Before master riddle has a chance to leave said bar, some kind of commotion is starting outside the bar in the common walkway areas.
Patrons and commoners start to hug the walls, and get out of the way of some unseen danger.
A pair of individuals can be seen running past the doorway to the bar. One of the two fleeing individuals takes a shot on the back from what sounds like the distinctive sonic recoil of a Blas Tech DC-15 and crumples on the hallway just outside the Nexu's Claw.
Two heavily armored stormtroopers pause at the body while a third takes aim at the last runner, but is waved off from what looks like a commander in a matte black set of commando armor.
The troopers are scanning the crowd looking for further targets and having some kind of communication which each other via private comms by the way they occasionally make eye contact with the trooper in black.
The black armored commander keeps his rifle close but relaxed, as the other two troopers pick up a robed figure. Hoisting the figure up, her cowl slips off her head and a long stream of honey colored hair falls in front of her face as the two troopers secure her. She appears to still be breathing, though she takes infrequent shallow breaths.
Job contract is yours if you want it. Details will be provided in person, and is be deemed classified, I'm paying well, you'll want to hear my pitch regardless.
No assistants without approval, from any form - Droids Included. The nature of this business is strictly classified. I aim to keep it that way.
I can say I was not expecting to find someone so quickly. Give me until tonight to get my end sorted out. I'd like to meet you tonight, hanger bay 2 on gold level, say 0900 hours tonight?
The bartender pauses, she brings you your drink but mentions quietly:
"Here is our best sir, I got to turn down your offer to buy me a drink though, I'm not allowed to on duty. Alcohol and my system don't react very well either, it's best I avoid the stuff."
"Say, is that what I think it is?" Directing her subtle gaze to the hovering droid.
"Hey bartender, when's that band start up?" Veeta asks loudly in an attempt to dispel the uncomfortable hush that had fallen over the room. "If it's going to be awhile, maybe you could provide a deck of sabacc cards for my friend and I here. Anyone who wants to join is welcome."
Bartender:
"The house band is on in about a half hour, I think anyway. It's my first night here, looks like that are close to setting up over there though."
she adds sarcastically with a smile:
"Oh, I'd stick around for the main act. It's supposed to be a fantastic show of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. Well, that's what the flier says."
She slides the flier across the bar counter.
[ooc: the flier is a swirl of hypnotic patterns of color showcasing a ridiculously dressed, middle aged human man, with pattern baldness griping his temples in some state of great mental concentration as he performs his stage act.]
Syn:those checks are per round, if a 1d6 will tip you to a win, you may use force points if desired. The max of 1 per round still applies. In the event of a tie, we can reroll that round, but it looks like you can force a tie on round 1 at worst or change that to a win by spending 1 force point and getting a 2 or better.
Given that you were inclined to use a FP anyway, ignore the last one used, and reroll a force point roll and apply it to round 1, if you get better than a 2 your all set. Other wise we will redo round 1 and determine the winner. Fair enough?
Message from the Holonet:
From: H.Var
Subject: Re: Security Job Posting
Body:
I'm asking all applicants to show me they got what it takes to accept my proposition. If you got what it takes this shouldn't be too hard for you.
H.Var
He sends back an acknowledgment, and a test. The test is a series of scenarios and situations on how you would handle said problem. It'll be run as a series of DCs based on your "use computer" skill.
Each scenario gets increasingly harder until you eventually fail, he wants to judge your familiarity with the subjects presented, and your ability to problem solve them.
You can choose to ignore this, or undertake the challenges. If you proceed make rolls for each scenario challenge presented below, and stop once you fail one.
If you decide to take the test, continue to the next spoiler.
The Test:(read above spoiler first before clicking here. Should you choose to accept his challenge read on.)
Spoiler:
CHALLENGE 1
Pirate Scenario 1: 'Access Information' DC 10
Hunter has a replica Holonet simulation running on his ships computer, your first test is to get access to it. Failure means you cannot continue to the next scenario, as the rest of the test takes place on this fake holonet sim.
If you fail the test is over.
If you succeed continue to Scenario 2 below.
Pirate Scenario 2: 'Astrogate' DC Varies
The sim boots up and describes a scenario where you are aboard a starship plotting a course through mine infested space. Your job is to find the multiple jump vectors to avoid or bypass said mines all the while avoiding entanglement with the pirates that laid the mine traps.
Use Computer: Astrogate DC 5:
The first jump is working with the ships nav computer, and data that is less than 1 day old to get from point A to point B. There are no mines in the path, and the holonet is accessible currently to cross reference current hyperdrive lanes and the ships nav computer data.
Math: base dc 10, +5 for using a nav computer.
If you fail the test is over.
If you succeed continue.
Pirate Scenario 3: 'Astrogate' DC 20
After arriving in location B successfully the ship is attacked by hidden pirates using asteroids for cover. Assist the pilot by plotting micro hyperspace jumps around said asteroids and evade the pirates.
You do not have enough time to access the holonet, as you are under fire now and the captain is performing evasive maneuvers.
Math: DC base 10, -5 for no holonet, -10 for making the check in 1 minute, +5 for having the nav computer available.
If you fail the test is over.
If you succeed in making three DC 20 astrogate checks you pass and may continue.
Pirate Scenario 4: 'Astrogate' DC ??
Having survived the surprise attack, and evaded the pirates lying in wait in the asteroid field, you are now left with escaping the mine field trap they ran you into, and hyperspacing out of this system in one piece.
The ships nav computer was damaged in the opening salvo of the attack, and is nonresponsive, also the communications array took a hit and is not functioning, which eliminates using the holonet to help plot the course. Also as an obstacle are the mine fields, and asteroids now looming ever closer to the ship you are on.
The ships alarms scream about a black hole or gravity wells in the area as well, but you have no idea where they are with the ship so damaged.
Describe your actions, then perform the appropriate skill roll.
continue to the next challenge.
Challenge 2
Hal 9000 scenario 1: 'Improve Access' DC Varies
--------------------------
The simulation suddenly labels you as a hostile intruder, regain access to continue the test.
It is suddenly 'opposing' your computer roll, and attempting to disconnect your connection, beat this threat to continue with the test.
Current attitude: HOSTILE
Will Defense: 14
DC to beat: 24
If you pass the initial DC of 24 continue to attitude: Unfriendly
If you fail by 5 or more the test ends.
Special: Failing at any attitude level 3 or more times is also a failed test.
--------------------------
--------------------------
Having used some skill to bypass the typical security protocols you 'convince' the computer you are allowed access.
Current attitude: UNFRIENDLY
Will Defense: 14
DC to beat: 19
If you pass the initial DC of 19 continue to attitude: INDIFFERENT
If you fail by 5 or more you drop the computer back down to HOSTILE, and must restart there.
Special: Failing at any attitude level 3 or more times is also a failed test.
--------------------------
--------------------------
While improving your access to Indifferent, it seems you picked up a rival hacker also trying to gain access, he is attempting to lock you out of the system by boosting the security protocols used against you.
Current attitude: INDIFFERENT
Will Defense: 25
DC to beat: 27
If you pass the initial DC of 27 continue to attitude: FRIENDLY
If you fail by 5 or more you drop the computer back down to UNFREINDLY, and must restart there.
Special: Failing at any attitude level 3 or more times is also a failed test.
--------------------------
--------------------------
You are able to lock the external hacker out, and access the computers subroutines, search through it's files and find the correct test file and execute it to continue. But do so quickly, before the hacker finds a backdoor and attempts to lock you out again.
Current attitude: FRIENDLY
Will Defense: 20 +5 bonus for unknown reason
DC to beat: 25
Success here allows you to gain HELPFUL status, and may resume the test.
Failure by more than 5 drops you back down to INDIFFERENT.
--------------------------
CHALLENGE 3
The Final Challenge.
A rival for the job is also logged in and has been trying to win the contract. Both of you are pitted together in opposed computer commands to see who can get the access codes to the hanger bay where Hunters Ship is currently 'virtually' docked.
Fighting with the other root user, you must succeed in beating his DC 3 out of 5 times, the first to win 3 DC's is able to knock the other out of the system and receives the codes by issuing various commands.
For those with Force Sensitivity Feat, or trained in perception:
Force Sensitive:
Spoiler:
Use the Force (Automatic success.)
The majority of the crowd is very nervous, frightened, and very concerned since the droid arrived.
Perception:
Spoiler:
If you can't fail a dc 10 read on.
The room did not go quiet, but a hush has come over what was a slighlty more talkative environment since the droid arrived. A few hands slowly go to pistols, but no one has made any moves to draw yet. Seems no one wants to be interrogated first.
The bartender shoots you a smile, there is a brief sense of being overly scrutinized and a twinkling in her eyes, but it passes almost as fast as it came. There is some kind of very brief mind effect that your Jedi senses pick up on easily, but it has a benign, almost accidental, feel to it.
She brings you your drink and goes back to serving other patrons casually while wiping up condensation from tall glasses left on her table.
Trained in Knowledge: Life Sciences (Ithaka only it looks like.):
Spoiler:
Ithaka:
It seems the bartender is capable of using pheromones. You can narrow down the species to Zeltron with a 99.87764% accuracy rating by cross referencing skin pigmentation allowances with this ability.
Zeltron's are not widely known, but nor are they rare.
This Zeltron has a lingering pheromone discharge that seems woefully inadequate for influencing organic heuristic processors. This suggests accidental usage, or a "slip" as humans would classify them, perhaps being surprised.
Hunter Var has pilot experience with Mandalorian military. He is currently self employed, but is still listed as active military personnel with ties to the bounty hunters guild.
He is on retainer with Corellia for military training protocols.
Captain License filed for the ship "Leviathan", a Ghtroc Industries Class 720 Freighter.
Combat Medic certification gained.
Heavy Weapon and Sniper training honors with several military academies.
Known associates: Dannie Walker, personal accountant and lawyer on exclusive retainer for the past 3 years.
Only one confirmed death on his bounty hunter tally sheet, it was reported and later confirmed to have been a result of suicide by the detainee.
(you can push any of these further with more invasive searches if you wish, or look for more specific general info. [and keep your current roll, or roll new.])
Nexu's Claw Interior:
The interior of the Nexu's Claw is set up similar to a figure eight, with the bartender on one half serving drinks from an island, and the other half open to a stage area with large booths and circular seating. The stage is currently empty of entertainment, but it looks as if a small crew is going about setting something up for future use.
Patrons of all species can be seen mingling about, some at private tables with datapads jacked into the holonet going about their business, or milling about the bar area with drinks in hand.
The lighting is set higher than it is at night, revealing cracks in the layers of paint slopped on the walls. Smoke from the kitchen wafts in occasionally, carrying the pungent scents of spiced meats through rusty servant doors in the back of the room. The bar area is large enough to have multiple bartenders, but only one female humanoid is currently on duty. She'd pass for human under the right lights, but the afternoon lighting clearly shows her pink skin and blue tinged hair.
The rest of the cantina is rather unremarkable, a few skins of what might have been made to look like authentic Nexu, but clearly look like replicas adorn the walls at random intervals.
The bar does seem to be the working mans watering hole, for the drinks are rather cheap, compared to the rest of the station.
The job by Hunter Var caught Synystr's attention. Normally he'd ignore such an obviously dangerous job, but times were becoming desperate and he needed credits. His desperation did not lead to a lack of precautions however. His fingers flew across his datapad, searching for any and all information hidden within the net on this Hunter Var person. Best to know exactly what dangers were present if he were to take up employment with Hunter Var.
Use Computer check 1d20+17 [16,17] = (33) to see if I can Gather Information on Hunter Var. Trace talent allows me to use Use Computer for Gather Information checks as long as I have access to a computer network.
You rolled well, but before I grant information, how much and how secret are you planning on digging? What would be the depth of information you are searching for. I.E. secret info? or just general info.
Foot traffic is light around the area outside the docking rings. Everyone seems to be moving at slow places, exotic spices and scents of flowers fill the main area. A decorated center square was constructed with an artificial, but organic, garden. A lone Rodian woman plays an upbeat tune on a wind instrument of sorts. It isn't a classical piece worth remembering but it's showcasing she has some skill in it.
Among the few cantinas that dot the station some of the names included the Nexu's Claw, the Burnt Tail, and Golden Glasses. The Golden Glasses looks to be an establishment that caters to those with credits to spend, large transparasteel views show off the posh interior, and it's equally posh clients.
IT-046 rises from her perch, and winds her power cord away from the ship's charging outlet. Her red photoreceptor shifts and darts around her master's rented quarters, focusing in and out like a telescope.
"Agreed, master Riddle. A cantina is a most fitting location to acquire new identities. But may I suggest we try to deal with more reputable folk this time? I do detest dealing with that type of scum in order to further our goals," Ithaka says in her monotonous, eerily soothing voice. "During your meditation, I scanned the station's database as per your request (Use Computer = 25, I assume a success at finding cantinas on the station) and I have determined that The Nexu's Claw would be a most suitable place to look for assistance."
Ithaka keeps her photoreceptor trained on Riddle, patiently waiting to leave the cramped quarters for the cantina.
There is no trouble locating several watering holes, including the one Synstyr named the Nexu's Claw.
Maps of the station, wouldn't require a specific DC, as they are available upon request. That said you can have a full schematic available, and if the need arises I will provide all tactical options it would provide that may be beneficial.
FYI: Gather Information requires credits to accomplish, and is not appropriate for the current action, computer use was fine however. :)
The exit from the docking rings leads into a pleasant view of an artificially grown garden vista. Aliens dart to and fro from the lined shops along the inner wall areas, without paying much attention to you.
A light jasmine fragrance floats around the air from the center stage garden where a lone Rodian musician is playing a soft trilling beat on some kind of woodwind-like instrument. Her tip jar is quite empty, and ignored, but that isn't stopping her from delivering the rest of her solo performance.
Here and there a Stormtrooper can be seen on patrol in a fairly relaxed posture, weapons stowed on their shoulders or back, as they walk the perimeter. They stop an alien here and there, but seem to let them go on their way without much trouble after a few moments.
Amoung other postings for things such as Image Designer, Hyperdrive Repairman, Janitor, Empire specific Military recruitment ads, are the following two:
Company Name/Hiree: Hunter Var
Position Offered: Security Consultant, Technician
Location: (local)
Details:
Spoiler:
Looking for someone skilled in vehicular targeting systems, anti-virus countermeasures, computer system streamlining, and able to keep his damn mouth shut, or else. Nothing illegal here, but secrecy is a must. Paying double the normal rates because I expect the best, and pay for talent. Military credentials a plus, but not required.
Expected employment duration: 1 week,
Expected Pay: Double Standard rates. bonus' paid upon faster completion of all assigned upgrades and tasks. Further incentives paid out for having military clearance and meeting other discussed objectives. Contracts used and enforced.
Company Name/Hiree: Wetworks Cargo
Position Offered: Escort Fighter Pilot
Location: (local)
Details:
Spoiler:
Greetings Stick Jockies! Melfin Frud here, and I run the glorious Wetworks Cargo, specializing in transportation of rare live cargo and specimens. Recently my cargo ships have been targeted by pirate gangs, and I'm losing credits hands over fists here! I need able bodied fighter pilots like you to protect my freighters as we make deliveries off world. Show me your fighting prowess by defending my noble ships from vicious pirate attacks!
Ask for Melfin Frud in the docking rings, or look for the Copper Bolt, the biggest barge on the docks! HYPERDRIVES AND ARMS ARE A MUST!
Expected employment duration: Multiple Hyperdrive Jumps + subspace travel required, probably 2 weeks total.
Expected Pay: Negotiable. +Percentage of freight and cargo successfully delivered as bonus.
This is a very NON CANON game. I have changed a lot behind the scenes. Simply because it is interesting to me to play in a Star Wars game that has plenty of plot twists, and I love to just do things my way when it comes to telling a story far far away.
It does loosely follow along the story line with these notable exceptions:
Luke was stolen at birth, he does not lead the rebellion, nor the resurgence (if any) of Jedi.
Obi Wan, went dark, not Anakin. Anakin Died 18 years ago now, leaving his legacy to his daughter, Leia Skywalker. She is not a known name in the galaxy as of yet.
The time line is set on the cusp of open war with the empire, secretly rebel resources are already amassing funds to build fuel the rebellion. Tension is high, but open resistances is few and far between.
Hyperspace routes are slowly being blockaded by star destroyers, and smuggling is being dealt with swiftly and speedily.
Various other canon changes made, but no need to ruin surprises that haven't unfolded yet.
I would prefer that ALL rolls kindly be done via [url="http://www.invisiblecastle.com"[/url]Invisible Castle[/url] and that you use your characterds name, and the game name "The Power of the Dark Side" for ease of roll lookups later.
I do have the habit of checking for anomalies in dice rolls so be forewarned. I don;t think the types of players these boards attract however will have this problem.
Shrouded by the dark side of the force, Darth Obi Wan put his diabolical plan into action to turn his apprentice Anakin Skywalker to the dark side. Having failed to turn him, and leaving him a battered and burnt husk on Mustafar he turned his attention to Padme, and her child.
Darth Obi Wan had little resistance in infiltrating the hospital and stealing the son of Skywalker, not knowing there was also another...
18 Years later Anankin died a peaceful death, passing on his legacy to his daughter, and sending her to an old friend on Dagobah to finish her training.
At the same time Emperor Palpatine showed his true colors when he stole complete control over his new empire, now ruled with an iron fist, and a new, younger apprentice known only as the Sun Killer.
The galaxy is on the cusp of open revolt, tales of rebels fighting back circulate through the non-public channels, and words like rebellion are on the tips of good peoples tongue, all they need is a spark to light the fire.
Opening Scene:
A Space Station in the outer rim, under light Imperial patrols. Various shops, ship repair pads and bays, and merchant shops line the inner perimeter. It is a relaxed atmosphere, and while not the most posh and maintained space station, this one has more than enough charm to pull off a comfortable rest and has more than adequate amenities available.
It's currently under negotiations with a mysterious benefactor, and thus is currently unnamed. But this hasn't stopped the station from running it's daily operations.
Spoiler:
For All: Feel free to have your own initial reasons for starting here, as long as your here you'll be part of the story that begins, you can start as a group, part of a group, on your own etc. that aspect is up to you, but for simplicity sake, please find a reason to be here, or on your way here.
For those with ships, a simple refueling is plausible. For those without, or the means, shuttles to this station are common enough that you can hitch a ride here without to much trouble.
This station is currently in orbit over a planet labeled WA3-74. It has a mining colony that operates below, and this is a new planet to the Star Wars cannon, and thus is currently unnamed.
I'll have campaign notes, and back history posted, along with my bastardized cannon changes.
Any changes you need to do get done tonight or tomorrow. Any last minute changes let me know. I'll create the new room both OOC and IC Sunday and post once it's live.
Finishing up the intro stuff, with the exception to buying gear, no other rolls should be made until start. Meaning you can buy your gear without skill checks for restricted gear, but no modifications (sorry) until the start of the game.
It looks like we have 2 potential Bounty Hunters in the midst, which will be interesting as well.
I see Veeta heading more towards Elite Trooper, kind of a no-nonsense professional type, so I think there's plenty to distinguish her from Cuss (who sounds like fun - maybe they know each other from Veeta's time marooned on Tattooine?). Honestly, I built her as kind of a Duracell (takes a licking, keeps on ticking). I'm interested to see how much punishment she can take with her talents (Evasion, Indomitable) and feats (Improved Damage Threshold, Improved Defenses, Shake It Off).
Sounds fun. I'm sure I'll give you the opportunity to test that build out :)
I'll see if I can get an "opening crawl at least" for the tomorrow or Saturday while I check out the characters more in depth this weekend. I expect to get some short intro scenarios for each characters going soon.
I would be interested in joining your game if your sixth player doesn't show up. I'll look at the rules and come up with a character concept and post tonight or tomorrow night. I haven't yet played Star Wars Saga, but have looked through the books some.
Your welcome to join, and newbies to the game are welcome. If you want to try it i'll let you in as the last, and just let tarlane join when he is ready. 7 wont be too large for a mid level game.
Ha, I filled up the text box in the Profile & it won't take any more. This is problematic since Cuss currently has no inventory, no physical description, etc. I'll probably just bullet point a lot of the background & move a full story onto a wiki or Google doc.
As for being on the road to becoming a Bounty Hunter or similar... Yep. It was either this or a Jedi.
Cuss is a shootist and pistolero in the tradition & spirit of the American West. Hopefully there isn't too much overlap between Cuss and the other, though the Western isn't quite as popular a genre as it used to be.
Condense those thoughts and you should be fine, though honestly it doesn't look like you have a heck of a lot of text there.
6.) reserved a few more days for Tarlane if he's still interested.
As long as no glaring math errors, or overpowered illegal builds are done, you should all be set to play these guys.
It looks like we have 2 potential Bounty Hunters in the midst, which will be interesting as well. I'll 'probably' be ready to kick off the game this weekend. SO fine tune any story elements you want to develop and I'll get some story goodness cooked up for the start that sets the current games atmosphere, or lack thereof if I decide to hull breach you.
OK, I wouldn't do that game 1, but that may be fun.
Okay, I have a character half-written up... Human Scout 3/Soldier 3. The background is getting overly long for this time of night, so I will stop for now & get back to it tomorrow.
The tone is Western, and the character is mostly inspired by gunfighters and cowboys of that era.
He's not out of place in polite company, and he's studied philosophy & psychology (somewhere, but that's not in the backstory yet)... but as the gunmen of the West often were, Cuss Wilvern is a wolf amongst civilized men.
Here's the background so far...
** spoiler omitted **...
Sounds interesting, I look forward to seeing him role play. I'd say he'd fit in pretty good.
Veeta looks good, but what does being a near human do? Not familiar with that. Is that a race in itself?
Statistically it's just a human, only a little different flavor. Some races, like Arkanians, are described as specific types of near-humans with different abilities, but others are just vanilla homo sapiens with the serial numbers filed off and a new paint-job. All Veeta has is the standard bonus feat and extra skill - and the the mutant ability to shoot Death Star lasers out of her eyes, but I thought I'd wait until the game gets started before bringing that up ;)
I'm familiar with the offshots, which have their own species write up etc, but mechanically if you doing the same as a human I have no prob with a light fluff of near human then.
We only have 3 players done, I don't think that we're ready to start the IC thread just yet. We have 2 interested working on characters, so I will give them time to submit and see if we have one more interested party.
I'd be interested if you're still looking for players. I'd like to use this character, from another Pbp that died an early death. I'll probably recast her background to be a mercenary/more generic resistance fighter if the Rebellion hasn't really taken off yet. Might kick her up to 6th level, as well, and sub out her medic skills for Survival or something.
Your welcome to join.
If you convert that character to my generation methods near the top of the thread, and add the back story requirements in per level as needed, I see no problems giving Veeta a second shot at life.
Even though this is planned on being alternate history, I psuedo matched the time line right before open hostilities arise against the Empire. So secretly, things are already in motion.
Sorry. If the book lists it as 2nd degree, it's 2nd degree. You can however create a custom droid and see if you can build it around the concept you want though. I bet you can come just as close building the same droid mechanically that way and still keep your back story.
Stock droids are as is, including stats, which may sometimes be better than a custom droid would allow etc.
Actually, I think I'll bow out on this opportunity, but thanks for the chance! It has inspired me to dust off my SW DM shoes and I might be putting out a PbP myself in the future. Have a great game!
I know the feeling, GMing can be very fun. Thanks for the interest, and have fun in your games.
Cordal Mhoy started life as the scion of a wealthy Duros shipping family. That all changed when the Empire came to power and seized their ships and business for the "war effort." Cordal managed to escape being pressed into service and fled to the Outer Rim. Since that day he's been plying his trade as a freelance tech specialist and pilot in the service of any crime lord, shady smuggler or citizen with cash who would have him. Along the way he's earned the ire of the Imperials by generally out-manuevering them at every opportunity. Though he's often been suspected of smuggling or other illicit activities, he's never been caught at it and an ISP agent named Yivvkin Reys has made it her personal mission to discover his wrongdoing and see him behind bars for it.
Unfortunately his far deadlier foe is Asterin Vax, a bounty hunter that Mhoy has had run ins with repeatedly. Vax is a very by the books, always get your man type who hates that Mhoy always seems to weasel his way out of any charge. With Mhoy's constant disregard for the law and general attitude of scumliness, Vax is ready to see Mhoy pay the final price for his sins, one way or another.
Not a bad start, But I wanted at least 1 paragraph for each level :)
