Game Master S's "To Conquer the Dragon" (Table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

"Well, YOU get weapons. I'm reasonably confident in the scanners in use. No worries there. Now, if you are ready, I suggest shopping, tomorrow's going to be a busy day!"

What kinds of things do you sell here?

Pretty much anything in the books? I don't think I need to pick up anything but maybe some healing stuff

Normal purchasing rules. Triaxus has it all.

"Who is on security detail for this? Keen to know who is who so we don't accidentally have a blue-on-blue encounter. I'm used to working with the Obsidian Spiders"

Ok well if we can just wear our combat gear then I guess I'm all set

"Oh, we can just wear our normal kit? This soire is a bit more low key than I was imagining then, or perhaps we are just the rough-trade entertainment to be gawked at"

Viper is good to go

"Well, you sort of ARE the security, but I really don't think it's a problem. The sensors are really good."

Will move to the next scene shortly (i.e. after I finish lecture), unless there are more questions.

Feel free to shop first.

The gala is the next day, giving you plenty of time to check out the area HERE. In setting up there are plenty of interesting workers, people, art, structures, etc.

Feel free to make a Perception or Sense Motive

Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Viper checks out the venue...

Viper checks out tomorrows venue. At the moment it's abuzz with preparations. the first thing Viper spies are a slew of security cameras. They don't all seem like they're part of the same system either. It looks like multiple factions are watching over how this thing goes.

As the scouting mission continues, Viper 6 catches a lot of other little things, nippets of conversations, passed datapads etc. Finally painting a picture of the situation the operative concludes that the government agents have been seen handing off information to a city councilor named Tefarian Mel, who questions each agent closely about the objectives of the Starfinder Society.

Just before leaving, one more thing catches the android's eye; a lodge maintenance employee transmitting information about security measures and facility maps to precise coordinates in orbit. You interrogate the employee, but he seems completely ignorant, just that he was promised a bonus if he did it, and could turn down the offer. Further interrogation gets you no where With no other leads on the issue, you follow up on the coordinates, but it was sent to an area that's simply empty orbital space. Sorry, scenario railroad, not me.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Dr. Kuong looks around for any ways around the checkpoints with the scanners.

The Dr. finds that security really is pretty tight.

The gala scene is complex, and via PbP it can be a LOT of tracking in any given post, so I'll try to run it like "combat" to track everyone. I know there's some real life stuff going on, so I'll give others some time to shop/recon before moving to the gala.

Viper radios into her companions "The security here is a farce, and the whole rockshow has been compromised by unauthorised cameras and surveillance measures, and the existing security measures and layouts transmitted to a third party. This dragon has rocks in its head if it seriously thinks its systems are secure"

"At best this is just surveillance, at worst this is a kill house"

Viper radios the findings back to the draconic host, suggesting the venue be moved.

"It definitely can't be moved. I know I know, there's a lot of extra camera work. The maintenance worker worries me. It's too late now, so just stay vigilant."

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Roger walks around the grounds to look at the different structures to scope things out. Seeing if he can tap into any electronics to gather more info.

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 Same bonus on SM

'Go figure, putting me on security?' thinks Lucius. 'Seems an unusual turn around of events!'

Lucius, of course, keeps his eyes open, especially for a situation that he could exploit. Like a data pad being placed back into a back pocket or something.

No purchases for me.

Bugface listens closely to everything they hear. This is shaping up to be quite the powder keg.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Perception seems to have been covered.

Space Lucius, hold that roll for a bit. I'll let you use it in a minute. No one catches anything new, so we can move to the gala itself.

This is a modified version of a typical social influence scene in a scenario, and it works a little differently. You have two missions: Successfully influence the guests, and keep everyone safe. In each social round you can take an action towards both ends (or two actions for one end.) If you opt for making an impression, you get one free Sense Motive to determine what skills will work. This is key because unlike many scenes, straight Diplomacy may not cut it.

The guests begin to arrive for the gala around midday. Banners welcoming them hang suspended from flying drones around the dome while holographic displays run continuous loops of video showcasing the Starfinder Society’s recent public accomplishments and discoveries.

Bugface
Action 1: Go
Action 2: Go
Dr. Kuong
Action 1: Go
Action 2: Go
Jasper
Action 1: Go
Action 2: Go
Sev+
Action 1: Go
Action 2: Go
Space Lucius
Action 1: Go
Action 2: Go
Viper 6
Action 1: Go
Action 2: Go

Getting dressed up in his everyday wear (which includes a doctors lab coat), but wearing his refractor suit, and the Light Microfusion rifle slung across his back, and his frost gun strapped to his leg. He makes sure that his outfit looks clean and tidy, though he wants a few of the 'combat blemishes' to be seen, so that they might make good conversation starters. With that he goes out to hopefully to show what a good example of a Starfinder is.

Before he heads out onto the floor,he does a quick check in on sensors on the buildings
Action 1
Engineering to Check the Buildings: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

With that done, he decides to go to Jaxter and idly chat with him for a bit.

"Ahh, Jaxter, Zafeldrin has told me just a little about you. I hear you like to know about some out-of-system missions we have done, and maybe see some artifacts that were procured. Why, I have an artifact I took out of a mystically radiated lab here in fact. Oh, don't worry, it has been thoroughly decomtaminated, as have I. That was an intriguing mission if I do say so myself."
Showing the Microfusion rifle--taken from a old military bunker--Dr. Kuong will just idly chat for a bit more.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Action 2 A:....I believe I might get a second roll, but I won't know more until I see if my Sense Motive works. I will roll it once I know what skill I can hang it off--if not Diplomacy works
Social situations! Too bad this is not my ace social character. Oh well. I know the system decently well....I will use Sense Motive to assess anything that might be better suited to talk to Jaxter about, what best might influence him. Once done, I will relay it via comms to my companions.

Bugface walks over to Commandet Aralyx and has their AI, Bugbrain, connect to a nearby computer with a wireless connection on the way.

Computers to monitor guests: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

{Good evening Commander. This shirren is called Bugface. Bugface is intrigued by the Skyfire Legion. Do you have any good stories from your time serving?}

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Being one to shy away from the crowd unless really needed Jasper Patrols the grounds while checking out the buildings. Though he seems distracted a bit with all the whole set up and arrangement of these buildings

Action 1 Patrol the Grounds
Piloting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Action 2 - Check the Buildings
Engineering: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

By the way, Lucius is fine... The avatar name is because I have a PFS character of the same name (and species)

SM on Aralyx: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
SM on Jaxter: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
SM on Tefarian Mel: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Just to be safe, Lucius will take a little joy ride around the grounds.
piloting to check grounds: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Sev joins Jasper on patrol the area.
Piloting: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Before heading to the monitors to check on the guests.
Computers: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24

-2 total modifier on Sense Motive, so until other skills appear useful or aid another may be helpful, I figure that Sev should stick to security.

Viper gets to checking the buildings.
Acrobatics 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 (plus climb speed if that matters)

Once done, she eyes off Tefarin before approaching him.
Sense Motive 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Dr. Kuong checks the buildings. In one of them, the lights are flickering and irregular. A little bit of looking around reveals that it's caused by an strange device... You can make a free engineering check to identify it. We'll resolve this check before you move to try and make an impression, but I'll handle that now.

Jaxter seems intrigued. The idea of procuring items beyond the pact worlds seem to be of particular interest. He tries to steer the conversation towards acquisitions... Make a Culture OR Profession (Merchant) check.
------------
Bugface immediately catches an anomaly. One of the guests doesn't match their ID! You can make a social skill check to confront them. As above, we'll resolve this too.

The shirren then approaches Aralyx, but the language and culture divide is too much to get a feel.
------------
Jasper walks the grounds, but sees nothing out of sorts. Building Engineering check is complete. Feel free to take a different second action.
-------------
Lucius, like Jasper doesn't see anything out of the ordinary. You only get to talk to one person and make your Sense Motive. I'll let you redo your social action.
----------
Sev, however, immediately notices something amiss with a drone. It's flying much too heavily.... like there's something attached. To identify it make a free Engineering check. Computers are handled, so take back your second turn.
-----------
Viper swings across the buildings. One one pass the android finds a strange device tucked under the eaves of a building. make a free Engineering check.

Bugface
Action 1: Checks guests Free Social skill
Action 2: Aralyx fail.

Dr. Kuong
Action 1: Checks buildings Free Engineering check
Action 2: Make a Culture OR Profession (Merchant) check.

Jasper
Action 1: Piloting fail
Action 2: Go

Sev+
Action 1: Patrol Grounds Free Engineering check
Action 2: Go

Lucius
Action 1: Piloting fail
Action 2: Go

Viper 6
Action 1: Check buildings Free Engineering check
Action 2: Tefarin fail

Note that there are new options available for those who need to redo or to take a turn in the Security Detail options.

Engineering 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 (+5 extra if knowledge)

Viper examines the device.

Sev analyzes the visual data regarding the drone and it's likely cargo or attachment.
Engineering: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

If successful, is there any more security actions to take? If not, Sev will reluctantly approach one of the guests.

Dr. Kuong looks at the strange device, not attempting to remove it yet, just trying to identify it.
1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Over Comms, Dr. Kuong says. "An unusual item was attached to the power to some of the lights...attempting to determine what it is now...

Going to be semi-afk tomorrow, running a full day of War for the Crown. I might be able to pop in quickly for a minute or two, so going to just assume that my attempt to make an impression happens now...retcon if it is useless, or something else changes.

Dr. Kuong feels a bit confident talking to Jaxter, it is almost like talking to some of his colleague or even graduate students about different cultures and how it impacts medicine and their way of life.
"Jaxter, I do say this, the evolution of a species really does matter, it has been seen in multiple different worlds, and this both affects their physiology and their cultural artifacts. I might even have a few of the more interesting pics of said artifacts on my minicomp...."
Culture: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
I feel that with that roll, Dr. Kuong might have pulled up some of his pics he took removing parasitic creatures from his allies (Multiple scenarios have them, so does Dead Suns...and yeah...this character has removed quite a few in the games I have played....SFS likes its parasite worm things....

Jasper will continue to Patrol the Grounds, not wanting to make small talk with guests.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Social skill? Uh oh. I assume I can also try a social skill on the Commander I just don't know what other skills might work? Also, Bugface knows these languages:Common, Shirren, Akitonian, Castorvelian, Gnome, Vesk, Dwarven, Eoxian, Kasathan, Vercite. Would one of them be more appropriate?

Bugface seeks out the guest that doesn't match their I.D. {Bugface knows your identification papers are incorrect. Tell Bugface who you are and why you're here. Now.} Bugface has never been a very good bully but Bugface is surprised at how forceful that was.

Intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Bugface's intimidating approach doesn't seem to rattle the gues, "Bug off! Ha! See what I did! Look, you ain't scary. You're gettin' nothin' outa me."

Dr. Kuong quickly ferrets out the device. With horror, he realizes what he's dealing with. The device is a a pinpoint transmitter. Normally ship-based weapons are far to inaccurate to attack a surface from orbit, but a device like this can help that. It takes the doctor a split second to disable the device.... but how many more are there?! Trying to calm himself and focus on both missions at the same time, he catches Jaxter just outside the building. The conversation is brief, but Jaxter seems keen to follow up after the gala. Apparently he likes what the doctor has to say!

Viper also finds a similar device. With brutal efficiency the operative cuts all the right wires. It quickly begins to set in that the threat to the gala isn't an infiltrator. That's TWO devices designed to provide targeting for orbital bombardment!

Sev+ makes a third device. The drone has one of the targeting beckons attached to it, making it fly heavy. With a quick bit of work, Sev cuts the power and it shuts down. Three devices.... how many remain, and how much time do you have?! You can hunt for more devices if you'd like for your second action. See the spoiler below, as the action list is updated.

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

Bugface
Action 1: Checks guests Fail
Action 2: Aralyx fail.

Dr. Kuong
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Jaxter complete!

Jasper
Action 1: Piloting fail
Action 2: Go

Sev+
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Go

Lucius
Action 1: Piloting fail
Action 2: Go

Viper 6
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Tefarin fail

Note that there are new options available for those who need to redo or to take a turn in the Security Detail options.

"Three drones. Certainly cause for concern." Sev relays to the others. "And undoubtedly not the sole avenue for attack."

Considering his own training, the android technomancer considers how he would go about planning an assassination. He then begins an examination of the buildings accordingly.

Mysticism to Check the Buildings: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

"That's one way to not have to worry about bringing a weapon in, just fire them from passing ships - we probably need to move this crowd sooner rather than later"

Viper sends comms to their host, explaining what has been found, and the pressing need to move people away from what is likely going to become a hot zone.

Bugface makes a request of the AI residing in their exocortex. The other party members will receive a message on their comm units.

Bugface says you guys should come tell this dude to stop being a jerk or something like that.

Sev looks around for any kind of magical traces of sabotage, but comes up empty.

Viper 6 gets on the comm, and gets an immediate reply from Zafeldrin. "Slag and dross! There's no telling what kind of weaponry - and how big a radius we're talking. We need to do both. Blast! Keep looking for more. If we get them all we might be able to stop the attack."

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

Bugface
Action 1: Checks guests Fail
Action 2: Aralyx fail.

Dr. Kuong
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Jaxter complete!

Jasper
Action 1: Piloting fail
Action 2: Go

Sev+
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Check Building Fail

Lucius
Action 1: Piloting fail
Action 2: Go

Viper 6
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Tefarin fail

Note that there are new options available for those who need to redo or to take a turn in the Security Detail options.

Hi GM, did you get my post from Friday, 11:05 pm? I did a Perception check for Patrol the Grounds getting a 30.

Sorry, been overwhelmed with a nasty production issue at work

Lucius approaches Tefarian Mel, to talk with him. "I hear that you are interested in the Starfinder Society? We are a WONDERFUL group of folks who are trying to learn all about the universe, and the history of the all the lovely people contained within."

sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Waiting for the skills to use!

I'm sorry, my bad. My eyes are trained to look for profile pictures. Won't happen again!

Jasper's keen eyes catch something underneath a bench. It's a fourth device! How many are there?! Free engineering check!

Meanwhile Lucius gets an immediate feeling of suspicion from Teferian.
The member of Cumo’s city council makes some veiled accurations that he suspects the new lodge is a front for a dragoncorp looking to take over Cumo! Free Diplomacy or Profession (Politician) check.

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

Bugface
Action 1: Checks guests Fail
Action 2: Aralyx fail.

Dr. Kuong
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Jaxter complete!

Jasper
Action 1: Piloting fail
Action 2: Device found! Free engineering check!

Sev+
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Check Building Fail

Lucius
Action 1: Piloting fail
Action 2: Free Diplomacy or Profession (Politician) check.

Viper 6
Action 1: Device found and disabled!
Action 2: Tefarin fail

Note that there are new options available for those who need to redo or to take a turn in the Security Detail options.

"Naw." says Lucius. "Dragoncorp? That's one corporation I haven't worked with, yet. Pretty sure we don't have any ties to them. Besides, we're rebuilding, and recreating lodges all over the place. You should have seen the time that we went to this former lodge. A kilometer under water it was!"

If there is anyway for Lucius to turn this to "alternate truths". ie., bluff, he would. At +8 on this roll.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Even as a bluff, that won't do it.

There's something about the situation that's just.... tense. Maybe Tefarian can tell something's up...

Jasper's free check to end the round.

Team there's another one here under this bench

Engineering: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Jasper quickly pulls the plug on a fourth device.

Zafeldrin hurriedly jabs at a pad displaying an unauthorized data transfer from the lodge computers. He fumes quietly. “Hackers got in to the computer system a few minutes ago. They’re transmitting my data to a starship in orbit. It’s backed up locally but they’ve got copies of nearly everything.”

He glances in surprise when the pad indicates an incoming communication It hits all your comms at once. The weathered visage of an old white dragon appears, a twitch in one eye belying her detached demeanor. Zafeldrin breaks the silent regard. “You seem upset. Just explain yourself and I’m sure we can talk this out?”

The white wyrm presses a button on her display, and slowly whispers, “Hush now. I want to savor this.” The dome grows brighter as a new star blooms in the sky above and a roar builds in the air.

An orbital bombardment rains down upon the gala! Most of the shots are way off target, but as the attack comes you all see the flashing light of a single remaining device! High intensity lasers blast through roofs and guests alike. It only lasts a couple of seconds, but screaming feels like an eternity.

You are not spared from the destruction. You each take 10 damage half fire half piercing from the bombardment.

It looks like your efforts to clear the area paid off. You don't see any dead bodies by the time the bombardment stops.

When the smoke clears it appears that only buildings were destroyed. Zafeldrin is distraught though when he realizes the attack destroyed the lodge mainframe, wiping out his data backups. He urges you to locate the starship that received the data transmission and recover the information. “Not only is it a terrible loss, but an enemy could learn the identities and locations of Starfinder agents and outposts using what’s in there, using that to target more of our colleagues. Please go!”

Seconds later, Jaxter approaches. He's covered in dust and blood, but it doesn't look like his. "Please, take this. Don't let this insidious attack go unpunished!" He takes off and hands over a mk II Ring of Resistance.

Zafeldrin shouts, "Get into orbit! Get after that info!"

That wyrm's going to pay for this Jasper heads to the ship with the rest of the team.

I do not plan to be in melee so I son't need that ring of resistance

Viper brushes off the worst of the dust and dirt, then sets off for the ship.

Bugface runs to the ship.

"We will follow the data," Sev notes as he heads towards the party's vessel. "To the stars."

The Starfinders rush the Crypt Warden into orbit. The space is busy, really busy. A tangled nest of freighters and transports clog the area. Your rendez-vous course is smack in the middle of a highway of traffic.

Before long, you make visual contact. The ship is designated the Diamond Glow. The ship has a large bridge nestled under the
forward weapon system, with blisters of shield projectors and
weapon mounts circling the round hull. The plating glitters with a
white chitinous sheen.

You're the white ship (Sorry, I'm using the Sunrise Maiden pog.) Norys is red. The white ships are non-combat freighters moving about the area.

Norys makes visual on you at the same time. She screams over the comm, practically frothing at her crew to blow you out of the sky! Her rage is bordering on berserk. Helm phase for Starfinders is at -2

-------------------------------------------
Initiative
Combat Role sheets
If you beat a Piloting: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22 Take your Engineering Phase. If you lose initiative, take your Engineering and Helm Phase.

Dr. Kuong picks himself up, apparently no worse for the wear from the destruction that just happened. Hearing, Zalfedrin's command to catch the fleeing ship, he rushes to the Crypt Warden. DR 5/kinetic, Resist Fire:5

Sorry, haven't posted much lately. Had the joy of trying to get my septic system unclogged all yesterday and finally got it done today. I should be able to get back to faster posting tomorrow.

No worries. RLCF. I'm a high school teacher with a slew of AP students who are in full panic mode right now. These two weeks are.... intense.

Hmmm, it says our map was deleted.

Bugface diverts power to the guns.

Engineering: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21