Hmm's SFS #5-06 - Tarnished Legacy: Historia's Holdout [PBP Gameday XI] (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

I-apvii is Turning toward Ikmanji in response to their exclamation as the hologram appears, and mumbles to themselves, under their breath "late, late again..." They give a quick examination of the portrait while they collect their thoughts, and try to recall if they have heard of "planar simulation training'

engineering to examine the blurred portrait: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

mysticism? to recall anything about planar simulations: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 that is actually +8 if it is Physical science

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 to keep a watch on anything approaching us from the other side of the interior metal door.

Speaking to Historia-4 Jek tries to explain why we're late.
"Sorry we're late we are having problems with our com units, the message was scrambled and delayed, could you please repeat the details about the training."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Next Jek examines the fire places closely with their trusty wrench in hand.
Profession maintenance worker with tool kit: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

“How late do you think we are?”

"Dinnae tell me aboot late... Time is an illusion."

A sound emanates from his stomach.

"...lunchtime doubly so."

He pats Donkey then marches up to look the hologram in the eye. "So... ahm late eh? Late tae a feast in th' sky citadels of auld perhaps but nae late to any sci-fi [EXPLETIVE DELETED] that you seem tae think we're in for."

He looks back at the blurred portrait of Historia-3. "Well then... if ya think we had best go in order I suppose ah should start with yer predecessors."

Mysticism: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Naitier is closely examining the holographic portrait of Historia-4 and nearly leaps as he hears her voice from the center of the room.

Perception to study Historia-4 Portrait: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

"I-yes," Naitier glances at the others as they confirm, "I'm sorry, what are the planar simulation training involve? Just to confirm we have the appropriate equipment prepared."

I-apvii determines that Historia-3's portrait was determines the image was printed directly onto a canvas and isn’t defaced. If there is a reason that it is defaced, maybe it is magical?

Jek discovers that that the fireplaces are secret doors. The one to the north swings open to reveal a cafe before swinging shut again. Historia-4 raises a dubious eyebrow. "Didn't I tell you that it is best to take the training sessions in order?"

"It is unacceptable that you have arrived unprepared... but since we are not currently connected to the Infosphere it is clear that there are massive failures in the current Society leadership. I will repeat your mission briefing to you since you asked with proper deference."

Triage also reacts in kind, slightly startled by the sudden appearance. "Yes, perhaps a better explanation is in order on why exactly we are here."

HANDOUT 1
(This information is also printed on Slide 12)

Starfinders, I have three missions for you to demonstrate your efficiency and resourcefulness.

Mission 1: Search-and-Destroy in the Abyss
Travel to the realm of Droskar, the dwarven deity of toil, and retrieve information from one of the Dark Smith’s factory forges. The Dark Smith despises sloth, so expect the forge to be in continual use. Eliminate any problems you encounter. The information you retrieve will be vital to a later mission.

Mission 2: Data Retrieval in Nirvana
Unlike the first mission, this one requires discretion. Do not be deceived by the air of frivolity present in Glissando’s Grove. It’s a crucial celestial data hub. Distract the agathion guardians and retrieve the data without leaving signs of your acquisition. Dead bodies are the opposite of discreet. The information you retrieve will be vital to a later mission.

Mission 3: Data Exchange in Axis
The archivists of Axis are known for their attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping. The very stability of the plane means they have uninterrupted records going back from millennia before the Gap, but they rarely share such resources with outsiders. However, the data you harvested from other Outer Planes should pique their interest.

I’ve arranged a meeting in the Abacus Café. Order a number four on the menu and the archivists will find you. Negotiate a data trade. Under no circumstances let them know how our data was acquired. Allying with these archivists could continue to provide vital data in the future. Their destruction is not permitted.

Meanwhile, Grognard realizes two things as he examines the portrait of Historia-3:

1) It was altered by magic sometime after it was created;
2) That magical alteration is above his paygrade. This has a powerful magical signature.

“How late do you think we are?”

"Think?" Historia-4 sniffs disdainfully. "I know. 106 years. Clearly the Society needs me to adjust its priorities.”

"I-yes," Naitier glances at the others as they confirm, "I'm sorry, what are the planar simulation training involve? Just to confirm we have the appropriate equipment prepared."

The hologram intones pedantically, “There should be no limit on our data acquisition. This facility simulates other planes to prepare highly skilled agents for missions beyond the Material Plane. This facility

Then a bubblier voice erupts from the hologram with a hopeful expression, “Have fun and learn a lot!”

A second later, the stern expression reappears on the hologram. As Naitier watches, Historia-4’s holographic portrait subtly changes. The corpse fleet relics are replaced with pieces of art, Historia-4’s circuitry flashes from silver to red, a paint brush appears in her hands, and her expression shifts from disdain to hope. Just as quickly, the image shifts back.

"As for what you need," Historia-4 intones, looking down her nose at Naitier. "You're Starfinders. You should have already done your research and come prepared."

Behind the hologram of Historia-4, the portrait on the wall flashes back to red circuitry, rolls her eyes, and sticks her tongue out before reverting back to stern expression and silver circuitry.

"Hundred and six??? Ah best brush up on THAC0..."

Historia-4 peers at Grognard. "I believe that this one's communication interface is glitching. I cannot make out a word he says." Then she looks to the rest of you. "Are there any more questions, or shall we begin your planar simulation?"

Jek using a pen and notebook takes notes on the 3 missions.
Jek gets a nervous feeling about entering more simulations but feels a spark of hope for finding a lost good program. Trying to find hope-01 or find or trigger the code that freed Hope-01 Jek tells all the Historias the story of the Shirren going their individuality.
"Historia Did you ever hear about how the Shirren found hope and gained our individuality from the swarm...it's a story I like to call Hope-01. It's a bit long perhaps another time or simulation would be a better place to tell it."

Looking to Grognard, they tell the dwarf “Although I’m not sure it would be a good idea, it could be interesting sharing the translation software with her.”

Jek ‘hears’ an amused thought directed at them. “I wonder if Grognard’s translation software would count as a malicious virus.”

Having adventured previously with Jek, Ikmanji has an idea what may be bothering the Shirren about the mention of a simulation. “These are physical simulations, correct? No virtual reality?”

I-apvii waits for an answer to Ikmanji's question, and (assuming that answer doesn't answer the following questions) then asks "Can you tell us the safety parameters of these missions? Will it be possible for the injured to withdraw? Is there a safeword to end the simulation should something go wrong? Also, is this training speculative? Or preparation for a specific mission?"

I-apvii has more questions regarding the nature of the first task, but will wait until the parameters of the exercise have been laid out.

Jek replies to Ikmanji telepathically "Or a virus could be added to it. Either way just trying to understand him could be used as a distraction. The simulations here might not be virtual reality. Could be a mix of holograms like the fire, and constructs. If that's the case we're still fighting some program."

A little more acclimated to the surprise, Naitier settles themselves as they adapt to the situation and their more well prepared mannerisms are allowed to return.

When Historia-4 exhibits glitching, Naitier withdraws a bit in thought and consideration. They trace along the spell signatures idly as they delve into their thoughts. After a few moments they nod and respond, "I endeavour to learn and enjoy the process in all my journeys. I'll redouble my efforts in this case though."

Nodding in agreement with the other's questions, Naitier asks, "will the doorway take to the simulation of Droskar's realm?"

Historia-4 nods at Jek's comment. "I have heard of the tragic story of the shirren people. Gaining individuality and choice is a terrible thing they should have been shielded from."

"These are physical simulations, and yes, we'll be starting with Droskar's realm through that doorway. As for the question of safety measures... There are none. I'm not here to coddle you."

On that cheery note, the doorway to Droskar's realm opens. As the doors open on this foreboding room, demon overseers and chained damned souls are frozen in place amid a horribly hot manufactory. One of the demons is poised, whip raised, to punish a slothful cowering worker. Four robotic cranes are similarly frozen in different positions. A glowing hot rock worktable lays in the middle of the room, with a cherry red datapad embedded in its center. Nothing in the tableau moves.

As your team stands outside the doorway, Historia-4 raises an eyebrow, points to the open door and states, “Training will begin when the whole team is present.”

Please assemble yourselves within the room. Slide 11.

Ikmanji moves into the room, looking with interest at the cranes. “What do they need cranes for?”

I-apvii does not yet move into the room.

"You still haven't told us what information to retrieve, what form it is in or even how many pieces it may comprise... It would be inefficient to assume that only the most obvious item is the objective..."

once they have received an answer (or it is clear that no answer is coming) I-apvii will spend a moment scrutinizing the room they are entering, and attempt to identify the creatures therein as well as the devices.

Mysticism (to identify creatures): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Physical Science (to assess physical hazards): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Engineering (to examine cranes and determine if they are locally controllable, either as assets to us or as hazards. ): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Reduce the DC to identify rare, ancient, or alien tech by 5 (probably doesn't apply, but still...)

Satisfied that they have done what they can, they pass any information to the rest of the team, so that they can make their own preparations, and then draws their Entangling Arc Carbine in one hand, and enter.

As Jek moves into the room Jek draws a shock grenade and then casts reflective armor. "Never trust a simulation at face value."

Mysticism (to identify creatures):: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

The elf steps in carefully with his weapon drawn. He sees the canine-like creatures and will attempt to identify what they are.

Life Science: 20 + 11 = 31

While he's studying the creatures, his hand slides a little glass vial into his gun and then snaps it closed.

Opting to take a moment to share with Jek, and hopefully communicate to the rest of the party, Naitier uses mind link to share, [i]"others may already know this, but I'm absent a way to accomplish our goal. Historia-Prime took over many lives over the years, but it would seem as though there are portions of Historia-4 that survive within the hologram. While we do this, I want to see if we can provide that aid and help. This may be only a brief alignment before this opportunity is lost. Working within the simulation may be reasonable while we find some way to assist here."[/b]

Jek using telepathy repeats Naitier's message to the rest of the party "you may already know this, but I'm lacking a way to accomplish the goal. Historia-Prime took over many others' lives over the years, it would seem as though there are parts of Historia-4 that survive within the hologram. While doing this, We should see if we can provide that aid and help. This may be only a brief time before this opportunity is lost. Working within the simulation may be reasonable while we find some way to assist here."

Ikmanji is puzzled. “Which goal can’t you accomplish?” they send back over Jek’s telepathic network.

Before your team fully moves in, they attempt to make assessments on the frozen creatures in the tableau.

I-apvii fails to identify the demon overseers, but notes that the rock table in the center of the workroom is glowing with lethal heat. He also notices that the cranes could be a potential hazard in this workspace. He presumes that it is possible to hack them once the simulation begins.

Jekcedo fails to identify the demonic overseers.

Triage, what dog are you identifying? I-apvii's silicanid is the only dog-like creature in the room.

Triage realizes with his bioscanner that the demon overseers are not living, but probably constructs.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

As Grognard and Donkey enter the room, the door slams behind you and the simulation starts in earnest.

Damned souls in heavy chains wail as they labor in a stiflingly hot underground manufactory. The air reeks of sweat and sulfur. Clanging and hammering sounds echo against the oppressive dark stone walls. Four robotic cranes, each in one corner, periodically drop supplies or remove finished products, swinging with no regard to worker safety. Intense heat radiates from the floor around the central worktable. Embedded into its tabletop is a bright red datapad.

As the scene activates, one of the demon overseers turns and points. "Slothful layabouts! Loathsome thieves! Your souls will toil forever for the Dark Smith!" They come forward to attack.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

The demon overseers in their rage act first! The white demonic overseer flies over to I-apvii and bites the urog on the antennae!

Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Piercing: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

The red demonic overseer shoots a spray of acid!

Integrated bruiser decoupler: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Target?: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Acid: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

After a moment's indecision, the overseer decides to concentrate fire on I-apvii.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Red Overseer
White Overseer
I-Apvii (-8)
Ikmanji
Triage
Grognard
Naitier
Something Happens
Jek

Everyone but Jek is up!

I-apvii is reassured that at least heat environmental effects means that they will prove little threat to their canine friend, though equally anything that makes it's home here probably won't be affected by heat, so the magmutt probably won't be able to do much more than provide flank.

However, due to this moment of introspection, the overseers get the jump on them. I-apvii grimaces briefly in pain, and then shifts to move slightly away from the flaming rock, and also to create more opportunities for flanking. 5 foot step

I-apvii calls out to the others telepathically "Can someone hack in and disable those cranes? I am a bit busy at the moment. If we are lucky we could even use them to distract the acid spitter." before raising themselves up on one fore limb freeing their swarm enhanced beak for a plunging strike from above.

Swarm Strike
Swarm Strike To Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 (Vs KAC)
Swarm Strike Damage: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 (Piercing Damage)

Excited the silicated hound dances around to the far side of the enemy, putting them into flank for next round.

"Wish I knew what these are, but if they are living in this heat and spitting acid, that may mean fire and acid won't work on them..."

“Don’t use acid? That is too bad.”

Having said that, Ikmanji speeds across to where the red demon is.

Double move

If there are constructs, Naitier will try to utilize their bit of knowledge of mechanics to identify the overseers.
Engineering to Identify: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Non-conventional computer access eludes me," Naitier states as they give a wary look toward the crane as they approach. "As does evading the fire to acquire that datapad. At least I might offer how electricity applies here."

Once in position, Naitier fires off a quick shot with their arc pistol.

Attacking White Overseer
Static Arc Pistol vs EAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Triage confirms I-apvii's direction and dashes south towards the crane located there.

Double Move

Grognard bristles at the mention of the Dark Smith. Even knowing that its a simulation... and even knowing in advance what the foe would be, hearing the name seems to trigger a deep rooted anger... that of a Dwarven grudge.

"I dinnae care if this is all a show... anythin' spouting out that name'll be doin so down the barrel of mah boomstick."

He has donkey bring him in for a clear shot and unloads.
Movement provokes, but getting a flank for Ikanji

Rifle vs KAC, FA: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 4 = 21
Damage (P, C): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Rifle vs KAC, FA: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 4 = 22
Damage (P, C): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Crit Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

I-Apvii does a successful swarm strike on the white overseer. Ikmanji double-moves. Naitier attempts to identify the overseers, but only manages to confirm in her mind that they are constructs. Triage double-moves towards the crane.

Grognard provokes from the red overseer...

Red Overseer Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Piercing: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

The Red Overseer misses!

Then Grognard hits the overseer twice with his rifle, and destroying by causing the overseer to melt down in a pile of sparks and metal!

Then the cranes go, choosing their victim.

Who to Grab?: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Crane Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Bludgeoning Claw Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

One of the cranes chooses Jek, lifting the shirren ten feet into the air!

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Red Overseer (DEAD)
White Overseer
I-Apvii (-8)
Ikmanji
Triage
Grognard
Naitier
Cranes
Jek

Swift action drops the shock grenade
Move action draws Jeks trusty wrench
Standard action use the wrench to try to loosen the crane's jaws

if loosening the crane's jaws is even possible, Jek rather fall than get lifted into the hot spot
Profession maintenance worker with tool kit: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Jek, Profession Maintenance Worker will not let you escape the crane, but I will let you reach a control hatch to control the crane with that roll. Congratulations, you now have control of a crane that has you hung upside down. Next turn, you can have it put you down, throw you across the room, or place you somewhere else within 20 feet of the crane. You can even have it hang you over something. Yay, pet crane!

Jek gains control of a crane! He's still ten feet up in the air.

Meanwhile, the White Overseer moves to bite Naitier. This will provoke from both the lava dog and I-Apvii.

White Overseer Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Piercing: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

CHOMP!

Apparently, coral is crunchy!

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Red Overseer (DEAD)
White Overseer
I-Apvii (-8)
Ikmanji
Triage
Grognard
Naitier (-11)
Cranes
Jek

I-apvii is annoyed that the "overseer" is not cooperating with his optimized battle strategy, but that is just the way this day is going clearly.

Swarm Strike To Hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 VS KAC with Flank
Swarm Strike Damage: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 (P)

Puppy Bite To Hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 VS KAC with Flank
Swarm Strike Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 (P&F)

Provided the creature is still up, I-apvii will shift into flank and attempt to finish it off.

Swarm Strike To Hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 VS KAC with Flank
Swarm Strike Damage: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 (P)

The lava pup dances around being careful not to provoke and sets up flank for someone else if they want it.

And with that, the battle is over! I-apvii shreds the remaining overseer, and the cranes go quiescent except for the one you are controlling.

There still remains however the datapad that is embedded in the scorching hot surface of the work table. You'll need to get it out, and maybe even do a Computers check to see what is on it...

Are the rest of you looking around this abyssal factory? If so, give me Perception checks.

I-apvii will look around:

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

I-apvii will also look at the site from an archeological perspective, looking for historical discrepancies or significant features.

Profession Archaeologist: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 (Reduce the DC to identify rare, ancient, or alien tech by 5) (Probably won't tell me anything, but if it is relevant I would feel stupid if I didn't look...)

if anyone else gets the datapad out and wants to unlock it, I-apvii will offer the use of a hacking toolkit.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Ikmanji helps Jek down from the crane if they want the help.

Looking around, they say. “Seems quiet now.

I-apvii finds a bunch of shoddily made manacles and plasma lashes, and then two excellent ones that were clearly the originals being counterfeited in this Droskar workshop.

Red Star Plasma Lash

Manacles Restraints

“Want me to remove the datapad?”

Jek makes a long buzzing bug-like sigh as Jek reached the ground a gain.
"Ikmanji thanks for getting me down before I got cooked, I think I'll add cranes to the list of options to avoid, right next to hacked simulations."

“Above or below crash landing on a hostile planet?” It may take Jek a moment it realize it given Ikmanji’s straight delivery, but they are joking.

Jek, did you move Ikmanji with the crane to help him yank out the datapad without getting scorched?

Click. Whirr.

BOTTING TRIAGE

Triage takes a look at the cherry red datapad once Ikmanji retrieves it.

Computers: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Fire damage while retrieving datapad: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 5, 4, 4) = 17

Ikmanji would like to cool their tentacles for ten minutes before going anywhere.

Triage discovers data about Droskar's demonic counterfeit operation, which is being used to fund destabilization efforts on worlds throughout the Material Plane. They also uncover two hidden files embedded within this dataset called “Key1.r17” and “HelpMe.r17.”

Key1.r17 is an electronic key to unlock something on this complex's main server. This key is incomplete and must be used in tandem with additional keys to properly function.

HelpMe.R17 is a video log.

This Video Log is also displayed on SLIDE 15

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

At this point the doors slide open to reveal the frozen tableau of Glissando's Grove. You see a lovely meadow filled with giant trees, happy bunnies having a tea party, and butterflies frozen mid-flight.

Do you linger in the Abyss before tasting the delights of Nirvana?

Feel free to place yourselves where you like on SLIDE 13.

As tempting as the meadow looks, Ikmanji is tempted to linger until his tentacles have cooled.

Jek recovers their shock grenade before entering the next room, looking around Jek stays by the door suspicious of everything in a simulation.
Jek treats the larger flowers as if they are small Triffids and the bunnies as killer rabbits able to bite off heads in a single bite. Jek forces themself to not yell "run away!"
"It's a simulation looks too peaceful not to be some kind of trick."

Grognard looks into Nirvana and curses. "Ach... an obvious trap... but ah cannae stomach lingerin in the forges o Droskar."

He keeps his weapon in hand, then mounts donkey.

"...but it'd be most unwise tae ride intae a trap while Ikmanji's still steamin."

He sits and waits for Ikmanji to cool off, but rocks back and forth, clearly unhappy to be here.

I-apvii recalls from the "mission briefing" that this is intended to be a "discreet" data retrieval task, and begins looking around (before entering) to see if they can spot what information we are supposed to retrieve.

Mysticism (to recall anything about Glissando's Grove): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Mysticism (to recall anything about Bunny Agathions): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Perception (Generally): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
(Any other skill checks they can make without entering the room?)

I-apvii will also recover their stamina while they wait. Once Ikmanji is ready, they will enter.