[SFS/Bounty] DM Kludde's Super-fun Bounty Castle (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

Phelps will try to figure what might be going on with the blue lashunta figure and why he might be the only one that can see it.

Mysticism check on blue lashunta: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Maybe? Pithy comment after I find out if I know anything

He will also move toward the doors leading to the operating theater.

"Well, it looks like there's only one way into the operating room, so let's go that way." She points towards the door to the entry room and suiting action to words, walks over. She gives it a perfunctory once over before opening it up.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"We're going this way? Okay!" Chance follows Phelps and Vaidra, assuming that one of these rooms will lead to trouble that she can help people with.

The south side of the room has an elevator (The map is turned 90 degrees), with the call button marked 'down'. It's fully powered, and obviously leads to the lower operating theatre. There's a also a keycard slot that blinks a very festive red whenever the down button is pushed.

There's a saying on Apostae: 'Those trained in computers and engineering can leave their keycards at home'

There's a saying on Apostae: 'Those trained in computers and engineering can leave their keycards at home.' Let's see if it is true.

Computers or Engineering to bypass the keycard, both have the same bonus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Engineering, extra roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Phelps shows that those trained in computers AND engineering can leave their keycards at home. He swiftly hacks the control panel, and overrides the keycard requirement. His solution or convincing the elevator to move (which requires a separate keycard!) requires cutting some wires and makes the ride a bit rougher. The end effect is a working elevator that transports the group a floor down.

In the operating theatre, black dust on the floor seems to flow around as if scattered by the wind, but no draft is discernible. There is also no sign of any blue-hued Lashuntas. There's the sound of a faint whisper, not much more than a rustling sound They're dead... all dead...

Apart from the weird device, that somehow seems to be hooked up to the ventilation system, there's a notebook and a computer terminal.

Vaidra follows some of the drifting bits of dust as they move around the room. Anything I can roll to ID? Or can I make a check based on being a nanocyte?

Volitare goes to look at the notebook.

I wonder what records we might find in here. . .

Phelps goes to the computer terminal and starts checking it out.

Computers check on the computer terminal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Meh

Talgoth follows Phelps down, looking warily around them the whole time. He and Hackrat both move forward to study the strange device. The hireling tries to puzzle out its purpose using his technical knowledge, while the half-orc tries to determine if it's mystical in origin.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Computers, Engineering, or Physical Science?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Oof, they are equally clueless!

Chance will also look at the notebook, hoping that Culture, Mysticism or a Lucky Guess can help her figure it out. If not, then she'll send Research Rat to assist Phelps.

Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Mysticism: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

The computer contains an audio recording:

“They’re dead. They’re all dead. My work was so close to complete, but I have no more time to fix my mistakes. The venumbrites were supposed to be Ajanu’s salvation. It wasn’t supposed to end like this.”

“I’m sorry, my son. I’m so sorry. I wish I could speak with you one more time. To talk over tea or visit the squoxes in the garden. I hope, one day, I can tell you how sorry I am. I hope you can forgive me.”

“I see darkness coming. I’ve got Ajanu, cradled in my arms. I won’t let go, even as the venumbrites consume us. I can feel our heartbeats slow. I keep telling him it’s going to be okay. I always was a terrible liar.”

The notebook describes the device in the room, which should function like a giant sucking machine to collect... something... At any rate, the machine isn't working, because it seems to lack some sort of liquid.

"What the heck is a venumbrite? And who is Ajanu? Anyone remember anything like that from our briefing?"

"It wasn't in our briefing," Chance said. "But this place has a bad reputation. A popular local legend claims Kivala Hospital was shut down because the lead doctor was experimenting on patients. Some believe family members of the patients retaliated against the hospital staff, while others suggest a terrified patient went on a violent rampage. A few stories claim one doctor survived and awaits new patients to experiment upon." Chance points at the computer. "Well, it looks like the legend was right."

Then Chance looks at the others and then points to the dubious sucking machine. "So... at this point in a vid, the heroes would realize that the experiment was done wrong, and the only way to set it right would be to recreate the original experiment. But I always thought that was a dumb plot trope, so let's not do that!"

What sort of knowledge check would it be to know what a venumbrite is, GM?

I agree with Chance. Recreating what was done here is a bad idea. We need to figure out how to contain whatever happened, not start it over. I get the feeling this giant sucking machine will need to work

Engineering check to see if I can figure out what kind of liquid is needed for the giant sucking machine (Hopefully not blood): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

I presume Ajanu is the name of the researcher's son. As for venumbrites ... something that was made to fix him ... could it be significant that it rhymes with nanite?

Talgoth grimaces at Chance's talk of inadvisable plot tropes. "But we do still need to find some way to understand what happened here. If the doctor died and became a restless spirit, she'll need an exorcism, or last rites, or...I dunno, really good therapy? Something to resolve her unfinished business and help her move on." The half-orc shrugs. "If something else happened to her...well, we learn that, then we can figure out what to do about it."

"Okay... So the doctor tried to cure her son with this... sucking machine. Which needs some sort of liquid to function. Can anyone else make sense of this notebook, or should we search another room and hope for more dramatic clues to point our way?"

... could it be significant that it rhymes with nanite?

That's the last time I'm touching a scotchbrite pad

The remaining records in the notebook and on the computer reveal somewhat little about venumbrites. It in deed seems to be some form of candidate cure, based on nanite technology, though there are obviously some efficacy issues.

Phelps concludes that the liquid needed is definitely not blood. There are mentions of synthesis, without making it too clear what exactly it is.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other rooms to explore. where to?

"Let's go through the doors here!" Chance says, indicating the double doors leading out of the Purple room. "We can continue along counter-clockwise." She pushes open the doors.

Proceeding from the doors near A9. Also wondering if there are Analog clocks in this setting, or else Chance's directions here make no sense to anyone else. Maybe they're a retro thing sold for decor purposes.

The doors lead to a corridor with patient rooms. The whole place is a mess of blankets and pillows, much to the delight of two squoxes that are playing in a nest made of blankets, shredded paper, and decaying plant matter.

"Oh, look! More squoxes!" Chance exclaims. "Volitaire, can you tell them that I will be moving them outside? This won't be a safe place for them anymore."

Chance points to the check list for reference, and then pauses to consider something.

🔲 Remove any animals and/or people from site.

🔲 Retrieve objects of value.

🔲 Stop any dangerous and/or unexplained occurrences.

"Um... Do you think we'll eventually have to move the sucky machine outside as well? It might be valuable, if only as an example of what not to do!" Then Chance considers. "Though it might be so dangerous that it might be better to dismantle it? Gah, we need more information!"

Once Volitaire has explained the situation to the squoxes, Chance will move them. "C'mon little fellows, let's go!"

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"All of those seem highly likely," Talgoth replies quietly to Chance, as he follows the worlanisi into the hallway. "In the meantime, I'm sure we'll find plenty of other problems to deal with while we search for those answers..."

The Talgoth falls silent when he sees the squoxes. As before, the half-orc allows the others to deal with them rather than resorting to frightening wild animals in front of the xenodruid. Instead, he keeps alert for other signs of trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Volitare calmly explains the situation to the squoxes.

After spending a few minutes escorting squoxes outside with Volitaire, Chance is ready to open the next door to the south. "Guess we keep going!"

Phelps will also keep an eye out while the squoxes are dealt with.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Vaidra snorts. "Sucky machine indeed." She takes a look around to see if the squoxy things decided to hide something in their bedding.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Thinking back on the look she got before, she tries to determine anything else about it.

Engineering: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Volitare follows Chance with the squoxes to ensure they leave and don't come back. If they try, they are going to get the full force of Volitare's Intimidating Stare.

An example of The Stare

As the party contends with the Squoxes, who seem to be willing to be carried out, there is an interruption.

A rather pale-looking lashunta (see handouts, mysticism to know more) stands in the door opening leading back.

What are you doing here, intruders? Have you come to hurt my mother? Leave immediately!

The starfinder's field guide recommends diplomacy under these circumstances

Strangely enough, as the lashunta-like figure is talking, a blue-hued ghost (immediately recongnised by Phelps as the blue-hued ghost) appears and starts wailing The venumbrites... the venumbrites will save my boy...

We mean you no harm, nor do we mean to hurt your mother.

Mysticism to know more about the pale-looking lashunta: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

No diplomacy here, but if I can pass along useful information I will.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Mysticism: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"Oh hello! I'm Chance. You must be Ajanu, and you must be Ajanu's mother." Chance bows. "You know Ajanu that your mom tried hard to save you? All she wanted was to have tea with you once again in the garden while visiting with your squoxes. Shall we grant her that wish? I am holding one of those squoxes, and I have some tea in my pack that we could brew. Then we can all chat... Even the squoxes, because Volitaire can translate what you say to them!"

The non-confronting words of Phelps seem to call Ajanu - indeed - down.

Yes she was good natured, she was. The squoxes were always her favourite... Ajanu sighs, ...but now all that remains of her is a guilt-wracked shadow. She gave her life while trying to save me, but all in vain... For all his animation, Ajanu does have a sheen of the undead, and Chance correctly identifies him as a Borai, a particular type of undead.

All I have left on this world is to righten our mistakes, and put my mother to rest. Perhaps you can help reconcile her mind with her fate?

I'm sure you have a question or two for Ajanu

Vaidra is taken aback by the sight of the undead things, but is very content to let other folks do the talking.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"Therapy," Talgoth sighs softly, simultaneously satisfied and annoyed by his previous guess being close to the mark. Aloud, he says calmly and carefully, "Of course we will try to help her. No one should have to endure such agony. Can you tell us more about what happened here, to you and to her? It would give us more insight into how to help you both."

I was suffering from a rare degenerative disease, induced by sunlight. It was debilitating, and would ultimately kill me. My mother... Ajanu is interrupted by a loud wail produced by the blue-hued lashunta, ... was certain she could create a cure. That's when she created these cursed venumbrites. Ajanu says, pointing at a shadow on the wall, which seems to shift the moment the group lays eyes on it.

They're an amalgation on nanotechnology and shadow plane essence. The experiments were hopeful at first, but then something went terribly wrong, and the venumbrites turned on us, draining the essence of life itself from the patients here...

In the end, the venumbrites claimed my mother and me. My mother's dedication has bound her to this plays, unable to rest while her creation roams free and is able to cause harm.

We were close, so close. The operating theatre has a device that was constructed to purge the area of venumbrites... alas, I lack the skill required.

"Are we talking about the sucky machine? We're supposed to clear the place of dangers... So we should clear it of these venumbrites. Tell us how it should work, and maybe one of us has the skills required to operate the devce." Chance blinks.

And if we lack the skills, I can attempt a lucky guess.

Vaidra's fur ripples as her rifle streams back into it. "Definitely need to clear them out. Nanites can be...tricky at times. And adding shadow to them won't make them easier. I know a little bit about machinery and making them run. Let's all go back and look at it?"

Talgoth watches the shifting shadows warily while Ajanu talks. "These things haven't been hostile since we've been here, but that may change if we can activate the machine--or if they feel threatened by it," he says quietly. "Do you know of anything that can hurt the venumbrites, or slow them down, if we need to buy the technical types more time to finish the job?"

So just to be clear, you are looking for the 'missing' components of the machine. Plus something to put the mind of the Lashunta ghost at ease

Also, because we got distracted a bit, I'd need an athletics check (or some Acro, Intimidate or Life Science check) to extradite the squoxes

The venumbrites are dangerous, but can be deactivated with the proper engineering skill, or through severing their mystic energies with the shadow plane. Our machine offers a more permanent solution, though

Chance already rolled for the eviction a few posts back.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

"Alright, let's go looking for the missing parts!" Chance picks up the notebook and shows it to Ajanu. "Can you show us what the missing parts looks like, so we know what to look for?"

With that description in mind, Chance pushes forward to the next room. A13, based on the prior numbering scheme, perhaps?

life science: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

The venumbrites remind me of these guys

Apologies for not posting since last week. I wasn't able to update. Hopefully I can still catch up.

Jortek is just silently following the others as they investigate the rooms. Not his tea, but whenever threats present itself, he without doubt be the first to eliminate them for the group. He makes himself useful this time, to extradite the squoxes.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Vaidra follows Chance into the room.

Volitare starts getting 'twitchy' while staying at the back of the party. They are quite convinced something bad is about to happen.

Talgoth also seems a bit twitchy--but paranoia seems to be his natural state, based on Volitare, Chance, and Jortek's previous acquaintance with the half-orc. (Which is not terribly surprising, given that he lived on Apostae until very recently.)

The precog is still making up his mind about whether Chance is more of a friend or a lucky charm, but whatever the reason, he sticks close to the plucky worlanisi as she leads the search.

Phelps follows Chance into the next room.

Chance manages to evict the Squoxes (Previous roll was indeed enough).

The next room is locked, but no match for Phelps' engineering skills, who simply reuses the hacked lock combination from the elevator. The door leads to a security room, with large monitors that show a pattern of noise. In the reflection of the monitor, the group sees the blue-hued ghost's reflection It's okay... it's okay... before the screen cut to black.

In one of the desk drawers is a key access card, in a festive red color.

Chance blinks as she glances at the screen. "She's not really convincing me about everything being okay. Let's find the parts so that we can fix this mess."

"Ooh a key access card! Maybe that will open the room of sand! Or other locked doors." Chance peeks in the various hospital rooms. Anything exciting in there?

Things might go faster if I can get these cameras working.

Phelps will see if he can figure out how to get the cameras back online.

Computers or Engineering to deal with the cameras, both bonuses are the same: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Not likely