GM Jones - SFS Bounties 1-4 (Inactive)

Game Master Jones228

Gameplay Thread - dot in when ready.

You check your comm unit again, but still no messages from the Starfinder Society. It appears you have some time between (or before your first) missions. May as well head to the pub.

The Electric Prism is located in the Drifter's End district. While it's a dive bar, it's far from the worst around. It's known for gimmicky drinks and being populated by ship's crews passing through the station.

There appear to be other adventurers around the bar. Some look familiar, maybe some you haven't met, but there is something in the way they carry themselves - they must be other Starfinders.

"You meet in a bar" - time to introduce your characters!

A massive walrus is standing next to the bar, in one of his flippers he holds a glass with a drink. His massive four tusks are clearly visible from his mouth, he carries a rather louse shirt and looks around himself with keen eyes.

"Have I told how Saratur have sailed the grand southern current?"

A tall (7 feet) humanoid walks into the bar. His head is covered by a hood from a long dark cape, which he wears over his armor, partially hiding his face and elongated skull. And yet, by the smooth yellow green skin and webbing on his fingers, you can identify him as a draelik, native from a distant Shadari Confederation (gatherings of pirates and criminals from all over the universe, most of whom, under the influence of the energy of the negative plan which especially strong in that region, adopted a strange belief in omnipotent entropy). At the bar, he silently points his finger at the beer and slightly raises his head, meeting the bartender's gaze. On draelik's face, in place of the so-called third eye, some kind of symbol is painted in red paint. He silently takes the bottle, sits on a bar stool in the corner and begins to quietly sip a drink.

A man with trendy glasses, an expensive haircut, and a jumpsuit emblazoned "ASNN" on the front and "Press" on the back walks in. A fist-size flying drone follows him in. The man turns back toward the drone, and says to it: "Okay Cambot, pan around here for some good b-roll. Make sure you take in the mormalaw and that fellow in the cape and hood--definitely Starfinders. And watch the lighting--these flourescents can play havoc!"

As the drone does its work, the man comes over and flashes a photogenic smile. "Vitellius Korpopolis, Absalom Station News Network. I've been embedded to document this mission. So--anyone know where you're going and what you're doing?"

Vitellius - maybe you've heard reports of a string of scams in bars in this district or a violent brawl here last night. Signs of damage have barely been cleaned up here today.

Just waiting for one more to check in with an intro and we'll kick off the story

Kiikarah enters the bar, his large wings folded back behind him. He turns his head to scan the crowd, looking for anyone he knows, before heading to the bar.

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, raises an eyebrow at Vitellius calling out the other Starfinders. With a wave he calls you all over. “Starfinders, are ya? Oh, the quiet one too. Listen, 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, plus the cost of the damages". He points over to the far corner booths that have been blocked off by a piece of caution tape with a hastily scrawled "seating closed for repairs" sign hanging from it.

"Sounds like a job for the Stewards. What do you want us to do about it?" comments Kiikarah.

"Stewards may track him down, but I may never see my money. You bring him back here, alive, he emphasizes ... and I will see to it you get a 10% commission for your services. Should work out to 200 credits each."

Vitellius waves over his drone. "Okay Cambot, tight shot on me. Try to muffle that ambient noise. 3. 2. 1. 'Starfinders--sure, you've heard of them, but what do they actually do? Watch me, Vitellius Korp--' Stop Cambot, erase that last bit. Okay, 3. 2. 1. 'Experience firsthand a dangerous debt collection in the seedy underbelly of Absalom Station! I'm Vitellius Korpopolis, and this is ASNN.' That's better. Tag that for later upload."

Vitellius turns toward the others. "Sorry for the interruption, folks! Best to record while it's all fresh, you know? So we're going bounty hunting? Interesting!"

Saratur moves slowly trying to fill the whole camera, which is not hard due to his bit size.

"I don't mind chasing that crook, Trazhi. I don't like cheating, and it is rightly forbidden. I don't know the others but I would gladly swim after them." he gesticulates with his flippers as he says

I'm in. The voice sounds strange, like a croak. Any leads?

"I have no idea who this guy was... Just got his name. I asked around, there's a few other bars close by that have had similar scams pulled in the last week or two. I assume it's connected." He points behind the bar at a camera watching over the entrance to the bar. "You can check out the footage from last night, see if that helps too."

Not much to go on, how do you guys want to start your investigation?

"Alright. Let's see the footage so we know who we are looking for and then visit these others bars."

"Yes, perfect! Grainy security-cam footage always gives news reports that 'cinema verite' look!"

Saratur moves closer and waves with his flipper "Having some visual would be beneficial. If he is a local con artist we should be able to find him."

Trazhi takes you behind a door marked "Pirate" to a hallway and leads you too a room with the security equipment. He gestures to a monitor showing different vantage points of the bar. "Help yourself. He came in sometime before dinner"

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Antethriss (how did he introduce himself to you on the way to the back room) looks at the screens for a long time but can't see anything useful.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Kiikarah reviews the footage with the others. Following Vanecarsys as he works his scam. He points out a few things to the others and asks "Did anyone spot him leaving the bathroom?" Later in the viewing, "Where did she come from? Think she is connected to this?" he asks pointing out the Elven woman they hadn't spotted before.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

"You have keen eyes besides your wings Kiikarah. Either there is another exit from the restrooms or dwarf or elf are only disguises." Saratur says humming silently as he thinks

"You have keen eyes besides your wings Kiikarah. Either there is another exit from the restrooms or dwarf or elf are only disguises." Saratur says humming silently as he thinks

How would you like to proceed with your investigation next?

Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
"A reptiod infiltrator perhaps? But a scam like this would bring them unwanted attention. More likely a holographic disguise or another shapeshifter."

Kiikarah will ask Trazhi if there is another exit from the bar and search the restroom for any clues.

Vitellius waves Cambot over. "Okay, record in 3. 2. 1. 'Breaking news: unconfirmed reports indicate reptoids or other shapechangers have infiltrated Absalom Station! More at 11.' Cut and save. Thanks Cambot."

Vitellius turns toward the others. "Hey everyone, maybe we can ask around the street--elven women aren't super common in Drifter's End, and my journalistic instincts tell me there's more to this story."

Saratur looks around and waits a couple of seconds for a better effect

"We could ask around for similar cons. They probably don't repeat their disguise, but the process could be the same. Gather money, start a fight and dissapear."

It would be great to anticipate the next scam location. And meet the crook there. Antethriss thinks about it a bit. If we could find out quickly enough about all the places where there were similar scams and then make a list of bars in this area where they haven't been yet, it might help. [Computers may be?] Then draelik turns to Vitellius and looks at him for a long time with a thoughtful and slightly heavy look. Can I ask you to shoot so that I don't get into the frame?

Vitellius gives Antethriss a wide grin and a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll get all the release forms sorted out later! You're doing great though--totally believable as a Starfinder!"

He looks first at the hand, then at Vitellius. I don't want to be on this video when it comes out. So it's better not to shoot me right away, so that you don't get upset when editing. He is also smiling, perhaps trying to reduce the intensity of the situation. But it turns out badly because the smile does not look friendly.

Micheal Jackson smiling and eating popcorn.gif

Kiikarah doesn't find anything but the usual sights and smells of a seedy bar's restroom. Trazhi reassures him there's no exit from the restroom. "No one would pay their bill!"

Sounds like your next plan is Gathering Information, go ahead and make some Diplomacy rolls. Busy on a job for a few hours, will make a larger update later today.

Kiikarah is not considered a "people person", but he does his best to gather information.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Kiikarah asks around the occupants of the Electric Prism but gets stuck listening to a barfly talk about how 'they are pumping mind control chemicals into the atmosphere of Absolom Station'. You are pretty sure this is nonsense, and even more sure this isn't helping your investigation.

Anyone esle?

Saratur moves out and try to aska around for similar situations

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

DC 15:
You approach what looks like a regular, a disheveled human Male who looks to be taking his job of holding his barstool down very seriously.
"Couple other bars in this neighborhood complaining about the same scam. Some dwarven miner big-shot making a show of how important he was, selling off shares of his big find, and then disappearing with the money. Think he was working with that Elf lady. Others seen her too, taking off after the dwarf disappeared. I like to people watch, so I keep a close eye on who is coming and going, but I never saw her come in. Not sure what her deal was, or if it's connected"

DC 20
A few stools over, another patron pipes up. "I seen her leaving last night. Had a few pints then headed to the docks, swear I seen her again… boarding that courtesy shuttle to the sun casinos". As you ask around, more can confirm the sighting. They identify the casino as the Venture Solaris, and describe a twice-daily courtesy shuttle which departs on a 12 hour trip.

Nodding absent-mindedly at Antethriss while muttering "Sure, sure, no problem," it's clear Vitellius has half a mind focussed on his earbud, listening to Cambot relay Saratur's conversation with the bar patrons. The journalist starts tapping away on his datapad to see what the infosphere has about the Venture Solaris and when and where the courtesy shuttle will be leaving next.

Just in case it's relevant, I'll roll a Computers check to access the infosphere and a Culture check to see if I know anything about the casino. I'm hoping the Burning Archipelago is involved, because I'm running Dawn of Flame at the moment!

Computers: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Draelik in a dark cape walks silently behind you. Talking is not his strong suit.

The module doesn't really give many details on the Venture Solaris as a location, or mention the burning Archipelago either. I assume they are all connected. With that high culture check I will say that you know of a few casinos in the neighbourhood, and that Venture Solaris is one of the few that offers complementary shuttle service. It is know for it's VIP and high-roller areas. (but that may not be dissimilar to many other casinos). Is there anything you'd like to do while on Absalom Station, or are you guys headed the docking bay to chase this lead down?

Vitellius races down the corridor with Cambot and then turns around, planning a dramatic slow-motion shot of the Starfinders walking side-by-side with purpose. "This is exactly what we need--this'll be the right stuff!"

Good to head on to the docking bay.

"Looks like a trip to the casino is next."
--
As they walk down the corridor, Kiikarah stretches his wings out dramatically behind him.

Saratur moves slowly behind others "Casino it is. Let us find that ... whoever they are." says big Morlamaw

You make your way to the docking bay and easily find the complementary shuttle to Venture Solaris, and board with a throng of other hopeful gamblers. The high speed shuttle takes 12 hours to reach the sun's orbit. As you disembark, the you can feel the anxious excitement of the crowd headed to the casino's doors.
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. Gaming tables of all types are populated people from all over the pact worlds and beyond. 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.

"Let's start asking around and see if anyone has seen either of our two quarries."
Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Saratur nods to Kiikarah and heads the other way trying to find folks who are patrons there.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Hey there, I bumped on an elf in Absalom Station bar, she was like this tall and had long white hair. But I was not sure if she was elf at all. Anyway she made a business offer and tole me to find her here."

Antethriss stands silently and gives solidity to the questions.

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Vitellius narrates the scene to Cambot in a whispered voice, worried that without advance permission, the casino might throw him out for filming inside. "The life of a Starfinder! From the dismal depths of the diviest bar in Absalom Station's underbelly to the glitz and glamour amidst high-rollers in Venture Solaris. But risking life and limb for a mere 200 credits, will they ever have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their bounty hunting labor? Vitellius Korpopolis, ASNN."

After recording the segment, he tries to dig up any leads.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

You ask around the patrons and are pointed in the direction of the VIP section, and head that way to check it out.

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 a high stakes table is a familiar-looking elven woman.

You will need to bypass security somehow to enter. Creativity is encouraged here!

Vitellius whispers narration to Cambot. "Their quarry at last discovered, will the Starfinders pounce or sidle up slowly? They had better choose wisely, as the casino's security team doesn't look friendly."

Staring intently at security while whispering to himself might provide a bit of a distraction for whatever the others want to do--I'll try an Aid Another with a Bluff check.

Bluff (distraction) to Aid Another: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Antethriss will close his eyes, and at the moment when there will be a conversation somewhere behind the backs of the guards, a loud sound will occur as if something is falling and breaking. A slight grin will slip across draelik's face.

SLA ghost sound - idea to distract guards and give one more Aid Another

Saratur fixes his shirt and moves slowly towards the guards

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 7 + (3) = 21

"Hey there folks, listen closely. We were hired to keep a close eye on one of the gamblers. There are suspicions of cheating. Please now nod your head and let us through."

Kiikarah follows Saratur's lead, but just looks menacingly and keeps quiet.

The guards eyes narrow as Vitellius begins speaking into what he assumes is some kind of spy drone - obviously designed to cheating at cards - when his attention is called away by a loud crash in the distance. Antethriss you notice several other similarly dressed men standing around the VIP section all begin to look about and speak into their ear pieces at the clatter. Things seem a little tense but Saratur steps up to save the day.
"Cheaters eh, well, we specialize in showing them the door. We'll keep an eye on you, give us a sign if you need any help." With that, he nods you through.
The Halfling woman at the desk speaks up "If you want to do any gambling while you're here, just remember to stop back in for a credstick! You can only play up here if you have your own."

Vanecarsys appears to be absorbed in the game. She sits at a table with 5 other wealthy patrons and an android dealer. You can see by the table's digital readout, Vanecarsys appears to be well in the lead. Her running total looks like it would more than cover her debts to Trazhi.

Let's take it to the map!

How would you like to proceed?