Sorry, I have been super busy and haven't posted it yet. Had planned to have it up already. I will post as soon as I can.
I'd like in too! Keeping an eye out for the sign up.
Thanks Numbat.
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Excellent. So far 4 people interested. We'd be running a quest, by the way. I've only run one PbP so far, can I snag one of the open slots?
Reported and closing. Thank you and have a pleasant tomorrow.
Sorry Varanus, should be good to go now. I'll report everything closer to the end of the week, and then close the thread.
Later than I wanted to get them to you, but done! Please review and let me know if there are any errors. Your sheets can be found here! It was a great journey everyone! Thank you for playing!
Thanks all! Varanus, Castimir's Flaxseed is a great resource for PbP games. Bud, I didn't have any issues with your English. Great game all around. I'm hoping to have your sheets up by tomorrow.
Almost forgot! I get a shot at a boon too...
Great session all, hope you enjoyed it! Didn't seem to go to poorly for a first time PbP GM. For the Gameday event boon, the winners are: Varanus and Bud!
Varanus and Bud, please each roll me a d3 and PM me an email you'd like to organizers to use as they send out the event boon information to the winners.
The team is able to bring back Talbot without any issues, though he continues to plead for his release until the town comes into view. Philt arranges to meet with you in a secure, private location just outside of town... To avoid any misunderstandings with the residents. Making a reasonably good impression ith Philt and managing to capture Talbot, you have an opportunity to do some good for the citizens of Tasch. As the prisoner exchange occurs Philt discusses future plans with the team, "...the drive and loyalty the townsfolk demonstrate—however misguided—inspires me. AbadarCorp has long considered the construction of a shipping hub outside of Maro. Such a facility would keep cargo destined for transport throughout the Pact Worlds away from Maro’s local gangs and criminal organizations." Philt believes that Tasch could serve to staff this shipping hub and provide infrastructure for guards, pilots, and corporate employees. Such construction would also mean gainful employment for all the townspeople. By returning Reynald Talbot to the custody of AbadarCorp, you have secured Tasch’s future. Returning with the Stone and leaving a positive impression on AbadarCorp, Arvin offers to pay for a round of drinks at a bar popular with many field agents. Before he departs, "Make sure to get some rest after your night of enjoyment, I'm confident I'll have another assignment for you all soon."
The team searches Talbot, the miners and the cavern. On the miners you find two each of second skin armors, tactical semi-auto pistols with 5 rounds each, clubs. On Talbot you find freebooter armor I, a static arc pistol with 1 battery, a survival knife, the charlatan’s stone , a MK1 ring of resistance, and 6 credsticks (100 credits each). In side the mine there's a small office and living space which contains scattered living items, like extra clothes and some nutrient food packs. One of Talbot’s ongoing passion projects, a recently completed but uninstalled armor upgrade, lies on the desk in the office (this is a brown force field armor upgrade). You're satisfied that there's nothing left of interest in the mine, and have secured the surviving miner and Talbot. As both regain consciousness Talbot begins trying to broker any kind of deal to secure his release, while the miner is resigned to his fate.
The first miner is charcoal at this point, the second miner could be saved if you want. Talbot is unconscious but overall ok.
Sen's quickly shifts to use the blunt of his doshko, and strikes Talbot in the neck. With a choked gasp, "not... fair...," he passes out. The cart continues to the end of the track, hitting the stop. A quick survey verifies that there are no combatants left.
Minea lands a solid punch to the side of Talbot's head, giving Sen an opening to slash Talbot's leg with his doshko. Bud follows with a solid punch to Talbot's chin. Beginning to look worse for wear, true panic sets into Talbot's face. "You don't know what you're throwing away! Infinite wealth. You think the Starfinders can give you that, GIVE YOU ANYTHING?!" ------
Talbot continues to use the shifting and rocking motion of the cart to his advantage, and lashes out at Sen again.
Varanus dashes after the cart and hurtles himself in. Varanus, Talbot and Sen jostle and press awkwardly trying to jockey for position and not fall out.
Just posted! :) Bud, you can get two actions (rounds 3 and 4). Everyone else is up too. Talbot likely won't last much longer... I'll start prepping the sheets.
Sen quickly dispatches Talbot's defensive hologram.
Talbot seems shaken by Alejandro's sudden threat. Minea is hit solidly by the cart and shoved aside. ------
Talbot turns his attention to Sen. "It isn't fair! I can make us all rich! Just drop your weapons and let me go." He lashes out against Sen using the rocking of the cart to help disguise his attack. The cart plows into Bud pushing him aside.
While he fails to trick Sen, he is able to draw a deep slash across Sen's abdomen.
Bud raises his rifle and fires on the miner.
As the cart continues to barrel forward it plows into Minea.
Sen holds his ground and leaps effortlessly into the cart just before it strikes him. He lands face-to-face with Talbot. ------
The miner swears again under his breath, a shake hand draws a club from his belt and raises it up... Only to have Minea strike him down. As his remaining ally falls, Talbot looks increasingly desperate. "No, I'm OWED this! I won't let you take what I EARNED!" He draws a knife, hitting a button on his belt as he does so.
You are correct! Posted to remind myself, I'll adjust the damage in the next round listing. Varanus was shot by Talbot not Minea!
The miner collapses into a smoldering heap as Varanus' laser fire tears through him. ------
The other miner rounds the corner, a low "F#%% me...," escapes his lips as he passes the ashy remains of his partner. With the realization he isn't leaving alive, he fires on Varanus.
Apparent, they were both better miners than thugs as his shot also goes wide in the same arc as his partner. As the miner fires a mine cart comes barreling down the track, as it turns the bend a man (who you assume is Talbot) pops out shouting "Not today Starfinders!" and fires at...
No worries Sen, I think we'll be done before then.
Alejandro quickly disables a motion sensor trigger for the trap as Minea injects the healing serum. GM Stuff:
Sen
Varanus Alejandro Minea Bud Talbot
A passage heads west and then turns north into a T-shaped room. The ceiling is higher than other chambers, cut to fifteen feet in height. Permanent light fixtures set in the ceiling provide brighter light. The mine cart tracks that have run throughout this mine hug the south wall, turn north, and run along the west wall before coming to a dead end at the north end of the room. A single mine car stands on the tracks. Across from the cart is a small office fashioned from two out-of-place plastic walls set into the stonework. An open door provides access to the room within a room. But before you can explore it fully two armed humans approach, shouting at you to leave. ------
The first miner turns the corner and levels a pistol at Varanus.
As Minea moves past a support pillar, a concealed panel opens in the wall across from her. An automated laser turret pops out, and with a loud crack and pop fires at Minea.
The turret pulls back and the panel closes.
Shifting through the room only identifies it as a repair shop. Most of the tools and equipment have been removed. Though Bud does think he hears something coming from the southwest passage.
Just a quick FYI - this weekend is my son's 2nd birthday. So, I'll be in full dad mode. Posting will delayed, and resume normal levels Monday. You're closing in, not much left. Hope everyone is enjoying!
The passageways to the north and northwest, and go deeper into the mine. They both appear unused with a cursory inspection - thick, trackless dust and failing lights that imply no one has been down these passages in a long time. The passageway to the southeast leads into a rectangular chamber with rough-hewn walls. A metal mine-cart track runs parallel to the passage and enters the room before ending abruptly. A mine cart in an obvious state of disrepair lies adjacent to the tracks. Tools cover a table against the east wall, while a pair of metal lockers stands in the southwest corner. The lockers contain mining uniforms and binders of material safety data sheets for explosives. The referenced explosives, equipment and other materials are nowhere to be found. The mining car appears to be inoperable.
As the team moves forward, you can all see that the mine branches in several directions. The northward passage trails on into darkness and seems to remain abandoned. The tunnels continue to the southeast, northwest and southwest.
The mine enterance is unsurprising plain and functional. There is a set of tracks with automated mine carts. It looks like the carts roll to the end, when some other machines tip them pouring out the contents to any waiting receptacle. One of the carts is piled with stones. Survival Roll/DC 12:
The mine is old, but the tracks and some of the signs of usage are newer... Matches the timeline that Talbot would've arrived. Physical Science Roll/DC 12:
The stones in the cart are unrefined thasteron. Along the south wall there are several lockers that look like they've been recently used.
Engineering Roll (Pick lock)/DC 14 OR Strength Check (Break)/DC 15:
Inside the lockers you find a basic medkit and an engineering specialty tool kit. The mine continues to the west.
As the team goes through the gear on the Ysoki and shobhad, you find…:
On the shobad - second skin, battle staff, hunting rifle with 6 rounds, mk 1 mindlink circlet, spell gem of remove condition, assorted shobhad bangles and charms (worth 300 credits).
On the Ysoki - second skin, azimuth laser pistol with 1 battery (18 charges), club. A sloping ramp descends to the west, made of hard-packed red dirt that shows signs of heavy vehicle traffic. The ramp opens into a large square chamber with rough walls. A metal track runs along the ground from a passage in the west wall and then turns north, ascending a five-foot ramp and then running along the north wall until the track terminates. A pair of metal lockers stand in the southeast corner, and a heap of ore is piled to the southwest.
Sen swings his doshko, connecting with the shobhad's shoulder and neck. A "no..." escapes her lips as she collapses. Seeing their leader fall, the remaining Ysoki turns and flees.
Minea bounds across the sand ground and leaps to the top of the rise taking full advantage of the low gravity. As she lands her doshko cracks the stone next to the shobhad. --------
The shobhad shakes with rage, "NO! NO! You will NOT take our salvation from us!" She draws a staff and swings at... ;
Sen moves forward and takes advantage of the planet's low gravity to leap to the top of the rise. As he lands he slashes at the shobhad narrowly missing her. Varanus fires on the Ysoki, silencing its premature victory chants. He switches to the shobhad as the Ysoki falls striking her in the leg. Bud fires his rifle but the shot goes wide. --------
The remaining Ysoki continues to fire on Bud.
--------
The Ysoki winces and squeaks as trails of smoke roll from its body and armor. It still raises its pistol toward Varanus, vengeance glistening in its eyes.
--------
The shobhad manages to abvoid most of the blast, while the Ysoki is engulfed in the flames and continues to smolder. As Bud moves forward, another Ysoki pops up and fires at...
The Shobhad bellows, "LEAVE! We'll never allow you to stop Talbot! Stop our savior!" She glares intently at...
--------
A Ysoki pops up next to the shobhad woman, with a squeaking battle cry it fires on... Targetting:
Varanus! sorry
A bright flash from the Ysoki's pistol sends a searing beam into Varanus' chest.
As the team makes their way to the mine, they follow a rough road marked by regular vehicle tracks that meanders across the reddish desert landscape. Wavering lines of heat haze emanate from the rocky ground. A two-tiered rocky outcropping rises to the northwest.
Sneaky GM rolls:
Character rolls:
Sen
Varanus Alejandro Minea Bud Now what?!:
Sen
Varanus Alejandro Minea Bud M Y Red Y Blue As the team move past the taller outcropping a shobhad woman stands and shouts in a deep, booming voice, "“Intruders! We know you’ve come to Tasch in search of our savior. You will not disrupt the salvation of Akiton, not when Reynald Talbot has come so close to saving our world!" Only Minea is caught off guard by her sudden appearance. While only Sen and Bud notice another smaller, crouched figure roughly ten feet away to the north. --------
The shobhad woman glares at Varanus focusing her will, sudden pain races across his face.
Philt considers Alejandro's counter-offer, From what I have been told, I don't believe Starfinder protocols would align well with AbadarCorp's in this scenario. My understanding is Starfinders are more liberal in their use of aggressive negotiations... I would be willing to allow your team to have the first attempt at retrieving your stone. Talbot leaves with us though." Then out loud, "I don't think our respective employers' standards of operation would be compatible. We would be willing to allow you to complete your interests first, provided you do not interfere with ours."
Varanus snooping discovers:
It's easy enough to check the bathrooms, there's nothing particularly interesting. Though there are no windows. There are unwholesome smells.
The other door seems to lead to a storeroom. It's lit dimly, by what seems to be artificial lights. There are shelves lined with bottles and boxes. The may another room further back, but it's hard to tell. For those watching the other customers, they don't seem to notice the conversation over the natural sounds of the bar. Podswald seems too busy to pay much attention. The bar isn't packed but it is busy enough to keep one Ysoki occupied. Philt looks over the team before continuing mentally, "Excellent, AbadarCorp has no interest in your stone. The Starfinders have no interest in Talbot. Then we would ask that you remain here, my team and I would request you remain silent and patient while we address Talbot. Then you can sort through what is left. Do we have an agreement?" He then continues speaking normally, "Then we can agree that we do not share the same interests, and can support each other by not interfering in each others projects?"
Philt nods his head in appreciation, "Excellent. AbadarCorp appreciates transparent and open negotiations." Then mentally, "Intersting, Starfinder. AbadarCorp has no interest in hindering the Starfinders agendas, nor do we have an interest in your lost bauble. Though I must strongly state that we do have a VESTED interest in Talbot." Continuing to speak normally, "What is your intent for product? Do you wish to acquire it and return to your home system with it? This may be non-negotiable for us."
Philt speaks for the first time, his voice clicking and chittering "I think it would benefit us all to sit and talk, and I agree we may have mutual interests." He continues mentally, "Don't confuse a willingness to work together as trust. I and my associates should like to remain here, in the safety of public view, as we discuss this. We can use telepathy for the sensitive portions of our conversation." Then speaking again, "Stay. Let us talk about how we can aide each other in attaining mutual goals."
As Alejandro broaches the subject he is slightly caught off guard that Philt is so open to explaining his interest in Talbot. The shirren begins with a rather pleased tone Philt continues to share mentally with the team, "A fair question. Mr. Talbot had approached AbadarCorp buyers in Maro with a new, alternative fuel for Drift engines. The fuel was purchased for analysis, and if it checked out, would have been evaluated as a new commodity on the galactic markets." As he continues the tone changes to more annoyed, "To the chagrin of our buyers, the fuel reverted to common thasteron not long after the AbadarCorp ships made to depart Akiton’s orbit." Philt explains, "The fuel was purchased on good faith and AbadarCorp does not tolerate outright fraud."
Varanus takes a quick read of the two vesk and the shirren.:
All are guarded and curious regarding the group, but nothing reads as aggressive (so far). As the group approaches the shirren reaches out mentally, "Greetings. You may refer to me as Mr. Philt. I am a representative of AbadarCorp. I and my associates couldn't help but notice you inquiring about a Mr. Talbot and his whereabouts?" The shirren cocks his head to side questioningly, "Perhaps you could share your interest in Talbot?" Culture/DC 7: AbadarCorp is the largest corporation in the Pact Worlds.
As the team begins to come back together and prepares to leave, one of the vesk from the back table stands and comes up to the party. He's clad in matching armor and weapons, all of which are dark hues trimmed in silver. His demeanor is respectful to the 'bodyguards' as he addresses Alejandro, with a hissing lisp "My employer, Mr. Philt, wisshhess to sspeak with you regarding a possssible joint conssern." He holds an arm out, less inviting and more directing you to back table.
Podswald looks up from a glass she's cleaning to address Varanus, "There's a hotel in town if you've got money, flop house if you're looking for work. Neither is hard to find, this town having only one road and all." She gives the Vesk a feisty grin. She turns to Alejandro, "Talbot? He spends his time in the mine either directing the drilling or conducting his secret fuel refining process. It's just a few hours outside of town, out the east end and follow the first turn off you see. Can't miss it, practically a paved road now with all the traffic it sees."
A few team members (the more tech inclined) can note that thasteron was a pre-Drift spaceflight fuel that has now been relegated to useless status. Many towns/planets (like this one) went bust as the fuel was replaced. Komodo notes: The group is from off-world and wearing matching/uniformed gear, but you can't tell who or what group from your current position. The Vesk are definitely guarding the Shirren, and all three have noted your team's presence in the bar.
Podswald and the towns-sentients are more than willing to talk, all seem to be in good spirits. Many admitting this is for the first time in a long time. People in the bar readily talk about the town's rebirth and Reynald Talbot too, as the town’s savior. They explain that he has a miraculous means to transmute thasteron into a more marketable fuel. The miners started excavating thasteron again for Talbot to transmute, which has already resulted in a lucrative sale. The sale benefited not only Talbot, but the entire town. Most of Tasch’s citizens belonged to jobless families thanks to the thasteron bust, but now have some hope for the future. Consequently, many of Tasch’s citizens are out celebrating. Sense Motive/DC 14: Just in case you hadn't picked up on it... Talbot is held in HIGH regard in Tasch. Provided the team doesn’t start any conversation by expressing hostile intent towards Talbot, they can be prevent a social incident. If a team member decides to disparage the renegade Starfinder, that sentiment can change swiftly.
"Names Podswald, not hey...," she looks Alejandro up and down careful then glances over his shoulder at the rest of the team. "Drinks are a cred. Mix drinks are a cred. And judging from your clothes I should explain, 'mixed drinks' means one bottle mixed with a second bottle in a glass. You drink it, and compliment me. We don't do fancy." She waits on Alejandro's order giving him a pleasant if feisty grin. A few of the other patrons snicker, and one shouts "Her wit burns worse than the whiskey! And ain't neither watered down!!!" There's a little more laughter, some argeements before they all go back to drinking. |