After a short break from Teemo's first job for the quintet, there was a call from a familiar business associate: Tara Nightshade. In recent times, a vicious pirate named Bandin Dobah has begun to exert control over the movement of contraband in and out of one of the Mos Espa spaceports. This ruthless and ambitious Aqualish has earned himself some powerful enemies; after all, the planet of Tatooine is close to Hutt Space and they do not tolerate direct competition of this sort for long So far Dobah has kept one step ahead of justice, and he has managed to build and maintain control through a combination of force and dumb luck-for the time being, at least.
There is a 5000 credit bounty on the pirates head, bringing him in alive. This is from a Hutt named Narrta Isslia Diori. Narrta is moving in on the business once managed by his younger cousin Thrakba. That Hutt however had just run afoul of Bargos the Hutt and while initially taking advantage of Bargos, the tables were turned and Thrakba was arrested with illegal spice on his ship.
The team accepted the bounty from Tara and prepared to take the shuttle once more from Mos Shutta to Mos Espa. Once they arrived in Mos Espa spaceport Cresh, the hunt was on. Proiah Pron noticed they seemed to be watched by a twitchy Rodian. They were not approached however and moved on to searching cantinas.
The first hopeful in their search for information was a Tritonite. On seeing a stranger, the Tritonite gibbers away in a series of clicks and whirrs incomprehensible to all but the best protocol droids. Unable to converse due to language barriers, the missionary offers theteam a flexiplast
tract that further extols on the benefits of following the example set by the obscure religious figure. The pamphlet states that it is best to be inspired by the example of Holy Gactimus, to turn one's back on all forms of vice and distraction, eschewing stimulants and entertainment, and therefore find an inner serenity more mind-blowing than any narcotic high. Dissatisfied with that encounter the quintet moved on.
Next the quintet found a potential for information in a water vendor. A heavily burdened and aging human woman stands by one of the busier thoroughfares. She carries a plastic water jug on her back and also hefts a large tray bearing a number of jars of water. She has erected a small sign
nearby that reads "Mama Nobah Cheapest Water in Mos Espa," and indeed her prices are far more reasonable than any other water sellers.
She also has a sob story, claiming to have once been a resident of Alderaan who only escaped its destruction by the Death Star due to a fortuitous, but fruitless, business trip to Corellia. While she natters to the crew, her son Jok Nobah attempted to creep up on them to steal whatever he can lift. Unfortunately for him, Kilian noticed him and called the son out on his failed theft.
Mama Nobah begs their forgiveness, repeating that their desperate situation is the result of Imperial tyranny and offering free water by way of compensation. Young Spanner agrees to offer forgiveness for information and the Nobahs suggest the Rii Jenks cantina as a place to continue their search.
Trouble Brewing (Episode 7)
Moderator: GM Fang
Re: Trouble Brewing (Episode 7)
On the way to Rii Jenks, which took them from a less than average neighborhood to the fringes of one much better, the crew stopped when they heard some banging and a faint cry for help. The disorderly jumble of hastily constructed dwellings makes for a maze of tight alleyways filled with all manners of obstruction. Portable trash compactors, piles of crates and personal moisture condensers line the gangways that thread between homes and shops.
Passing a particularly dark and narrow alleyway, next to a large abandoned warehouse, a commotion is heard. There is a loud rattle and a buzzing noise coming from within the alley. The rattling stops and a low monotonous voice is heard calling out. "Hello! Bzzztt! Help pleazzze! I need help!"
Peering inside, they see that, among the various rubbish and junk, there is a badly damaged droid. Its head has been dented, one of its eyes has
been smashed, its body has been pulled apart, and all manner of wiring, hydraulics, and hardware are strewn about in the trash compactor. The Droid is J9-B8, a variant of the 3PO protocol droid made by Cybot Galactica.
Upon seeing FL-AR3, the droid speaks up more, "Ah, Greetingzzzz, ZZo glad you f-found me. Pleaze help! They took my f-friend. Pleaze help zave R4-W9! Bzzzxt!"
The group learns that R4 and J9 were both manumitted droids. They were on their way to the Rii Jenks cantina when they were set up on by thugs. They tore apart J9 and took R4 away with them, fitting him with a restraining bolt. He is aware that he does not have much time left as his self-repair mechanisms have done all they can. J9-B8 is totally beyond repair.
As the conversation continues, the remaining lights in the wreckage of J9-B8's body begin to dim and his voice drops an octave. He also tells them that R4-W9 was prized among the local smugglers due to his knowledge of the Kessel Run. He knows that the attack occurred about 20 hours ago, though he isn't exactly sure as it has taken a long time to get his limited systems back online. He thinks the band who attacked him were mostly human, though they were wearing hoods. He believes that his attackers were all male. He saw that they fitted a restraining bolt to R4-W9 before dragging him away. He does not know any of the attackers but suspects they have something to do with an Aqualish named Bandin Dobah who has become notorious in recent months for muscling in on a number of smuggling operations along the Kessel Run. A moment later the lights go out completely in J9's eyes.
Heading for the cantina now, with even more purpose at hand, Pron once more notices the Rodian following. At least he thinks it is the same Rodian. It is dressed the same. Pron keeps an eye on the doorway as well as the cantina once inside. The atmosphere changes dramatically once inside. There is actual air cooling and the cantina is obviously a popular spot for locals. It is a two level affair, with a circular balcony area above the lower level bar. The balcony houses semi-private booths. On one side a raised stage holds Fia Mund, billed as the Sullustan master of the kloo horn.
The clientele consists of humans (who make up at least three quarters of the cantina's patrons), Devaronians, Duros, and droids. A pair of courting Twi'leks sit in one corner (apparently rather wrapped up in one another) and a garrulous Toydarian flutters near the bar discussing a dubious business
venture with a figure dressed in a huge and enveloping red hooded cloak. Near the door to the cantina is a board displaying a holoscreen message. It shows the slowly revolving 3D head of an aging and grizzled Aqualish with a bounty notice.
The crew tries to listen in on the Toydarian and red-cloaked individuals conversations but it seems only the frivolous parts are loud enough to pick up. Kilian asks about Bandin directly to the bartender and is immediately shut down, told to relax and enjoy a drink.
After the exchange it only takes a brief moment before one of the Devaronians approaches Kilian and offers to "explain some matters." He introduces himself as Snoo and suggests they retreat to one of the booths on the balcony level. Kilian offers him a bribe to loosen his tongue even more. Snoo first explains that Mos Espa is a great place to do business if you know much about bounty hunting or handling contraband-but people
won't just offer jobs to strangers. Prospective smugglers have to earn some respect and trust within the community before expecting to make useful contacts.
Bandin Dobah is the head of an organized smuggling ring that operates on a loose franchise basis. The ring is said to be made up of many cells that rely on each other for mutual support and information. Bandin Dobah heads the cell at the top of the hierarchy, and takes a cut of the profits made by the other cells. In return they can rely on the fearsome reputation Bandin Dobah enjoys and the increased job opportunities that his organization provides. A typical cell is made up of four to ten smugglers.
When Kilian asks about missing droids, nothing has been said about a droidnapping, but it would be well within the character of Bandin Dobah to arrange for such a thing. As of yet, few people have made serious attempts to accost Bandin Dobah. Some weeks back, a Rodian bounty hunter appeared in the cantina and it was generally assumed that he was on the trail. He hasn't been heard from since. Snoo knows nothing else pertinent, and his reputation as a reliable source of information is too important for him to offer idle speculation or outright fiction.
Passing a particularly dark and narrow alleyway, next to a large abandoned warehouse, a commotion is heard. There is a loud rattle and a buzzing noise coming from within the alley. The rattling stops and a low monotonous voice is heard calling out. "Hello! Bzzztt! Help pleazzze! I need help!"
Peering inside, they see that, among the various rubbish and junk, there is a badly damaged droid. Its head has been dented, one of its eyes has
been smashed, its body has been pulled apart, and all manner of wiring, hydraulics, and hardware are strewn about in the trash compactor. The Droid is J9-B8, a variant of the 3PO protocol droid made by Cybot Galactica.
Upon seeing FL-AR3, the droid speaks up more, "Ah, Greetingzzzz, ZZo glad you f-found me. Pleaze help! They took my f-friend. Pleaze help zave R4-W9! Bzzzxt!"
The group learns that R4 and J9 were both manumitted droids. They were on their way to the Rii Jenks cantina when they were set up on by thugs. They tore apart J9 and took R4 away with them, fitting him with a restraining bolt. He is aware that he does not have much time left as his self-repair mechanisms have done all they can. J9-B8 is totally beyond repair.
As the conversation continues, the remaining lights in the wreckage of J9-B8's body begin to dim and his voice drops an octave. He also tells them that R4-W9 was prized among the local smugglers due to his knowledge of the Kessel Run. He knows that the attack occurred about 20 hours ago, though he isn't exactly sure as it has taken a long time to get his limited systems back online. He thinks the band who attacked him were mostly human, though they were wearing hoods. He believes that his attackers were all male. He saw that they fitted a restraining bolt to R4-W9 before dragging him away. He does not know any of the attackers but suspects they have something to do with an Aqualish named Bandin Dobah who has become notorious in recent months for muscling in on a number of smuggling operations along the Kessel Run. A moment later the lights go out completely in J9's eyes.
Heading for the cantina now, with even more purpose at hand, Pron once more notices the Rodian following. At least he thinks it is the same Rodian. It is dressed the same. Pron keeps an eye on the doorway as well as the cantina once inside. The atmosphere changes dramatically once inside. There is actual air cooling and the cantina is obviously a popular spot for locals. It is a two level affair, with a circular balcony area above the lower level bar. The balcony houses semi-private booths. On one side a raised stage holds Fia Mund, billed as the Sullustan master of the kloo horn.
The clientele consists of humans (who make up at least three quarters of the cantina's patrons), Devaronians, Duros, and droids. A pair of courting Twi'leks sit in one corner (apparently rather wrapped up in one another) and a garrulous Toydarian flutters near the bar discussing a dubious business
venture with a figure dressed in a huge and enveloping red hooded cloak. Near the door to the cantina is a board displaying a holoscreen message. It shows the slowly revolving 3D head of an aging and grizzled Aqualish with a bounty notice.
The crew tries to listen in on the Toydarian and red-cloaked individuals conversations but it seems only the frivolous parts are loud enough to pick up. Kilian asks about Bandin directly to the bartender and is immediately shut down, told to relax and enjoy a drink.
After the exchange it only takes a brief moment before one of the Devaronians approaches Kilian and offers to "explain some matters." He introduces himself as Snoo and suggests they retreat to one of the booths on the balcony level. Kilian offers him a bribe to loosen his tongue even more. Snoo first explains that Mos Espa is a great place to do business if you know much about bounty hunting or handling contraband-but people
won't just offer jobs to strangers. Prospective smugglers have to earn some respect and trust within the community before expecting to make useful contacts.
Bandin Dobah is the head of an organized smuggling ring that operates on a loose franchise basis. The ring is said to be made up of many cells that rely on each other for mutual support and information. Bandin Dobah heads the cell at the top of the hierarchy, and takes a cut of the profits made by the other cells. In return they can rely on the fearsome reputation Bandin Dobah enjoys and the increased job opportunities that his organization provides. A typical cell is made up of four to ten smugglers.
When Kilian asks about missing droids, nothing has been said about a droidnapping, but it would be well within the character of Bandin Dobah to arrange for such a thing. As of yet, few people have made serious attempts to accost Bandin Dobah. Some weeks back, a Rodian bounty hunter appeared in the cantina and it was generally assumed that he was on the trail. He hasn't been heard from since. Snoo knows nothing else pertinent, and his reputation as a reliable source of information is too important for him to offer idle speculation or outright fiction.
Re: Trouble Brewing (Episode 7)
Just as the interview with the Devaronian information broker ends, some more people enter the cantina. The first of these is an elegant Rodian girl who heads directly for the bar and orders herself some food and drink. She draws appreciative glances from those in the cantina who notice attractive Rodian girls. She wears a loose blouse of green satin with polished brass accessories, and while she seems unarmed, her purse is shaped so as to conceivably contain a holdout blaster.
Bare moments after the Rodian enters the bar, three smugglers saunter through the doors. Two of the smugglers are human males and the third is a Weequay. The three are all tough-looking customers who bear themselves with swaggering arrogance. A general hush falls over the patrons of the cantina. Even Fia Mund hits a few bum notes and has to take a pause for breath before resuming his performance.
The three approach the bar and order stiff drinks. One is almost instantly taken with the Rodian girl, and after giving her an appreciative leer he sidles up to her. Anyone keeping an eye on the interaction is able to tell from her body language that he makes her uncomfortable, if his attitude isn't a clue. Meanwhile the large red-cloaked figure heads for the door and exits.
He attempts to chat her up in an extremely unctuous manner; using lines such as, "Well you don't see many pretty Rodian girls in this place. What's that you're drinking, baby? Hey Riit Let's have another one of those over here, will you?"
She mutters some polite but restrained rejection to him in Rodian. The smuggler ignores her discomfort. He doesn't seem to understand Rodian anyway. The smuggler loudly goes on about how important he is and that she is making a big mistake. The Rodian girl is now keen to get away, and looks imploringly around the bar to see if she can find some reason to excuse herself.
Finally the crew come to her aid. Spanner walks up and tries to talk down the smuggler, but that just leads to a fist fight. As the fight gets rougher, the Weequay pulls a vibroknife on Kilian. Pron suggests he put it away, blaster aimed squarely indicating a fair fight is desired. When the Weequay strikes at Kilian with the weapon anyway, Pron shoots him on stun and soon the Weequay looses consciousness.
The smuggler named Spir ends up trying to take on both FL-AR3 and Spanner and ends up both wounded and unconscious for his trouble. Meanwhile the leader, Daro Blunt, makes a break for the safety of outside after taking a few blows himself. The Tatooine sky has turned into a fierce sandstorm and Daro is quickly lost in the environmental chaos. The crew then dumps the unconscious troublemakers outside as well.
The Rodian girl thanks them and introduces herself as Zukata and offers to buy them food and drink, but Spanner declines for the himself and the others. Noticeably, the Toydarian makes an uncomfortable exit, looking worried as he goes.
Bare moments after the Rodian enters the bar, three smugglers saunter through the doors. Two of the smugglers are human males and the third is a Weequay. The three are all tough-looking customers who bear themselves with swaggering arrogance. A general hush falls over the patrons of the cantina. Even Fia Mund hits a few bum notes and has to take a pause for breath before resuming his performance.
The three approach the bar and order stiff drinks. One is almost instantly taken with the Rodian girl, and after giving her an appreciative leer he sidles up to her. Anyone keeping an eye on the interaction is able to tell from her body language that he makes her uncomfortable, if his attitude isn't a clue. Meanwhile the large red-cloaked figure heads for the door and exits.
He attempts to chat her up in an extremely unctuous manner; using lines such as, "Well you don't see many pretty Rodian girls in this place. What's that you're drinking, baby? Hey Riit Let's have another one of those over here, will you?"
She mutters some polite but restrained rejection to him in Rodian. The smuggler ignores her discomfort. He doesn't seem to understand Rodian anyway. The smuggler loudly goes on about how important he is and that she is making a big mistake. The Rodian girl is now keen to get away, and looks imploringly around the bar to see if she can find some reason to excuse herself.
Finally the crew come to her aid. Spanner walks up and tries to talk down the smuggler, but that just leads to a fist fight. As the fight gets rougher, the Weequay pulls a vibroknife on Kilian. Pron suggests he put it away, blaster aimed squarely indicating a fair fight is desired. When the Weequay strikes at Kilian with the weapon anyway, Pron shoots him on stun and soon the Weequay looses consciousness.
The smuggler named Spir ends up trying to take on both FL-AR3 and Spanner and ends up both wounded and unconscious for his trouble. Meanwhile the leader, Daro Blunt, makes a break for the safety of outside after taking a few blows himself. The Tatooine sky has turned into a fierce sandstorm and Daro is quickly lost in the environmental chaos. The crew then dumps the unconscious troublemakers outside as well.
The Rodian girl thanks them and introduces herself as Zukata and offers to buy them food and drink, but Spanner declines for the himself and the others. Noticeably, the Toydarian makes an uncomfortable exit, looking worried as he goes.