GM Valen's SFS Quests - Into the Unknown (PbP) (Table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Venture Captain Arvin seeks help discovering the fate of a lost Starfinder crew.
Slides
Starship Role Sheets
Starship FAQ


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Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Welcome to this series of Quests for the "Tall".

Discuss out-of-character stuff here.

I will also accept fan-mail or hate-mail (provided the latter is within the Community Guidelines; otherwise you'll have to send it the old-fashioned way).

Please provide the following info for your characters, which I will use for the Chronicle sheet that you will each get at the end of the game. It is convenient to have it all in the same place. If you have any questions about what I am seeking, feel free to PM me or post here:

Player Name: Name you want on the Chronicle Sheet
Character Name: Hopefully, self-evident
Class / Level: Hopefully, self-evident
-b]SFS No.:[/b] If this is your first character, it will be your PFS# followed by “-701”
Faction: I will assume you have none if this is blank
Day Job Roll: If you are trained in a Profession (i.e., have the skill) and choose to do this during downtime.
No need to list boons (Sorry, these quests specifically state they are not used). Race boons are permitted.

Once you have provided the above information, feel free to head on over to the Gameplay thread and await a briefing from Venture-Captain Arvin.

Finally, these quests come with the "starship" label, so you may anticipate at least one starship combat. This is a good place to talk amongst yourselves as to starship roles.

Edit to include additional request and notices
In the past, my PbP games have been advertised with a minimum post rate 1 post per day and an expectation of 2-3 posts within a 24 hour period. However, since I did not advertise this game and, as I have a couple of other games going on simultaneously, I am quite fine with a slower expected post rate for this game.

If you have a preference on posting rate, please post it here or PM me. Regardless of the general consensus on post rates, I will also institute a botting policy similar to that used by other GMs on these boards just to be able to keep the flow and interest in the game ongoing.

Also, please note that I have an extended out-of-town trip at the end of May for 1 week and expect to have very limited ability to post during that time.

Exo-Guardians

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

This is Mjolbeard checking in with Gammus, Scion of Stars, vesk armor solaria.

I'll check in with the template later today. Looking forward to playing with you, Valen!

Grand Lodge

I'm a total PbP on Paizo n00b. Can anyone tell me how to create a subheader to display my character info?

Player Name: eijel
Character Name: Levylissa Li Lilley
Class / Level: Envoy 1
SFS No.: 279868-701
Faction: Dataphiles
Day Job Roll: Archaeologist 1d20+8


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

@ GM Mjolbeard - Looking forward to playing with you too--on both sides of the table! Thanks for setting this up and getting it going.

@ eijel - Welcome! To create a subhead, click on the "Edit Profile" button for your character. Also, as your character name shows up in blue, I believe you are not using a registered SFS character profile. To find the profile for the SFS character you want to play, look for it under the "My Organized Play" link. Finally, there are useful templates for PbP characters out there. I will post the link, once I get it.

EDITTED for links- Here is a helpful link on PbP basics. You should check it out if you haven't already.

SFS character templates for headers can be found here.

Dataphiles

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

let's try this again.

Player Name: eijel
Character Name: Levylissa Li Lilley
Class / Level: Envoy 1
SFS No.: 279868-701
Faction: Dataphiles
Day Job Roll: Profession (Archaeologist) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Second Seekers (Jadnura)

Nuar Technomancer (10)

PLAYER: Nefreet
CHARACTER: Braford
CLASS/LVL: Mystic-1
SFS ID#: 66548-706
FACTION: Exoguardians
Prof.(mercenary): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 (ha! same as over in the other thread ^_^)

He has no Starship Skills =(. With a +0 BAB and a –1 Dex, he can't even shoot a gun reliably. When it comes time for the Starship Quest, I'll just sub in a Pregen. Yay, Quests!

EDIT: Just found the perfect portrait on DeviantArt ^_^

Grand Lodge

He/Him

Thanks for setting up a second table. I have a con this weekend, but will try to get this character set up I can always play a pregen if needed. When do you anticipate launching?


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Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Dennis Muldoon wrote:
Thanks for setting up a second table. I have a con this weekend, but will try to get this character set up I can always play a pregen if needed. When do you anticipate launching?

I figured we'd start Monday or once everyone checks in, whichever is later. However, I am fine with a bit of delay if folks prefer.

By the way, I am also scheduled to run this at Kublacon.

Grand Lodge

He/Him

Oh, excellent, thank you!

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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: --

Player: Tim M (Blake's Tiger)
Character: Laniakea
SFS#: 230524-707
Faction: Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)
Starting XP: 0
Starting Fame: 0
Starting Reputation/Infamy with Selected Faction: 0
Starting Credits: 107
Day Job: Profession (diplomat): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Exo-Guardians

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:

Player: Dennis Muldoon
Character: Rogers de Stieren
SFS#: 215589-704
Faction: Exo-Guardians
Starting XP: 0
Starting Fame: 0
Starting Reputation/Infamy with Selected Faction: 0
Starting Credits: 36
Day Job: Profession (professor - piloting instructor): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Exo-Guardians

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:

Rogers is a competent pilot (+8) or engineer (+5) in starship combat, but only a mediocre gunner (+2).

I should also mention that while I've played plenty of Starfinder (and GMed even more), and done plenty of Pathfinder PbP, this is my first crack at Starfinder PbP. I'm curious to see how starship combat works out.

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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: --

Starship combat works out pretty well. There are a couple of variations on timing of rolls, but I've not gotten bogged down. I think the map is trickiest with the usual interface issues. I made a ship icon with facing and port/starboard indicators that helped with some of the issues.

Laniakea makes a decent captain with his diplomacy expertise.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

For starship combat, to keep things moving along, I'll execute the piloting 'initiative' rolls before each round or request the pilot post an initiative roll for the subsequent round with the present round's crew action. Then, each player should declare their crew action and take their rolls. Once that's done, I'll string together and list the outcomes of the engineering, helm, and gunnery phases, as well as provide the piloting 'initiative' rolls for the next round. It leads to some variation from the rules, but it makes things flow much faster and I trust my players to play fairly and not to adjust actions based upon solely upon the outcome of action already posted for the round for a subsequent phase. In the games I have played and a prior run of a starship quest via PbP, it has worked just fine.

Exo-Guardians

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:

That sounds good. Do you ask players to post their actions in spoilers?


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Rogers de Stieren wrote:
That sounds good. Do you ask players to post their actions in spoilers?

I haven't done that, but I'M m not opposed to it, at least as to the rolls and results. I do think it important to reinforce the idea that the players are acting as a team, particularly as starship combat does have the potential to get repetitive and cause players to lose interest or slow down posts, which would cause a PbP game to suffer.

Dataphiles

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 would make the ideal Science officer on the ship with her computer expertise.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Looks like everyone has checked in, so we are good to start tomorrow. Expect the first post to be up most likely sometime within the next 12 hours--between 10 am and 12 pm US Eastern Time.

Although I did not advertise this game, I have put up some information about expectations and a botting policy in the "Campaign Info" section of this thread. If you have any objections, concerns, or questions, feel free to post them here or, if you prefer, PM me. As I believe I've said earlier, I tend to prefer games with a faster posting rate in order to keep people engaged and interested. I am willing to be flexible on these, if folks have different preferences and will post any revisions. Otherwise, if there are no objections, then I will assume that everyone is on board with them and willing to abide by them.

It looks like we have a fun group and I'm looking forward to playing!

Exo-Guardians

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

Finally getting around to posting. Sorry for the radio silence over the weekend. Things got a bit busy. Anyway, here's my template info:

Player Name: Mjolbeard89
Character Name: Gamuzali
Class / Level: Solarian 1
SFS No.: 177216-703
Faction: Exo-Guardians
Day Job Roll: Profession (Smuggler): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

@ Gamuzali - Sorry, I just realized that you didn't get a chance to chime in with Julzakama before I posted a resolution. I apologize for this oversight. My general intend to give everyone at least a day to post before resolving a social scene and I did not do that here. Again, I am sorry.

Exo-Guardians

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

No problem! My fault for not being able to post in time.

Hopefully my newest post was interesting enough to make my presence worthwhile! :)

Exo-Guardians

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:

I'm traveling to a con this weekend. Only two slots a day, so I should be able to post at least once each day, but I may be slightly slower to respond.

Second Seekers (Jadnura)

Nuar Technomancer (10)
GM Valen wrote:
@ Rogers - Sorry, I must have read Braford's stats; not used to having so many nuar in a party. : )

You sayin' we all look alike?

;-)


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Braford wrote:

You sayin' we all look alike?

;-)

If I said "No", would you cry, "Bull"?

Second Seekers (Jadnura)

Nuar Technomancer (10)

I might moo it over for a bit.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

QUOTE="Laniakea"] Hopefully, not retro-actively botted this time.

@ Laniakea - I am sorry. I did not mean to retroactively bot your character. It appears that we were both posting at the same time.

@ All - I find that a policy botting characters that have not posted in 24-hours keeps things moving, which maintains momentum in posting and interest in the game, which hopefully keeps things fun in this format.

However, I also realize that having a character botted, especially on multiple occasions, is not fun and that not everyone who signed on for the game may be able to regularly post in a 24 hour period. So, if I am being overzealous in applying the botting policy or if you just want more time to have opportunities to post, please let me know here on the boards of via PM. I won't be offended by honest criticisms or requests. If there is a consensus to "dial back" this policy, I will be happy to accommodate.

Second Seekers (Jadnura)

Nuar Technomancer (10)

Most Bots I've seen were the GM making a simple attack or following what the character would normally do.

Delaying can negatively impact the rest of the party, IME.

That's why Braford has a "BOT ME!" spoiler on his profile.

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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'll get a bot-me section in the profile in order to keep the combat going at that clip.

You might want to consider revising your 24 hours since player's last post to 24 hours since last turn started when in combat. My post came 25 hours after my last turn, but I was last prompted 15 hours prior. That prompt occured while I was sleeping, and I posted at my first opportunity after my day started. Either way, I'll write the bot-me section so that delaying isn't the only thing to do when botted.

Like Braford said, bot-delaying in block initiative is basically skipping a round of action. If the prompt to act comes at an inconvenient time, it can create a problem for the team.


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Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

@ Braford & Laniakea - Thank you for your insights and suggestions. I have revised the Botting policy on the Campaign page accordingly.

I consider the rules/policies on the Campaign page to be an evolving document and one that I hope to use for future games I GM on these boards, so keep the suggestions coming. Also, if I fail to follow my own rules/policies, feel free to call me out on it. As may already be apparently, I am prone to mistakes and anticipate that I will make more in the future. I try not to make them, but when I do I hope that I am able to correct them (and accept that I may also make mistakes while doing so).


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

@ All - I will need starship role assignments for the second quest.

Dataphiles

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

I was thinking Science Officer for Levylissa.

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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: --

Captain, most likely.

Second Seekers (Jadnura)

Nuar Technomancer (10)

This will be when I Pregen. Whatever role is left, I'll take it.

Exo-Guardians

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:

Pilot (+8) is my best bet, but I could also be a mediocre engineer (+5) or a poor gunner (+2).


Various

This is my Pregen alias. Just let me know whose stats to fill in.


Various

So far we have:

• Pilot
• Captain
• Science Officer

So I'll choose Iseph, the Android Operative, as Gunner. They're +5 to-hit.

I'll update stat bar later today.

Exo-Guardians

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 will serve best in a Piloting role, so either Pilot or Gunner. Gunner would definitely be the better of those two, since there are others with better Piloting skills in the group.

I'll try to get a "Bot Me" section on his profile here shortly.

Exo-Guardians

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:

Would we be better off with Iseph piloting (+10), Gamuzali gunning (+3), and Rogers engineering?


Various

I'm personally in favor of having a better gunner, but Starship Combat and its tactics are my weakest subject. Always seems like ships just end up next to each other blasting their hearts out, because range increment penalties are terrible.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

Ship starting positions are set!

However, it seems that ship assignments are still being worked out. I will wait for the party to settle on assignments before proceeding/retconning the battle.

Once assignments are set, then I will be asking the assigned Pilot for an initial move.

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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: --
Best Pregen Ever! wrote:
Always seems like ships just end up next to each other blasting their hearts out, because range increment penalties are terrible.

That is the worst strategy. Not moving incurs a penalty to your AC/TL, flybys can give you extra attacks, you want to keep your better shielded side facing the enemy while still maximizing weapon facing and trying to catch the opposite from the enemy.

Of course, if nobody in a particular group has any ranks in Piloting, then the more interesting options aren't available/cost-effective. :)


Various

I really wish Paizo would finish their SRD =\

I've never heard that not moving penalizes your AC, but I'm pretty sure flybys don't give you an extra attack.

The flyby attack still happens during the gunnery phase.

Also, with the errata, you can now redirect shielding however you want, so facing matters even less.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)

My understanding is that flyby allows you an attack with an additional facing, which could essentially give you an extra attack under certain circumstances, one of which is having another available gunner.

Please let me know once starship assignments are completed.

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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: --

That is what I meant: if you have an extra gunner, you can fire off an extra facing. Usually, at best, you can get a ship in two arcs, so if you have enough gunners, you could fire off a facing that won't be facing at the end of your move.

The AC penalty depends on the ship's maneuverability: -4 for clumsy, -2 for poor, -0 for average or better.


Various

Learn something new every day!

So... Who's doing what again?

Exo-Guardians

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:

Here's what I'm seeing:

Captian - Laniakea
Pilot - Rogers
Science - Levylissa
Gunner (primary) - Iseph
Gunner (secondary) - Gamuzali

It would be nice to have an engineer, but I think you're right that it's worth keeping our best gunner on the coilgun.


Devil We Know | Ashes of Discovery (Hellknights) | Ashes of Discovery (Desna)
Rogers de Stieren wrote:

Here's what I'm seeing:

Captian - Laniakea
Pilot - Rogers
Science - Levylissa
Gunner (primary) - Iseph
Gunner (secondary) - Gamuzali

It would be nice to have an engineer, but I think you're right that it's worth keeping our best gunner on the coilgun.

Is this "final"?

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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: --

Probably as final as can be in a system where you can change roles each round. Someone may need to switch to engineering occasionally.

Dataphiles

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 can switch to engineering(+9) if the need arises.

Exo-Guardians

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:
Best Pregen Ever! wrote:
Just realized I don't know what to roll for damage =\
Gamuzali wrote:

"Aye, Captain," the vesk calls back as he unleashes another powerful shot from the ship's turret-mounted coilgun.

[dice=Gunner]1d20+2 [dice=Damage]4d4

Who's on which gun? I see Gamuzali rolling damage for the turret, which means Iseph would be using the 2d4 light laser cannon, but that seems backwards. We should be having our best to-hit gunner on the turret, which has the longest range and does the most damage.

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