Children of Gaia, PbP

Game Master Tarren Dei

June 20, 2085, Outside of Barstow, California

The message from RAIN said to meet at the diner next to the only a recharge station outside of Barstow, in what used to be California. It also said you would be infiltrating a convoy heading to a refugee camp and to dress appropriately.

The recharge station is eight lanes, but all of them are empty in what looks like it used to be a big box store parking lot. There are vehicles on the edges of the parking lot, but they look like they were abandoned there.

The desert behind the recharge station is shiny and black with solar panels fastened to concrete beds heavy enough to hold them down should a tornado pass. It is the only recharge station for miles on this stretch of highway between the Rocky Mountains Region and the Rio Grande Recovery Area. Travelling this route also keeps you well south of the absolute nightmare that was once Las Vegas.

At the coordinates given, there are two diners, side by side, one called Peggy's and one called Penny's. By the state of disrepair that Penny's is in, it's a safe bet the meet-up is in Peggy's; at least Peggy's has a roof.

The sign outside Penny's says "Jesus Saves." The sign outside Peggy's says "chickenwaffles" on one row, all one word, and, then, on the next row "$" with no amount specified.

How would your character have gotten here? Hitch-hiking? Old hoverbike? Stolen hovercar (Engineering check)? Get dropped in over the ridge by a RAIN military vehicle and hike there? Describe your arrival to check into the game thread.

Other than an android in an apron behind the counter, Peggy's is empty.

A black, unmarked van drives into an underground garage about five blocks away from the meeting point. The doors open up and Friedrich von Junzt is “gently” pushed outside by men in heavy armor. “Alright, von Junzt. You’ve been briefed and you know the drill. Move your ass to the meeting point and make nice with your new RAIN pals. Until this is over, you’re their dog.” summarizes the leader of the group, as he tosses a pack of cigarettes to the floor. “This is to help you get in character. Don’t mess up again, von Junzt. There is no strike two with us!”. The door slams shut and chuckles can be heard as the vehicle drives away.

Von Junzt lights up a smoke as he sits down by a pile of garbage, giving himself a generous break, making sure nothing else is hiding down in the garage with him. Once it’s over, he gets out and starts walking towards the meeting point. On the way, he tries different postures, going through a cowardly stance, cocky attitude, friendly vibe… he decides on a mixture of high self-confidence and friendliness.

He enters Peggy’s, sits by the counter and starts working on the android. “Coffee, sugar. Black. How’s business? Good? I like the atmosphere you got here. Miles better than your competition”, von Junzt points casually to Penny’s. “The name is von Junzt, I’m from Berlin II. What is your name?”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

He enters Peggy’s, sits by the counter and starts working on the android. “Coffee, sugar. Black. How’s business? Good? I like the atmosphere you got here. Miles better than your competition”, von Junzt points casually to Penny’s. “The name is von Junzt, I’m from Berlin II. What is your name?”

Could you describe von Junzt, as there is no avatar?

The android jerks a thumb at a hand scrawled sign that says "No coffee. We have Cawfee(TM)." Cawfee is the powdered-mushroom coffee substitute. He replies to von Junzt's question dryly, "Name's Peggy. It's on the sign out front."

The walk from the dropoff point had been quick. Archeron scanned the environment, looking for hidden predators, but had hustled the whole way, only stopping once the station was in sight.

Archeron wore dirty, ripped jeans, a zipper hoodie, and a OD army field jacket over that. He had a pack on his back that hung over one shoulder instead of two and his dirty engineer's boots were well used.

He walked into Peggy's, then stopped short and gave the guy trying to flirt with an android a quizical look before taking a seat in a booth.

A hooded, trench coated figure walks oddly along the road. Their gait suggests that they have an abnormal step. Brief glimpses of their feet reveals that they are far from human. they are something paw-like. The back of the trench coat bulges around the waist area and the figure has on a pack that looks like it was pulled out of a dumpster.

The figure slowly walks up to the diner's door, pulls their overly large hood lower, and opens the door. The figure stands at around six and a half feet tall and the hand that opens the door seems like some mix between a human and a frog. It has four fingers with the middle two unevenly elongated. As soon as they open the door, a wave of odor assaults the nostrils of all those who are in the establishment. It is a horrific amalgamation between wet dog and intense body odor.

Without a word, the figure moves to an empty booth and flops down on the seat. They laboriously slide to the opposite end and lean tiredly against the wall.

The android doesn't move to serve the two customers nor to ask them what they ordered.

"That's three," he says to himself.

A little ways off, an old junker of a truck, back filled with oddities and ends pulls up. Stepping out, is a tall man with obviously dyed purple hair, near lavender atop, darker shades lower. Covered in an obviously worn duster, loosely open. The only apparent tool upon his person is an old beat up flare gun, and if one looks close enough, the odds and ends that make up his custom med kit scattered around his attire. Upon his back was an old worn bag that looks mainly empty, looking soft to the touch, perhaps filled with bedding material.
Slapping the back end of the truck to signify to the driver the man calls out, “I’m glad I could help you with that leg and some of the spar parts. Thanks for the ride old timer. Just remember, Step-don’t twist, your leg needs time to heal.”

Taking note of the two sets of signs, “….How sanitary could food be out this way? ..Not that I have the credits for anything really. Maybe they’ll be sick from the food and I can trade a checkup for a meal.” Entering Peggy’s diner, takin the sight in-and the other fellows within and thinks to himself ‘…There were suppose to be team members, are these it? Was there a password? I really should have asked-or maybe I should stop accepting calls when I’m still mostly asleep… Ah, an android.. So, medical care for food is probably out.’

Waving hello to the Diner staff, smelling what was left behind by the hooded figure, and making note to try and scan that person for some kind of long term illness in the future. Zellgato sits down and ponders if they have a menu-and what the cheapest item would be. If we’re early or keeping cover, sitting here staring at a wall not eating isn’t a great start.
[

Hearing the other Android speak, Archeron takes not and begins looking around the room at the tactical options.

Szreem reviews the message from RAIN as their vehicle approaches the drop-off point, then hides their weapons on their person. They've been in the form of an unremarkable middle-aged man for the past few hours, a face they've constructed over a while to be forgettable. The man gets out of the car and walks on the road until he reaches the diners. Deciding Peggy's seems a more likely meeting place and hearing a few voices from inside, he enters the building. He wears cheap, frayed, loose clothing under a thick coat, and stays quiet, leaning against a wall and watching the others.
Sleight of hand to conceal weapons: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Disguise using change form: 1d20 + 13 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 10 = 30
Pretty good rolls to start a game with, that's encouraging. :)

Archeron takes note of the new entry by says nothing.

"That's five boss," the concealed figure croaks. Their voice has a regular pitch, but a croaking aspect that is grating on the ears. They shift slightly, the open part of the hood now facing the android. "Your the boss right?" they continue once more, "You've assembled a merry band of misfits I can only assume. Whatcha want from us circuit-for-brain?"

Von Junzt is a 30-something man, with average looks but stunning dark eyes and a smile that can draw attention from the entire room. He has dark hair and is just under 6 ft. tall. He's wearing a ragged old suit with a winter coat on top, also pretty beaten up.

"Looks like it's going to be a busy night, huh Peggy? A bit of a rough crowd - your usual customers? Nobody's ordering.", he comments, taking a sip of his cawfee.

Hearing the other Android speak, Archeron takes not and begins looking around the room at the tactical options.

** spoiler omitted **

You could gather information that anyone is releasing from their various devices. You could also get information from an increasingly falsified internet. Peggy's about to lock down outgoing communications though.

"That's five boss," the concealed figure croaks. Their voice has a regular pitch, but a croaking aspect that is grating on the ears. They shift slightly, the open part of the hood now facing the android. "Your the boss right?" they continue once more, "You've assembled a merry band of misfits I can only assume. Whatcha want from us circuit-for-brain?"

"I'm not the boss," replies 'Peggy.' "I'm not even in the company anymore."

"Looks like it's going to be a busy night, huh Peggy? A bit of a rough crowd - your usual customers? Nobody's ordering.", he comments, taking a sip of his cawfee.

"We don't usually have any customers," says the android.

"Gentle- ...Gentlepeople, you all know why you're here. Or, well, you might. I don't. No one tells me anything. Forget it," says 'Peggy.' He flicks a button behind the counter and a faint hum starts. He hands the remote control for the diner's video screens to von Junzt saying only "Any channel" and, then, heads out the door.

The android takes a cigarette out of a pack in his apron, leans against the wall of the diner near the door, and begins to smoke outside.

as that is smoking somewhat near Zellgato.
While being a bit relieved he doesn't have to scroung for cover food, is also disappointed that he didn't get a free meal. As the android starts to smoke, Zellgato clicks on his enviromental suit, and clicks his Microlab to note if the smoke is anything but normal cig smoke.

Giving the android a shrug emphesizing the 'Eh lung cancer yakno?' idea, and sits back to watch the video.

physical science+4circ via Chemalyzer Microlab: 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 4 = 27 to confirm its just normal smoke-as opposed to something odd.
sleight of hand to activate it while he's activating his enviro suit. Just for flare/less obvious: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

The android is smoking outside, so I'm not sure how well the chemalyzer will detect it, but it is normal smoke.

"Gentle- ...Gentlepeople, you all know why you're here. Or, well, you might. I don't. No one tells me anything. Forget it," says 'Peggy.' He flicks a button behind the counter and a faint hum starts. He hands the remote control for the diner's video screens to von Junzt saying only "Any channel" and, then, heads out the door.

The android takes a cigarette out of a pack in his apron, leans against the wall of the diner near the door, and begins to smoke outside.

"Have a good smoke, Peggy", von Junzt says, watching as the android leaves.

He stands up, holding his cup of cawfee and approaches the largest screen of the establishment. "Alright, everyone, amateur night is over. Put a lid on it and let's watch some TV". He turns it on and increases the volume until it overwhelms the place.

It's around this point that a backfiring, ramshackle truck pulls up to the point. The truck rocks on its suspension as a huge (okay, largish) black furred bear gets out of the back.

"Gracias vecinos. ¡Manejen con cuidado!" The bear says in posh Spanish before turning and surveying the scene as he lifts a backpack out of the back of the truck and nods to the driver. At that point the truck drives away.

At first glance the bear appears to be dressed casually. On top of the largest pair of cargo pants you have ever seen is an over-sized t-shirt which appears to have the phrase "Can't we hug it out?" written on it.

A slightly sharper look immediately determines that odd reflections on the clothing are indicative of clear body armor which must be worn over this clothing.

Walking over to the location with the smoking android, the bear nods and enters the cafe.

Walking over to the location with the smoking android, the bear nods and enters the cafe.

The android snorts derisively as Gristlethorn passes through the door. This took some work for him to do as he doesn't seem to have been designed to snort derisively.

"Late. When I was on the job, I was never late for a briefing. Not one bloody time. Does it make a diff-" The closing of the door cuts off 'Peggy's' complaint.

The screens light up and a man's silhouette comes into focus on the screen, bright light of a setting sun stream through the window behind him.

Someone skilled in Geography could figure the rough location of the man on the screen based on this and the time of day where you are. He's east of the Appalachians, you can tell that.

"Good. Everybody's hear," says the man in a somewhat gravelly voice.

"Apologies for that." Gristlethorn says with a slight bow. "Would have been here sooner, but finding a ride heading in this direction turned out to be trickier than even I was expecting."

In a much quieter voice. 'Next time if you want the large bear to be on time provide a ride.'

Szreem's eyes widen slightly when the bear comes through the door. They'd interacted with Uplifted before, but seeing one as a teammate for an infiltration mission was a first. Seems RAIN's tapping some non-traditional people to do this, myself included. Must be something important.
When the TV flickers on, Szreem stops leaning on the wall and stands up, focus on the man in the screen.

As the group filed in an the Android behind the counter filed out, Archeron stood and began removing his clothing.

First, he unzippered his jacket and hoodie and then pulled off his shoulder holster which contained a pistol, revealing his android torso. He then opened his travelling pack and pulled out a metal case and parts of armor, the breastplate of which he donned once he was just down to a plain white T-Shirt Hello, Delilah!.

He next removed his engineer boots and jeans and replaced them with the armored pants that were neatly folded inside his pack. Finally he swapped out his boots for a pair of dark reinforced combat boots.

As the TV flickered to life, the android opened the metal case and began to assemble some sort of longarm.

Throughout this he worked efficiently, with little wasted movement.

"OH!" the figure exclaims, "A robo-stripper!" Now this is classy!"

"Ooohhh!" the hooded figure says sarcastically waving their hands slightly a few times in front of them after the image speaks. The waving brought the sleeves of the trench coat down to the elbows and revealed their arms. It was an unnerving mix between frog and human, complete with a solid green tint. "Is that going to be it major obvious?" they say to the screen, their croaky voice still grating on ears. In a way that just makes you wince slightly. "I mean, you appear on a screen and the best intro you can think of is 'Good. Everybody's here.'" halfheartedly trying to imitate the gravelly voice. "You've got the setup for ominous with the whole silhouette thing. Something like 'I'm none of your business. Here's the mission..'. Now all I expect is for you to start reading the news. You got more to say Walter Cronkite?"

While waiting for the gravelly voiced man to continue, Zellgato takes some time in his seat, to review the basics of bear biology. Not a species he had to patch up that often in the past. Better to make note of unique interactions with his serums.

Grisslethorn nods to the group and puts his backpack on the ground. He remains standing, however, but leans casually against a wall instead.

“Yes, sir, we are all here. One might say, “the circus has come to town”. When you contacted my people you said this was an infiltration, which requires finesse - but it seems you have recruited the rest of the crew from a radioactive wasteland or a bankrupt warzone. Sir. Please enlighten us - are we going to a refugee camp, or an insane asylum?”, von Junzt pontificates, looking around the room and smiling at his colleagues. “Calm down, you bunch of murderers. Let’s hear what our busy host has to say - he couldn’t show up in person, but at least the transmission is live. I suppose”, he finishes his cawfee.

Arching his eyebrow at the commentary, "You've never been to a war refugee camp, or a tent city have you then? But yes, I agree, lets listen."

The man on the screen coughs again, takes a drink of water, and says, "Oh, my. So, can everyone see me? No? Should I adjust the lighting? LIGHTS ON ... LIGHTS ON ... Just a second." The man leaves the chair and the room brightens and the shades descend. He sits back down. "There we are. Now everyone can see everyone. Great."

"Glad you all could make it. Any problems finding the place? No? Excellent."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Zellgato puts on a business smile and watches, and internally groans a bit.
But perhaps if all goes well, maybe in the future a useful contact. Depending on if this is his intention, or if he's just a useful kindly middleman.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Szreem shakes his head no in response to the man's question. He wears a patient smile on his face, though they seem slightly impatient with a closer look, as his foot taps the floor slightly.

"I'm not going to ask you to go around the room and introduce yourselves. You will have lots of time to get to know each other. We've got a problem and we need some people we can trust to take care of it and, gentle-people, you're it!"

He pauses and looks at his notes, "In about 30 minutes a convoy of food and medicine is going to stop to recharge at the pylons across the road from where you are. It will be heading to ARIZ-29, a refugee camp in the Rio Grande Recovery Area. We would like you to join the convoy and travel with it to the camps. Let me show you why."

He pauses and presses a few buttons and then a few more and then asks someone for help. Someone comes over and helps, but stays out of camera view. The screen goes dark and then a video appears of a man preaching to a large crowd in what looks like a refugee camp. A woman stands behind him and another man stands at his side. They are dressed in white and, in the bright desert sun, are practically shining. The man waves a datapad over his head while he preaches. People seem to be distributing food from baskets in front of him.

The video continues to play, but Mr. New Washington talks over it, "The Regional Authorities cannot be seen to be interfering in freedom of religion right now. We are committing to gradual restoring Democratic rights to all. However, this cult or religious group is spreading fast. They seem to have started here, but have already spread to other camps and nearby towns. We sent two RAIN agents to investigate. After several weeks, they did not report back in. You can see them standing on stage beside him now. We believe they have been converted to this belief system, whatever it is."

"We wouldn't normally send six people on an infiltration mission, but we do not understand what we are dealing with. We cannot afford another Nevada 7 type incident. If this group is dangerous, we will need to respond. Questions?"

"Perhaps you should specify mission parameters and success/failure conditions?" said Archeron without bothering to look up from his work.

"Perhaps you should specify mission parameters and success/failure conditions?" said Archeron without bothering to look up from his work.

** spoiler omitted **

I intended to answer in saying... "You could gather information that anyone is releasing from their various devices. You could also get information from an increasingly falsified internet. Peggy's about to lock down outgoing communications though." This is to say you can try to get information about people after 'Peggy' allows outgoing transmissions.

I think this could be a lot of fun though ... since you're basically searching online for stuff about the other PCs, I'll let them tell you what you find. It may not be something they would want found. But, that's after the mission briefing when you can get online.

"Perhaps you should specify mission parameters and success/failure conditions?" said Archeron without bothering to look up from his work.

"Excellent question!" says Mr. New Washington. "Well, if the RAIN agents you see in the video have not been compromised, but have gone off mission for some other reason, provide them with assistance as necessary. If this organization is dangerous enough to justify an incursion into the camps, we will need irrefutable evidence of this. Get that evidence, get out, and get it back to your contact at the diner."

"I've got a question as well.--Did the previous two agents have any specialties in particular? It might lend us a heads up advantage to know."

Lol we cross-posted Tarren.

Hearing the actual mission, Archeron immediately stops what he's doing and begins to backtrack. He disassembles the half-finished weapon and returns it to the case. He then quickly removes his armor and redons his clothing, in the exact opposite way that he put it on: pants and boots first, then replacing his tactical armor with his holster, hoodie, and jacket. He then repacks his pack before finally raising his eyes and looking at the screen.

"I've got a question as well.--Did the previous two agents have any specialties in particular? It might lend us a heads up advantage to know."

"Agent Rena is an extrapath. She can project her emotions onto other people, calming them, making them happy. It allows her to manipulate people by changing how they feel while she talks."

"Agent Burns is an engineer. He was sent under the cover of repairing the water capture and filtration system."

"If the woman has been turned, that might make things rather difficult." Archeron noted off-handedly.

"In 30 minutes! Really? Wow...the planning could have been a bit better..Also," the figure pauses slightly to turn to the android, "Ya' think? I'm glad to know that you can at least make it as a stripper."

The figure scoots along the booth seat and then stands up. They take their hands and push back the hood. It is hard to say what the most disturbing thing about this being. One would argue that the overly wide mouth with the seemingly squashed face, giving it a half frog-like feel. Or the strange donkey ears protruding on each side of the head. It holds up its hands in placation. "I know, I know. I look like some gene spliced pincushion...because I am. But, that's gonna make me fit in. All you fancy faces, your on your own. I get things done, don't get in my way." With that, he walks out of the diner.

After exiting the diner IX climbs into the remains of Penny's and finds a spot to sleep.

“Off goes the Frog Prince, still waiting for the kiss that will release him from his curse…” comments von Junzt, a bit introspective.

“Alright, Sir, let’s make this brief”, he starts enumerating his questions holding just as many fingers:

“First, is this convoy collecting stragglers along the way to the camp? Or should we sneak into the vehicles while they are stationary? Are they guarded, with security forces and or technological barriers?”

“Second, how far away from here is that refugee camp? Is it guarded better than the convoy? Why not just walk into the camp as refugees?”

“Third, should we extract your other agents? Do you have some secret handshake that will identify us as fellow employees from RAIN?”

“Fourth, how much murdering are you expecting for this mission? The Frog Prince doesn’t strike me as much of a negotiator, and Papa Bear might make blonde little children run away in fear.”

“Fifth, what kind of assistance can we expect if the mission is compromised? If we get captured, will you negotiate our ransom? Perhaps sent another team after us?”.

“Sixth. What is actually going on? Sir.”

Zellgato sighs-out loud this time. It was his choice but sometimes he misses his old group. Taking out his note pad and begins taking notes of the questions and answers. Apparently someone is too cool for school-or in this case, breifings.

"For the record, I'd love to avoid wanton murder. That's why I'm not in the military. If they're a$@@&*!s who are actually hurting folks? Sure. But a random caravan guard doing his job, less so."

"Excuse me,"[b] Gristlethorn interrupts the human, [b]"But little children absolutely love me. The problem is usually the opposite, it's hard to shake the cubs off when I do something they shouldn't be a party to."

Gristlethorn nods to Zellgato. "Agreed. Good guards are hard to find these days....well I suppose a 'good' anyone is hard to find these days. We need to save as many as possible and encourage them to breed into the population."

Looking over at the screen Gristlethorn addresses 'Mr. New Washington.'
Sense Motive w/Expertise: 1d20 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (7) + (4) + 5 = 16
"Do we know anything about the cult's belief system? I'm assuming its not something along the lines of 'kill all the freaks' or you would have picked a different team."

Gristlethorn's online presence is relatively light, or rather very little of it is self-authored. You do gather that he was relatively recently promoted from a diplomatic attache to full diplomat, but the reasons why varies from source to source. Options include things like a daring talk-down of a hostage situation, negotiating water rights with indigenous tribe, and eating his previous superior.

Gristlethorn's own profile shows that he really likes to play card games (represented by the gaming kit he carries) but professes not to be a great player. (This is contradicted by many of the comments, which vary between 'he's a card shark' to 'Always let the bear win.') He's also very popular with the ladies, as about half the people who follow him are female.

"In 30 minutes! Really? Wow...the planning could have been a bit better..Also," the figure pauses slightly to turn to the android, "Ya' think? I'm glad to know that you can at least make it as a stripper."

"The convoy will arrive in 30 minutes. It will take several hours to recharge. You have some time while they are here."

Szreem waits until "Mr. New Washington has finished answering the other's questions before asking their own, to avoid overwhelming him.
"Is this convoy one that the Regional Authority is sending?
Is it normal for refugees to join food convoys? Even if those refugees are nonhuman?" He glances at Gristlethorn.
"How long had Agents Rena & Burns been working for RAIN?
What do when know about the beliefs of this group? How large is it, and how long has it been around?"
Szreem probably has a few different online presences set up for various different identities they have, but none are very active. If one could access the data files from when the Astrazoans were exposed, one could find a great deal of information, including Szreem's actual name, but they've taken care to eliminate any hints that their current identities could be related to that.
And I'm sure the Children of Gaia are a completely normal and innocuous cult! Everything will definitely be totally fine. :)

“First, is this convoy collecting stragglers along the way to the camp? Or should we sneak into the vehicles while they are stationary? Are they guarded, with security forces and or technological barriers?”

"It's quite common for refugees to follow food and medicine convoys, particularly since distribution to camps is based on numbers. The convoys don't mind as long as it doesn't become a security problem. If you have skills the convoy might find useful, advertise them; otherwise, quietly slip in among the refugees trailing the convoy."

"Now, we have one contact inside the convoy. She will make herself known to you once you've joined."

“Second, how far away from here is that refugee camp? Is it guarded better than the convoy? Why not just walk into the camp as refugees?”

"The camp will have an advantage to integrate you at the time the convoy arrives to boost their numbers. These numbers get reported back to the donating agencies and justify future larger shipments. We feel the arrival of the convoy is the perfect time for you to get in. "

“Third, should we extract your other agents? Do you have some secret handshake that will identify us as fellow employees from RAIN?”

"Tell them Mother is looking for them. If they question you, tell them mother's name is 3128. That's their handler. But, only share that with them if you believe they are still on mission. By now they should have left the camp and reported back in. That they haven't worries us."

“Fourth, how much murdering are you expecting for this mission? The Frog Prince doesn’t strike me as much of a negotiator, and Papa Bear might make blonde little children run away in fear.”

"Murder is such a harsh word ... but massacre is harsher. We really, really want to avoid another massacre. So, please, gentlepeople, let's keep the body count minimal."

He pauses and reflect, "Say, no more than you can count on your fingers? Does that sound fair?"

“Fifth, what kind of assistance can we expect if the mission is compromised? If we get captured, will you negotiate our ransom? Perhaps sent another team after us?”.

"If the mission is compromised, get out. Get out fast."

“Sixth. What is actually going on? Sir.”

He pauses and then sighs, "I wish I f$@&ing knew."

"Do we know anything about the cult's belief system? I'm assuming its not something along the lines of 'kill all the freaks' or you would have picked a different team."

"You are correct. Many of these camps are notoriously xenophobic. Humans only. Mutants not allowed. The Uplifted, even less so. ARIZ-29 was one of the worst and was controlled by a gang called the Devil's Bridge Brigade. They'd also taken over the nearby town of East Chapel. Shortly after the Children of Gaia showed up among the refugees, everything changed."

"The Devil's Bridge Brigade gave up the camp voluntarily and moved their members to East Chapel turning the camp over to the Children."

"The Devil's Bridge Brigade maintain peace in East Chapel and do preliminary screening for the camp. It's run with military efficiency and has begun submitting medical survey data to the Regional Authorities. How the Children of Gaia turned a gang of bikers into a field hospital, we do not know. I'd like you to ask them."

"Do we know anything about the cult's belief system? I'm assuming its not something along the lines of 'kill all the freaks' or you would have picked a different team."

"Back to your question though, from what we've heard, East Chapel welcomes all, and the notoriously xenophobic Devil's Bridge Brigade is the very sincere welcoming party."

Archeron ignored any comments about his change of attire and instead asked questions of Mr. New Washington:

"Do we have a map of the camp? Anything that resembles numbers of people in the camp, and breakdown by species?"

"Also, what crimes were the biker gang known for? Do we have any information on their membership or leadership? Do they have any enhanced among their numbers?"

"The Devil's Bridge Brigade maintain peace in East Chapel and do preliminary screening for the camp. It's run with military efficiency and has begun submitting medical survey data to the Regional Authorities. How the Children of Gaia turned a gang of bikers into a field hospital, we do not know. I'd like you to ask them."

"Can't tell how much of that was sarcasic about the sincere welcoming party... But if its a field hospital, I can probably poke around--chances are they'll want for another hand. I can't imagine sanitation is up to motel standards."

Von Junzt's presence in his former megacorp social gatherings and employees information would be considered shameful, so most of his data was scrubbed legally and, within boundaries, illegally. You probably won’t find anything important on him outside of copies kept in private servers, and still, most of his dirty work was done away from the public spotlight. Before joining the working force, he lived in an isolated commune, that shunned invasions of privacy, so his infancy and adolescence are a mystery.

Von Junzt looks over the counter, trying to find the jar of cawfee left behind by Peggy. "And how much time do we have to complete our mission, Sir?"

I see discussion about the resell value of Starfinder items being only 10%. That seems to be intended to keep people from making a fortune by looting bodies and selling their weapons.

That's not what you're doing though, so, let's say that the NightArch revolver retains 50% of its value as you reconfigure it (75% of its value with a DC 20 Engineering check).

Opted not to. Its just too valuable to his backstory in the end.
I'll settle up tonight and update the Paizo page as well.
I'm thinking Caustoject+Sniper scope for 1750.

Then I'll look at if I have enough small bits and bobs to sell for 150UPB. I was wanting the ability crystal INT. Fluff wise was him getting one to make him remember the bad times, the military that went sideways, the friends lost, the missions they scraped a win in, the people he saved. To get his edge back.
Quick google implies you can't sell Fusions or I'd sell Mercy for it haha. I've got a few hodge podge of items and weapons
Nor does starfinder have Earn Income for downtime I see.

Thanks for bearing with me~ I'd made "style and design" choices for Zellgato since it was a one shot previously. So tried to think of how he would react ultimately.

Mytweaver's backup sheet
Update. as well as the Paizo version. Posting this to be sure I'm not miscalcuating something somewhere.
1750 on Caustolance Liquidator and Sniper scope.
40 on hacking and trapsmith kits (Can't do Mystic traps tho)
20 on an extra battery
1810 Leaving 1190

Sold injection stick 12.5 (10%)
Sold NIghtarch Injetion Revolver for 10% (165)+Fusions's value on said revolver (2x44) for a total of 249
Added to the left over 1451.5
Use that for the Abilty Crystal to unlock his previously partially sealed memories, to bring him back to battle fitness.
I'll keeep the concealed compartments (although nothing in them now) since they won't sell enough to replace.

Left over 51.5+1 I had prior to payday. though I should look at food or a healing serum.

Sorry for all that weirdness there. I was fighting the "original Zellgato story" and the story that Zellgato became/what I would make him as if I understood starfinder back then (or if I were to use in in a different future game). Since I built him based on something originally but now he's his own character. Also had built him as a one shot and now transitioning him to one shot+another one shot (or more as we go)
I basically just soft switched his "Former commander's revolver" to the Flaregun he carries being his former commander's memento. Which let me sell the revolver.

I just noticed Zellgato has sleight of hand.

Yup.. and secret hidden compartments in his armour.
He's got his second phone computer (off) in there, used to keep his hide out revolver in there. but it is mostly empty currently.

edit:
Yep currently only the extra "private" phone of his, set to off etc.
So he has 1.8 worth of bulk available space in those. I think Phone communicators are L. They might be -. Nethys is down so I can't look.

Alright with 3,000 credits I'm going shopping:

275 Ion Tape
10 Zapstick
120 Smoke Grenades x 3
120 Battery x 2
75 Stomach Tabs (box of ten)
1400 Stat Booster (Technology(+2Charisma)

Not sure what to do with the last thousand. Part of me says Jump Jets, but I'm not sure this character actually needs them.

Jump Jets are fun. If you wanted some generalized suggestions on useful items.
Descent Thrusters are also rather useful for emergencies. (This is and hididen pockets are personal favs of mine)
Slipshot pistol might not be bad, gives you a Projectile weapon. I'm worried about Zellgato since he no longer rhas an alternate damage type and only has Acid. But i'm paranoid. It also lets you fire even further more readily.

You could get Sights which'll let you fire further (or better vs cover).
Could probalby pair the sights and the Skipshot for quite a lot of range before penalties. I did something similar-zellgato has Farshot and a Scoped Rifle. He can't use slipshot since he uses injections.
but the combo is nice if you need alternate damage type or range.

Flame Pistol (which I wish I would've snagged) or some other AOE Line isn't a horrible plan if it fits your character's life style. I don't thinnk small arms have many AOE style ones. Actually flame pistols pair very interestingly with Double Tap.

There are also fusions.

There are also every day things. compasses, big flashlights, sleeping gear. rations. cordage. Med Packs/healing serums, radiation sweepers, goggles,Took kits (engineering, survivla, etc), scanners, long range microphones, cameras, Detenators+modified grenades. Damaging grenades.
I love how Starfinder has so many mundane every day items that are actually useful.
Computers as well, i'm not sure how useful they are. I've never really toyed with them outside of the personal communicator (which are Tier 0 computers)

If I'd planned better I would've gotten far more Starfinder Tool Kits. Or at least thieves tools, and maybe the sniper's blinds.

Approriate Level = My current level right?

Concerning Drugs/poison that target specific Subtypes or specific Sicknesses. Are those going to be random? Or can I chose the one I want. (Or spend time later to change the target).
An example (assuming approriate level = our level) is Biocide as well as Counteractant (though this one doesn't require specific afflection to vs like Vaccine I think).
Would be interesting and powerful. Would also make sense it would be an effect they would be testing in the lab. Since I"m trying to stick with stuff that would make sense for the room we're in.

I'm really not knowledgeable enough about drugs and poisons, but I was thinking close to your level, yes. I picked three things to send with you and when Zellgato gets a chance he can figure out what they are. You can choose the other three and then can be anything you want close to your level.

As for the changing the specific target, I think you should probably choose from the specific subtype.

Mostly what they've been testing in the lab has been things to slow the creature's takeover of Von Junzt. The other Gaian has been the control case.

Cool Beans. I'll avoid Biocide then. Its strong and awesome, but we don't have enough info on their subtypes etc, even with the scans. Much less the functional liklihood that they would have biocide sitting there. Unless it was their termination plan~.

I'll read over the choices during lunch tomorrow at work then.

Counteractant Tier 1 In case we get infected somehow.
Turbocurarine Which is a nice way to possibly shut someone down for a few turns (or long if they have really bad luck)
Insanity Mist Will be the last one. For fear of casters/also to provide a different vector for poisoning (inhaled and also injection yay)

We're not level 5, so tier 2 is out boounds on these, [though if were were doing level 5 Would switch Turbo out for Dreamshiver drugs for one of em.Strong effect if lucky.

Oh and here is a handy info stat on Poisons (and some drugs) Info link
Did you want a hiking gear list? Or just assume we get some rations, weather gear, my Mobile Hotilier (which may or may not be a big target on a mountain). Zellgato would llikely add some flares to that list. They're useful survival wise, and he's only gotten one since he used up all his last before. I'd have to look up hiking gear haha

That all sounds good. Hiking and climbing gear, weather gear, the hotilier, the flares, ... The drugs sound reasonable. Zellgato will, once he has a chance to inspect them, finds out what the other three contain.

Two contain polymorphic serum, but it's hard to tell what it's been set to polymorph the drinker into without a thorough analysis. The third is a regeneration serum

Ah if the drug is valid then I"ll switch out Turbo for Dreamshiver. The better to knock out Von Junzt if it comes to it.

Counteractant, Insanity Mist, Dreamshiver Drug. + Some cool serums and hiking/winter gear etc. Neat.

Sorry for being gone, work was nuts this week (first week back in office) and I'd get home, pull up the tabs to post, and then get distracted and forget about it.

I get that. There have been a few days since I started PbPs, especially in the last few months, where it felt less like fun and more like work to post and I posted minimally and let the players keep it going.

For the most part though, having a story to tell keeps me sane. If I don't have something to do with the part of my brain not required by real life, I fill my mind with social drama instead. So, thanks for the help keeping me sane and I totally understand slowing down when it feels like work.

Yeah... World is nutter butters. So plenty of times its good to vege out some

Hey folks so this is Vrog Skyreaver/Archeron/Fanger. Sorry about the spam if we were in multiple games together.

Unfortunately, I have some bad news. I currently do not have access to my main account. I have opened a ticket to Paizo, but from the email I got back from them, it's not looking like I'll be able to access my account any time soon.

I would have posted sooner but I didn't even think about making an alt until now.

As it's not fair to everyone to make them wait, I'm going to withdraw from the game. If I get me account fixed and the game is still ongoing, I'll reach back out to see about joining.

Thank you for letting me play with you all, and I hope you all have a great game!

Ah wow I hope you didn't lose content you paid for. Hope your account returns to you safely

I'm unsure what the GM wants to do since its down to two. (and neither of us are battle orientated haha).

As a side note.
On Aug 5th they had actually updated the core rule book so if you have a PDF you can download and a lot of new things.

Like apparently lowered cost grenades i"m told, amoung other changes (some feat changes too).
Wonder how long until Nethys and such changes it. I redownloaded and will just reread the book i guess

Sorry for my silence. Vrog is in two games with me and will be missed. I actually thought Archeron was quite successful in this mission. Without taking out the power, I doubt anyone would have escaped before Peggy busted in with Pink Penny looking to settle a score with someone who'd actually long ago been replaced by a raktavarna.

I'm sorry, Vrog, that you won't be around for a bit.

As for what we should do, I'm not sure. We could recruit for a couple of characters; we'd probably find some to join us.

We could always call it quits and you'd be welcome in the next game I make, which would probably be Pathfinder's River Into Darkness, probably PF1e not updated to 2e.

I'm fine either way. It does very much feel like Vrog is part of the main group for this game. So it does feel awkward without.

I'd never heard of River of Darkness. But I'd be fine with anything. I'm rather fond of this pbp group overall. Seem to mesh f airly well. But So I'd be fine with new set up. I'm also fine if you want brand new set of folks as well.
Does RoD have any specific requirements or restrictions on it?

Yep. I'm surprised anyone survived the first portion of the story. We were so split up that really it was a series of events that happend to result in escapes.

River Into Darkness is basically Heart of Darkness / Apocalypse Now set in Golarion.

The characters are heading up river, on a boat, deeper towards something dark, greedy, and colonizing.

In a way, it asks for the same kind of characters as this PbP did ... the desperate, outcasts, people living on the edge, people driven to the edge ... What would make someone desperate enough for coin to take a job heading deep into unknown dangers despite being warned away.

It could be great with people who wanted to roleplay characters.

In this story, I kind of expected things would get haywire. I planned a distraction for the second day that would give a chance for things to open up if you ended up captured. In the end, you were all out of there before Peggy arrived. I had hoped to reveal more about what was going on before things went haywire, but it was a fun game and full of surprises.

I did appreciate Archeron's hitting the lights. Sorry he's gone.

Yep. Robo team play from the outside. Its why I couldn't stand to leave him behind as a player. We almost managed to pull the group together again at several points but misalignments occured haha. Shame I couldn't manage saving VJ. Although I don't think anyone was expecting willing infection scenario. Was a neat twist.

Ah, that P1 game sounds pretty neat. I havea friend (the one I asked about this game before but she'd never done starfinder) who would probably apply for that one if you host that sorta thing.

Heart of Darkness commentary kind of makes me want to try Fuse -who is my Gunchemist; weird, book loving, will generally try eating anything. Or potentially the Talismen Occultist. Haven't assigned a personality to that one yet though as I've never played them yet.

So is the adventure suspended?

I guess so. I'd continue it, but only after recruiting more players.

Gristlethorn is a fun character. I'd be happy to see him continue.

What do you think? Recruit more or suspend it?

I'm quite open with either choice. I like these characters. but if you're feeling a different game I'm also fine with that.

Could open up and see who might be interested. I don't know anyone. I have that one friend but she doesn't know starfinder well enough to want to (despite pbp being a great one to learn on).

I'll go bug her again and see if she has interest.

Agreed. I do like these characters, but if you're feeling something different, just let us know.

I know campaign fatigue can get to anyone.

You know, it's kind of funny actually that you are the two players that are still here. I had to create some NPCs for another PbP, and I kind of kept Gristlethorn and Zellgato in my mind as I did.

I didn't use any names--they were an unnamed masked man and an uplifted bear--but I had Gristlethorn and Zellgato in the back of my mind. They were there mostly for the exposition.

They were NPCs from another world who shared a common enemy. The story just saw them return to their world with new information to try to take out a common enemy from their side while my other group of players was trying to shut down that common enemy's infiltration into their dimension.

I don't know if it would be weird to you, but if the two of you wanted to take these characters and jump through a dimensional gate, the groundwork has already been laid for you to show up in my other PbP, I just wasn't really planning it that way. I just enjoyed your roleplaying and kind of used you both as my muses. I didn't do justice to either character, but Gristlethorn could just have been feeling shy.

Also, Skyreaver just left that game too, unfortunately, and we've added a character recently, so it's not like it's a fixed group that would be bothered by new players.

It wouldn't even be weird for you to pop in, but I'd still ask the players in that group if anyone objects, but I don't see why they would. They seemed to like their compatriots from another dimension.

I would need to give you a briefing on the agency that hired you and a few minor details. I kind of advanced your careers a little bit in my head. You got some more important work with NARA and then the Big Bad Common Enemy destroyed your timeline and you've been working to save it.

Or, we could continue with this story and recruit more players.

I’m from that other game. All four players agree you guys are welcome to join us!

So a dimension hopping kinda game? That sounds pretty narratively intersting. From a quick snooping its mixed pathfidner starfinder? I never thought about that. Works well? Feel like to hits/acs would be a bit different there (also stamina-like, a theorm I almost chose can heal HP but not stamina-and pathfinder spells heal only hp etc). but sounds interesting.

I'm fine with either story. If Gris is up to it, I'm also fine making a hop over. Though if we're shifting Narratives a bit like that. Are we same level? Or are we changing over to their levels? (Assuming levels are diff).

Sounds like a fair bit o fun. I might snoop the thread at work lunch today.

Although if Zell and Gris are dimension hunting via jobs I might see about a soft reboot of Zellgato. same character/ concept but built/money spent better now that I know more about Starfindner. Depdnging of course what the GM wants and what the briefing entails. (i.e. if we're hopping from this world to that. or if we're hopping from 'non discribed world' and we're just slotting in the character into that world as if they were there previously)

Whats your opinion Gristlethorn?

It’s Starfinder, but the GM added some houserule stuff that may or may not have a touch of PF.

It’s actually the only PbP I’ve ever played that I can go back and read. If you read the first two pages, you’ll know the major characters. The two woman with V names left the party. Where you and Bear Guy come in is the third episode. (I consider us to be in the fourth now.)

The first post of p.23 has Theo answering Nissa’s question about the morality of not killing bad guys. I don’t know if the GM intended this, but that question gets explored repeatedly throughout the third episode (especially by p.36).

_____

I love that avatar. He looks like Dr. Strangelove.

_____

EDIT - current level is 4.

I like the idea myself.

I like the idea myself.

Excellent. I'll start preparing a briefing, so that you don't feel overwhelmed or that you need to read the whole PbP. I'll focus on introducing the Tarotverse and things that you would have learned since.

So a dimension hopping kinda game? That sounds pretty narratively intersting. From a quick snooping its mixed pathfidner starfinder? I never thought about that. Works well? Feel like to hits/acs would be a bit different there (also stamina-like, a theorm I almost chose can heal HP but not stamina-and pathfinder spells heal only hp etc). but sounds interesting.

It is Starfinder, but World Z--what I'm calling the world of the PbP for now--is a world with superheroes, so we allowed some tweaking and creativity in design as long as no one ended up overpowered. I don't think anyone did.

I'm fine with either story. If Gris is up to it, I'm also fine making a hop over. Though if we're shifting Narratives a bit like that. Are we same level? Or are we changing over to their levels? (Assuming levels are diff).

They are 4th level, although, they've gained more experience at fourth level already ... We'll move everyone to fifth at the same time. I honestly don't calculate XP the way I would in a table game. PbPs are slow and people enjoy updating their characters and these PbPs are more story-driven anyhow.

Sounds like a fair bit o fun. I might snoop the thread at work lunch today.

Although if Zell and Gris are dimension hunting via jobs I might see about a soft reboot of Zellgato. same character/ concept but built/money spent better now that I know more about Starfinder. Depdnging of course what the GM wants and what the briefing entails. (i.e. if we're hopping from this world to that. or if we're hopping from 'non discribed world' and we're just slotting in the character into that world as if they were there previously)

Whats your opinion Gristlethorn?

A reboot is actually perfectly allowable and doesn't even break the 4th wall ... World 12--Zellgato's and Gristlethorn's world--is lousy with time travelers and transdimensional beings that mess with the continuum. Someone could have messed with the timeline and Zellgato's different but the same.

Following up on our discussion, I'll post some thoughts here about what could happen to Zellgato and Gristlethorn as this one-shot ends, but the characters moved on.

First of all, this story. Clearly World 12 is infested with transdimensional aliens trying to open the gates to more rakshasa. These creatures are from World X and have attempted to invade World 12 many times in history. In fighting these creatures, Zellgato and Gristlethorn could become aware of a few things:

(1) There are other worlds strangely like ours and not like ours. World X is ruled by wealthy Rakshasa while humans are slaves, or meat, or gladiators. The culture is cruel and many humans will be their souls; the Rakshasa, equally cruel, often take those bets.

(2) There are agencies on 21 other worlds, all called TAROT, although the meaning of the acronym varies. They have an HQ on World One. The 21 TAROT groups are not always in perfect agreement, but generally seemed to consist of people who fought against transdimensional invaders in their own realms. That's not all they have in commmon, but it's the main thing.

(3) World 12 is lousy with time-travellers. A group called FATE (Final Authority over Temporal Entanglements), formed by the government, was intended to use time travel to benefit World 12, but became corrupt and tried to twist the world to benefit their bloodlines. Eventually, too many temporal contradictions and messy crossovers just broke the timeline. FATE is everywhere at once and there may even be FATE agents from timelines that no longer exist fighting FATE agents in the timeline that does. The world is a mess. If it weren't for these greedy time travelers, the apocalyptic world you saw would never have happened.

(4) A TAROT formed on World 12 to stop FATE. You can decide what the acronym stands for. Its members adopted the exact same style of mask that FATE agents wore to hide their identities keep any rivals from deleting their ancestors.

As for how Gristlethorn and Zellgato found themselves a member of World 12's TAROT is up to you, but I imagine something like this could have happened ...

Not too far from the day we left our heroes off, Gristlethorn is ambushed by some Raktarna that appeared out of nowhere. As Zellgato launches a rescue, a masked man appears just in time to save Gristlethorn's butt. Zellgato welcomes the help and fights alongside our masked man. Together, they narrowly manage to pull the bear's fat out of the fire. The newcomer soon unmasks himself and reveals himself to be a much older Zellgato who came back in time to save the bear and deputize you as Agents of TAROT.

They soon find themselves a part of this strange Tarotverse of doppleganger worlds that everyone has a different explanation for.

World 12 TAROT is of the opinion that manipulations of timelines has resulted in multiple worlds co-existing.

The elves of Worlds One to 3, believe it is a divinely constructed ring of worlds, protected from temporal intrusion and transdimensional invasions by all powerful entities known as the Celestials, who work in secret to form TAROTs as a defense of these worlds.

These are things that Gristlethorn and Zellgato from the story would have known, but that might be almost all they know about TAROT. They could be fairly new to the organization.

There was one other TAROT member referred to by the 'Bear Guy' in the other PbP. His name was 'gears'. He has a magic coin that helps him work with alien machinery.

So, if the above works, how did Zellgato and Gristlethorn end up on World One when the World Z players arrived?

Future Zellgato urged them to escape from this dimension as FATE planned to eliminate them from the timeline. As long as they were offworld when this happened, even if FATE was successful, Zellgato and Gristlethorn would survive. For that reason, World 12 TAROT relocated to gather more information on FATE.

While visiting the other PbP world (World Z) Zellgato and Gristlethorn were given a picture of an unmasked Agent of FATE. Not enough, but it is a start.

Okay, that was a lot. Just spitballing here though.

The first post of p.23 has Theo answering Nissa’s question about the morality of not killing bad guys. I don’t know if the GM intended this, but that question gets explored repeatedly throughout the third episode (especially by p.36).

I think the conversation about not killing Grendel's mother started that thread off. No one expected that. Somewhere in the Great Library, by the way, exists a series of young adult fiction called The Saga of the Shield Maidens and the more adult and controversial 'Farlander' reimagining of Beowulf.

Nissa, the Subatomic Bombshell wrote:

The first post of p.23 has Theo answering Nissa’s question about the morality of not killing bad guys. I don’t know if the GM intended this, but that question gets explored repeatedly throughout the third episode (especially by p.36).

I think the conversation about not killing Grendel's mother started that thread off. No one expected that. Somewhere in the Great Library, by the way, exists a series of young adult fiction called The Saga of the Shield Maidens and the more adult and controversial 'Farlander' reimagining of Beowulf.

It was actually Nissa worrying that the Evil Wonder Twins would escape and kill again, and do we bear responsibility for the next murder victims.

True though... killing Grendel and sparing his mother were also explorations of that, and I felt like the conclusion was Grendel could not be reasoned with, but his mother can.

The pace of PbPs can be really slow. Fights by PbP can be REALLY slow. The fun, I think, is most easily found in moral debates, (not too difficult) mysteries or puzzles, great character interaction, and (not too disorienting) plot twists. I love reading the dialogue when the PCs talk to each other and I enjoy not knowing where the PCs are going to take things.

That is a pretty neat concept idea. I don't think I could come up with a better one. Its fun idea for a future zellgato saving a past, or saving an alternate one. Depending on how mishmash insanity that world's timeline is. I'd probably include Future Zellgato having fully secured Genius' future. Just to wrap up that portion of concern for Zellgato's storyline.
I also like the idea of mask wearing haha.

I'm fine with either the one showing up in their game being the 'future' Zellgato, or having been 'this games' zellgato. Though it being a future him would be funny. But also would start to imply there are multiple Zellgatos from that world running around.

What you think of it Gris? Since you'll be the one getting captured in the backstory.
=======

I'll have to snag some choice reading bits in the other discussion. but I think I'll probably skip reading most of it, that way I can get into Zell's mindset easier for random moments haha.

I can say though, without having read that situation. It sounds like Zellgato probably would've been fine with killing a consistent killer. Having been in some rough military ops, and as the main medic/gap fill. He'd understand the need for triage at times, and then dealing with the motions after.

I quite enjoy stuff like that as well! As long as it can actually end. I've had a few games where there was really good discussion-but both sides wouldn't budge and it ended up being really awkward sorta thing haha.
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Zellgato's gonna have a slight changes, but will be mainly the same. Might switch a feat (I kind of wanna try shields yakno? Its weird).
Might switch a theme or archetype. I wanna see if there are any closer to Soldier-Medic than when I built him.

Def gonna change equipment though. level 4 right (not 5 yet?) so 6,000 credits for a fresh character? (I ask as lv 5 is 10 something and an ability score)

Good looking out for Genius. One thing I didn't explore in the other PbP: when they went to World Z 2219, Masked Man and Bear Guy perhaps passed in the hall Scarlet Meadows. I don't recall if anyone used her last name around them though and they didn't talk as far as I remember.

Scarlet's grandmother was named Genius Meadows. If Z and Gris ever meet Scarlet (again?), they would see an uncanny resemblance to the World 12 Genius.

These stories have always intersected, just only in my own head.

Anyhow, when you see Scarlet again, I'll have to remember that you'll recognize her eyes immediately.

Oh. that is fantastic story inteweaving detail there.

Also kind of neat little blip of "you did something worth while"

I fine with that as an 'origin' story. Gristlethorn would totally be the person captured, as he is huge and obvious, but really just a teddy bear.

Zellgato wouldn't like letting it occur but he also has enough pragmatic to avoid being captured when its down. also he's a bit sneaky

https://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75ivkua
is the link to the other place. I have talked in discussion a bit, but not in the game itself. (been a busy stressful week. and I soft rebuilt Zellgato, going with the assumption of alternate future zellgato changing the past resulting in this one, who then goes on to learn all the world layering /time shenangans/apocolypses, on top of the body snatchers...
basically he got even more scared, and doubled down on his safer distancing debuff style. Rlying on his medic and analystics for most things but being pretty scared but knowing he has to these days sorta deal)

Basically though, just swapped some feats, stats, and changed up his equipment with a Longarm, with lenty of debuffing abilities (some buffing but most will be debuffs). Though I do need to chooese one feat. May end up weapon focus for lack of anything that fits. That would represent basic training in the military for the medics.

--
I'm thinking of not being the "masked man and uplifted bear" they met, but being past alternate selves. Just so it smoothes out the past characterizations with our characterizations. And since it'll take a long while to read all the catch up (they give highlight notes. but so far i've only read the most recent 10)

Mayhap not the most accurate place to ask a question but.

Does starfinder have any rules for milking poison/venoms?
Venom Spur was a biotech I looked at before.. but then realized it is not Operative (dex to hit), nor injection (despite injecting). It was a weapon stop gap before the Armour Slot injection blade showed up mid levels.

Was looking at my old notes, found it again. It occured to me I wonder if you could just inject the poison into a dart for an injection shot? Be a small bonus that renews 1/day.
Plus it has no scaling like normal weapons so that'd be all its worth later on