Spec lines up with where he thinks the control panel is likely to be for the hangar controls on the other side. He probes the area with his remote-access custom rig and does indeed manage to connect to something. The panel is unsecured, but opening the hangar while the ship is in flight requires an override - one he's not quite able to spoof with his hacking on his first attempt. There's no obvious sign of any consequences for the failed attempt, at least not from the outside of the destroyer.
Working together, Ted and Jelico program an autopilot path for the Sunrise Maiden, sending it off far from the battle with instructions to return upon receiving a signal. Ted contributes a layer of security to prevent Xix from tampering if she gets loose.
Meanwhile, Spec manages to override the hangar bay lock and cycles the hangar open. The massive wall of metal slides aside and you're all able to tumble inside, where gravity reasserts itself. You don't enter an airlock or anything similar, instead immediately entering the ship proper. It seems the Corpse Fleet's ships have their interiors exposed to vacuum! The hangar turns up to be entirely empty - its contents likely disgorged earlier in the battle.
You move swiftly through the halls until you find what seems to be the main fore-to-aft hallway, after which you beeline the bridge. The few low-level undead techs and soldiers you find along the way prove only minor obstacles. Eventually you arrive at the destroyer's bridge.
This room is wide and open, with monitors at the far fore end displaying a font of information regarding both the mechanical issues plaguing the craft and the status of the battle. Dozens of seats around the perimeter of the room hold cybernetic zombies wired directly into the ship's systems. As a result, the bridge holds little of the chatter typical in ship's piloted by the living.
The bridge is not without its defenders. Four corpsefolk marines already stand with narrow clubs constructed of intertwined bones. Their weapons glow with a chilling frost. Standing on an elevated command platform is a gaunt looking drow who seems to be emitting a small amount of black smoke from open wounds on his body. He hold a pistol in one hand and a hammer in the other.
-----------------------
|||| INIT ||||
Jelico
Spec
??? Drow
Corpsefolk marine red
Corpsefolk marine blue
Corpsefolk marine green
Corpsefolk marine yellow
Ted
Arc
Isu
-
The four marines advance, draw and throw grenades into the center of your group. You're showered with blasts of light, shrapnel and high intensity napalm.
Spec shields himself from all of the bursts, but still takes some shrapnel and flames. Jelico blocks one flash of light, but not the other, and gets temporarily blinded as well as pierced and badly burned by napalm Arc shields himself from every grenade, and his solar armor shields him from much of the injury Ted gets caught by the second blinding burst as well as a full dose of shrapnel and napalm. Isu gets caught off guard by the first blinding burst, but avoids most of the punishment from the other grenades.
The undead drow captain grins silently in the vacuum, beckons at the group of you with his hammer, and then fires his pistol. The slug deflects off Spec's armor.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (4 rd blind, 50 dmg, 3d6 burning)
Arc (7 dmg)
Isu (3 rd blind, 8 dmg)
Jelico (3 rd blind, 32 dmg, 3d6 burning)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow
Corpsefolk marine red
Corpsefolk marine blue
Corpsefolk marine green
Corpsefolk marine yellow
Despite his blindness, Isu slices true into one marine, though the second is able to dodge back away from his attack. Spec's shot skims just over the drow's shoulder as the captain ducks. The yellow marine takes a solid cut from Arc.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (4 rd blind, 50 dmg, 3d6 burning)
Arc (7 dmg)
Isu (3 rd blind, 8 dmg)
Jelico (3 rd blind, 32 dmg, 3d6 burning)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow
Corpsefolk marine red (33 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue
Corpsefolk marine green
Corpsefolk marine yellow (25 dmg)
|
Ted turns invisible and feels his way out of the blast zone.
INVISIBILITY T2
School illusion
Casting Time 1 standard action
Range touch
Targets one creature or object no more than 10 bulk/level
Duration 1 minute/level (D)
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless, object), see text; Spell Resistance yes (harmless, object)
The creature or object touched becomes invisible. If the target is a creature, any gear it is carrying vanishes as well. If you cast the spell on someone else, neither you nor your allies can see the target unless you can normally see invisible things or you employ magic to do so.
The spell ends if the target attacks any creature. For purposes of this spell, an attack includes any spell or harmful effect targeting a foe or whose area or effect includes a foe.
Actions directed at unattended objects don’t break the spell. Spells that specifically affect allies but not foes are not attacks for this purpose, even when they include foes in their area. Causing harm indirectly is not an attack. Thus, an invisible being can open doors, talk, eat, climb stairs, summon security forces and have them attack, start a trash compactor with foes inside, remotely trigger traps, and so forth.
|
"Again!?! Jellico shouts as he realizes that he can't see for a second battle.
He stumbles forward, almost tripping over...someone, he can't tell who, and throws a round of Shooting Stars over to where he hears the sounds of battle.
Suddenly, he realizes that he's on fire as well as blind! He tries to pat out the flames.
-
The four corpsefolk marines engage Isu and Arc with their icy bone scepters. For both Isu and Arc, their armor and agility allow the two to fend off swings from both sides. The drow captain surveys the battle for a moment and then fires down at Spec with his pistol. The slug passes narrowly over Spec's shoulder, ricochets and starts flying wildly around the bridge until it lodges itself in a zombie tech. The drow narrows his eyes in annoyance.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (3 rd blind, 50 dmg, invis)
Arc (7 dmg)
Isu (2 rd blind, 8 dmg)
Jelico (2 rd blind, 32 dmg)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow
Corpsefolk marine red (33 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue
Corpsefolk marine green
Corpsefolk marine yellow (25 dmg)
|
|
Ted drinks a Serum of Healing and listens for any spells being cast.
Reactive Counter (Su)
Source SCOM
Whenever an opponent you’re aware of casts a spell, as a reaction you can cast dispel magic or greater dispel magic in an attempt to counter the spell, even if you didn’t ready an action or select that opponent. This magic hack doesn’t allow you to cast a spell that you don’t know, and you must expend a spell slot of the appropriate level to cast dispel magic or greater dispel magic in this way.
You must know dispel magic or greater dispel magic to select this magic hack.
DISPEL MAGIC M3 T3
School abjuration
Casting Time 1 standard action
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Targets one creature, object, spell, or spellcaster
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
You can use dispel magic to end one ongoing spell that has been cast on a creature or object, to temporarily suppress the magical abilities of a magic item, or to counter another spellcaster’s spell. A dispelled spell ends as if its duration had expired. Some spells, as detailed in their descriptions, can’t be defeated by dispel magic. Dispel magic can dispel (but not counter) spell-like abilities just as it does spells. The effect of a spell with an instantaneous duration can’t be dispelled.
You choose to use dispel magic in one of two ways: as a targeted dispel or as a counter.
Targeted Dispel: One creature, object, or spell is the target of the dispel magic spell. You can also use a targeted dispel to specifically end one spell affecting the target or one spell affecting an area (such as zone of truth). You must name the specific spell effect to be targeted in this way or otherwise uniquely identify it (such as “that burning wall” or “the spell that’s giving him those duplicates”). Attempt a dispel check (1d20 + your caster level) with a DC equal to 11 + the spell’s caster level. If you succeed, the spell ends. If you don’t specify a spell and there is more than one possible spell on the target, your targeted dispel attempts to dispel a spell at random.
If you target a force, an object, or a creature that is the effect of an ongoing spell (such as unseen servant), you attempt a dispel check to end the spell that conjured the object or creature.
If the object that you target is a magic item, you attempt a dispel check against the item level (DC = 11 + the item level). If you succeed, all the item’s magical properties are suppressed for 1d4 rounds, after which the item recovers its magical properties. A suppressed item becomes nonmagical for the duration of the effect. A magic item’s nonmagical physical properties are unchanged: a suppressed holy laser pistol is still a laser pistol. Artifacts and deities are unaffected by mortal magic such as this.
You can choose to automatically succeed at your dispel check against any spell you have cast.
Counter: You can use the energy of dispel magic to disrupt the casting of other spells. First, select an opponent and take the ready action to cast dispel magic when that target casts a spell. This is considered a purely defensive action. When that readied action is triggered, you cast dispel magic and must attempt a dispel check (1d20 + your caster level) to counter the other spellcaster’s spell. The DC is equal to 11 + the other spellcaster’s caster level. If the check is successful and the target is in range, the spell fails and has no result.
-
-
The marines coordinate to surround Isu and then continue their assaults upon the two close-range fighters. Isu is struck twice by icy batons. Each time, his thermal capacitor weakens the pulses of cold that radiate off the weapons The other two attack Arc, but find little success as he parries their attacks.
The drow captain grimaces as Isu now blocks his view. He fires down at the guy in power armor! He hits cleanly, but Isu's DR lessens the injury.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (2 rd blind, 50 dmg, invis)
Arc (7 dmg)
Isu (1 rd blind, 44 dmg)
Jelico (1 rd blind, 32 dmg)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow (38 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine red (33 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue
Corpsefolk marine green
Corpsefolk marine yellow (25 dmg)
-
The marines fight back, furious swings aimed at Isu and Arc. This time around, Isu's attackers are easily fended off, but Arc takes two icy blows to his sides. The drow fires, but has about as poor of a showing as Spec.
With the party surviving longer than expected, the captain waves his hammer at one of the zombies plugged into the ship's systems. The zombie begins to type more furiously, but to no obvious effect.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (1 rd blind, 50 dmg, invis)
Arc (42 dmg)
Isu (15 THP, 44 dmg)
Jelico (32 dmg)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow (38 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine red (33 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue
Corpsefolk marine green (102 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine yellow (25 dmg)
|
|
Ted's eyes go from stark black to fading grey. He grabs his top and begins forging an explosive surprise for the corpses.
OVERLOAD SYSTEMS T4
School enchantment (compulsion)
Casting Time 1 standard action
Range touch
Targets one creature
Duration 1 round/level
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; Spell Resistance yes
By touching the target (usually requiring a melee attack roll against the target’s EAC, but you can add your key ability score modifier instead of your Strength modifier if it is higher), you flood the target’s body with random jolts of electricity or other interference. On a failed Fortitude save, the target is overwhelmed and potentially unable to perform tasks as normal. While this spell is in effect, whenever the target takes any action or reaction, there is a 50% chance that the target simply takes no action instead. Roll this chance separately for each action the target would take. For example, if the target wishes to move and attack during its turn, it would roll d% twice to determine whether it could take those actions—once before each action it wishes to take. Each attack of a full attack action counts as separate action.
This spell is effective against living and unliving creatures, and casting it doesn’t provoke attacks of opportunity.
Spell Grenade (Sp)
You can spend 1 Resolve Point to store a spell with a range of touch in a grenade, allowing you to affect a target within the grenade’s blast radius with the spell. Casting a spell with spell grenade uses the spell’s standard casting time, and throwing the spell grenade is a standard action. You must throw the grenade before the end of your next turn, or the spell is wasted. You are considered proficient with the grenade for this attack. Choose a single target within the grenade’s blast radius; that target is affected by the spell as if you had successfully touched it. The grenade goes off as normal, with all of its usual effects within its blast radius. If you miss the targeted intersection with the grenade, you must choose a target within the grenade’s new blast radius. If there are no suitable targets within the grenade’s blast radius, the spell is wasted. Spells whose ranges are not touch don’t benefit from this magic hack.
-
The captain flicks several fingers in a brief message to his guards. Blue repositions to attack Jelico, while yellow takes a careful step over. The three remaining guards attack separate targets. Red's swing bounces off Isu's armor. Blue's attack catches Jelico, icing him . Yellow narrowly misses Arc without the aid of his ally's flank.
The captain ducks forward with hammer at the ready. The smoke billowing from him grows thicker and more ominous, seemingly drifting in a non-existent breeze. He bares his teeth and suddenly Isu and Arc feel like the air inside their armor is growing thin.
They both manage to endure the effects. Without pause, the drow captain swings down with his hammer at Isu. As he swings, a jet engine on the back of the hammer activates to provide additional power! The blow connects solidly, shattering the force field in the process
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (50 dmg, invis)
Arc (42 dmg)
Isu (56 dmg)
Jelico (32 dmg)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow (81 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine red (84 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue
Corpsefolk marine yellow (86 dmg)
|
|
Ted stuffs his spell in to a Temporal Disruption grenade and flings it behind the drow.
Level: 10
Price: 2900
Range: 20 ft.
Capacity: Drawn
Bulk: L
Special: Explode (stunned 1 round [Fortitude negates], 20 ft.)
Disruption grenades work in a way similar to the rifles and pistols. Temporal disruption grenades, on the other hand, slow down the rate of subatomic movement, halting those affected by it for a short period of time but not otherwise damaging those within the blast.
The radius of a disruption grenade’s explosion is reduced to 10 feet if it used on any plane other than the Material Plane. If used in the Drift, those caught in the blast radius can roll their saving throws twice and take the better result when attempting to halve the amount of damage taken or negate any secondary effects.
OVERLOAD SYSTEMS T4
School enchantment (compulsion)
Casting Time 1 standard action
Range touch
Targets one creature
Duration 1 round/level
Saving Throw Fortitude negates; Spell Resistance yes
By touching the target (usually requiring a melee attack roll against the target’s EAC, but you can add your key ability score modifier instead of your Strength modifier if it is higher), you flood the target’s body with random jolts of electricity or other interference. On a failed Fortitude save, the target is overwhelmed and potentially unable to perform tasks as normal. While this spell is in effect, whenever the target takes any action or reaction, there is a 50% chance that the target simply takes no action instead. Roll this chance separately for each action the target would take. For example, if the target wishes to move and attack during its turn, it would roll d% twice to determine whether it could take those actions—once before each action it wishes to take. Each attack of a full attack action counts as separate action.
This spell is effective against living and unliving creatures, and casting it doesn’t provoke attacks of opportunity.
Spell Grenade (Sp)
You can spend 1 Resolve Point to store a spell with a range of touch in a grenade, allowing you to affect a target within the grenade’s blast radius with the spell. Casting a spell with spell grenade uses the spell’s standard casting time, and throwing the spell grenade is a standard action. You must throw the grenade before the end of your next turn, or the spell is wasted. You are considered proficient with the grenade for this attack. Choose a single target within the grenade’s blast radius; that target is affected by the spell as if you had successfully touched it. The grenade goes off as normal, with all of its usual effects within its blast radius. If you miss the targeted intersection with the grenade, you must choose a target within the grenade’s new blast radius. If there are no suitable targets within the grenade’s blast radius, the spell is wasted. Spells whose ranges are not touch don’t benefit from this magic hack.
-
-
Blue takes a pair of stars to the face, while the drow captain nimbly dodges Isu's swings one after another. With the yellow marine incapacitated, Arc slices it apart in short order. Spec's plasma blast skims past the captain.
The captain and the marines focus their attacks on the largest and most imposing target - Isu! One of the marines connects critically with his icy scepter
The weapon leeches his vitality as the blow lands, leaving Isu off-target . The drow captain laughs silently as he swings twice at Isu, connecting twice - one of which is an upward swing that catches Isu under the chin.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (50 dmg)
Arc (42 dmg)
Isu (171 dmg, off-target 8rd)
Jelico (32 dmg)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow (81 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine red (84 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue
Isu's wild swing is blocked by the red marine, leaving him unable to continue his cleave. His wounds on the other hand rapidly seal up, fractured bones from the captain's blow straightening.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (50 dmg)
Arc (42 dmg)
Isu (130 dmg, off-target 8rd)
Jelico (32 dmg)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow (81 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine red (84 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue
-
-
The two marines step carefully to flank Isu, seemingly smelling the blood in the water. They land dual blows against him, icy energy leaving his body temperature dangerously low. Meanwhile the captain advances upon Arc and soundly strikes the solarian in the gut with his rocket-powered hammer.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (50 dmg)
Arc (70 dmg)
Isu (166 dmg, off-target 7rd)
Jelico (32 dmg)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow (113 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine red (105 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue
Ted's disruptive blast connects with blue, dealing significant damage. As Jelico's healing takes effect again, Isu cuts down red with a brutal slash. Spec fire's twice, but his plasma blasts deflect off the railing and the drow captain's armor.
While the remaining blue marine tries and fails to get past Isu's armor, the captain duels with Arc atop the highest point in the bridge. The captain exudes a malevolent aura of suffocation.
Arc feels the breath drawn out of him before the captain swings in twice. While Arc blocks one swing, the second gets through and hits hard . The captain makes a single sharp gesture and the zombie bridge crew start typing furiously at their consoles.
|||| INIT ||||
Ted (50 dmg)
Arc (124 dmg)
Isu (117 dmg, off-target 6rd)
Jelico (32 dmg)
Spec (18 dmg)
??? Drow (142 dmg)
Corpsefolk marine blue (22 dmg)