Grace Wright |
Grace Wright wrote:"Hello harsh, computer voiceUNNAMED C-DEF OFFICER, returns to normal voiceplease state your name for the log as well as for identification purposes.""I'd assumed that the, er, ship would have been briefed beforehand. No worries, though, we're just going planetside for a little reconnaissance mission. Right everyone?"
Grace gives the squad the thumbs-up sign.
"Sergeant Grace Wright reporting for duty, Mr. Kody."
Who is that masked DM? |
Who is that masked DM? wrote:"Sergeant Grace Wright reporting for duty, Mr. Kody."Grace Wright wrote:"Hello harsh, computer voiceUNNAMED C-DEF OFFICER, returns to normal voiceplease state your name for the log as well as for identification purposes.""I'd assumed that the, er, ship would have been briefed beforehand. No worries, though, we're just going planetside for a little reconnaissance mission. Right everyone?"
Grace gives the squad the thumbs-up sign.
Hello Sergeant switch to Grace's voice Grace Wright. switch back to normal voice. My name is Kody, as I'm sure you already know. Still, I am pleased to meet you."
harsh, computer voiceAccessing file, please wait.
normal voice"Okay! It seems you do have the authority to oversee extravehicular ground operations as a commanding officer of a Relay Inspection Team. Where would you and your team like to go today?"
Hestia Harper |
Hestia opens her eyes and briefly considers giving Grace a grinning double thumbs-up. Then she weights the other woman's scars and the positions of her own teeth, which are currently very much where she likes them, and settles for a businesslike nod. "Ready, Sarge." She yawns and closes her eyes again.
Who is that masked DM? |
"Thank you, Sergeantswitch to Grace's voice Grace Wright. switch back to normal we will be departing in 5 minutes."
There is a rumbling after the requisite time, and the dropship slowly picks up speed before departing the runway. You are in space for a time, and then there is a rumbling as the dropship enters atmosphere. The ride becomes incredibly rocky and then suddenly smooth as things even out. The plunge as the dropship zooms in on the coordinates makes your stomachs go up into your throats, but the landing is quite calm despite it's precarious location- an unhealthy-looking skyscraper a ways away from the Exogeni colony on Feros. There is a hiss as the door goes up, and bright sunshine makes its way into the passenger compartment. You are apparently meant to explore the ancient alien building, its windows coated in a layer of silt from the dust storms that occasionally make their way across the planet.
"Everybody out. Worry not, I will be here ready to transport you back to Captain Arpin's voice The Dolphin."
Grace Wright |
Grace dons her helmet, checks her rifle one last time (flipping a switch near the trigger, which causes a blue holo-icon to pop up next to the scope), and addresses the group.
"Right, squad, form up. I'll take point. Dern, fall in behind me and watch our rear. 'Rimas, Harper, take the flanks. Keep sharp-like for anything from scavengers to falling debris, I want everyone to stay safe."
She takes a moment for everyone to acknowledge, then makes an open-handed cutting motion.
"Right? Let's move out."
Grace activates DISRUPTOR AMMO. MARKSMAN is always active while her rifle is readied.
Hestia Harper |
Did we land atop the skyscraper or are we ascending from the bottom entry points?
Like a seasoned traveler, Hestia apparently knows just when to unbuckle, rise, and deploy to maximize nap time and minimize her ready time. As Grace gives the orders and preps her rifle, Hestia nods, draws her pistol, and glides smoothly into the left flank position just in time to move out at Grace's hand signal.
There may be more, but I'm reading up on kinetic shields and barrier to try to figure out how to work them. :( Alertness is +2 (passive).
Who is that masked DM? |
The ancient skyscraper beckons each of you in its own way. For most of you it is simply a yawning, forbidding structure, mysterious for its age, remote location, and the mission you have been given to explore it. However, for one of you...
Hestia Harper |
Hestia finds herself humming Zhou Long's threnody in memory of the Guanghui mining disaster, from when Feynman's moons were just starting to be developed, while her sharp eyes survey the building. Surely everyone else sees it? As the squad approaches the structure in silence, Hestia overcomes her fear of stating the obvious and murmurs quietly to Grace.
"You see it, right Sarge? The building didn't die all at once. Somebody used part of it while the rest was let go. The damage and dust isn't uniform." She shrugs. "Not sure when it was last occupied, though."
Who is that masked DM? |
The Sergeant gives a noncommittal grunt as she surveys the area. She gives the handsign to move forward- slowly- testing the weight of each step as she glides from foot to foot. Before long you find yourselves inside the structure, and the light becomes significantly dimmer, but it isn't impossible to see.
With the warning from the team biotic, it seems obvious that someone has been here. Nothing so blatant as footprints through a dusty floor, but there are signs of ancient- and likely worthless, considering how often this planet has been picked over by treasure seekers- furniture being moved around without much subtlety at one point in time. The area that has been cleared out creates a path that leads straight into the back, and a gentle slope indicates that you would be going down. However, you will also need a source of light, as the path fades to black.
Hestia Harper |
"Out of curiosity, Dern, can you see in the dark?" Hestia wonders aloud, but softly, as she looks down into the blackness. After a brief hesitation, she continues, "And is it true you used to eat flies?"
Zinnius Dern |
"I cannot see in the dark, alas," Dern replies matter-of-factly as he powers up the light on his omnitool. "As for flies, what a curious question. I understand human children eat sugary snacks made out of wax and processed meat products that are mostly wood pulp. We all have our comfort foods at that age."
Hestia Harper |
"Sooo... yes, then." Hestia pulls out a flashlight and shines it down into the darkness. "Hey, no need to be defensive. Everybody has their little quirks. You guys must have great digestive or immune systems to avoid the diseases those things carry. So, you know, that's something."
Who is that masked DM? |
The light reveals more evidence of this structure being occupied- varren scat, most of it old and crumbling, can be found here. But some of it is fresh. Varren can eat just about anything, so it goes that someone is keeping them fed around here. Or..something...
The sergeant notes this to everyone, pointing out how dangerous the pack animals can be in tight quarters.
Who is that masked DM? |
The team moves forward a bit and the light slowly reveals a short staircase that leads to a good sized landing, indicating that this building probably has not just one but several basements and sub levels. The scent of varren dander is strong here, almost overpowering.
one more perception check for the road, the things should get adequately hairy
Hestia Harper |
Hestia squints at the pack, grimaces, and shakes her head silently in the negative. She leans in to breathe in Grace's ear, "No, but I may be able make one turn on its fellows. Keep two tied up at least and sow confusion?" She gives the commander a questioning look.
GM: Are the varren within Range 2?
Who is that masked DM? |
Hestia squints at the pack, grimaces, and shakes her head silently in the negative. She leans in to breathe in Grace's ear, "No, but I may be able make one turn on its fellows. Keep two tied up at least and sow confusion?" She gives the commander a questioning look.
GM: Are the varren within Range 2?
yes, they are
Zinnius Dern |
Quietly, Dern taps on his omnitool and a protective field materializes around him, preparing him for the coming confrontation.
Activating tech armor. Systems: 4d3 - 8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 2, 3, 1) - 8 + 5 = 5
Dern has +2 armor, but recharge times are increased by 1, until such time as he chooses to detonate.
It gets a free invoke (per the description). Invoking MERCURIAL ARMOR for +1 armor and +1 detonation damage when the time comes. Armor bonus +3 for total armor 4.
GM can invoke compel if he wishes, such as the one associated with mercurial armor (spend supplemental action every exchange to maintain) or any other. Or none.
Grace Wright |
Hestia squints at the pack, grimaces, and shakes her head silently in the negative. She leans in to breathe in Grace's ear, "No, but I may be able make one turn on its fellows. Keep two tied up at least and sow confusion?" She gives the commander a questioning look.
After a brief moment, Grace nods, then whispers to the rest of the squad.
"Right, keep quiet and be ready to engage if they decide to charge up the stairs."
Quietly, she activates her targeting visor and and draws a bead on the biggest varren.
Invokes IN MY SIGHTS on the most dangerous target
Hestia Harper |
Wait, I can do both? Ah, I see. Duration scene, and it's not ended by another biotic use. It does reduce biotics rolls by one, but that's probably worth it.
Flexible Barrier: 4d3 - 8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 1) - 8 + 5 = 5
Effect: everone without tech armor within one range of Hestia gets a strength 2 (5/3 rounded up) barrier atop their kinetic shields.
Hestia's eyes unfocus slightly and a blue glow shimmers around her, drifting to encase Grace and Gir.
EDIT: To fix barrier strength. Thanks, CH.
Who is that masked DM? |
Quietly, Dern taps on his omnitool and a protective field materializes around him, preparing him for the coming confrontation.
Activating tech armor. [dice=Systems]4d3-8+5
Dern has +2 armor, but recharge times are increased by 1, until such time as he chooses to detonate.
It gets a free invoke (per the description). Invoking MERCURIAL ARMOR for +1 armor and +1 detonation damage when the time comes. Armor bonus +3 for total armor 4.
GM can invoke compel if he wishes, such as the one associated with mercurial armor (spend supplemental action every exchange to maintain) or any other. Or none.
No need for that (invoking compel) yet as these are meant to be mooks and an intro to combat.
Who is that masked DM? |
Hestia Harper wrote:Hestia squints at the pack, grimaces, and shakes her head silently in the negative. She leans in to breathe in Grace's ear, "No, but I may be able make one turn on its fellows. Keep two tied up at least and sow confusion?" She gives the commander a questioning look.After a brief moment, Grace nods, then whispers to the rest of the squad.
"Right, keep quiet and be ready to engage if they decide to charge up the stairs."
Quietly, she activates her targeting visor and and draws a bead on the biggest varren.
Invokes IN MY SIGHTS on the most dangerous target
there seems to be an alpha down there, his belly large and glistening despite the sleek muscles in its four legs
Hestia Harper |
Dominate vs +2 difficulty: 4d3 - 8 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 1) - 8 + 5 - 1 = 1
No dice - literally.
As everyone nods their readiness, Hestia focuses on the alpha, lips parting as she seems to breathe power at the thing. Only... it doesn't happen. Just like when she woke up and tried to move the bracket in that damned bunker. Again?! Her cheeks flame red with anger and embarrassment while she prepares to meet the wrath of the disgusting beasts.
Gir'Rimas nar Mesa |
Entering the depths: Alertness: 4d3 + 1 - 8 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 1) + 1 - 8 = 2
Sorry for the major delay in posting, but always feel free to keep things moving as necessary. :)
In case of traps: Security: 4d3 + 4 - 8 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 1) + 4 - 8 = 5
Using the Tripwire Sensibilities skill stunt to replace Perception/Awareness for Security, when it comes to traps.
Gir was quiet from the moment they reached the dropship, though whether due to nerves or part of his "game face" was hard to tell. Upon landing, he fell into formation with the others, but also began scanning the area for any energy or communications signals which may have been obscured from orbit.
Systems: 4d3 + 4 + 1 - 8 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 2) + 4 + 1 - 8 = 8
Using Systems to make an Assessment, per page 94.
When they find the varren, Gir tries to make himself as unnoticeable as possible, before readying his rifle and lining up a target.
Stealth: 4d3 + 2 + 2 - 8 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 1) + 2 + 2 - 8 = 3
Activating/invoking the Camouflage aspect of my armour for a +2 bonus to Stealth.
Who is that masked DM? |
** spoiler omitted **
Gir was quiet from the moment they reached the dropship, though whether due to nerves or part of his "game face" was hard to tell. Upon landing, he fell into formation with the others, but also began scanning the area for any energy or communications signals which may have been obscured from orbit.
[DICE=Systems]4d3+4+1-8
Using Systems to make an Assessment, per page 94.
When they find the varren, Gir tries to make himself as unnoticeable as possible, before readying his rifle and lining up a target.
[DICE=Stealth]4d3+2+2-8
Activating/invoking the Camouflage aspect of my armour for a +2 bonus to Stealth.
Is this an active assessment or a passive assessment?
Gir'Rimas nar Mesa |
Gir'Rimas nar Mesa wrote:Is this an active assessment or a passive assessment?** spoiler omitted **
Gir was quiet from the moment they reached the dropship, though whether due to nerves or part of his "game face" was hard to tell. Upon landing, he fell into formation with the others, but also began scanning the area for any energy or communications signals which may have been obscured from orbit.
[DICE=Systems]4d3+4+1-8
Using Systems to make an Assessment, per page 94.
When they find the varren, Gir tries to make himself as unnoticeable as possible, before readying his rifle and lining up a target.
[DICE=Stealth]4d3+2+2-8
Activating/invoking the Camouflage aspect of my armour for a +2 bonus to Stealth.
Gonna go with active. If something is hidden, he's not gonna pick it up with just passive scanning.
Who is that masked DM? |
Who is that masked DM? wrote:Gonna go with active. If something is hidden, he's not gonna pick it up with just passive scanning.Gir'Rimas nar Mesa wrote:Is this an active assessment or a passive assessment?** spoiler omitted **
Gir was quiet from the moment they reached the dropship, though whether due to nerves or part of his "game face" was hard to tell. Upon landing, he fell into formation with the others, but also began scanning the area for any energy or communications signals which may have been obscured from orbit.
[DICE=Systems]4d3+4+1-8
Using Systems to make an Assessment, per page 94.
When they find the varren, Gir tries to make himself as unnoticeable as possible, before readying his rifle and lining up a target.
[DICE=Stealth]4d3+2+2-8
Activating/invoking the Camouflage aspect of my armour for a +2 bonus to Stealth.
in that case you know that there are actually 8 varren down there, along with...something else you can't quite identity. It seems like a haze hanging over the area that only appears on your sensors, not in the flesh.
Hestia Harper |
If the alpha doesn't seem to sense the failed Dominate, Hestia will try it again. If he was annoyed by the first one and gets busy, disregard this.
Dom vs +2: 4d3 - 8 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 1) - 8 + 5 - 1 = 4
Who is that masked DM? |
If the alpha doesn't seem to sense the failed Dominate, Hestia will try it again. If he was annoyed by the first one and gets busy, disregard this.
[dice=Dom vs +2]4d3 - 8 + 5 - 1
If I am reading the initiative rules correctly, I believe Grace goes next, using IN MY SIGHTS on the alpha.