Game submitted to con organizers for reporting! If any of us wins the random prize drawing, we'll be notified via email.
It's been a pleasure everyone!
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Oh right! I forgot the additional admittance boon can be used to raise stats! And stalk away! I figure I'll GM all the salvation scenarios eventually but it might be a while given the limited time I have nowadays for SFS. Shameless plug here: However, I will be GMing 1 table at PaizoCon. Drift Scars. If any of you are participating, please consider joining my table! Glad you had a good time, ArtieV88! Although I haven't yet deleted any chronicles for all the tables I've ran, I'll probably eventually delete stuff at some point in the distant future. I suggest you download and keep your own copy so you'll always have it. I'll wait another day to see if anyone else has questions/corrections before I submit the scenario for reporting and archive this game's thread.
Although Kaath's sayings garner a great deal of agreement on the talk show circuit, no one truly understands the underlying meaning of what Kaath says...
Chronicles are located here: CLICK Please let me know if you see any issues or corrections needed. Thank you everyone for joining the table! It was great having you all!!
Keyona does her best but gives off a slightly hungry vibe. Purrfecta tries to look away from camera to appear cool but is caught looking one too many times directly at the camera. Kaath manages to throw around several bunny ears on his colleagues. Blank Ca looks... well... ratty. And Delikie tries to roll her eyes but ends up blinking with eyes closed in most of the pictures. Wazasha looks at the digital images captured and remarks, "Well... they're suffici... ummmm... <sigh> It is what it is." Wazasha asks aloud, “How about we hear how they’re wrapping up the event in the studio?” She pulls up a program on her wrist computer, which plays the live audio feed with Zo! shouting excitedly. “What a discovery! What a destination! What a band of unlikely heroes! What could lie deeper in Salvation’s End? Find out on the next episode of Live Exploration Extreme! when the Starfinder Society returns to—” “What?” shouts Luwazi with alarm from near Zo!’s microphone. “That was not part of our deal, Zo! You can’t just add a sequel when we haven’t—” Zo!’s voice insistently cuts back in. “Ha ha! And now a word from our sponsors!” A booming add for Nova Solutions blares out of Wazasha’s computer before she closes the program, rolls her eyes, and orders the teams to retrace their way to the surface. For anyone party member who tells Wazasha that they wish to continue exploring this artificial moon, she responds, "I understand your eagerness but there are likely more deadly threats beyond, and Luwazi Elsebo would want to give you a proper debriefing before sending you deeper into the unknown." With a surprising amount of throughtfulness, she adds, "Furthermore, there’s still the question of what to do with the dwarves. The gaping hole through which you arrived and the open door into this chamber has obviously shattered the artificial existence in which these dwarves have lived for at least a century, and the existence of a larger galaxy beyond their tiny world may inspire some to travel the stars. For others, the stress may be too much without patient mentors to guide their path. It’s clear, though, that given the malfunctioning machinery, remaining in the simulation isn’t a viable option." Back on the Exemplarion, Luwazi seems somewhat frazzled as she meets with you to hear your un-glamorized accounts of the expedition. She reports that Zo! is desperately trying to negotiate for additional filmed excursions, but so far she’s left him with a curt “We’ll see.” Prior to dismissing your party, Luwazi asks each of you, "But what do you think? Should Live Exploration Extreme! should return for another episode?" After you reply, the party is released and free to partake in the endless festivities on the Exemplarion, where you can bask in the fame and infamy of your respective performances! -------- Weeks and days later, you arrive back at Absalom Station shortly after the live broadcast reaches the Pact Worlds. Those who managed to capture the imaginations of fans (Keyona, Blank Ca and Kaath) get invited as guests to a host of programs, game shows, nightclubs, and other events. Sadly, the fame only lasts for about a week, after which the news cycle quickly latches onto new short-term celebrities. It’s only a matter of time before you receive your next call to explore the galaxy and make a name for yourselves! --------
Replying to Purrfecta, Wazasha says, "Can certainly count on you to be consistent with your logical but wholly unexciting responses, Purrfecta." To Blank Ca, "Ah, the perpetual grump but underneath that exterior, shows a small sign that there's a heart of gold there somewhere..." And lastly, to Delikie, "That's good commercial thinking. Our audience should stay tuned for some potential future specials!" Wazasha then says to all three of you, "Thank you for sharing your final thoughts with the audience!"
At first, Keyona, Delikie, and Purrfecta gather up a variety of the explosives and gear left over by the goblins, identifying which pieces are useful whereas what objects are just plain scrap. But then the three of them realize that none of them really know how to put a bomb together. The undead crew and Wazasha watch - unimpressed. But nevertheless, our heroes fall back on plan B - BRUTE FORCE!! Purrfecta decides to show off a bit with her attempt by not simply pulling the door open with her hands. Instead, she cobbles together a harness that attaches to the door on one end and on the other end she fashions a bit that fits in her mouth. That's right... She's planning to pull the door open with her teeth!!! Kaath adn Delikie get into the spirit and together attach a couple more bits so that they too can help rip the door open with bits in their mouth. Keyona decides to tie a portion of the harness to her tail and assist with her bee-hind rather than her teeth. All together Purrfecta, Kaath, Delikie and Keyona heaves!!! The ho's!! HEAVE!!! HO!!!
By the (near literal) skin of their teeth, the team manages to rip the door off its hinges!! Before your party can enter, Wazasha says, "Please, let the camera crew go in first so that when you go through, the cameras can catch your genuine reaction to whatever is on the other side of the door." Half of the camera operators go through the door while the other half stay on this side fo the door to continue filming you. Finally, with the film crew all in position, Wazasha gives you the go-ahead to proceed! You step through the doorway, exiting onto an elevated walkway that runs along the length of a horizontal cylindrical space that’s several hundred feet in diameter and that extends as far as the eye can see to the right and left. At several points along its visible length lie heavy doors like the one you just opened. Most notably, though, you spot a digital terminal near your door, its display glowing with strange alien text that quickly cycles through various forms before stopping on Common.
At a second glance, you can see that each of the doors along this huge gallery have a similar terminal next to them, suggesting there are untold numbers of other simulation chambers sustaining other artificial worlds within the moon! "By the gods! What is this?!?!" remarks Holsin. "And that's a wrap!" declares Wazahsa. She turns to the party, "This is the perfect cliffanger on which to stop filming. But before we head back to the surface, everyone please gather up for one final action shot!"
After the shot is taken, Wazasha sets up The Booth one last time and invites all of you to enter together. "Anyone who would like to enter, please join to share you final thoughts with our viewers!"
Wazasha arranges to have the booth set up extra wide, large enough to accomodate the entire Starfinder party. She asks, "What do you think about the huge chamber that you've uncovered? Do you think some unknown aliens built this place? Does this change our understanding of the galaxy's history? What do you think should be done with all these dwarves who thought they were on Golarion but were actually in some kind of massive, sophisticated simulation?"
Yellow, having taken a hit and with his big boss down, runs away in fear! Blue ain't gunna take on the entire party by himself and also scurries away in retreat!!
Exploring the cavern, you find on the other side of the bridge a massive adamantium alloy door! Scattered haphazardly about you also find goblin tools, explosives and other miscellaneous gear. DC8 Intelligence:
You deduce that the goblins were trying to break through the adamantine door - most likely blasting their way through. Perhaps through a combination of technical expertise and brute force, the door can be bypassed...
Kaath's attack flies off in a completely unexpected direction! Purrfecta catches yellow off guard and just manages to hit him for 4 points of damage! ------ Round 2 cont'd & Round 3
Keyona's first swing misses but... *SMASH!!* ...the follow-up attack sends the Polbak tumbling down to the ground! Two goblins left opposing the party! ------ Round 2 cont'd & Round 3
Blank's attack misses but Purrfecta's attack lands for 7 points of damage!!
Holsin moves in behind Keyona and says, "Don't you worry, I'm hear to support you!" ------ Round 2 cont'd & Round 3
Keyona swings twice and lands both hits for 16 points of damage!! Kaath fires but the shot hits the stalagmite that blue is using for cover! Delikie jabs Keyona!! ------ Round 2 cont'd & Round 3
When Delikie enters The Booth and sits down, Wazasha says, "Thank you for joining me. Please be assured that while you are the last Starfinder member to join us, you are certainly not the least..." And then she launches into a series of rapdi fire questions! "...well except for Blank Ca who thinks he's superior to you. Do you think that's true? "And your teammate Kaath acts zen but is actually filled with cosmic rage. Surely he's a ticking time bomb that's a threat to your safety, right? "Purrfecta seems to dislike all undead, including our live audience. How can you justify working with someone like that? "And Keyona finds the Starfinder leadership to be incompetent. Do you agree and why would you even continue working as a starfinder??"
Wazasha walks up to Delikie and requests, "You have not yet had a chance to share your thoughts with our audience. Please join me in The Booth"
The camera crew again expertly weaves and dodges through the battle, getting into position for the perfect camera shots!!
Round 2 cont'd & Round 3
*Swish!* *Swish!* *Swish!*
Blank closes in on the goblin targetes! Purrfecta fires but the goblin sees her coming and uses the stalagmites as cover, avoiding getting hit! Round 1 cont'd & Round 2
The infosphere feed picks up again!
Keyona and Kaath's time in The Booth wins over the fans!!
Blank Ca, Kaath, Purrfecta and Keyona: If you haven't already, please take a look at the Recruitment thread. I'm looking to get some skill rolls from each of you to earn Fan Favor.
"Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and insights, Keyona." -----
"HA! Fruk? A friend? He's but a peon from a different tribe who will SERVE me after I'm done with you!!!" retorts Polbak. He activates jumpjets which spews a cirle of flame around him, that would otherwise have done harm to anyone standing next to him, and flies straight towards Keyona!
Round 1 cont'd & Round 2
Purrfecta (-1RP)
--------- Once everyone is ready, your entourage sets off travelling through the tunnels upwards. After about 45 minutes of travel, the air becomes visibly cloudy. You easily identify this as a mildly toxic gas that seems to only get worse as you proceed further. Holsin casts life bubble on himself to protect against the gas whereas each of you activate your armor's environmental protections. After another 45 minutes, the gas has taken on a blue tint and obscures all distant objects and terrain, giving the caverns a spooky and menacing ambiance. Also menacing is the party stumbling upon not just a couple goblins but a goblin in what appears to be a suit of hacked together powered armor!! "Oh my gob!! It's Big Genius Polbak!!" exclaims Fruk as he dives behind a stalagmite and hides. Before you have a chance to ask Fruk more, the goblin in powered armor and his two henchgoblins move in to attack you!! "Time for target practice!" cackles Big Genius Polbak gleefully.
Initiative rolls:
Round 1
"Ah yes, you're larger than the average sentient..." Wazasha snaps her fingers and the production crew immediately jumps to attention, modifying the booth with extensions and additional panels, significantly enlarging the booth, making it comfortable for Keyona to sit in. "One can't ever say that Zo! doesn't care about production value!" grins Wazasha. Responding to Keyona's answers, "So your protective instincts extend even to these dwarves we've discovered. But perhaps they are faking ignorance and this is all some elaborate trap. Have you considered that? "As for the Starfinders, it sounds like they've committed fraud upon you, correct? They promise exploration but, as you stated, the entire organization just creates one mess after another that unfairly places strain on its agents such as yourself. One can argue that this entire live show is a result of Starfinder mismanagement, would you not agree?"
As Keyona gets settled in, Wazasha asks a series of questions, "Well, you've been very protective of your team. Do you truly believe they deserve someone like you putting yourself in between them and dangerous enemies? "Of all the encounters we've had so far on this show, what has surprised you the most? "And lastly, what about being a Starfinder makes you mad?"
Purrfecta exits The Booth and Wazasha motions for Keyona to enter . ----- "They won't like what they'll find, I feel. Still... Who in the hells put a bunch of Archaic dwarves in a moon outside of our solar system? They can't be the ones who did this." Assuming someone mentions to the dwarves that they're on a moon-sized space station, Holsin says, "I don't understand what you mean by space station. But clearly, we're on Golarion. Odd that as heralds of Torag you wouldn't know this. But nevertheless, we're grateful for your presence and your assistance!"
"Hmmm... I see you're one of strong opinions. Very well! Thank you for your time, Purrfecta!" says Wazasha as she motions for Purrfecta to depart The Booth.
Wazasha replies, "Having a chance to show your skills is exactly what this is all about! You're all big action heros on this mission! That's what our live audience is eager to see in every one of you! And when that doesn't happen, everyone wants to know - what happened? So tell us, what happened out there? It seems the big bear and the solarion charged right in and stole the limelight, correct? "As for Blank Ca, we know EXACTLY what he thinks... ROLL IT!" One of the production crew members pulls out a vid screen and replays a portion of Blank Ca's time in The Booth for Purrfecta to see: ------ "why are you better than your companions???" "Well of course: I'm older. I've got more experience, lived more things, you know? if it wasn't for my nose the goblins would for sure have ambushed us. And not only that: I was one of Abadarcorp's best project managers in the engineering division!" ------ Wazasha cuts the rest of the video feed and turns back to Purrfecta, asking, "So you see, Blank Ca obviously believes himself to be superior to you. He said so himself. How does this make you feel?"
Purrfecta (-3SP)
The goblin replies to Keyona, "My name's Fruk. And... well... it's not like what we were doing were accidents. But its all in a day's work, y'know? A goblin's gotta eat and all we was doin is putting our career skills to practice, y'know what I mean?" Holsin sits to engage in dialogue but upon hearing Delikie and Keyona's talk of Torag being gone and modern technology, he replies with a confused look on his face: "Torag gone? That can't be true. Afterall, with this poisonous air building up, I've prayed to Torag for guidance. And that is when he sent all of you. Your appearance was surely arranged by Torag to help us. And the surface is close - so very close. I'm certain of it! "Focused light that burns targets? That sounds like powerful magic! If you can teach us such magic, it would be of great use against future aggressors! "But what we truly need is help to clear the tunnels ahead. With the noxious gases and the short orcs, we cannot proceed up further to the surface. Can you help? I will accompany you on this task, of course." All the dwarves look at the party expectantly.
Once Purrfecta and Wazasha are settled into The Booth, Wazasha asks Purrfecta, "That was a tough fight against the ooze creatures. Why didn't your friends give you a chance to shine? "And why does Blank Ca keep getting to make the decisions instead of you? You know that he thinks he's better than you - how does that make you feel?"
Wazasha directs the crew to again set up The Booth and asks Purrfecta to join her...
Delikie and Purrfecta miss but Blank's shot lands, taking down the last ooze creature!!
Purrfecta (-3SP)
With the creatures defeated, you have no problem unpinning Holsin from under the stone. As he and your party rests and recovers, he asks about you and discusses who they are: "Thank you strangers for saving my life! A minute longer and those things would have done me in for sure! My name is Holsin. Who and what are all of you??" asks Holsin, gesturing to your party and the undead entourage surrounding you. Once introductions are out of the way, Holsin discusses his clan, "For generations, my people have been climbing higher and higher in the Darklands, following Torag’s prophesied tremor that began the Quest for Sky. Ever since, Torag has rumbled periodically, coaxing my people to ascend. Now Torag’s miracles have become less powerful, which must be due to Torag’s power getting diluted by the influence of other surface faiths that Torag must contend with. Also, the short orcs that you call goblins have returned with magic wands to oppose us. In addition, these orcs have used vile surface magic to channel the sky-realm’s toxic air into the caverns to kill us!" Holsin looks accusingly at the goblin in your party. The goblin says, "Whatcha all lookin' at me for? We weren't doing anything wrong - just the usual! A little explosion here. A little explosion there. Scavenging what we find as we move along. Open up an exhaust pipe or two to breath in the life-giving gases - which might have occassionally gone a bit toxic - but not TOO much! "Y'know Chief Momma Bear, I'm starting to resent being blamed for everything. No one here even asked for my name... The buck stops with the chief - and that's YOU!"
I'll be on a trip so will be unable to post today. But its a short one so I should be back to posting within the next 24 hours!
Both Kaath and Keyona swing at the last ooze creature. Keyona, preoccupied with keeping her good side facing the cameras, misses both her swings! Kaath, however, is nothing but cosmic efficiency as he strikes the ooze hard but nevertheless, it remains active - barely! ------- Round 2 cont'd & Round 3
Unfortunately, Purrfecta and Delikie both miss!
------- Round 2 cont'd & Round 3
Per the organized play guide, you can dive in with three players for a kind of a hard mode experience. Given this, I would imagine it be okay if someone wanted to jump in with a level 8 pregen for no credit.
Keyona lets out a berserker rage scream in triumph! (and bears the pain of getting splashed with acid...)
------- Round 1 cont'd & Round 2
Blank's shot goes as he tries to avoid hitting Keyona! Keyona, however, meets with more success as she executes a continuous, wide, slashing arc that hits both, the blue and red oozes! Oily fluids sprays out from the wounds of both oozes towards Keyona!
Both oozes hold still for a moment, then simultaneously, the top half slides to the side as they both collapse into a lifeless puddle! Keyona also notices that the ooze didn't seem particularly affected by what felt like a strong hit - not that it matters since the oozes went down regardless. ------- Round 1 cont'd & Round 2
Purrfecta's shot misses!!
------- Round 1 cont'd & Round 2
Delikie is unable to convince the audience, losing their interest.
------- Blank Ca's attack hits both the blue and red ooze for 5 points of damage! With each hit, a portion of its body is sprayed into a 5-foot area adjacent to it!
Keyona moves in and lands a solid blow on blue for 6 points! Blue again sprays an adjacent 5-foot area with ooze, making it difficult to traverse that terrain!
Unfortunately, Blank Ca and Keyona are both unable to identify what these creatures are! ------- Round 1 cont'd
The clan’s temple befits its community: small, practical, and enduring. Boulder cleared away, you enter ito its hall of worship which bears several lovingly carved likenesses of dwarves performing great deeds of forging and warfare, though much of the room’s surfaces are bare. Off to the left, you spot an archaic forge. Ahead of you and to the right are multipurpose rooms. Within the hall of worship directly in front of you lies a dwarf bleeding profusely, pinned to the ground by a fallen chunk of the room's arch support. He sees you and yells in dwarven, "I don't know who you are but I would appreciate some help!" This must be the priest, Holsin. However, perhaps of greater concern are three small ooze creatures that move in to attack you!! But before either you or the ooze creatures can take action, the undead camera crew somehow manages to take up positions before anyone launches an initial attack. It ghosts without saying - these undead are GOOD at what they do!! In fact, one of the camera crew operators wearing an Aber-zombie and Lich shirt high-fives his colleague and quips, "We got the wight stuff! kekeke"
Initiative rolls:
Round 1
Kaath's spiritually cosmic argument is just what the audience expects out of him and they collectively decide not to hold a grudge for going against their wishes.
Blank Ca's response gives off the grouchy grandpa vibe that everyone has come to expect, so his refusal to march headlong into the fissure is also accepted.
Keyona's mommy trick of acro-bear-ically distracting the "childish audience" away from what they originally wanted works! Seeing a massive bear roll and flip results in the audience forgetting they wanted to see said bear getting oiled up and squeezing through a tight space...
Purrfecta attempts to assuage the audience with actions rather than (many) words but the crowd remains unmoved.
------ To move the boulder itself, Blank Ca locates multiple weak spots that, if struck hard enough, can crack the boulder info a couple more manageable pieces. With those spots identified, Kaath gets to work assisting with hammering away on those exact spots with nothing but brute force of strength! Purrfecta scavenges various material to put together a lever, making it easier to dislodge boulder chunks. She even obtains some of the fissure oil and applies it to the boulders, providing some lubrication to the rock-moving efforts. Finally, with the boulders cracked into several pieces and lubed up, Keyona is able to move the boulders far enough to unblock the entrance! Success! The temple entrance has been unblocked!
"Thank you for your thoughts," says Wazasha, obviously disappointed that Kaath won't talk trash about his fellow teammate.
------
All of you approach the boulder, deciding to remove it rather than enter the temple through the fissure. The infosphere feed blows up!!! Infosphere feed:
Boooooriiiiiiing!!! #boooooriiiiiiing
I thought these Starfinders were supposed to have some actual skills! #posers Screw this! 'Real Housewives of Diaspora Pirates' is waaaay better than this crappy show! #supportpiratesnotstarfinders Yah! Housewives rules! Starfinders are fools! #pitythefools "Bold move, denying the audience what they want!" says Wazasha. "It seems the audience are turning on you. But I'll tell you what. You'll each get a chance to make a case for why the fans should continue to support you." A camera-undead zooms in close to each of you, ready to capture your individual statements!!
------ With audience pandering out of the way, the actual work of removing the boulder begins!!
------
The goblin, confused, replies to Keyona, "But, but chief momma bear. That's the point!" Not daring to go against Keyona's fierce command, the goblin mutters "gobbammit!" under his breath as he goes moves to sit in a corner - shooting dark looks at the dwarves he passes.
The party moves to examine the fissure, finding that it lances through the cavern wall and winds as it encounters especially dense bands of stone. It’s only about 5 feet tall, and is filled with oily fluid to a depth of 3 feet.
DC13 Engineering or Physical Science:
You identify the liquid as synthetic lubricant, much as would be found in a mechanical engine or hydraulic system. The substance isn’t directly harmful to the touch but if you become covered in it, then it will make it challenging to move without falling over.
DC8 Engineering or Physical Science: You realize that the tremor and resulting fissure was likely caused by the explosion(s) set off by the goblins.
Ylga muses, "Raised to speak the language of earth spirits? I never thought our Quest for Sky would lead us to meet individuals as curious as you. You must absolutely meet our chief prist, Holsin. He'll know what to do." During the break, the goblin speaks up (in Common) to Keyona, "Chief Momma Bear, these dwarves are easy targets and don't put up much of a fight. If you command it, I can assist with swatting them down so that we can easily retrieve valuable salvage!!" DC10 Sense Motive:
You sense the goblin is speaking sincerely in both, trying to be helpful and do what he thinks would please his 'chief' When Kaath has concluded his interview and everyone is ready to continue, the party continues the journey to the dwarven settlement.
Infosphere feed:
Blank Ca, master diplomat!! #silvertongue
Funny how that ysoki is so grouchy but still got on the dwarves' good side! #grouchybutluvable Blank Ca said he's better than the rest of that Starfinder party - and its true! #pullsalltheweight --------- Upon arrival at the settlement, you see a dozen stone buildings with have reinforced doors, arrow slits, and other modest fortifications. Of note is that they're all obviously archaic in nature. Several dwarves immediately rush up to Ylga in distress. "Ylga! There was another earthquake causing a fissure to form through our encampment! Worse, a large stone has crashed into the temple's entrance, trapping Holsin inside!" They then stop, eyeing your party, the undead crew and the goblin with a mix of fear and apprehension. Ylga swings into action, "These 'people' mean us no harm and I've brought them here to meet Holsin." The dwarves relax a bit at Ylga's reassurance and everyone rushes to the temple. Ylga discusses with the other dwarves potential options for rescuing Holsin - all of which is caught by the undead camera crew. Wazasha soon receives a comms message, to which you hear her reply, "A poll, you say? Yes, Zo!, right away." Wazasa pulls up a holographic display from her wrist computer displaying a poll and real-time results as votes from the audience are submitted. She explains, "The dwarves are currently dicussing different rescue options and the live audience is listening in. Zo! wants the audience to vote on what you should do next based upon the options discussed by the dwarves." Every time the dwaves identify an option with higher difficulty, painfulness or uncomfortable circumstances, the voting for that option surges. Yah, the audience loves you. Ylga approaches your party and pleads, "Perhaps this is the reason for your sudden appearance. You were destined to help us! There seems to be two ways to get in to help Holsin. One, remove this boulder from blocking the temple entrance. Two, a small group can traverse the fissure into the temple and reach Holsin although the fissure seems to be filled with some strange fluid we cannot identify. Will you help us?" The poll settles upon a definitive result - the audience wishes your party to traverse the fissure. "The people have spoken," says Wazasha. "They want you to go through the fissure. Their will is not binding but it would certainly help ratings if you heed the audience's wishes. What will you do?" The dwarven bystanders find this entire holographic polling process equal parts confusing and uncomfortable...
"Hmmmm... yes. Very puzzling indeed! Sounds like you have no guesses as to why they're here on this space station of all places?" says Wazasha. Wazasha continues, "So no feelings at all about Blank Ca thinking himself better than you and the rest of the party, hmmmm?"
Wazasha gestures Kaath to sit down. "Please be entirely candid as I ask you a couple questions." With a snap of her fingers, The Booth lights up and the cameras roll as Kaath is now live! Wazasha asks a couple questions: "Do you trust these dwarves? Why do you think they're here and can this all be some kind of elaborate trap? "Also, Blank Ca thinks he's better than you. What do you think? True or false?" |