GM Debug's SFS 1-31: Treading History's Folly (Inactive)

Game Master DebugAMP

Reflex x2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

The elemenental manages to avoid the worst of the pair of blasts, but suffers a nasty chip as Marcus's shot superheats its shoulder. Barrelling down on the source of the fire, it reaches up and slams down hard as it grinds through the earth and stone.

Slam vs Marcus: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

From the rear, the second elemental finishes extricating itself from the wall, then closes in on the Desha.

Slam vs Desha: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Round 1/2:
Speck
Marcus (-9)
Desha (-11)
Fionne
Omen-Seeker
Red Haunted Elemental (-7)
Blue Haunted Elemental (-16)

"What the... Earth elementals? And haunted? By Weydan!"

Mysticism: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 (Whatever else there is to learn)

Pressing himself back against the cavern wall, Speck starts to cast a spell.

Summon creature

"Haunted? By who?" Omen-Seeker looks more curious than terrified. She fires again at the same ghostemental.

Semi-Auto vs Ghostemental KAC, mystical strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 piercing damage!

Marcus isn't a big fan of fighting things in his face, but he can't exactly move and the rest of the party to getting beat on, so he tries to use a flashlight to distract the elemental.

He has some trouble finding its eyes (does it even have eyes?) and leaves himself exposed to getting attacked while he shoots. "By Weydan, apparently! Doesn't matter much, just break them into pieces."

Full round action to try and trick attack, which is a fail. My shot triggers an AoO.

Trick Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Trick Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Wave Modulator: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"BREAK IT TO PIECES? WELL I LEFT ALL MY GOOD MININ' EXPLOSIVES AT HOME. WE GONNA HAVE TA DO SOME OLD FASHIONED FROST-BASED EXORCISM ON THESE LUMPS!" Fionne calls out as she cycles her icy cannon through its arming cycle. Mid way through, she glances over at T-eddy. "HEY, GIVE 'EM A LITTLE MORE OOMPH THIS TIME, RIGHT?"

She lines up another shot and freezes the air around the blue elemental once more.

Energy Converter to hit vs. AC5: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Overcharged Energy Converter; Explode 10ft rad. DC16 Reflex for half; Cold damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 = 5

T-eddy's fur begins to smoke as the battery overstrains itself. He sends another sonic blast at the blue elemental!

Teddy's Shout Projector to hit vs. AC5: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Overcharged Shout Projector; Explode 10ft rad. DC11 Reflex for half; Nonlethal Sonic damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

Speck begins to summon an ally to aid in the fight while Omen-Seeker fires another shot at his target. He hits, but the solid body of the elemental resists some of the shot (DR not overcome by magic)

From past experience and present observation, Speck knows that their dense physical construction makes them difficult to subdue via physical means (high Fort and KAC in addition to DR 5/-).

AoO: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 1 = 32
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Cole manages to chip away a bit further at the elemental, but receives quite a punishing blow for his trouble.

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 171d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Fionne and Teddy continue to barrage their mark with reasonable effectiveness, but their ghostly speed manages to avoid the worst.

Round 1/2:
Speck
Marcus (-22)
Desha (-11)
Fionne
Omen-Seeker
Red Haunted Elemental (-7)
Blue Haunted Elemental (-26)

Desha steps away from the flailing elemental and fires off another sonic pulse from her rifle. "Keep it going, everyone! Focus fire on the weaker target then come to me!"

Guarded step and fire!

Inspring Pulse Staccato Rifle: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Damage (So, magic): 1d10 ⇒ 5

The elementals continue to carve paths through stone and dirt, mindlessly closing into the sources of their pain, bringing fists down upon Desha and Fiona. At the same time, eerie voices echo from them... despite having no apparent mouths.

Red, guarded step, attack Desha
Slam: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Blue, guarded step, attack Fiona
Slam: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 = 16
Miss

With a flash, Speck's spell completes, and from a mystical rift emerges a conjured...

Round 2/3:
Speck
Marcus (-22)
Desha (-22)
Fionne
Omen-Seeker
Red Haunted Elemental (-7)
Blue Haunted Elemental (-31)

... tiny mass of fire that moves as it is alive, right at the feet of one of the (red) earth elementals. Immediately, it strikes.

vs Red: slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 1/2 fire, 1/2 bludgeoning

Not putting a token for it, since the map is so small, and I don't think it would last one round. Hopefully, it would draw the attention and save Desha from an attack.

One spell done, Speck starts tapping a sequence of seemingly random patterns across the cybernetics across his forehead and arm, bringing forth 3 blue arcane bolts to slam at the other elemental.

vs Blue: MM: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4, 3) + 3 = 13

Tiny Fire Elemental (1/3): EAC:11 KAC:12 | HP: 6/6 | F:3 R:1 W:0 | elemental immunities, immunity to fire, vulnerability to cold | 50ft

Desha can feel the ache really beginning to settle into her bones, so she takes another step away from the elemental and quickly enshrouds herself in mystical armor.

Guarded step and cast Reflecting Armor
If an enemy hits me and does more than the 2 damage needed to deplete my stamina, I'll dismiss this spell to deal it back (to a max of 10 force damage). Reflex DC 15 for half.

Speck's conjured fire elemental begins to harass the haunted earth elemental, but to little effect. Speck on the other hand, turns about, and blasts the first elemental into a pile of rubble.

Desha takes a few steps back and bolsters her defenses, bracing for another potential pummeling.

Round 2/3:
Speck & Summon
Marcus (-22)
Desha (-22)
Fionne
Omen-Seeker
Red Haunted Elemental (-7)

Omen-Seeker fires at the red haunted elemental! GUN!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 piercing damage!

Oh nice, the blue one's down! Now Fionne can fire freely.

Fionne spins around, overcharging her energy converter once more as she aims to deliver a burst of cold right on top of the red elemental.

Energy Converter to hit vs. AC5: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Overcharged Energy Converter; Explode 10ft rad. DC16 Reflex for half; Cold damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 3 = 11

Even with her teammates obscuring her target, her new cannon has no problem delivering a blast of cold right where she wants it. As it takes effect, she calls out "HEY MAYBE THIS ISN'T A HALF-RATE PIECE OF JUNK AFTER ALL?"

She leans over to tinker for a moment with T-eddy's cooling systems... (Overcharging him as well)

Heat wafting from his fur, T-eddy waddles around in a quarter circle to aim towards the north. He cracks his mouth further open and unleashes another blast of sonic power!

Teddy's Shout Projector to hit vs. AC5: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Overcharged Shout Projector; Explode 10ft rad. DC11 Reflex for half; Nonlethal Sonic damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Fails both

This time around, the elemental is caught unaware as T-eddy and Fionne do a quick about face and blast. Between the 2 blasts and Omen-seekers shot, the last elemental is barely holding on, but continuing to press the fight.

Round 2/3:
Speck & Summon
Marcus (-22)
Desha (-22)
Fionne
Omen-Seeker
Red Haunted Elemental (-32)

Marcus takes a few good knocks to his head, and reaches up to try and rub at one of his temples where he can -feel- a bruise forming. When the first elemental goes down he gives his head a hard shake and tries to turn his attention to the remaining one. "That's better, I'm not a big fan of fist fighting with rocks. Thanks for the clear!"

He pulls his handgun up and takes a shot at red while trying to use his flashlight to momentarily blind it.

Full round action to trick attack.

Trick Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Trick Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Wave Modulator: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Fire Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

I think that cold burst also took out the tiny fire elemental who couldn't. :)

The elemental has little holding it together other than sand and a furious spirit. In a desperate attempt to even the odds, it presses the attack on it's primary target, hoping to finish off at least one of its foes... and drag them into the purgatory it already inhabits.

Slam vs Desha: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

With a crack and a flash, her armor reflects enough of the force to leave the elemental struggling to hold itself in one piece... which turns out to be a losing prospect. With several loud 'thuds' it falls to pieces at her feet.

A visible light snakes through the air like a stream flowing through the cavern and into the wall before it dissipates.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Desha watches the light streaming away from the collapsed piles of rubble. "Looks like we took care of the vessel, but not the inhabitant. I get the feeling that won't be the last we see of them." She walks stoops down with a groan and takes a seat on one of the steps. "Now if you all don't mind, I could use a bit of a breather after that pummeling I took."

If the group agrees we have time, I'm taking 10 and spending a resolve to recover my SP.

As soon as the second elemental falls, Fionne holds her cannon up over her shoulder and starts inspecting her overheating teddy bear. "SURE, BREAK TIME! IT'LL GIMME A MOMENT TO FIGURE OUT WHY T-EDDY'S HEAT SINKS AREN'T FIRING." She sets the cannon down and open up a hidden backplate on T-eddy, exposing a tangled mess of mismatched components and improvised wiring.

"HUH... LOOKS... OK..." She spends her ten minutes inspecting T-eddy's electronics before giving a frustrated stomp of her foot. "HECKIN' PLACE'S PROBABLY DOING SOME SPOOKY S$&#. AIN'T NO OTHER EXPLANATION." She spends a moment to replace the battery in his integrated cannon, then steps back to stand with her hands on her hips.

"YOU GUYS READY?"

While the rest of the group finishes their rest, Fionne inspects the crates that Jadnura's expedition left behind, just in case there's any interesting gear in there.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Sure enough, a leftover pack buried under one of the chests seems to have been protected from the elements. It contains the following:
2 mk 2 serums of healing
50 ft of adamantine alloy cable line
1 advanced medkit
2 beacons
1 grappler
1 laser drill
1 portable gangway
1 survival straw

"Really? We're going to rest in this creepy place that, I must emphasise, possesses earth elementals?"

That said though, Speck dutifully whips out his rifle and takes position looking down one of the corridors in case of any surprises, mumbling repeatedly to himself.

Omen-Seeker nods and takes a cross-legged seat on the ground, murmuring to herself in what sounds like a song and closes her eyes.

If no one else minds, I'll take one of those healing serums. I have one of the lower ACs in the group, and while I don't plan to be on the front lines like this much more, it might be safer for me to have a non-magic reliant way to heal myself quickly in case things go south.

Go for it Desha. Seems like good insurance.

Fionne takes one of the beacons and turns it on before putting it in T-eddy's hands to hold. "I WONDER WHY BIG-J LEFT ALL THESE GOODIES BEHIND? THIS STUFF IS SWEET! HE EVEN LEFT US A LASER DRILL!" She picks up the laser drill, passes the advanced medkit to someone with medical knowledge, and gives someone else the other beacon.

If we have enough free bulk on someone, the portable gangway is sweet for exploration too.

Once the gear is distributed, Fionne looks out into the various tunnels leading from the camp site. "HEY, ANY OF YOU FOLKS KNOW WHERE WE'RE SUPPOSED TO GO?"
Perception; signs of Jadnura's passage: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Fionne is ready to advance once you guys are. Not sure if the way forward in Jadnura's footsteps is obvious or not.

Go ahead, Desha!

"You mean other than back home?" Speck sighs. "Nope, not a clue. Your guess is as good as mine."

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Speck has got +6 to medicine. Anyone else better?

Marcus waves off Speck's concerns about more haunted rocks and drops down against a wall not far from Desha to rest for a while. He pulls out a small vial and presses it into the a nozzle on his arm to give himself a dose of one of his own healing serums. "You don't have to rest here, but I sure am. Boxing matches with boulders isn't something on my normal regiment."

He clonks the helmet of his suit against the rock wall and stares off down the tunnel they haven't gone yet. "I wager we're heading that way."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Healing Serum mk1: 1d8 ⇒ 6

The footprints continue towards a large opening. This carved chamber features a small alcove in the southern wall with a stone altar. The top of the altar is carved to hold a massive gemstone or other angular object. Cracks spiderweb across the walls and ceiling. The footprints of a booted humanoid clearly mark a path from the eastern entrance to the southern wall and altar, then back again to the northwestern wall, where a large crack in the stone leads to another chamber.

Marcus spots a few items left behind in the narrow passageway leading out of this room. A set of mk 1 planar runeplates and a holy symbol of sorts are wedged in small crevasses a dozen or so ft down the passageway.

Has anyone here played in 1-06 with this character?

1-06 is on my other character :<

Fionne leans back and looks up at the ceiling, then down to the crack in the wall. "10 CREDITS SAYS THIS BIT WASN'T HERE WHEN BIG-J STOPPED BY TO PICK HIS TEAR UP." She stabs a thumb in the direction of the crack. Before continuing, she also steps over to the altar and peers into the depression. "THINK HE FOUND IT SITTIN' RIGHT HERE?"

Is the depression the right size and shape for the Tear?

She also heads a little into the crack to retrieve the runeplates and the holy symbol, though she keeps her eyes and ears open for signs of the humanoid they've been following (and any more haunted elementals).
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

She holds the holy symbol up for those who know anything about religion to comment on.

Speck steps up gingerly towards Fionne, both his hands tightly gripped on his rifle. Without touching it, he studies the holy symbol in her hand.

Mysticism: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Fascinating." Omen-Seeker studies the altar. Mysticism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Torn between the suspected former location of Aucturn's Tear and the unidentified holy symbol, Desha instead decides to stand guard. She stands in the center of the chamber, her rifle in hand, ready to swivel toward any threat that presents itself.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Despite the sketchy details in the report, this definitely appears to have been the altar that once contained the Tear. The holy symbol is not of a deity that you are familiar with, however some notes regarding the Scoured Stars incident do seem to jive with this symbol, and at the very least you have a name: Kadrical. The runeplates contain the same iconography.

Is anyone going to use the holy symbol and/or runeplates, or just collect them for later research?

The passageway continues on for quite a while, with no end in sight. It certainly appears as though the tracks left by whomever you were following before continue down the passage, and are responsible for the misplaced symbol and runeplates.

Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

At Speck's summary, Fionne shrugs "HUH? KADBURY? SOUNDS LIKE A CANDY COMPANY. THOUGH, I SURE AS HECK WOULDN'T MIND A GOD THAT DECIDED THEIR GIMMICK WOULD BE GETTIN' CHOCOLATE INTO OUR HANDS." She hands the planar runeplates off to whoever feels like they're willing to take the risk of displeasing the chocolate god by wearing their exclusive branded gear.

Hope someone else gets that check, because I'm guessing the GM wouldn't have paused like that if it wasn't important :>

Gah, my post last night got eaten up just as the website maintenance started.

"Nope. Not touching that. Either of that." Speck resolutely stuffs his hands into his pockets and turns away.

Instead, he heads towards the passageway.
engineering: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Something draws his attention and he carefully approaches the walls to study them carefully. He turns around, alarmed and whispers. "Uh guys, this passageway does not look particularly stable for at least several hundred feet. Might not want to make any loud noises. Or fire any weaponry while within for that matter." At that, he stares at Fionne and her walking teddy bear.

Sorry, I couldn't post yesterday as when I had time the website was down for maintenance! And I do not have 1-06 on this character.

Marcus spends his time following suit with Desha to keep an eye on the area while the more learned members of the party examine the altar. When Speck mentions no loud noises his own head turns towards Fionne in sync with the ysoki's. After a long, quiet moment he looks at the rest of the group. "Do we send her in first or last? Or... do we want to just back off and let her shoot the wall, let whatever's loose fall free when we're not in there, and -then- keep going?"

He was actually liking that idea and starting to check himself for any grenades. "Would avoid any unhappy accidents that way."

The crevice widens enough for comfortable passage, but not much more than that. The long rocky passage leads deeper into the moon, then after a few miles ends abruptly at a smooth stone wall. Carved glowing glyphs adorn the wall and create a high-pitched hum, but no obvious exits lead away from the passage.

As you approach, a form that appears to be made of glowing gossamer floats out from the wall in front of you. You feel... overcome by a sense of tranquillity and calmness... and a sense of peace. It looks over you and stands by the glyphs... just watching.

Fionne scowls at the two totally rude blokes. "WHAT, YOU THINK I'M SOME KINDA IDIOT? WE'VE GOT SUIT COMMS, AIN'T NOTHING GONNA HAPPEN BOYS." she shout-whispers into the comms.

Once the group gets to the smooth stone wall, Fionne waits with arms crossed. The peace-radiating gossamer apparition earns "HEY THERE, FELLA. WHAT ARE YOU ABOUT?" from her. Whisper-shouted, of course.

Speck very deliberate does not answer Fione's question.

Speck steps gingerly down the passage, constantly staring at the wall and ceiling to make sure nothing is about to drop onto his head... And of course, on the rest of his team. That goes without saying.

Does this part of the passage look safe? Will keep taking ten with engineering for DC21.

"Guys? Anyone knows what she wants?"

The current stretch of the passage looks safe.

The apparition cocks its head, and looks at Fionne before uttering a few words in another language.

It pauses, then looks at Fionne expectantly before extending a hand outward, palm up.

Culture: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Fascinating. Religion is not allowed here. We should leave any holy symbols or articles of faith." Omen-Seeker reads the inscriptions out loud to everyone to prove her point.

Speck frowns, bothered by Omen-Seeker's translation. He quickly holds onto his holy symbol of Weydan, then something comes over him and he appears more tranquil. He takes off the holy symbol, unsure whether to pass it to the apparition but decides to just leave it on the floor.

Marcus taps his wave modulator absently against the side of one leg, keeping it in hand just for safety reasons. Especially with ghosts about, even if they appeared benign. He gives Omen and Speck the floor and waves with his free hand towards the ghost. "I get the feeling you two are a bit more trained in dealing with... whatever is going on? Does it want to shake hands or something? And if so, who?"

He doesn't make an particular effort to be the one shaking, he didn't want to get close to any rock possessing ghosts if he could help it. "And no holy symbols on me. I keep that sort of thing at home."

Happy as usual to be totally irreligious, Fionne stage-whispers to the others "LOOKS LIKE IT WANTS SOMETHING? WHAT DO WE GIVE IT? MAYBE ITS CHARGING ADMISSION."

Directing her suit comm to the outside so the apparition can hear it, she says "NICE TO MEET YA!" and gives the thing a friendly low-five!

Whichever of you guys has a better Diplo, or Culture, might want to take over from Fionne :>

Fionne reaches out to 'low-five' the spirit, which returns the gesture... and then turns into a small vortex of green energy which spirals directly into her hand!

Nice to meet you too.

Suddenly... Fionne can read the runes on the entryway! Or can she? She hears a voice in her head translate them for her... and point out a secret door concealed within the lines of the written words. Although 'point out' is also a strong word. More like... leaves a strong impression of certain words to look at.

"I get the feeling you two are a bit more trained in dealing with... whatever is going on? Does it want to shake hands or something? And if so, who?"

"I don't know what "school" you think I went to, but nothing prepares anyone for THAT!"

Speck retreats further as the creature... joins us with Fione. Her? Oh dear...

Fionne flexes her hand, then grins when she can hear the spirit talking. She thinks towards it.

HEY NICE! HOW'RE YOU DOIN', SPIRIT FELLA? WE'RE ALL TRYIN' TO WORK OUT WHAT ALL HAPPENED HERE IN THE PAST - WE'D BE PLEASED AS PUNCH IF YOU COULD HELP US!~"

Out loud she adds "THAT FELLA'S HANGIN OUT IN HERE FOR NOW. FINGERS CROSSED I DON'T GET POSSESSED AND KILL ALL YA'LL. HA!" As she speaks, she points out the various lines of words and traces out the secret entryway on the wall. "I RECKON THIS IS OUR WAY FORWARDS."

She'll open it if its openable, but if it need an engineering:
Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Desha watches, horrified, as Fionne offers a low-five to the spirit and just begins to call out to warn her against such an idiotic idea when she remembers her own faith. Huh. I guess this is exactly the sort of openness and community that Hylax would encourage. Then good job, Fionne, I guess.

Still, Desha finds it difficult to let her guard down entirely, and she tries to perceive the spirit’s intentions.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

When Fionne points out that the spirit is “speaking” to her mentally, Desha tries to speak telepathically with the consciousness as well. ”Hello? Can you hear me? Will you tell us who you are?”

Desha's mental query is met only with silence. Repeating the same question aloud though. Fionne however does get a response to her question. I can lead you to my home... Xaharee is not far...

Fionne finds herself mumbling the words as she hears them, then finds her eyes drawn towards the concealed passage.

It has been so long since I was anyeone... I do not remember what happened... or who I am. All I remember is that I used to live. Now I am dead. I want to move on, but I am anchored here. Let me help you.

Desha has a very difficult time discerning motive in the second-hand mumblings of Fionne, but it is clear that Fionne isn't completely posessed... just... being used as a vessel for speech? Whether or not the spirit is being truthful, Fionne will not be shooting at you... unless she decides to of course.

With the secret passage highlighted, it is simple enough for Fionne to open it. After a short half-mile hike through the widening passage, the cave opens up into a city of sorts, contained within the cavern.

Most of the buildings here have collapsed, though what may have once beena downtown district looks mostly intact. The underground city’s ceiling rises to an average of 200 feet; the occasional glowing wisp of a ghost is visible floating around and above the city. Small piles of dust are common around the city, but no living occupants are anywhere to be seen. Three sections seem to be relatively intact: 2 large structures, and the city square. Almost anticipating Fionne's question, she hears in her mind as she gazes towards the structures, Library... and Museum... though what of I cannot recall.

You can explore the Library, Museum, and City Square in any order you choose. Where to first?