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

Game Master Hmm

The two robots nod with interest at the observations of I-apvii, Ikmanji and Grognard. They especially appreciate how Grognard empathizes with them.

Naitier moves another hand to the meal as they nod with agreement on the assessment of the others. Taking some time pondering it and slowly speaking to word their words correctly Naitier states, "the nature of the acquisitions are subject to non-disclosure agreements. I assure you though that the Starfinder Society desires to maintain good relationships with partners such as yourselves. We would not offer this data if it were to cause issue for yourselves."

After those assurances, Naitier attempts to tap into their own knowledge of Axis. "The Society especially would want to the alliance with those on the plane of Axis given you are known for your resolve and dedication."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Mysticism: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Jek sit quietly listening to the conversation, something about the conversation sparks an idea.
"I must admit I have very little experience with datasets or computers in general. As a member of the cognates, I always look for alternatives to technology when it's beneficial to do so. I couldn't help listening to the conversation notice a similarity between the advantages of biodiversity and the diversity of data sets. In both cases, more diversity or options benefits all the subsets as well as the whole. Being able to diversify data enhances one's knowledge and ability to survive as well as options, just like Diversity of skills and knowledge can help you survive in the wild. I think the trade being talked about is what might be called a win-win option."

Life Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Triage tries to take note of how the pair reacts to the discussion, hoping to signal to his team what approaches are or are not working.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

You talk up the data to the inevitables, and the delighted inevitables agree to trade two datasets from Axis, each on its own data drive. The first dataset from the inevitables contains fundamental knowledge about the underlying rules of the universe. This dataset is a curated digital library covering both physics and metaphysics, with sources ranging from introductory to impenetrable to all but the most dedicated and brilliant scholars.

You also uncover one hidden file embedded within this dataset called “Key3.r17,” which Triage believes can be uploaded with the other keys to unlock something on the main server.

The second dataset from the inevitables consists of a secure and encrypted data drive so complex that it will likely take days to decode, but you could spend an hour studying the data to learn more about what it may contain.

Then Consensus-23 says, "Simulation complete," and all the robots freeze back into their own tableau.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

The secret door in the fireplace swings open. Historia-4 awaits you with a look of disdain. Before Historia-4 can speak the hologram glitches, her circuitry's colors shifting to crimson and she exclaims, “You did it!”

The hologram reverts to Historia-4 and dourly comments, “I'll need to increase the difficulty of this training area if anyone can just muddle through. It's time for your final challenge: assessing your combat capability against actual planar creatures rather than simulations.”

Then the secret door in the east fireplace opens, revealing the path to a stadium. Historia-4's hologram starts striding forward without waiting to see if you'll follow. “If you're tardy, it will count against your overall efficiency score.”

computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 to study the drive.
reroll computers: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 = 24 to study the drive. (What can I say, I am more curious than wise...)

Once they have finished eating their square meal, Ikmanji experiments with the menu system. They ask Consensus-23 and Skepticism-7 for recommendations of sea food compatible with their biology, then try to work out how to indicate that with the abacus.

"I do admit that I'm am more concerned about what the data may hold than necessarily a grading of our efficiency."

In the past...

Once they have finished eating their square meal, Ikmanji experiments with the menu system. They ask Consensus-23 and Skepticism-7 for recommendations of sea food compatible with their biology, then try to work out how to indicate that with the abacus.

Getting sea food out of the abacus menu system turns out to be rather complex, but eventually Ikmanji masters the calculations to get a tasty assortment of sushi arranged in a symmetrical geometric pattern on the plate.

Ikmanji enjoys their sushi as I-apvii is busy analyzing the data.

When Historia-4 quickly shifts to a different personality, Ikmanji quickly asks “Do we get a gold starfish?”

Ikmanji takes any remaining sushi on the plate that the agathions gave the group and follows Historia-4. “Were you always this impatient, or was it the 106 years of waiting that made you this way?”

Back to the Present

"Efficiency, ruthlessness, and accuracy, these are what makes an excellent Dataphile," The hologram of Historia-4 says to Naitier as she leads you to the Stadium.

A silent and still robot audience fills the chairs in this large oval stadium. The stadium is a large open space suitable for team sports or other combat exercises. Two endzones lie to the north and south. Elemental blasters dangle from the ceiling at regular intervals, and three summoning devices, each with their own dedicated computer terminal, rest on the edges of the intricately decorated arena floor.

These three summoning stations are the first actual computer terminals you have seen in this complex. If you want to upload those keys you found, this is the place.

As soon as you enter the stadium, the entry door slams and locks behind you. "But while I applaud curiosity in my students, I cannot abide anyone prying into my private affairs." Historia-4 snaps her fingers and the three summoning stations activate, summoning three elementals (one fire, two ice) into the room. Meanwhile, a giant robot with sawblades for hands rises up from the floor in the stadium’s center and activates. Historia-4 merges with the robot —her voice emanating from the robot— then remarks, “But don’t fret, I will award posthumous certificates of completion to your records once this complex is reconnected to the infosphere.”

Fire stays, guarding its station, and muttering insults in ignan.

SLIDE 16

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji
Naitier
Ice
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage

Ikmanji takes off towards the far ice elemental.

“I’m not planning to die. Sounds like a bad plan to me.”

Double move, gain an EP

Mysticism to Identify Robot: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

"I agree." Focusing more on the others in the party, Naitier states, "I think it may be beneficial to gain control of these stations and upload the codes as we are able."

Channeling powerful magical power throughout their body, wincing in pain, Naitier pushes forward toward the ice elemental as he notes, "let me clear the way."

Casting soul surge at blue ice elemental
Soul Surge - Attack vs EAC (Blue): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Seeing his aim fall short he focuses even harder despite the injury to keep the magic on target.
Reroll Attack vs EAC (Blue): 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 = 13

Piercing (force) Damage: 3d8 ⇒ (6, 5, 5) = 16

A fiery aura surrounds Naitier, threatening the enemies but not allies around them.

And -3 HP for myself for soul surge

Ikmanji races quickly to the other side of the stadium. Meanwhile Naitier studies Historia's Robot. Naitier quickly realizes that with Historia's hologram melded with it, the robot no longer counts as mindless. Furthermore, with its fire and ice motif, it has resistance to both cold and fire energy damage. It has integrated weapons, especially those nasty sawblades, and Naitier believes that it can call on those elemental blasters hanging from the ceiling.

Then Naitier summons up a powerful bolt of force, harming themself in the process. Still the bolt of force shatters the ice elemental, who lies in broken shards all around you. This leaves the nearest computer terminal clear for anyone who wishes to access it.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

The remaining ice elemental, seeing its fellow shattered, decides to skate into action and slam the scary-looking ijiktri.

Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Bludgeoning: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Unfortunately it skates right past the ijiktri and has to rebalance, uncertainly.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji
Naitier
White Ice
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage

I-apvii moves to the nearby computer station and begins inputting the key.

Meanwhile their magma puppy companion sees something warm and cuddly to play with and takes off in the direction of the fire elemental, yipping excitedly, and hoping to play.

(Telepathically, to everyone except Ikmanji who is out of range.) "Someone has found a friend. It might be more efficient to just let them play together?"

Jek cast reflective armor and then moves to support Ikmanji

Fire Elemental's Will Save vs Cute Puppy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

The Fire Elemental cannot help himself. He pets the puppy. I-apvii approaches the terminal.

May I have a Computers or Engineering check to input the key?

Jel casts reflective armor and moves to support Ikmanji.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji
Naitier
White Ice
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage
Historia's Robot

Computers check for inputting the first key:

computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Triage darts across the field to the far terminal.

I run, provoking from the central monstrosity.

"Ah dinnae like the idea of posthumous awards... ah cannae do much at a computer but ah can try tae hold this baddie's attention fer a wee second."

Grognard spurs donkey onward, pulls out his shout projector and fires of a blast.

Attack vs Fire Elemental EAC: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 2 = 10
Damage (So, NL): 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Attack vs Robot EAC: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 2 = 13
Damage (So, NL): 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

I-apvii uploads the code, which gives the party control of Historia's Robot elemental blasters.

Now, Historia's robot can no longer use her “elemental blasters” ability. In addition, a character adjacent to a computer terminal can attack using the elemental blasters as a standard action. This attack uses your ranged attack modifier and targets each remaining enemy once (roll once and compare the result to each target). On a hit, the elemental blasters deal 1d8 damage of one of the following types of your choice: acid, cold, electricity, fire, sonic.

Triage sprints across the field towards the next terminal.

Grognard shoots with his Shout Projector and misses both the Fire Elemental and Historia's Robot with the blast.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Looking at the map, I see that the puppy did not make it to the elemental yet. So the elemental will stay where it is, guarding the summoning station that it is supposed to guard.

Fire Elemental's Will Save vs Puppy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

The Fire Elemental stays where it is, calling, "Puppy, stay away! It's dangerous here!" in Ignan.

Unable to use her elemental blast ability, Historia's Robot takes out her frustrations on the nearest enemy, Ikmanji.

Sawblade: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Slashing: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Fire: 1d4 ⇒ 3

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji (-11)
Naitier (-3)
White Ice
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage
Historia's Robot

+1 EP damage

Since the elemental they were going for died, Ikmanji decides to test how resilient Historia-4’s robot is. They charge up their tentacle and slap her with it.
Entropic strike vs EAC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Acid damage, 2 EP: 1d3 + 6 + 2d4 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (2, 1) = 11

1 EP remaining

The White elemental you were going for is still there, Ikmanji. Naitier killed the other one. On the other hand, that robot is by far the more dangerous opponent.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji (-11)
Naitier (-3)
White Ice
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage
Historia's Robot

Ikmanji, I believe the elemental you were fighting is still up. I attacked one on the other side of the map.

"Good work, I-apvii." Looking over from the console to across the field Naitier appraises the fire elemental responding to I-apvii's thought, "I would like to think that, but I rather plug that key into the console. Maybe if they could play, pushing a bit, from that console."

Naitier steps up and takes a shot at the giant robot. Knowing their fiery aura would be ineffective, they change their pistol off stun and test electrical blasts against the large machine.

Attacking Historia's Robot
Static arc pistol Attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Alas, Naitier's weapon misses Historia's Robot.

The White Ice Elemental takes the opportunity to slam Ikmanji twice.

Slam!: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 4 = 8
Bludgeoning: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Slam!: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 - 4 = 15
Bludgeoning: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Unfortunately for it, the ice elemental's blows just slide off Ik.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji (-11)
Naitier (-3)
White Ice
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage
Historia's Robot

Seeing Ikmanji being double teamed he spurs Donkey to action. "Cavalry is coming!"

Bite vs Ice KAC, Flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8
Dmg (p): 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

“Let’s see what the second one does!” The elf calls out as he inputs the key at this panel.

If possible, if this only takes a standard, I’ll use my movement to move towards the last one. I’m willing to take a few hits if it gives my team the best opening possible to take down the robot.

Computers: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

If needed.

Jek cast Telekinetic Projectile at Historia's Robot

Telekinetic Projectile
Projectile: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Bludgeon damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Then moves to flank Historia's Robot drawing a Survival knife as Jek moves.

Grognard and Donkey rush forward, triggering an attack of opportunity from Historia's Robot.

Attack of Opportunity with buzz saws: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Slashing Buzzsaw: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Cold: 1d4 ⇒ 3

It misses Grognard, but trims off a bit of the dwarf's beard with an icy swoosh of the blade.

Then Triage uploads the second key.

Historia's Robot shakes back and forth and Ruby's voice spills out of it. "Historia's temporarily confused! Keep entering keys and free me!"

Confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 6

Then the Robot shakes itself, trying to regain control. "Belay that, fools! You can never defeat Historia-Prime!"

Then Jek sends a telekinetic projectile at the robot which misses.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji (-11)
Naitier (-3)
White Ice
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage
Historia's Robot

Click. Whirr.

BOTTING I-APVII

I-apvii charges forward...

Swarm Strike To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 2 = 6
Swarm Strike Damage: 1d3 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

...and misses!

The lava puppy moves up to his friend!

The Fire Elemental finally gets to pet the puppy.

It's Historia's Robot's turn.

Historia Robot's Confusion this round: 1d100 ⇒ 45

The robot rocks back and forth, babbling in two different voices.

"Let me go, I was never yours!"

"Such whiny individuality. No wonder you were such easy prey."

For a moment, the robot ignores you, as it rocks back and forth in a struggle for control.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji (-11)
Naitier (-3)
White Ice
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage
Historia's Robot

Ikmanji decides if the robot can’t attack them, might as well get rid of an elemental.
Entropic Strike at White vs EAC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Acid damage: 1d3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

“Keep with whatever you are doing at the computer!”

Ikmanji destroys the last ice elemental!

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji (-11)
Naitier (-3)
White Ice (DEAD)
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage
Historia's Robot

"I agree, it is very effective!" Naitier moves to closer to get into the center of the combat.

Double Move

Jek attasks Historia's Robot with a survival knife

Survival knife Flanking+2 : 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7
Damage Slash: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Naitier double-moves. Jek stabs and misses!

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Order
Fire
Ikmanji (-11)
Naitier (-3)
White Ice (DEAD)
Blue Ice (DEAD)
I-apvii
Grognard + Donkey
Jek
Triage
Historia's Robot

Triage will insert the final key and then pull out his gun. "They're all in! It's time to take it out!"

Computers: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

I-apvii focusees on taking the robot out.

Swarm Strike To Hit, FA, flank: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 2 = 12
Swarm Strike Damage: 1d3 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 (B)

Swarm Strike To Hit, FA, flank: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 2 = 15
Swarm Strike Damage: 1d3 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 (S)

Puppy runs back and forth, leaning into petting, and barking happily.

I-apvii full attacks the robot, missing twice.

Then Triage enters the final computer code, and Historia's Robot shakes uncontrollably before shutting down completely. When the hologram separates from the robot, it's of an overjoyed Ruby-17. “You did it! Thank you so much! We haven't been formally introduced, but I'm Ruby, and I built this place.”

Meanwhile, the fire elemental sits with the dog, and says, "Who's a good boy? You are!" in Ignan.

Combat over

Ikmanji disperses the energy they had gathered, glad that the combat is evidently over.

Ikmanji says “Pleased to meet you, Ruby-17! At least, I assume that is your full designation given what we’ve found here.”

Then evidently remembering their manners, they add “I’m Ikmanji, an Ijtikri. I don’t think many of us were in the Pact Worlds a hundred years ago.”

Ruby quirks a smile. "No, there weren't!" Then she looks a bit nervous. “I've been dreaming of this day for a hundred years, but now that it has come, I don't know what to do. I've been in here so long! The galaxy has changed, you know? What do I do with my freedom?”

"I've been considering several options." She gestures around herself. " could stay here and be the custodian of the facility I built, maybe even designing new rooms for it. It might not be so lonely if it becomes a place Starfinders want to visit."

"Alternatively, I could join the Guidance collective, or even go to an android creche in the hopes of finding a new body for myself." She hugs herself, looking anxious. "I'm a bit worried though, because Guidance is imposing, and a new body might not feel right."

"The fourth and final option I'm considering is uploading my mind to a mobile digital projector, so that my hologram can interact with people, and I can travel." She looks at all of you. "What do you think I should do?”

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

This is a reporting condition for your advice! Which do you pick?

A - Stay as Custodian and create new rooms
B - Join Guidance
C - New Body
D - Mobile Projector to Travel

I-apvii attends to the important things first. Getting basic contact info from the fire elemental so that they can stay in touch and exchange dog pictures.

"The rooms here are exquisite in their detail and you seem to have been happy in making them. Starfinders will surely spread your name and fame far and wide. Perhaps this complex could even serve the local community as an entertainment and feeding hub when not in use for training."

The fire elemental happily shares their contact information with I-apvii before leaving the Material Plane. "Wait until you see my pet thoqqua!" it says in Ignan.

Ruby-17 nods at I-apvii's words. "And what do the rest of you advise?"

Ikmanji emphatically states “Do NOT join Guidance.”

Gesturing to themself, they say “I’m not a computer person and don’t understand all of what has happened. What I do know is that right now Guidance is not secure.”

They think a moment before saying anything more.

“Of the options you listed, it seems to me the mobile projector would likely be the best. It would allow you greater freedom to interact with others. You had wanted to explore your artistic talents, and I would expect that would allow it. It would give you freedom to go where you want to.”

“I think you would also be a great custodian for this facility. The thing is we found a communique where you said you wanted to try other things. Being a custodian here may limit those opportunities.”

“I do not understand how the android crèche works, but you expressed concerns about taking on a new body. If you are not comfortable with the consequences of an option, it doesn’t seem like a good option.”

Preferance for mobile projector, but custodian seems acceptable.

"Ah! Perfect! No more razor blades and explosions."

He dismounts from Donkey and approaches the hologram. "If yer lookin for mah advice? Don't spend yer time trapped in a simulation. Been there... done that. Get out, explore the universe, and if ye STILL want tae be the custodian o this place come back on yer own two feet... or... umm... however ye plan tae move. Get a projector... get a body... whichever ye feel better aboot... just get oot and explore."

Body or Mobile Projector.

Naitier is very happy that the combat is cut off before the giant robot could managed to do anything analogous. They are even more elated to see that Ruby is restored and able to speak with the party.

When the question of advice comes, Naitier is forced to ponder and they try to focus as they let the suggestions of others to filter in. "I am uncertain that I have the experience to offer a well drawn suggestion. My preference is toward exploration, but so much of that is due to the same desires that made me leave my home world in the first place."

"I personally would not wish to join into Guidance, partly due to my youth and then because of my concern of lethal computer simulations." Naitier traces magical signatures to calm themselves. "I would understand if you decide to follow such a path, but for me the others seems more well illuminated options I would be more comfortable with."

"I do know that the neighbors here would like this place to not sit abandoned, but hopefully the Starfinder Society can put good use to this facility whether you remain her or not. My preference and suggestion is exploration of the world."

Placing a hand on themselves they add, "I do have a personal preference for having a body myself, but if you are hesitant then using a projector may feel more comfortable, at least for the time being."

Mobile Projector recommendation.

Triage lowers his gun and wipes the pooling sweat from underneath his mask. His holsters his weapon and breaths deeply, thankful this is finally over. ”Someday we’re going to go on a mission and it’s going to be great. No zombie aliens or giant robots trying to kill us, just a nice, relaxing mission on a beach somewhere…”

He approaches the rest of the group and hears everyone’s input before adding their own. “A body may not seem correct on the first attempt, but being able to interact and explore the universe as you see fit seems to be worth it to me. You would be able to do anything you ever wanted, including making a new body if you so wish! But there is always tomorrow, take as much time as you need to decide. This place isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.”

Body

"My advice would be to stay as Custodian and create new rooms for now. With many out of work due to the Drift Crisis, some vocational retraining simulations would be a huge help. All your other options you could choose to do at a later date once you feel you are done here."
Jek pauses for a bit then ask.
"Have you met or heard of a program named Hope-01?"

Ikmanji notices how the advice is evenly split between three of the options.

“It seems we have not reached a consensus. Now Grognard and I have already stated that we would also consider a different alternative.” With a chuckle, they add “We just didn’t agree on which alternative.”

“I don’t know enough about how androids move their soul to a new body. Do they have any control over it?”

“I picked the mobile projector over the new body because of Ruby-17’s comment about it feeling weird in a new body.”

Looking to Ruby-17 they ask “Can you tell us more about that option and what makes you uncomfortable about it?”