[SFS_Aerondor] 01-13 On the Trail of History (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

Speck wanders into the engineering room, and pats the console. "There, there. I'm here now."

Seeing how hitting enemy ship is probably the most important part of starship combat, I'll say to let the two gunners take the duonode bonuses.

Kasza does a couple of sample manoeuvres. He decides the Pegasus is pulling a bit to port. No problem in open space, but in a close combat it would have been an issue. With the problem identified, it is trivial to put in a routine to compensate, and after that the ship appears completely...ship shape.

Hudson climbs into the turret. Wow, what a view. Someone hasn't been cleaning those targeting lasers though. His first couple of shots are wide of the local meteor he is aiming at. Still, a bit of a polish here, and a reminder note stuck to the controls with some left over bubblegum makes him pretty confident he has fixed the problems. His next couple of shots decimate the poor chunk of ice.

Speck, down in engineering quickly finds a couple of valves that had been left open by the previous crew, which really shouldn't have been. Really, someone didn't do a good job cleaning up after their last mission. Still, he soon has everything purring along and the engines running smoother than when they first came out of their fabrication facility.

Still need our science officer to check in, and a captain if you want one. There is nothing I am aware of to stop you having multiple people at science or engineering if you wanted.

Yeah, someone do science, while another one aids. Jackojare will let the other gunnery take the turrets, he will use the cannons.

Fionne splits from the rest of the group after the briefing to retrieve her gear. When she reappears at the Pegasus, she's fully geared up in a slim set of ceremonial heavy armor that's sculpted to flare out at the hips (a style that's currently the height of fashion for those that care about such things). Her feet sport a set of boots that end in 7" bright blue heels, adding considerable height while surprisingly not impeding her movement. She obviously has a lot of practice walking in them. A crystal tiara sits atop her curls.

Serving as a stark contrast to her fashion-conscious outfit, Fionne carries an absolutely massive cannon strapped to her back, its handle peeking up above her head while its nose trails almost to the floor.

Following a few feet away from the halfling is a scruffy-looking walking teddy bear that's almost as tall as she is. Its ratty-looking fur is patchy enough that you can clearly see the solid steel casing underneath, and its glowing red eyes are those of an unfeeling killer.

It regards the Pegasus as if assessing its threat level before following Fionne up the gangway.

Fionne strides over the captain's chair and dumps her cannon and other gear next to it before dropping into it in a huff. "COME ON, THE PEGASUS!? THIS HUNK OF JUNK AGAIN? THE PARTICLE BEAMS ON THIS GUY AINT GOT NO KICK TO THEM! ITS LIKE FIRIN A BB GUN."

T-eddy brings her one of the detonators from her pack as well as a package of explosives. She looks at the offering thoughtfully, and then waves it away. "LULU'D GET ON MY CASE IF I BLEW UP A PEGASUS, I BET. SAVE THOSE FOR IF WE DO SOME HOSTILE BOARDIN ACTIVITY, OKAY?"

She looks out over the bridge. "ALRIGHT, WHO'S READY TO RUMBLE???"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Hudson smiles upon seeing Fionne's droid: "Nobody picked on you in kindergarten, with a teddy bear like that!"

Having tested and cleaned up the turret, Hudson will later on suit up for combat, in case they are boarded, and remain in combat gear when awake - after breakfast that is.

Under his camo' fatigues he has put on the suit of light serpent-skin armor received from AbadarCorp.
And he has strapped a gunner harness to his chest: a wearable support mesh with an articulated arm on which a heavy machine gun has been mounted.
An electric-light beacon is clamped to the side of the machine gun.
His belt now has various different-sized ammo' clip pouches and a of couple grenades strapped to it, alongside his pistol.
Beside his Pvt. Hudson name tag and the Starfinder Insignia, he has attached a serum of healing and a medpatch.
"In case of emergency", he says, pointing to them.
On his back, alongside his military backpack, he has strapped some sort of dart-shooting longarm.

During the dinner break, he'll ask Speck: "Hey, man, you a good engineer, right? And you know about computers too? Could you do a little job on Betsy for me?"
He points to his heavy machine gun.

So, Hudson will use a Computer +2 if we need to shoot at something in Space.

"What kind of question is that? Of course I am." Despite his tone, Speck looks almost excited to be able to tinker on something. "What do ya need?"

Hudson, the duonode computers gives two +1 bonuses. Think our suggestion was for the gunners to take one of each.

Hudson plops Betsy on the dinner table, amidst the plasteen plates.
"Here's Betsy! She's made by AbadarCorp, and they put in a great program, but it comes with this silly restriction in it: I can't blast away at juveniles - I mean kids, not delinquents! - nor law enforcement. So, that's cool on Absalom Station, I mean I'm not attacking no kindergarten or Stewards. But what if we land on a planet with zombies kids with sheriff badges that attack us? I don't wanna be unable to use Betsy!"
He shoves Betsy over.
"Maybe see about removing this Abadar list... then I can add y'all in my own!"

Oops, sorry, corrected to +1, no idea - pure unadulterated greed! - why I saw +2 (I noted it to remember to offer to use during Gunnery phases

"Uh, yeah. Sure... But the moment you raise the gun on a kid, I'm blasting you, you hear? And if you shoot a Steward, I don't know you!"

Speck gets to work.

Take 10 for 23.

"Thanks, man'! Real of ya'. No worries. I used to be a... rambunctious kid myself, so I'm not about to go and shoot the likes of me!"
He shows a faded tat' on his hand, a stylized number: 21
"And I'm here to provide security to this Starfinder mission. So I consider myself as some sort of Law Enforcement... it's just in case we face some hostile force or whatever."

Hudson is very happy that Betsy is swiped clean.

Once he gets his weapon back, he will ask the entire team: "Do you mind if I scan ya'?", pointing to a scanner on the machine gun.
"That'll tag you as friendly, so I can spray a room and hit the hostiles but avoid pumping lead into y'all."
He will swivel the scanner around to add all who agree to the list, including himself.

Kasza allows itself to be scanned deeming it a prudent action in the event of violent interaction during the mission. During its downtime Kasza ensures its equipment is fully prepared.

It stows the slug thrower in the quick-release sheath. The arc pistol is holstered in a low slung "gunfighter" holster, and the knive is sheathed on the opposite thigh. Spare magazines, batteries, and emergency medical gear are holstered on a "utility" belt.

Equipment sufficiently prepared, Kasza performs extra self-scans for maintenance. Finding no abberations, it returns to the pilot station, not requiring a rest period at this time.

The Tier 4 Pegasus has a Mk2 Duonode computer, so it DOES give +2 to two people. I've copied the Pegasus' stat block into the maps slides so you guys can check it out.

Hudson bangs the computer with his fist: "Gimme more, baby!"
Okay, it was +2 I saw!

Oops, sorry forgot that Speck is now Level 3! :P

"YEAH! SHOW THAT CONSOLE YOU MEAN BUSINESS HUD!"

Need those two science officer checks before progressing...

Medrick gladly lets Pvt. Hudson scan him. I sure don't want to be in the cross fire of Betsy. Is it common for people to name their weapons? I have not encountered that yet. He pulls out his brand new static arc rife, making sure it is set to stun. Default will be that it is set to do non-lethal damage. It will take a move action to set to lethal.

This is my new weapon. I can't wait to test it out! Though it does not have any of your fancy modifications.

Science Officer (including Pegasus bonus): 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 4 = 27
Science Officer (including Pegasus bonus): 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 4 = 23
Science Officer (including Pegasus bonus): 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 4 = 29

Off to a good start!

"Hey, she's not just a weapon. She's my pal. She's badass. I feed her and she gives people hell! But she likes to make 'em dance too."

Hudson smiles seeing the arc rifle: "Nice! Give her a name..."

"YEAH, KEEP BETSY OFF ME AND TEDDY TOO. TEDDY GETS SHOT ENOUGH BACK HOME, DONT'CHA TED?" Fionne pats the oversized teddy bear on the head while its beady eyes scan the room for things to eradicate.

Your trip through the drift seems to take forever!

Medrick spends a bit of time trying to get the Pegasus's sensors re-calibrated after the mess the last team left them in. There seems to be a glitch, or shadow on the sensors, as it almost looks like there is another ship following you through the drift. Surely something not actually possible. Just as he starts to think there was something actually there...it vanishes. No anomaly turns up though to explain the odd reading.

Ayway, two weeks later, you arrive at Icefront.

This ship seems awfully messed up. For some reason it is showing that we are being followed... but then it disappears. Something seems off.

Do we get the ships bonus to the check? I will assume no until I am told otherwise. I hope they do though, I want all the info and lore!

computer dc 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Medrick types away at the computer, I am detecting intense weather patterns across the planet’s surface, with snowstorms in the southern hemisphere and rain in the northern hemisphere, as well as dense concentrations of plant and animal life

Medrick continues his search with the sensors. Suddenly a hologram pops up of a large humanoid. Scans indicate there are approximately 40 million such humanoid organisms populating the planet, as well as noting their typical size, binary postures, archaic technology, and hunter-gatherer lifestyles.

He continues to work, knowing that there is additional information he is right on the brink of uncovering.

Image included in map slide for you.

Your coms system beeps, indicating an incoming transmission from the planet below.

The video screen on the Pegasus shows a strikingly pale humanoid face with short-cropped black hair and black bulging eyes. She is a Verthani (a native from the Pact world planet of Verces).

You don't have to accept the incoming transmission if you don't want.

I am no captain, but I vote we take it. Does that mean we don't get the bonus from the ship sensors on the computer check?

"Hello there! I'm Dr Monosylkis, part of a research effort based here. It's not often we see other folk in these parts. Would you mind telling me what you are doing here?"

When Medrick talks about us being followed, Hudson will figure out which way the ship is headed, and try to find some aft porthole to peak out now and then to see if he can spot someone shadowing them.

Later, upon exiting the Drift, Hudson will have his gear ready, and then go sit in the turret.
"Natives, heh? Well, so long as they don't try to hunt and gather us, I say live an' let live."

Seeing the image of Dr. Monosylkis, Hudson mutters to himself: "We're looking for bug-eyed aliens... and just found one!"
He waits to see what will be answered...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"HEY THERE DOCTER MONOSYLLABLE! WE'RE HERE ON STARFINDER BUSINESS, LOOKIN FOR SOME FOLKS THAT MIGHT BE DOWN ON THAT THERE PLANET. LOOKS LIKE AN AWFUL LOT OF NATIVES DOWN THERE WITH YOU GUYS. YOU GOT SOME TIPS FOR US?" Fionne unpacks an explosive as she talks, trying to find the seal leakage that let in the moisture that ruined it. She's got pretty low hopes for any of the Frozen Core scientists, and expects this must be one of them.

"Oh... " she says, sounding disappointed.

"Explorers? I don't know that much about the natives - not my area of speciality sorry. So far as I am aware we are the only folk down here, what were you wanting to discuss with them?"

computers: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Speck takes a look at the computer scanners as well, but finds nothing more than what Medrick did. He sniffs the air, as if insulted, then returns to the engineering console.

"Well, we're Starfinders, ya see. And that's we do, explore the universe. This looks like an interesting planet. I mean you are here, aren't ya?"
diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Hudson frowns when he hears his pals talking unconvincingly to the lady.
He raises his voice to be heard:
"Respectable law-abiding Starfinders, who are will to detour and give you a hand if needed."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
diplomancer I am!

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

"Doctor, we are here to update the Starfinder database records for this planet. Surely as a scientist your understand the quest for knowledge. Is there likely to be an issue with our landing to update the survey information?"

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Trust my allies, I am the team medic. I see you have established a research base already. Are you welcoming to visitors or are you and your allies something we should stay clear of?

When asked what you guys are doing here Jackojare responds with I'm making sure most of my inferior comrades don't die. I won't state who's inferior and who's not though.

"Oh... " says DrMonosylkis. "Are you scientists as well then? Yes.. I do fully understand the thirst for knowledge..."

You get the feeling that impressing her will require a demonstration of your scientific skills might be in order... (such as a life or physical science check..

Hudson shakes his head: not a scientist...

life science: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Yes, I am a scientist. I have spent many years studying xenobiology in an attempt to become a better medic. I find learning about new organisms so interesting. This is one of the many reasons I am interested in coming to this planet, I can study some new life. Medrick goes on talking about what he expects to find here on this planet.The struggle of roleplaying a character who is smarter than you haha

"Oh!" says the surprised and pleased Dr Monosylkis.

"Please, come in to lan.."

At that stage the feces hits the rapidly rotating air-shifting device.

Lights flash, klaxons blare and warning messages appear on screen.

"Danger, incoming ship in close proximity!"

"Sensors detect weapon lock."

And because of your heads up from Medrick earlier, you get a few advantages in this battle. Firsty, you can determine the initial facing of your ship. Secondly you all get +1 on all of your skill checks made during the combat.

distance: 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 2, 6) + 5 = 19
alien init: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
SF init: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 1 = 22
Kasa, is your +14 to pilot including the Pegasus bonus?

Okay, battle stations, you have lost initiative, so must move first. You can choose your initial facing. Non pilots - staff your stations and make your rolls, if you have distance penalties, make them really clear in your posts, as they might be reduced or increased based on the actions of the incoming ship.

"AWWWW YES. ENOUGH WITH THE CHATTY CHATTY, TIME TO BLOW SOME STUFF UP!" Fionne drops her diagnostics project and settles into the captains chair. "JACK, HUD, LOCK OUR PARTICLE BEAMS RIGHT BACK ON THEM - GIVE 'EM SOME KLAXONS OF THEIR OWN TO LISTEN TO!"

Encouraging Hudson's gunnery:

BTW Aerondor, does the +1 bonus on skill checks include gunnery checks? Also, Kazsa's piloting is +15 w/ the ship bonus.

It says skill checks, but, without wanting to give anything away, this is The hardest starship battle in SFS, at least that I have come across. So lets give it as a bonus to gunnery as well.

Fionne

Round 1: bold to post: Pegasus Must move
Pilot (Kazsa, +16)
Gunner 1 (Husdon) +9(and extra +2 computers; and another extra +2 from encouragement) Total +13
Gunner 2 (Jackojare) +9 (and extra +2 computers) Total +11
Engineer (Speck) +14
Science (Medric) +7
Baddies
Captain (Fionne +7): Encouraged Hudsdon's gunnery

Captain, I am scanning the enemy ship. I will give you a full report on what I learn. Medrick begins typing away, trying to get a good scan on the strange ship.

Scan (dc=5+1.5 x tier of enemy ship): 1d20 + 7 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 4 + 1 = 32 My rolls have been on fire so far this adventure!

Green arrow, initial facing, Red arrow final facing. Path traveled indicated

Kasza processes the surprise appearance of the other ship, and decides to hold any surprises for the time being. It moves the ship in an arc toward the approaching vessel in an attempt to be able to bring weapons to bear.

Piloting: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 27

R2 Initiative: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 1 = 32 does this count as skill check does the extra +1 count here?

Warning, first combat as pilot. Will try not to screw anything up, but no promises. If I goof, let me know, please. :)

Captain, I am scanning the enemy ship. I will give you a full report on what I learn.

"HEY MEDRICK, YOU GO FIND US THE EXHAUST PORT ON THIS THING. SHIPS LIKE THIS GOTTA HAVE AN EXHAUST PORT!"

Medrick scans the ship. And oh my goodness, it is armed heavily.

It is a medium transport with a crew of six. Not as fast or agile as the Pegasus (speed 4, manoeuvrability 2) it is well protected with a good power supply.
AC 17, TL 17; hull points 85. Shields are 20/15/15/20 (f/s/p/a). Core PSU 130

It has twin lasers and a rocket launcher mounted in the front, and a turret with linked coilguns. The rockets have an unusual signature about them, one that almost looks like they contain drones as well as high explosives...

Kasza puts the Pegasus into a steep turn.

If you are just doing normal piloting and not pulling a stunt, there is no need to do a pilot check. If you are pulling a stunt, make it clear what the stunt you are trying is. Good roll for round 2 initiative. I don't see why the +1 should not count for your initiative as well.

A vast blaze of weaponry lays down fire on the Pegaus. Only your pilots amazing skill (or perhaps the over enthusiastic aiming of the enemy) stops your instant vaporisation as the front armaments miss by mere meters. The turret gunner however is made of cooler stuff, and a stream of high velocity particles smash into your ship.

Sparks fly! Sirens croak. Lights flicker and go out. That red light that your instructor said "That is the warning light that says Bad Things have happened, but don't worry it never goes on." Goes on.

No front shields left!

Round 1: bold to post: both ships have moved;
Gunner 1 (Husdon) +9(and extra +2 computers; and another extra +2 from encouragement) Total +13
Gunner 2 (Jackojare) +9 (and extra +2 computers) Total +11
Engineer (Speck) +14 (NB You cannot repair this round as engineering happens prior to the gunnery; but you can direct power to guns if you want)
Baddies have acted.
Pegasus: Shields (f/s/p/a/T) 0/15/15/10(40); Hull 63/65
Round 2 prep
Captain (Fionne +7): Encouraged Hudsdon's gunnery in round 1
Pilot (Kazsa, +16) (init for round 2 is 32)
Science (Medric) +7

Hudson pops in a fresh piece of gum, and concentrates on the turret's commands.
He tries to follow the enemy transport's moves, using the computer node to assist.
He is happy to see Medrick is a good science officer, and made the whole system more fluid.
Hudson smiles as he hears Fionne, and this perks him up.
He fires the light particle beam--

Looks like the ship is in the front forward arc for now hit: 11 + 1d20 ⇒ 11 + (1) = 12 dmg light particle beam: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) = 8
But he fires way too soon.

Was not sure of enemy placement, but I count 11 hexes so -2 to Hudson's shot

I don't think that anything that Speck could have done would make a difference so proceeding onward.

The Pegasus's particle beam is absorbed by the alien ship's shields without apparent effect.

alien init: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

Again, the alien ship shows it has an ace in the pilots seat.

Starfinders, move your ship first and make any checks you want.

Round 2: Starfinders move first. Bold to post.
Captain (Fionne +7):
Pilot (Kazsa, +16)
Science (Medric) +7
Gunner 1 (Husdon) +9(and extra +2 computers;) Total +11
Gunner 2 (Jackojare) +9 (and extra +2 computers) Total +11
Engineer (Speck) +14
Baddies have not acted
Pegasus: Shields (f/s/p/a/T) 0/15/15/10(40); Hull 63/65
Round 3

Sorry wasn't able to post last night. If it's ok with GM, I've added a number of slides of actions that can be taken in starship combat. Many DCs were changed with the FAQ, and is also included in the slide. I thought it would help to remind ourselves, but feel free to remove if you feel it clutters.

This round
"Shields down! Shields down! Get it up!" Speck yells at himself.
divert shields DC16: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 +8 shields to front

With its speed and maneuverability is low, I think our general strategy is to keep very close and behind it. That would make it difficult to bring its front weapons on us.

Hudson chews his gum and keeps on using the computer node to assist in nailing the enemy vessel.
He fires the light particle beam--

There is a cheat sheet of DCs and actions (provided by Kludde) that is linked from my GM profile page if that is helpful.