[SFS 1-16] GM Cellion's Dreaming of the Future (Inactive)

Game Master Cellion

The current sweeps you through narrow tunnels, but with Savoy, Weoren and Master Filament guiding and easing you through them, you avoid any serious injury.

After minutes of tumbling about, the current jets you out in a far larger pool, practically an ocean of liquid methane. You quickly realize that this must be the core of the moon. In the distance ahead, you spot a dim purple glow, and with that as the only thing to orient yourself by, you start to swim towards it.

(This final approach is simply a slow, steady swim through the intervening distance. Thanks to your successes against the previous obstacles, you're all still in good shape. Please make an athletics check, with an additional +4 bonus due to being invigorated by your successes so far. Unlike the previous checks, each of you have to attempt this athletics check individually. )

Athletics Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Sigh, and no shirt reroll in quest packs.

Antares tries to swim, and though invigorated by their earlier successes, still the physical strain is tough on the android.

Athletics check: 1d20 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (11) - 1 + 4 = 14

Athletics: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 4 = 24

With a smile of delight on her face, Xenal smashes through the currents in an exhilarating display of physicality.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 4 = 15

Master Filament swims.

Athletics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Savoy just lets the current take him where it will....

That's awfully unlucky. I'll bot Breq to keep us going.
Breq Athletics: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 4 = 30

The dim purple glow grows larger with agonizing slowness. Either you're making incredibly slow progress through the light fluid, or it's far further away than you expected. Either way, its over an hour later when you finally arrive. Up close, you see that the purple glow belongs to a massive structure covered in glowing purple runes. It has a roughly spherical shape, but with peaks and protrusions with hard edges that give off a manufactured vibe. A cleft in one side of it appears to provide an entrance, so you make your way in.

(Due to the long and strenuous swim, Weoren, Antares-1, Master Filament, and Savoy are fatigued)

Inside the shell, floating at what must be the center of the moon, stands a sprawling sandstone mausoleum, its architecture reminiscent of ancient "gothic" styles. Its surfaces show obvious signs of erosion. Strange semi-fluorescent plant life has started to grow in patches along its exterior, and from the light peeking through the windows, inside as well. The gaping entrance to the structure is rimmed in purple runes, and the shimmering surface of the boundary suggests a force-field to keep the liquid out.

You swim your way to the entrance and dive in. As you cross the surface of the forcefield, you drop out of the icy fluid and onto the hard sandstone surface of the floor. Somehow, inside this building in the center of the moon, the gravity is approximately Pact Worlds standard!

----

(Map revealed)

Once all of you are inside, you reorient yourselves. The fluid you entered from appears now to be a pool set into the floor. You ascend up a short flight of stairs and look out to the west, where shimmering runes create a more powerful force-field behind a massive chasm in the ground. (The force-fielded boundary is shown with purple lines on the map)

More runes dot the walls of the narrow passageway leading northwest, though these do not correspond to any obvious force-fields.

(The gravity inside this building is considered normal, and the lighting is dim unless you have your own light sources. There is air inside, but it is exceedingly cold, so you'll need to keep your environmental protections engaged.)

"That ordeal was quite draining." the elderly Master Filament notes. "Do you think, perhaps, we have time for some prolonged sleep or rest? After all, if we are chasing a Somnium Bubble or some other item related to Dreamers, would it not be appropriate to spend some time dreaming?"

The ysoki's eyes close for a moment. Then, his chin begins to sink towards his chest.

Opening one eye, as his head descends, Master Filament remarks, "I consider it... research."

I don't recall a time limit on the mission and there is no indication that we tipped anyone else off to our presence. Any reason not to take an 8 hour rest to address the fatigue.

Breq looks at Filament with a frown. "I'm not sure everyone has armor advanced enough to make it longer than a day down here. I'd hate for anyone to wake up breathing methane."

Culture: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

You can indeed rest if you want, in order to recover from fatigue. But as Breq points out, people with 1st level armor have 24 hours of environmental seal uptime, so you run a real risk if there's a task here that takes multiple hours, or if it takes longer to get out than it took to get in (it took 2 hours roughly to get to the moon's center).

Master Filament checks the status of the suit he is wearing, which Venture-Captain had provided.

How long do the suits provided by the VC last? If there is less than 18 hours of life-support left, then Filament agrees to press on.
Otherwise, he votes to rest. However, he will follow the majority vote.

Culture: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Xenal looks a bit uneasy at Master Filament's suggestion. "The fields here show that someone else has taken up residency. It might be better if the element of surprise were with us."

The additional suits from the VC were a bit of a flavor to emphasize just how absurdly frigid the moon is. The actual limit is based on your armor environmental seal limit. You have about 22 hours of life support left.

Master Filament has no armor. I looked up space suits. CRB, pg. 231. Good news: they provide 24 hours of environmental protection-same as armor. Bad news: if the suit takes any damage, Filament likely only has 1d6 hours to make it back to ship to avoid death (but gets a Reflex save). Knowing this, he would prefer a rest, but again, I will defer to majority.

Savoy collapses exhausted on the floor after his enervating swim.

Breq shrugs. "Fine with me. I'll take first watch."

With two in favor, I think we'll assume you guys took an 8 hour rest to recover.

The sandstone mausoleum is silent as you settle down to rest and relax. Breq keeps an eye out for any dangers (as does anyone else who takes watch) but other than the softly oscillating glow of the runes and the force field, nothing seems to move or change out in the mausoleum. Your sleep is uninterrupted. Eight hours later, you pick your equipment back up and are ready to proceed!

The aforementioned party members are no longer fatigued.

Antares has no objection to a rest, as she has little to worry about in any case, being an android. When the group is ready to proceed, she draws her pistol in case it is needed, and is watchful for danger. The warning of a 'shadow' resonates in her mind.

After his rest, Master Filament rises to his feet. He checks the seals on his space suit, then to announces, "Thank you for the rest. I am, now, ready to proceed."

Moving ahead of the others, the ysoki approaches what appears to be a portal or door of some kind. He examines it for potential traps or other hazards.

Updated position on map.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"It appears safe to enter.", he declares.

Breq takes the lead, keeping a keen eye out for any traps or poor architecture. If this was meant for floating beings, the floor might not be to stable.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Xenal keeps an eye out as a matter of good manners, but she doesn't expect to be the first to spot anything.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Savoy notes everyone looking around and stuff and silently joins in

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

The party pushes forward, with Breq and Master Filament taking the lead. While the two of them are normally quite perceptive, neither them, nor any of the rest of the party members, realize that the scattered runes around the passage to the north west form a dangerous mystical array.

Master Filament, by chance, evades the focus of the rune array by staying close to the force fields further west, but Breq ends up stepping right underneath them and triggering the trap! A pair of violet magic missiles streak out from the runes and pummel the lawyer. (Dealing 9 points of force damage) The locations where they strike begin to vibrate in a distinctly unpleasant fashion.

FORT Breq: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Breq feels the vibration roll through her body, introducing shakes that leave her sickened for a brief while. (Only 1 minute, which I'll assume you guys wait out.)

While Breq suffers, the rest of you notice that the runes that launched the magic missile have become dim, but are slowly regaining their brightness. (Mysticism to disable. Now that it has activated once, you can tell that the trap encompasses the area is shown in red on the map.)

----

However you choose to deal with the trap, you proceed northwards. The large northern chamber has not escaped the ravages of time. There are holes in the walls that likely once held doors, and the sandstone tiles on the floor are dirty and cracked in places. Softly glowing purple runes cover the interior walls of the chamber, encircling a round altar covered in more runes in the center of the space. (Altar is the dark grey circle, outlined in dashed purple)

As Master Filament and Breq step into the chamber, shadows swirl from the corners of the room and coalesce into a shape standing on the altar: an ebony dragon with red frills. Its body ripples with smoky shadows as it draws itself up to a noble height. (See last slide for an awesome picture!)

With a voice like rocks scraping together, it speaks. "I am Kanavu, guardian and protector of Preahan. Who dares to break the sanctity of this holy resting place?"

"OW!Ooh... I don't feel so good..." Breq sits down, sprawled out a little on the sand floor. "Oof. Give me a minute, folks, this is not pleasant on my circuits." After a minute she stands back up and looks at the trap.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Yepp, no clue. Let's just run through it really fast!"

---

At the sight of the guardian, Breq bows slightly. "Hello, sir. We come in the deepest of respect. We are here to aid the Dreamers."

Mysticism re Kanavu: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Having some familiarity with the creatures, the dragon-blooded Master Filament considers the guardian.

Theme Knowledge-Dragonblood: When attempting a Mysticism check to recall knowledge about dragons' ways, abilities, names or general personal details about dragons adults or older, reduce the DC by 5.

Mysticism Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 to disable rune traps

Antares has a bit of difficulty tapping into the energy that surrounds the runes, but hopefully it's enough to disable them.

Once they move into the chamber, the android stares in awe at the coalescing form of the shadow dragon. Antares has heard of such creatures in the tales of legend, but never has she seen one up close. Is it real? Or a projection of some kind?

Mysticism Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 to recall/learn any facts about the shadow dragon

"I am Antares."The android speaks finally, her mouth oddly dry. Why is that? "We are seeking something called a Somnium Bubble? Have you heard of such?" Speaking of the magical bubble causes a thought to flicker across her mind, recalling something that Arvin said. Could this be a dream? Hadn't he said that the Somnium Bubble induced dreams even in those that are awake? On impulse, she utilizes the energy around her to share a link between her mind and the dragon creature. "Are you real?" She asks simply.

Will cast Telepathic Message to see if maybe she might determine whether this is a living creature or a dream perhaps?

Earlier, Breq has trouble with the runes until Antares steps over and scrubs a few key symbols out. (The trap is disabled)

---

The dragon turns a swirling eye to regard your group, growling "I sense truth in your words little ones. To have braved the hostile landscape of Preahan shows your determination and commitment to your cause. How do you seek to aid the Dreamers whose tomb I've sworn to protect?"

At Antares' additions, Kanavu's eyes glitter briefly before it rumbles "Then you come seeking a sacred remnant of Dreamers past. I cannot allow you to pass unless you bear undeniable proof that you come with the blessing of a living Dreamer."

Antares' mental projection is answered with a resounding 'Of course, do you doubt?'

"Spread out." Master Filament mutters to Breq and Savoy as he steps away from them.

Then, speaking up, he directs his words at Kavanu. "This place is sacred to the Liavaran Dreamers," the elderly ysoki declares.

I think we have to be in rounds for Filament's solarian armor to manifest, but if not, he will do so now.

"How is it, then, that a hunter of positive dreams and propagator of nightmares such as yourself has come to be appointed guardian of a bastion of your natural enemies?" Master Filament inquires, his tone more that of a challenge than a question.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Savoy telepathically gives a nod to Master Filament indicating he heard and then contacts Breq
"I'm a bit backed up in a corner here, if we are to split up you need to move the other way"
as he takes one step back toward the cavern wall

'You want to know if we bear undeniable proof that we come with the blessing of a living Dreamer? Are it's words enough?"

Savoy recites
"The herdsman sails on
The price you seek inside
A shadow awaits"

Diplomacy in case it's needed: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 11 + (4) = 19

Antares nods at the mental rebuke. "No longer, Mighty Kanavu." She listens to Savoy's words, and then nods, wondering if it will be enough to satisfy this terrible guardian. Seeing Master Filament moving and challenging the dragon, she wonders if the ysoki has sensed something amiss. The technomancer is ready to attack, should it come to it - but she sincerely hopes it does not...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 4 + (1) = 23

Xenal doesn't know much about dragons, but Master Filament's unease is enough for the dragon to draw her scrutiny, and for her to ready her pike.

Breq takes two steps to the side, getting closer to the "guardian" as the others talk.

Master Filament sees through the creature's deception immediately. As soon as he lays down his accusation, the dragon drops every pretense of nobility. Its shadowy trails flare out in all directions, sweeping towards the edges of the chamber, and its eyes and mouth begin to flicker with green light.

Dark thoughts swirl outwards from it, unknowable shapes and foul acts, probing at the edges of your waking minds. And brought together with them, four whispered words.

Thanks to Master Filament's warning, the party isn't caught off guard by this sudden aggression. In fact, they're quick to act first!

|||| INITIATIVE ||||
Weoren
Xenal
Savoy
Breq (-9 SP)
Master Filament
Kanavu
Antares

Master Filament closes his eyes for a moment and concentrates.
Photon 1

With a thought, a glow seems to emanate from within the ysoki solarian as a gleaming armor forms around him. Master Filament declares declaring, "You shall defile this sacred place no longer! It is time for the nightmare to end!"

He then rushes and tumbles in an effort to try and get closer to the creature while avoiding its claws.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

'Oh hey, I wonder what's in that spoiler - WHAT THE S%~#!

Xenal's eyes gleam with suppressed fear and heedless joy as she launches herself into the fray.

Pike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Piercing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Coordinated Assault is active

Wow, you have to let us know how you did that. So cool.

Breq steps up to the dragon, drawing a knife as she goes. "No more nightmares! " She swings up at the dragon!

Survival Knife, vs KAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Trick Attack (DC 20+CR): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Knife dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Trick dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Savoy pulls out his azumith laser pistol and takes a shot at what clearly now isn't friendly any longer and deserves a laser to the face

to hit EAC: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 1 = 14
F damage if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Botting Weoren this round. Also, Breq, the dragon is only a large creature (despite the dais it's standing on), so you have to move in closer to strike it with a knife in melee. I've moved you up one square to reflect that.

Weoren enters the room, tosses his starknife at the dragon, and then quickly recalls it back to his hand.
Thrown Starknife: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Starknife damage (P): 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
He finds his starknife sailing through Kanavu's smoky trails and into the wall behind it.

Master Filament easily approaches the creature and forms his armor around the spacesuit he's wearing. Xenal and Breq rush in as well, each landing accurate attacks with their pike and knife respectively. Savoy opens fire at a distance, sending a laser beam deep into the swirling shadows. A glow within reveals the laser striking true against *some* sort of flesh within.

The nightmare dragon Kanavu lets out a terrible psychic howl as it lunges out with its maw! (Frightful presence activates vs. all of you (including Antares). DC12 Will save or shaken for 1d4 ⇒ 1 round. This is mind-affecting and sense dependent.)

It bites out ferociously at the two most deadly assailants in front of it. One bite of its maw clamps down on Breq, shadowy teeth piercing through her armor. As the teeth sink into her flesh, her vision is briefly overloaded with nightmarish imagery. (Dealing 10 points of piercing damage. Also, please make another DC12 Will save. If you fail, you're shaken for 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds. This is mind affecting and sense dependent.) The second bite is towards Xenal, but she manages to block the open maw with her pike at the last moment!

|||| INITIATIVE ||||
Weoren
Xenal
Savoy
Breq (-14 SP, -5 HP)
Master Filament
Kanavu (-13 HP)
Antares

Everyone up. Don't forget all your will saves!

Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Eep

Weoren throws his starknife again.

Attack with Returning Starknife: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

That's a likely miss

Will (vs. Fear, vs. Fear): 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 26 +1 more if it's Extra-Pact Worlds

"The Spirit of Golarion guides our blades! Go back to your gloom!"
Pike (Get 'Em): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
Piercing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Coordinated Assault and Get 'Em up (So an extra +2 for anyone shooting at this thing!)

Oh! And heads up! Xenal grants a +1 morale bonus to saves vs. fear to allies adjacent to her. (+2 if this thing counts as originating outside the Pact Worlds)

For the sake of Xenal's bonuses, this creature counts as originating from outside the Pact Worlds.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Wow, thank goodness.

Breq pushes the darkness out of her mind. Blue juices leak from her body but she pushes on! She spins, dual knives flashing in the light of her suit. One lands, striking the beast!

Knife Full Attack, vs KAC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Knife Full Attack, vs KAC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Knife dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Knife dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Will save: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Over one by a wave of fear, Master Filament tries to fight on.
Melee (Pike, tactical), shaken w/flank: 1d20 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 2 + 2 = 8

Hey guys, Coordinated Assault only gives a +1 to hit for ranged fighters, but Get 'Em gives a +1 to hit for everyone :)

Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Though awed by the dragon, Antares is able to shake off any fear she might feel and sends a barrage of energy bolts at the creature!

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) + 3 = 15

Full round action to cast Magic Missile (3 missiles)

Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"Don't worry Breq..we got this! It's only a matter of moments before we get out of here and you can get a relaxing deep tissue massage ...and some bandages..

Using inspiring boost on Breq who recovers 6 stamina

Master Filament and Weoren succumb briefly to the erratic nightmarish whispers, their attacks driven far off course by the shaking the seizes their arms. Both of them manage to push through the momentary wave of fear after a few moments.

Xenal thrusts a pike at the dragon, but the creature simply swirls away from her attack. Breq manages to lands a shallow slash with one of her knives. Antares, on the other hand, sends a super-charged set of three magic missiles at the creature, pummeling it back! (That's the first max damage magic missile I've seen in Starfinder, and my -701 is a technomancer! Very jealous :>)

Kanavu lets out another psychic bellow as it attacks (Frightful presence activates vs. only Master Filament and Weoren, as everyone else saved. DC12 Will save or shaken for 1d4 ⇒ 1 round. This is mind-affecting and sense dependent.). Out loud, its voice grinds ominously. "The nightmare will seize this place. Give in, and your deaths with be quick!"

Its maw snaps at Breq and Master Filament. While Breq manages to dodge out of the way, Master Filament isn't quite so lucky. (Master Filament takes 12 points of piercing damage. Also, please make another DC12 Will save. If you fail, you're shaken for 1d4 ⇒ 1 round. If you failed the earlier save, you are instead frightened for the same amount of time. This is mind affecting and sense dependent.)

|||| INITIATIVE ||||
Weoren
Xenal
Savoy
Breq (-8 SP, -5 HP)
Master Filament (-7 SP, -5 HP)
Kanavu (-30 HP)
Antares

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The combined effect of the wounds and the whispers are too great for the elderly ysoki. "The nightmare creature has targeted me, and me alone, for destruction--angered by my having exposed it!" Master Filament cries as he attempts to flee. Double move; which I believe provokes an AoO from the dragon.

Oh, yeah. The space suit issue...
Reflex save (DC 12): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

As he runs, Master Filament looks down to see where the creature had torn into him and glances at his space suit. Fortunately, for him, the self-sealing mechanisms of the suit were already activating.

If the AoO hits, then I believe a second save will be required. *Gulp*

@Master Filament: You may not necessarily be frightened and need to flee. You have two will saves this round. One vs. the reapplication of the frightful presence aura (which reapplies shaken) and one vs. the bite. (which would make you frightened)

Its only if you fail the second save that you'll be frightened and need to flee. Go ahead and roll the second will save.