To Conquer a Dragon (Inactive)

Game Master DoubleGold

I'd rather not show off by turning into a human. Each one of you can attempt a check, so go ahead and roll that computer check, you are the only one that can do it. You can attempt as many checks as possible and they don't have to be in order. You must complete the survival check to attempt the sleight of hand check and the survival check was successful. You can aid another.

Gunnz has a think.

Checks: Computers check 34, Survival 26 followed by Sleight of Hand 26, Piloting 26, and sense motive 26

comptuers: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 yes!
survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Like just try an aid, as I cannot make the chance. Yes!
slight: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35 Someone else made that survival.
Yes!
pilot: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26 Yes
sense motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 Oh well, can't make them all

Well Gunnz, if you were aiding Yith, that is a yes. Time to post info.

Cracking the Data: Starfinders succeed at a DC 34 Computers check and break the encryption. But just for fun, they see if there were other ways to obtain the encryption without being a hacker and by passing a bunch of other checks, well they find out there are and they passed them with flying colors. Starfidners ask about the encryption, Zafeldrin mentions he’ll tell you since you are eager and ready to learn even though you already did your job, but he also left a few security items lying around on the lower level, including a missing security badge and states the public infosphere password is on the guest welcome banners. Starfinders succeed at a DC 28 Survival check and retrace Zafeldrin’s steps and find a security badge that fell behind a grate. Starfinders succeed at a DC 26 Sleight of Hand check and you “skillfully acquire” Zafeldrin’s access card hanging from his tail as it wags and wags and finally you time it right as it wags your way. He must be one happy Dragon. Starfinders succeed at a DC 26 Piloting check and activate the drones holding the banners and deploy them to read the code. It takes a zoomed in snapshot photo and delivers it it you. Zafeldrin continues chatting with the PCs while he works while Starfinders succeed at a DC 26 Sense Motive check notices an odd cadence and identifies the repeated use of certain words as the passcode. Congratulations, you hacked the computer then found a way to obtain the passcode without even being a hacker five minutes later.

I would add handout 2 to the slides, but my computer can't copy and paste certain things a certain way in the pdf file

“I’ve been telling everyone in Cumo about all the amazing
discoveries the Starfinders have made lately. I think I might
have set their expectations a little high, but that’s why I asked
for the best and here you are! Representatives from the Skyfire
Legion are coming, along with a few notables from town and
some dragoncorp reps.” He cycles through holographic displays
of different personnel files, some still flashing with proprietary
security warnings from their original sources. powers, possible mission sites, and contacts we can pursue. I
just need to make a good impression with these power brokers
so they give us a shot. Once they see agents like you in action,
they’ll be clamoring for our help!” Any questions?

"Well,," says Gunnz.

"All these folk are coming to a party here, right? Can you tell us anything more about their own interests? Hobbies? Likes and dislikes? I mean if one of them is a vegetarian, I'd hate to be chowing down on a meat-burger while we exchanged pleasantries."

"Well, we shall endeavor to please as many of them as we can..."

Xy Xy takes their time in reading the the information - taking a copy and uploading it to their Armour's systems in case the encryption should 'mysteriously' return. At the mention of a party, they frown slightly before asking, their telepathic voice .

"You mention Frozen Trove has sent several requests but they have been denied - what is the security like in case they try to access the party uninvited? I have had the displeasure with dealing with their mercenaries previously." They stroke the underside of their chin with their augmented arm. "Beyond that it would appear simple enough - but Gunnz is right, a better profile on them as a person will be invaluable if were are to sway them."

”I want a security check of the place to ensure no one interfered in advance! Bombs for instance! But also other embarrassing things!“ Obozaya says.

Yith nods at Obozaya, "I trust our hosts have taken precautions but I have been at a gathering where bombs were hidden before hand one too many times. I will assist in this endeavor."

Are we helping ensure a party happens safely or being volunteered for a mission? You make it sound as though these guests are expecting us to demonstrate our skills by doing some Or are we supposed to offer our skills discretely?

Ivy nods at the bomb searchers Yes we don't want things to go off with that kind of a bang

"Thinking about Frozen Trove.. what were their requests?"

The dragon is impressed with your questions.
Security you say, eh. Everyone needs an invitation to get in,
and the door scanners check for weapons. I really need you to
make a good impression with the guests, so I’d prefer you focus
on that.

He turns towards Ivy, You'll find out soon enough, just don't be a show off. Help others when you can, but don't hack any random computer because you want find secret information about a government official that pertains nothing to the mission. Show your skills when needed.

Gunnz, you impress them by looking like and acting like adventures. That is all. If you want to know about their hobbies and interests, ask them.

Obo nods.

”Okay. I’m ready!“

Gunnz nods. "What about our outfits. Do we wear party frocks, or our 'ready for combat' look?" she asks.

"I mean, if they want to see 'adventurers'..."

"It does sound like they want to see the 'rough and tumble' Starfinders!" she says with a laugh.

Xy Xy nods, the answers were suitably unhelpful - just as they had come to expect from the Dragon. Would it kill for them to do some prior research for agents? They supposed they shouldn't be surprised anymore. As the group discuss arms and armour Xy Xy nods. Their scarred antennae twitch slightly as they speak to their allies. "I shall Leave my armour in the room as a display piece, but will move through the dignitaries in my Uniform." they decide, taking their spare rifle from the mag-lock on the armour and slinging it over their shoulder of their uniform jacket. "I am ready to begin if there are no preparations needed."

Ivy will also find a suitable place for her standard and will activate her solarion armour of blue energy

Gunz tosses up between for formal cocktail party dress and her formal elite stationware.

With a sigh she eventually adopts the stationware.

"Normally the LBD is to die for, but if they want a more professional image, maybe this is what is required." she sighs.

Ready for combat look there Gunnz, you gotta look like adventures.
You get on moving

sense motive: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 10 + (3) = 14

Ivy has obviously spent too much time in strange new worlds to know what's going on here

I cannot make these DCs. :-( Obo is really bad in the skill section!

Per: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
"I stopped off on the way over at an information broker I met online." smiles Gunnz "Hansom man, but the beard... ruined the look. Anyway, looks like everyone in town is keeping an eye on the dodge. In particular there is a councilor one Tefarian Mel who has a special interest in what is going on."

Obo, if you want to help aid-another me, I might make the second check.

"Let me look into that as well..."
per, aid Gunnz: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

Xy Xy joins their comrades, their uniform pressed and sparkling - their armoured suit resting at the side of the lodge space. As Gunnz relays their findings, the Shirren nods. Once again their damaged antennae twitch. "I had heard similar - also I discovered an Agent had been selling off data to a bidder in high orbit." they frown at the traitor in their midst. "Zafeldrin has dealt with it - but the co-ordinates are a bust, no-one is there now. No doubt it is Frozen Trove - as they were communicating from a ship in orbit previously."

The guests begin to arrive for the gala around midday. Banners
welcoming them hang suspended from flying drones around
the dome while holographic displays run continuous loops
of video showcasing the Starfinder Society’s recent public
accomplishments and discoveries.

A few dozen guests attend the event at any given time.
They are local officials, dragoncorp agents, or members of the
notable guests’ retinues. Most are friendly and excited to meet
the Starfinders while a few exhibit caution or suspicion about
another participant in regional politics. The majority of the guests
are civilians, made up of mostly ryphorians, dragonkin, and a few
gnomes from the Immortal Suzerainty of Ning. A contingent of
Skyfire Legionnaires are also present, visibly wearing armor and
light weapons.

You get a total of 2 checks, not per NPC, but total, sense motive does not count as a check. You must sense motive each NPC individually, so 3 sense motive checks per player
Notable guests include the following.
Aralyx (LG female dragonkin soldier) is a Skyfire Legion
commander. She expresses interest in the Society’s archaeological
capabilities, particularly in dealing with curses and haunts. PCs
who succeed at a DC Sorry, you need sense motive to know which checks to make

Jaxter (N male feychild gnome envoy) sees the Society as a
potential business partner for Skyward Imports, his employer.
He’s interested in acquiring relics and goods from outside the
system. PCs who succeed at a DC sorry, you don't know which checks to make with sense motive.

Tefarian Mel (LE male winterborn ryphorian operative) is a
member of Cumo’s city council and suspects the new lodge is a
front for a dragoncorp looking to take over Cumo. He closely
questions the PCs about their motives. A PC who succeeds at a DC
Sorry, you don't know which check to make without sense motive.

The PCs can learn what skills impress each guest with a
successful DC 24 Sense Motive check. This check does not use
one of a PC’s two checks during the encounter, but a PC can only
attempt the check once against each guest.

After some small talk Yith tries to appraise each person.
”Ah, yes. The society has many archaeologists. I’m sure there are experts on curses and such. In my experience we usually have to deal with them directly and often without much information ahead of time..”
SM: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

”The society partners with many groups to acquire goods and services. As long as it isn’t illegal I’m sure our superiors would be willing to listen to any proposal…”
SM: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

”We are what we are, sir. The society has existed for some time. We explore, we do our best to defend the pact worlds from the worst of it’s enemies and try to do some good in the universe..”
SM: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Yeah... there are he usual dice rolls!

sense nothing : 3d20 ⇒ (5, 8, 10) = 23

Obozaya is looking at everything with a social indifference.

If anyone makes trouble then she’s here to fight!

Gunnz tries to greet the guests when they arrive, eyeing them up with a friendly smile, but a carefully, evaluative eye.

SM Aralyx : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
=SM Tefarian : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
SM Jaxter : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Using her minaturised bracelet computer Purchased especially for such social events! she gives the crew the low-down on what might be trigger points for the major guests.

Gunnz however doesn't spent her time wholely on the "big ticket" guests, she wants to ensure everyone has a good time. And we know what that means...

The self proclaimed #1SMC fan tracks down the DJ. No party is complete without a sample of the "Pact Worlds Best Music"(tm).

If she manages to convince the DJ to play some, she'll happily hit the dance floor in full on Gunnz fashion!
perform(dance): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 Great, I get a three for *that* check?

sense motive Aralyx: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 10 + (5) = 35
sense motive Tefarian: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 10 + (2) = 16
sense motive Jaxter: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 10 + (5) = 26

Ivy will share whats she knows and then look over at Obozaya

assuming acrobatics, athletics, intimidate and survival has only come up once or even not at all and my checks have indicated this actually a bad idea

Obayzaya. You are a most welcome friend in a firefight but I sense these social occaisions are to be endured for you. Ivy offers her standard to the Vesk and then heads over to Jaxter

Hello Jaxter. May I introduce Obazaya who will be your drinks summoner this evening. I have invested in a little magic for my standard and it can display some glasses of castrovel blue wine or whatever takes your fancy. Obazaya here can stand close enough to summon the drinks and see to it some over eager wait staff doesn't rush into your space because he hasn't seen you. Now if you must excuse me I must go and rescue my friend on the dance floor

Ivy dashes off to try and rescue Gunnz performance as Obazaya uses his intimidate to keep the space around Jaxter comfortable and the drinks flowing

dance: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

Of course those with truesight can see the standard is actually a great axe

After seeing the dancing, the uncomfortable Vesk and Ivy's actions, Yith turns to Tefarian Mel and says "Actually, I think that explains the average day for someone in the Starfinder Society very well..."

DElighted to see another face on the dance floor, Gunnz looks on in open mouthed awe at some of the moves that Ivy pulls.

"Awesome!" she squeals in delight.

"We should get you on stage!"

Obozaya does not know what to say even after the kind introduction of Ivy.

“Ehh ... yes. What he said!“

Like Gunnz, Xy Xy stands at the door to welcome the dignitaries - First Greeting Aralyx with a crisp Salute in the manner of the Skyfire legion. "Greetings Sir! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Legionairre Xygriggex with the Starfinders, I would be happy to discuss my Archaeological adventures."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

They then greet Tefarian with a firm handshake from their Cybernetic arm. "Well met Councillor - I have not had any personal involvement with the Dragoncorps, please tell me about yourself - It has been a longtime since I was home and have not heard any news."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Finally. they greet the Gnome Jaxter with a smile and another handshake. "Master Jaxter - it is a pleasure indeed."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Xy Xy will use their telepathy to share with their allies of any findings they discover. As Gunnz and Ivy begin to dance, the Soldier applauds politely.

You are able to identify what impress each one and pass it along. You study what they are into and listen in on their conversations.

Jaxter
PCs who succeed at a DC 22 Culture check (DC 25 in
Subtier 7–8) or a DC 18 Profession (merchant) check impress him

Tefarian Mel
A PC who succeeds at a DC
22 Diplomacy check (DC 25 in Subtier 7–8) or a DC 18 Profession
(politician) check allays Tefarian’s suspicion.

Aralyx
PCs who succeed at a DC 22 Mysticism check (DC 25 in Subtier 7–8), or
a DC 18 Profession (archaeologist) check impress her.

Gunnz vanishes from the dance floor into a briefing room to have a quick chin-wag with the others.

"Well, we know what they are into, None of these are really areas I'm specialised in, but I can try and help someone else, or maybe just chat about the areas they are interested in.. I'm thinking we may be best seeing who we are losing, and I'll try on them."

Jack of All trades. I can do most of those profession checks with a +6 bonus. Or try to aid anyone else if they look close but a little short on a top level check..

Assuming the group is talking over secure comms or meeting discreetly, Yith adds to the discussion, "Well, XyXy and I can handle Aralyx for sure. Ivy, with some help should be able to talk to Tefarion. Looks like Ivy is also the best to talk to Jaxter. Any other thoughts?"

After his foray into dancing Ivy will return to Jaxter and discuss the ways culture can make an assignment go easier or harder

culture: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 13 + (3) = 25

Xy Xy nods with Yith's suggestion "I would prefer to talk with Aralyx as I have not had much chance to speak of the Skyfire in some time. But I will of course do whatever best suits our needs as a group." Xy Xy states telepathically as they mingle over drinks.

If no-one objects, they will attempt to sway Commander Aralyx to the support of the Starfinders, having got the formalities out of the way, the Shirren does not salute this time. "Evening, I hope you are having a good evening?" they begin, making small talk before getting into the meat of the discussion. "I have recently travelled to the ruined City of Cadascon here on Triaxus - a truly haunted place but we dealt with it professionally. No we are aware, I assure tyou that several preparations will be made." They go on to explain those preparations.

Ironically I have played the spiritual successor to this before this one - just not going further to avoid spoilers.

mysticism, take 10 if possible: 10 + 17 = 27

Yith will stand by to assist whoever attempts to diplomacize Tefarian...
diplomacy assist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Ivy starts talking about different cultures and customs with Jaxter and he is impressed that you know so much. Well, you must have traveled a lot or least studied up on your culture. I like it.

XYXY shows Aralyx that he knows magic really well. Well, and you are a soldier. Sure you don't want to be a technomancer or a witchwarper? You are good.

Only Tefarian left to impress. And everyone can have up to 2 checks. Most of you used up 1 check.

Obozaya looks at Tefarian and shows her white teeth. She smiles. Barely.

diplomacy aid : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Gunns joins the throng around Tefarian.
" Hopefully you can see the Starfinders are independent of all the DragonCorps. Yes, they are big and powerful, but so are we. Having another independent group here might be a good counter to their growing power.." she suggests.

diplomacy(assist): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"Indeed we may have crossed paths with one or two dragon corps recently and and although we respect there power and influence are goals are always Explore! Report! Cooperate! Within the bounds of whats legal and maintaining our own independence"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"oh my ribbon is a snowgarden product. Frpm the suzreinty of Ning. Well I am a battleflower as well as a starfinder. But we are not hidden allies or anything like that"

Shirt reroll
diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

With a couple of aids and time rewind rerolls Ivy is able to make a good impression on Tefarian. They give you some advice on infilitration.

Next Task
In addition to the invited guests, five Frozen Trove
agents have infiltrated the gala using stolen invitations while a
remote team initiates a computer hack on the lodge’s mainframe.
The PCs can help uncover these agents and their devices by making
the following checks. Everyone can make 1 group of checks, maybe 2 depending upon circumstances and successes. I messed something up on this part, for those who played/gmed this before, but it is minor, and we can deal. Just make your checks for now, even if you just aid someone.
1. Check the Buildings: A PC can check the buildings with a
successful DC 24 Athletics check (DC 27 in Subtier 7–8) to find
a device tucked into an eave. A PC who succeeds at a DC 24
Engineering check (DC 27 in Subtier 7–8) finds a device wired
into the lighting system. A PC succeeding at a DC 24 Mysticism
check (DC 27 in Subtier 7–8) identifies hastily drawn runes to
camouflage a device

2. Monitor Guests: A PC who monitors the guests and succeeds at
a DC 24 Sense Motive check (DC 27 in Subtier 7–8) spots a nervous
agent looking for a place to hide her device. A PC who succeeds at
a DC 26 Computers check (DC 29 in Subtier 7–8) identifies an agent
with an invitation with a forged guest image.

3. Nav Beacons: The agents on site deploy navigation beacons
to aid Norys’s upcoming orbital bombardment. A PC who finds a
device and succeeds at a DC 20 Engineering check identifies it as
a pinpoint transmitter—this skill check does not count towards the
number of checks the PCs make during this part of the adventure.
If the PCs discover and question an agent and then succeed at a DC
20 Diplomacy or Intimidate check, the agent reveals an unknown
person sent them the false invitation and device and paid them to
place the device at the lodge during the gala—these checks also
do not count towards the limit of checks the PCs can make. The
agents do not know what the devices do. PCs can spot the agents
or devices with the checks listed above. If the PCs notify Zafeldrin
about a device, he urges them to search for more while he occupies
the guests.

Again, I can do any of these, although with less good bonsues. As this is PBP, I'll post now, but if it turns out that nobody is doing the monitor guests check, then I'm happy to swap over to that (bonus is one lower)

Gunnz excuses herself from the party to use the little girls room. Once away, she does a quick sweep of the building, looking for potential infiltrators.
athletics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Happily finding nothing amiss, she heads back to the dance floor!

Playing to her few strengths, Yith checks the building as well... if asked she will also use the excuse of needing the ladies room...

athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Also not seeing anything she actually hit the ladies room and returns to the party..

When Obozaya learns that there might be a device somewhere she hurries to check the weak spots she identified earlier!

athletics : 0 + 1d20 + 13 ⇒ 0 + (10) + 13 = 23

I once have a skill and this happens! No! I’ll reroll! ;-)

reroll Athletics : 0 + 1d20 + 13 ⇒ 0 + (12) + 13 = 25

Yes!

Obozaya comes back with a device she found!

“Look! A device was tucked into an eave! What is it?!?“

Other checks. You don't necessarily pass them in order, but I did call for one group of checks.
engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 Gunz
mysticism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26 Yith

Zafeldrin hurriedly jabs at a pad displaying an unauthorized
data transfer from the lodge computers. He fumes quietly.
“Hackers got in to the computer system a few minutes ago.
They’re transmitting my data to a starship in orbit. It’s backed
up locally but they’ve got copies of nearly everything.”
He glances in surprise when the pad indicates an incoming
communication. The weathered visage of an old white dragon
appears, a twitch in one eye belying her detached demeanor.
Zafeldrin breaks the silent regard. “You seem upset. Just explain
yourself and I’m sure we can talk this out?”
The white wyrm presses a button on her display, and slowly
whispers, “Hush now. I want to savor this.”
The dome grows brighter as a new star blooms in the sky
above and a roar builds in the air.
Pilot, roll init

Emergency Starship protocols enabled. VPN access acquired. Initiating Virtual Drake Gunnery systems Ivy you are good to fire. Please do not engage the planetary defenses

Naiaj You one smart gnome!

Anyone else getting a wakanada esque virtual spaceship defense suite enabled vibe at this time?