SFS Salvation's End and After

Game Master therealthom

Stell documents things at first and then asks if someone can explain the rules of one of the games they are playing when a game ends and the players have yet to start another. "My name is Stell, by the way." She introduces the other Starfinders and adds, "We are observers from distant planets interested in learning about your culture."

Another Joro, inevitably clad in cargo shorts and sandals, approaches the table. His clothes are all a pleasant tan khaki except for a vaguely yellow scarf around his neck. "I'll play with them, just to make up a team." He sits down and smiles. He extends a hand toward his two gaming partners. "I'm Cobbler Joro. I have good taste."

Your opponents confer feverishly then begin laying out pieces on the game board. Cobbler Joro calmly and quickly explains the games objectives, rules, and the three main philosophies of play to you, but refrains from telling you what to do.

Your opponents begin with a broad frontal attack.

TG, let's have that Intelligence check.

The various Joros return Stell's greeting. Most seem excited to explain games to her, sometimes they talk over each other in their enthusiasm.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Stell keeps an eye on the AOTC shirt guy who made the remark about deviant clones, intending to ask him about that later.

Stell focuses on learning one of the games.

Later she asks the guy, "I heard you identify us as deviant clones and something about some other ones? Have others like us been here recently?"

"They're still here. They're different, don't fit in. They're snakes in Jorodise." AOTC Joro spits and walks away.

Baker and Roofer Joro mentioned them.

...

The Joros encourage the PCs to explore the area and experience the Joro lifestyle. They also mention that the PCs might be interested in speaking to the handful of divergent clones scattered throughout their community. They assume the PCs are a new batch of clones and hope that if they can’t integrate them into the Joro community, they can introduce them to the other clones.

Int check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Thundergun plays for fun but also for interest of investigator of locked world. He tries to understand the game more than tryin to win it.
When surpised or disapointed - the izalguun prduces unpleasent sounds.

Btw, I also joined the game - my intelligence check is in the posts above.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Idir didn't make the Perception check, but would he have noticed Stell talking to the guy?

"They're still here. They're different, don't fit in. They're snakes in Jorodise." AOTC Joro spits and walks away.

"Noted," Stell says dryly and glances at her comrades.

To those trying to explain the rules, she smiles and holds her hands palm forward, saying, "One at a time, please!"

Stell and AOTC Joro aren't trying to hide, so sure, Idir can see them. K, I know.

At the end of a couple hours of underhanded strategy, brute force tactics, and much rules lawyering, the PC's side is on the ropes. But a last minute gambit narrowly wins the game of Imperial Conquest. The Joros are much impressed.

"That was tremendous!" There is general acclaim.

AOTC Joro turns and walks away. "They must have cheated."

Kuozar and Thunder Gun, for the next 8 hours, you gain a +1 bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity; when two players who succeeded at the Intelligence check flank the same enemy during this time, the bonus to attack rolls from flanking increases by 1.

Stell, the next time you attempt to use aid another to assist any of the other players of that game session, the DC of the aid another check is reduced by 1.

Where to next?

Idir tries to look innocent as he sidles up to Stell and the Joro speaking to her to eavesdrop on the conversation.

When it finishes, he taps her on the shoulder and waves her over to a quieter spot.

"I heard what was said there...Do we think there's a previous expedition here or that this community isn't as harmonious as it may have first seemed? Frankly, neither would surprise me. I'm reminded of Dromaritia in a way: just because we dromadas all shared values of security and strong bonds within herd and huddle, we are still fully capable of getting on each others' nerves."

It wasn't bad. I don't know if I would have won if I hadn't had a flask of whiskey with me. Ha! I suggest we go to the sports bar further! (BoThumbsUp)

The party traipses over to the sports bar, but it is closed until later in the day.

It's closed until you visit at least three other sites. (2 more)

Bah! To the musical studio then!

Is there a second?

Idir nods at Kuozar's suggestion.

"They do seem inclined to be more candid with Stell...perhaps because of her humanity. When faced with strangers, people will often be more willing to trust those ones who seem most familiar to them. Therefore, the music studio would be a fine choice to visit next, in my opinion."

He turns to Stell with a small smile.

"It aligns with your interests too, so it may be a good chance to build more rapport with the community!"

Idir tries to look innocent as he sidles up to Stell and the Joro speaking to her to eavesdrop on the conversation.

When it finishes, he taps her on the shoulder and waves her over to a quieter spot.

"I heard what was said there...Do we think there's a previous expedition here or that this community isn't as harmonious as it may have first seemed? Frankly, neither would surprise me. I'm reminded of Dromaritia in a way: just because we dromadas all shared values of security and strong bonds within herd and huddle, we are still fully capable of getting on each others' nerves."

Speaking quietly as well, Stell nods and whispers, "I doubt the stewards of this area would allow anyone else in, but their could be entrances they don't know about or whoever created these clones has a presence here keeping tabs on them. Might be some kind of experiment. We'll have to keep watching for strangers and maybe ask new Joros we meet about the same."

The description of this area lists a library as well as a gaming area. Stell would like to see what's available and interact with anyone acting as librarian. After that Stell would vote to check out the choir.

the technomancer feels strangely good acheiving win in the board game. And even took a sip of Kuozars whiskey to be sure either it helped them to win or not.

---

Thundergun listens for Idir theory about better attitude to Stell and nods in agreement.

-Sounds like music and sound production and diapason of percepted tembroes may say a lot about civilisation's or kin's culture an biology. Music studio sounds good - probably TG smiles as his last words sounded softer...

-Actualy we a strangers, but yea, lets ask about any newcomers!

IN-CHOIR-ING MINDS
This small performing arts studio is richly decorated with inspirational music posters, five-line whiteboards, and tiered choir risers encircling an analog upright piano. A handful of community singers gather here for rehearsals, avidly practicing choreography and harmonized parts in a cappella covers of the Joros’ favorite tunes. The ensembles that rehearse here are longtime rivals of the ensembles who rehearse at a nearby studio, the Hi Note.

The current ensemble, Joros Choros, intently focuses on their rehearsal and pay the PCs little notice.

Stell let's her camera record the music and waits for a break when she can talk with the musicians. She wants to get out her violin and try to play along but won't unless invited.

Thundergun in a usual awkward manner finds a proper spot in this world of medium size folks.

While he has time to listen and concentrate at the same time, the technomancer search for local wireless infostructure. Any sort of data, signals, connections... This wikk be part of technology level investigation.

Kuozar lights a cigar and joins the search for data that his friend started.

Idir putters around to try and speak with any of the Joros on staff while Stell interacts with the actual artists, putting his best hoof forward as an ambassador of the outer galaxy.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

The Joros are intently focused on their rehearsal. While a few notice Stell and the party, no one notice's the Starfinder's violin case.

Stell will need to be a little more forward if she wants to play.

Idir finds a couple Joroswho aren't staff, but are just hanging out. The studio is more a set of open rehearsal rooms, than a recording studio. The Joros are friendly in the same vein as Roofer and Baker Joro were.

Thudergun and Kuozar scan the airwaves. They immediately find J-ORO the Joy-Road to Music! DJJJ Joro is spinning the latest vocal stylings for music-loving Joro's everywhere.

There are a number of other weak signals. It's going to take some time and data analysis to tease out which are Salvation's End systems, and whether any are Joro-related or produced.

Can't access the scenario pdf right now. Mostly stalling for time.

Stell will take out her violin and starting playing along, mostly just trying to alternate between playing the melody line and then a harmony part. If no one objects, she'll get a little more into it, dancing as she plays.

Profession (musician): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Stell's instrumental riffs draw the attention of the choir. They, Joros Choros, finish the piece, then surround her to talk enthusiastically about the possibilities of combining a capella songs with violin accompaniment. You try a few. Love of art transcends boundaries. "You should form your own group with the other different clones. The stage at Bothumbs Up hasn't been used in a long time."

Idir, have a line of questioning that you want to pursue?

In addition to J-ORO Thundergun and Kuozar discover that there is a modest infonet run out of the Joro's library. It does not have connectivity outside the vault. The handful of other signals are Salvation's End systems, mostly instrumentation telemetry.

"I'd be happy to jam some more and even do a concert if you like. But right now, we need to visit a few other places for our assignment."

Stell will continue to jam until the others indicate they are ready to move on.

Thundergun waves a bit tryin to get rid of cigar cmoke but soon get curios and casually get familiar with instrumentation telemetry.

When someone return TG out to reality - he accept a plan to move on.

Seems we're all done here. Where to next?

The jam session breaks up. Some Joros going to work, others going home for a meal. "Hey, look up the other different clones. We'd love to hear what you can do with them."

Idir, have a line of questioning that you want to pursue?

Idir pursues the suspicion he got at the game tournament, asking the Joros questions about conflict resolution and community harmony.

"Even in a community where the personalities are all so alike, I imagine sometimes it can be hard to stand...yourselves? Even small differences can sometimes get on each others' nerves, and I think the Pact Worlds could learn a lot from...your town," he asks, realizing the Joros haven't bothered to tell him the name of their community. He wonders if they even HAVE a name for it beyond maybe "Home."

"What say we go clockwise around the compass points? I'm getting very curious about this other group of 'different clones' they keep talking about. I suspect they will be important to understanding this place."

I think that would take us either to the Sports Bar or the Metalworks.

Let's go to Metalworks. Finally something interesting... Maybe...

Located at the southern edge of the vault’s perimeter, the metalworks, BEG, BORROW, AND STEEL, is a source of building and crafting materials provided by the vault’s guiding intelligence. A complex set of spigots and
apertures jutting from a wall produces fonts of molten metal that several Metalworker Joros use to forge their various supplies. Metalworker Joros are just as chatty and quirky.

Idir makes a face upon reading the sign.

"These puns are starting to wear on me," he comments.

Through the gates you can see a kind of roadway through the metalworks. The Joros move to and fro in the course of their work. At the far end of the works, you see a large pile of scrap metal. The bulky figure that towers over the Joros and pulls scrap from the pile, carries it out of sight and then returns, can only be the shobhad Relton.

Thundergun notices another specie - a Shobhad, so he will point allies a this one suggesting to come and chat.

The bulky figure that towers over the Joros and pulls scrap from the pile, carries it out of sight and then returns, can only be the shobhad Relton.

This makes it sound like we've heard of this Relton character. I can't find any reference so far, so I'm wondering if I missed something somewhere.

Stell wants to talk to the Shobhad but she will advance into the shop area cautiously, reading the body language of the Joros working to see if they might not want us there.

She introduces everyone as she did before, mentioning the Pathfinders and the fact that we come from Pact World planets to learn about the facility.

You're right. You haven't heard Relton's name yet. A little slip on my part. Although with TG's urging you'll meet her soon enough.

"Tinkerer Joro told us about you! You're the new different clones?! "

A Joro points at Thundergun. "You look strong. And you have six limbs. Maybe you can work in the scrap yard with Relton. She might like some company. "

Kuozar and Idir also draw some comments. "You're like Analise." and "We've never seen anything like you."

But the most interest is stirred up by Stell. "You're almost a Joro. Not as different as the others, but kind of softer and lumpy. "

And going over the scenario, I made another small mistake. I think I told you that you had to visit three areas before Bothumbs Up, but it's supposed to be four.

Thundergun lost his resolve as usually, when a lot of questions or crowds around. He answers shortly before tryin to become smaller:

-We are not sure we are clones actually. Scrap yard, huh? Maybe Relton could describe me better how production being managed here.

So, Relton likely a Shobhad. Thundergun engage casual conversation as far as he can find this person, willing to know how he/she ended up here...

Idir scratches his head a bit.

"So there ARE residents who aren't Joros?"

Thundergun lost his resolve as usually, when a lot of questions or crowds around. He answers shortly before tryin to become smaller:

-We are not sure we are clones actually. Scrap yard, huh? Maybe Relton could describe me better how production being managed here.

So, Relton likely a Shobhad. Thundergun engage casual conversation as far as he can find this person, willing to know how he/she ended up here...

The Joros laugh at Thundergun's joke. Everyone's a clone! But not erveryone's a Joro!" The point him down the metalworks roadway to the scrapyard at the end where the shobhad was moving metal. "Relton's our shobhad. She works down there."

Idir scratches his head a bit.

"So there ARE residents who aren't Joros?"

"Sure! We have four. Relton the shobhad works here in our scrapyard. We also have a nuar like that one [ooc] points at Kuozar [/occ] named Annalise, and a lashunta with antennae named Kenro. Then there's Finbar; he's fuzzy."

Idir nods.

"Thank you for the clarification!"

When there's a moment, he waves the squad over to talk out of earshot of the Joros.

"I think it might be good to meet with these "non-Joro clones." They're probably our best chance of getting as close to an unbiased view of this place as we'll get...or more accurately a counter to the very heavy bias of the Joro population."

Yes, it would be especially interesting to meet with... hey, Joro, where can I find Annalise?

"Annalise hangs out at the art studio, Sketch that Kitsch."

Idir harrumphs a little.

"I do not care for kitsch as an aesthetic," he mutters.

'Not as different as the others, but kind of softer and lumpy'. Stell repeats the description in her head. Then it dawns on her that there haven't been any female humans, although the name Annalise suggested a female. She hoped these Joros knew nothing of the squox and the barros. Being the only female in a colony of men made her nervous.

"I suggest that Thundergun talk to Relton while we look for Annalise at the art studio. Let's meet up at that sports bar, Thumbs Up, or something like that."

:: I wouldn't split up. Cute places can be a death trap. ::
Kuozar transmits this thought telepathically.

Does that mean you're not splitting the party? ~sad sniffle~

Thundergun agrees we should not split the party. This place seems strange and awkwardly peacfull. He may talk to Relton later if the studio has a higher. But we lilely need to check everyfacility and be cautios about places we stop to eat and have a rest...

Stell agrees to wait while Thundergun talks with the Shobad. She fills the time videoing activities in the metal working shop.