The medical bot scans Krara's face and responds, "Identity confirmed with station database. Authorization confirmed. You may proceed."
Krara approaches the sole conscious patient, a human exhibiting a high fever. He replies to Krara, "Oh hi honey!! *cough* What are you doing? *cough*It's bad luck to see each other before the wedding, you know that!! *cough* You're looking a little green...are you okay? *cough* Oh don't be nervous...I love you snuggy wiggums!!" And then the patient passes out...
Twich shares the information she discovers with the rest of the party!
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This storage pantry is ransacked. Torn ration packages litter the floor, and a gaping hole in the southern wall reveals part of the adjacent room. A cluster of cylindrical, inky black casings hangs from the ceiling overhead. The silicone-like structures appear to have burst open from within.
And hey look at that, the room contains a zuvak that lunges at you! Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
Round 1
The following characters in bold may take their turn:
Chk’tarlsh
Twich
Hef
zuvak
Sauros
Aldane
Krara
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Krara approaches the sole conscious patient, a human exhibiting a high fever. He replies to Krara, "Oh hi honey!! *cough* What are you doing? *cough*It's bad luck to see each other before the wedding, you know that!! *cough* You're looking a little green...are you okay? *cough* Oh don't be nervous...I love you snuggy wiggums!!" And then the patient passes out...
Krara is taken aback by the patient's affection, but carefully takes a cell sample using the device once he droops into unconsicuousness.
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Hmm. I was expecting more 'porcupine' than 'devil hound'. the vesk reacts as the creature snarls into view. Looking up at the ceiling's casings she asks. Sauros: do these things hatch?
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Pointing to the ceiling, Twich says, "Not quite. That is the result of a metamorphosis! Kind of like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly... Uhhhh.. if the butterfly is a quill-shooting disease-ridden devil hound, that is!"
Twich waves her hands around, conjuring up three balls of energy and sends the magical missiles at the zuvak!
Charles' and Hef's attacks miss but they do manage to put themselves in strategic positions surrounding the zuvak!
Twich's bolts of magic hit the zuvak for 12 points of damage!!
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The zuvak attacks Hef and lands a bite!!! Hef is hurt for 18 points of damage!
The zuvak then bites at Charles!!! Hef springs to action, giving the zuvak a nudge to throw off its aim while Charles ducks out of the way, dodging the zuvak's bite!
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Round 1 cont'd & Round 2
The following characters in bold may take their turn:
Chk’tarlsh
Twich
Hef (-18SP, DC15 Fort save required or diseased)
zuvak (-12)
Sauros
Aldane
Krara
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Cursing the cramped quarters, Krara starts barking out to the others. Well let's not leave Hef in there alone to be a new butterfly! Sauros - get in there and slam it! Open up the comms to channel 7: some Starfinders have turned it into a constant Star Sugar Heartlove playlist so hopefully it's vulnerable to sonics. Aldane - once he swoops in, stab up and under!
The vesk then stares at the beast through her colleagues. As for you, you're going to wish you'd stayed in your cocoon!
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Watching Hef take a quill to the neck, Sauros shouts out "MEDIC!"
As Sauros begins to move into the room, the sound of a beach and roaring waves emanates from around him. His skin begins to drip, and a shield of compressed water forms around his arm. As he maneuvers into a flank, he gushes force a spout of saline water at the creature.
Twich unleashes another volley of magical energy the zuvak!
"Did I hear medic?!?! I just got my certification with this lil puppy here!", exclaims a goblin who seemingly pops outta nowhere carrying some kind of nasty looking, moist biogun dripping with mucus, leaving a trail everywhere.
Before anyone can say anythiing or stop him, he blasts Hef with it, embedding Hef with a couple of bio darts! Everyone expects Hef to fall over dead... but actually, Hef feels better, healed for 14 points, in fact!
"Oh gobbammit! It worked the way it was supposed to... Excuse me people, I'm gunna go git my money back!!!"
And on that note, the strange goblin toddles off....
As Sauros moves into the room, the zuvak attacks and misses horribly!!
Sauros fights back and lands a hit, resisting some of that acid damage Sauros told the party about earlier! The creature takes 6 points of damage!
Aldane takes his turn to beat down the poor, surrounded, clueless beast! Aldane smacks it for 12 points of damage!
Krara's tone is commanding and convincing. But it becomes quickly obvious this beast doesn't communicate via language...
Krara's tongue lashing is followed with an electrical attack that hits but seems to have zero effect on the zuvak!
Charles swings twice, the first attack slashing nothing but air! The second attack, however, hits but the tough, magical hide on this creature seems to deflect most damage. It suffers 1 point!
Hef stabs at the beast, confident that the cold iron of his spear will penetrate the zuvak's hide. Unfortunately, Hef's attack misses!!
Twich's missiles hit for anoterh 12 points!
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The zuvak seems to be highly fixated on Hef as it bites again twice! The first bite misses but the second bite connects for 17 points of damage!!
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Round 2 cont'd & Round 3
The following characters in bold may take their turn:
Chk’tarlsh
Twich
Hef (-21SP, diseased)
zuvak (-43)
Sauros
Aldane
Krara
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Dropping her pulsecaster with a snort, Krara unholsters her decimator-lance while continuing to offer instructions.
Hide's tougher than it looks. Keep distracting it from either side! Aldane: if you're about to explode, let us know!
for
This gun is magical, if it matters (cruel fusion), but doubt it will for energy damage purposes[/ooc]
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"Lesse how you like some frozen water!
Sauros draws his tactical cryopike, wielding it in his tail and remaining hand, and stabs it forward!
Called Opportunistic Throwing Tactical Cryopike :
Sauros switches to a different weapon and lands a blow spot on!! However, it appears the cold damage has no effect on the zuvak. Inconceivable!!!
Aldane, however, succeeds in landing his blow for 10 points of damage!!
Krara's attack hits but again most of it is resisted, causing 1 point of damage total!!
Charles again swings twice and hits once, causing 6 points of damage!
Twich casts a spell, attempting to daze the zuvak but the spell seems to have no effect on the zuvak whatsoever!
Hef successfully pierces the beast with an attack and causes 9 points of damage!!
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The zuvak, eyes Sauros and seems to conclude Sauros to be an easy target as the zuvak bites! But Hef, being the mans' man...err...kasatha's kasatha.....errr....the vesk's kasatha, intercedes and takes the full brunt of the attack, suffering 19 points of damage! Hef's selflessness saves the vesk from possibly suffering the mysterious disease!
Having caught the zuvak's attention, it focuses on Hef with another bite, gnashing away at Hef for another 23 points of damage!!
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Round 3 cont'd & Round 4
The following characters in bold may take their turn:
Chk’tarlsh
Twich
Hef (-45SP, -18HP, diseased)
zuvak (-69)
Sauros
Aldane
Krara
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Feeling the damage continue to pile up, but with a smile that his allies aren't taking any hits either, he calls upon his god, "Strengthen my resolve Kadrical... and my bones so that I may continue this glorious fight!"
His hand glows with some sort of divine power and with a grunt, his broken bones snap back into place.
"Gobbammit! That thing is immune to being dazed! Wait, did I just say 'gobbammit'?!?!?"
Twich turns beet red (which is difficult for a ysoki with fur) as she realizes she made these exclamations out loud. She makes a mental note to track down and punish that mysterious goblin for getting into her head...
She then unleashes another volley of magical energy the zuvak - something she knows is effective!!
Sauros' kick misses but his headbutt on the diseased, slavering demon dog lands! While physical contact (with one's head no less) with a diseased creature doesn't seem wise, you do you! The headbutt lands and causes 10 points of damage!!
Aldane lands another hit, causing 6 points of damage!!
Krara's attack also hits but the zuvak is able to resist the damage this time around!
Charles' two sword attacks but the zuvak just barely ducks away from the first slash while Charles' second attack misses by half a foot!
Twich's spell deals another 10 points of damage!!
*Snap* *Crackle* *POP!!* The magic-induced bone healing certainly doesn't look pleasant but it leaves Hef better off and healed for 16 points!
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Aldane's flashy, glowy weapon seems to have caught the zuvak's eye as it now focuses its full attention attacking Aldane!!
The zuvak's first attack is again intercepted by Hef, who's recently broken bones are now re-broken for 17 points of damage! Oh the humanity!!!
The zuvak ignores Hef and continues focusing on attacking Aldane, biting Aldane for 20 points of damage!!
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Round 4 cont'd & Round 5
The following characters in bold may take their turn:
Chk’tarlsh
Twich
Hef (-45SP, -19HP, diseased)
zuvak (-95)
Sauros
Aldane (-20SP, DC15 Fort save required or diseased)
Krara
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Chk'tarlsh snaps his mandibles in irritation at missing both strikes.
Centering himself, he reaches out telepathically, synching with the movements of his companions. Attempting to complement the actions of his allies, the shirren executes another swift double combo.
Or
Shirrens are used to working with others as part of a team. Once per day, as long as an ally is within 10 feet, a shirren can roll a single attack roll or skill check twice and take the higher result.
The combined swings from Sauros and Charles finally brings the zuvak down as the menace collapses....dead!
After defeating the zuvak, you have no problem harvesting a tissue sample from the zuvak and positively identify it as the carrier of murkblight.
Going to the cafeteria, you find a dozen workers holed up here and after speaking with them, you discover that The virus causes fever and lethargy that can result in a coma or death; its most distinctive characteristics are clouded eyes and darkened blood. Laelund Station’s overworked medical professionals believe the contagion is a new virus, but they lack the facilities and equipment to synthesize a cure. So far, all confirmed cases are confined to Sector 9, and residents are encouraged to self-isolate and wear protective gear. Several dormitories and recreation areas have been converted into overflow clinics for sick residents. These clinics are tended primarily by medical robots.
Several residents chat about cooking with limited supplies. A human worker complains about the “weird eggs” that a miner named Radi recently started selling. She wrinkles her nose in disgust as her companions recall hearing about the eggs a few weeks ago, which were apparently tasty despite their off-putting appearance and odor.
You locate Radi’s apartment in the living quarters. The suite contains two beds, a lavatory, and a rectangular glass terrarium and incubator. The overheard lights are dimmed to a point of near darkness, and a strong, reptilian odor fills the room. The thermostat is cranked down to a chilly temperature that’s noticeably colder than elsewhere on the station. You notice broken black eggshells and shed scales inside the enclosure.
When you enter, you hear groaning as a dwarf calls out to you from his sickbed. He speaks between fits of racking coughs. "Heeeelp me...." After some questioning, you discover that he is Radi and he he admits his poor decision to smuggle in a zuvak for a constant supply of fresh eggs. However, he denies that his livestock experiment caused the epidemic, but once you confront him with the facts, he expresses intense remorse.
Having found the source of the disease and collected various tissue samples and data, you've got everything required by Dr. Monsylkis to manufacture a vaccine.
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days
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Hef's forehead beads up in sweat as the enemy drops to the floor dead, "Good work allies against a well fought enemy." He says a quick prayer in Kasathan over the creature before plunging his spear into its side to make sure its soul passes on.
He heals his physical injuries up and takes a short break while his allies undertake further investigation. Once all is resolved and they are heading to their next mission, he pulls Twitch aside in the medical area and asks to be checked over.
Finally able to fight off the effects (hopefully), Hef seems a bit more chipper as they near the end of their jump. He goes around and asks if everyone will allow the protective blessing of his god upon them.
Having completed your previous mission, you return to the Lorespire Complex to be briefed on your next mission. Venture-Captain Arvin marches down a corridor leading out of the Lorespire Complex several steps ahead of his companions. He pauses as the exit door slides open, and he blinks in the bright lights of the camera crews amassing in preparation for the upcoming gala. He turns and says, “What I’m asking you to do is frankly a bit sordid, and I wish I had a more honest mission to give you.” Arvin produces a datapad. “AbadarCorp’s board is composed mostly of department archdirectors. It’s an exclusive club of less than a dozen individuals, and even one of their votes could sway the outcome. Your target is Archdirector of Finance Denanne Karrsi.” Arvin taps his datapad, and an image of an imposing elven woman with silver hair and a glowering expression appears.
“Denanne is an avid gambler. She’s booked a suite at the Luxx solar casino. If you can defeat her at her game of choice you may be able to influence her. Check in to Luxx as patrons, challenge her to a game, and then use any leverage you can to persuade her to oppose Datch’s vote.”
Luxx, a colossal starliner locked in to the Sun’s orbit, is renowned as a premier solar casino. Its twin hangar bays provide docking for communal transport shuttles alongside space for private VIP craft. Since you aren’t on the VIP list, you arrive on a shuttle alongside a throng of patrons from all corners of the galaxy. A series of escalators and cylindrical glass lifts transport you wherever you want to go inside the casino-ship.
Your first logical stop upon arrival is guest check-in at the concierge desk. A female korasha lashunta works there and addresses you when you approach, not giving you a chance to speak first, "Oh yay! More losers by the looks of you! Man, getting stuck here working this desk with pedantic booooring visitors such as yourselves is SOOOOO not worth my time! I mean I heard over at the VIP lounge the other day, some members of Strawberry Machine Cake stopped by. The day before that, Envar was in!! The week before that, Zo! showed up! Oh who am I kidding, Zo! shows up every week!! BUT what do I have here? You sorry looking gang of high school glee club rejects! I suppose we should get on with it...."
Without even making eye contact with you, she drones on, "Our grand establishment sets up a single account in which you soon-to-be-broke-ass chumps can store electronic tokens called Luxx Bucks. You need Luxx Bucks to play the games. Get it? You can add funds to your account at any of the kiosks — not that you look like you can afford it. The rate is one credit to one Luxx Buck. Try starting in the Nova Room — it’s easier for first-timers. Most shuttle riders disappear when they run out of complimentary tokens.
"Here, you seem to be the least smelly of the group."
The profoundly rude lashunta tosses a data drive to Charles containing an account currently containing 50 Luxx Bucks.
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"RIGHTEOUS! As a hatchling I used to watch spy vids like Latinum Eye, The Universe is Not Enough and Protoplanet Raker, but my all-time favorite was Casino Real with the famous android Spy-OO7. This is going to be AWESOME!"
Sauros will pop into TuxSupply to pick up a custom-scanned Tuxedo (financing the 5 credits in-house, of course), and leave his armor and weapons behind.
"Listen here, sweet antennae, we're gonna win big... REAL BIG! This totally isn't my first time gambling. This place just... wasn't worth my time. You can put more on that drive for us." he winks.
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Hef has a couple questions during the briefing, "I assume some sort of evening wear will be required, what about weapons?"
Depending upon the results he may do exactly what Sauros does, purchasing some formal clothing appropriate to the status of a bodyguard and possibly leave his weapons behind too.
He is constantly watching for dangers and leans into whisper, "Right this way Sir, let's freshen up before you hit the tables. Remember the last Casino? Your father took away access to your trust fund for two months after all you lost."
The tall Kasathan leans in towards the Concierge, "We'll be fine, thank you. Also, I was the lead of our glee club."
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On the trip to the sun, Krara checked in on Hef regularly. Unfortunately, her medical know-how being what it is, the kasatha found himself being pushed towards workout upon workout. Get the blood pumping so the toxin is pushed out! When her suggestions clearly were the sole cause of the mystic's recovery, the vesk gleams with pride.
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Well perhaps I'll be sure to let Envar know he lucked out in arriving when the higher class hospitality workers were on shift. Krara retorts to the lashunta. The vesk puffs out her chest. And if you don't consider a three-time Vesk-2 Champion in AEVG a 'VIP' then there's no helping you I fear. She thrusts her weapons harshly towards the woman as she goes to exchange 500 credits into Luxx Bucks to begin.
Krara then wanders off for a moment to see if Luxx truly does have everything. Speaking softly to the others she says If the board bigshot likes to play, then first step's to look like an Oma and get a seat at the table. Let's make a splash.
For her own part, the vesk particularly keeps an eye out to see if the casino is hosting any fights tonight that could be wagered on.
Arvin replies to Hef, "Evening wear is not required but yes, there are always high rollers in attendance dressed far beyond the average individual's means. And yes, formal events and tournaments are often held on board but none of these are currently ongoing. Therefore, the casino is open to public tourists who generally go as they are. Formal wear can never hurt, of course, but isn't required.
"Any kind of large weapons or heavy ordnance without special permission is not allowed and must be checked in. Basic melee weapons and small arms are allowed but they will provide a complimentary merciful fusion seal which must be applied to your weapon at all times unless your weapon is already, by nature, nonlethal. Essentially, carrying small weapons for self defense purposes is permitted."
Arvin looks over at Sauros and says with a rare smirk, "And don't forget the soon-to-be-released No Time to Un-die."
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On the trip to the casino ship, Krara drills Hef day after day with ever increasing intense workout sessions, convinced it's the only way for Hef to get over the disease. Out of not wanting to disappoint the vesk, Hef complies and maaaaaaaaaan are you sore!!!!
Meanwhile, unbennownst to Krara, Twich slips a single pill each day to Hef that she custom formulates based upon Hef's recovery progress the day before. Twich and Hef both know that the medication truly helped Hef's recovery while that Krara's workout regimen only succeeded in reducing Hef's two legs and four arms to jello.
Krara is so enthusiastic about the efficacy of her regimen - does either Hef or Twich have the heart to tell Krara the truth???
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At this point, all of you notice that this ridiculously rude lashunta is wearing a name tag 'Janine'.
In response to Sauros' words, Janine rubs her face in bewildered frustration and uses her hand to signal 'blah blah blah' mimicing a mouth opening and closing. She looks past Sauros at Charles, "Hey you. The least smelly one. Do you hear some kind of annoying buzzing sound???"
Leveraging his career and experience as a bodyguard, Hef attempts to support Sauros' ruse. But as Hef leans in, Hef's weapon gets clumsily dislodged and falls to the ground, ruining the image of a professional bodyguard.
Janine clicks her tongue and rolls her eyes. "Oh gods help me. More wannabe cowboys thinking they're in some Spy-OO7 movie! Yes, yes, there is a plaque on the grand casino floor that designates the spot where that one OO7 scene was filmed.
"Here, you yahoos. Attach these to your small weapons. Anything larger must be checked in here or our security will be happy to escort you out the airlock... although I bet you won't be able to tell the difference since there seems to be nothing but a vacuum in between all your collective ears!"
She tosses merciful fusion seals to everyone who needs it.
Accepting Krara's weapons, she checks them in and hands a claim chit back to Krara while muttering, "Aey ee vee gee? Sounds like bee ess to em ee!"
Krara goes to a booth to exchange creds for Luxx Bucks. When you get to one of the exchange booths and put down your 500 credits, the attendant, a halfling standing on a stool, stands up straighter and his face brightens. He says, "Whoa ho ho! Nice! You're a real one, aren't ya?!? Well hey, big spender, so long as you keep coming back to my booth to exchange, I can give you the low down. My name's George. Just tell me what ya need and I'll hook you up!!"
George then turns to his colleague in the next booth, holds up the 500 creds and boasts, "I proclaim this orbital cycle, the cycle of George!!!" As he boasts loudly to his colleague, he jumps up and down then loses balance, teeters left and right before falling and doing a faceplant right into the ground!
With a red face, George climbs back up on the stool and says to Krara, "Ahem, as I was saying. Let me know if you need anything."
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"Thanks for all your help, Karen," Sauros gives an exaggerated wink before popping a complimentary mint in his mouth and crunching on it loudly, "Be back soon when we clean this place out!"
As he leaves the reception desk he nods to Hef. "I don't think she suspects a thing. Thanks for the cover. Now, first things first, lets see what sorta comps we can get, then hit the tables!"
You get the distinct impression that Sauros is even walking differently...