[SF] Fly Free or Die AP - GM Ewok

Game Master EwokBanshee

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 4 + (1) = 25 I think i know what skill is getting a point dump next level. She grew up under a rock but living with guess? tends to hone this... "Are you sure you two aren't realted? You have the EXACT same tells...."

Melissa is going to google mysterious deaths shipping spike electrical burns.

"Look Guess, Even with the distant relative discount this guy is looking at multiple counts of murder and animal cruelty. Smuggling? Don't care. Illegal storm running? Wheee. Theft?...ehhhh. But MURDER?!?!? If he has that many credits on him you can loot them off his unconcious and or corpsified corpse before turning him over to the cops. Or making our body disposal a two for one discount. I say we duct tape a bandolier of batteries to him, spray him with that stuff , and chuck him to his own electrovores."

"Oh. Hi. I'm Melissa. I'm the NICE one in this group" Aren't I Pip?

Akh is very skeptical that "gainful employment" means anything other than more stealing. He comments "You managed to jump the last cargo like ours, and you only have 900 credits to show for it? You're almost as bad with money as me." He shakes his head.

"What did you do to the last cargo like ours, anyway? Did someone buy it? Maybe as part of your plea deal you can tell us who and where all these goods went." It crosses Akh's mind that the retro-mechanic would be interested in retrieving her other goods and would possibly pay very well for that.

Strek nods along as the Goblin gives his story. He doesn't know, or care, whether it's true, but an idea pops into his head..

"I'm sure Cap'n can explain this better'n me, but you're actually in luck, stumbling across us like this. We recently dropped off a trio of Goblin interns and've been looking for replacements ever since. You want to learn how to scheme like the best of 'em? We're accepting applications. I think the cost of this wonderful opportunity is more than 900 credits, but it also includes you living, so really, it's hard to beat! You can work off this little infraction over the course of the next few months, and if you don't become Ysoki chow by then, you're free to go! How's that sound?"

He then magically calls his microwave gun to his hands for added effect.

Yeah I'm either going to have to scoot to neutral pretty soon, or pump my next Int increase into Intimidate..

Replying to Melissa with a grin, "I'm not sure if I understand how you really feel. kekeke!

"Look, I'm not about to murder this guy to steal the 900 credits off him when he's just going to hand it over without a fuss. Not the wisest course of action. But if you're gunna do so in cold blood, I'm not gunna stand in your way."

Turning to Zootgarq, Guess? says, "Look, I suggest you sweeten the pot with more creds or some of your stolen cargo or something else of value before this murderous ysoki friend of mine here decides to go all rat king on your bee-hind!

"But anyways, Zootgarq, I suggest you give us everything you possibly can then run away as fast as you can before she..." Guess? gestures towards Melissa, "...before she comes to a decision on how best to torture you."

Guess? thinks for a moment, "Oh and by the way, some day, and that day may never come, we'll ask a service of you. But until that day, consider each day that you remain alive as a gift from us."

Whatever happens, before Zootgarq departs, Guess? extends his hand, expecting a handshake - and intending to acquire a copy of Zootgarq's fingerprints and biometrics.

"I'm sure Cap'n can explain this better'n me, but you're actually in luck, stumbling across us like this. We recently dropped off a trio of Goblin interns and've been looking for replacements ever since. You want to learn how to scheme like the best of 'em? We're accepting applications. I think the cost of this wonderful opportunity is more than 900 credits, but it also includes you living, so really, it's hard to beat! You can work off this little infraction over the course of the next few months, and if you don't become Ysoki chow by then, you're free to go! How's that sound?"

"Or as he said, you can come work for us. Yah better stay above board though because if ya don't, you'll literally lose your head - or get spaced. Whichever is least messy at the time."

Guess? whispers on the side to Strek, "I'd still prefer the two of them submit to a cage match though. If they did, do you think you can engineer together an electrified octagon-shaped cage for the fight? We'd make thousands off an event like that!"

OhMyGosh I'm busting up laughing that I ninja'd you by a minute

Replying to Melissa with a grin, "I'm not sure if I understand how you really feel. kekeke!

[b]"Well today that makes two of us!"

"Look, I'm not about to murder this guy to steal the 900 credits off him..

"Arrrrrrrrgh,... I am NOT feeding him to his own electrovores TO Steal 900 credits off of him, I'm feeding him to his own electrov0res AND taking 900 credits off of him. There's a difference! I am feeding him to his own electrovores because he murdered people, this got dumped in our lap, and there is apparently no one else in this *chitterchitterchittering universe* that gives a my ass about the little people OR animals he got killed just to make those measly 900 credits. After all they were only box haulers and vermin right? "

She might be contemplating murder but its definitely NOT in cold blood. Not really willing to press the group for an act she's really not up for herself

"Arrrrrgh... Fine, you take care of yours, I'll take care of mine. I've got better odds on mine being housebroken."

And stalks in between some crates and slams the hatch shut. Theres a few screams and pounding from the inside. Then the theme music for farm ville.

* Gumbi translation Something about a bag of holding inside a null space chamber inside a black hole for what the universe can do to itself: chitter itself while standing on a tangent to infinity.

After watching Melissa slam herself into a crate, Guess? turns to Zootgarq, "Congrats! Your chances of living have just gone up - slightly. You're still gunna have to hand over everything you have that's of any value though - including information."

Guess? smiles wickedly.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

Akh stares for a long moment at Melissa in her crate. He often had no idea what she was talking about, and even when she made sense it was delivered in a style that was hard for his braincase to parse, but even so he hadn't been expecting this. This was new. And worrying. Sinjin had once talked about a prisoner taken by the Xun who had gone crazy. Was this a... what did Sinjin call it... a psychotic break?

Akh heads over to the crate to tap it worriedly on the side "Are you okay in there? I hope you're not binging microtransactions to compensate for your stressful day to day life."

"Three is not a binge! I had enough grain for the thasteronpunk tractor skin. I didn't need to use credits. I am NOT fine . I think I WILL be fine. If people could kindly reschedule the multiple attempts to kill us on different days that would be great! "

Zootgarq looks Melissa up and down for a few moments, seriously considering his chances in a bare knuckle fight. Thinking better of it, he quite literally empties his pockets. A few cheap 100 cred-sticks plop to the floor. "900's all I got. That's what I sold the last cargo for. Minus the 100 I spent on new electrovores. They're expensive, for vermin." He looks up. "Wait... was it worth more than a thousand creds? Shucks." He gives you a fairly generic description of an anacite with 8 limbs, then turns tail and runs off before Melissa can change her mind.

Shaking your heads at the audacity of some people, and thankful that your most recent ambusher (of three, today!) was so incompetent. Riojin brusquely examines her equipment when you return to her workshop, and she’s quick to point out any damage before noting that it all appears superficial. She stares unblinking at you after the inspection, waiting. "Well... aren't you going to explain? Was it hard? Or are those other couriers just lazy sacks of defrex excrement?" After you explain the situation, she just shrugs. "Hmmm... So a little bit of both then. Well, I appreciate you doing this for me. I'm tired of other people delaying my plans for this machinery." Warming up to you slightly, she shows you a hand drawn sketch of what she's planning on making. "It will be beautiful. A work of art, from the times beyond memory. And, if I pull it off, it will be worth a bundle to some pretentious museum." She thanks you for your help as she brusquely leads you to the door. The kasatha hands you a 6000 credit stick and cracks a small but very real smile before slamming the door in your face.

You head back to Tarika, meeting her at the park at the predetermined time. To your surprise, the once empty park is now completely full of protestors fighting against a recent increase in waste management fees. Signs saying GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT and FREE MY TRASH! abound. But you see the brenneri sitting under a tree near the back of the crowd, and she waves you over. "Hey, y'all. Glad you made it back. How did the job go? Did ReeRee treat you right?" After a making sure everything went well, Tarika quickly changes topics. This is quite unlike her, when she normally loves chit chatting about the minute details of past jobs. "Well, I'm glad you were able to get a job and a quick paycheck. Now, about the favor I was going to ask..." She takes a deep breath, looks around, and briefly fidgets with her wrench before continuing. You can clearly see that her gestures seem at odds with her usual boisterous confidence. “It’s my daughter, Shan. She’s missin’. She’s been workin’ for The Company on some terraformin’ project way out in the Vast. Turns out the planet’s full of life — life that’s gonna be wiped out by the project. And, surprise surprise, EeeJay’s goin’ ahead with their plans anyway.” Tarika chuckles, then seems to realize the strangeness of it. She quickly explains, “Oh, it’s just that The Company picked the wrong employee if they wanted someone to stay quiet. Shan told me she’d rather leave The Company for good than carry on with that. Just like I did. Just like we did. Thing is, that’s the last I heard of her. And that’s not like her. I need you to go out there and make sure she’s okay. Bring her back to me safe — if she’ll let you.” She goes quiet, looking down at her paws before looking up at your with tears in her eyes.

Without hesitation, Guess? immediately says, "Done. We'll get her back or at least make sure she's safe.

"You didn't need to wait a day to tell us Tarika. You KNOW that we would look into this the moment you brought it up. We're tribe - we're family. And we've got each other's backs always."

"Why on earth didn't you...Sigh. Fine. We'll get her. What can you tell us about the planet and the project? Was it a bad part of town? And if worse comes to worse what kind of sack do we need to carry her back in?I THINK mom was serious about that... "

Of course we'll find her! I really wish you would have told us sooner. Every day can count when someone drops out of contact.

He self-consciously covers up his mouth, realizing he may have only made her worry more.

It's fine, it doesn't matter. Was her last location near the terraforming site? Do you know how heavily patrolled the area will be?

"Oh, no! That's horrible!" Del wraps an arm around Tarika, giving her a hug. "Of course we'll rescue Shan!" She considers for a moment, "I know we're not exactly lucky, but... Well, whatever complications come up, we'll deal with them and bring her back to you. Yeah?"

Del tries to tally their enemies in their head, and all the ways this could go wrong, plus the wildcard that was Shan herself.... and gives up. "I'm sure it'll work out! Now tell us everything."

And if she doesn't tell us, Del later asks:
"Approach protocols! If this is a terraforming project, everyone coming to the planet will be part of the project. Do you know what kind of security protocols are in place for approaching starships?"

I don't recall ever knowing that Shan was Tarika's *daughter*. Whoops.

"Ain't no worries, Tarika. Shan's a smart one. Always kind of regret leaving her at that job for this one, but y'all've been the best family I've ever had."

To the rest of the crew, Strek comments, "You know all those fish stories I keep tellin'? Where everything's THIS big?"

He emphasizes with outstretched arms.

"Now you get to see that they're actually true."

I don't recall ever knowing that Shan was Tarika's *daughter*. Whoops.

hahahahaha it's been a while since those backstories were written... I think it added a bit of spice.

Tarika rubs the back of her arm against her nose. "Really? Thanks! I knew I could trust you guys with this. This. This... professional courtesy." She looks each of you in the eye. "Or, perhaps it's more than that. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Shan’s a good kid, she needs more than me on her side right now." She takes two big breaths, trying to get a hold of herself. "“Entha’s a water world. Right now, it’s nothin’ but a Company town while they work to terraform the planet into some kinda highfalutin’ resort. There’s no reason for folks to show up there unannounced. Fortunately, I have your way in. The Company’s pushin’ all their equipment to its absolute limit, which means they need a regular influx of replacement machine parts.” She ruffles through her thin armor and hands Strek a folded piece of paper with an address in the Spike and a shipping manifest. “This is a warehouse here on the station, where the Company’s next delivery is waitin’ for pickup. Of course—like always—there’s a catch.”

“This delivery job technically goes to the lowest bidder, but it might end up bein’ first-come, first-served. A lotta crews want to get in good with EJ Corp, thinkin’ a free delivery shows moxie or somethin’. So you’ll have to hustle—maybe even convince the warehouse workers that they should load your ship instead o’ someone else’s.” Her mouth twitches. "I know you guys aren't always strictly following the letter of the law on these jobs... I hope you can think the same way again for Shan." She pauses a moment, the silence filled by the chants of the protestors. "The job she was on was tough, but it was a company job. Low pay, low safety, but everybody stayed alive enough to work the next day. Whatever happened to her... I just know it was EJ. This delivery will give you their address, and a way in."

Akh doesn't like the sound of this "EJ's still looking for us, probably. And this would take us right into the thick of one of their big operations. We'd have to be very careful. Or, of course, we could just give up and let them take the ship back and put is on the chopping block to be turned into scrap parts." Still, the rest of the crew seem on board, so he adds a question. "Do you know who specifically she was working for in EJ? Maybe we know them."

Yes! Of course it's more than that. Jaraduk wraps her in a bear hug.

After, he listens patiently to the instructions. He does share Akh's concern about the danger of going back into EJ space.

We're... really going to have to dress up the ship. He grimaces.

What information would Strek still be aware of from his Background? I'm thinking of things like the names of supervisors and coworkers, slang, environmental conditions, planetary anomalies and hostile wildlife.

But, perhaps more importantly, since I assume Strek left on good terms (since he was rehired here at the Station), would it be out of place to be seen back on the job site?

"If we need a cover story...the ship is experimental. BigSis Thought it was ready for a test flight, the company lawyers thought it would give us an interdimensional space wedgie and blow apart and cause liability problems all around. So she got a test pilot she could actually trust, her own sister, to take the ship out for a test off the books. If nothing happens , great we have test data and go to market. If we suck half the arm of an absolom docking ring into a hole in reality *chittering* itself , well look the ship was conveniently stolen. Makes as much sense as what happened anyway... "

Melissa is rapidly firing off emails as fast as four little fingers can type.

- "mis posted" at a shipping help wanted forum is a warning/be on the look out/feel free to go lynch the goblin. Also send his picture to every deli in the area.

-call the xenodruids and tell them there are some trained/humanoid acclimated electrovores they may need to pick up.

-See if anyone has a good home for Pip or an idea where to release him.

Melissa hits "The fish was this big" outfitters online store

Now that she CAN"T burry her feelings in micro transactions...

"Since Guess is actually having an emotion and that broke his brain, I'll step in for him. Do you have any spare gear or cash lying around? They're gonna have specialty equipment for that place that we don't. If EJ is trying to silence a whistle blower horn sounder? and it gets ugly We'll need stuff made to work there. Kinda suspicious if we land at the company store and ask for lasers guns that work under water. If not I'm sure the first layer of security will have some... "

Tarika nods slowly at Akh's comment. "They could, they could. Though you fly by a thousand EJ satellites each time you fly back to Station. And they haven't found you out yet." She eyes Del. "Do you think your sister might be too embarassed about her mistake that she didn't report the theft? Or maybe it's too classified to share to the broader company?" She shrugs. "Seemed like the organizations never talked to each other when we worked there. Remember those times I sent you to pick up a job, only two find that crews from three other divisions had already shown up? So inefficient. As for her boss, I think she mentioned it was a young green dragon named Avarin Sacrion."

Strek, aware he was leaving one of the biggest employers in the Pact Worlds, left on good terms. (His old supervisor on Entha even wrote him a recognition for the job with this crew, at the Station EJ base!) Many people left and came back to work at EJ, it wouldn't be odd if he was seen back on the planet by any who recognized him. However, the job had a lot of turnover so most of the people he worked with are likely gone by now. Especially if things have turned as bad as Shan has said. Strek didn't ask many questions when he was there, but he is aware that the water world has a wealth of sealife and underwater ecosystems within it. Of course, the planet life must not be that important - since The Company never bothered to let it slow down business as usual. He shares with the group that while EJ Corp doesn’t keep the project a strict secret, it tightly controls the flow of information—and visitors—to and from Entha. The project’s workforce consists primarily of laborers from economically disadvantaged parts of the galaxy who are willing to take whatever work they can get, no matter how remote, low-paid, and dangerous it is. A few others, like Tarika’s daughter Shan and Strek, went for the adventure, heeding the call of a massive, exciting project on an unexplored world.

Tarika nods along, and adds small details to support Strek's explanation. "I'm going to be honest, things haven't been going as well for me as they have been for you. I thought I could strike out on my own and succeed right away, but it's been harder than I thought. To be honest, I can't get any other space truckers to stick with me for more than one job. People keep complaining that my jobs have 'unexpected twists', 'surprises', and 'frightening cargo'." She uses air quotes to emphasize how ridiculous these complaints are. "That's why the jobs pay so much! But most people just want to fly back and forth on the easier jobs. They're not so adventurous as you lot!" She breaks out into a real smile, for the first time since you've seen her this stop. "But I do have a contact that might be able to help. They run a pirate themed gym, of all things, which specializes in underwater exercises. They also have coaches that can help with casting spells underwater and have an in store shop that sells underwater adventuring equipment." She shakes her head. "Sounds crazy, I know. But the owner and I go way back, from another life. I can call in a favor." Alright, rebuild time! See the Discussion tab for details on that. Also, see Slide 1 for a list of common Underwater Supplies that you may be interested in purchasing; these are available for 20% off until you leave the Station. There is also a new downtime activity for while you're in the Drift.

Culture (3 ranks): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
• Add +4 if it's to Recall Knowledge

...

Okay I'll assume that's to Recall Knowledge, given all of the options..

...but I did not succeed at a DC22, so anyone else who has Culture, go ahead.

Strek digs through the company 'About Us' infopage. "Looks like Ms. Sacrion replaced my old boss, and brought her own crew of Kalo. Will kinda be nice to see how far the job has come along. Terraforming is no joke. Let's just hope 'Workflow Innovations' doesn't mean turning the old crew into undead for extra cheap labor."

culture: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Why do I know that na..OH. My squid friend from the bar where we all almost got thrown out into space. He was talking about how she worked his crew 8/10ths to death and not figuratively, then had some high price lawyer get her out of it. he left to spend more time with his remaining limbs. I'm.. not surprised a lot of that didn't make the company news letter. So if we care enough to stop her it won't be with a lawyer or a protest...are drum circles good or bad for your digestion?

"I think Akh can eat anything."

"I think Akh can eat anything."

"Can isn't should. especially in a recycled atmosphere "

*crack pop POP!*

*siiiiiiiiiip*

"Only 94% of things, based on what my doctor said. Slurm continues to be a profound mystery that defies all gastrointestinal analysis." Akh nods sagely.

At Tarika's explanation, Akh recoils "Tarika! You've been giving these obviously deadly, extremely unethical, and generally not worth it jobs to other people? I thought we were your only crew. Also, I hope you don't tell us more details because I'd like to keep up the illusion that this isn't just an elaborate and hard-to-pin-down way for you to go on a mass murdering spree."

"So what do we know about where we'd be delivering this cargo? Is all the EJ stuff on the planet under water too, or do they have a floating warehouse? And do you know anything about where Shan last was on the planet? It sounds like a big place to search for one person." (Jaraduk was asking about this earlier, and after reading Ewok's posts, I don't see any clear answer. We just skipped to getting the job to get to the planet.)

“This delivery job technically goes to the lowest bidder, but it might end up bein’ first-come, first-served. A lotta crews want to get in good with EJ Corp, thinkin’ a free delivery shows moxie or somethin’. So you’ll have to hustle—maybe even convince the warehouse workers that they should load your ship instead o’ someone else’s.”

"I think this will be easy enough. I'll stroll in impersonating a celebrity, spin some story, make some promises, give them some selfie photo ops and the workers will be more than happy to give us the cargo AND pay our normal shipping rates! Any suggestions which celebrity may sway the workers?"

---------

"Since Guess is actually having an emotion and that broke his brain, I'll step in for him. Do you have any spare gear or cash lying around?"

"How can you think about money and equipment in a time like this? Our family is in trouble! If we don't support each other, we're all toast in this cruel, cold universe!" exclaims Guess? with, suprisingly, some real emotion.

---------

Profession (corporate professional): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
"Yep, I've heard of this Avarin Sacrion lady as well. Most of us who spent any time at Company HQ has. She's got quite the rep and I gotta admit - I'm a bit jealous and a bit in awe of her. Doesn't mean I won't take her down if that's what it takes to save Shan though!

"From what I know, her appearance alone is enough to strike fear and obedience within everyone around. So this should be a cake walk! I dress up like her, we walk in, demand information regarding Shan's location, get the info we need cuz no one will dare defy Sacrion, we get to Shan with no one daring to defy us, then we fly out! Easy as pie, amirite?!?"

Guess? chuckles, "When was the last time you had ever heard of a goblin impersonating a dragon?!? kekeke!"

"How can you think about money and equipment in a time like this? Our family is in trouble!

"Advice from...someone that knows a lot about family. Grandma's.. a little creepy but she's not always wrong. You have to think even when your family is in trouble. ESPECIALLY when your family is in trouble. Thinking is how you solve problems. panicking is how you create them and get everyone killed.

She can cover guess' loan. Peeks over at Guess's shopping list. Not JUST to be certain she's not covering rum as a business expense...

...Like checking the asterixes on that product. You're more than a foot shorter than most dragons and you're stuck as a humanoid with bi lateral symetry. You could probably pull off pretending to be her son or daughter though. We'll get you an easter basket.

You're more than a foot shorter than most dragons and you're stuck as a humanoid with bi lateral symetry. You could probably pull off pretending to be her son or daughter though."

Strek giggles, then pulls up Sacrion's corporate profile, as well as any audio from any commercials or endorsements, then shows them to Guess?.

"Show're what you've been practicing, Cap'n."

"Thank you for the loan, Melissa! The swimming fins will be a work of ART! In fact, once they're implanted, I'll take a closeup 20x24 hi res photo of them for you to hang up above your bunk! AND you'll get the associated NFT as well! Someday it'll be worth billions!!! ...in guess?coin cryptocurrency..." says Guess? gratefully to Melissa.

-------

Mechanically, I might need a ruling for GM Ewok on this because there seems to be a slight bit of grey area but assuming it is okay, Guess? will do a little demonstration:

Responding to Strek, Guess? activates his morphic skin, growing bigger, changing his features from a small, humanoid goblin to a medium sized dragon. Over the course of 10 minutes, Guess?'s features continue to morph and refine, looking more and more like Sacrion until he's a near perfect replica. Guess? then flicks on his holoskin, fixing up any final imperfect details until before you, stands Avarin Sacrion, albeit a medium sized version of her.

"One last little detail...." says Guess? as he then executes one more nearly supernatural flourish (using Master of Disguise), transforming his size to match that of the real Avarin Sacrion.

Guess? then speaks with Sacrion's voice, "Get your overpaid, underworked asses back into the mine! What do you think this place is? A charity? Ten percent! That's how much I've taken off your wages this month! And in TWO seconds, another THIRTY percent is coming off!"

"And YOU!!!" roars Sacrion, "WHERE IS THAT LOCATION OF SHAN?!? I asked for it three seconds ago! Make me wait two more seconds and you're off this cushy data entry job and into THE MINES!!!"

Sacrion then winks and says, "Of course, I can only keep this size for about 5 minutes..."

Reviewing the equipment and disguise rules, setting Master of Disguise aside, it seems that Guess? can only make himself look one size bigger - from small to medium. But Master of Disguise says "you can take on the appearance of a specific individual that you have seen before" so maybe this allows Guess? to also mimic the size of that individual? Might need GM Ewok to make a ruling on this one. Note, however, that disguising as a specific individual will last only the operative level in minutes, so in this case, limited to 5 minutes.

Disguise - quick disguise, doppelganger morphic skin: 1d20 + 17 + 10 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 10 + 10 = 53
Assuming all this stuff works, in order to pierce Guess?'s current disguise, a DC17 will save and, in this instance, a DC53 perception roll will be needed - assuming no one tries to physically touch/examine Guess?

"Thats four and a half minutes longer than what the internet says... maybe we keep that for when we're planet side, so we don't get an unlucky email beating us through the drift. We can probably get our ship loaded with a fake shipping label, looking bored, and a dozen doughnuts. "

Guess?, unfortunately you will be stuck as a Medium to Small creature. That does seem to be the one weakness of your fairly robust Disguise arsenal. However, with a combination of social skills that may be enough to pass as a Dragon against certain NPCs.

Tarika answers Akh and Jaraduk, occasionally being distracted by the gradual changes in Guess?'s appearance. "Right! The job is to Elysia, the biggest Company installation on the planet. It's floating on the top of the ocean, so no need for fancy changes to your ship. Shan worked there too, so hopefully that will limit where your search takes you." Her gaze wanders as Strek and Melissa give some jazz hands around a new draconic feature of Guess?'s. “Apparently the Company’s terraformin’ operation on Entha means drillin’ into the seabed. These are highly specialized fittings meant to keep their drill rigs operatin’ basically nonstop. Of course, there’s no reason they should be burnin’ through these at a high enough rate to need this many replacements, but let’s not look our gift yakaraja in the mouth.” A loud cheer comes from the protestors, who begin to march down the street. Tarika stands up, preparing to leave. "I'll send you the address. Thank you so much, I can't express how much this means to me." She gives each of you a brisk hug before diving into the rear of the protesting crowd.

Tarika’s directions lead the crew to a cavernous warehouse filled with hundreds of workers, some using cargo lifters, while tons of crated goods pass in and out of the warehouse on racks that hang from automated tracks built into the 30-foot-high ceiling. A male ysoki stands just inside the doorway, referencing a clipboard against a digital signboard on the wall. When you approach him, you see a stitched name tag on his coveralls, Skix, Manager. He looks extremely busy and barely acknowledges you while answering your questions. “Cargo, what are you, new? Go find it yourself! Then bring us the shipping ticket and your auths.” He looks up, giving Guess? a longer look. "Uh..." He sighs exasperatedly and says, too slowly, “I don't have time for your nonsense. I've got a business to run. What do you want?" Slide 1 has a photo of Skix!

head to the back. Look for the drills. Any idea what would cause burnout on these things? Working 24/7 or did they hit a node of adamantium or something?

engineering: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
prof. miner: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

At the warehouse, Melissa just eeps and hops to it "Sure thing... " goes to get a shipping label and an authorization to copy...and a box of doughnuts

computers: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

computers: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

may need strek's any key on that second one...

Before heading to the warehouse...

Suddenly, *POP*!! Guess? just couldn't keep up the illusion of appearing the right size and he shrinks back to a medium-sized looking dragon. "Oh well. I guess I'm not gunna be able to mimic anyone that big. But it was worth a shot!"

---------

1d3 ⇒ 1
Before heading over to the warehouse, Guess? spends 10 mins morphing his skin and reprogramming his holoskin to assume the appearance of Zo!!
He's already used his Master of Disguise skill today so won't be able to use it again just yet. Disguise check (to be secretly rolled by GM Ewok?) will be 1d20+17+10.

Also before heading to the warehouse, Guess? tries to determine what the going shipping rate would be for a job such as the one the crew is about to undertake.
Profession (merchant): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Profession (merchant), merchant savvy reroll: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Later, once confronted by Skix, Guess? tries to pass himself off as Zo!. Guess? makes a show of looking at his nametag and says, "Skix!! Pleased to meet you! You may already know me but allow me to introduce myself - ZO!!!

"We're filming a new show and you... yes YOU!! ...are the lynchpin! We're following an average crew of cargo haulers..."

Guess? lowers his voice and whispers to Skix, "...actually, they're far, far below average in skill and ability. A competent crew would not make for good TV. But don't tell them that!!"

Guess? straightens up, "...an average crew of cargo haulers and seeing if they've got the right stuff to make their delivery with a few additional 'challenges' that we introduce along the way! It'll be a ratings BONANZA!!

"And this is where you come in! You're kicking off the crew's first job in the first scene of the first episode!! You don't have to do anything much different from what you normally do. Just give this crew the cargo at the normal shipping rates (as determined by the previous profession merchant rolls) and you'll be a star the moment the show airs!!

"Think of the publicity! The interviews! You'll get promoted in no time!!! And it all starts right here! Right NOW!!!"

Primarily, Guess? is trying to get the cargo for our crew and a very, very close secondary objective is to try and get paid for hauling this cargo rather than end up doing it for free - a circumstance which would gut Guess? to the core!
Bluff: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19
Bluff, Desna's luck reroll: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

Earlier, Akh pats Guess? on the back "It's okay, there's no shame in not being able to stay big very long."

At the warehouse, Akh is overwhelmed by the stacks of cargo, and without any particular engineering knowledge, he doesn't even know how to identify the drill bits. However he reasons that EJ is likely to have placed them in a privelidged position given their importance to the operations on Entha. While Guess? is busy enthralling the manager, Akh ponders where corporate operations would have chosen to store them.

Culture: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Earlier, Akh pats Guess? on the back "It's okay, there's no shame in not being able to stay big very long."

"OUCH! That ain't fair! It's hitting below the belt!!" says Guess? as he grins and winks.

" "reality" show my tail. You could smell see the shiny new bolts on the "malfunctioning" conduit cables. All of them. "

Without seeing the items or their use, Melissa can only guess that the drilling equipment is being used in an application it wasn't designed for.

---

Skix swallows deeply. "Zo! In my warehouse? This is quite the surprise, you really should have called." He begins to push down his fur in an attempt to tame it. "Unfortunately, I've got bad news for ya. You need to fire the production intern who came up with this whole plan. I'm the warehouse guy. I store stuff. That's all I do." He coughs before looking around for a camera. "I've got a big empty building. Folks pay me to hold their valuables and deal with low-lives like these lot." He references the 'average crew of cargo haulers' accompanying Zo. "Like I said. All I do is check their papers to make sure nobody is walking off with things that don't belong to 'em. So you're going to have to take the pay up with whoever gave you the code."

He turns to the group. "Alright, mutts. Since you think you need special treatment, you get a full minute of my time." He throws the clipboard onto the nearby counter and begins to talk with exaggerated hand motions. "You need to give me your auth-or-i-za-tion code. And your ship’s dock number. Then, we’ll have your assigned cargo loaded by—” Skix pauses to look at a large digital clock on the wall that shows the status of a mind-boggling number of shipments. “—tomorrow morning.” You confirm that the authorization code was attached to the directions that Tarika sent. The EJ-posted job is open offer, so you want to get this cargo onto your ship as soon as possible. You might not be the only crew working to get this job - even though it doesn't pay anything. Then again... you might not be the only crew working the job in this warehouse!

The ysoki picks up his papers and turns back towards the table on the wall. "Now, go find your cargo." His eyes flicker back to Guess?. "And, uh... you should go with them. Boring stuff over here." Inside the warehouse, large cargo containers move in and out above and around the workers who move around at a rapid pace. You notice that each cargo crate has a shipping ticket attached to it. Once you find your crates, you can grab the ticket to claim it. As you move through the warehouse, you need to occasionally dodge a cargo container moving along one of three overhead tracks at a rapid speed. It's hard to predict when they'll come by but you notice that the track in the center of the room carries the especially large boxes. Containers moving south into the warehouse on the outer tracks fill a 10-foot-wide space between other stacked containers; containers moving north out of the warehouse on the inner track fill a 15-foot-wide space. A container moves so fast that it covers the entire length of the map in mere moments, beginning and ending its movement off the map. Characters in spaces the cargo containers move through must succeed at a Reflex save or take bludgeoning damage. Characters who wish to grab a moving container and use it to rapidly move across the map can ready an action and then do so with a successful Hard Athletics or Acrobatics check, immediately moving to any space within or adjacent to spaces the cargo container passes through on its path off the map; this movement doesn’t trigger attacks of opportunity. A PC who looks for the next cargo container using a Swift action and succeeds at a Hard Perception check learns which track the container will arrive on.

You walk around for a while, before Akh points to a section of the warehouse with the EJ's teal coloring painted on the floor. Rounding a corner you see two living marshmallows. See picture on Slide 2! The robots turn towards you, digital smiles leering. "HELLO! YOU LOOK SAD. WOULD YOU LIKE A HUG?"

"Yes."

Akh floats over and hugs them both.

I'll need to reread the track description tomorrow morning, but it seems the map is showing the tracks moving east-west while your description says north-south. However, I could not resist taking this opportunity regardless of the intention behind this warehouse "encounter".

While talking to Skix...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

Watching Skix's performance, Guess? (as Zo!) claps enthusiastically and says, "Fabulous! FABULOUS!! You're a natural!! You, my friend, have the potential to be a breakout star!"

-------

Inside the warehouse...

Engineering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Guess? whispers into comms, "Uhhh.. Akh, I wouldn't get so close. Those hugbots are designed to grab you, then squeeze you until you lose consciousness with the intent to capture targets alive. Of course I don't believe it for a second and think they'll just squeeze you to death!"

Addressing the bots, Guess? as Zo! says, "Well hello there! We're here filming a show! And what is your function? And keep those big smiles on! You're on camera!! So be on your best behavior and follow your 'in the public eye, family friendly' protocols!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Guess? will also move aside a bit to stay out of the way of any moving containers while keeping an eye out for the container we're trying to track down.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

"Like oh come on SERIOUSLY. WHo would endanger their employees lives to take 14 seconds off of a delivery that takes 3d6 days upwards of a week? How long did this death trap take your zombies to set up? "

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 11 + (6) = 33

I don't suppose you could let us get this over with tonight ? I've had. enough. of his. chitter. for one day.

Sorry! It's been a busy pre-Valentines weekend. Also, this weekend coming up I'll be at a Convention, and may be similarly absent in posting.

may need strek's any key on that second one...

Strek is now +13 Computers, and he has Remote Hack, so he can either be the primary roller going forward, or auto-Aid when you roll ^_^

"Oh well. I guess I'm not gunna be able to mimic anyone that big. But it was worth a shot!"

"We can work on standing in the back when you're on viewscreen, though. Make your perspective seem larger than in person. For whenever that comes in handy."

Meeting with Skix..

"I've got a big empty building. Folks pay me to hold their valuables and deal with low-lives like these lot." He references the 'average crew of cargo haulers' accompanying Zo.

Strek picks his nose.

Going to the Amazon warehouse of death..

Strek keeps his eyes focused on the tracks; typical EJ efficiency in action.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
• Add another +4 if it's technically to Search

When they encounter the hugbots, he can't quite make out their model through all of the extra padding.

Engineering: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

"Y'know, I suppose I wouldn't mind a hug, either."

Seizing on Melissa's request to Skix, Guess? as Zo! says, "The little one with no brawn but a dash of brains is on to something there! We've got a tight production schedule so if you can move the delivery timing up, that would be most helpful. After all, the sooner we wrap, the sooner you, my friend, will be a STAR!

"So whaddaya say? Can you move the delivery time up?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36

a dash of brains

"Your assistant thought those would make the zombies chase me more."