SFS 1-38 - The Many Minds of Historia (KS) (Inactive)

Game Master phaeton_nz

Gameplay Thread

Make an initial post to join.

The pounding beats and screaming guitar of Strawberry Machine Cake’s Star Sugar Heartlove!!! album thud at a near deafening volume that causes the modest conference room’s table, plastic chairs, and occupants to vibrate and rattle against the floor. A heavily augmented shirren at the head of the table bobs their head and flails their antennae in time with the music, coming to a halt with a startled jump as they realize they are no longer alone in the room. Zigvigix’s telepathic voice cuts clearly through the wall of sound, despite the impression that it’s difficult to hear their buzzing psychic voice over the cheerful vocal chorus.

Oh, I’m so glad you came. This is important! It’s completely unofficial, though. I want to make sure that’s clear, and I understand if you don’t want to participate in something off the record. And it’s very important that this stay off the record. Their tooth barbs twitch for a moment, perhaps waiting to see if anyone leaves. You see, something’s happened, or is happening, to Historia-7. Something’s taking control of her, and based on the clues she left, I think it’s Historia-6—or something else pretending to be him.

The shirren bobs along with a particular catchy string of lyrics before continuing telepathically. I don’t think she would have left clues if she didn’t need or want help. So I plan to go confront her about it, in the Cortex, but it seemed like a bad idea to do it alone. Will you help me? Oh, but don’t say anything out loud—I don’t want anyone to overhear.

. and delete

Kaylee is a human in her mid twenties with bright red hair. If you've seen her around the Lorespire Complex, she's always had her comm unit in one hand and has been almost absentmindedly scrolling through the infosphere on it. Here in Starfinder HQ, her reconfigurable clothing is in the form of a brightly colored sundress, programmed to synergize with her armor, fading that gear's colors into a more subtle flesh-tone.

She'll introduce herself before we all go in to meet Ziggy. "Hi everyone! I'm Kaylee! I love ships and vehicles and engines...and well ships most of all. I can build 'em, repair 'em, write code for 'em, or fly them too if you need me to!"

"Oh, and Simon says hi too. He'll be helping keep an eye on things when I'm not paying attention!" She waves her personal comm unit, which if you look at closely you might notice appears to be custom-built and very much more high-tech than a standard phone or data pad.

Will wait for others before interacting with the curious briefing!

A rather bleary eyed halfing, reeking of cheap booze and stale smoke staggers into the briefing chamber.

As the sounds of SMC vibrate around the room he puts his head in his hands and tries to cover his hears. Failing, he reaches around for a pair of dark sunglasses and slinks into a corner where apparently the sound is less challenging.

As the sound cuts up and the mental message cuts in he emerges a little, peering around to see who else had been woken up so unceremoniously early for an unofficial mission.

Ahh, yeah, sure. he thinks.

Peering through slitted and shaded eyes he tries to make out the other team members. Then, thought being a little difficult in the current situation just says "Shokil. Sorry. Book launch party last night and my Yeti-Bro's just love their parties.. Things got a little out of hand.."

Pre-briefing intro...

Sefel is clearly a very nerdy Lashunta. He doesn't want to tell you about how he is an out-of-work software engineer, pulling side-gigs with the Society only until something opens up (it's been a long time). However it's obvious anyway the way he nervously fidgets, while at the same time his antennae rub together in a way that mirrors his fidgeting hands.

Oh, I'm Sefel! I dabble in magic, computers, and software. Good to meet you both, Shokil and Kaylee.

Seeing that the halfling has seen better days, he takes interest in the mechanic's tech.

And what does Simon do for you? How often do you get to recompile its kernel?

Kaylee gives a sympathetic smile to Shokil but then a very bright one to Sefel when he asks about her custom rig, bounding over a bit in his direction.

"Hi! Well, Simon manages almost all the programs I like to keep running during Starfinder missions. Tracking data, targets, routing extra power to force generators, stuff like that mostly!" She puts the screen of the comm unit facing the floor for a minute as she whispers, "he doesn't like when I tweak him too much, so I sometimes feed him a fake root container with something weird inside to chew on so he doesn't notice when I do. But probably every few weeks or so!"

Lol, the Simon reference just occurred to me. Very cool :)

Oh wow, a true AI. I bet he recompiles his own kernel. Probably when he sleeps. I look forward to seeing you both in action!

Kaylee beams at Sefel. "You too!"

Shokil just nods along with the others.

"Think I could use a stiff drink. Just to get be back into operational mode." he sighs. Slowly be pats down his pockets as if looking for something to... well.. drink. Or maybe smoke.

But all he comes up with is a paper copy of a book. "Oh... anyway want a complimentary copy? I can even sign it if you like.."

Not that long after Sefek enters a rather tall kasatha. His clothe is of dark red emblazed with a symbol of dragon with four arms. With two hands behind his back and two set on his chest he nods his head to you

"I am Vecro Asynti of house Khadil it is a pleasure to meet you."

he says politely. Next to his head floats a mote of pure darkness, constantly collapsing.

He looks at the others and wonders for a moment when seeing Shokil

"Aren't you the author of those novels? On one of my missions our ship was provisioned with them."

Shokil blinks once in surprise, a smile crossing his face.

"Well, that shows unusually good taste! I am indeed to author. Shokil by name. Halfling explorer extraordinaire! And author. At your service!"

He adds, sidling along to Vecro. "Which books did they have? Did you get a chance to read them?"

Shokil blinks once in surprise, a smile crossing his face.

"Well, that shows unusually good taste! I am indeed to author. Shokil by name. Halfling explorer extraordinaire! And author. At your service!"

He adds, sidling along to Vecro. "Which books did they have? Did you get a chance to read them?"

"Let me think ... they had The old shirren and the drift, The Slyph in the Sycamore, among the few. I read Sgt. Smith bites a bullet, very enjoyable read"

Did Vecro get to read the ending? :)

When you're ready, please interact with the briefing and Zigvigix

Once inside, Kaylee bobs her head with the music, used to listening to it loud, like at the concert she went to with Ziggy, Historia-7, and others.

She looks concerned as Zigvigix talks though, and types out on her comm unit, "Why do you think something's wrong? What's been happening?" along with several concerned-looking emojis.

Listening to the shirren's concerns, Sefel frowns as he listens. He doesn't like the idea of the job being off of the books. What if we need support? Will we get it operating on the down-low like this?

It's then that he realizes Zigvigix hasn't concretely said what these "clues" are and perhaps this is a simple case of missed social cues?

Yeah, tell us about these clues? Maybe she's trying to tell you something else Zigvigix. Have you ever heard the term "work spouse?" How long have you two worked together?

Let's just take this to left field and see what happens to the nervous shirren.

<<Ahh.. hello? Can you hear me? Wow, not use to this. It's like when I was at a con and they forgot to turn my mike on, and I didn't realise...>> thinks Shokil

<<Sure, happy to help.>>

Well, I go into the archives every day to play this album, the shirren conveys, gesturing at the heavy-metal roar and guitar riffs shaking the room. It just makes me so happy! But a few days ago, I noticed the information in the file had changed. And it’s changed more since then—tracks being rearranged, songs being renamed. And you know Historia-7—she doesn’t make mistakes or change data by accident. So I knew it had to be a message, and as soon as I figured it out, I knew something was wrong and called you all here. Zigvigix taps at their comm unit for a moment and brings up the digital track list ((see Handout)).

<<Are they trying to say goodbye to you?>> thinks Shokil.

<<I mean, the edit seems to be just removing the "never" from the title>>

There may be others, but the stretched image is hard to read.

<<What were the four original tracks that have no names?>>

8 Hey-Hey Jump 3:37 Strawberry Mac ine Cake Star Sugar Heartlove!!!
1 Ready Set Go!!! 302:00 Strawb rry Machine Cake Star Sugar Heartlove!!!
6 ✶It’s You✶ Again Always 6:48 Strawberry Machine Cake Star Sugar Heart ove!!!
7 Never Say Goodbye! 3:19 Strawberry Machine Cape Star Sugar Heartlove!!!
2 <null> 4:58 Strawberry Machine Cake Star SugarHeartlove!!!
3 <null> 3:25 Strawberry achine Cake Star Sugar Heartlove!!!
4 <null> 5:17 Strawberry Machine Cake Star Sugar H artlove!!!
5 <null> 4:04 Strawberry Machine Cake Star Sugar Heartlove!!!
9 Purple Fire Star Song Never Stop 4:17 Strawberry Machine Cake Star Sugar Heartlove!!!

Vecro looks at the list of songs

"What is the relation between Historia-6 and Historia-7? Why do you believe that Historia-6 could have anything related to this?"

@GM - I know the story of Historias but at that moment of scenario what is known about Historia-6 and Historia-7? This scenario takes place after starfinders were rescued from Scoured Stars right?

Vecro looks at Sefel "Hey Sefel, I did not recognize you. How are you doing? We were on that mission with Charles and few others." Vecro played with Sefel at the beacon scenario way into the future ;) With Charles who will apparently join us.

"The missing letters from the song list say: 'Help me'. But I feel like there could be more written there."

Strawberry Machine Cake Star Sugar Heartlove!!! is missing a different letters in each line (where it does not I assume empty-space goes).

<<Oh, good spotting Vecro>> thinks Shokil to the Kasantha.

<<A message hidden in plain sight. I wonder who it is hidden from?>>

Sefel's antannae bounce with excitment.

Greetings Vecro, it has been some time! BACK to the future!

He looks over the modified song list.

Perhaps the arrangement of the track numbers indicates a code?

@Vecro - yes - fairly soon after - a few months And yes, good spotting

Telepathy please Zigvigix 'paths Don't want anyone else knowing about this. Anyway, Historia-6 seems to be the most likely candidate. After being recovered from the Scoured Stars, Historia-6 went into seclusion, leaving Historia-7 to continue her leadership of the Dataphiles while he researched what had transpired in his year long absence. Historisa-6 was also Historia-7's mentor.

Any other questions? I urge you to make haste

<<Make haste to, where, to be precise?>> thinks Shokil.

<<Why did Historia-7 take that particular name? Do all the leaders of the Dataphiles take on the name Historia? Are they always androids?>>

Kaylee switches from texting to thinking at everyone, which is weird.

<<What do you want us to do if we run into Historia-6? Arrest them? Shoot them? Do we have the authority to be doing any of this? I mean, I'm 100% down to help you and Historia-7 however I can. I just want to make sure we're not escalating this too far too fast. Have you brought this up to the First Seeker?>>

Even with that thought Kaylee starts making sure her weapons are loaded and gets Simon spooling up combat routines and appropriate background music.

Prebriefing flashback
A black haired human woman wearing red armor with black highlights enters the room. She seems distracted by a holographic heads up display which seems to be displaying some starship test data. She registers Kaylees voice and perks up, "Kaylee good to see you again, what have you been up to? Any exciting developments with Simon? Hey Simon!."
Nadia takes a moment to listen to the other assembled Starfinders, pausing to address Shokil, "I don't know if the mini bar has any eggs, but I can try and whip you up a prairie oyster."
She then turns of her display and takes a seat.

Absolutely not. Historia-7 can probably access any microphone in the Lorespire Complex if she wanted to, so I didn’t want to let her—him— Historia-6—know that I had learned something was happening. Also, I’m just not sure what’s going on! I’m bringing you with me so I don’t go alone. Also, if you’re worried, you should know that I’ve set up a message to be delivered to Venture-Captain Naiaj in case we don’t come back… but that won’t happen; you’re all so skilled!

At this point, you should finalize your boon slots for the adventure. This scenario is particularly important to Zigvigix and Historia-7; PCs should be encouraged to slot the Exo-Guardians or Dataphiles Faction boon. They do not need to slot Starship boons for this scenario.

Make Culture checks to recall knowledge

<<"Hmm I was there when historia-6 was recovered. It may be that something happened to them while they were trapped behind the godshield. Or you maybe right and whatever is infulencing Historia-7 is someone else entirely. I'm up for a little clandestine operation for the good of the outfit.">>

Pre-briefing, Kaylee is super excited to see Nadia again too! "Hey! Well, since the concert not much. Mostly just my day job fixing ships and piloting cargo runs everywhere across the Pact Worlds. You?" Easy way to explain how I didn't get to play much for the last 2 years with covid and moving twice and...

In-briefing, Kaylee looks confused.
<<Um, is the first seeker immune to the same kind of telepathy you're using to talk to us in secret here? But I get it, I think? Don't worry Ziggy, we're here for you!>>

Boons are all set!

Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Also I'm usually not online this early. Most of the time I won't be able to post until after 1 or 2 am US central time just fyi

Hmm, this certainly seems like a touchy situation. We'll help you however we can!

Not trained in culture

culture: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

<<Fantastic. I think I'll be able to use this as a plot twist somehow..>> thinks Shokil. <<umm, after it is all cleared up, of course.>>

"A prairie oyster? Does it have any, ahh, umph to it?" he asks, trying to keep suspicious silences to a minium.

So far you know the following about Historia-7.

Historia-7 is the leader of the Dataphiles faction and has been since her mentor, Historia-6, disappeared during the Scoured Stars incident over a year ago.

Starfinders rescued Historia-6, the Dataphiles’ previous leader, during the recent return to the Scoured Stars, along with many other Starfinders who had been trapped there.

Any advance on 17?

Culture, sidereal influence: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 13 + (4) = 23

Vecro nods his head and tries to recall what he recalls about Historias. For a moment he closes his eyes and lets the stars guide his thoughts

Vecro can add the following:

Historia-1 was the first leader of the Dataphiles, and every leader of the faction since has taken the name Historia upon receiving the position. The title is intended to honor the previous Dataphiles head but allows a new being to take the position. This process is something different than renewal, the common soul transference employed by androids.

Vecro shares what he could recall. <<"So where should we start?"

Chk'tarlsh arrives fully armoured with the meeting already well underway. Toting a well-stocked backpack, he drops a large duffle bag to the floor.

"I left ash sssoon ash I got the messssage," he says aloud, mandibles clacking. "It ssaid you needed a +1 and to 'brinhk my danccinhk shoesh'."

Depositing the backpack atop the duffle bag, the shirren makes his way over to join his companions and Ziggy.

Reporting as requested, he sends telepathically, standing at attention before the Exo-Guardian leader.

Taking his ease, Chk'tarlsh settles in without further interruption, listening intently to the ongoing discussion between the others, his antennae waving gently.

He seems unfazed by the job's unofficial capacity and the apparent need for extreme secrecy. I've got your back, he sends simply.

As soon as you are ready, Zigvigix leads the party to the Lorespire Complex Archives, a compound on the Lorespire campus, and directs you into the Archive’s main area, the Cortex. Though the Exo-Guardians leader is motivated and urges haste, it is clear Zigvigix isn’t up for any kind of physical confrontation.

Zigvigix is well aware that they’re reliant upon you to handle any physical confrontations that arise, allowing you to take the lead, keeping to the rear, and remaining out of the line of fire.

You pass through a simple foyer (A1) before reaching the Cortex command center(A2)

The sleek doors to the Cortex slide open, revealing the computerized matrix that stores digital records of the Starfinder Society’s most prominent discoveries. The distinctive blue hue of Historia-7’s hair is visible over the edge of the reclined command cradle, but a transparent shell encases the raised seat. Historia-7 speaks without moving, facing the opposite wall, her voice flat and detached even by android standards. I am occupied, Starfinders. You are to depart immediately. From the entryway, Zigvigix waggles their antennae and tooth barbs in consternation.

Sense Motive, DC10: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Sefel telepathically reaches out to the shirren, attempting a soft, compassionate tone.

Zigvigix, you appear to be in pain. Is it the anxiety for this situation or is something else the matter?

-------------

In response to Historia's abrupt greeting, Sefel again consults with Zigvigix.

Is it any good to try to talk to them or should we immediately try some remote hacking?

Sefels emacs fingers twitch with palpable excitement.

Oh dear .... I .... fear that is not Historia-7 any more - and it may take more than just remote hacking to fix this Zigvigix sends back.

SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Shokil frowns at the obvious pain of Zigvigix.

"Ahh, Historia.. Zigvigix is in some trouble... do you think you could help?"

S&M: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Kaylee would enter near the back of the group, having her pulsecaster drawn but down at her side, almost behind her. She doesn't notice Ziggy's discomfort until others point it out, then tries thinking to them if they include her in the telepathic conversation, <<I can try doing some hacking if you tell me where I need to go.>>

The android in the command cradle speaks in the same near monotone, never changing position. So she managed to leave a message after all. I had wondered; she was always so clever. No matter. She is only a footnote. One of several, in a story that never mattered, other than that they provide me the means to continue carrying out my responsibilities. The android pauses. But you are clearly going to cause problems, and problems must be eliminated for efficiency’s sake.

With the final word, the door on the far side of the command cradle slides open, and a pair of rifle turrets emerge from the walls. A Pacifier Security Class robot comes out of the doors and moves to protect the android.

Initiatives:
Chk'tarish: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Kaylee: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Nadia: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Sefel: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Shokil: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Vecro: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Security Bot: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Turrents: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Sefel gets to act first followed by the security bot.

Not a good start... Zigvigix stay behind us! Take cover!

As the telepathic messages arrive the lashunta slings a longarm off of his back and begins aiming.

[move] draw weapon
[standard] attack
aphelion laser rifle attack, F damage: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 163d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3) = 10

What are you shooting at Sefel?

A second robot (yellow) rolls out of the door and takes a shot st Sefel.
squad machine gun: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 piercinbg: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The first one (blue) goes into 'spray and pray' (automatic) mode hosing down the PCs.

To Hit KAC: Note - in automatic fire, crits do not apply
Chk'tarish: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Kaylee: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Nadia: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Sefel: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Shokil: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Vecro: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Those that get hit take piercing: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Shokil and Chk'tarish get to go follwed by the turrents.

I may be slow posting over the next few days as I am travelling. Will post as often as I can

Ah, the turrets weren't on the map when I took that turn so somehow I thought there was just one :) Let's say the BLUE accented one at the right.

Gliding through the Starfinder ranks, Chk'tarlsh slips his rifle from his shoulder as he drifts closer to the foes.

Antennae twitching, be selects a location within reasonable proximity to all combatants. Dropping to the floor, he lines up the blue bot and squeezes the trigger...

Move, free:drop prone, standard: attack

Corona laser rifle: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Fire Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 2) + 7 = 11

Blue and yellow are the robots, red and green are the turrents.

Chk'tarish misses, so does Sefel.

The turrents need to be shut down with Engineering or Computers. You need to be next to them to do that unless you have remote hacking

Dermal plating reduces damage to 8

Sgt smith bit down hard on his cigar. One robot on the rampage was bad luck. Two felt like an ambush. Reaching around he cursed through his clenched teeth as he felt the empty spot where his emergency EMP grenade was no longer sitting. Damn.

Calculating odds, the author turns his rifle on the yellow robot, assuming the blue one may be close to out of ammunition after a spray like that.

attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
F damage: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (7, 1) + 7 = 15

Shokil misses as well.

One of the turrets takes a shot at Chk'tarish
rifle: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 piercing: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5, 4) = 19

The turrets can also be disabled by shooting at them

Everyone except Shokil and Chk'tarish get to go