GM Quirk's page

So, it seems that the crew are all gainfully employed.

As you celebrate by enjoying some decent food from a noodle stand near the central plaza on the space station, several of you receive a comm message.

It reads "I know who you are, and I have my eye on you."

John considers how to make his contribution. If the local chapel of Abadarcorp provides resources and opportunities that he knows how to take advantage of, it also represents a terrible risk. If they are aware that he is wanted by the Stewards, they will feel duty bound to turn him in. And repugnance fills him at the prospect of lying to corporation officials.

On the other hand, the various skills that the corporation has trained him in would be of most value to a criminal enterprise -- or a local theatrical company. Deliberately choosing criminal activity is also repugnant, and theatrical companies notoriously don't pay well.

He sighs and shakes his head.

[dice= Computers check to see how public our wanted status is, and estimate the odds the local chapel is aware] 1d20+ 13 Gonna wish I'd kept that to use for my real roll.

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **

It seems there is a real danger that AbadarCorp may know that John is wanted. It's a routine matter for security bulletins to be distributed throughout the corporation. There is some hope that most don't pay much attention to the bulletins, but there's always the chance that a very zealous mid-level manager may recognize John and his cohorts.

Hexane may be the best bet and I'll be honest--it's the easy button for me to have you all be employees for the same company!

They happily offer a contract and a 500 credit sign-on bonus.

Lilly joins the team headed to the Hexane employment office.

She’ll give herself a bit of liquid luck before she goes inside.

Lilly gives herself a basic biohack for +2 to Medicine

[dice=Medicine to sell herself as a ship’s medic]1d20+15+2+1d6

If that works, she’ll also try to talk them into adding Rar’gul to the team.

“T’sorkel and I worked extensively with Rar’gul in the past. He sometimes presents a little rough around the edges, but he always comes through when things get busy or tight!”

Hoping that Lilly’s endorsement will earn Rar’gul a reroll…

Hexane is unquestionably pleased to have Dr. Flint-Bridge on board. She is offered a contract that includes a 1200 credit sign-on bonus.

Dr. Flint-Bridge's bonus is higher because she beat the DC by 10 on her roll.

Quote:

"Though I could drive a transport on Absalom -- cargo deliveries always need to be moved right?"

Rar'gul nods in agreement. "I rrememberrr hearring that "The line between disorrderr and orrderr lies in logisticccs"" he rumbles. "Although it was in rreferrence to a militarry forrrce, I imagine it's also trrue forr an expanding cccorrporrration."

"I'm might not be much help when it comes to piloting, but I should be able to get things to wherre they need to go."

[Dice=Athletics]1d20+13
Or not...

Whether it's certain prejudices against a trox applicant, or he's simply unconvinced Rar'gul can do the job, the application is initially rejected.

As Rar'gul steps away from the desk, he notices that a second HR representative has engaged the HR person that Rar'gul interacted with. Something about "quotas" and "increased work loads" are hurriedly discussed.

Finally, the second HR representative calls out to Rar'gul. "Mr. Rar'gul, we'd like to take a second look at your application..."

...thanks to your reroll!

You are offered a contract, and a 500 credit sign on bonus.

T'sorkel, you as well are offered employment through Hexane. Apparently they are in the middle of a rapid expansion on this planet! You will act as a liaison with a group of vesk recently arrived from the Veskarium who have limited skills with the common tongue.

You are paid a 500 credit sign-on bonus.

Cidribvoot finds employment with Hexane fuels ferrying passengers and light supplies to Roselight. They're interested in contracting with you and your starship. You would not be moving heavy equipment or fuel, but would be moving uniforms, hand tools, and other ordinary supplies through Roselight.

You are paid a 500 credit sign-on bonus.

Culture +17 on each of these groups to see what the public sentiment is of each.

I will offer some basic information about each of these groups.

Aspis Consortium: Even the most basic of searches informs you that the Aspis Consortium is bad news. They are a legitimate organization recognized by the Pact Worlds, but they are beset by controversy. This includes rumors of genocide, extortion, and participation in the android slave trade.

Hexane Fuels and Fairwinds seem to be far more neutral in reputation, even having a favorable standing in most communities where they do business.

Of interest to John, there is also a local chapel and outpost for Abadarcorp. Ostensibly, "employment" could also be availed to you all there.

Here's what I need from each of you: I need a DC22 skill check. Just about any skill will do, just relate it to the job you see yourself doing for one of these organizations. For example, diplomacy for corporate communications, or computers for I.T. work.

"Corporate sponsorship?" Cidribvoot says. "Oh, can we return to you later? Maybe schedule an appointment? I'm employed by Pike's Perytons and need to check with my superior if the processing for their independent contractor... uh, contracts went through."

Cavence is pleased to set up an appointment for all of you. They suggest 48 hours for you to secure local employment.

Cidribvoot is not necessarily included in the 'not employed" group. It may be possible to confirm employment with the Perytons.

Maybe.

As far as the ship goes, it would certainly be possible to do some hacking or find some friends in low places to forge some documents.

Hopefully my new post moves things along a little.

Cavence attempts to be as helpful as humanly ("barathuly"?) possible.

I can see that you are in a difficult spot. Sadly, without proper documentation it will likely take months to cut through the red tape. The only other way I could see you all getting to Roselight is through corporate sponsorship." With that, he motions to many of the corporate offices just across the plaza from the OCI. These include interest such as the Aspis Consortium, Hexane Fuels, or Fairwinds.

Cavence was happy to provide this hint thanks to Rar'gul's excellent diplomacy roll. Corporate sponsorship would likely mean getting temporary employment. Each of you would need to roll a relevant skill check to demonstrate competencies. ALSO, there could be other ways to cut through the red tape. Hacking, finding some friends in low places to assist, or just a little more charm might help.

The barathu attending to the front desk at the OCI seems amenable to assisting all of you, and even introduces themself. "I am called Cavence Sy Reel. I'm pleased to possible offer you assistance today. We have some forms for each of you desiring the proper visas to fill out."

You are each given a datapad. Not only do you need to fill out several forms, it requires documentation, both for each of you personally, and with regards to ownership of your starship.

It's unlikely you have such documents. Rar'gul, John, Dr. Flint-Bridge, and T'sorkel are particularly caught off guard by this.

On the other hand, Cavence does seem sincerely helpful thanks to the charm exhibited by John.

Hey all!

I'm going to try to get everything back on track tonight! Thanks for your patience.

Heading out on a bit of a vacation starting tomorrow. My plan is to unplug for most of the trip. Hopefully my last post will give you all something to chew on.

You continue through Upwell seeking your proper travel visas. This means visiting the local OCI office.

The Office of Commercial Interests sits at the end of a wide, well-lit
plaza lined with other corporate offices—perhaps the cleanest
and most open space on Upwell. Several holodisplays lining
the area show sweeping vistas and sunny cloudscapes,
though the effect is marred by the occasional burst of static.

The interior of the OCI building seems to be built to accommodate
barathus first and foremost, and while the reception area
and meeting rooms accommodate humanoid visitors, it seems to all of you that flight is required to access the offices.

A bored looking barathu is currently working at the reception desk. They laconically greet you.

Hmmm. Three of you rolled 21. Let's see if Dr. Flint-Bridge can roll something amazing to help you all keep pace. I'll bot this roll.

acrobatics for Dr. Flint-Bridge: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

That's pretty good, but the mysterious follow gets away. Really needed to see a couple more of you get near 25 for this one. We'll see if he reappears soon. I will try to make another post tomorrow. Where would you all like to head? Your main goal right now is to acquire visas to get you to Roselight.

If it matters, John has a land speed of 40'.

[dice= Acrobatics] 1d20 +15
[dice= Athletics] 1d20 +13

He's good, but I've spent a lot of time on stations. It's still about reading the traffic. John tries to glide through the interstices in the flow of pedestrians. He wants to move as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

Is he looking back? Does he know we're pursuing?

The stranger does seem to be aware of all of you, and you're pretty sure you see him look back toward all of you.

He begins an all-out run, and as he does, he runs by a large flat-bed cart carrying an enormous number of packages and boxes. It spills all over the floor just in front of all of you.

He turns the corner into a smaller corridor.

Let's do one more set of skill checks. If I can get successes from the majority of you, the chase continues. Otherwise, there will be a mystery about who this mysterious man is! I'll need athletics or acrobatics once again. Please let me know if you have any relevant feats that might speed you up. John, your high speed is noted.

The man navigates the crowd deftly. You suppose he's a local--somneone who lives aboard the station.

at this point, I will entertain some sort of skill check from all of you to chase, or somehow assist each other. Things like athletics, acrobatics, or perception are obvious choices, but a creative choice is always welcome.

You guys crushed those perception checks!

The jovial discussion continues, but suddenly pauses as everyone notices a human sitting at a nearby table near a noodle stand, about 30-40 feet away. You could swear that he has what can only be described as a horrified look as he in turn notices all of you.

He leaves his meal sitting at his table and hurriedly makes his way through the crowds.

As the docking spars turn into neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and recreation areas, you notice generally well-behaved crowds out taking care of their errands or simply enjoying themselves.

I need perception checks from everyone. This will give you all a chance to check in.

Sorry for the delay. We're certainly wrapping up this strange encounter. I'll have something new for you when I post tomorrow. Meanwhile, you're moving deeper into the station. You can purchase anything up to your level +1 at normal book prices.

A few questions to help the search, Enrique's last name, and when he left for Absalom.

The woman at first looks at John with suspicion. Then she shrugs and provides any information she has including her comm codes and enough of Enrique's information to make a reasonable go at tracking him down if you wish.

You learn that the woman's name is Jeva Quon (if I haven't already told you--GMQ).

You also see that Enrique has a Spacebook profile. Would you like to look at this time?

" IF you like ma'am, we could dig a little deeper than Spacebook. GIve me your contact information and if we find anything, we'll let you knpw."

The woman offers to exchange com codes with John. She offers her thanks. "Thank you all for the conversation. I'm sorry to have bothered you, and my apologies especially to you, sir, for that slap. Should you find anything, please let me know. Mallo was quite dear to me."

With that, she is off (unless any of you have any last minute questions for her).

"I am sorry for your troubles, ma'am. How long have you known, Enrique? Where was he from? Was he a great thinker?" He looks at T'sorkel on 'thinker'.

[diplomacy, gather knowledge] 1d20+ 12
trying to get a sense whether Enrique could be a clone.

"I was with Enrique for well over a year. He grew up on Absalom Station, and I'm pretty sure that's where he is now."

The woman gives John a strange look. "Was he a thinker? What a strange question, but I think the answer is no. He's sort of a DUMBASS,actually. He works at a souvenir shop near Jatembe Park on Absalom, at least last I saw on Spacebook.

She doesn't seem to notice your innuendo toward T'sorkel.

Cidribvoot's head turns to look at the woman anew. "In every possible way?" he asks. "When were you a couple? Does he still live on Absalom Station? Are you currently influenced by substances that are impairing your reasoning and critical thinking?"

He looks at the others. "John has a double, do you think we might too?"

The woman replies to Cidribvoot: "It's quite uncanny. Enrique and this gentleman could be twins. And yes, so far as I know that jerk is living on Absalom. No, I am not currently under the influence, though I think I could use a drink."

She only gives Cidribvoot a curious look when he suggests that everyone may have doubles.

Still confused, she utters "I've been without Mallo so long! There's never been a squax like him."

She looks into John's eyes, looking for any sign of deception.

She finally sighs and lets her shoulder droop hopelessly. "You look like my ex Enrique, in every possible way. He left me months ago and took our pet squax with him."

The woman at first looks at John as if he's depraved. Perhaps she thinks he's attempting the ultimate in gas lighting by trying to convince her he's not a former friend, companion, or lover.

The she hears T'sorkel and also takes note of all of John's companions. A look of confusion washes over her face. "You're...not...Enrique? NO!
You ARE him! Right?"

Cidribvoot, you don't see anything unusual happening around this.

Am I on my own for this or with the party?

Everyone is nearby and sees this incident.

You're able to find all of your items, and new shoes, clothing and your other items feel GREAT on you.

T'sorkel, you find vials for the twins. I would think 50 credits total would be fine for the vials.

An attractive woman approaches John. Her smile turns into a scowl. "You jerk, I want Mallo back!" She then attempts to slap John.

Moving further down the docking spar, you come to an intersection. Here you find a cornucopia of choices for food, as well as several shops featuring clothing and other goods that might appeal to starfarers. It's quite easy to find suitable choices. You even find a vending machine that has small, compact packages containing flight suits. Pull a tab, and voila! You have a properly sized flight suit. Treat the vended flight suit as "Stationwear--Flight Suit." The only difference is that it's somewhat cheaper, 75 credits instead of 95.

You can all shed your old clothing and replace it for fairly modest prices (just use the equipment lists from the books). For things like weapons or armor heavier than level one light armor, you'll need to venture deeper into the station.

It appears that this lonely corner of Upwell may give way to more life up ahead. You think you hear music and the buzz of people conducting their daily business further along the docking spar.

"Even some loser marks from off-station know that. What if OCI denies our application? Who else could we go to?"

This is mostly John just being a little cruel. And developing a backup plan to official channels. We can skip over it.

"I don't know. I'm sure someone could forge some documents for you, but I'm sure you would agree that is risky."

With that, the last thug gathers up his companion, their two chop cycles, and leaves. They ignore John's exhortation about Abadar.

John looks after the two fleeing androids, then back to the slowly retreating one. "Nice friends you had there. Are you planning to leave your friend here?" He pauses a beat. "As for letting you go, that would be a gift of considerable value, and Abadar doesn't give gifts, but bargains and payments. Tell us about the station. Who can get us visas and and passes to the various moons? Are your two other friends going to stir up trouble for us?"

I guess this is a gather information try. I'll take 10 if I can, and roll if I can't.
[dice= Diplomacy] 1d20+12

Nice roll!

"Look...like I said, this was all a big mistake. You're not going to see us around your ship again. I'll help my buddy back to his flop-house then lay low for a while."

He continues, "If you're trying to get somewhere, you probably need to go to the OCI."

He offers some general directions to the nearest office. Of course he's referring to the Office of Commercial Interests. You may have heard of them.

Rar'gul helps the thug choke down the serum. He sputters and coughs, then seems to slowly come to.

The thug (in fact, they're all androids) who is backing away only murmurs "just let me go, we'll leave you be. This has all been a mistake."

** spoiler omitted **

You don't see any cameras.

will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
The thug makes his save

The remaining thug continues to slowly back away from the menacing form of Rar'gul. He's certainly very fearful of all of you.

The thug who is bleeding out might have a chance, partially in thanks of Cidribvoot and John's efforts. He'll either need advanced life saving measures or magic to make it.

Rar'gul savagely lays into the ganger. He now lays on the docking bay floor, bleeding out.

Rar'gul! You just killed a guy! YOU MAY WANT TO LAY LOW FOR A WHILE!

Seeing one fellow ganger bolting, one of the far miscreants decides to mount his chop cycle and head for greener pastures. This is green joining yellow (who is under the effects of psychic scream, command, etc.) in heading the east on the map.

The remaining ganger (red) throws down his pistol and slowly backs away with his chop cycle using a guarded step.

This will probably end combat, though I'll keep the initiative order in case there is further bloodlust! It seems green and yellow are running for it, and red is surrendering and attempting to back away. Blue is dead.
Round 2, bold may go.

1. enemy yellow (possibly affected by psychic scream)
2. Rar'gul (-25)
3. Enemy green
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. T'sorkel
6. enemy red
7. John Rawlins (-5)
8. enemy blue (DEAD)
9. Cidribvoot

Cidribvoot pulls the trigger and squarely hits his target. Blue is most certainly bloodied at this point.

Under the effect of T'sorkel's magic, the western ganger leaps on his chop cycle and starts to drive away.

Round 2, bold may go.

1. enemy yellow (possibly affected by psychic scream)
2. Rar'gul (-25)
3. Enemy green
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. T'sorkel
6. enemy red
7. John Rawlins (-5)
8. enemy blue (-19)
9. Cidribvoot

John Rawlins hits his target but no trick.

Blue then takes a guarded step back, all while his drone moves in between him and John. He fires.

to hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
damage, E: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Round 1, bold may go.

1. enemy yellow (possibly affected by psychic scream)
2. Rar'gul (-25)
3. Enemy green
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. T'sorkel
6. enemy red
7. John Rawlins (-5)
8. enemy blue (-10)
9. Cidribvoot

will save for yellow with -2 penalty for telepathic scream: will save: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 2 = 9

Yellow is sure to flee for at least a round...

Dr. Flint-Bridge hits her target.

He is also intimidated. Please roll damage for the caustolance.

Red attacks Rar'gul
to hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
damage, E: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
crit damage!: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

His chop cycle also fires at Rar'gul.

to hit vs. EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
damage, F: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Hit!

Round 1, bold may go.

1. enemy yellow (possibly affected by psychic scream)
2. Rar'gul (-25)
3. Enemy green
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. T'sorkel
6. enemy red
7. John Rawlins
8. enemy blue
9. Cidribvoot

I think that's my cue!

The past few weeks have required a certain amount of focus from me as well. We're getting past that now.

New posts in game play tomorrow.

Howdy all!

I just want you all to know that I'm dealing with a few things right now.

First, the Maker Lab at the library where I work is currently moving down the hall to a larger space. This means working some strange hours for me assembling new 3D printers and laser cutters, moving furniture, and training with all of these new toys. I'm doing this all while still scheduling two cable TV stations (community TV is my main role at the library). Grand opening is two weeks out, though we are hoping for a soft opening next week.

I'm also getting ready for a game convention next week. Winter Fantasy takes place in my hometown. I'm running games and doing a seminar.

All of this is happening as my Dad's health declines. He is getting very good care, but he is at the end. It's not a surprise, and due to a myriad of health concerns it's time. Family and nursing staff are there for him daily.

I think the practicality of this is that we see about finally getting a post from me this weekend. That will keep things moving. Depending on how things go, I will attempt to continue temporarily with a slow schedule of posts for a few weeks.

GMQ, I know Janosian has been dealing with real life. Are you expecting him back soon, and if not how would you prefer we handle botting?

I will try to get everything in order tomorrow night, including both botting Dr. Flint-Bridge and deciding the best way to handle T'sorkel's readied action from earlier.

I did exchange a note with Janosian. I think we'll have a better handle on his long-term plans soon.

One of the thugs {ooc](green)[/ooc] backs away from the approaching Rar'gul, drawing his pistol as he does. His drone follows.

He fires his pistol at Rar'gul.

to hit vs. EAC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Miss!

Round 1, bold may go.

1. enemy yellow (possibly affected by psychic scream)
2. Rar'gul (-8)
3. Enemy green
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. T'sorkel
6. enemy red
7. John Rawlins
8. enemy blue
9. Cidribvoot

Wasn't planning anything much with the bluff, GMQ. Just to get the sword loose in its sheath without them noticing. I do want to fast talk green, however.

[dice= Bluff]1d20+16 Well that probably won't work.

"Accursed one! The golden avatar comes for you!" John points behind green.

** spoiler omitted **

Alas, your fast talk doesn't work. Perfect time to try it.

T'sorkel's readied action should go off as soon as the shooting starts. Target Yellow.

Is this meant to be telepathic SCREAM? I can't find telepathic SHOUT. If it's telepathic scream, it works.

Which one's been doing the talking?

"Doc, stay behind Rar'gul."

"It was an offer of instruction, not an attempt to proselytize." John sighs and places his hand on his chest. "As a good Abadaran, I pledge to return here and give you what you deserve. Or you can come with us. Let's go. "

Green has been doing most of the talking. John--what was your intention with the bluff check? Their cue to choose violence was if you walk too far toward toward the station hub. With such a high roll for your bluff it is possible I could give you a bonus here--a single action?

The thugs give a whistle. Their chop cycles instantly roll toward their owners.

They also draw weapons.

The first thug (yellow) fires an arc pistol at Rar'gul.

to hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
damage, e: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Miss.

He also commands his chop cycle to fire (these act as drones)

to hit vs EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
damage, f: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
But that one's a hit!

Round 1, bold may go.

1. enemy yellow
2. Rar'gul (-8)
3. Enemy green
4. Dr. Flint-Bridge
5. T'sorkel
6. enemy red
7. John Rawlins
8. enemy blue
9. Cidribvoot

GMQ - (apologies for the repetition but I thought you may have missed my query ooc a few posts back in gameplay) I'm wondering if any of the androids appear to be the leader of this group of thugs?

Everyone - Rar'gul's thinking the time for talkin' has passed and it's time to learn 'em a real good lesson! Maybe try to incapacitate the leader to stand them down, or use Cid's nifty observation and bust 'em in the chop(bike)s?

Sorry about that. GREEN is doing most of the talking.

That's what I figured, but it didn't hurt to ask. And on equipment again. Are they wearing armor? What else can you tell us?

Through T'sorkel net:
"Fraudsters or thugs. Does anyone see a constable, or call box? If it comes to fight don't kill them if possible. It might invite investigation."

John mentally grits his teeth while continuing to smile and says, "A drastic discount indeed! Are you associated with Abadarcorp by any chance? They offer classes on the art of bargaining among other tenets of commerce.
I'll give you one of the most broadly known tenets for free. Fair price for fair value. For a mere 100 credits, I'll tell you the first flaw in your bargaining strategy."

The thug raises an eyebrow at your offer. For a moment, it appears that he might be curious, but then his brow furrows. "No, I don't think we're interested in hearing about Abadar. We do not align ourselves with any corporate interests. I suggest you take our reasonable offer of 1,000 credits." He looks around at his fellow thugs, gives them a nod, and they begin to circle around all of you.

"Maybe we could ask to let one of us go to the bank while the others stay here? That person could attempt to get authorities," he thinks to the others.

"Is there a contract we need to sign?" he asks the androids. "Is this considered a docking fee or a temporary insurance for the ship?" While he asks the dirindi looks for any snipers or beings who may be a long-range hazard.

Since you are all connected via T'sorkel's psychic messages, I'll make Cidribvoot's observation from his perception roll public here.

While Cidribvoot doesn't see any additional thugs, he does take note of four chop cycles sitting against some crates nearby. This could be transportation for these thugs.