[SFS - PbP] 1-03 Yesteryear's Truth - GM bigboom (Inactive)

Game Master bigboom

Padme' is astonished at Sev+'s analysis of the situation..She agrees with almost all his recommendations except for one. Naboh excute Sev's recommendations as quickly as you can. Turning to Sev, Excellent analysis and I agree scan the drone..let's see what we're up against! Walking calmly to the com on her arm chair again she mashes the button to engineering, Smart thinking on powering up the weapons Twik...but, if we start taking damage from that drone I want you to divert power to the shields...that's an order!

Lastly Padme' speaks on the open ship channel again, Gunner Id-Sinitis keep targeting the platform...gunner Remi...Please swat the fly buzzing around us!

Padme likes Sev's suggestions but wants to take out the drone if possible least by round 4 we have 2 or 3 of those things buzzing around firing on us.

encourage Remi: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + (2) = 14

The platform moves along as you'd expect per the movement capabilities you discovered when you scanned it. But the small attack drone pulls a series of tight turns, placing it behind you!

Slides have been updated with the platform's and drone's movement

Dyukela targets the core of the drone platform again

Computers: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20

"The core is targeted again!"

Naboh excute Sev's recommendations as quickly as you can. Turning to Sev, Excellent analysis and I agree scan the drone..let's see what we're up against!

One of the facial actuators on the right side of Sev's face turns slightly upward. Analysis: Captain's doubts regarding this unit appear to have been... reduced.

Calling up the command codes from the science console, Sev initates a scan of the attack drone. Commencing scan.

Previously rolled Computer check result was 20.

"Understood!" Remi calls out and prepares to fire on the drone... until it somehow manages to zip around behind them. A quick look at the display shows that the launching vessel has also gotten behind them. "Sorry Captain, there's nothing I can do until we get in a better position."

No action this round

Ooh, you're a tricksy one. I won't underestimate you again.

By which I mean I plan to roll higher on my d20's. Let's see how that goes for me.

@GM Can Remi move stations to the rear cannon this turn? Or maybe next turn?

Id zeroes in on the platform again. "You got it, Captain," he clicks as he unleashes another barrage at the drone-spitting machine.

Attack (turret, coilgun): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 4) = 12

You can fire any weapon without having to move stations. The problem is that there is no rear cannon, so the turret is the only weapon that can reach that arc.

Round 2 Results

Engineering Phase:

• Twik successfully diverts power to weapons
  
• Enemy Engineering Action: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Helm Phase:

• Naboh successfully evades
  
• Platform Evade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 ; The platform continues to evade
  
• Red Drone Evade: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 ; The drone is small and nimble, successfully executing evasive maneuvers!
  
• Sev's scans reveal quite a bit, but not all, of the drone's details
  
• Dyukela successfully targets the platform's power core
  
• Enemy Science Action: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Gunnery Phase:

• Padme' tries to feed useful targetting advice to Id but it doesn't prove useful (I took the liberty of re-directing your encourage to Id since Remi didn't get to fire this round)
  
• Remi is unable to take a shot this round
  
• Id's attack hits the platform! (12 points to platform's port arc, penetrating the shields and causing some hull damage)
  
• The platform launches another attack drone!
  
• Red Drone Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 ; Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7 ; The red drone fires and scores a hit on the Pegasus' rear shields but they hold...for now!

Pegasus Status:
HP: 55
Shields: 10/10/10/3

Round 3 Initiative:
Naboh's Piloting: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 = 18
Enemy's Piloting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Naboh wins initiative - the enemy has moved! The platform seems to be distancing itself a way somewhat while the red drone stays in place and the green drone moves in closer.

Naboh, I changed your arrows to a light blue/cyan color instead of the red arrows you were using. I figure I'll use red arrows for the red drone, green arrows for the green drone, and white arrows for the platform

Twik, standing at the shield batteries, listens as the rear shields battery whines to life as it outputs power to protect the ship.

Twik sighes to himself, rolls up his sleeves, and gets to it

"Time to get to work!"

Engineering, Divert Power to Shields: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Restores 5% of Power Core PCU (5% of 150 = 7.5) to SP. The CRB says we need to distribute them evenly over all quadrants but presumably we can put them all in the rear as they are the only ones damaged?

On another note, GM BB - is it possible to include a total summary of the damage we have inflicted and on which arcs / enemies in your round summaries?

Originally wrote another post thinking that I had not acted in the previous round and before the summary had been posted. Rewritten this post now for the third round.

"Preliminary scans indicate that the attack drones are highly maneuverable and are armed with light laser cannons. The attack drones have no shields. Destroying a single drone would require multiple, well-placed shots from this vessel's offensive weapons. Similarly, it would take at least two direct hits from the laser cannon of a single attack drone to overpower the shield capacitors and penetrate the hull of this vessel.

Sev's head briefly cocks to one side as if in thought: "Recommendation: Divert power to the engines and close with the drone platform."

Just then, Sev notices an alteration in the ship's status display of the science console. "It appears that Twik has already diverted power to the shields in order to compensate for the drain on this vessel's aft shields. Balancing shields to restore aft quadrant emitters to full power.

Computers to Balance Shields: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Sev's digits engage the console's input pad with efficiency. "All shield emitters are now at full power."

Dyukela switches targeting to engines of the drone platform.

Computers: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7

"Captain I tried to target engines of platform!"

Twik: the CRB rules on divert to shields has been overruled by the change listed in the FAQ, which allows you to allocate those shield points to anywhere you like. So you are definitely allowed to restore those 7 points (the 0.5 is rounded down) all to the 'aft shield.' (Sorry, I couldn't help but chuckle at your 'put them all in the rear' phrasing...I'm somewhat childish that way, I know! Personality flaw of mine...) Remi had already posted the FAQ link in the discussions thread, but here it is down below for your reference. See the question entitled 'When an engineer diverts power to shields (page 323), what do the rules mean when they say "...putting any excess Shield Points in the forward quadrant"?' This is also the same FAQ with all the updated crew action DCs.

Starfinder FAQ

Regarding the summary of damage, I can list a summary of total damage done to each arc. However, I won't be listing a breakdown of how much was done to shields and how much was done to HP because as the enemy regenerates shields, you won't know how much damage subsequent hits was applied to HP and how much was applied to shields that the target regenerated. I do call out though if you observed whether a hit penetrated shields on any given round as that will be visible to your characters. Note, however, a new, successful scan will refresh all the current shield and HP data on the scanned target. So on that note:

Cumulative Damage Dealt to Platform (F/P/S/A): 14/12/0/0

Sev, as per Twik's question, you do not need a balance action to even out the Pegasus' shields as they are now currently at max on all arcs, so they are already evenly balanced. If you wish, you can retcon your balance action and take some other action. Or you can keep your balance action and use that roll to shift shield points from one quadrant to another. For example, you can shift 6 points from forward to aft, leaving you with: 4/10/10/16. You might want to wait until after you see how Naboh positions your ship though.

Keep those aft shields good and hot. I can't outmaneuver the tiny little buggers, but I can get us in position on Mama Drone.

Edit: GM BB's suggestion is well taken. Aft shields are gonna take a hit.

Naboh burns the thrusters as he banks hard and follows the platform.

Hang on, it's gonna get furry.

Evade DC13: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 = 16

Nice to get all the below-10 rolls out of the way early, in a skill check I can't fail. :-)

The ship corkscrews and jigjogs as Naboh skillfully puts it on the tail of the platform.

AC & TL +2 this round.

Just then, Sev notices an alteration in the ship's status display of the science console. "It appears that Twik has already diverted power to the shields in order to compensate for the drain on this vessel's aft shields.

Sev's digits engage the console's input pad with efficiency. "All shield emitters are now at full power."

"However, I have taken the liberty of redirecting power from the forward shield emitters to the aft shield emitters." the android adds.

Sev shifts 6 Shield Points from forward to aft quadrants, leaving the ship with: 4/10/10/16, using the previous Computers check roll above. Only a slight retcon - thanks GM!

I'm going to drop one more hint for you Sev. Take a look at the drone positions with respect to the Pegasus and which arc on the Pegasus would be hit when the drones fire from their current positions. You may or may not want to reconsider which shield arc you beef up.

I'm going to drop one more hint for you Sev. Take a look at the drone positions with respect to the Pegasus and which arc on the Pegasus would be hit when the drones fire from their current positions. You may or may not want to reconsider which shield arc you beef up.

Oh, yeah. For some reason, I was think that the drones were going to move again. If I am correct, then the green attack drone is in the port arc and the red attack drone can fire in either the port arc or the aft arc. Therefore, if I may retcon a retcon, then Sev shifts 6 Shield Points from the forward to port quadrant, leaving the ship with 4/16/10/10.

Id takes aim again on the platform and squeezes the trigger. ”Here’s a little something for Mama Drone.”

Attack (turret, coilgun): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 1) = 10

“Nice flying!” Remi compliments Naboh as he defly maneuvers them through space. The drones come into view... and then they keep going. “Well, now they’re a bit far...” she murmurs. Rather than strain the range of the laser cannons, she decides to focus on the target that is right up against their nose.

Laser cannon vs platform: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Padme' looks at her tactile council and grows a little worried..I don't know what to do! If the Platform launches more drones we're in real trouble! Should I have the coil gun target one of the drones?

Sev..Naboh.. Padme calls out to the two people closest to her on the bridge. Should I order the turret to target one of the drones or just try to finish the Platform as soon as possible?! It may take longer than we have! Padme''s voice betrays no desperation but, her internal programming is alerting her of the high volatility and danger of the situation.

Padme' mashes the ship wide inter-com again, Good job everyone! keep pouring on Remi..keep firing at the Platform. encourage Remi: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 6 + (1) = 16

Sev..Naboh.. Padme calls out to the two people closest to her on the bridge. Should I order the turret to target one of the drones or just try to finish the Platform as soon as possible?! It may take longer than we have!

"Recommendation: Concentrate fire on the drone platform. Analysis: The drone platform has already sustained hull damage. By contrast, the hull of the Pegasus has not yet been breached. Further, at present capacity, the Pegasus shields should be able to withstand a direct laser canon hit from each of the two attack drones that are presently deployed."

Sev's two-creds anyways; once it has set a programmed course of action into motion, it is difficult for it to alter its chosen course. As a player, I suspect that your guess as to the best course of action is probably as good as mine.

"I know nobody has asked me anything but I will be so free to comment. I completely agree with Sev. The primary task for us must be the destruction of the platform to stop sending the drones to us."

Padme', per the starship FAQ, the DCs you noted are higher than they should be. Check out the FAQ link up above. Pretty much all starship DCs have been lowered since the CRB was published.

Also, with respect to scans, I'm going to rule that because the science officers have already previously run enough scans to get all details on the platform, in order to refresh all details, a scan roll that meets minimum success is sufficient to refresh all details. Given this, Padme', I'm okay if you want to retcon your next round 'Encourage Sev' action.

I believe everyone has posted their actions for this round, I'll compile and post the results as soon as I have a moment!

"And one more thing to add. Maybe if we destroy the platform, all drones will stop working!"

Round 3 Results

Engineering Phase:

• Twik brings the aft shields back to full
  
• Enemy Engineering Action: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Helm Phase:

• Naboh successfully evades
  
• Platform Evade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 ; The platform continues to evade
  
• Red Drone Evade: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 ; The drone evades
  
• Green Drone Evade: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 ; The drone evades
  
• Sev's rebalances shields from fore to port
  
• Dyukela tried to target the platform's engines but was unsuccessful
  
• Enemy Science Action: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Gunnery Phase:

• Id is on fire! His attack hits the platform again! But it is all absorbed by the shields (10 points to platform's aft)
  
• Padme' sees that Remi now has a shot and buoys her spirit with encouraging words
  
• Remi, feeling pretty good about herself, just manages to hit the platform, with every bit of laser fire directly hitting the platform's hull! (4 points to platform's aft)
  
• The platform launches another attack drone!
  
• Red Drone Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 2 = 14 ; Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 ; 1 Port, 2 Aft: 1d2 ⇒ 2 ; The red drone fires and scores a hit on the Pegasus' aft shields
  
• Green Drone Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 2 = 14 ; Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 ; The green drone fires and scores a hit on the Pegasus' port shields

Cumulative Damage Dealt to Platform (F/P/S/A): 14/12/0/14

Pegasus Status:
HP: 55
Shields: 4/10/10/5

Round 4 Initiative:
Naboh's Piloting: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 1 = 31
Enemy's Piloting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Naboh, now facing off against four targets unleashes his raw piloting instincts and easily out-maneuvers his opponents, winning initiative! The enemy has moved!

Round 4 Results Preview
Because Sev has already declared that he will scan the platform for round 4, I'll roll the platform's engineering action and display the results of Sev's scan now. Keep in mind that, this scan result occurs during the Round 4 helm phase, so does not take into account the damage I'm sure your team will do during the Round 4 gunnery phase.

Enemy Engineering Action: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Following Sev's input commands, a series of ship schematics and sensor readings flash across the science console's display screens. "Preliminary analysis: Pegasus' shield strength is holding at approximately seventy-eight percent. Conclusion: At present capacity, this vessel's shields are likely to withstand another round of direct fire from a single attack drone from any direction save the forward arc."

Moments later, a new set of schematics, those of the drone platform, blink into view. "Secondary analysis: Scans indicate that the drone platform's total shield energy has been diminished by approximately thirty-eight percent. The drone platform's hull integrity is substantial, but it too is weakening. Conclusion: A well-placed hit on its forward, port, or aft sections would most likely penetrate the hull and further diminish its integrity."

"Tactical Recommendation:", blurts Sev as its head turns toward the Captain, "Continue to concentrate fire on the drone platform."

Sure, you could all have figured out the same numbers by looking above, but androids in sci-fi are well-known for re-stating the obvious!

Much appreciated, Sev!

Forward section it is. I think I can get us out of close range on the drones. Here we go!

Evade DC13: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 1 = 32

AC & TL +2

Ha! Did I say I can't outmaneuver the little guys? Take that, ya little turdlings!

Fire up the starboard cannon, Remi. You should have a great view of Mama's face.

Remi can't resist a grin at all the encouragement she's getting, now that Naboh is joining in as well. She takes his advice and fires up the starboard cannon. "Id, let's bring her down!"

Id feels lucky and pops off some more fire on the platform. "Right with you Remi! Bombs away!"

Attack (turret, coilgun): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 2) = 10

Remi can't resist a grin at all the encouragement she's getting, now that Naboh is joining in as well. She takes his advice and fires up the starboard cannon. "Id, let's bring her down!"

** spoiler omitted **

The circuitry within Sev's neural network compels it to open a comm channel to Remi. "Warning: Neither you nor Id-Sinitis are presently capable of complying with your last directive!"

Sev matter-of-factually continues over the comm, "This craft and those engaging with it are presently outside the gravity well of any stellar or planetary bodies. Likewise, the drone platform is also beyond the influence of the artificial gravity of this vessel. Accordingly, the term 'down', at present, has no discernable orientation."

After pausing briefly, Sev continues: "Query: Shall I conduct a broad scan of this solar system in order to identify a series of discernable features from which a mutually agreed upon orientation may be derived?"

Trope where android misinterprets use of common words or phrases: Check!

Um ok u all seem set on focusing on the Platform but I'm counting multiple guns trained on us fire without hindrance. I mean the thing still has shields! and 60 HP..by the time we knock it down to 20 or so hull points it could have 5 or 6 of the drones firing at us every round. It looks like if we just hit the drone once with the coil gun it could destroy it .. anyway Padme' will go with your recommends.. this is only my 3rd starship battle I've played in.

Padme continues to give orders sparingly trusting her crew. But instead of encouraging Sev+ she encourages Remi.. Check under last post spoiler..I passed the encourage..and thanks for the updated rules I already had a copy just forgot about the errata

Hey guys, my apologies. I see the discussion you all have going on and it got me thinking. I wasn't sure if scans revealed a target's special abilities so I asked around a bit and got a reasonable argument that they should be revealed to players after enough scanning is done. So I should earlier have displayed some additional information for you guys regarding the platform. Sorry about this...I'm still new to GMing. So on that note, here is the revised latest platform scan results. It includes the text describing two special abilities of the platform. And just FYI, your team has not yet scanned the drones enough to get to this level of detail, but you may be interested primarily in the platform anyways.

Dyukela will scan the drones.

Computers: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 2 = 18

I assume you'll be scanning the red drone for more details? If not, and you want to scan other drones, let me know.

I will scan red drone

Twik cringes in the corner away from the sparking shield batteries as they come under fire from the drones. Amid a brief pause, he stands and dashes forward with tools out already working over the circuit diagrams in his head.

"Well that wasn't so bad...."

Engineering, Divert Power to Shields: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

It's a nice feeling not having to worry about failing these rolls. Restore 7 SP to the starboard shields (assuming Im reading the map right - that's the arc they will be firing at correct?)

Red​ and yellow drones would hit your starboard arc. Green would hit either the aft or starboard arc.

Yes that's what I said *whistles* :P

Round 4 Results

Engineering Phase:

• Twik brings starboard shields up by 7, putting shields at 4/10/17/5
  
• Enemy Engineering Action: already previously rolled

Helm Phase:

• Naboh successfully evades
  
• Sev re-scanned the platform
  
• Dyukela scanned the red drone further, obtaining full information of the drone
  
• Platform Evade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 ; The platform continues to evade
  
• Red Drone Evade: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 ; The drone evades
  
• Green Drone Evade: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 ; The drone evades
  
• Yellow Drone Evade: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 ; The drone evades
  
• Enemy Science Action: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Gunnery Phase:

• Padme' successfully encourages Remi, giving her a +2
  
• Remi, again with Padme's assistance, hits the platform, some of which causes hull damage (6 points to platform's fore)
  
• Id continues his streak, his attack untouched by any shielding, results in a solid hit against the platform (10 points to platform's fore)
  
• The platform launches another attack drone!
  
• Green Drone Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 = 12 ; Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 ; 1 Starboard, 2 Aft: 1d2 ⇒ 1 ; The drone fires and misses!
  
• Red Drone Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 2 = 8 ; Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3 ; The drone fires and misses!
  
• Yellow Drone Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 2 = 19 ; Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 ; The drone fires and scores a hit on the Pegasus' starboard shields, which easily holds!
  
• GM roll: 1d100 ⇒ 60

Cumulative Damage Dealt to Platform (F/P/S/A): 30/12/0/14

Pegasus Status:
HP: 55
Shields: 4/10/12/5

Round 5 Initiative:
Naboh's Piloting: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 1 = 23
Enemy's Piloting: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Naboh's adrenaline rush doesn't let up as he stays a step ahead of the orbital defense platform and now FOUR drones on your tail! Enemy has moved and appears to be forming a defensive formation!

Naboh, if all the arrows clutter up the map and make it hard to see what's going on, feel free to just delete the platform and drone arrows. I don't require they be kept on the map...I'll just want to see the path that the Pegasus takes.

Round 5 Results Preview
Padme' successfully encourages Naboh to perform some tricky stunt maneuvers (+2 to piloting)

On the contrary, GM, the arrows are very helpful.

Naboh is buoyed by his captain's faith in him. He sees an opportunity.

If I can just...

He banks hard around, looping around Mama drone to get another shot in on her vulnerable Forward arc. But at the last second a drone blocks his path!

What the...???

Flyby, Encouraged: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 + 2 = 18 Curse you, Dicebot.

He barely manages to avoid a head-on collision, but at the cost of exposing the ship to an attack of opportunity from the little drone.

Sorry, Captain, he just came out of nowhere.

He tries to position the ship with Port shields and weapons facing the drones.

Ooh, this is gettin' furry now.

Flyby is DC 18 so you JUST made it! Feel free to edit your post to make the successful flyby stunt sound more epic. This party has had a LOT of well-placed Captain encourages!

Id fires up the coilgun again, trying to target the same spots he hit before. ”Keep us flying and I can do this all day!”

Attack (turret, coilgun): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 4, 4) = 15

Edit: Have we reached a critical threshold yet?

Twik makes a mental note to give Naboh a pat on the back for his fancy flying. This was some good work. In fact, Twik has been impressed with the whole teams work so far. The better the team performance, the less repair work he will need to do.

He continues to work with the shield generators to coax extra power to their vulnerable arc.

Engineering, Divert Power to Shields: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Raise Port Shields by 7 SP.

Edit: Have we reached a critical threshold yet?

Yep, last round. And I expect you'll hit the second critical threshold this round.

"After successful scans I will back target platforms core."
Dyukela targets platforms core.

Computers: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10

Thanks for the boost, Cap'n! I believe this means that one of our intrepid gunners gets a freebie attack on Yellow, correct?

"Shields appear to be holding. Attempting to calculate the drone's moves six seconds from now."

Sev balances the shields.

Computers: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29

Sev moves 4 Shield Points from the starboard quadrant to the aft quadrant, which I believe results in the Pegasus shields now being at 4/17/8/9.

Thanks for the boost, Cap'n! I believe this means that one of our intrepid gunners gets a freebie attack on Yellow, correct?

Unfortunately, no freebie extra attack - attacking yellow will use up that gunner's attack for this round, precluding that gunner from attacking the platform this round.

Remi's heart just about leaps into her throat when they zip right up to one of the drones and all but scrape a bit of its hull. She exhales carefully and sternly reminds herself, You need to trust your teammates - they're doing their jobs, now do yours!

Having regained her focus, she returns to the task of targeting the platform, this time making use of the port laser cannon.

Laser cannon vs platform: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6