SFS #1-04 Table 2 (Level 2's) (Inactive)

Game Master James Martin

engineering: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Raatchet quickly but silently writes up a message on everyone's screen so that the Vesk ship is unaware of Raatchet's message:

"Doshko-like thruster emissions are not real. I don't believe those thrusters are really thrusters."

Can Raatchet make a subtle scan to determine what those fake thrusters really are?

computers: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

with +11 even before theme, Delea auto passes the mysticism check.

These appear to be in homage to Damaritosh, the vesk god of conquest. Does anyone want me to be anything other than honest and trying to work together with these Vesk?

Raatchet updates the message he threw up on the screen to read:

"No wait, those really are thrusters but they're set up not to provide any actual thrust...just to mimic a doshko. God of conquest? I don't think that bodes well for a joint operation. I'll be impressed if you can convince them though..."

Stiehle shrugs and speaks to the others when the comms to the Vesk ship are off. "If he doesn't want to work with us, he'd do well to stand out of out way. If it's a fight he wants, we'll be sure to give him one." Stiehle has no animosity in particular toward the vesk, but the human pilot isn't interested in backing down from a bully that tosses around veiled threats. Besides, it wouldn't look good on the Pathfinders as a whole either, he figures.

So if this does come down to a fight, avoid the asteroids. Got it! :) Also, I have no problems trying to solve this peaceably before resorting to hostilities.

Max contemplates the mission parameters, reviews them on his personal workstation, then thinks on the Vesk's ostensible mission.

"VESKARIUM SALVAGE VESSEL HONORBOUND, IT IS MY DUTY TO INFORM YOU THAT OUR ORDERS ARE TO INVESTIGATE A DERELICT VEHICLE IN THIS VICINITY, AND RECOVER ANY FALLEN COMRADES AND THEIR PERSONAL EFFECTS IF POSSIBLE. OUR ORDERS DO NOT REACH SO FAR AS TO INCLUDE THE ARMAMENTS OF THE DERELICT VEHICLE. IT IS THEREFORE MY ASSESSMENT THAT NO CONFLICT IS PRESENT, AND THAT BOTH OF OUR VESSELS AND CREWS SHALL BE CAPABLE OF FAITHFULLY EXECUTING OUR DUTIES."

He makes sure to put proper emphasis on the last line.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 8 + (3) = 28

He adds to the end, telepathically to Delea, "Presuming their stated goal is no in fact a falsehood, this assessment may allow them to consider joint operations."

The Vesk looks slightly sad, but resolved. "I am afraid I cannot agree to that. I have discovered something that might be of use to the Veskarium and I cannot let it go without a fight. But... you seem honorable, Starfinders. I propose a duel for the prize. You win, I back down and allow you to claim it. I win, you back down and allow me to claim it. Would you be amenable to this?"

"Duel? As in one-on-one combat using melee weapons, no guns?"

Raatchet looks over at the massive Haan on our crew and thinks back to how Grinds nearly exploded at anyone (namely Raatchet) humming or singing Star Sugar Heartlove. Inspiration strikes and Raatchet turns back to the viewscreen.

"IF my fellow crewmates agree to such a duel, there is a time-honored tradition that we request of you. Prior to (or if you are capable, during) the duel, you are to sing or hum our anthem. It symbolizes that, win or lose, you respect our warrior and his honorable intentions to a fair fight. The name of our anthem is called Star Sugar Heartlove and I can easily teach you the chorus prior to the duel."

Raatchet turns back to his teammates with a massive grin on his face and says, "Well, I'm okay with the proposed duel if all of you guys are as well. Seems to me Grinds would be best suited for this, unless someone else wants to give it a shot?"

You are a vicious, evil, devious rat and I love it! :)

"A starship duel, a combat between two ships in the dark, cold void." The Captain clarifies.

Max raises his eyebrows, then projects to Delea. Assessing the situation. Suggestion: Play to their sense of honor, accept their request. This will allow us to achieve our goal with reduced odds of loss of life. If Raatchet continues to make light of this challenge, likelihood of lethal combat will increase. If we are successful, allow salvage of armaments following completion of our mission. Such a deal should emphasis our respect for their militaristic tradition and duty.

"And my ysoki friend, I prefer their last album 'A More Sentient Shade of Blue'/ Zoey Strawberry's vocals are better suited to power break-up anthems and soulful paens to romantic friendship." The Vesk captain deadpans.

Delea thinks for a moment, and then replies to Max,Agreed.

"We will agree to your duel. Max will discuss the details of the agreement with you on behalf of our entire team."

aid another, diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"And my ysoki friend, I prefer their last album 'A More Sentient Shade of Blue'/ Zoey Strawberry's vocals are better suited to power break-up anthems and soulful paens to romantic friendship." The Vesk captain deadpans.

Raatchet's jaw drops, unable to respond. For the first time in recent memory, Raatchet remains silent.

Touché!

"IF I DO RECALL CORRECTLY, TERMS FOR A DUEL ARE NEGOTIATED IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO ENGAGEMENT AND ARE GENERALLY CONCISE. ALONG THOSE TERMS, I PROPOSE THAT WE AGREE TO MAINTAIN AN OPEN HAILING FREQUENCY FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAPID RESPONSE TO A CALL TO CONCEDE THE CHALLENGE. THIS SHOULD ALLOW A MINIMAL LAPSE IN TIME BETWEEN WHEN ONE PARTY YIELDS AND WHEN THE OTHER CEASES FIRE. FURTHERMORE, I PROPOSE THAT THE DUEL BE CONSTRAINED TO OUR TWO SHIPS AND ASSOCIATED CREWS, AND THAT INTERFERENCE BY ANY OUTSIDE FACTION RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES UNTIL SAID FACTION IS DEALT WITH, FOLLOWED BY A ONE MINUTE PERIOD TO BE USED DISENGAGING BEFORE CONTINUING SAID DUEL. AS DESTRUCTION IN THIS DUEL WILL PREVENT CREWS FROM PERFORMING THEIR REMAINING SWORN DUTIES, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCURATELY ASSESS DAMAGE AND YIELD THE CHALLENGE PRIOR TO DESTRUCTION. INCIDENTAL DESTRUCTION DUE TO FAILURE TO ACCURATELY ASSESS DAMAGE WILL BE CONSIDERED AN UNFORTUNATE STATE OF EVENTS, BUT AN ASSUMED RISK BY BOTH PARTIES."

Max stops to catch his breath. "IF THOSE TERMS ARE ACCEPTABLE, THEN MAY THE STRONGEST PREVAIL."

He keeps his hand poised over the system controls, and prepares to handle the shields at a moments notice.

As if they would agree to a melee duel with me. Not too many get into one on one scrapes with He-who-grinds-blades-to-dust. So he hides behind his technology the Haan utters in a poisonous whisper.

The Vesk nods. "Not to the death. Merely to disabled or surrender. I propose the following rules:"

"What say you, Starfinders? Shall we honor Damoritosh with battle?"

Stiehle frowns slightly, then broadcasts to the crew, leaving the Vesk captain out of the loop. "The terms of this duel will negate the advantage we have in maneuverability with this vessel. I don't like it. If we aren't allowed to utilize our speed and nimbleness, this just comes down to a straight fight of bashing each other with our guns. If they are more heavily armored with better firepower..." The concerned pilot leaves the rest of his thought unsaid, his intent is clear enough.

Hmmm... maybe should have gone with the Drake after all, given these terms. Can our diplomats try and get the Vesk to alter the rules a bit so that getting behind their vessel is fair play? Even in a head-to-head combat, a maneuverable opponent can present a fair fight. To play only to the strengths of the vesk ship and striking down our advantage in the fight doesn't seem particularly honorable. Stiehle's Diplomacy of +1 is not nearly enough to perhaps get that point across without angering the vesk captain, though...

Raatchet nods in agreement with Stiehle, saying to the Butterball crew only, "Yah, surely we can convince him that a great warrior is not just about standing toe-to-toe against an opponent and straight up bashing each other in the head like a big lug, right? On a true field of battle, warriors who don't watch their backs will fall, so a REAL warrior knows how to use his..." Raatchet glances over at Delea and stumbles a moment, "uhhh...I mean her...." Raatchet's gaze pans over to Grinds and his voice stumbles again "ahem...I mean its...yah, that's the ticket...a REAL warrior know how to use ITS head to ensure someone doesn't just shank it from behind! C'mon, it's gotta be the same in a duel, right? Disallowing rear arcs just diminishes...y'know...things! Honor or glory or spirit of their god 'Da More It Talks' or whatever! Amirite? Guys?"

Delea looks at Max. I agree, it would be better to negotiate away the restriction on the rear of the ship. Delea already gave Max a +2 on his diplomacy to negotiate

The Vesk's face falls. "Honor dictates a head on battle. How does it honor Damoritosh to stab each others in the back?"

"HONORABLE COMBAT DICTATES THAT TWO PARTIES MUST ENGAGE EACH OTHER WITH THEIR FULL STRENGTH OF ARMS AND TACTICS. TO VOLUNTARILY FORGO TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOUR ADVERSARY'S WEAKNESSES IS TO ENCOURAGE THAT SAME WEAKNESS. IN OLD TIMES, FOES WOULD FACE EACH OTHER IN AN ARENA WIELDING AXES AND SWORDS. SHOULD ONE FOE BE STRUCK AND TURN ABOUT, IT WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED DISHONORABLE TO FINISH THE STRIKE DESPITE HIS REAR FACING POSITION. IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED AN INSULT TO ALLOW THE MATCH TO CONTINUE. WE DO NOT SKULK ABOUT LYING IN AMBUSH, WE FACE EACH OTHER LIKE HONORABLE COMBATANTS. SHOULD ONE OF US INADVERTENTLY REVEAL ONE'S REAR ARC TO THE OTHER, THAT IS A TACTICAL ERROR THAT SHOULD BE PUNISHED."

Diplomacy + Delea's Aid: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + (2) + 2 = 16

If he were really concerned about Honor and battle he would fight me himself.. the giant spider claks harshly but quietly.

The Vesk captain sighs deeply. "I see that the honorable customs of the Veskarium are not recognized in the uncivilized regions of the galaxy. So be it. Let us begin." He looks disappointed as he powers down the comm.

OKAY! Time for battle! I try to do my PbP ship battles in two phases: (Pilot, Engineer and Science Officer Phase) and (Gunner Phase)! I am definitely open to suggestions and ways to better streamline the process! Please note that we have a new FAQ with revised DCs for manuevers and stunts. We will use those!

ROUND 1! Pilot, Science Office and Engineer!

Vesk Pilot: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Vesk Science Office (Scan, DC 8: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Vesk Engineer (Divert Engines, DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Seeing as we've got a fair amount of distance between the two ships, Raatchet will divert power to engines to give us an additional 2 speed.

divert engines DC 13: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Stiehle grins. "His sense of honor and my own are obviously light years apart. Let's do this." Noting the ramp-up of power to the engines, the pilot engages the thrusters and seeks to gain advantage over the enemy vessel.

Piloting Check (Initiative) DRR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Not a great roll, but good enough! I'll wait for the vesk to take his turn before making my own with the +2 to speed. GM, I always forget if the Pilot bonus conferred by the ship get applied to not only maneuver rolls but also initiative. Shouldn't make a difference here, but my roll above is actually a '20' if the +1 from the ship grants the bonus to initiative checks as well. Thanks!

"THE VESKARIUM VESSEL HAS, AS IS OFTEN SAID, TIPPED THEIR HAND. BY DISPLAYING SUCH RELUCTANCE TO MAKE THEIR REAR ARC AN ACCEPTABLE TARGET, THEY HAVE REVEALED A MAJOR WEAKNESS IN THEIR VESSEL. I SHALL ATTEMPT TO SCAN FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOWEVER WITHOUT ANY UNEXPECTED RESULTS I INTEND TO LOCK OUR WEAPONS ON TO THEIR MANEUVERING SYSTEMS."

Computers to Scan: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 = 27

"THE OPENING VOLLEY IS FREQUENTLY DECISIVE. I RECOMMENED ALLOCATING ANY ADDITIONAL SYSTEM RESOURCES TO OUR TARGETTING COMPUTERS."

Since our ship has +1 to any two checks per round, I'd suggest allocating that bonus to gunnery this round.

I'll pick for sure once we have ship stats, but I think Delea will try to give a bonus to gunnery, also.

Delea whispers only to Grinds: You can do this... you can shoot them, and win the duel for us...

diplomacy to encourage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

I don't know if we are even IN the gunnery phase yet but...

Grinder barely fits into the turret chamber and frankly looks a little ridiculous as his giant mandibles manipulate the computer targetting systems.

He uses the turret and whichever arc we are currently facing simultaneously.

Gunnery Turret: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 193d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 1) = 6

Gunnery Forward Arc: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 233d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 2) = 10

His thorax makes a mighty croak
You want to fight in your machines, fine we can fight this way your churlishishish cowards!

Sorry folks, had a stomach bug! I'll move, then you can move, then I'll shoot and so on!

The vesk ship shoots straight forward, as good honorable sorts ought to!

Your go!

Stiehle steers the ship slightly to port, zipping past one of the dangerous asteroids before slewing the nimble Butterball back to starboard, bringing the enemy ship into the forward quadrant. "Let's do this! Now that we're a bit closer, things could get interesting in the next few moments!" The pilot comes out of the last maneuver a bit unsteady, and curses softly to himself as he uses a few precious seconds trying to steady the ship, making them a better target than he would have liked...

Evade 'Stunt' DRR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 vs DC 14 = Failure! What a sad, sad roll...

As Buff-Bot scanned the enemy with a result of 27, could we get those results? Didn't really matter much for positioning this round, as I couldn't quite get us out of their forward arc, but for future rounds that information could come in quite handy. Thanks! By the way, I moved a total of 12 squares, given the +2 I got from Raatchet's effort, but my Evade stunt was obviously an abject failure.

Ah, yes. Sorry, missed that in the catch-up!

Medium transport
Speed 8; Maneuverability average (turn 2); Drift 1
AC 14; TL 14
HP 70; DT —; CT 14
Shields basic 40 (forward 10, port 10, starboard 10, aft 10)
Attack (Forward) flak thrower (3d4)
Attack (Aft) gyrolaser (1d8)
Attack (Turret) light laser cannon (2d4), light laser cannon (2d4)
Power Core Arcus Heavy (130 PCU); Crew complement 6

Thanks, GM! I've put those stats on the battle map for future reference. So it sounds like we want to harry his flanks if we can, depending on where he ramps up his shields, as he has no additional guns on the port and starboard arcs. Looking again at the map, I think I managed to get us out of his forward arc and into his starboard arc, so we're in a good position I think. Thanks Raatchet, that 2 extra speed did the trick, I think!

Since his turret weapons are the only ones that can fire, he does so!
Turret Light Laser Cannon, 2nd range increment: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 2 = 17 for 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 damage andTurret Light Laser Cannon, 2nd range increment: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 2 = 15 for 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 damage!

Grinder fires! Even with the -2 for range, he hits both times! Six points of damage get past the shields, and a crit is scored! Crit system affected: 1d100 ⇒ 59 Weapons! 1d4 ⇒ 4 His Port weapons, including his turret, are Glitching (-2)!

ROUND 2: Engineering, Science and Piloting Phase!

Engineer (patch weapons, DC 13): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 FAIL.
Sciene Officer (rebalance shields, DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 SUCCESS
Piloting check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Your turn!

"CAPTAIN, OUR FORE SHIELDS ARE DOWN AND WE HAVE SUSTAINED MINIMAL HULL DAMAGE. WHILE PRUDENCE DICTATES THAT I SHOULD ATTEMPT TO RECTIFY THAT SITUATION, A BOLDER MANEUVER MAY BE IN ORDER. IF WE BRING OUR SIDE WEAPONRY TO BEAR AGAINST THEIR FLANK, I CAN ATTEMPT TO LOCK ONTO THEIR PROPULSION SYSTEM. IF WE ARE ABLE TO COMPROMISE THEIR MANEUVERABILITY WE CAN PREVENT THEM FROM BRINGING THEIR STRONGEST WEAPONS TO BEAR. IF SUCH A MANEUVER WORKS, WE MAY BE ABLE TO EVEN SECURE VICTORY WITHOUT ONCE STRIKING THEIR AFT, WHICH MAY ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE MORE AMENABLE TO COOPERATION FOLLOWING THIS DUEL."

If we do well on the piloting check, I think taking a risk and going broadside to broadside may be worthwhile. Presenting our sides to them will let us go another round without worrying about shields.

Delea smiles at Max, and speaks telepathically to the whole group, I agree with your bolder idea, Max. If no one disagrees, please make that happen.

Delea also whispers words of encouragement to Stiehle.
dipl.: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Thee sheeelds kinna taake such a powndin cap-tin!

Raatchet clears his throat *AHEM!!*

Bah! Voice was comin out all weird there for a sec. Max, would you like more power for your targeting attempt? If not, I'll work on restoring fore shields!

"PRUDENCE WOULD SUGGEST THAT RESTORING SHIELDS IS A SAFER OPTION. HIGHER RISK OPTION WOULD BE TO ROUTE TO MANEUVERABILITY. HIGHEST RISK OPTION WOULD BE TO ENHANCE FIREPOWER. I WILL TRUST YOUR JUDGEMENT IN THIS MATTER."

Shields is probably the best idea.

Spending 1 resolve to lock on to their thrusters.
Computers to Lock On: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18

Stiehle grins and shouts into his comm link. "Nice shooting, Grinder! I'll see if I can hide that obnoxious sugar-coated album from Raatchet on your behalf! And let me get in a bit closer for your next shot!" The brash pilot accelerates the ship again, looking to maneuver around to the far side of the vesk ship.

Piloting (Initiative) Check DRR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 vs Bad Guys' 8 = Success!

"An old-fashioned broadside eh, Max Headroom? All right, shouldn't be a problem. Never mind the shields Raatchet, I'll show 'em our starboard side and see if I can't give 'em a tougher shot besides. Give me more speed or give Max there a better chance to target their propulsion." True to his words, Stiehle maneuvers The Butterball with ease, looking to give Grinder the perfect shot...

Piloting (Stunt - Evade) Check DRR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 vs DC 14 = Success! [+2 to AC and TL]

That idea sounds good to me! Speed of 12 would be nice, but I think I can get the job with 10 just as well if you want to give Max (or Grinder) the boost. Totally up to you!

Nice Pilot roll. If we can nail his port side again he'll be in for a nice batch of critical thresholds.

I hear ya, steel duck wings!!! Pour some star sugar heartlove on it! SPEEEED!!! WOOOOO!!!

Engineering, Divert to Engines, DC 13: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Success. +2 speed to Stiehle

I have moved the Honorbound! Your move.

Stiehle engages the thrusters and skates close to the dangerous asteroids, banking to the starboard and then steering away, bringing the enemy vessel into the starboard arc of The Butterball. "Fire away!" He calls out, maneuvering to evade any enemy fire.

Movement complete, I do believe we are square in each others' starboard arcs at Short range. Let the broadside begin! We are at +2 to AC and TL for this round.

Looks right to me!

The Honorbound's turrets bark!
Turret light laser cannon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 for 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 damage!
Turret light laser cannon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 for 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 damage!

Your go!

Grinder grits his teeth.

Let's end thisss

Turret: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 1 = 233d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2) = 11

Turret: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 1 = 233d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 1) = 7

Grinder's shots both hit, knocking down the shields on the starboard side and dealing 11 pts to the hull! Critical Threshold = Automatically Engines because of BuffBot's lock. The Honorbound's engines are GLITCHING (-2).

Round 3:
Engineering (patch engines DC 13): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Science (rebalance shields, DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Pilot: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Your turn!

Grinds, how are you attacking twice with only the -1 penalty? Do you have a class function that applies here?

Both fore and starboard shields are down! I'll work on restoring them but do we want fore, starboard, or both?

Engineering, Divert to Shields, DC 13: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Restores 7 shield points

Oh woops, that should be -3 since I was claiming one of the +1s