Absolutely! I'll leave the loot sheet where it is. Also, being on Castrovel, Zam's home planet, creates an easy opportunity for a family emergency or something similar to draw her away from the adventure.
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All, I've grown shorter and shorter on time in recent months, and I kept hoping that my schedule would clear up, but it hasn't. It's gotten to the point where I just have to force myself to sit down and write, and that's completely the opposite of what PbP gaming should be. Wrestling with this dilemma, I've come to the conclusion that I need to cut back, and so I must withdraw from this game. I appreciate the opportunity to have played with you all. It's been a lot of fun! I hope to have more opportunities to play with you again the future.
To all my games: I will be traveling now until July 1. I will have limited access to my computer and phone and will post as I am able, but please bot me as needed. Thanks!
Inwardly pretty pleased with herself, Zam gives an abridged description of their adventure on the Drift Rock, including the indeterminate symbology found thereon. "...Symbols also found in the three-centuries-old writings of the scholar Halkueem Zan. His work is in the collections here at QUXX." Perhaps in the same restricted collection sought by Ailabiens 21:2. "We're interested in learning more about this surprising connection."
Mk 1 ring of resistance: This ring grants you magic protection against attacks and effects to which you are particularly vulnerable. You gain an enhancement bonus to saving throws with your lowest base saving throw bonus. If two or three of your base saving throw bonuses are tied for lowest value, you select which category gains this bonus when you first put on the ring, and this choice does not change unless a different base saving throw bonus later becomes your lowest bonus. This ring would be good for anyone, but I suppose we ought to prioritize upgrading our front-liner: Tylur. *Edit: the new artwork is beautiful! Is that meant to be Castrovel and one of its myriad jungle dangers?
"As a matter of fact, they did," Zam explains with a smile. "Imagine what a relief it's going to be for you to be unburdened with this scandal. The journalists: gone, the media frenzy: gone, the university's reputation: unbesmirched!" "All you have to do is cancel the suspension, restore access to the restricted collection, and leave this off Aibaliens 21:2's tenure review." "That's hardly anything at all!"
Zam notes Ailabiens 21:2's terms. "Right, we'll see what we can do." There's a lot more she'd like to say, but no reason to stoke this entity's ire until they've determined whether Muhali will be receptive to its terms. On the way out she stops and addresses Lefty. "We're going to relay communications between Ailabiens 21:2 and Professor Muhali. Just so you know, we'll be right back. Is that alright?"
Zam thinks quickly, trying to reconcile what she's hearing with what they were told by Muhali. "Reason and emotion are often at odds," Zam agrees with Ailabiens 21:2's general assessment, "and sometimes lead to conflicting conclusions. The reception to your analysis, logical as it is, is a testament to that. But, in practice, the emotional conclusion is often the one with more power, especially in a society where opinions matter. And, like it or not, opinions matter a great deal. That's not to say I think your conclusions are wrong or inaccurate, only that your detractors also have a vested interest in the outcome of this conflict." "And so," Zam continues, "where reason and emotion result in a deadlock, even the most logical of minds can accept that a compromise may be necessary. You mentioned that you'd like this incident stricken from your file. Muhali can do that. Muhali wants something from you in return. Could you forego pride and offer a public apology, acknowledging that your rational conclusion defies the sentiment of the community, in exchange for a clean record?"
Clearly their stardom isn't going to help them get on Ailabiens 21:2's good side. Zam decides to rely on other credentials. "Hi Professor, we're...researchers for the Starfinder Society, and we came to ask you some questions about your lecture on the cultural differences between the Formians and the Lashunta. I think some of your ideas are intriguing, if controversial. Would you mind talking more about them?"
"Absolutely!" Zam says, perking up. "There's got to be something we can do."
"Hi Professor Muhali, I'm Zam, Sybil, Dee, Tylur... We're part of the Drift Rock Five from the Station that the news has been going on about. We were hoping you could help us with some strange markings. But it looks like you have your hands full with this Ailabiens business... You know, we have quite the robust skill set. Is there anything we could do to help?"
Zam points out the through the observation panels at the front of the building.
Hoping to distract at least a few journalists, she slides toward the crowd and talks to Ikimsi. "We aren't here about Ailabiens at all, but we have an appointment to talk to Professor Muhali. She's expecting us and it's really urgent. She won't be happy to hear that we couldn't even enter the building."
"Loads of things," Zam responds cryptically. "We'll tell you as much as we understand once we're in a more private location."
Zam pokes the nearest journalist on the shoulder. "Excuse me, can you tell me what's happening here?" She asks in an innocent, juvenile way. "I'm just trying to meet with Professor Muhali!"
Zam explains her Castrovelian exchange with Mova and her statement of the group's purpose--an academic endeavor to archive the planet's culture. She stows her laser rifle and battle staff but keeps her static arc pistol on her person, tucked into the fold of her clothing.
"Hi Whaloss! I'm Zam... Tyler, Dee, Sybil. Tell us more about your studies. Do you know much on Halkueem Zan?"
Zam's antennae quiver as she telepathically addresses Mova and her crew in Castrovelian, {Greetings, Mova! We're here on behalf of the Starfinder Society on an academic mission to review research at the University. It's part of a cultural archival project. Our contact here is a student named Whaloss, have you heard of him? Our stay shouldn't be more than a few days, but who can say! There's so much culture here to explore! I don't believe we have any foreign life forms.}
Zam considers her weapons obtained back on the Station, the static arc pistol and the azimuth laser rifle. "How do you guys feel about leaving your weapons?" she asks aloud. "My static arc pistol would be easy to conceal, but the longarms, not so much. I can try to smooth over any concerned questions, of course."
Retaining the static arc pistol, and assuming we are taking the "no worries" approach to the Clara gear SNAFU, the individual dividend is 1,720 (down 17 credits from prior, so not very impactful). Zam is purchasing darkvision capacitors for 1,750 and an azimuth laser rifle for 425, bringing me to 1,488 credits.
Welcome ScegfOd!! Another Lashunta will be fun!
It's entirely possible that some items shouldn't be there. My inability to attend to PbP at times in the past months has meant that I haven't been able to pay much attention to the loot document. I'm sorry for that. GM, can you confirm what items of Clara's remain on the doc and should be deleted? Though, now's a good time to remind us that the loot doc is editable by any of us, and we probably shouldn't be relying on me exclusively to keep it up to date. I'm happy to host it and answer questions about it, though.
Say, has anyone spent their money yet? No one's replied to the GM's suggestions regarding loot. All the info is still up on the loot sheet, so it's easy to make adjustments. For instance, I was thinking I'd like to buy a static arc pistol, only to notice that one is unclaimed on the sheet!
That's fine with me!
Zam goes a little stir crazy during the days en route to Castrovel. Maybe it's excitement about going back home, or the residual rush from their adventures on the Station and the Rock. Whatever it is, she's looking forward to putting her feet back on solid ground. "Home." Zam can't help but say with a smile as the gorgeous blue and green planet comes fully into view. "This is Captain De of the Sunrise Maiden, fresh from Absalom Station on Starfinder business. Requesting permission to dock. Take us in Sybil." "Anyone as restless and ready to go as I am?"[/b] "You have no idea!" Zam says with a chuckle. "Now watch as we approach. That's the Yaro River, and beyond are the Stormshield Mountains. Qabarat's our largest space port. It has over 800,000 people!" Zam's clearly quite proud of her home turf.
I agree with Tylur. If any players have indeed lost interest, the transition from Book 1 to Book 2 might give us an opportunity to introduce new players? I haven't read any of the AP so I'm not sure...
Okay, that brings the individual dividend to 1,737! I'll leave the info on the sheet for a few days before deleting it for further adventures. Please add any items claimed to your personal inventories.
Okay it's pretty much done. Right now our individual dividend is 1,725. But there are a couple things I couldn't find values for. Any help there would be appreciated. disruptive fusion seal.
I'll try to determine the value of all the gear today. How should I value partially-used resources, like the 12/20 tactical arc emitter? Multiply its value by .6? If that's the case, that's 750 x 0.6 = 450. Our take will be lower than 1,573, as the "Liquidated Value" column is what we get by selling it (only 10% of value), and I see some boxes currently have 100% liquidated value.
I'm having an extremely busy work week and am having trouble finding a chance to sit down and post. Please bot me as needed, thank you!
I think we're selling everything that hasn't been claimed on the loot sheet, right?
"You're gonna love it! Home of the Fighting Mpul Trees! Yea the untamed portions are incredibly deadly. And Ukulam, well, I've never even been there! It was a hotly contested territory between the lashunta and formians for decades, and things still aren't completely settled. It's no surprise Zan would have to sneak in." "We accept!" Zam says to Chisick. "We need to get our affairs in order, but how soon can we leave?"
{Fortunately, the Society has numerous alumni from the university, and i can readily secure you a contact there and forward my personal recommendation to a few faculty members. Perhaps they can show you Zan's notes and even take you to the original site so that you can search for more clues about whatever this Drift Rock once was.} Zam brightens. "Heck yes you do, one's sitting right in front of you! QUXX Castrovel is my alma mater! I majored in interplanetary relations and conflict resolution, but the university's famous for its archives and artifacts. I remember learning about Halkueem Zan, in History of Castrovel 73001. He, erm, developed a sordid professional reputation."
GM, would there be a problem if Zam's alma mater were also the Qabarat University of Xenoarchaeology and Xenoanthropology? According to her backstory she's a recent graduate of a university in Qabarat, and she has the Xenoseeker theme. If so, we can fabricate some other university, but it just seems like a good fit? Also, Padlet updated with info on Halkueen Zan. Not to be confused with Zam. Both linked to Castrovel, haha.
This is a good time for the crew to review the loot doc (linked in my tagline and in our super-spiffy website), note any glaring errors, and claim any items you'd like to keep.
"Thank you Otal. We've all become stakeholders in this, and I know I speak for all of us when I say it means a great deal if we've been able to bring any comfort to the survivors of these events."
"We can't trust Nor any further than we can spit," Zam acknowledges. "But it's important not to burn our bridges unnecessarily. Nor might be ready to throw us to the Akatas, or he might serve as a powerful ally. That's why we need to maintain a working relationship. Or at least the pretense of one." She laughs at Sybil. "Hopefully it doesn't come to that!"
Zam relaxes a little. Phew. He's not so uptight, for a corpse. She notes with interest Nor's mumblings, then smiles. "Hey! I'm glad we could work together on this venture. If there's something this system needs more of, it's interplanetary cooperation and diplomacy. I hope we might have more opportunities to work together." "So what do you think this means? Is the Drift Rock a ship itself? From a different time, or civilization?" Zam's comms unit beeps, alerting her to the credit deposit. "Wow, thank you!" She wonders where they'll be celebrating tonight. She'd definitely need a shower and a change of clothes. Space zombie and Akata guts are definitely not going to impress anyone.
It seems silly to lie at this point. Their newfound celebrity status would make it to outright kill them. Wouldn't it? "We did, in case the cargo unit contained additional survivors. And, it did." Zam briefly wonders if an Eoxian counts as a "survivor" since they're already dead. She waits for Nor's reaction.
Apologies, I am slammed at work and have house guests. Please bot me as needed this week.
This week is extremely busy for me. Please bot me as needed, thanks!
Zam regards Clara's departure impassively from the observation deck. This has certainly been an exercise in diplomacy. They'd met all sorts of personalities on this short little mission. Something tells her this won't be the last time they have to work with someone like the android. Heck, they might even encounter her again...
"What the..." Zam trails off, flabbergasted by the footage. "Apparently we're celebrities. This could play out great, or awful. I doubt the ambassador's happy to see these details, unless he's the very reason they've been leaked. On the other hand, transparency on this conflict could be a good thing. Also great is the fact that we survived! Great job, guys!" Zam ignores the tingling in her gut, the nervous anticipation of what fallout their choices are about to reap.... "I wouldn't worry about it, Tylur. Something tells me that 'fresh from adventure' look is exactly what our 'fans' will be looking for." "After the ship is docked, we also need to figure out what to do with Hebiza. They demanded we take them immediately to the ambassador, but part of me thinks it would be better to report immediatey to Chiskisk. Starfinder HQ is where our jurisdiction originates, afterall."
Yep! I think we just might not be sure of our options when you ask "Where to?" To the station? Somewhere else in the system? Into the Drift? Is the ship fit for travel? Reporting back to the station and Starfinder HQ seems the logical choice.
"We aren't going anywhere, regardless, if they last long enough to fire on us again. Tylur, I know you can do this!"
That's awful! Sorry to hear, GM. Hopefully you're almost through it. Don't worry about us. We'll be here whenever you can return!
Zam barely avoids being thrown from her chair as the enemy weapons rock the ship. Glitching engines and weapons, both their offense and defense is compromised. What to do, what to do. Running away feels wrong, especially after everything they've survived so far. "Fire at will! Everything we've got!" she yells.
Zam is thrown forward onto her command console, accidentally activating the media relay. An old tune starts to play over the speakers. "Gah!" she cries, quickly shutting it off. Thankfully music has evolved since then. "Report! Are shields online? Great shooting you two, keep it up! We're gonna show them what it means to be Starfinders!"
"We just got this ship! Let's try not to lose her in its first dogfight in year!" "Not a chance! Let's show these hollow-headed bozos they can't just bully us around! Fire at will!"
I'd like to make a humble suggestion, that whoever rolls Gunnery checks does so under a spoiler. Gunnery is the last to act in a starship combat for a reason. If we can see the outcome of the die rolls and know the ship's attacks this round are likely going to be misses, it crosses off a lot of options for the other roles, e.g. encouraging as a captain, boosting the guns as an engineer, maneuvering to get a better weapons arc as a pilot, or target subsystems as the science officer. It worked out fine in Round 1 with Tylur posting last, but there may be times when Gunnery rolls are made before the others get a chance to post. What do you guys think?
"Thanks, Dee," Zam says as she ensures the opposing ship's vitals are broadcast to all. "Great shot Tylur, now le--" Zam clutches her panel as the ship rocks from the impact of the enemy fire and warning sirens blare throughout the ship. "Yon, assessment. Tylur, see if you can't return the sentiment. Sybil, hmmmm..." Zam is pretty unskilled in piloting. "...continue being awesome."
Let's hit their gunnery with that -4 and try to avoid taking damage. Awesome, I'll check out the recruitment. I have a character for IG I've been wanting to play!
"Yes, Clara. Take a station." __________________________________ Zam tenses at the approach of the Eoxian vessel. "Scan the approaching vessel, Dee. I'm hailing the ship."
"This is Captain Zamasea De of the Sunrise Maiden. We are en route to Absalom Station to fulfill objectives both for Starfinder Society and Gevalarsk Nor. Stand down." She repeats this phrase in Eoxian with only minimal gramatical errors.
"...and here we have the galley...Umm..." Zam, leading the drone on a tour of the Sunrise Maiden, makes a show of opening the doors and cabinets, taking stock of their food and necessities inventory, and noting with excitement the presence of freeze-dried ice cream. "...oh, and the recreation suite, complete with holograms. This can be used for sports and entertainment, obviously, but also serves educational purposes." She loads a simulation of the great Qabarat moldstorm of 298. From beginning to end. That ought to keep it busy for a few minutes.
I'd like to change my choice of language from Vesk to Eoxian.
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