[SF2/ACE] 104 The Great Absalom Relay

Game Master Kludde

Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Jock hustles up like a squadron of Imperial Vesk soldiers are after him.

Mimzalee makes good time, but soon it's Jock who actually moves ahead and arrives on top first, rappeling down with great speed. Suddenly, their concentration is disrupted by a high-pitched squeak.

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Ah, what's this now? Do you see that Quell?

Yes, the Starfinders and the Deep Cultures Institute are both here, but it looks like the leader of Deep Cultures is in trouble.

Yes, it's Nib! She is completely entangled in the rope. She is like a living ball of twine now.

Last time I saw such a big tangled ball, I was on the planet Varturan!

Looks like Sessil Sand is having huge trouble trying to free Nib. Looks like we'll see some injuries soon!
---

The nearby Deep Cultures leader Nib has hopelessly entangled herself, and she's moments away from suffering serious injury.

You can help, but you will end up delaying yourself. In order to help untangling the cables you can use Athletics or Acrobatics. To calm Nib you can use Deception or Diplomacy. I need two successes.

In any case, I need another roll to climb/rappel --> "To climb the enormous way up, both of you must try Athletics or Acrobatics skill check. You can also just tough it out with a Fortitude or Will save (which is harder than the skill checks). Relevant Lore skills include Mountaineering Lore or Sports Lore."

Is it only for Mimzalee and Jock?

"Uh oh. That's okay, were here to help!"

Athletics to help: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"Oopsie. Maybe I can cut the ropes?"

Jock moves to help that tangle one.

Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Sounds like an athletics or acrobatics check is needed before trying to help. Is that correct? Is this enough for Jock to get where he needs to be to help? Does he then roll another athletics check? In case yes to all of these:

Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Mimzy tries to free Nib, but with six limbs it's reallt a wonder that the skittermander doesn't get entangled in the wires. Jock manages to get the ropes off Nib, and then stabilize the ysoki. Some time lost here, but still enough time to move down and make it to the ground.

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How courteous, sacrifing their own chance of winning to help another contestant

My only question is, will they come to regret this delay? Stay tuned!
---

The two athletics checks are enought to free Nib. I need another (succesful) check to complete the obstacle course, both of you can try.

Athletics, trained: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

If we have hero points, I'd spend one here.

"Uh oh, guess we'd better hurry. Good luck Nib!"

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

You all got a hero point at the start of the game. Only Mimzy used hers so far.

Will spend that hero point to reroll the crit failure.

Athletics, trained: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

The descent goes well, but slowly. Looks like our Pathfinders need some cheering from the bystanders below.

I'll need another round of checks. Those not participating, feel free to join in with verbal or other support!

Willow Warbles starts up her tentacle-waving dance again to express her full support of the two climbers and their altruistic approach.

[You can do it! Now just come on home!]

"We sure can!" Mimzy agrees.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Though the evidence is dubious.

Technological Constant makes the statement that he's not quite a pom-pom girl at all.

Indeed you simply have to come down here.

Jock tries to straighten out his ropes and continue the rappel.

Athletics, trained: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Dorini makes strange faces. She's never quite understood this human thing of cheering for someone.

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Well, it took the Starfinders some time, but they've finally made it down.

Do you think that cheering helped?

I certainly think it made them go down, faster, yes.

Hey! Look at that, it's a drone delivery!

Yes, indeed. Looks like there were some admiring fans that really enjoyed that bit of sportmanship. The package has some decorations showing intertwined Deep Cultures and Starfinder logos.

And there a helpful toy in the gift box too! Is that even fair?

We'll let the judges be the judge of that!
---

The group finally makes it down, and it doesn't take too long before a drone delivery arrives, carrying a nicely decorated gift box. Inside, there's a neatly packed cellular stimulant spell amp.

Nice job! the safety instructor says in an encouraging 'yeah-you-think-you're-good-but-you-could-have-been-faster' kind of way. This one is for you, good look at your next destination!

The instructor hands the group a little silver coin, with a little robot picture on one side, and the word 'token' on the other side.

To solve this clue, at least one PC must succeed at a Diplomacy check to Gather Information, Computers check to Access Infosphere, or Society check to Recall Knowledge. A PC can substitute a relevant Lore check to Recall Knowledge - in this case that would be 'Gaming' or equivalent.

Computer: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

The hacker tries to find out the clue.

[Well done!] the barathu greets her teammates cheerfully as they land safely. [Now, on to the next one...] She drifts over to inspect the token.

Society: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"We did our best, and nobody got hurt. That's all that matters."

Mimzy asks around about the token.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Jock makes a picture of each side of the coin and posts it on his social media account and asks for suggestions from followers. While waiting for replies, he browses accounts of other teams to see if he can spot any clues as to where they went if they have gotten this far.

Media Lore, trained: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Mimzy asks around, and finds a lashunta with dyed hair, a cybernetic arm and strange speech patterns, who tells the skittermander Y3ah, 1 know wh4t th4t is. It's a t0ken for Cl1ck-Cl4ck.

Jock's infosphere dive stells him that the 'Click-Clack-Club is a bar and VR arcade in the Arms which caters to constructed and cybernetic patrons.

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Well, they figured that one out in light-speed, Quell!

A VR club! What do you make of that, Lethel?

I just hope they don't play Pac-Man. That is just so rude to ghosts...
---

Pulsing neon lights spill out of the arcade entrance to the street outside. “Welcome to the Click-Clack Club!” the android bartender yells over thumping electronic music as Relay competitors strain to listen. “Two members of each team will need to compete against the neighborhood champion in our newest VR cart racing sim. All you gotta do is win one race against him. Choose your drivers!

I have no Piloting

"Ooh, we get to play games;" Mimzalee Claire get hands, all for if them.

But she's played twice already so she said aside to let someone else have a turn.

[An arcade! This should be fun. I usually restrict my gaming to single player titles. And we even have a soundtrack!] Willow Warbles quivers faintly in excitement at the idea of getting to test herself against a seasoned pro.

She has gaming in her backstory but no skills to support either games or driving… but she’ll do it with enthusiasm.

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A racing game! Too bad Ratrod is not in this relay!

That would be quite something. Did you know Ratrod is actually a really bad driver?

We are talking about Ratrod the racing champion here, aren't we?

Yes, but I wouldn't trust that guys to parallel park at all. Sloppiest road behaviour I have ever seen, he wins his races purely on reflexes.

Ah well, I don't need reflexes, I just pass straight through stuff!
---

There's more skills that can be used here than just the obvious ones

Jock watches a game in progress to get the idea. "I'm not that good at driving, but I could apply what I've learned driving military vehicles in combat. Can't be that different. It's all in the reflexes."

Jock has a +4 and is trained in piloting.

"I'll give it a try!" volunteers Dorini. (hoping +7 computers can be used...)

We have our champions! You two will be up against... Markos! The reigning champion of the Click-Clack Club turn out to be a seven-year-old Verthani, proudly showing off his firts augmentation (a data-drive implanted into his left arm), claiming 'it didn't hurt at all' when is was installed.

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Careful about the small guys, they've got amazing reflexes!

And judging by the size of this feller, he'll be lightning quick!

---

The new VR game is called 'Apostae Death Racer', and it's a fast and furious racing deatmatch simulator set on the bleak streets of apostae, rife with booby traps, power ups and streetside snipers.

The competitors will need to succeed at a Computers or Piloting check to play the game or a Reflex save to dodge obstacles. Examples of relevant Lore skills include Vidgame Lore and Racing Lore.

Piloting, trained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Jock settles into the rig and familiarizes himself with the controls making eye contact with the kid. He gives him a polite smile that nevertheless shows off his teeth.

When asked if he is ready to start, Jock replies, "I was BORN ready!"

Dorini has never tried a video game before, but she uses her knowledge of computers to do her best.

computers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Taking the task as discussed in Discussion

Willow Warbles feels a thrill of excitement as she faces the controls, and though this particular game is completely new to her she focuses on avoiding the obstacles and making a clean run.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

I think there is some confusion about who is playing the game. Three people volunteered and now have posted. Since Jock has already participated once, he can sit this one out if others who have not participated want to do this.

Dorini screams out of the gate, and activates a special combo that brings her in the lead when the race track makes a tight curve heading into an obstacle-heavy refinery section. Zigging and zagging, Markos is right on her tail when Willow bumps the incumbent champion off-target, just narrowly avoiding a sniper shot to the tires.

The Starfinders are in a good position for the second half of the track!

Going to need another round of rolls. Spectators, don't forget to cheer!

Hey, this is easier than it looks!

computers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Maybe she was getting a little overconfident...

Jock makes enthusiastic sounds and gestures as the race proceeds. Then he gets out his sax and tries to provide an appropriate improvement to the sound track.

Performance, trained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Totally locked in now to the game’s progress, the music barely even registers as she tightens her grip on the controls and swoops into the next section.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"You're doing such a good job playing against grown-ups, Markos!"

Go Dorini, Go! Willow will make it for sure.

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Oh no! Dorini overshoots the corner!

This way, this is going to be a real nailbiter, can Willow or Dorini eke out a victory?
---

As mentioned in the discussion, I need another sets of rolls

Willow Warbles falters slightly to see her teammate fall behind, but she tries to find her own rhythm to make it to the finish.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

I'll 'bot Dorini.

Jock notices Dorini struggling and steps closer and gives her some encouragement. "Almost there. You got this!"

Dorini, Computers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

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Wow, Dorini just really is that fast. Good thing I've invested in a top of the line graphics card!

Yes, she beats Markos to the line! Another win for the Starfinders!
---

The racers are awarded the grand racing trophy (there is a whole bunch of them lined up on a shelf, but by the number is looks like the team is actually quite in the front of the pack). The trophy is a small golden figurine of a man in robes holding a key. On the base, the number “423” is engraved.

And that's the next clue - Diplomacy to Gather Info, Computers to Access Infosphere, Society to Recall Knowledge, or some Religious Lore would help

Technological Constant accesses the infosphere.

Computer: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Good job defeating a child!" says Mimzalee, giving the other Starfinders several thumbs up before running off to ask onlookers where they've seen the statue before.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Joining in the cheers as her teammate breezes to the finish, Willow Warbles swells with pride as she looks over the reward trophy. She then follows Mimzy to ask some of the onlookers for information. Her mind is filled with fantasies that she's now a famous racing star and everybody will be on her side and want to tell her everything she needs to know.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

There's only few gods that have an interstellar consortium named after them, so it's not too hard for TC to identify the figurine as Abadar, the god of hard work, rule of law and prosperity (and monetization of entertainment - ed.). The figurine is, in fact, a miniature version of the statue that stands at the entrance of the Freemarkets, the station's most popular shopping district located in the ring of the station.

The bustling Freemarkets are even more crowded today as camera drones and competitors surround stall number 423. A cheery ysoki woman holds court outside a cluttered store.

“Welcome, Relay racers!” she calls enthusiastically. “As you can see, I’ve got a bit of an overstock on these here accessories.” She gestures to portable racks outside, full to bursting with cheap sunshades, drinking cups, comm unit charms, and hats that were in fashion two years ago at best. “Your next task is to find willing customers for these fine items! Sell at least 100 credits worth of merchandise, and I’ll give you your next clue.”

Again, I need two volunteers...

Jock does not volunteer for this task. He watches to see if any of the more socially savvy members of the team volunteer. His life as a soldier has not given him much practice making friends and influencing people. He's willing to give the old Starfinder try, but remains silent, glancing at the others to see who might step forward.

Technological Constant raises his hand as he feels he can help on this task.

[Selling things? Oh dear. I may not be the best at persuading strangers... 100 credits is a lot... Oh dear.] She floats forward and back, anxiously fiddling with her front tentacles. [I haven't completed two tasks yet, so I could try, if there's nobody else...]

Not particularly volunteering but willing to give it a go if we need a second.