GM Quirk's JUNKER'S DELIGHT (Inactive)

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

One of the goblins compliments the pistol that Zetara offers. "Oooh! Very nice! Carbon steel barrel with brushed nickel fittings. The wood-grain handle is extra cool!"

One of the other goblins is clearly irritated with this offer. "Bomgozzle will make us all take baths if I take that gun for a trade. What else you got? You wanna sweeten the deal?"

[ooc]We're negotiating. You can sweeten the pot, or maybe just roll a diplomacy to sway them, or start a fight and just take the electrolytic capacitor! I won't judge![/b]

Zetara looks at the gun and then says

Oh, you're right. This isn't the one I meant. I like this one. The wood grain handle matches my other one... maybe I will keep it.

You probably want this skipshot pistol instead, yeah... that other one is worth too much. And the skipshot has teleportation magic, and you guys wanted magic, right? It skips the shot right to your target, no problem. And I could throw in my favorite lucky tactical baton. It's very distracting and helps me trick the bad guys into not expecting my attacks. You would like it a lot.

She spins it in her hand a couple of times to show it off.

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

She's just trying to make the other gun seem more appetizing by pretending to take it away, and offering some lesser items instead (Tactical Skipshot Pistol [L1 | 105 | Range 60 ft. | Bleed 2 | Capacity 20 rounds (Usage 1) | Special: Teleportive | Bulk L] and Tactical Baton [L1 | 90 | Special: analog, operative, thrown (20 feet) | Bulk L]. Together they are worth 195, just short of what they were visualizing (ooc). If they actually do want them instead because the bluff is just that good, then no problem, but she doesn't really care which deal they take... she just isn't going to throw in anything additional. Instead, she is trying to get them to understand that the first deal was a good one.

Senkuviene raises an antenna, but keeps quiet.

Janebok nods. "Ah yesss. That tactical pistol is worth far more than what they have to trade."

Bluff aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Gath smiles toothily at the goblins. "I think that's a really nice gun. But what have you got to trade? Maybe if you've got something really nice, we can throw something in. "

The goblins look at each other and nod. "We'll take it! Not many of those pistols 'round here! Hey...how about this for tradesies?" The goblin who was speaking shoves the one holding the capacitor forward and motions for him to hold it up for you to see.

Nice roll, Zetara. These naughty goblins are going to have to take a bath when Bomgozzle finds out what kind of trade they made...

Zetara smiles and says

Okay, good trade. I think we have a deal.

She takes the capacitor, and hands over her Skipshot pistol and her Tactical Baton, and throws in one of the extra bottled waters that she snaked from the fridge in Riddle's shop.

Thanks for doing business. We'll be seeing you... unless you have anything else to trade?

Locket is wary throughout the whole exchange, on the lookout for signs of trouble from the goblin gang.

"'bout time," he mutters, relaxing slightly as the exchange takes place and it appears they are ready to take their leave.

"Can I take a closer look at your hab?!" Sen asks once the deal has been concluded. "Looks like some dang impressive kitbash!"

Gath smiles. His last encounter with goblins did not end this well.

The four goblins argue over the pistol. As they play tug of war with it, the pistol goes off, luckily pointed away from them (or any of you).

They run off victoriously with the weapon, though one comes back to gather up the baton and water. "No...no, nothing else to trade today. Thank you!" Looking to Sen, he says "My hab? It's that tent over there." He points to a filthy, tiny little hovel.

The goblin whistles, and the pet Thastertoad follows after him.

Janebok nods to Zetara and intones "Efficient."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Zetara briefly bows in Janebok's direction, equally respectful of her wise decisions, and then starts back to go to the other area they need to visit. She still isn't sure how they are going to take on the giant junk monster though.

Sen's antennae stand up straight.

"If that's your hab, then what's the tower of starship cores for?!" she asks, pointing at it.

Gath smiles. His last encounter with goblins did not end this well.

Locket shares a look - as well as relief - with Gath. He remembers the resulting chaos when they stumbled across that goblin gang back on Absalom all too well.

He nods appreciatively to Zetara and prepares to follow the android to meet the ikeshti mob.

Murrk and Qesh are pleased with the electrolytic capacitor. Murrk seems amused when you tell her about the one-sided trade. "Ooooooh! Bomguzzle is gonna make 'dose goblins take a bath when he finds out about this trade! Might even make 'em use soap!"

After examining the capacitor, Qesh seems contemplative, and sighs. "Next is a size-23 harmonic coil. I'm pretty sure there could be one of these on Unbrood territory if you follow this trail..."

Qesh draws up a map on his comm unit and sends to each of you. It outlines a path from here directly into Unbrood territory. "Remember, the Unbrood are going to be hostile to any intruders in their territory. They're not the goblins...they're more inclined to violence."

Zetara nods, hoping that no one in the party would get hurt trying to be friends if it was impossible.

Size 23. Okay.

Zendara uploads a visual of the map to her short term memory and examines it, trying to decide where a good sniping point would be along the way.

Janebok nods. "Affirmative. We will be prepared for hossstilities..."

"Next is a size-23 harmonic coil. I'm pretty sure there could be one of these on Unbrood territory if you follow this trail..."

Locket grunts. "Let's go find out," he murmurs. "Be ready. It sounds like they might shoot first and ask questions later."

"I hope all this isn't necessary. Maybe we can get them to trade like the goblins. "

The winding paths of the outer junk fields hold all sorts of wonders. Sheets of aluminum that may have once belonged to an old starship lay across the path at one point, rocks and broken glass at other points along the path. Up ahead you think you see larger bulkheads from unfortunate starships that ended their service here in the Akitonian desert.

Let me know how you are proceeding along the path. So far, there is no sign of the Unbrood.

"Seems too quiet," Locket mumbles, ears twitching. "Might be worth taking a peek to see what's up ahead. Zetara?"

Stealth mission to scout a little ahead and get some intel. Thoughts? Anyone keen to accompany?

Zetara nods and probes ahead as quietly as possible.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

She slips though, and a whole pile of Whatzit brand toy cymbals falls on top of her.

Well, now it isn't too quiet at least says Zetara sardonically.

LOL Who knows, maybe the Unbrood are really hard of hearing?

Locket joins Zetara in creeping along the path.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Oh, of course it would...

Locket glances at the tumbled cymbals. His ears flick. "Let's try and veer around this way," he says, pointing to a clearer, tangential path. "Maybe we can use that as a decoy. Step where I step."

If nothing is attacking them already, then Zetara agrees and tries again.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Err... you go ahead. I think I need to recalibrate my sensors.

Locket creeps ahead and sees the following:

The winding paths through the Outer Junkfields end abruptly
at the crumpled bulkhead of an old starship. A small pile of
coiled pieces of metal lies on the ground next to a puddle of
unidentifiable liquid. A pair of ikeshtis in dirty leathers stand
over a juvenile khefak. They take turns pulling off one of
its legs, both laughing the entire time. One of them tosses a
tiny appendage up and fires a ray of acidic energy from his
fingertip at it. With a hiss, the leg melts in midair.

Placed you on map 2, Locket. You don't think these two have noticed you. The rest of you are just off map.

Senkuviene waits with the rest of the party, fidgeting as she sits on her zoomboard in clear boredom.

Janebok takes this opportunity to learn more about the zoomboard. "How did you come to possesssss thisss pieccce of technology? In digital, I would have asssssume it was more for show than function but I sssee the fact of the matter is otherwise."

Sen's antennae perk up.

"I built it myself! All the best zoomboarders kitbash their own board so they can grind terminal! You can find basic instructions on the infospheres, but it takes a REALLY primo cove to get true speed and power out of it!" she replies proudly.

Locket observes the pair from behind a pile of junk.

Carefully taking out his comms, he types out a quick message to the others:

Two ikeshti up ahead. At least one has some magic. Assessment of disposition appears accurate. Checking for coil.

Perception (signs of coil?): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Should he not notice anything himself, he will attempt to snap a photo of the scene ahead and send back to his companions to analyse.

Are the "coiled pieces of metal" the harmonic coils? If so, we just have to find the correct size. Probably should pull up Galactic Amazon and get a picture, just to be safe. :)

Hearing that there were only two, Zetara started forward, half-running and pretending to be out of breath. She waves her gun wildly back the way she came and yells

Hey, you guys, help! There is a junk monster over that way and it is trying to eat my friend! He's got a load of fireworks which he keeps throwing at it, and part of it explodes and come off, but everyone around is watching and clapping and not HELPING!, and I am sure he is going to run out of fireworks soon... please, can you help?

Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Pausing here... planning on using that as part of a trick shot, but we probably have to roll initiative first.

The two Ikeshti stop what they're doing and pause in stunned silence attempting to understand what exactly it is that the android is saying about fireworks.

[ooc}I think I will adjudicate this creatively. While it appears that these Ikeshti are annoyed about Zetara's interruption, the distraction gives Locket a chance to do something--so, Locket may take a surprise action--either a standard or move action. If Zetara didn't do this, I might have given Locket a surprise action, but it may have required more rolls. The rest of you are just off the map, so when you move on it will just count as your first five feet of movement. We'll roll for initiative after Locket does his action.[/ooc]

The hangers back When Locket sends his message, Gath scratches at his comm unit. You can hear it buzzing on his battle harness. "What's going on? Is it Locket and Zetara?"

While you activate your own comms,Gath's comm screen flares blue and then goes dark. The shobhad stops pushing his thick digits at the keys and instead looms over your shoulders. "What's going on?"

Locket turns at the sound of Zetara's approach. He watches, ears pricked and mouth agape, as the android relates the tale to the pair of ikeshti.

Grimacing, he mutters a curse and, stepping out from behind the junk pile, dashes toward the ikeshti, unfurling his kusari-fundo as he moves.

"Best think very carefully," he warns the duo, kusari-fundo spinning. "Or you might find the fireworks are suddenly uncomfortably close."

Sen circles Gath on her zoomboard, trying to get a peek at the developments.

The two ikeshti, at first alarmed by the disturbance of their sadistic torture, quickly prepare themselves for battle.

The first one's eyes widen, and suddenly a spray of blood erupts from the lizard's eye sockets straight toward Locket.

This is a special move action that Ikeshti can do.

to hit with squirt blood: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Miss.

This Ikeshti also pulls out a knife and what appears to be an old flashlight.

The second Ikeshti hisses and utters magical words. Having retrieved a battery from a pocket, it presses it into Locket.

to hit for jolting surge--note this does NOT grant an attack of opportunity: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Another miss. This things COULD have done a number on Locket...

Bold may go. Round 1. Uchurtai, Gath, Sen, and Janebok, you are starting just off of the map--right at the edge. Your first 5' of movement will put you on the western edge of the map.

1. enemy blue
2. enemy red
3. Uchurtai
4. Locket
5. Zetara
6. Gath
7. Janebok
8. Sen

Zetara pivots, pulling her gun in from waving it around during the bluff and takes a shot at Red.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 (Against flatfooted if the bluff worked)
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + (4) = 5 (Subtract the 1d4 roll if the bluff failed.)

Unfortunately, her timing is off and she shoots randomly into the air.

As battle is joined, Sen kicks the zoomboard into gear and zips up to the scene.

Double-Move to current position!

"I'm not very strong, but I'll f~&+ you up if you're mean to bugs!

Needler shot: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Dam: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Janebok moves in an fires at the northern Ikeshti, her needle flying straight through the chaos.

Woo-wee! That could have been nasty!

Locket had rushed the ikeshtis hoping to catch them off-guard and put them on the back foot. He realises his misjudgement of their aggression when the pair turn to attack him.

Fortunately for the pahtra, the swirling energies of his kusari-fundo distract the ikeshtis, throwing their attacks off target.

Can't make that mistake, again, he chides himself for underestimating the pair. No going easy on them.

"Don't say we didn't give ya a chance," he drawls.

Locket sends his weapon arcing toward the red ikeshti, hoping to take advantage of the distraction caused by his companions' attacks. Sliding a step to the south, he steps aside to grant his crew better sight of the foe. (Guarded step)

Kusari-fundo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Fire damage (magic): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Janebok's needler shot proves to be accurate, though the other heroes aren't as lucky.

Still waiting for the big guys to go. I know there isn't much room, but maybe you can nudge up and get a ranged attack in.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Uchurtai moves forward, aiming at the closest (blue) ikeshti. For once, his aim is good and his gun doesn't jam!

Gath follows hard on Zetara's heels. When she stops to fire, he stops too and raises his rifle to sight over her head.

MOve as shown.

shobhad horizon striker, tactical: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 ... damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 (critical -; Analog, sniper (500,) unwieldy)

The ikeshti cringe as they come under fire, but they still brandish their weapons. They come for Locket and Sen.

The northern enemy steps forward (guarded step) and jabs his flashlight into Sen.

to hit, jolting surge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Another miss!

The southern ikeshti once again attempts to make contact with his battery on Locket.

to hit, jolting surge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
There we go. Hit.
damage, electrical: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 5) = 15

Bold may go. Round 2.

1. enemy blue (-5)
2. enemy red (-4)
3. Uchurtai
4. Locket (-15)
5. Zetara
6. Gath
7. Janebok
8. Sen

All the junk in the whole yard is coming alive! Alive I tell you!

Zetara just yells gibberish, trying to distract the ikeshti, but apparently, she is way more convincing than she was trying to be:

Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 (Against flatfooted if the bluff worked)
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + (3) = 6 (Subtract the 1d4 roll if the bluff failed.)

Nice bluff. Love it.

Janebok narrows her eyes at the spell used on Locket and fires again at the northern Ikeshti, trying to bring it down fast enough.

Fire: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Piercing dam: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Sen spins away from the ikeshti's jab.

"TOO SLOW!" she jeers as she flashes her engines at them.

Zoomboard Thrusters: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d6 ⇒ 1

Ouch!

Locket yelps as the ikeshti zaps him with a battery.

Wincing, the pahtra instinctively glides a step back, trying to put some distance between himself and his foe. (Guarded Step)

"That was dirty," he mutters through clenched teeth, before sending the fiery orb of his kusari-fundo sailing at the ikeshti. (Blue)

Kusari-fundo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Fire damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

I so wanted to make a quip about "assault and battery" but Locket's not really a pun-ny kind of guy.

All four of you hit. Zetara, were you attacking red or blue? Just waiting for Uchurtai and Gath.

Still attacking Red.