(Outpost IV) GM Quirk's Frozen Ambitions: The Preluria Connection (Inactive)

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

"Do you have a '57 Vin Biolab?"

"Listen mister, we serve hard drinks here to various species who want to get drunk fast, and we don't need any characters around to give the joint atmosphere!"

Actually, come to think of it, there are plenty of characters here that "give the joint atmosphere." More in a post tonight.

While they don't have too many fancy or labor intensive cocktails or drinks available, they do have some exotic intoxicants that can set you back a decent amount. Prices range from 1 credit for barely drinkable swill, all the way up to 20 credits for something very nice. There are even a few rare elixirs that will set you back 50 credits for a shot!

HFG orders a middle road whiskey and nurses it carefully. After the first sip, she asks the others, "I don't seem very popular. Who will take lead asking questions of the patrons and staff?"

A few more details about the Crooked Doshko:

Signs on the backstage door to the south and the first three
doors to the north read “personnel only.” The northeastern
door bears the universal symbol designating it as a restroom.

"South" is toward the left as you look at the map, as I needed to flip it to get it to fit on the slide most efficiently.

The patrons are an eclectic mix of about a dozen different
species. Most glance at all of you, perhaps taking stock of how combat ready you seem to be.

You do find out that the Hobgoblin woman who is behind the bar goes by the name "Keeper". The bouncer you encountered earlier goes by "Sunny". The vesk who is on stage is known as "Domakayo".

Kaath orders a drink from the bartender

”Keeper, I will have Something from a far off planet, unique but not overpowered. “

He will then sip while observing the room for oddity

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Boris will order something in the 10 credit range and tips another 10 credits.
"A fine establishment you have here. The entertainment is very good as well. I am happy my associates pointed me in this direction!"

After a round or two and more hopefully friendly talk, Boris will get down to business.
"Friend bartender, we are looking for another associate. Would you happen to have seen a being named Firiz? We have some business to discuss, no, nothing that would affect your fine establishment, just regular business."
He will put another 20 credits in the tip jar.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 12 + (2) = 26

As we get seated at the bar and when the bartender is within earshot filling drinks, I'll turn to Karpo and ask

"Are you sure Firiz told us to meet him here?"

I assume Karpo has the best Charisma in the group, so I figure if anyone can get anything out of the bartender it will be him. We didn't really come up with a reason we're here looking for Firiz, but it would be good to find out if this was a normal establishment that he visited.

For the GM: From what we know of Firiz, does this seem like an establishment that he would normally visit?

Also: Firiz was human. So far nobody working this place is human. Are there a reasonable number of humans in the bar?

Karpo ponders next action while finishing his drinks.
"This was supposed to be our best lead, right? I don't really have a better idea other than ask around and keep eyes open."

For the GM: From what we know of Firiz, does this seem like an establishment that he would normally visit?

Also: Firiz was human. So far nobody working this place is human. Are there a reasonable number of humans in the bar?

1. Hard to tell if this would be a place Firiz would go for pleasure. Remember, he was on a job, so he might have needed to see someone here.

2. There are a few humans here enjoying drinks and the show.

Keeper considers Boris's friendly demeanor and generousity.

"Yeah. I know this guy. He has been in an' outta here a few times. I know he spent some time with the vesk who is up on the stage and another one of my regulars--Bolgin is his name. He's over at that table by the stage." Keeper points toward a human sitting by himself near the stage.

"Why thank you, good sir!"

He turns to the group, "So, approach this Bolgin person? The Vesk is a bit busy right now."
Is Bolgin alone or with a group?

Bolgin sits by himself at one of the tables near the stage.

Placed Cliff, err, I mean Bolgin on the map at a table.

Boris looks at the group. "Shall we?"

He ambles over to the table. "Hullo. Nice table, mind if I join you for a minute?" He looks up on the stage and gestures towards the Vesk. "He's good. He is actually very good. How about I buy you a drink? I'd like to ask you about a friend of yours, Firiz... Seen him lately?"

Boris pays attention to his reply...

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + (6) = 15

Dr. Phlonxx follows Boris over and takes a seat next to him silently.

I will stay at the bar and keep an eye on the surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Karpo uses the restroom and while there looks for oddities.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 15

HFG stays at the bar with Seska and keeps watch.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Karpo visits the restroom.

The cramped hallway smells of waste and stale beer, an odor that intensifies when the door opens. Four of the metal cubicles have barely functioning doors, and the fifth has no door at all. Colorful stickers and graffiti adorn the insides of each cubicle, along with scribbled names in permanent marker. A thick layer of grime covers the floor and fixtures, and the entire area looks like it hasn't been cleaned since the building was built.

Boris and Dr. Phlonxx visit Bolgin near the stage.

He seems friendly, and pleased that you would offer to buy him a drink. At the mention of Firiz, Bolgin becomes visibly nervous, and attempts to return to enjoying the performance.

Some appropriate application of certain social skills may help you out here. Good role playing can get you some bonuses on these rolls.

Meanwhile, Seska and the android keep an eye on the rest of the bar. It's certainly an eclectic group of aliens, but they generally seem to be enjoying themselves.

Kaath will engage in dialog with any travelers at the bar (more so those not looking to be locals).

The galaxy draws us to explore her. What have you seen, friend?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

He will periodically check on the location (visually) of other agents to make sure none have wandered off into trouble for more than a few minutes.

After zipping up, Karpo thoroughly searches the stalls for secret entrances and notes possibly left behind by Firiz, but found only healing serums. He wipes them with a hand towel.

Boris takes not of the situation and leans a little closer to the man, "My good sir, we just want to have a talk with our associate. We have no reason to involve you or your Vesk friend here. In fact, we mean no harm on the gentleman in question. He has just not checked in with people he was supposed to check with and they are concerned. This is purely a fact finding mission."

diplo: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 12 + (2) = 15
I think this sounds like diplo but if you think it's a bluff, it's the same modifier. :)

Boris manages to get the regular talking. Bolgin admits that after
they discussed his delivery route, Firiz left him alone to meet
with someone in the back rooms. Bolgin then gave Firiz a ride
to a drop-off point in the middle of the desert in exchange for
paying his bar tab. He also tells you that the bouncer, who runs a
gambling side gig out of the bar in his off-hours, has keys to the
back rooms.

Kaath engages a slightly inebriated ysoki who divides his attention between one of the waiters and the vesk up on the stage. He considers your question bemusedly, and answers, "the galaxy has provided a very unusual vesk on that stage this evening, wouldn't you agree?"

Nothing of note or threat in the room, and companions engaged in conversation safely, HFG feels superfluous. The android grabs its drink and wanders the bar, trying to hear snippets of conversation. Hoping that it will hear someone mention Firiz, or something of use.

HFG is just not very socially inclined, but I'm sure we'll run into a tech challenge or something soon, and she'll be useful.

Dr. Phlonxx waits a few more minutes of performance before he glances at Borris and tilts his head towards the door. He then gets up and heads back towards the bouncer."Excuse me, my friend and I were hoping to meet someone here, but they don't seem to be around. We heard they haven't been in recently, but that you might have seen them."

Assuming Borris follows my lead this is an attempt to aid Him in diplomacy.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Boris gets info on exactly where in the desert he dropped the man off and thanks him and buys him another round.
"Thank you, good sir. Enjoy another drink and the fine entertainment. We appreciate your candor. I honestly hope your friend is OK and hasn't gotten in with too dangerous of a group."

He then sees the good doctor indicating the door area and heads over to talk to the bouncer. On the way over he speaks quickly into the comms. Friends, we are about to either gain entrance the the back rooms or get into a fight here. Hopefully that first option."

"Hello again, good sir. Yes, a man named Firiz." He gives a quick description. "We talked to his associate Bolgin and he says that Firiz visited the back room here before he departed. Would it be possible to see what he might have been after back there? I hate to ask but he may have been involved in things that might gain the attention of some powerful people and I would hate to see this bar disrupted. I haven't been here long but I actually like the place. If you would like a small bit of payment as well that could be arranged..."

diplo: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 12 + (1) = 21

"Finding Firiz before anything happens to him is a serious matter to us. Searching the back room would help our investigation be a lot and, of course, clear your bar of any unwanted attention."

Diplo aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

The vesk is most entertaining. An unusual profession for a more aggressive race, would you not think? Kaath muses with the wasted ysoki.

He pays more attention to the vesk on stage.

SM: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Sunny the bouncer seems to inclined to listen to Boris' and Karpo's reasoning. "Give me a minute, and we can head to the back room and take a look at our security footage. Yeah, I know that guy was in here the other night...'

Absolutely fried tonight, so I hope you all don't mind if I describe what Sunny knows tomorrow. Good news: you're all on the right track here. You'll have one more person to talk to in the bar after this...I wonder if you have a guess who it could be?

Would he be fabulous by any chance? :)

Boris, Karpo, and any of the rest of you who would like to may accompany Sunny to the security room.

From the adventure:

A cramped room holds a desk with a computer, filing cabinets,
and three banged-up chairs. The room smells musty and the air
is stale. There are unmarked doors in the western, northern, and
eastern walls.

Sunny opens up some video files to show you. The footage shows a
man matching Firiz’s description receiving a communication device
from a hooded figure, then talking to the vesk dancer in a private
booth. Firiz then goes into the restroom for a while. The vesk
dancer enters the restroom shortly after he leaves. Eventually Firiz
exits the bar and the dancer retreats to the back rooms.

Sunny offers to introduce the you all to the dancer. If the you
agree, the bouncer takes the you back to the bar, stating that the
dancer needs a few minutes to freshen up. He pours the you each
a drink at his own expense while you wait.

HFG tags along to the security room. She evaluates the surveillance equipment and briefly considers whether Sunny is proficient enough to alter the videos before dismissing the thought as absurd.

Dr. Phlonxx calmly watches the video feed and waits for one of his more persuasive companions to direct the conversation.

Sunny happily introduces you all to Domokayo, who joins you at a table near the bar. He towels himself lightly, and enjoys a beverage. He seems pleased with his performance.

Feel free to question him.

"Hi, we need to talk about our friend who has gone missing. The man's name is Firiz and you had a conversation before last sighting of him. I would like to know what did you discuss with him and did he leave anything to the restroom for you?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Boris nods at Karpo, "Yes, we fear he may have become involved in something that will endanger him horribly. We are actually concerned about his safety, that is why we are here. And by the way, your performance was absolutely marvelous! You have a natural grace about you that is astonishing!""

Auto aid on diplo

Kaath watches the exchange from a distance, waiting to see the response.

"Yes and from what we've seen, you have had dealing with him in the past, any assistance you could give us would be greatly appreciated."
diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Domakayo is at first silent, and perhaps even nervous when you mention Firiz.

Karpo, with the aid of a couple of fellow Starfinders, is able to get him to open up somewhat. He admits that Firiz paid him to keep a comm unit safe for him. He purports that he doesn't know anything about the agent's mission, but he does agree to hand over the comm unit to you. He leaves, and reappears with the device.

This is when all hell breaks loose.

I apologize for the delay in posting. I do one late day at work, and Thursday was it. Today was lots of errands and family things. Happily, I should be able to get us caught up tomorrow as a fight erupts at the Crooked Doshko!

Well, i'm sure all of us are shocked to hear there's a bar fight here! :)

Kaath breaks off the necks of 4 beer bottles to brandish- lets do this - lol

Love the visual.

Four Ijtikri mercenaries emerge from their nearby booths or tables (or enter through one of the doors). They brandish their weapons and call out, "we'll take that comm unit!"

One fires a shot that misses everyone, and the place goes crazy.

As combat erupts, Keeper pushes a button, causing metal
shielding to slide down over the racks with the good booze. She
rips out a floorplate to use as a shield and pulls out a stun baton,
shocking anyone foolish enough to hop over the bar. The other
patrons push tables over to use as improvised cover or run for
the exit. Domakayo clutches the comm unit to his chest, shouting
that the PCs can have it if they protect him.

A jukebox somewhere begins playing.

Bold may go. Round one. I did simplify the order somewhat (Kaath goes one spot quicker, HFG on slower).

1. Dr. Phlonxx
2. Boris
3. Kaath
4. Enemy Green
5. Enemy Blue
6. Enemy Red
7. Enemy Yellow
8. HFG
9. Karpo
10. Seska

HFG-5-309: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Kaath: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Karpo: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Seska: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Boris: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
DR. Phlonxx: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
enemy yellow: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
enemy blue: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
enemy red: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
enemy green: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Kaath reacts to the impromptu riot.

”The cosmos brings chaos to our doorstep. Our journey is to balance the entropy with order.“

Not sure I am seeing the correct map or maybe needs refresh. I see our tokens at bar and Cliff to north. Anyway unless a thug is within reach...

Kaath activates his solar weapon and moves to close distance to the nearest thug

Boris will move as to not be the 'center of attention' as it may and point mockingly at (Blue), "You'll take it? Just you four weaklings? Is your mother going to help or something? I've seen more intimidating muscle on my plate of seafood!"

Dispiriting Taunt: Standard action, 60' Demoralize roll (intimidate) if fail, enemy off target (-2 attack rolls), if succeed enemy shaken (-2 attack, skill, ability checks) until end of my nest turn.

intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Kaath reacts to the impromptu riot.

”The cosmos brings chaos to our doorstep. Our journey is to balance the entropy with order.“

Not sure I am seeing the correct map or maybe needs refresh. I see our tokens at bar and Cliff to north. Anyway unless a thug is within reach...

Kaath activates his solar weapon and moves to close distance to the nearest thug

I put the four Ijtikri mercs in roughly the four corners of the bar. Try refreshing. Anyone else not seeing the Ijtikri tokens?

I see them.

HFG tries to look inconspicuous. She tries to crouch at the side of the bar and pulls Jenny from her pack. A flick of her wrist sends the drone skidding along the floor until her rotors grab air and she soars aloft.

Then the android draws her sidearm.

I know it's not my turn yet, but to save time. Deploy drone, draw weapon. Added token for the drone to the map.

Wow. Sweet. So 70s. in a good way.

Kaath, I moved you toward blue. You almost got to him with 30' of movement.

Kaath activates his weapon and moves toward the nearest mercenary.

This same mercenary finds Boris' words hurtful and unkind, so is feeling rather worthless for the moment Blue is shaken until Boris' next turn.

The mercenary facing down Kaath does do his best to level his firearm at Kaath and fire.

to hit with shaken penalty: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 2 = 10
C&P damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
I think that shaken effect saved Kaath's bacon.

Meanwhile, the Ijtikri merc on the far side of the bar (red) primes a grenade and gives it a toss. Going for the red "X" on your side of the bar. There is a range increment penalty.
to hit: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 2 = 22Hit!
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Boris, Karpo, HFG, HFG's drone, and whoever that is between Karpo and HFG may make a DC 13 Reflex save. Take 3 if you miss, 1 if you make it.

The other two mercs have pistols in their hands and move to fire.

Green at Boris:
to hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
C+P Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Hit!

Yellow at HFG
to hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
C+P damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Looks like a miss!

Bold may go
1. Dr. Phlonxx
2. Boris (-3)
3. Kaath
4. Enemy Green
5. Enemy Blue
6. Enemy Red
7. Enemy Yellow
8. HFG
9. Karpo
10. Seska

Damage does not include possible grenade damage.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Karpo takes cover behind barstool, draws pistol and fires at red who threw grenade.

Skipshot Pistol: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

As I see the grenade hit the ground, I quickly try to jump out of the way.

Reflex (DC:13): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

What check would I do to figure out what an "Ijtikri" is? Life Science?

Flipping gracefully up onto the bar I manage to avoid most of the damage.
Take 1 damage from the grenade

Looking across the bar at the squid who threw the grenade, I grab my pistol out and take a shot at him.

Azimuth Laser Pistol: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Crit!
Crit Damage(Fire): 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5
Burn Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The shot strikes true hitting the squid square in the face.

"Now really gentlemen there's no need to be so churlish. I'm sure we can work something thing out. No? Oh well."
Phlonx casts mindthrust I on the green target
mimdthrust DC 14 will for half: 2d10 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3