[SFS/Shifty] The Vast Experiment (A) (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

Chorizal has another drink at the bar. While they're waiting for the dancer to freshen up, he chats up the lady J'Shun turned aside earlier.

There's no reason to waste downtime on a mission, after all and it's a shame to go to a bar and not enjoy the company.

Vyviane walks back into the establishment with the bouncer and spots Chorizal has finally stopped staring at the dancer. She bounds up to him with a sickly sweet voice. "Oh! There you are Sweetie! I've been looking all over for you. You said you were going to buy me a drink tonight." She pouts at him before looking up and down the kasathan woman he's flirting with and giving her a proper 'Back off, he's taken' look.

Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

She drags Chorizal to the back room with her. "Sorry to hemipen-block you there, but you showed a good interest in the dancer and we're going to get to meet them."

She gives the bouncer a smile. "He's the muscle of our crew. Also showed a real interest in the dancer's show earlier, thought he might want to meet them in person. Also was jsut flirting with someone at the bar and we don't need a repeat of Exilon-3."

Bodo perception

Chorizal is completely confused by Vyviane's actions and disappointed to be pulled away.

"I mean...it's not like I haven't thought about it, of course...I'm flattered...but you know, it's a bad idea to get involved with someone in that way when you're on a team like ours...I mean, I'm sure we can handle it, though...we're both mature, smart adults...if you think..."

His scales ripple and his skin deflates a little.

"Uh...I mean...good one, Vyviane. Yeah. That dancer was something. I definitely want to meet him.

"Exilon-3...good times...good times..." he mutters with a faint smile on his face.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

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, while 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.

Bodo and J'Shun check the place out but the only thing they find is that there are some smells in there that rival what they found in the Nuar toilet on a previous planet.

***

The dancer comes over to meet with the party "Domakayo" he offers in greeting, a fair bit of subtle flexing going on as he picks up a drink and takes a seat, "New fans huh?"

Vyviane, allows herself a small moment to appreciate the flexing muscles, before she extends a hand for shaking. "Tina. Pleasure to meet you. You do a really good show. Did you train somewhere or are you self taught?"

"Chorizal," he replies when the other vesk gives his name.

He also takes a moment to admire the flexing muscles, though probably for different reasons than "Tina."

"That was an excellent performance up there. You don't see people able to work their tail with such skill and power very often. Military training or purely artistic?"

"Little bit of time in the Veskarium, a lot more time in the gym and dance class" the vesk chuckles (and flexes) "What brings you here?"

J'Shun and Commander Mahpu, approach the rest of the party and Domakayo.

"Give me your analysis of the samples we took in the restroom as soon as possible, Commander Mahpu."

Chorizal takes a moment to look around the bar. "Oh, probably what brings just about everyone here. We're looking for someone. But in our case, we're looking for a specific someone. Got a picture of the guy Vy...Tina...Vytina? We heard it through the heart artery that you might know where we can find him."

Domakayo looks at the photo, "Doesn't ring a bell, I meet lots of people with this job"

You aren't entirely convinced this is the truth, as he seemed to brush it off pretty quick. There's a pretty solid crowd around though, and he waves to other people in it, a subtle reminder that he isn't likely to be cowed too easily.

J'Shun, seems prepared to unleash an intimidating verbal assault on him unless someone else thinks diplomacy would be better.

'Vytina' tries her damndest to not wince as her real name, or at least the one she settled on after giving up being a corporate spy, is nearly given away. She sends a small prayer to Weydan in thanks that her companions aren't completely incompetent at this.

Her eyes do slightly narrow at Domakayo when he seems to brush off knowing the man, but she quickly changes expression and hopes that the man didn't quite notice. Dang I'm getting rusty

With a look of wide eyed innocence she comments, "But the bouncer at the front swore he came in here and talked with you for a long while! Even showed us video of him coming in here.... Did someone doctor the video? Oh no! Are you being framed for something? We should call the police Immediately!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Better hope it was a low DC

"Yeah fine, look pal, he paid me a bunch of credits to look after a comm unit for him, that's all I know"

"Can we see this comm unit? We are very interested in finding this man, as you can see."

Rastar hopes there is something on the comm unit that would tell them where to find their quarry. Even if it is in code, since they have the keys. Well, at least one key at any rate.

Vytina gives a sigh of relief and fans herself slightly. "Oh, you were just covering for him. I'm so glad you weren't caught up in something dangerous. Has anything happened to that comms unit?"

”Yeah this is all great, but who are you exactly?”

Vytina gives a smile and extends her hand again, slightly puzzled, "I'm Tina, short for Vytina. I thought I said that... Anyways I'm this crew's mechanic and apparently terrible at poker even though it looked pretty easy when I read the rules. I guess people have called me 'naïve' before, but I don't really think that's true. Do I seem naïve to you?" Vyviane tries to bombard the man with a distracting conversation to give Rastar enough time to come up with a good response.

Auto aid to bluff if it comes to that

"I am Space Admiral... "

As J'Shun his about to announce to the entire club his name, Commander Mahpu slaps a slimy pseudopod over the kasathan's mouth.

Vyviane gives a silent prayer of thanks and mentally takes a note to get Commander Mahpu some..., well to research what the Commander likes and then get him some of that.

"Name's Rastar. This guy owes some people and they sent us to collect. It or him, it doesn't matter. He was supposed to meet us with payment, but when he didn't show, I decided to come looking for him, in case he got into trouble. Now..." Rastar gave a four-armed shrug.

"Look, you're a great dancer, and I hate to take up too much of your time. How about you let us take a look at that comm unit, and we'll be out of your hair."

Chorizal listens in but lets the others do the talking. He stands to the side, taking up a lot of space.

He'd chime in, but generally his "encouragement" made people unlikely to help again so he was waiting for the more friendly route to run its course or hit a dead end.

'Vytina' gives a smile and nods enthusiastically as Vyviane thinks how nice it would be to get out of here and shed the sickly sweet, naïve Vytina personality.

J'Shun, wipes the slime off the part of his armor that covers his mouth and projects his voice before glaring at Mahpu. However, he says nothing more as Rastar continues the negotiations.

The Dancer finally concedes and goes away to get the device. As he returns he is clearly holding it in his hand and extending it as though he's here to give it to you, what he has not noticed is the armed (many armed!) itjikri mercs that have trailed him into the bar, and another one appears form the darkness where it has clearly been hiding out somewhere in the establishment.

"THIS IS A HOLD UP, HAND OVER THAT DEVICE!"

They wave swords and pistols.

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, waiting for 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 you can have the communicator if you prptect him.

The ijtikris look at you all super suspiciously, like they know you.

R1
Bodo
Chorizal
Rastar
ENEMY

"Don't worry, pal. You're going to be fine," Chorizal calls out to the Vesk dancer.

He interposes himself between the man and his assailants and draws his dragon glaive.

"By order of the Hellknights of the Pike, I command you to stand down or be put down," he barks out to the central attacker (Gray) before swinging to emphasize his point.

Intimidate (Challenge): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Basic Dragonglaive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Sonic and Electricity Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

The challenge isn't very impressive, but the swing is.

"Thank you for making this the most glorious day of my year! I have been wanting to smash something since those Jinsul a few months ago, and you are right on time!"

Rastar slung back his overcoat to reveal the heavy burner on its harness. With a snap-hissssss the end light and gave an eerie orange cast to the light around him. He aimed at the merc on the right and a gout of flame leaped across the floor.

vs eac: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
vs eac: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 reroll
F damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Apparently I can't buy a decent combat roll. Ah well. Get 'em!

"It IS them!" one of the Itjikri exclaims, just before it gets hit by Chorizal.

Rastar peppers the air adding to the battle noise.

R1
Bodo
Chorizal - acted
Rastar - acted
ENEMY

B
G 15
W

Pull out needler rifle while moving and fire at white hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The white armoured merc gets clipped by Bodo's needle.

White steps back safely out of Chorizals reach, and casts a spell bringing a wisp-like creature into existence that distracts Chorizal.
Harrying Fire

White steps back safely out of Chorizals reach, and casts a spell bringing a wisp-like creature into existence that distracts Chorizal.
Covering Fire

Grey then steps in swinging.
Attack 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

***

Vyv then blows out the engaging enemy!

These squids sure do look familiar

R1
Vyv - acted
J'Shun

R2
Bodo
Chorizal - Harry & Covering
Rastar
ENEMY

B
G Dead
W 6

"Hey! Didn't we kick your cloacas back on that planet with the weird science lab?" Chorizal says, trying to figure out where he's seen these people before.

"I guess you didn't get enough last time. Let's see if we can make it stick, this time."

He follows the one in white, menacingly, singling it out and challenging it and takes a swing.

Intimidate (Challenge): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Basic Dragonglaive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Sonic and Electricity Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

His smack talking remains far less effective than his smacking.

"Are these the same squids from that idiot nuar's lab?"

"Who wants kalamari????

Rastar ignited his flamer again, sending another line of liquid fire at the squid in black armor.

vs eac: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
F damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Fire at white again hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

As the squid man in front of J'Shun is enveloped in fire from Rastar's flamer, J'Shun bellows a challenge at it.

"The battle is joined. Surrender now or we will vanquish you!"

He then charges straight at the burning squid man and leaps at it. Focusing his entropic energy into his attack he extends his foot into a flying kick as he shouts a 気合.

J'Shun, charges and does a entropic strike on black.

Entropic Strike vs. Black EAC: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 2 = 10
Bludgeoning Damage: 3d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4, 4) + 4 = 15

Spending 2 resolve points on the entropic strike. J'Shun gained one at the beginning of combat and another for his charge action. Entropy points +0, EAC 12, KAC 14 this round.

The challenge lacks impact, but the blow behind it doesn't.

Rastar gets right on point, finding his mark and landing a shot.

Bodo and J'shun have less luck.

Chorizal has his opponent step in swinging
Attack 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 = 17 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

J'Shun also ends up being swung at.
Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 vs KAC
Damage 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

You note some of the armour and other trappings suggest these are the same merc group you have already encountered, you did indeed come across these guys (or their friends) in a wierd science lab.

R2
Vyv
J'Shun

R3
Bodo
Chorizal - Harry & Covering
Rastar
ENEMY

B 8
G Dead
W 24

As one of squid men falls, J'Shun yells, "Victory shall be ours."

He draws his longsword and circles around the squid man he is fighting guarded step to give Rastar a clear shot before he sends a violent slash at its head.

Longsword vs. Black KAC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Entropy points +0, EAC 14, KAC 16 this round.

J'Shun lands a blow in reply!

R2
Vyv
J'Shun - acted

R3
Bodo
Chorizal - Harry & Covering
Rastar
ENEMY

B 17
G Dead
W 24

I think Vyviane has yet to act in round 2 yet, right?

Vytina gives a small look of shock at her weapon as it shoots ourt a burst of sound. "What the that's not what I intended! I'm so sorry, I wasn't meaning to shoot you, my finger slipped I promise."

Her finger then 'slips' again.

Trick Attack, Bluff: 1d20 + 18 - 20 ⇒ (2) + 18 - 20 = 0 =CR tricked
Extra damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Boom, Holla, BOOM! (Thunderstrike pistol) vs. EAC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Sonic Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Whilst apparently having the deception skills of a five year old with a hand in the cookie jar - Vyv is accurate enough with her aim - dropping the creature.

R2
Vyv - acted
J'Shun - acted

R3
Bodo
Chorizal - Harry & Covering
Rastar
ENEMY

B Dead
G Dead
W 24

Chorizal steps closer to the last remaining enemy. No threats or challenges this time, just a swing of his Dragonglaive.

Basic Dragonglaive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Sonic and Electricity Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Crit Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Fire again at white hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 vs KAC dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The combat ends in a bone-shattering smash that sends the mercenary plowing into one of the booths. Silence settles over the bar. Patrons cautiously peek over tables to assess the scene. The bar returns to normal fairly quickly. Keeper and the Bouncer begin the clean up, dragging the bodies outside.

The dancer hands the device over, it appears locked with some serious security measures, but with the codes provided by the Brotherhood, it’s possible to hack the device...

Computers check

Bodo can't do computers, but he will reload his gun.

Vytina gives tehe handsome dancer a smile and giggles some as he hands over the device. "We were able to keep you safe from those overbearing and power hungry mercenaries. I hope that they don'T bother you again. If you want I can give you my number..." She pauses for a second and then blushes. "Wait, I just realized how that sounds... Uhh, I... ah... LET'S LOOK AT THAT DEVICE, MKAY?" Flustered, she immediately turns to the device and blushing starts to work on it.

Computers, w/ hacking kit (no bonus but no penalty): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Bluff, Cause Vyviane is really enjoying playing a character... Yeah she's a drama nerd: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Having a hard time trying to hold on to her Vytina personality as she gets flustered, Vyviane can't quite focus on the comms device.
Soooo, about that hireling to help with computers?

"An impressive display of martial prowess again Captain Chorizal. I must insist again that you attempt the trials to gain acceptance into clan Summersword," J'Shun says as he wipes the squid man's blood off of his longsword on the clothes of a bar patron who is cowering under a nearby table.

"Give it another try Acting Lieutenant Isafira. We must access the information on that comm unit."

Vyviane gives J'Shun a look that could cut diamonds as he calls her by the ABSOLUTELY WRONG NAME for her persona. She channels her anger into the comms unit and tries to hack the codes, before typing a message out to J'Shun. "We need to talk outside once this is over!"

Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

The device self-destructs in Vyvs hands, but not before revealing a set of precise coordinates. They appear to be roughly near where the trucker dropped off the agent.