[SFS / Shifty] Band on the Run (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

D - Any of the above, over to you guys how you want to play it. Intimidate, negotiate, sabotage/sleight of hand, violence, make up a sob story and bluff them, challenge their musical knowledge, pretty much over to you :)

Well, I guess anything to keep us moving.. .

Dwin will look for a way to cause a feedback loop in the Snowfall Renaissance's equipment to cause feedback in their performance.

Physical Science, DC is reduced by 5 dealing with Acoustics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

While Dwinite goes to work on the rival band's equipment, Sem can't help but give them a piece of her mind. "We've come too far and through too much to let you steal our slot! Now back off or I'll make you eat these drumsticks!"

Intimidation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Nuya attempts to back Sem up....

Looking at how their instruments emanate water, Nuya exclaims, "Yah! And I'll make you... uh... DRINK your instruments!"
Intimidation aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Buuut she's lovable, not scary...

The other band seems only partially moved by the threats - Remia their lead singer shrugs "We didn't steal your slot, you missed your soundcheck - not our fault you couldn't get here on time. It's OUR time to shine", the rest of the band looks like they could go either way.

Dwin is working on ruining instruments.

It is now down to Zhane to bring this home, or will Neon and Noqual miss their shot at glory!?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Zhane takes Remia aside, shielding her from the threats of the rest of the band. "Remia, we've all been listening to your music, Snowfall Renaissance is gold, and everyone knows it. You've got everything going on and nothing holding you back. Even if you don't play, you've got stardom waiting for you. But Neon and Noqual has got everything to lose if we don't get a chance up there tonight." He turns his shining eyes on her "You wouldn't torpedo us like that, would you?"

"Give us a spot tonight, and I promise I'll pay you back. Deal?"

Remia considers Zhane's words for a moment, but it is clear they have struck home and the appeal to a sense of fairness shared struggle wins out. "Ok. You get your shot". The other members of Snowfall Renaissance step aside to let you through.

Time to hit the stage

As you hit the stage you finally have your chance at putting on your best show yet to impress the crowd and the music label scouts in attendance.
After a roar of applause as you started taking up positions, the huge audience starts to quieten down in anticipation of your opening song.

Opening song
Each member must attempt askill check. Some possibilities include
an Acrobatics check to perform some stellar dance moves, an Athletics check to perform an outrageous feat like a backflip on stage, a Computers check to display some mind-blowing holographic visuals, a Diplomacy check to include the crowd in a call and response, or a Mysticism check to use magic to create a show of pyrotechnics.
As with the performance at Buzz’s, give me the names of the songs your playing (these can be new creations or the same as the band played at the diner) for a circumstance bonus :)

Dwin digs into the A/V controls for the stage to fire up the Holographic visuals for the Band's entry

Computers to provide a massive visual display: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

and nails it!!

Releasing her anti-grav drum pads to float high above the stage, Sem gets things started with some impressive leaps, dextrously laying down a starting beat while jumping in the air.

Athletics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Nuya quickly improvises a few components into everyone's instruments so that they throw off a shower of sparks on cue whenever the song we're performing hits a dramatic note.

Engineering: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

There is acrobatic drum antics, and more pyrotechnics and laser light displays than an 80's stadium rock show - but the question the audience wants to have answered is ... 'but can they play?' - all eyes are on Zhane.

Go for it Space Brendan Fraser!

Though you didn't mention it, I assume Profession(Musician) is still good here? If not, drop 3 off the check below for diplomacy.

Zhane swallows his nervousness, strides up to the mic, and tosses back his hair. "We're Neon and Noqual and we're here to rock out and stuff!"

Profession Musician: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Jumping right into it, Zhane starts the set with Station Downlow, one of the group's best crowdpleasers.

"Traveling in a fried-out BD,
On a haulin' trail, head full of stories.
We crossed the Stranger, she made me nervous,
But we took a pit stop, got some breakfast
And she said:
Do you come from Station Downlow
Where ysoki glow and vesk plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder
You better run, you better take cover."

'Profession: Musician' was assumed, it was more to give you additional options and the ability to ham things up for situational bonuses :)

The crowd goes wild at the strong opening number - some people chant out something about 'Veskymite sandwiches' - clearly there are some early fans in the audience.

After the strong opening you get ready to perform your next song - you have time for two tracks, this middle song and then a strong finish!

Same options again, each get a roll, but this time the crowd is already warmed up and it is a touch harder (escalating DC!)

Dwin continues to rock the lights in time with the music, making a light show for the ages (I hope)

Computers to rock the house with the sound system: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Not as good, but hopefully OK?

He misses the beat sync with the lights, due to misjudging some of the audio delays.

There is a slight groan from the audience as the beat is missed...but it seems to go over well enough.

JUST made it!

With the crowd warmed up, Sem keeps them entertained by doing a handstand with two arms and beating drums with her other two!

Athletics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Shirt Reroll w/ 2 Novas--I can't let the band down now!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

I'll hold that reroll for now and see how the others play out, and whether maybe they engage the drummer with some prof:musician and some cool descriptions :)

Seeing Sem struggle a bit, Nuya attempts to turn the weakness into a strength. When Sem strains and shakes a bit, unable to hold the handstand steady, Nuya plays some staccato guitar notes to mimic Sem's shaking, then follow up with some guitar rifts to take attention away from Sem, giving him time to recover.

All this to make it look intentional like it was a part of the show!

Musician: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

:-/

Over to Zhane!

Running hot off the previous song, Zhane leaps (literally) into the next one - something specially put together for this show. "Hello Songbird Station, it's time to Strut Like a Songbird!"

Profession (Musician): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

"All the old idols on the net,
They do the same dance don't you know?
If they move too quick (oh ey oh)
They're falling down like a domino."

"All the hip proles so sick of work
They like the punk and the metal band
When the buzzer rings (oh ey oh)
They're struttin' like a Songbird"

"All the kids cross the infosphere say
(Ey oh Ey oh, ay oh ey oh)
Strut like a Songbird~"

With the crowd attempting to sing alonlg you feel that collectively you 'sort of' kept things going for the middle but now the crow, and the talent scouts, want to see if you can pull it off with sheer musicianship.

Final Prof:musician check. Talk up your 'stage presence' for a situatonal bonus

@Sem, that reroll is still good - if you need it this round :)

Dwin pulls back from the pyrotechnics and concentrates on his music. When you get down to it, the music, the lyrics and melodies are why he is here.

You can see him get into the zone, his fingers flying around the keyboards to match Zhane's vocals

Here we go

Profession Musician: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Sem's four arms are a blur as she keeps a beat like only a kasatha can!

Profession (musician): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

'Alright, no more gimmicks. It's now all about the music.' thinks Nuya as she attempts the performance of her life!
Musician: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Look at those rolls!

Prof (Musician): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Zhane leaps across the stage, belting out lyrics to We're Not Gonna Take It! He throws everything into it, determined to finish on a bang.

"We're not gonna take it
Oh no, we ain't gonna take it
We're not gonna take it anymore!"

"We've got the right to choose it
There ain't no way we'll lose it
This is our life, this is our song!"

A perfect match for N&N :)

Blazed past the top tier outcome! Zhane Michaels closing strong

The band is able to win over the crowd and the audience goes absolutely wild, a scout from Azure Note meets you backstage after the performance.
The fast-talking human woman in a shiny business suit praises the performance and says that "Neon & Noqual has a real future in
the biz" She offers the band a contract that comes with a signing bonus of 5,000 credits and includes repairs for Mama’s Little Helper - you know the other talent were lucky to get half that!

The rest of the festival is a fantastic experience. The band gets to watch other notable performances from acts such as Bavina and the Jumbles, Handlo Muggins, the Metropolitan Silence, and Veiled Love. There’s even a surprise encore by guest stars Strawberry Machine Cake!

After the festival, Neon & Noqual hitches a ride with another band, Tarnished Battle Mechs, and picks up Mama’s Little Helper from Buzz’s Diner. It still takes a few hours to secure a maintenance ship to the asteroid and get MLH up and running again. During this time, some of the diner patrons recognize the band from earlier and invite you to share a drink on them at Buzz's.

Regardless, Neon & Noqual has been invigorated. Seeing other performers and getting a chance to attend the festival has fanned the fires of their passion for music. With some dedicated rehearsal and perhaps a few new song ideas, the next show is going to be even better!

The end!