Game Master S's "Dead Suns" (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

"Looks like someone decided to get rid o' the evidence," Booker drawls, slipping on his taut piloting gloves and flexing his fingers. "Let's fire up tha' particle beam an' see how this bird really handles!"

Let's do this!

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Orders?
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Action?

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Piloting check. If you don't beat this roll, execute your turn: Piloting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

"Here we go! What've we got on th' scans?"

Piloting: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 1 = 26

Also, Booker recommends the following 'regular' arrangement for starting shields: Forward 20, Port 15, Starboard 15, Aft 10.

Over the comms in the Sunrise Maiden finally comes a monotone and creepy message. The voice is too bland and devoid of accent to learn anything. "You have met your end. Make peace. Your bodies will never be recovered, so give prayers for a gentler afterlife." Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10. The threat falls on deaf ears as you begin to engage.

An alert sounds from your computer, they've locked their targeting computer on your engines! The ship comes straight for you, taking an evasive path!

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Orders?
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Action?

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Fly.

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

The group enters their new ship, the Sunrise Maiden, through the main airlock, loosing seals and removing helmets. Dunklezahn walks over to Booker and, with no preamble, slugs him across the jaw, sending the old man sprawling. Dunklezahn leans down and offers a hand up to Booker.

You're still an a+@%*&!, Booker. But, at least, you're our a!#!#%$.

After helping Booker to his feet, he turns without waiting for a response and heads into the ship.

I'll be in the galley. As he walks away, they others can hear him talking out loud to himself. I can only imagine what state the stores are in. Gonna need some major upgrading and restocking. Fresh spices for sure. Coffee, eggs, bacon...

Hearing the shout of an attack over the comms, Dunklezahn takes a quick second to make sure he didn't leave anything unsecured in the galley, then rushes to one of the gunnery stations fore. Settling into the new, yet familiar, seat at the weapons station, Dunklezahn powers it up and starts checking for targets.

The group enters their new ship, the Sunrise Maiden, through the main airlock, loosing seals and removing helmets. Dunklezahn walks over to Booker and, with no preamble, slugs him across the jaw, sending the old man sprawling. Dunklezahn leans down and offers a hand up to Booker.

You're still an assh*le, Booker. But, at least, you're our assh*le.

Booker grins, rubs his jaw on the deck, and takes the proffered hand to jump to his feet.

* * *

Hearing no report from behind, Booker calls over his shoulder begins to take the Maiden through its paces. "Hack-It! What've they got?"

Over the comm, he alerts the gunners. "Dunk! RIGS! Lining up a port broadside. HIT 'EM!"

The computer assists juuuust enough to give the ship an evasive edge. Evade DC 19: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 19 +2 to AC/TL for the round (18 AC, 18 TL total)

Hack-It puts the new computer systems through its paces and tries to get a scan on the enemy ship. "I'm checking, Booker! Give me a sec! The UI is a bit dated."
Scan (Computers): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Another +2 from the Sunrise Maiden

Wow, this is ours! HOLY CROW A BIG SCREEN! Man, my vidgames are gonna look SAWEET on that.

After hearing about the incoming ship, R1G5 rushes over to the control center, logs in, puts on a headset, and cackles maniacally.

BAHAHAHAHA Let's get 'em! Fire away!!

Before I shoot, I think we should wait to see where our Captain wants the on-board computer system to aid us.

R1G5 will fire with the turret at the enemy ship because dakka.

Light Particle Beam: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 113d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) = 10

With the aid from the on-board computer and successful encouragement from Janzi, it'll be a 14 to hit.

Dunklezahn bring the port light laser cannon to bear on the attacking ship and let's loose.

Lt. Laser Cannon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

BOOYAH!

Booker moves the Sunrise Maiden into position and the gunners let fly.

Hack-it scans the ship. He finds no life aboard the small light freighter. IT's got a speed of 12 and good maneuverability. If it would stay still it has an AC and TL of 15. The hull rates at 40 HP and shields at 10 all the way around.

Despite the Captain's actions, he can't hit while Dunk makes a direct hit, but not strong enough to penetrate shields.

The dead ship also fires a full salvo at the Port arc:
Port Coil Gun: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 for DMG: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 4) = 14

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Orders?
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Action?

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Piloting check. If you don't beat this roll, execute your turn: Piloting: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

Botting Janzi per Slack request: The lashunta offers some odd encouragement to the android over the comm. "Yeah, yeah, shoot them with that particle beam, just like I watch you do when you're vidgaming." Encourage R1G5 DC 10 Gunnery: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 SUCCESS +2 to R1G5's gunnery check

I nominate Booker and R1G5 to each receive a +1 from the computer each round. It will be vital that Booker obtains good positioning, and R1G5 is our best shot at taking this thing down. Any objections?

Meanwhile, Booker's hands are steady despite the rocking hit to the ship. "Sucker's got a punch!" Piloting: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 36

His mouth, largely disconnected from the actual work in front of him, continues to run. "Hack-It! Can ya rebalance th' shields? Gig! Thrull wants ya to divert power to 'em now (shields)."

"It's lighter on the shields... I'm going to need to get another scan if you want to know its fire power. I can-" he's interrupted when he reads that the shields are nearly depleted on one side. "Whoa! Ok, going to shore up that weak spot!"

Balance (Computers, DC 21): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Hack-It shifts shields from fore to port. "That should allow us to take another shot on the port side, but not more than two. And keep it on that side of us!"
With shields down to 1/15 on port, he shifts 12 points over from fore to starboard. Current shields is:
Fore: 8
Port: 13
Starboard: 15
Aft: 10

At the first sign of battle, Gig rushes down to engineering to see what he can do to help.

His first task is to divert power to the shields. (This restores 8 points (5% of PCU:150) to the shields.)

Engineering DC 16: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

"Hack it, I've got you some more power in your shields! Keep her balanced and try to keep the hull protected. There is not much I can do if they break through the shields."

"Magnar'd be proud," Booker smiles, sparing a glance at the shields monitor. He eases off the throttle and waits a precious second for the Eoxian freighter to make its next move...

Dunklezahn takes aim again and lets loose another salvo from the port laser cannon.

Pew Pew!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Hack-it works the shield array while Gig manages to find some extra power.

The deadship moves to try and strike at the aft of the Sunrise Maiden, trying some fancy pilot work to get there Piloting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 +2 AC/TL

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Orders?
Science Officer (Hack-it): Re-balanced Shields
Engineer (Gig): Boost shields

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Fly!

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): Will hit AC 15 for 5
Gunner 2 (R1G5): Go after fly

Get to the port side, Booker! I'm feeling a good shot on the way! If Dunk and I can just hammer on that side, we'll DESTROY THEM!!!

After Booker moves us, R1G5 will skillfully maneuver the turret towards the enemy ship.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA! BOOM!

Light Particle Beam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 113d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5) = 13

Uhhh...my system must have lagged... I'm just warming up!

Booker brings the Maiden around in a wide arc to keep the two ships locked on each other's port. His fingers are ready to jerk the explorer in response to any hostile fire.

DC 19 Piloting: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 1 = 18 welp

Unfortunately, he is distracted by watching R1G5's shot miss by a literal kilometer.

All fire form the Sunrise Maiden is off target

Port Coilgun: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 for DMG: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 4, 2) = 12 The return fire spells bad news for the party....

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Orders?
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Action?

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Piloting check. If you don't beat this roll, execute your turn: Piloting: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

Janzi feels the ship rock back and forth. Careful, there, ace pilot, the lashunta admonishes Booker. How do you intend to fight Hack-It for this boat if you let it get blown up?

R1G5! he calls over the comm. Try pointing the business end at those astrof*ckers and stop looking for the reset button! I've seen you shoot better than that with your eyes closed!
DC 15+(starship tier) Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

"Workin' on it, Workin' on it!" Booker growls.

Piloting: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 22

The enormity of the situation spurs the Starfinders on! Looking to push the advantage, the enemy ship drives hard up the aft of the Starfinders. It gives the Starfinders a hard target to boot

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Encourage Gunner 2
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Action?

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Fly

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

Gig's fingers move across panels at lightning speed in the engineering section of the ship like he was Thrull Magnar giving an epic keyboard solo.

Engineering DC 16: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

8 additional points added to the shields. On what doc can I see where the current level is at?

Diverting auxiliary power to the shields, Gig strengthens the Sun Maiden's defense.

On the Campaign Records

Hack-It works to get a more complete scan of the enemy. "C'mon, c'mon... tell me your secrets."

Scan (Computers): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

"Dunklezahn!" Booker's voice squawks over the comm to the gunner's cockpit. "Git ready w' th' aft flak thrower! I'mma bring us in close." He raises his voice to shout to the main quarterdeck. "Alright, kids, time fer a wild ride. Ev'r'body hang on ta somethin'!"

Booker yanks on the yoke, executing a sweeping barrel roll around, under the freighter, and then straight up--"Whaaaa-hooooo!"--to expose the rear cannon for a prime shot before circling back around and presenting the amped starboard shields to the enemy.

Flyby Piloting DC 19: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 1 = 21

Dunklezahn (or R1G5) can fire the Aft Flak Thrower (3d4) during this gunnery phase. This maneuver does not provoke a free attack from the enemy.

R1G5 abruptly closes the tutorial on how this weapon works.

Yea, yea, I know. It's easier with a controller/stick combo. Maybe I should install one of those. Yea, new goals. Dunk, take the Flak Thrower, I got the rest. FIRE AT WILL!!!!

Light Particle Beam (Turret): 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 183d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5) = 12
Light Laser Cannon (Starboard): 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 192d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

On it!, Dunklezahn shouts back.

Aft Flak Thrower: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (2, 4, 3) = 9

Hack-it rips through the enemy ship with a scan: AC 15 TL 15 (17 currently with Evasive maneuvers) HP: 40. Shields: Forward 10, Port: 4, Starboard: 10, Aft: 10. Forward: light particle beam, light plasma torpedo launcher. Sides and aft: Coilgun.

Gig boosts the shields again as Booker tries something very daring.

The Sunrise Maiden opens with a massive salvo! The enemy's port shields are obliterated as laser and missile alike smash the hull. Bone and metal explode into space! Nevertheless, like the undead, the ship keeps coming...

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Orders?
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Action?

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Piloting check. If you don't beat this roll, execute your turn: Piloting: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 = 23

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

Piloting: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 25

"They're comin' back around!" Booker announces to no one in particular.

Freighter goes first.

I accidentally pasted over their firing with my quickpost.

The deadship opens up with it's coil gun ATK: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 for DMG: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 1) = 7

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Orders?
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Action?

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Fly.

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

A joystick, eh? We need to look into some upgrades...
Janzi muses a second, then returns his attention to the battle at hand. Good shooting, Wedge! Keep it up, guys!
DC 18 Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Gig continuously tries to keep the shields as strong as possible by diverting auxiliary power to the shields.

Engineering DC 16: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

(8 points added to the shields)
Current Shields: Forward 14, Port: 7, Starboard: 21, Aft: 16.

Janzi pushes the crew as Gig continues to scrounge for power!

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Encourage
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Shields!

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Fly.

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

Booker bends to his task, bringing the Maiden around and clipping across the bow of the Eoxian vessel. Nearing a firing position, he taps the comm to give a heads up to Dunklezahn. "Gonna give ya another shot w' that flak thrower."

Evade DC 19 Piloting: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 1 = 33 +2 to AC/TL for 18 each

Exposing the rear shields to enemy fire. Aft flak thrower is still open for business, and our weapons are pointed at their wounded port side.

@Gig: our Starboard shields are only at 14, due to the hit from the Eoxian this past round. I have updated the sheet.

R1G5 re-configures the turret towards the undead monstrosity. Hopefully this won't be too much longer. That thing packs a punch.

SUCKS TO BE THEM BECAUSE I HIT HARD TOO!!!!11!1!

Light Particle Beam (Turret): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 133d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 5) = 11

A loud and thunderous SLAM comes from the gunner's station as R1G5 pounds the dashboard.

SUNUVAWTF?!? LAAAAAAG!!! Janzi, I may or may not need a new dashboard soon.

"Nice work, Gig! That juice is just what the shields needed. Now let me just balance..."

Balance (Computers) DC 21: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
Evening out the shields across the board

Booker continues to expertly fly about the enemy ship, giving them a run for their money. The maneuver is a little too much, and R1G5 doesn't lead the enemy ship enough, missing well wide with the particle beam.

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Encourage
Science Officer (Hack-it): Balanced!
Engineer (Gig): Shields!

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Fly like an eagle

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): Fire
Gunner 2 (R1G5): Miss

R1g5, don't fight the targeting computer. It's your friend, not your adversary. Let it help you.

Rear Flak Gun: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9

Stupid tageting computer!

The irony of the Vesk's admonition is quickly swept aside as the duel continues.

The Eoxian fires Coilgun v. Aft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 for DMG: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 4) = 9

It's a direct hit! The shields hold, protecting the Maiden from devastating damage.

Engineering
Captain (Torin): Orders?
Science Officer (Hack-it): Action?
Engineer (Gig): Action?

Helm
Pilot (Booker): Piloting check. If you don't beat this roll, execute your turn: Piloting: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 = 11

Gunnery
Gunner 1 (Dunklezahn): TBD
Gunner 2 (R1G5): TBD

"Dunk! You switched off your targeting computer...what's wrong?"

Joystick...new dashboard...make that two cos of Dunk... Janzi cracks a smile as he tries a new tactic for encouragement. You guys are making it hard on Hack, eating up all the profits he was hoping to make! It's HIS ship, after all, he says, so his responsibility, right...?

static DC 15 Diplo to encourage, per FAQ: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Neither the Vesk nor the Android are in any mood to laugh, however.

UGH, Janzi, you're right. HACK-IIIIT!!! Get over here and fix this targeting computer! You claim this is your ship, right? If there's any time to install auto-aim on this thing, it's yesterday.

HACK-IT! I don't know what bug crawled up R1G5 motherboard, but it's gotten to my targeting computer, too!

Booker grimaces at the heavy hit to the rear shields and decides he's gonna need some tight turns to get back into a defensible position. "Some tight maneuvers here, hold on ta yer lunches!"

Maneuver Piloting DC 19: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 1 = 30 The ace executes a pair of button-hooks to return the Maiden to port of the damaged freighter.

Reduces turn rating to 0 for this round. Starboard and Turret guns are available, and the forward gyrolaser at a -2 penalty. Our Starboard shields will take the hit.