Oh crud, I forgot we could move ourselves on the map! I should have known better... I'll just take the damage, as I think resting and spending the RP will heal up all my SP anyway, correct?
Antares sits down in one of the chairs and takes a rest, doing what she can to remove the surface scarring that her 'skin' has endured from the shrapnel. She glances at the prisoner while Bonkers hacks into the computers. "What will we do with this one, then? I must admit that I have a strange urge to lock him in one of those cells with the starving wildcats."
Human Male Witchwarper 2 Operative Explorer 1| SP 16/16 : HP 20/20 : RP 4/4 | EAC 14 : KAC 15| F+0 : R+7 : W+3 | INIT+2 | LVL 1 Slots : 3/3 | Laser Pistol 20/20
Skills:
Acro +7 : Ath+5 : Bluff +9 : Comp +6 : Cult +19 : Dip +10 : Disg +4 : Intim +12 : Med +2 : Myst+8 : Perc +6 : Pilot +9 : SM +6 : Ste +7 ; Sur +7
"well this has all been quite unpleasant." Skip comments as he brushes himself off. "Look at what those grenades did to my overcoat. There's holes everywhere! I got this at a lovely shop on a trip to Ning. It's genuine ruthig leather! But perhaps that's in bad taste considering our current situation.". He scowls and tosses the ruined garment aside.
"I, too, have to rest these old bones. Say, we found three Mk1 healing serums in the shuttle when we landed yesturday. Would anyone mind if I helped myself to one? Bonkers, you should have another. You don't look well my Ysoki friend."
If noone minds, Skip will use one of the three to heal 1d8 ⇒ 2, and spend an RP to rebuild stamina
"A fine question about our captive. We should bind him before we wake him, then try to get any information from him as Norbert suggested."
Not sure if you were serious about feeding the guards to the zrulicats (tone is hard online), but I am compelled to point out that using a sentient creature as food will result in Infamy.
Male CG Ysoki Biotechnician Biohacker 3 | SP 18/16 HP 20/20 | RP 5/5 | EAC 15; KAC 16| Fort +3; Ref +3; Will +3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +9, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: None.
Bonkers plays with the computer and smiles at Antares-1, "Well, with what they seem to be doing here I might be OK with doing that. We should interrogate him first though. Perhaps mentioning that possibility would help during said interrogation though!"
He replies to Skip, "I have felt better. I'll use it unless someone else needs it more."
”Norbert” | Male NG Halfling Operative 1 | SP 6/6 HP 8/8 |RP 5/5 | EAC 16 KAC 17 Resist Acid 5 | F +2 R +6 W +2 | Perc +7 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions:-1 CON
I could definitely use the rest, and will try not to use the last healing potion. I think I'll get by.
While I don't think we should actually feed him to the zrulicats, we can definitely make him THINK we will feed him to the cats.
The security station here does not monitor the inside of the compound. They probably figured that, since they are in a cave with a single entrance, by the time someone was past them, it was too late. You can see a room with many boxes through the northern door, and there does not seem to be any movement within.
Taking a 10-minute rest here is not a problem, and if you have no other plans for him, you can restrain the living guard and deal with him on the way out.
Morbo will make use of his look alive ability while the others take a rest. All allies who stay within 60' during the short rest gain a +2 morale bonus to Perception and initiative checks for the next hour or until the next 10-minute rest to recover Stamina Points, whichever comes first.
The hallway leads to a large, open room with two halls on the east and west sides. Storage bins stacked along the walls contain caches of deep-blue crystals. A large tank filled with pale blue liquid stands to the north. A lifeless dromada floats, preserved, inside the fluid.
Life Science or Medicine DC 18:
The cause of death was
brain hemorrhaging, and the corpse displays evidence of repeated injections.
Physical Science DC 13:
The blue crystals are shimmerstone, a mineral mined on Vesk-8 that has a calming effect on emotions.
”Norbert” | Male NG Halfling Operative 1 | SP 6/6 HP 8/8 |RP 5/5 | EAC 16 KAC 17 Resist Acid 5 | F +2 R +6 W +2 | Perc +7 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions:-1 CON
Norbert will start to cautiously move forward and explore, although he has no idea what is going on here.
"Cause of death for this creature was brain hemorrhaging, it appears to have been subjected to repeated injections." She notes in a clinical voice, though she shakes her head sadly as she speaks. It is difficult to tell if she is truly feeling the emotion or if she is merely projecting it as the 'correct' thing to do. Perhaps Antares-1 herself doesn't even know the answer to that question.
The android wanders over to the blue crystals and cocks her head a bit as she regards them. "Shimmerstone. Interesting... these crystals are mined on Vesk-8 and are known to possess a calming effect on the emotions of those that touch them." (OOC - I presume that it's by touch rather than ingestion?)
Antares-1 is ready to follow the others once they choose a hallway to explore further.
Module does not answer, but there is a weapon in AA3 that uses shimmerstone to raise the DC of calming spells, so it may be proximity. Do not eat the science.
"Hmm an unfortunate turn of events, likely highly illegal, definatly unethical. I hav encountered this stone before. The mines were not...plesant. The trip to traverse was slightly hazardous but primarily uneventful. I think we should see who is behind these experiments and expose them."
Male CG Ysoki Biotechnician Biohacker 3 | SP 18/16 HP 20/20 | RP 5/5 | EAC 15; KAC 16| Fort +3; Ref +3; Will +3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +9, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: None.
After Antares gives a summation bonkers shrivels his nose up.
"I am liking these people less and less..."
He records all this horribleness for any future needs.
”Norbert” | Male NG Halfling Operative 1 | SP 6/6 HP 8/8 |RP 5/5 | EAC 16 KAC 17 Resist Acid 5 | F +2 R +6 W +2 | Perc +7 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions:-1 CON
East seems reasonable to me
I agree with Bonkers. I initially wanted to keep some of these people alive for questioning, but now I am not so sure.
Several long tables fill this room, and a counter with a stove and
buffet-style table sit along the southern wall. The delicious smells
wafting through the air suggest recent cooking.
Two ijtikri are sitting at a table eating. One of them discreetly reaches for a sidearm while the other looks up at you and starts peppering oyu with questions. "Haven't seen you here before. Who are you? What are you doing here? What do you think of the setup? Want some grub?"
One of you can make a Bluff or Diplomacy check, and others can aid. There will be a modifier based on how you answer their questions.
Perception, Life Science or Profession (Cook) DC 22:
”Norbert” | Male NG Halfling Operative 1 | SP 6/6 HP 8/8 |RP 5/5 | EAC 16 KAC 17 Resist Acid 5 | F +2 R +6 W +2 | Perc +7 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions:-1 CON
Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
They just brought us in to help with capturing and processing the Dromadas. We're from Absalom Station. I'm Norbert. This place is way out in the sticks, isn't it. No, I'm not hungry right now.
Human Male Witchwarper 2 Operative Explorer 1| SP 16/16 : HP 20/20 : RP 4/4 | EAC 14 : KAC 15| F+0 : R+7 : W+3 | INIT+2 | LVL 1 Slots : 3/3 | Laser Pistol 20/20
Skills:
Acro +7 : Ath+5 : Bluff +9 : Comp +6 : Cult +19 : Dip +10 : Disg +4 : Intim +12 : Med +2 : Myst+8 : Perc +6 : Pilot +9 : SM +6 : Ste +7 ; Sur +7
Bluff Aid:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Skip tries to be playful and casual, like he's supposed to be here. As the partner reaches for his sidearm, Skip reaches back and draws a finger gun, loudly exclaiming "Ha! Gotta be quicker than that! What's for dinner?"
Antares keeps her mouth shut and lets the others do the talking, though she glances around at the food and sniffs. She is distrustful of what they might be serving for dinner in this place, but can't determine if her suspicions are warranted.
Life Science Check:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
No actions, just sort of hanging around in the back.
The ijtikri glances at the food. "Your loss, this is really good stuff. Well, head on back and let the boss know you're here. But be careful - the boss hates when people interrupt her research on the shimmerstone." The two guards relax and return to their meal.
As you move past, automatic glass doors open to a second set of computer banks. You can make a Computers check to attempt to access them.
Feeling more confident with computers than in bluffing the guards, Antares-1 does what she can to access the data banks. A bit more information could be a good thing...
Antares has no problem accessing the files on this computer. There are some text logs.
The text from the logs:
HANDOUT #1: NRAALL’S JOURNAL
7 Rova
The lab’s finally set up and I’m eager to begin my work. The shimmerstone I’m using for the experiments is quite beautiful. I’m
told that kothamas utilize it in their contemplations of the universe. I have no idea what the other substance is, and my client
refuses to tell me anything about it. How can I run experiments without knowing what I’m working with? At least my equipment
is state of the art, and this job should be easy money. A remote wilderness and a scientific problem to solve is my ideal vacation,
after all. Off to prepare the lab!
HANDOUT #2: NRAALL’S JOURNAL 2
19 Abadius
All my experiments end one of two ways: the subjects die or become more aggressive until the drug wears off. Meanwhile, my
client is frustrated with these results and I haven’t had a chance to catch up on my leisure reading in days. They threatened
to stop my shipments, but I’m not ready to give up yet. One of my guards discovered a local dromada herd. I don’t know what
they’re doing out here, but they won’t put up much of a fight if a few of their people disappear. New test subjects may yield
better results.
HANDOUT #3: NRAALL’S JOURNAL 3
10 Pharast
They shut us down! That skitter-brained client shut us down! The materials I have left will only last for another week or so of
trials. I intend to solve this problem even if I can’t leave the lab for days. I will figure this out, with or without the client’s funding.
After reading the logs, you find a folder with two videos. When you access the first one, a backlit humanoid figure appears on screen, its face blurred to conceal its identity. A clipped monotone voice speaks: “Greetings, Nraall. I am glad that you accepted my offer. I sent you a few samples of a new mineral substance I acquired. You don’t need to know where it came from or what it is. All I need is for you to use it in your experiments with the shimmerstone. I would hate for our relationship to end on a sour note, so please see that none of these materials leave your lab. I realize that science takes time, but the sooner I get results, the better. A swift turnaround could result in a substantial credit bonus. I look forward to hearing your first report.”
The second file is dated months later. The blurred silhouette appears again. Their frustration is apparent beneath the digital vocal alterations. “Nraall, I grow weary of your lack of viable results. I cannot keep committing resources to a useless project. Pack up your lab, purge all data related to the experiments, and destroy any unused materials immediately. Be aware that failing to follow these instructions will result in our relationship further… deteriorating.”
”Norbert” | Male NG Halfling Operative 1 | SP 6/6 HP 8/8 |RP 5/5 | EAC 16 KAC 17 Resist Acid 5 | F +2 R +6 W +2 | Perc +7 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions:-1 CON
Sounds like we need to make copies of all of this stuff, ASAP.
Human Male Witchwarper 2 Operative Explorer 1| SP 16/16 : HP 20/20 : RP 4/4 | EAC 14 : KAC 15| F+0 : R+7 : W+3 | INIT+2 | LVL 1 Slots : 3/3 | Laser Pistol 20/20
Skills:
Acro +7 : Ath+5 : Bluff +9 : Comp +6 : Cult +19 : Dip +10 : Disg +4 : Intim +12 : Med +2 : Myst+8 : Perc +6 : Pilot +9 : SM +6 : Ste +7 ; Sur +7
"Is there a timestamp on the last broadcast? How recent is it? I'm wondering if they're shutting it down now and destroying evidence, or if they're continuing on and making powerful people angry."
”Norbert” | Male NG Halfling Operative 1 | SP 6/6 HP 8/8 |RP 5/5 | EAC 16 KAC 17 Resist Acid 5 | F +2 R +6 W +2 | Perc +7 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions:-1 CON
One moment, while we make copies for the authorities.
Norbert pulls out his Tier 1 computer and works with Antares-1 to copy all the data.
”Norbert” | Male NG Halfling Operative 1 | SP 6/6 HP 8/8 |RP 5/5 | EAC 16 KAC 17 Resist Acid 5 | F +2 R +6 W +2 | Perc +7 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions:-1 CON
Ethical deficiencies puts it rather mildly. I would like to capture for the authorities and nice, long, miserable prison sentences for these miscreants. I am not opposed to killing them if they put up too much resistance.
Human Male Witchwarper 2 Operative Explorer 1| SP 16/16 : HP 20/20 : RP 4/4 | EAC 14 : KAC 15| F+0 : R+7 : W+3 | INIT+2 | LVL 1 Slots : 3/3 | Laser Pistol 20/20
Skills:
Acro +7 : Ath+5 : Bluff +9 : Comp +6 : Cult +19 : Dip +10 : Disg +4 : Intim +12 : Med +2 : Myst+8 : Perc +6 : Pilot +9 : SM +6 : Ste +7 ; Sur +7
"I suspect capturing them alive would the biggest opportunity for the society, especially if they have any information about the identity of their mysterious supporter."
The Starfinders have no trouble downloading all the relevant data and move further into the complex.
Computer banks line the walls of this brightly lit, sanitized room, each processing biometric data and displaying strings of numbers and diagnostic images on their monitors. A machine towers up to the ceiling in the middle of the room. Glass pods positioned in the room’s four corners each contain a living dromada. They pound on the glass and snarl, their faces contorted in rage. A series of holding cells to the northwest house several emaciated zrulicats. A grizzled, cybernetically-enhanced nuar woman stands beside the central machine’s console, her scarred brow creased in concentration.
Interrupted, she turns to face the intruders and roars, “So, shutting me down wasn’t good enough? Now they send minions to dispose of me like I’m some failed test subject? No! I’ve survived worse than this. You, mercs, you have one chance to run. Flee this place and never come back—but don’t go running to your master. Discovery is what I do. I will discover their identity, and I will find them!”
She pushes a button, and one of the pens opens, revealing a hungry-looking zrulicat.
”Norbert” | Male NG Halfling Operative 1 | SP 6/6 HP 8/8 |RP 5/5 | EAC 16 KAC 17 Resist Acid 5 | F +2 R +6 W +2 | Perc +7 | Init +5 | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions:-1 CON
Norbert tries to bluff the big cat.
bluff check with spy specialization:1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19
Then tries to shoot it with his tactical semi-auto pistol
attack with semi-auto pistol versus KAC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 piercing damage:1d6 ⇒ 2 trick damage, also piercing:1d4 ⇒ 2
Norbert tries to trick the cat, but it seems too focused on lunch to pay attention. Not so focused that it can't get out of the way of the bullet, though.
Fort Save:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Nraall coughs a bit, but mostly shrugs off the gas. She then hurls two balls of force at Morbo before retreating.
Seeing that their foe is using the zrulicat for cover, and that she too is able to use energy to attack her allies at range, Antares-1 bides her time, waiting for the other to make her move before sending a pair of energy bolts at Nraall.
Will 'Ready' a standard action to cast Magic Missile, with the trigger being Nraall casting a spell. Hopefully that will damage her this round AND foil whatever spell she plans to cast next.
Morbo moves up and swats at the zulicat with his tactical baton.
vs KAC:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 damage:1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 "I am afraid it is worse than that madam, we are not from your employer and we will be most gratified to see you rot in a cell for a long long lifespan."
