Hmm’s 1-99: Scoured Stars Invasion (Tier 5-6) (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

Looking back at the medical equipment, Neon says “I think that is what they did. I would rather not.”

He rushes towards the ship, checking quickly at the air lock for any signs of huskborn having gone into the ship.

“Once we are away, we will want to make absolutely certain we don’t have a stowaway!”

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

You run through decontamination procedures, and you escape to give your briefing to Naiaj.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Naiaj, when they hear the news, is delighted with your retrieval of the data. “Excellent work. A shame about not bringing back any samples, but you’re right... It’s best not to risk it. We will have a team of analysts start on it right away.”

Success! Wooooot!

Naiaj checks their datapad. “I’m done with you, but I see that Historia-7 has urgent need of a team. Why don’t you check in with them?”

Agillae 5 — Starship Graveyard

Plugged into a nearby communication station, the Historia- 7’s eyes blink rapidly as she collates data from many teams across the Starfinder fleet. She snaps out of her technological trance and fully opens her eyes. “Greetings, Starfinders. I have assigned your team to a mission on Agillae-5. Our scans indicate that many Starfinder starships from the previous expedition crash-landed on the same spot on the planet, forming an enormous concentration of wreckage that spreads out for miles on the otherwise barren planet. Investigate the ships, locate any survivors, and retrieve any useful data from the ships. We don’t know what caused so many ships to crash-land on the planet, so exercise caution during the investigation.”

His dstabanks retrieving information obtained from other sources during a prior mission, Sev postulates,"The cause May well be space goblins."

"That would such a scandal if this is true."

Al checks their gear then nods, showing their readiness to proceed.

Ivok does a gear check as he considers the causes with a sigh.
"Goblins. I can't argue that. If they all crashed at that space, I can only picture something controlling the ship. Either something at the ship's helm or directing a force at the ship itself. There is nothing I like about either. I can't push a ship back into orbit."

I will spend Radaszam's consumable reward for a Serum of Enhancement (Scientist). Could I also consume this prior to or during a ship combat to get the +2 to Engineering, or do bonuses like these not work in ship combat?

“Do you have any recommendations on how to approach this site, so our ship doesn’t crash as well? Any signs of energy readings or anything?”

This is where an unmanned drone should really be sent ahead if only Starfinder did such things...

"Hmmm, very interesting. We will do our best to investigate this matter. Sorami says with haste in her voice.

You take off in your ship, ready to investigate the matter.

During each step, each PC can attempt one of the skill checks listed in that phase. You can either aid or roll on your own.

Phase 1 - Communication Request:

Shortly after you begin the descent to the planet’s surface, you receive a communication request from Venture Captain Whiskan. “There are…….gravitational anomalies…...Turn back now…..”

Culture: 10 + 15 = 25

Neon Ten responds over the communications channel. "We are Starfinders here to rescue you and others, Venture-Captain Whiskan! How can we avoid the dangerous gravity waves?"

Culture check unlocked. Computers and Sense Motive remaining.

Aid to Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 4

"This puts me on edge. Could there actually be survivors here? Or is this all just a trick? I can't get a read on someone over an comm." Unable to pick through the unease and hope, Ivok can't help separating truth from fact here.

Computers: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

"I doubt that you will receive a response, Neon Ten." Sev notes flatly. "At least within a sufficient time period in which to act upon the information provided. Based upon my analysis of the metadata of the message, the transmission was initiated nine months ago."

Sev pauses, then adds, "It would appear that the Starfinders encountered a phenomena of sufficient mass or gravitational force to cause a temporal distortion--at least relative to our current position. General relativity dictates that our experience of time is flowing at a far faster rate from our present distance from the phenomena than those observers that are closer to the gravimetric source."

Puzzled, Neon asks “Recorded nine months ago, or sent nine months ago?”

I hope it was recorded that long ago and just set to automatically be sent whenever a ship is in the area! If not, that is some extreme distortion!

Computers check unlocked. All that is left is Sense Motive!

sensé motive: 1d10 + 10 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 + (2) + 1 = 22

"Something is amiss from this transmissions, but I can't pin point IT. I need help."Says Antoine.

Sorami aids Antione in his sense motive (if possible)

Sense Motive, Aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

"Detecting" emotions, as it were, is a very poor skill for Al, being so unscientific as it is...but they still try to listen in and help Antoine make "sense" of it.

Assuming aid another is allowed - if not, please disregard! :)

Aid Another Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Sorami and Antoine succeed! You can share that spoiler! Great first round, gang!

Phase 2 - Sensor Readings: The ship’s sensors indicate nearby gravitational anomalies, and the ship starts gently shaking.

"Fixer! Tell me what happen!, shoots Antoine to His fixer.

physical science (Ally): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Well obviously, the scans are false. The scans are normally able to show more detail. Something must disrupting them. That would explain this cimetery. he responds.

"In any case, we can't turn back knowing there are Starfinders still trapped there. At least not with some more information. That would be like ending training right after the warm up!"

"If that scans are fake Antonine, could that Venture-Captain be a fake as well? Another AI trying to protect something?"

Aid to Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20

In response to the initial information "...was that message from the Venture Captain for us, than?"

Al (either the pilot or assisting the pilot if not) would try to get a sense of the shaking they're experiencing.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
(Edit: 2 higher thanks to the great roll from Ivok)

"Interrogative - our own engines are the source of the shaking effect we are currently experiencing...thoughts?"

Antoine ponders for a moment as the group find clues about the situation.

First, we have a communication of 9 months ago that just arrived. Second, the sensors don’t work properly and our engines is the source of the vibration. Something don’t feel right….

How can a communication can be stuck? It will need…. Oh my Gods!!!!

"We have a big problem!"cries at loud Antoine.” We are entering an very powerful electromagnetic zone!!!!
I don’t remember where I heard it or what is the cause, but sometimes a falling object from space can create a powerful and durable electromagnic thing.
Transmissions can be imprison there and that would explain why our sensors don’t work. And our engines are attracted to it!!"

I think I readed about this in a Valerian comicbook…

Good job, guys!

Phase 3 - Loss of Controls: The ship starts shaking uncontrollably and barely responds to controls.

"Argh!!! We are doommed!!"trembles Antoine as try to take control of the ship. "Ai, let me take control of the ship. Someone, give me a manual path to lend the ship and at last stabilise those engines!"

piloting: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

The android gives a very rare sigh as they calmly re-direct the control panels of the ship to their own console.

Piloting: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

"Regarding nomenclature - think of the mineral formula for Corundum, or in its perfected crystal lattice, also called 'gem quality' by jewelers - Ruby - Al(uminum)2 O(xygen)3.

Systems information - I have regained control of our craft, but it is exceedingly difficult and I recommend minimal distractions to my continued performance of this task."

From somewhere near the back of the compartment, Al's grad student, Yang, mouths an embarrassed "I'm so sorry" to Antoine in response to the android's pedantic language and behavior.

Computers: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

"An infectious virus has compromised the craft via Starfinder channels. It is attempting to hijack the operable systems." notes Sev.

Ivok blocks the sensors of the engine to chide the helm. "It is discouraging to declare failure before we have started! You are experts and I believe in you to succeed! Neon! I need your assistance with the engines!"

Turning back attention to the engines Ivok coos to them as he attempts to calm the rattling systems with his tools. "You are a great ship worthy of a great crew. Where others have fallen, you will fly strong! Show those gravity and magnetic fields that they are no different from weak forces!"

Engineering to aid Neon Ten: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

“Glad you spotted the virus, Sev+! Have you got it contained?”

Engineering, Ivok’s Aid: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 2 = 28

“On it, Ivok!” Neon Ten shouts from his console as he quickly reviews the engine power. He then modulates the power flow in a way that cause a counter vibration. “You are at the engines, Ivok! Have I correctly matched the frequencies?”

Shifting to the readouts Ivok becomes more and more enthusiastic as the engines roar with power. "System instabilities are dropping. Power flow is stabilizing! The adjustments are working perfectly! The ship is in a sprint now! She won't let us down!"

Thanks to some quick thinking amongst your crew, you have a brief reprieve where you all cheer and give each other high fives. Ivok’s cheery optimism almost appears justified. Until, of course, something else goes wrong.

Dun, dun, dun!

Phase 4 - Sudden Acceleration: The ship’s engines stop working altogether, and the ship starts rapidly losing altitude.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

These posts came from another dimension. Dun, dun, dun!

Neon Ten: Engineering: 10 + 17 = 27

Watching the controls go out, Neon Ten gets up and goes back to the engines. “Give me a hand with this, Ivok.” he says as he gets ready to manually fire the maneuvering thrusters.

“We can give you small bursts of thrust, a few seconds at a time, when you most need it!” he yells to the others.

__

Ivok: Engineering to Aid Neon: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

"I'm on it! This ship is almost there! Just needs a final push!" As the engines falter again Ivok begins working at the machinery of the engines to connect the manual bypass.

__

Antoine : Wait... What Ai just said?... Fiddledoodle. His name is name is AL not AI. thinks Antoine.

Hearing the real cause of the problem cause Antoine to feel even more bad.

I am useless here. I should just let those professionnals alone and encourage them the best they can.

"I am sorry Al. You are the best pilot we have."

Auto aid piloting

___

Al 203: Al doesn't look up from the controls, but still addresses Antoine. "As Ivok stated, you are a Starfinder agent of considerable skill. Empirical evidence would suggest that if you were not, you would have met your demise long before joining our current team. You are currently providing a much-needed boost towards regaining control of our craft - apologies are decidedly not necessary."

Despite their words of what they consider to be encouragement, Al 2O3's brow furrows with intense concentration as they attempt to focus on the task at hand.

Piloting: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 15 + 2 = 23 (+2 from Antoine)

(This check feels important, so if Mike fails it, he'll likely be using a reroll. Assuming eventual success...)

Then, to the engineers, "Your timing is optimal. As long as we continue to maneuver with the correct thrust-vector relative to the local atmosphere's conditions, proper application Bernoulli's principle of fluid dynamics will allow us to use our ship's surface area to keep our craft out of danger."

Sev's Piloting bonus is +13, so auto aid on Piloting check

"Based upon my analysis of this phenomena, it would appear that my initial inclination to apply the laws of relativity do not apply." notes Sev as he helps to stabilize the craft. "Perhaps, the source is supernatural in nature."

The android's head engages in a couple of momentary shakes, before Sev states in a repetitive tone, "Perhaps, the source is natural in supernature."

With quick actions from all involved, you soften the fall as best as you can!

Phase 5 - Blaring Alarms: The ship’s computer issues the following message: “Landing gear functioning at 50%. Collision imminent, brace for impact.”

Sorami will help with the piloting (auto-aid) as well as brace for impact.

"Thisss, may be a bit bumpy" Sorami intones stating the obvious

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Engineering: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

“Trying to over-ride the safeties on the thrusters! I could use some help here.” Neon shouts as he is trying to activate the thrusters.

With the engines nearly at their peak Ivok tries to take hold and brace himself against the systems.

Athletics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

This post comes from another dimension:

Click. Whirr.

Sev works to reroute power to the thrusters.
Auto success to Aid Another for Engineering.

”Fixer,”orders Antoine, ” strap your seat belt and help Neon ten. I think you will be able to.Auto-aids

Antoine moves out of this console and of his seat. He goes to a corner where his camera gathers all the group and the visual of the crashing ship. If the equipment survive the crash, It will be another award winning photo. The intensity of this moment will be so palpable.

Al is right. I would have die If I was not competent. I should trust more my photojournalist instinct. Even if I think, he is a little suicidal now.

And Antoine waits for the right moment.

I only hope this armor that the church of Desna lent me will save my life.

photojournalist: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24

Sorry - just got back home to find the site working for a rare change.

Al stays at their console but switches inputs to assist at engineering, knowing that the descent thrusters are far more important than wing-angle at the moment.

Auto-aid Engineering

The ‘landing’ is impressive and terrifying. Having barely made that final engineering check, your ship skids and bumps along the surface, the landing thrusters keeping you from scraping or crashing completely. However... with all your previous hard work and preparations, you manage to get to the surface without damaging yourselves or your ship. Your excellent training pulled you through!

Woot, guys that was brutal, but you managed!

Eventually, you step cautiously out. As you enter the starship graveyard complex, you discover that some of the starships have fused together to form interlinked complexes across the surface of the world. The entire area has low gravity.

Shortly after entering the strangely fused structure you spot a group of Starfinder survivors huddled together. They are a strange, dispirited lot, thin and with a blankness to their expression that is completely unnerving. The Starfinders stare at you for a moment and then attack, their mouths opened in silent screams. You see their mouths open, their throats strain... but not a sound can be heard as they come towards you.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Round 1
Active conditions: None.

Sorami
Neon Ten
Al 203
Antoine

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Black Guard
Red Guard

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Ivok
Sev

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Blue Scholar
Green Operative

Neon Ten:

Culture: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
If the roll is 5 or less, reroll using Trained for Trouble

Neon shares the information with his team. “They’re real Starfinders, but it looks like they may be mind controlled!”

Assuming nothing funky...

Swift action, activate Starfinder Subdermal Graft and hold the hand up where it can be seen.

“We are here to rescue you!”

Ready an action to shoot any that still Rush our group.
Static Arc Pistol: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Non Lethal Electric damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Culture: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

When Neon Ten speaks, Al nods their head in assent. Liking Neon's attempt to show the Starfinder insignia, they activate their own subdermal graft as well. That said, they also ready their weapon in case words don't work.

As a move action, Al will activate Combat Tracking on the Green Operative, then ready an action to fire if the other group of Starfinders become/stay hostile.

Merciful Hutchket Rifle: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 2 = 13 vs. KAC
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Sorami will internalize the information and attack non-lethaly with a trick attack on green.

Trick Attack: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26 so CR 6.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 4 = 8 versus potentially FF AC.

Looks like a miss

Antoine is feeling dizzy the landing as send him flying through the command room. And the photo wasn't very good.

Looking at the mind-controlled agents Antoine adds his scoope, an addition based on the husket rifle.

It is more used for range but the merciful setting is useful.

Camera (husket rifle+merciful)+get'em: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 2 = 21 vs KAC
P (non lethal): 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

+2 morale on attack on green

Al, Sorami and Antoine all miss Green! Then the two guards move jerkily forward, and shoot!

As they do, Neon’s readied shot hits Red!

Red pulsecaster pistol: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Non Lethal Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Black pulsecaster pistol: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Non Lethal Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

They shoot at Al, and both miss!

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Round 1
Active conditions: None.

Sorami
Neon Ten
Al 203
Antoine

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Black Guard
Red Guard (-4, NL)

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Ivok
Sev

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Blue Scholar
Green Operative

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Ivok and Sev are up!

Sev casts supercharge weapon on his pulse caster pistol and then presents it to AI. "You may find this energy weapon to be more effective against our attackers."

"I hate these puppeteers. Come out and fight us yourselves!" Ivok bellows out to the broken scrap as he pushes forward at an astonishing rate. His armor rattles as it copes with the unexpected forces.

He slams into the doors as he skids to a stop, his body pushed to the very limits of his endurance. "At least this will be a new test to see how much I've grown."

Attacking green operative. I've included Antoine's +2.

Thrust-Merciful Tactical Cryopike vs EAC (reach): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 = 23
Nonlethal Cold Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Move (using cardiac accelerator [spending 1 RP] to increase my speed up to 45 ft this round); part of my movement would provoke from red and black if they could take the AoO as I passed them. Standard, attack green.

Because of my Coordinated Shot feat. Anyone that I threaten (that I'm not giving cover to) you all get a +1 bonus to ranged attacks to hit. I have a 10 foot reach, which means this applies to all of them for the moment, although it will stop applying if they move away from me.

Sev supercharges a weapon for Al 203, then Ivok thrusts a merciful tactical cryopike at Green.

The starfinders continue to scream, silently, pain in their faces. Blue steps back jerkily, and supercharges Green’s weapon.

Then Green’s antennae quiver and shake as he studies Ivok, while taking a step back himself. His movements are jerky, but it does not prevent him from hitting Ivok with a bunch of cold damage.

Sense Motive, Trick: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
frostbite-class zero pistol: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Damage+Supercharge: 1d6 + 8 + 4d6 ⇒ (2) + 8 + (6, 6, 4, 2) = 28

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Round 2
Active conditions: Get’Em on Green, Coordinated Shot from Ivok, Supercharge on Al’s weapon

Sorami
Neon Ten
Al 203
Antoine

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Black Guard
Red Guard (-4, NL)

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Ivok (-28)
Sev

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Blue Scholar
Green Operative (-18)

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Al considers the difficulties with Sev+'s choice of targets for the spell, but accepts the weapon (move action), shifting their rifle to their off-hand (swift action).

"For future consideration - my rifle has considerable range and damage advantages to help support Ivok and those who engage in melee combat over small arms."

Pulsecaster at Red: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 = 31 vs. EAC
Nonlethal Electricity Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 4d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (2, 5, 5, 2) = 19
Critical Nonlethal Electricity Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 4d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (5, 4, 6, 2) = 23

"...that said, your spells are a significant boon to our team's combat efficiency. Thank you."