Engineering Phase
As acting captain Donavaan urges her on, Dora 34 bolsters power to the shields.
After a series of unsuccessful attempts, the automated systems of the drone platform commence repairs on the damaged sensors, though they continue to malfunction.
Helm Phase
The orbital drone platform attempts to maintain some distance, flying evasively.
Ashtif flies the Drake in quick pursuit while Taeon fiddles, unsuccessfully, with the sensors.
Gunnery Phase
Roddy fires the mining laser and obliterates one of the attack drones (green)—making the first “kill” of combat!
Flexer fires the coil gun at the orbital drone platform. The projectile impacts against the shields, but its momentum is barely diminished as it slams into the already heavily-damaged hull of the drone platform.
The attack drones all, in turn, fire on the Drake with two finding their mark-dropping the starboard and aft shields and inflicting minimal damage on the hull.
From the exterior doors of the orbital drone platform emerges yet another attack drone (orange)!
Map updated Drake Status HP 44
Shields light 20 (forward 5, port 10, starboard 0, aft 0)
Glitching power core; glitching sensors Engineer actions (except to patch power core) are at -2 penalty. Science actions are at -2 penalty.
Male CG halfling ace pilot operative (explorer) 5 | SP 35/35 HP 13/32 | RP 6/6 | EAC 15; KAC 16 | Fort +3; Ref +9; Will +9 | Init: +6 | Perc: +14, SM: +10 | Speed 40ft | Active conditions: None
Sorry for the absence. I've been in meetings the last couple of days, but checked the forums yesterday and must have missed this one. I didn't see any new notices and thought I'd already acted for the round, so didn't realize you guys were waiting on me. will post my piloting next.
SP 18/18 | HP 22/22 | RP 5/5 | EAC 16, KAC 17, CMD 25 | F+3, R+6, W+0, +2 vs disease, mind, poison, sleep | Init +3, Perc +5 | Android Mechanic 3
"How come on a ship so big they only gave us 5 of those missiles? If YOU all didn't need so much personal space for your sleeping and eating maybe we could have more weapons!"
Male Human Icon Vanguard 3 | HP 25/25 | SP 33/33 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 | KAC 18 | F +6 | R + 3 | W +1 | Entropic Pool: 0/3 | Active Conditions: None
Roddy feels elation begin to surge in his chest, but it immediately dies there when the platform spits out yet another drone. "That... that is patently unfair."
Roddy has no idea how to respond to Flexer's exclamation. He hasn't had a good feeling since this battle started. He focuses in, hoping to repeat his good fortune on another attack drone.
Once shain, firing at whatever is in range of our aft arc. Mining Laser:1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 1 = 18 Damage:2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10
android mechanic 5 | SP 35/35 HP 34/34 RP 6/6 | EAC 19, KAC 19 | F+5 R+9 W+3 | Perc +8 | Init +9
Dora tries to patch the sensors.
GM:
I believe that it is _all_ patching actions that are exempt from the -2 for the glitching power core. On the top of the second column of page 321 of the CRB, it says:
81–100 Power core Condition applies to all engineer actions except hold it together and patch; a malfunctioning or wrecked power core affects other crew members’ actions
(see Critical Damage Conditions below) Thus, I have not applied that -2 in the roll below. If you disagree with my interpretation, feel free to tack that -2 on.
Yes, that makes sense for glitching (but the text for malfunctioning makes things less so for that condition).
Round Eleven Summary!
Engineering Phase
The automated systems of the orbital drone platform struggle to restore full function to the sensor arrays.
Meanwhile, aboard the Drake, Dora 34 patches the damaged sensors.
Helm Phase
Taeon attempts a scan with the newly-patched sensors, but the patched configuration throws him off and Donavaan's instructions are of little help. Ashtif eases the Drake forward and orients toward the platform.
With its latest, deadly payload release, the automated platform attempts to put more distance between itself and the Starfinder vessel. flying in an evasive pattern.
Even flying off of the map!
The host of attack drones approach in evasive patterns and swarms the Starfinders at close range from all sides!
The new-released attack drone (orange) fires a beam that slams against the forward shields of the Drake dropping them instantly!
Suddenly, the Starfinder ship finds itself without shields on three sides--it is surrounded on four!
And unlike the Drake, each of the drones is undamaged!
Roddy attempts to let off the pressure, by using the mining laser to cut into one of the drones. His shot finds its mark, but the drone keeps coming.
Then, Flexer-5, while lamenting the limited number of missiles on the Drake, suddenly sees an opportunity and fires the coil gun at the fleeing orbital platform.
The shot is a direct hit--obliterating the unprotected aft section of the drone's hull!
Completely disabled, the orbital drone platform is reduced to space debris.
Drake Status HP 44
Shields light 10 (forward , port 10, starboard 0, aft 0)
Glitching power core
Status of Attack Drone Requires Sensors Action with Computers (DC 8+):
Status: inactive
... and last!
With the orbital drone platform destroyed, the attack drones immediately cease attacking and deactivate.
COMBAT OVER! (Well done, that starship combat is a notoriously tough one!)
Engineering (DC 16+) to salvage the destroyed orbital platform:
You are able to retrieve part of the tracking system of the orbital drone platform. While old, it contains some unique algorithms that current starship designers might find interesting. You gain the Automated Defenses boon on your Chronicle Sheet. In addition, the destroyed platform has a salvage value of 900 credits.
Male Human Icon Vanguard 3 | HP 25/25 | SP 33/33 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 | KAC 18 | F +6 | R + 3 | W +1 | Entropic Pool: 0/3 | Active Conditions: None
"BOOYA!" Roddy yells. "Straight outta the dust bowl!" He reaches over and fist-bumps Flexer, then the halfling. "Damn fine flying, brother!"
Now that the battle is over, Roddy is practically shaking from the adrenaline pumping through his system. "I need to go do some squats to celebrate." He finds an unoccupied room and does a short workout routine, hoping to burn off this excess energy. He gets the same rush after taking down a bounty, and he never quite knows what to do with himself. Usually the cam-drones have stopped recording by this point, so thankfully no one has seen his utterly ridiculous behavior.
Male CG halfling ace pilot operative (explorer) 5 | SP 35/35 HP 13/32 | RP 6/6 | EAC 15; KAC 16 | Fort +3; Ref +9; Will +9 | Init: +6 | Perc: +14, SM: +10 | Speed 40ft | Active conditions: None
Ashtif wipes the sweat from his brow. "Well, that was exciting!" He plots in a course for their destination. "Let's get out of here before another one of those platforms shows up."
Leaving behind the wreckage of the recent confrontation, Ashtif flies the Drake towards the planet, Elytrio.
Scans reveal that the planet has a breathable atmosphere, standard gravity, and higher than normal (though still harmless) levels of radiation. While most of Elytrio shows little sign of life, the ship’s computer picks up a large energy output from what appears to be a fully functional city in the southern hemisphere. These readings indicate the city has a level of technology that is comparable to that of the Pact Worlds (albeit slightly outdated), and that the city contains life forms of some kind.
For sake of time, I will assume the party heads toward there...
As you enter Elytrio’s atmosphere, you receive a warning from the computer, indicating that the city, as well as a half-mile radius around, is encased in a powerful force field. The force field makes it impossible to land the ship in or next to the city. However, the computer identifies a safe landing zone fairly close to the edge of the force field where you can set down the vessel.
"Can anyone determine what is generating that force field?"
Perhaps, you can?
Engineering (DC 10+):
You believe that a force field of that kind would have to originate from within the city and would require a sizeable generator, likely more than one, to generate such power.
With a result of Engineering (15+), you can also view the spoiler below:
Spoiler:
Based on its design, you believe that this force field was intended primarily for defensive purposes. Assuming the technology maintaining the force field is of a level of technology similar to that of the orbital defense platform you recovered, you believe it could have easily been intended to withstand the force of a considerable destructive power--depending upon concentration and proximity, you think it could withstand multiple instances of nuclear detonation.
Male Human Icon Vanguard 3 | HP 25/25 | SP 33/33 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 | KAC 18 | F +6 | R + 3 | W +1 | Entropic Pool: 0/3 | Active Conditions: None
Roddy gathers his things and adjusts the plates on his armor. ”Well, that orbital platform was a pretty bad sign, but I’d say let’s try not to jump to conclusions. Maybe best if we don’t approach with guns drawn. Thoughts?”
That might be best. I think we should continue to scan as we land, just to make sure we don't get any unwelcome surprises he states.
Scans reveal that the planet has a breathable atmosphere, standard gravity, and higher than normal (though still harmless) levels of radiation. There is little sign of life aside from the city enveloped in the force-field, although there are indicators of sparse populations of some forms of flora and fauna, though less than you would normally associate even with such a barren desert environments--most likely due to the radiation.
The city is the only source of any artificial energy source that you can pick up on the planet.
Please indicate anything else you want to try to scan for from the ship. Otherwise, please note any preparations you make upon landing and exiting the craft.
Please include a Perception check with your posted preparations.
A barren, sand-filled desert wasteland awaits you outside the ship.
In the interest of making up for lost time, I revealed the map for the next encounter and will also ask you to place your token anywhere within the green starting area on the Map when you post your Perception check.
Male Human Icon Vanguard 3 | HP 25/25 | SP 33/33 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 | KAC 18 | F +6 | R + 3 | W +1 | Entropic Pool: 0/3 | Active Conditions: None
Guns ready but holstered and Golemforged plate ready to go, Roddy takes a forward position in the group, ready to dive in and lay into anything that tries to get the jump on them.
Perception:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
...Provided the thing trying to jump them is an oom-pah band jacked up on caffeine.
SP 18/18 | HP 22/22 | RP 5/5 | EAC 16, KAC 17, CMD 25 | F+3, R+6, W+0, +2 vs disease, mind, poison, sleep | Init +3, Perc +5 | Android Mechanic 3
Flexer-5 makes sure his gear is dialed in and ready for appropriate levels of overcharging.
"All systems set for more contact!" he exclaims with his laser rifle all set and ready. Then he notices that everyone else's contact preparations involve holstering, and he follows suit.
Male NG Damaya Lashunta Icon Envoy 2 | SP 10/10 HP 16/16 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 KAC 15 | Fort -1; Ref +5; Will +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +5, SM: +6 | Speed 30ft | Detect Thoughts 1/1 | Active conditions: None.
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
The Doctor suits up for an unknown environment and checks his medkit. He was hoping for peaceful interaction, but even if that was the case, Starfinders could find themselves in hazardous situations. He clicks on his vid-journal to document their preparations.
Male CG halfling ace pilot operative (explorer) 5 | SP 35/35 HP 13/32 | RP 6/6 | EAC 15; KAC 16 | Fort +3; Ref +9; Will +9 | Init: +6 | Perc: +14, SM: +10 | Speed 40ft | Active conditions: None
Ashtif makes sure that his radiation badge is in place before leaving the ship. He double checks that he's interpreting the ship's sensors correctly and that he won't need his armor's environmental protections before leaving the ship without them activated.
With preparations made, you set out of the vessel into the scouring heat and course-sanded desert. A few hundred feet from the vessel, as you trudge toward the nearest edge of the force field, a number of you spot a hungry creature that had been hiding in the sand.
The creature looks like a muscular lion with its beige-colored mane, but the rest of its body is covered with dark brown scales that seem to be partially reflective as evidenced by the brilliant glare that occasionally appears on their surface under the desert sun. The creature has a stubby face, which sports a big, fanged mouth. Its segmented tail whips behind it with fury.
Life Science (DC 15+) on the creature:
You surmise that this is some sort of a sand brute, creatures that have evolved from smaller lizards, having grown enlarged in size and appetite.
You also know one of the following, your choice (or both with a result of Life Science (DC 20+) check:
Offensive capabilities
Spoiler:
Imposing Roar (Ex) - As a move action, a sand brute can emit a ferocious roar. Each creature within 60 feet of the sand brute must succeed at a DC 12 Will saving throw or be shaken for 1d4 rounds. A creature who succeeds at its saving throw is immune to the same sand brute’s imposing roar for 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting, sense-dependent, fear effect.
Defensive capabilities
Spoiler:
Reflective Hide (Ex) - A sand brute’s hide can reflect lasers. The creature takes only half damage dealt by weapons in the laser group, and when struck by an attack from a weapon in the laser group as a reaction it can make a ranged attack with a +9 bonus against the EAC of an enemy within 15 feet. If it hits, the sand brute deals an amount of fire damage to that target equal to the damage it took. This ranged attack doesn’t provoke an attack of opportunity.
Surprise Round PCs in bold may take a standard OR move action
Taeon
Donavaan
Roddy
Ashtif
Dora 34
Flexer-5
Creature
SP 18/18 | HP 22/22 | RP 5/5 | EAC 16, KAC 17, CMD 25 | F+3, R+6, W+0, +2 vs disease, mind, poison, sleep | Init +3, Perc +5 | Android Mechanic 3
Life Science:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Recognizing some important details, Flexer-5 draws his hunting rifle rather than his laser rifle. move action
"Oh oh I know this one! Watch out for that thing. Lasers won't work well, it might just reflect right back at you! It's also got some roar that meatbags sometimes think is scary."
Flexer-5 nailed the life science check and shares the info.
SP 18/18 | HP 22/22 | RP 5/5 | EAC 16, KAC 17, CMD 25 | F+3, R+6, W+0, +2 vs disease, mind, poison, sleep | Init +3, Perc +5 | Android Mechanic 3
Flexer would want to know about other offenses, first any other special offenses like poisons and if not, then how many/how strong natural attacks he has.
Between Flexer-5 and Donavaan's knowledge of creatures like sand brutes, they know that, other than its roar, its only attack would be its powerful bite and that it has a 10 foot reach. Its only defense, other than the reflective nature of its hide, is its slightly above average agility and its hide's thickness, which serves as protective armor. In short: no poison. One natural attack (bite). Relatively low EAC, but higher KAC.
BOTTING Dora 34 - to keep things moving and as I understand she is still under the weather per Discussion post.
Heeding the words of her comrades about the sand brute's hide, she fires her pistol.
Ranged attack (semi-auto pistol, tactical):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Damage (P):1d6 ⇒ 3
She misses.
The sand brute stalks forward and roars!
Ashtif, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Donavaan, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Dora 34, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 Flexer-5, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9 Roddy, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Taeon, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Ashtif, Flexer-5, and Taeon are shaken for Rounds:1d4 ⇒ 1. For one round, you each take a –2 penalty to ability checks, attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, and skill checks.
Male NG Damaya Lashunta Icon Envoy 2 | SP 10/10 HP 16/16 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 KAC 15 | Fort -1; Ref +5; Will +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +5, SM: +6 | Speed 30ft | Detect Thoughts 1/1 | Active conditions: None.
Taeon's eyes widen as the thing roars. He feels his heart pounding and his hand shakes as he brings up his, suddenly very small seeming, pistol. He waves the pistol at the creature threateningly.
Bluff check:1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 10 + (5) = 34 DC is 15+1.5*CR. Success means it's flat-footed vs. everyone. Failure and it's only flatfooted vs. Taeon until the end of his next turn.
Male Human Icon Vanguard 3 | HP 25/25 | SP 33/33 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 | KAC 18 | F +6 | R + 3 | W +1 | Entropic Pool: 0/3 | Active Conditions: None
As the group disembarks, Roddy strides confidently forward and turns back to face the party. "No worries, friends," he says with a wink. "Nothing's getting the jump on us. I've got eyes like a... erm... well, they're good eyes, yeah? So--"
When Flexer speaks, Roddy blinks in confusion. "What are you--?"
He's cut off again, this time by the bowel-shaking roar of something behind him. Roddy looks more embarrassed than afraid as he sighs and turns around to face the creature. "Yep. Not living that one down." He strides forward, drawing his laser rifle as he goes, and fires off a shot at the thing.
Male CG halfling ace pilot operative (explorer) 5 | SP 35/35 HP 13/32 | RP 6/6 | EAC 15; KAC 16 | Fort +3; Ref +9; Will +9 | Init: +6 | Perc: +14, SM: +10 | Speed 40ft | Active conditions: None
Ashtif takes off at a run, pulling his tactical pistol as he does so. He darts behind a dune, firing at the creature at the moment it loses sight of him, using the terrain as cover.
Please discuss out-of-character matters and "meta" decisions here.
I encourage you to discuss ship selection, boon slotting, and purchases here as well as real-life topics, such as anticipated absences, rules questions, etc.
Please note that final selections of boons and purchases should be listed in the Gameplay thread.
How do promotional boons work in a PbP game? Are we just not allowed them? Honor system that we own a t-shirt?
Perhaps I am overly trusting, but I have always relied on the honor system. If, however, I have reason to suspect some abuse or dishonesty, then I reserve the right to request a reasonable form of "proof" (which I will request at the time) and will place the game on hold to allow for its production.
Along those lines, I suppose, if I have more than a mere suspicion of dishonesty or cheating, then you are on notice that I will notify an organized play officer, which could result in the player being barred from play as set forth in page 4 of the SFS Guild Guide.
I have no reason to think that this will be an issue at this table, but it never hurts to remind players of the potential consequences.
Male CG halfling ace pilot operative (explorer) 5 | SP 35/35 HP 13/32 | RP 6/6 | EAC 15; KAC 16 | Fort +3; Ref +9; Will +9 | Init: +6 | Perc: +14, SM: +10 | Speed 40ft | Active conditions: None
The Mining Laser Upgrade boon would allow us to swap in the Mining Laser from p. 153 of the Pact Worlds book in place of one of the light weapons. The aft gyrolaser is the weakest on the Drake so probably the one to replace.
The mining laser is short range - and it can *only* be fired at short range, not at longer range increments. However, it has Burrowing, so half the 2d6 damage goes to shields and half goes directly into hull damage.
It's the only Starship boon I have at the moment, so I went ahead and slotted it, but if people want to stick with the gyrolaser aft (1d8 damage, short range, but has Broad Arc) I'm fine with that, too.
android mechanic 5 | SP 35/35 HP 34/34 RP 6/6 | EAC 19, KAC 19 | F+5 R+9 W+3 | Perc +8 | Init +9
I have several starship boons, and wonder which you guys would like me to bring.
Hero of the Stars lets us get back a few hull points if we go to 0.
Defender of the Fleet lets me improve the ships computers, engines, or weapons.
boon text:
Whenever you slot this boon, you can pick one of the following options:
Finest Computers: You can improve the computers onboard your starship by one step: from a mononode to a duonode, or from a duonode to a trinode. Alternatively, you can upgrade the computer’s bonus by 1 while this boon is slotted (to a maximum of +8).
Finest Engines: You can increase the speed of your thrusters by one step. For example, T6 thrusters become T8 thrusters. You cannot use this boon to upgrade beyond the fastest thrusters commonly available for your size of starship (so you cannot upgrade past T14, S12, M12, L10, H10, G8 or C8 thrusters.)
Finest Weapons: Each of the weapons on your starship is the best available in the Starfinder fleet. When you roll damage, you can reroll any damage dice with a result of 1 on the die; you must keep the second result.
Male CG halfling ace pilot operative (explorer) 5 | SP 35/35 HP 13/32 | RP 6/6 | EAC 15; KAC 16 | Fort +3; Ref +9; Will +9 | Init: +6 | Perc: +14, SM: +10 | Speed 40ft | Active conditions: None
Just want to clarify, because I've seen it run a couple of ways:
Can a non-telepath send thoughts to Taeon (I think our only telepath), or does Taeon have to initiate a 1-to-1 conversation with someone in order to have a telepathic communication?
android mechanic 5 | SP 35/35 HP 34/34 RP 6/6 | EAC 19, KAC 19 | F+5 R+9 W+3 | Perc +8 | Init +9
I've always seen it that the telepath needs to initiate contact, but the non-telepath can send an answer. I've also taught my team a signal to ask for such contact when I have a telep
SP 18/18 | HP 22/22 | RP 5/5 | EAC 16, KAC 17, CMD 25 | F+3, R+6, W+0, +2 vs disease, mind, poison, sleep | Init +3, Perc +5 | Android Mechanic 3
My recommended crew (if I got peoples' bonuses right), trying to get everyone into something positive, sometimes leaving the absolute best person into a different spot though.
Open to any changes, just throwing something out there.
Notably Flexer and Dora are both +10 at either Science or Engineering, but I threw them both at gunner, which they also are best at I think. All fear the robot uprising!
Captain Donovan Diplomacy +7
Pilot Ashtif +11
Gunner x2 Dora and Flexer (both +5)
Science Taeon +6
Engineering Roddy +4 (Dora or Flexer in emergency)
android mechanic 5 | SP 35/35 HP 34/34 RP 6/6 | EAC 19, KAC 19 | F+5 R+9 W+3 | Perc +8 | Init +9
I think we should probably put Roddy on gunner, rather than engineering. I tend to think in terms of filling the most critical positions with the best person at the job first. That means pilot and primary gunner first. Then engineer, because the shields adjustment can make a big difference. After that, you put the remaining people where they can contribute best.
Male Human Icon Vanguard 3 | HP 25/25 | SP 33/33 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 | KAC 18 | F +6 | R + 3 | W +1 | Entropic Pool: 0/3 | Active Conditions: None
Also here! Finally able to get back in. Been a rough week for the website, apparently.
As far as best positions, I don't think Roddy is particularly good in any spot, unfortunately. His attack rolls on the guns will be +1 (the joys of being a melee soldier lol) and Engineering is only a +4, but as I said before, I'll jump in any position y'all want me in.
Male CG halfling ace pilot operative (explorer) 5 | SP 35/35 HP 13/32 | RP 6/6 | EAC 15; KAC 16 | Fort +3; Ref +9; Will +9 | Init: +6 | Perc: +14, SM: +10 | Speed 40ft | Active conditions: None
If Dora/Flexer are +5 on Gunnery, and Roddy's only +1, I agree that he should go on Engineering. We need the best shots on Gunnery, and at low level decent Dex is more useful than the Soldier's base attack bonus. If we reach an Engineering critical point, then we can rotate out.
The site has been acting up. Sometimes I can post others it wont let me. I am trying to catch up. :)
We are all working through the website frustrations. At present, I plan to accommodate the issues by giving players more than 24 hours to post.
I presently don't see any need to move to other forums or fear that we won't complete by mid-November (I suspect a good bit earlier). If the delays are bringimg up concerns you want to discuss, you can PM me or raise them here. I want to be as accommodating as I reasonably can to everyone.
Mid-November? Have they moved when session 2 begins to account for this?
My understanding is that Gameday is set to end November 30, but there is no official delay of the start of session 2. However, I suspect a number of GMs maybe willing to delay their start dates by a few days if it allows them to accommodate for delays.
android mechanic 5 | SP 35/35 HP 34/34 RP 6/6 | EAC 19, KAC 19 | F+5 R+9 W+3 | Perc +8 | Init +9
Other than the special, the start to session 2 is a 'soft' deadline. We (the VO and Overseer team) have decided to leave it up to individual GMs if they want to move their start date or not, asking them to try to work with players who have a conflict.
Male Human Icon Vanguard 3 | HP 25/25 | SP 33/33 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 | KAC 18 | F +6 | R + 3 | W +1 | Entropic Pool: 0/3 | Active Conditions: None
Seeing as these are my only two games ATM and I only signed up for one session 2 game, I myself am good. I believe the cap is 3 active games at a time, right?
Male CG halfling ace pilot operative (explorer) 5 | SP 35/35 HP 13/32 | RP 6/6 | EAC 15; KAC 16 | Fort +3; Ref +9; Will +9 | Init: +6 | Perc: +14, SM: +10 | Speed 40ft | Active conditions: None
I'm not sure we ever resolved this, but did the team want to use my Mining Laser Upgrade boon so that our aft weapon is a mining laser instead of the gyrolaser? Because with multiple targets flying around, there's a good chance might need to use that aft weapon.
I am heading out to a convention early tomorrow afternoon.
If I can't get a summary in before then, I likely won't be posting the round summary until sometime Monday (September 10th).
Starship combat (especially over PbP) makes this encounter among the lengthiest in the scenario, so (barring any further website issues) I expect we will still be able to wrap up this scenario by early-to-mid October.
GM, I think this is what I would do even if I hadn't seen Flexer's result, but I can't be sure. I think I would be metagaming more by using what I know to change what I'm doing to avoid metagaming, if that makes sense.
It does make sense. I don't know of ways to really avoid this, either.
I have had PCs hide all starship actions in spoilers before, but I am not sure that it made too much of a difference.
Starship combat in PbP can seem to take a very long time--far longer than other combat. This is why I don't break up the phases for PbP as I would at a face-to-face game. However, this alteration does result in some more inevitable metagaming. My thought is, if some metagaming off of someone else's result in starship combat speeds things up (and does not adversely affect anyone of the PCs), then I have not problem allowing it. It also makes the PCs appear (somewhat) more like the highly-trained professionals they are, encourages employing the teamwork/synergy built into to the game, and is arguably more fun. (All pluses in my book!).
As I mentioned above, using spoilers is not always effective and imposing more keystrokes to player's posts just doesn't seem worth the burden.
Now, if a PC used metagame knowledge (for instance, basing decisions on information that could only have been obtained by having previously read/played the scenario, etc.) then I would likely start taking issue with the actions, depending on the circumstances.
android mechanic 5 | SP 35/35 HP 34/34 RP 6/6 | EAC 19, KAC 19 | F+5 R+9 W+3 | Perc +8 | Init +9
Yeah; I sometimes do have the same kinds of issues with metagame knowledge because I needed to read a scenario before playing it to settle messy situations at gaming tables. In that case, I do the best I can, and hope it impacts no one else's fun. (shrug) Someone needs to do that sometimes.
Male Human Icon Vanguard 3 | HP 25/25 | SP 33/33 | RP 4/4 | EAC 16 | KAC 18 | F +6 | R + 3 | W +1 | Entropic Pool: 0/3 | Active Conditions: None
Flexer, was that last attack roll your regular attack or the flyby? When Ashtif succeeds at a flyby attempt, we get a free shot, albeit at a penalty (-4 I think?). I can make the attack roll if you want, but you have a significantly higher chance of hitting.
SP 18/18 | HP 22/22 | RP 5/5 | EAC 16, KAC 17, CMD 25 | F+3, R+6, W+0, +2 vs disease, mind, poison, sleep | Init +3, Perc +5 | Android Mechanic 3
Flyby lets our guns target differently but doesn't actually give us an extra attack does it?
The ship moves as normal, but it can move through 1 hex occupied by an enemy starship without provoking a free attack (as described in Moving through Other starships). During the following gunnery phase, you can select one arc of your starship’s weapons to fire at the enemy vessel as if the vessel were in close range (treat the range as 1 hex), against any quadrant of the enemy starship.
android mechanic 5 | SP 35/35 HP 34/34 RP 6/6 | EAC 19, KAC 19 | F+5 R+9 W+3 | Perc +8 | Init +9
First, I hope that you're uninjured.
Less importantly, I hope that your car is not badly damaged, and that any hoops to deal with the insurance and repairs go quickly and smoothly for you.
Thank you. I might be a little sore tomorrow.
The premium will depend on whether or not the insurance will consider it an uninsured driver or not. The driver took off before we could exchange information.
