Hmm's SFS #6-01: Year of Fortune's Fall (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

Opening soon in a Galaxy near you!

We'll be starting up on the first day of PaizoCon, May 25th, 2023.

If you dot into gameplay, please delete your post! See you soon!

Apparently, the official start date for PBP is May 29th to allow everyone who's attending PaizoCon live to fully enjoy the festivities. So let's give you a bit of a scene before the adventure where you can start roleplaying.

You all are aboard Radaszam's personal ship, The Brass Clutch, traveling from Absalom Station to the city of Qabarat in Castrovel, where you have been requested to help set up a display at the Grand Museum of Qabarat and its gala opening.

Radaszam likes to travel in style. The sporty vessel contains a full workout suite, spa, mini-pool, hot tubs and a sauna, along with a holodeck for fight simulations, and other entertainment facilities. Radaszam even has a studio where Pathfinders who live stream to their followers can record updates, as well as a chef to provide healthy and delicious meals.

First Seeker Ehu Hadif appears overwhelmed by the luxurious style of the accommodations, but finds a spot on the viewing deck where he can just watch the stars and meditate. Meanwhile, Radaszam takes turns either piloting the vessel, sharing war stories of his crazy missions or challenging you to competitions. Most of these competitions are athletic ones in workout suite, but there is also a game called FUBAR that involves of theoretical missions gone wrong requiring out-of-the-box solutions.

You have a couple days of travel to Castrovel. What have you been doing during that time?

Space travel is always hard on Momo, and she's effectively invisible for the first part of the journey, just wandering around the ship muttering something about escape pods and batteries.

It's the pact worlds. It's safe here she convinces herself. Like the first Seeker, she is quite overwhlmed by the luxury of the ship, and she spends quite a bit of time on the holodeck, practicing the more martial dances she knows. There is one particular dance, the one made famous by the movie 'Four days on Vesk Four', which is almost indistinguishable from a martial arts workout.

She also browses through the missions in FUBAR. 'Apostae Extraction', 'Drift Disaster', 'Aballon Antagonists'. Were you involved in these missions, Mister Radaszam? she asks, wondering how close the missions are to the original events. There is one particular mission 'The attack on Colony-47' (an older mission featuring a Swarm Attack) that stops her. She looks at a bit longer, and then continues browsing.

Soarin has been helping out in engineering. He too seems overwhealmed by the luxury of the ship but, like First Seeker Ehu Hadif, he too watches the stars and meditates - but not usually at the same time.

Throughout the trip, Valas seems to be fully enjoying the hot tub, pool, and flight simulator. He never refuses one of Radazam's competitions. Valas will also take a turn at piloting if permitted. Wherever he's at, Valas is enjoying life to the fullest.

Phelps will rotate between the Science Officer station and Engineering, constantly tinkering with various devices.

Throughout the trip, Valas seems to be fully enjoying the hot tub, pool, and flight simulator. He never refuses one of Radazam's competitions. Valas will also take a turn at piloting if permitted. Wherever he's at, Valas is enjoying life to the fullest.

Do you think he'll let you fly? Momo looks at the elf incredulously. Good thing Top isn't here then. He'd love to get his hands on a like this, but the cargo lanes would be all the more dangerous for it.

Whenever she is walking around the ship, she has the uncertain gait of a person with vertigo walking a skywalk.

Artaius isn't accustomed to the finery of the ship. They're nice indulgences, but they aren't strictly necessary. He would just as soon be outdoors. You can take the bear out of the woods or some such. Aside from having been born Castrovel (and leaving it years ago), he could not, for the life of him, figure out why anyone thought he belonged at a museum or at any sort of party.

Artaius understood what made up countless species across the universe, yet he had not the slightest mastery of what made any one of them act the way they do. Social cues and subtlety were all but completely lost on him, and he had a tendency of saying and doing the wrong thing outside of academics and athletics. As such, he had the distinct impression that this party was about to become the latest addition to FUBAR.

He distracted himself with working out, fight simulations, and competitions with Radaszam. Artaius was making an effort, and he was proud of himself for it. He didn't do people. He didn't people at all. That was why he'd left Castrovel in the first place. Even when he moved to Greenview, Fumark became too "metropolitan" for his tastes, so he moved to Ursana. So far, it was home, but was its growth inevitable? Even among others of his kind, he was antisocial. His abilities embraced his feral nature, making him impulsive and all-but-bereft of empathy.

Artaius blamed that for his unease around others, though he knew his lack of efforts to change anything were equally to blame. Even his voice was less growl and more whisper, simply from lack of use. If he needed to convey his thoughts, projecting them into someone else's head was a far easier way of communicating that would not be tainted by language barriers, vocal inflections, or misperception. He liked the cleanliness of it all, but people? People were inherently messy.

During the multiple days of the trip, Valas makes time for each of his team mates, and tries to learn about them. He sits down with Soarin and talks about engineering, and asks to check out his diasporan rifle. When he sees Momo walking with an uncertain gait, he offers his arm to steady her and walks with her through the ship. He chats with Phelps about all kinds of tech, and swaps science officer stories with the pahtra. He relaxes with Kezzo and talks about all the crazy parties he's been to (some of which may or may not be an exaggeration). He sits with Atraius and asks questions about Castrovel. Valas is always friendly in his conversations, but never pushy. If he senses a companion does not welcome his conversations, he immediately backs off, but will greet them with a smile at a later time.

Kezzo spends her time during the journey moving around the ship, getting to know her new friends, and catching up on the events of the last year. She has spent much of the last few years in archaeological digs in the Veskarium or around Bretheda, only returning with the Society calls.

"Having so many people around again is very nice. I love my work, but it is sometimes easy to get lost in the past."

Do you think he'll let you fly? Momo looks at the elf incredulously.

"He should, I'm a decent pilot. Besides, everyone needs a break sometimes, and Radaszam can't be everywhere on this ship all at once!

Radaszam absolutely allows Valas to do some piloting, but takes over the controls once more when you approach Castrovel.

The Brass Clutch begins its gentle descent onto Castrovel, the city-state of Qabarat coming into view for the first time. The sun glistens off the city walls as if lighting up a pathway to the city center. Ehu swivels his chair to face the group on the viewing deck. “I always love seeing Qabarat come into view. You see that glare on the walls there?” he gestures his head toward the windows. “Layers of shells. Decades of them, built up over the years and brought into the foundation of the walls.”

“HA! These aren't kids on a field trip,” Radaszam calls from the cockpit. “Save the tour for when the cameras can see them, eh? Knowing your history is all well and good, but we're here to make an impression, not just look at pretty shells.”

“I'm sure they'll have time for both,” Ehu calls back before turning to the group. “The museum's gala is tomorrow, but we've arrived early to help finalize the exhibition. There will be a robo-taxi waiting for you once we land. Please, head over to the museum and meet with Zovi, the curator. Most importantly, take your time. Explore the museum, learn the history of this place and the people who live in it.”

“Most importantly,” Radaszam adds. “Don't break anything. You'd be surprised how expensive those little rocks can be. We're here to make a good impression, not rack up an enormous bill.”

The Brass Clutch makes its final descent into the spaceport with a soft thud. Ehu and Radaszam make their preparations to leave, pausing a moment to answer any questions.

Momo breathes a sigh of relief as the ship lands. She enjoys being on solid ground, and the lush, green landscape of Castrovel is something that resonates well with her.

What is the exhibition about? she wonders, and also Should we know anything before we can help, or will Zovi tell us everything?

She gets now why Ehu is here. Radaszams presence puzzles her a bit, and she turn to him Do we expect trouble at the gala? What is our role there?

"What is the exhibition about?" Ehu perks up. “Archaeology of the Vast. Pottery, tools, relics, and who knows what else collected from all sorts of far-flung ancient cultures.”

Meanwhile, there is choking laughter coming from the Cockpit as Momo asks her second question. "Do we expect trouble at the gala?" Radaszam muses. "We are Starfinders, we always expect trouble at the Gala. While we have no reason to currently believe that this Gala is under threat, past history says that you should wear your weapons and armor to the party."

Soarin stretches to his full height when outside the confines of the ship. Ah. That's better. So we're running security then?

"Yes, what exactly is our objective here? I know you said to meet Zovi, but what is our mission here?"

Are there any known threats? Indigenous people from the Vast that want their artifacts back, perhaps?

"I had to again wonder why someone such as myself was here. I'm fascinated by different species on a theoretical level, so perhaps there may be something of interest to me. The likelihood of me having something to contribute to the topic in the face of the presence of experts, or even the exhibitions themselves, however, seems unlikely" Artaius acknowledged.

He snorted. "But if you're expecting trouble? Muscle I can provide. It sounds as though that is truly our function here. So be it, though I must confess that I question the wisdom of carrying arms and armor into the gala if we are expected to blend in. If we are not meant to interact with the guests, so be it, but I cannot imagine our presence, if so geared, will be met with relief."

Holding up a claw, arcs of lightning traveled up and down their length. "While arms are necessary for most, I rely on different means for battle, both conventional and less so, as you can see. As a bear, uplifted or no, many are still ill-at-ease in my company. If I'm being completely honest, that's not always unwarranted, especially in the throes of combat."

"I am not a soldier. My armor is not entirely necessary, as the protections it afford me are hardly comparable to some. Would it be better if I, at least, left my armor behind?" he asked.

"I would keep your armor, Artalus, unless we're told specifically to leave it. I would rather people be a little uneasy than lose a team member. Trouble seems to follow me, so I'd be surprised if something doesn't happen. When it does, we all need to be at our best."

"How exciting! I've been working on archaeological digs in the Veskarium for the last several years, so I don't know much about the work being done in the Vast. Can you tell us who will be here to exhibit?"

Turning to Valas, Dima says "I completely agree. The world of archaeology and artifacts can be cutthroat."

It's not always like that, Momo says, trying to recount an occasion where it indeed wasn't like that, uh... yeah... uh... ah! We weren't attacked when we had breakfast at Croizanarte! See? She doesn't even sound like she believes herself.

Mister Artaius, I think it is better if you keep yourself safe. And if you don't want to talk to people, then just stay close to me, and I'll talk for you. Momo says, instinctively going into big sister mode.

"So you were attacked, what, just after breakfast? See what I mean? Trouble follows Starfinders - it's not just me!"

Trouble follows all of us, I think.

Soarin just nods but decides to say nothing at this point.

Artaius shrugs. "Well, then, let's get on with this so that the inevitable disaster might commence."

"Now, now... just because we've been attacked in the past doesn't mean that we'll be attacked now," Ehu Hadif begins, and then pauses. "Though I have to admit, our track record on getting attacked at these Gala events is pretty dismal."

Radaszam flexes his claws. "Yes, I know. Isn't it glorious? We throw the best parties. But remember, we are not Security here. Just upstanding concerned citizens ready to step in if needed. "

"Ahem." Ehu clears his throat to get the group back on track. "What are we contributing to the exhibition? Material from the Scoured Stars, primarily. We've discovered information and belongings from numerous ancient and long-destroyed civilizations across the many worlds of the Scoured Stars systems, and we've received permission to display some of it here. Nothing related to the izalguuns, of course. Their descendants preferred we keep their history quiet to protect their current lifestyle. But there's plenty on the mentrasi and a few ancient jinsul civilizations. Some of the other cultures of the Scoured Stars are represented to a lesser extent, as our research on their home worlds is only in its beginning stages. There are belongings from an ancient syngnathrix waystation, a tekian industrial site, a matoh bathing pod, a nelentu farm, and a thyr religious site.”

Radaszam stretches. "Ehu, tell them about the other organizations that will be there."

"Let's see..." Ehu replies, “The majority of the guests will likely be staff and students from the Qabarat University of Xenoarchaeology and Xenoanthropology. Half the museum staff trained there, after all, and they like to keep those connections strong. I hear the Aspis Consortium will be sending a representative to showcase their latest expeditions. There will likely be some religious leaders in attendance as well. Talavet is a god of storytelling and legends, and some of her followers believe that museums are just another form in which she can be embodied.”

Radaszam raises a claw and cuts in, “Just assume the people you meet are important and try to make a good impression on them. Allies are worth their weight in credits. You never know when their help may be necessary.”

CULTURE (RECALL KNOWLEDGE) OR LIFE SCIENCE (RECALL KNOWLEDGE)
Based on the result of a Culture or Life Science check to recall knowledge, you may know more information about the Scoured Stars system and the peoples who lived within it. You learn all of the information whose DC is equal to or less than the result of their check.

Stepping out of the hangar and to the waiting robo-taxi, you are led through the winding streets of Qabarat and towards the museum.

The robo-taxi emerges from the starport into bright light of Qabarat. The sunlight bounces off the layers of iridescent shells layered inside the city walls, casting a spotlight towards the city center. The full extent of Qabarat's architecture rushes past the windows. Ancient universities stand side-by-side with cutting-edge cultural centers. Rows of academic buildings give way to the Grand Museum of Qabarat, a large, ovoid sandstone building that takes up the center of the district, rising out of the ground with a low dome to its right side. Its exterior resembles the same species of seashell that covers the city walls. The robo-taxi halts and pulls to the side of the entrance, kneeling to the side to allow its passengers to disembark. Sitting outside the entrance is a less-than-patient nelentu, who practically hops in excitement.

They wave their bat-wings and chirp, "You're here! You're here!" Than they pause and say, "Oh wait a minute. Where are my manners? I am Minqalli, a fellow Starfinder, and I've also been assigned to help set up this exhibit! I would love to learn all about you! We're going to be great friends!"

Culture: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Momo only knows the scorched stars. That was the boy band in our company that had a terrible accident with a portable grill. I haven't heard of them since, but they got replaced by the Blast Proof Space Explorers.

It doesn't seem relevant to her.

Momo waves somewhat awkwardly at the nelentu with jazz hands, then does her bow-and-introduction-thing (hello-my-name-is-momo-and-i'm-in-charge-of-dancing). Oh, that's great! Yes, let's be friends!

She introduces the group to Minqalli with an endeared round of names This is Mister Milithor, this is Mister Soarin, Mister Amurun, Mister Artaius, Miss Kezzo... I am on their team, we're here to help with the exhibit too!

Cluture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Dima smiles at Momo. "The Scoured Stars are three star systems in the Vast. A First Seeker led an expedition there years ago, and many Society members were trapped. I believe a new settlement has been started on Agillae-4, and a Starfinder lodge is being established."

Artaius nods in agreement. "That was under First Seeker Jadnura. That magical barrier and getting those Starfinders out was the raison d'être for some time with Jadnura's successor, Luwazi Elsebo. The ensuing entanglements with the Dhurus and the jinsuls were a mess not easily cleaned up."

Life Science: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Valas will share the information he knows with the group.

culture: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Soarin pokes at his datapad in order to get information while looming over the other Starfinders.

Sounds like that was before my time with the Society he says absently. See what you mean by the shells though

I thought I was going to be GMing this one this weekend at a local con but, alas, no signups. Started prep but that was it

Culture: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Greetings Minqalli, We're here to help. Can we start getting familiar with the museum setup?

"Momo... Strawberry? Ooh, are you connected with Strawberry Machine Cake? They're my favorite band!" Minqalli flaps their wings some more and grins. "Did you hear their new single, 'Drift Lane Cruisin'?'"

To Kezzo, Minqalli chirps, "Oh, yes! You're very informed! I was born in the Kreiholm Freehold, and my ancestors emigrated from the Scoured Stars system. I have a personal connection to some of the belongings you will be working with. Speaking of which, would you like to see some of the set up now? Oh let's go!"

Minqalli grabs Phelp's and Momo's hands and races you past Security. Minqalli rushes off through the galleries, clambering up the stairs into a cordoned off exhibition space marked by a sign that indicates a new display will soon be opening in this area.

“You've gotta see this!” they call back. “Come on, come on, come on!” The nelentu scrambles into a large room filled with arrowheads, pottery shards, and other archaeological finds. The far side of the wall is taken up by a floor-to-ceiling diorama of archaeological strata, depicting the various eras on display in the hall. Minqalli climbs up the diorama, eagerly pointing out various pieces of pottery built into the display. “You see this mark here? My ancestor made this one. Oh, and that one, and this one over here!”

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Their showcase of their ancestors' belongings is cut short by the stomping footsteps of an incoming vesk, hand on her radio and an angry sneer on her face. She approaches breathless, eyes wide as she sees Minqalli hanging from the display. “Get down from there!” she barks at Minqalli, then turns her scrutinizing eyes upon you. "Explain yourselves."

Drift Lane Cruising (feat. Naughti Whiska's Cheesy D)? Momo answers, carefully mentioning the full original title. She immediate moves to an unseen beat, performing the signature 'elbow out of the window' dance, and completely butchers the featuring rap breakdown.

♫ Lane cruising... Drift cruising...
If you not on board you losing... ♫

Stop!

♫ Did we get get a flat? Are we stuck in space?
The ship doesn't budge when I shout engage
I'm not dropping no beat, just warp at my pace
I'm telling all of y'all it's sabotage ♫

When Minqalli rushes off, Momo patiently follows and react with rehearsed but genuinely sounding Oooh and Aaah sounds. She starts making slightly uneasy faces as soon as the wingy creature start her ascent of the diorama Are you sure that's a... when the Vesk enters.

Hello, my name is Momo and I'm in charge.. Momo says, when she realizes she can't reasonably claim to be in charge of anything at this moment.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

We are... I am... Exhibition... Starfi... she answers eloquently, before switching to the once sentence of Vesk her sister taught her Не стреляйте в блондинку

---
Art. 623: All AbadadarCorp Entertainment employees are legally bound to refer by AbadarCorp Entertainment products by the full official title. No title is to be abbreviated under any circumstance
--- Extract from AbadarCorp Entertainment standard contract

Artaius can't help but notice that Minqalli all but ignores him. See this? This is the level of discomfort he had experienced all of his short life. He was about to say something when the female vesk started demanding answers. He smiled a fang-filled grin.

"Well? You're in charge, huh? Let's see that leadership magic," he all but laughed into Momo's thoughts.

Valas steps forward and puts on his best used starship salesman smile. To the vesk he says, "We are Starfinders, and we're here to check out these displays. You look like someone in charge - of security perhaps? Off the record, we're no strangers to trouble, so if you need any assistance while we're here, feel free to call on us."

Valas steps aside so the vesk can see Artaius, who is much more imposing than Valas.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Soarn bows respectively to the Vesk

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 10 + (5) = 22

Our apologies. We were so eager to see this exhibit, we forgot to check in. I am Soarin from the Starfinders and we are here to set up our own exhibit.

He then turns to Momo.

Don't shoot the blondie?

Kezzo leans towards Soarin and whispers, "Who's Blondie?"

Shaking her head, she turns to the angry-looking vesk. "Hello, I'm Kezzo, an archaeologist and member of the Starfinder Society."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Kezzo rarely says which society but does wear a pin with the Acquisitives symbol on the left side of her jacket.

Soarin leans down and whispers back "That's what Momo said in Vesk .. I dunno either"

"Well? You're in charge, huh? Let's see that leadership magic," he all but laughed into Momo's thoughts.

...of dancing Momo reacts to Artaius, looking at the floor in dejection.

Don't shoot the blondie?

What blondie? I'm not shooting anyone!

---
We're still out in the jungle, hoping for a rescue. Since we're deep in Vesk territory, things may get a little dangerous. Fortunately, Zoey has managed to pick up a few words, and has thought me the Vesk expression for 'We come in peace'. That may be useful one day.
--- Dalki Mo Mo, diary

"Wait... What?" The security looks in bafflement at Momo's 'Don't shoot the blondie' statement. Then a few minutes later she bubbles over with laughter. "You don't even realize... what... you said!" The vesk continues to laugh. "Oh my dear, who taught you that phrase?"

With more clear explanations of what you are all doing here, the vesk security guard grins back at you. "Okay Starfinders, I can see that you didn't mean any harm but no more swinging on the exhibits! Let's get that paper work filled out." The vesk guard sits down on a bench and pulls out the appropriate forms. "You keep me entertained, I'll help you fill out the forms. You can call me Amyik. Deal?"

"Wait... What?" The security looks in bafflement at Momo's 'Don't shoot the blondie' statement. Then a few minutes later she bubbles over with laughter. "You don't even realize... what... you said!" The vesk continues to laugh. "Oh my dear, who taught you that phrase?"

My sister... that little blond punk! Momo says with a 'wait-till-I-get-my-hands-on-her' tone of voice.

With more clear explanations of what you are all doing here, the vesk security guard grins back at you. "Okay Starfinders, I can see that you didn't mean any harm but no more swinging on the exhibits! Let's get that paper work filled out." The vesk guard sits down on a bench and pulls out the appropriate forms. "You keep me entertained, I'll help you fill out the forms. You can call me Amyik. Deal?"

Deal! Momo says, relieved that there will be no shooting, blondie or otherwise. Thinking back to the earlier conversation about inevitably getting attacked, she asks Do you have a lot of security here?

The bear had prepared to look menacing in an attempt to maintain Valas' ruse, but the ysoki's diarrhea of the mouth and Momo's constipation of the brain seemed to amuse the vesk as much as it concerned Artaius. Instead, he shrugs to no one in particular and waits to fill in whatever forms are required.

"Is there anything else we need to do to facilitate your efforts on our behalf?" he asked quietly in the vesk's mind.

Maybe I should teach you a few more useful Vesk phrases Soarin grins. Then you can talk about your sister behind her back and she won't have a clue what you're saying.

Artaius raises a brow at Soarin questioningly.

"A few more *useful* Vesk phrases, and we'll all be dead before we finish our next query. Please... don't help," he whispers into the Sarcesian's mind.

Aw ... come on ... I was thinking of phrases like 'Do you speak Common?" or "Where can I find the nearest Starfinder Outpost" or "I really need the bathroom ... where is it please"

Soarin leans down and whispers back "That's what Momo said in Vesk .. I dunno either"

Nodding at Soarin, "For a minute I thought my vesk was getting a bit rusty."