NG male nuar ace pilot soldier (blitz) 4 | SP 19/32, HP 34/34, RP 4/5 | EAC 16, KAC 18 | F+5 R+2 W+4 | Speed 50 (40 in armor) | Init +5 | Perc +0 (darkvision), SM +0 | Piloting +11 (4 ranks) | Active Conditions:
GM Valen wrote:
Rogers de Stieren wrote:
Did he provoke from me, leaving?
I failed to post his action. He took a Withdraw action as a Full Round Action, signified by his dropping the hammer, so he does not provoke unless you have reach.
Male CG floatborn woioko tempered pilgrim envoy (steward officer) 3 | SP 6/15 HP 22/22 | RP 2/4 | EAC 14 (16); KAC 15 (16) | F +0 R +6 W +3 | Init: +3 | Perc: +6, SM: +6 (+1d6), Low Light, Darkvision | Speed 30 ft, Swim 30 ft | Active conditions: --
"I cannot find any travel coordinates on this datapad," Laniakea informs the others. "However, it appears that the ship she--the Eoxian--was on was attacked by pirates and disabled in the Drift. If we can locate her ship, the data core would have their itinerary."
Female NG Damaya Lashunta xenoarchaeologist envoy (Starfinder data jockey) 1 | SP 5/5 HP 10/10 | RP 3/3 | EAC 11; KAC 12 | F -1 R +3 W +2 | Init: +1 | Perc: +4, SM +4 (+1d6) | Speed 30 | Active conditions: None
As the thug disappears up the stairs, Levylissa lowers her pistol and sheathes it behind her back. "Hopefully he doesn't bring back more, but seeing as though his employer is no longer, I foresee us being safe for the time being."
She walks over to the others around the datapad, "If there is anything else on this pad that you need me to look at, let me know. It is an area that I am quite familiar with. If not, I think we should head back to the Society base and let them know what we found."
If there is anything else that can be gleaned for the datapad, Levylissa will attempt a check
@ Levylissa - Nothing more on the pad. @ All - looks like everyone is ready to wrap up.
Not long after the fighting ends, the light sounds of ysoki feet can be heard coming from a nearby corridor. Three small shapes appear, who you realize must be the proprietors of the Vat Garden.
The largest shape moves toward you. ”We are most thankful for your having dealt with these thieves. Thanks to you our home and garden are now safe.” says the largest one. He reaches into his cheek and produces six bulbs. ”A few reward for your efforts and tokens of our gratitude.” He as he holds the bulbs out for the party to take.
When chewed, each bulb acts as a dose of tier-1 antitoxin. You can also sell your foes’ gear for 10% of its value, as usual.
Assuming you contact Venture-Captain Arvin:
Arvin seems pleased that you followed-up on this lead so quickly. He asks you to follow this mystery further by finding the Endless Threnody. He also encourages you to keep the Starfinder insignias for now, and explains their basic function, “The crew of the Unbounded Wayfarer received the insignias long ago for exemplary service to the Society. Although this isn’t common knowledge outside the Starfinder Society, these insignias are no mere trinkets; they can be used to encrypt or decrypt information that the Starfinders wanted to keep hidden.”
He gives final instructions for you to meet with him at a starport located in the Arms of Absalom Station for debriefing and further orders.
End of Quest the First: “Station”. Each PC has now earned 1 XP, and will receive a minimum of 140 credits and 1 Reputation/Fame on his or her Chronicle for this character. Each PC has also received the Lawblight Assault clue.
Technically, you may swap out different PCs or play pregens for each of the separate quests. I will assume that each player will continue with the same PC unless informed otherwise.
Commencing...
“Adrift” – Into the Unknown – Quest the Second
As you all finalize starship assignments, I’m posting the briefing to help keep things moving.
Venture-Captain Arvin stands next to the entry ramp of a sleek-looking starship. “This is the Loreseeker, a Pegasus-class ship that’s one of the fastest and lightest in the Society’s fleet.” He says as he waves his hands over the side of the starship affectionately. “We know that a lost Starfinder vessel, the Unbounded Wayfarer, was discovered by undead creatures from a starship called the Endless Threnody. We’ve pulled some strings with our more reputable Eoxian contacts to get more information, but they’ve disavowed knowledge of the Endless Threnody entirely; this likely confirms our suspicions that the Endless Threnody is connected with the Corpse Fleet, a group of Eoxian separatists who refuse to work alongside the living.”
“We have the location of the Endless Threnody in the Drift, courtesy of that ghoul you tracked down.” Arvin continues, ”Its Drift engine is incapacitated, so it’s unable to escape the Drift. Take the Loreseeker into the Drift, cripple the Eoxian ship—as a Corpse Fleet vessel, they won’t be open to negotiations—and recover the location of the lost Starfinder vessel.”
Culture (DC 12):
Corpse Fleet vessels are frequently airless vessels festooned with bone spikes and powered by magic as well as technology. The Corpse Fleet consists of violent separatists who view living creatures as chattel and prey. One should be prepare for a fight, not a negotiation. If one finds a crew of a Corpse Fleet vessel willing to talk, one should be prepared for treachery.
Venture-Captain Arvin asks, ”Do you have any questions?”
”Is there anything we should know about Eoxian software for when we try to hack their data core?” the woioko asks.
“The ship systems of Corpse Fleet vessels, including their computer systems, would seem to be empowered as much by necromantic magic as by technology.” Venture-Captain Arvin notes. “No doubt, the party’s expertise in arcane matters will be useful in safely navigating through the undead’s ship and accessing the data core.”
Levylissa Li Lilley wrote:
"Do we know anything about the Endless Threnody that might help us with preparing to face her?
“We only know that the Drift engine aboard the Endless Threnody is damaged, so it’s unable to leave the Drift.” Arvin replies. “The fact that its agent was prevented from acquiring replacement parts means its Drift engine is probably still offline. But you should assume that its armaments and other systems are operational. As a freighter, it’s unlikely to be bristling with weapons, but be careful.”
The lashunta man pauses for a moment, as if searching his memory. He then adds, “The Corpse Fleet consists of violent separatists who view living creatures as chattel and prey. I would prepare for a fight, not a negotiation. If they’re willing to talk, be prepared for treachery. Also, most Eoxian ships, I suspect that the Endless Threnody isn’t sealed to contain atmosphere. It’s likely unsuitable for living creatures to board without basic protection against vacuum.”
A beautiful blue-and-silver Android enters the briefing, their teal mohawk gelled into pseudo spikes.
"Alo, mes amis. Iseph, at your service," they swing their arms to the right and down in a mock bow. "Freelance pilot, specializing in dangerous transport and exploratory missions. I am understanding that you need such a skill?"
"I have asked Iseph to accompany you on this mission." Venture-Captain Arvin notes in response. "Braford's skills are currently needed elsewhere, so you will have only one nuar to keep track of on this mission."
With your crew at their stations, the Loreseeker departs Absalom Station and ventures into the Drift, an immense, empty plan of swirling colors. Once in the Drift, it takes fifteen days to reach the last known coordinates of the Endless Threnody. Upon reaching the coordinates, you find that the Endless Threnody is not present.
Acting Science Officer may make a Computers check at +2 due to use of the Loreseeker's Computers bonus. This roll may be further modified by actions by the Captain and/or Engineer.
Acting Captain may assist this Computers check with a Demand, +4 bonus with successful Intimidate (DC 19), or an Encourage, +2 bonus with successful Diplomacy (DC 17) or successful Computers (DC 10)
Acting Engineer may divert power auxillary power to the starship’s sensors giving it a boost to this Computers check with a successful Engineering (DC 14)
Computers (DC 18+):
The acting science officer locates the Endless Threnody, which is three hours away, and calculates a beneficial approach. Acting science officer can choose the initial facing of each ship, placing the Loreseeker (yellow border)and Endless Threnody (red border) 14 hexes apart from one another. Please let me know when you have adjusted the map on the Slides. In addition, the acting science officer notes some significant damage sustained by the Endless Threnody, apparently from a fight against pirates. PCs gain the Lawblight Barrage clue on their chronicle.
Computers (DC <18):
The acting science officer locates the Endless Threnody, which is three hours away, but the crew of the Endless Threnody has already spotted the Starfinder vessel and is now incoming accordingly. The acting science officer should place the Endless Threnody (red border) in the rear arc of the Loreseeker (yellow border), 14 hexes apart from one another. Please let me know when you have adjusted the map on the Slides.
On approach to the Endless Threnody, you see that the Eoxian freighter is a massive vessel made of bone and steel. The front of the ship is a single enormous red lens, appearing as a sullen, bloody eye. The ship bristles with bone protrusions, as though it were some horned, skeletal beast. Some of the bones are charred and broken, indicating past battle damage. Laser canons protrude from the front and sides of the freighter; but its rear weapon mounts are a twisted wreck. Gaps between the bones show the ship’s interior, but this is not from battle damage—this ship was never intended to accommodate living creatures.
Starship combat initiated and map revealed on Slides!
The undead win the initiative! PCs ship moves first.
Everyone may declare your crew actions for the round and take your rolls, placing them under a spoiler! At the end of each round, I will describe the events that occurred in the prior round, update the status of each ship. Whenever the Pilot (Rogers?) posts his or her action, please include an Initiative roll for the next round.
Female NG Damaya Lashunta xenoarchaeologist envoy (Starfinder data jockey) 1 | SP 5/5 HP 10/10 | RP 3/3 | EAC 11; KAC 12 | F -1 R +3 W +2 | Init: +1 | Perc: +4, SM +4 (+1d6) | Speed 30 | Active conditions: None
Levylissa's fingers fly across the controls of the Loreseeker's sensor controls, in search of the Eoxian vessel. Unfortunately, she is not yet accustom to these sensors yet.
Sorry, gang. We need to pause for a moment and do a little retconning.
The present ship locations on the map are incorrect. The positions were originally place holders, waiting for the Science Officer to put the in position in accordance with the information under the spoilers. However, the final result of the Science Officers' Computers check is not yet known because someone acting as Engineer can still provide some assistance to her check.
Since the check takes place before the battle commences and PCs can switch ship assignments between rounds, someone (Iseph?) can man the engineer station and aid with the Computers check, then move to a different station, such as gunner.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
So, I am going to ask for the following:
1) Iseph or another PC give me an Engineering check to assist (DC 14).
2) If the Engineering check to assist is successful, then Levylissa, please place the two ships on the Map in Slides in accordance with the instructions under the first spoiler above and post that the Map in Slides has been updated.
If the Engineering check to assist is NOT successful, I will place both ships on the Map and then, once I have posted the updated ship locations, allow those who wish to do so (presumably Pilot, but anyone else), to retcon their moves.
I apologize for not making things more clear. If I run this in the future, I will separate the scanning portion from the beginning of battle portion to avoid confusion.
Female NG Damaya Lashunta xenoarchaeologist envoy (Starfinder data jockey) 1 | SP 5/5 HP 10/10 | RP 3/3 | EAC 11; KAC 12 | F -1 R +3 W +2 | Init: +1 | Perc: +4, SM +4 (+1d6) | Speed 30 | Active conditions: None
"Captain Laniakea, I have located the Endless Threnody and am approaching in from her aft. She seems to have been substantially crippled in a firefight."
Gamuzali Light Spider, Scion of Stars | Male Vesk Solarian 6/Envoy 1 SP 62/62 HP 54/54 RP 8/8 | KAC 26 EAC 24 | Saves F+7 R+5 W+7 | DR 6/P | Initiative +1(+0); Perception +4; Low-light vision | Gauntlet: 20/20 | Status: Possessed Aug
"Then let's return them to the darkness that they came from! I'm on the turret," Gamuzali shouts as she heads down to the gunnery deck and seizes the yoke of the Loreseeker's turret coilgun. "Just let me know when to fire."
Male CG floatborn woioko tempered pilgrim envoy (steward officer) 3 | SP 6/15 HP 22/22 | RP 2/4 | EAC 14 (16); KAC 15 (16) | F +0 R +6 W +3 | Init: +3 | Perc: +6, SM: +6 (+1d6), Low Light, Darkvision | Speed 30 ft, Swim 30 ft | Active conditions: --
"I am only a cadet, not a captain," Laniakea corrects the lashunta. "But good work! I knew that you would acclimate to the Loreseeker's controls swiftly."
NG male nuar ace pilot soldier (blitz) 4 | SP 19/32, HP 34/34, RP 4/5 | EAC 16, KAC 18 | F+5 R+2 W+4 | Speed 50 (40 in armor) | Init +5 | Perc +0 (darkvision), SM +0 | Piloting +11 (4 ranks) | Active Conditions:
Moved based on new positions. Unless you want me to roll again, I'll assume I'm using the earlier rolls for the evade stunt and the second round initiative. Also, I hope you don't mind that I added arrows to the pawns. I was having trouble telling facing without zooming way in.
@ All - I am fine with you using the earlier rolls for this first round, just please post that you are doing so. To avoid future retcons, I will wait until I have a final starship assignment list from you all before I proceed.
@ Rogers - appreciate the assist with the tokens. There must be some way to make hexes with ships in them, but I don't know how.
Your scans reveal the following:
Endless Threnody
Large heavy freighter
Speed 6; Maneuverability average (turn 2); Drift -
AC 11; TL 11
HP 100 (presently 80)
Shields incapacitated
Attack (Forward) heavy laser cannon (4d8)
Power Core 150 PCU;
Living crew complement N/A
Undead crew complement 10 (currently 6)
Starship Combat Round 1 Summary
Engineering Phase
Aboard the Endless Threnody, the skeletal engineer diverts power to the ship’s main weapon.
Helm Phase
The undead helmsman performs a flip and burn in order to bring the Starfinders into the firing arc of the main weapon while the undead target the life support systems of the approaching ship in the hope of replenishing lost crew.
Rogers responds by putting the Loreseeker into an evasive pattern, while Levylissa Li Lilley scans the undead vessel to ascertain its vulnerabilties and strengths.
Gunnery Phase
The main weapon of the Endless Threnody, which resembles a swollen, bloody eye, unleashes a beam of immense power, striking the Loreseeker head on—depleting its forward shields and striking into the hull!
The Starfinders return fire. Both Iseph and the vesk, Gamuzali, find their marks, though the latter only with the timely encouragement of acting captain, Laniakea. The Starfinders’ weapons seer into the boney hull of the undead ship and striking a critical portion of the ship. Critical:1d100 ⇒ 56 Weapons 1 forward, 2 port, 3 starboard:1d3 ⇒ 3
NG male nuar ace pilot soldier (blitz) 4 | SP 19/32, HP 34/34, RP 4/5 | EAC 16, KAC 18 | F+5 R+2 W+4 | Speed 50 (40 in armor) | Init +5 | Perc +0 (darkvision), SM +0 | Piloting +11 (4 ranks) | Active Conditions:
Fearing another blast from that forward cannon, Rogers swings the ship around behind the Endless Threnody, hoping to make it difficult for the undead to bring the weapon to bear.
Piloting rolls:
Evade (DC 13), +1 from ship:1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 = 20 -->+2 to AC and TL
Engineer to divert power to engines:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 Pilot to Evade:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
The skeletal engineer silently diverts necromantic power to the engines of the Corpse Fleet vessel, allowing the helmsman to bring the Starfinders directly into the arc of the undead's dreaded forward weapon!
Engineering Phase
The skeletal engineer silently diverts power to the engines, increasing the speed of the Endless Threnody.
Helm Phase
The undead helmsman pours on the speed, circling around to again bring the Starfinders directly into the arc of the undead's dreaded forward weapon as a skeletal science officer targets the life support system of the Loreseeker.
Rogers again flies the Loreseeker into an evasive pattern, while Levylissa Li Lilley balances the ship’s shields in anticipation of another assault.
Gunnery Phase
With its main weapon again trained on the Starfinder ship, the Endless Threnody fires at the Loreseeker driving its starboard shields and ripping into the hull of the Starfinder vessel and tearing into its life support system!
Iseph returns fire with two shots from the starboard light laser canon, the second striking the hull of the undead vessel. Light laser canon:2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Laniakea encourages Gamuzali, who deals another power blow against the Endless Threnody from the coilgun.
Starship Status after Round Endless Threnody – 32 HP; glitching starboard weapons array
Loreseeker – 15HP | Shields: 30 (forward 9, port 7, starboard 0, aft 7); life support glitching
Beginning Round Three Undead Initiative:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 PCs win Initiative and Undead Ship moves first
Undead Moves:
Engineer to divert power to weapons:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 Pilot to Back Off:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Gamuzali Light Spider, Scion of Stars | Male Vesk Solarian 6/Envoy 1 SP 62/62 HP 54/54 RP 8/8 | KAC 26 EAC 24 | Saves F+7 R+5 W+7 | DR 6/P | Initiative +1(+0); Perception +4; Low-light vision | Gauntlet: 20/20 | Status: Possessed Aug
Gamuzali swaps places with Iseph, allowing the android to take over the big gun while he moves over to the port-side light laser cannon. As the ship pulls across the Lawblight, he takes his shot.
Engineering Phase
Assuming the role of engineer, Levylissa restores life support to the Loreseeker.
Once again, aboard the Endless Threnody, the lifeless engineer diverts power to the weapons.
Helm
The skeletal helmsman backs off the undead ship, hoping to catch the Starfinders within the red eye’s path, but Rogers, having seen where the undead ship is headed, quickly whips the Loreseeker around to cut them off and get out of the red eye's path.
Gunnery Phase
Gamuzali swaps places with Iseph, allowing the android to take over the big gun while he moves over to the starboard-side light laser cannon.
As the ship pulls across the Endless Threnody, he takes his shot and hits the hull.
Laniakea attempts to encourage Iseph, but her words are not enough to help him to make his first shot with the coil gun. His second shot just barely finds its mark on its own—slamming into the hull of the Corpse Fleet vessel and ripping through a vital portion of the ship’s systems. Critical system:1d100 ⇒ 61 The weapons array is hit.1 forward, 2 port, 3 starboard:1d3 ⇒ 2
With the Loreseeker directly behind it, the Endless Threnody cannot bring any of its functioning weapons to bear against the Starfinders.
Starship Status after Round 3 Endless Threnody – 46 HP; glitching starboard weapons array, gliching port weapons array
Loreseeker – 15HP | Shields: 30 (forward 9, port 7, starboard 0, aft 7)
The undead engineer quietly patches the glitching starboard weapons array while the helmsman, with the captain's encouragement, brings the Endless Threnody around in a pattern designed to evade fire from the Starfinders.
Male CG floatborn woioko tempered pilgrim envoy (steward officer) 3 | SP 6/15 HP 22/22 | RP 2/4 | EAC 14 (16); KAC 15 (16) | F +0 R +6 W +3 | Init: +3 | Perc: +6, SM: +6 (+1d6), Low Light, Darkvision | Speed 30 ft, Swim 30 ft | Active conditions: --
"They do not appear to have weapons in their aft," Laniakea nires, "Stay on their tail. Iseph, take your time. Now that we have found a weakness in our enemy, we can attack in a more measured fashion."
Gamuzali Light Spider, Scion of Stars | Male Vesk Solarian 6/Envoy 1 SP 62/62 HP 54/54 RP 8/8 | KAC 26 EAC 24 | Saves F+7 R+5 W+7 | DR 6/P | Initiative +1(+0); Perception +4; Low-light vision | Gauntlet: 20/20 | Status: Possessed Aug
Not wanting to run back and forth across the gunnery deck every time the ship changes position, Gamuzali flips a switch to remotely operate the appropriate side's light laser cannon from his current seat. "Well done! We've crippled their weapons. Now let us finish this!"
