(Outpost V) GM Quirk's THE CANTINA JOB (Inactive)

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

Please dot in here (or make a post describing or introducing your character).

Altoid Ant, yes a similar name from Atom Ant the cartoon series. He, rough, he's tough, and he'll let you know when the bad guys had enough. He's Altoid Ant. Actually Altoid ant trained and trained for this day. He had seen a fair share of crime in his younger days, so he'd thought he'd help do something about it. Of course he was always viewed differently and feared because he was seen as a giant spider, but it was who he was and he wanted to show them, that even his race can be good and not discriminated against. It ain't long, I've just been trying to use up my race boons right and left, until I've played with him a while, I probably won't have a personality for him. All my characters personalities seem to develop after a few games, and yet most of the turn out different.

I'm Doug and I've been playing D&D since 4E back in 2007. I've played 3.5, Pathfinder, Pathfinder 2e, 4e, 5e, and Starfinder. So far my favorite editions are Pathfinder 2e and Starfinder.

A purple-hued, reptilian ikeshti adorned in freebooter armor and an apron approaches the formian. A dark tongue licking the scales around his mouth.

"You are quite some distance from Castrovel, aren't you?" The reptilian creature holds out a clawed hand as introduction. "The name's T'Krunch. I lived on Akiton before striking out on my own a few years ago. I recently joined the Starfinder Society to get a taste of what the Pact Worlds have to offer. And, I must say, meeting you may turn out to be quite a treat!"

This PC plays up the ikeshti appetite. However, if his culinary allusions become too much, let me know and I will tone them down.

Hey, Doug! I am happy to share a table with you again. I've been playing roleplaying games with some regularity since the 1990s and have even done some writing in the industry, I am a Venture Agent and a fan of Pathfinder Society and Starfinder Society.

@GM - I have played this bounty once before with another PC. That table took some wild turns, so I am interested in seeing how this run turns out!

A dark haired halfling walks in to join the group. He is wearing Second Skin armor and carries a couple of pistols and a Survival knife.

I hope I'm not too late. I just got back from a mission and got told to report here.

He sits down, pulls out a Ukulele, and starts to strum absentmindedly.

I am Eric Parker. I played RPGs back in the late 70's and early 80's, then took a long break for career and family. I came back about 2010, and really liked Pathfinder 1. I currently play mostly Pathfinder 2e, but also keep my fingers in Pathfinder 1e and Starfinder. I am a Venture Agent, and have 4 Stars, 2 Novas and 3 Glyphs.

There is still a soft spot in my heart for Traveler, a system where you could die in character creation.

A human female swaggers in, greeting everyone with unmistakable confidence and bravado, "Heya everyone. My name's Navasi and no matter what gets thrown at us, no doubt we'll pull through. And when we don't, heh, a lil sweet talk goes a long way, y'know what I mean?"

She winks mischievously.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

She turns to Norbert and says, "Your secret's safe with me, big lil guy!"

She follows up her wink with a mishievous grin.

I've never played a bounty before. My google-fu appears to be poor because after a bit of googling around I wasn't about to find any explanation of what bounties are. Regardless, heard the table needed players and this sounded interesting, so here I am! Glad to be joining you all!

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

"So many diverse tastes!" T'Krunch smiles as he greets the new comers. "Would you mind if I took a few samples from each of you?" he inquires, pulling out a small, handheld device, which includes an extendable wand tipped with a sampling nozzle. Attached to the device is a series of small, empty vials. "Just a pinch of each should do."

This is T'Krunch's microlab for his biohacker abilities.

I've never played a bounty before. My google-fu appears to be poor because after a bit of googling around I wasn't about to find any explanation of what bounties are. Regardless, heard the table needed players and this sounded interesting, so here I am! Glad to be joining you all!

Some info on Starfinder Bounties can be found here.

Altoid Ant walks in perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 Why! He doesn't specify, but he says it out loud, like something is going through his head, he does look at the halfing when he says it.

Let's just say some things are still difficult between cultures. Some are more accepted than others. Norbert says to no one in particular.

He extends his arm (or tongue, or whatever is required) for the sample for the biolab, waiting for the reaction when it is read.

Some info on Starfinder Bounties can be found here.

Awesome! Thank you T'Krunch!!

A small red-skinned reptilian humanoid dressed in coveralls with several tools attached or sticking out of pockets rides up to the group atop a medium sized Dragon Construct. "I not latesees am I?" He looks around the group for reactions. His gaze falls on the Ikeshti and nodding his head in that direction, he says in common, "Korth Kothar or KK is my name and thisss be my loyal companion, Gaulendor."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

First time playing a Bounty.

You all find yourselves in Electric Prism, a delightful dive bar with gimmicky drinks and a casual atmosphere. Electric Prims is situated in Drifter's End, the district surrounding the Lorespire Complex on Absalom Station. It would not be unusual to see tourists, transient starship crews, and adventurers enjoying some time off in a place like this. Perhaps all of you might be spending some time off together here after a long trip through drift space (or maybe you're all just locals who enjoy drinking together).

As a neon laser show crisscrosses the colorfully-lit cantina,
boisterous singing from a Drift trekking freighter crew nearly
drowns out a group of tourists ordering drinks from the
automated bartender. The Electric Prism’s owner, an imposing
dragonkin named Trazhi, pulls up a chair two sizes too small
for his scaly frame and thuds down at the end of the table.
“You look capable. I have a proposition for you, if you’re
looking for paying work. Last night, a dwarf named
Vanecarsys came in with a huge chunk of horacalcum. Said
he’d hit a major vein on an asteroid he owned a mining claim
on. He ran up a huge bar tab, bragging the whole time. Sure
enough, other folks begged to get in on the deal—starmetal’s
worth a fortune. He was reluctant, but eventually gave in. I
tell you; people couldn’t give him their credits fast enough!
While they fawned over him, I got a closer look at the nugget.
It was just a lump of rock painted with horacalcum! Well, that
dwarf must’ve seen me poking at it, because he instigated a
brawl by claiming a group of pahtra buyers offered to pay him
more if he didn’t make a deal with the vesk at another table.
Vanecarsys slipped away during the fight. Now I’m out a huge
bar tab and the repair costs from the brawl!”

Trazhi would be willing to pay all of you a sizeable commission if you can return this dwarf to Electric Prism to make amends, pay his tab, and pay for any damages. This should come out to about 200 credits each, should you find him.

I will have some slides up tomorrow. Meanwhile, enjoy your drinks and see what you can dig up regarding this Vanecarsys.

Trazhi, you throw in a dram of your best, top shelf whiskey and I'm in!" smiles Navasi.

Assuming he accepts, she then proceeds to ask around the bar patrons to gather more information on Vanecarsys.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Norbert will also start asking around.
Diplomacy (Untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

He might get some answers

T'Krunch orders a few drinks, considers each of the members of this newly-formed party, then begins to consider pairings.

Norbert finds out the following:

Two other establishments were hit with the same
scam over the past two weeks. Each time, the dwarven
miner charged a large tab, sold shares of his supposed
find, and then disappeared. Patrons at both establishments
saw an elven woman leave around the time the dwarven
man disappeared, but none recall her arriving.

Trazhi pours each of you a double of good top-shelf intoxicants. He tells you that he really doesn't have any leads, but suggests looking at his surveillance footage from the night before.

He also reminds you all that the dwarf needs to be returned alive so he can pay his debt.

He also gives you the following the help you bring in the culprit:

One tier one sedative for each of you.

A single merciful fusion seal (2) that one of you can apply to a level two weapon.

More on the surveillance footage tomorrow, but perhaps you can think of anything specific you'll be looking for.

Navasi isn't a damage heavy-hitter, so she'll pass on the merciful seal.

"Yah, good idea checking the footage. Will want to see if there are any clues as to where he might be from. And we should also see if we can pinpoint when the elven woman arrived as well and how the two of them might be linked.

"For all we know, she can be tracking him for his misdeeds, just like us."

Norbert would like to look for the following in the footage:
When did the Elven woman arrive? Before, after, or at the same time as Vanecarsys?
How did Vanecarsys escape during the brawl?
Did it look like the Elven woman left at the same time Vanecarsys did? Did they leave together? Was she surprised when the brawl broke out?
Does it look like there were any interactions between Vanecarsys and the Elven woman?
Did the Elven woman make any odd gestures, like she might be casting spells?

Agreed that the footage is the best place to start. Can we find a pattern in the places he has hit so far, so we could figure out where he will go next ?

T'Krunch grabs a few bowls of bar snacks, grabs a chair, and begins to survey the surveillance footage for clues.
Computers? or Perception?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
If Perception add +1

T'Krunch doesn't do much damage. He just mostly offers buffs to those who do so the fusion should go to someone else.

"Ssince thiss has occurred over 2 weekss, he musst have a place he stayss. Maybe a sship he came aboard is sstill berthed?"

He will assist T'Krunch with monitoring the surveillance footage.

Computers or Perception -2 from roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

I'm fine with if someone else wants to take the Merciful Seal. KK has a Azimuth Laser Pistol & his drone has a Taclash which does nonlethal. Probably Altoid Ant should take it since he is a Soldier.

Maybe not assisting.

Norbert will look over T'Krunch's shoulder and tries to help

Computers to Assist, Perception would be 2 higher: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

And I helped

I am good with Altoid Ant getting the Fusion

He can't assist with computer but perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

You successfully access the surveillance footage.

You clearly notice Vanecarsys entering the cantina but not exiting. In
addition, they notice an elven woman leave during the brawl, although she was never recorded entering the cantina in the first place.

Altoid Ant examines the site of the brawl and discovers a
custom credstick wedged beneath a table, likely dropped
during the chaos. The credstick has a stylized sun on one
side and a serial number on the other.

Culture: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Engineering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

KK examines the credstick and says, "Thiss credsstick was cusstom-coded one week ago to be ussed for the purposse of gambling."

Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
After viewing the footage, Navasi says, "You know, there is at least one species of shapeshifters on Absalom. They're called astrazoans and they can spontaneously change shape and skin color to imitate the appearance of pretty much any creature of about the same size. If Vanecarsys is one of these shifters, he or she could be both the dwarf and the elf!"

Navasi examines the credstick curiously... "Gambling, you say...?"
Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Navasi's theme reduces the DCs of Culture checks by 5 when recalling knowledge about the criminal underworld. Would this apply to the second DC15 roll?

Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

The Logo on the custom credstick is from Venture Solaris, a popular casino orbiting the sun that uses custom credsticks at their high stakes tables for added security.

That might be our best bet to check next.

Wow, you all are quick all checks completed, Altoid just relaxes.

"Sounds like Venture Solaris is our next stop! Lemme see if I can find out anything about the place... "

Navasi tries to gather some information about the casino.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"The sun, eh?" T'Krunch notes with salivating curiosity. "Let's go and see what's cooking!"

KK looks at the credstick to see if it is currently empty or still has some credits within. "Perhapss, ressearch if thiss credsstick sserial iss regisstered with a name. We should ssee if there are any resstrictionss for the cassino. Dresss code may be required if high sstakess."

Korth accesses the credstick. Sadly, there are no credits on it currently, nor is there any other information regarding the casino. Looking at the commonly available infosphere sites, there does not appear to be a dress code, though many of the models featured in photographs and holovids depicting scenes in the casino do seem to be stylishly dressed.

Navasi seems to recall that Venture Solaris provides a complimentary shuttle that runs to and from Absalom Station twice daily. The casino’s
logo, which matches the stylized sun on the credstick, is
displayed prominently on the shuttle and its platform. The
high‑speed shuttle takes 12 hours to reach Venture Solaris.

I'll assume you'll be getting on the shuttle...

You disembark alongside throngs of hopeful winners, each anxious to join in the gaming.

Once across the green marble floor at its entrance, the sights
and sounds of the casino assault the senses. An inlaid star on
the floor glows brightly, not unlike the glow of the Pact World’s
sun that is itself visible through the casino’s transparent
adamantine ceiling. A symphony of electronic game themes
blends with the easy chatter and merry shouts of hundreds of
gamblers to form a soundtrack designed to entice the hopeful.
A nearby gourmet buffet permeates the air with the aromas of
roasted meats and succulent sweets.

From the casino floor, the entrance to the VIP section is
clearly visible, up a flight of grand stairs and through yellow-tinted,
glass double doors.

Navasi will observe the VIP section to determine what is required to enter the area.

"I wonder if we can get in and take a look around and spot the dwarf or elf. Alternatively, if we can access the casino's computer systems, perhaps we can tie the cred stick's serial number to a name."

Navasi, I wonder if we could Bluff our way in? I would suggest disguises, but I am not sure who they would admit, so disguises are iffy.

"Sure! But give me a minute while I watch someone legit head into the VIP section so we have an idea of what the entry process is."

Navasi watches others head into the VIP before making her move to fake her way in.

------

Once she's observed others head in, she'll walk up to the entrance and more or less mimic what others have done to gain entry.

"Sure! But give me a minute while I watch someone legit head into the VIP section so we have an idea of what the entry process is."

"If you are going to dress the part of another, you should first be well-seasoned." T'Krunch offers to give an injection to Navasi. "A concoction of my own making with eleven herbs and spices."

The target gains a +2 enhancement bonus to skill checks.

Casino security is stationed at the entrance to the VIP section,
carefully screening those attempting to gain entry. Seated at
a desk is a smiling halfling cashier, transferring credits onto
VIP Venture Solaris credsticks.

Past the checkpoint, a statue of an immense avian creature
towers over the gaming hall, its wings outstretched in welcome
even as its three dark eyes appear to keenly watch every move of
the gamblers within. To the north, a kasatha bedecked in sequins
plays a curved keyboard and finely dressed patrons drink at a
sleek bar staffed by two juggling ysoki. Gaming tables and slot
machines crowd the remainder of the VIP section.

Seated at ahigh stakes table is a familiar-looking elven woman.

When Navasi attempts to enter following her observation of another small party entering the VIP area, the guards seem unimpressed. [b]"This is a high-roller VIP area. If you would care to see the halfling over there and put at least 200 credits on one of our complementary credsticks, I would be happy to admit you.

The guard seems bored, and his speech to you seems rehearsed.

This is not the ONLY way to gain admittance. You may feel free to be creative, and I will certainly reward all of you for good role playing and interesting ideas.

Altoid Ant will examine the Vip area and see if they have special name badges or something, observe to try to look like them. He might need deception, disguise or crafting, but first he has to observe first, to see if replicating all that stuff is even possible. perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

"I'm a bit short on creds, but with some time and access, I might be able to drum up some on bit in a bit," offers T'Krunch. "The process ain't without risks though."

The ikeshti looks at the others to see what they think of his proposal.

+8 Computers to try and "program" some coin on a cred stick. May need diversion or something to get access to the halfling cashier's station.

"I'm a bit short on creds, but with some time and access, I might be able to drum up some on bit in a bit," offers T'Krunch. "The process ain't without risks though.}

The ikeshti looks at the others to see what they think of his proposal.

+8 Computers to try and "program" some coin on a cred stick. May need diversion or something to get access to the halfling cashier's station.

To the guards, "200 creds? Is that all?!? Well no problem at all! Let me..."

bigboom checks the pregen character sheet... and oops!!

"Ahhh.. hehe. Just a sec good sirs, I'll be right back!" says Navasi after checking her credit account.

Speaking to the party, "Sure, T'Krunch, you can try. And I've got an idea for a distraction that itself might just get us in on its own. Everyone, follow my lead. And T'Krunch, if there's an opening, do your thing!"

-----------

Navasi approaches the guard again, with everyone else in tow, except perhaps T'Krunch who may be trying to remain unnoticed.

In a lowered, hushed tone, Navasi says, "Hi there, sorry to disturb again. Look, I was really, really trying to be discrete earlier but I think laying all our cards on the table, no pun intended (pun fully intended), is the best way to go. You see that elegant elven lady over there on that table?" Navasi discretely gestures towards the lady.

"Well, y'see...uhhh... We.. uhh... recently made her acquaintance through... uhh... a certain app. Perhaps you've heard of Mashr...? It's intoduces... ummm... like-minded people to each other for social, recreational activities. Her name, at least on the app is Vanecarsys. Sometimes people like to use an alias.

"But the point is, we need to get a message over to her. Ummm... The message is... ummm... The three of us..." Navasi gestures towards Altoid, Norbert and Korth, "...recently had ourselves checked out at the clinic. And... ummm..."

Navasi points at Altoid, "Certain lower body areas of his are constantly on fire... like literally on fire!"

Navasi points at Norbert, "Certain general chest areas on him are overly sensitive and secreting when... well... they shouldn't be secreting."

Navasi points at Korth, "He's got sores and bumps appearing all over the inside of his mouth... painful ones..."

"And I..." Navasi leans in closer, appearing to be on the verge of tears, "I... have... all three...!!!"

Navasi pauses a moment, then continues, "So you see.. We really need to speak with her right away before parts start falling off of that fine, beautiful lady..."

Navasi wears a distraught look on her face and stares pleadingly at the guard...

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

This post inspired by Beverly Hills Cop. Hope it was worth at least a chuckle!

Norbert will try to aid.

You really won't believe how bad this is. I can show you if you really want to see.

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Looking from Navasi to the guards and back to Navasi, KK rubs his jaw and massages his throat for emphasis.

Bluff Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Just in case this does not work, he pulls out his PCU and tries to search for anything designated as a staff locker room or EVS closet.

The guard stands there, dumbfounded, for what seems like an eternity.

Finally, he says "I think you better tell her yourselves."

There is another pregnant pause.

At some point, he realizes that everyone is still standing behind the desk. He moves the velvet rope to the side. "Uhhh, go on in. Please check in with me when you are ready to leave."

Vanecarsys is at the long table to the east. The digital readout above the table indicates she is doing very well--perhaps even well enough to pay back Trazhi back on Absalom Station.

"Yes, I think that'd be best." says Navasi with thankfulness and appreciation in her eyes.

Navasi will enter and have the rest of the party take various discrete positions around the casino to watch Vanecarsys very carefully. "With the security here, we probably can't just strongarm her out of here. I'll go talk to her. All of you keep an eye on her and don't let the shapeshifter out of your sight, agreed?"

Once the party has taken position in various vantage points of the casino, Navasi walks up to her and says menacingly, "Hello Vanecarsys or whatever you call yourself. It seems you've been busy, snatching a bit of cash with some fake horacalcum. Well, you pissed off one too many people. Trazhi from the Electric Prism is going to get the money you owe him plus damages.

"And if you think you can pull the same trick by causing a distraction, then slipping out, then you're wrong, astrazoan. That's right. We know your shapeshfiting tricks and being the idiot that you are, you've come to a place with cameras everywhere. We've got eyes on your every move. Your choice, astrazoan."

Hmmm.. Navasi doesn't have ranks in intimidate? Welp, let's see how this goes!

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Norbert moves past the desk and takes up a position near the wall behind the elven woman, Vanecarsys?

When the velvet rope is moved aside, T'Krunch gives the guard a grin and rushes through with the others. Seeing Navasi and the others taking up positions, the ikeshti does the same.

Then, he starts keeping any eye out for a buffet sign.

Vanecrys grabs her credstick and excuses herself from the game, telling her fellow players the following: "I apologize for the questionable sense of humor my friends here have. I'll have to excuse myself to handle a personal matter."

She steps away from the table and steps toward Navasi. "What is you want? I can go back with you to Absalom and attend most or all of this debt."

Remember, the mission is to bring her back to Absalom. Trazhi wants to extract his pound of flesh in person!

"Oh that'll be lovely! Shall we?" Navasi replies, waiting for Vanecarsys to begin walking out.

Navasi will speak into comms without trying to hide it from Vanecarsys, "We're headed back to Absalom. Follow but keep out of sight and keep eyes on the prize. I don't trust her. She's probably got some trap laid out to distract me during which she'll try to slip away."

Navasi smiles directly at Vanecarsys, "At least that's what I'd try to do."

Navasi will try to remain as vigilant as possible:
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Just when it seemed Vanecrys had resigned herself to heading back to Absalom with you, there is a disturbance. It seems you aren't the only ones looking for Vanecrys. Six mercenaries emerge from a service hallway to the north, and they're looking for trouble. "We'll be taking the elf with us. Step away from her."

As if to emphasize their point, several of them open fire on you and the nearby guards.

orange, attacking Navasi: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

black attacking green guard: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

yellow attacking blue guard: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Navasi ducks just in time to avoid the bullet headed her way.

All around the the casino there is screaming and people panicking.

Bold may go. Round 1.

1. enemy orange
2. enemy black
3. enemy yellow
4. Navasi
5. T'Krunch
6. enemy red
7. enemy blue
8. Norbert
9. Altoid Ant
10. Korth
11. enemy green
12. Guards (green wounded -4)

Norbert: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Navasi: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Korth Kothar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Altoid Ant: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
T'Krunch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
enemy black: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
enemy blue: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
enemy red: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
enemy orange: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
enemy green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
enemy yellow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Navasi mutters, "Bah! We were home free!"

She grabs Vanecarsys' arm and moves them both behind the gaming table for cover and fires her pistol at yellow!

azimuth laser pistol vs EAC: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

"She comes with us!" T'Krunch shouts in response. He draws his tactical needler pistol and fires at the one of the thugs.

Ranged tactical needler pistol v yellow KAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage (P) injection +2, w/biohack: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Biohack: Tenderizer - The target takes a –2 penalty to AC.