Zoomba's Stumbling Society [SFS 2-06 & 2-08] (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

I'm myself a servant of a god. Iomedae is my goddess, when I pray, I received power that help me cast spells and heal people.
She don't give me weapons etched with her symbol. Her gifts are more intangible, even if sometime it could take the form of a powerful artifact.
Gods, don't manufacture, they create. Yes, the gods are on another plane of existence, but we, come from other planets on this plane, far beyond your world. But we are flesh and blood. We can bleed, we can die and we are not immortal.
What you have is only manufactured weapons, something anyone could create with the right technology. For you it seems marvelous because it is something you've never encountered before but it's mundane stuff, not magical in nature.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Eselar proposes to heal the wounded.

Would taking an antitoxin trigger another saving throw to negate the sickness? Or would it just help me if another saving throw comes along.

"There may be beings from other worlds that are not unlike gods, but no matter how powerful they are, you are not under an obligation to obey them, until you understand and agree with their intentions. You say that these weapons that have been left here for you, they have caused suffering among your people. Does a being whose gifts cause such suffering deserve your worship? If a god would lead you into torment, then look for better gods, my friend."

It may help oyu if another one comes along, but at the momentI would just hold onto it.

It is true that not all gods are just or benevolent ones. Vixis agrees. One's devotion should always reflect their own character. But devotion and faith are different, can they not be? If even a beast comes upon you in the night, one does not need to trust in them to recognize they should not be aggravated.

Turning to Eselar as the kasatha speaks, the leader listens intently. Many of the surrounding kiirinta seem taken with the knight's points as well. I can see you are flesh. But your goddess, this 'Iomedae'. She may not cast down swords before you at Her call, but the insights and strength she grants you are to be used, are they not? Is it not expected for followers of faiths - or even all mortals in general - to make use of what has been provided to them rather than spurn the blessings they have received, regardless of the source?

mysticism: 9 + 1d20 - 2 ⇒ 9 + (9) - 2 = 16 Allow me, magic is great, I mean great, so great, it is better than the non-magic.

A...bold and brave take/

Moxie, Bugface, and Lucky may also have thoughts.

Eselar listen to Vixis points and responds The Source is very important Vixis. For exemple, I can't use something that Evil has made, even if it will help me destroy Evil. I will lose the confidence of my Goddess. Of course, Her gifts must be used, but for Good. How you use it is very important.
Iomedae is the goddess of honorable battle, humanity, justice and valor. I must follow Her example in all my actions.

Culture: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

{That is assuming that these weapons are blessings, Vixis. We are here to warn you that they are not. It doesn't really matter whether your people believe Datch to be a goddess, she is not a nice person and has left these weapons to cause strife among your people. Surely you have seen that strife.}

"I can understand why you would believe these weapons are blessings from your god. You had no knowledge of where they came from, they have power that you have never seen before and use mechanisms that you are unable to fanthom. But consider the alternative explanation we offer you. When I look around, I see a lot of empty chairs and many injured people. I am a woman of faith myself," Moxie says, gesturing to the symbol of Abadar adorning her armor. "and I know that the gods' will and ways are unfathomable to us mortals, but ask yourself; when you look into your hearts, does it feel like these weapons have been more of a blessing or a curse to you?"

Culture: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Lucky looks profoundly uncomfortable with all this talk of faith and metaphysics, glancing over at her PR specialist, Amethyst who returns a flawlessly unhelpful smile as Lucky makes her opinions known.

Culture: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 Sigh, brought my talky Ally Boon, instead of the +2 to Culture Ally Boon...

"Well, look. The main thing that we all have to deal with in this or our future lives is that the universe throws crazy crap at you when you're not expecting it. And sometimes it's good; sometimes it's bad. Sometimes it looks bad, but it's really good, but usually it's tricking you in the bad way instead.

What if they're a test, instead of a gift?"

There is strife now, but also possibility. Vixis says. He seems to concede Datch's lack of divinity, for now at least, but adds While we currently struggle against Nerii's obstinance, the tools that have come down could be put to great use in our hunts, our pursuits, and our expansion. This may be just a troublsesome time that will bring us to the precipice of new greatness.

The kiirinta leader and you continue to debate lively-ly while the rest of the Reflectors around listen. Apart from Eselar none seem especially impressed with your oratory skills, but even your bluntest verbal missteps result in reactions more of bemusement than disdain.

When it seems the discussion is winding down, Vixis raises his hands and hops down off the platform. Enough! This has been enlightening, but I there is one more challenge before we can consider your argument.

The leader moves over to confer with several other kiirinta. They frequently glance back at you as they commune telepathically.

After a few minutes, the kiirinta group separates and Vixis raises his hands. There must be one more test to be done. You and I shall face each other. In Death Match!

This statement induces a wild cheer from the kiirinta audience. While a few hurry into a nearby hut to fetch something with purpose, the rest break out into a chant of Death match! Death match! Death match! Death match! Death match! Death match!

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 13 + (6) + 1 = 39

"I think you're just stalling! Stop playing games with us!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + (3) + 1 = 18

Brock raises an eyebrow at the chanting. "Blasted Maelstrom ..." He stands up, clearly about fed up when Moxie speaks up. "Stalling?"

"Guys? Acid still doesn't have a nice mode!"

Brock mutters, "You gotta get a merciful fusion for that thing, Lucky."

Moxie explains her comrades, "I think they're just making these stupid rituals up as they go. Eoxian movie producers are exactly like this. We need to put our foot down now, before they make us do anything more degrading."

Moxie says to Lucky, "If it comes down to fighting, just shoot them in the knees or something. I've seen other people do it."

I mean, does it explicitly say that you can't do non-lethal damage with it? Because you can do non-lethal damage with almost anything (at a -4 penalty to hit of course)

Vixis seems taken aback by the force of Moxie's anger. Not stalling! This is the final challenge. Your skils and rightness will be tested. Behold!

the kiirinta turns with a flourish as the fey who fled into the hut return carrying...a large circular table and multiple decks of cards. they set it up quickly, and Vixis takes a seat as he begins to deal out cards to each of you. It is literally a game

Death Match is more than just a game. he thinks to you as he reshuffles the decks and describes the rules. It is a sign of the self. How one plays reveals much, their actions a window into their mind.

The Reflector leader explains how to play 'Death Match' as the rest of the fey crowd around to observe. The ultimate objective is simple enough - gain the highest score - but the rules of the game seem quite chaotic and adaptive. Moxie suspects that the card game itself is treated much like a lot of the kiirinta's customs: partially improvised as you go.

Each of you can attempt a Bluff or Sense Motive check as you play to try and outscore Vixis. Because of Moxie's earlier insights, you each can also choose to make up your own rules to the game as you play to get a +4 bonus on your checks.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 11 + (5) + 1 + 4 = 40

Moxie plays defensively, watching the kiirinta and attempting to figure out their strategy. Realizing that the rules are somewhat improvised, Moxie does the best to improvise herself.

"The Kskraaaki card has two heads, so if survives the initial attack it gets to take a second turn," she explains as she finishes up a turn.

When they talk about a Death Match he starts to fear that something horrible will happen, but he's quickly reassured when they explain that this is just a simple game! Or more than that for us.

Happy to play, Eselar plays fair.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Bluff: 1d20 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (14) - 1 + 4 = 17

Bugface lays down 5 cards in such a way that if you tilt your head and squint it kinda looks like a stick figure.

{Bugface has assembled the five pieces of Exodia which automatically wins this round.}

Bugface lays down his five cards, but just as his creature is being assembled its crushed by one of Vixis' floating fortresses being knocked out of the sky (since Death Match the card game has a physics engine involved somehow). The observing kiirinta chitter in delight at the *smush* sound it makes.

Eselar meanwhile makes several solid plays and lays out a hand that trumps Vixis collection of cards. The fey murmur appreciatively.

The Reflector Leader lays out a mighty tusked Thrag beast but his face pales when Moxie's two-headed Kskraaaki counters it effortlessly. This draws a raucous reaction from the audience, as they all realize the strategic implications of considering hydra-type suites.

Lucky, Brock, and Data still up!

So, wait, the name of the game is called death match? Okay.
inject nanobots: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 vs EAC against their team leaderInject nanobots I'm bad at both bluff and sense motive so I'm taking a different approach.
crit dmg: 8d8 ⇒ (8, 2, 7, 3, 1, 6, 2, 8) = 37 DC 16 for saves

So, wait, the name of the game is called death match? Okay. I'm bad at both bluff and sense motive so I'm taking a different approach.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Yes, the rules are... Vixis' explanation is cut off as Data's touch cause the fey to spasm in pain. The surrounding fey react in shock as Vixis spits out. It is a CARD GAME!!! he whirls towards the rest of the Starfinders. Is this how your tribe operates? You have these greater devices, and then look down on any others who would deign to use them?

Brock smirks, then begins chuckling. "Ah, a card game. Well, that's a whole different ..." He does a *literal* doubletake as Data attacks the leader.

"Traitor!" he barks at Data, moving to interpose himself between Data an the fey creatures. "How much is that rat paying you to betray the Society?" Not keeping his eye off of Data, he says over his shoulder to Vixis. "This isn't the way of our tribe, Vixis. Attacking innocents goes against everything the Society stands for. We're explorers."

Diplomacy(assist): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Keeping his focus on Data, he glances toward Moxie, a somewhat pleading look in his eyes for her to deal with Vixis.

Eselar face transforms first into a mask of disbelief then into a mask of sorrow, then almost into a mask of anger.

He jumps and with restrained and a mix of anger and disbelief in his voice Eselar points at Data and says YOU! How dare you attack innocent people! They welcomed us in Peace and you give them death?! Brock is right. How much this rat is paying you? How much to betray the Society and your comrade?

Then, he turns to Vixi, and deeply bow in shame. I'm so sorry Vixi, I can't speak for this traitor. But I can assure you that It's not our way, and absolutely not mine. As I said before, I play fair and with honor. And the action of this creature is not mine.
Please accept my deepest apologies and my healing. I'm so ashamed by his behavior and actions.

Tears come in Eselar eyes as he really ashamed by his comrade action.

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Data stands there motionless and quiet trying to look as confused as possible. bluff if you need it: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9 Don't forget, -2 to sense motive against an Android

Moxie apologizes profusely to the injured leader, explaining that Z Data Z appears to be suffering from some sort of mental illness. She offers to have one of their people "Eselar, you're a healer, right? Could you do something to alleviate Vixis's injuries?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 14 + (4) + 1 = 33

Once Moxie has managed to calm things down, Moxie then makes a call to Saivessa. "Can you get a message to the Lorespire for me? Things have really hit the fan down here. One of our agents is having serious issues and I no longer believe that we can complete our mission without putting the indigenous population at risk. Z Data Z has used lethal force on two of the locals here. The first incident was during a fire fight but the second attack was against one of their spiritual leaders and was completely unprovoked. Thank the gods, no one was killed, but I don't want to press our luck. If we can get a medical evacuation for him, then I think we may be able to salvage this mission, but if we need to abort the mission, than so be it."

Lucky is entirely caught off guard by her fellow android's actions, looking frantically to Amethyst to help smooth things over. "Amy, c'mon, what am I paying you guys for?!"

"We may have to renegotiate your retainer if you're going to keep having us intercede on behalf of non-clients Mx. Sevens..."

While Moxie speaks with Vixis and Saivessa, Amethyst circulates among the crowd, translator unit whirring as she does her best to pull every 'exhaustion' or 'mixed medications' excuse in the book, but eventually just throwing Data under the bus if necessary.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

In his own post, Eselar had already indicated he would rush to offer healing, so including that.

The kiirinta surrounding you remain in a frenzied state as Eselar hurries to mystically mend some of Vixis' wounds. The Reflector leader at first cringes back at the kasatha's approach, but his plaintive tone leads the fey to hesitantly accept the aid.

Your 'colleague' is a machine, yes. Vixis broadcasts to you as Moxie and the rest attempt to de-escalate the situation. A tool of your tribe. And if even you cannot control your own tools... It flutters up into the air, then points to assembled racks and crates of the pilfered gear.

You are right: your tribe's tools have brought nothing but trouble and pain to us. Gather them, and leave. If Nerii's Builders overrun us, so be it. This weaponry is a curse, not a gift.

---

It does take Moxie a bit to reach Saivessa on the comms, but the maraquoi eventually gets a connection. Hey what's...oh they say as the situation on the ground is described. Weydan... they sigh in a disappointed tone. I don't have any spare shuttles on my ship unfortunately, but it may be good to get back to the Drake for now and regroup then. There's a medbay on it and, you know, it's a ship, so if a withdrawal's needed it's there. Just make sure there's NO more firing on these people unless they're shooting first. Leaving the weapons behind is still a better endgame for this then taking them back by force.

Brock begins gathering the weapons. "We will attempt to broker a peace between you and Nerii's people, so that you are not left at a disadvantage over this. Contrary to what you can see here, it's something we're actually pretty good at ... normally." He points to some crates, and says, "Why don't you carry those, Data ... Idle hands and what not."

As he gathers the weapons, he mumbles, "Was lookin' forward to learning the rules of Death Match."

str check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 to help carry the crates.

Yes, we will tried to get a peace between you and the other tribe.

Then once the weapon gathered, Eselar turns a last time to Vixis, bowing in profound shame. Please, excuse us for the trouble. I can't say how much I'm sorry for what we showed you. I hope that one day you could forget and forgive what we done to you.

He stays silent all the rest of the time, never looking at Data.

Finally, Datch is right about us. Murdered we are...

Once they get back to the Drake with the weapons and securely stow them in one of the cargo holds, Brock turns on Data and says, "You got an explanation for yourself?"

Data turns his head towards you An explanation for what? The player knows what you mean, but use vague or non-specific statements and the Android will look at you funny.

"You violated Starfinder protocol on initiating first contact with new species and directly contradicted the rules of engagement established by Fitch, who told us to only use lethal force as a last resort. You have done so twice and the last time was completely unprovoked."

Moxie says to the rest of her group, "We need to abort this mission. Z Data Z is too unpredictable. That response kind of clinches it for me. I am calling the ship. Hopefully they can get another team out of here to finish the rest of this "

okay, I'm done with this scenario. I'm willing to accept a messed up chronicle sheet just to end this.

Oh, now you explain it there Moxie. Sorry, I was just trying to help with the mission, not make it worse. I won't attack anyone else without permission from you all. Don't worry Data isn't going to attack anyone else without permission from teammates.

Edit: I have defensive spells I can use like Mirror image. If we get attacked again, I'm prepared to use zero attack spells or make zero attacks. And if he has to use diplomacy or bluff or intimidate or sense motive, I'm willing to accept rolling a 1 with a modifier of -1 have the result be zero. I'd prefer someone else roll it, but if I have to roll it, then so be it.

Brock glares at Data. "Perhaps you should explain to us your understanding of our mission, because I am not entirely sure we are on the same mission."

As this conversation is happening by the Drake Saivessa's voice breaks through the comms.

Hey guys, not to drop even more on your plates, but I've been poring through the data on this platform, and discovered there's one final crate that launched just before you disabled the station. The thing circled the whole planet, but is moving into a landing approach not far from where you are. Thing's rigged to launch out flares so my guess is the locals'll be alerted to it fast.

If you hurry you may be able to grab those first. But I'm just eyes in the sky: if you think the situation on the ground has deteriorated that much, then pull back and we'll Drift back to the Station with what we have.

---

Moxie: if you still wish to just leave the scenario now, I understand. (the same would go for anyone else, though please let me know). I am also send out a variety of PMs right now.

Brock glares at Data. "Perhaps you should explain to us your understanding of our mission, because I am not entirely sure we are on the same mission."

To recover the weapons and not to play into Datch's hands.

Edit To explain that better, Datch wants tribes to genocide each other, and he wants money, fame and power at all costs using tricky. That makes him a Tyrant, we can't fall for that.

Lucky's jaw is tight with anger as she replies, "So you're telling me that not playing into Datch's hands was already on your mind when you tried to kill the guy we were negotiating peacefully with? Datch's goal here isn't to wipe out the people of this planet - it's to frame us for doing it!

"I'm not gonna claim I've never made a bad call, or that I don't have any angry notes in my file, but when you're on a Public Relations mission, you've gotta know to keep indiscretions Private!"

I have to get it into my programming that Datch is a mastermind who is trying to manipulate us. Datch is trying to frame us, got it, now I understand how trickery works. I underestimated Datch, but now Brock's words are starting to reach my programming back when we had the first fight. He had to ask me the question of what our mission is for my programming to figure out that I was playing into Datch's hands, at least I think I was. Don't play into Datch's hands. Fighting should be a last resort. My programming doesn't know how to do trickery or diplomatic solutions, but I can let you all do that, while I sit back and don't do anything without being told first. Or resort to the defensive and escape spells like ghost sound, mirror image, etc.

Eselar turns to Data after Lucky says what he had in mind.

I could have understand you the first time when you react by sending lethal force against the locals.
But, the second time... behind his mask, everyone is able to see that Eselar's jaws are tied and that he contains himself for not saying something he will regreat later.
Taking his four arms behind him he continues this second time... you just tried to kill an innocent creature. You just play exactly as Dash depicted the Society. Murderers, Thief and all...
You says that you know our mission, but clearly you don't! And don't hide your evil action behind the fact you're part a machine. Lucky is also one and never, never, acted like you.
Your actions completely destroyed the faith we have in you and I understand Moxie reaction.
I will continue this mission, because I don't want to be responsible for the genocide of Vixi's tribe. But be warned, the next time I see you try something like before, I will kill you.
I'm dedicated to fight Evil and for me, that's what you are.

Turning to Moxie he says.

Moxie, please, stays with us. We can still salvage something from this catastrophe. If we don't act now, it will be too late. I don't thay that for the sake of this mission because, for me, this is a total failure. But for the sake of Vixi's tribe. Don't let them all die because of him.

I'm Evil, oh no I want to be good. I hear even Androids can go to hell when the die. I hear hell has Androids that get everything calculation wrong do to faulty programming, have paranoid programmings and melted metal parts do to the heat.

Brock raises an eyebrow. "I think the blasted guy is glitching... or it's a ruse."

"Alright, let's get that last crate and get the Addabon off this blasted rock. I'm sure Datch saved the worst for last and I don't want to leave something like a nuclear warhead behind."

Ready to blast off into space and retrieve the last item.

Brock speaks slowly to Data. "We have to go get the crate before we blast off into space. Plus, we still have to obtain the Builders' weapons."

He motions for Data to walk ahead of him, so the team can keep an eye on him, as they head out to get the crate about to land. He glances from Data toward the sky, looking for the signal flares.

"Oh, and you can knock off the programming excuse too. Being a synthetic humanoid and being a robot aren't the same thing. I'd say ask Sparky, but since it is a robot who isn't programmed to hold ontological dicussions, it won't have anything to say. Look, ID your thought processes however you want - they're still on you to keep in line.

"Eselar's right though. Job's still on, and we have a chance to undo a lot of damage here."

Eselar grinds his teeth at Data comments but says nothing.

Lets finish this mission.

You tromp through Stabrisis-14's jungles as quickly as you can, following the coordinates Saivessa sends to you from their position aboard the launching platform. Unfortunately, the lush terrain is thick with plant growth, and even as you see flares begins to spew out against the dimming sky the dense foliage slows your speed.

The six of you finally break through the treeline into a clearing brightly illuminated by dozens of multi-colored flares resting on the ground and in the trees. In the space's center, another Starfinder crate sits - only this one has already been opened! Several kiirnta stand and hover near it, each hefting and fmailiarizing themselves with exo-gardian weapons recently taken from the cache. The fey all seem to have red paint markings on their 'fur' similar to those 'Builders' you saw in the initial firefight. The largest of them turns to you and broadcasts into your minds:

So, the 'others' who bear the God's mark my people spoke about! Did Vixis take his head out of the ground to send you, or have you come to ---

Whatever the female leader was about to say you'll never know, as suddenly the earth beneath the kiirinta breaks apart! A massive lizard-like creature with eight legs and a frilled neck erupts from the ground with a roar and bites at one of the fey. The rest begin scattering and firing back at the unexpected arrival, paying you no heed for the moment.

Saivessa's voice breaks through one more time on the comms: "So I'm seeing you at the cache and - well! Never a dull moment! Looks like a predator. Even with our tech not sure if those kiirinta can take it easily. But if you help them out there's certainly worse ways to start a diplomatic approach. Just whatever you do DON'T attack the kiirinta if they're not firing at you!"

Initiative
Bugface
Kiirinta
Moxie
Lucky
Thing
Brock
Data
Eselar

Brock says to Data, pointing at the giant lizard creature, "That! The lizard creature. That, you can attack. Direct attacks only."

Bugface activates their tracking software and shoots at the big beastie.

Rifle Attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Shock Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13