Dawn of Flame - Delving the Brightest Depths (Inactive)

Game Master Luke_Parry

John manages to scratch her, *slightly*.

She laughs, and fires back...

Red star plasma rifle: 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 16 - 4 = 13, for 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (3, 6) + 12 = 21 Electricity and Fire damage.
Red star plasma rifle: 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 16 - 4 = 18, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Electricity and Fire damage.

...scorching him slightly.

The IT nerd then fires her strange weapon...

Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 4 = 4, for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Electricity and Fire damage.
Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 4 = 23, for 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 = 11 Electricity and Fire damage.

...and actually manages to score a hit!

Taking Down The Brass Dragon, Round 6:

John (-86)
Commander Meiji Jalusann (-58)
Charrel (-)

John glares at the IT nerd.

"You are shifting from pest, to mild annoyance. Keep it up, and I will take you down."

He then turns his attention back to the Commander.

Trick: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 4 = 23 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26, for 1d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (5) = 13 Electricity damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 4 = 8, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 4 = 14, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (6, 9) + 4 = 19 damage.

The Commander snorts in derision, and reloads her weapon.

The IT nerd then fires her strange weapon again...

Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 4 = 15, for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Electricity and Fire damage.
Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 4 = 9, for 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 = 9 Electricity and Fire damage.

...but misses.

Taking Down The Brass Dragon, Round 7:

John (-86)
Commander Meiji Jalusann (-61)
Charrel (-)

John continues, stubbornly, trying to drop the Commander...

Trick: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 4 = 22 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25, for 1d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (5) = 12 Electricity damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 4 = 11, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5) + 4 = 10 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 4 = 9, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9 damage.

...but his run of bad luck continues.

John manages to scratch her, *slightly*.

She laughs, and fires back...

Red star plasma rifle: 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 4 = 31, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Electricity and Fire damage.
Red star plasma rifle: 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 16 - 4 = 25, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 Electricity and Fire damage.

...scorching him.

The IT nerd then reloads her weapon...

Taking Down The Brass Dragon, Round 8:

John (-104)
Commander Meiji Jalusann (-63)
Charrel (-)

"Frell!"

John frantically keeps firing...

Trick: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 4 = 19 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20, for 1d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (2) = 8 Electricity damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 4 = 19, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 = 12 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 4 = 9, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 = 12 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun - RP: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 4 = 22, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 = 13 damage.

...but his run of bad luck continues.

Red star plasma rifle: 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 16 - 4 = 30, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Electricity and Fire damage.
Red star plasma rifle: 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 16 - 4 = 27, for 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Electricity and Fire damage.

...scorching him slightly.

The IT nerd then fires her strange weapon...

Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 4 = 19, for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Electricity and Fire damage.
Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 4 = 18, for 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 = 9 Electricity and Fire damage.

...but misses

Taking Down The Brass Dragon, Round 9:

John (-114)
Commander Meiji Jalusann (-77)
Charrel (-)

Gritting his teeth, John goes for broke, taking a few, careful shots.

Trick: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 4 = 26 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10, for 1d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (4) = 10 Electricity damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (8, 9) + 4 = 21 damage.

Finally, despite the horrific mauling that he has received, John manages to disintegrate the Commander.

The IT nerd gulps, and desperately fires at John...

Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 4 = 9, for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Electricity and Fire damage.
Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 4 = 12, for 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 = 12 Electricity and Fire damage.

...but misses.

Taking Down The Brass Dragon, Round 10:

John (-114)
Charrel (-)

"Alright, that's enough of that!"

John attempts to eliminate Ifrit Tech Support...

Trick: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 4 = 21 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22, for 1d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (7) = 10 Electricity damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7 damage.

John manages to tag Charrel slightly, and she gasps in pain...

Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 4 = 9, for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Electricity and Fire damage.
Electrocellular Plasmaclaw: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 = 8, for 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 = 11 Electricity and Fire damage.

...which throws her already poor aim off completely.

Taking Down The Brass Dragon, Round 11:

John (-114)
Charrel (-10)

John snarls:

"I am not messing around any more!"

He then draws another pistol, and keeps firing...

Thunderstrike Sonic Pistol: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25, for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 Sonic damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13, for 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6) + 4 = 11 damage.

John's pistol shot slams into Charrel, and the machinegun bullet goes by just over her head.

Looking at the dust that was once the Commander, and reflecting upon her own highly injured state, she drops her weapon, and says, in a quavering voice:

"I-I surrender? Please don't turn me into dust! I was just tech support..."

Taking Down The Brass Dragon, Round 12:

John (-114)
Charrel (-20)

Combat... over...?

John frowns.

"Turn over the data that was stolen from the DCI, and I will consider it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17.

The woman brightens a little.

"I'll give you root access if you let me go!"

"Do so, and give me a chance to verify what is there, and I'll let you go. If I ever see you again, though, things will *not* end well for you."

"Okay!"

Whilst she is busy doing *that*, John is able to inventory the items that she dropped, and those that were on the Commander.

Freebooter armor II (mk 1 electrostatic field), red star plasma rifle with 2 high-capacity batteries (40 charges each), yellow star solar brand with 1 high-capacity battery (40 charges), cryo grenades I (2), allegiance collar, mk 1 mindlink circlet, mk 2 serum of healing, spell ampoule of invisibility, holographic sashimono (Brass Dragons insignia), gold hoop earrings (4, 25 credits each), credstick (600 credits), keys to the building. Electrocellular plasma claw with 1 battery (20 charges), red star plasma lash with 1 battery (20 charges), 1 battery (20 charges).

Hanging from a brass rod, the curtain concealing area E10 is made of a fine fireproof composite (250 credits, 1 bulk).

E10:

Secluded behind a heavy curtain are small but comfortable quarters, complete with a bed, footlocker, and portable toilet, as well as a rough desk holding an assortment of books.

Seven books here are made of fireproof materials, including metal. All are written in Ignan. Most are older tomes on the history, politics, and rivalries of genie families within the City of Brass on the Plane of Fire. One newer book details the Jalusann family, telling of their fall and hinting at Meiji’s background. Each book is worth 50 credits to anyone interested in the culture and history of genies or the Plane of Fire.

The newest and largest book, stylistically illustrated, made of paperlike composite, and titled Burning Ascendance of the Malikah, stands out. Part holy text and part military history, this book tells the story of the Malikah, an efreeti with divine blood who built a legion and conquered an empire on the Plane of Fire. The tome tells of her frustration at her inability to ascend to true divinity, a glory that should be her birthright. The book names no other prominent planar being, so who this Malikah might be or if the story is apocryphal is unclear. This lavish book is worth 150 credits.

The Brass Dragon’s computer is a tier 4 hardened machine with a fake shell, lockout (1 day, activates on the third failed access attempt), and a secure data module behind a firewall.

Once Charrel gives John root access, it is a trivial matter to verify that the entirety of the lost DCI data is stored within this module. What’s more, some data has been cross-referenced and corroborated with scouting reports from an unnamed source, labeling several anomalies that might be structures or solar phenomena previously unknown to the DCI. This additional data suggests some power, with extensive forces and in league with Jalusann’s mercenaries, is actively scouting within the sun. The related communication logs have been mostly wiped, but the most recent, a broadcast to an unidentified starship soon after the museum heist, remains. This message, from Jalusann, reads, “DCI data secured. Comparison to our sources indicates operational merit.”

Secondary information on this module includes more details on Jalusann’s actions, such as the trouble in Asanatown and her collaboration with the Bloodshots. These files are quite forthright. They contain plans to radicalize lone lashunta malcontents and then blame them for orchestrated attacks in various areas of the Burning Archipelago. The thoqquas were meant to be employed to penetrate secure locations and plant explosives to trigger additional unrest. Jalusann also suspects Dosc is a minder, reporting back to their “mutual employer” on her actions, although she calls the azer “a slave.” The files also contain communication logs from Dosc to an unidentified receiver, but no actual messages.

Charrel looks at John expectantly.

"Okay - I did what you asked; can I go?"

John nods thoughtfully.

"Sure. Remember what I said, though - if I ever see you again, it won't end well."

"No need to worry about that - I've had enough excitement to last a lifetime!"

Stopping only to grab a bobble-headed doll from one of the workstations (a depiction of Strawberry Machine Cake's lead guitarist), Charrel legs it, before John changes his mind.

John nods absentmindedly.

"Sure..."

Once he is sure that he has everything, he sets about the slow process of loading the computer into the Utility Cruiser, and getting it back to the DCI.

On the way, he makes a point of contacting Balto, and letting him know what happened to Seven.

When John tracks Balto down, he’s horrified to hear of his lover’s fate. He feared the worst when she went missing investigating the recent trouble in Asanatown. Balto thanks John for giving him closure. In exchange for Seven's comm unit, he pays John 1,000 credits, the down payment from Seven’s last job. If asked about the name list, Balto replies, bleakly, that the couple had been in the process of adopting a half-orc infant. With Seven’s fate confirmed, he inhales to gather his resolve and announces that he plans to move forward with the adoption if he can...

-----------------------------

Back at the DCI, Nib, on behalf of the DCI, happily pays the 2,000 credits promised for retrieval of the stolen data. She also invites John for a dinner at her favorite ysoki restaurant, the White Rat, in Stellacuna. There, she treats him to the finest Akitonian cuisine and spirits. Over the richly spiced meal of grain, yams, and fermented insect meat, Nib offers a toast:

“Twice now, you’ve gone above and beyond in assisting the institute, not to mention this fine-looking person before you. You’ve demonstrated all the cunning of Grandmother Rat and the strength of Round Papa. The DCI—nah, the entire Archipelago—needs more like you. Cheers!”

After a pause, and with a wink, Nib goes on.

“You’re clever enough to know that I’m about to ask you for more. I want you to work for the DCI, full time. We can provide you with resources, pay, and lab space for any research itches you need to scratch. We’re still combing through the data you retrieved, but I have to tell you, it’s much more than we lost. I think, and I’m not alone, that we’ll need you again soon.

Now, we just have to figure out how to get you there!”

Nib has little more to share. DCI scientists still need to make calculations based on the retrieved data to plot Noma’s location. The lack of a vessel that can go that deep into the sun is another issue...

-----------------------------

Corona won’t be the same after John's triumph. His actions have tipped the balance of power in the bubble city. Remaining members of the Bloodshots go into hiding. Eventually, John is quietly approached to see if he would be interested in acquiring the gang’s holdings. An investment of only 1,000 credits to cover civil paperwork is all such a takeover requires, since the civic authorities want to put the unlawful
goings on in the past and move forward...

Please level-up to 5 :-)

John is quite happy to take possession of the businesses; they seem like going concerns, and having multiple streams of revenue is always a good idea...

He also picks up some personal augmentations.

Specifically, a Mk I Synaptic Accelerator, and a Mk II Synaptic Accelerator.

Whilst John is out shopping...

Suddenly, there is a commotion down the street, and a barathu rushes forward, screaming telepathically for help, whilst he is pursued by a 'bonsai' moonflower (which is still the size of an ogre).

Help! A solar flare mutated some of my merchandise, and now it is trying to eat me!

Mutant Miniature Moonflower: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13.
John: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13.

Bonsai Strikes Back, Round 1:

John (-)
Mutant Miniature Moonflower (-)

With a sigh, John draws his weapons, and attacks!

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 3 = 19, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (4, 9) + 5 = 18 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 3 = 11, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 5 = 13 damage.

John manages to hit once, although his bullets are not as effective as he would have hoped.

Nevertheless, it draws the Moonflower's attention away from the Barathu, and to John...

Run action towards him.

Bonsai Strikes Back, Round 2:

John (-)
Mutant Miniature Moonflower (-13)

John snorts, and dances around the plant, keeping out of reach.

Trick: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 16 + 4 = 39 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (2, 3, 8) = 16 Electricity damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 3 = 15, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5) + 5 = 11 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 3 = 23, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (9, 9) + 5 = 23 damage.

John hits with his pistol, but is horrified to discover that the plant is immune to electricity.

His bullet, on the other hand, continues to shred it fairly effectively.

Irritated, the plant waddles forward a little, then sends out a bright pulse of light.

DC 13 Fort, or be Blind for 1d3 ⇒ 3 rounds.

Bonsai Strikes Back, Round 3:

John (-)
Mutant Miniature Moonflower (-31)

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20.

Cursing, John backs away, drawing a sonic pistol, and keeps machinegunning the plant.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 3 = 15, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (8, 7) + 5 = 20 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 3 = 10, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 5 = 11 damage.

None of John's attacks hit.

The plant waddles forward, and lets out another bright burst of light.

DC 13 Fort, or be Blind for 1d3 ⇒ 1 rounds.

Bonsai Strikes Back, Round 4:

John (-)
Mutant Miniature Moonflower (-31)

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13.

"That is getting annoying..."

Trick: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 16 + 4 = 22 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Thunderstrike Sonic Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21, for 1d8 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (8, 2, 1) = 18 Sonic damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 3 = 21, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (3, 10) + 5 = 18 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 12 - 3 = 12, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (5, 9) + 5 = 19 damage.

John's pistol hits, causing a small amount of damage, then he tags the plant with another bullet.

The plant waddles forward, and lets out another bright burst of light.

DC 13 Fort, or be Blind for 1d3 ⇒ 2 rounds.

Bonsai Strikes Back, Round 5:

John (-)
Mutant Miniature Moonflower (-51)

Hissing in irritation, John tries to finish the plant off.

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22.

Trick: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 4 = 23 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Thunderstrike Sonic Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19, for 1d8 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (8, 4, 8) = 27 Sonic damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 3 = 11, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (8, 4) + 5 = 17 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 12 - 3 = 25, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (2, 6) + 5 = 13 damage.

John's latest barrage leaves the plant barely holding it together.

The plant waddles forward, and lets out yet another bright burst of light.

DC 13 Fort, or be Blind for 1d3 ⇒ 2 rounds.

Bonsai Strikes Back, Round 6:

John (-)
Mutant Miniature Moonflower (-66)

"Oh, come on!"

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10.
Fort - RP: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23.

Trick: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 4 = 21 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Thunderstrike Sonic Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15, for 1d8 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (7, 4, 4) = 20 Sonic damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 12 - 3 = 20, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 = 10 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 3 = 18, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (2, 10) + 5 = 17 damage.

Still blinking sun-spots from his eyes, John nevertheless manages to tag the plant again, disintegrating it.

Combat over.

The grateful Barathu merchant, who introduces himself as Merdigach Mo Daln, offers John 1700 credits worth of stock from his store.

Daln sells a variety of chemicals, such as medpatches, sprayflesh, magical serums, drugs, and medicinals.

"Happy to help!"

John will take 11 Mk I Serums of Healing, 2 Mk II Serums of Healing, and 2 Tier I Antitoxins.

A few days later...

Nib rocks from heel to toe, muttering to herself and saying, “The ship can go into the sun...” She pauses mid sentence and puffs out her cheek pouches. “Will they let us use it, I wonder...”

Finally, she looks up. “The Corona Artifact Divers. I’ve heard they have a starship that can go into the sun... to Noma. You need to talk to them. But you mustn’t tell them why. If we can use their ship, you could be the first visitors to Noma in... in... maybe ever! But we can’t risk the Divers looting the place before we have a chance to survey it.”

Nib pulls out a datapad and taps on it. “I’ll start making preparations. It’ll take me days, at least. If you find a way to Noma, we’ll supply you with the rest of what you’ll need!”

John raises an eyebrow.

"Never heard of them. Who are the CAD? Why shouldn't I tell them why I need the ship? If it is as unique as you say it is, I highly doubt that they will just hand it over..."

“The Divers attempt expeditions into the sun’s deeper layers. As far as I know, they haven’t met with any greater success than we have. They’re not scientists. Not like us. They’re treasure hunters!”

Nib pauses with an exasperated look, then goes on, “Anyhow, rumor has it that one of their best divers, a human woman named Lurian, developed a starship. It took her farther into the sun than anyone before. But that’s not all! She brought back an artifact recently. I’ll bet that success put them in a generous mood.

That said, they don’t apply the scientific rigor we do. They treat the sun like a vault full of creds. We should approach any inhabitants of the sun with care and respect, not show up looking to load our holds with treasure! If they know about Noma, they’ll go there and toss the place before we have a chance to take a meaningful survey.”

John nods.

"Fair enough. I'll be on my way, then."

He then heads off.

John's journey to the CAD HQ is uneventful.

The lobby of the Corona Artifact Divers headquarters is bright, clean, and cold. Circular benches surround pillars covered with glimmering mosaic tile in various hues of red, orange, and yellow. Equally colorful, a sluglike humanoid in ornate clothing stands behind a reception desk that
doubles as a broad display case. Red-orange lighting that mimics the sun’s
surface shines from the case’s back. Lined up inside are several objects, most of which are lumps of scorched minerals.

“Welcome to the home of the Corona Artifact Divers!” says the humanoid. “I am called Pahdric. Perhaps you have heard of me? Are you here to become sponsors of our fine organization? Recommended donations start at 1,000 credits...”

John: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18.

John has no idea who Pahdric is...

John: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24.

...but does realise that whilst all of the lumps of metal look strange and exotic, at least one of these “artifacts” is a piece of a starship’s hull, twisted and malformed by solar exposure.

John smiles, and bows.

"Certainly! How about 500 credits?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16.

"As a matter of fact, I was hoping to get into contact with one of your members, a lass by the name of Lurian?"

Pahdric accepts the donation with a dry "Thank-you"[/b], then answers John's question.

Pahdric takes on a troubled aspect as he chooses his words very carefully.

“Lurian is an incredible engineer and pilot. But... she tends to get... carried away. She most recently carried herself away to the Vestrani Gaming Complex, over in Verdeon. She spent a lot of time there in the past after making valuable finds. This time, it’s been weeks. I fear she is on a bit of a bender. I suggested to our accountants that they dole out her shares in smaller portions, but they said doing so was needlessly strict. I do hope she’s all right.”

He then calls up some promotional vid-shots, showing John Lurian's likeness - A human woman with long brownish hair, blue eyes, and a tattoo of Oras’s helix on the back of her neck.

John: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30.

John knows that the Vestrani Gaming Complex is one of the biggest casino-resorts in the Pact Worlds, best known for its over-the-top Castrovelian theme. The complex is located in Verdeon and attracts the galaxy’s elite, who come not only to gamble but also to be seen and to flaunt their wealth. Everyone knows that what happens in the dome stays in the dome.

The Vestrani family, an extended clan of blood-related humans, runs the gaming complex. This family is rumored to rule a large criminal organization that has influence beyond Verdeon.

The Vestrani family keeps a tight rein on the complex. Not only is the casino the family’s primary business, siphoning money from wealthy clientele, but it also serves as a cover for the criminal cartel’s shadier dealings.

The Vestrani family excludes non-humans. However, several high-ranking members and many lower-ranking ones belong to other species, causing tensions between the cartel’s leaders and the cartel at large. It’s also rumored that the cartel runs a chop shop hidden in the casino’s garage, covering the disassembly of stolen vehicles and starships with the legitimate re-purposing of similar vehicles turned over to the cartel to pay gambling debts.

Apparently, John knows a lot about the criminal underbelly of the Burning Archipelago ;-)

John thanks Pahdric for his information, and heads to the VGC to look for Lurian.

I hope she hasn't gambled the ship away. That would be... inconvenient...

The Vestrani Gaming Complex occupies a large dome on the southern end of Verdeon. John enters Verdeon via the energy tether to the northeast, leading from Stellacuna, where the Deep Cultures Institute is headquartered.

Those who enter Verdeon from one of its energy tethers notice a stark and immediate difference between this bubble and the rest of the Burning Archipelago. The air here has the rich quality of a jungle planet, its scent a constantly changing medley of flowers and soil. Birds and insects dart among dense groves of vegetation that include plant life from all over the Pact Worlds.

Drifting through the center of Verdeon are the numerous platforms of the Floating Gardens, slowly shifting in a complex and mysterious dance. As the platforms glide past one another, they spin slowly, and avenues for vehicles and alleyways for pedestrians open and close.

As John is passing through Verdeon on the way to the VGC, he comes across a plantlike humanoid with a glowing seedpod for a head, dashing to and fro amid traffic.

John: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19.

John frowns, and moves over to the creature, telepathically hailing it.

Hello, my name is John. What seems to be the problem?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27.

The creature, a Khizar who introduces themselves as Ferrah, is a Xenowarden responsible for tending one of the Floating Gardens’ platforms. Unfortunately for them, their predecessor was careless, and a dangerous and rare void palm has just reached maturity on the platform. The plant’s ability to manipulate gravity has also interfered with the platform’s antigrav tech, setting the structure on a slow but inevitable collision course with another platform. Ferrah tried to uproot the palm to avert the disaster, but they barely escaped alive. Ferrah begs John for help - they want to avoid killing the void palm, given its rarity, and promise to find a safe place for the plant if John can subdue it.

John: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21.

John is aware that mature Void Palms can move, albeit slowly (10')...

Given that you have the ability to 'kite' it, and it has no ranged attacks to speak of, I am happy to say that you eventually subdue it with your pistols.

Ferah is delighted that John was able to solve their 'little problem', and rewards him with three rare Void Palm seeds - each worth 3,000 credits!

------------------------

The rest of the journey to the VGC is uneventful.

A1:

Just through the large front doors is a lobby, thickly carpeted to resemble a jungle floor covered in moss and stone. This surface is luxuriously soft. The space centers on a raised, faux-stone dais with a life-sized animated hologram of a ksarik that resembles an amalgam of predatory beasts. A couple guests take selfies using the holographic terror as a background. To the north, a large holosign above a counter reads “Guest Services," and behind it sits a bald human man.

Clearly posted in the lobby are the Vestrani Gaming Complex’s Three Rules:

No Cheating! (No divination or illusions.)
Check Your Weapons! (See Guest Services.)
Have Fun!

Before John can do anything else, however, the holographic Ksarik leaps off the dais, and moves threateningly towards the public.

Guests scatter, leaving John as the only legitimate target...

John: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24.

John realises that this is a Living Hologram.... which means that if you destroy its projector, it will go away.

Move action, and a successful DC 20 Perception or Engineering check to locate it.

Ksarik Living Hologram: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18.
John: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28.

When Holograms Go Bad, Round 1:

John (-)
Ksarik Living Hologram (-)

John looks around...

Engineering: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29.

...and after spotting the projector, draws his weapons, and starts firing!

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (5, 8) + 5 = 18 damage.

John starts damaging the hologram's projector...

...something which the hologram *really* doesn't appreciate.

It responds by charging forward, and lashing out!

Hardlight Tentacle: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27, for 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Force damage.

When Holograms Go Bad, Round 2:

John (-10)
Ksarik Living Hologram (-)
Projector (-8)

John dances around the hologram, and keeps firing at its projector...

Trick: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 16 + 4 = 39 Vs DC 20 + CR.

Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29, for 1d6 + 2 + 3d8 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (3, 1, 2) = 11 Electricity damage.

Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 3 = 27, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (3, 9) + 5 = 17 damage.
Annihilator Light Machine Gun: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 12 - 3 = 28, for 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (2, 10) + 5 = 17 damage.