaster rifle in one hand and says, "Please meet my dear friend, Shock..."

Then he lifts up a massive red star plasma array in his other hand and says, "...and my other close friend, Awe!"

Turning to Arvin, Ratatat asks, "What can you tell us about Aballon?"

Nodding to Solenopsi, Arvin hands the formian a data pad with the following : Transcript (slide 3) "This is what we have so far. He has one fragment, and there are other fragments of verse which we are still deciphering. "

Turning to Ratatat:

“Aballon is a planet known for its machines and robotic inhabitants. It’s very difficult for biological life to survive with nonexistent atmosphere and other dangerous environs. Thankfully, its primary inhabitants, a machine race known as the anacites, have built self-contained megaplex cities. One of these megaplex cities, known as Striving, houses your destination region of Towershadow. As there is artificial atmosphere within the megaplex, you shouldn’t need anything more than your armor and whatever tools you already have.”

The formian finally breaks her statue-like pose and accepts the datapad from Arvin.

"Good," she shoves her satisfaction at not needing more than her own armor and tools into everyone's mind.

A dwarf arrives adorned in a finely-tailored suit, walks into the room, speaking into a comm link as he enters.

"Look, just tell the tenants that they should just get used to the noise. Why would they expect me to do anything about it? I'm just an archaic dwarf. I was trapped in a simulation all my life until I was rescued by some scientists..."

As he speaks, Keyrock looks up and notices the others already speaking with the Venture-Captain.

"I've arrived at the meeting--very important--already started. Got to go." He hurriedly mutters into the comm link, before shutting it off, and slipping it into his pockets.

"Sorry, if I'm late. You know the life of a Starfinder, there is always some new discovery that requires attention. Come to think of it, being a lawyer can mean plenty of discovery too." says the dwarf with a smile.

Setting eyes on the formian, Keyrock quickly decides to extend a hand to one of the ysoki. "Greetings! name's Keyrock... Keyrock Marbleheart--Attorney at Law. Yeah, that one--from Salvation's End. Perhaps, you've seen my ads?" He reaches into a pocket and produces a card. "Oh, and did I hear someone say Aballon? Why would anyone want to go there?"

Frinke listens to the whole thing. You heard him, time is of the essence, what are we doing wasting our time talking. And he sound like a military Sargent talking.

"Very well. I'm ready to depart as soon as everyone else is."

"I am ready," Solenopsi telepathically blares.

"Oh, we're ready to go then?" Keyrock says in response to the abruptness of the other Starfinders. "Would one of you be so kind as to contact the chauffeur and ask him to bring the hovercar around?"

Smek shrugs his shoulders and goes through his gear. "I have just about everything I need stowed and ready. Any chance we can stop at Fast Lenny's Sidearm Emporium? I've had my eye on this sweet little number..."

Smek would like to purchase a Static Arc Caster Pistol before we leave the station if there are no objections.

Getting what you need you take the shuttle to Aballon

After a few days, the shuttle reaches a blasted wasteland of a planet that—despite its dark and barren appearance—quickly shows itself to be covered in glittering metal cities under the full brightness of the Pact World’s sun. The shuttle goes through a set of blast doors into a city built inside and around what was clearly once a massive silver tower.

You must now figure out how to track down the fugitive. Computers (to review the local infosphere), Diplomacy (to gather information), Survival (to track), or a relevant Profession skill. Each character can make one check

"Oh," mutters Keyrock. "It looks like we're the ones going to Aballon.".

He looks around the shuttle, "Where is the stewardess? I could really use a stiff drink."

Once the shuttle has landed, Keyrock checks his enviro-seals then steps out into the world of machines. As the party begins investigating, the dwarf excuses himself and departs the party for a time, saying only that he "knows a guy."
Profession (lawyer): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Solenopsi begins her best attempt at assisting in tracking down a non-biological through a city, which is much different than hunting lashunta in the wilderness.

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Frinke is good with none of that stuff so he will aid whoever needs help aid diplomacy or survival: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Purchased Arc Pistol.

Smek dashes out of Fast Lenny's with plain brown bag, whistling and quietly singing the store's jingle as he returns... Fast Lenny's, for guns in hurry... We don't ask you nuthin', you don't ask us nuthin'.

Once the team makes planetside, Smek begins accessing the infosphere for any relevant information and calling his contacts. "Hello, yes this is Mr. Skytower. I'm inquiring about any efforts to sell, auction, appraise, or otherwise liquidate a historical piece. Yes, a small stone tablet. With an inscription. Maybe, can you tell me more..."

I'll use Profession (Corp Prof) if I can, see if anyone is trying to sell the item.
Prof (Corp Prof): 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 4 = 18 +8 skill, +4 kit
If using profession is a non-starter, then there's a back-up Computer roll.
Computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Ratatat sets off attempting to track down this fugitive in the urban jungle....

Keyrock legal knowledge criminal knowledge finds a warrant for the Android Lerecti there is an address, but the warrant was listed as undeliverable. The Warrant references a murder on Verces and list Lerecti as the culprit. With this information Smek is able to find a most likely place where the Android is currently to ground.

With this information you make your way to Towershadow and to a flop house in the district. Asking around you spot your contact coming out of a local convenience store. Although you can tell that they are trying to lay low, they are not actively looking over their shoulder.

"Heya Keyrock, despite being a lawyer, I think Lerecti is least likely to run away from you in comparison to the rest of us. You want to talk to him about the fragment and we'll back you up if he tries to get away or gets hostile?"

If Keyrock agrees, Ratatat tries to subtlety get into a position to cut Lerecti off if he runs.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Smek sets his Static pistol to stun, "Let me know how you want me to fit into this negotiation. I can give Keyrock a hand in talking it out with the Android, or I can take a position to keep it from running.". Smek takes a moment to clean himself up and organize his gear, "Well-spoken, if unintimidating, bodyguard or shadow. Either suits me."

Smek's a good support for Diplo and Initimidate, or I can go Stealth/Trick Attack.

At his fellows urging, Keyrock collects himself. Motioning the corporate ysoki to accompany him, he and approaches Lerecti out in the open on the street.

Holding out one of his business cards, Keyrock announces, "Greetings, Keyrock Marbleheart, attorney-at-law. I understand that you are Lerecti and that you may have found yourself in some legal trouble."

"Well, you fine bundle of circuits, you are in luck, because I happen to be one of the finest lawyers packed within all of the Pact Worlds."

The dwarf points over towards Smek. "And this here is my assistant, Mr. Skytower. I mean with a name like that, he's got to be on the up-and-up, am I right?"

A broad smile forms across Keyrock's face, "So, Lerecti, shall we talk retainer?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 + any assist from Smek

Without a 'word,' Solenopsi places her imposing bulk in the way of the nearest exit (and entrance) to the area. She scans for trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Slightly taken aback by stangers offering help the android does find Keyrock's tone comforting.

"I was framed for murder on my home world, Verces, for finding out some scumbag of a club owner was engaging in android trafficking. Had to come here to get a proper trial from the anacites. If only I had my evidence…”

He looks over your assistants

"Some thugs stole it from a coworker. I don’t want to risk making a bad name for myself while trying to clear my name already. Although if you want that sandstone thing so bad, I’d be happy to give it to you if you could go and get the evidence back. The evidence is on a datapad with a red sticker that some verthani thug took to the slums.”

Then he stops for a bit and looks skeptical. "But this going to cost me. Nothing is free down here. And by the looks of your fine suit, you would normally be out of my price range. I doubt you are doing this out of the goodness of your own heart"

For the most part he is friendly. But cautious as to be expected.

Out of range of her telepathy, the formian taps out a SMS on her comm unit and sends it to Keyrock.

>>> Confirm possession of the object.

Smek bows to the Android as Keyrock introduces him, after glancing briefly at his comm...

"I do believe this could be mutually beneficial. If you are able to confirm possession of the sandstone tablet, we would assist in clearing your name."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Assist if still needed, or if this is new action feel free to use it as a straight skill roll.

Once it's been verified that Lerecti has the tablet, "Excellent Lerecti, then if you could provide us with any further identifying information regarding the verthani that took your datapad?"

Keyrock sees that he has a message on his comm link. "Pardon me. This may be important." Keyrock excuses himself, giving Smek the opportunity to speak.

The dwarf reviews the message from the formian. With his stubby, dwarven fingers, he types back a response. >>>Possedion og tsblert conformed. Anndroif seeks legal helpp. Unfortynatley, he doesn't appear able to afford my fees. May haveto purssue other options.

Distracted by an incoming message from his main office, Keyrock fails to note that the spellcheck function on his comm link was not engaged. One message in particular sets him off. Opposing counsel wants what?!

He begins to scroll through his remaining work messages, then fires off an angry response, leaving it up to the ysoki to close the deal.

He is kind of relieved. "Oh that thing. Sure. I don't want it anymore. Just got me in to this trouble in the first place. I know where it is, but...well...the access credentials are on my data pad."

"As for the venthani, there were two. Both lanky and mean, but I think they all look that way. They hang out with this nasty ikeshti. Merthinett I think is her name. I suspect they won't be too friendly."

Lerecti gives you directions to a location in the slums.

How would you like to approach.

Ratatat will scout out the area and see if we can approach from a position of surprise.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

"While the rest of you run around all quiet-like, perhaps I could just approach them openly." suggests Keyrock. "After all, who could would want to hurt someone like me."

As if on cue, the Starfinder's comm link begins to chirp. "Nobody answer that." he says.

Keyrock plans to use a move action to approach and readies an action to use Not in the Face (Ex) As move action, one enemy within 60 ft. must succeed at Will save (DC 15) or take a -4 penalty to all attacks against Keyrock until his next turn.

"I think this time I'll take advantage of the shadows too," Smek follows behind Ratatat. Smek looks for any sign of the verthani or ikeshti, or any concealed approach to the area.

Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

MAP

You are able to get close to the group of three. The Ikeshti and her two thugs. You are able to get all the way up to the yellow line before the see you and determine your intent.

The two thugs move forward with pistols firing at Keyrock and Smek
Keyrock: Thug pistol v KAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Smek: Thug pistol v KAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Both shots miss their targets.

Keyrock is up before the Ikeshti. Everyone else can post actions that will resolved after the leader

MegaPlex

Group conditions:

Round 1

Keyrock - dmg;

Ikeshti - dmg

Smek - dmg;
Frinke - dmg;
Solenopsi - dmg;
Ratatat - dmg;

Thug, Yellow - dmg;
Thug, Blue - dmg;

"Now, now. Merthinett, is it? We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot here." Keyrock begins. "I don't know why all the hostilities here. I'm just an archaic dwarf."

"When I see your henchmen taking aim and firing upon us with their, presumably unlicensed, tactical semi-automatic pistols, I think to myself, 'What manner of beast are those? They scream with a breath of fire and the spit objects resembling oddly-shaped stones or eggs at us with great speed. Do they seek to pierce feast on our flesh by tearing it to pieces or, perhaps, they are trying to imbed their larvae, deep within us so that we may be used as a food source for their young?'"

"I don't know." he continues, shaking his hands and holding his mouth agape in a manner feigning fear. "Because I'm an archaic dwarf -- that's the way I think."

"But, there is one thing I DO know..." he opines, "the retention of potential exculpatory evidence of an alleged homicide and failure to report the existence of the same to judicial authorities on Verces with knowledge aforethought it a class-2 felony, which carries with it upon conviction a minimum sentence of eight to twelve solar cycles. Use of lethal force in resistance of a citizen's arrest made in the advancement of recovering such evidence will, upon a judicial finding of the same, qualify as a sentence enhancement of a minimum at least ten more cycles. You won't want to compound any potential penal sentence by shooting me, right?"

Keyrock then turns to his allies and whispers, "Better form a shield wall. I suspect that I may not have gotten through to her."

Move action=Not in the face as to ikeshti=the ikeshti must succeed at Will save (DC 15) or take a -4 penalty to all attacks against Keyrock until her next turn.

Move action=Brace Yourselves=Keyrock and his allies gain a +1 morale bonus to AC against the ikeshti if adjacent to another ally until Keyrock's next turn.

The Ikeshti sighs. "Lawyers! They are now attacking me with Lawyers. Hey, brief this!"

He pulls out a shock grenade and tosses it in the middle of your group Getting everyone.

Throw Grenade, target red star: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Eletric Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1 E (Reflex DC 10)
The grenade lands perfectly, then sputters...pop

Everyone takes 1 point, and everyone else is up.

MegaPlex

Group conditions: Brace Yourselves=Keyrock and his allies gain a +1 morale bonus to AC against the ikeshti if adjacent to another ally

Round 1

Smek - 1 dmg;
Frinke - 1 dmg;
Solenopsi - 1 dmg;
Ratatat - 1 dmg;

Thug, Yellow - dmg;
Thug, Blue - dmg;

Keyrock - 1 dmg;

Ikeshti - dmg; Not in the face ;

Smek scampers between his teammates, using the break in line of sight to draw a better shot on the Ikeshti.

Trick Attack/Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33
Attack/EAC/Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage/E/Nonlethal: 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + (1) = 4

The Ikeshti sighs. "Lawyers! They are now attacking me with Lawyers. Hey, brief this!"

The grenade lands perfectly, then sputters...pop

"I suppose that was rather brief." notes an only slightly singed Keyrock.

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?!?"

Ratatat moves right up to them (possibly drawing AOOs but with the mobility feat) while drawing a knife and attacks the ikreshti defensively!

Survival knife vs KAC: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 4 = 18
slashing damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Solenopsi moves around the others and then charges (thematically) the (yellow) closest verthani. She rises up on her legs and thrusts her heavily armored stinger at the thug.

Hammerfist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
B: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Frinke moves over and tries to hit yellow with tactical plasma bolter hit: 5 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 + (20) = 25 vs EAC dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 5 electric and fire.
crit dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 6

Smek's skill in avoiding detection tricks everyone. No one sees him miss

One thug swipes at Ratatat as the ysoki closes.
Thug, battleglove: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Missing the mobile ysoki.
Ratatat then strike Congreagant soundly.

Solenopsi misses, but Frinkle's solid hit hurts the verthani thug, but does not drop him.

The Thugs then attack Ratatat
Thug, battleglove, flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17
Thug, battleglove, flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20
However unable to connect the defending rodent.

Kyrock is up again.

[ooc]MegaPlex

Group conditions: Brace Yourselves=Keyrock and his allies gain a +1 morale bonus to AC against the ikeshti if adjacent to another ally

Round 1

Keyrock - 1 dmg;

Ikeshti - 7 dmg; Not in the face ;

Smek[ - 1 dmg;
Frinke - 1 dmg;
Solenopsi - 1 dmg;
Ratatat - 1 dmg;

Thug, Yellow - 11 dmg
Thug, Blue - dmg;

Recalling his dwarven training during the "Quest for the Sky", Keyrock moves forward, drawing his hammer, while attempting to keep the group within a tight, shield formation.

"It's off to work we go." he mutters, determinedly.

Move action=Brace Yourselves=Keyrock and his allies gain a +1 morale bonus to AC against the ikeshti if adjacent to another ally until Keyrock's next turn.

Congreagant stabs at Ratatat with her pike

Ikeshti Pike v KAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Pike Crit Damage: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (6, 6) + 8 = 20

Feeling confident in that stab the then looks shocked that Ratatat is still standing. "Inconceivable!"

and everyone else is up.

MegaPlex

Group conditions: Brace Yourselves=Keyrock and his allies gain a +1 morale bonus to AC against the ikeshti if adjacent to another ally

Round 1

Smek - 1 dmg;
Frinke - 1 dmg;
Solenopsi - 1 dmg;
Ratatat - 21 dmg;

Thug, Yellow - 11 dmg;
Thug, Blue - dmg;

Keyrock - 1 dmg;

Ikeshti - 7 dmg; Not in the face ;

Smek winces as he watches the pike find a gap in Ratatat's armor. Smek quickly shifts behind the melee fighters to keep out of the Ikeshti's sight.

Trick Attack/Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Attack/Arc Pistol/EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage/E+Trick/Nonlethal: 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + (1) = 7

Solenopsi stabs at her foes once more.

Hammerfist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
B: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Yellow thug icon missing, so either Ikeshti or the yellow thug and undo move if he wasn't really knocked out.

Frinke moves and tactical plasma bolter vs blue hit: 4 + 1d20 ⇒ 4 + (5) = 9 vs eac dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 5 electric and fire.

Ratatat again attacks the ikreshti defensively while yelling, "What? Can't handle someone half your size?? Come 'n get me!"

Survival knife vs KAC: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 4 = 21
slashing damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

I removed the thug early last time. Yellow is still there.

Solenopsi finsihes off the one thug.
Though Frinke's bolter widely misses the mark
Ratatat responds with his own knife attack and out of no where a static arc stuns and knocks out the ikeshti.

The remaining verthani thug sizes up the ysoki in front of him, and drops his pistol and backs away. "Yeah. I think living is better than being paid"

Combat Over

MegaPlex

Group conditions: Brace Yourselves=Keyrock and his allies gain a +1 morale bonus to AC against the ikeshti if adjacent to another ally

Round 1

Smek - 1 dmg;
Frinke - 1 dmg;
Solenopsi - 1 dmg;
Ratatat - 21 dmg;

Keyrock - 1 dmg;

Ikeshti - 7 dmg; Not in the face ; Knocked out
Thug, Yellow - DEAD
Thug, Blue - Surrendered;

"Probably a wise choice."

Ratatat will search the bodies.

"Look for a sticker, or some such." Keyrock shouts out to the ysoki, hardly being helpful.