SFS 1-32 - Acts of Association (KS) (Inactive)

Game Master phaeton_nz

Luna consults her parchment again.

Perfexion sounds ideal. Let us go there.

Perfexion is an upscale eatery, where expert lashunta chefs prepare food at diners’ tables after psychically assessing their eating preferences. A meal includes several courses with dishes such as Castrovelian eel soup and roasted frujai frond steak on a bed of sauteed caypin rings (the bravest diners prefer the caypin tentacles still ambulatory), with Akitonian cactus ice cream for dessert. Perfexion is one of the most popular restaurants in the Pact Worlds, with a reservation list several weeks long.

Once the packages had been delivered to a courier company to be taken to the starship Princess Luna was using, you set off. Upon arrival ...

Reflective walls and an understated sign mark the location of Perfexion, one of Absalom Station’s most exclusive restaurants. A small crowd of well-dressed hopefuls lingers near the door while a red-velvet cordon keeps them back from passing into the establishment’s entryway. Two vesk bouncers wait outside the restaurant’s entrance and admit only those who have a verified reservation in hand. They stand just outside the door, wearing ceremonial armor and brandishing doshkos, all while providing an intimidating presence

How do you plan to get past them?

GRIM*! tries to find info on the infosphere on how to get into a fancy restaurant.

Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"Here we go, I found a great plan on the infosphere, if it's on the info sphere it's got to be good! All we got to do is shut off the air supply to this sector of the station for a few minutes. How does that sound?"

One at a time GRIM*! showed everyone the info on his comm unit.
"See, says so right here."

Luz looks around to see if there is another entrance that is unguarded.Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Nope.

Luna teleports us in? :-)

HFG stops and watches the bouncers to see how they interact with people.

Who's good at diplomacy? HFG can contribute credits to a bribe. If we can each chip in 20-50 that should do it.

Sadly, Diplomacy is not an Operative skill :-/

Luna just waits to see what you do.

Sadly, Diplomacy is not an Operative skill :-/

There's no difference between bluff and diplomacy if you don't get caught

I beg to differ. Although the end effects might be the same in some circumstances.

HFG addresses her fellow team members. "I believe it is customary to bribe the door guards in order to gain quicker entry. I can contribute a small amount. Can anyone else?"

We'll also want our sweetest talker to make the pitch. I'm guessing Luzviminda has the best diplomacy modifier. Are you up for it?

Not needing to be asked twice, Gold-Flecked Black turns a pleasing color, and then telepathically greets the bouncers.

Hello. Luna here is an important diplomat. We thought it would be fantastic advertising if she was able to enjoy the fine cuisine which only this establishment can provide, and rave about it when she returned to her home planet. We booked ahead - is our table ready?

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24.

GRIM*! gives HFG 40 credits for a bribe
"Is that enough?"

GRIM*! Not sure of what Gold-Flecked Black said to the bouncers, senses that something big is about to happen and doesn't want to miss filming it and sends in Xylavol his Basic Tech Support Hireling to hold the camera and film.

GRIM*! gives Xylavol
"Set up near the bouncers but not too close, I'll let them know we are here to fill Princess Luna's entrance, oh and make sure they see your union badge I don't want them to think we are amateurs.
just a roll to show that Xylavol is really doing tech support with the camera.
Computers aid to GRIM*!'s check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

GRIM*! Let the bouncers know the Princess is about to arrive.
"We're just setting up the camera to film Princess Luna's arrival. Xylavol make sure you get the restaurant sign in the frame too."
GRIM*! Isn't bluffing he really is planning on filling the arrival of Princess Luna, rolling an aid check just incase this might help someone else's action or plan
Profession video personality, aid if it appalys: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The bouncers are completely ignoring GRIM and his entourage although Princess Luna fluffs up her feathers and fur a bit.

Princess Luna huh? She's not on the list but ...

Say .. did you here that there's a bunch of ambassadors and stuff roaming the station? I saw her on the news. I think she's one of them ... here to see the Starfinders.

That vesk shows the other vesk the news article.

Hey. You're right. Our most sincere apologies Your Majesty. We can't be too careful you know - some people will say anything to get in here.

They unhook the velvet rope and let you through. Go straight up to the VIP area, Your Majesty.

Luna unfurls her wings and gracefully flies into the door. She may be putting on a show for the cameras.

Inside ...

Elegant, transparent furnishings and multicolored lights fill this luxurious space with an ethereal glow. At each table, a small group of socialites watches in awe as dexterous chefs prepare food in a show that is as much acrobatic as culinary. Liveried waitstaff move between the tables, bringing beverages and clearing plates. A floor-to-ceiling holographic aquarium fills one wall between a pair of staircases, and large windows provide a breathtaking view of Jatembe Park.

I did have a contingency for this .. but you all handled it very well.

Good bluff.

"Thank you, your majesty. Starfinders have scores of talents."

GRIM*! looks a bit disappointed.
"I'm sorry Princess Luna, I think we only got half your head in the camera frame. Someday I hope my videos outdo Zo!'s videos, but today is not that day."

Which half? Luna asks as you are seated by the wait staff. And tell me about this ... Zo!

The chef will be along shortly to perform their psychic reading, in order to ascertain your food preferences.

"The camera was kind of crocked, so kind of like this."
GRIM*! points to the top of Princess Luna's head then draws an imaginary diagonal line in the air.

"You don't know who Zo! is, how is that possible? Zo! is the most famous media star in all the Pact Worlds. He's been making videos since the Gap ended, maybe even longer. He did the Pact World Warriors show, and the Hulls of the Living, and lots of other live combat sports. But I think I figured out his trick, he's undead so doesn't die. When you don't die you have lots and lots of years to make lots of videos and for them to get lots of views. So all I have to do is find a way to not die so I can make lots of videos too. I hope to be on one of his shows someday, but it's hard to be in two places at one time, but I try."

"Some critics argue that another reason for Zo!'s success is that he panders to his audiences' basest proclivities. The participants of his shows often face, and fall to, real death. There are rumors that some of the participants were not entirely free or cognizant of the risks when they made their choice to participate."

If he were not shielded by immense wealth and the political contacts and lawyers that his wealth procures, I believe Zo! would be spending a large portion of his lifespan in rehabilitation."

"A psychic reading, eh?" T'Krunch thinks aloud. His attention is focused on his appetite rather than the princess: discussion of undead megastars. I want a sampler platter of EVERYTHING! Although not telepathic, the ikeshti hopes his thoughts are not only heard, but made manifest.

He subconsciously licks his scaly lips.

What is the human expression for being very hungry? He tries to bring it to mind. Oh, yes. They say, 'I'm so hungry that I could eat a horse!'

Satisfied that he recalled the expression properly, only then does he find his attention turning back toward the princess.

Remember the Equis is deep within what you call the Vast. We have had no access to thy ... vid shows ... nor do we have the technology to receive them. I suspect Tia would not want to expose Our little ponies to such ... entertainment.

As you talk, the chef arrives and performs a psychic reading on each one of you. Does anyone resist?

When the chef gets to GRIM*! GRIM*! accidentally tells the chef what his favorite food is.
"I bet you can't tell what I like, is it meat?"

Luzviminda willingly opens her mind to be read by the chef. Hopefully, she will get what she likes to order. She imagines something sweet and colorful that easily melts into her mouth.

T'Krunch leaves his mind open to possibilities.

Gold-Flecked Black does not resist, curious to see what dishes will be prepared.

Curiousity prompts HFG to imagine T-Krunch's diet. She's sure the ikeshti won't mind a second helping, if that is how the chef reads her.

You all get scanned and then the chef starts preparing your meals while you wait and watch - putting on quite a show actually. You all end up with something that you find really appealing. Luna ends up with some sort of salad with exotic herbs in it.

Make medicine checks.

Delicious and spicy - just as I like it. I suspect it is the horse radish

Not trained in that, unfortunately.

Gold-Flecked Black thoroughly enjoys his meal, shifting through several shades of pleasing colors in the process.

"This is really good, how did you guess?"
not trianed

medicine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Curiosity wins over utilitarianism. HFG tries a small taste of her plate. Then consumes the entire meal. She checks her nutrient levels and finds them at 100 % across the board. Obviously the reading was not telepathically based.

T'Krunch digs into his meal voraciously. As he comes close to cleaning his plate, he begins eyong the remainder of the meals of the others.

"Are you going to finish that?" he inquires more than once.
Medicine: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Medicine: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Luzviminda has a chocolate dessert with some gold flakes on it. "This tastes different, but I do not know what. Perhaps some herbs that compliments the bitter taste?"

Both Luz and T'Krunch notice that there is some minor swelling occurring on Luna's throat, after the dignitary’s first mouthful.

"What is that swelling on your throat, Princess Luna? Perhaps you are allergic to what you are eating right now." Luz proceeds next to Luna and stops her from eating more by removing her plate in front of the princess.

She then requests the Princess to vomit whatever she has eaten so far.

"What did you actually order?" she inquires.

Why don't we switch dishes? Enjoying different cuisines is one of the highlights of interstellar travel.

Gold-Flecked Black then tries to effortlessly switch plates, as if it was the most natural thing in the world...

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18.

...although it probably comes off as a little clumsy.

Luna looks rather surprised by this action and attempts to grab the plate in her telekinetic field. As this occurs, the chef starts looking annoyed.

Foreseeing unfortunate results from jerkily moving plates, HFG raises a hand. "Put the plate down gently, PLEASE. Luzviminda, did you say something about an allergy? OH! Princess!"

When the commotion has died down, she says softly to the ikeshti,"I had planned to share mine with you, T'Krunch, but the combination of ingredients induced so unusually -- pleasant -- a sensation that I wanted to finish the meal. I will buy you a bandersnatch sandwich after the mission is complete."

What is this? The chef demands. A ploy to avoid paying the bill? They begin brandishing their cleaver in a threatening manner. Meanwhile, Luna's face is starting to turn to a rather blue grey colour and she slumps on the table.

How DARE you. I demand you pay up and leave ... IMMEDIATELY.

"Oh no, the Princess!" Luz exclaims after seeing the princess that turns paler in color and slumps on the table.

"I think it is an allergy, but it looks to me that she is choking now."

She then quickly turns to the chef. "And no one is not paying here. We are just having some serious situation here, can't you see?" and she shows what is currently happening to Luna.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

I don't think turning that color and flopping on the table is normal for a Princess, someone fix her! I take care of the chef."

GRIM*! moves between the chef and Princess Luna.
"We can deal with this the messy way where I read your mind by cracking open your head,"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
or we can deal with this the civilized way and I have Xylavol broadcast live over the infosphere that you almost killed one of your customers.
Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
"Or you can help save the Princess, what's it going to be? Xylavol get the camera ready."

Gold-Flecked Black tries to help everyone keep calm... after a fashion.

Oof. I've heard that the infosphere can be absolute *murder*. Mud sticks, as the always say, no matter whether or not it is actually true. Better to avoid it, if at all possible. You wouldn't happen to have an epipen around, would you?

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23.

This CANNOT happen the chef protests. The psychic scan is supposed to detect any allergens

True... but presumably only if the customer *knows* about them. The Princess is from an isolated planet out in the Vast, and hasn't encountered much of Pact Worlds culture in the past, let alone the dizzying variety of wonderful ingredients a place like this inestimable establishment can access.

GRIM*! looks extremely concerned and frustrated looking back and forth between the chef and Princess Luna not sure what to do.
"She needs help I can't smash her better."

"We need to keep her airway open. Is there a doctor here?"

HFG moves to Princess Luna's side and gets ready to do it herself if needed. She's never tried this before and she's hesitant.

RP way to get around to the fact that Luziviminda's got a better medicine check. Hfg can aid.

Aid, medicine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Does anyone have an antitoxen? If not, the chef will go get one.

Gold-Flecked Black will happily inject Luna with a cocktail of Antitoxin, Cytoguard, and Emetic (after deftly and discretely deploying a vomit bag).

Whatever was in that concoction, it does do the trick. It doesn't take long for Luna to recover.

I want THAT she demands, pointing to her plate. Bagged up and analyzed to an INCH of it's life. As for THEE as her attention turns to the chef You are EXTREMELY fortunate I feel MERCIFUL otherwise I would have thee exiled to thou MOON. Instead, I ask for thy recipe and the bill. That was extremely delicious.

Gold-Flecked Black admires Luna's brazenness, but is eager to get her out of there, before the chef decides to try serving pastissada.

Shall we move on to your next desired location, Princess Luna?

To the chef
"It's a good thing Princess Luna is fixed, I would not have been as merciful as she was, I would have done something much much much much, much more messy to you. It's good I didn't have to, and you were right I do like meat."

Once away from the chef
"Good work Gold-Flecked Black you saved the day. I'm glad you are fixed Princess Luna. If you change your mind about being merciful to the chef, I'd be happy to go back and break them into little pieces, it would make shipping him to a moon much cheaper."

Luzviminda is as confused as ever about what has just transpired. It looks like Princess Luna is doing well after all, well, after the introduction of the concoction.

"Why would you like to examine that food, if I may ask the Princess." she asks Luna.

I want to know why it affected me so. I am an alicorn. That sort of thing should not happen. It is obviously something that did not, could not, evolve on Equis. And if it is dangerous to us ponies, Tia would also want to know what it is so, if we import, it is kept OUT of our ecosystem.

So ... after that, I could go for a decent hayburger - or a dandelion sandwich

The princess's food is sent to the Starfinder Society for analysis to be matched against the princess's medical profile and the bill is paid. No sense in starting an interstellar diplomatic incident.

Tia would be most displeased Luna says, after satisfying the rest of her hunger with a spinach sandwich - dandelion was not on the menu.

So, I wish to experience your nightlife - maybe the Starlight Club I have heard about?