SFS Signal of Screams—Campaign Mode (Inactive)

Game Master KingTreyIII

"Okay! Nothing here," Boron shrugs.

Volkclon shrugs. "Though the second that they hid a relay in here it became an Eclipse Facility. Right?" He points to the building. "That and we don't have time for your moral compass. We have a couple days before this entire city erupts and a breaking and entering is the least of our worries."

Jacob survey's the building.

We could be more descrete about it though.

He looks for any windows or other points of ingress that would be less obvious.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

The entire building is essentially one big window, seeing as how it’s made of glass.

In that case, can we just walk around it, and get the entire layout?

Oops! Redact what I previously said—the map (which I haven’t put up yet because I’m lazy) doesn’t show any windows and the book says that the walls are “industrial-grade plastic,” so I’m just gonna amount all that to the fact that the box text doesn’t match the actual building.

Right. So, opaque plastic, then, which makes more sense ;-)

Xagyg shrugs, then communicates telepathically with the others:

Our choices seem to be to intimidate/break in, or move on. What do the rest of you want to do?

"I think we need to get in there and stop this. If we are arrested and go to prison then at least we did what was right. We do it to save the many here that have no clue what is coming." He points to the opaque plastic building.

"Should we look into seeing how to make some detector, locater, whatever-erer, to see where the relay we are looking for is located?"

Any rolls to make to see about how that would be possible?

Because of the fact we’re talking about a corporation with some serious reach, I’m gonna rule that trying to make some kind of tracker is nigh impossible at this level. You guys lucked out that you even know the building in the first place.

Boron will go along with whatever is chosen.

Gonna assume y’all just go on to the next place.

To Scuttle’s

The golden glow of evening light fades to near blackness within this maze of murky, shadowed streets illuminated only by blazing neon signs. The few pedestrians in the area move quickly, heads down and clutching their valuables, as they speed past stone walls crowned by razor wire and adorned with colorful graffiti.

The squalid buildings here are characterized by boarded windows and metal doors riddled with bullet holes. Located near a two-way intersection, one such entrance is adjacent to a large, intact storefront window displaying a variety of tech from weapons to cybernetic augmentations. Neon block letters above the door simply state, “Open.”

Map Updated

You can’t quite put your finger on it, but something feels…off…

Boron notices a pair of humans tailing the group!

The two humans nod at one another, raise their rail guns, and open fire!

Black vs Jacob FF: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
P Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

White vs Volcklon FF: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
P Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

The humans then take one hand off of their guns swift action.

Ambush!!!
Round 1 Surprise Round
==============
Xagyg
???
Humans
Boron
Jacob
Volcklon
==============

Boron trudges over to the two shooters: "Hello!"
And swings Lava at the one to his right.
Lava vs. KAC: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Holy, Magic, F, s: 2d8 + 15 ⇒ (5, 5) + 15 = 25

Surprise Round, Boron.

Boron trudges over to the two shooters: "Hello!"

Ambush!!!
Round 2
==============
Xagyg
???
Humans
Boron
Jacob
Volcklon
==============

Xagyg frowns.

"I said that someone was watching us..."

He then steps to the side, and opens fire upon White.

Trick Shot (auto if CR 13 or less).

Called, Holy, Ghost-Killer S-Band Scorchgun: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20, for 1d10 + 4 + 5d8 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (8, 7, 8, 7, 7) = 42 Fire damage.

It is also flat-footed against this attack, and until the start of my next turn.

Boron grumbles: "You've been saying that for years... every hour. FINALLY it happens!"

Just as Xagyg’s shot connects two similar shots echo out!

Stealth vs DC 29: 1d20 + 19 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 10 + 4 = 38
Green vs Xagyg: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
P Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4) + 6 = 16

Stealth vs DC 29: 1d20 + 19 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 10 + 4 = 40
Red vs Boron FF: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
P Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 6 = 14

As a bullet hits Boron it bursts, covering the dwarf in restraining webbing—the one aimed at Xagyg likewise bursts into webbing, but doesn’t hinder anyone because it missed. Boron is flat-footed for 1 round and entangled for 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds (move action to attempt a DC 20 Acrobatics or DC 25 Str. check to end the entangle early).

As the group follows the trajectory of the bullets they find two verthani standing on top of the 10’ tall building, sniper rifles in hand!

For clarity: the verthani got stupid-high on their Stealth checks (we’re talking mid-40s); none of you guys even had a chance of noticing them.

The two humans stride in perfect synch, completely ignoring the entangled dwarf would provoke if Boron weren’t flat-footed and advance upon Jacob and Volcklon, drawing blunt metal swords that soon glow with fire along one edge with the hum of gas being released. The humans close the distance to their targets and swing their flaming blades!

Black vs Jacob FF EAC: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 2 = 20
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 = 15

Black vs Volcklon FF EAC: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 2 = 18
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 = 15

Geez. Horrible rolls (save that one nat 14).

Ambush!!!
Round 2/3
==============
Xagyg
Verthani (10’ above ground)
Humans (White: -42)
Boron
Jacob
Volcklon
==============

Boron grumbles and pulls on the web to see if it is anchored to the ground...
Are the bonds anchored to an immobile object or tethered by an opposing force?

Not anchored or tethered to anything; you can still move, albeit at half speed. Thanks for checking, though.

Thanks!
_____________

Boron shuffles along, all webbed up, and, all entangled, swings Lava at the dark colored fighter that is going after Jacob.

Lava vs. KAC Entangled: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 - 2 = 32
Holy, Magic, F, s: 2d8 + 15 ⇒ (8, 4) + 15 = 27

"You tryin' to SLOW ME DOWN?! TAKE THIS!".
The blade digs deep into Boron's opponent's... butt.

If crittable:
Holy, Magic, F, s CRIT: 2d8 + 15 ⇒ (5, 4) + 15 = 24
Wound: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Wound = 1d6 Bleed

The enemy's inferior rectal artery is pierced, and blood starts pumping out.

Moved 1/2 speed & –2 penalty to AC, attack rolls, Reflex saving throws, initiative checks, and Dexterity-based skill and ability checks

Xagyg grins mirthlessly.

"I told you..."

He then fires at White again, barely acknowledging that he is in melee.

Trick Shot (auto if CR 13 or less).

Called, Holy, Ghost-Killer S-Band Scorchgun: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18, for 1d10 + 4 + 5d8 ⇒ (8) + 4 + (3, 2, 3, 2, 5) = 27 Fire damage.

It is also flat-footed against this attack, and until the start of my next turn.

"You told us, no let's take them out. Try and keep one alive for questioning." Volcklon draws his sword and swats the flat end at the Verthani.

ghost killer wrack devastation blade; NL: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 4 = 11
Damage NL: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 2 = 11

Jacob grunts as he's hit. He takes a moment and flips a switch in his new armor, his shield shimmering to life as he guards the inspector.

This is gonna hurt i'm thinking... anybody got a good shot on those snipers? Try and stay behind me... I'm not much cover, but some is better than none.

For clarity, the verthani’s feet are 10’ up, so they occupy the space from 10’ above ground (their feet) to 15’ above ground (their heads). Meaning that they’re not within reach of those who are on the ground Glares at Volcklon Not that that attack roll will hit ANYTHING at this level.

Ambush!!!
Round 2/3
==============
Xagyg
Verthani (10’ above ground)
Humans (White: -69; Black: -51 [bleed 1d6])
Boron
Jacob
Volcklon
==============

Jacob posted at the same time as you GM. Check the post above your last.

…So he did…Shows how much I pay attention.

The snipers continue on their assault on the group!

Stealth DC 29: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 4 = 30
Green vs Xagyg: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
P Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 = 14

Stealth DC 29: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 19 + 4 = 32
Red vs Boron FF: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
P Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12

Black Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Black lets out a high-pitched squeal as Boron’s blade is inserted and likely cauterizes far too much. He turns about-face—certainly not in a comfortable manner.

”What the hell is wrong with you?!”

He then swings wildly at the dwarf in rage!

Black vs Boron EAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 13 - 4 = 27
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (4, 1) + 9 = 14

Black vs Boron EAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 4 = 23
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (3, 2) + 9 = 14

White just looks at the scene before him and just shakes his head.

”Ain’t getting involved in that…”

White moves around Xagyg momentarily going off of the map and provoking from Boron and Volcklon and swiftly swings at Jacob!

White vs Jacob EAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 13 - 4 = 22
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (4, 3) + 9 = 16

White vs Jacob EAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 13 - 4 = 25
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13

Ambush!!!
Round 3/4
==============
Xagyg
Verthani (10’ above ground)
Humans (White: -69; Black: -56 [bleed 1d6])
Boron
Jacob
Volcklon
==============

"Surely your data-package on us would have apprised you of Boron's 'crude, but effective' streak..."

Xagyg turns around, and takes another shot at White.

(Or Black, if White is dropped by AoOs...)

Trick Shot (auto if CR 13 or less).

Called, Holy, Ghost-Killer S-Band Scorchgun: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 - 2 = 22, for 1d10 + 4 + 5d8 ⇒ (10) + 4 + (1, 3, 1, 6, 4) = 29 Fire damage.

It is also flat-footed against this attack, and until the start of my next turn.

Boron is hit again by a sniper round, but soaks some of it--
(got confused, thought the snipers were Fire dam' too, changed dam' taken re. DR)
--and slashed twice by the Burning Black Boy.

Boron swings at the departing White wuss.
AoO Lava vs. KAC: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
AoO Holy, Magic, F, s: 2d8 + 15 ⇒ (1, 3) + 15 = 19

Before taking his time to attack Burning Black Boy: "Vroni, get a bead on our overexcited dude here!"
While Combat Tracking kicks in, Boron overcharges Lava.
Lava vs. KAC w. Combat Tracking: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Holy, Magic, F, s (Overcharged): 2d8 + 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (4, 1) + (5, 2) + 15 = 27

Boron slashes at White and Xagyg brings the human down!

Ambush!!!
Round 3/4
==============
Xagyg
Verthani (10’ above ground)
Humans (Black: -83 [bleed 1d6])
Boron
Jacob
Volcklon
==============

Jacob does what he does and holds his ground, carefully watching his allies to make sure that they don't become to injured. He guards the inspector and watches the snipers.

COME ON YOU IDIOTS! I'M A STANDING TARGET! CAN'T HIT THE BROAD SIDE OF A BARN?!

Botting Volcklon:

ghost killer wrack devastation blade; NL, flanking: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 - 4 = 19
Damage NL: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 7) + 2 = 15

Volklon swings at Black and misses.

The snipers meet each other’s gaze for a moment before they shrug and shoot their rifles.

Stealth DC 29: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 19 + 4 = 31
Green vs Xagyg: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Damage: 4d6 + 12 ⇒ (1, 1, 5, 3) + 12 = 22

The bullet lodges itself in Xagyg’s shoulder, causing a severe wound to open!

Stealth DC 29: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 4 = 28
Red vs Boron: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 = 12

Black Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Black steps forward and takes two swift swings at Boron!

Black vs Boron EAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 4 = 17
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4) + 9 = 16

Black vs Boron EAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 13 - 4 = 13
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (1, 3) + 9 = 13

Xagyg Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Ambush!!!
Round 4/5
==============
Xagyg (Bleed 1d6)
Verthani (10’ above ground)
Humans (Black: -88 [bleed 1d6])
Boron
Jacob
Volcklon
==============

A quiver of delight runs through Xagyg's body, and he takes aim at Green, jump-jetting up onto the roof.

Trick Shot (auto if CR 13 or less).

Called, Holy, Ghost-Killer S-Band Scorchgun: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 14 - 2 = 30, for 1d10 + 4 + 5d8 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (5, 6, 5, 6, 6) = 33 Fire damage.

It is also flat-footed against this attack, and until the start of my next turn.

Thanks GM

Volkclon steps up and swipes at the severely wounded man. "Can anyone tell if they are in control or just as mad as the rest?"

ghost killer wrack devastation blade; NL: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 4 = 19
Damage NL: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 3) + 2 = 11

Boron cushions some of the sniper's hit, and avoids Black's attacks...

Jacob grumbles as he launches himself after the inspector.

YOU MAKE MY JOB VERY DIFFICULT YOU KNOW! HOLD STILL!

He tries to guaze the Inspector on the move... probably to the slightly mad inspector's delight, as it cannot be pleasant.

Autostop the bleeding with a medicine check. Bodyguard

How was Jacob able to get on top of the 10’ high roof?

Eh, screw it; I’m sure Jacob has a way to get up there.

The two verthani hold their rifles in one hand as they pull out pistols and shoot at Xagyg!

Red vs Xagyg EAC: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
F Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 = 13

Green vs Xagyg EAC: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
F Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13

Black Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Now that’s funny!

Barely on the verge on consciousness, Black steps to the side and swings his flaming sword twice more!

Black vs Boron EAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 13 - 4 = 14
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13

Black vs Boron EAC: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 13 - 4 = 21
F Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13

Ambush!!!
Round 5/6
==============
Xagyg (10’ above ground)
Verthani (10’ above ground; Green: -33)
Humans (Black: -89 [bleed 1d6])
Boron
Jacob (10’ above ground)
Volcklon
==============

Volcklon continues to miss as the man easily slides against the wall from his attack.

ghost killer wrack devastation blade; NL: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 4 = 5
Damage NL: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 2) + 2 = 9

Jetpack in the armor.

Jacob calls down as he continues to protect the inspector.

How you holding up Boron!?

"Not this time!"

Xagyg fires upon Green.

Trick Shot (auto if CR 13 or less).

Called, Holy, Ghost-Killer S-Band Scorchgun: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19, for 1d10 + 4 + 5d8 ⇒ (7) + 4 + (5, 4, 3, 6, 8) = 37 Fire damage.

It is also flat-footed against this attack, and until the start of my next turn.

Sorry, posted yesterday, but it seems the Shadow Plane got my post!

"Aye! All good! Thank you! I'm trying to clear out the opposition down here... I'll try an' help as soon as it is done."

Boron happily avoids both attacks, and, seeing that the man in Black is about to fall, he decides to double attack to make sure he is sent off to meet Pharasma.

Lava vs. KAC w. Combat Tracking: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Holy, Magic, F, s: 2d8 + 15 ⇒ (1, 7) + 15 = 23

Lava vs. KAC w. Combat Tracking: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Holy, Magic, F, s: 2d8 + 15 ⇒ (1, 7) + 15 = 23

Wow! I remember I got 2 x 18 to hit... so I guess these are the same results as 24 hours ago

Black falls.

Green, beaten and weary, takes another of Xagyg’s shots and curses.

”I ain’t paid enough for this!”

Green moves straight north off of the building and the map and runs faster than anyone (except Xagyg and maybe Boron) can keep up.

”Coward!”

Stealth vs DC 29: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 4 = 29
Red vs Xagyg EAC: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
F Damage: 2d4 + 6 + 3d8 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 + (5, 4, 7) = 27

Ambush!!!
Round 6/7
==============
Xagyg (10’ above ground)
Verthani (10’ above ground)
Boron
Jacob (10’ above ground)
Volcklon
==============

"Experience separates the wheat from the chaff..."

Xagyg turns his attention to the remaining Verthani.

Trick Shot (auto if CR 13 or less).

Called, Holy, Ghost-Killer S-Band Scorchgun: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 14 - 2 = 17, for 1d10 + 4 + 5d8 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (6, 1, 4, 8, 1) = 26 Fire damage.

It is also flat-footed against this attack, and until the start of my next turn.

Boron lets the guy run away... not really able to see him leave and such, anyhow.

So Boron moves around to the side of the building, and - stopping when he has some kind of line of sight - he tosses an overcharged Lava up at the last opponent--

Throwing Fusion gives thrown special property w. range increment of 10 feet
Thrower Arms passes range increment to 20 feet
Far Shot reduces penalties to -1 per extra increment
So, I imagine that I am aiming to throw at 15 feet away? So only -1? (reduce more if I miscalculated)

Lava vs. KAC w. distance penalty: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 14 - 1 = 24
Holy, Magic, F, s (Overcharged): 2d8 + 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (5, 6) + (6, 6) + 15 = 38

--then he swiftly "calls" Lava back into his hand.

Volcklon steps back to get a sight on the fleeing verthani. He flings his hand into the air, releasing a pair of magical missiles that arc up to the roof.

Magic Missiles: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 = 8

Who was that magic missile targeting? Not sure if it was targeting the fleeing verthani (Green) or at the one still on the roof (Red).

Whatever. Gonna assume the missiles went to Red. Botting Jacob:

Jacob full-defenses and Bodyguards Xagyg.

Whoops! Misread something when it came these guys’ Stealth bonus for Trick Attack; they only get an additional 1 from their Ghost specialization, not a +4. Xagyg, Heal 16 hit points since he didn’t actually Trick Attack you last round and that last attack wasn’t actually off-target.

The remaining verthani is pelted by various attacks but is still barely standing!

”Wait for me!!!”

The verthani, like their comrade before him, runs off the roof to the north and gets the hell out of Dodge!

Initiative is technically over. What do you want to do?

Actually, technically, NPCs still use the original form of that ability, so they *do* get the +4 (or at least, that is certainly the way it is run in SFS).

Xagyg, breathing heavily, looks visibly disappointed.

"...but we were only just getting started!"