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Objection!
For years, Zo (the city) and Zo! (the bombastic undead media mogul) have been engaged in a legal dispute over their shared name. Finally, both parties have agreed to a trial on the planet of Triaxus to put the matter to rest for good. In a bold move, Zo! calls in a favor from the Starfinder Society, requisitioning a team of Starfinders to represent him in the trial. Make your case to the jury, ready your counterargument, participate in a trial by combat against a team of crack combat-lawyers, and smile for the camera in the live broadcast of the decade!
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Every screen around the Lorespire Complex is tuned in to the latest scandal: Zo! the media icon and a city called Zo on Triaxus are fighting a legal battle over their shared name.
Zo! grins at the camera, gesturing stiffly but enthusiastically at the viewer, as a lashunta reporter interviews him about the upcoming trial. He quickly turns the exchange into a smooth sales pitch: “Hello there, Pact World people! Do you have what it takes to represent Zo!—that’s me—in court? I bet you do!
New artwork alert!
Come join my systemwide search for legal representation and test your combat skills in a mock trial on Absalom Station! The winner gets a cash prize and a trip to scenic Triaxus, where you’ll represent Zo! Media in trial by combat!”
A holographic text bubble sparkles over Zo!, filled with scrolling text explaining that various terms and conditions that apply to the cash prize. The reporter nods and asks a follow-up question, but it’s difficult to hear anything over the excited chatter flaring up around the room. Just then, a confident vesk saunters over, a smug grin on his face.
It’s Radaszam the Dealmaker.
“Starfinders, I have a proposition for you.”
What information do our Starfinders learn from their Culture or Diplomacy checks? Find out more after the break!
Twila-5
|
Culture: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
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he infosphere is abuzz with the case of Zo! vs Zo.
The undead superstar famously known as Zo! is the founder and CEO of Zo! Media, one of the most popular and outlandish production houses in the known galaxy. Zo! Media is famous for producing hundreds of successful reality shows devoured by audiences anywhere they can get the signal. Zo! founded his enterprise immediately after the Gap, meaning there’s not much information about the media mogul’s identity and life before he achieved universal fame; records about all events during the Gap have all been magically scrambled, and even fewer reliable sources exist from before that time. Rumors and conspiracies swirl around the person behind the brand, but the only ones who might know the truth are Zo!’s most trusted staff—and they’re not telling.
The mystery shrouding Zo!’s personal history has also opened him to an unprecedented accusation from the city of Zo on Triaxus. Zo, the city that shares the entertainer’s name (minus the exclamation point) is a glittering coastal metropolis, home to an elite flight school known for training many galaxy-renowned ace pilots. Ace Mayor Sindeo is proud of Zo’s reputation and hopes to end old rumors that spycraft funded its many luxuries. To that end, he’s launching new programs to attract tourists, including opening a new wing of the spaceport, debuting a city mascot, and releasing a series of branded merchandise. After a conversation over the infosphere turned heated, Sindeo accused Zo! of “misusing” the city’s name in a recent ad campaign on Triaxus.
Zo!’s legal team countered swiftly and ruthlessly by filing a lawsuit against the city, claiming the mayor’s office knowingly used the Zo! brand name without paying the required licensing fees.
Ace Judge Axiennex is the judge presiding over the case. Ace Judge is a title given to esteemed justices in Zo, and Axiennex is the judge’s personal name. She’s a staunch traditionalist who appreciates strength in deed and word. She has no tolerance for disrespect. She often decides cases through trial by combat using traditional Triaxian methods.
Estrikkon and Raysel are minor celebrities on Triaxus. They’re specialized combat lawyers who fight using teamwork tactics made stronger by their mystical partner bond, favoring a dramatic finisher that ritually summons a draconic spirit to crush their opponents. The duo are representing the city of Zo in the trial.
Let me cut straight to the chase. Brass tacks, so to say. Radaszam says Zo! is conducting auditions for lawyers representing him in this case. I want you to participate. Simple enough, right?
Twila-5
|
As simple as any Starfinder mission ever is. Twila-5 muses wryly. "How much time do we have? Enough to get vids of Estrikkon and Raysel's previous combats so we can deeply analyze their tactics?" Probably not, but worth a shot. "And what's the Society's stake in this matter?" As in, why do we care? There are bound to be politics behind this decision. Or something.
"Dash" Riprock
|
A tall muscular half orc with gold-tipped tusks saunters into the briefing room. "Evenin' all. Sawry i'm la'e. 'he season were over an' i fel' like celebra'in. So I were 'avin a pin' down a' 'he pub wif me mates when 'his bloke, proper goppin' bastard 'e was wan'ed 'o see which one ov us were 'arder." He grins menacingly. "Spoiler aler', i' were me."
"Sooo...I 'ere you need an 'ard man for a trial?"
Jekcedo
|
A shirren wearing a Neon & Noqual t-shirt hopps into the room listening to Bugspace on his comm unit, realizing there are other people in the room he turns it off before talking.
"Twila-5 good to see you again. Looks like we both survived another mission."
Next Jek turns to Dash and introduces himself
"I go by Jek, I'm always looking for new music, what's your favorite band?
Then getting to business.
"So I see the announcement on a vid screen before getting the message to come in, so what kind of lawyering needs a battle medic? You know I like options, but that's an option even I hadn't thought of before."
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There not too much of video material from the works of Estrikkon and Raysel, this is all taking place behind the court room doors after all. There's plenty of court sketches, some of which indeed depict the summoned draconic spirit, and anguished faces of the opponent being crushed by it. All with the proper decorum becoming a court of law, of course.
The sketches also implicitly answer Jekcedo question on why a battle medic is needed.
Radaszam turn to Twila You do remember the media smear campaign against us, right? Wokring for Zo! is our way to get one of the most important media moguls of the pact world is our favor, that's the stake for us.
Good to go?
Jekcedo
|
Think we are still waiting for Kadef
From the court sketches can we tell what species Estrikkon and Raysel are?
"I might need to pick up more medical supplies on the way if we have to deal with draconic spirits, Does anyone here have experience fighting draconic spirits?
Twila-5
|
Twila-5 gives a nod to Dash. "Looks like you'll be our primary spokesperson." She indicates the combat sketches, so it's hard to tell if she's making a joke or not.
"Jekcedo, good to see you still alive. I mean to keep you that way."
I'm good to go when everyone else is.
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I'll give Kadef a moment to join
Kadef
|
Yow. So much going on in the game already. THis was not the weekend to take a break from the boards.
From the corner, a tall kasatha with a leaner than average build clears his throat. His demeanor is tranquil; three of his four hands are clasped together in front of his torso. The fourth holds a cermonial staff. The grey skin of his hands and of his long head above the mask covering his mouth may be off-putting to those more accustomed to human tones. Dressed in formal robes, you may have overlooked him, believing him to be Radaszam's majordomo.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 9 + (4) = 25 Maybe that get's us a little more info. Maybe not.
"Pardon me, sir. Is the trial guaranteed to be resolved by combat, or is there a possibility that we may resolve it in a more conventional manner?"
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It does!
Ace Mayor Sindeo, mayor of Zo, kicked off the conflict with accusations made on his social media accounts. The argument started over Zo! Media’s rumored plans to release a new dating show called Unbonded. Unbonded follows a bondless dragonkin’s search for a partner using a dating show format. Unbonded was filmed on location in the city of Zo, allegedly without permission.
Trial doesn't always make it to the trial by combat stage. Still, with Zo! involved, I wouldn't count on a dull ending. Radaszam says with a grin.
---
Zo! Media has rented out the Hamisfore Theatorium for the audition, making use of its theater for interviews and the outer grounds for the tryouts. The theater is bustling with producers, camera crews, and handlers preparing teams of finalists for their auditions.
To register for the audition, there is a hefty stack of paperwork to fill out including a disclaimer that contains a 'no-harm clause'
Any use of violence will be conducted with weapons properly outfitted with merciful fusions, so as to not cause lethal harm. Use of non-modified weaponry is prohibited. Merciful fusions will be provided free of charge for the duration of filming.
Curious enough, this is not a live show. One of the producers explains, We plan to release the audition footage as a 4-part megashow, and we'll air it just before the trial for maximum engagement! In the meantime, you can tease and play to your social media audience all you like, just to create hype for the show! The more the better!
The corwd is full of press, curious gawkers, and Zo! fanatics, clogging the streets and walkways outside the Hamisfore Theatorium in Absalom Station’s picturesque Eye district. When the group makes the slog through the crowd to the theaters, courteous skeletons and grinning ghasts roll out the red carpet for them, settling the group down in a plush dressing room fully stocked with refreshments.
There's wardrobe staff to help the group with any last-minute gear purchases and a sheer army of stylists is ready with a kits of expert cosmetics and fashions accessories Oh, fabulous, fabulous. These we can work with, but you do need a makeover. A gruff drow? A sleek businesswoman? Dromada, human? Just tell me what suits your style, and we'll make it happen!
You can get any styling or costume that suits your need. This is like Eurovision, but with lawyers, so go wild
Also, you can attempt a diplomacy roll with the stylists for some gossip
Kadef
|
On the way to the Hamisford ... Kadef introduces himself. "I am Kadef Hins Socriat of Clan Parsem. It will be easier if you address me simply as Kadef. I am attached to the diplomatic division, and, given the reputation of the opposing litigants, and Zo!'s proclivities, and my assessment of your arms, I suppose my purpose is to present our case until the inevitable combat."
At the Hamisford ...
"Oh, fabulous, fabulous. These we can work with, but you do need a makeover. A gruff drow? A sleek businesswoman? Dromada, human? Just tell me what suits your style, and we'll make it happen!
I should like to see you try to make me look human. The kasatha muses quietly to himself. He considers his choices in wardrobe. His traditional kasathan diplomatic robes would represent his heritage, but should he fail terribly, kasathans as an intelligent species would lose face. Perhaps something fantastical would be better...
ACE GM, I know it's an off-brand usage but can I use Look Alive while we wait in the dressing room to buff the party before the inevitable test-fight?
Twila-5
|
Twila-5 stands impassively as a pair of stylists descends on her. She's already got a "look": her warm light brown skin is tattooed everywhere with delicate indigo and violet scrollwork and flowers to highlight her pale violet glowing circuits. She has amethyst eyes and hair that is clean-shaven on the left side, while the right side is naturally wavy, with ombre red-violet roots fading to deep indigo tips just past her shoulder. Her clothing is navy and merlot, though a bit worse for the wear, and a Diadem of Desna sits atop her head."Keep my theme, and don't inhibit my freedom of movement. Otherwise, polish me up."
The stylists get to work, resulting in a professional, stunning fit with versatile flat merlot knee-high boots, tight navy pants, and a merlot leather corset-type top that somehow manages to look respectable, not racy. All the while, Twila-5 probes them for gossip in her awkwardly direct way.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Dr. A-Prof
|
A swarm of mini-mantids flows into the dressing area, taking flight to get a better view of available items for sale. The flit here & there before finally placing an order for a set of Clearsight Goggles & half a dozen smoke grenades (in an assortment of colors).
Several mantids break away from the shopping to introduce themselves to the rest of the Starfinder team.
"We are collectively known az Doctor Azzistant Profezzor, but we rezpond az well to the zhorter Dr. A-Prof. We are an ExoBiologizt by trainiing & Academic wrangler & general PA for a lezz zocially-adept profezzor of xeno-archaeology at Qabarat Univerzity in actuality. Her rezent expedition to the outer reachez of the local zyztem have left her in deep contemplation of rezent theological eventz, zo we're at liberty to purzue Ztarfinder mizzionz on our own.
The mantid pods then merge with the Collective before moving on to the makeover staff, chatting animatedly with their assigned specialist how best to highlight both their scientific & cybernetic qualities.
And gossiping a bit as well.
Diplo/Gossiping: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Elwin the Technomancer
|
As the bus is leaving for the Hamisford a tall, lean and quite bald elf jumps on. He's wearing light armor with a pistol and knife and several techy type things on his body.
"Sorry, sorry. Spending time with the family, just got the message. Don't know why Radaszam picked me for this mission, but here we are! Name's Elwin. Nice to meet you!"
As he wanders into the room full of very interesting people, somehow getting lost between the bus and the door, Elwin just stands and looks at the spectacle already in progress.
"Uh.My style us just practical. Don't know what you can do with that..."
diplo: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
Jekcedo
|
"A makeover you say, let me see, ok how about some glitter for my antenna, could you make them sparkle too? And a dance jacket kind of like ZO!'s but with long tails and on the back says "Team Zo!" And a briefcase that looks like something a lawyer would have, but filled with pie crust and spray bottles of whipped cream, I know how Zo! likes practical jokes, and one last thing how about some mirrored shades, that should do it!"
"Do you think the pie-in-the-face thing is enough or do you have any suggestions for something better?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
1: "Objection" + image of a gavel.
2: "Technical difficulties STOP FIGHTING we need to fix the cameras."
"Dash" Riprock
|
"Ha! I could use a clicker." He rubs his stubbled chin. "Maybe a dig in the grave too." Dash flirts with the woman giving him his haircut and shave and ends up wearing a fancy modified version of his Absalom Ankhegs jersey and zero-gee football armor.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Kadef
|
Kadef decides to maintain a traditional kasathan diplomatic look, full, loose robes that can conceal a number of weapons, and his ceremonial staff. Kasathans are naturally hairless so there is little for the stylists to do. He chats amiably with them anyway.
Yikes ya'll are good at diplomacy.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 9 + (4) = 26
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ACE GM, I know it's an off-brand usage but can I use Look Alive while we wait in the dressing room to buff the party before the inevitable test-fight?
I think it should work. If you want to be absolutely sure you're not breaking a rule, just get one of your teammates to punch you in the nose
---
Oh, don't worry, your movement won't be hampered. the stylist says to Twila, looking a little offended, and clearly doing the minimum effort on Twila (who already looks great). Dr. A Prof gets a 'cybernetic atompunk' makeover, looking positively crackling when the stylist are done We need you ready. Did you see the monsters backstage? I heard Zo! is looking to randomly pair each of you groups with some of them.
Practical? We'll get you a nice urban outfit, and that will contrast well with your colleague! one stylist says as the other works on Jekcedo, who just keeps on hearing the word Fabulous, fabulous all the time, getting hoisted in the most outrageous glittery business suit ever seen in the pact worlds, including the stylish 'Team Zo!' insignia on the back.
Riprock is converted into the legal version of a brutaris player, and not someone you'd want to commit a foul on, or would want to object to, and Kadef takes up a diplomatic look - not as outrageous as Jekcedo, but supremely dressed an styled to the nines.
---
When the stylists are done, the group is posed on the stage, wearing their new outfits. Sitting on the front row are none other than Wazasha Kevir and Radat Sendu, the famous elebrian hosts.
Starfinders Wazasha asks with her interviewing voice such a famous and elaborate organisation you are part of. What do you hope to gain from this opportunity? Let's hear about your motivations for being here!
Yes! And don't forget to tell us about your personal achievements! Tell us how your training got you here!
Or the support of your families, friends, loved ones!
It's clear the two are looking for good footage more than the truth. Feel free to ham up your backstory. If you want, you can add a skill roll that you deem appropriate to try and steal the show.
Jekcedo
|
” Check, check, is the mic on?
Jek waits for a reply and then starts.
After battle medic school I was at a Bug Space concert at the Songbird Station where I met some Starfinders in the audience, shortly after that I decided to join the Starfindrers myself. I figured it was a great way to put my battle medic skills to use and see the galaxy, and who wouldn't want to work for an organization that takes downtime at Songbird Station, you don’t get benefits like that every day.”
”On my first mission we almost got killed by zombies, but we survived. The next few missions went well, but then I got really lucky and got to work backstage for the Battle of the Bands at the new Ruby Theater. Can you believe it Tsuchi-ko from Strawberry Machine Cake was one of the judges, how cool is that! Radat Sendu from Zo!'s network was there too!”
Jek stops talking when he realizes that Radat Sendu is in the front row and waves to Radat Sendu.
” Remember me?”
Then Jek goes back to his story
”Best day of my life for a while before things got really scary, luckily we were there to
Who in their right mind would do a thing like that, sadly we know now, but wow it was cool to work backstage and meet all the big stars, the only thing I can think of better than that would be being on one of Zo! Shows, Zo! is the only one I can think of that's more famous than Strawberry Machine Cake. So when I heard about the audition here it was a no-brainer for me I just had to do it. So excited to be here! You know Zo! is going to win the case because he’s the only Zo! With an ! in his name, everyone knows that!”
Dr. A-Prof
|
The Collective checks a few programs set into their holographic sashimono before flying out to the microphone.
Thiz Collective'z dezignation iz Dr. Azziztant-Profezzor, but we prefer Dr. A-Prof zinze that'z zimpler."
"We began our Ztarfinder career when our Qabarat Univerzity mentor ztarted taking on mizzionz zanctioned by the Ztarfinders. New plazes we traveled. Ztrange thingz we obzerved. Eventually we became agentz of the Ztarfinderz az well."
While describing events, appropriate images play across the sashimono.
"We were alzo zecurity zpecializtz at that Battle of the Bandz. We had our own moment of fame when the situation got very tenze and personal rivalries flared."
Dr. A-Prof, in their partially mechanized form with electric arcs jumping from mantid to mantid, points toward another performer & her uplifted ursine bodyguards. Their accusation rings out.
"Lita cries to diztract you all."
"Feigned azzault iz camouflage."
"Her bear-dy guardz now form a wall."
"Readying a zhock barrage."
"Naught-Whiskaz made the call."
"Zpoke truth to their entourage."
"Lita Ztarr - zhe cauzed it all."
"Zhe'z behind the ... zabotage."
Off to the side, Naughti Whiska's Cheezy D listen to Dr. A's accusation & add his own comment. "Word"
"In the pazt, Zo! has rendered favorz to aid the Ztarfinder Zociety. Today, when Zo! is in need of azziztance, the Ztarfinderz are here to help."
Twila-5
|
As the cameras focus on Twila-5, she cocks a wistful half-smile. "My predecessor joined the Society because she wanted to challenge existing power structures. Lofty goal, huh? She died on her third mission-- there wasn't much left of her head after that ooze was done with her*. What stuck with me, though, wasn't how dangerous the jobs were-- which they are, or how high the stakes can get-- which could be anywhere from delivery services to saving a planet from annihilation. It was the personal connections she made during that time. That's why I joined. I've had the opportunity to work with some of the agents who knew her, which has been a disorienting honor, and I've formed my own 'found family'. Like Jekcedo here. We go way back, and take turns keeping each other alive. Well, mostly I yell at him about taking risks and he does whatever he pleases." She elbows Jekcedo playfully.
* Massive damage insta-kill
Kadef
|
Kadef receives the question with a bow of his head. His lower left hand snakes out of the robe's long sleeve while the other three remain ensleeved and clasped just below his sternum. He speaks softly and earnestly.
"I am Kadef Hins Socriat of Clan Parsem, House Zebulan, Starfinder Society Diplomatic Attache at Large. I am here as part of the Starfinder contingent representing the Society's deep gratitude for the support Zo! has provided the Society since the Scoured Stars disaster.
I am also here because I personally met Zo! in the Skyreach Room of the Lorespire Complex on the night Luwazi Elsebo dedicated the Society to retrieving our lost comrades trapped in the Scoured Stars. Zo! was among the first to pledge his support to that grand endeavor.
Zo! rendered aid to the Society when it was at its lowest ebb. Now we will help him with words and argument in the trial courts of Triaxus. And if words and argument are not sufficient for Ace Judge Axiennex, with blood and deeds. "
Elwin the Technomancer
|
Elwin answers with a serious look on his face.
”My name is Elwin, a humble adept of technology and magic. I first met Zo! on my first mission for the Starfinder Society. A little gala that ended up full of bombs and an assassin. Not too long after I joined a talented group of fellow Starfinders to win that seasons Pact World Warriors , obviously hosted by Zo! That was a challenging event. The society and Zo! Have had a good relationship for years. If he needs assistance, we’ll be there to help.“
He smiles at the camera, ”and of course my family seems to be happy when I’m on camera. It’s sure to make the next few holidays fun!”
"Dash" Riprock
|
Dash sits down and adjusts the mic on his chest. He stares into the distance for a bit then takes a drink from a nearby mug. He continues to sit quietly for a bit too long and a muffled voice can be heard off camera to the right. "Wot? We're on?" He growls. "Why didn't you tell me?" He quickly downs the contents of his mug and gestures for someone off camera to the left take it. "Annover pint please, Luv."
He turns back to the camera as the muffled voice to the right can be heard once more. "I know, mate. Just askin' Kessie 'ere to get me annover. 'Old yer 'orses." He shakes his head and continues. "Starfinders are awright. Somfink to do in the off-season innit? If we do good 'ere maybe Z will spring for new uniforms for me and me teammates on the 'Khegs." At this point he turns off screen and smiles as he retrieves his mug from the intern. "Fanks, darlin'. Yer a luv." He takes a long drink and smiles. "Ah. That's the ticket. Me achievements? Well...We made it to the semi-finals this year, me and me mates in the Absalom Ankhegs. Oh and I beat me own record for fastest yellow card in a game. Five seconds in. Ha! Sure rattled that rat bastard, Marcotti. 'E was useless for most of that match. Kept lookin' over 'is shoulder at me. Heh. I suppose you all know I usually play roof attack, sometimes sweeper if I really need to be the the 'ard man on defense." He gestures towards his zero-gee football jersey.
"As fer trainin', well I din't get no posh schoolin' like me mates, Jekcedo and the Prof. I did me learnin' in the school of 'ard knocks and now there ain't many can knock 'arder 'en me. I suppose 'ats wot got me 'ere. Wif the 'elp of me mates in the 'Khegs." He waves to the camera. "Shoutout to me mates, Crusty Tom, the twins Jim and Bexly Speed, Magnethead, Jimmy Two-Sheds, Rawhide! Great season we'll get 'em next year. And Hey! Marcotti! You yellow pansy! Nex' time I sees you Imma crush you like a bug." He grips the metal mug tightly in his beefy hands and slowly crushes it.
athletics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31
Amber liquid spills in his lap. He stands, cursing. "$#!+. Me fancy clothes." He looks offscreen. "Kessie, luv, I could use a new mug." He tosses the crushed mug in a different direction towards th muffled voice from earlier. "'Ere you go, mate. Souvenir." He stands and leaves.
Jekcedo
|
Like Jekcedo here. We go way back, and take turns keeping each other alive. Well, mostly I yell at him about taking risks and he does whatever he pleases."[/b] She elbows Jekcedo playfully
Jek smiles as much as a bug can smiles, and half jokingly and replys.
"Hay, I had a good reason to drop a grenade on myself.Jek pauses for a bit before finishing.
"A few times... Hay look an otehr farmilar face, I was on a mission with Elwin too, but I didn't need to blow my self up that time.
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Radat nods at Jekcedo, and it's not clear whether he truly recognises Jekcedo, or if he is just planning his next prank. Either way, both himself and Wazasha egg on the Starfinders as they make their introduction.
...and cut! Wonderful, wonderful, such great stage personalities Wazasha says, clearly assuming this all for show, We for sure have enough material to go with here!
The whole recording is edited up into bytesize sequences, quite soon providing a first glance of a trailer with snappy quotes and still-frame name-badges
---
In a city with an auspicious name... the trailer starts with a dark voice-over, We go way back, and take turns keeping each other alive it sounds over a still of Twila with a stylised 'the Incarnation', cutting to a court-room shot and a voice-over ... an elite team gather to represent the Pact World's show host! before jump-cutting to a still of Riprock looking supremely annoyed spilling a drink ...'ard man on defense... it sounds as the title 'the Sweeper' appears.
The traile then cuts to a sound clip and a brief frame showing 'the Professor' together with Naughti Whiska's Cheesy D The Ztarfinderz are here to help
This team gathers to help Zo! in the most epic of court room battles...
Kadef is shown Now we will help him with words and argument Kadef and a nametag 'the Diplomat'. Elwin's tag shows 'the Magician' over Zero-gravity Elwin footage while sounding If he needs assistance, we’ll be there to help.
Coming to you on wireless broadcast! the trailer concludes, before showing a picture of Jekcedo 'the Bomber' I had a good reason to drop a grenade on myself
---
Great. Now, let's get to the monster selection box!
There's a black cardboard box with a hole in the top. I need a volunteer to feel inside the box and grab the creature inside. This will decide which creature you will face in trial by combat!
Contestants! Reveal!
I need a volunteer to put their hand in the box :-P
Kadef
|
Are there cameras rolling on this?
Kadef looks at the others and speaks softly. "No doubt Zo!'s people have a nasty surprise in the box. With the possible exceptions of Dr. A-Prof and Jekcedo, I am least likely to have my performance degraded by a hand injury. Cultural imperatives may prevent Jekcedo from using a secondary limb for this. I am willing to hazard the box."
Unless someone has a good counter-argument, Kadef will reach into the box.
Elwin the Technomancer
|
"Good to see you again as well, Jekcedo. It's been a while but I seems to remember the grenade rolled JUST enough to not get you... I could be wrong..."
Elwin nods at Kadef. "I can't fault your logic or bravery. Also, it can't be that horrid, it's in a cardboard box."
Dr. A-Prof
|
The Collective morphs into an oversized pair of hands, both of which offer a shrug, then a go ahead wave.
Jekcedo
|
"If anything goes wrong we got your back Kadef."
Jeck stands at Kadef's back ready to use the Bodyguard
or in In Harms Way feats if needed.
Twila-5
|
Twila-5 assumes that there's not going to be *too* much danger before the trial. Perhaps drama, but nothing that would-- Wait. When stakes are high, ethics can go out the window. And there's no such thing as a straightforward Society mission. This dawning realization leaves a cold pit in her abdomen. As Kadef reaches toward the box, Twila-5 surreptitiously draws her blaster.
Does it matter enough to roll Sleight of Hand?
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Tiering: We're exactly 4.5 APL, so we need to decide whether we're playing low or high tier. Which do you prefer?
Ready... actions! Wazasha direct the group in front of a battery of rolling cameras. The broadcast is not live, and it feels like there's more to this can just a simple scene with reaching into a box.
While Twila nervously holds up a blaster, Kadef reaches into the black box. He feels a pinch, and when he pulls out his hand, a tiny animated figurine of an arthropod with powerful pincers and a rime of frost glistening over its chitinous plates is dangling from Kadef's index finger.
Twila has the thing in her gunsights...
---
...
---
...and cut! Great footage, well done. I loved that reaction you gave there, so let's leave it at this take.
The stylists rush in to check on Kadef's manicure, and apply a little rubbing alcohol to the finger. Meanwhile the editing team is splicing the footage with some shots of a roulette wheel that is obviously rigged to stop at a snowflake, with some other icons probably denoting common pact world monsters.
---
Out on the sprawling Hamisfore Theatorium grounds, a climate controlled set has been prepared for the audition battle. Camera crews follow the group to the site, where ghouls and skeletons bundled up in arctic gear mill around a transparent dome, going in and out through an airlock door.
Climate control and artificial terrain features make the area inside the dome look like an Akitonian icefield. Low, barely audible clicking sounds and heavy scraping erupt from a tarp covered containment pen next to the domed set. The dome rises to a height of 24 feet at its highest point (in the middle), tapering down to 8 feet high along the outer edges. An airlock door leads inside the dome, which is sealed shut during the audition.
Can you all put your token in the dotted area?
Let the audition battle begin Wazasha announces as the cameras start to roll again.
Twila-5: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Dr. A-Prof: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Kadef: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Jekcedo: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Dash: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Elwin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Monster: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
---Round 1---
Dash
Jekcedo
Twila-5
Dr. A-Prof
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Monster
Monster
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Elwin
Kadef
Elwin the Technomancer
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Well, I followed half my GM's instructions but did not put a token up or get everything in the handouts filled. Will do better! I do IT at a university and this week is the first week of classes. It's been a tad hectic. :)
Also, good for low or high tier. Elwin isn't known for his high DPS so...
Jekcedo
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Jek draws their survival knife and tries to spot the opponent
"Keep sharp something got to be out there."
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Twila-5
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Twila-5 exchanges a glance with Jekcedo. "Why do I get the feeling we've done this before?" She points a finger at him sternly. "We have enough room for you to get clear before those grenades go off. No excuses!" She draws her static arc pistol and activates her Cloaking Field.
Cloaking Field round 1/10
Jekcedo
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"We can't use lethal weapons this time the worst I can do is cause myself to lose gravity, you know that might actually be fun. Most my spells are useless too, other than a few trick grenades all I got is this survival knife. Going to have to get creative this time."
Jek starts making snowballs packed really tight.
"Maybe I can use these with Telekinetic Projectile?"
"The way I have 2 holo grenades set up as distractions, one says "objection" + an image of a gavel, and the other is an image of "Technical difficulties STOP FIGHTING we need to fix the cameras" Maybe we can use them to confuse the opponents it to passing the fight to buy us some time, and nothing says we have to stop fighting if they do."
Dr. A-Prof
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The Collective's carapaces gleam with an iridescent sheen as they buzz higher into the air.
Spending an RP to gain a 2nd Evo Point. They gain ER/1 to all energy but sonic & DR/1 vs Slashing & Piercing
"Wait for it..."
The Professor readies a blast against the first beast to appear, but only after they take a moment to ID then using Life Science.
Life Science with DC-5 due to their Exo-Biology specialty: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
adaptive strike vs the first's EAC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
shock damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
| AbadarCorp Entertainment |
The monsters are ready to pounce! Wazasha provides the commentary in the arena. Did the team reckon with four monsters closing in rapidly? They sure are, you can just barely make them out in the the snow!
Dr. A-Prof seems to be ready, and he promptly fires at the first monster in sight! It's hit! Score one for the Starfinders!
---Round 1--
Elwin
Kadef
---Round 2---
Dash
Jekcedo
Twila-5
Dr. A-Prof
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Monster - Purple (7)
Monster
Monster
Monster
Twila-5
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Using her Cloaking Field, Twila-5 takes aim and holds very still for a couple of seconds, just long enough to hide in the warped patterns of light, before releasing her shot at the nearest critter.
Trick Attack (Stealth): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
DC = 20 + Target’s CR
Static Arc Pistol vs. Purple: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Electric damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Trick Attack damage, if applicable: 3d8 ⇒ (2, 1, 3) = 6
If both Trick Attack and the weapon attack hit, Twila-5 will make the target flat-footed until the start of her next turn, per Debilitating Trick (4th level).
Elwin the Technomancer
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Elwin moves over a little and also takes a shot at the same one.
Pew Pew (Hail pistol vs purple): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Piercing and Cold damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
"Just realized we have merciful infusions but that won't help my spell damage..."
"Dash" Riprock
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Dash grins a feral grin. "Ha! Now I sees somefink. Watch me back, mates." The footballer sprints towards his target. He leaps the twenty foot chasm with ease and launches a mighty blow at the creature.
athletics, jump: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
thunderstrike gauntlet vs purple: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
damage, Bludgeoning and sonic: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Move, attack
Twila-5
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Oops! I forgot to note the Merciful fusion on my weapon, though I intended to use it.