[PbP Gameday VIII][SFS 1-32] Acts of Association (GM Gustavef) (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Harasty

Gameplay to start Aug 23

Dot and delete for now

The door to the well-appointed conference room opens, and Chiskisk, a member of the Starfinder Society’s Forum, enters, their antennae bobbing rhythmically as they move to take a seat at the head of the table.

“Welcome, colleagues. As you know, the Starfinder Society has been quite efficacious of late. The acts of brave agents like yourselves has made the Society once-again respected and known throughout Near Space and even in some areas of the Vast. We have been quick to capitalize on these new opportunities. Recently, the Society has reached out to nearly a dozen new civilizations with which we have mutual interests. At this moment, the Lorespire Complex is brimming with ambassadors, dignitaries, and probably also spies from many worlds.

“I had the honor to conclude preliminary negotiations with one such ambassador. They are about to sign an exclusive exploration and trade treaty with the Starfinder Society, largely based on our recent exploits. However…” the shirren pauses awkwardly, then moves to an expansive window that overlooks the Lorespire campus.

“The delegate has requested a recess in negotiations to explore Absalom Station before signing the agreement. Of course, I granted them freedom of the station, as long as they accepted an escort of local Starfinder agents to see to their every need.” The shirren turns back to face the conference table. “That ‘escort,’ of course, would be you!” Chiskisk slides a data disk across the table. “Here is the dossier on the visiting dignitary Map Slide 1 you’ll be escorting. Find out what they’re interested in seeing, and take them there. Be gracious hosts, entertaining tour guides, bodyguards, or social planners, as the dignitary requires. It should go without saying that this emissary’s safety and security are paramount, as is their continued goodwill toward the Society. If you do a good job, we might just secure the opportunity to explore a new wolrd. Any questions?”

Dossier

Akkedis steps into the room, his motions crisp and military. The tall Vesk stands at-ease as Chiskisk provides the briefing. As the Shirren finishes, he turns to the team, "I am Akkedis, soldier of the Veskarium. I'm trained in special operations and diversionary tactics..." He looks questioningly at Chiskisk, "Diplomacy is not among my stronger skills. Though I will endeavor to serve with honor and distinction." As he speaks, you note he lacks the lisping hiss accent the Vesk are known for.

"It appears we know little of the particulars of their culture. Do you know anything else about the Hammer or this Trox colony?"

"Ah'm gonna go out onnah limb 'ere and assume dat she likez ta hit t'ings." chimes in a short, female ysoki with black matted fur. Her left hand lies firmly on the pummel of a knife, loosely strapped to her thigh. "As fer questeeins, if we're ta wine and dine dis dignacherry, 'ere, am I correct dat da Society will be payin' for da expenses?"

Momentarily turning towards the far-more-formal vesk, the ysoki extents a paw. "Hiya, d'ere Akkedish." she says. "Da namez Rizzit Kibbel, doe most peoplez call me, 'Mincey'. I can'tz help but notiss dat you don't talkz as funny as sum a'dem uddah veskesez."

An energetic ball of orange fur darts into the room, running up to hug Chiskisk. "Hello, Chisk-friend!" the skittermander cries. He glances around. "Oh, and you're introducing me to even more nufriends. Thanks!" He runs around, shaking hands and hugging as best he can. "Hello, I'm Dawnfriend. But you can just call me Dawn. Or friend." He is wearing a suit of armor with simple yellowish clerical robes over them, the symbol of Sarenrae's dawnflower emblazed across the chest.

He quiets down, listening to the mission briefing, getting gradually more excited the more he hears. As it reaches the end, he jumps up in excitement, "You mean our mission is to help! That is wonderful! Sarenrae be blessed!" He scrambles for the data disk, then looks at it curiously. "Does anybody know how to read this?"

You can make a Culture or Diplomacy(Gather Information) to learn more about the Trox

"Greetin'z, Donfrend!" replies Mincey. The ysoki picks her brain about Trox...

Cull-chah: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

… but decides that she'd rather just scurry off to meet the dignitary.

The Ysoki annonce himself with enjoy: Hello, m'y name's Twisted Nicknick. I'm a lawyer. So I will follow this mission respectful of the law. I can help if the diplomat may get into trouble. But I hope he won't. He's visiting not attacking or anything else, isn't he? Oh but I'm ot the perfect bodyguard, as I haven't any weapon on me. I defend people in trial and I'm too weak to fight.

Mmhh can I..

Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"Thank you for noticing, in order to help train other sentients and to engage in covert actions I have worked hard to overcome my species difficulties speaking other languages." He watches the Skittermander bound across the room skeptically.

"I think I remember something about the Trox…" If the Diplo roll got anything Akkedis shares with the team.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Things you know about the Trox:

Trox are insect-like humanoids who are powerfully built. They have a hard, chitinous carapace and four extra vestigial arms.

Many trox revere Hylax, goddess of peace and diplomacy and protector of the weak. Trox are forthcoming about their religion and welcome respectful questions from other species.

REDACTED possibly more

"For your own benefit, please don't touch me.", says the rather disheveled looking ysoki as he enters pulling off a lab coat and stowing it in his pack. "I haven't determined the effects of my latest experimental tests on skittermanders yet, and there's too much paperwork for you to volunteer when we have a visitor to escort. I am Yersin Izurri, but you can call me Bubo, if you prefer"

Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Luckily, I am relatively familiar with the Trox."

Dawnfriend smiles at Bubo. "Thank you for the warning. That is so nice. If you need any help testing your experiments on skittermanders, I would be happy to help!"

Experiments? That could be interesting. He likes science when he's not working on a legal file.

Let's see this after the mission.

Yersin finds out one last tidbit about the Trox:

According to trox oral tradition, many trox found themselves scattered across the galaxy during the Seeding, including some on lost Golarion. Those on the missing world were enslaved and corrupted by the duergar. These tales make trox vehemently opposed to any form of slavery, including magical enchantment, summoning, and calling spells.

Chiskisk nods. "This is a diplomatic situation, but that is not to say that some type of physicality may be needed. I do not know where The Hammer of Hylax will want to see or do. And Absalom station is usually safe, but does have its shadier portions. I would suggest keeping any force as minimal as possible"

"Still entertain and do your best to impress them and hopefully we will conclude our deliberations on a high note"

Unless there are any other questions you can make your way to the apartments

Dawnfriend holds up the disk. "Does anyone know how to read this?" He shrugs and sits it down, heading toward the door.

Good to know about the spells (which I assume Yersin shares with the rest of us).

You make your way to one of the more luxurious parts of the station. The Room is furnished with mostly generic items from the stations, but there are a few personal touches.

As you enter a large excited but still controlled Torx greets you. It comes to attention and greets you. "Starfinders. I am Hammer of Hylax. I the protector of our Colony and I hope that the Starfinders prove to be honorable allies"

At this point feel free to introduce yourself to the dignitary and everyone will need to make some type of social roll (Diplomacy, Bluff, Intimidate, or appropriate Profession) for your first impression. You may also each attempt to make a Culture or Sense Motive to get a better understanding of any underlying motives

"It is a pleasure to meet you Hammer of Hylax, welcome to Absalom Station. I am Yersin Izurri, but you may call me Bubo, if you prefer. I'm sure that you will find that we Starfinders will prove honorable allies indeed. Are there any sights here on the station that you are interested in seeing Your Honor?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Akkedis steps up behind Bubo, rising to his full height and taking advantage of his armor and equipment to appear as similar to the Trox in size as possible. "Akkedis Dauðlaus, Veskarium warrior and Starfinder. It is an honor to be both your guard and guide during this visit to Absolom Station." He closes with a salute.

Intimidate/Impress: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Akkedis carefully watches the Hammer's responses to the greetings, and scans the room for anything that might shed light on the dignitary's personality.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Yersin and Akkedis seems to impress Hammer and figure out some interesting aspects about her. Although she Militant in nature, in that she pefrees to take a position of strength and respects the strength of others, and never turns from an insult, she seems to want to avoid violence. Not that she is a complete pacifistic, but you feel that she believes the battle is won before the first shot is fired. So why actually kill each other.

"And, ah, I'm Mincey." chimes in the ysoki. "Wut else duzz ya needz ta know?"

Intimidate/Impress: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

She then eyes up the "Hammer".
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Dawnfriend smiles and waves with his five free hands (a staff in the 6th) in greeting. "I am Dawnfriend. Pleased to meet you! We're here to help you have a good time!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Hammer seems very impressed with you. "It seems the Starfinders to send their best!"

"So I am looking forward to see what you and this station seems to offer. I am interested in procuring some goods for my clan as mementos of this occasion. I would like to sample some of your station’s “nightlife” since this a place that never sleeps and would be interesting to experience. We have need of ships and I would like to take a tour of the station's Armada to see what you have. Lastly I would like to try some of your cuisine"

You can do the tasks in any order

* Shopping
* Clubbing
* Armada Tour
* Restaurant

The Ysoki introduces himself: Sir, my name's Twisted Nicknick. I'm the lawyer of the party. So I can handle with any legal problem on the galaxy, and beyond of course. Here is my professional card. He produces a card to the ambassador.

Profession Lawyer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

I suggest to go shopping first. Good to show what Absolom produce as gear.

"Well, if dair's one t'ing dat Mincey here is good at--udder dan cuttin' stuff up--itz shoppin'!" smiles the ysoki. "Sometimez I evenz pay for da stuff!"

Shopping first works for Mincey! In fact, I am fine just tackling each in order.

Dawnfriend nods. "Shopping for momentos seems like a great way to help you, and all of your clan-friends back home."

Akkedis relaxes his stance, "Shopping is as a good a task to start with as any. Madame Hammer, or is there a better name to use? What would you like to purchase?" Akkedis turns to the team, "I must admit, I am not aware of the current shopping trends on station. Does anyone have suggestions for where?"

The lawyer remains quiet. He doesn't know neither where is to have the nicest shopping experience. Usually he orders everything through computer. But nevermind the ambassador doesn't know neither.

Perhaps on this way?

Mincey ponders some of her favorite places to frequent that have nice, shiny things.
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

There are definitely many good shopping areas, and Rizzit finds a good area that would seem to fit the bill nicely. Though it is busy this time of day and there is sizable crowd to move though.

You can place yourselves on the Map as you see fit.

The ysoki says to the others members of the party: We should be as usual people as possible. Not to let others feel like we are bodyguards or something like that.[b]

Then he animates a bit for the Trox: [b]Ambassador, what would you pleased to buy? Nice jewelry? A new textiles perhaps? What about discover new aroma of meat?

Dawnfriend nods. "Don't worry ... I know this trick that always makes people give me a wide berth..."

He steps out ahead, saying loudly, "Who would hear the blessed teachings of Sarenrae? Come before me, to hear the word of the dawnflower."

"I don't think that's what subtle means Mincey. We can just show the Hammer of Hylax here how good the shopping is, and keep our noses out for the scent of trouble, without having to threaten everyone around."

Packages: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Making your way though the crowds Hammer of Hylax peruses the shops and collects a large collection of unrelated items. Crastovellian pottery, Eoxin cutlery, and some builder blocks from Abilion. (The blocks seem to reshape themselves on their own accord)

All in all you have 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Packages to carry back to the Hammer's abode. Each package is 1 bulk and requires on hand (or similar appendage) to carry.

Who carries how many?

Akkedis looks to NickNick and than at himself, "I don't believe Vesk can not look like bodyguards..." He smiles and chuckles, teeth and beard spikes glistening. "But I will try."

He watches as the Skittermander moves forward and begins shouting religious calls. Again smiling, "Truly a clever and helpful plan Dawnfriend. You are most helpful." He shakes his head at the exuberance of the little Starfinder.

Turning to the Hammer and keeping his smile, "I believe you will have an entertaining, but not very typical experience of our station. I hope this is acceptable?" He does his best to bow politely, and leads the Hammer through the shopping district using his bulk like a slow plow to shift the crowd out of the way behind the proselytizing Dawnfriend.

"Excellent choices. I might have to look into some of those blocks for myself, they look quite enjoyable."
Yersin will carry one package in hand, and is willing to tuck a second in a cheek, if there is something that is saliva-proof.

Dawnfriend offers to carry all 6, but is willing to be talked down to carrying only two, as he doesn't want to deprive others of the opportunity to help if they wish.

"Please Hammer, don't hold 'em." Mincey suggests to the dignitary, offering to hold one package and place another into her cheek pouches.

Two Ysoki holding 4 packages: one hand, one cheek each; Dawnfriend holding 2 = 6 packages held, and everyone has hands free?

Akkedis watches as packages shift between paws and cheek pouchs, astonished by the efficiency and biological diversity in the group. "Excellent, now Hammer you can enjoy some window shopping as we return these packages to your quarters. Or shall eat while we are out and about?"

The Ysoki is delighted: Your choices are marvelous, ambassador. Should we come back with these packages to the station or would you like to continue with the packages?

You make you way back though the crowed market area with the packages in hand.

From the crowd two ysoki attemp to trip Dawnfriend

Trip: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17
Trip: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
Although surprised, the skittermander holds his ground

While a third one goes for Tersin

Trip: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28

But with shock Tersin is tripped and drops the one package in his hand

After the initial swipes you are all able to react.

PLACE-- Current Time (0:00)

Group conditions:
Round 1

Dawnfriend -- 2 packages (2 hands, 4 free)
Akkedis
Twisted Nicknick -- Packages ( one pouch) ; DROPPED Package; Prone
Yersin -- 2 Packages (one hand, one pouch)
Rizzit -- 2 Packages (one hand, one pouch)

Mall Rat, Red - dmg
Mall Rat, Blue - dmg
Mall Rat, green - dmg

I think you conflated 2 PCs and then said the wrong one was tripped. Based on the map, I should be tripped, not Twisted Nicknick.

Yersin will pick up the package and stand-up.

Reacting to the sudden appearance of ambushers, Mincey reacts quickly, drawing her blade as she moves towards the nearest attacker (red).

"Twy pwickin' un sumwin elsh yer own shize!' she warns with her mouth somewhat full.

Melee Attack (knife, tactical): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage(S)(knife, tactical): 1d4 ⇒ 4

Akkedis powers up his Pulse Gauntlet, "I apologize for this inconvenience Hammer. Please, allow us to deal with these confused individuals."

The Vesk turns his attention to the Ysoki, and in a menacing voice, "These packages are not worth your lives, leave or surrender." He focuses his glare on the Ysoki that tripped Yersin.

Intimidate/Demoralize: Red: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 DC=10 + your opponent’s total Intimidate skill bonus, or 15 + 1-1/2 × the opponent’s CR, whichever is greater

Move action next to Dawnfriend, Standard action to demoralize

Yes it is Yersin that is currently tripped

Yersin stands back up and quickly recovers the package before the thief can act again.

Rizzit moves forward but the other ysoki easily doges the blade.

However with Akkedis's booming command the red scarfed thief is thoroughly rebuked.

Dawnfriend looks startled by the sudden attack, though he is carrying his staff in his hands. "Now, now, nufriend. If you want things, we will help you shop next. Right now, though, you seem like you need a nap. Let me help ..." He reaches out to touch the ysoki most likely to get away, though shifts so that he is wielding his staff in two hands, at the ready to defend the ambassador if needed.

Cast fatigue on green ysoki. Shift grip on staff to two-handed. Still holding 2 bags. 2 free hands.

Touch attack w/ Wisdom: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, Fortitude DC 13 or fatigued

The ysoki is annoyed what's happening. That was not forecast like this. These men shouldn't be here. What does the police?

Please be careful. You are out numbered and we are stronger than you. And it can come worse for you. In fact I am a lawyer and you may have a problem if we get into trial against you. The art. 5 of the Pact Worlds constitution and the article 345 of the Code of Absalom are absolutely clear about what occurs here. You are guilty. So it's better for you to go now when you can.

Profession lawyer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Thief Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The ysoki with the green jumpsuit runs out of breath.

The one with the blue helmet attempst one more time to trip the skittermander

Confused the frigten the red one takes one last swipe to grab a package
trip: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 - 2 = 8
Failing that he steps back getting ready to flee

The green one then tries haft heartedly as well
trip: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 - 2 = 12
then also steps back

The one with the blue helmet attempst one more time to trip the skittermander
trip: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24
Tripping the skitter mander the blue one grabs one of the dropped packages.

Everyone is back up

PLACE-- Current Time (0:00)

Group conditions:
Round 1

Dawnfriend -- 1 packages (1 hands, 4 free); prone
Akkedis
Twisted Nicknick -- 2 Packages ( one hand, one pouch)
Yersin -- 2 Packages (one hand, one pouch)
Rizzit -- 2 Packages (one hand, one pouch)

Mall Rat, Red - dmg; shaken
Mall Rat, Blue - dmg; 1 package
Mall Rat, green - dmg fatigued

Yersin pulls out his pistol then moves 10' south and then diagonally southwest, tumbling through the last square in attempt to avoid being attacked, while trying to box in the thief.

"That box doesn't belong to you. Give it back."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

I need to remember that I'm a ysoki and can stand as a swift next time.