GM Ietsuna's Night in Nightarch (Inactive)

Game Master Ietsuna

A routine business deal goes awry when a spiteful drow noble seizes a shipment of weapons destined for the Starfinder Society. The PCs are sent to the gloomy world of Apostae to retrieve the stolen arms. Granted 24-hours of diplomatic immunity for any actions taken against the thief, the PCs strike at the rebellious drow noble and retrieve the shipment. Whether through guile or sheer force, the PCs must prove that the Starfinder Society is not an organization to trifle with.

Dotting in, will make intro later!

Arching over the rest of the crowd, you see an olive skinned vesk who approaches the group. He looks very lean and sternly observes the group of starfinders in front of him. He reaches behind him to adjust the large tactical pike adorned with memorabilia on his back.

"Is this crew which I have been assigned to? Good. This will do. You're not like the toughs from Vesk V, but stay behind me, follow my lead - and I promise you - victory shall be ours on this day! I am Captain Rahdokama of the 74th V-battalion. I have been sent as an ambassador from the empire to work with the Starfinders on their path to restoring this great solar system to it's prime."

Decked out in colorful accessories and not afraid to stand out, Navasi is quick to offer her name, hand and pistol to the cause. "Captain Rahdokama, I am Navasi, former free-captain of Broken Rock. Like you, I just want to see this system shine. I've got your back and I hope you have mine."

Over a year ago, standard Absalom time

A lone Ikeshti stands over a brood of adolescent offspring. "You know where to find food, and you know where to find others of our species. You were strong ones, the survivors. Whether you were of my seed, or another, I armed you all with the information you need to survive on this planet. It is time for you to leave me." Hesitantly, the brood departs, some snapping and hissing at each other as they do.

Present day, Absalom Station

This same Ikeshti, who minded his brood only a year ago, stands in the waiting area of a Starfinder Society office. Now he sports scars from previous missions, and wears dented and marred armor. "I am Cesar of the Red Desert. I am at your service."

After Cesar of the Red Desert introduces himself, an android steps forward. He (it?) appears to be dressed for combat, even within the confines of the Loreseeker. While not armored (yet), the android sports a tactical baton across his back and two tactical semi-auto pistols in holsters strapped to his chest, as well as a squad machine slung over a shoulder.

"My designation is The Analog Affair. I am the 12th iteration of this chassis. My primary role within missions for the Pathfinder Society is usually security and delivery of violence. Despite the skull and crossbones symbol tattooed upon my face, this iteration is not associated with the Besmaran faith." He pauses for a moment before saying, "Please excuse any anomalous behaviors during moments of conflict. I am running diagnostics on my violence subroutines."

He then looks at each member of the team, his head turning to each person in turn, as he looks in their eyes. "It. Is. A. Pleasure. To. Meet. You."

After finishing the incredibly awkward felicitations, he steps closer to Navasi and asks in a low voice, "Did I do that right? The New Iteration Socialization and Behavioral Expectation Guideblog (post 443f5A, entitled "Don't be Weird With Other Sentients"), suggests I should look directly at each person when greeting them. I wish this chassis' social subroutines carried over from iteration to iteration. Reports indicate that its previous iteration was quite gregarious and well-liked."

Navasi nods to the android, "While the wording, sentiment and visual connection of your greetings were correct, may I suggest that, in the future, you attempt to adapt the greeting to be less puncuated and more fluid. Like this:" She turns to face the Analog Affair directly, extends a hand and cracks a small smile, "It truly is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." After a brief pause, "See. Something to that effect. But, other than that, you've got it down."

Venture-Captain Naiaj watches a map holographically projected onto the spherical wall of the dimly lit chamber. This meeting room is aptly named the “Starscape Chamber” and hosts various important strategic meetings for the Society. The pale bleachling gnome slightly nods a greeting, hardly looking away from the stellar map. Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice, she says, as she finally turns away from the map. As you should already know, the Starfinder Society lost not only many agents but also a great deal of equipment in the Scoured Stars incident. Since then, we’ve been dealing with a shortage of guns, ammunition, armor, tools, and provisions. Over the past four months, the Society has recovered to the point that we are able to start replacing some of the equipment we lost. While we are explorers, right now, battle-ready firearms are sorely needed.

Naiaj momentarily turns to face the map and makes a request: Starscape, show me Nightarch. The map on the wall zooms in on one of the outermost planets of the Pact Worlds, showing a gloomy, air-sealed settlement on the small gray planetoid identified as Apostae. After calling in a lot of favors and holding lengthy negotiations, we managed to secure a deal with the drow of Apostae to obtain a shipment of weapons. House Zeizerer arranged a deal between the Starfinder Society and House Xicton, a lesser drow house with a solid track record on sales. I personally oversaw the negotiations, and only recently returned to Absalom Station to deposit the down payment owed to House Xicton.

My intention was to send you to Nightarch, the drow’s surface settlement on Apostae, to guard this delivery. However, Naiaj pauses briefly, staring blankly at the map on the wall before continuing, I just received word that the weapon shipment has been stolen. According to my contacts in Nightarch, the thief is a minor noble of House Zeizerer named Villyth, who went rogue and stole the weapons. We do not know her motives or the current whereabouts of the shipment, but I’m sending you to Nightarch to find the weapons and bring them to Absalom Station. As you may have heard, the interhouse politics of the drow are lethal and treacherous, and you will find only trouble if you start searching blindly. For this reason, I’ve arranged for you to meet with Ceobarn Zeizerer, who represents House Zeizerer in this specific matter. You are to discuss how the Society can get its shipment back without causing a diplomatic incident.

Your shuttle is ready, so I expect you to get your things and get going as soon as possible. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask.

"Obviously, we want to be very careful here and diplomacy will be key. But, do we have instructions on how to handle Villyth when we find her?" Navasi very carefully chooses her words to show the gravity of her question. "I am sure that House Zeizerer will want to take care of their own concerns, but I think it is very important that we know our limits going into this."

Villyth is a minor noble in the hierarchy of House Zeizerer. I understand that she is something of a rebel, and as far as I know, her actions were not sanctioned by her house. Make you own judgments on how to handle things when you engage her. The society trust you.

The green vesk nods at Navasi and Cesar, "Well met - friends! I promise to have your back, as long as you don't shoot me mine mine!" He awkwardly smiles at the android, "Any chance we can call you AA? for short?"

…

Rahdokhama listens carefully to the venture captains instructions. "I see, so more political intrigue. Could you tell us anything more about Villyth Zeizerer? And what are we to do with the stolen contraband if we find and secure it? Do we reserve it for the society, or are we to hand it back to whoever it belongs to?"

He also scratches his head, "I haven never been to Nightarch, or Aposte for that matter. Hmmph, what's so special about it?"

Cesar listens intently to the briefing.

Just checking in to make sure everyone knows I'm still here. My fellow Starfinders seems to be doing quite well with the questions for Naiaj.

I have told you all I know of Villyth, but I do know a little more about House Zeizerer. They are the most powerful drow household on Apostae, controlling the major surface settlement of Nightarch. They are demon-worshipers and arms dealers like the rest of them, but as far as drow houses go, they are quite reliable because they have a reputation to uphold. Complications like this are bad for the business. Our representative with them, Ceobarn Zeizerer, has always been blunt and up-front with me—how I prefer to handle most of my social interactions.

In terms of teh shipment, I just want it back. Recover it. We have paid for the weapons and we would like what we paid for.

Nightarch is the largest settlement on the planetoid’s surface, and a major spaceport with bustling markets dealing in all kinds of weapons. Because House Zeizerer controls the city, you’ll be meeting with their representative, Ceobarn Zeizerer, first.

Time to finalize your boon slots. There are no suggested boon for this scenario so pick what you think best.

"Understood, captain. I am ready to go, when the rest of the team is!"

My boons are in discussion!

As the shuttle approaches the dull gray planetoid, several fighters emerge from a hulking capital ship identified as part of the local fleet defense: the Blood Armada. These fighters whizz past like a swarm of angry wasps. The navigation computer lets out a blaring alert as the capital ship scans the shuttle, but soon after, the alert ends and the fighters fly back to the massive carrier. The shuttle descends into low-orbit, and several small settlements with sealed atmospheres come into view. Further out, beneath clouds of dust, several mile-wide blast doors, many large craters, and miles-deep crevices can be seen across the planetoid’s surface. The shuttle soars closer to Apostae’s surface, fast approaching the dark city of Nightarch.

The eponymous arch and various tower houses can be seen within the city limits. Nightarch’s vast spaceport is alive with hundreds of blinking red and purple lights, which guide the shuttle into the gloomy capital of the drow.

Culture: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Cesar gazes at the city emerging in front the shuttle with wonderment.

He has no clue what to make of it.

"I wish I had spent more time downloading Cultural knowledge, as well as Diplomacy subroutines," says The Analog Affair with a tinge of regret in his voice. "I will not make this mistake again."

He hefts his squad machine gun, checks the action, counts clips, and tests his jump jets. All seems in order.

"I recall shooting a drow cultist in the head and killing her," he says out loud. "Will these drow hold that against me, I wonder? She did want to annihilate the entire universe, all of these drow included."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"I haven't personally been to Apostae before, but I have heard a few things. Neat fact: men aren't actually legally prohibited from positions of power. I've also heard that there is quite a population of subservient individuals."

Rahdokhama comments as the fighters disengage, "Well that was close, hmpph, i thought we were about to have a fight on our hands! Anyone picking up anything unusual on their sensors?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 8 + (6) = 27

He nods at Navasi, "Hmph, yes that is correct. It also looks like weapons are Nightarch’s main export, and many drow houses are involved in arms trade. What most people don’t know is that there are thousands of miles of tunnels and numerous vaults of alien technology beneath the surface of Apostae. Many weapons designed in Nightarch are reverse-engineered from this technology."

…

Once they land, Rahdokhama keeps his weapon at the ready, and on lookout for any dangerous or suspicious people. "Anyone know where we are supposed to meet with Ceobarn Zeizerer?"

You disembark from your shuttle and are met by two drow guards working for House Zeizerer. They introduce themselves as Laibross and Sirendeil. With your escorts you travel through a labyrinth of air-filled, enclosed tunnels to Mileshadow, a tall corporate building owned
by House Zeizerer. On the top floor of the building, the guards lead you to the office of Ceobarn Zeizerer.

The guards open the door to a spacious office on the top floor of the tall building, and without even a hint of emotion, one drow barely mutters, Wait here. The greentinged windows in the room offer a majestic view over the gloomy Nightarch. Several statues and holographic devices depicting grinning fiends sit on shelves on the walls and on a darkwood desk at the far end of the room. A curious fixture reminiscent of a demonic spider looks down from the ceiling with many glistening eyes.

There is no one in the office, and the house guards leave you to wait in the room. There are statues and holograms around this office.

If you have the Priest theme you can add your bonus to the above check

Cesar whispers to his fellow Starfinders, "what a bright, cheerful place this is. It could use some nice doilies, a little sunlight, and some punch and cookies though."

mysticism: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Cesar then shares what he knows of the decor in this room.

After about 5 minutes a wall panel at the back of the office slides open, and a middleaged drow walks in and settles into a red armchair behind the
desk. I am Ceobarn Zeizerer. He gives a nonchalant wave of his hand, and the demonic statue in the ceiling starts shedding a purple glow, illuminating the room. I take it that your eyes haven’t adjusted to the light levels on Apostae. You are Naiaj’s Starfinders, correct? I heard about the shipment. A most unfortunate setback. Villyth has always been a troublemaker. After a brief silence, he spits, But it is not our fault. House Zeizerer officially disowned her months ago. Why should I help you?

The vesk makes a passing comment about the interior, as Cesar points out the details. "Wonderful, hmmph, nothing like some good ol' demon worshipers to start your day."

Inside the office, as the drow hey are seeing makes his first statement, the vesk is visibly uncomfortable by what he had said. "We will not pretend we understand the intrigue of drow politics, Mr Ceobarn. But the society knows pleanty of betrayal, especially when it comes from one of your own. We are here to help you, in exchange for nothing more than to gain favour with your house. Because of this, I will be honest with you." He straightens himself up, and continues. "Hmph! The shipment which Naiaj stole was part of a Starfinder investment made by House Xicton. We would like this opportunity to get this shipment back, clear your name, and bring new allies to our cause."

A military man, he believes he understands how the drow might think. Or so he believes, "What would be your terms for working with us, Mr Ceobarn?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 8 + (2) = 24

"When we find our shipment, do you wish us to also retrieve your rogue noble, Villyth? If so, what is the bounty? How much alive? How much dead?" asks The Analog Affair. "I am a specialist in retrievals."

He looks at Rahdokama and speaks quietly, but not whispering, "I prefer non-functional retrievals. Much easier to transport. I do not have the financial resources to fund a full Carbonite Freezing Unit yet, like some bounty hunters use."

Turning back to Ceobarn, he asks, "If you offer no bounty, should we expect negative repercussions for the likely de-functioning of Villyth in the course of our mission?"

Ceobarn needs some "enticing" to give you aid. There are a list of skills that can be rolled to influence him. Others are also possible, but may be harder. Bluff, Intimidate, or Profession (counselor or lawyer), Culture, Diplomacy, Mysticism, Perception, Profession (corporate professional, manager, or merchant), Sense Motive. Between you you can roll 6 skills. That could be 1 person rolling all 6 skills or 6 people rolling 1 skill each.

Can we aid another on these rolls?

Yes, you can aid. 1 aid per skill

"You know, Mr. Zeizerer, by helping us here, I am sure that by helping us in this very important situation, we can pull some strings with the Starfinders. As you may or may not be aware, we recently had some...issues within the society. These have lead us to needing more weapons and supplies. This could be very lucrative for you."

Using Convincing Liar

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 Opting to add expertise instead of re-rolling
Expertise: 1d6 ⇒ 3 (25 total for Bluff)

"You know, Mr. Zeizerer, by helping us here, I am sure that by helping us in this very important situation, we can pull some strings with the Starfinders. As you may or may not be aware, we recently had some...issues within the society. These have lead us to needing more weapons and supplies. This could be very lucrative for you."

"Or, we could... ally with other parties on Apostae."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

The Analog Affair shrugs after he says this, as if he doesn't really care.

Cesar nods and quietly hisses as The Analog Affair makes his point, and elaborates. "My compatriot makes a good point Mr. Zeizerer. I'm sure you already realize that parties such as the Starfinder Society will simply find other sources for the items you sell if they can't be securely and reliably delivered. Your reputation could be tarnished unless you take action to bring this thief to justice and make good on this delivery. Just last week as I was assisting a client in my other job as an I.T. professional, I had to help them clean up their infosphere reputation after defective products were delivered."

Cesar takes a step toward Zeizerer. "That is why we are here. Instead of leaving your organization to find this shipment on your own, the Starfinder Society has stepped up to do their part. This is the perfect opportunity to make good on this transaction and teach would-be thieves and smugglers that you are not to be trifled with!"

Profession, I.T. Support: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Hopefully this particular skill is close enough to "corporate professional".

Navasi and Analog Affair make a convincing argument. Ceobarn seems to be slightly swayed.

Cesar makes less of an impact on the Drow and earns a scowl.

Profession IT Support failed badly enough that no more using that skill in this interaction.

Was my initial Diplo role not counted¿

I missed it. It does not change the outcome, but I should have mentioned it. Sorry.

Seeing that his logical appeal reminding Zeizerer of other options in the market for the the Starfinder Society wasn't working, Cesar changes tactics. He attempts to tell Zeizerer about the prevailing culture of doing business with the Starfinder Society, and how assisting in this investigation could help with future business from the Society.

Finishing his point, he nods to Navasi, cueing her to expound on his thoughts.

aid another (culture): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Cesar trips over his words a little and Ceobarn seems unswayed.

That is 3 skills checks down, 3 to go. 1 success

Sorry I am losing track, what checks have been made? Are we allowed to repeat same checks other players made?

You cannot repeat. Rolls of the same skill are counted as assists. Available skills to roll are Mysticism, Perception, Profession (corporate professional, manager, or merchant), Sense Motive.

Mine was an "aid another" meant for Navasi, so culture should still be on the board.

You are aiding Navasi's Bluff with a culture check?

No, I was aiding a possible culture check by her. Yes, I know she doesn't need to decide to do a culture check, but it might make sense. It was probably my best remaining option (though the dice have not been on my side), and it appears it might work well should Navasi decide to go that route. It's academic at this point, as my roll failed.

Ahh, ok. I am with you now. Yes culture is back on the table then.

The Analog Affair looks closely around the room, wondering how all of this demon worship factors into the man's day job as a weapons merchant. Perhaps something in the office gives him a hint of how to convince Ceobarn to provide the Starfinders with aid.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Ceobarn is almost swayed by Analog Affair-12's argument. Maybe someone else could back up the check with some more facts, or maybe some sort of financial incentive would make the persuasion effective.

As Ceobarn is talking and listening to the group's arguements, Navasi takes stock in the words and body language of the house leader.

Sense Motive w/ Expertise: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 7 + (6) = 29

The green vesk, happy with the efforts presented by the rest of his party decides to stay quiet for the rest of the conversation, and only adds by making small pointers to help draw their arguments forward.

Perception, aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Mysticism, aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Proffesion - whatever, aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Sense Motive, aid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

Sorry team, Rahdokhama does not have good skills, so he will do his best to add a +2 to the primaries!

Ok, so 1 skill roll to go. 3 successes.

What do we have left?

Mysticism, Profession (corporate professional, manager, or merchant)

Also have culture left. That might be a good choice. I attempted to aid earlier, but was unsuccessful.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone - to whoever celebrates it!

The vesk, starting to get a little impatient, acts very unexpectedly, even to himself. "Mr Ceobarn, were we wrong to have come to you for mutual aid? I can see you are a man of little words, but I believe it is his actions which should define him." He challenges the leader to make a decision.