If the jar holds any more clues they elude the Starfinders' investigation.
As you make your way towards the address provided for Shenge your comms beep with a message from Venture-Captain Arvin.
"This is Venture-Captain Arvin. I am afraid Meme and Oda have been reassigned. I am sending you a replacement though. I understand your investigation has turned into a missing persons case, which is a little more dangerous than I originally intended so I'm sending one of our best available agents, Obozaya. She may not contribute much to the investigation itself but when trouble arises there are few more proven to make sure our agents make it back safe. She will meet you at your next destination."
Obo meets you at Lodging Camp 66, Located a half hour away from Maija's apartment, Lodging Camp 66 is one of several scattered camps throughout Absalom Station that provides basic housing for those unable to pay the heightened rates for proper station housing. While Maija lives in a predominantly halfling area, this neighborhood is more mixed.
Foot traffic is low in this neighborhood, and most of the roughly dressed citizens ignore newcomers and expect to be ignored in return. Short halls connect several basic square lodging units together in simple patterns, while exterior areas with open tables and chairs act as communal gathering points. Few people walk the dirty streets here, and many of the doors are unnumbered with multiple locks installed.
The address Hermot provided is one of six single-occupant dwellings crammed together. From the outside each appears to be an approximately ten-foot-cube chamber with a single door. Some of the chambers have armored windows, though each of these is covered by posters or shaded over by crude spray paint. A communal restroom unit is located near the center of the accommodations.
my players have already defeated the elf in the filing room, they are just trying to figure out the final offering and they are out. I am trying to give them a clue without being too obvious. What does everyone think of this of this clue? It is hard to judge when I already know the solution. Too obvious, not obvious enough?
"You get the idea that the lack of clues in this room itself might be a clue, while the correct offering at each of the previous shrines was obvious, it is as if this one was meant to be a secret."
I am a bit disappointed no one succeed at that hard perception check. If you haven't already do feel free to read it by the end of the scenario. Just keep player and character knowledge separate.
Wrapping up the previous encounter in 'story mode'.
The starfinders take down the the third assassin as K'saret and Azara punch a hole through the center of the new arrivals at the top of the stairs. The others grab Denanne and lead her through the chaos. There is a retreating firefight down the hall towards the elevators only to discover they have been sabotaged to prevent escape. A couple of the starfinders are able to make quick repairs while the rest hold off the assassins and they all escape to Denanne's docked starship. Denanne once again promises that she'll stand against Datch and further that she plans to use her influence to boost the Starfinder Society's reputation among her colleagues and contacts.
Azara and Daata notice some jet-black spines bored into the walls.
DC 24 Mysticism:
The spines are zuvak quills.
Cafeteria
The acrid odor of industrial cleaner permeates this small, tidy cafeteria. The floors and surfaces were recently scrubbed, and the only food items in the area are steel soup canisters and packets of vacuum-sealed jerky.
A dozen workers dressed in drab coveralls sit dejectedly around the tables. A PCs who succeeds at a Medicine or Physical Science check to operate Monsylkis's device can collect vital signs.
DC 16 Medicine or Physical Science:
The workers in the Cafeteria are all healthy.
By interacting with the cafeteria's occupants and succeeding at a Diplomacy check, the PCs can learn more.
DC 16 Diplomacy:
The virus causes fever and lethargy that can result in a coma or death; its most distinctive characteristics are clouded eyes and darkened blood. Laelund Station's overworked medical professionals believe the contagion is a new virus, but they lack the facilities and equipment to synthesize a cure. So far, all confirmed cases are confined to Sector 9, and residents are encouraged to self-isolate and wear protective gear. Several dormitories and recreation areas have been converted into overflow clinics for sick residents. These clinics are tended primarily by medical robots.
A confusing patchwork of rumors emerges. A few talkative residents believe that the unnamed contagion is a biological weapon created by a rival corporation to disrupt Laelund Station's operations. They argue passionately with anyone who disagrees with them.
A host shirren shares their concerns about a rare type of ore being refined on the station. Koruxian ore is toxic, and the shirren worries that it could be causing everyone's symptoms. Physical Science to learn more.
Several residents chat about cooking with limited supplies. A human worker complains about the "weird eggs" that a miner named Radi recently started selling. She wrinkles her nose in disgust as her companions recall hearing about the eggs a few weeks ago, which were apparently tasty despite their off-putting appearance and odor.
Overflow Clinic
This oblong chamber contains a dismal tableau. Feverish patients recline in cots, tended by a single medical bot that can't quite keep up with its workload.
A PC who succeeds at a Life Science or Medicine check can use Monsylkis's device to gather samples and vital data from the patients.
DC 20 Life Science or Medicine:
An initial analysis reveals that all six are infected with the same pathogen. When compared to the pathogen database, it matches a rare extraplanar virus called murkblight.
The PCs can gather additional information by succeeding at an Computers check to read the medical bot's stored data.
DC 16 Computers:
Most confirmed cases are Sector 9 residents, but the contagion has begun spreading to the rest of the station.
First Success reported! I've got a crack team of infiltrators over here that managed to slip in and out Datch's office without triggering security like there was nothing to it.
The Lorespire Complex's familiar grounds are in a boisterous state of flux. Hired workers set up pavilions and booths on the lawns, courier vehicles dart back and forth down the adjacent streets, and janitors hustle to prepare rooms for occupation throughout the compound’s buildings. Dozens of early guests loiter nearby chatting excitedly. The festive, yet chaotic, atmosphere persists in stark contrast to the First Seeker's ominous announcement. A lashunta man, Venture-Captain Arvin, strides forward to intercept the newest arrivals. "Welcome back, Starfinders. First Seeker Elsebo plans to meet with the agents involved in her operation shortly. She'll announce when she's ready—listen for the code phrase 'pest control.' It looks like Luwazi is finally going to have us strike back at Datch, the architect of our past year of credibility woes. Regardless of our foe's machinations, we're hosting several weeks of conferences and parties to honor Ehu Hadif, and there's plenty to do while you wait. Let's get you checked in, shall we?"
PCs can attempt the following checks individually, or use the aid another action using the same skill.
BUFFET CRISIS
Venture-Captain Naiaj leans despondently against the wall outside the cafeteria. Workers clad in white chef smocks hurry past carrying a covered tray, which Naiaj eyes longingly. She turns to the PCs and snaps, "Have you ever been so hungry you got angry? I came here to get my snack on and found the caterers in a panic. They don't have enough food prepared to handle the guest list, and they're struggling to accommodate some attendees' unique dietary needs. I'd hate to see our new First Seeker's big day spoiled by an empty buffet line. Get in there, and see what you can do to help. Look alive, Starfinders!"
Relevant Skills Acrobatics, Life Science, or Profession (Chef)
MEDIA BOOST
The PCs meet with Celita, leader of the Dataphiles, in the Archive's Cortex. "Our esteemed colleague's elevation to First Seeker is a historic occasion. As such, we must all do our part to foster a celebratory atmosphere—not only to honor Ehu's nomination but to conceal Luwazi's activities. Your help with creating a positive buzz across the infosphere would be greatly appreciated."
Relevant Skills Computers, Culture, or Profession (Any CHA Based)
MEDIA CONTROL
Radaszam, leader of the Acquisitives, alerts the PCs to a potential security breach on the Lorespire Complex's front lawn, where a group crowds the main walkway, hoisting signs with anti-Society slogans. "Looks like these people bought in to Datch's propaganda," Radaszam grumbles. "They've been here all day. We're not going to make them disperse—please talk with them and work out a peaceful resolution."
Relevant Skills Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate
SOUND CHECK
Inside the Hall of Discovery, ysoki scuttle about setting up audiovisual equipment while a kindly voice directs them. Fitch, leader of the Wayfinders, waves to the PCs from atop a towering scaffold. "Good to see you! The kiddos and I are sprucing the place up for the big event." She stops and beams proudly at a scrawny, gray ysoki fiddling with a circuit board. "They're doing great, but it's a big job. Mind lending us a hand?"
Relevant Skills Computers, Engineering, or Profession (Electrician)
VALET PILEUP
Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians, chats animatedly with one of the hired event staff, a stocky, brown ysoki dressed in stained coveralls embroidered with the name 'Tall Sam.' The two avidly discuss a cluster of haphazardly parked land vehicles. "Hey, you!" The ysoki shouts at the approaching PCs, "Why are you just standing around, huh? We've got a pileup worse than A-Station rush hour over here. Get off your tails, and go park some vehicles!" Zigvigix nods enthusiastically and adds, "Relieving the valet queue might help our fellow Starfinders get to Luwazi's meeting. Please do whatever you can to help!"
Relevant Skills Engineering, Piloting, Survival
VIP ROUNDUP
The PCs encounter Venture-Captain Arvin pacing in front of the building's entrance, clearly overwhelmed by a list of familiar names on his datapad. "Sparklemane and associated weapon permits unaccounted for. Zo!—shuttle delayed. Envar Tam—oh, this is ridiculous." Arvin relaxes when he notices the PCs. "As you know, we're expecting an influx of visitors over the next few weeks. Some decided to arrive fashionably early, and we seem to have misplaced a few guests of honor in the confusion. If you can help me locate and corral our more elusive guests, I'd be grateful."
Relevant Skills Athletics, Diplomacy, or Perception
Something I saw done at a VTT event for SFS 2-00, I'm not even sure if it was a "house rule" my table GM implemented, or something that was in effect for the whole house: Aid Tokens are automatically passed at the end of the next combat encounter if unused, but players have the opportunity to boost them at that time.
I'm not sure if this is a legal modification, Tyranius would certainly need to weigh in if not others, but if it is what would everyone think about implementing something like this? I know in the past I've had trouble convincing players to use Aid tokens despite multiple reminders, and I hate to be that table. This would certainly keep them flowing.
I'm going to take that as a nomination and a second to use the aid token and pass it to another table. It was boosted for first aid so that is +2d6 HP or SP per character.
N Host Shirren Mystic (SF Data Jockey) 4/Soldier 1/Biohacker (Medic) 2 | DR 5/- | SP 22/50 HP 49/49 RP 4/7 | EAC 19; KAC 20 | Fort +7; Ref +7; Will +10 | Init: +6 | Perc: +15, SM: +13 | Speed 30' Fly 30' (Average, Jetpack) | Biohacks: 1/5 Spells: 1st 4/4, 2nd 0/3 | Active conditions: None.
Looks good, you may want to add a notation for Thri-Kreen that I spent a Jadnura Tier 1 replay on this, as I already played this tier with another character.
Reminder: one of your rewards allow you to fire a Starship weapon without consuming ammunition. There is no point in saving it at this point so I am going to allow you to use it to have one more shot with the missiles. Hopefully that will allow you to finish it this round.
N Host Shirren Mystic (SF Data Jockey) 4/Soldier 1/Biohacker (Medic) 2 | DR 5/- | SP 22/50 HP 49/49 RP 4/7 | EAC 19; KAC 20 | Fort +7; Ref +7; Will +10 | Init: +6 | Perc: +15, SM: +13 | Speed 30' Fly 30' (Average, Jetpack) | Biohacks: 1/5 Spells: 1st 4/4, 2nd 0/3 | Active conditions: None.
Don't feel bad Hmm, I nearly had my table face both the high and low tier ships at the same time! Luckily I noticed my mistake before the end of the first combat round. I can't say I wouldn't have made the same mistake as you going into the second wave. That section wasn't laid out well.
N Host Shirren Mystic (SF Data Jockey) 4/Soldier 1/Biohacker (Medic) 2 | DR 5/- | SP 22/50 HP 49/49 RP 4/7 | EAC 19; KAC 20 | Fort +7; Ref +7; Will +10 | Init: +6 | Perc: +15, SM: +13 | Speed 30' Fly 30' (Average, Jetpack) | Biohacks: 1/5 Spells: 1st 4/4, 2nd 0/3 | Active conditions: None.
"Remember these jinsul are more insectoid than humanoid. To understand a bug you must be able to think like a bug, let me have a look. You see there," he says pointing "these topographical maps are designed for compound eyes."
SFS 3-00 should already be in production if not complete/nearing completion, of course they usually debut at origins which likely will not occur as planned. I doubt they will want to delay its release too much though as it doesn't make sense to move on with season 3 without wrapping up season 2. Perhaps as with many things right now they will move its debut online.
REWARDS Unless otherwise mentioned, using a reward gained from a preparatory task is a free action. If a reward gives a bonus to a check or otherwise affects a check, the PCs must declare the use of that reward before rolling. These rewards apply to the group, and the group must agree to use the bonus before a PC can gain the benefits.
Fitch
Fitch shows the PCs some of the inner workings of the Master of Stars, which help the PCs better understand other starships.
Level 1 Once during the adventure, the PCs can gain a +4 bonus to any non-gunnery skill check during a starship combat. Level 2 When using the reward above, all the PCs' nongunnery skill checks made during the same round gain the +4 bonus.
Iteration-177
The PCs gain significant insight into Iteration-177’s understanding of the divine and share a portion of his intuition.
Level 1 A PC can gain a +2 bonus to any one Mysticism, Perception, or Sense Motive check within the Scoured Stars. This allows the PC to count as being trained in Mysticism for the duration of the adventure. Level 2 In place of the reward above, a PC can add a +1 bonus to any one saving throw while within the Scoured Stars.
Venture-Captain Arvin
The PCs improve their allies’ morale, making them more reliable in combat.
Level 1 Once during the adventure, the group can gain the benefit of aid another (+2 bonus) to all skill checks for 1 round. Level 2 When using this reward, the benefit applies to both skill checks and attack rolls.
Celita
Pleased with the PCs’ review, Celita outfits the Starfinder fleet with better weapons-tracking software for targeting jinsul ships.
Level 1 Once during the adventure, the PCs gain a +2 bonus to any one starship combat gunnery roll, and that attack does not consume ammunition in the case of a weapon with the limited fire property.
Zigvigix
Zigvigix grants the PCs priority access to some Starfinder Society equipment.
Level 1 Once during the adventure, each PC can requisition a weapon with an item level up to the PC’s level for the duration of one mission. The group must use this ability prior to starting a new encounter, and this ability cannot be used during Part 4. The weapon comes with a full battery or magazine. Level 2 In addition to the reward above, the PCs can also requisition a single consumable item with an item level up to the PC’s level. These consumables cannot have permanent effects, and PCs who don’t use them during the course of the scenario must return them at the end of the adventure.
Radaszam
The PCs assist overviewing the Society’s default plan of engagement.
Level 1 The PCs can reroll any one skill check while in the same location as a fleet. Level 2 Once during the adventure, while in the same location as a fleet, the PCs can instead activate this reward to gain a +2 bonus to each of their initiative checks for that mission.
This is extremely disappointing. This will do absolutely nothing to increase the likelihood of myself or many others playing at a convention. I would love to given the opportunity, regardless of the exclusivity of any offerings, but for many of us playing at a meatspace convention is simply not feasible, whether due to financial reasons, location, or real world obligations. I've been playing RPGs for decades but I only just started playing SFS this year and I really like the online community I have found on Discord. This decision I think will only serve to anger many fans, not fill seats at conventions.
I politely request Paizo make the pre-existing PRD available to the public, in its entirety, in its pre-existing format, in perpetuity, even if it is never updated again.
I don't care who hosts it.
I don't care what the URL is.
I don't care if the landing page is a giant disclaimer stating aonprd.com is now the authoritative source for PFRPG rules and a big half-grinning half-snarling face of Nethys with big bright hyperlink to aonprd.com.
Heck, I don't care if it's a chibi anime Nethys head as an animated GIF with embedded 8-bit MIDI sound jingle that I have no way of turning off. Just give me back what I had yesterday.
Simply auto-redirecting http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/ to aonprd.com was a slap in the face. You did not add anything to the gaming community; you took something away.
^ THIS. Don't get me wrong, I like AoN, I even prefer it for some tasks, but I also prefer the PRD for others. AoN, the PRD, and d20pfsrd (and others) all serve different purposes in my Pathfinder toolbox. Now Paizo has taken one of those tools away from me and I'm left to use a wrench in place of a hammer.
