GM Fireclaw's SFS PBP 01-10 The Half-Alive Streets (Inactive)

Game Master FireclawDrake

Tanit and Hermot are talking with the Starfinders in the common-room, allowing Maija the peace and quiet necessary for her recovery.

Tanit speaks as the Starfinders begin asking questions about the medical procedure: "A family acquiantance set the appointment up for us, said he was working with a clinic with a new technique and Maija's surgery wouldn't be obvious to others. I went with her when she got it done. There was a pair of Shirren at the Renew-You clinic, though they didn't seem very talkative. Barely even saw the surgeon, but I know she was using magic of some sort to manipulate her tools. I didn't think much of it though."

If questioned about the nature of the magic used, it becomes clear it was psychokinetic hand or a similar effect.

Hermot interjects at this point with a frown: "This acquiantance, his name is Shenge. Kinda a shifty type but he always supports the local halfling community. He lives down in Lodging Camp 66, though I'm not sure of the exact address. You don't think he's... part of this, do you?"

Hermot shakes his head in dismay as he turns away from the group, and walks towards a nearby closet.

"Listen, Starfinders, it's not much, but you saved my wife. I have a few trinkets I want you to have." He says loudly from where he's digging things out of the closet.

When he returns, he is holding a pair of boots, what appears to be a weapon fusion, and a bright gemstone.

The gemstone is just credits, but the boots are Falcon Boots and the weapon fusion is a merciful fusion. Falcon Boots are a magic item which, as a move action, can change your personal gravity to any surface you are adjacent to, effectively giving you a climb speed equal to your land speed.

Yikes! All halflings should be so poor.

Burnham shrugs and takes another look out the window at Padme, still on her post at the cafe. He can't help letting his eyes drift south to see if she's showing some leg.

"Well, I suppose we should go ask him some questions. Thank you for your time and your generosity; we didn't do this with a reward in mind." Xelem bows, in the Kasatha fashion, before addressing his companions mentally, one at a time. "Let's go, before something happens to our only lead. I'll let Padme' know of what happened here mentally, if and when I see her."

"She's right outside. I'm sure she'll fall in behind us to watch our back when we leave."

When her companions finally exit the halflings apartment Padme’ rushes over to join them. After being updated on all that transpired, Padme’ once again joins her companions. Well let’s go pay a visit to this Shenge shall we?

"Could be a front, I s'pose," Ivan responds doubtfully when Shenge's character is brought into question. "We'll see, hopefully it's jus' a misunderstanding on his part. Worry not, this'll be in our capable hands."

The halflings bid the Starfinders farewell, Senndi especially runs up and hugs the legs of each Starfinder in turn, thanking them over and over for saving his mom.

Lodging Camp 66 is one of many so called lodging camps on Absalom Station. Low-income housing for those who can't afford standard housing. It's about a half-hour from the halfling's apartment, and several levels below the main level. Forums on the infosphere talk in high-strung terms about high crime rates in the Lodging Camps and why station security doesn't clean the place up a bit.

Foot traffic is low in this neighborhood, and most of the roughly dressed citizens ignore newcomers and expect to be ignored in return. Short halls connect several basic square lodging units together in simple patterns, while exterior areas with open tables and chairs act as communal gathering points. Few people walk the dirty streets here, and many of the doors are unnumbered with multiple locks installed.

Unfortunately the halflings were not able to provide you with an exact address, but you can see a shop and a clinic adjacent to the exterior areas. The shop has a beaten up sign that reads "Self-Defense Munitions".

Diplomacy checks to ask around about Shenge? Or you can start trying doors if you want :D

Xelem reaches out to his fellow Starfinders. "Let's stay close to each other this time. Please. I'll talk to the person in the shop." And without another word or thought, he walks into "Self-Defense Munitions".

Inside, he approaches the person behind the counter. "Hey. Looking for a friend. Told me I could get some 'ware on the quick. Short dude, maybe you know him." He looks around, making sure noone is too close before adding, mentally: "His name is Shenge"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Burn keeps his head turning from side to side, watching for any kind of threat from pickpockets to muggers to wild-eyed psycho killers. He keeps quiet, and keeps to the back of the group.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Anybody else want the merciful fusion? Could come in handy on the station.

Could we have gotten a picture or description of Shenge from the gracious halflings before leaving?

"Yes, it is important. Stop what YOU are doing and listen to what WE are saying...please"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 7

The grungy looking dwarf in the gub store gives Xelem the stink eye, but doesn't outright refuse him. "Shenge lives in that buidling there," he points a grimy finger to a nearby complex, "though he don't take kindly to surprise visitors. Now if ya ain't buying get the hells out."

This area contains six single-occupant dwellings crammed. together. Each space is a ten-foot-cube chamber with a single door. Some of the chambers have armored windows, though. each of these is covered by posters or shaded over by crude spray paint. A communal restroom unit is located near the center of the accommodations. The sealed entrance to one of the dwellings bears a battered nameplate that reads “Shenge. No solicitors.” His window is shaded. Even as you approach a foul odor begins to seep into your senses. Worse than the rest of this place.

Dusty's nose furrows from the smell. "Something is off. Let me check the door for traps."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

There is indeed a small pressure plate built into the door handle that would likely trigger some kind of trap.

Engineering (disable pressure plate) or Computers (hack local circuits) check to disarm

Ivan tries not to breathe in as he steps up to the plate. "Torag, take th' wheel," he mutters, fiddling about with some sort of high-tech spanner.

Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Xelem frowns as the smell becomes... Palpable. Almost perhaps physical. "Something's not right. Be on your toes; I think our friend might be dead. Or undead. Either way, I'm pretty sure we're not smelling spoiled food."

He stops for an instant, and two long blades of energy spring into existence from his wrists.

Burnham flattens his back against the wall to the dwarf's left. He drops his reaction cannon to waist level and keeps watch on the party's backs.

"If you get it open, I'll go through first."

sensing the mood of the others Padme' draws her pistol. please do be careful Ivan... Padme' says in a pleading *hiss*.

Ivan has been delicately working for a short while before there is an audible *click* that draws gasps... before it becomes apparent that Ivan succeeded. The door wasn't even locked, Shenge clearly trusting this trap for home security.

The interior of this cramped dwelling reeks of death mixed with all manner of foul odors. Sweat-stained bedsheets lie half-draped on the floor, completely covering a three-foot tall lump on the floor while still clinging to the sides of the bed. A computer terminal and associated desk are bolted to the west wall.

A quick initial search reveals that the lump half-off the bed is the source of the smell. A grungy looking halfling corpse topples out from the sheets when distrubed.

The inside of the room is quite cramped. While you all can fit, you will need to squeeze. It's 10x10 and with the bed and desk, only three of you can reasonably fit.

True to his word, Burnham is first through the door. He swings his gun from right to left across the room, then gingerly approaches the lump on the bed, prods it with the barrel of his cannon.

When Shenge's body drops to the floor, Burn prods it with a heavily booted toe. "It's clear."

Then he kneels down beside the body and looks for signs of cause of death and an estimate of how long the body's been expired.

Medicine: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Medicine, if that's 2 separate checks: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Burnham's quick once-over doesn't give him a cause of death, but he knows that bodies usually need to be dead for a day or two to start stinking.

"I'm not sure about cause of death, but he's been dead a couple days. This can't be coincidence. Looks like someone's trying to cover their trail."

The big soldier steps back outside to make room for more tech savvy team members.

The arcanist waits impatiently. Arms crossed across his chest as he sighs and taps his foot. When finally allowed to enter the dwelling, he takes a look around.

Perception {outside}: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Perception {inside}: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Medicine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 To determine cause of death and see if there is any sign of the nanites or whatever was causing possible reanimation.

Xelem's blades dematerialise, motes of solar energy blowing in an inexistant wind. "I'll take a look inside. Padme', cover our backs please."

Going in, he takes a look through the halfling's belongings, badly suppressing the urge to vomit from the now-potent smell.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

However, the urge to vomit becomes too strong, and Xelem rushes out to puke in the middle of the hall, barely getting his face scarf out of the way before he does so.

Padme draws her laser pistol and nods acquiescence to the Lashunta.
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

With Xelem temporarily out of the room, Ivan takes a turn looking. His apprehension is growing, but he doesn't go so far as to get on his horse.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Outside, Burnham holds his weapon casually, and keeps watching the neighborhood. He observes casually to Padme and Xelem, "There's a computer in there. I'm no good with them, but maybe it's got some info we could use."

Outside, Burnham holds his weapon casually, and keeps watching the neighborhood. He observes casually to Padme and Xelem, "There's a computer in there. I'm no good with them, but maybe it's got some info we could use."

Padme' raises an eyebrow in interest...Really? Perhaps I should see what the departed was last looking at? Padme moves into the room and proceeds to boot up the computer carefully trying to avoid any counter-measures that may have been installed. computer check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 alas she accidentally knocks a cold cup of tea onto the keyboard before she even starts!

As the others nervously poke about the room, Archaius begins to examine the body in earnest, and quick discovers a datajack installed in the corpse's wrist - a biotech augmentation. Suddenly the readings his medical equipment is giving him start the making sense - similar to Maija, this augmentation grew out of control and killed the poor halfling.

Just as Archaius is about to tell the rest of the group his discovery, his equipment beeps an alarm at him that something is wrong, and then the corpse begins to move on it's own! It stands up slowly and moves to attack!!

The Starfinders are too shocked by the sudden zombification, and the zombie lashes out at Archaius.

The zombie's strikes are exceptionally powerful in this closed in space, and Archaius takes two heavy blows, one to the head.

Archaius takes 25 damage.

All PCs may now act. The slides has a map which I've opened to all to edit and move themselves. As a reminder, the zombie is undead, and thus you can make Mysticism checks to attempt to ascertain weaknesses/strengths/etc.

Dusty jumps back in alarm at Shenge's reanimation. "We got company!" he shouts, theatrically whipping out his static arc pistol and firing a lethal shot at the creature.

Move to draw weapon, standard to trick attack (drawing weapon serving as his move). Not sure if flat-footed from trick attack or soft cover will apply, so just rolling the baseline attack with normal modifiers.

Trick (Acrobatics): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Attack vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 6

"Oh scrap!" Ivan calls his horse closer and swings himself into its saddle with surprising agility. He then has it slam a foot down at the zombie. "I don' think I want one of these augments anymore."

Assault Hammer vs. KAC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Waiting on Archius to go (and hopefully move away)

"What is it? Everyone out!"

Burnham stands with his rifle at shoulder level in the doorway trying to see what's going on.

Just some flavor.

Celia hisses through clenched teeth at the sudden animation of the corpse. She takes a careful step backward (guarded step) and offers her ally Archaius some words of encouragement. It got the jump on us but your people have a legacy of triumph and will fight on Ryphorian!

Archaius gains 6 stamina points through Padme' use of inspiring boost.

Stunned and barely conscious, the ryphorian stumbles out of the room to the street.

Withdraw action. 6 stamina, 1 hp

Xelem squeezes in as Archaius stumbles out, solarian blades aflame with blue energy. "There was a beginning. There will be an end."

Entering Photon mode.

Solarian weapon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

The blades plunge into the halfling's shoulder blades, severing what should be some critical tendons and searing flesh. "Thus speaks the Circle Ianus Animae" he adds, ending what would probably be an invocation that would be possessed of more gravitas if he were not squeezing in a room with 3 other people.

"Padme', Ivan, out of the way!"

Burn shoulders his way past the android. He pushes to squeeze behind Ivan's horse, into the small crowded space beside the computer. The barrel of his big gun is nearly touching the zombie's chest when he pulls the trigger and the room echoes with the blast.

Reaction Cannon, Light : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 ... damage: 1d10 ⇒ 4

As Burnham closes in for a shot, the zombie takes the opportunity to lash out.

Reaction to use Attack of Opportunity as Burnham fired a ranged weapon in melee

Fortunately Burnham is canny enough that he's able to get the shot off without getting hit.

Burnham's shot connects, as does Xelem's, while Dusty's goes wide. Ivan puts a new dent in the already suspect floor.

ROUND 1 OVER
ROUND 2

Lashing out against that which hurt it the most, the Shenge zombie balls it's fists and uses it's unnaturally bolstered strength to strike at the kasatha.

Another powerful blow connects with Xelem's gut.

15 damage to Xelem.

All players are up!

"Everyone out. We'll lure it out the door and rip it in a crossfire."

Burn releases his rifle with his right hand and the barrel swings toward the ceiling as he pulls it to the left. His right hand balls into a fist and drives at the zombie's head.

Battleglove, Cestus : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 ... damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 bludgeoning damage

Ivan swipes his own hammer at the thing, faring better than last time. He then urges the horse out of the building.

Assault Hammer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Taking a swing, then using my other action to make the horse withdraw.

"Careful, Xelem!" Dusty follows the retreat, popping off a parting shot at the undead.

Full action move and trick attack.

Trick: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Attack vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 4
Trick Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Xelem uses the blow's momentum to take a careful step backward. Gods, that hurt! Checking in with Burnham that they are on the same page with just a glance, he launches a feint, another feint before attempting to deliver a blow to the creature's face, the exanding photonic energies coruscating around him.

Solarian Blade: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

A strike from Ivan sends the Zombie reeling, and then Dusty's electric gun zaps him and the zombie begins to enit smoke out of various orifices. Neither Burnham nor Xelem are able to get a good blow in inside the cramped space.

The zombie appears to be vulnerable to electricity.

-17 HP for a total of 29 damage dealt.

Archaius and Padme still to act.

The injured mystic struggles to concentrate. He calls upon magical energy to heal some of the damage done to him by the corrupted corpse.

Mystic Cure: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Did you render it inert yet? Try not to destroy too much tissue. Well, enough to stop it, but no more than necessary. You'll know it when you see it."

Stamina 6, Hit Points 7

Padme’ shouts The source of your power is stronger the that of the undead Xelem! Feel it strengthen you! (inspire boost on Xelem gains 6 stamina) Padme’ then draws her static arc pistol.

As Padme backs away from the door with her pistol drawn, Burnham steps back behind Xelem.

ROUND 2 OVER
ROUND 3

The zombie snarls and continues to batter the only living thing now within reach. The rickety bed creaks at it is used as leverage by the small undead to strike Xelem.

This time, however, Xelem is expecting the zombie's movements and easily ducks both blows. A lucky break for the Starfinders and a chance to go on the offense.

Shenge misses twice!
All players are up! It is worth noting here that Xelem is now fully attuned to Photon, so you may want to clear the blast radius ;)

Dusty, emboldened by the zombie's vulnerability to electricity, fires off another trick shot.

Trick: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Attack vs. EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 4
Trick Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

"Xelem, back on out."

Burn cracks off a shot at the zombie then continues his own retreat.

Reaction Cannon, Light : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 ... damage: 1d10 ⇒ 9

Move as shown.

Hearing more commotion but not seeing anything to attack, Ivan prepares to lash out should the zombie come close enough. He doubts it will yet, but the attempt probably can't hurt.

On steadier legs, Archaius prepares to launch missiles of pure force should the animated corpse appear in the doorway.

Readied Action (zombie in sight): 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) + 3 = 8

Xelem takes a parting blow at his opponent before taking a guarded step back. "Coming. Just hold on... One second" he says before lashing out, his blade sneaking in for a solid blow to the heart. Too bad he's dead; this fight could have been over so much quicker if he wasn't.

Solarian Blade: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8