GM Burd's SFS #1-12: Ashes of Discovery (Inactive)

Game Master Art Burd

Shall we say that we just Take 10 on Perception at each door. Two of us have +11 so the other can hand off a free aid another from the other person for a total of 23?. If we find anything, then Fixit will Take 10 on his Engineering check to disable and/or enter the door as needed? (Total of 24 or 28 vs traps)

Fine by me if okay w. GM and others

Works for me

I'm all for expediting the door-by-door process, and I'm totally cool with eating a trap if things go wrong.

Vesk TrapEater BioHacker

That plan is fine by me.

Approaching the unopened door, Vlodkoya and Poppilo work together to check it over for traps. Finding none, the door is opened. Behind it is an extremely short corridor leading up to another door. As this door is examined, again no traps are found. However, there is the distinct sound of two creatures on the far side of the door, both sounding as if they are made of some form of metal, much like the dog creatures you have already encountered closer to the entrance of the complex.

Do any of you have preparations you wish to make before opening the door?

Basalt prepares their shield and gun. "Ready to break through and punch dogs."

Pangea nods.

Have gun will blast'em.

Sounds like everyone is ready to me. If anyone has actions they wished to perform, or specific gear to pick up/hold, put it in a spoiler.

I will assume that Basalt will open the door, due to them having the most health and highest AC. I tried to put the rest of you where it would make sense.

Opening the door, Basalt reveals the room beyond the entryway. This immense circular room is essentialy bare, except for several computer screens and databanks that line the inner walls. Chairs jut out from some of these computerized desks, while doors exit to the northeast, southeast, and southwest.

Of more immediate interest to the party, however, is the pair of semi-robotic creatures just a short distance from the doors. One is hovering about three feet off the ground, with a pair of grasping arms lowered beneath its bulky body. The other one resembles some kind of ridiculously over-sized scorpion, tail raised and glowing with energy. Behind both of them stands a tall individual of the native species, clad in a suit of ill-fitting second skin armor and with a rifle in their hands, pointed at the doorway. As he meets Basalt's gaze, a small grin spreads across his face as says "You were all fools for coming here." He then pulls the trigger on his rifle, releasing a blast of sound at the shirren.

Basalt, that is 12 points of sonic damage.[/b]

Then, with extremely quick reactions, the Exile bounds forwards. Releasing their grip on their weapon, they stop just a few feet from the doorway. Energy begins swirling around their fist as they speak again. "Even though you have driven off Yssandralak, my powers are still strong!" As their voice reaches a shout at the end, the shove their hand towards the party, releasing the built-up energy as a blast of force.

[ooc]That will be reflex saves from the entire party, DC 17. If you fail, you will take 7 points of force damage, with successes taking 3 points.

Round 1:
Block 1: The Exile
Block 2: Basalt, Donovan, Fixit, Pangea-Kappa, Poppilo, Vlodkoya
Block 3: Outpost Security (hover & scorpion)

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
"No! You're the fool for choosing us as your enemy. We will do the same to you as we did to Yssandralak. Your power is nothing. Today you will fall."
Donovan uses Demoralize (standard) and Get'Em (move)

Demoralize Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 and Expertise: 1d6 ⇒ 5= 31 total.
Get'Em- everyone is +1 to hit the Exile.

ref: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Even as Poppilo is thrown back by the blast, he still quips, "Yes, driven off like the little mangy worm that it is." With that, he opens up his mind and sends a blast of psychic energy at the little creature that dared injure him.

mind thrust vs yellow: 2d10 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12 Will DC17 for half

Poppilo then wisely moves out of the way...

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

The sound and force disturb Basalt's chitinous plates but seems to empower them slightly. They step closer and swing. "Basalt suggests reduced use of sound gun. Not productive in this situation."

Entropic Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Gained an Entropic Point, adjusting my AC as above. If anyone attacks someone adjacent to me, I'll give them +2 AC with Bodyguard.

Reflex DC 17: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Totally caught off guard, Pangea is buffeted by the sonic wave.
7 damage

Photons start coalescing around its fist as Pangea moves up beside Basalt, and then tries to hit the Exile.

Solar Weapon Energized Fist vs. KAC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Ouch! 2/3 B+1/3 F: 1d6 + 1d3 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + (3) + 6 + 1 = 12
(+1 Insight Damage counted from in Photon mode)
Attuned 1/3

Reflex save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Vlodkoya is slapped hard in the face by the wave of force-energy, but he shakes it off.

"Naughty naughty! Time for nasty medicine!" Running up behind Pangea, the good doctor jams a long needle into the android's back. Pangea feels a feeling he may have never felt before - the urge to belch. Thick, noxious fumes begin to pour out of his mouth, nose, and ears, pooling on the floor around him.

"Dung oysters! Tasty fancy food, but bad for first dates! Go ooze stink on them, metal man!"

For the next four rounds, all melee attacks targeting Pangea-Kappa take a -2 penalty (this is an inhaled poison effect).

|"What the...? Why did-- BELCH"

Faced with a trio of foes, Fixit follows the lead of Donovan. He engages his tracking systems and, after tinkering further with his rifle, fires on the Exile.

Azimuth Laser Rifle w/ Combat Tracking & Get 'Em vs EAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 27
Overcharged Fire Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (1) = 7

Fixit Reflex Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Donovan calls out insults to the Exile along with encouragement to their allies, both of which seem effective. Poppilo then quickly follows with a blast of psychic energy to the Exile's mind. The Exile flinches in pain from this, seemingly unable to shake off the effects.

Basalt and Pangea-Kappa follow up on this by rushing up towards the Exile, both striking out at the draconic figure. While they are able to dodge out of the way of Basalt's strike, Pangea-Kappa is able to land a blow. Vlodkoya then comes up, improving Pangea-Kappa's defenses through a copious amount of noxious fumes. From the back, Fixit then manages to get an overcharged laser beam through the melee and scorch the Exile along one of their wings.

Moving forward, the scorpion-like creature scuttles up towards Pangea-Kappa. Seemingly unaffected by the vapors pooling at the android's feet, it lunges forwards with its tail, which slams into the solarion's side. Meanwhile, the hovering creature's palms light up with arcs of electricity, which it launches out towards Pangea-Kappa. While the first one harmlessly hits the wall, the second impacts into Pangea-Kappa's chest.

Pangea-Kappa, you will take 9 bludgeoning damage and 3 electricity damage.

After they do this, the Exile carefully moves back behind the scorpion-like figure, out of sight of those in the other room. Turning its gaze towards Basalt, they shout out. "You insolent insect! Flee while you are still able!" That will need to be a DC 16 Will save from Basalt.

Round 1:
Block 1: The Exile (shaken, -31 HP)
Block 2: Basalt (-3), Donovan (-3 SP), Fixit (-7 SP), Pangea-Kappa (-22 SP), Poppilo (-7 SP), Vlodkoya (-7 SP)
Block 3: Outpost Security (hover & scorpion)

Pangea takes a guarded step in, and swings its fist at the Exile.
Solar Weapon Energized Fist vs. KAC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Ouch! 2/3 B+1/3 F: 1d6 + 1d3 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (1) + 6 + 1 = 9
2/3 attuned

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Basalt simply ignores the voice, punching from a defensive stance at the drone that got too close. "No, there is more fighting to be done."

Entropic Strike vs. Scorpion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Pangea-Kappa gets +2 AC against the scorpion, I get +1.

"He's running. Don't let him get away. Get'em.

Pangea-Kappa moves up, and with a flaming strike punches the Exile in the side. Falling to the ground, the Exile appears to be unconsious, though still breathing. Basalt then tries to strike at the Scorpion that attacked Pangea-Kappa, but fails to connect with the small creature.

Donovan, since the target you attached Get'Em to technically fell down before your turn, would you wish to shift it to one of the Outpost Security?

Also, just as a reminder, any time you activate a technological device remember that there is a 1-in-6 chance it will fail to activate.

Round 1:
Block 1: The Exile (shaken, -32 HP, unconscious)
Block 2: Basalt (-3), Donovan (-3), Fixit (-7), Pangea-Kappa (-19), Poppilo (-7), Vlodkoya (-7)
Block 3: Outpost Security (hover & scorpion)

"Oh no, it is not." Certain that no more explosions are happening, at least near him, Poppilo moves back out and through the door, but by the time he gets there, he sees the exile has already fallen. Instead, he turns his mind towards the scorpion and releases another blast of psychic energy.

mind thrust vs scorpion: 2d10 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9 Will DC17 for half

"Fellas, you better move soon. PK is going to blow!"

Change that to scorpion then.

Feeling claustrophobic in the crush of combatants, Vlodkoya covers his face with his hands and runs, bellowing, to the other side of the room.

Moving past the scorpion, which may provoke. Taking total defense as a standard action (after the possible AoO), increasing AC to EAC 22 / KAC 22.

Poppilo focuses his mind on the scorpion, blasting it with waves of psychic energy. The security figure shrieks with pain, but then returns its gaze to the android it was attacking.

Meanwhile, Vlodkoya runs across the room, bellowing as he goes. As he passes the scorpion, it lashes out with it tail, but the good "Doctor" is easily able to avoid the limb.

Round 1:
Block 1: The Exile (shaken, unconscious, -32 HP)
Block 2: Basalt (-3 SP), Donovan (-3 SP), Fixit (-7 SP), Pangea-Kappa (-19 SP), Poppilo (-7 SP), Vlodkoya (-7 SP)[/b]
Block 3: Outpost Security (hover & scorpion (-9 HP, Get'Em))

Interfere is a move action, but I'm using Attracting Shield, which is also. That one doesn't say they need to be remain adjacent, but it would make sense if they did have to.

Donovan maintains Get'em against scorpion and fires his rifle at it as well. (accepting AoO)

Laser Rifle, Azimuth: getem
v EAC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16 Fire Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Unable to get a bead on any of the targets, Fixit removes himself from the line of fire.

"Wouldnt mind being able to draw a bead on something here guys!"

Fixit, if you want you could step up one square and shoot at the hovering creature for your Round 2 turn. It would gain some cover, but you would be able to target it. If you wish to do this, make it obvious that you do so in your next post. For now though, I will go on.

As Fixit waits for a clear shot, Donovan moves forwards and points out weak points on the scorpion. After he does so, the scorpion carefully scuttles over to be on the opposite side of Pangea-Kappa from Basalt. Returning its attention to the android, it will stab at him with its tail, catching him in the stomach. The hovering creature's hands then light up again, each launching out at the solarion. However, neither is able to have any effect. Pangea-Kappa, that is 10 bludgeoning damage.

At this point, the Exile manages to rouse themselves from unconsciousness. Finding that they are prone next to several enemies, they manage to pull themself to their feet. Glaring at those who have dared to enter their domain, a quick growl escapes their throat. This is quickly replaced by a gurgling sound, as pouches on either side of their throat swell up. Unhinging their jaw, the Exile suddenly spews the contents of these pouches out over Pangea-Kappa, Basalt, and the hovering creature. The hovering creature is able to avoid most of the bile, but the shirren and android are less lucky. Pangea-Kappa and Basalt, that will be 7 acid damage each.

Donovan then rushes up and reminds everyone of the scorpion's weak points, before making use of them himself.

Round 3:
Block 1: The Exile (-31 HP)
Block 2: Basalt (-10 SP), Donovan (-3 SP), Fixit (-7 SP), Pangea-Kappa (-28 SP, -8 HP), Poppilo (-7 SP), Vlodkoya (-7 SP)
Block 3: Outpost Security (hover (-3 HP) & scorpion (-13 HP, Get'Em)

Battered, and burning with acid, Pangea tries to hit the Exile twice.

Solar Weapon Energized Fist vs. KAC: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 3 - 4 = 7
Ouch! 2/3 B+1/3 F: 1d6 + 1d3 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + (2) + 6 + 1 = 13
Solar Weapon Energized Fist vs. KAC: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 4 = 14
Ouch! 2/3 B+1/3 F: 1d6 + 1d3 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + (2) + 6 + 1 = 15
attuned 3/3

Basalt hardly even reacts to being sprayed, striking back despite the injury. They are either unflappable or have alien responses and coping mechanisms. "Basalt knows another shirren who can breathe in a similar way." The quiet monotone suggests it isn't even for the benefit of others.

Entropic Strike vs. Exile: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Critical Damage!: 2d4 + 14 ⇒ (3, 3) + 14 = 20

If Exile is still standing: "You should have stayed down. Get'em!" Donovan targets the Exile.

If Exile has fallen: Donovan maintains his focus on scorpion. "Time to get dead. Get'em!" He shoots at scorpion.

Laser Rifle, Azimuth: get'em
v EAC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9 Fire Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 3

"Tsk, tsk, sneaky, sneaky." But Poppilo is certain that Basalt's attack is more than enough to take down the exile, and decides to focus on the scorpion, releasing another wave of psychic blast at it.

mind thrust vs scorpion: 2d10 ⇒ (7, 1) = 8 Will DC17 for half

"Fun party trick! Vlodkoya can do that one as well!" Carefully positioning himself as to not hit his allies, the good doctor punches himself in the stomach once, twice, and then three times before projectile-vomiting a cone of acidic bile over the scorpion and hovering creature.

Wyrmling Dragongland Damage (A): 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 3) = 8

DC 13 Reflex save for half damage.

Round 2

Despite one of his companions standing in the way, Fixit tries to pop off a shot at the only enemy he can currently see.

Azimuth Laser Rifle w/ Combat Tracking vs EAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 = 19
Overcharged Fire Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (6) = 12

Round 3

Fixit continues to fire at his target...

Azimuth Laser Rifle w/ Combat Tracking vs EAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Overcharged Fire Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (5) = 14

Round 2:
Fixit manages to line up a shot on the scorpion, melting a hole in its face directly in the center of its numerous eyes. will transition anything targeting scorpion to hover

Round 3:

Pangea-Kappa swings twice at the Exile, but only the second hit is able to connect. This causes them to once again fall to the ground unconscious. Even so, Basalt moves up and brings their shield down on the draconic form, battering the already wounded native.

Donovan then attempts to shoot at the hovering creature while calling out encouragement, but manages to only hit the far wall. Poppilo brings his mind against the creature, however, causing it to squeal in anguish as it grabs at its head in pain. Vlodkoya takes this opportunity to projectile-vomit on the hover, but the creature is able to dodge out of the way of most of the bile. As Fixit lines up their next shot, he finds himself having to avert his shot to avoid hitting one of his companions.

Finding itself alone and injured, the hovering creature slowly peters its way around Vlodkoya, before swinging one of its arms at the vesk. However, the limb simply bounces off of the good doctor's armor.

Round 3:
Block 1: The Exile (-32 HP, unconscious)
Block 2: Basalt (-10 SP), Donovan(-3 SP), Fixit(-7 SP), Pangea-Kappa(-28 SP, -8 HP), Poppilo(-7 SP), Vlodkoya(-7 SP)
Block 3: Outpost Security (hover (-15 HP, Get'Em) & scorpion (-25 HP, dead))

Kappa moves to the side, and then rushes at the hover drone.

With access to the room opened, Fixit finally advances inside and takes aim at the remaining target.

Azimuth Laser Rifle vs EAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Overcharged Fire Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (4) = 9

Basalt keeps bashing away with shield and distended limbs, moving into a better position to protect allies.

Entropic Strike vs. EAC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"Take out that drone quickly." Use Get'em against the drone.
Donovan keeps the seemingly unconscious form of the Exile covered. He's gotten up once already.

Ready action to fire at Exile if he stirs.
Laser Rifle, Azimuth:
v EAC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Fire Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Dodging attacks from the hovering... thing, Vlodkoya slaps back, bellowing, "Away from face, large bug! Away from face!"

Full Attack vs. Hover (KAC) w/ Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 4 = 4
Full Attack vs. Hover (KAC) w/ Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 - 4 = 6

Figuring that it is finally more-or-less safe to enter the room, Poppilo strides in confidentally, and blasts the last one standing with another mental pulse. "Fall already, will you?"

mind thrust vs scorpion: 2d10 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6 Will DC17 for half

With only one target still 'standing', everyone is able to focus their fire. Pangea-Kappa and Basalt both rush up towards the hovering creature, one with a rush of flame and the other with a shield wrapped in acid, while Fixit shoots at it with his laser rifle. Pangea-Kappa's rush fails to push back the creature, and it manages to avoid most of the flames coming off the android. Fixit's shot then catches the creature in one of its rotors, managing to knock the creature out of the air. Basalt then comes in with his shield, melting off chunks of the creature as he bashes its downed form. Vlodkoya swings away at the downed creature, not quite sure if it is truly dead yet, but his claws seem ineffective. Poppilo moves in and begins concentrating on the hovering creature, but fails to find any mind to connect to.

Meanwhile, Donovan readies to shoot the Exile if they stir, but for now, the native's body remains still. Anyone who examines the body, however, finds that they are still breathing.

Combat over! What do you guys do now? There are consoles along the edges of the room, and you were sent to find out what happened to this place. This seems like as good a place as any to do so.

"Go," Poppilo waves carelessly in the direction of the consoles for his more technologically savvy teammates to examine. He instead turns to study the exile, trying to determine exactly the source of its magical powers.

mysticism: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Pangea will move back beside the Exile, and be ready to hit him if he once again gets back up or comes to with evil intent.

If people start looking into the cabinets, Pangea will sit down to rest...
10 minute to recover SP

Disarm and bind him. Donovan will keep guard over him.

Fixit wanders over to the consoles, cracks his knuckles and gets to work....

Computers (T10): 10 + 15 = 25

Basalt squats down to rest, exuding a mental whisper in several different voices but saying nothing.

Also regaining SP.

While Donovan keeps guard over the Exile, Pangea will take its preacher's outfit from its backpack, and plug the Exile's ears and wrap it around Exile's head--
professional outfit, aiming to block the Exile from being able to hear and see us
"Don't want him casting spells at us."
Then Pangea takes his 100 foot coil of cable, and wraps the Exile up, carefully, so that he remains stable.

After which Pangea will sit down and rest.