Entering the interior of the wreckage, you find that the distress beacon has been activated. Although one of the Starfinders must have survived long enough to activate it, there are no survivors—seven desiccated corpses remain in the wreckage, while the remaining crew members were likely pulled out by the desert creature and devoured.
Nothing else of value appears to remain in the wreck; anything obviously worth salvaging was likely taken by the Corpse Fleet explorer that plundered it earlier.
Although the Unbounded Wayfarer’s computers are beyond repair, they still retain a minimal amount of power. Further, the computer interface ports contain an indentation in the same shape of the Starfinder insignias that you retrieved from Julzakama some time ago.
If you slot one of the insignias into the indentation:
The computer flares to life just enough to display a datafile of worlds previously explored by crew of the Unbounded Wayfarer. They include:
• A wasteland planet called Elytrio that displayed signs of scattered technology.
• A sentient asteroid called Lamentia teeming with morlock “children” in the Vast.
• A massive space station called End of Bright Things stuck between the orbits of two blue dwarf stars.
• A stormy, oceanic world called Wealdriad, with upthrust columns of basalt piercing the storm-tossed ocean’s surface.
You can easily download this data into any personal data device, or send a wireless transmission of the files to the Odyssey for storage.
The final location’s coordinates are too damaged to display, but the computer has enough power to open a slot containing a single item, perhaps salvaged from the lost location. Within a once hidden compartment, that has now opened on the side of the ship, you find an iridescent spindle aeon stone. You can find no further details regarding the item’s history.
NG male nuar ace pilot soldier (blitz) 8 | SP 80/80, HP 62/62, RP 10/10 | EAC 25, KAC 27 | F+8 R+5 W+7 | Speed 50 | Init +7 | Perc +1 (darkvision), SM +1 | Piloting +17 (8 ranks) | Active Conditions:
Rogers enters the wreckage cautiously. He grips his doshko a little tighter when he sees the corpses, remembering sharp claws and his blood spilling a few days ago. When they make no movements, though, he begins to relax and look around. Finding the indentation, he says "Let me see one of those insignias a moment", and inserts the device into the indentation. "Huh. These poor souls had been all over the place." A few quick keystrokes and the data is transmitted back to the Odyseey. He jumps, nearly dropping his weapon, when the small panel nearby pops open revealing a strange stone. "Anyone know what this thing does?"
Once you have recovered the data module (and anything else you wish to bring with you) from the Unbounded Wayfarer, you are able to safely retrace your steps to the Odyssey and leave Ulmarid’s surface. Yet, even as the blazing sun sets on the desert world and as you make final preparations for your departure and lift-off, you get a sense that before your return to the Lorespire Complex aboard Absalom Station, that there may still be another threat to overcome.
Please let me know if you are making any changes between quests.
You are aboard the Starfinder Society starship, Odyssey, as it makes its way into orbit from the planet Ulmarid’s surface.
Odyssey picture and stats are up in the Slides.
Suddenly, a warning klaxon blares, and the ship lurches. The asteroid field around the world of Ulmarid is more agitated than on the descent down to the surface. Although it’s not clear what has caused the anomalous activity, what’s certain is that you must reach safer altitude before a more serious collision occurs.
Traversing the asteroid field above the planet requires a successful Piloting check made by the acting pilot.
The acting captain may attempt a DC 10 Piloting (DC 10), Diplomacy (DC 17), or Intimidate (DC 17) to assist, encourage, or place demands on the pilot; a successful check provides a +2 bonus to the pilot’s Piloting check.
Any PC(s) acting as science officer(s) may scan the asteroid field to identify and avoid potential collisions with a successful Computers check (DC 15); each successful check provides a +2 bonus to the pilot’s Piloting check.
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
Upon hearing the klaxon sound, Levylissa jumps at a terminal and begins scanning the asteroid field for signs of what is going on. "Rogers keep an eye out. I'll call out obstacles for you."
At Iseph's skilled hands, you emerge out of the asteroids nearest to the planet. Suddenly, you spot a large shape lurking among the remaining asteroids. You are not alone!
A large vessel of rusted metal slips from behind an enormous asteroid, its weapons already firing. The front of the ship resembles a stylized skull with crossed bones beneath—a clear indication of space pirates!
Culture (DC 12+):
You recognize that the approaching vessel bears the markings of Besmara, the goddess of piracy, space monsters, and strife. Besmaran space pirates are a growing threat throughout galactic shipping lanes, and such pirates throw themselves into combat with a boisterous zeal—it is rare to talk one’s way out of combat with an approaching Besmaran pirate ship.
Picture of the Lawblight is now revealed on the Slides as is the Map for starship combat.
The Lawblight has been placed next to a large asteroid on the map, pointed toward the Odyssey and the Odyssey placed 21 hexes away from the Lawblight, facing away from it.
Battlemap Hazard: This combat occurs around clusters of asteroids. These asteroids are sufficiently slow-moving that, for the duration of the starship combat, they are effectively stationary on the map. Clusters of asteroids block a starship’s line of fire, so the ships can maneuver around the asteroids for cover from enemy fire. A starship that crosses into a hex containing an asteroid takes 4d6 damage to a random facing (maximum once per turn), but can continue moving as normal.
Based upon clues obtained in prior quests, the PCs have previously acquired some information about the Lawblight’s methods of attack and defense. This information, will undoubtedly prove to be useful in the battle ahead.
Lawblight Assault clue:
You are able to quickly evade the approaching Lawblight!
Iseph (or acting pilot) may reposition the Odyssey up to 4 hexes in any direction, with any facing you choose. And then roll Initiative!
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 recognizes the insignia immediately, "Look alive. We've got Besmaran pirates on us. We fight to the finish. Expect no quarter." She mans her terminal and prepares for battle. She immediately scans the vessel to better understand their opponent.
Lawblight Data clue:
You already possess some basic information about the Lawblight , including defenses and weapons, before the battle begins:
Lawblight
Medium transport
Speed 6; Maneuverability average (turn 2); Drift 1
AC 13; TL 13
HP 70; DT —; CT 14
Shields basic 30 (forward 15, port 5, starboard 5, aft 5)
Attack (Forward) coilgun (4d4), heavy torpedo launcher (5d8)
Attack (Aft) gyrolaser (1d8)
Attack (Turret) coilgun (4d4)
Power Core Arcus Heavy (130 PCU)
Other Lawblight clues the PCs have uncovered:
Lawblight Evasion clue:
You already possess some basic information about the tactics that the Lawblight, particularly with its coilguns.
The Lawblight must roll twice for each gunnery check it makes with its coilguns and take the worse result.
Lawblight Barrage clue:
You already possess some basic information about the tactics that the Lawblight, including its torpedoes.
The first time that the Lawblight’s heavy torpedoes would hit the Odyssey, it misses instead.
Warning: Now that you have read this, YOU are burdened with the responsibility of reminding me to apply these modifiers in those instances when I might forget.
NG male nuar ace pilot soldier (blitz) 8 | SP 80/80, HP 62/62, RP 10/10 | EAC 25, KAC 27 | F+8 R+5 W+7 | Speed 50 | Init +7 | Perc +1 (darkvision), SM +1 | Piloting +17 (8 ranks) | Active Conditions:
Don't forget that the mk 1 Trinode computer gives us 3 +1 bonuses that I believe we can distribute as we wish. I think one should go to Iseph, and one to Gamuzali, and one to second gunner (when we have one) or science or engineering (when we don't).
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
"Ma'am yes ma'am," Gamuzali calls to his captain as he moves to man the guns. "Someone come grab the turret. I'll take the forward and aft guns!"
At least for this turn, I think it might be helpful for me to take one of the computer bonuses, since I could take that in addition to Laniakea's encouragement.
Whether due to surprise of the quick reaction by the target vessel or simply too much rum, the helmsman aboard the Lawblight is slow to react.
PCs win Initiative. Pirate vessel location updated on Map.
GM Rolls:
Pirate, Engineering to divert power to weapons (DC 13) :1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 Pirate, Pilot to Evade (DC 13):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Pirate, Computer to Target Engines (DC 15):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Pirate, Intimidate to Taunt Gunnery(DC 21):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
However, the Odyssey is not the first vessel that these pirates have preyed upon and they quickly fall into their practiced roles aboard ship. Within the engine room of the Lawblight, one of the pirate crew reroutes power from the internal turbines to the weapon systems, while the helmsman approaches the target in a wobbly, evasive pattern. Utilizing the pirate ship's long-range sensors, another of the crew locks onto the Odyssey's thrust signature.
A message is then broadcast from the pirate vessel, ”Attention Newcomers! This is Captain William Blight of the Lawblight. We have come to obtain your tribute to the goddess. The Pirate Queen demands much and we plan to honor her in full. Do you attempt to resist or try to prevent us from seizing the offering. Otherwise, we will plunder your vessel and leave it, and any remaining scrap, drifting within the deepest, darkest depths of the Void!”
Lawblight has +2 to AC; During Gunnery Phase, Starfinders take a -2 penalty to all Gunnery checks for a total of:1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds.
I have Laniakea's action - all other PCs may take their actions.
Gunner, Fire-at-Will (turreted coilgun)(first shot):1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 4 = 14 Gunner, Fire-at-Will (turreted coilgun)(first shot):1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 4 = 5 Lawblight Evasion - pirates must roll twice for each gunnery check with coilguns and take the worse result.
Round One Summary
Having emerged from behind an asteroid, the Lawblight begins its attack run—firing as it approaches.
Engineering Phase
From deep within the engine room of the Lawblight, comes a surge of power that bolsters the Besmarans’ weapons.
While aboard the Oydssey, Rogers attempts to give more speed to the ship.
(As Odyssey is a Tier 4 ship, Rogers’ attempt to boost speed should have failed. However, since I don’t recall where the Starfinder ship started and since the PCs had earlier gained a Clue that allowed the ship to be repositioned at the start of the fight—I am going to call this “a Lesson Learned” and allow the current position of the ship to stand. However, for future movements, I will require red arrows be placed on the map showing the path of the Odyssey.
Helm Phase
Realizing that their prey is not yet helpless, the pirate vessel evades as it approaches the Odyssey; aboard ship, the pirate at the science station targets the Starfinders’ engines.
Likewise, this is not the Starfinders’ first battle and they prepare for combat. Iseph brings the ship around the asteroid in position to strike as Levylissa targets the pirates’ weapon systems.
Gunnery Phase
The Lawblight coilgun turret swings toward the Odyssey. It hurls a shot toward the Starfinder vessel, but fails to connect.
Then, a surprise, as Captain Blight announces his intentions to plunder the Starfinder vessel. His taunts gives Gamuzali momentary pause and neither of the vesk's shots manage to connect, despite the encouragement he had received from acting Captain Laniakea.
Starship Status at End of Round One
Both ships unscathed.
PCs win Initiative! (From here on out, on his turn, please provide an Initiative roll for the next round along with Iseph's action/rolls for the current 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
If I'm reading it right, Levylissa's previous targeting is still in effect. Should she jump over to a free gun, target something different, or do nothing?
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
Alright! Then let's try to make it count!
Not wanting to waste another shot on the pirate's Gamuzali focuses on hitting with the big gun and directs the heavy laser cannon toward the Lawblight's engines.
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
Accessing the turret remotely from her console, Levylissa fires the coilgun at the broadside of the Lawblight. "I might as well try." But her shot is way off target.
Engineering Phase
From within the engine room of the Lawblight, an attempt is made to divert power to the ship’s engines, but it is unsuccessful.
A similar attempt aboard the Odyssey by Rogers is far more successful!
Helm Phase
The Lawblight backs off only slightly and then targets the engines on the Odyssey.
With encouragement from acting Captain Laniakea, Iseph easily pulls off a daring slide maneuver—placing the pirate vessel within the Starfinders’ forward arc.
On orders from Captain Blight, the pirate crew returns fire!
Seizing the opportunity, both Gamuzali and Levylissa fire on the pirate vessel. Levylissa’s shot with the coilgun goes wide, but Gamuzali’s shot with heavy laser cannon finds its mark. A torrent of energy slams into the port shields of the Lawblight, causing them to buckle. The residual energy punches through and strikes the hull--damaging the port weapons array!
Within the engine room of the Lawblight, the pirate crew get to work repairing the damaged weapons array. At the helm, the pilot reacts to the oncoming vessel.
NG male nuar ace pilot soldier (blitz) 8 | SP 80/80, HP 62/62, RP 10/10 | EAC 25, KAC 27 | F+8 R+5 W+7 | Speed 50 | Init +7 | Perc +1 (darkvision), SM +1 | Piloting +17 (8 ranks) | Active Conditions:
Damn, forward shields are taking a beating. Let me see if I get pump them up again.
Engineering rolls:
Divert power to shields, DC 16:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
"Bah, why doesn't anything work right in this hunk of junk?" Rogers attempts to divert power to the shields, but is unable to find the right set of connections.
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
Lakiakea shouts some words of encouragement down to the weapon's deck, and Gamuzuli sits quietly for a moment, mentally wishing the turret-gunner luck as well. Then he realizes that he's alone on the weapons. "Oh, that's me," he says, springing into action and jumping up to go seize the yoke to swing the turret into the Odyssey's port arc. He aims the turrets toward the pirate vessel and is about to pull the trigger to fire the coilgun when he looks down and notices the large red button that has a bit of tape beneath it with the word "Missiles" written on it. "Yes, please!" Gamuzali flips up the safety cover and presses the button!
Engineering Phase
With the weapons array glitching aboard the Lawblight, the pirate crew tries to patch the system, but to no avail.
Likewise, Rogers pounds on the engineering console aboard the Odyssey, unable to divert power to the shields.
Helm Phase
The pirate crew backs of the ship and rebalances the shields aboard the Lawblight.
Iseph sends the Starfinder vessel into a slide, keeping the depleted forward shields from bearing the brunt of an inevitable attack by the pirates and setting up an attack of their own!
Meanwhile Levylissa hopes to slow the pirates down by targeting the engines of the Lawblight.
Gunnery Phase
When the Starfinder ship emerges from behind the asteroid, at acting captain Laniakea’s encouragement, Gamuzali sends a missile flying at the pirate vessel.
In response, Captain Blight gives an order and the turret of the Lawblight swivels to attack.
The two coil gun projectiles skirt the silhouette of the Odyssey[/I, but the energy from the gyrolaser cuts hard against the shields of the Starfinder vessel. Nevertheless, the shields hold.
Just then, the Starfinder missile slams into the [i]Lawblight, bringing down the port shields and impacting against the thrusters of the pirate ship!
Starship Status After Round Three Odyssey -0 HP Shields light 54; forward 9, port 10, starboard 15, aft 20
Lawblight:
-30 HP Shields basic 15 (forward 10, port 0, starboard 5, aft 5); glitching engines, glitching port weapons array
Pirate, Pilot to Evade (DC 13):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 Pirate, Computer to target engines:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
The Lawblight makes an evasive turn, trying to set its sites on the Starfinders. The pirates fail, however, to successfully target the engines of the Odyssey.
NG male nuar ace pilot soldier (blitz) 8 | SP 80/80, HP 62/62, RP 10/10 | EAC 25, KAC 27 | F+8 R+5 W+7 | Speed 50 | Init +7 | Perc +1 (darkvision), SM +1 | Piloting +17 (8 ranks) | Active Conditions:
"Just a sec, I'll get these shields working! I think I've just about got it!" Rogers hollers from the Engineering bay, followed shortly by "Argh! Stupid thing!"
Engineering rolls:
Divert power to shields, DC 16:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
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
"Don't worry about it Rogers, I'll balance the shields out and bolster the forward shields, while I'm at it." With deft, practiced fingers, Levylissa is able to bolster the forward shields while maintaining the rest of the arcs.
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 swings the turret back into the forward arc and prepares another missile from the turret, while also charging up the heavy laser cannon. With the Odyssey's biggest weapons primed, the vesk unleashes a full assault on the Lawblight!
Engineering Phase
Due to some encouragement from acting Captain Laniakea, Rogers is able to corral some additional power for the Odyssey’s shields.
The crew of the Lawblight races to repair the ship’s damaged engines.
Helm Phase
The Lawblight makes an evasive turn, attempting to set up a frontal assault on the Starfinders, but are unsuccessful at targeting the engines of the Odyssey.
Reacting to the pirates’ movements, Iseph sends the Odyssey into an evasive pattern, bringing the vessel about so that both guns can be trained on the Lawblight.
Drawing from the additional power provided by Laniakea’s and Rogers’ actions, Levylissa balances the shields so that they are each at or near full capacity.
Odyssey’s Shields:
forward 16, port 15, starboard 15, aft 15
Gunnery Phase
Gamuzali swings the turret back into the forward arc and unleashes a full assault on the Lawblight, but the evasive flying pirate ship avoids any hits!
Now, in position, the pirate crew prepares to return fire!
The coilgun shells miss their mark, but the pirate's torpedo strikes true! The forward shields of the Odyssey give way and the vessel shakes as the energy from the exploding torpedo impacts against the hull.
Starship Status After Round Four Odyssey -6 HP Shields[/b] light 45; forward 0, port 15, starboard 15, aft 15
Lawblight:
-30 HP Shields basic 15 (forward 10, port 0, starboard 5, aft 5); glitching port weapons array
