Pre-gameday SFS: Commencement (1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Paladin of Baha-who?

Itch is able to get a bit of rapport with all the other racers except the other ysoki. You're having trouble getting a read on Ratrod, but you do learn something about each of the other racers. In addition to the personality information I'm giving you, you can learn one other bit of information on them, like how good they are at piloting or weapons. While you're there, you can also make engineering checks to take a look at their racers. (Forgot to ask for that above.)

Lemgem is a blue-haired gnome covered in piercings, tattoos, and augmentations. A short conversation reveals she is obsessed with continual alterations to herself and her racer, to the point where her vehicle modifications skirt the bounds of common sense. One might be able to encourage this and convince her to modify her racer in a detrimental way. Alternatively, she seems friendly, and also seems to dislike Ratrod. She might well be open to an alliance. (A future socialization action can include Bluff to explore the first option, or Diplomacy to explore the second.)

Still bearing the scars of the fight that killed her dragonkin partner, Nyizin is a racer with an obvious death wish. Unstable black-market mods made of dragon bone and elemental energies fill Nyizin’s vehicle. So long as she is alive, she intends to win in honor of her fallen companion. She doesn't seem likely to form an alliance, but talking to her about Triaxus and the history of her fallen partner might stir a friendship. (A future socialization action can include a Culture check to explore this.)

Orsis is a stoic, dark-haired lashunta who looks unfairly good in black and gold. When you approach, he seems to concentrate on you briefly before giving you a smile. He seems friendly enough. (Diplomacy can be used to try to befriend him in a socialization action.)

Velocity is a beautiful android with silver hair and skin. They have self-modified to have both masculine and feminine attributes, and have decorated their clothing, eyelids, and lips with bright, colorful patterns. While the android is a very good pilot, they struggle with engineering and have never won a race—they have mostly sought entertainment by shooting at other racers during previous competitions. Unprompted, they discuss their junnkracer with Itch and frankly offer the possibility of an alliance if someone from Laboni's team can help them tune it up and increase the speed. (Someone can spend a shift improving this racer instead of Laboni's to get their cooperation.)

A socialization action will allow a PC to interact with the other racers using the information above. All social checks can be made in a single action, and they can make another sense motive check to suss out Ratrod. This will have to be in the 2nd or later shift, however, since Itch doesn't return to report this information until after the first shift.

Going to speed things up a bit by rolling for Radiance: Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"Hey, this looks like a useful thing!" Radiance says as she looks over some of the junk nearby.

How do you guys want to use this boost? See my list of possible boosts above.

I would suggest boosting speed first. Can't win a race without that! :)

Speck: Shift 1
Speck cracks his knuckle at gets to work. He is usually more comfortable dealing with computers and cybertech, but gross machinery like this can't be more difficult, right? He zooms into the thrusters first.

engineering, boost base speed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Speck has no social skills to speak of. Can he use his break to check out the other racers with engineering? Since Itch doesn't seem to be trained in it? If so...

Wiping off his greasy hands, not really pleased with his work, Speck decides a short break might help. He wanders over to Ratrod's landing and see what he can scope out of his craft.

engineering, Ratrod: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Speck's roll isn't enough by itself, but we can say he was able to install the equipment Radiance found in the scrap, thereby boosting the speed of the vehicle to 45 (full 450).

Speck is trying to figure out a way to boost the junkracer's speed with the inadequate fuel boosters it has currently, only to see Radiance's find and say, "Forget these, we'll use that instead!" Installing the boosters is easy and further tuning could get more speed out of them.

While taking a break for a snack of marinated, fried bean curd on a stick from the concessions stand, Speck takes a look over at Ratrod's vehicle. It looks like a well-maintained machine, though with a lot of nasty-looking spikes and skulls and other decorations. It appears to have one weapon mounted.

Pick one of the following stats to look at, and don't look at the others! (Honor system!)

While trying to appear casual snacking on the 臭豆腐* on a stick, Speck studies the installed weapon carefully before wandering back.

"Ratrod's got an energy weapon on his craft. Better bump up the energy shields if we get the chance."

* Smelly toufu. You've got to try it, especially the Hong Kong version. ;)

Right, Itch isn't trained in Engineering, so I don't think he can make engineering checks.

"Speed first, definitely. I don't like the way the rear suspension shakes when she opens it up." During the first shift, Lola digs through the assembled scrap and comes up with a stiffer set of shocks. Whistling to herself and looking truly happy for the first time since the party assembled at Lorespire, the diminutive human sets to work installing them.

Engineering check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

I'm assuming a 25 makes it.

Correct, to both Itch and Lola. Given that you've made some successful checks, I'll reveal now that for improving Laboni's speeder, you need DC 16 Engineering, physical science, or perception checks.

sorry the week just got away from me.

Idomyll went straight to work improving the junk racer. Spent a few minutes trying to decide what the best vs easiest things to do in the time he had available. "I wish we had time to build one from scratch but I suppose this will have to do. Hey LolaRuby, I was thinking about installing some sort of energy weapon, maybe tweak the steering a bit. I don't know add some rear armor, if there is time maybe boost the speed. What do you think?"

You can make a roll and then decide what to do with it, to speed things up.

"There are six of us. One of us will pilot, and we need weapons for the rest of us. Mix of energy and kinetic. Thanks to Speck's good eye, we know Ratrod is packing energy. Idomyll, let's see what else we can find out about his racer."

"I'll admit I'm a little out of my depth when it comes to building or piloting these things. But, if you can get some guns mounted, I'll happily shoot someone. My suggestion is speed first, then piloting enhancement, then weapons, and leave AC until last. I'll look around and see if I can find any decent components."

assist speck1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
find piloting equipment1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
find Kinetic Weapon 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
find energy weapon1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

So you're rolling all your checks right away? That's fine. Assisting Speck isn't really relevant anymore since he's already made the roll. Do you want to use that roll for trying to improve the speed?

After wrapping up the installation, Lola stretches and follows Speck past their chief rival's vehicle. Though careful to keep her distance, she nevertheless is able to determine much about the ysoki's defenses.

Engineering check to evaluate defense: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

After further boosting the speed of the racer along with Rastar (Now 55 ft/550 full -- I assumed Rastar's first roll was to boost speed) Lola does some recon regarding Ratrod's rig. She determines that his protection against physical attacks is higher than against energy, but both are superior to their own racer's. Read the AC spoiler in my previous post.

Botting Idomyll. We've got less than 10 days until PbP so let's try to wrap this up and complete the remaining mission quick.

Idomyll Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Idomyll works on enhancing the racer's energy shields, improving the protection. (EAC is now 12.)

Please make your next rolls, or feel free to make multiple rolls to save time.

engineering to add piloting buff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

engineering to install an kinetic weapon: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

engineering to increase speed again: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
That should be my 4 actions done

I made an error before, it didn't have a projectile weapon. However, it does have one now. Both Idomyll and Rastar made checks they said were specifically for adding a kinetic weapon. Do you want to add two, or buff the weapon to a -6 penalty instead?

This is where I got a little confused, I assumed Rastar's post indicated that he was looking around to "Find" a weapon, Not to "Add" a weapon, I wasn't really sure if we started with all the materials already available or locating something would require a seperate roll, sorry. I posted under the assumption since he only "found" A Kinetic that was the only one I could add. If his roll indicated he added a kinetic weapon I would add an energy so we have 1 of each type.

Round 2
engineering, boost Laboni speed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
engineering, scope Ratrod: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Round 3
engineering, boost Laboni speed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
engineering, scope Ratrod: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Round 4
engineering, fix Velocity's racer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
engineering, scope Ratrod: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Speck clearly is fascinated by speed as he continues spending his time revving up Laboni's racer's engines as much as they would go. In between durin his breaks, he wanders over to Ratrod's vehicle to continue to study it.

Finally, deciding that enough is enough, he wanders over to the android. Glancing with equal mix of suspicion and fascination at the beautiful creature, he mumbles, "Heard that you might need some help? An alliance? You scratch my back I scratch yours, if you know what I mean?" He offers his help and if accepted, squats by its side and gives it a quick tune up.

Speck with scope out Ratrod's vehicle in order of speed, and modifiers

Itch continues to talk to the other racers, heightening his focus on Ratrod. He tries to catch anyone helping Ratrod and feel them out.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

"Hey, can someone spare some time to help Veolcity? Might win us a friend." Itch continues to talk to the other racers.

Diplomacy - Lemgem: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Culture - Nyzin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Diplomacy - Orsis: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

This is where I got a little confused, I assumed Rastar's post indicated that he was looking around to "Find" a weapon, Not to "Add" a weapon, I wasn't really sure if we started with all the materials already available or locating something would require a seperate roll, sorry. I posted under the assumption since he only "found" A Kinetic that was the only one I could add. If his roll indicated he added a kinetic weapon I would add an energy so we have 1 of each type.

The "find" reference is flavor text for adding an item pulled out of the scrap piles.

Yes, I am rolling all at once because I have no idea what my internet availability looks like day to day. The GM or any of the others can switch my attempts to help as needed. I just didn't want anyone waiting on me, as I am still mostly incommunicado for another week.

If given the choice, of having 2 kinetic weapons or upgrading one to have more impact, I'd add weapons until we have 3, then boost the effects of kinetic, then energy in that order.

After her walk, Lola pauses to wolf down a few tasteless nutrition bars, washing them down with a heavily sweetened caffeine drink. Then she gets back to work.

Engineering check to improve Piloting modifier: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

"Holy fsck! Just what I was looking for!" From the bottom of a pile she extracts the gyrostabilizer for a single-seat combat spacecraft, intact but for a few dents. Over the next several hours, the mechanic replaces the racer's existing stabilizer with the military-grade hardware. "I can't guarantee how long this will last after the race, but if it comes apart before the finish line I'll eat it."

Doing some botting here to keep things moving.

In the second half of the first day:

Idomyll works to improve the handling of the racer, but this aspect needs more work.

Rastar looks for materials to help this, but doesn't find anything.

Lola improves handling by installing a found gyrostabilizer.

Speck boosts the speed again, and takes a glance at the competition again. Feel free to read another of those spoilers in this post -- you've already gotten the attack and AC info.

Itch also spends time investigating Ratrod. He determines that the ysoki racer feels like his legitimacy is being challenged by Laboni, and it might be possible to capitalize on this insecurity.

Botting Radiance: Radiance tries to talk to Orsis. 1d20 ⇒ 19 Her guileless and straightforward manner charms him, and he speaks frankly to her: "I ain't going to lie, I'm in this ta win. I'm gonna try everythin' I got ta that end, but I kin share some tips that might give y'all a bit of an edge against that ass, Ratrod." He shares some information about the racetrack that will help you pilot the racer. (+2 Piloting during the race. I've added this to the stat block.)

First half of the second day:

Idomyll and Rastar both install projectile weapons to the racer, now allowing for 3 independent gunners.

Speck continues to boost the speed of the racer.

Itch makes diplomatic overtures to some of the other racers, and is able to negotiate an alliance with Lemgem after the gnome spends a few hours discussing body modifications, both decorative and cybernetic. "Ratrod's got some kinda energy absorber. Last race, I hit him with Ol'Zappy here, and it just made him speed up! That's why I'm installing Ol'Blasty," she says, patting the half-finished reaction cannon she's working on.

Botting Radiance: Radiance attempts to talk to Nyizin but can't seem to engage the ryphorian. culture: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Botting LolaRuby: LolaRuby works to improve the KAC of the racer, concerned about being a target. engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Second half of second day:

Idomyll manages to squeeze a final boost of speed out of the junkracer. This may be the fastest racer ever to enter this race, if it performs as expected.

Rastar tries to further improve the racer's offense, but isn't able to get any improvements working.

Speck helps out Velocity, getting a good boost of speed out of the android's rig. "Many thanks. I'll focus on slowing down those catching up to you, and I'll take second. Truth be told, I'm more interested in the fun of targetting other racers with my guns."

Botting Itch: Itch returns to Ratrod, and starts trash-talking, using the shared Ysoki culture between the two to belittle and bait the other. Ratrod gets furious and yells that he'll remember this. Hopefully his hot head might lead to a mistake during the race. intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Botting LolaRuby: LolaRuby continues to work on defenses, increasing EAC. engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Botting Radiance: Radiance gives one more try on talking to Nyizin. culture: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 Finally finding a point of contact, the ryphorian tells her about the loss of her bonded dragonkin partner, and the shame she feels in living on when the dragon has died. Unwilling to simply end her life, she has taken to reckless sports such as junkracing, and tends towards experimental and highly dangerous modifications. She tells Radiance about a unique modification that can be made to allow someone on a junkracer to overload its engine. This modification allows the rider to press their engine during the race and double their speed for one round, but there is a 50% chance the engine could have an internal malfunction on the next round that permanently reduces the vehicle’s base speed by half. Laboni, who will be riding the racer, is skilled enough to implement this when and if you want her to.

OK... race is about to start! Who's piloting, and who are operating the three weapons? You use your normal ranged attack bonuses to attack, with a -3 because of the clumsiness of operating the weapons remotely. Piloting is your normal piloting skill, with a +5 with the enhancements to the racer and Orsis's advice.

With a natural +4 for ranged attacks, I should be one of the gunners. I'll choose one of the kinetic weapons and keep it focused on Ratrod, since we now know that he absorbs energy fire.

Speck's got a +3 for ranged attacks so if there's no one better, he can take one of the weapons. Got a piloting of +7, which quite a number also have. But I've also played this many times so more than ok to sit out to let the rest who haven't play. I recommend those who haven't played this scenario (Idomyll?) take the guns if their range attacks are decent. :)

Separately, we've got Lemgem and Velocity in alliance, so other than Ratrod, our competitors are Nyizin and Orsis, right?

Lola also has a base +4 with ranged attacks, if she uses her exocortex to target. I'll take the other projectile weapon.

Since we're in a hurry, I'm good with GM P doing the rolls, according to the following: net Piloting check +12, 2 kinetic weapons at net +1, one energy weapon at net +0, firing both kinetic weapons at Ratrod each round, and the energy weapon at Nylzin or Orsis, whoever's further ahead. Sound reasonable?

I will do the rolls once I know who is doing what. You're assuming one of the folks with a +7 to piloting is doing that?

Rastar and Lola on the kinetic weapons, let's put Radiance as pilot, and Idomyll on the energy weapon?

I think there's more than enough capable gunners. Itch will leave it to you all.

If we weren't under the gun (so to speak), we could have gotten enough weapons for everyone to have something to do, but in this case we're better off just having the GM roll it all.

This ended up taking longer than I expected, so next time I'll try to speed things up a bit. For tactics, I will assume you shoot at Ratrod every time with at least one of the projectile weapons. If you hit, shoot at who ever is ahead that isn't an ally. If you miss, shoot the other projectile at Ratrod. Due to Lemgem's advice, Idomyll will never shoot the energy weapon at Ratrod.

The junkracers line up at the starting line, and the race begins! All the racers begin at full speed along a straightaway, and the gunners begin their attacks!

Rastar and Lola shoot at Ratrod, but miss.
Idomyll hits Nyizin with an energy pulse.
Ratrod returns fire and hits Laboni's racer, shaking the displays and disorienting Radiance slightly.
Velocity and Lemgem both try to shoot Ratrod and miss as well, while Nyizin misses Orsis, Orsis hits Nyizin, and Lemgem's other weapon hits Orsis.

As the first curve of the racetrack comes up, Ratrod and Nyizin both oversteer and bump their racers against the side of the track. The rest of the racers stay the course, and the extra speed your modifications gave shows here as Laboni's racer is far ahead of the rest.

Once again, Rastar, Lola, Velocity, and Lemgem fire at Ratrod, but miss.

Idomyll hits Nyizin, Ratrod hits your racer, and Orsis hits Velocity.

This time the impact shakes Radiance and she plows through a pile of junk, slowing the racer. A testament to your work is that you are still near the head of the pack, just behind Orsis and Velocity who are neck-and-neck. Ratrod is close behind, followed by Lemgem, and Nyizin a distant last.

This time, Ratrod misses his attack against you, while Rastar and Lemgem both hit him. Orsis is also hit twice, and Lemgem and Velocity are each hit once.

Radiance's piloting is perfect, and Laboni pulls into the lead, with Velocity a close second and Ratrod in third.

Ratrod continues to miss as he falls further and further behind, but still in third place. Lola hits Ratrod and Idomyll hits Orsis. Radiance's masterful control of the vehicle brings Laboni's racer into the final third of the racetrack.

You're hitting the home stretch. You're far ahead of everyone except Velocity, but that kinda puts a target on your back. There's a good chance Ratrod won't be the only one to fire at you. However, you have the option of using Nyizin's advice and overloading the engine to double your speed for 1 round, at the possible cost of a lower speed thereafter (but it won't matter if you've already won). Do you want to try this, or play it safe?

All or nothing I say. I am voting to overload the engine

"Punch it, Laboni! The quicker we're over the finish line, the better."

"Give it a go, so we can yell at Laboni some more."

Laboni turns in her seat to open up the throttle and engage the overdrive your engineers hastily installed, and the junkracer surges forward, doubling its speed. It streaks across the finish line, far outpacing any other racer, before barreling into the wall of scrap. For a moment, your eyes widen and you stare at the wreck, wondering if Laboni is alright. Then she emerges from the racer, lifting her hands in celebration, bruised and sweaty but intact.

Lola lowers her hands from the gun controls and takes a deep breath, relaxing. "I don't think Radaszam will have anything to complain about on our account. Ratrod might, but that's his problem. We've got another errand to run."

After the race, Laboni makes a public apology to Ratrod, which he accepts with a distinct lack of grace. However, as winner, she gains a prize from the Salvage Union, most of which she gives to you, reserving a small amount of credits for repairing and upgrading the racer for the future.

The winnings given to you include 400 credits and a suit of graphite carbon skin armor.

Radaszam contacts you shortly afterwards. "Well done. The race was amusing, if somewhat frustratingly erratic. Laboni has already reported to me that the Salvage Union is interested in further business with the Society. I suggest you get some rest now and head out to meet Fitch in the morning."

"Quite entertaining, It was heart pounding for a second there, Good work team. Thank you all for coming together and pulling this off. It was a long shot for sure" he projected to his friends. "I for one could use some sleep" he rasped out.

Itch comes down from the viewing stands. "That was awesome! Great driving and way to make Ratrod look like a chump! "

He nods at Idomyll. "Yeah, I need some sleep if I'm going to see my Aunt again."

Our heroes take a well-deserved night's rest. In the morning, they head to the closest spaceport to the Lorespire complex, and board a shuttle to the Master of Stars.

The station’s Armada can be seen from the shuttle’s view screen as it takes off, gleaming polygons standing out against the emptiness of space. The Master of Stars immediately stands out from the rest, as layers and layers of scaffolding obscure its hull. Tiny lights flicker among the metal beams as distant figures weld plates and heat shields to the ship’s exterior. The shuttle smoothly glides closer until it reaches the starship’s docking bay, slipping through the magic field that keeps the hold pressurized with breathable atmosphere. As the shuttle doors open, a small drone flies in and pops up a holoscreen, displaying Fitch, looking even more harried than the last time you saw her. “Finally, you're here!” the ysoki exclaims. “I'd invite you up for tea and biscuits but there's no time for that. We have an emergency! I had some trouble earlier with the lights flickering on the ship, and now both the lights and computers have suddenly gone out on E-Deck. No idea what’s causing it, but you work this job long enough and you get a feel for when it's just a simple malfunction, and when it's something more. It could be some lunkhead screwed up the wiring, but—” She is distracted again by something off-screen, and screams “Selicha! If you touch that panel I will staple you to the hull!” She snorts dismissively before continuing, “Sorry, some of these little ones would cut off their own heads if I let them. Anyway, that’s a pretty big system failure for a simple electrical short. I’d prefer to send in some people with combat training to scout it out, just in case someone or something is sabotaging the ship. If it’s nothing, great, get the power back on if you can. If there’s something suspicious, use your comm units to report in to me. I’ll give you the access codes, so—Ugh! Kids! Stop that!”

The screen on the drone cuts out, then flashes to display the ship’s schematics and the passwords for the computers on E-Deck.

You have Fitch's contact information, so you can call her back if you have further questions or to report your status.

Looking at the ship's schematics, it will be easy to use the maintenance walkways and working lifts to reach E-deck.

Do you guys mind if we do theatre-of-mind for this part? I think it might be faster.

I'm good with that.

On the shuttle trip over, the mechanic has been barely able to contain her excitement, peering intently through the viewport and rocking from one foot to another. Once inside she continues to rubberneck until the ysoki's image appears for the briefing.

After Fitch cuts off, Lola unlimbers her rifle. "Sounds like she's got her hands full. Let's go! I'm looking forward to seeing the inside of this beauty. I've heard stories...."

Itch frowns hearing his Aunt's voice. As the connection drops, he rubs his shoulders. "What did I tell you? Big families. But, that wasn't just a threat. I definitely got stapled to the hull one time. But maybe that was Auntie Gadget instead?" He thinks for a moment and then just shrugs.

"Whatever. Find out what causing the glitch and we're done."

"Well, at least she looks after her brood." Speck says with a sneer. "But come, time is wasting. We faced a giant feathered alien. What could be worse?"

The group locates a working lift and ascends to E-Deck. The lift has its own power, but the doors open into darkness.

Flashlights and darkvision allow you to enter the deck. As you move inward, the temperature is clearly much colder than normal. Air is breathable, but it feels chilly even through armor, and your breath makes foggy clouds. Directing light to the floor reveals a slick covering of ice, making walking treacherous and necessitating slow movement.

A control panel is located next to the lift doors and could be used to try to reactivate power. Computer or Engineering checks are needed.

Itch has no problem seeing in the dark as they step off the lift. He peers around noting his frosty breath and the icy floor. "Can one of you turn the heat back on? I didn't bring my ice skates. We might be lucky that the air recyclers are still working."

He carefully walks on the slick floor, trying to create a perimeter for the others to work on the ship systems.

Lola steps up, eager to set hands on the hardware.

Engineering check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

In her eagerness she fumbles around more than usual.

Following closely behind Lola Idomyll attempts to lend her assistance with the control panel. "I think the you rotated the bypass coupling past the center pin." he said talking shop. "I am not going to lie I would be much more comfortable if this just turns out to be a buggy system. I am not looking forward to having to shoot anyting, any time soon. he adds pleasantly.

assist LolaRuby (Engineering): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Lola opens up the control panel and connects a battery to power it. With this jury-rig, she is able to send a command to activate emergency power for this deck. Once this is functioning, she and Idomyll are able to adjust the environmental controls, turn on lights, and activate security functions on this deck, like door controls, motion sensors, and cameras.

While activating these, one of the panels lights up with an image from a security camera: a simple storage room, full of crates and barrels. Behind a stack of these, two human children are crouching, looking around as if scared, and squinting in the sudden gleam of the emergency lights.

The control panel indicates that their motion automatically activated the cameras in the storage room a short distance down the corridor in which you are standing.