Welcome to Nowhere

The wisps carry the Wrenvenge along in the tachyon stream towards the nebula ahead at slow hyper speed.

They dive directly into the nebula.  The ship loses all sensor information  and drops back down to normal speed, while passing through the electromagnetic outer shell of the nebula.  SDX notes that the storm probably blocks sensors both ways.  The crew can still see the wisps visually out the windows.  They continue to carry the ship, though they have dimmed their bio-luminescence.

Visual range is very limited.  After a couple minutes, the crew starts to get nervous.  You are essentially flying blind to both visual and sensors.  If the wisps weren't carrying the ship, common sense would have likely caused you turn around already.

It takes a good 15-20 minutes at sublight speed to clear the outer cloud of the nebula.  The crew first notices the bioluminescence growing brighter on the wisps before they notice the electromagnetic storm lightening.  The wisps must have felt the change somehow.

The Wrenvenge passes the storm into the calm eye at its core.  Sensors return and visual range stretches as far as the eye can see.   In the eye of the nebula, the crew can see about a dozen large asteroids all floating in a group in the center.  



Each asteroid has some structures on it, in fact most appear to be former capital-class starships.  



Some asteroids have structures that clearly look to have been directly built.  









Sensors indicate that the other asteroids are all tethered to each other via tractor beams, probably from the capital ships.  The tractor beams serve to both keep the asteroids together, but also keep them apart so they don't crash into each other.


It reminds the crew of an underwater coral reef in its varied and unusual appearance.

4 of the outer asteroids have distinct weapons and sensor arrays.



Irwin squawks, "We are being scanned.  Weapons..... are not locking onto to us.  Crickey, they seem more interested in the wisps than us!"

The wisps seem to be carrying the Wrenvenge towards a landing platform on one of the central asteroid bases.  As the ship gets closer, the crew can see humanoids in space suits and passing smaller ships.  They all appear to be watching the wisps with a kind of reverence and awe.

Shivak regains control of the ship, with maneuvering thrusters to guide it.   The landing platform is actually inside one of the capital ships.  There is an atmospheric forcefield at the threshold and sensors indicate a breathable atmosphere inside.



The wisps fly around the other asteroid bases playfully before reforming their pod and heading back into the outer storm.

Do you want to land or take other actions?

"We'd better ask permission to land; and make real nice. We don't have a backup plan."

"Starbase, we have sustained damage and humbly request permission to land"

whit10 wrote:"Starbase, we have sustained damage and humbly request permission to land"

A gruff voice replies and alien image appears on the holo



"Gunboat, ahoy!  Yer comin in under bare poles, eh?  Show yer colours. Savvy?"

SDX use of "observe" was simply saying "wait and see", so nothing to catch up on.

---

GM - is there a cargo hold in this ship, somewhere a larger creature might fit?

This is one time it pays to have no allegiances... Tarro muses. "Tell him this is Tarro of The Mandalorian Clan Bloodwren. Tell him I am available for hire; we have a ship to fix."

MAS wrote:SDX use of "observe" was simply saying "wait and see", so nothing to catch up on.

---

GM - is there a cargo hold in this ship, somewhere a larger creature might fit?

Chris wrote:Mandalorian Gunship - The Wrenvenge is a heavily modified Assualt Shuttle.  It has been used for decades by Ionus Jerr.  It has military grade engines, hyperdrives, weapons and shields.  

Class: Space Transport, small 35m long
Crew: 1-4
Passengers: 12
Cargo Capacity: 50 metric tons
Consumables: 6 months

sure, plenty of room.  large isn't that big  

navyik wrote:This is one time it pays to have no allegiances... Tarro muses.  "Tell him this is Tarro of The Mandalorian Clan Bloodwren.  Tell him I am available for hire; we have a ship to fix."

"Savy.  Bring a spring upon her cable and look for yer colours.  Careening droids be at the ready after ye moor.  Now tug yer ears smartly.....   No prey, no pay.   Barkers only.  Take yer accounts to Jakarro, he is usually splicing the main brace at the Rusty Anchor."

Shivak guides the Wrenvenge slowly into the asteroid base.  The crew can see many different flags flying in the hangar area, which has been modified to provide many individual ports for ships.  Shivak spots a protocol droid hoisting an old Mandalorian flag.

"we'll need to get one of those flags made rather quickly. I'd say the first order of business is to find out where in blazes we are, then get the repairs in order. We'll also need to find something to pay them with or trade with them."

Shivak powers down the cockpit and heads to meet the rest of the new crew

SDX moves quickly into the cargo bay, and takes 1 minute to run the complex equations which summon the "outsider" Eidolon from the mysterious plane which even the Prime are just now beginning to explore.

He then returns to the cockpit. "An ally has been recruited for our protection. Refrain from alarm."

"As you wish, you MUST tell me how you got us here sometime."

SDX's emoti-lights glow a quizzical orange at Shivak's question. "Fundamental quantum collapse propulsion." he explains, surprised at just how primitive this region must be. No need to shame the locals, though, especially these that will be relied upon to continue the mission.

"Typically performed outside of planetary atmosphere and gravity well. Our container's departure via this method may have caused damage to local structures."

---

lol, nice banter

anyways....   the ship landed and all's quiet.  In fact, if anyone walks past the docking bay outside they seem to be diverting their eyes from the Wrenvenge.  

There are 4 careening droids sitting idle in the bay.

The party is able to get fully rested, if you wish.

The dockmaster's words are still fresh in your minds.....

Chris wrote:
Now tug yer ears smartly..... No prey, no pay. Barkers only. Take yer accounts to Jakarro, he is usually splicing the main brace at the Rusty Anchor."

actions?

Sharn is happy to be fully rested. He will meditate, so that his force powers (spells) are renewed. Then he will guard the ship.

"They make a discipline of minding their business here. Probably pirates. Take care to honor your deals and volunteer nothing. There will be a code; simple, but if we break it we lose all bennefit from it. If you find yourself in trouble, don't stop shooting until they're all dead."

Knowledge local 14+15=29 (anything else I can infer or deduce? Specific etiquette)?

"Let's go see this 'Jakarro."

We can assume we are fully rested before heading out, correct? Or are we deciding wheter to go out or take a rest right now?

Because I defintely need to rest and get spells back.

---

Shivak dons his best clothes (though still good for combat) and rests if the rest of the crew does.

"I agree Tarro. Hopefully we can answer many of our questions by meeting this 'Jakarro.' I will do the talking, unless anyone objects. I have quite a bit of experience with 'pirates' and others of the criminal fraternity."

"But Tarro is right... have your weapons handy."

ready to go

Correct - you have the option to rest if you wish (which it sounds like everyone does).  I will assume you are fully rested unless you decide otherwise.

navyik wrote:"They make a discipline of minding their business here.  Probably pirates.   Take care to honor your deals and volunteer nothing.  There will be a code; simple, but if we break it we lose all bennefit from it.  If you find yourself in trouble, don't stop shooting until they're all dead."

Knowledge local 14+15=29  (anything else I can infer or deduce?  Specific etiquette)?

"Let's go see this 'Jakarro."

Tarro is correct.  There is a code and the dockmaster gave you the basics.

Chris wrote:
Now tug yer ears smartly.....   No prey, no pay.   Barkers only.  Take yer accounts to Jakarro, he is usually splicing the main brace at the Rusty Anchor."

I didn't think this would fall under "local" knowledge, but PF seems to have incorporated Streetwise into Local (nice).  

Anyone else with the following knowledges (or a good argument for something else) can make an attempt:

Streetwise  (from SW)
Nobility\Heraldry (more for the flags, identifying groups and also etiquette)


"No prey, no pay" is definitely a pirate law.  Traditionally it means:

The premise of the phrase was that if the expedition did not succeed in extracting booty from the target, those participating in the expedition would receive no reward.  But in the event that a raid was successful, loot was often shared equitably and democratically with clear ratios based on seniority and length of service.  The phrase was used extensively to describe arrangements for pirates working on the Spanish Main in particular. The concept is said to have encouraged increased risk-taking as pirates made a calculated decision to attack more valuable targets with a better risk-reward ratio.

Tarro assumes this describes their general business practices - all or nothing and full of risk.  Payment is expected upon successful completion only.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

"Barkers only" is a restrictive law, but Tarro is not sure exactly what "barkers" means in this context, though he would assume it refers to a weapon of some kind

____________________________________________________________________________________

"accounts" just means any business in general

____________________________________________________________________________________

"splicing the main brace" literally means:   Originally an order for one of the most difficult emergency repair jobs aboard a sailing ship, it became a euphemism for authorized celebratory drinking afterward.    

Navel term for getting shitfaced with alcohol.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Is everyone heading to the Rusty Anchor?  

Anyone staying behind?
(Bos and T'son can guard the ship, if you want)  

Anything else before you go?  
(buffs, etc)

Let me know if you are not taking any stated equipment from your character sheet.

SDX is fully rested. The Eidolon shadows SDX, trailing directly behind him.

---

Before departing the ship, SDX approaches Tarro -

"Red Creature. Assistance securing your biological sample was provided. Accessing long range communication machinery is now of highest priority."

---

Out of game awesomeness for your reading pleasure -

"Jar Jar Binks was a trained Force user, knowing Sith collaborator, and will play a central role in The Force Awakens"
https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars/comments/3qvj6w/theory_jar_jar_binks_was_a_trained_force_user/

Sharn will check in with T'son. Does he need more healing? If he's stable and capable to guard the ship along with Bos, then the wookie will accompany the crew to the Rusty Anchor. As a disguise, Sharn don's an eye patch and a bandanna on his head. Irwin rides on his shoulder, acting like a parrot.

MAS wrote:
Out of game awesomeness for your reading pleasure -

"Jar Jar Binks was a trained Force user, knowing Sith collaborator, and will play a central role in The Force Awakens"
https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars/comments/3qvj6w/theory_jar_jar_binks_was_a_trained_force_user/

I think that was Ryan Morrison posting that theory

Robyo wrote:Sharn will check in with T'son. Does he need more healing? If he's stable and capable to guard the ship along with Bos, then the wookie will accompany the crew to the Rusty Anchor. As a disguise, Sharn don's an eye patch and a bandanna on his head. Irwin rides on his shoulder, acting like a parrot.

T'son is stable and Bos is fine.

Sharn will fit right in.....




to the Rusty Anchor?
or somewhere else?

Rusty Anchor...

and I'm not reading anything that refers to that abomination. You have to treat it like that sequel that was supposed to be made for Highlander but was never was because everybody knew it would be fucking stupid.

Tarro, Shivak, Sharn and SDX make their way towards the Rusty Anchor. Remembering that the asteroid base is a converted capital ship, they walk through what would have served as a starfighter hangar bay. It has been modified to allow freighters to have some privacy by walling off sections into docking bays. Each bay is flying their colours via a flag. Without knowledge of Nobility, the party doesn't recognize any of the symbols.

All the other pirates continue to divert their eyes from the newcomers. They mumble something under their breath as you pass.

Up ahead, where the hangar bay would naturally end on the ship, the party can see that there is some kind of security checkpoint. It appears to be surrounded by natural rock. The party assumes that they would be passing inside the asterdiod at that point.

Everyone make a perception check.

any other actions as you walk?

Sharn's Perception: 12 + 14 = 26

Walking casual...

As to "barkers only" Tarro leaves his rifle and grenades on the ship. "No heavy weapons, people."

Perception: After using Enhance Senses (which Shivak would definitely use at this point)

Enhance Senses:

Roll(1d20)+13:
10,+13
Total:23

+6 to Perception (cost of 3 HP)

Perception:

Roll(1d20)+12:
12,+12
Total:24

MAS wrote:

Before departing the ship, SDX approaches Tarro -

"Red Creature. Assistance securing your biological sample was provided. Accessing long range communication machinery is now of highest priority."

"I honor my contracts, SDX. I will do my best to be timely, but we have a ship to fix and a Pirate Code to keep while we are here. We are no good to eachother dead."

"Can you gather intel about whether there is a long range transmitter here? We may be able to barter for its lawful usage with some service. Otherwise, until our accounts here are square, our crew are all Privateers. I can get you access on Nar Shadda..." unless I have lost the round and my sponsor has put a bounty on MY head...

Perception 14+18=32

navyik wrote:
"I honor my contracts, SDX.  I will do my best to be timely, but we have a ship to fix and a Pirate Code to keep while we are here.  We are no good to each other dead."  

"Can you gather intel about whether there is a long range transmitter here?  We may be able to barter for its lawful usage with some service.  Otherwise, until our accounts here are square, our crew are all Privateers.  I can get you access on Nar Shadda..."

"Agreed. Container repair primary concern. Transmission priority statement made as reminder. Proceed location designation RUSTY BUCKET."

SDX perception
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +11" :

7 + 11 = 18

EIdolon perception
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +7" :

13 + 7 = 20

one other thing for the GM to keep in mind. Remember that Shivak has this:

Path Ability: No One of Consequence (Ex): Your mythic nature is a cloak that can shield you from the minds and memories of others. Creatures struggle to recognize you, recall your appearance, remember the nature of conversations they had with you, and recount the actions you took when you were in their presence. If a creature makes a deliberate attempt to recall details about time spent with you, it must succeed at a Will save (DC 10 + your tier + your Charisma modifier) to recall anything beyond vague details. In addition, you're under a permanent nondetection effect with a caster level equal to your character level plus your tier. You can end this effect at any time, and can resume it as a swift action.

that would be a DC of 16 at this point

Everyone notices the following:

There appears to be 1 armed guard, a droid,  at the checkpoint (for some reason, I can't post images at the moment, I will update later)

There are several cameras and automated guns mounted around the checkpoint.  There is a heavy blast door (from the ship) that leads into the asteroid itself.

The other pirates continue to divert their eyes and mumble at your passing

Those with Perception +25 can hear them mumbling, "Dead men tell no tales"  

Tarro figures he was correct, as he observes that anyone passing through the security checkpoint are carrying only pistols and melee weapons.  No rifles, explosives or heavy weapons.  

The droid, holding a rifle passively, raises 1 hand to halt the party.  He speaks with good diction and a proper English accent, much like a protocol droid, though he clearly was built for combat, "Greetings, meatbags.  I am HK-55.  Prepare to be scanned for ordinance and biological contaminants."

If anyone is carrying anything bigger than a pistol, you can make a stealth check to conceal it.

other actions before he scans you?

what are you classifying a light saber as? Shivak certainly brought his. Otherwise, good to go

whit10 wrote:what are you classifying a light saber as?  Shivak certainly brought his.  Otherwise, good to go

I guess Shivak will have to get scanned and find out

Sharn only has his double lightsaber, hanging from his belt. His other weapons are stashed on the ship. He figured they were just going to explore the port and try not get into any "entanglements."

SDX is not armed in recognizable way. Although there is a high volatile "power strip" located near the base of his environment pod near its connection to the manipulator appendages (necklace of fireballs). It looks like machinery integrated into the suit.

The Eidolon is by all appearances completely unarmed.

HK-55 visually inspects the crew and scanners in the wall pass a cold laser field over each person for about 20 seconds (3 rounds of Detect Magic).

MAS wrote:SDX is not armed in recognizable way. Although there is a high volatile "power strip" located near  the base of his environment pod near its connection to the manipulator appendages (necklace of fireballs). It looks like machinery integrated into the suit.

Thanks, Matt

The scanner highlights the necklace of fireballs (moderate Evocation aura).  HK-55 politely tells SDX, "That device could potentially cause the death of many meatbags; it is prohibited inside the plaza.  You may return it to your ship or place it in my secured lockboxes with the other devices."  There is a wall of mag-lockboxes along the inside wall.  A few have keys sticking out of them.

I am not going to read everyone's charcter sheet - but if anyone has anything else like a necklace of fireballs please let me know.  Lightsabers don't seem to be a problem (melee wpns are fine).

any other actions or questions for HK-55?

"where will we find the Rusty Anchor, my good man, er, droid?"

Shivak only has his "magic" items on him besides the light saber. Just the headband, belt and such

whit10 wrote:"where will we find the Rusty Anchor, my good man, er, droid?"

Shivak only has his "magic" items on him besides the light saber.  Just the headband, belt and such

HK-55 shakes his head slightly, "Of course, masters.  The Rusty Anchor is where all the meatbags go to inhibit their mental functions with liquid toxins.  Why they do that is beyond my programming.... just follow the smell of fermented beverages and the off-pitch singing about 150 meters into the asteroid's core.  If you miss it, you are already intoxicated."

HK-55 perks up, "If you see any Mynocks in the caves, feel free to exterminate them.  Mynocks arrive as stowaways and then chew on the base's power cables.  Disgusting creatures!  Mynock removal was one of my primary functions before Jakarro became displeased with the previous gatekeeper.  It is hard to hold a rifle without arms.  HK-55 would prefer to be eradicating vermin than standing watch of at a doorway. Now I only see action when the Eldazi find us....."

HK-55 notices several Mynocks off to his right and cannot restrain his hardwired desire to kill. "Mynocks in the hangar!" He begins firing and chases the flock around the hangar area.

The party is free to move forward

Shivak will start 'strolling' to the Rusty Anchor. A 'air' of confidence surrounds him

Oh...good. The damn fool guard ran off without checking if I actually stowed the necklace.

SDX ignores the primitive's request, and proceeds into the station...

MAS wrote:Oh...good. The damn fool guard ran off without checking if I actually stowed the necklace.

SDX ignores the primitive's request, and proceeds into the station...

In spite of his helmet, you'd swear Tarro was giving SDX the look.  "Take it back to the ship.  The only trouble we'll find here is the kind we make."

I'm going to need a restraining bolt...

"yes, we don't need any trouble quite yet"

The party makes their way into the asteroid base.  Other pirates continue to divert their eyes and mumble under their breath, "dead men tell no tales".

The asteroid appears to have been originally hollowed out from mining.  There are many side branches to the main tunnel, some still have abandoned rails.  



Some are sealed with cheap blast doors, but the party suspects it is more for safety reasons than to lock something away.  There are warning signs everywhere reminding drunken pirates not to open sealed tunnels for fear of decompression.  



HK-55 is sorely missed in the tunnels; there is evidence of Mynocks as well as some R.O.U.S. droppings the size of bratwursts.  

The party can hear raucous singing from up ahead.  They round a final corner and see the core of the asteroid.  It has been converted into 1 large underground bar.  There is 1 central courtyard area.



And many smaller alcoves where crews can have some privacy.



A large Wookie with a droid head strapped to his chest appears to be calling a Zabrak to the carpet.  The singing stops and all eyes turn towards the Wookie.



The Wookie bellows loudly in obvious displeasure with the horned alien who is cowering on the floor.



The droid head speaks in basic



"Jakarro is most dissatisfied with your crew's performance in eliminating the vermin.  No prey, no pay as is the custom of Port Nowhere.  Since you have failed in your assigned duties, you and your crew are no longer welcome.  You have 1 hour to cast off, permanently."   Sharn notes a few subtle differences in the translation; Jakarro was not so polite.  

The droid opens a comm channel to HK-55.  Before he can speak HK-55 can be heard blasting and saying, "Kill count = 23.  Kill count = 24......"  

The droid head interrputs, "HK-55.  Captain Thorn and his crew will be leaving now.  If they are not gone within 1 hour - execute them all."

HK-55 replies happily, "Yes master, my primary function is meatbag elimination."

Captain Thorn and his crew leave in disgrace.  As the other gathered pirates watch them leave, the eyes of the room fall upon the party.  All but Jakarro divert their eyes and say "dead men tell no tales" under their breath. With hundreds of pirates saying it at once, it is almost like chanting and the echos fill the cavern.

The party has everyone's attention if you wish to speak or take any actions.

"Jakarro I presume? Greetings, I am Captain Shivak. Based on what I just heard, it seems you might be in in need of some men?"

whit10 wrote:"Jakarro I presume?  Greetings, I am Captain Shivak.  Based on what I just heard, it seems you might be in in need of some men?"

Jakarro quickly looks down at the floor and growls in low tones.  Sharn understands him to say, "ghosts should not speak to the living".  Sharn wonders if that is a loose translatoin of "dead men tell no tales".



The droid head again speaks in basic

"Greetings, I am CN-B3.  I formerly served King Drayen of the 4th Dubrillion Dynasty...."  He is interrupted by a thump from Jakarro's massive knuckles on his forehead.  His eye lights blink and short out for a couple seconds. When he regains consciousness, he continues, "Please master, that is not necessary, I was simply introducing myself."  The head addresses the party agian, "Please forgive my master and his friends for their manners.  They are a superstitious lot and don't often get visitors, especially ones who arrived as you did.  My programming does not include such limitations."  (nor did HK-55's)

The droid head's comments make the party think about their arrival.....

Chris wrote:
Irwin squawks, "We are being scanned.  Weapons..... are not locking onto to us.  Crickey, they seem more interested in the wisps than us!"

The wisps seem to be carrying the Wrenvenge towards a landing platform on one of the central asteroid bases.  As the ship gets closer, the crew can see humanoids in space suits and passing smaller ships.  They all appear to be watching the wisps with a kind of reverence and awe.

The wisps fly around the other asteroid bases playfully before reforming their pod and heading back into the outer storm.

hmm... boys I think we've hit "Ray, when someone asks you if your a god, you say YES!" territory here.

Shivak finally picks up on this. Response to come later tonight. I'm going to be busy for quite a while here

SDX has complied with his companions bizarre requests, and sent the pyro-implosion spheres back into the ship.

He wonders as they travel the halls...The creatures scampering around them are so obviously inferior, even to his primitive companion's unsophisticated designs. Why are they so afraid of them? It must be a frightening thing, not being PRIME. SDX is filled with pity.

---

great, now Bob pities us.

First, Shivak takes a few moments to look around at everyone in the room... an almost serene look on his face.

See Force: Full round action

Roll(1d20)+11:
19,+11
Total:30

heh...

Any Force users around?

-3 to HP (Shivak is at 84 HP)

whit10 wrote:
Any Force users around?

There are a few force-sensitives that Shivak detects - 10 out of the couple hundred pirates.  Of those 10, 3 register has more powerful than the rest, but none are close to Shivak's strength of connection with the Force.

"We are not ghosts... we are not dead. If booty and treasure is what you desire... then perhaps we can be of assistance. I am, after all, a very powerful being"

Shivak smiles and then uses the force to raise multiple objects into the air and have them move around the room.

Move Object:

Roll(1d20)+12:
18,+12
Total:30