Outpost VI - GM Valen's Starfinder Bounty #1: The Cantina Job (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Tourists, transient starship crews, and adventurers alike find themselves in Drifter's End, the district surrounding the Lorespire Complex. Electric Prism is a dive bar there with gimmicky drinks and a casual atmosphere that is welcome to any looking to unwind.

Hi, I signed up to play in this via the outpost google sheets. will this be via discord?

Thanks,

Blake

Hi, I signed up to play in this via the outpost google sheets. will this be via discord?

Thanks,

Blake

Hi, I signed up to play in this via the outpost google sheets. will this be via discord?

Thanks,

Blake

This table will be run right here on the Paizo boards. This thread will be for in-character "play". A second thread for player questions and other out-of-character discussions has been set up on the Paizo boards here.

If this is your first game on the Paizo boards, then welcome! I am happy to answer any questions you might have or to point you to resources/info particular to these boards. Just post any questions over in here.

A tired looking Pahtra with a longarm across his back wanders in. Bartender, beer please

A drow woman with a custom rifle slung on her back takes a shot of something that looks like fermented blood with gold flakes floating in it.

"Hey, nice toy," she says to the pahtra. "Looking for something with a bit more kick?"

That is an interesting weapon. he says, looking to resurrect the thread.

The drow grins, happy to brag about her work. "Custom Pulsecaster Rifle. Or maybe I should call it a prototype. I'm looking to give it a field test before putting it into mass production. There are some decent manufacturers out there, but House Caldrona deserves the edge. With that she pulls out a business card and hands it to the pahtra. Alicavniss Caldrona, House Caldrona. At the bottom of the card is a set of contact information. A watermark bears a logo that, for those in the know, seems like the symbol of Oras smashing a demon lord.

A slightly overweight blind Vlaka walks into the bar but deftly makes his way to a stool. As he's waiting for a drink he runs his hands over a bandoleer of Shurikens and you notice they start to emit a shadowy haze whenever he touches one. Noticing he's being watched Yob walks over to the drow, sniffs his gun and nods approvingly. "Yobs the name and pretty gun but I prefer a much more intimate weapon."

Alicavniss scoffs. "Intimate has its charm, but sometimes you have to go with something practical. This beauty is nonlethal, with a slight boost to take targets down faster. Ever gone after a bail jumper? Stewards tend not to smile on you bringing them in dead."

"Nonlethal, eh?"

The words belong to an imposing dragonkin, who has approached the group largely unnoticed even as a neon laser show crisscrosses the colorfully-lit cantina and boisterous singing from a Drift trekking freighter crew nearly drowns out a group of tourists ordering drinks from the automated bartender.

"I have a proposition for you--one that can put your fine weapon to work--if you are looking for paying work," continues the dragonkin as he pulls up a chair two sizes too small for his scaly frame and thuds down at the end of the table. "I am Trazhi, the owner of this humble establishment."

The Electric Prism’s owner gestures to the surrounding bar. "I don't make it a habit to eavesdrop on my clients, but when you pulled out that impressive rifle, well--let's just say--you caught my attention."

"I don't go looking for trouble, but some has found me nonetheless. I hope you can help me with it," Trazhi continues. "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 and the repair costs from the brawl!”

"Ten percent of the debt owed is what I can offer you for bringing Vanecarsys back to pay his tab and damages from the brawl," says Trazhi. "I'd recon that's about 200 credits each for the lot of you. What do you say?"

Mishearing Trazhi, "200 credits to retrieve the painted rock sounds like a steal. I love rocks. Which way did he go?"

Yob gets up and in his excitement walks directly into the closest wall before remembering he's blind.

Mishearing Trazhi, "200 credits to retrieve the painted rock sounds like a steal. I love rocks. Which way did he go?"

"I appreciate your enthusiasm," nods Trazhi. "As for which way he went? I wish I knew. That is why I offered to hire you. I'd suggest that you review the security recordings from the previous night for a starter."

You should be able to post in this thread with the Yob Doog alias. If you have questions as to how, let me know!

Yob Takes a few minutes to ponder the situation in deep thought, which basically looks like he's drooling while day dreaming."Clearly this case is rudimentary given the situation. I suspect the dwarf is still in this very room. Trazhi are there any dwarves in the room? He couldn't have gotten very far!"

Yob Takes a few minutes to ponder the situation in deep thought, which basically looks like he's drooling while day dreaming."Clearly this case is rudimentary given the situation. I suspect the dwarf is still in this very room. Trazhi are there any dwarves in the room? He couldn't have gotten very far!"

Trazhi gives a brief look around. He shakes his head, then tells the vlaka, "Nope."

Clearly unimpressed thus far with Yob, Trazhi turns his attention towards those who drew his attention with the discussion of their weapons in the first place. "How about the rest of you?"

"Does this club have security cameras? Might be a hint there."

Sounds like a worthwhile investigation. We'll do our best to find this miscreant for you.

Meanwhile Yob has cornered what appears to be a stool and is interrogating the "dwarf" to give up the rocks. A Golden "Retriever", Yob is not.

A female human arrives at the scene, wearing her signature pink boater hat, matched with her pink dress with large white ribbon. She also wears a pair of pink high boots with high heels that clomps as she walks.

"Greetings!" after which she removes her sunglasses with both of her white-gloved hands. "I am Pervir. It is nice to meet you all." she introduces herself. I'm sorry, I'm late for the gathering. So what do we have here? I actually overheard somebody is looking to catch something or get something, the details are blurry on me, I'm sorry. Nevertheless, I'm good to go." she tells them as she beams them with a hot pink smile.

I'm sorry, I'm late for the gathering. So what do we have here? I actually overheard somebody is looking to catch something or get something, the details are blurry on me, I'm sorry. Nevertheless, I'm good to go." she tells them as she beams them with a hot pink smile.

"Glad to hear it. You look as though you may be the most, er...responsible of the lot," Trazhi says to Pervir Eir. "Here, take these--there's one of each for each of you."

Trazhi provides the party with four doses of tier 1 sedative (Starnder Core Rulebook 232) and a merciful weapon fusion seal (Starfinder Core Rulebook 194), no doubt to ensure the quarry isn’t killed.

"Does this club have security cameras? Might be a hint there."

"Yes, of course. I will show you the way and you can have at them," Trazhi replies. "There were also a pair of other bars, local, that are said to have fallen for similar scams. One's called Graff's and the other is Nightfall."

Pointing at the camera records and feeds, Trazhi nods. "I'll leave you all to it. After all, I've got a bar to run." As he begins heading back toward the kitchen, he pauses for a moment. Giving a glance at Yob, he shakes his head, then turns to the rest of you and stresses. "Remember, I need Vanecarsys alive to pay his debts. otherwise the deal is off."

Looking over what is present, you conclude that Electric Prism has surveillance equipment monitoring all entrances and exits for security purposes.

Where to next? The site of the brawl? The other local bars? Elsewhere?

Computers to view the security recordings: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Which button is forward again?

Computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

"Look there. The dwarf never left the bar. But this elven woman left and there's no footage of her entering. Thoughts?"

"I told you the dwarf is still here!" Either that or the dwarves one of them magic users."

Yob takes one of the sedatives and thinks about using it to see what happens but decides to save it for celebrating later.

"Maybe we should check out the other bars before anyone's memory fades."

Pervir Eir blushes at what she thinks is a compliment. "Ohh, don't tell that. Oohh, thank you, yes. Sedatives." as she takes one of the sedatives. She nods after hearing that the client needs their target to be alive. "Now this makes sense." as she looks at the sedative and the weapon fusion.

As for the security footage, she lets them watch it and waits for the information they have gathered so far. "That's weird. Could the dwarf and the elven woman be related? Hmmm." she makes a hard obvious thinking just to say that she is thinking but actually there is nothing running into her mind except the fact that she wants to check the other bars. "That's a great idea." she winks at Yob. "Let's check the other bars." she confirms her agreement to the soldier.

Before Yob decides to head out, he walks over to the bar and asks for a round of drinks on Trazhi's tab. "If we're gonna bar hop for information we need to play the part so that we don't spook the dwarf/elf!"

Following the discussion about the security footage, one of you may recall some useful information.

Heading to one of the other bars, the party has the opportunity to take in the sites and ask some questions about the crimes.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Yob offers to share the sedative he acquired with the bartenders at the other establishments once the dwarf is in custody. It works surprisingly well and even Yob is surprised at how charismatic he can be and annoyed when the bartenders try to pet him.

He'll gather the rest of the party and check to see when the next shuttle bus is.

DC 15 Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Pervir does not have an idea in mind after seeing the footage. She really intends to go to the other bars to learn more of who they are looking.

DC 15 Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

She speaks to some patrons of the bar, winking at them as she tells her gratitude for those she has gathered information from. As for those who did not, she gives them a smirk.

"Wandering in this bar, I learned and confirmed some things. It is true that two other establishments were hit with the same scam over the past two weeks. Each time, the dwarven miner charged a large tab, sold shares of his supposed find, and then disappeared. Patrons at both establishments saw an elven woman leave around the time the dwarven man disappeared, but none recall her arriving." she tells them as if she has accomplished something big. "Second, I interviewed some patrons and they recalled seeing an elf board a shuttle to a solar casino shortly after the incident at Electric Prism. Venture Solaris is one of a few solar casinos that provide a complimentary shuttle to and from Absalom Station twice daily. Maybe we can go there next now?"

"Second, I interviewed some patrons and they recalled seeing an elf board a shuttle to a solar casino shortly after the incident at Electric Prism. Venture Solaris is one of a few solar casinos that provide a complimentary shuttle to and from Absalom Station twice daily. Maybe we can go there next now?"

A little confirms that Venture Solaris provides a complimentary shuttle that runs to and from Absalom Station twice daily. The casino’s logo, a stylized sun, is displayed prominently on the shuttle and its platform. The high-speed shuttle takes 12 hours to reach Venture Solaris.

Upon arrival at the casino spaceport, you disembark alongside throngs of hopeful winners, each anxious to join in the gaming.

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.

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.

What do you wish to do?

Relying on his sense of smell since it's super loud, Yob makes his way to the buffet, hopefully the dwarf is hiding in the piles of roasted meats.

Relying on his sense of smell since it's super loud, Yob makes his way to the buffet, hopefully the dwarf is hiding in the piles of roasted meats.

Yob finds no dwarves or elves among the piles of roasted meats, which appear edible but otherwise unmarkable save for the available quantity. Some rather delicious smells, however, seem to be wafting from the VIP area located up a flight of grand stairs and through a set of yellow tinted, glass double doors.

Alicavniss will look toward the VIP area.

"A criminal in the high-rollers section makes sense."

Pervir nods at the inference of the drow. "You could be right. We must check that VIP area." she agrees and leads the way up there and pushes the yellow-tinted glass double doors to get inside.

Yob will eventually follow once he eats his way through a decent portion of the cheap buffet. Plenty of space left for the VIP buffet.

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.

Map of casino now revealed on Slides (please place your PC tokens in the green area).

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.

There is no one here matching the description of the the dwarf, Vanecarsys.

However, seated at a high stakes table is a familiar-looking elven woman whose form you previously had seen only in security footage.

The VIP section of Venture Solaris is brightly lit, and the ceilings are 20 feet high.

To enter the VIP section, one must bypass security. Fortunately, it appears that the casino’s security has grown complacent, relying on the measures built into their credsticks rather than investing in physical defenses. The guards on the VIP section look as if they rarely contend with anything more serious than showing cheaters the door and providing the space with the appearance of exclusivity, so they may not be particularly difficult to trick.

There are various ways the PCs may attempt to bypass security. Creativity is encouraged in your approach. What do you wish to do?.

Alicavniss looks to the others. "I can think of a few options, but I am open to others. First, if anybody is willing and able to flirt, bully, or bribe our way in, I am for following. Barring that, a distraction of some sort may work. Perhaps a mechanical issue at the buffet could kick up some smoke that security needed to investigate. The problem with that is the chance that it would give our target a chance to flee. And I don't know how well adjusted the rest of you are, but if we somehow shut down the lights, I could still find our quarry in the dark."

I could work in the dark as well. Maybe I can find a way to dim the lights.

Profession (Electrician) to look at the lighting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Pervir makes her way to the guard since she is already close to the entrance. I little lying and some charm of her own, she believes that she can easily get past this one. "Hello, Mister Security. I hope you would let me in. You see that elven woman over there? She is actually my friend. We are supposed to enter together in this room because she says she'll treat me after the game. But I forgot my lipstick in the powder room so I told her to go ahead of me. So I am back now." she tells the guard while giving them her most charming smile and parading her outfit and all.

I could work in the dark as well. Maybe I can find a way to dim the lights.

Phelps concludes that he could easily kill the lights, but need appropriate attire to gain access to the lighting panels.

Pervir makes her way to the guard since she is already close to the entrance. I little lying and some charm of her own, she believes that she can easily get past this one. "Hello, Mister Security. I hope you would let me in. You see that elven woman over there? She is actually my friend. We are supposed to enter together in this room because she says she'll treat me after the game. But I forgot my lipstick in the powder room so I told her to go ahead of me. So I am back now." she tells the guard while giving them her most charming smile and parading her outfit and all.

"Oh sure, everyone suddenly becomes 'best friends' with a gambler who is winning as much as that elf over there," replies the security guard, clearly unconvinced.

The elven woman gambles at a table alongside four other, clearly well-to-do patrons, and an android dealer. The table’s digital readout indicates she’s doing extremely well and has won substantially more than she owes.

Yob makes his way to one of the casino security guard and hands him a plate of food from downstairs"The swill they serve downstairs is barely edible, sir show me to the VIP buffet before I condemn this place in the yearly Vlaka Diner's Guide. I'll put in a good word about the security guard that showed a blind man to the best buffet casinos this side of the Galaxy have to offer"

Alicavniss blinks as she looks at Pervir. "'Elven... woman.' Of course! We don't need the lights out, we just need a private meeting place."

New idea: Alicavniss slips into the restroom, possibly with Pervir close behind. Phelps or Yob gets to the VIP, "accidentally" spills a drink on her, we get her when she goes to clean up.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 (Does the VIP section have a separate bathroom?)

Yob makes his way to one of the casino security guard and hands him a plate of food from downstairs"The swill they serve downstairs is barely edible, sir show me to the VIP buffet before I condemn this place in the yearly Vlaka Diner's Guide. I'll put in a good word about the security guard that showed a blind man to the best buffet casinos this side of the Galaxy have to offer"

The vesk serving in security crosses his arms and snorts as his tail begins flicking back and forth as if to trip any unauthorized persons trying to enter the VIP area.

"Please note," says the halfling cashier still smiling. "Entry into the VIP section requires a minimum fee of 200 credits, which can be applied directly for use at of any of our fine tables, dining options, slot machines, or other games within the area."

Reaching behind the counter, she produces a credstick bearing a stylized sun on one side and a serial number on the other. "All I need to upgrade you to our special VIP status is a working credstick or an account number for a transfer of funds. Also, how many creds would you like to place for your initial entry?"

The halfling looks at the vlaka expectantly.

Alicavniss blinks as she looks at Pervir. "'Elven... woman.' Of course! We don't need the lights out, we just need a private meeting place."

Alicavniss spots a sign for restrooms within the VIP area, indicating they lie behind the staircase.

Restroom location now indicated on Map.

Yob starts to huff and puff and empties his pockets on to the counter and starts to remove his armor in the hopes that he distracts the guards and the halfling by causing a large enough scene that the others can just walk in. "My cred sticks should be in here somewhere, kind of rude of you to make a VIP Blind patron prove his status when he's hungry"

Pervir is stunned to speak and goes back to where she initially is. She thinks of another way to enter, observing what the others might do. She is not going to spend credits just for the simple task of entering the VIP room if she can do it with her charms.

Bluff to Diversion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

She motions to the others to find a way to get into the VIP room while she tries one more time to talk to the guard, but this time to distract them.

"But I am telling the truth. Why don't you ask her to be sure if you don't believe me." she says while giving the charm of her smile and the vibrance of her dress and all she is wearing.

Security Guard, Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15

The vesk at security snarls, revealing a mouth of sharp teeth. "You're welcome to enter the VIP area. Once you've got the proper cred stick."

A good try. Any other thoughts?

The scenario gives a few suggestions, which you are welcome to try:

Apprehension: The PCs can convince security to allow them to apprehend the elf with a successful Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, or applicable Profession check.

Bribery: The PCs can bribe security for access by offering at least 50 credits (or an object of equal worth).

Bully: The PCs can bully or threaten security for access with a successful Intimidate check, or a successful Bluff or Culture check if their threats involve other powerful people.

Combat: Fight your way in.

Employee: The PCs can pose as employees with a successful Bluff, Disguise, or applicable Profession check and appropriate attire (which can be stolen from a staff room off the main casino floor with a successful Sleight of Hand check).

Fame: The PCs can pose as wealthy patrons or famous celebrities with a successful Bluff, Culture, Disguise, or applicable Profession check.

Tagalong: The PCs can befriend another patron or group and enter alongside them with a successful Bluff or Diplomacy check.

Stealth: The PCs can sneak past security or blend in among another entering group with a successful Bluff, Disguise, or Stealth check.

Wealth: The PCs can legitimize their entrance by spending at least 200 credits on a VIP credstick.

Nobody responded when I asked if we should just get credsticks. I am still waiting on that, since my Bluff and Diplomacy are low enough that I don't feel like risking them.

I've got none of the skills listed, and only 35 credits to my name. My best bet would be to ask if someone else could try to steal the Appropriate Attire so I can try to get in with a Profession Electrician check. I have one alternative that comes to mind.

Phelps loos for a computer terminal. If he can find one, he will attempt to create a fake persona he can use to get in.

Computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

And I am sure that will not do it.

If somebody had Stealth, I could pay for their stick, they could steal uniforms for the people who can't get in, and we could move forward. Does anybody have Stealth? (Sound off either way so we aren't just waiting.)