The nuar turns blinking at Aramesh, clearly astounded by whatever was said...
Kevan swooshes with his paws, trying to use Aramesh distractions to his advantage
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Kevan lands a beefy blow that clearly rattles the nuar.
"Ok! OK! I surrender!"
The hands go up in the air.
Great buddy! Tell us everything you know about what awaits us next and you will live. We didn't come for you. The semblance of a face assembled from thousands of small midges spreads into a moderately friendly grin.
Aramesh seems quite compelling.
The (well bound) nuar sighs, "There's just a locked door here, but I don't have the key - looks like a pretty simple lock. There are no alarms in this carriage or the next. The VIP car is the next carriage, there are probably thirty or so people in there, mostly Ixo, some just well-connected passengers coming in for a few hands of Skimmer*. Brom is the head of the security team and has a close protection party of six hard-hitting thugs watching him the whole time..."
"Look, that's all I know...maybe you should... umm knock me out - but make it look real, okay?" the nuar closes their eyes and juts their jaw out towards Kevan
Of course, buddy! Aramesh hits him in the jaw with a swing just like he saw in the old cowboy movies in the red prairies of Akiton. Nuar jerks his head and groans slightly, but does not lose consciousness. Aramesh shakes his hand in frustration and retreats, giving way to professionals in violence. In the movies it always looks so simple...
Aramesh remembers that violence isn't a strong point of the repertoire.
The only thing between you and the VIP carriage now is a relatively simple lock.
Well, we won this round, no doubt thanks to my expert tactics! Time to move on!
Elena quietly moves closer to the door and tries to unlock it.
On the other side of the door, you find a well-appointed luxury passenger car filled with Ixo Syndicate's finest. Here, well-dressed passengers fill a lounge area with a fragrant haze of cigar smoke, conversing with each other from upholstered leather chairs and engaging in a lively game of skimmer around a card table.
Kevan hits nuar with the intention to bring him unconscious and not to make any lasting damage. "I despise violence. I told you that I should stay in my den"
He moves behind the others trying to make sure that there are no visible signs of fighting on his clothing.
He looks into the carriage, and with few quick use of his personal computer his armor change appearance to look smarter.
"I shall follow you"
Aramesh wants to walk through the territory of the car and look for someone similar in descriptions to the Brom Lancaster. His gestures show that he is comfortable in this environment and this situation. In order not to attract attention, he will take a drink and pretend that he is interested in a card game.
At the bar, Brom Lancaster, a lashunta mixes drinks while watching the crowd. Six security guards keep watch over the proceedings, but all appear to deferring to Brom. Brom sips from a tumbler of bright blue liquor, and has started up a card game of Skimmer with a sharply dressed human.
The sharp-looking guy in the white suit is Royce Flynn. There's little reason to doubt he is there for the same reason as the rest of you... You want the datapad that is on Brom, and so does he.
The sharply dressed fellow in the white suit grins broadly as he spots Aramesh. "Aramesh! Lena! And you brought friends! Want to join me in a friendly game of Skimmer?" he smiles at you all in a very knowing way.
Ahah! What a charming plot twist. Uhhh, we've seen it so many times in the movies and now that's what happened. If only we could get goosebumps...
Of course, my friend. I'd love to play with you. Will you introduce me to the gentlemen at this table?
At the same time, Aramesh takes out his smartphone and quickly types a text message into our common Stargram: << This is Flynn, a famous crook. He'll want to steal the same product and frame us. Beware.>> Looking at the screen, Aramesh will smile happily and say, Great, replenishment of credits from a new deal, one second, I will add an answer to the broker. Well, that's it, I'm ready to play!
Kevan responds telepathically to his allies only "Aramesh, haven't you brough some substance with you? Maybe we can slip it into drinks, and by we I mean you."
Kevan looks around. "I can observe how you play."
Kevan walks behind Aramesh trying to stay invisible, he does not like big assembly of people, and being in the spotlight is not for him
"That's a great idea, Kevan. It remains to seize the moment. Which one do you think should be put to sleep?" - Aramesh responds telepathically.
Royce smiles broad smile that most people would find exceptionally charming, though Aramesh finds it vaguely reminiscent of a shark.
Royce pats on a stool next to him at the bar "I'll deal you in, sixty credits is the wager - have you met Brom? Brom is a respected business leader in these parts" he gestures towards Brom then back to Aramesh "Brom this is an old acquaintance of mine, we've played cards at the same establishments from time to time - surprised you have the credits to lose Aramesh."
There is also some other minor Ixo member pulling up at the bar.
The half dozen thugs around Brom are very attentive, but nonetheless, Royce seems to have at least ingratiated you into the conversation
The cards get dealt.
The game plays out with Aramesh finding the game surprisingly tough going - the net result sees him 30 credits down and the ixo flunkie down the full 60. Brom defeats Royce. It seems surprising that Brom beat Royce, who is taking the loss with some polite humilty, but Aramesh can tell that Royce likely threw the game to let Brom win.
It becomes clear this was probably Royce's play all along, a way to ingratiate himself with Brom and get even closer!
Royce gestures over to a nearby table "This bar isn't the best for a card game, let's move over to the smaller tables - it is a little more intimate but I promise I wont peek at your cards. Joining us Aramesh?"
Brom picks up his drink and moves with Royce to the smaller table for four, the bodyguards accompany Brom over to the table and hang about like vultures.
***
THE GAME (Skimmer)
Aramesh, you will be able to participate in the game at the table and keep working on Brom and Royce, likely as the 'Conversationalist'.
You can make the Skimmer round rolls on top of your Conversationalist rolls below...
While playing the game, Brom is sitting next to Royce and has bodyguards to either side and behind him. You will need to get around both the bodyguards and Royce to maneuver Brom into a position where you can steal his datapad. You are outnumbered, so violence isn't a wise option.
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
RULES
This encounter is structured in abstracted social rounds, each lasting between a few seconds and several minutes. Every round, each PC selects one of the following seven roles and attempts a DC 20 check using a skill determined by their role.
CHOOSING A ROLE
One PC must select the conversationalist role. PCs can't duplicate roles, but they can change roles each round (except for the PC who takes the conversationalist role). If a role allows the use of multiple skills, the same skill can't be used on two successive rounds, even if a different PC takes over the role. The PCs can act in any order, but the conversationalist always acts last.
The PCs' skill checks represent their success in maneuvering Brom into a more advantageous position or stymieing Royce's effort to get the datapad. For most roles, a successful skill check grants a +2 bonus to the conversationalist's skill check at the end of the round; the conversationalist and pickpocket roles have special rules.
PROGRESS
When the encounter begins, the PCs have 0 Progress, while Royce has 1. At the end of each round, Royce automatically gains 1 Progress, while the PCs gain or lose a number determined by the results of the conversationalist's skill check. The PCs can never have less than 0 Progress. On a really good round you can get 2 Progress. Once the PCs have 5 Progress, they can try to lift the datapad off Brom using the pickpocket role.
Conversationalist: The conversationalist sidles up to the bar and engages Brom in dialogue, employing jokes, anecdotes, or other conversation with the intent of leaving him vulnerable to another PC's attempts to pick his pocket. The conversationalist uses Diplomacy for their checks.
Copilot: The copilot sets the conversationalist up for punchlines, aids in steering dialogue toward or away from specific topics, and uses nonvisual cues to help the other PCs perform their roles. The copilot uses Culture for their checks.
Distraction: The distraction creates a situation elsewhere in the car to draw the attention of Brom's bodyguards or Royce's cronies. The distraction can use Bluff, Intimidate, or Perform for their checks.
Interference: The interference watches for circumstances that might hinder the other PCs' efforts and counters them before they become problems. The interference uses Perception for their checks.
Pickpocket: This role can be taken only when the PCs have at least 5 Progress. The pickpocket casually approaches the now‑vulnerable Brom and tries to remove the datapad from his pocket. The pickpocket uses Sleight of Hand for their checks. If Royce makes more progress than you, he might be able to pickpocket as well. And there are consequences for failure!
Saboteur: The saboteur surreptitiously interferes with one of the car's mechanical or computer systems; for example, the saboteur might raise the thermostat, motivating Brom to remove his coat. The saboteur uses Computers or Engineering for their checks.
Windbag: The windbag briefly derails the conversation by using their knowledge of obscure trivia to make an outrageous but accurate claim. The windbag uses Physical Science or Life Science for their checks.
R1
Barat
Kevan
Lena
ARAMESH (Last)
When the players move to another table, Aramesh will make it clear to his companions that he would not refuse to be helped. However, this gesture will be noticed only by his companions, who are closely (as she hopes) monitoring the situation.
Aramesh takes his seat with the card players - Royce, Brom, and the Ixo flunky. Cards begin to be dealt...
Elena does not deign to answer Royce, only throws a hateful glance in his direction.Then positions herself near one of the bodyguards, waiting for the right moment to get her hands on the datapad. Meanwhile she will help Aramesh with his sweettalking by searching the Web for interesting content for him to insert into the conversation, laughing at his jokes etc.
Kevan sits within the 30ft range to allow Aramesh to communicate with them via telepathy.
He takes out his palm computer and does not bother with the game, he sits in such a way that his screen is covered by his body if there are cameras.
He tries to hack into car's electrical network and disable some of the lights above the table to force the players to sit closer to the table.
Aramesh begins to praise Brom unobtrusively, trying to do it as naturally as possible, as if he is very focused on the game and praises another cool player.
R1 Wrap up
Lna adds value being a sidekick for Aramesh, feeding lines and info to the Face and showing quite the cultural awareness.
Barat does a great job of being the evident muscle - keeping a watchful eye out, and although seeing nothing unusual, does so with enough intensity for people to not want to try anything either.
Kevan can't work out the high end overly expensive and complicated luxury systems built into the carriage.
Aramesh is very quiet though quite affable, and the quiet seems to work out this time.
"Cat got your tongue Aramesh? That could be a challenge given the thousands you have - you've barely said a word" Royce mocks Aramesh
Party 2
Royce 2
R2
Barat
Kevan
Lena
ARAMESH (Last)
Barat begins haranguing the barman.
Kevan tries again to get access to electric grid and some of the devices
Kevan gets into the devices with ease!
Elena will continue to be the sidekick to Aramesh and help him to be the center of attention (while eyeing a datapad in Brom's pocket). She will search the Web for the names of some Skimmer Championship stars' names so that Aramesh compares Brom to them during his praises.
The insect colony that you know as Aramesh did not study from good adventure films in order to now fail to charm this security boss under the nose of an adventurer competitor with a bad reputation! Hah! Aramesh skillfully uses every opportunity that his allies give him, from information to distraction, and at the same time technically deals and takes cards in the game itself. He remembered the footage from his favorite movie "Iseph's Eleven" and he just smiled - "It's a pity it's not a casino."
Barat continues arguing with the robotic barman, drawing a bit of attention and occasional glances from Brom.
Kevan manages to tap the computer system, and readjusts the thermostat, raising the temperature - "Is it getting hot in here?" Brom comments as he loosens his jacket.
LNA manages to name a few colourful identities from the Skimmer hall of fame, there are a few laughs and knowing nods when the names of a few champions who are ALSO notorious con men, hustlers, and rogues are mentioned.
Aramesh gets fleeced in the card game though, losing 60 credits as he is defeated - Royce chuckles - "Never mind Aramesh, it is a tough game, but if you play your cards right you can always make a new friend"
Brom appreciates Aramesh at least trying, and is happy with the upbeat vibe "You clearly aren't a natural card-player, but you make a decent addition to a gathering!"
Party 4
Royce 3
R3
Barat
Kevan
Lena
ARAMESH (Last)
Elena feels that the time is coming soon for her to make her signature move. But before that, she must be sure that no one will interfere with her plans. The SRO discretely looks around to see if anyone is staring at them too intently or is acting suspicious in any way.
Kevan keeps on doing messing with thermostats and lights. Soon someone should be sent to check what is happening with the temperature. He orders a rum with extra ice and keeps on working
LNA is watching carefully, Kevan is bringing the heat...
Aramesh chuckles, hearing the ingenious application of knowledge about nature from Barat and continues to play.
Aramesh gets cleaned out in the card game again - Royce looks a little (genuinely) concerned "You've lost your touch Aramesh, not your usual selves"
Brom adjusts his collar once more and the lights flicker annoyingly "Seriously, what is going on with the damn heating?!" he growls as he stands up and rmoves his jacket, placing it over his chair, subconsciouly placing it closer to Aramesh, and just slightly out of reach of Royce. Brom continues his complaining, mostly towards the bartender who gets to work on the thermostat.
The datapad is visible, and tantalisingly close!
***
Party 6
Royce 4
R4
Barat
Kevan
Lena
ARAMESH (Last)
Finally, it's Elena's time to shine! Well, to shine as discreetly as possible. Above the surface of the table nothing has changed. Elena continues to nonchalantly participate in the conversation, seemingly very interested in what Brom has to say. But under the surface of the table, one of her manipulators begins to elongate and slowly crawls towards Brom's jacket!
Elena tries the snatch, but has no luck...fortunately no one other than Royce notices!
Royce stands up to engage with Brom and expresses similar concerns, getting close to the jacket.
Kevan looks at what is happening and shares telepathically "I will try to disable lights for a moment to aid in us getting the datapad, I will make it last only a couple of seconds. Three... two... one..."
Aramesh will suddenly start telling some completely wild story about how he once played this game with azlanti folks and won a whole ship from them... and he will try while everyone is making fun of him to create a distraction for Elena's next attempt.
Looks like my joints are a little rusty, - Elena thinks to herself. - Perhaps it was unwise of me to save on engine oil.
Elena catches the moment when the lights flicker and makes another attempt to steal the datapad.