[SFS] [2024 GM School] GM TM's Bounty #7: Voyage on the river between

Game Master thoughtfulmonkey

Written by: Mahpiya
Scenario tags: Repeatable

Running as part of the 2024 GM School.

A tall human wearing a somewhat old-fashioned top hat and a large crossbow slapped across his back is waiting. For lack of someone to talk to - for now - he is browsing through a pile of what seems to either playing cards or business cards.

A bright yellow Skittermander rushes into the room. He moves around the periphery, looking at-and in-anything he can get to, standing up on tip toes, crawling around on the floor, to see on top of and beneath any furniture or any other objects.

Once he has done a lap, he approaches the other person there.

"Skittermancer Technomander! I'm here to help!" he declares, reaching out a hand for a shake.

Saja looks up from his cards to shake the outstretched hand Saja Joseung he says not that there is any cause for concern at this moment.

He sizes up the Skittermander Skittermancer Technomander. Is that the name you go by? If you have any legal name other than the one you stated, could you disclose it? It makes my work... easier.

You are waiting in the departure lounge of the main marina on Sejada. It’s late afternoon, and despite Sejada being classed as an asteroid, the climate is comfortable.

Each of you separately accepted a contract to escort the daughter of a wealthy couple to a hotel on the asteroid Merhja. You were given the daughter’s name: Visavra. If you didn’t recognize it immediately, a brief search on the infosphere would have revealed that she is the star player of the Diasporan Devastators brutaris team.

“Passengers for the Witani.” Calls a slender man standing behind a desk.

You join the queue to pass through customs, and for the first time realize that you’ll be working together. If you haven’t already done so, please take this opportunity to introduce your characters.

The massive vesk soldier walks up, weapons slung on harness. She greeted everyone with, "Hello. I am Obozaya and I look forward to hitting things very hard with you today. Anyone know what the mission is?"

Obozaya Saja says pensively as he checks his cards, then asks traditional Vesk spelling?

Brutaris players. They are always a terrible mess to clean up. Saja comments, then asks Obozaya you look muscular, you are not a player yourself, are you?

"Used to be. Got kicked off the creche team for being too violent. You?"

A dark half-helf horrible try to catch up "Hi, sorry for the hold-up, was dreaming a little, what is the mission and who I need to blast?"

"Used to be. Got kicked off the creche team for being too violent. You?"

Too dangerous, although I visit the occasional game. I find the player can get very rowdy when they are called off the field.

"No, no, no. No hitting, now blasting!" Skittermancer says. "We're just riding with someone and keeping her entertained."

He shakes hands vigorously with each person as they move through the line.

Of course, we should make sure nobody passes away before Fate calls them Saja says, glancing at his cards, and adding Fate can be a real pain about any mix-ups.

Fate is Saja's boss

You arrive at berth 18 and get a first glimpse of your transport. The Witani is a sleek luxury sailing vessel with multiple decks and a platinum finish. The brutaris player Visavra and her entourage are waiting at the docks as their luggage is brought on board and final goodbyes are said.

Image of Visavra added to Maps and handouts

“Ah, there you are,” Visavra says with a smile. “I hope you haven’t stressed yourselves over this trip. My parents worry too much. We’re taking a luxury cruise down river to a resort. The most danger we’ll run into is what, a chipped nail?” She laughs at her own joke and gestures to her companions. “These are my friends, Cyrus and Desir. You won’t have to worry about them. They’re the ones who convinced me to take this vacation, after all.” She gestures her head at two other sarcesians. “I’m sure you’ve got questions for my parents. I’ll meet you on board.”

With that, Visavra and her friends board the Witani, and Visavra’s parents step forward. “Thank you for agreeing to protect our daughter. It’s a dangerous galaxy out there, and we’d like to ensure she’s safe.”

"Well, can't say I'd be too sad if this was a stress-free job, but I doubt it. My luck's not that good. Still, I imagine we can hold up to pretty much anything less than an army division. I am concerned about those friends of hers, though. Any time someone tells me not to worry about something, I know that something is going to be the cause of trouble. Can you tell us more about these so-called friends?"

"Hi, what is planned? What is the schedule? Anyway, anytime one of us will be with Visavra, no issue I hope, and Obozaya, just smile, that will be good."

Cyrus... Desir... Saja repeats slowly, then says The name is Saja Joseung, though that shouldn't be a cause for concern.

He raises an eyebrow when Obozaya makes his comment about not worrying about something. Let me re-iterate, there is no cause for concern.

The parents he asks How long have your daughter and these friends known eachother? Any particular piece or persona in the galaxy that you want her protected from?

“I appreciate your distrust,” Visavra’s mother says. “but those three travel together all the time. Cyrus grew up with Visavra. He fled a rough home life, so we took him in. He’s family. That girl with her, Desir, has been her training partner for years. She’s very dependable.

As for the schedule, the captain will have all the details, but it's a few days sailing to Merhja, and then a short walk to the hotel. After Visavra is safely checked in, you can consider your job done.”

“Visavra’s very famous, you know—she’s the top ranked brutaris player in all of the Diaspora!” Visavra’s father adds. “Brutaris is a very competitive sport—high stakes and higher tempers. Sports fans can be…overenthusiastic.

The things those fans say, and the tensions between competitors…horrible! Nothing’s happened yet, beyond some hurtful words. We’d like to keep it that way.”

"Good friends are good! Bad friends are bad!" Skittermancer chimes in.

"I'm an Absalom United fan, myself so I've wanted to hex Visavra myself a couple times," he confesses.

"But not now! Just when she's playing well. And when I think about how well she'll play in the future..." he trails off a bit, stroking his chin thoughtfully with one hand and tapping the fingertips of two others together as he observes a star player for a rival team.

A concerned look crosses the father's face. “Wha..” He begins to say, but is silenced by a squeeze on his arm from Visavra’s mother.

“It'd be three against one, if it came to that.” She whispers.

If there are no other questions, you can move on to board the ship. If you still have questions, we can handle them as a flashback.

----

After you cross the gang plank onto the ship, you’re greeted by three crew members. The first, another sarcesian extends their hand.

“Welcome aboard. I’m the ship’s captain, Alzarin. If you have any questions about the Witani or the voyage, please feel free to ask me.”

Captain Alzarin next directs you to a male shobhad. “This is our gourmet chef, Kershek. I’ve had a look at the planned menu and you’re in for some real treats.”

Finally the captain directs you to a delicately framed, male, damaya lashunta. “And this is crew member Taeon. He’ll be able to assist you with any other requests that you might have. He’ll start by showing you to your quarters.”

If you have any questions for the crew, you can ask them now.

So, how much are we paying for the staying here? Visavra is Sarcesian too, and we know what brutaris (Some kind of sport?) Is?

And I suppose none of this crew are Absalom United fans? Saja asks the captain. Alzarin, Kershek, Taeon. Is that Ta-eon or Tae-on? Saja asks, browsing through his cards again.

Just an interest - I was told you are able to tell us today's itinerary? Saja asks Alzarin.

"No, there's no cost to you." Alzarin says. "Visavra's parents chartered the whole ship."

Visavra is also a sarcesian, yes. Just for fun, give me a culture roll to see what ng-Dizzy knows about brutaris.

"It's Tae-on" Taeon says. "I'm actually a big Diasporan Devastators fan."

"Oh." Says Alzarin. "I always thought it was Ta-eon. Anyway, today's itinerary is quite light. We'll be casting off and sailing the River Between away from the surface of Sejada and into space. That's quite an experience if you haven't witnessed it before. Then there'll be a light buffet before bed."

"I rarely eat light, so make sure the buffet's loaded. I assume you'll have no problems if we keep our weapons and other gear on us? We won't be waving it around unless there's a clear need, but I'd rather not have to run back to my cabin to get equipped if we are attacked."

"Free? let's make use of that then." Dizzy will make inquiries with the chef, will note what he cannot eat and will ask for appropriate replacement, will also ask that Taeon will find him the perfect pillows qnd mattress for the perfect sleep "Food and sleep are very important to our job, I'm sure you understand..

Dizzy is not trained in culture. Also the name is Dizzy, didn't let me choose because was taken I guess..

Skittermancer shakes hands all around, starting with the captain, then the chef, then the crewmember, then going through all of his fellow team members (again.)

"I'm here to help!" he declares. He picks up some of Visavra's luggage then looks expectantly at Tae-on not Ta-eon to lead the way.

"Feel free to carry your weapons." Captain Alzarin says.

"Please allow me." Taeon says, rushing to take the bag from Skittermancer. After a brief struggle in which Skittermancer asserts his desire to help, Taeon gives in and leads the way below deck to your individual, small but luxurious cabins. He rummages around in a nearby store room to get extra pillows and a mattress topper for Dizzy.

"All of the guest cabins, the kitchen, and the recreation room are on this level. Crew cabins and the wheelhouse are to the rear of the upper deck. Three long beeps over the tannoy means that we’re changing to submarine mode. If you hear a constant siren, please make your way onto the deck."

What do you want to do?

Great kings are not brought down by knives, but by their servants, Saja remarks. I have seen many poisonings in my day. How about we inspect the kitchen for safety?

I'm just going full-on Cluedo mode here

Kershek, the chef, is visibly annoyed by your presence in the kitchen. He shouts numerous expletives, both at the suggestion that he'd allow anything to contaminate his food and at what he sees as your rough handling of his ingredients.

To the best of your abilities, you can't find anything that would pose a threat. Although some of the spices are particularly strong, and should only be used in very small amounts.

I'll save you making any rolls. The kitchen is safe in this adventure. What do you want to do next? You could explore some more of the ship or speak to other passengers.

Obozaya is hardly comfortable in the narrow corridors of the ship. much less in the small rooms with four others. She hangs out in the hallways, glaring at anyone who tries to pass, and waits for the others to head up top.

Dizzy wants to check with Visavra, we are supposed to guard her, no? Probably having a good time so why not?

On your way to find Visavra you’re approached by Cyrus (male dwarf). He looks around to check that neither of his friends are nearby before he speaks to you.

"Right, I'm Cyrus Skyshatter. I need to know who each of you are, where you’re from, and what you usually do for work?"

Include a Diplomacy check with your reply. You can also choose to make a Culture (trained only) check.

Cyrus Skyshatter, pleased to meet you. The name is Saja Joseung, though there is no cause for concern at this moment. I own a tea shop on Absalom Station, which is by invitation only.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4 Yeah, that went about as well as I thought it would

Skittermancer was beginning to unpack Visavra's stuff when the invitation to a tour distracted him.

He followed around, nodding avidly and touching stuff.

"Oh, hi, Cyrus Skyshatter! I'm Skittermancer Technomander! I'm from the Veskarium and I help people!" the Skittermander says, reaching out to shake the dwarf's hand.

"Hello I'm dizzy, this is actually my work, I also like to MMO and do raids."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Dizzy also communicates telepathically in a non-diplomatic manner Whats with the interview, how are you that is bothering us with questions?

Dizzu communicated to the rest Need to check the dwarf, Visavra already introduced him to us and he forgot, maybe he is someone else, a shapeshift or something?

Cyrus reaches out to take Skittermancer's hand but stops short.

Could you make a Diplomacy roll for Skittermancer?

On your way to find Visavra you’re approached by Cyrus (male dwarf). He looks around to check that neither of his friends are nearby before he speaks to you.

"Right, I'm Cyrus Skyshatter. I need to know who each of you are, where you’re from, and what you usually do for work?"

Include a Diplomacy check with your reply. You can also choose to make a Culture (trained only) check.

"Why?"

The vesk's tone is gruff. It's not that she has a problem with the dwarf, but she didn't like answering unnecessary questions and he wasn't her employer.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13

Could you make a Diplomacy roll for Skittermancer?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Skittermancer's friendly and helpful demeanour wins Cyrus over, and you see him relax.

"Sorry." He says. "It's my job to protect Visavra, on and off the pitch. With the uptick in organized crime and piracy, I don't like the idea of having four strangers join the trip."

He shakes Skittermancer's outstretched hand.

"This doesn't mean I don't trust you. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now."

Do you have any more questions for Cyrus, or do you want to resume your search for Visavra?

"Where is Visavra right now?"

"She's up on deck." Cyrus replies.

"We're here to help! But, we can't do that on the pitch. I think that's against the rules." Skittermancer taps his chin thoughtfully as he contemplates the legality of bringing 4 extra players onto the field.

"Maybe if we promise not to try to score or stop anyone else..."

He shakes his head, then his whole body to clear his thoughts.

"Anyway...what's the deal with Desir? She's not jealous of Visavra, or anything, is she?

"And why did you mention organized crime? Has someone made her an offer she can't refuse or something?"

"Desir is in the ring of trust." Cyrus says bluntly. "And I don't think she's even able to feel jealous. She doesn't take anything seriously enough for that. Right now she's probably holed up in the rec room playing vidgames. Oblivious to everything."

"I just heard about some crime stories on the news. Are we done here?"

He seems eager to end the conversation.

Ignorance is bliss Saja merely comments.

No further questions for Cyrus...

Unfortunately for Cyrus, Skittermancer is terrible at reading social cues and he would be sucked into a long conversation about the crime stories.

Fortunately for Cyrus, Skittermancer latches on to something else.

"Vidgames?" he says before heading for the rec room.

Suddenly Dizzy is also interested in something "VidGames?" Se say while following ST.

You find Desir (female human) in the recreation room, playing a playing a vidgame that’s projected onto a large screen.

"Just in time." She says as you approach. "I can’t believe they have Star Punch 17. Who wants to try their luck against me in a battle royale?"

If you want to play against Desir, please make a Wisdom roll. Or profession vidgamer.

Vidgames... Saja groans disdainfully. He participates anyway, taking note of the screen names of his opponents.

Wisdom: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

At every kill, he calls out the screen name of his victim Nufriend8649, you have died on thirdday 17 Gozran 324. Cause of death: fragged by headshot.

Saja delivers a masterclass and the console's speakers ring out with much wailing and lament.

When only two players remain, Saja manages to take out Desir’s solar guardian with a mana infused uppercut.

"Nicely done." Desir says graciously.

Everyone else can still try their luck against Desir

Skittermancer eagerly grabs a controller. And another. And is reaching for a third when someone takes it and there are no more left.

Wisdom: 1d20 ⇒ 16

He does acceptably well, but, apparently, trying to control two characters at once, is not the best strategy, especially when he eliminates himself in one round.

"Well, she's good people, don't have to worry about here. No one who likes video games does bad things," he says to the rest of the group after the games are over.