J.U.N.K. processes the best outcomes, calculating a route that will put the Drake in the best position. "Route calculated. Advisement: Fire at enemy vessel when indicated." He flies a meandering pattern that lines the ship up for a strafing. As the Drake flies by, almost grazing the opposing ship, J.U.N.K. calls out, "Commence firing!"
Mallow fired the missiles and heard the fast beeping sounds of missile lock as Baròleg painted their target. "Missiles away!"
Heroes fire at the yellow ship, but with the evade maneuver, most of them miss, just barely. However a crit is pulled on the yellow ship
The ally ship fires at yellow +8 to each
Hitting with the particle beam and laser net
laser net and particle beam, he is aiming at the rear, you were all aiming at the front. Draining the rear shields
The enemies fire
Light particle beam vs you, with cover and range
the aft flak thrower vs your ally.
And your ally's shields absorb the dmg to you ally's shields Heroes are winning by a landslide, not even your shields are damaged and you dealt net damage to one of them, drained almost two sets of shields on another one of them.
Starfinders
Ally
Pirates
Heroes are up
Heroes are up
In an unusual moment of whimsy, J.U.N.K. sends out through the communicator, "Be advised to maintain possession of your head gear! This may prove to be a travel situation with considerable turbulence!" He proceeds to fly through the debris of the rings, weaving in and out of harms way and winds up behind one of the boggies.
Akataran rooted around beneath the Captain's chair looking for headgear. Damn it! Were there any helmets to begin with?
"Mallow!" called out Akataran, "Make those missiles count! If anyone can do it, it's you."
The enemies make their piloting checks as well as your ally as long as no 1 is rolled...
All evade, except for the white ship, which was flip and burn
+8, +8 and +6 towards you
2nd gunner
The last one does hit your port side and drains a little shield for
Your ally hits the white ship for
Heroes, you have won this battle
edit asteroid stuff on you
on blue
on yellow and one came close to yellow, but the ship is too sturdy and is reflected off.
Mallow tries hard but the missiles can't seem to lock onto a target as his own errors seem to only waste shot after shot..."Damn it...I'm sorry guys..."
"Nothing to be sorry for, Mallow," said Akataran. "The important thing is that we made it!".
The heroes are unable to hit yellow this round, but after several minutes, the heroes destroy all three pirate ships as they remain in pieces. The Ally ship the goal runner also survives.
New Elysium’s docking area is a multiarmed facility on the
side of an enormous asteroid. Above it, built into the spaceborne
rock, is a sleek structure with countless windows, as
well as a huge, clear dome. A computerized message plays
from the comm unit.
“Welcome! Relax, and our automated docking system will
guide you in. You’ll be ready to disembark shortly.”
True to the message, docking takes only a few moments.
A mechanical clank and a sharp hiss accompany the station’s
airlock passageway linking to the ship.
“You are now ready to disembark. Welcome to New
Elysium, a plane unto itself among the stars, untouched
by sorrow.”
Four people stride down the corridor’s slight slope. One is a
striking verthani man with black eyes, slickly styled dark hair,
and an expensive-looking charcoal suit accented with violet
matching the illumination on his cybernetic right arm. The
other is a halfling of athletic proportions, with conventionally
handsome tan skin, curly hair, and trimmed sideburns. He
wears dark business attire with a subtle crimson hue. The other
two people, both verthani women dressed in black microcord
armor, are clearly security personnel or bodyguards. They
stand back as the two suited men come closer.
You are greeted. Hello, names are Filip and Kaeon. For your efforts take this
Treasure Everyone receives 1,000 credits, this is you last chance to shop before being thrown into the shadow realm.
Mallow exits the ship with the others making acquaintances and exchanging talk about the fight and how they took those pirates out. "J.U.N.K. you are welcome to pilot anytime, I think I'll need to work on my shooting practice. Netsa you were killing it with that particle cannon. I say we go celebrate with a round of drinks to celebrate and I still owe Ezirrae one before the pirates rudely interrupted."
As the two business men who approach cut him off though with their offer of credits. "Uh thank you? Who are you though exactly?"
Powering down the scanners, "An exhilarating start. Well done all."
Baròleg watches as the halfing and verthani approach. "Greetings Filip and Kaeon, and than you," he nods to Mallow, "and a good question. Who exactly are you both?"He offers a friendly handshake with the question, but holds on accepting the credits until the two clarify who they are.
"I think we could all use a drink at this point. This is after all a spa,"
Dr Akataran Hayd opens his mind and tries to read the emotional truths of the newcomers.
This was a slight risk ask it left his own psyche vulnerable.
Also, Akataran is super relieved that no one here has recognized him from his show!
Upon disembarking, J.U.N.K. remarks to his team, "Established mission has been completed. Traditional values dictate culturally appropriate celebration. This unit approves the recommendation of designation Mallow."
As the unknown part approaches, the sentient robot runs their faces through his internal memory banks. No files are present for these individuals. As his processors build new files for them, he remarks, "This unit expresses gratitude for the received credits. This unit repeats the queries of other units: Provide description of function. Awaiting input."
The two men look at Mallow like they asked an odd question. We were the two in that other spaceship, though others were on it as well, up to four of us and they are busy working right now, we just departed in a different direction. But honestly, we are workers. The other one jokes. Well I assume he didn't come here to ask about our childhood, personality and interests when he asked who we are.
Filip gives him a look Alright smart-ass.
Baròleg offers a hand,"While I'm sure your youth produced some amazing stories, no. Just not used to open acts of appreciation, the universe isn't always so friendly. Thank you, and we hope there wasn't too much damage or harm during the attack. Is any other help we can provide?" Though his expression and intent are friendly, he still keeps a wary eye on the pair.
"Thank you for the money, the gesture is appreciated. Why were the pirates attacking your ship?" Mallow was mildly curious but mostly he was looking forward to a chance to continue bonding with his new companions at the resort.
Dr. Hoyd senses the four work there and want some fun.
We don't know, they are pirates, or rather people who just want money. Also, we came to introduce you to a new app.
“One reason you’ve all been invited to our little resort is
to be the first to experience an upgrade to our amenities,”
says Filip. “We have maximized guest comfort by way
of software integration. Our Keys to Elysium app is your
personal concierge, putting everything we offer at your
command with a touch or a word. Here.”
Using his datapad, Filip calls up a 3-D icon shaped like a
silver key and flicks it.
Once your comm unit accepts permission and downloads it.
Filip smiles. “There. Now, anything you want here at the
resort is as close as your comm unit. Your free stay is
predicated on you using the app and allowing it to send us
relevant data. You can also use it to send us feedback in real
time and, if you like, anonymously. We’re sure you’ll love it.
You can give the virtual personality any name you wish and
it will respond, though it defaults to ‘Keys.’ The app is voiceactivated,
so simply ask for whatever you need, like so.
“Keys, please allow our guests to choose their rooms.”
The program chimes pleasantly. “Yes, Filip,” responds a
cheerful, androgynous voice.
"That is impressive...what level of AI is involved here and what level is just a program with numerous functions? Can it anticipate and take actions independently? You are saying we are basically beta testers of this new software, are there any known bugs currently? Who developed this app?" Mallow seemed endlessly curious about technological matters.
"Keys, I need refreshment and a massage," said Akataran. "Also,For my room I require a full sensory deprivation facility,"
"I am still up for a drink, I merely wished to understand the nature of the relationship since this app is clearly a major factor in our free treatment at this resort."
"AI personality designation Keys: Please relay to internal data banks the security and privacy measures for application designation Keys to Elysium. Prior to utilizing the functionality, this unit requires a full system scan to determine vulnerabilities." As J.U.N.K. makes physical contact with the device, he tries to run a quick system diagnosis and system penetration test.
Baròleg stares at his comm as the app is upload he gives a skeptical, "Thank you."
He loads the app, "Keys, please switch all information to anonymous reporting please. And list requirements for full deletion of this program." As JUNK accesses it's comm, he steps over "I'm curious too, may I?" He leans in and offers what help he can to learn about the app.
"I suppose a little break is warranted. Free food and drinks is a great place to start."
"Drink First. I agree," said Akataran. "But I need a massage and a sense-dep tank just to recover from the Skirmish we were just in. I came here to recover from burn-out, not add to it!"
The last to exit the ship, Ezirrae shakes her head at New Elysium's lax security arrangements. When the verthani proffer their app the corner of her mouth twitches.
Declining to accept the app's permissions, she inquires of the others. "Is there a place where a burner unit could be acquired? House Lesilos has a firm policy against adding unapproved software to our work devices. It'd mean some extra paperwork, but I could pick up a personal piece to add it there." The drow shrugs apologetically, but doesn't look particularly sorry.
Walking with the others to get her drink, Ezirrae listens intently to their conversation but mostly keeps quiet unless addressed directly.
upon being asked where to get drunk he responds with at the bar, and it looks like you are already at the right place.
Junk and Baroleg spend 1 hour to analyze the app but doesn't quite get there, but doesn't set off an alarm either
Installation: As part of accepting their free stay on New
Elysium, the PCs agreed to install and use Keys to Elysium.
If a guest logs out of the app, staff members check in on that
person quickly and remind him of the terms and conditions of
the invitation. Once installed, logging out or even deleting the
app doesn’t stop the corruption growing within the PCs (see
below). Dr. Gragant’s shadow signal is still being broadcast
throughout the facility; the app only amplifies her power.
Features: In addition to amenity controls and a servicebased
interface, the app allows guests to tag other users
as friends (or block other guests as unwanted company),
communicate instantly with one another, and so on. These
features aren’t anything new to modern comm units, but
Keys to Elysium contextualizes it all relative to the resort and
its features. The app also includes an interactive map of the
public areas of the resort, and this map can be customized to
show where friends are located.
Settings: The app allows guests to customize how the app
is used, allowing them to manage alerts, personal tracking,
and vocal feedback; identify people as blocked or friends;
and even set proximity alerts to signal a user when a blocked
person or a friend is nearby. A user can clear data, send usage
statistics and feedback, and set the app’s contextual guidance
from full tutorial mode to no guidance at all. By default, Keys
to Elysium has accessed each PC’s personal information for
use in personalized resort ads, although this permission can be
turned off in the app’s settings. A PC who succeeds at a DC 20
Computers check can find an “About” dialog box in the settings
that includes a user agreement and privacy policy and reveals
Eclipse Innovations as the software’s manufacturer.
Computers 31 to find out more info, fail by 5 or more and you attract unwanted attention
New Elysium has three floors—a main floor, a lower floor that includes staff facilities, and a lodging floor for guest and staff rooms.
"Thank you JUNK, I'm not sure I trust it but I suppose we'll have to live with it." Baròleg gives his comm a final glare before accepting the software and activating any and all privacy settings he can. He also makes sure to identify each team member as a friend and to track them according to their privacy settings.
He looks over the team, [b]"They also said we should pick our rooms? Shall figure out where we're sleeping, then dinner and drinks?"
After digging through teh app to the best of his ability, J.U.N.K. accepts the app and, like Baròleg, sets the app to his liking and marks the other as friends. Using the app, he goes through a list of amenities for the resort, looking for robot-centric activities and services. "This unit does not require luxurious accommodations. However, this unit will attempt to select accommodations that are in close proximity to the others in this group. After selection of accommodations, this unit will experience the robot centered services."
Akataran takes a seat next to Netsa and rubs his hands together. It's been a while since he was able to let loose. The nice thing about being in a spa is that the everyone's mind is on fun. As an Empath, being able to mirror that makes it much easier to relax and decompress. The Sensory deprivation tank can wait.
As you all start to use the app, you all feel a little weird emotions changed, though this doesn't cause you to do anything. It is probably just the social media stuff you are all on, too much of it is bad for you. The staff reminds you that you must always be logged into the app, even if you aren't using it or if you have it in your pocket, to not do so is a violation.
[ooc]Does anyone want to examine the map on the app and understand every room? It will take you about 1d4X10 minutes to do so.
After looking through the app, J.U.N.K. decides to explore the open areas indicated on the map. "Designation friends, this unit is going to proceed with exploring the is resort fully. Other designation friends are able to accompany this unit on exploration. Query: will any designation friends join this unit? Awaiting response"
Still trying to determine who is tracking him and how the data is being used, Baròleg continues to fiddle with the app. As the walk to the bar and order, he adjusts the settings a few more times and reviews the map and service files trying to memorize what he can.
As the others begin settling into their drinks, Baròleg orders a hot tea and Castrovelian whiskey on the rocks. He alternates between sipping the two as he watches other guests move through the bar/common area trying to gauge whose who among the attendees at the spa.
"So, what sort of personalities and fame do you think are here with us?" After waiting a few moments to see if the others are interested, "I'll join you JUNK, let's meet some of these people and see what is really being offered."
"Oh Gods, I hope there's nobody famous here," says Akataran throwing back another shot "Celebrities are soooooo boring in groups," he then dissolves into giggles.
Mallow examines the App in extreme detail before accepting it if possible (I'm going to assume its not possible to refuse the app but if possible let me know.) his fingers flying over it with extreme speed only a technomancer android could process. Code flys past his display in a blur to others as he seems to get more and more concerned by the second. "Hmm. Give me a minute here...I think there is something odd about this app."
"Odd? I like it! Keys is a waaaaay better assistant that Sirana. Hylax help me, but I think I need to let her go. But she's a Haaaaalfling! What about the optics? What about my Haaaaalfling audience?!?!?!" Akataran waves his hand dismissively. "If I'd had an app like this helping me, I might have avoided burning out!" He motions for more shots. His speech has started to slur a little.
<I'm just switching to telepathy from now on. Talking is work. All I do is talk therapy! I'm on vacation!!!!>
Ezirrae looks up sharply at Mallow. "Odd how?" she demands.
Mallow knows that not only is the App cursed but that the signal is originating from somewhere below the resort in the old Ulrikka Clanholdings mine. about the curse and how to remove it
Main Floor
A1. dock HAllwAy This hall leads to docking arms that extend out from the asteroid and provide berths for numerous ships. Several of New Elysium security’s Ringworks Sentinels dock close to the resort in order to facilitate evacuation in the event of an emergency.
A2. Green Fields As the resort’s park, Green Fields mimics an outdoor area on a temperate planet. It has broad lawns punctuated with trees and shrubs. Green Fields sports a pool that resembles a natural pond as well as a stream. This stream starts in an artificial waterfall from the back of a cave called the Grotto (area A2b) at the park’s southern end, flowing out of the pond and then under the path near the dock hallway. The water passes into the Boundless Sunroom (area B1) and then circulates through water filtration tanks in area B13 back into the waterfall. Two stairways allow access to the top of the waterfall, facilitating access to the walking path behind the waterfall and the diving boards above it. The Grotto has a bar and two climbing walls at its opening, one to the north and a smaller one near the maintenance cave (area A2a); this cave contains items used by Vorilynn—with the gardening drones’ help—to maintain the park.
A3. loop The Loop is a recreational walkway that encircles the main floor, offering easy access to the various shops and theaters. Many windows along the Loop show holographic images of strange and beautiful landscapes or, with a request to Keys to Elysium, actual views of the asteroid outside. Loop Runners (area A3a), a shop just outside of Green Fields, is the official starting point of the Loop and offers guests access to light personal transport, such as bicycles, trikes, and skates. Guests can acquire either muscle-powered or self-propelled versions of these vehicles, depending on needs and preferences.
A4. contemplAtion For those who need a quiet place to relax, Contemplation, a lounge that provides comfortable seating, serves no intoxicants stronger than coffee, and permits no inhalation of materials that give off secondhand vapors. Contemplation boasts many skylights and a terrace open to the Loop, overlooking the dome above the Boundless Sunroom. The terrace also sports a gravity chute (area A4a) that allows a guest to leap into the chute and drop harmlessly into the sunroom.
A5. wAndeRinG mARket This shop is named the Wandering Market because most of its wares can be purchased using a computer console and delivered to a guest’s room. In addition to a sundries shop, the market contains a holographic fashion boutique with cleaning and tailoring services, a multicultural grocery that includes a mk 3 culinary synthesizer (Armory 129), and a high-end gift shop that contains small-scale 3-D printing facilities. Business partners provide the onsite goods, while anything else is guaranteed to be delivered within 6 days.
A6. HAll oF splendoRs The Hall of Splendors offers several varieties of performances and entertainment. This includes a concert hall (area A6a), high-stakes gambling halls (area A6b), rooms for private parties (area A6c) available for public reservation, and a couple of theaters (area A6d) that show blockbuster trivids and other productions. Most shows are holographic recordings, but the resort also occasionally hosts live performers of various types.
A7. muses meetinG Rooms To facilitate conferences, conventions, and other gatherings, New Elysium has several meeting rooms collectively called the Muses, including two ballrooms, Wave Walker (area A7a) and Emerald Song (area A7b). This area also includes the Grand Court (area A7c), a boardroom-style meeting area. Except for the Grand Court, these halls can be customized with temporary walls to form tailored spaces.
A8. pAinted FoRest plAyRooms The Painted Forest Playrooms contain amusements ranging from holovid games and VR tanks to holo-slots and other gambling games.
A9. Hollows tAveRn Located next to one of the Painted Forest Playrooms, and always open, Hollows Tavern provides a sit-down area and a wide array of drinks and snacks, as well as a cashier for Playroom markers. The nearby Moon Pool works like other Playroom fountains, only bigger.
A10. tAste oF elysium The resort’s finest restaurant, Taste of Elysium opens at noon and closes again at midnight. It offers a variety of fine cuisine, and wine from across the galaxy. When the resort is filled to maximum capacity, reservations are usually required, and formal or semiformal attire is preferred. The restaurant also includes a bar and a party room, both more relaxed regarding dress and reservations. Taste of Elysium offers room service during its service hours but restaurant staff won’t deliver anywhere else in the resort unless catering an event in the Muses.
A11. lyRAkien cAbARet A secondary concert venue offering light dinner theater, Lyrakien Cabaret is perfect for intimate variety performances, such as spoken word, stand-up comedy, and acoustic music. The cabaret is open from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m.
A12. AbsAlom bistRo A walk-in restaurant with a casual dress code, Absalom Bistro offers an eclectic mid-tier dining experience. The bistro prides itself on serving a variety of Pact Worlds mainstays with touches of interstellar food and drink.
A13. wild Apples Boisterous fun is what Wild Apples does best, with simpler fare but ample entertainment, including trivia nights, viewings of sporting events from elsewhere in the system, and performances by live musicians. Wild Apples also has a small dance floor and two mechanical riding beasts. This bar remains open until 2 a.m.
A14. AzuRe sky Some guests want to relax with a view of the stars, and Azure Sky fulfills that desire 24 hours a day, with drink service until 2 a.m. This bar has ample seating encircled by a viewing area. All walls are transparent and set to display the stars and the nearby asteroids of the Diaspora.
A15. elevAtoRs New Elysium has two banks of four elevators. The bank at area A15a goes between all three levels of the resort. The other bank (area A15b) allows guests to move only between the lodging floor and the main floor. Biometric scanners allow authorized staff members to access the utilities room (area B13).
A16. spiRAl stAiRs Two spiral staircases connect all three floors. These stairways have locked doors preventing guests from descending into the facilities section.
A17. Hidden stAiRs Two staircases that descend to the lower floor are concealed from view within these halls.
B. LOWER FLOOR New Elysium’s lower floor houses more amenities as well as staff facilities. Technicians offer personal assistance during service hours or by appointment, robots provide numerous services including massage, and drones perform menial tasks such as retrieving towels or robes.
b1. boundless sunRoom The sun always shines in the Boundless Sunroom. The area is warm and has a pool with swimming and diving areas. In addition, the chamber has an artificial waterfall that flows from the stream in Green Fields. This room also features a smaller pool that can create artificial current to challenge swimmers but includes an offshoot that always remains out of the current that is ideal for resting or wading. Within this room, a drone can provide exposure to UV light or similar solar radiation for recreational purposes. In addition, a grav chute allows a guest to step inside and leap harmlessly from this room up to Contemplation’s terrace.
b2. cHAnGinG Rooms These rooms provide privacy for guests about to use this floor’s various amenities, allowing them to change into a swimsuit or gym clothes in private.
b3. buRninG GlAdes A set of sealable atmospheric chambers, Burning Glades can accommodate species that have unusual atmospheric needs and want to spend time outside an environment suit. A Burning Glades chamber can also be used as a sauna or steam bath for species that have no need for unusual atmospheres.
b4. Gym New Elysium’s large gym provides the latest in fitness equipment. Connected to the main exercise area are rooms used as dance studios or dojos (areas B4a), each fitted with holographic training gear. Keys to Elysium provides guided fitness classes that take place here.
b5. Ice Fountains This area is the counterpart to the Boundless Sunroom, with a view of the stars and pools of water that can be lukewarm, filled with ice chunks, or even completely frozen over.
b6. Titan’s Rest Guests who come to Titan’s Rest receive wellness services, such as personal grooming, massages, aromatherapy, body wraps, and mud packs. Titan’s Rest also contains New Elysium’s medical facilities, which offer everything from first aid to augmentation. The PCs can purchase most augmentations here and have them installed.
b7. Reflections Similar to Titan’s Rest, Reflections is a salon offering simpler spa services, as well as personal styling and grooming.
b8. Guest services This area provides various services for guests, including business-related amenities, catering orders for events, travel scheduling, and similar conveniences.
b9. Staff lounge A comfortable and isolated chamber, this lounge provides staff with a refuge from the wider resort during their breaks. A mk 3 culinary synthesizer (Armory 129) is built into the lounge’s wall.
b10. Security Center This room—an administrative office and armory for security personnel—is closed to the public. Resort security handles several different duties in six four-person squads. Each squad rotates crewing of one of the resort’s three Sentinel starships. Engineers and gunners have varied responsibilities, which can include facilities maintenance and patrol or guard details. Captains and pilots serve most shifts as security guards. Security specialists aren’t expected to interact much with guests, although a few work as trainers in the gym. Treasure: The security specialists keep their gear with them.
b11. Tech Workshop The tech workshop contains drone recharging stations, work counters and tables, and tools. On the eastern wall is a large set of ventilation fans about 15 feet across, some of which turn slowly while others remain off. These fans are part of a cooling tunnel, a utility passage lined with pipes and automatic strips that illuminate to provide dim light. A rougher but similar tunnel branches off from there toward area B14.
b12. Server Room The four banks of servers in this squarish room operate all of the resort’s technical aspects. The large fans to the north and south help keep the computers cool. New Elysium staff don’t have much call to access this room when things are running well.
b13. utilities Room This enormous room houses several power cores that provide energy to the resort, as well as life support, water circulation and purification, and matter recycling facilities. Despite the cooling tunnels, vents, and numerous fans, it can get quite warm in here.
b14. mine entrance In the cooling tunnels, a branch leads to a junction room with myriad pipes going through the wall near a closed blast door.
b15. deep elevator This elevator comes from the mines in Dr. Gragant’s lab.
C. LODGING FLOOR New Elysium has a third level above the main floor, where guest lodgings are located. Inside these rooms, opaque walls contain customizable windows and skylights similar to the viewing areas of New Elysium’s public areas. Resort rooms feature many comforts, such as plush bedding, whirlpool baths, and private bars. Some variation exists, such as larger corner units and chambers with customizable atmosphere. Most resort amenities can be specially ordered from a guest’s room, such as trivid theater presentations, vidscreen projections of live performances, fine food, and spa treatments. This floor has several airlocks to allow for emergency evacuation. Biometric locks seal these airlocks but unlock if a staff-initiated computer override is sent from the server room.
Baròleg listens to Mallow explain the new discoveries, "That's unpleasant." He stares at his comm, "My knowledge of magic and curses is limited, but I might be able to help."
In between helping assess the app's origin and purpose, Baròleg continues to review the map and services.
(Temples of Hylax give free workshops on Telepathic projection but it takes years to see results)
Upon hearing Baròleg and Mallow's, Akataran's interest is piqued.
(Curses? Let me see what you have there...)
Akataran offers his expertise and looks over the relevant info
Mallow face turns into a look of concern as he freezes in place for a moment before gravely looking up at his companions. "This app is some sort of weird curse hybrid tech. There is a signal piggybacking on it from below the resort. I am not entirely sure how to remove it or what its effects are but this doesn't seem good. We should definately let our hosts know in case they are not aware."
"This unit finds the joining of technology and magic worth investigation. This unit agrees with designation Mallow that the hosts of resort designation Elysium needs to be educated on this fact.
After this unit explored resort designation Elysium, this unit believes that are multiple locations that need further exploration."