Aw, sorry to hear that it's dropping off, I had a lot of fun with it. Definitely let me know if you end up running something else, I'd love to revive NT-2B sometime!
It was great playing with everyone, and thanks for running it, GM Phntm!
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White Dwarf: Were NT-2B a human, he would likely have found the notion of Jarris from Taris amusing, but as he wasn't, he simply busied himself running internal diagnostics while waiting for the officials to finish their sweeps.
Congrats on the new house, and good luck on the move!
White Dwarf: NT-2B nods to Jarl. "Their plans have been in place for years, I suspect. By my calculations, it would take approximately 2.5 years to construct a single Star Destroyer." He pauses for a second, monitoring the sensors. "I believe it would be safer, if we did not underestimate them."
As the others discuss how to best divide the group, NT-2B begins making complex calculations involving travel times and estimates for a daring rescue mission.
"I do not have old friends." NT-2B replies. "But I do value life. I would not want for your friend to suffer, and nor would I want you to be captured. Though I am owned by Warrior Poet, you are my captain and I would not permit you to go alone." "Of course, if everyone feels similarly, and it would be more beneficial, I could also take the ship myself to do the delivery, but I warn you that I may push it beyond safe limits in my desire to not abandon you for long. For instance, I could turn off life support, and dedicate more power to the engines."
NT-2B turns towards the Captain as he boards the bridge after loading. "I am pleased that you have returned." He remarks. "We should depart shortly." Once he is told the factors, NT-2B processes for a second, considering the possibilities. "I calculated that it would take 5 days to reach Balmorra. I estimate Taris to be an additional 5-7 days. There is the potential for a faster route, but that of course comes with risks." Thinking for a moment, he continues. "As to our cargo... I could potentially splice the power cell into the ship's computer. It may damage the ship, especially if we were in a situation where we needed that power, such as a battle, but it would keep the preservation circuits lasting longer than they would ordinarily. I must note that this approach falls outside of the letter of our contract, though still within the spirit." "We could also split up and try to do both missions. However, with the distance between Taris and Balmorra, it would mean that those who go on the rescue mission would most likely have to find their own way off planet."
"New information." NT-2B drones. "The Star Destroyer has dispatched Tie Fighters. If we move our location, they will certainly notice. Recommend we instead wait for the Captain here." "I also estimate it will take us 5 days to reach Balmorra. Balmorra features several weapons manufacturers that deal with the Empire, as well as an Imperial garrison. Rumours exist of a new planetary defense space station, but even if such a thing does not exist, there are bound to be additional fleets patrolling the area." "I do not desire to leave our new contact there. However... it... will be a very dangerous place for us to travel. Our odds of escape are quite low."
NT-2B nods, and begins making preparations to jump. "Meeting him part way may buy us a necessary few seconds." Pausing for a second at the controls, he turns to Jarl. "What is this... 'bad feeling'? I have heard the Captain make the same comment."
NT-2B keeps a close eye on the sensors, observing the Star Destroyer's movements. "If we run, they may try to chase us. I recommend we behave as if we have nothing to hide." "What does the message say?"
NT-2B spends several seconds processing this time, committing what Jarl has told him to his memory banks, and concatenating it with his existing knowledge and suspicions of the Jedi. "I do not believe you will need to run forever." He finally replies. "There are enough people who are dissatisfied, frightened, outraged. Some day there will be revolt. No empire lasts forever." He pauses for a moment, before returning to the topic of the Jedi. "As to Wandering Scales, and the Jedi... Do you trust them?"
NT-2B processes for a moment before replying. "It is an interesting question." He replies. "As I was independently-manufactured, I do not have any inherent bias against the Jedi. I can understand why Cloaked Wisdom would desire to keep this aspect of his life a secret, and in attempting to protect him, I would do so as well." Pausing for a moment, NT-2B turns to Jarl curiously. "I will confess that not having been in the war myself, I have never seen a Jedi in action. As such, it is difficult for me to imagine that the stories about them are not... exaggerated. What about you? Did you serve with any during the war?"
Exactly!
NT-2B isn't allowed in Cantinas, he has a drinking problem.
I forgot to mention but our anniversary was in September. Still really having fun with this game, glad you're all still on board. :)
NT-2B nods. "I have not heard much of the General, not being in the war myself, but I am pleased to hear that there was one of my kind alongside him. Without the ability to be heroes ourselves, providing value for those who fight for justice is what we endeavour for. There are, of course, others who use us for illicit means, such as the Empire. But I suspect that's part of your query, isn't it?" Without pausing for an answer, the droid continues. "It is a question that I pose to myself often. It is not to suggest that I am not content being 'owned' by you. I have a great appreciation for you and Wrapped Hands before you, who let me see the galaxy, and assist people, and do not debase me. I recognise that, given the circumstances, such independence would be largely symbolic, since you treat me as an equal already... But it also occurs to me that that might be the point?" "In such an uncertain time, when there are others who are oppressed and have their rights taken away, I suspect there is something to be said for pursuing my own. Because if even a Droid has freedom, how can you deny it to anyone else?" NT-2B looks towards a console, and begins to tap keys as he speaks. "It is academic, I suppose. We have yet to meet anyone who would be capable of removing my behaviour modification chip." He pauses, to look up at Jarl, "But yes, I think about it."
"An intriguing assessment." NT-2B pauses, hovering in the air and spinning his internal motors. "I suspect you are correct about desperation. Some of our new companions in particular seem interested in.. staying hidden." "In traveling I have seen much more than I would have in a facility on Corellia. While my glossary functions suggest that our crew is made up of outlaws, vagabonds, criminals, I find myself seeing them as simply living beings. I have been unable to determine if this is a part of my programming, since unlike the Empire my purpose is to serve all life, or if it is something else, perhaps imparted from Wrapped Hands. While we are often in violation of the law, it is difficult to blame any of them for circumstances so far beyond their control." The droid pauses again. "Wrapped Hands had a way of doing business. He would rarely enter into a conversation with someone if he had not already worked it through in his head multiple times. But he always left the other person enough... in his words, 'rope to hang themselves'. He never held anyone's position against them, but always expected them to follow their own code of honour." "It is easy for me to see why the two of you were friends. It pleases me that we may have found others who are like-minded... Of course, while we have yet to see anyone's loyalties split, a circumstance could arise in which it were to happen. I am afraid that I do not have enough data on everyone to predict outcomes of such a situation."
NT-2B follows Jarl, and attempts to make himself useful checking the various systems. Eventually, even he grows bored, and begins probing Jarl for some knowledge. "What is your opinion on our crew, Warrior Poet?"
NT-2B nods to Jace. "I concur. When we do conduct business, our best course of action with the Barabels is to use their full names, for formality."
"They are quite formidable, I'm afraid. Their thick skin hampers most Stun blasters, cold does not slow them down unlike many other reptiles, and their teeth and claws are razor sharp. My advice would be to.. not have a fight break out."
"It would appear," NT-2B begins, switching off the comms with one arm, "That our employer's warning of not being intimidated was not without cause. This may indeed prove interesting. We should be cautious."
I will be away from tomorrow until Saturday as I'll be at the Steam Developer Day's Conference in Seattle. Please bot the bot as necessary.
"Affirmative." NT-2B replies, plugging into the ship's terminal.
NT-2B turns towards Jeren. "I believe Wandering Scales's... people" he pauses for a moment, hoping it's enough for them to realise he means Jedi and not Vurks, "would argue that there is a basic level of respect for all living things, such as I have been programmed to believe." "While I would not expect for him to tell us everything, certainly not without some kind of leverage over us, hiding things can put us at risk, especially when the job itself already begins as one with risk. Is the job more important than our lives? It is possible. But is that not a decision that should be ours to make?" "To put it more simply: Whether we know the entirety of the cargo or not, we are responsible for its delivery. Someone who wants to prevent that may know more than we do about the cargo, which puts us at a disadvantage for ensuring its arrival. I believe in smuggling, as in many things, knowledge is one's greatest asset." "...To put it even more simply, perishable cargo can refer to slaves. Would you, or the Imperials for that matter, be pleased with your plead of ignorance when that truth was discovered? I can agree that our time is for sale, but would you truly offer your integrity as well?"
Congrats, Castor! And sorry to hear, Daaneth. Glad he's okay, getting mugged sucks.
NT-2B studies the man cautiously, observing the sweat on his brow, calculating his heart rate. Recognising him as familiar, but having his memory banks come up empty on who the man is puts NT-2B as close to uncomfortable as he is capable of getting. It occurs to him that it's possible that Stanwell would notice what he was and try to return him to Corellia. In that case, NT-2B could only hope that the crew would protect him as he would them. Activating a program to simulate a throat clear, NT-2B speaks up. "There is nothing that would please me more than to help those who cannot help themselves," he begins. "It is a difficult task in these times... but is only made more so by a lack of information." "My programmed primarily responsibility is to my owner, Warrior Poet, and my captain and crew. I do not wish harm to come to them, nor to either of you, and I would hope that the feeling is mutual. However, if you are holding back information that may place their lives in jeopardy, I am afraid I will not be able to encourage them to accept the job." "While there is something to be said for seeing 'what we are made of', as you humans say, I humbly recommend... reconsidering the amount of information you have given us."
NT-2B is incapable of looking surprised, but at the mention of the man being from Corellia, NT-2B studies him closely, searching his memory banks to see if the name "Stanwell" means anything to him.
I believe we did do the 20% before (which was 2,000) when we were discussing it, but nothing since then? So this would put our ship fund at 4,000. As established though, things are expensiiiiiive. I need to start looking into "upgrades" for NT-2B, I suppose, but otherwise he has no real need for wealth / material things, so I might donate some of his money to the ship as well.
I just looked because I couldn't remember, either, and it looks like we had previously agreed on 20% to the ship.
then there are various rescue missions that the 'officials' don't care enough about to undertake that bounty hunters can find. Good point! That would definitely be a really cool angle.
Dibs on Bounty Hunter license. (Just kidding). Although I am slightly uncertain of what transport of illegal goods and hunting people down specifically to murder them will mean to NT-2B. I suppose there can be a "greater good" argument for some things, but probably not everything. It'll be interesting for sure. Also, FYI I will be away from the 2nd until the 9th as I'll be at GenCon. Feel free to bot (teehee) me as necessary.
I am certainly not good with posting every day, either, so I have no complaints or right to complain. I'm definitely up for continuing, but I know that not everyone likes a slower game, so I'd accept it if no one else is interested.
"Alright, Not2Bee, can you plot us a course back to Vin Dai Soo's Luxury Outfitters? We can grab our payment, and if we're lucky maybe upgrade the ship while we wait to hear from the boss on the next job." "Certainly! If we are indeed to get more high-profile jobs, it would be wise for us to be prepared." As the group heads to the ship Jarl pulls Not2bee aside, "Hey Not2bee tell me, have you ever thought about being your own Droid? I was thinking on the trip here that maybe the time has come for you to not be anyone's property..." NT-2B stares blankly for a moment, before responding. "I am not sure that I fully understand. My designation is to assist others. In many systems, droids are second-class citizens who are attacked or stolen if left alone. It was miraculous that I was able to find my way to you unhindered in the first place." "While there is a part of me that would enjoy traveling with a greater focus on healing the sick and wounded, I am afraid that I would be unable to survive on my own. My programming prevents me from harming others, even to save my own life. The single exception I can make is for cases like removing an infected limb to save the whole." NT-2B shakes his head. "While I am thrilled that you would consider me my own living being - something that many would never do - there are occurrences where it would be beneficial to pretend otherwise, and my options with freedom are still quite limited. However, I do not view myself as a slave, or as a servant, though I suppose in other hands I could be either. Wrapped Hands treated me well, as you have all treated me well."
"If we are stating facts about our histories, I should add that I am unique in the galaxy." NT-2B chirps.
NT-2B watches the exchange between Jace and Vessani with relative silence, continuing to examine the weapons, and to monitor Jace's vitals as was requested. As the discussion moves over to Force Lightning, NT-2B opens a small compartment in his chest, displaying a small taser. "I can produce lightning as well. Does that make me force-sensitive?" "Operating under the assumption that your power comes from something intangible as mine comes from a battery, how do relics such as these fit into that?" He asks curiously. "I suppose that you would consider them larger power sources? That is something that makes sense to me. But how is the item itself considered evil? For me it is the action itself. I could incapacitate someone for surgery, or to escape, but my programming would prevent me from overloading the device enough to cause measurable harm. But the battery itself behaves the same in either case." Musing, he puts down the items and looks at Jace. "I can see how power itself could be used specifically for something positive and negative, but that divide is a limitation of mine, not of the power itself. I suppose I cannot comprehend how your supposed energy field possesses a moral polarity." Shaking his head, he continues. "For what it is worth, the crest on this amulet is from an ancient royal family on the mining planet of Doan, who died out centuries ago. The sword, however... It belonged to someone, and apologies, there is some corruption in my data banks, to someone named Mar Roga or something to that effect? A Sith Lord who was in power during the Great Hyperspace War."
Taking another level in Scoundrel. I'm going to take Skill Focus (Use Computers) with my Level 3 Feat and Skill Focus (Mechanics) with my Scoundrel Bonus Feat. And with the changes to using incremental BAB, mine goes to +2 from +0 which probably doesn't matter since I'm not able to attack living things, but is still notable.
NT-2B follows Jace, and begins inspecting the items as well. "Curious artifacts." He muses. "This sword is very, very old. But they hardly seem to have any so-called special properties." Shaking his head, he puts the artifacts down. "They have a history. If you ask me, the best place for them would be in a museum."
How exactly does the incrimental BAB work? Basically 3/4th BAB progression is ordinarily 0, +1, +2, +3, +3, +4, etc. Which is fine except if you multiclass, because of the breakpoints. Eg: As Noble 1 / Scoundrel 1, my BAB is actually 0, because it's +0 from each of them. With Incremental, each level is actually treated as 0.75, which means that as Noble 1 / Scoundrel 1, I'll actually have 1.5, which rounds down to 1. If I went for Level 3 into the prestige class, I'd ordinarily have BAB of 0 still, because 0 from Noble, 0 from Scoundrel, 0 from Independent Droid. With Incremental, I'd have +0.75 from each, which would be 2.25, so I'd actually have a BAB of +2. Which is much more reasonable for a Level 3 character than having +0. tldr; it makes the penalties for multiclassing less hurtful.
Cool! I was going to go into the Independent Droid prestige class at 3rd, but since we haven't really set it up yet in the context of the fiction, I'm pretty likely to push it back and go further into Scoundrel first. I need to look into Feats and see what's useful for me, so it might be a couple of days before I'm updated.
Seeing that they were able to escape with the items the vurk will thank the group for their assistance and ask the droid to accompany him to his room as be begins to inventory what they have.
"Unexpected." NT-2B says to the machine as it goes into complete shut down. "And very unfortunate." Activating his comms, he speaks to the others. "I... appear to have lost all access, including the cameras. I cannot be sure that alarms have not sounded. Unless ordered otherwise, I shall be returning to the ship in preparation for our impending departure. I would... encourage you to move with haste."
NT-2B opens comms to respond to Jarl. "Hello, Warrior Poet. Let me check... The schematics do not mention any alarms or locks. I can attempt to slice into the system to open it remotely if that would be beneficial... It also may interest you to know that our malefactor is still within the Throne Room. Not that I think you should delay."
NT-2B floats off on his own towards the security room as ordered, taking careful measure to lock the door behind him, and begins sifting through the camera feeds to find the one for the Throne Room.
NT-2B points out the lift to the others. "I must admit a certain disappointment in the security here. Not that I would have preferred more of it, of course." NT-2b stands back, ushering others into the lift. "I am uncertain of what you will find up there, but I do not believe my presence would be beneficial. Perhaps I should return to the ship and prepare for our departure?"
NT-2B nods to Jeren. "I believe it to be the most likely location, though as I speculated, it is entirely possible that the front door may contain the secret entrance. Still, we have to start somewhere." He drones on as he begins to lead the way towards the hangar. To Daaneth he simply says, "You did not ask." Arriving in the hangar, he begins to scan the area in search of a likely place for the door to be hidden.
I got lost there, too, for a bit. I'm moving on to the Hangar. We've come this far, may as well just do it. And since no one has told NT-2B otherwise, he's going searching for a secret entrance.
NT-2B thinks for a minute, before nodding to Jeren. "I believe the two most likely locations would be near the front door, or perhaps more likely, in the hangar. Assuming that such a route is intended for escape, the hangar may yield the best results as a matter of distance."
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