GM-BD’s ΘF DISTΔNT STΔRS & DEΔD SUNS - Δ STΔRFINDER ΔDVENTURE PΔTH (Inactive)

Game Master Black Dow

As the doors close Miss.Joss smiles blankly at her fellow android, offering one final piece of corporate wisdom;

"Indeed. Watch your step as you walk Noah 2.0. The most dangerous hazards are the ones you cannot see."

The grav-limo lifts gently off leaving you all to your appetites and plans...

Want me to shift things to the Lorespike or have you any refective actions you wish to take here (as you indulge in a street vendor's delicacies)

I am ready to move on.

Roger.Roger.

good to go here as well

Watching the limo retreat into the distance, Kris turns town's the Lorespike and begins walkimg

Ed shuffles along after Krisseven. His perpetual hunger somewhat curbed by his paranoia about corporate snipers.

After several stops and one duck and cover later you arrive at the relative safety of the Lorespike and report your findings to Councillor Chiskisk;

{Oh my... Eoxian contractors and a brush with Astral Extractions... You have all been most busy indeed! We are impressed!}

The Shirren host tilts their head in thought, mulling the potential ramifications of this politicorporate duelling;

{We have discussed your links to Duravor and selfness nature of the investigation you carried out in his honour. While truly damning evidence of his killers, and their motives, evade us, we have commended your collective effort. As such we wish to officially extend an invitation to join the Starfinder Society to you all.}

Gesturing toward the array of treats and beverages, the insectoid applauds you each in turn before continues;

{Our only requisites are you share knowledge of discoveries you make, allowing for the betterment and expansion of our Society. While we do not have any specific assignments for you at present, we are still happy to have you act in accordance with your current contract to board and investigate The Acreon and its cargo. What say you all on this matter?}

These terms are acceptable to me. I feel a strange pleasure in a new sense of belonging. Noah states awkwardly.

A Starfinder! Ed straightens up with pride. I'd be happy to join. Is there a secret hand shake?

Chiskisk pauses the jubilation at Ed's question, cocking their head to one side in a queried pose;

{The secret handshake... How it is you know of this? Only the upper council know of... Oh we think you were joking Skzzrr'Ed'Kl... Silly us!}

Mandibles clacking equally in both embarrassment and amusement the shirren taps their holo-desk and a small dais rises.

Chiskisk gestures toward the small pile of items conjured all bearing the Starfinder Society Logo;

{Armour decals and suit patches for those who join us. Wear them with pride in the deep of space and upon worlds uncharted my dauntless Starfinders! Now we have kept you enough and we believe you have a shuttle to catch yes?}

Let me know if you are taking an Armour Decal or Suit Patch... they have different (minor) attributes

Noah will take both and display them proudly, oblivious to any down side to the display.

Does anyone still need to shop? I think I spend all my credit on an armor upgrade.

I can always leave. Long as I don't steal anything from them--you hear stories. Retsiji wordlessly takes a decal.

Can I get a clarification on how much money we have?

I'm sure if any of the crew wanted to petition Paeon about his funds he might be willing to share, but with that fairly recent almost vote to kick him out of the group his cred stick is pretty tight to his hip.

Sorry all for the absense, crazy week in RL

Kris ponders the offer of acceptance into the Starfinder Society, picking up the Suit patch she turns it over in her hand and looking up at Councillor Chiskisk.

"Councillor, thank you for your offer, I have no problem representing the society honorably, yet you know my past. Duravor knew my past." Kris says holding up the datapad that once belonged to Duravor. "I'll not hesitate to use deception and my skills to achieve my objectives, but there will also be times I will not cross a line. Knowing my past will you still offer me a contract with the Society?"

Somewhat Thane Krios from Mass Effect - assassin with a conscience. Kris looks at everything in the only way she knows, contracts for services, her past taught her much (skills) but she has to live with what contracts she takes.

Ed looks a little confused about the handshake, but puts a decal on his new freebooter armor with a jaunty flourish.

Kris hasn't spent anything yet out of her loot but quick clarification - is it level +1 availability or what ever you can afford? Forgot I was waiting on clarification on the King Kurney transaction.

Its normally level + 2 for availability. Noah bought level 4 armor.

normal +2 would work, will spend some time again on it

See the OOC thread for credit breakdown. Essentially you each have 1304CR to play with. +2 works for me, but remember that door can swing both ways...

Chiskisk's antennae bob in acknowledgement as you each accept a place within the Society.

{We thank you. Duravor... (Khhhhaaaaaannnnn!) would have been proud. One final thing... The Acreon; station security indicate it is a ghost ship. Powered down and likely exposed to vacuum. Please prepare for such. You have just joined us and we do not wish you to leave our ranks without long and distinguished careers yes?}

The shirren directs you to the now familiar quartermaster logs should you wish to purchase anything from the Society inventory.

HAPPY NEW STARDATE 2.0.1.9. ONE AND ALL

Okay - presuming you're all geared up as much as required... so am moving things along.

DOCK 94

You enter the Dock to the soundtrack of Nor's voice playing in your ears via a comms LiveLink.

"Greetingssss Dutiful Vitalitatessss of Eox. Your chariot to the sssstarssss awaitssss..."

Amongst the numerous vessels residing here, Nor brings your attention to one shuttle in particular;

"Before you ssssitssss the Hippocampusssss. While sssshe may appear a workhorsssse ssssshuttle, Ssssstation Sssssecurity have adapted her to their own requirementsssss. In turn I authorisssssed ssssseveral further.... augmentationssssss... that I believe they will befit your mossst critical of missssssionsssss... Pleassssse inspect her, and when ready climb aboard."

The Hippocampus appears to be an atypical freight shuttle, of the type that ferry passengers and cargo between the Station and the numerous larger vessels that circle Absalom.

Onboard

"Asssss there is a degree of discretion required on thisssss missssssion, there issss no crew. I have presssssumed you are collectively capable yesss? However pleassssse remember thisssss vessel has been procured by myssssself, for your ussssse, from Ssssstation Ssssssecurity. Treat her assss one of your own company and avoid our Embassssssay footing any repair billsssss if possssssible."

You should now all choose a crew role: Captain, Engineer, Gunner, Pilot or Science Officer. I've put the Hippo's stats and role actions under the Campaign Tab. Stats and image also found HERE

Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Well, if I gotta roll a 1 this is likely a better time than later.

Noah somehow fails to distinguish between a regular shuttle and the upgrades systems provided in the Hippocampuss. This will serve. he notes after his somewhat brief inspection. shall I take pilot, or engineer, or science officer?

COMPUTERS +9,ENGINEERING +9, LIFE SCIENCE +9, PHYSICAL SCIENCE +8, PILOTING +8▸

Retsiji nods and sits down at the gunnery console. With practiced hands he runs through a quick set of diagnostics.

What is it armed with?

For a moment, Ed is concerned that the deadites' ships might be actual chariots, but hops about when it turns out to be an actual ship.

Can I drive?!, he asks excitedly.

@Retsiji: Forward facing - Light Laser Cannon (Short Range - 5 Hex) 2d4 Damage. Turret - Coilgun (Long Range - 20 Hex) 4d4 Damage. Shuttle is detailed on campaign page and also the link above.

Looks like Kris is our best pilot. I fear we have no captain. :(

engineering (DC13): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Kris approaches the shuttle appraising it both outside and in muttering but easily understood at times.

"..... Ringworks Wanderer model, ....... been heavily modified .......upgraded armour, defences, shields, power core, and sensors - all good, ...... turret-mounted coilgun, Retsiji will love that"

Turning to the others before she takes her place in the pilot's chair, Kris remarks "Most interestingly life boats have also been added, something you'd rarely, if ever, see on smaller shuttle craft like this."

Checking all of the settings on the console, Kris like Retsiji works her way through a pre-flight checklist....

piloting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

initiating command modules A and B... both are green for go
engine primed, fuel adequate ....numerous trips
flight control surfaces....response nominal
directional thrusters full range of motion
Um Ed step out inside the hatch please......
o2 flowing and pressurization complete - all seals green
master arm test .... green
shields .....green
sensors...adjusting for dock interference....all sensors ....green.
Pilot ready....

Ed's antennae droop slightly as the shirren realizes that Krisseven is very much more familiar with the mechanical aspects of flying ships. He lingers in the hatch uncertainly as the others go to their stations: Retsi to the gunnery console and Noahtoo to ship systems. Prompted by Krisseven, Ed steps into the ship and takes the open captain's chair. Seeing no one object, his antennae jangle and Ed clicks excitedly. Can I be captain?! Are we ready? ... Everyone to their stations. Prepare for take off. This is your captain speaking.

Noah settles into the science/engineering station, prepared to perform either roll as needed.

Kris smiles to herself as Ed joins himself to the captains chair, glancing over her shoulder looking to see if Paeon had made it in before she shut the shuttle doors.

PM'd Paeon's player - will just have him lurk in the background passively for the moment til we discern if he's still with us or not. If no - then he'll have stayed behind.

Collectively you settle into the various stations on the shuttle bridge.

Captain - E
Pilot: Kris
Science Officer/Engineer: Noah (Note you'll have to decide which role to act under in a given round)
Gunner: Retsiji

Under Kris' skilled hand the shuttle lifts off and hovers at the exit bay.

Your collective comms buzz to life as you are hailed;

”THIS IS ABSALOM STATION-TRAFFIC CONTROL SHUTTLE HIPPOCAMPUS. PLEASE CONFIRM DESTINATION AND REMAIN IN HOLDING PATTERN AWAITING DOCKING BAY 94 EXIT SEQUENCER.”

Ed fidgets excitedly as the ship lifts off. He responds to traffic control. Destination is near Station orbit. We're on a mission for Ambassador Nor. You really don't need or want to know anything more. We should have been cleared.

The comms hush to static for a few seconds as Ed's retort sinks in;

"COPY THAT HIPPOCAMPUS. YOU ARE INDEED CLEARED... EXIT SEQUENCER NOR-OMEGA-4. PROCEED WHEN READY."

Kris fires the Hippocampus’s thrusters and you glide out of the bay doors and launch into space.

As you exit the shuttle's Computer HUD bursts into life, outlining the preprogrammed navigation destination:

⥓ ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
⇀ DESTINATION COORDINATES INITIATED
⇀ DESTINATION CONFIRMED AS LOCATION: ACREON.
⇀ DURATION OF JOURNEY: 2 PACT HOURS

Presuming you'll wile away the time constructively... know how much you lot love to RP these automated journeys ;) - but in this case I'll push us onward...

As you journey away from the station you get a better view of Absalom Station's exterior and also the Armada some of you visited earlier.

In the motley array of ships, you clock King Curney's Casbah and track a variety of Pact World vessels arriving and blinking out on long haul journeys.

Exiting the last fringes of the Armada, there is finally open space and the distant glint of your destination.

Once again the Hippo's HUD bursts into life;

⥓ ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
⇀ SCANNERS INDICATE SMALL VESSEL DETACHED FROM ARMADA AND HAS ADOPTED INTERCEPT COURSE.
⇀ UNIDENTIFIED VESSEL TRANSPONDER MASKED OR INACTIVE. NO CONFIRMED ID CAN BE PROCESSED.
⇀ ACTIONS? TACTICAL SCAN? OPEN COMMUNICATIONS? PLEASE ADVISE.

Someone chaises us. Noah says as he scans the closing ship. Did someone forget something?

Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Ed chitters happily as the ship leaves dock. AH! it is so nice to be out and surrounded by the stars again! He gazes out the monitors happily for the trip until the alarms sound.

Everyone to battle stations! High alert! Scans, Noahtoo. Steady, Kisseven. Ready, Retsi. OK Hippo, open communications.

"Holding steady at 2-7-0 degrees, +3 deg declination of station orbit, distance to Acreon mooring zone - 108 km, forward thrusters holding steady at .9 km per minute now that we are clear of docking and in the transfer zone. Approx intercept in 15 minutes, Time to the Acreon 2 hours."

Right gang - Have added a map to the Campaign Header. Hippo is currently displayed - incoming vessel not. Extended line ahead of Hippo denotes forward.

Kris pilots the Hippocampus into a graceful arc and through the transfer zone.

Ed clicks his orders and asks for comms to be opened.

Noah (or Science Officer role) can attempt a Scan of the incoming vessel... DC14 Computers check required for initial attempt.

already rolled my first scan above. Unsure of scan ranges.

Apologies hombre. Was caught up and all giddy like with our map lol. Am not worrying about scanner ranges etc - we'll presume they have entered the requisite area

Noah eyes the screen as he defty directs the Hippo's scanners to reveal what they can about their unidentified tail;

Noah splashes the pertinent information from the scan across everyone's screens. Eoxian Death’s Head Necroglider. I'd say the Eoxian's do not want us to complete this mission. She is small but fast. Twice as fast as us. Crew of one. I am scanning forward facing weapons only so far. Oh, an EMP cannon. That could be bad. Try to stay out of its forward arc if you can. Its got a good AC but poor shields.

"We are on a mission for Eox. Why would that little boneship try to stop us?" Without waiting for an answer, Retsiji warms up the weapons and starts setting up a targeting solution on the inbound.

Ed swivels around to the others. Do you think Ambassador Nor was keeping our mission from his own people? He hails the interceptor, This is the Hippocampus to interceptor, please state your intention. We are on Eoxian business.

Kris for the moment maintains her course directly for the Acreon.

"Retsiji, should the craft have ill intentions, be warned I will be turning into it's arc, not away from it to run."

"Doesn't matter--best weapon we have is on a turret."

Were you listening to what I said Kris? Stay out of its forward arc.
We have a turret. Don't yield a firing advantage to the enemy if we do not have to.

"What's the range on its weapons?"

Perhaps further scans will tell us. I think it takes multiple rounds of scanning to get all the data. If we engage I may be too busy to do more science scans though.

More intel on the Necro-Glider's payload can be gleaned from an Engineering check...

When Ed hails the Necroglider your comms crackle to life with a frosty female voice replying;

"Greetings Hippocampus... That your chitinous chit-chat I hear Skzzrrr'ed'kl? Glad to see you took my advice and left Absalom..."

The pilot's tone is clipped and cold... and for Ed, vaguely familiar...

"I did warn you life under my gun was no life at all. Alas things have changed and my gun now extends to the stars..."

Have updated the map moving the Hippo into a central position with the Necroglider at the top far left. Remember that weapons/sensors etc have a 5 hex incremental per range. For every range bracket outwith the base it is a -2 penalty to check/rolls. So a short range weapon firing at Long Range (Short/Med/Long) would be @ -4.

Will give everyone a lull to prep, check and discuss before we enter our first space combat :)

EEK! It's the sniper assassin!

ENGINEERING: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

The weapons I have picked up so far are short range. Not sure we can prevent a ship that is twice as fast as us from closing though.

The ships seem to be facing between hex faces. I think they must face a hex side, right?

The ships seem to be facing between hex faces. I think they must face a hex side, right?

Think so - was a total pain in the ar$e doing it that way (have dropped the forward indicators as a result). Baby steps and all that lol...

Were you listening to what I said Kris? Stay out of its forward arc.

We have a turret. Don't yield a firing advantage to the enemy if we do not have to.

"Noah, think about it, if I turn into the inside arc, I am briefly in the forward arc but then past, If we turn to run from it then our flank is to his forward arc...."

making minor adjustments to the shuttle speed and thruster orientation Kris continue to monitor the rapidly narrowing distance...

after the communication with the other craft

"Friend of yours Ed?"

Culture + outlaw: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 5 = 14 Beautiful roll that was

The vesk growls, "Doesn't matter how you turn. It's faster and turns quicker. They'll take it down our throats. Best chance is to tag it before it closes. Second best is to get lucky when it overflies us, and tag it then. I'll need targeting support. Leave me some computer cycles."