GM Dinketry's Against the Aeon Throne for FoDs and GCP Faithful! (Inactive)

Game Master dinketry

Knowing which enemy is "most damaged" is a magical power. There are spells like deathwatch that are specifically designed for that. In the case of this combat, only one zombie has been injured so far, but it's nigh-impossible to tell which of the undead, unfeeling creatures has more evidence of injury. In other words, you can't do that, Sh-Ux (and JD).

The drone fires into one of the advancing zombies. The one threatening Jarix swings down at the operative!

Melee Attack vs Jarix KAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 231d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 HIT! 9pts of damage, Jarix.

The slow-moving zombies continue to harry Jarix with pummeling blow after pummeling blow. With another punishing slam, Jarix tumbles to the ground and does not rise.

I have Jarix at 0 HP and DYING. Verne and Mallura may act!

"Jarix, no," Mallura shouts as she fires a barrage of laser and static energy at the northernmost zombie.

Azimuth Laser pistol, full attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 3 - 4 = 11 Damage (F): 1d4 ⇒ 3
Static Arc pistol, full attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 4 = 2 Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 3

Verne kneels beside Jarix and casts Stabilize.

"Cover me while I heal him," he cries out to the rest of the team.

Mallura blasts into one of the zombies threatening the prone form of Jarix while Verne stabilises him.

ROUND 5!

One of the moaning zombies lurches forward towards Verne as he tends to Jarix's form.

JD and Sh-Ux may act!

Survival, Fast Dismount DC 20: 1d20 ⇒ 17
JD was going to make a move for the thunderstrike rifle laying next to Jarix, the swift action would really have helped. It instead a move action.

JD gets caught in the belt strap of the drone as he makes for Jarix. As he struggles he call out, "Going for that rifle, unless someone else has a gun that would work against these things!"

The drone continues to fire at its target.
Azimuth Laser Pistol vs: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

Sh-Ux blasts into the zombie in front of Verne as JD almost falls out of his seat. In order to make room for the mechanic, Sh-Ux gets shifted backwards into the doorway.

Just moving pieces around on the map given Sh-Ux's size and the cramped quarters.

The other zombie shuffles around the fallen operative, intent upon the upright members of the crew. It moves through its partner, jostling the other zombie about as it lurches at Mallura.

Mallura and Verne may act!

"Ahh! No, get away from me you disgusting thing," Mallura screams as she runs into the corner. She turns and fires a shot at teal over her shoulder as she runs.

Arc pistol: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 5

Mallura's electric blast caroms off a console just to the right of the advancing zombie.

It is Verne's turn!

Verne lashes out at the zombie nearest to him with his baton.

Tactical Baton: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Verne's successful strike with the non-magical baton fails to damage the creature. It swings a heavy and slow arm down at the android.

Melee Attack vs Verne KAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 281d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 CRITICAL HIT! That's 12 pts of damage, Verne.

The android takes a massive clock to the dome.

It is JD and Sh-Ux's turn!

This is going to be dumb, but here we go
JD takes a deep breath and makes his move. He rushes around Verne and comes to a stop next to Jarix's body, scooping down to retrieve the Thunderstrike Rifle in a desperate attempt to fight the reanimated creatures.

Move to Jarix, Move action to pick up rifle.

As JD is moving off, Sh-Ux fires again at the zombie attacking Verne.

Azimuth Laser Pistol vs Teal EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage, f: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Sh-Ux fires off-target into the floor as JD retrieves Jarix's rifle. The zombie nearest to Verne swings a stiff arm into the pummelled android.

Melee Attack vs Verne KAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 231d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 HIT! 10pts of damage, Verne!

The blow cracks a few bionic ribs in the android's chest, leaving Verne gasping for air.

Mallura and Verne may act!

"Stay with us, Verne! Get some distance if you need to!"

Inspiring Boost on Verne. He recovers 7 SP

She then turns and tries to open the door behind her, hoping to find some cover deeper within the ship.

Move action to try to open the door into N3

Mallura boosts Verne and then opens an automatic sliding door to the room beyond.

Fixing the door in an open position requires a successful Computers check. Otherwise, the door slowly slides closed again after a few moments.

It's Verne's turn!

Verne scoots out of the way as best he can given the cramped space, and lobs a projectile at the zombies on his way.

Telekinetic projectile: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Obviously off-kilter due to the beating, Verne's telekinetic missile flies into the floor.

ROUND 7!

The zombie nearest JD lashes out with a heavy fist.

Melee Attack vs JD KAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 131d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 MISS!

Mercifully, the zombie misses.

JD and Sh-Ux, your turns are up!

Posting something snarky to let everyone know I'm still all in.

JD takes a (Move action, guarded) step back, raises the Thunderstrike Rifle and fires at the closest zombie.

Thunderstrike Sonic Rifle vs Yellow EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage, Sonic: 1d10 ⇒ 3

The drone fires again at the other target.

Azimuth Laser Pistol vs Cyan: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Hello, Jarix!

The zombie nearest Verne lurches forward at the mystic on stiff legs as Sh-Ux's laser blast takes off part of its left arm. JD blasts away at the shuffling terror nearest to him as well, and though it appears torn to shreds, it doesn't yet fall.

Mallura and Verne may act!

Verne lunges as the zombie closes to him, attempting to knock it back.

Bull rush: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Verne tries to push the zombie nearest him, but the creature only rocks back slightly on its feet, moaning a bit in protest.

Mallura may act!

With the door behind her slowly closing again, Mal decides to stick it out with her allies and defaults to firing wildly at teal.

Laser pistol: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 4 = 16 Damage (F): 1d4 ⇒ 3
Arc pistol: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 4 = 14 Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 3

Mallura's blasts tear into the zombie threatening Verne, but fail to drop it! Riddled with smoking wounds, the thing raises an arm at the android.

ROUND 8!

The ragged zombie brutalised by JD's sonic rifle blast stumbles forward towards the mechanic.

JD and Sh-Ux may act!

JD scrambles backwards another step to raise the barrel of the rifle at the enemy combatant shuffling towards him. Knowing he is running out of room to run, he fires again in desperation.

Move; Guarded Step, Standard; Fire

Thunderstrike Sonic Rilfe Vs Yellow EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

The drone targets the other zombie and fires again.

Azimuth Laser Pisotl vs Cyan EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage, f: 1d4 ⇒ 4

JD's desperate sonic blast takes the head off the ragged zombie, ending its threat. Sh-Ux's laser blast misses the zombie that swings its heavy arm down on Verne.

Melee Attack vs Verne KAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 221d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 HIT! 7pts of damage, Verne.

The zombie cudgels the android within an inch of his life.

Mallura and Verne may act! Verne, you have 0 SP, 1 HP, and 1 RP. You are dangerously close to perma-death.

Verne limps out of the zombie's way, pulling up beside his captain. He attempts to use his medkit to restore some of his health.

Medicine: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

I'm not entirely certain which of the zombies is still up, but...

Mal turns and tells Verne, "Stay behind me. If you get a clear path out of the ship, take it."

She steps forward and raises her arc pistol to take aim at the remaining zombie and fire.

Arc pistol: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 2

Apologies, all. I've updated the map by eliminating one of the zombies. Verne, you can't use your medkit to heal yourself in combat; I'm just going to press forward.

Verne races away from the remaining zombie, drawing forth his medkit in a haze of pain. Mallura brandishes her arc pistol, but the electric blast fails to connect.

ROUND 9!

The moaning zombie, tattered and burnt from multiple attacks, wheels around and shuffles towards Mallura.

JD, Sh-Ux, Verne, and Mallura all may act again!

"Sh-Ux, we gotta take this thing down and get out of here!"

With the rifle raised he advances towards the target and fires again at the remaining creature.

Thunderstrike Sonic Rifle Vs EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 8

Azimuth Laser Pistol vs EAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

JD seems to be getting the hang of Jarix's sonic rifle as he drills the zombie in the face. Parts of the unfortunate thing's head come loose, but the undead horror remains on its feet! Sh-Ux's targeting software seems due for an upgrade.

Mallura and Verne, take it down!

Mal raises her arc pistol with a shout of, "Nononononononono!" and opens fire on the zombie, aiming for the face.

Arc pistol: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 4 = 19 Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 1
Arc pistol: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 4 = 6 Damage (E): 1d6 ⇒ 5
Crit damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The arc pistol also has a critical special effect of arc 2, meaning an arc of electricity could bounce to another creature within 10ft and deal 2 points of electricity damage. Just to be honest, the rules don't specify that it has to be an enemy. Not sure how you want to resolve that, but it looks like I could potentially zap Jarix while he's down.

I’m going to be merciful and suggest that you redirect the arc to the body of the second zombie, just to be sure it’s dead, you know. I’m not going to penalise you for your critical hit.

Mallura’s barrage of electricity leaves the zombie tottering on its feet, its head flopping dangerously loose around its neck.

Verne may act!

Verne tosses another piece of debris at the zombie.

Telekinetic projectile: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

With Mallura and Verne's last efforts, the remaining zombie collapses into a pile of shredded rags and flesh.

COMBAT END!

A glance over the darkened room reveals that it appears to have once been some sort of technomagical lab, but it's completely useless now. Nothing of value remains.

As the group takes a breather, a spark of something - resolve? grit? vengeance? sparks in each of you, renewing some of your joie de vivre.

LEVEL UP to 3rd!!!

JD moves to Jarix and tries to rouse him.

Medicine: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 but can't seem to.

He looks to the Mall and Verne. "Anyone else have any other ideas? We can't stay here and face any more of those"

Mallura, feeling a sudden surge of inspiration, walks up behind JD and lays a hand on his shoulder. "JD, let me see what I can do..." She grabs the advanced medkit from the mechanic and kneels down to tend to their fallen soldier boy.

Medicine, advanced medkit (Treat Deadly Wounds DC20): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Medicine Expertise: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Alright! That's an auspicious start with a final total of a 30 on the check! Jarix recovers 4 HP!

JD will help Jarix back to his feet and hand the rifle back to the operative. "I took it for a spin again, kept it warm for you."

The quiet of the strange spaceship seeps into the minds of the remaining members of the crew of the Brilliance in the aftermath of their battle with the undead.

What next, Level 3 characters?

"Maybe it's just me, but that may not have been the smartest thing I've ever done." Jarix is slow to get up. He accepts the rifle back from JD. "Thanks. I obviously need to recalibrate this at the first opportunity."
He takes his position at the front and gets ready to move out.
Did we get to actually look into N4?

No. The room was completely dark - unlike the rest of the rooms that you've entered - and you were attacked by the zombies in the room before you could discern anything. The door closed automatically during the combat. Mallura looked into N3, but that's the only other door that was opened, apart from the one you entered through.

Verne knocks back the healing serum in his kit.

MK1 Healing Serum: 1d8 ⇒ 3 He should be at 14/22 HP. I'll update my headline on my next post.

"I agree with Jarix and JD. We're lucky we made it this far. We have taken quite the beating. We should rest and resupply before going further if possible."

Verne, you had 1 HP; now you have 4 HP, plus whatever your level gave you.

Got it, thanks!

The spaceship sits in quiet contemplation with the universe, electronically wondering, What's next?

Go in room N4. Carefully.

I'll assume someone provides a light source.

Jarix cautiously enters the completely-dark technomagical laboratory. Unfamiliar devices rest inert and shattered throughout the room, and the air carries a pang of decay. The eastern wall of the room seems collapsed and folded into itself - likely a result of the original crash. A door can be found on the opposite side of the room. Nothing of interest or value remains in this place, likely due to the two zombies scouring this single place for ages.

It becomes evident as you near the door on the other side of the room and it reacts to your inherent body rhythms by opening automatically, that the undead you just defeated possessed no such abilities, and were likely trapped in here, possibly since this spaceship first crashed on the planet. The door opens onto a short hallway devoid of any immediate danger.