With no idea of where to start or who to ask in their search for this "Kenobi", Britton and Kelko wandered through the streets of Bestine.  As they were walking past a restaurant with some outdoor tables and seating, they suddenly heard a voice call out, "Hey Greenie!"  As they both turned towards the sound of the voice, they saw a trio of male Humans sitting at one of the tables, with swoop bikes parked behind them.  All three had their heads shaved, and each wore a sleeveless, unzipped leather vest.  They all had a sun tattooed on each of their biceps, and their skin was so tanned, they looked like they had probably grown up on Tatooine.  The two sitting closer to Britton and Kelko looked even younger than the two heroes, while the third was probably twice their age.

"Yeah, that's right, you bug-eyed, antennaed freak, I'm talking to you," one of the younger ones said to Kelko.  Kelko was starting to get visibly upset.

"Leave him alone, Sandswimmer," the older biker warned.

"Him?  How can you even tell?  Don't you mean it?" the other younger one asked, to which the older one glared.

"And no, I will not leave it alone," Sandswimmer said.  "I'm tired of these weirdos coming to my planet.  There's enough of them here already."

OOC: How does Britton respond (before Kelko does)?

OOC How far away are they?

OOC: Britton is within 1 move action of either of the younger punks.  Note the map I just added.

Britton quickly walked over to the closest thug and decked him right in the face.

OOC 1+4+5=10

Even though Britton surprised the swoop biker with his action, he was still able to dodge the punch.

OOC: Roll Init.

OOC 8+14=22

OOC: Well look at that, Britton gets to go first anyway.

Frustrated at his miss Britton threw a swift second punch.

OOC 19+4=23 4+3=7 damage (Mighty Swing)

The hit caught the biker right in the jaw, nearly breaking it.

Kelko came over as well, taking a swing at the other young biker, but his first punch missed as well.

The two young bikers responded in kind, slugging back at Britton and Kelko.  Britton was barely able to dodge his opponent's blow, and Kelko got grazed on the cheek by his assailant.

Then something happened that neither Britton nor Kelko had had to deal with during any of their encounters on Kothlis: the extreme heat from the twin suns of Tatooine.  Even Kelko with his all-temperature cloak was affected.  The only good news was that it also affected the two swoop bikers, with the biker facing off against Britton nearly fainting.

OOC: It's Britton's turn.

OOC What would be required to shove someone?

OOC: I would just use an unarmed attack; it's purposefully non-specific, meaning you could be kicking, kneeing, punching, headbutting, pushing/shoving.

Britton shoved the biker then stepped back.

"Don't ever talk about my friend that way again!" Indicating in his tone that he was finished with the fight, and the punches were a warning.

OOC 18+4=12 3 damage.

The shove caused the biker to fall, and he hit his head on the chair on which he had been sitting, knocking him unconscious.  The other young one seemed to get the point as well, moving over to his fallen comrade and loading him over his own swoop.  He then got on his own swoop and put his friend's swoop in tow and then headed off.

The veteran biker, having watched the whole incident with disdain, finally stood.  "I apologize.  The younger generation seem intent on picking fights for no reason.  Hopefully you've taught them a lesson in humility."  And with that, he mounted his own swoop and rode off.

Before Britton and Kelko could even catch their breath, Britton felt a tap on his shoulder.  "Excuse me," an older middle-aged man with a scruffy beard, scraggly hair, and rough clothing interrupted.  "My name is Freeg Kannan.  I saw how you boys handled yourselves just now, and I must say I'm impressed.  I own a moisture farm just outside of Mos Espa and I was wondering if I could hire you boys on to help protect it.  What do you say?"

"Well, technically we're just here looking for someone," Britton replied.  "Someone named Kenobi."

"Kenobi, huh?" the farmer repeated.  "I recognize that name, but I think you're going to have a tough time finding him.  The only ones that I know of who would know where he is are Jawas."

"Jawas?  What are those?" Kelko asked.

"Native traders," Freeg explained.  "But they live in enormous moving barges called sandcrawlers.  In order to get out where they stay you're going to need a landspeeder.  And if you want to communicate with them you're going to need some sort of translator droid.  No offense, but I doubt you could afford either one.  I am, however, willing to pay quite well for your help.  One thousand credits per day."  When Kelko's buggy eyes widened even more than they already were naturally and he looked to Britton, Freeg also added something to sweeten the deal.  "And I'll pay for you to be treated for heat exhaustion here at the local treatment center before we head back to my place."

"Deal," Britton said, eager to be out of the heat.

OOC You've not idea how hard it is to play in character when I know I should be doing more.  Like, ask how he got that much money as a farmer.

OOC: It's funny you should mention that.  When I first started I just found an interesting adventure hook in the RCR material that I wanted to use.  Much later on, I thought, "Wait a minute they need some money if they're going to get a speeder and a droid, which they're going to need."  And so from there I just calculated how much money I thought you'd need and worked it back from there.  However a few days ago as I was reviewing this in preparation for it coming up, I had the same thought you did: "How does this guy have 1000 credits/day/person to offer them?  That's an insane amount of money.  At that rate, they'd be making over 300,000 credits a year, who wouldn't take that job?"  So since then I've been formulating how to explain this, so if it's not in Britton's character to ask, that's fine (but feel free to have him ask if it's in his character to do so), but Freeg's going to explain at least some of it anyway.

Freeg shook Britton's and then Kelko's hands.  As he led them to the treatment center, he explained his situation a little more: "Now you don't need to worry about me holding you up from your search for Kenobi--I still do think you guys are looking for old Ben.  No, I just need your help long enough to find some permanent security hands for the farm.  Ha," he chuckled at himself, "I may have plenty of money, but not enough to pay 1000 credits per day for long.  Now I will need at least two days to find some more permanent workers, but feel free to stay on as long as you want--I'd rather have more time to look."

OOC: Does Britton have any questions/comments?

Britton rubbed his temples trying to make the headache he got from the heat go away.

"Yeah, sure, thanks."

Freeg dropped them off at the treatment center, saying, "I'll be right back.  I've got to go pick up my supplies and load them on my bantha."  It seemed like you had not rested long enough--though you were feeling much better --when Freeg showed back up with a large furry creature pulling a cart of supplies.

"Well, are you ready to go?" he asked gently patting the creature.

"Sure," Britton said, looking at Kelko to see if he was as well.

"Let's get going!" Kelko said with only somewhat false enthusiasm.

"All right, go ahead and climb into the cart and I'll have old Betsy haul us back to my place." Freeg said.

Kelko went ahead and hopped right in, and as Britton joined him, Freeg climbed right up onto the bantha.  Freeg gave a giddyap with the reins and the slow ride out of town began.  As you ambled towards the distant moisture farm Freeg rattled on about his life before coming to Tatooine.

OOC: If you want, I can give you his backstory, if Britton is paying attention, or we can move on.

Britton rubbed his temples as he continued to experience lingering effects of a headache.  He tried to pay attention to the man talking.

"I know," Freeg began, "You're wondering how an old moisture farmer like me can afford to pay you so much.  Well I wasn't always a moisture farmer you know.  I used to be a politician.  I was even a one-term senator--now granted it was for a backwater planet, but still.  I never did see eye to eye with Palpatine, and once I started being loud about it, suddenly it wasn't so great being my wife or my kid."  Freeg sighed, but more in relief than sadness.  "My wife left me and my kids disowned me.  But I'll get 'em back.  I'm putting all my money into this moisture farm, so that there will be no inheritance left for them when I finally kick the bucket.  What do you think about that, eh?"  Freeg turned his head around to see if either Britton or Kelko had anything to say.

"Huh, they disowned you for standing up for what you believe?" Britton asked.

"Not directly," Freeg answered.  "Though that's an interesting way of looking at it.  No, they were just scared of what would happen to them.  Doesn't make me any happier about it though."

"People should never abandon their family," Britton said, a touch of anger in his voice.

"Well, I'm not going to disagree with you on that one," Freeg said.  "But people also shouldn't be threatened with death just because of what one of their family members has said."  Freeg sighed, and Britton and Kelko could detect the slightest bit of sympathy for his family in that exhale.  "But that's the galaxy we live in, so I guess we just do the best we can."

As they started to crest another sand dune, Britton and Kelko started to make out tall, thin metal towers and then domed structures.  They could tell that all these man-made objects were supposed to be off-white in color, but the sand had blasted them so much that everything just looked tan.

"Welcome to my moisture farm," Freeg said, sweeping his free hand through the air to indicate the landscape around them.  "It's not much, but it's home now."

The bantha continued to plod on towards the domed structures, but just before reaching them, a frazzled man even older than Freeg and dressed in rough, tattered clothing ran up to them.  "How dare you!" he screamed at Freeg.  "How dare you use one of Tatooine's native creatures in such a lowly manner.  I tell you the banthas have finally tired of their servitude and are rising to destroy all sentient beings on this burning world."

Freeg slid down off his bantha and made a shooing motion at the man.  "Get out of here Neeruk, we'll not have any of your crazy talk today."

"I tell you it's true," Neeruk continued.  "They are already freeing themselves from the Sand People."

"Well good, maybe that will keep the Sand People busy enough to stay off my farm." Freeg replied.  "Now go on, get out of here."  Neeruk ended his tirade and beat a hesitant retreat off of the property.

"Sorry about that," Freeg apologized.  "Why don't you boys come in?  I'll feed you first, then we'll take a tour of the farm before you start your first night watch."

"Is he often like that?" Britton asked.

"Sadly yes." Freeg replied as he led his bantha to its stall.  "He's an old hermit who wanders the desert around here--not too unlike this Kenobi you're looking for.  I'm not even sure where he lives."  Freeg unhitched the cart and started unloading the supplies into a storage dome.  "Neeruk's always coming up with some conspiracy theory or other on how non-natives have doomed this planet; this is just his latest one.  And never mind that he's not native to Tatooine.  Ha!"  When Freeg finished unloading, he led them into the largest dome, and down a flight of stairs into the actual living area of the home.  "Go ahead and have a seat," he said indicating the dining table.  "I'm afraid I'm no gourmet, but womp rat stew will definitely fill you up," he said, eventually bringing in some bowls and then cups filled with a thick, blue liquid.  "Yeah, nothing Neeruk's said has ever come about, and I don't expect there's anything to this story of his either."

Britton was eager to eat so he dug right in.

Kelko hesitated at first, but when he saw Britton eating so voraciously decided it couldn't be that bad and started spooning the stew into his mouth.

After dinner, Freeg showed them around the farm, delineating the property lines and pointing out each of the moisture vaporators (the tall, thin metal towers they had seen earlier) that needed to be protected.  "Well that about raps it up," he concluded as they returned to the main dome.  "I'll leave it to you to decide how best to patrol the farm--I trust your skills.  Do you have any questions for me?"

"Where are we staying?"

"I have a dormitory especially for farm hands," Freeg answered leading them to a domed hut near his main residence.  "You guys should have plenty of room--as I said I intend to hire a fair number of hands."  As they entered the hut, Britton and Kelko saw eight bunks (OOC: and by that I mean 8 beds total) lined up in two rows on each side of the dwelling.  It was spartan, but it looked fairly comfortable.  There were foot lockers under each of the beds.  "You can take all your meals with me, so you needn't worry about food.  Now I have a question for you: how long are you willing to stay on?  Remember, I need at least 2 days to find some permanent hands.  I'd like longer to look and I'd be willing to keep you on for as long as 12 days, but I know you two are anxious to get on with your real purpose here."

"We'll stay until you find enough to replace us," Britton said.  Freeg had been more than kind to them and Britton wanted to show his gratitude.

"Very well.  Still, I'll be as quick as I can, for my pocketbook's sake." Freeg said jovially.  "Well, I'll let you two get to your patrol, and I'll see you in the morning for breakfast."

Fortunately, the night was uneventful, allowing Britton and Kelko to really get the lay of the land, identify the most likely points of infiltration for bandits, and pace out times in between points on the farm.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:49, Mon 04 Jan 2016.

As the suns started to rise, Freeg called Britton and Kelko in for breakfast.  "Dustcrepes stuffed with nausage," Freeg explained of the thin wafers of wheat bread on their plates.  "And fruit juice of course," he added as he put cups filled with orange liquid down on the table.  "I can't tell you boys how much better I slept last night, knowing you were here to protect the farm.  Anything interesting happen last night?" the old farmer asked.

Everything was pretty clear this night.

"Good to hear," Freeg replied.  "Maybe your mere presence will keep the bandits away."  He gave a satisfactory smile to the two heroes.  "Well, I'm going to head into town today to start contacting some of my connections to see where to get the best long-term farmhands.  Meanwhile, make yourself at home.  Feel free to sleep the day away, raid the fridge if you're hungry, explore the farm or the surrounding area, or whatever."

Soon after breakfast, Freeg left on his bantha.

OOC: You can describe what Britton does for the day.  Kelko will do most of the same things.

Britton eagerly took this opportunity to get some exercising and training in.  About half-way through Britton got another sharp pain behind his eye, as he did the other day in the heat but worked through it.

Meanwhile Kelko explored the perimeter outside the farm.  He returned as Britton was finishing his workout.  "I still cannot figure out why anyone would want to stay on this planet," Kelko commented, sweat glistening his green, hairless head.  "All it is is hot sand as far as the eye can see."

"Perfect place to hide," Britton replied.

"You have a point," Kelko conceded.  "So considering that, wouldn't you say that this Kenobi that we're looking for probably came here to hide.  But why?"

"To hide, apparently.  If he's what I think he is, then he has reason to hide."

"Do you think he used to be a Jedi, because of what that being said on Kothlis?" Kelko conjectured.

"Yeah, I can't think of any other reason all of this weird stuff happened."

Kelko simply nodded his head in agreement.  "Well, I'm exhausted.  I'm going to sleep until dinner so I can have enough energy to stay awake all night for patrol," he announced.

"Yeah."  Britton waited a few minutes then joined him.

After several hours of rest, Britton and Kelko were awakened by the loud clanging of a bell coming from the main house.

"Supper already?" Britton said groggily.

"<I guess so.>" Kelko replied in Rodese, too tired to even realize he had slipped into his native tongue instead of speaking Basic.  "<A farmhand's works is never done I suppose.>"

When they arrived at the kitchen/dining room, Freeg greeted them cheerfully.  "I made something special tonight: eopie brisket with Tatooine flatbread.  Should be enough to last a few meals too."

"That'll keep us fed over the night."

After their usual mealtime chit chat with Freeg, Britton and Kelko started off on their patrol.  It looked like it was going to be another quiet night.

OOC: Make a Perception check.

OOC 5+6=11

Britton could see the double shadows caused by the twin setting suns casting their dying lights on the farm's buildings and vaporators.  The only other lights were coming from the indicators on the vaporators and the dim beams from the three newly risen moons, all of which were waning.

Britton took the time to enjoy cool evening air and the serene sight of the setting suns and rising moons.

Suddenly Britton heard some loud bellowing coming from Betsy's stall.

"Stay here!  I'll go check this out!"

Britton charged towards the stall.

As Britton approached the stall, he could see Betsy inside shuffling around nervously and groaning.  The door to the stall was not latched, and Britton could see there were other figures inside.

Britton unsheathed his sword and stealthily moved to confront the intruders.

OOC Stealth: 11+3=14

OOC: Make an Init check.

OOC 8+7=15

As Britton opened the door to the stall, he saw a figure in desert garb with its head wrapped in strips of cloth atop Betsy.  It was holding a staff with sharp instruments on each end. The other figure was a quadruped creature with a large, toothy maw, big dark eyes and a line of hard spikes along its back.  Apparently Britton hadn't been stealthy enough, because they seemed ready when he came in; but Britton's reaction time was faster than theirs.

OOC: Britton's move.

"Get down.  Now."  Britton said, pointing his sword at the figure and moving well away from the creature.

OOC Readying an action.

The humanoid astride Betsy let out a guttural cry, and the sharp-toothed creature shrieked and charged at Britton.  Fortunately, Britton was ready.

OOC: Make an attack roll.

Britton slashed at the creature with both hands on his sword.

OOC 7+4=11 5+5=10dmg

The creature was able to avoid Britton's blade and raked Britton across the chest with both of its front claws.

Meanwhile the humanoid moved Betsy past you and out of the stall.  As soon as he exited, Britton could hear a blaster shot, presumably from Kelko.  The shot evinced a deep scream from the humanoid that raked Britton's ears like the animal's claws had his chest.

OOC: Britton's turn.

"KELKO!" Britton called, stepping back away from creature.

OOC Britton uses recover.

Britton was able to catch his breath , but the beast leapt at him, trying to pin him to the ground.

OOC: Make a grapple check: 1d20 + BAB + Str mod.

OOC 2+2+1 = failure regardless of the result.

Distracted by his attempt to recover Britton was easily thrown to the ground.

The creature kept his front paws on Britton's shoulders, its claws retracted for now.  It opened its tooth-filled maw slightly, drool slavering onto Britton's face.  It's breath smelled of rotted flesh.  It seemed the beast was going to try and bite Britton's head off, but before it could, there was a sharp whistle from outside and the creature snapped its head up.  It looked confused for a moment, then snarled at Britton before retreating out the door.

OOC: If Britton wants he can take an Attack of Opportunity before the beast gets out of melee range.

A bruised ego compelled Britton to take a swing at the creature as it left.

OOC 13+4=14
Mighty Swing: 3+5+3=11

OOC: Sorry, you can't use Mighty Swing because that requires 2 swifts and then your standard action to attack and an AoO is just a reaction.

Britton's sword caught the beast on the hind quarters.  It only gave pause long enough to turn its head around before continuing its lope.  Britton heard a hasty shot from Kelko's blaster pistol.  The creature yelped.  And then there was a noise at the door...Kelko burst in.  "Britton are you okay?"

"We need to go after them!" Britton said, struggling to get up.

"Not in your condition," Kelko said eying the scratches on Britton's chest.  "And besides we chased them off, I don't see any reason to follow them."

"Did they get away with the Bantha?" Britton gasped, leaning on his friend for support.

"Oh, I guess you wouldn't know, huh," Kelko commented realization starting to dawn on him.  "Not to brag, but that first shot you heard me fire was me nailing that person square in the chest and knocking him off the bantha.  He wasn't dead, but was wounded enough he called for his pet and ran off."  As Kelko led Britton out of the stall, Britton could see Betsy standing calmly now chewing on cud.

Freeg came jogging out from his main house, "What's going on boys?  I was woken by blaster fire."

"Some...thing tried to steal your Bantha," Britton said, still leaning on Kelko for support.  "We drove it off though."

"I knew I was right to hire you boys," Freeg said, his face beaming.  "So, when you say something tried to steal my bantha, what did this something look like?"

"There was one that kinda looked like a human all wrapped up in rags, then his creature.  Some lizard thing.  I think it was his mount."

"A Tusken Raider!?" Freeg exclaimed.  "Well I'll be the son of a Hutt, Neeruk was right.  The only reason a Tusken would try to steal a bantha is if their tribe's banthas were all gone.  But if he had a mount, why would he be trying to steal another one?" Freeg mused.

"I actually don't think the other creature was his mount," Kelko said.  "It was too small to ride.  And it was more mammalian than lizard-like."

"Oh, a massiff maybe." Freeg said.  "Their kind of like guard dogs for the Tuskens.  Well, it's over now.  Let me get Betsy and we'll get you into town to get treated Britton.  Should be daylight by the time we get there."

OOC: Any comments.

OOC Sorry, I just assumed it was a Dewback or something.

Britton rubbed his forehead just above his left eye; his head was throbbing again.

Freeg rounded up Betsy, hooked up the cart and had Kelko help him load Britton into the back.  "Do you think you can hold down the farm on your own while we're gone Kelko?"

"It's almost light and I'm hoping that scaring off that Tusken scares away anyone else. I think I'll be all right." Kelko answered.

"Okay, we'll see you in a few."  And with that Freeg gave the bantha a giddy up and they were off.  As they headed into town, Freeg only made a few comments, knowing Britton would mostly want to rest.  "Well, knowing I might need to take an injured hand into town now and again makes me think I definitely want at least four men.  That is when I can finally find some.  I think I'm close, probably a couple more days though."

It seemed forever, but was really just about an hour and they arrived at the treatment center.  Britton's injuries were quickly treated and soon they arrived back at the farm just in time for  Freeg to make breakfast.  No one really spoke--everyone, including Freeg, was too tired from the previous night's ordeal.  After breakfast, Kelko and Britton quickly crashed in their dorm house.

OOC: Anything else Britton wants to do that day?  Or anything he wants to dream about?  I have no visions for him, so feel free.

Britton tried to sleep but the attack he'd just experienced triggered a lot of bad flashback dreams from his youth.  Still a touch groggy he woke up later that day.

Kelko was sitting up on his bunk, looking at Britton.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

"Yeah," Britton lied.  "You?"

"Oh, I'm fine," Kelko answered.  "Rested now too.  It's about time to start our next shift, it's almost dark.  Hopefully tonight will be quiet."

And it was.  Not so much as a scurrier intruded onto the farm.  As Britton and Kelko passed each other on patrol, Kelko asked "So what are you going to do when you find Kenobi?"

"I dunno, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to even be finding him for really," Britton responded.

"Hopefully Kenobi will know what to do," Kelko replied.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:45, Mon 04 Jan 2016.

The next day consisted mostly of sleeping and wakeful resting.  That night was extra dark, with all three of the moons in their new phase.  Kelko remained silent during patrol.

OOC: Roll for Perception.

OOC 16+6=22

As Britton rounded a corner of the farm's property line on his circuitous route, he heard some noise up ahead and could see several dark forms blocking the lights from one of the vaporators.

OOC: What does Britton do?

Britton commed Kelko.

"We've got trouble over here."

"I'm on my way," Kelko replied.  "What sort of trouble?"

"We'll see," Britton responded.  He readied his sword and advanced on the shadowy figures.  "Hold it right there.  Who are you and what do you want?"

All of the figures jumped at Britton's voice, but then one of them said in a gruff voice, "Go back to bed farmer, before you get hurt."  Obviously, in the dark, they were mistaking Britton for Freeg, and they immediately went back to what they were doing.

Britton acted in no time, swinging his sword.

OOC 4+10=14
Mighty Swing: 2d8+5=10+5=15
I don't suppose their lack of attention would allow a coup de grace?

OOC: Sorry, no coup de grace--they have to be helpless for a coup de grace.  They're not helpless, but they are flat-footed because even though they know Britton is there, in the dark they don't realize he's armed or young.

Britton cleaved through the man's back, killing him instantly.  The others, shocked at this turn of events, turned on Britton.

OOC: Roll for Initiative.

OOC 15+8=23

OOC: Well look at that, Britton gets to act first.

Britton made to cut down another of the men.

OOC 15+4=19
Mighty Swing 4+4+5=13 dmg

Britton's swing sliced the man across the torso, spilling his guts.  Three of the intruders backed up to a safe distance and drew their blaster pistols.  But the one closest to Britton took out a vibro-ax and said, "You killed my brother.  Now, you will die!"  And he swung at Britton's head.  Britton tried to twist to avoid the blow, but it still sliced across the back of his shoulder.

The three intruders who had backed up followed up with coordinated shots at Britton, but in the dark they couldn't find their target.

Suddenly, from far away a shot came flying towards the group of bandits, and Britton knew Kelko was coming.

OOC: Britton's turn.

Britton swung at the vibro-ax wielder.

OOC 17+4=21
7+5+5=17 dmg.

Britton's blade cut the man from left shoulder to right hip, ending his life.  The other bandits took another step back and fired at Britton again, but still could not hit him.

Another wild shot flew in from Kelko, still afar off.

OOC: Britton's turn.  FYI, all of the remaining bandits are now 12 sq (2 move actions) away, spread out in an arc, with Britton as their central point.

Britton's blood was pumping as he ran at the bandit to his right.

OOC Run.  Obviously not all 24 squares.

The two bandits that Britton did not approach moved back again, but continued their focused fire at Britton, one of them nearly hitting him.  The one he had run to tried to pull out his vibro-ax, but nearly dropped it, so scared was he at Britton's aggressiveness.

Even though he was still at a great distance, Kelko dropped one of Britton's assailants with a shot through the chest.

The other bandit with his blaster still drawn said to the other "Come on, we've got we came for.  Let's get out of here."

OOC: Britton has time to act before they try to retreat.

Britton let out a bellow as he swung his sword at his adversary.

OOC 14+4=18
12+5=17dmg.

Britton felled the rogue in front of him.

With all his companions slain, the last man took off like a bandit , running away from the moisture farm.

OOC: What does Britton do?

His blood pumping still and unable to think clearly , Britton took off after the bandit full-tilt.

OOC Run.  All 24 squares this time.  I've got good Endurance and a high enough Constitution to out run him.

OOC: You might be able to eventually outrun him, depending on your checks and his checks, but he started 18 squares away from you and is also running.

Kelko caught up to Britton before he left the farm's property line, his blaster now holstered.  "<Sorry, can't see him anymore,>" Kelko said in explanation, slipping into Rodese, as was his and Britton's standard practice when dealing with foes.  They were able to stay close enough to hear sounds of the bandit's flight ahead of them.  Eventually their chase led them to a narrow canyon.

"<I don't know, I don't like this,>" Kelko said.  "<It smells like a trap to me.>"

<We can't let them escape!> Britton shouted back, continuing on.

Kelko sighed, knowing how focused Britton could get.  "<All right, let's go then.>" Kelko conceded.

As they proceded through the canyon, Kelko asked "<So why is it so important we catch this guy?  We already scared him off the farm.>"

OOC He still has what he came for, yeah?  Britton knows that, right?

OOC: Yes, Britton does.  But Kelko doesn't.

<He still has what they came for!  We can't let him get away!>

"<Okay, I guess we'll find out what that is when we catch up to him.>" Kelko shrugged, continuing to follow Britton.

Soon, the pair started to hear a rumbling sound and the ground started to shake.  They could see small pebbles trembling around on the ground.

OOC: Any comments or skill attempts before I continue?

OOC Nope, Britton isn't taking any extra time to do something besides running.

"<I have a bad feeling about this.>" Kelko exclaimed as the ground started to shake so violently it nearly knocked the pair off their feet.  Suddenly, Kelko's low-light vision allowed him to see something that made his eyes bug out even more than they naturally were.  "<Um, Britton, run!>" He called out.

"<What do you think I'm doing?>" Britton called back over his shoulder, continuing on his present course.

"<No, I mean run the other way.  Stampede!>" Kelko yelled, already heading back in the direction they had come.

Britton could see it now too, easily more than 100 massive banthas raging down the pass!

Britton howled in anger, skidded to a stop and began running in the other direction.

The beasts were starting to catch up to the heroes, when Britton noticed Kelko heading towards the canyon wall.  He started to climb it, but he slipped, and got trampled by one of the stampeding banthas.

OOC: What does Britton try and do to avoid being trampled?
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:57, Tue 09 Feb 2016.

Britton ignored his own safety and ran to help Kelko.

OOC: Make an Acrobatics check.

OOC 17+3=20

Despite his best efforts, there were just too many banthas for Britton to get through and one of the beast's slammed into him, bruising his upper arm.

Britton noticed that Kelko was taking a different tack now, trying to climb one of the banthas.  Kelko easily mounted the beast, but staying on was going to be another matter.

OOC: What does Britton do now?
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:57, Tue 09 Feb 2016.

Britton attempted to follow his friend's lead.

OOC: Okay, make a Climb check.

OOC 16+3=19

Britton was also able to scramble up one of the beast's shaggy coats. Britton could see Kelko out of the corner of his eye, straddling his bantha and managing to hang onto the hairy nape.  Britton's bantha jostled underneath his feet.

OOC: Would Britton like to try to ride the bantha, or just balance atop it?  Or something else?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:40, Wed 10 Feb 2016.

OOC Uh...ride.

OOC: Very well.  Make a Ride check.

OOC 1+3=4  Why'd I bother getting up there?  That's a bad enough roll to knock me back off.

Britton could not keep himself seating on the rampaging bantha, getting thrown off of the lumbering beast.

OOC: Make an Acrobatics check to see if you can avoid falling damage.

OOC 7+3=10

Britton could not find purchase anywhere to slow his fall and landed with a thud.   As Britton tried to get back up, one last Bantha trampled through, running over Britton.

Britton grimaced and forced himself back up despite being near edge of collapse.  He tried to move to the canyon wall and away from the Banthas.

Kelko slid off his mount as it continued to follow the rest of the stampeding herd.  He quickly ran over to Britton.  "<Are you okay?>" Kelko asked, then he wondered aloud, "<I wonder where those banthas could have come from?  There's no way the bandits would have that many banthas, is there?>"

Britton's head was pounding so much that he could barely hear what Kelko was saying much less process it.

"Whatever," he growled, not breaking into Rodese.  "Can you see the bandits?  Did they get away?"

"<Well, if they didn't make it through the canyon before the stampede, they're most likely in rough shape too.  Otherwise, we may be able to pick up their trail on the other side.>" Kelko replied.

Britton was torn between a desire for revenge and wanting to seek medical help, especially for his head.

"Do we have a way to go after him?  Could we take the speeder?"

"<I"m afraid I don't know what speeder to which you could be referring.  We took this job so we could earn money for a speeder.  If we already had one, we wouldn't need this job; and Freeg doesn't have one, just the bantha.  You must have gotten bumped on the head.>" Kelko observed.  "<As far as the bandit goes, as I said, he can't be in much better shape than us.  We could probably catch up to him if we keep going.  But if you're not feeling up to it...>" Kelko let the sentence hang, not wanting to insult his friend.

<No!  Let's go!> Britton replied, moving to go.

Keiko followed closely behind Britton through the slowly widening canyon.  Soon they reached a fork in the trench where a small ravine led off the main canyon.  Keiko studied both paths for a while, then shrugged his shoulders.  "<Sorry Britton, the stampede has made it difficult to see which way the bandit might have gone.>"

OOC: Britton can try and use Perception to see if he can notice something that Keiko missed, or he can just choose which path to follow and see where it leads them.

OOC Autofail on Perception and Search Feelings.

IC His head pounding still, Britton just pointed right and headed that direction.

As the pair headed down the small ravine, they soon came upon the bandits' hideout.  It had been demolished by the stampeding banthas.  The bandit they had been tracking sat leaning against the canyon wall, breathing with difficulty.  He was holding his side with one hand, while his other arm lay limp on the ground.

OOC How far away is he?

OOC: He's within 2 move actions.

"Can you get an aim on him?" Britton asked.

"<Sure,>" Kelko replied, pulling out his blaster and aiming it at the bandit.

"We've got you," Britton called out to the bandit.

The bandit groaned.

"<I don't think he's in any shape to put up a fight,>" Kelko observed.

Britton cautiously moved up to the bandit, keeping his sword ready.

"The banthas...they've gone crazy," the bandit muttered as if he were just talking to himself.

"Where is the stuff you stole?" Britton asked, pushing the tip of his blade into the man's back.

The bandit clutched his fist tighter on the arm laying limp at his side.  "We just needed a BBU to repair our vaporator," he explained.

Britton bent down.

"Who are you?"

"We are...were...I am," the man rambled.  "I'm just a guy who didn't get along very well with very many people.  So I lived here with others of the same ideal.  Don't have to answer to no one, don't have to work for no one...or at all.  Take what we need or want when we need or want it."  He stopped to cough.

"Why were you stealing from us?"

"Told you...needed a BBU...take what we need when we need it...don't have to answer to no one...blasted crazy banthas."  The bandit was rambling now.

"Give it back," Britton growled.

The bandit tried to pull his arm that was holding the vaporator piece up towards his chest, away from Britton, but he couldn't manage it.  With a frustrated look on his face, he slowly opened his hand, revealing the Binary Brain Unit from Freeg's vaporator; however he made no move to give it to Britton.

Britton kicked the unit out of the bandit's hand.

OOC Unless that'd break it.

OOC: It just survived a bantha stampede, I think it will be fine.

The BBU skittered across the sand, landing near Kelko, who picked it up.  The bandit turned his head away from Britton in shame, but said nothing else.

Britton felt the stirrings of pity underneath the pounding in his skull.

"What's your name?"

"It doesn't matter," the bandit replied.  "I don't need your pity," he said defiantly.  "Just go!  But remember what I said about the banthas.  This is not normal behavior for them.  They've gone crazy!"

Britton stood up and returned to Kelko.

"He says there's something funny about the banthas but beyond that: nothing."

"Okay.  Well, maybe we should talk to Freeg about the banthas, but I doubt he'll be getting any more trouble from bandits or Tusken Raiders anytime soon.  We'll have to calculate if we have enough money to continue our search for this Kenobi tomorrow.  After we get you healed up of course."  Kelko said.

The trip back to the moisture farm was uneventful.  The suns were nearly rising when Freeg's compound came into view.  Freeg stood at the edge of his property, ready to greet his two guards home.  "Seems like there was quite a ruckus last night," Freeg observed.  "One of my vaporators opened up, dead bodies surrounding it, you two gone...something must have happened."  Britton and Kelko noticed some new small mounds on the property--clearly Freeg had respectfully, if hastily, taken care of the bodies.

"Yes, we took care of some bandits who were trying to scavenge from your vaporator.  We recovered the part that they stole," Kelko said, holding out the BBU.

"Huh, well at least that's easy to fix," Freeg noted.  "Just a plug and play part.  What is that smell?" Freeg asked suddenly.  Then, in the ever increasing light, he noted your condition.  "What are you two covered in?  Is that bantha drool?"

OOC: Britton may respond here, if he likes.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 15:31, Fri 19 Aug 2016.

"There was a bantha stampede," Britton explained.  "Do you know what might have caused something like that?  One of the thieves said it was unusual behaviour."

"It surely is," Freeg agreed.  "Banthas are usually pretty docile.  And that smell on you, it seems familiar somehow..."

Before Freeg had a chance to continue, the crazy hermit, Neeruk, whom you hadn't seen since you first arrived at the moisture farm appeared.  "I told you," he shouted out, "the banthas are rising up against their cruel masters to escape their chains of servitude."

"Neeruk, not again!" Freeg yelled, clearly frustrated.  "We don't need your conspiracy theories around here."  And the moisture farmer quickly chased Neeruk off.

"Now I remember where I've smelled that smell before," Freeg said as he returned.  "The water from my vaporators has been smelling like that about once a month lately."  Freeg then seemed to focus on Britton and Kelko's clothing.  Finally he approached Britton and pulled of a long bantha hair that had stuck to his shirt.  "These hairs don't look quite right either."  Even Britton and Kelko could see that the hair was not the normal dark brown of a bantha's fur, but had a slight fluorescent green tint to it.

"Someone poisoning the water?"

"If it's poison, it's too mild of an one to kill anybody," Freeg pointed out.

"Is there anything special about when it happens during the month?" Kelko asked.

"Let me think," Freeg said, pausing for a moment.  "Wait a minute, the other times it was during the two night new moons.  Like last night and tonight..." he trailed off before picking up again.  "And I have heard tell of an Imperial shuttle that is only seen on those nights."

"Where have people seen this shuttle?" Kelko pressed.

"A little west of here; it's near a water collection site where banthas drink sometimes."  Freeg answered.

"After we've rested, we'll need to check it out."

"Yes, let me take you in to town, and we can get your wounds healed," Freeg offered.  Soon they were off to the treatment center.  Things pretty much went the way the did the last two times Britton had been there.  He was healed before the day was out and they were soon back at the moisture farm.

OOC: Go ahead and level up to Level 3.  Britton is at full hp, top of the CT.

With the throbbing diminished to a background noise, Britton made plans with Kelko to head out.

As they were finishing up their plans, Freeg stopped by the dormitory.  "Well, seeing as you two are heading out this evening, when I need the farm guarded, I'm glad I was able to secure four hands yesterday.  They can start tonight.  So you boys don't need to worry about coming back."  Freeg stopped for a moment, and it almost seemed as though he was about to get emotional.  Then he snorted, and said, "I am going to miss you boys.  You've defended my farm well and I appreciate it.  Now, let's figure out your pay.  You boys guarded my place for four nights, so at 1000 credits per day, that's 4000 credits each.  All right, here you go," he said handing over the money.  His eyes were starting to get misty.  "You know you boys are always welcome to come back for a visit," he offered, and unable to contain himself any longer pulled Britton into a tight embrace.

OOC: Any reactions (to any part of the paragraph; I'll just go back and insert it if it's before the end)?

Britton stiffened up when Freeg hugged him, unsure of how to respond as well as bringing out a whole slue of unwelcome emotions.  He didn't return the gesture.

"Thank you, Freeg," Britton  said, mostly in reference to the money than the offer to return or the hug.

OOC I was referring to heading out to check out the water connection site but this works too.

OOC: I know you were referring to heading out to check out the water connection site, but the shuttle only comes there at night, specifically moonless nights (see msg #183).  But night time is when the moisture farm needs guarding, thus the transition to the new hands.

Kelko also found Freeg's embrace discomfiting, considering they'd only known him for a few days, but he went with it anyway.  "Thanks for your hospitality and generosity," Kelko said.

Darkness enveloped the desert as Britton and Kelko headed off towards the water collection site.  "<You know,>" Kelko said, slipping back into Rodese.  "<It's a good thing that it's dark.  Because if there's an Imperial shuttle, there's likely to be Imperials as well.  It's best we sneak up on them.>"

<It doesn't help that they wear all white,> Britton laughed.

Kelko chuckled as well.

It wasn't long before they crested their hundredth dune, but this time there were Imperial shuttle landing lights lit up below.  Kelko quickly dropped and motioned for Britton do the same.    He pulled out his electrobinoculars and peered towards the shuttle.  He scanned around for a moment before whispering "<There are some scientists down there.  It looks like they're pouring something into the water basin.>"  Kelko handed Britton the electrobinoculars.

OOC 10+6=16 Perception.

IC Britton tried to make out what was being poured into the water.

With the distance and the darkness, Britton couldn't tell what was being poured into the water, other than that it was a liquid and that they were pouring it from a vial.

After the vial was empty, the scientists headed back towards the shuttle.  As Britton tracked them with the electrobinoculars, he noticed that there were two sandtroopers guarding the shuttle ramp.

<Come on!  We can take'em!>

"<Yes, we can take them, but remember stealth,>" Kelko warned, as he put a hand gently on Britton's upper arm to keep him from charging in.  "<There may be more troopers inside.  If we sneak up on them, we might be able to get a few shots in before they notice us.>"

OOC: If Britton agrees to Kelko's plan, make a Stealth check.  Also, assuming it might be necessary, go ahead and roll for Initiative.

OOC Stealth: 7+3=10
Initiative: 6+8=14

IC Maybe it was the cooler air but Britton was feeling more calm than normal and decided to go with Kelko's plan.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Tue 29 Nov 2016.

The scientists started ascending the shuttle ramp as Kelko and Britton unsheathed their weapons and made their way carefully down the dune.  Due to the darkness, the heroes were able to approach in relative stealth.  However, once they got to the outskirts of the shuttle's running lights, the sandtroopers' low-light vision from their helmets allowed them to detect the heroes.

It was Kelko who first noticed one of the sandtroopers cock his head in response to their approach.  Before the sandtrooper could raise his readied weapon, Kelko blasted a hole in his chest and the trooper slumped to the ground dead.

The other sandtrooper reacted quickly, shooting at Britton, nailing him right in the chest as well.    He then maneuvered behind the shuttle's landing ramp for cover.

OOC: Britton's turn.

Britton nearly collapsed in as he took a direct shot.  He was not having a good run of luck when it came to fights.  Still reeling from the shot, his attack went wide.

OOC 1+5=6

OOC: Of course you mean, after Britton follows the trooper behind the landing ramp, his melee attack goes wide.

Though Britton's attack missed, it did get the sandtrooper's attention focused on him, so that Kelko could come around the other side of the ramp and fire at the trooper with no cover.  But his shot still missed.

The sandtrooper, his attention now divided, had to choose a target, and opted to focus on the injured opponent right in front of him.  However, his indecision made him shoot at blank air.

OOC: Britton's turn.

OOC 16+5=21
Mighty Swing DMG: 8+1+6=15

IC Frustrated and angry, Britton lashed out at the Stormtrooper, bringing his war sword down with both hands.

Britton's sword cut through the sandtrooper's armor like a hot vibroknife through  butter, ending the trooper's life.

OOC Uhm...I'm pretty sure it's still your turn.

OOC: I suppose it could be, but both opponents that are outside of the shuttle are down.  I was trying to see what Britton wanted to do.

"<Do you think the scientists inside the shuttle heard the firefight?>" Kelko asked, breathing heavily after the brief exchange.

<Only one way to find out.>

Kelko nodded and headed carefully up the ramp.  As Britton inched along behind him, they peered into the first room.  There were two speeder bikes off to the left in what was intended to be a vehicle storage area.  However, the rest of the bay, which would normally have contained seating for ground troops, had instead been converted to contain what looked like chemical storage.  Britton and Kelko could hear voices ahead, coming from the opposite bay.  Apparently, no one had heard the firefight outside.  Kelko motioned for Britton to take the lead.

OOC Stealth 17+3=20

As Britton inched forward he could make out two Imperial Navy Troopers in pilot's uniforms speaking with two men in long, white lab coats.  Most of them were oblivious to Britton's presence, but one of the navy troopers stopped the conversation.  "Wait, somebody's on board, and it's not our stormtroopers."

OOC: Roll for Init.

8+8=16

OOC: Go ahead and go first.  Only you and that Navy Trooper have an extra action in the surprise round.  You are only 1 move action away from any of the Imperials, so that could be your extra action.

Britton bolted forward in order to get within striking distance.

The Navy Trooper who had noticed Britton was able to draw his blaster pistol before the battle began in earnest.

Kelko was the first to fire, putting a hole in the slower Navy Trooper.

One of the scientists pulled out a small blaster pistol and fired at Kelko, but the nimble Rodian easily dodged the shot.

OOC: Britton's turn.  He is standing within melee range of the remaining Navy Trooper and the scientist that has not yet acted.

OOC Mighty Swing: 10+5=15

Britton cleaved through the Navy Trooper with the same ease that Kelko's blaster had penetrated the other one.

The scientist closest to Britton did not even attempt to enter the fight, instead moving over to a computer console and getting out a code cylinder.

Kelko fired at the blaster-wielding scientist, ending his life just as easily as he had the trooper's.

OOC: Britton's turn.  He is one move action away from the scientist at the computer console holding the code cylinder (the only opponent left alive).

Britton moved to the scientist attempting to send a message and swung with both hands.

OOC Attack: 14+5=19
DMG: 6+6=12

Britton sliced the scientist across his face, right arm, and right leg.  The man screamed out in pain, but then hardened his face and defiantly used his left hand to stick the code cylinder into the scomplink, and then snarled, "I don't know who you are.  But you will never get our data."  He jammed a finger down on one of the keys on the keyboard.

Kelko appeared by Britton's side, his blaster pointing at the still bleeding man.  Kelko waited to see what Britton wanted to do.

In reply to GM Hammer (msg # 215):

OOC Who's got better Use Computer?

OOC: You both have the same skill modifier.

His mind suddenly clear, Britton rushed to the computer.

OOC 20+2=22

Britton knocked the scientist over as he took over the console.  The man gave a slight "Oof!" as he landed.  Fortunately, the code cylinder was still in the scomp link, and though the scientist might have thought about trying to remove it to prevent Britton from utilizing it, Kelko still had his blaster trained on the man.

The screen showed that all files were done uploading to an Imperial database and all local file copies were being deleted.  Britton was able to stop the deletion just in time to save one recently transmitted message.  It read:


Then a pop-up message appeared in front of the transmission.  It was a red box with white characters, currently counting down from 60.

"RUN!" Britton shouted to Kelko, then began to do so himself.

Kelko didn't question Britton's suggestion, having spared a glance at the console screen himself.  As soon as a blaster wasn't trained on him, the Imperial scientist also started staggering off the shuttle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:59, Fri 08 Nov 2019.

"Grab him!" Britton called to Kelko.

Kelko was able to grab the scientist, though it slowed him down slightly.  However, he was still able to exit with sufficient time to get clear of the shuttle.  He was dragging the scientist up the dune that Britton had started to scale when the shuttle exploded, sending shrapnel into the immediate area, just short of the trio.

Britton walked over to Kelko and the scientist and grabbed the latter roughly.

"What were those experiments about?" he demanded.

The scientist laughed.  "And why would I tell you?"

"Because I imagine you'd want to keep your ears," threatened Britton, placing his sword on man's ear to prove his point.

OOC Persuasion: 9+1=10

The scientist laughed again and said.  "I would rather die."

"That can be arranged."  Britton raised his sword and lopped off the scientists head.

Kelko had a slight pucker to his face as the scientist's head rolled down the dune near his feet, but he said nothing about it.  He looked around briefly, and then seeing nothing else to do, nonchalantly said, "So...back to finding Kenobi?"

"Yes."

Britton was breathing heavily and still ached from the bantha stampede.

"Didn't Freeg say we'd need to find Jawas to find Kenobi?  And that we'd need a speeder and a translator droid to find and interact with them?" Kelko asked .  When Britton nodded wordlessly, Kelko consulted a flimsiplast map that Freeg had given them before they left.  "Well it looks like the closest city that would have anything like that is Mos Espa."

The first sun was just starting to peek over the distant rock mountains when Britton and Kelko came within sight of the settlement.  There was a small spaceport visible as well as several commercial shops and even an arena on the outskirts of the city.  As Britton and Kelko walked up the dusty streets, the shops were just opening and several vendors were calling out in Huttese and Basic offering breakfast foods to the pair.

"I need something to eat; you?" Britton asked.  The painful pulsing behind his eye was now a dull throb.

"Are you kidding?  I'm starving," Kelko replied, as his stomach growled in agreement.  Because of the diversity of sellers, Kelko was able to find a Rodian breakfast dish of Nilluk strips, Vakiir eggs, and galma.  Britton was able to purchase a nuna egg omelet. 

After quickly scarfing down their greasy but filling meals at a nearby common table, the pair started to roam farther down the market street in search of a shop to purchase a translator droid, a speeder or both.  Soon they came in sight of one whose sign read "Wald's Parts".  The two looked at each other in awe.  "This must be some kind of omen," Kelko suggested.  "I mean it's got my  name on it.  We've got to try it."

Britton laughed and indicated for Kelko to go in first.

"Why thank you," Kelko said, strutting forward with false bravado as if he owned the place.  As the pair entered the shop, a chime went off, clearly meant to alert the shopkeeper that there were customers.  One of the first things that Britton could notice was how cool it was compared to the scorching outside; whatever the shop used for air conditioning worked well.  Britton had only a few moments to note the droids--whole and partial; some moisture vaporator parts; some calibration devices and he could smell more than see a droid lubrication bath around somewhere before the owner entered.  He came through an arched portal in the back of the shop, through which Britton noticed some complete vehicles as well as large machinery parts.

The owner himself was a pale green male Rodian, slightly taller than Kelko.  His frame was thin, and his ears and snout seemed long even for a Rodian.  "Welcome to 'Wald's Parts', I am the owner Wald.  How can I help you gentlebeings today?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:49, Fri 26 Jan 2018.

"I don't suppose you know my friend's family?" Britton asked.

"It's possible, what's your friend's name?" Wald asked.

"Kelko, Kelko Wald," Kelko answered.  When Wald gave him a quizzical look, Kelko continued "I know, it's strange, my last name is the same as your first.  That's what drew us to your shop."

"Yes, interesting indeed," Wald admitted.  "Though many Rodians did come to Tatooine to escape the Clan Wars, I'm afraid I don't know any with the last name Wald."

Kelko looked crestfallen at the news, but as he had expected as much, he said nothing.

OOC: Any comments from Britton?

Britton patted his friend on the shoulder.

Kelko shook himself and then said "Let's talk about the real reason we came here.  We need a translator droid that can speak to Jawas."

Wald rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand. "A translator, hmm...I know I don't have any protocol droids right now.  Let me check my inventory."  He picked up a datapad off of one of the nearby counters and scanned through for a few seconds.  "Ah, okay.  Follow me."  He led the pair towards a back corner of the shop.

"Here you go," he said, pointing to a droid that was leaning up against the wall.  The droid was skeletal in appearance, and though it was humanoid, it seemed as though it only had one eye (it's left eye).  "An SY-series repair droid.  It was Cybot Galactica's follow up to improve the LE-series repair droid.  It's a very versatile droid, and with a better translating unit than the LE-series."

(https://vignette.wikia.nocooki...st?cb=20071205001523)

Wald gave space and time for Britton and Kelko to examine the droid or ask any questions they liked.

"What do you think?" Britton asked, squatting down in front of the droid and looking it over.

OOC 6+13=19 perception check.

"I'm afraid I don't know much about droids," Kelko replied.  "But if it's as Wald says, it may be our best bet.  We might want to know it's other capabilities besides translation though."

"We'll take it," Britton said.  "How much?"

"5,000 credits," Wald said simply.

"4000," Britton said, standing up and crossing his arms across his chest.

OOC 7+1=8 favourable circumstances for Intimidate.

OOC: Are you sure you want to try the Intimidate application of Persuasion against somebody who's been friendly to you this whole time?  I know you have favorable circumstances for Intimidate and I know Britton's that kind of a guy, but I find it hard to believe that even he couldn't find a better application of Persuasion for haggling the price of the droid with someone who currently already has an attitude in his favor.

OOC fiiiiine, just use it as a persuasion roll.

"I can sell a used LE repair droid for more than 4,000, and this droid is more functional and rarer.  I'm afraid that's a hard pass.  5,000."  Wald said evenly.

Britton sighed but acquiesced.

After taking most of his credits, Wald said, "Pleasure doing business with you.  Anything else I can get you folks?"

"Well, we do need a speeder to get around," Kelko admitted.

"Now for that I have quite a few options.  I sell new and used speeders as well as rent speeders.  Now, you'll need a speeder with at least three seats for you two and your droid.  Hmm..." Wald again consulted his datapad.  "Right now I've got an Aratech Arrow-23: 6,800 credits to buy it new, 2,140 credits to buy one used, or 68 credits per day to rent.  I've got a CS-1 Cargo Sled: 12,000 credits new, 6,500 credits used, or 120 credits per day to rent.  And I've got a V-35 Courier: 8000 credits new, 2,500 credits used, or 80 credits per day to rent.  Which one would you like to take a look at?"

"I'll leave this one up to you," Britton said to Kelko.

"Fair enough, since you bought the droid." Kelko conceded.  "Well we definitely can't afford a new speeder," Kelko mused.  He did some quick math in his head and said "In order for the used Arrow-23 and the used V-35 to be worth it we'd need to use them for at least 32 days and even longer for the Cargo Sled.  I'm hoping we won't be here that long."  Kelko turned to Wald and asked, "How do your rentals work?  Will we need to bring the vehicle back here?"

"Well, I make renting easy.  We set up a payment drop for each day you use the vehicle.  When you're done with the vehicle, I have a special transponder that you can activate to let me know you're done renting it and I'll have it picked up," Wald explained.

"That is convenient," Kelko agreed.  "Could we see the rentals?"

"Certainly," Wald replied.  "Follow me."  He led the pair through the arched portal in the back of the shop.  Besides massive piles of vehicle parts, there were multiple whole vehicles in various conditions.  Wald strolled past the shiny new vehicles, and led them through a maze of machinery towards the back.  "Here you go," he said, gesturing to the three vehicles used for rentals.

Kelko carefully looked over each vehicle.  "The V-35 is nice, but it only has 3 seats.  What if we need to take this Kenobi with us?" Kelko asked rhetorically.  "There'd be no room."  He moved over to the Cargo Sled.  "I don't really like the open style of the cargo area."  He shuffled over to the last vehicle.  "This has more passenger space than we really need, but I guess it will do.  We'll take the Aratech Arrow-23," Kelko announced.

OOC: Any comments?

"Sounds great."  Britton rubbed his forehead, feeling the throbbing return after the negotiation.

Kelko, unaware of Britton's affliction, continued with the deal.  "We'll take it."

Wald immediately arranged for the first day's rental charge to be transferred to him, then said.  "Let me come take the restraining bolt off your droid and activate him.  Then I'll let you get to know him while I bring your rental speeder around to the front."

The three of you walked back into the shop.  Wald retrieved a tool that he used to remove the restraining bolt from the droid, and he flipped his activation switch.  After a small moment, the droid's photoreceptor lit up and he came to life.  "Thank you master for reactivating my circuits," the droid said to Wald.

"Ess Why Four, I am no longer your master.  This is your new master," Wald said, pointing to Britton.

"I understand," the droid replied.  "In that case, thank you master for purchasing me so I could be reactivated."

"I'll leave the three of you to get acquainted for a moment.  I'll be back soon with your speeder."  And with that Wald returned to the scrap yard in the back.

"Yeah," said Britton, pressing hard against his forehead with the palm of his hand.  "No problem.  So, tell me about yourself.  What are your specs?"

The droid answered immediately and succinctly.  "My designation is Ess Why Four, though I am usually nicknamed Syfer.  I am a repair droid with several protocol functions; an upgrade from the LE-series repair droid.  I have an improved translator unit.  I have improved dexterity and protocols to allow me to use ranged weapons to defend my master and his property."  Suddenly, during his explanation of his last upgraded feature, he started singing his sentence: "I also have internal storage to allow me to discretely transport anything my master requires."

"Why are you singing?"

"I apologize, master," the droid continued in the same lilting tone.  "Sometimes my vocoder gets stuck in this mode."

"How long does that usually last?" Kelko asked.

"Usually only a short time," the droid replied.  "Although once it lasted for three days," he admitted, with melancholy notes.

Britton laughed, suddenly.

"Well, at least life will be interesting."

Wald was soon around front with the rental speeder.  As he hopped out and handed over the access key, Syfer offered, in song, "Master, would you like me to pilot the speeder?"

"Oh, is his vocoder stuck again?" asked Wald.  "Sorry about that, he used to be owned by a jizz band that had him act as their manager, and occasionally fill in if they needed vocals.  It should wear off soon."

"As I was telling them," Syfer sang out.  Then his vocoder hissed and he went back to a normal speaking voice, "It doesn't usually last very long."

"Well good luck to you.  And Kelko, I'll keep an ear out for any news of your family," Wald concluded.

"Thank you," Kelko replied.

Syfer stood near the speeder, awaiting an answer to his question, despite the interruption since it had been asked.

Britton turned back to Syfer, remembering why he was waiting.

"Oh, uh, sure.  Unless Kelko want to pilot."

"Nope," Kelko replied.  "I always wanted a chauffeur."

"I have acted in that capacity," Syfer said conversationally before getting into the driver's seat of the speeder.

"I can navigate," Kelko said holding up the map as he took the other front seat.

OOC: Any comments before continuing on to find the Jawas?

OOC Nope.

After almost an hour of driving through the blowing sands, the speeder crested a dune and there in the distance was a colossal boxy-shaped, dirt brown rust-colored tracked transport.

"This should be it," Kelko reported, after consulting the map one last time.

Syfer drove up to the vehicle, and before Britton and Kelko could even get out, small creatures in brown robes and with glowing yellow eyes were approaching their speeder.  The creatures were jabbering excitedly in their strange language as they drew near.  They started rubbing their hands on the speeder and would have continued, but when Syfer exited the vehicle, the Jawas seemed to jump for joy and started gibbering even more excitedly.

Syfer started speaking back to them, though that didn't seem to stop them starting to check him out too.

Britton kept a sharp eye on the Jawas as he exited as well, to make sure they didn't start taking things apart.

"What are they saying?" Kelko asked Syfer.

"I keep trying to tell them that neither I nor the speeder are for sale," Syfer answered.  "At least, I have made that inference based on what you have said of your need for both of us."  As Syfer continued to shoo the Jawas away from him, he asked Britton, "What is it you need me to ask them?"

"Ask them whether they know of an Obi-Wan Kenobi," Britton replied, angrily pushing one of the Jawas away from his craft.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:14, Fri 25 Oct 2019.

Syfer conveyed the question to the Jawas in their native language.  He soon reported back, "They said that they know Kenobi, but that he never buys vehicles or droids from them even though he doesn't own any and lives alone."

"But did they tell you where we can find him?" Kelko asked.

"Oh yes," Syfer answered.  "His home is approximately 1600 kilometers to the south-southeast."

OOC: Any comments?

OOC Nah.

"Well we'd better get going then because that's a long ride," Kelko encouraged.

Approximately four hours later, they could finally start to make out a domed structure on the horizon.  As they pulled near the house, there seemed to be no activity.  When they exited the vehicle, Kelko started looking at the ground, leaving Britton to knock on the door.  After Britton waited at the door for a minute or two with no answer, Kelko asked "Didn't the Jawas say that Kenobi doesn't have any droids or vehicles?"

"Yes, why?" Britton asked, scanning the area.

OOC Perception 5+6=11

"Okay, see these footprints?" Kelko said, pointing to tracks that ranged all over the estate.  "Given their location everywhere and the fact that they're about the right size and distance apart for a man the size and age that Kenobi's been described to us, I'd say they're his."  Kelko paused only a moment before moving on.  "But look at this, another set of footprints that are a different size and distance apart.  Probably from someone younger.  And they only go in and out of the house once.  As do these, which are either a really old person's footprints given the shuffling motion, or they're a protocol droid's.  And this last one," he said pointing to a clear tread mark.  "This was made by an astromech droid.  And this flattened area and those tiny dunes indicate a speeder was here and then left."

"Wow!" Syfer said in the equivalent of amazement.  "That was impressive."

"Thank you," Kelko replied simply.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:48, Fri 13 Dec 2019.

Britton swore.

"Where to now?  Can you tell what direction they headed when they left?"

"Yes," Kelko replied.  "They headed east-southeast."

"Towards Bestine?" Syfer asked.

"If there is a town in that direction, of course, it's possible they headed there."  Kelko replied.

After climbing back into the Arrow-23, they had traveled only two hours before coming across an eerie sight.  Just ahead there was another Jawa sandcrawler--definitely a different one than that which belonged to the group that they had spoken to before--that was charred and ripped apart by blaster fire.  Near the sandcrawler was a short, grey pile of ash.

OOC: Any comments?

Britton's mouth opened in shock.

"Who would do something like this?" he asked.  "We need to search the area to see if Obi-Wan was here."

Syfer pulled the vehicle to a stop just short of the area.  Britton jumped out quickly, clearly concerned.  Kelko got out more slowly, and started looking around carefully, studying the surroundings.  Syfer remained respectfully in the car, waiting to be informed if his help was required.

OOC: Any comments before Kelko gives his analysis?

OOC Nope, other than Britton is keeping an eye out while Kelko reads what happened.
2+6=8
Apparently the heat, his distress, and the continued mild headache.

Britton noticed nothing in the immediate area.

"Our quarry was definitely here." Kelko summarized.  He took a deep breath then expounded: "It looks like Kenobi and the droids helped to pile the Jawa bodies and then burn them.  My only guess as to why is because the Jawas were already dead.  There are native weapons and Bantha tracks everywhere, but I don't think they killed the Jawas either.  From the damage done to the sandcrawler, I'd say stormtroopers killed them and then made it look like natives did.  The younger Human was here too, though it seems he left in his speeder without the others and then came back.  I can't even begin to guess as to why he would do that."  Kelko paused again only briefly.  "Ultimately, they all got back in the speeder and then headed off in the original direction they were going."

OOC: Any more comments?

"I don't think there's anything more we can do here,"  Britton said.  "We should get going before we're blamed for this."

"No arguments here," Kelko echoed.  After hopping back in the speeder and headed on towards Bestine.  After about an hour, Britton's stomach started to rumble.  "Good thing we're almost there," Kelko commented after consulting the speeder's navigation system.  Soon you were pulling in to Bestine, the current capital of Tatooine.  The town had a good number of new merchant shops, a cantina, and near the center of the city, the domed Imperial capitol building.

OOC: What does Britton want to do?

"I don't suppose we can just ask around for this guy," Britton lamented.  He sat back in his seat and thought, hoping inspiration would strike him.

OOC Search Feelings 11+6=17

Britton felt they would be successful in asking around for Kenobi.  Syfer confirmed this sentiment, "I think in Bestine you could easily ask around about someone and learn something."

"Can we ask around while eating something?" Kelko asked, his hand on his stomach.

"I could definitely use something to drink," Britton said, feeling the throbbing behind his eye return.  "We'll stop at a cantina and start asking around after we order."

"Sounds perfect," Kelko echoed cheerfully.  Syfer made no additional comments.

The most obvious cantina was one named "Cheapside Cantina".  As the trio walked up to the bar, the bartender asked "What'll it be today boys?"

Kelko answered, "A Jawa beer.  And do you have anything to eat?"

"Only if you take a booth," the bartender answered.

"Okay," Kelko replied.  "We'll take a booth.  So what do you have to eat?"

"Womp rat stew," the bartender answered simply.

"Anything else?"  Kelko asked.

"Nope, just womp rat stew."

"Womp rat stew it is then," Kelko replied faux enthusiastically.

"And how about you lad?" the bartender asked Britton.

"Just water, for me," said Britton, just glad to be out of the heat.

"Big spender, huh?" the bartender asked sarcastically.  He plopped down a glass of water for Britton to take to the booth.  Since it was evening the cantina was relatively crowded.  As Kelko slurped up his stew, he pointed out, "See, plenty of people to ask if they've seen our quarry."

Britton took a long drink then pressed the cool glass against his forehead.  He looked around the cantina.

"Yeah," he said.  "We'll start asking around once you're done with your food."

Kelko didn't take long to finish slurping down the stew.  By then Britton's glass of water was no longer cool, so he had finished it off as well.

OOC: Make a Gather Information check.

OOC 1+1=2

IC Brittons receding headache kept him from being on form.

Though Britton could hardly get anyone to even talk to him, Kelko seemed particularly in tune with the crowd.  After only a few minutes, Kelko reported.  "It seems that Kenobi, a young man and two droids were in town two nights ago and left yesterday morning in the direction of Mos Eisley.  Now, it's almost dark so I think we should get accommodations for the night and head for Mos Eisley tomorrow morning."

OOC: Any comments from Britton?

Britton nodded quietly in agreement.

The trio made their way over to the Bestine Hotel, where they were able to secure lodgings for 50 credits.  Britton and Kelko decided to split the cost .  Syfer kept watch during the night, but all was quiet and Britton was able to sleep well .

The next day, the group easily made their way to Mos Eisley.

OOC: Make a Gather Info check to try to locate Kenobi.

OOC 7+1=8

After two hours of searching, the heroes still had no leads as to where to find Kenobi.

"Well, that was frustratingly futile," Kelko commented out loud.

"I'm sorry you feel disappointed," Syfer chimed in.

"Me too.  But I don't know what else to do other than keep trying," Kelko concluded.


OOC: Make another Gather Info check.

OOC 17+1=18

After three more hours of asking around, the heroes finally got pointed to the Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina.  When they entered, they could hear a Bith jizz band wailing from an alcove off to the right.  The place was crowded with all manner of mean-looking beings.  Before the trio got very far, some sort of noise sounded around them and the man at the bar called out "Hey! We don't serve their kind here."

"Who?" Britton asked.  "You've got Rodians in here."

"Your droid. It'll have to wait outside. We don't want it here," came the surly reply.

"Oh," Britton replied, mildly remembering that many older people had issues with droids since the Clone Wars.  "Syfer, go ahead and keep an eye on the vehicle."

"Very well sir," Syfer answered dutifully as he shuffled back out the door.

"Okay, let's ask around and see if anybody has seen Kenobi in the last couple of days," Kelko suggested.

OOC: Make a Gather Information check.

OOC 1+16=17
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:34, Mon 07 June 2021.

After asking around for only a short while, Britton heard that this Kenobi had been in the cantina just two days ago with a young man.  They had gotten into a scuffle with two criminals, where Kenobi had used a lightsaber to cut off one of the criminals arms.  He had then booked passage on a tramp freighter to Alderaan.

OOC: What does Britton do or say?

"He's gone already," Britton mumbled under his breath to Kelko.  "Did you hear anything about why he might be headed to Alderaan?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:04, Mon 09 May 2022.

"<No, nothing about motives.>" Kelko replied, slipping into Rodese to avoid eavesdroppers.  "<But does it really matter why he went there?  If we want to meet him, we have to go there no matter what.  And if he's two days ahead of us, there's no way we catch him by traveling via starliner.  We're going to have to hire our own private transport.>" He sighed, a flute-like sound from his Rodian snout.  He started scanning the cantina.  Britton naturally followed suit.  After only a moment Britton spied a female Bothan, a male Duros, and a female Human in a corner booth in a hushed discussion.  The Human had a very pretty face and shoulder-length brown hair.  When her eyes met Britton's, she gave him a wink.

OOC: What does Britton do?
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:07, Mon 09 May 2022.

Britton smiled in reply.  "I may have a prospect."

Britton walked over to the table, with Kelko close at his heel.

"Mind if we sit down?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:08, Mon 09 May 2022.

The female Bothan put her hand on the front of the table, diagonally cutting off Britton and Kelko.  "Yes, we do mind.  This is a private conversation."

But the female Human brushed her off.  "Relax Oktra, let's see what the boys want."

Oktra reluctantly removed her hand from the table and leaned back.  "Fine, just hurry it up Sundee.  We're on a tight timeline."

Sundee motioned with her hand for Britton and Kelko to take a seat.  "What can we do for you gentlebeings?"

"It seems we find ourselves in need of transportation," Britton said in as seductive of a voice as he could muster.  "You wouldn't know of anyone we could hire, do you?"

"You've got my ear," Sundee replied.  "But it depends on where you want to go, how fast you want to get there and how much you can pay."  Sundee leaned forward, her chin on her fist with her elbow on the table.

"We're headed to Alderaan.  Speed isn't a major issue, though I'd prefer not to take it slow," Britton replied.

OOC How much money do we have again?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:45, Thu 29 Sept 2022.

"Passage to Alderaan shouldn't be a problem.  We just have another stop we need to make for Oktra first," Sundee explained.

Just at that moment Oktra's comlink chimed.  "Excuse me for a moment," she said as she slipped out of the booth.

Sundee watched her leave, but then turned back to Britton and Kelko.  "It will be a 10,000 credit charge for the trip." Sundee said matter-of-factly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:12, Fri 19 May 2023.

"Maybe we should wait for your friend to come back before we finalize any prices," Britton countered.

"Who? Oktra?" Sundee asked, following the Bothan with her eyes. "She's less of a friend and more of a competing customer. And right now she has higher priority than you. Unless..." Sundee paused for dramatic effect. "...you have something else to offer us."

"Our services is all we've got that's for sale," Britton responded.  "We can work for any difference in price."

Kelko pulled on Britton’s shirt sleeve. “<What about that Imperial shuttle in the desert?>” He asked in Rodese.  “<If they’re Rebels that information might be valuable to them.>”

<True...it could also get us into trouble with the Empire.  Do you wanna risk it?>

Before Kelko could answer, the Duros at the table smiled and then spoke in Durese to Sundee. Sundee gave a little chuckle and then said “Relax boys, we’re definitely not with the Empire, and in fact we are Rebels.”  When Kelko looked at her quizzically, Sundee explained. “Bekidge here,” she indicated the Duros, “can speak Rodese.  And we are definitely interested in any information you might have about the Empire.”

Britton leaned back.

"We saw Imp scientists out in the desert," Britton started.  "We'll need to negotiate a price before I divulge more."

“Imperial scientists, huh?  Alright, you’ve got our interest. We’ll start with 1000 credits off and see how interesting your information is.”  Sundee gave an open, upward palm gesture for Britton to continue.

Britton, still a little hesitant, glanced at Kelko. Kelko gave a subtle nod, so Britton elaborated.  “We saw Imperial scientists pouring something into a water basin.”  Britton left out the details of the ensuing skirmish, but continued. “We were able to intercept a transmission before the scientists set the ship to self-destruct. It said they had finished their testing on herd mammals, mentioned a  production facility on Raxus Prime and asked for permission to expand experiments to other animal types.”  Britton again left out the details of how the last scientist died.

Both Sundee’s and Bekidge’s faces looked stunned. “Now that is valuable information. At least something to look into.”  Sundee paused, seeming to make a calculation in her head. “All right, I’ll give you 4000 credits off.”

“<6000 credits is still steep for what we have, but it will have to do.>” Kelko conceded. Even though he knew Bekidge could understand him, he still felt speaking in Rodese was safer. But he did whisper it in Britton’s ear to keep the Duros from hearing. Before Britton could confer with Kelko further, Oktra returned to the booth.

“We have a problem,” she announced. “We’ve been asked to go rescue an Ithorian. I don’t know how they expect us to do that and make it to our pick up.”  Oktra was speaking cryptically, not knowing that Sundee had already told Britton and Kelko they were Rebels.

Sundee paused for only a moment. She glanced sideways at Britton and Kelko as she answered Oktra. “I think I have a solution to our problem.”  Sundee fully turned to face Britton and Kelko. “How would you boys like to work for the Rebellion?”  Britton and Kelko glared at each other, but before they could fully answer, Sundee added, “If you boys do the rescue for us, I’ll give you another 4500 credits off and give you priority over Oktra.”  Oktra started to protest, but Sundee raised her hand to cut her off.